FIRST A400M COMPLETES SECOND FLIGHT
A second flight of the first A400M test aircraft, MSN1, succeeded in clearing "the entire normal flight envelope, including the maximum operating speed of 300kt [555km/h] and maximum Mach number of M0.72", according to Airbus Military. During the 3h 10min flight from Seville on 22 December the aircraft operated at 30,000ft (9,100m).
BOEING TO BUY 100% OF GLOBAL AERONAUTICA
Boeing will acquire the remaining 50% share of Global Aeronautica, its North Charleston, South Carolina joint venture, with Italy's Alenia Aeronautica responsible for integration of 787 centre fuselage sections. Boeing bought original partner Vought's 50% share in Global Aeronautica in March 2008 after the airframer moved to increase oversight at the North Charleston facility.
UK BUYS THIRD F-35B JSF
The UK government has approved the purchase of the its third Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter that will be used to support initial operational test and evaluation of the type. The UK is the USA's only Level 1 partner on the JSF project, with a $2 billion investment.
OVERRUNS MAR DECEMBER TRAVEL
An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 overran the runway after landing in heavy rain at Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, Jamaica, apparently with no serious injuries to the 331 passengers and six crew. Flight 331 originated in Ronald Reagan Washington National and stopped at Miami. Separately, a Ryanair 737-800 landing overrun at Glasgow Prestwick left no injuries among 129 passengers on board.
CESSNA DELIVERY FIRST SKYCATCHER
Cessna has delivered the first Model 162 SkyCatcher light sport aircraft to Rose Pelton, wife of Cessna president Jack Pelton. The all-metal, high-wing SkyCatcher was launched two and a half years ago and is built in China by Shenyang Aircraft.
ROLLS-ROYCE BR725 ENGINE GETS US APPROVAL
Rolls-Royce has clinched US certification for its BR725 engine, which powers the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650 business jet. The approval comes six months after the 16,100lb (71.6 kN) engine was approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency and a month after the G650's first flight.
SAAB SEALS FIRST AGREEMENT FOR MRJ SUPPORT
Mitsubishi Aircraft and Saab have made progress with their co-operation plans on the MRJ regional jet, with the signing of an initial customer support contract and an agreement to provide technical documentation for an undisclosed customer.
TRANSATLANTIC PACT DRAWS ANTI-TRUST FIRE
An anti-trust application filed by Oneworld alliance members American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia has drawn criticism from the US Department of Justice, which believes the proposed tie-up would harm transatlantic competition. The justice department filed similar comments last year after the transport department tentatively approved transatlantic co-operation between Star alliance members Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa and United.
Source: Flight International
