American Airlines mechanic accused of sabotaging plane denied bail over possible terrorist ties

A federal judge on Wednesday denied bail to a former American Airlines mechanic accused of sabotaging a jetliner in July over possible links to the Islamic State (ISIS). Prosecutors presented evidence that Alani -- a naturalized American citizen from Iraq -- has a brother with possible ties to ISIS and a history of statements wishing harm to non-Muslims. (www.foxnews.com) Plus d'info...

House panel asks Boeing CEO to testify Oct 30 on 737 MAX

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee formally asked Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg on Tuesday to testify on the now grounded 737 MAX that has been involved in two deadly crashes since October 2018 that killed 346 people. (uk.reuters.com) Plus d'info...

Indonesia to publish final report on Lion Air crash in November

The final report on the crash of a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet that killed 189 people last year will be published in the first half of November, Indonesia’s civil aviation authority said on Wednesday. (uk.reuters.com) Plus d'info...

What Really Brought Down the Boeing 737 Max?

Malfunctions caused two deadly crashes. But an industry that puts unprepared pilots in the cockpit is just as guilty. (www.nytimes.com) Plus d'info...

Virgin Atlantic eyes over 80 new routes at expanded Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic is hoping to add over 80 new routes to its network after a third runway is built at London's Heathrow Airport including short-haul and domestic flights, the British airline said on Wednesday. Heathrow's expansion is due for completion in 2026 after lawmakers voted strongly in favour of the third runway in June 2018, although environmentalists and local groups are challenging the plans in court. Virgin Atlantic said it could serve up to 84 new locations from the expanded… (www.yahoo.com) Plus d'info...

VietJet orders 15 Airbus A321XLR - sources

Europe's Airbus has sold 15 of its new A321XLR jetliner to Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet, bringing to almost 300 the number of its longest-range narrowbody models earmarked for customers since June, industry sources said. The deal was included in the most recent monthly Airbus order statement, but the name of the airline was withheld. Airbus declined comment. No immediate comment was available from VietJet. Asian demand has been propelling sales of the newest version of Airbus's… (www.yahoo.com) Plus d'info...

Austrian Airlines uses an autonomous drone for airframe inspection

Vienna, Austria - Austrian Airlines inspects the airframes of its Airbus planes with an autonomous drone for structural damage. Drones are a big problem for airports and airlines, but a European carrier uses it for a good reason. Austrian Airlines is examining the exterior of its Airbus planes for structural deterioration via a drone developed by French startup Donecle. The technology is very new and will be tested by the end of this year. If successful, the drone has the potential to become a… (airlinerwatch.com) Plus d'info...

Boeing deliveries are at historical low

Boeing delivered only 18 aircraft in August 2019, keeping the commercial aircraft manufacturer on track for the lowest annual total in the last eight years. (airlinerwatch.com) Plus d'info...