The latest variant of Airbus' A330 – the new 242 tonne MTOW A330-300 – has achieved certification from the European airworthiness authorities (EASA) following a 100 hour flight-test campaign. Certification from the US authorities (FAA) is also expected soon. Airbus said that in the near future, the smaller A330-200 model will follow the -300 by benefiting from the 242t take-off weight capability. To date 11 customers have selected their new A330s to have a 242t capability. Eric … [Read more...] about EASA certifies 242t MTOW A330 version
Aircraft Manufacturers
Oman Air orders 20 B737s
Oman Air has ordered 20 B737 aircraft as part of a plan to double its fleet to 70 by 2020, chief executive Paul Gregorowitsch said. The order includes both the current generation of 737s, which will be delivered from 2017, as well as the re-engined 737 Max aircraft that will come from 2019. The airline has 36 aircraft, including 10 A330s and 21 B737s. This year, it will also receive the first two of nine B787s it has on order as well as six more B737s. It also plans to choose between … [Read more...] about Oman Air orders 20 B737s
Qatar to increase capacity to Bengaluru
Qatar’s national airline is continuing its expansion plans in India with a significant increase in capacity on its flights from Doha to Bengaluru from 1 August 2015. Currently Qatar Airways operates a B787 on the Doha-Bengaluru route. Starting 1 August, the Doha-Bengaluru route operated by B787 will be replaced by a B777. Group chief executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said: “India is growing as an economic hub and shows enormous potential, and our … [Read more...] about Qatar to increase capacity to Bengaluru
Hainan Airlines buys 30 B787-9s
China’s fourth-largest carrier said it plans to order 30 B787-9 aircraft as it seeks to expand international routes to tap into growing demand for overseas travel from China. The order would be the biggest this year for the jet, worth US$7.7 billion according to list prices. It would also boost the aircraft maker’s 787 programme backlog to 855 planes. The order is expected to have a volume discount and will be for delivery before 2021. In another notice, Hainan Airlines said it … [Read more...] about Hainan Airlines buys 30 B787-9s
Germanwings A320 crashes with 150 feared dead
An A320 belonging to Lufthansa's Germanwings budget carrier has crashed in a remote snowy area of the French Alps on Tuesday with all 150 on board feared dead. Germanwings confirmed its flight 4U9525 from Barcelona to Duesseldorf crashed in the French Alps with 144 passengers and six crew members on board. Officials said the plane issued a distress call at 0947 GMT (0547 ET), about 52 minutes after take-off. The airline has said the aircraft began decending about one minute … [Read more...] about Germanwings A320 crashes with 150 feared dead
Thai to exit freighter services, sell off 22 aircraft
Thai Airways has announced the latest step in its major restructuring plans that will see it sell off 22 of its aircraft and terminate freighter services as it struggles to overcome seven straight months of losses. The carrier - with nearly US$5.9 billion in debts - will cease operating its final two B747-400BCF services by end of the month. Thai Airways was once a leader in the cargo market, but the company has stopped and started its freight services multiple times in recent years. The … [Read more...] about Thai to exit freighter services, sell off 22 aircraft