AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,346 news found
ReportHelicopter prison escape in Russia
Moscow, Russia - They organized a top delegation to set the man free
The Russian police has recaptured yesterday a convicted murderer who escaped on board a helicopter earlier in the day: the prisoner used a rope to climb onboard the Mil Mi-2 aircraft hijacked by two partners... more
ReportTurkey deploys helicopter gunships against PKK
Istanbul, Turkey - Army troops and special police forces captured a rebel
Turkish forces launched a large-scale offensive against the PKK (the unapproved Kurdish Workers Party), the rebel group which is fighting for autonomy in Turkey's Kurdish south-east since 1984. During... more
IndustryFinmeccanica certified as Top Employer in Italy and the UK
Rome, Italy - Once again
"Finmeccanica has once again been certified as a company of excellence in training, development and HR management. The Group has been named Top Employer 2012 in two countries Italy and the UK, an improvement... more
PeopleSanford "Sandy" N. McDonnell dies at 89
St.Louis, USA - The aircraft-maker leader who created the framework of the US Air Force
Sanford "Sandy" McDonnell dies at 89, former chief executive of McDonnell Douglas, the American industry which supplied the military with advanced supersonic fighter jets, attack helicopters and self-guiding... more
IndustryBell and Cessna received EASA certification for new Prague service facility
Fort Worth/Wichita, Usa - Operated by Aviation Service AS
Textron Inc. companies Bell Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft Company announced yesterday that their joint service facility, operated by Aviation Service AS in Prague, Czech Republic, has received European... more
IndustryFincantieri: shareholders approve financial statement
Trieste, Italy - And renews the BoD for 2012-2014
Meeting yesterday in Trieste Fincantieri shareholders approved the financial statement for 2011 and appointed Messrs. Corrado Antonini, Giuseppe Bono, Olga Cuccurullo, Pierpaolo Dominedò, Massimo Varazzani... more
AirlinesAir France reinforces in Naples with new destinations
Naples, Italy - As of Summer season 2012, to Toulouse, Nice and Lyons
Naples is more the gateway for the South of Italy: Air France, besides the daily direct flight to Paris-"Charles de Gaulle", will inaugurate, starting from Summer season 2012, also two weekly connections... more
IndustryAirbus, Boeing, Embraer collaborate on Aviation Biofuel Commercialisation
Toulouse, France - Accelerating availability is key pillar of industry’s sustainable growth strategy
EADS/Airbus, Boeing and Embraer today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on the development of drop-in, affordable aviation biofuels. The three leading airframe manufacturers agreed... more
AirlinesAVIONEWS interviews Alex Cruz, CEO of Vueling
Rome, Italy - New Vueling Rome-based network presentation
AVIONEWS interviewed the Vueling CEO, Alex Cruz, about the flight workability in Italy, who underlined the importance of the Italian market in the company future. more
AirportsCivil aircraft. George Osborne speaks of the new London airport
London, United Kingdom - The Chancellor confirmed it during his Budget speech
The hypothesis of a new London airport becomes actual again in spite of the fact that Cameron's government had been initially opposed to it. During his Budget speech the Chancellor George Osborne explained... more
AirportsThe Prague airport will change its name
Prague, Czech Republic - He was a supporter of non-violence
The Czech government has bowed to public pressure and decided to rename the international airport in honour of the ex-president Vaclav Havel, politically active during the Prague Spring in 1968 and the... more
ReportFraport reached an agreement with GdF on the Frankfurt airport
Frankfurt, Germany - GdF demands were considered "Unacceptable"
Fraport, the Frankfurt airport operator, reached an agreement with GdF ending the dispute that led to several days of strikes which paralysed the operations of the European hub during last weeks, most... more
Civil aviationAEA flags key priorities for SESAR success
Brussels, Belgium - The Association is an official partner of the "Avionics Europe 2012"
Today in Munich, at the "Avionics Europe 2012 Conference and Exhibition", Vincent De Vroey, General Manager Technical & Operations of the Association of European Airlines highlighted key airline requirements... more
Press releaseBombardier and COMAC sign definitive agreement on the C-919 and C-Series aircraft
Montreal, Canada - The two aircraft manufacturers have agreed to cooperate on four projects
Bombardier states: Further to the framework agreement signed on March 24, 2011, Jin Zhuanglong, Chairman, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd (COMAC) and Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief... more
Press releaseRolls-Royce: USD 275 million in recent contracts with US Armed Forces
London, UK - To supply support services
Rolls-Royce has received recent contracts exceeding $275 million to provide support services for the US Armed Services. The industry will provide Mission Care™ service support for AE 1007C, AE 2100 and T... more
HelicoptersIsraeli engineers are testing a new helicopter fatigue monitoring system
Tel Aviv, Israel - "Pilot's experience is often insufficient"
IAF (Israeli Air Force) is developing an innovative automatic fatigue monitoring system for the helicopters in its fleet. The technological upgrade includes the application of microchips in the "Sensitive"... more
Finance and economyHelicopter market will suffer a downturn
Newtown, USA - Forecasts for next ten years by two US companies
In spite of the recent success of the helicopter industry (first among all Eurocopter and AgustaWestland) it seems the average of sales and production will decrease in the future. The analysts of Forecast... more
AirlinesEtihad Airways signs MoU with China Eastern Airlines
Abu Dhabi, UAE - At a meeting in Shanghai
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Eastern Airlines. The landmark agreement was signed at a meeting in... more
IndustryMBDA has started production of its new "Fire Shadow" missile
London, UK - It will be used in conjunction with UAVs, airplanes and helicopters
MDBA, the European missile industry born in 2001 from the joint-venture between EADS-Matra, Matra BAe Dynamics and Finmeccanica, has launched the production of its "Fire Shadow" weapon system. "We have... more
IndustryEmbraer builds new centre at the Melbourne International airport
Melbourne, Usa - This is the first plant in a foreign country
Embraer, the well known Brazilian business jet maker, has begun hiring for a new plant at the Melbourne International airport on the East Coast of Florida, United States. "The facility will conduct... more
Military aviationAirbus Military presents proposal to Australia for purchase of ten C-295 aircraft
Canberra, Australia - New jobs if Australia authorizes purchase
Airbus Military, a subsidiary of EADS corporation, is pushing the sale of 10 C-295 aircraft and a sixth A-330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) to Australia. Airbus, according to press reports, claimed... more
AerospacePolemics continue about the North-Korean satellite launcher
Pyongyang, North Korea - Many rumors speaks about a ballistic missile programme
North Korea has announced its intention to launch the national-made Unha-3 rocket, an upgrade of the Unha-2 and Unha-1 launchers used during the previous space missions (AVIONEWS). Many polemics from... more
AirportsBrussels South Charleroi Airport: 6% more traffic in February
Brussels, Belgium - 394,276 passengers last month
Brussels South Charleroi Airport registered 394,276 passengers in February. This is a 6% increase compared to the 372,871 travellers in February 2011. The increase fits perfectly in the airport’s current s... more
Civil aviationStar Alliance Summer schedule 2012: 1507 weekly frequencies from 16 Italian airports
Rome, Italy - As of next March 27
The 20 airlines present in Italy and members of Star Alliance, the world alliance among carriers, with the new Summer schedule (from March 27) operate 1507 frequencies per week nonstop from 16 Italian... more
Military aviationRussia will take delivery of 30 Su-30SM vectorial-engined aircraft (VIDEO)
Moscow, Russia - The aircraft are ten less than expected
"According to the contract, the company will deliver 30 of these aircraft to the Russian Defense Ministry by 2015" a spokesman revealed on Thursday, while the value of the deal was not disclosed. The... more
UAS-DronesFirst missions for the new Italian AMI MQ-9 Reaper drone in Kosovo
Rome, Italy - It has joined the "Joint Enterprise" operation
The MQ-9 Reaper assigned to AMI (Italian Air Force) 32Th Squadron 28Th Group has received its baptism in Kosovo. The squadron is based in Amendola, Foggia. An exemplar of these drones has been used... more
Government actsAlitalia, Tatarella: to intervene for the reclamation of MD-80 abandoned in Rome-Ciampino
Rome, Italy - The European Honourable (Futuro e Libertà) Salvatore Tatarella has presented a Parliamentary question
"Question for written answer E-002891/2012 to the Commission Rule 117 Salvatore Tatarella (PPE) Subject: Use of asbestos in aviation and reclamation of old airplanes Asbestos is a mineral... more
Civil aviationAEA: new report highlights benefits of aviation
Brussels, Belgium - Launched by ATAG
Today, at the "Aviation & Environment Summit 2012" in Geneva, the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) launched a new report highlighting aviation’s essential contribution to European and global economies. Aviation B... more
IndustryAgustaWestland will produce helicopters in India
Delhi, India - Indian Rotorcraft: a joint-venture with Tata Sons
Indian Rotorcraft is a joint-venture between AgustaWestland and the big Indian corporation Tata Sons. Today March 21 2012 the industry breaks ground on the new 40,000 m2 facility in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. "The... more
Report"Lack of panel on airplane wing doesn't stop the flight safety": angry passengers
Moscow, Russia - The fact has happened on a B-737 by Transaero
The fact has occurred last Monday, on March 19, 2012, but has been reported today by the international press, following to the declarations released by Konstantin Tyourkine, Transaero Russian airline spokesperson,... more
IndustryBoeing received certification for B-787 Dreamliner plane with GE engines
Washington, Usa - From the US FAA
Boeing received an amended type certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the 787/8 Dreamliner equipped with General Electric GEnx engines. "This is a great day for our customers... more
IndustryAircraft. Airbus and Virgin Australia study new alternative fuel process
Toulouse, France - Commercialisation of alternative aviation fuels takes a step forward
Airbus has joined a consortium including Virgin Australia to study a new pathway to produce sustainable aviation fuels. Eucalyptus mallee trees, grown in Western Australia’s wheat belt are sustainably h... more
AirlinesKingfisher suspends all international flights
Delhi, India - "The company has to submit a recovery plan to continue operations"
The Indian airline Kingfisher, currently hit by a deep crisis due to its financial situation with banks and employees (AVIONEWS) will suspend all international flights, also reducing domestic operations... more
AirlinesVueling opens first Italian operation hub at Rome-Fiumicino airport
Rome, Italy - Operations start on 25 March
Vueling, a new generation carrier, will start its operation from Rome as of 25 March as announced today by Mr Lorenzo Lo Presti, MD of AdR (Aeroporti di Roma) and Mr Alex Cruz, MD of Vueling. The international... more
AirlinesIberia Express to fly as affiliate member of oneworld
Milan, Italy - The new Spanish airline controlled by Iberia will be into the global alliance next March 25
Iberia Express, the new short and medium haul airline being launched by IAG's Iberia, will, like Iberia itself, be part of oneworld, the airline alliance, when it launches operations this week-end. Its... more
AirportsNew opportunities for Berlin: Brandenburg Airport welcomed Air Berlin to the alliance oneworld
Berlin, Germany - The official ceremony yesterday on the apron
Yesterday marked the official ceremony on the apron of the new Berlin-Brandenburg Airport to celebrate Air Berlin becoming a part of the airline oneworld. In the presence of all CEOs of the oneworld airlines,... more
Civil aviationJapan Airlines to receive the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on 25 March
Tokyo, Japan - The plane will be operated by JAL pilots
The Japanese flagship carrier JAL (Japan Airlines) will take delivery of its first Boeing 787/8 aircraft on next 25 March, becoming this way the second airline operating the plane type. JAL, which has... more
Civil aviationAir Berlin is now part of oneworld
Milan, Italy - The ceremony has been the first event at BER Brandenburg airport
Air Berlin yesterday became part of oneworld, adding the second biggest airline in Germany and the sixth biggest in the continent overall to the world's global airline alliance. Austria's NIKI, also... more
Civil aviationEU's Transport Council tomorrow 22 March 2012
Brussels, Belgium - Under the Danish Presidency
The EU's Council of transport ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday 22 March under the Danish Presidency. From the European Commission, Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport and mobility,... more
HelicoptersAll Nippon Helicopter acquires two Eurocopter AS-365N3+ Dauphin helicopters
Tokyo, Japan - For electronic newsgathering missions with Japanese broadcaster "NHK"
Eurocopter Japan has received an order for two new AS-365N3+ Dauphins from All Nippon Helicopter (ANH) to replace two rotary-wing aircraft from its existing fleet for use in electronic newsgathering missions... more
DefenseNew cruise missile for the Russian Air Force long-range arms division
Moscow, Russia - It can carry either a conventional or a nuclear warhead
A new cruise missile has entered service in Russian arsenals. The declaration arrives from the ministry of Defence, without providing any details, only saying it will be an air-launched long-range missile. The... more
CuriositiesVideo. Aircraft, helicopters and anything flies: the recent C-130 crash makes these images up to date
Rome, Italy - When human mistake or a technical failure become tragedy
Between the serious and the facetious, the weekly feature by AVIONEWS continues, a collection of web videos related to aviation world, conventional and sporting: gags and funny situations, but also a warning... more
DefenseRussia condemns Lebanese airspace violation
Moscow, Russia - "Over 9,000 airspace violations by Israeli aircraft"
Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft are used to cross into Lebanese air space, regardless of numerous UN warnings. In particular, these operation are violating the UN Resolution 1701, which brokered a ceasefire... more
AerospaceCountries express concerns on the North Korean satellite launcher programme
Tokyo, Japan - Is it a satellite or a ballistic missile?
Japan, South Korea and United States have expressed concerns for the launch of the national-made North-Korean satellite rocket, scheduled for mid-April. Experts have condemned this operation, since... more
Press releaseItalian ANACNA increases its position at international level
Rome, Italy - At the 51st IFATCA world conference
"ANACNA, the Association of the controllers and assistants for the air navigation, has represented Italy at the 51st IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Controller Associations) world conference... more
CuriositiesSeeking the lost aircraft: following the traces of Amelia Earhart (VIDEO)
Washington, USA - "She flew to an altitude of 14,000 feet and the legend began"
On December 28,1920, a 23 year old nurse buys for one dollar a 10 minutes long touristic flight over Los Angeles. Impressed by this experience, the young woman manages to save money for flying lesson,... more
Civil aviationFAA to increase efficiency and reduce aircraft emission in Northern California airspace
Oakland, Usa - Initiative is part of NextGen air traffic control modernization program
Acting Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta and aviation partners yesterday kicked off a collaborative effort to make air traffic control more efficient, help airlines improve on-time performance,... more
Airportsltaly. SEA (Milan's airports): BoD approves the balance 2011
Milan, Italy - The results summarized
The Board of Directors of SEA (Milan's airports management society), under the presidency by Giuseppe Bonomi, has approved yesterday the company accounts 2011 that includes, besides Sea SpA, the subsidiaries... more
AccidentsInvestigation starts on the crashed Norwegian C-130 aircraft
Oslo, Norway - The hope of finding survivors quickly vanished
The aircraft, lost during the NATO training operation "Cold Response", is today under investigation to verify the causes which brought the C-130J to crash against the Kebnekaise peak (AVIONEWS). Due... more
Press releaseAirplane. IATA comments on oil price rise
Geneva, Switzerland - “A sustainable airline industry could deliver much more to the global economy"
Today March 20 2012 IATA states in Geneva: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a downgrade to its industry outlook for 2012 primarily due to rising oil prices. IATA expects... more