Asiana Airlines’ first A380 has successfully completed its maiden flight. The A380 flew on December 13th from Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France to the aircraft manufacturer’s site in Hamburg, Germany, where it will undergo painting and cabin furnishing. Asiana Airlines will become the twelfth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first
GA Telesis Composite Repair Group appointed David LeClair as Vice President of Service Sales at GATCRG. Mr. LeClair’s prior experience includes more than 20 years of management experience in the aviation aftermarket distribution and commercial MRO marketplace. In his new capacity, Mr. LeClair will be responsible for further developing global service support nacelle repair strategies
Taikoo Engine Services (“TEXL”) has completed its 100th GE90-110/115B engine output, marking a significant milestone in the HAECO Group / GE Aviation partnership. The GE90 engine powers Boeing 777 and the 100th engine is destined for a Cathay Pacific aircraft. TEXL commenced operations in 2010, specialising in the repair, overhaul and testing of GE90 engines.
Commercial passenger aircraft leasing company Avation PLC and European regional turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR signed an agreement for the purchase of five additional ATR 72-600s. The aircraft purchase, which involves the exercise of five options, is valued at some $120m, based on catalogue prices. Deliveries of these five firm aircraft will take place in 2015.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded Part 33 certification to GE Honda Aero Engine’s HF120 turbofan engine, certifying its airworthiness and setting the stage for the production of this all-new engine. The HF120 engine’s airworthiness certification follows an extensive ground and flight test program that involved 13 engines. During its certification program, the HF120
Chorus Aviation and GA Telesis announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to form a joint venture to provide supply chain solutions, including component and spare parts support, to Bombardier Q400, DHC Dash 8, and CRJ aircraft operators and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers. The joint venture will leverage the considerable
Boeing released it will establish technology research centers in Alabama, California, Missouri, South Carolina and Washington as it continues to lay the foundation for increased competitiveness and future growth. The company will restructure its Boeing Research & Technology organization, the company’s central research-and-development unit, through the establishment of research centers in Huntsville, Ala.; Southern California;
JetBlue Airways (JBLU), New York’s Hometown Airline, announced the promotion of Robin Hayes to the position of President, effective January 1, 2014. Mr. Hayes currently holds the position of Executive Vice President – Chief Commercial Officer for the airline. In his new role, Mr. Hayes will oversee a team focused on preserving JetBlue’s unique culture
International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has reached an agreement with French Caribbean carrier Air Caraïbes Atlantique Airlines to lease three new Airbus A350XWB-900s. The aircraft have an anticipated delivery timeline between 2016 and 2018, and will be operated on the airline’s long-haul route network. The A350XWB-900 aircraft are powered by two new generation Rolls Royce
Finnair has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global aircraft leasing and financing company GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services) on the sale and leaseback of two Airbus 330 aircraft and two ordered Airbus 350 aircraft. The value of the arrangement is approximately €320m. The financial arrangement is a part of the long-haul fleet renewal program,
