Middle East Airlines

Kaplanian Report – November 2020
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Kaplanian Report – November 2020

On The Boeing Front

Boeing’s Latest ecoDemonstrator Targets Noise, Airspace Routing

The drive for environmental sustain ability comes in many forms and from all sectors of the aviation industry. Boeing’s completion in early September of its latest ecoDemonstrator flight trials centering on noise, airspace routing efficiency, and cabin disinfection certainly applies to business jets as much as airliners.

Performed over about a week of flying twice a day from a former U.S. Air Force base in Glasgow, Montana, and during individual positioning flights between Seattle’s Boeing Field and the company’s Dreamliner assembly plant in Charleston, South Carolina, the tests evaluated the effectiveness of noise-mitigating fairings attached to the 787-10’s Safran Landing gear. Further noise testing involved the use of 200 microphones attached to the left side of the aircraft’s fuselage and 1,000 more listening devices on the ground in Montana.

Addressing both environmental efficiency and safety, the testing also demonstrated a system meant to more accurately guide flights around hazards such as storms, allowing pilots to better plan their routes and more quickly arrive at their destinations.

Separately, engineers tested a new hand-held wand to kill germs on surfaces within the cabin such as Covid-19. Using 222-nanometer ultraviolet light, the wand disinfected the 787 flight deck in unless than 15 minutes.

The Etihad 787-10 was the seventh test platform used since the start of the ecoDemonstrator program in 2012. Over the eight year program, Boeing has managed to apply several of the tested items to production airplanes. One of the earliest studies, in 2012, resulted in Advanced Technology winglet that now appears on the 737 Max.

On the 777X, Boeing has incorporated touchscreen displays first tested in 2014 and in 2016 signed a contract with Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace) to supply the devices of all flight deck displays.

Source: Boeing

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

 Higher-Weight A330-900 Secures EASA Certification

Airbus’s higher-weight A330-900 has obtained certification from the European airworthiness authority, enabling operators to take advantage of greater range.

The aircraft, the larger variant of the A330neo family, has a maximum take-off weight of 251t. The French carrier Corsair will be the first carrier to introduce the new version. Airbus commenced flight-testing of the higher-weight version at the end of February this year, using MSN1967.

The aircraft has undergone modifications, including strengthening the landing gear and structural reinforcements, which Airbus describes as “weight-neutral” adding that it retains 99% spares commonality.

“Modifications to the nose-and main landing-gear has also enabled Airbus engineers to extend their time-before-overhaul,” stretching the interval from 10 to 12 years.

Airbus intends to obtain similar 251t certification next year for the smaller A330-800.

Source: Airbus

Last Ever Airbus A380 Rolled Out From the Factory In Toulouse 

On September 25th, the last ever Airbus A380 rolled out of the Airbus Toulouse assembly plant. Since the A380 first delivery to Singapore Airlines in 2007, more than 240 A380s have rolled of the line. 

Initial assembly of the final A380, serial number 272, has been completed with manufacturing station 40 out of work. It’s now off to station 30, where the engines will be installed and tests are carried out on electrical and hydraulic systems.

After engine tests are performed, the aircraft will make its first flight test to Hamburg, Germany, where the cabin will be installed, fitted out and the plane painted in the customer’s livery: Emirates Airlines.

The Airbus 380 was developed at a cost of $25 billion and, with a capacity of up to 853 passengers, it’s the largest gas produced civil airliner in history. 

Airbus overestimated airlines’ appetite for the aircraft. By the time the 2019 announcement, it had delivered just 234 of the aircraft—less than a quarter of the 1,200 it had predicted when the A380 was introduced.

Source: Airbus/Picture Airbus       

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

    King Air 360/360ER Awarded FAA Type Certification

Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER has been awarded FAA type certification, a little more than a month after the upgraded twin-turboprop was announced.

The upgraded airplane features the Innovative Solutions & Support(IS&S) ThrustSense auto throttle, which allows pilots to automatically manage engine power from takeoff roll through climb, cruise, descent, and go-around phases of flight. Also new to King Air cockpit is digital pressurization controller that automatically schedules cabin pressurization during climb and descent and gauges of which have been integrated into the airplane’s Collin Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck.

Cabin altitude has been improved by 10 percent over its predecessor 350i, providing an altitude of 5,960 feet at a typical cruising altitude of 27,000 feet.

Source: Textron Aviation/Textron Aviation Picture 

                    Jetfly Takes Delivery of First PC-12NGX 

European fractional ownership company Jetfly Aviation has taken delivery of the first Pilatus PC-12NGX along with its fifth PC-24 aircraft. 

Unveiled in 2019, the PC-12 NGX is equipped with an updated Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP engine, which includes a full digital engine control, marking a first for business turboprops. In addition, the aircraft includes a fully integrated auto throttle option and features a new passenger cabin that draws from the PC-24 twinjet.

The Jetfly Group, which includes Fly 7 Aviation, currently operates 47 Pilatus aircraft.  Delivery of the fifth PC-24 comes within two years of Jetfly’s first. The company’s fractional program has attracted 50 owners to the Swiss twinjet. Jetfly plans to take delivery of its sixth PC-24 by the end of this year.

Source: Pilatus Aircraft/Jetfly Aviation Picture                                                                 

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

 GE9X Engine for the Boeing 777X Gets FAA Certification 

On September 28, the Federal Aviation Administration has certificated GE Aviation’s 105,000lb-thrust (467kN) GE9X turbofans milestone; coming as Boeing continues working toward achieving certification for its GE9X-powered 777-9. 

GE completed the GE90X certification program using eight test engines that logged nearly 5,000h of operation and 8,000 cycles. 

John Slattery, president and CEO of GE Aviation, said: “It takes the world’s best talent in jet propulsion to create a game-changing product like the GE9x engine. There is no substitute that can achieve the combination of size, power and fuel efficiency of theGE9X. This engine will deliver unsurpassed value and reliability to our airline customers.”  

“GE’s focus remains working with Boeing to complete the 777X flight-test program and entry into service,” GE says. ”Eight GE9X test engines and two test spares have been delivered to Seattle for Boeing’s four 777X test airplanes.”

GE continues working to achieve FAA GE9X”extended operations”(ETOPS) approval – an effort expected to involve 3,000 GE9X ground -test cycles. The Company is also “conducting maturation testing to help GE engineers prepare to support the engine in service”, it adds.

GE Aviation in 2021 will kick off a GE90X test program intended to validate the power plant’s durability when operating in sandy, dusty conditions.

The tests will let GE evaluate the 105,000lb-thrust (467kN) GE9X’s design and technologies intended to help the power plant tolerate such extreme operations.

“One of our biggest focus points has been a sand infection,” says GE90X program leader Karl Sheldon.” The test next year is where we purposefully allow the engine to ingest sand.”

“The intent of the test is to validate the technology that we put in therein a full-up operating condition” Sheldon adds.  

Source: GE Aviation/picture GE Aviation

Extra Facility Opened For Planes Grounded By Covid-19

An aircraft storage facility in Central Australia is now so full that its owners have had to seek out more space.

Many carriers haven’t had enough passengers to justify flying during the pandemic, and have opted to store their planes.

Asia Pacific Airline Storage is storing 94 planes at Alice Springs, and will store more in Southeast Queensland (APAS).

APAS has additional sixteen slots on site, but they are already booked with existing customers. The site has become a local landmark in the remote town of about 25,000 people.

The Company has plans to expand the facility from its current 110 slots to accommodate 160-200 aircraft. Until the expansion is ready, APAS needs to find extra space elsewhere. Desert conditions are widely regarded by manufacturers and airlines as preferable for storing planes because it is easier to protect against corrosion in dry weather.

APAS now has 70 employees ensuring the planes are properly looked after until the airlines need them again. The Facility is not an airline “boneyard” where old planes are stripped for reusable parts; but suggested that they might become part of the business if the industry continues to face headwinds.

The IATA estimates that it will be at least 2024 before air traffic reaches pre-pandemic levels.

Source: BBC/APAS/PictureAPAS

                CMA CGM to Take Stake In French Airline Parent 

Shipping transport and Logistics group CMA CGM has signed a memorandum of understanding to take a 30% stake in Groupe Dubreuil Aero, shareholder of carrier Air Caraibes and French Bee. 

The move is aimed at further developing activity in the airfreight market, building on co-operation struck during the coronavirus crisis, plus providing fresh equity for the french airline operator.

Air Caraibes took delivery of its first A350-1000 in December, and already operates three A350-900s.

CMA CGM chef executive Rodolphe Saade says: “The acquisition of this stake will enable the CMA CGM Group to strengthen its position in airfreight. We will bring to Groupe Dubreuil Aero all our expertise in the transport of goods in ultra-marine territories.”

The carriers operate a combined fleet of 17 aircraft, including six Airbus A330 and eight A350 widebodies. They handled 2.15 million passengers in 2019, roughly a third go Groupe Dubreuil revenues.

Source: Groupe Dubreuil/Picture Air Caraïbes

                          Atlas Air Trains Air Force One Pilots 

Atlas Air operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 Freighters flying to 90 countries, it is a leading provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services.

On the first week of October confirmed that the United States Air Force has exercised its option to continue its pilot and flight engineer training contract for Air Force One with Atlas Air Inc.

Atlas Air has been training Air Force One Pilots and engineers since October 2007 and under this new extension, crews for the Air Force’s VC-25, which is a highly modified version of the Boeing 747-200, will receive ground and flight-simulator training at Atlas Air’s training center in Miami, Florida. 

“ Air Force One”, the designated call sign of the aircraft when the President is on board, consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B aircraft.

“We are honored to provide this vital training to the pilots and crews of Air Force One and the presidential Airlift Group. Their exacting demands for safety, professionalism, efficiency and security make this contract extremely meaningful, and a testament to the training provided by our highly experienced instructors,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. 

“ This contract extension is the result of our team’s unwavering commitment to  safe and efficient operations.”

Source: Atlas Air Worldwide/Picture Air Force One Arriving in the UK  

Little Humor During this Pandemic

After every flight, UPS pilots fill out a form, called a “gripe sheet” which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS pilots (“P”) and solutions recorded (“S”) by maintenance engineers:

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement. S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough. S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit
S: Something tightened in cockpit

P: Dead bugs on windshield. S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear. S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick. S: That’s what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield. S: Suspect you’re right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to: straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit. S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget

LATEST NEWS

  • European Union Safety Agency(EASA) will this month publish a draft airworthiness directive(AD) which should enable the Boeing 737 Max to return to service in the bloc before the the end of the year.
  • Australia’s Regional Express(Rex)has signed letters of intent with two lessors to lease 737-800s thus entering the jet business.
  • Uganda Airlines Airbus has rolled out the first A330-800 for Uganda Airlines following completion of the twinset’s livery painting.

  • Middle East Airlines(MEA) has taken delivery of its third A321neo with a distinctive manufacturer serial number, 10,000.
  • Alaska Airlines will retire 10 of the Airbus A320 aircraft it owns earlier than intended, accelerating its cost-saving transition to the all Boeing fleet structure it operated before acquiring Virgin America.

  • Icelandair is to sell three of its Boeing 757-200s, which will be converted into freighters following the transaction.
  • American Airlines has added its Airbus A330-200s to the list of aircraft types it now plans to permanently retire due to demand erosion from the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Cathay Pacific has given an indication of the timeline surrounding deferrals of its 777-9 aircraft, confirming that the wide bodies will only be delivered “beyond 2025”.
  • Air Lease boss stands by plan to keep Max orders John Plueger Said: Boeing’s 737 Max is “going to have a role” in meeting airlines’ future narrowbody needs & lessors ”can be helpful” in ensuring the airframer is able to place the aircraft once it is cleared to fly again.
  • Ethiopian Airlines recently launched their 40th humanitarian delivery flight when it delivery of the airline’s 787-9 delivery on October 2nd.

Source: Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Rex Airlines, Airbus, Flightglobal

AIR CARGO

321 Precision Conversions Complete First Flight of A321 Converted Freighter

Oregon company 321 Precision Conversions has completed first flight of its Airbus A321-200PCF. freighter.

The type is a former passenger A321 converted to a freighter capable of carrying 27t of payload.

Precision Conversions is working toward receiving a supplemental type certificate for the type from the Federal Aviation Administration, and certifications from European and Chinese regulators.

“This milestone flight was nominal in all respects, with primary and secondary systems- including the cargo door and support sub-systems- functioning perfectly as designed,” says Precision Conversions President Gary Warner.

Precision Conversions is a joint venture between aircraft modification specialist Precision Aircraft Solutions, also based in Oregon, and air freight company Air Transport Services Group, based in Ohio.

The A321-PCF conversion includes addition of a hydraulically operated main-deck cargo door and main-deck cargo loading system.The type has a reinforced floor and plugged windows.

The Conversion allows the A321 to carry up to 14 containers measuring (88x125in) on the main dockhand 10 smaller containers on its lower deck.

Precision Conversions has said the jet’s capacity will be similar to that of Boeing 757-200Fs, with costs comparable to 737Fs.

Wet-Lease and charter specialist SmartLynx’s Maltese division is to lease a pair of the A321s which have been converted to freighters.

Source: 321Precision Conversions

 OTHER NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Factors at Play as 737 Max Closes in on Operational Return

The signs are that after the many hurdles that had to be overcome and several false dawns for its revival; the Boeing 737 Max should finally return to the skies before the end of 2020. But the recertification will be just the start of a new set of challenges for Boeing, its customers, and the wider industry. 

There are myriad issues that will come into play as the program is revived more than 20 months since its grounding; including some linked to the airline trading conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. There are questions around areas; such as the pace of the Max fleet restoration (among the installed fleet and hundreds of built but undelivered airframes); operators’ appetite to add Max and crew-training capacity; the potential displacement effect on other fleets: and the alignment of regulatory approvals worldwide.

But the crucial parameter is beyond the industry’s control: the acceptance by the traveling public to fly on the aircraft. While the narrative on the Max’s safety failings has perhaps been overtaken by Covid-19 pandemic, media attention around its re-introduction could quickly revive painful memories. As it stands, there are 385 delivered Max aircraft grounded worldwide, according to Cirium fleets data. Cirium estimates that approximately another 450 Max airframes are but and stored awaiting delivery. 

If, as is now widely expected, recertification by the FAA is imminent, that should clear the way for an almost immediate resumption of deliveries to US airlines. It is likely that the FAA’s approval will be shadowed promptly by authorities participating alongside it in the 737 Max Joint Operations Evaluation Board (JOEB): Brazil, Canada and the EU. The approval status in key Max market China is less clear; but might be expected to follow within months of the FAA’s decision.

If US Max clearance does come soon, then Ascend by Cirium estimates that 2020 deliveries could just reach double figures. As Boeing works to clear the backlog of built aircraft, along with integrating deliveries from Renton assembly line, we project annual shipments reaching 430 in 2021 and 480 in 2022. Before declining below 400 over the following two years. Assuming deliveries are a mix of stored and new-build airframes, we estimate that backlog of parked aircraft will be cleared by the first quarter of 2023. The delivery rate would then fall slightly to approximately 390 at a monthly rate of 31 aircraft.

There will be several drivers determining the pace of return to service of the 385 aircraft grounded in March 2019. Once approval is received within each operator’s jurisdiction, every aircraft will have to undergo post-storage checks and testing. From a demand-side prospective, airlines will look at their fleet-planning strategy amid the downturn and training availability required for flight crews.

Source: Flightglobal                      

 Researched and Compiled by : 

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor  

Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian  

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The Kaplanian Report – January 2019

On the Boeing Front

                        GE Begins Second Round of GE9X Flight Testing                                  

GE Aviation’s GE9X turbofan returned to the skies on December 10, kicking off a second round of airborne testing during which the engine maker will evaluate the power plant’s software and performance in hot-and-high conditions.

The latest round of testing will involve roughly 18 flight of GE’s flying Boeing 747-400 testbed, which will carry the massive GE9X turbofan under its wing, GE says.

The 105,000 lb thrust (467kN) GE9X will power Boeing’s 777-9s and 777-8s.

GE9X flight tests will stretch into the first quarter of this year, bringing GE closer to achieving its goal of receiving certification of the engine by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to the Ohio-based engine maker.

“During the second round of testing, GE will continue software development testing that began in the first round, perform hot-and-high starts and fill in remaining gaps from the first round of testing,” says GE.  “Tests that remain include blade out, hailstone, bird ingestion and block or insurance testing,” GE Says.

The GE9X-105B variant of the engine will power the 777-9, which Boeing expects will achieve first flight this year and enter service in 2020.

GE aviation acquired its 747-400 flying testbed from Japan Airlines, then modified and strengthened the aircraft’s wing and strut to accommodate test engines, it says.

Source : GE Aviation/Picture GE Aviation

                      

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

          Airbus Strategy Review Augurs Clean Break Under New CEO

Airbus has launched a strategic review to outline changes under the incoming chief executive, Guillaume Faury, as it faces industrial challenges and prepares to overdue modernization, industry sources said.

The “Airbus Next Chapter” review involves a team of planners working outside the normal strategy organization in pursuit of a break from years of industrial problems, management feuds and ongoing bribery scandal.

It is being led by investor relations chief Julie Kitcher, in what one insider described as a signal to financial markets that profits will be embedded in strategy’s as the one state sponsored European project marks its 50th anniversary.

Planemaking boss Faury, who becomes CEO when Tom Enders retires in April, ”wants to go fast and introduce a new state of mind: he wants to turn the page on the past”, a person familiar with the company said.

Founded in 1969, Airbus has risen to compete on par with Boeing and is one of Europe’s leading exporters. The review may address how Airbus can meet demand by sharply ramping up production of its jets like its A320. One previous taboo that may come for discussion is a fragmented production system securing jobs in The UK, France, Germany and Spain.

The A320 is the lifeblood of Europe’s largest aerospace group, described by operations chief Tom Williams, who retired in late 2018, as the “golden goose.”

Executives are warning Airbus must not find itself lacking in proven technology for the A320’s successor after 2030, as it had been in wide-bodies when Boeing launched the 787.

For now, Airbus is winning a bigger slice of the market on the A320 but some analysts say it has fallen behind Boeing in manufacturing techniques-a gap that could grow if Boeing launches a mid-market jet with a new factory system.

Source : Tim Hepher, Reuters

     

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

      Boeing Business Jets Launches Longest-Range Jet with BBJ 777X

Boeing Business Jets is confident that its newly launched BBJ 777X will deliver significant sales in the Middle East, justifying the unveiling of the VVIP airliner at the Middle East Business Aviation Association(MEBAA).

“Our most exclusive customers want to travel with best space and comfort, and fly directly to their destination,” says Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets.  The BBJ 777x will be able to do this like no other airplane before it, redefining ultra-long-range VIP travel.”

He says the company has been touting the aircraft to customers ahead of its formal launch at MEBBA and has received positive feedback.

“The Middle East traditionally accounts for over 52% of our wide body BBJ sales and there is no reason why the breakdown won’t apply on the 777X, ”Laxton adds.

Like the commercial aircraft on which it is based, the BBJ 777X will be available in -8 and -9 variants and becomes the fourth current production wide body in the BBJ range, joining the 787-8/9,747-8 and 777-200 LR/300ER.

BBJ also announced a new order at MEBAA for a BBJ Max, bringing to 21 the total orders for the business jet version of the re-engined narrow body family: 14 Max 8s, three Max 9s and four Max 7s.

Source : Flightglobal/Boeing Business Jets

                                                                       

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

           Boeing Delivers the 787th 787-9 to AerCap and China Southern

On December 13, 2018, Boeing delivered the 787th 787 Dreamliner to come off the production line, marking a special milestone for the super-efficient airplane family and the fastest-selling twin-aisle jet in history.

Since its first delivery in September, 2011, the 787 family has flown nearly 300 million passengers on more than 1.5 million flights around the world, including more than 210 new nonstop routes made possible by the airplane’s superior fuel efficiency and range.

The airplane was delivered to AerCap, the world’s largest lessor and 787 customer. Sporting a special logo commemorating the production milestone, the airplane will be leased and operated by China Southern, which continues to expand its long-haul fleet of 787 Dreamliners, including 10 787-8s and eight 787-9s.

China Southern Airlines first ordered 10 787-8 Dreamliners in 2005 and further increased its capability on long-haul routes when they placed an order for 787-9s in 2016.

Source : World Airline News/Boeing/Boeing Picture

                    Boeing Delivers First China-Completed 737 Max

On December 15, 2018 Boeing marked a key milestone in its relationship with China’s aviation industry, delivering the first aircraft from its 737 completion and delivery center in Zhoushan.

The hand-over, undertaken in conjunction with joint-venture partner Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), involved a 737 Max 8 for Air China, registration B-1178. The aircraft was built on Boeing’s 737 assembly line in Renton, Washington, but completion was undertaken at the Chinese facility in Zhoushan.

The milestone comes 20 months after construction began at the 100-acre site, says Boeing, which is its first such facility outside the USA. It was built in partnership with the Zhejiang Provincial and Zhoushan Municipal Governments and will become fully operational in phases as capacity increases, adds Boeing.

“This moment signifies our growing partnership with China that stretches back over nearly half a century,” says Kevin McAllister, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Source : Flightglobal/Boeing/Boeing Picture

                         Boeing 767 Era Ends at British Airways                                                         

On November 25th, 2018 British Airways flew its final Boeing 767 passenger flight revenue flight as it retires the type after almost three decades of service.

BA was the last customer for the Rolls-Royce RB211-powered version of Boeing’s wide body twin. This proved a relatively unpopular option, with just 31 delivered-28 to British Airways(BA) and three to China’s Yunnan Airlines.

The 767 was selected by BA in 1987 over Airbus’s pitch-A300-600R. BA said at the time of selection that, before deciding on the Boeing 767, it had “conducted a most careful study of the closely comparable Airbus A300”,but the final decision was based upon the 767’s commonalities with the 757 ( common type rating),and the availability of the RB211.

The first 767-300ER arrived in February 1990, and the twinge proved very agile throughout its 28 years, operating across its short-haul network as well as further afield to destinations in North America, the Caribbean, and Africa and the Middle East.

The last commercial flight took place on aircraft registration G-BZHA between Larnaca, Cyprus and London Heathrow. It first flew in 1998 and flew an estimated 23 million miles. It has visited Larnaca 900 times in its life, but its most popular route is actually to Athens, where it completed 1275 round trips. According to British Airways, its estimated that this specific aircraft has carried around 4 million customers across nearly 23,000 flights.

Source : British Airways/Photo Boeing

                 

LATEST NEWS

  • Air Kiribati Embraer signed a contract with the Government of Kiribati in partnership with their national airline, Air Kiribati, for two firm orders for the E190-E2 E-Jets and two purchase rights for the same model.                                                                                            
  • Bombardier has delivered the third and final Challenger 650 to Swiss rescue and medical services provider Rega. From a 2015 order for the large-cabin business jet.         
  • Azul firmed up an order for 21 Embraer E-195-E2s previously announced at the Farnborough air show in July 2018.                                                                                           
  • Flydeal Boeing and Flydeal announced on December the Middle East carrier is growing its fleet with 737 MAX aircraft, the airline committed to ordering 30 aircraft with options for 20 more.
  • Green Africa Airways Nigerian start-up carrier Green Africa Airways has committed to acquiring up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets                                                                                                                                                                  
  • Easter Jet has become the first South Korean carrier to take delivery of a Boeing 737 Max 8. It is one of two that the leisure carrier is taking through VEB-Leasing, which will join its fleet of 19 737-800s.
  • Nordic Aviation Capital will lease seven new Embraer E190s to Air France regional subsidiary HOP!
  • Airbus delivered 89 aircraft (two A220s; 71 A320s; three A330s; 11 A350s; two A380s) in November 2018 vs 74 in November 2017.
  • Air Europa will begin phasing out its Embraer E195 aircraft in 2021 as part of a strategy to transition to an all-Boeing fleet in 2023.
  • Subaru Aerospace Company has moved up the value chain with its center wing-box work for the Boeing 777X, as it seeks to further improve efficiency and manage costs.
  • Middle East Airlines of Lebanon announced has announced plans to purchase four Airbus A330-900neos, with options on a further two.                                                                  

AIR CARGO

              Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Celebrates Liege Anniversary                                  

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Logistics Services has celebrated 10 years of cooperation with Belgian airfreight hub Liege. The anniversary was celebrated at the recent 2nd Africa Aviation summit, which was held in Nairobi, Kenya in late November 2018 at the Liege Airport.

The next summit, in 2020, is to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will be hosted by Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Logistic Services and Liege Airport.

Fitsum Abady, general manager Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Logistics Services, said in Nairobi that the carrier’s choice of Liege in 2008 as its European hub has proved to be a wise choice.  The freight carrier has grown rapidly over the last decade: its freighter fleet has evolved from two leased MD11s to an inventory of eight brand-new Boeing 777 freighters—with more to come.

Ethiopian Cargo played a role in the creation of Liege Airport Cargo North as a gateway for flowers and other perishables, and is seen as an important partner for the future by Belgian gateway.

Source : aircargonews/Ethiopian Photo                                                                                                 

                        White-glove Service for Red-Carpet Event                                                

The Standard limousine wasn’t good enough to chauffeur government officials and corporate executives for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November of last year in Papua New Guinea.

Kuwait-based Agility Logistics chartered two Boeing 747-8 freighters operated by Air Bridge Cargo, to fly 40 Maserati Quattroportes from Milan, Italy, about 8,500 miles to the event.

The Quattroportes were jacketed in protective covers as part of the white-glove treatment.

Source : Automotive News/Picture Air Bridge Cargo

 

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul News

             Cold-Soak Software Fix Expanded to Leap-1B Engines                                               

European And US regulators have expanded a software-upgrade mandate to CFM International Leap-1B engines that ensures Boeing 737 Max-powered aircraft will not experience engine-fan-speed issues caused by extremely cold weather.

The European Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. FAA mandates, issued

November 27 and December 11, 2018 respectively, mirror earlier requirements that covered Leap-1A engines that power A320neos. The latest directives require 737 Max-family operatives to upgrade full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and prognostic health monitoring (PHM) software within 60 days of their respective effective dates. The Boeing fleet upgrades were recommended in a CFM service bulletin issued October 24, 2018.

The Issue stems from engines cold-soaking after sitting at least six hours in temperatures well below freezing. Frontier Airlines reported six incidents when Airbus A320neo-family aircraft departing on their first flights of the day were forced to return to their gates when engines would not reach the required takeoff fan speed. In each case, water and ice was discovered in engine pressure-sensor lines affecting the sensor’s accuracy.

“While we have not received any reports of aborted takeoffs with the CFM Leap-1B model engine, the unsafe condition is likely to exist because of similarities in design and instances of ice and moisture found in the pressure sense subsystem lines,” FAA said.

Source : pro-network.com

 

Sources on Latest News: Airbus,World Airline News, Flightglobal ,Air Europa, Middle East Airlines & Bombardier.                

  • Sources of Header Pictures : Boeing Archives, Airbus & Embraer

 

 

 

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian