AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,650 news found
AirlinesIATA: "Alarming drop" in September
Istanbul, Turkey - "Passenger traffic declined 2.9%"
"The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global international traffic results for September. Passenger traffic declined 2.9% compared to the same month in 2007. This is the first time... more
SecurityFAA (Emergency) AD on MD Helicopters, Inc. model MD-900 helicopters (2008-22-53)
Washington, Usa - To prevent a reduction of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 AD 2008-22-53 MD Helicopters, Inc.... more
SecurityFAA (Emergency) AD on MD Helicopters, Inc. model 500N and 600N helicopters (2008-22-52)
Washington, Usa - To prevent a reduction of loss of yaw control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 AD 2008-22-52 MD Helicopters, Inc.... more
AerospaceTelespazio: tonight the launch of the third COSMO-SkyMed's satellite
Rome, Italy - The event is scheduled for 7:28 p.m. LT
Everything is ready at the Vandenberg Air Force base in California for the launch of the third satellite in the Earth Observation constellation, COSMO-SkyMed, on a Boeing Delta II rocket. The liftoff is... more
AerospaceIndia: Chandrayaan-1 launched
New Delhi, India - "An historic event" for the Country
Yesterday Chandrayaan-1, an Indian spacecraft was launched for its first mission on the Moon. It will remain into orbit for a two year period in order to analyze the distribution of the elements. One of... more
Latest newsFrance: an HH-3F helicopter of Italian Air Force crashed
Strasbourg, France - Seven people died
An HH-3F helicopter belonging to Italian Air Force crashed at 4:30 p.m. near Strasbourg, falling along the street to Vauncourt. It was immediately engulfed by flames. There is no survivor among the seven... more
Military aviationHow to wreck a F-117A Nighthawk Stealth fighter
Palmdale, USA - In 2007 started the pull-out of the first line
This is the verification that is not impossible. It happened on August 26th at Palmdale Air Force Base, California, but the news has been recently disclosed: the article 784, the 5th prototype of Lockheed... more
AerospaceVenezuela: from November 1st satellite "Simon Bolivar" into orbit
Caracas, Venezuela - "A success" for the Country
On November 1st "Simon Bolivar" satellite will be launched into orbit. But such date is subject to changes, depending on weather conditions. The satellite, that will be launched from a Chinese base, is... more
DefenseItalian Navy: air-sea training "El Med 08" starts in Algiers
Rome, Italy - The unity of the Navy carries on board an helicopter AB-212
"The training, called 'El Med ‘08' and organized within the framework of 5+5 initiative, starts in west Mediterranean sea. The Algeria-led training unity will stop working on October 28th. Naval u... more
ReportRainstorm in Sardinia (2): found a missed person
Cagliari, Italy - Robero Lai is alive
Roberto Lai, a farmer aged 51 and missed yesterday, has been found in good health conditions. The man had been seen for the last time on the roof of Club house in Poggio dei Pini. At the moment there are... more
DefenseSomalia: EP on sea piracy
Strasbourg, France - "Effective coordination with other vessels in the region, especially those of the USA and Russia"
"In adopting a resolution on sea piracy (see AVIONEWS), the European Parliament expresses its serious concern about the growing number of maritime piracy cases, in particular in the seas off Somalia and... more
AirportsItalian SAB (2): Irish carrier announces seven international and for domestic routes
Bologna, Italy - The new destinations will bring further 800,000 passengers every year in the city
"Ryanair has announced today seven international and four domestic routes from Bologna, starting from March 2009. The eleven destinations will bring further 800,000 passengers in Bologna every year,... more
AirportsItalian SAB: Ryanair's base in Bologna advanced in March
Bologna, Italy - With eleven routes
"Ryanair has confirmed, from next Monday, the opening of new routes, already presented in July; today the Irish airline has announced new destinations from next March 2009: Bari, Brindisi, Costanza, Dusseldorf-Weeze,... more
Airports"Body scanner": EP's opinion
Strasbourg, France - "The conditions for a decision have not yet been met, essential information is still lacking"
"In adopting a resolution on the impact of security measures and body scanners on human rights, privacy, personal dignity and data protection, MEPs believe that this draft measure could exceed the implementing... more
Civil aviationEurocontrol and Selex Sistemi Integrati work together
Brussels, Belgium - To make existing controller tools “Fit for purpose”
"EUROCONTROL (European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) has awarded to a consortium led by SELEX Sistemi Integrati a contract for validating common user requirements for early implementation... more
Military aviationRussia launches successfully an intercontinental ballistic missile RS-18 Stiletto
Moscow, Russia - They will remain in service for other years
Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan last Thursday. The RS-18 Stiletto missile was launched at 11:30 a.m. Moscow... more
IndustryFinmeccanica completes acquisition of DRS Technologies
Rome, Italy - A deal worth 5.2 billion dollars
Finmeccanica, a world leader in the aerospace, defense and security industry, announced to have successfully completed its acquisition of DRS Technologies, (“DRS”), a leading supplier of integrated def... more
Military aviationArgentina tests successfully air-defense Aspide missiles
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Purchased by Selenia
The Argentine Navy successfully launched two ground-air mid range Aspide missiles, according to an official release on Wednesday from the Ministry of Defence. The missiles originally from Italian... more
OccurrencesOlbia: emergency landing for a Meridiana flight
Olbia, Italy - Smoke on board
Fear for 65 passengers on board of a Meridiana flight, taken off at 8:35 a.m. from Rome-Fiumicino airport and bound for Olbia. Due to the smoke, IG-112 flight was forced to make an emergency landing at... more
ReportRainstorm in Sardinia
Cagliari, Italy - Bertolaso flies over the area on board of an helicopter
Yesterday a heavy rainstorm hit Sardinia. Three people died and three are missed, hundreds of people have been evacuated, houses and streets collapsed for a total of 15 million Euros of damages. Even though... more
AirlinesAlitalia (3): Spinetta does not throw in the towel
Paris, France - Zero growth for Air France till 2011
According to the French newspaper "Les Echos", Air France-Klm declared yesterday that growth expectations were bearish, from the expected 4% growth for the next years to a zero growth during the current... more
AirlinesAlitalia (2): slow-down in September
Rome, Italy - The number of passengers decreases
Slow-down for Alitalia passengers traffic in September. According to the data issued, in September only one million and 600 thousand people flew Alitalia. So a 28,3% reduction, according to AEA. Data on... more
AirlinesAlitalia: the next obstacle is Brussels
Brussels, Belgium - The first unofficial news
After last months ups and downs, there is another obstacle for Alitalia: Brussels. The European Commission's opinion, which is probably due for mid-November, could give the go-ahead to Alitalia rescue... more
IndustryCroatia Airlines to acquire four additional A-320 family aircraft
Toulouse, France - They will join its eight models already in operation
"Croatia Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of Croatia, has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of four A-319s to add to its growing medium haul fleet aircraft. The new A-319s will... more
SecurityFAA AD on various transport category airplanes equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks installed in accordance with certain supplemental type certificates (2008-22-01)
Washington, Usa - To prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information [Federal Register: October 22, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 205)] [Page 62872-62876] Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal... more
Finance and economyFinmeccanica, the strategy of a global leader
Rome, Italy - The take over of DRS consolidates its role as a leading global supplier of integrated systems for defense and security
The acquisition of DRS Technologies represents a major milestone in Finmeccanica’s strategic plan to expand its global presence, focusing on the United States and the United Kingdom. DRS, a US company, o... more
Press releaseItalian ENAC: closed main runway of Brindisi airport
Rome, Italy - Take-offs and landing on the second runway
"As part of the works for the runway reorganization in Brindisi airport by Italian Air Force, ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority) informed that yesterday the main runway has been closed to the traffic.... more
Military aviationAlenia Aeronautica signs agreement for C-27J Spartan airplanes with Morocco
Rome, Italy - A deal worth 130 million Euro
The C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft, designed and produced by Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, has achieved a further success on the international markets, with a 130 million Euro... more
ReportPakistan: hit a religious school by US missiles
Islamabad, Pakistan - Launched by UAVs
Waziristan (the Pakistani border region near Afghanistan, Talebans and Al Qaeda' safe heavens) has been hit by two UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicle). A religious school (Madrassa), located in Dandi Darpakhel... more
AirlinesAlitalia: Government was voted into office by Italian Chamber on the decree law
Rome, Italy - Assoutenti threatens appeal to European Commission
The Italian Government was voted into office by Chamber on the Alitalia decree law and Assoutenti (Association in defence of consumers on bureaucracy, trade, insurances, banks and telecommunications) threatens... more
CuriositiesUS presidential elections: scandal for Sarah Palin
Washington , USA - Air tickets and luxury hotels for a total of USD 20.000
Scandal for Sarah Palin. The reason? Air tickets and luxury hotels for her and her daughters, for a total of USD 20.000, paid by US administration. According to what reported by "CNN", from December... more
Civil aviationSardinia Italian Region announces 21 new low-cost routes in Europe
Cagliari, Italy - 15 from/to Cagliari and six from/to Alghero
21 new low-cost connections for the next Spring (15 from/to Cagliari and six from/to Alghero) announced yesterday. They are Winter and Summer flights, and Sardinia Region aims at increase the value... more
Fair and showsItalian ASI at the "Science Festival 2008"
Genoa, Italy - The Soyuz capsule in Palazzo Ducale
Italian Space Agency (ASI) will take part in the Genoa "Science Festival 2008" with an exhibition featuring an original Soyuz TM-34 re-entry module. The event will be held from October 23 to November 4. On... more
AirlinesVueling on its way up
Madrid, Spain - Net profits for 14,71 million Euros till September 2008
According to what reported by "El Pais", after a difficult 2007, the Spanish low-cost Vueling is on its way up, recording net profits for 14,71 million Euros at the end of September. Such figures, released... more
Civil aviationFAA, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin install modernized air traffic systems to serve four major airports
Rockville, USA - Controllers in Chicago, Denver, St. Louis and Minneapolis-St. Paul now using new systems
Controllers serving four major U.S. airports are now using terminal air traffic control systems modernized by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. As part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Terminal... more
DefenseItalian Army: bilateral cooperation between "Folgore" and US Army's paratroopers
Rome, Italy - A US delegation of experts in visit in Italy
From September 28th to October 4th, a US Army delegation, led by colonel Terry Sellers, visited the Italian structure for a bilateral cooperation with the "Folgore" paratroopers. This event joins the... more
Military aviationAir raid hits Afghan soldiers
Kabul, Afghanistan - Nine people died
"An international air raid hit Afghan soldiers in Khost province. Nine soldiers died and three were injured": it was written in a Kabul press release. The air raid, perpretated last night by mistake,... more
AirlinesMichael O’Leary: in the future a long-haul low-fares transatlantic airline
Rome, Italy - Ryanair present and future
AVIONEWS interviewed Ryanair chief executive, Michael O’Leary, after the press conference which took place yesterday in Rome (see AVIONEWS 1, 2, 3). The c.o. of the Irish low-cost carrier clarified t... more
AirlinesGulfstream completes transatlantic flights using FANS system
New York, USA - Operated with a purpose-built business jet
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, recently completed a full Future Air Navigation System (FANS) flight across the Atlantic Ocean using Controller-Pilot Data Link... more
AirlinesAustrian Airlines receives only one offer for its stocks
Vienna, Austria - Disappointed the interest by Air France-KLM and S7
According to "France Press", the two airlines Air France-KLM and Russian S7 would have disappointed their interest in the purchase of Austrian Airlines's 43%. After the abandonment by British Airways,... more
Civil aviationIATA: Arab carriers urged to focus on efficiency and commercial freedoms
Tunis, Tunisia - "Freedom Summit" will take place this weekend in Istanbul
"The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged Middle East and North Africa (MENA) airlines to focus on an agenda of efficiency and expanding commercial freedoms. 'The oil price is falling,... more
HelicoptersAgustaWestland delivers first AW-139 helicopter to STARS
Cascina Costa, Italy - For medical rescue operations
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has announced that the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) based in Alberta, Canada has accepted the first of two AW-139 medium twin helicopters. The aircraft... more
Military aviationBoeing partner selected for Saudi Air Force C-130 maintenance contract
St. Louis, USA - A deal worth 29 million dollars
Boeing partner Alsalam Aircraft Co. was recently awarded a three-year, 29 million dollars contract to provide programmed depot maintenance (PDM) for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) C-130 fleet. Under... more
Civil aviation"Body scanner" divides EU Commission and European Parliament
Strasbourg, France - Yesterday plenary session in Strasbourg
The proposal of using "Body scanner" in European airports (see AVIONEWS) is still causing criticism. The accusation? The would-be implementation of such measure is "Obligatory pornography as it shows naked... more
AirportsSEA: Happy birthday Malpensa
Milan, Italy - Ten years from the opening of "Malpensa 2000" will be celebrated next Sunday
"Next Sunday, on October 26 Malpensa celebrates. Sea (Milan's airports management society), on the occasion of ten years from the opening of Malpensa 2000, wants to remember this important moment with... more
Curiosities"Buckypaper" was born
Florida, USA - For cars, aircraft and aerospace...
“Buckypaper”: this is the name of a sheet of paper having extraordinary properties, developed by Florida State University scientists and other US researchers. Composed of carbon molecules, it is 500... more
Civil aviationIATA against the boarding tax increase
Geneve, Switzerland - Bisignani writes minister Scajola and Sacconi, asking to "Annul" the measure
"Deep worries" have been expressed by IATA chief executive, Giovanni Bisignani, in a letter sent to the Italian Economic Development Minister, Scajola, and Welfare Minister, Sacconi. The reason? The... more
HelicoptersSwitzerland implements European rules on helicopters
Berne, Switzerland - Engaged for the passenger and cargo transport
Switzerland implements European rules on the helicopter's exercise for passenger and cargo transport, DATEC (Environment, Transport, Energy, Communication Federal Department) approved relative ruling that... more
AirlinesKLM suspends Amsterdam-Hyderabad service
Amsterdam, Holland - Starting from February 1st, 2009
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is suspending its Amsterdam–Hyderabad service, effective February 1st, 2009. KLM launched flights to this destination in October 2005 in anticipation of a growth in traffic to I... more
Weather forecastsBad weather in Italy: electric storms arriving and temperatures falling
Rome, Italy - On the West side of Country
"A large Atlantic perturbance reached yesterday the Italian West side. From today, on October 22, it will expand to the central and West Mediterranean and to bring fickleness on Sicily and Sardinia. The... more