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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Magnet Schultz is unveiling its first EN9100-certified hydrogen power product at the Farnborough Airshow this week. The UK-based company is showcasing its newest solenoid valve for hydrogen gas flow control in aerospace applications.
Amphibious aircraft developer Jekta Switzerland and Hong Kong's Seaplane Asia have signed an agreement to add 14 PHA-ZE 100 aircraft to the Southeast Asian operator's fleet. With electric and hydrogen propulsion systems, the deal supports Seaplane Asia's commitment to delivering environmentally friendly operations, business growth, and affordable transport for the region.
Leading sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Neste has signed an agreement that will provide it with additional terminal capacity in Houston for the blending and storage of SAF. This development could potentially facilitate the flow of SAF to the Northeast U.S.
Australian start-up airline Wilbur Air plans to operate 100 of the five-passenger Integrity eVTOL aircraft under development by Spain's Crisalion Mobility. The companies announced an agreement covering the pre-orders for the battery-electric vehicles on Wednesday at the Farnborough Airshow.
BAE Systems is leveraging Siemens's expertise to enhance its engineering and manufacturing processes by adopting technology from the Siemens Xcelerator open business platform. The partnership, announced at the Farnborough Airshow 2024, will span five years and involve collaboration through BAE’s FalconWorks research-and-development unit within its Air division.
Fargo Jet Center has entered into a strategic partnership with satellite communications technologist Stellar Blu Solutions to enhance connectivity capabilities for special-mission aircraft. The collaboration has led to the development of an aircraft testbed equipped with Stellar Blu’s Sidewinder, an electronically steered antenna-based satcom terminal designed to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities. Fargo Jet installed a Stellar Blu Sidewinder antenna on a Cessna Citation Encore+.
L3Harris Secures JCAB Simulator Certification
As the aviation industry advances its sustainability ambitions, developers of electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft face challenges in matching the range, payload, and performance of traditional gas-powered designs.
Turkey's Freebird Airlines has selected RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace to provide a software solution aimed at improving operations across its A320 fleet. The announcement was made at the Farnborough Airshow 2024.
Sigma Air Mobility, a Luxaviation Group company and global operator of aircraft and helicopters, is collaborating with VoltAero to introduce a family of hybrid-electric aircraft.