AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,329 news found
IndustryF-35 fighter aircraft by Lockheed Martin restored the flight operations
Washington, Usa - Suspended after a crack was found on a turbine blade
"Following engineering analysis of the turbine blade which developed a crack, F-35 aircraft flight operations have been cleared to resume. This decision concludes a cautionary flight suspension that began... more
AirlinesSAS closes sale & lease back agreement for 19 aircraft engines
Stockholm, Sweden - A 120-million-dollar operation
As part of the recently launched plan to improve the financial position of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Group, "4 Excellence Next Generation" (4XNG), the North-European company has signed an agreement for... more
Military aviationCassidian delivers 100th Eurofighter airplane to Germany. "The backbone of the Luftwaffe"
Manching, Germany - The German Air Force received its first aircraft at the beginning of 2003
Cassidian handed over the 100th Eurofighter to the German Air Force on February 28, at the Military Air Systems Centre in Manching. The anniversary aircraft with the identifier 31x00 took off in the afternoon... more
AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Estonian Air CEO denies possible investment by Flybe
Tallinn, Estonia - The Baltic carrier is waiting for the response of the European Commission over alleged state aid
Jan Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of Estonian Air rumours regarding a possible investment by Flybe in the Baltic carrier, which is experiencing a tough financial crisis: the CEO has however confirmed... more
Military aviationPolitical transition in South Korea slows down development of the KF-X/IF-X fighter aircraft
Seoul, South Korea - Postponement of one year and a half for the project
Indonesian Defense Ministry's director general for defense potential Pos M. Hutabarat declared that the joint programme between South Korea and Indonesia for the development of the KF-X/IF-X 4.5-generation... more
DiscussionsIs the Lockheed Martin F-35 a good buy?
Rome, Italy - After the escalation in cost and technical problems, public opinion is turning against the purchase
Many comments, judgements and predictions about the commercial destiny of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter have already been made, and the latest to be added to the list is the interview with General Vincenzo... more
IndustryIAE: V2500 engines for the A-320 airplanes with Sharklets of JetBlue Airways
Glastonbury, Usa - The airline signed a letter of intent with Airbus to acquire 110 ship-sets of retrofit
The V2500 will power the first North American A-320 carrier –JetBlue Airways– to fly commercial service with Sharklets. JetBlue signed a letter of intent with Airbus to acquire 110 ship-sets of ret... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. 168 control towers in the US to be closed because of budget cuts
Washington, USA - A further 21 might be shut down in September
The Federal Aviation Administration informed its contractors that, because of the budget cuts decided by the Federal Government (the so-called "Sequestration"), and lacking any last-minute agreement, the... more
AirportsAircraft and infrastructure. Winner of the 3.2-billion-dollar tender for new Kuwait airport to be announced in Q1 2013
Kuwait City, Kuwait - 18 firms competing, all of which are foreign companies
The government of Kuwait plans to announce the name of the winner of the 3.2-billion-dollar tender (about 2.5 billion Euro or 2.11 billion pounds) for the construction of the new terminal of the international... more
AirportsStansted sale completed, but London's airport will have less Ryanair aircraft
London, United Kingdom - The low-cost carrier will cut frequencies on 43 of its routes from the Essex hub
Heathrow Airport Holdings and Manchester Airports group (MAG) announced the completion of the sale of London-Stansted Airport for 1.5 billion pounds (roughly 1.74 billion Euro or 2.28 billion dollars).... more
Weather forecastsBad weather in Italy: alert for storms and winds
Rome, Italy - On two isles
The Italian Civil Defense Department, on the basis of the available forecasts, has issued a bulletin for unfavourable weather conditions. The notice indicates gale winds from eastern side, with blasts... more
Civil aviationIATA (3): accident analysis
Montreal, Canada - Runway excursions, loss of control in-flight, sharing information
Accident Analysis Runway excursions, in which an aircraft departs a runway during a landing or takeoff, were the most common type of accident in 2012 (28% of total accidents). Most (82%) of runway excursions... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. IATA: 2012 best in history of safety improvements
Montreal, Canada - Safety by the numbers
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2012 global accident rate for Western-built aircraft was the lowest in aviation history. - The 2012 global Western-built jet accident... more
AerospaceWeather conditions are favourable: everything is ready for SpaceX Falcon 9 launch
Cape Canaveral , USA - The Dragon spacecraft will deliver 544 kg of supplies to the ISS
According to the figures released by NASA, the American space agency, the weather forecast is now 80% favorable for liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft at 10:10 am EST (5:10 pm... more
IndustrySukhoi Civil Aircraft: 900-million-dollar contract with Kartika Airlines for 30 Superjet 100 aircraft annulled
Moscow, Russia - The Indonesian company cannot fulfil the financial requirements
On Thursday 28 February 2013 Alexander Shamkov, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft regional director for Southeast Asia communicated that the Russian aerospace company cancelled a contract for the supply of thirty... more
Civil aviationIATA (2). IOSA and regional highlights and safety in Africa
Montreal, Canada - African airlines on the IOSA registry had no accidents
IOSA Airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit Registry (IOSA) experienced no Western-built jet hull loss accidents. The total accident rate (all aircraft types) for IOSA registered carriers was... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. Syrian Air CEO asks foreign airlines to restart flights to Damascus
Damascus, Syria - Discounts offered to restore operations
Ghaida Abdullatif, Vice-Chairman, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Syrian Air, released an interview to the agency "AFP", asking foreign airlines to take back their aircraft in Damascus,... more
IndustryBoeing executive meets Japanese authorities to discuss of the problems of Dreamliner aircraft
Tokyo, Japan - "We are very hopeful that we will get the 787 back in the air very soon", Ray Conner claimed
On Thursday 28 February 2013 Ray Conner, Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes met in Tokyo representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Civil... more
IndustrySaab: order for the Erieye system for the Embraer 145 AEW&C airplane
Linkoping, Sweden - The upgrade will be delivered from 2014 until 2017
Defence and security company Saab has received order from Brazilian Embraer Defense and Security on upgrade of the Erieye AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) Mission System, as part of the modernization... more
AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Russian tycoon suggests 15-month old son for Aeroflot's board
Moscow, Russia - "The boards of state companies have practically no power, so why have adults there?"
Trying to push the career of a son, utilizing one's influence to make him reach important jobs, is definitely a common practice in many countries. For this reason just a few would probably have been surprised... more
AirportsAircraft and infrastructure. Astaldi was awarded the contract for the upgrade of Krakow Airport
Krakow, Poland - The works will last two years, starting from the coming spring
Italy's Astaldi Group has been awarded the contract to upgrade Krakow "John Paul II" International Airport, in Poland, worth 72 million Euro. The project involves extension and rebuilding of the international... more
Military aviationUSAF selects A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for Afghan Air Corps (VIDEO)
Sparks, USA - 427-million-dollar contract for 20 airplanes
The US Air Force (USAF) has selected the Embraer Defense and Security´s A-29 Super Tucano for its Light Air Support (LAS) program. The aircraft will be supplied in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation... more
AirlinesEtihad Airways: increase of capacity on its daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne
Abu Dhabi, UAE - From December 1, by a new B-777/300ER aircraft
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will increase capacity on its daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne, introducing a new B-777/300ER aircraft from 1 December. The... more
HelicoptersAgustaWestland's Oversight Committee
Rome, Italy - From three to five members
Finmeccanica communicates that the AgustaWestland SpA's Board of Directors has arranged to expand the Oversight Committee from three to five members, appointing the criminal defense lawyer Fulvio Simoni... more
IndustryChina: 12-billion-Euro project for new aircraft engine ready for takeoff
Beijing, China - The approval of the State Council may arrive shortly
The State Council of the People's Republic of China is currently evaluating a mega-project of research and development for a new aircraft engine, according to rumours reported by local media, and the approval... more
Finance and economyAircraft and finance. Failed Aer Lingus takeover by Ryanair (3): the reactions
Brussels, Belgium - The low-cost carrier announces its appeal to the EU's General Court
The prohibition to the third takeover attempt of Aer Lingus by Ryanair calls a halt to a very long affair which in the past months gathered the attention of the whole air transport industry. Brussels'... more
Finance and economyAircraft and finance. Red light for the takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair: the European Commission explains its reasons
Brussels, Belgium - According to Brussels, the operation would have created a monopoly
The European Commission has prohibited, on the basis of the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed takeover of the Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus by the low-cost airline Ryanair. The acquisition would have... more
IndustryAirbus: first A-350XWB airplane with wings complete
Toulouse, France - The aircraft is ready for outdoot testing
The first A-350XWB airplane– MSN001 – now showing its completed wings, has moved to its next phase of ground testing, from Roger Béteille A-350 XWB FAL “Station 30” to the Clément Ader area “Station 18” in Toul... more
Press releaseFinmeccanica Shareholders' meetings: filing of documentation
Rome, Italy - It will take place next April 2 and 15
Finmeccanica advises that, with reference to the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting, convened for 2 and 15 April 2013 (first and second call), the explanatory report of the Board of Directors on the only i... more
HelicoptersEurocopter: EC-175 helicopter started an international demonstration tour
Marignane, France - A two week US visit began in Louisiana last Monday before of its appearance at the "Heli-Expo"
The next-generation Eurocopter EC-175, which sets new standards in the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment, is starting an international demonstration tour that enables operators to experience... more
Finance and economyEADS Group, full year results 2012: strong revenue and profit growth
Amsterdam, Holland - The order intake totalled € 102.5 billion
EADS reports strong full year results 2012. The highlights are: • Revenues increase 15 percent to € 56.5 billion • EBIT before one-off up 68 percent to € 3.0 billion • Net Income rises 19 percen... more
AirlinesEuropean Commission stops third Aer Lingus takeover attempt by Ryanair
Brussels, Belgium - The acquisition would create serious competition problems
Ryanair has been once again stopped by the European Commission in its third takeover attempt of Ireland's airline Aer Lingus. Brussels, basing its decision on the EU Merger Regulation, concluded that... more
AccidentsLuxor hot air balloon crash: footage of the accident released (VIDEO)
Luxor, Egypt - One of the two survivors could be discharged in the next few hours
An amateur footage of the crash of a hot air balloon which occurred on Tuesday 26 February 2013 in Luxor (Egypt), causing the death of 19 persons (AVIONEWS), has been released in the past hours. In... more
AirlinesAircraft and transport. American Airlines and US Airways answer to US Congress questions about the merger
Washington, USA - In addition to the antitrust issues, there are concerns regarding loss of hubs and jobs
On Tuesday 26 February 2013 executives from American Airlines and US Airways took part to a hearing of the House of Representatives of the US Congress regarding the merger of the two carriers: US Airways... more
SecurityFAA is considering approval to Boeing for Dreamliner aircraft test flight
Washington, USA - Doubts over the knowledge of lithium-ion batteries of NTSB and JTSB investigators emerge
According to rumours, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States is taking into consideration the temporary solution for the problems of Dreamliner aircraft's lithium-ion batteries,... more
Finance and economyAircraft and finance. 120-million-Euro bond for airberlin
Berlin, Germany - Etihad Airways to subscribe a 29,21% share
Airberlin is launching a new convertible bond of approximately 120 million Euro with a maturity of six years. The bonds, which can be converted into Air Berlin PLC stock, are issued at 100% of nominal... more
Finance and economyairberlin: the financial results 2012. Its membership in the oneworld alliance presents further opportunities for growth with access to new destinations
London, UK - The strategic partnership with Etihad Airways has generated additional income
airberlin, the German airline, has returned to profitability. Air Berlin PLC recorded an operating profit before interest and tax (EBIT) of EUR 70.2 million in 2012, reflecting a significant improvement... more
UAS-DronesBoeing's Phantom Eye UAV aircraft successfully performs its second flight (VIDEO)
Saint Louis, USA - The drone exceeded the altitude and endurance performance of the first test
Boeing's Phantom Eye liquid hydrogen-powered UAV (Unmanned Aerial vehicle, a remote-controlled aircraft) system successfully completed its second flight. During the test, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research... more
Military aviationScramble drills over New York for US F-15 aircraft
New York, USA - Also a Cessna 182 and a C-21 will be involved
In the morning of Wednesday 27 February 2013 some US fighter aircraft will perform a particular exercise in the skies of the North-Eastern part of the United States: as communicated by the Eastern Air... more
Press releaseAlitalia communicates its new organizational structure
Rome, Italy - Colaninno, Catania and Mancuso set the process to find the new CEO
Chairman of Alitalia Roberto Colaninno has defined the new organizational structure of the airline. The new divisions created under the direct influence of the Chairman are: - the "Corporate" deputy... more
IndustryBoeing: first B-777 airplane built at increased rate
Washington, Usa - The cargo aircraft was delivered to Korean Air
Boeing has delivered the first 777 built at the increased production rate of 8.3 per month, or 100 airplanes per year. The aircraft, a 777 Freighter, was delivered to Korean Air. In the past 32... more
Finance and economyUSA-South Korea agreement for financing of cargo aircraft
Washington, USA - Ex-Im Bank will be able to provide loan guarantees for up to 85% of the cost
On Tuesday 26 February 2013 the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) signed a joint financing framework agreement for US-manufactured cargo aircraft... more
IndustryThai and Airbus: agreement for maintenance training collaboration
Toulouse, France - The airline operates more than 50 aircraft, including three A-380s
Airbus and Thai Airways International (THAI) have signed an agreement for Maintenance Training Collaboration to develop a long term strategic partnership. As part of this, THAI would become Airbus' local... more
Military aviationAirbus Military. A330MRTT aircraft: IOC by the Australian Department of Defence
Avalon, Australia - The announcement was made on the opening day of the "Australian International Airshow"
The Australian Department of Defence has declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the Airbus Military KC-30A -its designation for the A330 MRTT aircraft. The announcement was made on the opening... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. IATA: global approach to MBM to help aviation manage the 2% of carbon emissions
Hong Kong, China - Four pillars of strategy on climate change: investment, efficient operations, better infrastructure and positive economic measure
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for governments to agree on a global approach to market-based measures (MBMs) to help aviation manage the 2% of global manmade carbon emissions... more
IndustryAirbus: A-310F airplane by Turkish with humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees
Toulouse, France - From Frankfurt Airport to Adana
The Airbus Corporate Foundation and its partners Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen/Wings of Help (LOG), Turkish Airlines and Fraport AG have transported 35 tonnes of relief supplies from Frankfurt Airport to Adana,... more
AirlinesAircraft and transport. Iberia cancels more than 400 flights for the second period of strike
Madrid, Spain - 85% of the long-haul connections to be operated regularly
Iberia has just published the list of cancelled flights due to the strike called by unions representing Iberia staff in 4-8 March period, to protest against the restructuring plan of the company, which... more
IndustryAirbus: around 9,870 new aircraft delivered during next 20 years in the Asia-Pacific region
Toulouse, France - Valued at USD 1.6 trillion
Asia-Pacific airlines will lead global demand for larger and more eco-efficient aircraft types over the next 20 years, according to the latest market forecast for the region by Airbus. The forecast was... more
AirlinesAircraft and transport. Today hearing in Washington about American Airlines-US Airways merger
Tempe, USA - AA details severance packages
Today, Tuesday 26 February 2013, a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled, in which executives of the two companies and industry experts will express their positions regarding the merger... more
ReportHot air balloon crash in Egypt: AVIONEWS interviews Giovanni Aimo champion
Rome, Italy - "Egyptian pilots do not have a good reputation in this sector"
During the morning of Tuesday 26 February 2013 the crash of a hot air balloon in Luxor (Egypt) caused 19 casualties among the persons who were on board, with only the pilot and one of the passengers surviving.... more