Boeing readies for 747 LCF first flight
TESTING Boeing last week conducted high-speed runs and rejected take-off tests of the heavily modified 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF) at Taipei's Chiang Kai-Shek airport in Taiwan, and expected to fly the stretched aircraft on 9 September. Assuming all is in order after an initial series of three clearance flights, the company will ferry the aircraft - dubbed RT876 - to Boeing Field in Seattle for the start of certification flight tests, possibly as early as 15 September. The aircraft is one of at least three LCFs that will be converted by Evergreen Aviation Technologies to transport large sub-assemblies to Boeing's 787 final production line in Everett, Washington.
Australia signs cruise missile deal
CONTRACT Australia's Department of Defence has signed foreign military sales and direct commercial contracts with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control to acquire an unspecified number of AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. Selected last February to arm the air force's Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighters from 2009, the more than A$300 million ($230 million) deal also includes provisions to equip the weapon with a long-range datalink to enable man-in-the-loop targeting.
AerVenture orders CFM56s
ENGINES AerVenture will equip 30 of the 70 Airbus narrowbody aircraft it has on firm order with CFM International CFM56-5B engines. Ireland-based AerVenture, a joint venture between AerCap and Kuwaiti cargo carrier LoadAir, has firm orders for 47 A320s and 23 A319s. The lessor has not selected an engine for the other 40 Airbus narrowbodies on firm order.
Serbia funds air force reform
MODERNISATION The Serbian defence ministry has secured its first funds since the late 1980s to conduct an air force improvement drive. Four MiG-29A fighters, one MiG-29UB trainer, one Antonov An-26 transport, five Mil Mi-8 transport helicopters and two Mi-24 assault helicopters will undergo overhaul or upgrade by late 2007. The defence ministry says the work, which will be conducted under a €30 million ($38.4 million) allocation, will keep the aircraft in service for another eight years.
Air France opts for Boeing Class 3 EFBs
AVIONICS Air France is to install Boeing's Class 3 electronic flight bag (EFB) on its entire fleet of 42 777-200ER/300ERs, and 13 777-300ER/200 Freighter aircraft yet to be delivered. The avionics upgrade will bring Air France's 777 fleet to the same standard as sister airline KLM which, as the 777 Class 3 EFB's launch customer, already operates 13 EFB-equipped 777s.
BMIbaby pilots withdraw strike threat
INDUSTRIAL ACTION Cockpit crews at BMI budget operation BMIbaby have lifted the threat of strike action following fresh talks with management. BMIbaby is one of three BMI divisions which recently voted in favour of strike action in an escalation of a dispute over pay and conditions.
Carriers to restore Beirut links
REPAIRS Several carriers say they will resume services to Beirut after the Israeli government last week lifted its military blockade on Lebanon's airports and seaports, almost two months after Beirut airport closed when hostilities broke out between Israeli forces and southern Lebanese fighters. Airlines returning include Etihad Airways, German flag-carrier Lufthansa, Gulf Air and Emirates. UK carrier BMed flew into Beirut last week following approval to re-open its connection from London Heathrow.
Source: Flight International
