Airbus to build two new HOTBIRD satellites for Eutelsat

November 19, 2018

Airbus has announced it has been selected by Eutelsat, one of the world’s leading satellites operators, to build two HOTBIRD new-generation telecommunication satellites to replace current spacecraft and enhance capacity at Eutelsat’s premium broadcasting position at 13° East, improving performances over the European and Middle-Eastern footprint, reinforced by a powerful European Superbeam. The new satellites

Sale of U.K.’s Flybe sparks interest from multiple directions

November 15, 2018

After issuing a profits warning, citing fuel costs, weakening demand and currency woes as major contributors, Exeter-based Flybe has put itself up for sale, though a merger with another airline may not be out of the question. In March this year Dublin-based Stobart Air withdrew its bid for the regional carrier after months of negotiations,

Aurora Flight Sciences Unveils Odysseus – a Solar-powered Autonomous Aircraft

November 14, 2018

Headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, Aurora Flight Sciences (Aurora) has unveiled Odysseus, the company’s solar-powered autonomous aircraft, now the world’s most capable aircraft of its type. Combining advanced solar cells with lightweight materials, Odysseus is an ultra-long endurance, high-altitude platform which can effectively fly indefinitely, powered solely by clean, renewable energy. “Aurora was founded by the

40% jump in fuel price overshadows SIA’s progress in revenue

November 13, 2018

The SIA Group has reported an operating profit of S$426 million in the first half of the 2018/19 financial year, a decline of S$336 million (-44.1%) from last year’s restated profit of S$762 million. Excluding one-off items of S$175 million, however, the drop in operating profit would have been S$161 million (-27.4%). The decline was

Fatal Lion Air crash suggests need for further training on 737 MAX

November 12, 2018

As the investigation continues into the full reasons why a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX crashed on October 29, killing all 189 passengers and crew on board, Indonesian investigators and the FAA have suggested the need for further training. The focus of attention remains on the likelihood that a false data report forced the plane

Bombardier announces intention to cut 5,000 jobs – focus now on business jets

November 8, 2018

At the same time as releasing third-quarter 2018 figures, Bombardier, the Canadian plane and train manufacturer, has announced its intention to streamline the business in an attempt to reduce annual expenditure by US$250 million at full run rate through the loss of up to 5,000 jobs by 2021. According to the company, this will be

FAA and Boeing updating airlines on 737 Max sensor issue after Lion Air crash

November 7, 2018

On October 29 a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 passengers and crew on board. The focus of the investigation has turned to the flight data sensor and possible incorrect readings. According to Bloomberg News, “under some circumstances, such as when pilots

Vietjet firms up on Farnborough MOU for 50 more Airbus A321neos

November 4, 2018

Subsequent to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July at the Farnborough International Airshow, Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (Vietjet) has signed a firm order for 50 Airbus A320neo single-aisle jets, valued at approximately US$6.5 billion at list price. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao Vietjet President and CEO commented: “The fuel efficient A321neo will enable

LATAM tie up with American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia Airways obtains Chilean antitrust approval

November 1, 2018

With the agreements already in place with Uruguayan, Colombian and Brazilian authorities, Chile’s antitrust court has given its approval to LATAM’s plan to strengthen its ties with American Airlines Group, and IAG’s British Airways and Iberia Airways. Approval relates to both passenger and cargo planes, all four carriers being members of the OneWorld Alliance. Enrique

Spirit AeroSystems delivers Q3 2018 financial results – all customer deliveries on schedule

October 31, 2018

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings (Spirit), headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA, and one of the world’s largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft has released its financial results for the third quarter of 2018. Commenting on the results, the Company President and CEO, Tom Gentile, confirmed that: “A full schedule recovery and

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