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
Airbus
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
Airbus/Boeing upbeat on India potential
Boeing and Airbus remain upbeat over India’s aviation growth potential, with Airbus upping its 20-year global market forecast for the country, saying India will need 1,032 new aircraft worth US$138 billion by 2028. Airbus’ last forecast released two years back had said that the country would need 992 aircraft worth $105 billion over the same period. Boeing’s current market outlook (2009-2028) for India is only slightly less optimistic with the US carrier … [Read more...] about Airbus/Boeing upbeat on India potential
Airbus’ A330-200 Freighter makes maiden flight
Airbus’ new A330-200 Freighter took to the skies Thursday during a four hour maiden flight over Toulouse. This milestone marks the start of a 180 hour flight-test and certification campaign, and paves the way for first delivery of the type to launch operator, Etihad Crystal Cargo, in the summer of 2010, Airbus said. India’s Flyington Freighters start-upwas to originally have been the launch customer but exchanged slots due to the global recession. The aircraft has already … [Read more...] about Airbus’ A330-200 Freighter makes maiden flight
Air NZ places order for 14 A320s
Air New Zealand said Tuesday that it will consolidate its short-range fleet around Airbus aircraft saying it will buy 14 new Airbus A320 aircraft to replace its current domestic fleet of 15 Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Air New Zealand's general manager for short haul operations, Bruce Parton, told Dow Jones the decision was motivated by technical factors, such as the width and cargo system of Airbus aircraft, as well as price. The first A320 will arrive in January 2011, Air New Zealand said, with … [Read more...] about Air NZ places order for 14 A320s
MNG ups its order for A330 freighters
MNG Airlines, the largest Turkish all-cargo operator, has placed a follow-on order with Airbus for two more A330-200Fs to support its expanding cargo operations. These aircraft are in addition to the two firm orders for the A330-200F which the carrier placed in 2007, bringing its total orders for the type now to four aircraft. According to Airbus, the A330F programme is on track with the first A330-200 Freighter now assembled and others nearing completion. First flight is anticipated later this … [Read more...] about MNG ups its order for A330 freighters
