The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has given its formal approval to the planned Delta Air Lines-Virgin Blue joint venture, citing that it will have competition benefits for the travelling public. “The ACCC considers that the joint venture is likely to assist Virgin and Delta to compete more effectively against the incumbents on the
Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut has chosen Pratt & Whitney’s PW1000G geared turbofan engine to power its proposed 150 seat MS-21 commercial airliner, joining the Bombardier CSeries and Mistubishi MRJ which have also selected the PW1000G. P&W is understood to have been in competition with CFM International’s LEAP-X to provide the engine for the MS-21, which
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an airworthiness directive for operators of Airbus aircraft fitted with Hamilton Sundstrand ram air turbines (RATs) to inspect and replace faulty parts. The AD came after the manufacturer reported a failure during wind tunnel testing of a balance weight fastening screw on the turbine. Investigations by Hamilton
Boeing announced on December 9 that it has commenced final gauntlet testing on the first 787 (MSN ZA001), raising the prospect that the aircraft may be ready to make its first flight earlier than expected. The gauntlet tests simulate operating the aircraft’s systems in flight, and are conducted in two blocks. The first block includes
Jetstar has announced that it plans to add four new aircraft and 77 new weekly services to its domestic schedule during 2010 as it continues its fight with the rapidly expanding Tiger Airways. The airline is planning major increases in frequency on a number of routes, predominately form Melbourne and Sydney to destinations including Cairns,
The first Israeli Aerospace Industries Heron Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV is scheduled to be delivered to the RAAF on December 10 under Project Nankeen. The aircraft will wear the A45-262 designation, and will be the first of an unspecified number of Herons operated on a lease arrangement from Canadian firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
