The first Boeing 777 Freighter to enter Qatar Airways' fleet has been placed into service after the Doha-based carrier took delivery of the aircraft on 17 May. "The 777 Freighter will expand on the great track record that Qatar Airways' 777 passenger airplanes have established," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Qatar Airways ordered three 777 Freighters in May 2006, for deployment on Far East and European routes.Qatar Airways currently operates 17 … [Read more...] about First of three B777 Freighters joins Qatar's fleet
Aircraft Manufacturers
Over 100 killed in Afriqiyah Air A330 crash
Afriqiyah Airways flight enroute from Johannesburg to London Gatwick crashed in Tripoli early Wednesday morning while on final approach, killing all but one onboard according to reports. The crash which reportedly killed all but one of the 93 passengers and 11 flight crew members leaving a field scattered with smoldering debris that included a large chunk of the tail painted with the airline's brightly colored logo. The A330-200's 'black box' voice and data recorders were recovered from the … [Read more...] about Over 100 killed in Afriqiyah Air A330 crash
Boeing begins assembly of first 747-8 Intercontinental
Boeing has announced it began assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental at its Everett, Washington factory. Late last week, mechanics took the first step in major assembly for the new airplane by loading its wing panels and spars in the assembly tools. "This milestone symbolises the dedication, focus and hard work that our team, suppliers and customers have invested in designing this wonderful airplane," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 programme, Boeing … [Read more...] about Boeing begins assembly of first 747-8 Intercontinental
Airbus A330-200F gains type certification
Airbus' new A330-200 Freighter, which has a payload of 70 tonnes – one tonne greater than first expected – has been granted Type Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), following a successful 200-hour flight-test campaign. According to Airbus, more than 3,400 freighters will be needed in the next 20 years to cater for a 5.2 per cent average annual growth rate. These will include around 1,600 mid-sized freighters, of which the A330-200F will play an … [Read more...] about Airbus A330-200F gains type certification
February demand still strong: IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that February 2010 international scheduled air traffic showed continued strengthening of demand. Compared to February 2009, cargo demand grew 26.5 per cent while passenger demand was up 9.5 per cent. Iata noted that cargo traffic, which plunged much further than passenger demand and ultimately hit bottom in December 2008, has a further 3 per cent to recover in order to return to pre-crisis levels. “We are moving in the right … [Read more...] about February demand still strong: IATA
EU push for satellite safety info
Prompted by difficulties retrieving flight-data recorders after recent fatal airliner crashes, European aviation regulators want to start using satellites to transmit critical in-flight safety information. The European Union and other European aviation organisations are for the first time calling on the International Civil Aviation Organisation to adopt streaming in-flight data about aircraft maneuvers and pilot commands via satellites. The concept has gained currency following the crash last … [Read more...] about EU push for satellite safety info
