All articles by Jon Hemmerdinger – Page 24
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In depthRotor Technologies aims to shake up crop dusting with ground-controlled Robinsons
Rotor Technologies is working through regulatory approval of a remotely piloted helicopter based on Robinson Helicopter’s R44, with hopes of tapping into the aerial crop-dusting market.
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NewsOne year after 737 door-plug blow-out, Boeing says safety overhaul is working
One year ago, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9’s mid-cabin door-plug blew out during flight, leaving passengers facing a gaping hole in the side of the jet while the pilots successfully landed the stricken jetliner.
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NewsAir Canada to offer free wi-fi in 2025
Air Canada is set to become the latest North American airline to offer free wi-fi access to passengers, disclosing on 12 December plans to begin rolling out the service in May.
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NewsProposal to strip ATC from FAA reappears ahead of second Trump term
A renewed push to separate air traffic control (ATC) from the Federal Aviation Administration arose again in Washington on 12 December, as lawmakers consider means of addressing the problem of aging ATC technology.
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NewsUS carriers expect to receive first A321XLRs next year as certifications progress
US airlines are gearing up to acquire their first Airbus A321XLRs, after the Federal Aviation Administration recently certificated the variant of the 4,700nm (8,704km)-range jet powered by CFM International Leap-1A turbofans.
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NewsFAA administrator Michael Whitaker to step down in January
On 12 December, the agency said FAA administrator Michael Whitaker, who held the post since October 2023, will step down on 20 January, the same day president-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn into office.
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NewsSouthwest 737 and small aircraft involved in runway incursion at Long Beach
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating another runway incursion, this one involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 and a single-engined Diamond DA40 at Long Beach on 19 October.
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NewsAlaska Air to fly from Seattle to Asia in 2025 as Hawaiian integration takes hold
Alaska Air Group plans to launch its first flights from the US West Coast to Asia in 2025, part of a broader network shift the carrier says will strengthen its hubs and make it a more formidable nationwide player.
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NewsBoeing’s backlog inched up in November amid new orders and slow delivery pace
Boeing received net orders for 50 jets in November thanks partly to a new 737 Max commitment from Alaska Airlines and a deal for the latest batch of KC-46A tankers from the US government.
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NewsBoeing restarts 737 production
Boeing has restarted 737 production and intends within days to resume assembly of 767s and 777s, saying it is bringing its Pacific Northwest facilities back online after halting production for nearly three months due to a machinists’ strike.
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NewsBoeing aims to fully resume Seattle-area production before year-end as safety review continues
Boeing aims this month to fully resume final assembly of commercial aircraft in the Pacific Northwest, having so far held off from rebooting the lines after machinists ended a 53-day-strike in early November.
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NewsRegulators approve new ‘more-durable’ Leap-1A high-pressure turbine blades
US and European aviation regulators have certificated new high-pressure turbine blades that CFM International says will help address durability troubles with Leap-1A turbofans.
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NewsPilot errors caused 2023 Challenger 300 upset that killed one passenger: NTSB
Failure to remove a pitot probe cover and a cascade of resulting pilot missteps caused a 2023 inflight upset near Hartford that involved a Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet and killed one passenger.
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NewsCracked power levers prompt FAA to order sweeping Cirrus SR inspections
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued sweeping inspection requirements after learning that power levers in nearly 30 Cirrus SR-series single-engined aircraft had developed cracks.
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NewsJudge rejects Boeing plea deal as 737 Max fraud case continues
A federal judge on 5 December rejected Boeing’s guilty plea with the US Department of Justice (DOJ), a move that throws fresh uncertainty over the company’s 737 Max fraud case and could require Boeing negotiate a new deal.
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NewsGogo completes acquisition of Satcom Direct
In-flight data provider Gogo completed its planned acquisition of once-competitor Satcom Direct on 4 December and named Satcom’s former president Chris Moore as CEO.
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AnalysisTrump’s tariff bluster raises alarm within Canada’s aerospace industry
Threats by president-elect Donald Trump to slap 25% tariffs on Canadian imports have caught the attention of Canada’s aerospace industry, which depends heavily on sales of aircraft and components to US buyers.
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NewsFAA not taking immediate steps to address 737 Max engine smoke concern
US regulator the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will take no immediate action to address a smoke-related issue involving the CFM International Leap-1B engines that power the Boeing 737 Max.
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NewsThe electric aircraft developers with connections to bankrupt battery maker Northvolt
Bankrupt battery maker Northvolt had relationships with some of the best-known electric aviation start-ups but whether its financial troubles will impact its aerospace ambitions remains unclear.
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NewsSpirit Airlines warns of ability to remain ‘going concern’ as restructuring continues
Spirit Airlines, which recently entered bankruptcy court protection, has “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue operating during the next year due to steep financial losses amid difficult market conditions.