Boeing schedules first 777X flight for 23 January

Boeing has scheduled the 777X’s maiden sortie for 23 January, an event that will finally kick off the revamped widebody’s delayed flight-test programme and potentially keep the airframer on track to begin deliveries in early 2021. Under the manufacturer’s current schedule, the 777-9 test aircraft should depart at around 10:00 Seattle time on the 23rd, although Boeing cautions that the timing “could change due to weather and other factors”. (www.flightglobal.com) Más...

Trading halted after Boeing doesn’t expect regulators to allow the 737 MAX to fly until June

Boeing doesn’t expect regulators to sign off on the 737 Max until June or July, people familiar with the matter said Tuesday. That date is months later than the manufacturer previously expected. The delays pose another headache for carriers who have already missed one peak travel season without the planes. Shares of the aircraft manufacturer fell on the news, falling by more than 5% in the mid-afternoon before trading was halted. (www.airlive.net) Más...

Embraer considers developing a 70-seat turboprop aircraft to compete with ATR

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer considers launching a turboprop aircraft program through the new joint venture established with its North American partner Boeing. (airlinerwatch.com) Más...

Cathay Pacific Crew Demand Right To Wear Masks Amid Coronavirus Fears

Cathay Pacific cabin crew members are asking their employer for the right to wear masks in fear of contracting the new fast-spreading Coronavirus. (simpleflying.com) Más...

Ryanair Boeing 737 Returns To Bucharest With Cabin Full Of Smoke

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 had to return to its departure airport earlier today as the cabin was filled with smoke. (simpleflying.com) Más...

Boeing plans 737 MAX aircraft return to service in mid-2020

The Boeing Company informed customers and suppliers on Tuesday that they are currently estimating that the ungrounding of the 737 MAX will begin during mid-2020. (dcnewsroom.blogspot.com) Más...

Airbus Conducts Successful Tests in Pilotless Flights

The future is here! After decades of autonomous airplanes being nothing but talk, Airbus has confirmed a test aircraft took off automatically at Toulouse-Blagnac airport in France last December, along with a series of successful tests on autopilot. (www.msn.com) Más...

Latest 737 MAX delay prompts big buyer flydubai to consider leasing options

The second largest airline with 737-MAX orders considers leasing (www.reuters.com) Más...

Boeing's safety vs. cost-control culture may be what sent a fatal aircraft into the skies

Internal fight goes back to amalgamation with McDonnell Douglas, engineer says (www.cbc.ca) Más...

Boeing seeks to borrow $10 billion or more as 737 Max crisis wears on

Boeing Co (BA.N) is in talks with banks about borrowing $10 billion (£7.7 billion) or more amid rising costs after the two fatal 737 Max crashes, CNBC reported on Monday citing people familiar with the matter. (www.cnbc.com) Más...

French Bee Could Become The Most Efficient Long Haul Carrier

French Bee, a small but unique airline, is set to become the world’s most efficient long haul carrier. (simpleflying.com) Más...

Airbus adds new A321 production capabilities in France to meet strong demand

European planemaker Airbus (AIR.PA) said on Tuesday that it had decided to create new A321 production capacity at its French site in Toulouse, in order to cope with strong demand. (uk.reuters.com) Más...

Panel Clears 737 MAX’s Safety-Approval Process at FAA

A federal advisory panel evaluating the safety-approval process for Boeing Co.’s 737 MAX concluded regulators adhered to policies in certifying the plane and determined it wouldn’t have been safer if it had received the scrutiny of an all-new aircraft. Lee Moak, co-chair of the independent committee set up last year, declined to identify mistakes made during certification of the now-grounded jets, instead describing current procedures as “appropriate and effective.” (www.google.com) Más...

SAA vows to re-accommodate passengers as it cancels flights to save cash

South African Airways confirmed on Tuesday that it was in the process of cancelling and consolidating selected local and international flights, in part to save cash. It has vowed to re-accommodate local and international fliers. (www.fin24.com) Más...

Zurich Airport prepares for Air Force One and President Trump, who will visit Davos, Switzerland

The arrival of Air Force One carrying President Trump will not go unnoticed at Zurich Airport, tomorrow 21 January. President Trump will visit the yearly World Economic Forum in Davos, located in the Eastern Alps region of Switzerland. (www.aviation24.be) Más...