Article Library: Airlines

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Singapore Special

This year’s Singapore Airshow could be the biggest yet and, once again, gives the island nation a chance to highlight its aerospace capabilities and its strategic significance as an aviation hub, writes Andrzej Jeziorski. Despite continued economic uncertainty in key markets such as Europe and the USA, demand for new aircraft remains strong – as evidenced by the order and delivery tallies just released by manufacturers Airbus and Boeing (see pages 26-27). Asia’s relatively healthy economies and pent-up demand in China and India are now more alluring to aircraft makers than ever, and all key forecasts for the next two decades show the region as the driver of the continued growth of the global aviation industry. This is encouraging news for the organisers of this year’s Singapore Airshow – the biggest event of its kind outside of Europe.

20th Jan 2012 | Read more

Thai Airways plans new unit, modernises fleet

With last year’s flooding only the latest challenge to Thai Airways’ bottom line, the carrier is pressing ahead with plans to set up a new regional unit and to modernise its fleet, writes Andrzej Jeziorski. It has not been an easy couple of years for airlines in Thailand, which have had to face not only a global recession, but a political crisis that hurt tourist demand and closed airports, then – more recently – months of heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and shut down Bangkok’s secondary airport, Don Muang.

20th Jan 2012 | Read more

Manufacturers A380 faces wing-cracking problems

Still recovering from the consequences of an uncontained engine failure on a Qantas aircraft in November 2010, the Airbus A380 programme now faces an issue with wing cracking, writes Andrzej Jeziorski. Four years after entry into service, the Airbus A380 – the world’s largest airliner – is facing a wave of negative press after reports of cracks found in the wings of aircraft operated by Qantas and Singapore Airlines (SIA).

20th Jan 2012 | Read more

Industry Round-Up

Updates from AJ Walter, AgustaWestland, Bombardier, HAECO

17th Jan 2012 | Read more

Airline News Jan 2012

Despite widespread flooding in Thailand from July to October last year, which saw domestic travel demand drop about 11 percent, budget carrier Nok Air has reported annual profit of 220 million baht (US$7.33 million).

17th Jan 2012 | Read more

MAS cuts deeper in restructuring drive

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is considering reducing its workforce as it continues to scale down its network as part of a drive to turn its business around. Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya says retrenchments are under consideration, while the MAS Employees Union has said in local press reports that senior airline official intend to cut the workforce. In the meantime, Malaysia’s flag carrier is continuing to slash unprofitable services, refocusing efforts onto its most promising markets.

17th Jan 2012 | Read more

Airlines Low-cost evolution

Low-cost carriers may have undergone significant change since the model was launched by Southwest Airlines in the 1970s, but they remain true to the core principle of keeping fares as low as possible to maximise load factors, writes Emma Kelly.

8th Dec 2011 | Read more

Airlines - Determined Garuda aims for the top

Garuda faces an uphill struggle to restore its reputation and become a top-tier Asian airline

8th Dec 2011 | Read more

General News Ameco eyes expansion of A380 capabilities

Beijing-based Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Ameco Beijing) says it is closely monitoring the market for Airbus A380 maintenance, repair and overhaul market (MRO) as it plans to expand its capabilities for the type. The company also plans to expand heavy maintenance capability for smaller A330 widebody twinjet. With more than 240 A380s – the world’s largest jetliner – sold to airlines worldwide, Ameco says MRO demand for the aircraft is expanding.

8th Dec 2011 | Read more

Air Astana succeeds through measured growth

Now approaching its tenth anniversary, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana has big plans for the future, writes Kok Chwee Sim. The geography of Kazakhstan – the largest land-locked country in the world – is as unique as it is challenging. The shores of the Indian and Arctic Oceans are equally far from its borders and while it depended on the Silk Route in ancient times for trade, it is today highly dependent on aviation for the movement of all commerce, trade, capital and people. Today, the responsibility for maintaining air connectivity with the world rests on the shoulders of Air Astana.

6th Dec 2011 | Read more

Qantas locks horns with unions

Australia’s Qantas will no doubt be pleased to see the back of 2011, hoping the New Year will bring with it a resolution to its labour union woes, writes Emma Kelly. Labour relations for Australia’s largest airline, Qantas Airways, were at an all-time low as Asian Aviation went to press, with disputes with three unions now handed over to be resolved by national tribunal Fair Work Australia (FWA). Months of negotiations are likely, with any decisions made by the independent tribunal binding on all sides, for a maximum of four years. In addition, Qantas is facing possible court action from one union as it embarks on the long process of rebuilding its image, which has been severely damaged by months of industrial action and the grounding of its fleet in late October. Over a 15-month period, Qantas had reached accord with four unions, representing more than 10,000 employees – or a third of the workforce – on five enterprise agreements. But the airline was unable to reach agreement with three more: the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which respectively represent long-haul pilots, licensed engineers, and ramp, baggage and catering staff. Months of failed negotiations resulted in industrial action by the unions, which saw flights cancelled and aircraft grounded. By 28 October, Qantas said the industrial action had cost it A$68 million (US$69 million) – or A$15 million per week in lost revenue.

5th Dec 2011 | Read more

Boeing delays 747-8I, 787-9 deliveries

Boeing has revealed, in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that first deliveries of the 747-8 Intercontinental and the 787-9 have both been delayed. The first example of the passenger version of the 747-8 will now be handed over to a VIP customer in the first quarter of 2012, instead of late this year as previously stated. Deliveries of the 787-9 to launch customer Air New Zealand will now begin in early 2014, instead of late 2013.

16th Nov 2011 | Read more

MAS undergoing major restructuring

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has embarked on a major restructuring programme to cut operating costs. The project, expected to be completed by early November, is aimed at making the airline’s operations leaner, cutting unprofitable services and possibly downsizing the workforce. Some measures have already been put in place. One of the carrier’s two daily Boeing 747-400 flights to London has been downgraded to smaller 777-200 aircraft, while the twice-daily 777-200 service to Melbourne has been downgraded to Airbus A330-300s.

10th Nov 2011 | Read more

Court ends Qantas strike; services resume

Qantas said it would resume services by mid-afternoon on Monday 31 October 2011, subject to approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), after a two-day stoppage caused by industrial action. Australia’s largest carrier grounded its entire 108-aircraft fleet on Saturday, 29 October, over the labour dispute. The resumption of services was announced after an Australian arbitration court stepped in to end a week of strikes and cancelled a staff lockout.

1st Nov 2011 | Read more

General News Air China eyes international expansion

Air China is focusing on expand international operations, due in part to concern over the rapid expansion of the high-speed train services across the country, which are affecting passenger loads on domestic flights.

11th Oct 2011 | Read more

General News - High taxes stifling China’s leasing sector

High taxes and complex approval procedures are slowing the growth of China’s aircraft-leasing sector. A 21.42 percent tax is levied by the Chinese authorities on the value of aircraft leased from foreign companies. By comparison, the tax on aircraft purchased from a foreign country is only 5 percent.

11th Oct 2011 | Read more

In Focus Southwest Airlines still setting LCC standard

Southwest Airlines was the forerunner of the world’s most successful low-cost carriers. With the acquisition of rival AirTran earlier this year, the airline has entered a whole new era, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

11th Oct 2011 | Read more

Asia-Pacific dominates aircraft deliveries

n this issue, we see a number of major industry players underlining the significance of the Asia-Pacific region as a long-term driver of growth in the aviation industry. Simulator maker CAE (see page 32) says long-term demand for its products will be bolstered by growth in emerging markets such as China, India and South-East Asia. Elsewhere (see page 20), Airbus’s top salesman John Leahy says key factors in the company’s latest 20-year outlook “include a strong driving of traffic growth by the emerging economies, the nearly doubling of traffic in and between more mature markets, and the positioning of Asia-Pacific as the leader in world traffic”.

5th Oct 2011 | Read more

Airbus predicts strong growth in airliner numbers to 2030

According to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, demand for new aircraft over the next 20 years will total 26,900 new passenger jetliners and more than 900 dedicated freighters, with the Asia-Pacific region as a major growth driver. The combined value of the new aircraft will be about US$3.5 trillion. In its latest Global Market Forecast, covering the years 2011-2030 – released in London on 19 September – the company says the demand will arise from the continuing “democratization” of air transport – driven by emerging economies, a global increase in wealth, greater urbanization, the need for more eco-efficient aircraft and a near-doubling of major airport hubs for mega-cities. The forecast predicts an overall doubling of the global fleet of passenger airliners with 100 or more seats, increasing from 15,000 aircraft today to 31,500 by 2030. About 10,500 of the total new deliveries will be needed as replacements for older, less fuel-efficient aircraft. The trend towards larger aircraft will continue, in order for the aviation sector to keep pace with future growth in demand.

4th Oct 2011 | Read more

Environment - Leading the green revolution

From biofuels to efficient aircraft design to aircraft recycling – the global aviation industry is trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Emma Kelly reports on the industry’s green initiatives.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

Airlines - Xiamen Airlines to join SkyTeam

China’s Xiamen Airlines is expected to become an official member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance by December.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

General News Sept 2011

Bombardier Aerospace has announced that Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet took delivery in August of the first two of 15 Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft ordered in December 2010. “SpiceJet’s order was a breakthrough for our Q400 NextGen turboprop in the Indian market, and Bombardier’s portfolio of commercial aircraft and customer services continues to be well positioned to support the development of India’s airline network,” says Chet Fuller, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft’s senior vice-president of sales, marketing and asset management, during a ceremony held on 26 August at Bombardier Aerospace’s Toronto facility, where the aircraft is manufactured.

6th Sep 2011 | Read more

Gulfstream forges ahead in G650 testing

Gulfstream Aerospace says it has completed several new milestones en route to the scheduled US and European certification this year of its new G650 ultra-large cabin, ultra-long range business jet.

6th Sep 2011 | Read more

Airline News - Cathy Pacific Orders

Meanwhile, despite an increase in turnover, Cathay’s profit for the first six months of the year slipped 58.9 percent, compared with the same period in 2010, falling to HK$2.81 billion. Cathay attributes the drop to increased fuel prices and rising operational costs. Fuel expenditure, the group’s biggest single cost, rose by 49.5 percent to HK$6.46 billion.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

Industry Round-Up Sept 2011

Updates from Fokker Services, AJ Walter, Gulfstream

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

Boeing comes out swinging

So we finally know the answer. For months now, it appeared that Boeing was unable to commit itself to a concrete strategy on the future of its single-aisle product, while Airbus racked up more than 1,200 orders for its re-engined A320neo in the nine months since the programme’s launch.

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

American joins Airbus club

American joins Airbus club American Airlines has unveiled plans to add up to 925 new single-aisle aircraft during 2013-25, in a move that will see four of the top five US carriers operating Airbus equipment. Ian Goold reports. As part of a long-term fleet-renewal strategy for American Airlines (AA), owner AMR Corporation announced in July a narrowbody aircraft acquisition plan aimed at reducing operating and fuel costs. AA plans to acquire some 260 Airbus A320-series and 200 Boeing 737-family aircraft (including new variants) during 2013-22. Options and purchase rights for 465 additional A320 and 737 machines could see American take delivery of as many as 925 new aircraft in the 12 years up to 2025.

31st Aug 2011 | Read more

Qantas at the crossroads

Alan Joyce’s plans to restructure Qantas have been described as everything from a bold move to a sham, writes Emma Kelly. For some, 16 August 2011 marked the point at which Qantas’ fortunes changed for the better, while others warn it heralds the end of the Australian carrier as we know it.

30th Aug 2011 | Read more

Qantas buys A320s, plans new carriers

Qantas is to acquire at least 110 Airbus A320-family as it plans to set up a new premium airline in Asia and a low-cost carrier (LCC) in Japan. The Australian giant also announced that it is cutting about 1,000 jobs from its international business.

19th Aug 2011 | Read more

Thai Airways to acquire new aircraft

Thai Airways International’s board has approved a fleet modernisation programme that will see the airline buy 15 new aircraft and lease 22 more up to 2017. The airline will order: six Boeing 777-300ERs, for delivery from May 2014 through to September 2015; four Airbus A350-900s, for delivery from the second quarter of 2016 through to the third quarter of 2017 and five single-aisle A320-200s for delivery in 2014 and 2015.

21st Jul 2011 | Read more

MAS prepares to join Oneworld

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will join Oneworld, the global airline alliance has confirmed. The Kuala Lumpur-based will now become the group’s first South-East Asian member. “A formal alliance membership agreement will be completed soon,” Oneworld says in a statement. Based on a typical 18-month integration process and safety audit, MAS is expected to be a full member of the group by the end 2012. Members-elect Kingfisher Airlines and Air Berlin are both on track to join early the same year.

20th Jul 2011 | Read more

Paris Show Report - Airbus raises bar for A350-1000

Airbus and Rolls-Royce jointly announced at an EADS event just before the Paris show that they would develop a more ambitious version of the A350-1000, with 97,000lb thrust RR Trent XWB engines, to meet customer demand. The aircraft will offer customers 4.5 tonnes more payload capability or 400 nautical miles of additional range than the original concept. Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier said the jetliner could now match the capabilities of the 777-300ER, but with 25 percent greater efficiency.

18th Jul 2011 | Read more

CASA grounds Tiger Airways Australia over safety

CASA grounds Tiger Airways Australia over safety Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says it suspended the operations of low-cost carrier Tiger Airways Australia, with immediate effect from Saturday, 2 July 2011.

4th Jul 2011 | Read more

Airlines - Virgin Australia: an airline reborn

A new brand and approval for an alliance with Delta is the latest development for the former Virgin Blue. Emma Kelly examines the airline’s transformation. When the US Department of Transportation (DOT) decided to grant anti-trust immunity to Virgin Australia Airlines’ proposed trans-Pacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines, it added another crucial element to the transformation the Australian carrier has undergone.

7th Jun 2011 | Read more

JAL, ANA emerge from turbulence

Japan Airlines, once Asia’s largest carrier, has gone through bankruptcy protection and major restructuring, while rival All Nippon Airways is pushing ahead with expansion plans, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

Qantas incident investigation targets R-R’s quality control

The Australian Transportation Safety Board (ATSB) says it is reviewing Rolls-Royce’s quality control system as part of its continuing investigation into the uncontained failure of a Trent 900 engine that severely damaged a Qantas A380 last November.

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

SIA pins hopes on new long-haul LCC

“[SIA’s plan] appears to be a recognition that the flag carrier’s long-standing focus on premium traffic (which must, in turn, mutually subsidise lower-priced leisure travellers) is not, in itself, a formula for the future.” – Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation]

6th Jun 2011 | Read more

Business Aviation-Bigger is better

After suffering a severe slump in demand during the global economic crisis of 2009, the business aviation sector has enjoyed a rebound, with particular emphasis on larger, longer-range models, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

12th May 2011 | Read more

Bombardier’s China optimism grows

In the past two years, Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has tripled its 10-year forecast for business jet demand in China, and the company’s regional sales chief David Dixon believes those figures are understated. Andrzej Jeziorski reports. As a transportation group, Canada’s Bombardier has had a presence in China for half a century. The company has been involved in numerous rail projects, as well as supplying commercial and business aircraft to customers across Greater China. The company has established a number of manufacturing partnerships in the region. On the aerospace side, major components of the Q400 regional turboprop are being manufactured in Shenyang, while China’s aerospace industry is also a risk-sharing partner in Bombardier’s 100- to 149-seat CSeries single-aisle jetliner, which is expected to have its maiden flight in 2013. With an office in Beijing and a strong customer-s

9th May 2011 | Read more

Rekkof ponders potential F100 suppliers

Amsterdam-based Rekkof Aircraft – which trades as NG Aircraft – expects to involve Tier 1 aerostructures companies in its planned re-engined development of the Fokker 100 (F100) regional jet, says chief executive Maarten van Eeghen. The company has enlisted the help of Fokker Technologies, the former Stork Aerospace group that includes Fokker Aircraft Services, which is responsible for worldwide F100 fleet support. The latter is seen very much as the "housekeeper" of all things F100 and provides a link with the original design.

9th May 2011 | Read more

MAS to focus on China and India markets

With renewed concern over spiralling fuel prices, Malaysia Airlines has had to moderate its expansion plans, focusing on the most promising markets, writes William Dennis.

9th May 2011 | Read more

Tiger Airways to buy stake in SEAIR

Singapore-based Tiger Airways plans to acquire a 32.5 percent stake in Filipino carrier South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) for US$6 million. The deal, which is expected to be sealed by May, paves the way for Tiger to gain access to the Philippines’ domestic air travel market. Low-cost carrier (LCCs) Cebu Pacific Air has the lion’s share of the market with 48.2 percent, while Philippine Airlines (PAL) has 37 percent, with the rest divided among SEAIR and LCCs such as Zest Airways and PAL Express.

4th Apr 2011 | Read more

AirAsia X orders three A330-200s

Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X has ordered three Airbus A330-200 widebody twinjets, with options for two more. The first two aircraft will be delivered in 2012 and the third in 2014. The airline now has outstanding orders with Airbus for 19 A330s, including 16 -300 variants, and ten of the manufacturer’s proposed A350 jetliners. Nine A330-300s have already been delivered to the carrier, while A350 deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2015.

4th Apr 2011 | Read more

General News April 4 2011

Indonesia’s state-owned Merpati Nusantara Airlines – weighed down with debt of 1.9 trillion rupiah (US$214.68 million) and with creditors chasing it for payment – has denied that it is heading for bankruptcy. The cash-strapped carrier has approached the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in Jakarta in the hope of obtaining 600 billion rupiah to support day-to-day operations. An MOT official, who asked to remain anonymous, says the government cannot keep bailing the airline out each time it asks. Still, Merpati’s President Director Sardjono Jhony Tjitrokusumo dismisses the idea that the airline may go bankrupt. “We may be in debt, but we will pull through the storm,” Sardjono says. He adds that the 600 billion rupiah requested is in fact needed as part payment for new aircraft to be acquired, declining to elaborate.

4th Apr 2011 | Read more

Bombardier prepares for CSeries systems testing

The first systems for Bombardier’s CSeries jetliner program are now being developed and tested by partners and vendors in Canada, the USA and Europe, prior to delivery to Bombardier’s Complete Integrated Aircraft Systems Test Area (CIASTA). According to Bombardier, the installation of the systems rigs at the CIASTA is progressing on schedule, and some parts, including the engine accessory gearbox and flight deck controls, have already arrived.

4th Apr 2011 | Read more

Eurocopter announces product line upgrades

urocopter announced “a comprehensive evolution” of its helicopter product line at this year’s Heli-Expo 2011 exhibition in Orlando, Florida in March. The upgrades are intended to offer “enhanced operating capabilities, improved mission effectiveness and increased efficiency across four families in the company’s light, medium and heavy rotary-wing aircraft categories,” as the manufacturer responds to evolving customer needs, Eurocopter says.

4th Apr 2011 | Read more

Aircraft Interiors

The good news for airlines over the past year has been a resurgence in demand for air travel, as the world recovers from economic crisis. The bad news is that margins remains – in the words of IATA chief Giovanni Bisignani – “pathetic”. This means carriers must redouble their efforts to maximise the efficiency of their operations and fill as many seats as they can – especially in their high-yield premium cabins. One vital strategy they have had to pay increasing attention to is their aircraft cabin interiors.

4th Apr 2011 | Read more

Asian Aerospace Show Report

Hong Kong once again played host to the Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress on 8-10 March. While some exhibitors seemed disappointed that the halls were not busier at a time of recovery for commercial aviation, attendance still reached a record 12,300 delegates and the show had its fair share of major announcements, as Andrzej Jeziorski reports.

1st Apr 2011 | Read more

IATA’s Bisignani appraises Asia

In Singapore in June, International Air Transport Association director-general Giovanni Bisignani will stand down at the airline lobby group's annual meeting. Before doing so, he paid a final visit to the Asia-Pacific region, during which he challenged governments and regulators to prepare for rapid growth. Ian Goold reports.

1st Apr 2011 | Read more

A320neo lures customers, awakens Boeing.

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has modified its fleet plans to accommodate possible acquisition of the Airbus A320neo, thus joining a number of potential owners or operators showing interest in the re-engined aircraft.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Airline News, March 2011.

A summary of Airline News from March of 2011.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Aviation Awards Asia entries round-up

Aviation Awards Asia.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

China’s aviation industry’s profit triples.

With China overtaking Japan as the world’s second-largest economy, the country’s aviation industry has been enjoying healthy growth, writes William Dennis.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Boeing again reschedules ‘seven-late-seven’

Following November's Boeing 787 in-flight fire, emergency landing, and subsequent temporary grounding, Boeing has developed a temporary modification for its six test aircraft, which now have resumed test flying. But the manufacturer has also confirmed a seventh delay to the troubled programme, as Ian Goold reports.

28th Feb 2011 | Read more

Boeing rolls out final 747 development

At a ceremony attended by about 10,000 guests, Boeing unveiled what is most likely the final chapter in the history of its 40-year-old 747 programme, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

28th Feb 2011 | Read more

Airbus’s A350XWB takes wing

Airbus is aiming the new 270- to 440-passenger A350 XWB family at a forecast US$1.34 trillion, 20-year market for 6,240 twin-aisle jetliners, reports European correspondent Ian Goold.

28th Feb 2011 | Read more

Boeing refines a classic.

While Boeing has so far shied away from offering a re-engined version of its single-aisle 737 family, it is offering substantial performance gains with aerodynamic and engine improvements, as well as an all-new cabin, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

IT solutions help optimise flight planning.

Singapore Airlines has been reaping the benefits of using Lufthansa Systems’ Lido/Flight flight-planning solution, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

Asia-Pacific airports boost security spending.

Airports across the region are being forced to increase spending on airport security in response to the threat of terrorism and increasing travel demand, William Dennis.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

Taipei’s in-town airport enjoys resurgence.

Last year, a tourism expert close to Taiwan’s president suggested the eventual demolition of Taipei’s downtown Songshan International Airport to make way for a riverside park.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

Thai Airways

Thai people are famed for their friendly smiles, but given the violent political protests afflicting the country since 2008, one could forgive Thai Airways International employees if they were less than optimistic about travel demand in the coming year.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

Cargo carriers’ road to recovery

Asian cargo carriers are gearing up for long-term growth, despite a gloomy near-term outlook. Emma Kelly reports.

28th Jan 2011 | Read more

Firefly takes aim at AirAsia’s dominance

Malaysia Airlines’ Firefly subsidiary has begun to operate as a low-cost carrier with the arrival of its first Boeing 737 narrowbodies, offering fresh competition to the region’s market leader, AirAsia, writes William Dennis.

28th Jan 2011 | Read more

Air NZ taps viral marketing to raise profile

s an end-of-the-line carrier located in a small country, Air New Zealand might well be expected to be a follower rather than a leader in the industry. But, as the online viral success of its latest television commercials show, innovation does sometimes originate in unexpected places.

28th Jan 2011 | Read more

Emirates surges to record first half

With traffic on the rebound, Emirates has posted a massive 352 percent surge in first-half profit. At the same time, the carrier has committed itself to a dramatic expansion of its fleet.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

MAS launches Boeing Sky Interior in Asia

Inspired by the cabin of the 787 Dreamliner, the Boeing Sky Interior for the 737NG jetliner offers passengers more space, enhanced lighting and less noise.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

JAL’s Onishi targets turnaround

Japan’s most recognisable recent Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, succeeded in large part because he was a pragmatist. By confronting several of Japan’s structural problems, he won a landslide election for his Liberal Democratic Party.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

MRO Asia Report 2010 - Part one

Amid expectations that Asia will become the first MRO market to recover from the global economic downturn, the MRO Asia 2010 Conference and Exhibition was held in Singapore pm 2-4 November

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

In-flight fire compounds Boeing's 787 challenges

The latest setback to the Boeing 787 programme could see entry-into-service pushed back as far as 2012, writes Ian Goold.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

Qantas begins legal action against Rolls-Royce

Qantas has begun legal action against UK-based engine maker Rolls-Royce, as a back-up in case the companies cannot reach a settlement over problems with the Trent 900 engine that powers the Australian carrier’s Airbus A380 fleet.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

Aviation Outlook Asia - Part one

The Aviation Outlook Asia 2010 conference was held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, on 20-22 October, bringing together senior officials from airlines, airports, aviation authorities and service providers. William Dennis reports.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

Aviation Outlook Asia - Part two

Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) estimates that passenger numbers grew 11.5 percent in 2010 from the previous year to 73 million. The airport predicts growth will average 10.5 percent from 2011 through to 2015.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

Trent 900 engine checks continue after Qantas incident

Qantas is still scheduled to take delivery by year's end of two new Rolls-Royce Trent 900-powered Airbus A380s, even though the carrier’s operations were severely compromised in November when a major uncontained engine failure led to the grounding of its six-strong fleet of Superjumbos. Another two A380s are scheduled for delivery by March 2011.

13th Dec 2010 | Read more

Rolls-Royce pinpoints component failure in Qantas incident

“The failure was confined to a specific component in the turbine area of the engine,” the company says.

16th Nov 2010 | Read more

Qantas’s Airbus A380 fleet remains grounded a week after an uncontained engine failure forced one of the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Singapore.

Qantas now has six A380s in service and 14 more on order.

12th Nov 2010 | Read more

NBAA First News

Cessna Announces Larger, Advanced Citation Ten

1st Nov 2010 | Read more

Russia’s aerospace revival

The aerospace industry in Russia is being renovated and developed by United Aircraft, which has absorbed many of the country’s Soviet-era design bureaux and factories.

1st Nov 2010 | Read more

MRO business adapts to changing needs

Airlines have become more cost-conscious than ever, as the industry struggles to find its feet again following the global economic crisis that took hold in 2008. As a result, maintenance, repair and overhaul service providers need to adapt to the modified needs of the airlines they serve. Asian Aviation presents an overview of the industry with summaries of key Asia-Pacific players’ activities.

1st Nov 2010 | Read more

Boeing struggles with fresh 787 delays

Boeing recently announced its seventh delay to the 787 Dreamliner programme as the fleet of uncompleted aircraft at its Everett production site grows

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

Malaysia expands aerospace capabilities

Malaysia is continuing to pursue its ambition to become an aerospace hub for the Asia-Pacific region

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

Virgin Blue, Etihad announce alliance plan

Virgin Blue has been counting on alliances to help it compete with larger rival Qantas

1st Oct 2010 | Read more

Cathay refocuses as demand grows

Cathay Pacific Airways has reported an eight-fold increase in its first half profit and announced substantial new aircraft orders, as it concentrates its efforts on its core business.

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Chinese airlines experience boom year

China’s airlines are experiencing a surge in domestic and international travel demand that will more than double their profits this year

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

ARINC adapts to airlines’ technology needs

Communications, engineering and integration solutions specialist ARINC has been adapting to airlines’ developing technological needs and expanding its presence in the Asian market

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Training News. September 2010.

Boeing launches 787 flight training

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

General News. September 2010.

A glance at Aviation News. Sept, 2010.

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Emirates A380 order: a last hurrah from the Middle East?

Airbus believes Asia now offers a bigger A380 market opportunity than the Middle East, with June's order for 32 more of the double-deck jetliner viewed as perhaps the final huge investment from the Arab region.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

Hawaiian Airlines eyes Asian expansion

Over a million Japanese visit Hawaii every year, drawn by the tropical beaches, the US culture and relative proximity.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

Airline News. July/ Aug 2010

South Korea’s air transport authorities will not issue any more air operating certificates (AOC) for new domestic low-cost carriers (LCCs)

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

EU may appeal WTO ruling on Airbus aid

The European Union (EU) says it may appeal a ruling at the end of June by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which declared that some launch aid subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Airbus were illegal.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

Vietnam Airlines joins SkyTeam alliance

Vietnam Airlines officially joined the SkyTeam alliance on 10 June, as the global airline grouping increases its focus on Asia.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

AirAsia Group restructuring

The AirAsia group is embarking on a corporate and organisational restructuring plan, which it says it aimed in part at giving shareholders a better understanding of its business model.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

Bombardier sees stabilisation in business jet market

Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier says its first-quarter financial performance indicates that the worst is over for the business jet market, while the commercial aircraft business is showing signs of recovery.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

Hong Kong Airlines takes delivery of first Airbus

Hong Kong Airlines formally took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft, an A330-200 at a ceremony on 15 June.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

MAS still considering A380 order cancellation

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is still looking into the possibility of cancelling its 2005 order for six Airbus A380-800s if there is a further delay in the delivery of the aircraft

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

AirAsia seeks LCC Airport in Bangkok

The AirAsia Group of low-cost airlines has appealed to the Thai government to convert Bangkok’s old Don Muang Airport into a hub for budget carriers.

1st Jul 2010 | Read more

Airbus targets emerging markets

Airbus is focusing its business efforts increasingly on emerging markets, whose economies are predicted to grow more strongly in coming years. Ian Goold outlines the manufacturer's view of the future, including its plans for an increasingly global footprint.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Aircraft Interiors Expo Report

The Aircraft Interiors Expo 2010 in Hamburg, Germany, attracted more than 7,300 visitors over its run from 18 to 20 May. Show organisers say the number of airlines in attendance increased this year, with 852 representatives from 200 carriers visiting the show.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Thai carriers hurt by political unrest

Thai airlines are cutting capacity on domestic and international routes to weather a slump in demand caused by recent violent political turmoil in Thailand.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Airbus wins first order for ‘Sharklet’ A321

Finnair has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for five Airbus A321s equipped with new, fuel-saving ‘Sharklet’ winglets, becoming the first airline to commit to the aircraft with the wingtip devices.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

China’s big three to be C919 launch customers

China’s big three carriers – Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines – are expected to be the launch customers for the planned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) C919 aircraft.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Malaysia Airlines

MALAYSIA AIRLINES (MAS) is to lease another three Boeing 737-800s to take over some routes now operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

Kuwait’s Jazeera posts loss, grabs market share

Kuwaiti budget carrier Jazeera Airways took over as the country’s largest airline last year, offering some consolation for the full- year financial loss it has just announced. Analysts remain unconcerned

16th Apr 2010 | Read more

Asian Aviation at a glance