Article Library: General Aviation

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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

Manufacturers Airbus leads 2011 orders, deliveries

ontinuing concerns about the global economy have not stifled growth in demand for new aircraft, with Airbus and Boeing together collecting about 2,500 new orders and completing more than 1,000 deliveries in 2011, writes Ian Goold. Just hours after Boeing announced plans late last year to close down its plant in Wichita, Kansas, which dates back to the 1920s when it was the Stearman Aircraft factory, the city authorities were on the phone to rival Airbus, discussing possible expansion of the European company's facility there.

20th Jan 2012 | Read more

Industry Round-Up

Updates from AJ Walter, AgustaWestland, Bombardier, HAECO

17th Jan 2012 | Read more

General News Jan 2012

Long-haul low-cost carrier (LCC) AirAsia X will cease operating to Europe, dropping its four-times weekly service to Paris on 30 March, followed by its six-times weekly London flights the following day.

17th Jan 2012 | 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

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

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

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

Industry Round-Up - Updates from Airbus, Liebherr, ST Aerospace

AIRBUS has transported the first A350 XWB nose section to its plant in St Nazaire from partner Aerolia’s site in Méaulte, using one of the manufacturer’s Beluga aircraft. The A350 XWB nose section comprises three main sub-assemblies: the cockpit plus upper and lower forward fuselage parts, which incorporate door one and the nose landing gear bay. Making the best use of modern, high-tech materials, the A350 XWB nose section is made of 40 percent composites, 55 percent aluminium/aluminium-lithium and 5 percent titanium. Once assembled and equipped, the nose section will be joined to the forward fuselage (made and equipped in Hamburg) to form the A350 XWB front fuselage.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

Industry Outlook - 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.

28th Sep 2011 | Read more

Freight stagnates as passenger demand rises

Traffic results for July released by the International Air Transport Association show that global passenger travel rose 5.9 percent compared with July 2010. However, freight markets were stagnant, with a 0.4 percent decline in demand from the previous year’s level.

6th 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

Industry Round-Up Sept 2011

Updates from Fokker Services, AJ Walter, Gulfstream

2nd Sep 2011 | Read more

Boeing prepares for 787, 747-8 deliveries

Boeing Commercial Airplane has been celebrating significant milestones in its latest Model 787 and 747-8 programmes despite having to tighten up its forecast for 2011 output. Ian Goold reports. A reduction in the number of Boeing 787 and 747 deliveries expected by the end of this year (down from 25-40 to 25-30) have prompted the US manufacturer to reduce its overall estimate for 2011 shipments to 485-495 commercial aircraft. Nevertheless, Boeing is approaching the end of the its third quarter on a high, with the handover of the first 787 to Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) expected on 26 September, coinciding with the start of deliveries the initial four 747-8F cargo aircraft to Europe's Cargolux and Asian operator Cathay Pacific Cargo. Just over 600 days after the 787's maiden flight, systems function and reliability (F&R) testing was completed in mid-August, clearing the way for formal joint US and European certification by the end of the month (see news story, page 7). Enhanced engine performance is already planned for the 787 with development of a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 "Package B" upgrade and a General Electric GEnx "performance improvement package" (PIP1) under way.

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

IATA slashes 2011 global profit projection

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has slashed its 2011 airline industry profit forecast to US$4 billion – a 54 percent cut from the previous projection and less than a quarter of the 2010 figure. In March, the organisation predicted a US$8.6 billion industry-wide profit, while last year airlines reported net income of US$18 billion. IATA, which represents 230 member airlines – or about 93 percent of the world’s scheduled international air traffic – attributed the reduced forecast to soaring oil prices, the consequences of March’s catastrophic earthquake in Japan and political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. Acco

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

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

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

Facing up to regulatory challenges

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) comprises 17 of the region’s largest carriers, which collectively handle about 285 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo a year. AAPA Director General Andrew Herdman spoke with Asian Aviation’s Andrzej Jeziorski during the Asian Aerospace 2011 show in Hong Kong.

5th Apr 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

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

Asia-Pacific to become biggest aviation market: Airbus .

By the end of the next decade, Asia-Pacific airlines – including those in China and India – will be carrying about a third of the world's passenger traffic, making the region the world’s largest aviation market, according to Chris Emerson, Airbus’s head of product strategy and market forecasts.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Airline News, March 2011.

A summary of Airline News from March of 2011.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Airport News, March 2011.

A summary of Airport 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

General News. March 2011.

General News from March of 2011.

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Hong Kong Airport hails record year.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) enjoyed record passenger and cargo activity during 2010, as air travel and freight demand rebounded from the global downturn

1st Mar 2011 | Read more

Rolls-Royce counts cost of Trent 900 failure.

As of mid-February, Australia’s Qantas Airways was still mulling the compensation it would seek after November's grounding of its A380 fleet, triggered by the uncontained failure of a Rolls-Royce (R-R) Trent 900 engine.

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

Airport News. February 2011.

Airport News February 2011.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

Business Aviation News. February 2011.

Business Aviation News. February 2011.

1st 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

GMF AeroAsia invests in expansion

The Jakarta-based maintenance services provider is planning to add a fourth hangar by 2013.

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

MEBA 2010 Report

The Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show, in Dubai from 7-9 December provided an up-beat close to the year for the business aviation sector. Although the show was no order bonanza, optimism was evident, especially in the large-cabin segment, as Andrzej Jeziorski reports.

1st Feb 2011 | Read more

General News. February 2011.

A glance at Aviation News. Feb, 2011.

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

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

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

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

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

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

IATA’s Bisignani makes final liberalisation push

Airlines

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

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

Farnborough Show Report

The Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East markets figured prominently in new business announcements at July’s Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, providing evidence that these regional markets are alive and well even as Europe and North America remain less active

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Farnborough defies ‘double-dip’ fears

Viewpoint

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Don’t mention the VLJ

The term ‘VLJ’ has become tainted by association with excessive expectations and high-profile bankruptcies. Yet the concept may still prove sound

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Airport News. September, 2010

Emma Kelly reports

1st Sep 2010 | Read more

Aviation Outlook Summit

Market liberalisation and evolving business models were in the spotlight at this year’s Australia Pacific Aviation Outlook Summit, held in Sydney at the end of July

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

Gulfstream adds to G250, G650 test programmes

Gulfstream Aerospace has added aircraft to the flight-test programmes of both the super mid-size G250 and ultra-large G650 business jets.

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

New engines promise leap in economy

The next 10 years will see several new jetliners enter into service, featuring the latest engine technology developments that will yield significant economic and environmental advantages over today’s powerplants, writes Andrzej Jeziorski.

1st Jun 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

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

EBACE Show Report

Last year they came because they had to. This year they came because they wanted to. Some 11,106 people turned up at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition on 4-6 May, up from 2009’s 10,917 attendance figure. Liz Moscrop reports from Geneva.

1st Jun 2010 | Read more

India invests in airport development

Earlier this decade, India experienced a massive – and unsustainable – surge in air travel demand. Now, however, more stable growth has returned and the country’s plans to develop its airport infrastructure are more important than ever

17th Apr 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