AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,800 news found
MiscellaneousAlitalia: Cimoli, carrier's President, at Palazzo Chigi last evening
Rome, Italy - Received by Gianni Letta, Undersecretary of the Premiership
Giancarlo Cimoli, Alitalia’s CEO and President, last evening has been seen to enter in Palazzo Chigi, Italian Government’s headquarter. Some Premiership’s sources sustain that Alitalia’s leader has bee... more
AirlinesMexicana de Aviacion sold to Posadas group for USD 1.45bn
Mexico City, Mexico - Aeromexico Group's privatization has been suspended
The financial enterprise Cintra has sold Mexicana de Aviacion to Posada Group for USD 1.45bn. Mexican Government owns a 50.5% of Cintra, and the rest belongs to banks, institutional investors and privates.... more
AerospaceRussian delegation visiting Italy for the "Space Days" and attend a conference in Cuneo
Cuneo, Italy - Bossea Caves could be used to train astronauts
A Russian space technicians delegation visited recently Cuneo’s Bossea Caves in order to appraise if they can be used for Russian astronauts’ training. Such delegation came to Italy in order to attend the... more
HelicoptersAgustaWestland: the new plant, worth USD 27m, to create 150 new jobs
Philadelphia, USA - Local celebration attendees' comments
The new US plant of AgustaWestland (see for details AVIONEWS) needed an investment worth USD 27m, creating some 150 new jobs. A celebration was held in the USA regarding such facility and also Finmeccanica... more
AirlinesBritish Airways: the cuts are needed to fund further investments
London, Great Britain - Airline's CEO, Willie Walsh, affirmed it
"We must lower our costs so that we can fund future investment in our business. We are restructuring the airline to eliminate duplications and streamline our core business. The reduction will occur in... more
PeopleEurocontrol hosted major workshop on "Wake vortex"
Brussels, Belgium - It was held on 29 and 30 November
EUROCONTROL’s Experimental Centre has hosted a two day workshop to examine possible changes to the distances or times that must be maintained between aircraft in flight as a result of advances in research o... more
IndustryFinncomm Airlines took delivery of its first Atr-42/500 aircraft
Toulouse, France - This airplane is part of the contract for eight ones unveiled in June at Paris air Show
Finnish Commuter Airlines (Finncomm Airlines) took delivery of its first new ATR 42-500 aircraft, yesterday, in Toulouse. Delivered with a 48-seat configuration, this aircraft is part of the contract for... more
Science and technologyBulgaria to grant concession of uncared-for military airports to private investors
Sophia, Bulgaria - But they should remain available in situation of emergency
According to the Bulgarian daily "24 Chassa", the Defence Ministry would have already started the plan of transfer of military airports to the Ministry of Transport which will sell them to privates for... more
Government actsQuestion time: "Italian soldiers abroad should vote"
Rome, Italy - By senator Luciano Falcier (FI)
Italian senator Falcier asked Italian Minister of Interior for knowing if Italian Government intends to promote initiatives aiming at allowing that the Italian militaries deployed in peace-keeping missions... more
SecurityAer Lingus plane for Milan evacuated
Dublin, Ireland - The cabin was covered by smoke before taking off from Dublin
An Airbus A-320 from the Irish carrier Aer Lingus has been evacuated at 7:55am today after the cabin was filled with smoke shortly before taking off from Dublin Airport. Flight EI-432, which was delaying... more
Civil aviationFAA AD on McCauley Propeller Systems Propeller Assemblies Models 2D34C53/74E-X; D2A34C58/90AT-X; 3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3A32C88/82NC-X; D3A32C90/82NC-X; and 3AF34C92/90LF- X (2005-24-09)
Washington, Usa - To prevent cracked propeller hubs, which could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade separation, and loss of control of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information [Federal Register: November 30, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 229)] [Page 71753-71756] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal... more
Civil aviationFAA AD on McCauley Propeller Systems Five-Blade Propeller Assemblies (2005-24-08)
Washington, Usa - To to prevent cracked propeller hubs, which could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade separation, and loss of control of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information [Federal Register: November 30, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 229)] [Page 71756-71758] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal... more
CuriositiesContinental Airlines will transport today the cat "Emily"
New York, Usa - It was disappeared from her home in Appleton late in September and was found nearly a month later
Continental Airlines today will transport Emily, the stowaway cat that made her way from Appleton, Wis. to France in a shipping container over two months ago, back to her family. Emily disappeared from... more
DefenseUS submarines in Sardinia: Region-US Embassy meeting on departure
Cagliari, Italy - The United States confirmed their committment and Sardinia Governor Soru thanked them but Italian authorities will have to face employment consequences
Sardinia Region President, Renato Soru, met two US Embassy representatives yesterday. They obviously gathered in order to talk about the American submarines departure from La Maddalena and the US representatives... more
HelicoptersKuwait: two Dauphins for border protection
Kuwait City, Kuwait - The helicopters to be deployed also to face Islamic terrorism
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry will be able to strengthen national border monitoring activities and country’s protection against Islamic radicalism thanks to the acquisition of two Eurocopter Dauphin helicopters. Ara... more
DefenseEADS: German air space protection to be more effective
Berlin, Germany - A new IFF system to be available for the European country's radars in time for World Soccer Championship 2006
EADS will attend to improve German defensive capabilities concerning the air space protection in time for World Soccer Championship 2006 scheduled in the country next Summer. On such an occasion, it will... more
Press releaseAlitalia: net financial status on October 31, 2005
Rome, Italy - Honouring CONSOB's requests, carrier releases information about its net financial status
Alitalia’s net financial status on October 31 2005 consisted of EUR 1718m with a partial increase of debt. It was released after a CONSOB’s request concerning it. Financial leasing exist about the fle... more
IndustryLockheed Martin Corp. awarded of a over 29 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the F-16
Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $29,419,876 cost-plus fixed fee contract to provide for support of the F-16 Development, Test and Evaluation at Edwards and Eglin Air Force... more
IndustrySikorsky Aircraft Corp. awarded of a over 8 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the VH-3D/VH-60N Presidential Helicopter
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded an $8,241,615 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-03-C-0006) to extend the period of performance of the Special... more
IndustryRolls Royce Corp. awarded of a over 9 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the Marine Corps KC-130J
Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $9,062,613 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) to exercise an option for logistics... more
HelicoptersCzech Republic: 26 Russian helicopters are arriving
Prague, Czech Republic - It deals with 16 Mil Mi-171s and 10 Mi-35s
A total number of 26 military helicopters is scheduled for the Czech Republic’s armed forces which is about to take delivery of these aircraft. It deals in particular with 17 Mil Mi-171 transport choppers a... more
DefenseMeans and materials for Albanian armed forces
Tirana, Albania - "Major" ship has docked at Durazzo's harbour yesterday
"’Major’ cargo ship has docked yesterday, November 29, at the Durazzo’s harbour with onboard means and materials worth of about EUR 2m gave by Italian Defense to Albanian Armed Forces. The cargo will... more
PeopleA "softer" GEnx for the 747-8
Washington, USA - It will be the same engine scheduled for the Dreamliner but with some differences in terms of thrust, turbine stages and fan
General Electric is setting a special version of its GEnx turbofan to be destined to the new variant of the Boeing 747 Jumbo, the 747-8. It deals with a solution which practically proves similar to the... more
AirlinesCode share agreement between Air One and US Airways
Rome, Italy - Confluence is in the route linking Philadelphia to the Italian capital
US passengers are closer to Italy as well as Italian travellers come closer to America. Air One and US Airways ensured it as they signed a code share agreement with important mutual advantages. Who arrives... more
IndustryAirbus and China closer and closer
Beijing, China - The signature of the French-Chinese cooperation's documents linked to the aviation is near
"Currently Airbus’ airplanes fill already a third in the passengers aircraft’s market of the Chinese civil aviation, and China hopes that to continue to reinforce the cooperation with Airbus", Zhao Jun... more
SecurityAir transport: Lunardi postponed strikes scheduled in December
Rome, Italy - Protests have been delayed till an unclear date
A quiet December concerning strike for those who travel by plane: Italian Minister of Infrastructures and Transport Pietro Lunardi decided it by postponing them "In order to avoid a serious and irreparable... more
AirlinesAirlines' anti-paedophilia measures: legal actions against carriers in Australia and New Zealand
Sydney, Australia - Male passengers forced to move away if sat by an alone minor's side
A debate is growing in Australia and New Zealand about airlines’ practice forbidding men to sit near a minor alone. In particular, Green Parties and a group of demonstrators for civil freedom were among t... more
AirlinesLufthansa: more routes and services in Winter 2005/2006
Frankfurt, Germany - New links and frequencies for Italy and other international/intercontinental destinations
Lufthansa has improved its services since late October for the Winter season by opening new routes (some of which starting early next year) both with reference to Italy and the rest of its international/intercontinental... more
PeoplePuglia: funds to open new international air routes
Bari, Italy - There will be at least EUR 600,000 for European destinations
Italian Puglia Region approved recently a measure to support among the other things its air transport. Part of the concrete EUR 42m provided for real steps will be an advantage for the airport system in... more
AirlinesBritish Airways: fewer managers to cut costs
London, UK - Some 597 employees in two years, about a 35% of management division
A job cuts plan in order to significantly lower costs had been scheduled for a long time for British Airways. The rising fuel price made everything harder for the British major carrier, so that the airline... more
DefenseUzbekistan: NATO about to leave
Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Government's decision could affect operations in Afghanistan
Uzbekistan would not consider the departure of the US forces from its territory as sufficient and it would intend to ask NATO troops for leaving as well (see for details AVIONEWS). Diplomatic relations... more
HelicoptersEstonia: entry in Schengen starts by the AB-139
Tallin, Estonia - A helicopter has been bought to be deployed for border monitoring in the Baltic country
Estonian Interior Ministry ordered an AB-139 helicopter to perform border monitoring and protection missions within the EU’s rules related to the Schengen zone, while waiting for joining such ruling i... more
IndustryBoeing delivered first B-777/300ER with fuel-efficiency enhancements to Air France
Everett, Usa - The industry plans to incorporate these changes into the 27 models currently in service
The Boeing Company has delivered to Air France the first Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplane that includes enhancements that improve the overall fuel efficiency of the 777-300ER by 1.4 percent.... more
Government actsEuropean Parliament: question on safety of ATR aircraft
Strasbourg, France - By Vincenzo Lavarra (PSE)
"Written question P-3803/05 by Vincenzo Lavarra (PSE) to the Commission Subject: safety of ATR aircraft On 6 August 2005, 16 people died when their plane crashed into the sea off Palermo. They... more
AccidentsUkraine: friendly fire during a military exercise, two soldiers died
Kiev, Ukraine - A tank would have hit the two soldiers due to a mistake, seriously wounding a third one
Two soldiers were killed and one seriously wounded: this the tragic result of a military exercise held in Ukraine yesterday, due to a fatal mistake. A tank of Ukrainian Army would have fired against a... more
Government actsEuropean Parliament: question on transparency of military expenditure
Strasbourg, France - By Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL)
"Written question E-3248/05 by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: transparency of military expenditure Responsibility for foreign, security and defence policy lies primarily with... more
AccidentsIndia: problems affecting the Dhruv helicopters
New Dheli, India - After an accident which would have involved an aircraft on last November 25 due to a tail rotor failure; all the other choppers have been grounded
Indian authorities competent for aviation decided to ground all the HAL Dhruv helicopters in the country after an accident which involved a vehicle of this type on last November 25. This event follows... more
Government actsEuropean Parliament: question on defence and survival of the European armaments industry
Strasbourg, France - By Carl Lang (NI)
"Written question P-3580/05 by Carl Lang (NI) to the Commission Subject: defence and survival of the European armaments industry During the proceedings of the third Summer University for Defence... more
AerospaceNASA wants the Moon
Washington, USA - It is even ready to accept a reduction of the Space Shuttles' flights in order to perform a new lunar mission by the available funds
NASA could be forced to delay the beginning of new space explorations due to budget reasons. New missions towards the Moon by producing a new spacecraft could be affected by the financial situation and... more
AirlinesUS Airways: twenty A-350s have been bought
Paris, France - Contract is worth around USD 3bn
US Airways turned the purchase promise for twenty A-350s signed last May into an order. Promise was a result of a compromise between the US carrier and the European consortium, as the bad financial conditions... more
DefenseUkraine: Government confirmed its intention to join the Atlantic Alliance
Kiev, Ukraine - Defence Vice-minister Mykola Neschadym said
Ukraine intends to join NATO. It asked for it in the past and Defence Vice-minister Mykola Neschadym confirmed it during a speech at an international conference held in Berlin. He said it would be a contribution... more
HelicoptersAgustaWestland: a new facility for the AB-139 in the USA
Philadelphia, USA - It will be completed by next year
After acquiring the full ownership of the AB-139 programme (see for details AVIONEWS), AgustaWestland is ready to carry on its production in American homeland by a new facility in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania).... more
AccidentsATR-72 Tuninter accident (2): Palermo Attorney took delivery of documents from ATR company
Bari, Italy - ATR had recommended proper modifications for the fuel indicator system
Palermo Attorney took delivery, concerning the investigation on the ATR-72 Tuninter accident, documents by which the Italian-French consortium ATR would have "recommended" airlines operating the ATR-42s... more
AccidentsATR-72 Tuninter accident: survivors to be heard by Judges on December 1st
Bari, Italy - Their deposition will be useful to find disaster reasons
Survivors of the accident which affected the Tuninter’s aircraft will be heard by Judges in Bari on next December 1st (see aldo AVIONEWS). Safe passengers, 23 persons, will witness to two magistrates f... more
PeopleThe A-380 proves too "Turbulent" in ICAO's opinion
Montreal, Canada - Organization's assessments would have highlighted remarkable turbolences compared to the average so that distances could be increased
In-flight turbolences generated by wakes produced by the A-380’s wingtips could need a significant increase of distances by other aircraft from the flying giant, according to recent estimations provided b... more
HelicoptersLUH: first details on the UH-145
Washington, USA - The aircraft could prove capable of exceeding several spec requirements, according to some analysts
Experts from the helicopter sector are focusing on the UH-145 promoted by a team consisting of EADS-Eurocopter, Sikorsky and Westwind for the US Army’s LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) programme. The vehicle (... more
Civil aviationFAA (Correction) AD on Pratt & Whitney JT8D-209, -217, -217A, -217C, and -219 turbofan engines
Washington, Usa - To prevent critical life-limited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information [Federal Register: November 29, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 228)] [Page 71610] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal... more
Civil aviationFAA AD on Pacific Aerospace Corporation Ltd. model 750XL airplanes
Washington, Usa - To prevent structural failure of the outer panel and spar due to a cracked, bent, or distorted condition of the left and right outer panel attachment lugs; and incorrect spacing of the left and right outer panel attachment lugs
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information [Federal Register: November 29, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 228)] [Page 71381-71383] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal... more
Latest news"Hercules feeds the griffon": aerial refuelling test between a C-130 and a JAS-39 proved successful
Stockholm, Sweden - A Hercules will be available for Swedish Air Force to perform such operations starting in 2006
The SAAB/BAE JAS-39 Gripens of Swedish Air Force will be able to be refuelled in flight by a dedicated version of the C-130 Hercules. Recent tests on the Baltic Sea would have shown the full compatibility... more
IndustryL-3 Communications Corp. awarded of a near 20 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the Navy's C-40A aircraft fleet
L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $19,952,385 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110) to exercise an option... more