Afriqiyah Airways flight en route 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 smouldering debris that included a large chunk of the tail painted with the airline’s brightly coloured logo. The A330-200’s ‘black box’ voice … [Read more...] about AFICA: Over 100 killed in Afriqiyah Air A330 crash

Brazilian carrier TAM has announced new offices in Asia with a new representation office in Tokyo, Japan to be followed by one in India. These add to the existing network of offices across Asia in South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan. “Opening an office in Tokyo is part of our international expansion strategy. The Japanese market has great potential, and we will be able to offer even greater connectivity between Brazil and Japan after we officially join the Star Alliance, which is … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: TAM opens Japan, India rep offices

Boeing’s latest commercial aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner, caught up to its very early predecessor, a Boeing Model 40, in the skies over Mount Rainier south of Seattle in early May. The fully restored 1928 vintage Boeing Model 40 is the only flyable Model 40 in the world and the oldest flying Boeing aircraft of any kind. The Model 40 is notable not only as Boeing’s first production commercial airplane, but its innovation and efficiency were the deciding factor in Boeing Air … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Boeing’s Model 40 meets the 787 Dreamliner at 12,000ft

The US government is proposing to award Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines with routes to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, the Department of Transportation said Friday. Access to what has been primarily a domestic airport near downtown Tokyo is much coveted by US carriers, who for years had been limited to serving Narita Airport, which is further from the city. The four daily round trip flights are a result of a new, liberalised air treaty between the two countries in … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Delta, AA and Hawaiian likely to get Haneda slots

Boeing has announced that it will increase production rates on the Next- Generation 737 programme to 34 aircraft per month in early 2012, from the current production rate of 31.5 airplanes per month. The planned rate increase is aimed at satisfying continued strong demand for the Next-Generation 737, said Boeing. “The global economy continues to recover this year and we believe that airlines will return to profitability in 2011,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president of … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Boeing to boost 737 production rate

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, … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Boeing begins assembly of first 747-8 Intercontinenal