Pressure grows for JAL restructuring; AA to fight DL tie-up
Japan Airlines is expected to report a heavy loss Friday for its fiscal first half ended Sept. 30, increasing pressure on the carrier and the Japanese government to develop a restructuring plan to help assure investors and customers that the troubled company won’t collapse.”We will not create a situation in which airplanes do not fly,” […]
First Boeing 747-8 Freighter Leaves Factory
Boeing, on Thursday afternoon, towed the first 747-8 Freighter out of the factory in Everett, Wash. The airplane, ultimately destined for Cargolux, will be painted and begin preparations for flight test. “It is very rewarding to see this airplane transition to the flight test phase,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program vice president and general manager. […]
British Airways, Iberia Reach Deal
British Airways and Iberia reached agreement yesterday on a proposed merger of the two airlines that would be completed in late 2010.The airlines signed a memorandum of understanding that they expect will become a definitive agreement in the first quarter of 2010, assuming certain conditions are met, such as regulatory clearances and shareholder approval. British […]
New Panel To Create U.S. Aviation Blueprint
U.S. Transportation Dept. Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt today revealed the formation of a new federal advisory committee that will study every facet of the aviation industry. LaHood further promised that within one year, that committee will submit a blueprint for change. The announcement was made during closing remarks to an invitation-only, […]
Mexicana Assessing Fleet Modernization Possibilities
Mexican airline Mexicana is in preparations of placing an order for either Airbus A350s or Boeing 787s as means of replacing its current long-haul fleet. The carrier is also looking at options to replace its new Boeing 717 fleet once leases expire.Manuel Borja, Group CEO, said that Mexicana probably needs six A350s or 787s, and […]
Dubai Airshow: Airbus Breaks Through 200 Order Ceiling For A380
Airbus has finally broken through the 200 aircraft order ceiling for its A380s with Air Austral firming up its order for two of the megatransports. The airline, which connects Paris to La Reunion and will use the A380 in a 840-seat configuration, also is considering further orders as it examines whether to expand service also […]
American Looks To Cut Pilot Workforce
American intends to furlough up to 175 pilots over the next six months, although it is negotiating with the pilots’ union to reduce the total through various voluntary options. The carrier is talking with the Allied Pilots Association to “develop possible furlough mitigation.” The carrier is contractually obliged to offer a “stand-in-stead” program where pilots […]
Boeing Marks Start Of Second 787 Final Assembly Line
Boeing today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of airplanes. “Today’s event marks the beginning of an expansion plan that will strengthen […]
Boeing Delivers 2 Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft to Royal Australian Air Force
The Boeing Company today delivered the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C;) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The aircraft were delivered during a ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet. Attending the ceremony were officials from the RAAF, the Defence Materiel […]
Airbus Decision On A320 Re-Engining Due Soon
Source: AviationWeekAirbus will decide this year whether to re-engine the A320, with company officials hoping the combination of a new powerplant and already-approved winglet upgrade could improve fuel-burn of the single-aisle aircraft by as much as 15%.Airbus CEO Tom Enders said he expects a decision this year on whether or not to re-engine, and also […]