Recent Articles
Boeing: Safety First, But at a Cost
Boeing prioritizes safety over speed in 737 MAX production, leading to delivery delays. Delays impact airlines, suppliers, and employees, with Southwest facing significant challenges. Industry awaits results from Boeing's action plan to address safety concerns and production issues. Safety Over Speed: Boeing Slows Production Following a mid-air incident involving a faulty door panel on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January, the company has shifted its production focus towards safety. This has resulted in a significant slowdown in the delivery of n…
Aviation Capital Group Expands its Boeing 737 MAX Fleet
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has finalized an order for 35 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The order includes a mix of 737-8 and 737-10 variants, bringing ACG's total 737 MAX commitment to 82 aircraft. ACG, a subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corp, specializes in aircraft leasing and financing. ACG Doubles Down on Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft lessor Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has solidified its commitment to the Boeing 737 MAX by finalizing an order for 35 additional jets. The deal, announced Monday, includes a combination of 16 fuel-efficient 737-8 model…
Airbus Forecasts Strong Growth Driven by China and India
Airbus predicts a doubling of the global commercial aircraft fleet by 2043, with China and India as key growth drivers. The company forecasts a surge in widebody jet demand, particularly in the Americas, while single-aisle jets will dominate other regions. Despite Airbus's optimistic outlook, other industry players like Lufthansa and Delta have expressed concerns about near-term challenges. Asia to Lead Aviation Growth Airbus has unveiled a bullish forecast for the aviation industry, projecting a substantial expansion of the global commerc…
Boeing 777-9 Takes Flight with FAA for Certification
Boeing has initiated flight testing of its 777-9 aircraft with FAA regulators onboard, a crucial step towards certification. The certification process comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Boeing's engineering and manufacturing capabilities following the 737 Max crisis. Despite years of delays, the 777-9 is seen as a potential lifeline for Boeing, with high customer demand and the promise of replacing older models. A Milestone for Boeing, a Test for the FAA Boeing has reached a significant milestone in its long-awaited 777-9 program by commenci…
Lufthansa Faces €500 Million Loss as Aircraft Delivery Delays Cripple Growth
Lufthansa Group suffers a €500 million annual loss due to ongoing delays in aircraft deliveries. CEO Spohr anticipates these delays to persist beyond 2030, impacting operations and growth plans. The airline juggles grounded aircraft and a need for new models to meet market demands. Delayed Deliveries Dent Lufthansa's Growth Strategy Lufthansa Group is facing a significant financial hurdle due to persistent delays in aircraft deliveries. CEO Carsten Spohr revealed during a recent press event that these delays have resulted in an estimated a…
FAA to Scrutinize Boeing's 737 MAX Production Lines in Renton After Fuselage Blowout
Key Points: The FAA has launched a thorough inspection of Boeing's 737 MAX production lines, both at the Renton factory and at Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita. Concerns about quality control arise following the mid-air incident involving a fuselage panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9. Boeing acknowledges a separate issue with around 50 fuselages supplied by Spirit AeroSystems, requiring fixes and delivery delays. FAA Deep Dives into 737 MAX Production Following the alarming incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, the FAA has deplo…
U.S. Lawmakers Seek FAA Accountability Amid Alaska 737 MAX 9 Incident
Summary: U.S. lawmakers demand transparency from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding its oversight of Boeing, particularly in the aftermath of a mid-air emergency involving a 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. The legislators, led by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair Sam Graves, inquire about the FAA's findings on potential quality issues at Boeing and question whether changes to manufacturing oversight processes are under consideration. The FAA, responding to the incident, announces a comprehensiv…
American Launches Nonstop Flight to Brisbane, Australia
Key Points: American Airlines unveils its longest nonstop flight, connecting Dallas Fort Worth to Brisbane, Australia. The 17-hour journey will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring premium cabin options. This expansion strengthens DFW's international network and taps into Australia's post-pandemic tourism boom. New Nonstop Service Connects Dallas to Brisbane American Airlines is soaring further south, adding a new route from its Dallas Fort Worth hub to Brisbane, Australia. This 7,200-mile journey marks the longest nonsto…
Allegiant Air A320 Makes Safe Return After Bird Strike Damages Engines
Key points: An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 flying from Phoenix to Des Moines encountered multiple bird strikes shortly after takeoff. Despite engine damage, the pilots safely returned the aircraft to Phoenix with no injuries reported. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of bird strikes for aviation safety. Bird Strike Damages Engines, Allegiant Air A320 Returns Safely An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 flying from Phoenix to Des Moines on January 26th experienced a tense situation when the aircraft encountered multiple bird strikes shortly a…
Boeing Aims to Clear Inventory Hurdle in 2024, Eyes China Deliveries and 787 Ramp-Up
Key points: Boeing seeks to deliver most of its remaining 200 undelivered 737 Max jets and 50 787 Dreamliners by year-end. China's recent approval of 737 Max deliveries and resolving 787 production issues boost optimism. Delivering Max 7 and 10 variants awaits FAA certification, potentially delayed by engine anti-ice system redesign. 200 Max, 50 Dreamliners: Boeing Eyes Inventory Clearance by 2024 End Boeing is accelerating its delivery pace to clear its inventory of undelivered jets, aiming to hand over most of the remaining 200 737 Max a…
Ex-Boeing Employees Warn Against Flying on 737 MAX
Summary: Former Boeing employees, including a senior manager, express reservations about flying on the 737 Max, citing safety concerns stemming from alleged production pressures and compromised quality control. Boeing's production practices face heightened scrutiny following the recent grounding of 171 Max 9 jets by the FAA after an incident involving Alaska Airlines. The Wall Street Journal reveals lapses in manufacturing, as the involved jet left the factory missing crucial bolts intended to secure the door plug to the fuselage. The cult…
One Year After Launch, Airline Marks Milestones and Targets Growth Despite Earlier Hiccups
Summary: Bonza, the Australian low-cost carrier, is celebrating its first year of operations with a strong focus on growth. The airline is planning to expand its fleet and network, aiming to launch a fourth operating base along with the addition of more aircraft and domestic routes. In 2023, Bonza carried over 750,000 passengers across its domestic network, covering 38 routes and serving 21 destinations. Notably, 84% of these routes were previously untouched by low-cost carriers, showcasing Bonza's commitment to tapping into underserved ma…
United Airlines Executive Attributes Recent Boeing Issues to Industry Experience Drain
Key Points: United Airlines' Executive Vice President Finance, Gerry Laderman, points to a widespread loss of experience in the aviation industry since the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a potential link to recent challenges faced by Boeing. Boeing withdraws a safety exemption request for its upcoming 737 MAX 7, a move reflecting the planemaker's responsiveness to concerns raised by lawmakers following a mid-air cabin incident on a 737 MAX 9. United Airlines' influential executive's comments raise questions about the future of B…
United Airlines CEO Frustrated with Boeing's Handling of MAX Grounding, Seeks Wider Industry Action
Key Points: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has privately expressed frustration with Boeing's leadership and handling of the ongoing 737 Max grounding. Kirby seeks broader industry support to pressure Boeing for leadership changes, while speaking with the US Transportation Department on the matter. The pressure builds on Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and the company's directors, facing increased scrutiny from regulators and airline partners. Mounting Frustration and Calls for Change United Airlines chief Scott Kirby has become a vocal critic…
FAA Urges Visual Inspection of Boeing 737-900ER Mid-Exit Door Plugs Amid Safety Concerns
Key Points: The FAA has recommended operators of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft to visually inspect mid-exit door plugs following concerns about their securement. This safety directive comes after the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes due to a mid-air cabin blowout involving a door plug on an Alaska Airlines jet, despite the 737-900ER not being part of the MAX fleet. Airlines conducting additional inspections on the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs have reported findings related to bolts during maintenance inspections. FAA Calls for Vigilance o…
Ticketed Passenger Breaches Security, Crawls into Plane Engine at Salt Lake City Airport
Key Points: A ticketed passenger on a Delta Air Lines flight to San Francisco gained access to the secure area of Salt Lake City airport, then entered the engine of a parked aircraft. Police searched for the man after a "disturbance" report, later locating him inside the engine while it was still rotating. Despite rescue attempts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The flight was cancelled, and the cause of death remains under investigation. Chaos on the Apron: Ticketed Passenger's Fatal Breaches at Salt Lake City Airport …
Airbus Defies Supply Chain Headwinds, Surpasses Delivery Target
Key Points: Airbus surpassed its 2023 delivery target, exceeding 730 commercial aircraft despite industry supply chain challenges. The European planemaker secured both gross and net order records, further solidifying its market position. Analysts foresee potential difficulties in 2024 due to material and parts shortages, despite a successful ramp-up in 2023. Airbus Claims Delivery Victory, Secures Order Records as 2023 Takes Flight Airbus has emerged triumphant in the fiercely competitive aviation market, exceeding its own delivery targets and…
Tokyo Airport Collision Aftermath: Investigation Delves into Cause and Potential Negligence
Key Points: Japanese authorities continue their investigation into the tragic collision between a Japan Airlines passenger jet and a coast guard plane at Haneda Airport, with focus on potential professional negligence. While all 379 passengers and crew on the JAL Airbus A350 escaped unharmed, five coast guard personnel perished, and questions remain about the cause of the incident. Runway collisions, once commonplace, have become rare in recent years, raising concerns about the specific circumstances that led to this disaster. Unraveling the M…
India's Akasa to Order 150 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
Key Points: Indian budget airline Akasa Air is in talks to acquire around 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody planes, aiming to capitalize on the surging domestic and international travel demand. This expansion plan builds on Akasa's existing order for 76 Boeing 737 MAX jets and its goal of international flights to nearby destinations like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The potential deal, expected to be finalized at the upcoming Wings India event, would further solidify Boeing's presence in the fast-growing Indian aviation market. Akas…
