Plane maker Airbus has launched a study into flight data recovery, including – but not limited to – extended data transmission for commercial aircraft, so that in the event of an accident, critical flight information can be recovered and released to the investigating authorities. The move comes in the wake of two recent crashes involving Airbus aircraft, including the Air France A330 which plunged into the Atlantic Ocean killing all on board. The cause of that accident … [Read more...] about Airbus study to improve flight data recovery
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EUROPE & CIS: Virgin Atlantic orders 10 new A330-300s
British based Virgin Atlantic Airways, has signed a firm contract to buy six Airbus A330-300 long-range aircraft, and is leasing a further four from AerCap. To date, Virgin operates six A340-300s and 19 A340-600 aircraft. Virgin is also a customer for six A380s. … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Virgin Atlantic orders 10 new A330-300s
EUROPE & CIS: Paris show ends more upbeat for Airbus than Boeing
Airbus’ chief salesman, John Leahy departed this year’s Paris Air Show slightly more upbeat than he was before about the industry’s outlook and certainly more upbeat than his counterpart at Boeing at the annual event. Boeing managed to bag only one order – a US$153 million deal with MC Aviation Partners, a leasing subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, for two 737-800 narrow bodies. Airbus, on the other hand, walked away from the … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Paris show ends more upbeat for Airbus than Boeing
MIDDLE EAST: Qatar threatens Boeing cancellations
Qatar Airways is said to be considering plans to cancel the entirety of its Boeing order owing to repeated 787 delays, according to a Dow Jones report. It has orders for 60 787s including options and 24 777s including freighters and options. “The writing is in the wall for Boeing and they don’t care. They’re too busy having lunches and dinners,†CEO Akbar Al Baker said. “Boeing doesn’t realise how much they’re hurting their … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Qatar threatens Boeing cancellations
MALAYSIA: AirAsia X orders 10 Airbus A350 XWB
AirAsia X, the long haul low cost affiliate of Malaysia’s AirAsia Group, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 10 A350-900 XWB aircraft. The airline will use the aircraft on a network linking its Asian hub in Kuala Lumpur with destinations worldwide, especially in Europe and Australia. “Business is all about timing and long-term strategy,†said Tony Fernandes, director and founder of AirAsia X. “At AirAsia we have always planned for the long-term. By buying the … [Read more...] about MALAYSIA: AirAsia X orders 10 Airbus A350 XWB
VIETNAM: Vietnam Airlines ups its Airbus orders
Vietnam Airlines announced at the Paris Air Show that it has placed a firm order with Airbus for 16 more single aisle A321s and signed a Memorandum of Understanding for two additional A350-900 XWBs. The latest A321 contract increases the total number of orders placed by Vietnam Airlines for the type to 41, of which 14 have alreadybeen delivered. … [Read more...] about VIETNAM: Vietnam Airlines ups its Airbus orders