BAE PROBES FAULTY CABIN AIR TREATMENT SYSTEM
BAE Systems says it has encountered problems with Quest AirManager cabin air treatment system - launched in September for its Avro RJ/BAe 146 regional aircraft families - and says it is working with customers to resolve the problem
ECONOMIC CRISIS FORCES AIR SHOW CANCELLATION
The fragile state of the Greek economy has led organisers to postpone this year's tri-service Defendory exhibition, which was scheduled to take place in Athens from 5-9 October. The biennial show has a 30-year history.
FAA FORECASTS DELAYED RECOVERY
The US Federal Aviation Administration is predicting a rise in domestic passenger numbers this year by only 0.5% - fuelled by growth in regional airlines - and a drop of 0.9% in the mainline passenger tally. Total passengers - mainlines plus regionals - is expected to increase an average of 2.5% a year until 2030.
SPACEX ABORTS FIRST FALCON 9 STATIC FIRE TEST
Space Exploration Technologies expected to re-attempt on the weekend of 13 March its first on-pad static fire test after aborting a first attempt just 2s before engine ignition. The type's first launch, carrying instrumentation but no payload, is expected in April. Falcon 9 will eventually lift cargo to the International Space Station and be available for commercial launches.
BOEING, BAE PREPARE QF-16 DRONES
Boeing and BAE Systems have won a roughly $70 million US Air Force contract to convert as many as 126 Lockheed Martin F-16s into optionally piloted target drones starting in 2014. The QF-16s, which will be used to evaluate how US fighters and weapons will operate against potential adversaries, are to replace BAE-modified McDonnell Douglas QF-4 Phantoms.
TWO INDIAN CARRIERS PONDER AN-148 ORDER
Two as-yet unidentified Indian carriers are assessing the viability of acquiring up to 19 Russian-built Antonov An-148 passenger regional jets. United Aircraft Corporation says it signed letters of intent with both operators during the India Aviation 2010 show in Hyderabad earlier this month.
SRIWIJAYA AIR PLANS 737 PURCHASE
Indonesia's third-largest commercial airline, Sriwijaya Air, is planning to acquire Boeing 737-800s by the end of the year and later add turboprops. The airline has a fleet of 27 737-200/300/400s but is hoping to add its first -800 in October.
DELHI BUYS AW101S FOR GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT
The Indian air force has signed a €560 million contract for 12 AgustaWestland AW101 three engine utility helicopters that will be used for government transport. The contract includes logistic support and aircrew and technician training.
UK ADDS TO SKYNET CONSTELLATION
The fourth Skynet 5 satellite, 5D, will be launched in 2013 as part of a UK Ministry of Defence two-year extension to a telecommunications contract that will now end in 2022.
Source: Flight International