The 400 Seat Passenger Plane With No Customers: The Il-96-400M

Russian aircraft builder Ilyushin is readying a brand new plane for certification. The Il-96-400M is a widebody quadjet with space for up to 400 passengers onboard. Despite delays to the program, the jet is expected to take its first flight next year. The only problem is, nobody wants it. Two years ago, in early 2018, Russian planemaker Ilyushin revealed plans to build a new widebody aircraft based on the Il-96. It would be capable of accommodating some 400 passengers in a single-class… (simpleflying.com) Plus d'info...

Mitsubishi to freeze development of SpaceJet regional jet

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd 7011.T plans to freeze development of its Spacejet regional jet as the coronavirus pandemic erodes its finances and that of the aerospace industry, two people with knowledge of the decision said on Thursday. One of the sources said the plan would be announced along with a medium-term business plan on Oct. 30. The sources declined to be identified because the plan is not yet public. (www.nasdaq.com) Plus d'info...

The 'Caspian Sea Monster' rises from the grave

Beached on the western shores of the Caspian Sea, it looks like a colossal aquatic beast -- a bizarre creation more at home in the deep than above the waves. It certainly doesn't look like something that could ever fly. But fly it did -- albeit a long time ago. After lying dormant for more than three decades, the Caspian Sea Monster has been on the move again. One of the most eye-catching flying machines ever built, it's completing what could be its final journey. In July of this year… (www.cnn.com) Plus d'info...

Korean War Combat Veteran F4U-5NL Corsair For Sale

The Chance-Vought F4U Corsair is one of the most revered aircraft to emerge from WWII. With its unconventional, inverted gull-wing profile and brutish good looks, not to mention its legendary accomplishments, it is no wonder that this potent, charismatic fighter has captured the imaginations of so many aviation-minded people. (warbirdsnews.com) Plus d'info...

Delta takes delivery of first A220-300

Today, Thursday October 22nd 2020, Delta Air Lines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft. After about an hour and a half flight from Mobile, Alabama KBFM, N302DU Delta Ship number 8302 landed at the airlines headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia (www.youtube.com) Plus d'info...

British Airways jumbo saved from scrap heap by film deal

A British Airways jumbo jet has found a new role as a film set, saving it from the scrap heap where dozens of BA's other retired jumbos have ended up. British Airways said that one of its 747s will fly to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, southern England, later on Thursday, where the airport will preserve it as a commercial TV and film set. Blaming the coronavirus pandemic, BA said in July it would have to retire its entire jumbo jet fleet, a source of huge regret for aero-geeks and fans of… (www.yahoo.com) Plus d'info...

Air Canada (TSX:AC) BLASTS WestJet Over Refunds: Twitter Spat Ensues!

Air Canada (TSX:AC) took issue with a Twitter post by WestJet yesterday, leading to a public spat between Canada’s largest two airlines. It started with a post by WestJet that simply read “refunds–it’s about time.” Air Canada replied: “Misleading statement! @WestJet is just now catching up to our policy to refund refundable fares. We have already refunded over $1.2 Billion in refundable fares to date!” In response, WestJet wrote that its cancellation policy covered all passengers whose flights… (www.msn.com) Plus d'info...

Southwest Airlines Will Serve Colorado Springs Next Year

Travelers flying out of Colorado Springs will have more options starting in 2021. Southwest Airlines announced on Thursday they are expanding to Colorado’s second-largest city. (denver.cbslocal.com) Plus d'info...

Helibras delivers another ACH145 Line helicopter to Brazilian customer

Aircraft family member H145 already counts with more than 300 aircraft in operation in the world and with more than 10 aircraft operating in Brazil.... (cmsherbert.blogspot.com) Plus d'info...

Boeing discussing new mid-market plane with leasing companies and suppliers

Boeing has held conversations with a few customers, including airplane leasing companies, and suppliers about potential interest in a single-aisle aircraft with improved engines that could carry 200-250 passengers, according to the report. (seekingalpha.com) Plus d'info...

Why Alaska Airlines can’t retire its Airbus A320s all at once

The word from Alaska Airlines headquarters is that they want out of the Airbus A320. The airline industry has contracted dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic. Every carrier is focused on cutting costs — including furloughing employees at some — and streamlining where they can to survive. As part of that effort, airlines have shed hundreds of jets, from the Boeing 757s and 767s at American Airlines to the McDonnell Douglas MD-88s and MD-90s at Delta Air Lines. Analysts at Cowen estimate… (thepointsguy.com) Plus d'info...

IATA Reiterates Call For Rapid Testing To Replace Quarantines And Border Closures

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is once again making a plea to various government organizations to re-open borders to revitalize the struggling travel sector. According to their latest round of stats, travel globally has fallen by 92% when compared to 2019, and sees quarantines as one of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to air travel. (www.gatechecked.com) Plus d'info...

Airbus tells suppliers: plan now for post-crisis output hike

Airbus has asked suppliers to be ready to support a conditional 18% increase in production of its best-selling single-aisle A320 jet family once demand recovers from the coronavirus crisis, the European plane-maker said on Thursday. It is among the first visible moves by aerospace firms to prepare for a possible bounce back from the pandemic and comes days after a major buyer, Wizz Air, predicted a quick rebound for the strongest budget carriers. However, the plan for an increase depends on a… (www.yahoo.com) Plus d'info...