AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,388 news found
AirlinesUnicef-easyJet: airplane with a particular livery presented for the results of the "Change for Good" campaign
Milan, Italy - From Friday 14th December its crew across Europe is dressed in Santa Claus hats
On December 13 more than two hundred ‘Santa Clauses’ took up poll position to unveil an exclusively branded ‘Change for Good’ plane as easyJet, the UK’s airline and UNICEF, the world children’s organizatio... more
IndustryATR: 15 -72/600 airplanes for Avianca and Taca
Toulouse, France - Plus options for additional aircraft
European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and Latin American aviation group AviancaTaca Holding announced on December 13 the signature of a major contract for the purchase of 15 ATR-72/600s, plus options... more
IndustryCameron: "AirAsia aircraft order demonstrates the strength of the UK aerospace sector"
Broughton, United Kingdom - The British Prime Minister visits Airbus' plant in Broughton together with the CEO of the Malaysian carrier
On Thursday 13 December 2012 British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the Airbus Broughton plant to welcome the announcement of a deal for new aircraft orders that will protect 1500 UK-based jobs at... more
IndustryAirbus: new order for 100 more A-320 airplanes to AirAsia
Toulouse, France - The order was announced during a visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron
AirAsia, the largest low-cost airline in Asia, has placed a new order with Airbus for 100 more A-320 Family aircraft. The contract covers an additional 64 A-320neo and 36 A-320ceo aircraft for operation... more
AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Austrian Airlines announces its restructuring plan
Vienna, Austria - 150 administrative employees will lose their job
Austrian Airlines Group has initiated a further step in the restructuring program announced in spring. This step will eliminate redundancies in its organization. These were identified through the conducting... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. Aci Europe about EU Airport Package: ground handling, airport slots and aviation noise
Brussels, Belgium - Following to the vote on December 12
Taking stock of vote on December 12 of the European Parliament on the ‘Airport Package’ proposed by the European Commission, Europe’s airports expressed concerns that the original purpose of improving quali... more
Airlines"World Travel Awards": Etihad Airways awarded for the fourth year in a row
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The "WTA" were established in 1993
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has brought home top honours at the "World Travel Awards", taking the "World’s Leading Airline" title for the fourth year in a row. The a... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. AEA 2012 forecast slightly better than expected, but airlines are still in the red
Brussels, Belgium - Load factors will achieve an all-time record
On Thursday 13 December 2012, the Association of European Airlines (AEA) released its financial forecast, which underlines that 2012 has been a particularly tough year for European airlines. The combination... more
AerospacePostcards from Mars: Curiosity sends a self-portrait from the Red Planet
Pasadena, USA - Image realized with a photo collage
NASA, the American space agency, released a "Self-portrait" of Curiosity: the robotic arm on the Mars rover held the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera in more than 50 positions in one day to... more
AirlinesWizz Air-MCAP for financing three A-320 airplanes
Geneva, Switzerland - For sale and leaseback
Wizz Air, the airline in Central and Eastern Europe, announced on December 13 that it had entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with Mitsubishi Corporation Aviation Partners (MCAP) for three new... more
AerospaceBoeing: the reusable, Unmanned X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle begins 2nd flight
Cape Canaveral, Usa - The industry's commitment in this field spans a decade
Boeing on December 11 successfully returned an unmanned US Air Force X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle to orbit, continuing to demonstrate how the system provides responsive, reusable access to space. An Atlas... more
IndustryAircraft and industry. Boeing and BMW Group share knowledge to carbon fiber recycling
Seattle, Usa - Signed a collaboration agreement
Boeing and the BMW Group signed a collaboration agreement to participate in joint research on carbon fiber recycling and share knowledge about its materials and manufacturing. They are both pioneering... more
HelicoptersNew problems in Scotland for two AS-332L2 helicopters
Aberdeen, United Kingdom - The pilots returned to Aberdeen after a warning light illuminated in the cockpit
Two helicopters operated by two different companies were involved in two incidents during a transfer flight for the employees of two oil rigs on Wednesday 12 December 2012, causing the pilots to land in... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. 139th ECAC meeting confirms commitment to further development of this industry in Europe
Paris, France - Cooperation arrangement between ECAC and European Commission signed
On Thursday 13 December 2012, on the occasion of the participation of Siim Kallas, vice-president of the European Commission, in the 139th meeting of ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) directors... more
AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Warsaw wants LOT Polish Airlines' CEO to be fired
Warsaw, Poland - "He is personally responsible for the state of the company"
Poland's Minister of Treasury Mikolaj Budzanowski asked LOT Polish Airlines to fire its chief executive officer Marcin Pirog, who is considered liable for the difficult situation of the state-owned company:... more
Tilt-rotorsMarine Corps meet journalists to illustrate the safety of the Osprey airplane-helicopter hybrid (VIDEO)
Hagåtña , Guam - Media invited to a "Familiarization flight" on the aircraft
On Thursday 13 December 2012 the United States Marine Corps invited the media of Guam, where a drill named "Forager Fury" is ongoing, to a "Familiarization flight", in order to illustrate operational capabilities... more
ReportEight Japanese fighter jets scrambled to intercept Chinese airplane
Tokyo, Japan - Beijing's aircraft entered an area disputed between the two countries
Moments of tension in the Asian skies in the morning of Thursday 13 December 2012, when eight Japanese fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Chinese aircraft which, at around 11:00 am local time (2:00... more
IndustryMitsubishi Aircraft Corporation receives an order for 100 MRJ-90 from SkyWest (VIDEO)
Nagoya, Japan - A 4.2-billion-dollar operation at list prices
On Thursday 13 December 2012 the Japanese company Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and the US airline SkyWest, Inc announced that they have executed a definitive agreement for the purchase of 100 MRJ-90... more
IndustryAirbus: first directly purchased A-320 airplane delivered to Starflyer
Toulouse, France - It is powered by CFM56-5B4/P
Starflyer, Japan’s fast-growing, value-based airline, has taken delivery of its first ever directly purchased aircraft, an Airbus A-320, during a delivery ceremony in Toulouse, France. The aircraft i... more
Civil aviationAnother chance for the European Parliament to realise the Gradual Opening of Ground Handling Services at EU airports
Brussels, Belgium - According to AEA, ERA, IACA
The Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA) applauds the result of the vote in the European Parliament... more
AirportsSAT: new Pisa-Warsaw route
Pisa, Italy - Starting from Summer 2013
Ryanair and SAT SpA (Pisa airport management company) announced on December 12 the launch of a new route from Pisa to Warsaw (Modlin) as of next April 2, 2013. The route will be served twice per week (Tuesday... more
AirlinesCommercial with Kobe Bryant and Leo Messi on a Turkish Airlines aircraft goes viral (VIDEO)
Istanbul, Turkey - 36 million views on YouTube in less than a week
There will be the need to verify what will be the effect on ticket sales, but it is not possible to call into question that the new Turkish Airlines commercial, which features the American basket champion... more
AirlinesFlight attendants threat a "Smile strike" on the Cathay Pacific aircraft
Hong Kong, China - The cabin crew could refuse to smile to the passengers and to serve beverages and meals
The clashes between Cathay Pacific and its flight attendants could generate a weird form of protest in the days before Christmas holidays: the cabin crew will not down tools, but will take into consideration... more
Civil aviationEuropean Parliament approves rules for slot allocation and exchange and aircraft noise
Strasbourg, France - MEPs ask for further debate on the proposal for the liberalization of ground handling services
Important news in the air transport sector came today, December 12, 2012, from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where three important proposals regarding three different aspects were voted: slot... more
Finance and economyAircraft and finance. Four companies remain in the race for the privatization of Portuguese airport operator ANA
Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon hopes to raise more than 2.5 billion Euro from the sale
The race for the privatization of ANA (Aeroportos de Portugal), the State-owned operator company of several airports in Portugal, lost a competitor: Portugal's Mota-Engil SGPS SA, which was involved together... more
HelicoptersMaiden flight for the first no 1 series of EC-175 multirole new generation helicopter
Marignane, France - The machine confirms excellence of its performance, according to Eurocopter
Eurocopter has conducted the first flight of its no. 1 series-production EC-175, and confirmed the excellent performance of this next-generation multi-role helicopter. The maiden flight occurred at... more
AirlinesAlitalia: direct flights from Rome to the Armenian capital, served by A-320 airplanes
Rome, Italy - Flights operated twice a week
The new direct flight between Italy and the Armenian capital Yerevan, which will be operated twice a week, permits to reach one of the most important industrial, cultural and scientific centers in the... more
Press releaseBoD of GEMINA (Aeroporti di Roma): the approval of the budget and business plan postponed
Rome, Italy - It has not been possible to approve the investment plan of EURO 2,5 billion for next ten years
The Board of Directors of Gemina met on December 12 and decided to postpone until January of next year the approval of the Gemina and ADR 2013 Budget and the ADR 2013-2022 business plan, given the incomplete... more
AirlinesAdvanced talks ongoing for the expansion of Vueling aircraft fleet
Madrid, Spain - "We are not married to Airbus", carrier's chairman declared
During a press conference in Madrid, the chairman of the Spanish low-cost company Vueling Josep Pique i Camps confirmed that the management of the carrier is in advanced talks with several firms to expand... more
IndustryNorthrop Grumman-Finmeccanica joint-venture withdraws from the race for the new USAF helicopters
Washington, USA - Another three companies leave the competition: Sikorsky is the only one left
The joint-venture formed by Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland, which is a subsidiary of Finmeccanica Group (AVIONEWS) withdrew from the 6.84 billion dollars competition to provide 112 new combat-and-rescue... more
HelicoptersFour EC-135 helicopters delivered to the Finnish SHT during the 4Q12
Donauwörth, Germany - Worldwide, there are more than 1000 aircraft in service
The fast-paced deliveries of four new EC-135s to Skärgårdshavets Helikoptertjänst Ab (SHT) during the fourth quarter of 2012 is enabling this Finnish operator of emergency medical airlift services and ai... more
AirportsLondon-Heathrow's Terminal 2 will be home for the aircraft of Star Alliance companies
London, United Kingdom - "We are delighted by this decision", the alliance CEO comments
Heathrow Airport Holdings, the management firm (previously known as BAA) of London-Heathrow Airport, which is the busiest European hub and the third in the world in terms of passenger traffic, announced... more
AirlinesAircraft and finance. State aid for LOT Polish Airlines?
Warsaw, Poland - Talks with Air China to find new investors
The Polish airline LOT has applied for the first tranche of state aid, which amounts to 400 million zlotys, according to the Treasury Ministry, which declined to provide the total amount: however, some... more
ReportNorth Korean rocket launch generates criticism worldwide (VIDEO)
Pyongyang, North Korea - Even China expresses "Deep concern"
The launch of a North-Korean rocket in the morning of Wednesday 12 December 2012 is generating severe criticism worldwide, in spite of the declarations from Pyongyang, which states that the operation was... more
Civil aviationFAA: Portland, Oregon flights to be cleaner and greener
Portland, Usa - Beginning next year
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on December 11 that pilots will start using new NextGen technology and procedures that will enable aircraft to fly more e... more
AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Alitalia reaches an agreement with the unions
Rome, Italy - Company's CEO Ragnetti: "Everyone's sense of responsibility prevailed"
On Tuesday 11 December 2012 Alitalia reached an agreement with the unions which represent the employees of the carrier (Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, Uil and Ugl trasporti): the announcement came from Andrea Ragnetti,... more
AirportsAircraft and transport. Passenger traffic to be opened by 2013 at the new Dubai Airport
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - As confirmed by the president of the operator company
The new Dubai "Al Maktoum" International Airport will open by 2013, according to the declarations released on Tuesday 11 December 2012, during a press meeting, by Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, president... more
Finance and economyAircraft and finance. Delta acquires a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic: the two carriers create a joint-venture
London, United Kingdom - Singapore Airlines banks 360 million dollars
On Tuesday 11 December 2012 Delta Air Lines closed the purchase of a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd from Singapore Airlines for 360 million dollars, and as a consequence of the operation the... more
Civil aviationAircraft and transport. Fair Stream consortium: the project is one of those launched by SESAR in 2012
Brussels, Belgium - Its objective is to pave the way for the use of TTA instead of CTOT
In autumn 2012, the FAIR STREAM (FABEC ANSPs and AIRlines in SESAR TRials for Enhanced Arrival Management) consortium involving major European airlines, air navigation service providers and suppliers started... more
AirlinesAircraft and transport. Alitalia-Etihad: Roman ceremony for the launch of the new route with Abu Dhabi
Rome, Italy - Cocktail party at Palazzo Colonna with the CCOs of the two companies
The sumptuous location Palazzo Colonna in Rome hosted the cocktail party which was organized to celebrate the launch of the new route between the Italian capital and Abu Dhabi, which has been operated... more
AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Sir Branson bets 1 million pounds with IAG boss on the future of Virgin Atlantic
London, United Kingdom - The relationship between the two airlines has always been troubled
One million pounds: this is the amount that Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin group, is available to bet with Willie Walsh, chief executive officer of International Airlines Group (IAG, the holding... more
CuriositiesA FAS' Bell 412 helicopter flew above Abu Dhabi with the world's largest aerial banner
Fort Worth, Usa - In occasion of the UAE's National Day on December 2
Bell Helicopter announced on December 10 that a Bell 412, owned by Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) of Abu Dhabi, flew along the shore of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while displaying the world’s largest a... more
AirportsAircraft and finance. 250-million-Euro reallocation for the construction of Berlin-Brandeburg Airport
Berlin, Germany - The supervisory board is waiting for news from the European Commission for the additional capital requirement
The supervisory board of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH, the management firm of Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, approved an additional 250 million Euro for the construction budget to complete the new hub... more
CuriositiesAircraft crash in Zambia causes panic, but it is just an exercise
Lusaka, Zambia - Some media "Mocked" by the fake accident
A McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft crashed in the evening of Monday 10 December 2012 at Lusaka "Kenneth Kaunda" International Airport (Zambia) with 93 persons on board included 8 crew members. It seems... more
IndustryBoeing: 15 B-777/300ER airplanes for Turkish Airlines
Istanbul, Turkey - Worth $4.7 billion at list prices
Boeing and Turkish Airlines have finalized a firm order for 15 B-777/300ER (Extended Range) airplanes worth $4.7 billion at list prices. The agreement, first announced in October as a commitment, also... more
AirlinesAircraft and transport. Iberia unions cancel pre-Christmas strike
Madrid, Spain - "We don't want to harm passengers, we will study new actions"
The unions of Iberia employees have cancelled the strike they had called in the past weeks which was scheduled in the days just before Christmas holidays (AVIONEWS): the workers' representatives had announced... more
Industry4th C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)
Long Beach, Usa - Boeing has delivered 249 planes worldwide
Boeing delivered on December 10 the Qatar Emiri Air Force's fourth C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in Long Beach. The delivery reflects Qatar's agreement with the US government to acquire two additional... more
AirportsAutogrill: the Group won the three lots in the tender called by Aena for the Spanish 26 airports
Milan, Italy - For seven years and extened for a further three ones
Through its World Duty Free Group (WDFG) subsidiary, Autogrill has secured all the duty-free and duty-paid concessions in Spain to become the only operator in the sector in Europe’s second biggest airport m... more
Finance and economyAircraft and finance. Etihad Airways interested in purchasing a stake in Kingfisher Airlines
New Delhi, India - 48% of the shares would cost roughly 426 million Euro
Since the Indian government has authorized investments from foreign airlines in the local companies, with stakes up to 49%, Etihad Airways has shown its interest in entering the market of the South-Asian... more
AirlinesAircraft and carriers. American Airlines pilots ratify tentative agreement, exit from Bankruptcy is close
Dallas, USA - Proposal accepted by 73.7% of the union members
The pilots of American Airlines voted with a large majority the ratification of the tentative contract agreement with the company: according to the president of Allied Pilots Association (APA) Keith Wilson,... more