Airbus has started assembly of its first A350 XWB static test airframe at its facility in Toulouse, France. Assembly of the first flying A350 is scheduled to get underway by mid-year. Assembly of the static test airframe, which will be used for structural tests as part of the certification process, began with the joining of
Boeing’s update of its 777 twin-engine widebody could bring to market an “entirely new category” of aircraft sitting between the largest of Airbus’s upcoming A350s and Boeing’s own 747-8 jumbo jet, according to a report by AirInsight, an aerospace analysis website. Boeing is currently developing new versions of its popular 777 jetliners, which are expected
The GA8 Airvan has set a new record as the most produced Australian-made civil type certificated aircraft, manufacturer GippsAERO says. The 175th Airvan recently rolled off the assembly line at GippsAERO’s facility in Morwell, Victoria, breaking a record previously held by the N24 Nomad. The first production GA8 was delivered to Fraser Island Air in
Lockheed Martin has delivered the 4500th F-16 Fighting Falcon, a Block 52 aircraft destined for Morocco. In production since 1975, the F-16 has been selected as a front-line fighter by 26 countries. Lockheed currently has 70 unfilled F-16 orders that will keep its Fort Worth, Texas production line open until at least 2016. That includes
Diamond Aircraft has announced the successful first flight of its carbon composite built, twin-engine DA52. Diamond said its new flagship seven-seater reached an altitude of 12,000ft in less than nine minutes and a cruising speed of 190kt during the hour long flight. Diamond chairman Christian Dries called the aircraft “the best prototype aircraft I have
Virgin Australia has created a separate business division for its Velocity Frequent Flyer program and has appointed former Qantas executive Neil Thompson as CEO of the new branch. Virgin said the move reflected its increasing focus on its frequent flyer program. “The Velocity Frequent Flyer program is critical to Virgin Australia’s goal of becoming the
