Southwest reaches partial settlement with Boeing for MAX grounding compensation

©Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines (Southwest) has confirmed that it has reached a confidential agreement with The Boeing Company for partial settlement of an ongoing claim for damages the American carrier has suffered as a consequence of the grounding of the 737 MAX in March. Southwest has also confirmed its Board of Directors has authorized a discretionary, incremental profit-sharing accrual for employees, estimated to be in the region of US$125 million and which is tied to the projected reduction in operating income for 2019 as a result of the MAX groundings. Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, Read more

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Qantas selects Airbus A350-1000 as preferred aircraft for Project Sunrise

A350-1000 Qantas ©Airbus

Qantas has announced several important developments for Project Sunrise ahead of a final go/no go decision, which will now take place in March 2020, the airline stated on its website. After detailed evaluation of the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350, Qantas has selected the A350-1000 as the preferred aircraft if Sunrise proceeds. This aircraft uses the Rolls Royce Trent XWB engine, which has a strong reliability record after being in service with airlines for more than two years. Airbus will add an additional fuel tank and slightly increase the maximum takeoff weight to deliver the performance required for Sunrise routes. Read more

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SIA Engineering Company signs maintenance services agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines

Contract signing between SIAEC and Safran Aircraft Engines ©SIAEC

SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed an agreement for SIAEC to provide engine maintenance services to Safran Aircraft Engines. The 10-year agreement encompasses engine Quick Turn (QT) and modification embodiment services for both CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. SIAEC will set up a dedicated facility with the latest engine and QT processes and state-of-the-art technology to support these services. The facility is expected to commence operations in 2020. The LEAP-1A is one of two engine options for the Airbus A320neo family, while the LEAP-1B is the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX. The LEAP engine Read more

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Robert Keane joins Astronics Corporation’s Board of Directors

Astronics Corporation, a provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, has reported that Robert S. Keane has joined its Board of Directors, effective December 9, 2019. Keane is Chairman and CEO of Cimpress , which provides mass customization services through its group of companies and is strategically focused on investing in and building entrepreneurial, customer-centric businesses.

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Apollo and Athene close acquisition of GE Capital’s PK AirFinance debt business

Apollo Global Management, Athene Holding and GE Capital, the financial services arm of GE have closed their previously announced transaction for Apollo and Athene to purchase PK AirFinance, an aviation lending business, from GECAS, GE Capital’s Aviation Services unit.  In connection with this transaction, Apollo has acquired the PK AirFinance aircraft lending platform and Athene has acquired PK AirFinance’s existing portfolio of loans. PK AirFinance is a leading aircraft lending business that serves airlines, aircraft traders, lessors, investors and financial institutions globally with loans to borrowers in more than 40 countries. Substantially all of the US$3.6 billion of PK AirFinance Read more

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Air Canada’s first A220-300 takes to the skies

Air Canada's A220-300 takes off ©Airbus

Air Canada’s first A220-300 aircraft has successfully completed its inaugural test flight from the Mirabel A220 final assembly line in Canada. The first of 45 A220 aircraft for Air Canada is scheduled to be delivered to the Montreal-based airline in the coming weeks. With its first A220 commercial flight in early 2020, Canada’s flag carrier will become the first airline in Canada to operate the Canadian designed-and-built A220. It will also become the first carrier in North America to fly the A220-300 variant. Air Canada is planning to use the A220 on various domestic routes in Canada as well as Read more

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Airbus acquires industrial automation company, MTM Robotics

Airbus has acquired industrial automation company, MTM Robotics, for an undisclosed sum. The move deepens Airbus’ commitment to expanding advanced robotics capabilities within its manufacturing processes. The MTM business will retain its current leadership and 40-person staff, as well as its facility in Mukilteo, Washington, near Seattle.  The acquisition is the latest chapter in a trusted, ten-year-plus relationship between the companies, with multiple MTM light automated robotics systems currently in use at Airbus manufacturing facilities. While MTM will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus Americas, Inc., headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, it will continue to serve other customers in Read more

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Volocopter first eVTOL startup to receive Design Organisation Approval by EASA

©Volocopter has been awarded Design Organisation Approval from EASA

Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter has released that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded the company Design Organisation Approval (DOA) following a series of thorough audits. The approval is a confirmation by EASA that Volocopter is performing its tasks as an aircraft manufacturer in a controlled and safe manner. As an approved Design Organisation, Volocopter has a competitive edge in development speed, while guaranteeing the highest safety standards. Volocopter is the first eVTOL startup on record to receive DOA with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) as scope of work worldwide. “Receiving this seal of approval from EASA is Read more

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Recaro Aircraft Seating expands production facilities in China

Grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Recaro Aircraft Seating's newly expanded production facility in Qingdao, China ©Recaro

Recaro Aircraft Seating has inaugurated its newly expanded production facility in Qingdao, China on December 9. The inauguration concludes the second phase of the space2grow initiative, a major global expansion project Recaro started last year to support its continued growth. With its new expanded facilities, Recaro Aircraft Seating China will be equipped to take on the thriving market opportunities and lay a solid foundation for further growth in the Asia Pacific region. The new Recaro production facilities measures roughly 7,500 m². It is provisioned to accommodate up to five new assembly lines which will increase the maximum production capacity of Read more

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Jetaire receives ANAC certification for B737 series

Jetaire has received certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) for its Invicta™ Reticulated Foam Ignition Mitigation system for the B737 (300-800) series aircraft (Certificate #2019S11-06). Invicta is Jetaire’s innovative solution for fuel tank flammability reduction (FTFR) compliance. Jetaire is the original developer of the Invicta reticulated foam technology and has the only patented foam-based solution as a means of compliance with fuel tank requirements of FAR 25.981.

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