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News from July 2024
Dutch regional aircraft developer Maeve is collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada on the design of its M80 hybrid-electric 80-seater regional aircraft, the partners announced on July 24 at the Farnborough Airshow 2024. With a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles, the design aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% compared to regional jet competitors while maintaining comparable speeds and altitudes.
Long-time ATR customer Air Tahiti has signed a new purchase agreement with the Franco-Italian turboprop manufacturer for four ATR 72-600 aircraft. Deliveries of the twin turboprops are scheduled between 2025 and 2028, supporting the airline’s planned flight frequency and capacity expansion.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) and Fokker Services Group (FSG), an aerospace solutions provider, have renewed a Total Support Contract for Standard Parts & Expendables. Under this agreement, FSG will continue supporting the RNLAF by supplying standard parts and extended services for various aircraft and helicopters over the next five years.
The FAA recently published Advisory Circular AC 120-92D to assist operators in complying with new rules that mandate the development of safety management systems (SMS) under FAR Part 5. These requirements apply to Part 135 on-demand operators, air tour operators, Part 21 design or production certificate holders, and certain Part 91 operators approved to conduct air tours.
Rise has initiated a waitlist for a new credit card aimed at rewarding tuition payments, encompassing K-12 private schools, universities, and graduate schools. The card is designed to make tuition payments more beneficial, even though many educational institutions typically add fees for credit card transactions.
Air New Zealand has announced a special charter flight for Warriors fans to Las Vegas, where the One NZ Warriors will face the Canberra Raiders. The Grabaseat package includes return flights from Auckland, five nights' accommodation at The Park MGM, and tickets to four rugby league games. Priced from $4,999, the package also offers a fan function and onboard activities.
ITP Aero is progressing on the full-scale production of combustors for Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine family in the UK. The company expects to deliver the first combustor in the coming months at its Hucknall site in the East Midlands and plans to commence full-scale production next year.
Second-quarter aircraft deliveries soared by 54% year over year (YOY) at Gulfstream Aerospace, reaching 37 aircraft, including six super-midsize G280s and 31 large-cabin jets. While G280 handovers remained unchanged from a year ago, large-cabin jet shipments increased by 72%, driven primarily by 11 deliveries of the recently certified G700. First-half deliveries rose nearly 36% YOY to 61 jets, comprising nine G280s and 52 large cabins, aligning with parent company General Dynamics’ forecast of approximately 150 for the year.
Leonardo UK and BAE Systems have completed ground testing of the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2, and the active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar is due to be flown for the first time from BAE’s Warton flight test site “in a couple of weeks,” according to Ben Geal, Leonardo’s Mk2 campaign manager. A number of the radar’s modules have recently undergone re-engineering into production form, but their functions have already been tested and cleared ahead of the flight trials.
Air New Zealand has introduced a new Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer for its Boeing 787 fleet, designed to enhance the training of its 1,600 widebody cabin crew and 650 pilots. This development aims to ensure both service and safety standards are met effectively.
The General Dynamics F-16AM fighter jet, now upgraded through the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program to near-Block 52 standards, was showcased at the Farnborough Airshow 2024. The F-16 remains the most common aircraft type in NATO.
Neste has commissioned terminal capacity at ONEOK’s terminal in Houston, Texas for blending and storing Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This development aims to expand the availability of Neste’s SAF to airlines operating from airports east of the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast.
WestJet has announced plans to integrate SpaceX’s Ku-band Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-powered Starlink Aviation broadband connectivity into its Boeing 737 narrowbodies and Boeing 787 widebodies. This service will be offered for free to members of its loyalty program.
The FAA has reached an agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to address concerns about controller fatigue. The agreement, announced today, stipulates that air traffic controllers will have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift. These changes will be incorporated into next year's schedules.
ITA Airways has announced that the baggage handling system at Rome Fiumicino Airport has resumed normal operations following a malfunction experienced yesterday. The company collaborated with the airport operator and suppliers to minimize disruptions for customers and maintain operational regularity, which has also been affected by air traffic control restrictions across Italy.
Odys Aviation and Honeywell have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop ground control stations to support the rollout of Odys Aviation's uncrewed, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, called Laila, in the Middle East and Pacific regions.
The Farnborough Airshow 2024 highlighted significant challenges facing the air transport and defense industries, emphasizing the need for technological advancements to address these issues. The air transport sector's primary challenge is achieving net-zero carbon emissions, while the defense industry focuses on integrating complex technologies to simplify warfare.
Southwest Airlines is offering to sell elite status through August 22, allowing customers to purchase the qualifying points needed for elite benefits valid until December 31, 2025. The airline will sell up to 35,000 qualifying points required for A-List status at a cost of up to $2,190.
Just as Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, envisioned when he established what was to become the defense technology group Rafael, the company's innovations are protecting the country in real-time amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah forces.
Vietnam’s VietJet has placed an order for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft, valued at $7.4 billion at list prices. On average, airlines typically pay about 50% of the list price.