Airbus Consolidates, Production Rates Increase, Manufacturers Look To The Future

Bigger, faster, more efficient, and more of them sums up much of the airline industry this year, as manufacturers ramped up production on airplanes and introduced new models with more seats and better efficiency. Norwegian Air spent most of the year trying to get authorization to fly from the U.S. with much of the industry objecting, and one airline lost two 777s with a total of nearly 600 people on board. Here are some of the stories making headlines in the airline industry in 2014.

January

Airbus Group Takes Off Into 2014 With Joint Brand

Taking off into the New Year, the EADS group has been rebranded as 'Airbus Group'. Uniting all its activities under a single and strong brand, Airbus Group also renamed two of its three Divisions.

ALPA Supports Same Flight And Duty Rules For All Airline Pilots

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued a statement regarding the implementation by the FAA and DOT of FAR 117, the new science-based flight-time/duty-time (FTDT) regulation that goes into effect January 4, 2014.

Close Vote--Boeing Machinists Accept 777X Proposal: 51-49%

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 in Puget Sound, District W-24 in Portland, OR and District 70 in Wichita, KS have confirmed that they have voted, by 51 to 49 percent, to accept an eight-year contract extension that includes a two-part $15,000 signing bonus and assures the 777X will be built in Puget Sound by IAM members.

Second CSeries FTV Takes First Flight

Bombardier has confirmed that following receipt of Transport Canada’s Flight Test Permit in December 2013, the CSeries Flight Test Vehicle 2 (FTV2) took to the skies on January 3, 2014 for its maiden flight under clear skies.

Boeing Closes 2013 With Record Commercial Deliveries

Boeing set a company record in 2013 for the most commercial airplanes delivered in a single year with 648. The company's unfilled commercial orders stood at 5,080 at the end of the year – also a new Boeing record.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Visits New Zealand

Boeing has flown the 787-9 Dreamliner to Auckland, home of launch customer Air New Zealand, marking the 787-9's international debut and longest flight since the robust test program began.

Allan McArtor To Become Chairman And CEO Of Airbus Group, Inc.

Sean O'Keefe, Chairman and CEO of Airbus Group, Inc, the company's North American business unit, will resign his position effective 1 March 2014. His successor will be Allan McArtor, currently Chairman of Airbus Americas. In his new capacity, McArtor will be a member of the Airbus Group Executive Committee.

Hawaii Ditching Captured By Passenger On GoPro Camera

One of the survivors of an accident December 11th in which a Cessna Grand Caravan went down in the water off the coast of Hawaii released video of the accident he captured on a GoPro camera from inside the plane.

Flight Duty Hours Impacted By Severe Winter Weather

The severe winter weather across the country resulted in some lengthy flight delays and cancellations, but ALPA said in a statement that stricter crew rest regulations implemented by the FAA last weekend represent a significant advancement in airline safety.

February

NTSB Holds Investigative Hearing Into August 2013 UPS A300 Accident

The National Transportation Safety Board scheduled an investigative hearing on February 20 into an accident involving a UPS Airbus A300-600 on approach to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, AL, on Aug. 14, 2013.

Clean Sky SGO ITD 'Hybrid' Ice Protection System Tests Deemed Successful

The European Union 'Clean Sky' Joint Technology Initiative is a research program aimed at developing breakthrough technologies which will significantly improve the impact of aviation on the environment. Within this initiative, the System for Green Operations Integrated Technology Demonstrator (SGO ITD) looks to improve aircraft operation through management of energy and mission trajectory.

FAA Announces Revised Safety Rating For India

The FAA has assigned a Category 2 rating to India under its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, based on a recent reassessment of the country’s civil aviation authority. This signifies that India’s civil aviation safety oversight regime does not currently comply with the international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

First US Airways Aircraft Flies In American Airlines Livery

American Airlines has entered into service the first legacy US Airways aircraft, an Airbus A319, painted in the American Airlines livery. The newly dressed plane, tail number N700UW, debuted its freshly painted fuselage with service from Charlotte to New York's LaGuardia Airport on flight 2060.

ALPA, Global Aviation Labor Leaders Take Campaign To Oslo

A delegation of pilots and aviation labor leaders from around the globe are meeting in Oslo, Norway, this week as part of a critical fact-finding mission to raise awareness over Norwegian Air Shuttle’s (NAS) attempt to avoid Norway’s employment laws.

Boeing Starts Building First Next-Generation 737 At Increased Production Rate

Boeing is starting assembly this week of the first Next-Generation 737 to be built at the increased rate of 42 airplanes per month. Since 2010, production of the 737 has increased about 33 percent, from 31.5 to 42 airplanes a month, its highest rate ever.

Boeing Forecasts $1.9 Trillion 20-Year Market For New Airplanes In Asia Pacific

Strong economic and passenger growth will be main drivers of new airplane demand in the Asia Pacific region, according to estimates released just ahead of the Singapore Air Show by Boeing. The planemaker thinks the region's airlines will need an additional 12,820 airplanes valued at $1.9 trillion, representing 36 percent of the world's new airplane deliveries over the next 20 years.

FAA Issues Rule On Personal PEDs In The Cockpit

The FAA has issued a final rule that reinforces that airline pilots cannot use PEDs for personal use in all operations. The rule codifies existing FAA policies and procedures and meets an FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 mandate by prohibiting all commercial airline (passenger and cargo) flight crews from using personal wireless communications devices or laptop computers for personal reasons during all aircraft operations.

March

ALPA: Pilot Shortage Is All About the Money

Amid all the talk of a pilot shortage, the Air Line Pilots Association Int’l (ALPA) says that it will only exist if U.S. airlines fail to provide qualified pilots with career potential, adequate livable wages, and benefits. Although some within the airline industry blame the new pilot qualifications and training rules instituted by the FAA for a pilot shortage, the airline industry actually helped craft those rules and supported their passage.

Former Continental Pilots File Class-Action Lawsuit Against ALPA

Six former Continental Airlines pilots who now work for the merged United Airlines filed a class-action lawsuit against their own union based on claims their seniority was unfairly stripped when the two airlines merged in 2010.

Airbus To Raise A320 Family Production To 46 A Month By Q2 2016

Airbus has decided to increase production of its single-aisle aircraft family to 46 a month in Q2 2016, up from the current rate 42. The new higher production rate will be achieved gradually, with an intermediate step at 44 aircraft per month in Q1 2016.

US Airways, American FAs To Join Forces For 'Historic' Bargaining Agreement

US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have voted to ratify an Agreement on Bargaining and Representation between AFA and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) along with a Negotiations Protocol Agreement with American Airlines management.

GAO Report Finds Pilot Supply Will Meet Airlines' Demand

In a study requested by the U.S. Congress titled "Current and Future Availability of Airline Pilots", the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that demand for pilots has exceeded the supply of those seeking such jobs, but the number of jobs and what they earn have decreased in the past 14 years.

National Airlines Receives FAA Certification

On February 28, 2014, the FAA approved National Airlines to become the United States' newest Flag/Domestic air carrier.

Embraer Celebrates Ten Years Of E-Jet Deliveries

This month, Embraer Commercial Aviation celebrates another historic milestone in its E-Jets program – the ten year anniversary of the first aircraft deliveries. On March 8, 2004, LOT Polish Airlines and US Airways each received an E170. US Airways was the launch customer of the E-Jet in the USA. LOT was the first airline to operate a commercial E-Jet flight when the aircraft flew between Warsaw and Vienna on March 17, 2004.

E.U. Reverses Plan For Carbon Tax On U.S. Airlines

The European Union has reversed its efforts to impose a carbon charge on American air carriers operating flights in and out of Europe through 2017.

NTSB Sends Team To Assist in MH370 Investigation

There is little evidence to suggest what have occurred to a missing Boeing 777-200 that disappeared from enroute monitoring about two hours into a flight to Beijing.

Boeing Begins Expansion Of 737 Commercial Delivery Center

Boeing kicked off expansion of its 737 Commercial Delivery Center (CDC) at Boeing Field in Seattle. The project more than doubles the space that will be available for customers and groups supporting increased 737 deliveries.

April

Airlines For America Looks For Transformational Change In The Airline Industry

Airlines for America (A4A) joined member executives from Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American Airlines Group, Delta Air Lines, Federal Express Corporation, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines this week to identify the major challenges facing the industry at the Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 13th Annual Aviation Summit, entitled, “Navigating the True Costs of Flying,” in Washington, D.C.

EASA: Certain Airspace In Crimea Should Be Avoided

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published on April 3rd a Safety Information Bulletin which addresses the potential safety risks encountered by aircraft operators which may use the airspace controlled by the Flight Information Region of Simferopol in Crimea.

Senate Leader Praises EU Delay Of Tax On International Flights

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, commended the members of the European Parliament on their decision to extend the moratorium on aviation emission taxes from being collected on flights into and out of the European Union (EU) through 2016.

ALPA Calls For End To U.S. Funding Of Widebody Aircraft For Foreign Competitors

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has urged members of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee to ensure that the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Bank) is adhering to the law, per the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2012, and for Congress to fully exercise its Bank oversight responsibility. The remarks came ahead of this year’s authorization and Ranking Member Maxine Waters’ listening session held Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

House Transportation Committee To Consider Transparent Airfares Act

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), marked up legislation its authors say will return transparency to airline fares.

A4A Urges Congress To Push For Alternate Fuel Policies

Airlines for America (A4A) testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, addressing the key role U.S. airlines are playing to stimulate the development and deployment of commercially viable, environmentally friendly, alternative jet fuels.

Airbus' US A320 Final Assembly Line Takes Shape

One year after the ground breaking ceremony for Airbus’ first A320 Family assembly facility to be built in the U.S., the Mobile Assembly Line is making good progress. The main buildings are taking shape and the first employees have started their on-the-job training at Airbus Hamburg in Germany.

May

Rural Air Service Relies On U.S. Airlines’ Ability To Compete Globally

Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) underscored in testimony before the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee the serious economic threat to U.S. airlines posed by state-supported foreign airlines and foreign airlines’ business plans that conflict with U.S. policy.

A4A Launches Campaign To Restore Transparency In Airfare Advertising Rules

Airlines for America (A4A) has launched a campaign calling on the Administration and Members of Congress to take action to restore transparency in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) airline advertising rules to ensure consumers know exactly how much of their travel dollars are going to federal taxes.

NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Recommendation

The NTSB on Thursday issued an urgent safety recommendation to the FAA regarding the oversight of air operators in Alaska owned by HoTH, Inc., after six recent accidents and one incident. These operators include Frontier Flying Service; Hageland Aviation Services, Inc.; and Era Aviation, which may do business as Ravn Alaska, Ravn Connect, and Corvus Airlines.

Boeing Hangs Future On 787-9, 777X, 737 MAX

Boeing's three airplanes currently in development are "the future of Boeing Commercial Airplanes", according to Scott Fancher, the planemaker's senior vice president for airplane development.

Royal Brunei Airlines Selects The A320neo

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has signed a contract with Airbus covering the firm order of seven A320neo aircraft plus three options, under the latest phase of its fleet modernization program.

New EU-Wide Safety Authorization Required For U.S. Part 135 Operators

The European Commission has adopted a new regulation that requires commercial air transport (CAT) operators from outside the European Union (EU), also known as “third-country operators” (TCOs), to obtain a single EU-wide safety authorization to fly to, from or within the EU.

EASA Publishes New Proposals For Flight Recorders And Locating Devices

EASA on Tuesday announced new proposals for flight recorders and underwater locating devices which aim at facilitating the recovery of an aircraft and of its flight recorders in the unfortunate eventuality of an accident.

Airbus Shuffles American Airlines A320 Order

Airbus is shuffling around some of its production schedule in connection with a record 260-plane order from American Airlines placed in 2011.

Garmin GTN 725 Approved For ATR 42, ATR 72 In Europe

EASA certified the installation of the dual touchscreen-controlled Garmin GTN 725 in the ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft, saying the GTN 725 GPS navigators expand the operating utility of the ATR 42/72, by offering Precision-Area Navigation (P-RNAV) capabilities to operators in Europe.

June

Florida Institute Of Technology Earns EASA Authorization

Florida Institute of Technology is pioneering new partnerships aimed at enhancing its role as an international leader for flight training.

Bombardier Begins Investigation Of CSeries Engine Failure

Bombardier began tearing down the engine that failed during ground maintenance of its first flight test CSeries airplane late last week. The airplane suffered what Bombardier described as an "engine-related incident" on Thursday during stationary maintenance testing in Canada.

Boeing, Japan Transocean Air Finalize Agreement For Next Generation 737s

Boeing and Japan Transocean Air (JTA) finalized an agreement for 12 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes. The arrival of the new 737-800s in 2016 will mark the start of the airline's fleet renewal program.

Delta To Add 15 Airbus A321 Aircraft

Delta Air Lines reached an agreement with Airbus to purchase 15 A321 aircraft for delivery beginning in 2018. The economically efficient, proven-technology A321s will replace similar, less-efficient domestic aircraft that are being retired from Delta's fleet.

Air New Zealand Selects A320neo Family To Modernize Single Aisle Fleet

Following Air New Zealand’s 2009 order for A320 Family aircraft, the airline has ordered three A321neo, 10 A320neo and one additional A320ceo aircraft. The agreement marks the first time Air New Zealand has ordered the larger A321 aircraft and the neo. Engine selection and cabin configuration will be made at a later date.

Pratt & Whitney Delivers First PurePower Engine For MRJ

Pratt & Whitney delivered its first PurePower PW1200G engine to Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. The PW1200G engines will power the single-aisle MRJ90 Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).

JFK Airport Manager Resigns As Runway Probe Begins

As the FAA opened a probe into two incidents involving runway lights at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York (KJFK), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that airport manager Gennaro “Jerry” Spampanato was stepping down from that post.

Airbus, Emirates Airline Cancel A350 XWB Order

Airbus confirms that Emirates Airline has decided to cancel its order of 70 A350 XWB aircraft. The decision follows on-going discussions with the airline in light of their fleet requirement review, as demonstrated by their order of 50 additional A380 at the last Dubai Airshow and their continuous interest in the program.

Congress Takes Action Against Norwegian Air Outsourcing

The U.S. House of Representative has passed an amendment to the 2015 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 4745) ... introduced by Reps. Lynn Westmorland (R-GA) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) ... that requires that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to follow the protocol contained in the U.S.-EU "Open Skies" agreement.

July

Boeing Delivers 1,500th 747

Boeing has delivered the 1,500th 747 to come off the production line to Frankfurt, Germany-based Lufthansa. The milestone airplane is a 747-8 Intercontinental, the 14th that Lufthansa will incorporate into its long-haul fleet.

Do You Want To Be A Professional Pilot Or AMT?

Boeing forecasts the demand for commercial pilots over the next twenty years is approaching critical mass. By 2033 North American (US and Canada) will need an additional 88,000 pilots. Europe will need 94,000 pilots and the Middle East an additional 55,000. The largest region, Asia, will need a whopping 216,000 pilots, more than North America and Europe combined. A total of 533,000 pilots will be needed. The outlook for AMT's is even more promising if you are trying to break into that field. The forecast for Airline Maintenance Technicians is even great at 584,000 positions needed. Where are these pilots going to come from and who is going to train them? Boeing thinks they have the solution.

NTSB Denies Petition On 1996 Crash Of TWA Flight 800

The NTSB denied a petition for reconsideration of its findings in the investigation of the 1996 crash of TWA flight 800. The petition was filed in June 2013 by a group called The TWA 800 Project. Petitioners claimed a “detonation or high-velocity explosion” caused the crash.

Airbus Completes First A320neo

The assembly of Airbus’ first A320neo has been completed following painting of the aircraft and the mounting of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. MSN6101, which will be the first A320neo to fly, will soon start its ground tests to prepare for first flight.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, P-8A Poseidon Make First Airshow Appearances

Boeing has confirmed that the new 787-9 Dreamliner and the P-8A Poseidon participated for the first time in flying displays at the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs July 14-20. This year's airshow marks the 40th anniversary of Boeing's participation at Farnborough. The 787-9 – flight test airplane ZB001 -- will be on static and flying display from July 14 through mid-day July 18.

Airbus’ A350 XWB To Make First Air Show Appearance At Farnborough

The newest member of the Airbus commercial aircraft family made its first airshow appearance at the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow taking place July 14-20. The A350 XWB will take part in the flying and static display for the first part of the week while the A380 will be on display throughout the week.

Boeing, Emirates Finalize Order For 150 777Xs

Boeing and Emirates Airline have finalized an order for 150 777Xs, valued at $56 billion at list prices. First announced as a commitment at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, the order by the world's largest 777 operator was part of the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history.

Boeing, Air New Zealand Celebrate First 787-9 Dreamliner Delivery

The first 787-9 Dreamliner has been delivered to launch customer Air New Zealand in a ceremony held at Boeing's Everett, WA facility. About 1,000 Boeing employees representing the 787 program joined Air New Zealand executives and guests at a unique celebration of this milestone event.

Boeing Forecasts Demand For 36,770 New Airplanes

Boeing projects a demand for 36,770 new airplanes over the next 20 years, an increase of 4.2 percent from last year's forecast. The company released its annual Current Market Outlook (CMO) Thursday in London, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $5.2 trillion.

August

Boeing to Assemble 787-10 Dreamliner In South Carolina

Boeing announced that final assembly of the 787-10, the newest and longest member of the 787 Dreamliner family of airplanes, will take place exclusively in North Charleston, SC.

Moscow May Ban European Airlines Access To Russian Airspace

Political leaders in Moscow are considering a ban on European flights over Siberia en route to Asia as a response to the cancellation of a lease agreement between low-cost carrier Dobrolyot ... a subsidiary of Aeroflot ... and the European Union.

BA Suspends Flights To Sierra Leone And Liberia

British Airways will not be flying to Sierra Leone and Liberia in Africa for a month due to the ebola outbreak in both countries.

Civil Aviation Organizations Want Better Information On Dangerous Airspace

A group of four international aviation associations has called for an international convention for the control of anti-aircraft weapons in the wake of the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in July.

FAA Issues New NOTAM For Iraq

The FAA has issued a new NOTAM restricting US operators from flying in the airspace above Iraq due to the hazardous situation created by the armed conflict. The new NOTAM supersedes previous FAA guidance for this airspace.

Boeing: July A Record Month For Airliner Orders

Boeing reported that it booked 324 orders for airliners in July, making it the best month for orders in the planemaker's history.

UPS Pilots Call For End Of Part 117 Carve-Out

On the eve of the first anniversary of the fatal crash of United Parcel Service Flight 1354, UPS pilots called for an end to the carve-out of all-cargo airline operators from FAR Part 117, the new pilot rest and operating rules enacted by Congress. On August 14th, 2013, at 4:47 AM CDT, UPS Flight 1354 crashed on approach to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, killing Captain Cerea Beal, Jr. and First Officer Shanda Fanning.

Airbus A350 XWB Completes Its Route Proving World Tour

The Airbus A350-900 completed a series of Route Proving trials, receiving an enthusiastic welcome at each of the 14 cities it has visited over the past three weeks. At the technical Route Proving the aircraft must demonstrate its readiness for airline operations on a global scale. This last series of trials is required for Type Certification, which is expected in Q3 this year.

FAA Issues NOTAM For Syrian Airspace

The FAA has issued a new NOTAM restricting U.S. operators from flying in the Damascus Flight Information Region, which includes all of Syria. This replaces the current NOTAM in place that strongly advises U.S. operators against flying in that airspace and requires them to contact the FAA before they operate in that airspace.

NAI Calls On DOT To Approve Norwegian Air International's Application

Norwegian Air International (NAI) has filed comments with the U.S. DOT confirming its support for the European Commission's (Commission) views that parties to the US-EU Open Skies Agreement cannot unilaterally deny NAI's application to serve the U.S. on the basis of Article 17 bis.

September

NTSB To Meet On UPS Flight 1354 Accident

The NTSB set a meeting to determine the probable cause of the Aug. 14, 2013, crash of UPS Airlines Flight 1354 on approach to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, AL.

CSeries Launch Customer Says 'Never Mind'

Swedish regional airline Braathens Aviation has informed Bombardier that it will not be the launch customer for the company's troubled CSeries airliners.

DOT Temporarily Blocks Norwegian Foreign Carrier Permit

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it will require additional time to reach a decision on Norwegian Air International’s (NAI) application for a foreign carrier permit to serve the U.S. from Europe.  Until then,  Norwegian Air Shuttle will continue to operate flights to the U.S. under its existing authority from DOT.

ACCESS II Confirms Jet Biofuel Burns Cleaner

Flying high above the California desert, NASA researchers took to the skies for the second year in a row with a DC-8 and other aircraft to study the effects on emissions and contrail formation of aircraft burning alternative fuels in jet engines.

Boeing Launches 737 MAX 200 With Ryanair

Boeing launched the newest member of the 737 MAX family with a commitment from Ryanair for 100 airplanes. The European low-cost carrier will be the first airline to operate the 737 MAX 200, a variant based on the successful 737 MAX 8 that can accommodate up to 200 seats.

Initial Report Released In MH17 Downing

An initial report from Dutch investigators leading the MH17 investigation say the airplane broke up in mid-air after it was hit by multiple "objects" that "pierced the plane at high velocity."

FAA Updates Guidance On Air Carrier Industry Employee Reporting

The FAA is encouraging air carriers, aviation repair facilities and aviation employee associations to review a draft Advisory Circular (AC) on the highly successful Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for employees. The AC clarifies best practices and provides the airline industry with new processes, concepts and definitions that will provide for the continued success of ASAP.

Boeing Responds To Al Jazeera English Documentary On 787

Boeing issued a statement prior to the airing of a television program on Al Jazeera English focused on the development and production of the Dreamliner.

October

FAA To Require Replacement Of Honeywell Avionics In Boeing Airplanes

The FAA has posted an Airworthiness Directive (AD 2014-20-06) dated October 1 for all Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, and Model 777 airplanes. The AD was prompted by testing reports on certain Honeywell phase 3 display units (DUs).

Boeing To Increase 737 Production Rate To 52 Per Month In 2018

Boeing will increase production on the 737 program to 52 airplanes per month in 2018 in response to strong market demand from customers worldwide, the company said Thursday in a media release. Once the increase is implemented, the 737 program is expected to build more than 620 airplanes per year, the highest rate ever for the airplane.

Boeing, Alaska Airlines Announce Order For 10 Next-Generation 737-900ERs

Boeing and Alaska Airlines have announced an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes, building on Alaska's all-Boeing fleet. As Seattle's hometown airline, Alaska continues to invest in the region it calls home.

Search For MH370 Resumes

As spring comes to the southern hemisphere, the ATSB says that the search for MH370, a Boeing 777 that went missing in March of this year, has resumed in a long but narrow arc along the bottom of the southern Indian ocean. No trace of the aircraft has been located in the seven months following its loss.

FAA Issues Statement On Ebola

In an effort to protect the health and welfare of flight crews, the FAA says it is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the aviation industry, as well as other Federal government partners on issues of public health and on disease awareness. The agency is currently focused on the Ebola outbreak in which at least one case has appeared in the United States.

Boeing Forecasts World Air Cargo Traffic To Double In 20 Years

Boeing projects air cargo traffic will grow at an annual rate of 4.7 percent over the next 20 years, with global air freight traffic expected to more than double by 2033. The company released its biennial World Air Cargo Forecast at the International Air Cargo Forum and Exhibition.

CFM's LEAP Engine Takes To The Skies

CFM International's LEAP engine took to the skies for the first time onOctober 6 on a modified 747 flying testbed at GE Aviation Flight Test Operations in Victorville, California, launching the next phase of testing for the advanced engine program.

Boeing, Virgin Atlantic Celebrate Delivery Of Airline's First 787-9

Virgin Atlantic became the first European customer to take delivery of a 787-9 Dreamliner, which will operate initially on the airline's London Heathrow to Boston route.

Air Traffic Service Fully Restored At Chicago Center

The FAA restored full air traffic operations at the Chicago En Route Center in Aurora, IL, which suffered significant damage from a September 26 fire that was deliberately set. During the outage, the agency also successfully maintained high traffic volumes to and from Midway and O'Hare, the busiest airport in the world.

Airbus-China Partnership Continues To Grow

Airbus and its Chinese partners (the Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), have re-confirmed their intention to set up an A330 Completion and Delivery Center in Tianjin, China, by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI). This follows the successful establishment of an A320 Family Final Assembly Line and Delivery Center in the Chinese city and takes into account the need to support the fast growth of air traffic in China with larger aircraft.

November

Embraer Holds E-Jets World Operators Conference

Embraer Commercial Aviation gathered more than 50 airlines and leasing companies, as well as 40 suppliers and commercial partners, on Marco Island, in Florida for the world edition of the Embraer Operators Conference (EOC).

FAA Issues Final Rule Updating Aircraft Icing Standards

The FAA has issued a final rule that broadens the coverage of its icing certification standards.  The updated standards require U.S. manufacturers to show that transport airplanes can operate safely in freezing drizzle or freezing rain, conditions that constitute the icing environment known as “supercooled large drops” (SLD).  The standard also includes ice crystal weather conditions as well.

Boeing Considers Composite Single-Aisle Airliner

Boeing's CEO Jim McNerney said that the company is already considering the airplane that would replace the single-aisle 737 MAX, and it would most likely be a composite-construction airplane.

China Aircraft Leasing Company Signs MoU For 100 A320 Family Aircraft

China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC), the leading independent aircraft operating lessor in China, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 100 A320 Family aircraft. The commitment comprises 74 A320neo, 16 A320ceo and 10 A321ceo. Including this new commitment, CALC’s total order tally with Airbus stands at 140 A320 Family aircraft.

China Express Airlines Revealed As CRJ900 NextGen Customer

China's sole specialized regional airline, China Express Airlines (China Express), is the previously announced unidentified customer that had placed a firm order for 16 CRJ900 NextGen regional jets and had taken options for eight additional airliners of the same type. This purchase agreement was initially announced by Bombardier on June 30, 2014.

American Airlines FAs Reject Tentative Agreement

American Airline's flight attendants narrowly rejected a tentative agreement hailed as being "Industry-Leading" when the pact was finalized.

Boeing, SMBC Aviation Capital Announce Order For 80 737 MAXs

Boeing and SMBC Aviation Capital have announced an order for 80 737 MAX 8s, valued at more than $8.5 billion at list prices. This is the largest single order for 737 MAXs from a leasing company and will help SMBC Aviation Capital grow its portfolio of high-demand, fuel-efficient airplanes.

Bombardier Says It's Moving Closer to CSeries Certification

In a video released to the media and others, Bombardier says its CSeries flight test program is moving forward towards certification of the airplane.

FAA Certifies Airbus A350-900

The FAA certified the new Airbus A350-900, about six weeks following certification by EASA.

December

Azul Orders 35 A320neo

Azul Brazilian Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for 35 A320neo Family aircraft. The airline, which is also leasing another 28 A320neo aircraft.

NTSB Concludes Investigation Of The 787 Boston Battery Fire

Shortcomings in design and certification ultimately led to the fire in a lithium-ion battery installed on a Boeing 787 jetliner that had just completed an intercontinental flight to Boston, the NTSB determined in its final report on the incident.

Boeing, Ryanair Finalize Order For 100 737 MAX 200s

Boeing and Ryanair have finalized an order for 100 737 MAX 200s, valued at $11 billion at current list prices. The order, originally announced as a commitment in September, includes options for 100 additional 737 MAX 200 airplanes.

Lufthansa Approves 'Wings' Concept Expansion

Lufthansa's board approved the expansion of its "Wings" concept for low-cost travel in Europe.

Boeing Conducts World's 1st Flight with 'Green Diesel' As Aviation Biofuel

Boeing has completed the world's first flight using "green diesel," a sustainable biofuel that is widely available and used in ground transportation.

First A350 XWB Delivery Follows A Robust Development Program

The December 22nd delivery of Airbus’ first A350 XWB to launch customer Qatar Airways marked another major milestone for this advanced widebody jetliner.

AirAsia A320 Lost

An AirAsia Airbus A320, carrying the registration number PK-AXC, became the subject of a search after it failed to check in with Air Traffic services, Sunday, some 42 minutes after departure.  Two days later, the Indonesian navy confirmed that wreckage from AirAsia QZ8501 had been discovered, and several bodies were recovered from the Java Sea.

FMI: www.aero-news.net