ASTM CALLS FOR COMMENT ON BIOFUEL STANDARD
ASTM International is balloting the 160 members of its aviation fuels subcommittee over a proposed standard for 50% blends of hydrotreated renewable jet fuel made from animal fats or a variety of plant oils in advance of its 27 June-1 July meeting. An approved standard could see HRJ available for sale this year.
LATECOERE RENEGOTIATES DEBT, PROBES SALE
French aerostructures and cabling specialist Latécoère has renegotiated its bank debt to soften the impact of economic downturn, dollar weakness and delays to aircraft programmes including the Airbus A350 XWB and A380, Airbus Military A400M and Boeing 787. The company has also made overtures to potential buyers by indicating its "willingness to engage discussions with strategic partners to participate in the consolidation of the industry".
FAA PROPOSES FINE AGAINST FEDEX
US authorities have proposed issuing a $1.55 million civil penalty against FedEx Express for allegedly failing to revise its continuous airworthiness maintenance programme in accordance with FAA regulations. The agency believes the airline failed to use approved standards, inspections and time limitations for 14 cargo unit load devices used on aircraft beginning in early 2008.
CHINA CERTIFICATES MA600 TURBOPROP
China's civil aviation regulatory authority has certificated Xian Aircraft's new MA600 turboprop, paving the way for first deliveries to begin shortly. The 60-seat MA600's launch customer, with a 2008 order for two aircraft, is the Civil Aviation Flight University of China in Guanghan, Sichuan province.
PHILIPPINES GROUNDS ROBINSON HELICOPTERS
The Philippines civil aviation authority has ordered the immediate grounding of all Robinson helicopters airworthiness pending evaluation and investigation of the 17 May crash of an single-engined R44 that killed all four occupants, including provincial governor Rafael Nantes, and two people on the ground.
SOUTHWEST REJECTS BAGGAGE FEES
Southwest Airlines remains steadfast in its decision not to charge passengers for first and second checked bags as chief executive Gary Kelly cites a domestic market share shift worth close $1 billion in revenue resulting from its no-fee policy.
AVIATION UNIONS CALL FOR ENGINE OIL STUDY
Germany's pilot and cabin crews trade unions and associations are calling on the German government to launch an independent inquiry into the effects of pyrolysed aeroengine oil on human health. The unions argue that the oil contaminates bleed air and subsequently the aircraft cabin and its inhabitants.
RUSSIA TOUGHENS AIRLINE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Russian enterprises seeking to enter the air transport market will have to meet tougher requirements intended to improve safety and service dependability. Companies seeking to provide air transport services must now have at least three single-type aircraft. To provide international passenger flights, they should have a minimum of two years' domestic experience operating scheduled or charter passenger services.
Source: Flight International
