VOLCANIC ERUPTION DISRUPTS EUROPEAN FLIGHTS
The major eruption of an Icelandic volcano on 14 April caused massive disruption to flights in Ireland, Scandinavia and the UK as a cloud of ash spread southwards. The National Air Traffic Service closed UK-controlled airspace to non-emergency operations until 16 April at the earliest to avoid the risk posed to high-altitude flights.
MEXICO INVESTIGATES A300 FREIGHTER CRASH
Mexican investigators have secured the flight-data and cockpit-voice recorders from an Aerotransportes de Carga Union Airbus A300B4 freighter which crashed on approach to Monterrey's Escobedo International airport on 13 April, killing its five crew. The twinjet came down between the airport perimeter fence and an access road and was destroyed by the impact and fire.
FRANCE PICKS CN-235 TO PLUG A400M GAP
The French air force will field a further eight CN-235 tactical transports from late next year to cover the delayed availability of the Airbus Military A400M. Worth €225 million ($305 million), the deal will boost its fleet to 27 CN-235s. France should receive its first of 50 A400Ms around late 2012, three years behind schedule.
INDIAN ROCKET'S NEW UPPER STAGE FAILS
The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle's new upper stage, fuelled by liquid hydrogen and oxygen, has failed on its first flight. According to Indian media reports the upper stage tumbled out of control after main engine ignition. ISRO was not available for comment.
EC BACKS FRENCH LOANS FOR A350 XWB
European Commission regulators have approved fully repayable advances from the French government worth a combined €35 million ($48 million) to support research and development activities linked to composite structures for the Airbus A350 XWB. Daher-Socata and Sogerma will put the funding towards work on the aircraft's lightweight main landing-gear bay and doors.
FIRST UK FLIGHT FOR WATCHKEEPER UAV
Thales UK has conducted the first flight of a Watchkeeper 450 tactical unmanned air vehicle in UK airspace. Conducted from the ParcAberporth test centre in west Wales, the 20min debut moves the type closer to entering service late this year. Thales could, meanwhile, extend its provision of interim TUAV cover for the British Army in Afghanistan until April 2011.
CARRIERS SHIFT ORDERS TO A320
EasyJet has converted more of its Airbus A319 orders to the A320, switching 10 over to the larger variant, the manufacturer says. Saudi Arabian carrier National Air Service Air has also swapped its 2007 order for 20 A319-100s to A320s.
MTU COMPLETES FIRST GEARED TURBOFAN PARTS
Pratt & Whitney supplier MTU Aero Engines has completed the first high-speed low-pressure turbine for the PW1524G geared turbofan which powers Bombardier's CSeries jet. Ground testing is on track to start in the third quarter of this year, says P&W vice president of next generation product family Bob Saia.
Source: Flight International
