Embraer delivers second KC-390 to Portuguese air force
Embraer delivered on 26 June a second KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese air force (FAP), another step in the Brazilian airframer’s strategy of courting NATO countries.
How Abra and Volotea are joining forces as Air Europa ‘remedy takers’ at Madrid
Their joint-venture agreement aims to create a new ‘hub solution’ at the Spanish capital, should they be granted remedies under a European Commission decision
Embraer downplays large narrowbody ambitions in favour of C-390 and E2 platforms
Brazilian airframer maintains it is focused on selling and improving the products it has already developed and further studying conceptual 50-seat aircraft powered by next-generation propulsion systems under its Energia project.
Curacao’s JetAir ceases operations with bankruptcy filing
Caribbean airline JetAir has grounded its aircraft and cancelled all flights after its parent companies entered bankruptcy protection in a Curacao court.
Airbus expects higher-altitude airport certification for A330neo early next year
Airbus is expecting its A330neo to secure clearance to operate at higher-altitude airports early next year, following a series of flight tests in Latin America to demonstrate performance capabilities in hot-and-high environments.
With deliveries underway, US pilots begin transitioning to F-15EX
With Boeing having delivered the first operational example of its latest F-15EX multi-role fighter, US Air Force pilots who previously flew the F-15C are beginning the process of transitioning to the new jet.
US discounter Avelo cuts flights to rural Northern California city
US start-up carrier Avelo Airlines plans to stop operating flights from Redding to Southern California in August, citing the departure of its ground handling partner at Redding Regional airport.
NTSB investigating Southwest 737 take-off from closed Portland Jetport runway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating an incident involving a Southwest Airlines jet that reportedly took off from a closed runway at Portland International Jetport in Maine on 25 June.
First T901 engines arrive at Sikorsky for Black Hawk testing
Two GE Aerospace T901-GE-900 engines have been delivered to Sikorsky’s facility in West Palm Beach, Florida for integration and testing aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk as part of a US Army upgrade programme.
FAA plan to change ‘public charter’ rules raises questions for small communities
The US Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to update the rules governing certain “public charter” flights is raising concerns that the new standards could come at the expense of flights to small cities.
Israir Group signs binding agreement to acquire balance of Cypriot MRO firm
Israir Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire the remainder of Cypriot-based maintenance firm Bird Aviation.
‘The sleeping giant must be awakened’: Saudia eyes return as Middle East major
The Saudi flag carrier is undertaking a modernisation push – from a new corporate identity, to new aircraft and cabin products – as it aims to grow in size after years of laying low.
EHang’s EH216-S makes maiden sortie in Saudi Arabia
EHang’s autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed its first flight in Saudi Arabia, as the Chinese firm looks to grow its presence internationally.
Etihad and China Eastern firm up joint venture
Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have signed a joint-venture agreement – the first between Middle Eastern and Chinese carriers – which will see both operators coordinate their schedules on parts of their networks.
Israel’s El Al to hold exclusive talks on acquiring around 30 737 Max jets
Israeli flag-carrier El Al is entering exclusive negotiations with Boeing and lessors with a view to acquiring around 30 737 Max jets.
SAS restructuring aid cleared by European Commission
Scandinavian operator SAS has secured European Commission approval for a restructuring aid package worth up to €1.3 billion ($*&) intended to support the company’s efforts to achieve long-term sustainability.
Finnish Border Guard picks SNC-modified Challenger 650s for Dornier replacement
US firm Sierra Nevada (SNC) has been awarded a $170 million contract to deliver two Rapcon-X surveillance aircraft to the Finnish Border Guard.
Gotland partners with Elfly and Heart for sustainable flight push
The government of Gotland is to collaborate with electric aircraft manufacturers Elfly Group and Heart Aerospace to achieve a goal of starting zero-emission commercial flights to the Swedish island by 2027.
Swiss names Lufthansa Group manager Jens Fehlinger as its new CEO
Swiss International Air Lines has named Lufthansa Group manager Jens Fehlinger as its new chief executive beginning on 1 October.
Fokker Next Gen ditches hydrogen-powered F100 to focus on clean-sheet design
Fokker Next Gen has ditched plans to modify a Fokker 100 to run on hydrogen power to focus entirely on developing a clean-sheet zero-emission airliner for service entry in 2035.
Indian airports to be checked for structural safety after fatal Delhi terminal roof collapse
India’s civil aviation minister indicates that the government is set to check airports throughout the country after the fatal collapse of a terminal roof at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi international airport – the second airport structural incident in the space of two days.
Think tank lays out role of unmanned aircraft in future Taiwan conflict
A USA think tank contends that drones will be critical to defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack and makes several recommendations for developing this capability.
Asia-Pacific low-cost operators boost short-haul networks
Asia-Pacific carriers continue to expand their networks, with low-cost operators leading the charge on the short-haul front.
MHI aerospace chief says it is too soon to commit to new airliner
The head of commercial aerospace at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries feels that the timing is premature to decide on whether to pursue a new indigenous airliner programme.
Air India hikes capacity to London Heathrow with A350 deployment
Air India is to increase capacity on the Delhi-London Heathrow route by deploying its new Airbus A350-900s on the sector from September.
Royal Air Maroc chartering several aircraft to hike summer capacity
Royal Air Maroc is reinforcing its capacity for the summer season with plans to charter seven aircraft from international operators.
Why Africa might have its best chance to achieve a single air transport market
As Africa’s population grows ahead of global trends, the disproportionality of its commercial airline sector only becomes starker.
Malawi’s vice-president, nine others confirmed dead in Dornier 228 crash
The deaths of all aboard the Malawian army turboprop were confirmed by the president of the southeast African country on 11 June, after the flight encountered bad weather and failed to report as scheduled.
RwandAir’s Makolo tells airline industry to ‘get on with it’ on diversity
RwandAir chief executive – and outgoing chair of the IATA board of governors – Yvonne Makolo believes the airline industry still has a long way to go on improving its record on diversity
Lufthansa, KLM and SAA pay $900m for ‘extreme delays’ in refunding passengers
The US government has secured more than $900 million in refunds for passengers who faced “extreme delays” in receiving compensation from for Covid-19-related flight changes and cancellations.