AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,376 news found

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

IndustryRolls-Royce-Usaf: completed flight test for improvements for the T56 engine for C-130 aircraft
Washington, Usa - And preliminary results
Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, and the United States Air Force have completed flight testing for the latest enhancement for the T56 engine, and preliminary results have exceeded expectations... more

CuriositiesSkyTeam reaches a total of 1,000 destinations on its global route map
Amsterdam, Holland - A new game has been launched to celebrate this important milestone
SkyTeam (ST), the global airline alliance, has reached a total of 1,000 destinations on its global route map. The alliance and its 19 members now offer customers a combined worldwide network that has grown... more

Military aviationFirst three updated MiG-29 aircraft delivered to the Indian Air Force (VIDEO)
New Delhi, India - Significant improvements for the fighter weaponry
JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, a subsidiary of the United Aircraft Corporation, began to supply upgraded MiG-29 fighters to the Indian Air Force. The first three aircraft are delivered to India... more

IndustryA-400M airplane completed the 300 hours of F&R
Madrid, Spain - A key requirement prior to full certification
Airbus Military has successfully completed the 300 hours of Function & Reliability (F&R) flight-testing of the A-400M new generation aircraft which is a key requirement prior to full certification. Data... more

Finance and economyChinese consortium purchases an 80.1% stake in ILFC, one of the largest aircraft lessors worldwide
New York, USA - The Asian group has an option to increase its participation to 90%
Confirming rumours which circulated during the past days (AVIONEWS) American International Group Inc (AIG) announced an agreement to sell the 80.1% of the stock of shares of its subsidiary International... more

Civil aviationAirplanes and airports: three Associations of airlines urge MEPs to vote in favour of the Ground Handling Regulation
Brussels, Belgium - It will take place on December 12
The Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Carrier Association (IACA) on December 10 all called on the European Parliament to increase... more

IndustryMilitary aircraft. Selex Sistemi Integrati-Snecma agreement for the mission planning systems (IAF MSS)
Rome, Italy - Worth 3,4 million Euros
SELEX Sistemi Integrati, a Finmeccanica company, signed a contract worth 3,4 million Euros, with the agency NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) to supply a two year support for the... more

AirlinesAircraft and airlines. Iberia unveils the details of its restructuring plan
Madrid, Spain - the carrier will look for the optimization of the network, focusing on the most profitable routes
Iberia communicated the details of its restructuring plan, which was announced on November 9, 2012 (AVIONEWS), which is centred on the optimization of the network, focusing on the operations on the most... more

Civil aviationAirport security workers strike, aircraft grounded in Germany?
Berlin, Germany - Problems expected also for the bad weather, with the snow which caused several cancellations on Sunday 9
The strike of the workers of airport security and the problems for the snowfalls which are hitting Germany in these days could cause strong inconvenience in Germany today, Monday 10 December 2012, with... more

Weather forecastsBad weather in Italy: strong winds and tidal waves on the South and islands
Rome, Italy - Foehn wind on the Lombardy Alps
The Italian Civil Defense Department, on the basis of the available forecasts, issued a bulletin for adverse weather conditions. The notice announces from today on Monday December 10, winds from strong... more

Finance and economyAircraft and finance. Richard Branson could sell part of his stake in Virgin Atlantic to Air France-KLM
Crawley, United Kingdom - According to a report by the "Sunday Times"
The chairman of the Virgin Group, the English billionaire Sir Richard Branson, could sell an undisclosed part of its stake in Virgin Atlantic Airways to Air France-KLM, the French-Dutch Holding which represents... more

Military aviationF/A-18 Super Hornets could be the choice for the new aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force (VIDEO)
Brasilia, Brazil - The US fighter would prevail on the SAAB Gripen and the Dassault Rafale
The choice for the new fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force could be the F/A-18 of United States' Boeing. which would prevail on France's Dassault Rafale and Sweden's SAAB Gripen, according to... more