Airbus has completed the first flight of the “Sharklet” wing-tip devices on the Airbus A320 development aircraft (MSN 001). This milestone marks the start of the early flight-test campaign to capture data for fine-tuning the flight laws, as well as for certification and performance validation. Sharklets are around 2.5 metres tall and will replace the aircraft’s current wingtip fence. Offered as an option on new-build aircraft, Sharklets have been specially designed for the Airbus A320 Family to reduce fuel burn by up to an additional 3.5 percent, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft. This reduction is equivalent to the CO2 produced by around 200 cars annually. The wingtip devices will also enhance the aircraft’s performance. “The hunt is underway for Airbus to take another bite out of airlines’ fuel bills and CO2 emissions,” says Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy. “With this start ...

This stunning videos shows a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules during flight display at Paris Airshow 2011. It includes full cockpit audio and cockpit video footage. The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is the newest version of the Hercules and the only model still in production. Externally similar to the classic Hercules in general appearance, the J-model features considerably updated technology. These differences include new Rolls-Royce AE 2100 D3 turboprops with Dowty R391 composite scimitar propellers, digital avionics (including head-up displays (HUDs) for each pilot), and reduced crew requirements. These changes have improved performance over its C-130E/H predecessors, such as 40% greater range, 21% higher maximum speed, and 41% shorter takeoff distance. The J-model is available in a standard-length or stretched -30 variant. With more than 50 years, the Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. Fifteen nations have placed orders for ...

In early December Boeing will begin a six-month Dream Tour with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner around the world. The December schedule for the 787 Dream Tour includes six stops in Asia, Africa and the Middle East: Dec. 4-11: China with stops in Beijing, Guangzhou and Haikou to visit customers, partners, and government officials including representatives from Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Aviation Industries of China (AVIC) and Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Co. (CAC). Dec. 11-16: Africa with stops in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya to visit Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways. Dec. 16-19: Middle East stop in Doha to visit Qatar Airways. Additional tour stops for January to April 2012 and will be announced later. Many of the stops will include opportunities for local media to tour the airplane and talk with Boeing executives and pilots. The Dream Tour airplane, ZA003, has been ...

Airbus has completed installation of the first set of its “Sharklet” wing-tip devices on the A320 development aircraft (MSN 001). The flight-test campaign will be carried out in the coming weeks. These new wingtip devices are around 2.5 metres tall and will replace the aircraft’s current wingtip fence. Offered as an option on new-build aircraft, as well as being standard on the A320neo Family, Sharklets will also enhance the aircraft’s payload-range and take-off performance. The Airbus Sharklets will reduce fuel burn by up to 3.5 percent, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft. This reduction is equivalent to the CO2 produced by around 200 cars annually. Photos Photos: Airbus S.A.S. 2011

The Bombardier Global 6000, which entry into service is expected for 2012, features the Global Vision flight deck that includes a new state of the art head-up display (HUD). Using the Rockwell Collins Head-up Guidance System (HGS) with synthetic vision, terrain, airports and obstructions are directly projected in front of the pilot. Rockwell Collins will be the first company to bring this capability to the real world. The video shows this system demonstrated on board of a Bombardier Challenger 601 test aircraft.

Is this a secret US stealth attack helicopter? One thing is clear, this is not the secret stealth Blackhawk aka “StealthHawk” that crashed in Pakistan during the Bin Laden raid. This thing looks like a highly modified Bell AH-1 Cobra. These photos have been shot a few days ago by Axel from helikopterhysterie.com. In his blog he states: “I took these photos a few days back and I still don’t have the slightest idea what I’m looking at.” Do you know more? Photos – (c) helikopterhysterie.com

Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 44 Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising of 30 A320neo and 14 A320 Family aircraft. The order makes Volaris the first airline to order the A320neo in Mexico. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date. Since starting operations in 2006, Volaris has become one of the top three airlines in Mexico having quickly expanded their network throughout the country and into the United States. The new 44 A320 Family aircraft are expected to help Volaris continue their expansion and renew their fleet. The airline currently operates 33 Airbus aircraft and has a backlog of 15 more. Over 8,100 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and nearly 5,000 delivered to some 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an ...

Boeing and Lion Air announced a commitment for the Indonesian airline to order 201 Boeing 737 MAX and 29 Next-Generation 737-900 ER. The agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes. “The 737 MAX will be the future of Lion Air,” said Rusdi Kirana, Lion Air Founder and President Director. “The highly efficient, technologically advanced airplane will help Lion Air continue to bring low fares and allow us to open new destinations because of the longer range of the airplane.” With 230 airplanes at a list price of $21.7 billion, this deal when finalized will be the largest commercial airplane order ever in Boeing’s history by both dollar volume and total number of airplanes. Boeing and Lion Air are working to finalize details of the agreement, at which time it will be a firm order posted on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website. Lion Air will also acquire ...

Qatar Airways, has selected the A320neo as the reference aircraft for expanding its short to medium haul fleet and has increased its order for the A380. The agreement signed at the 2011 Dubai Airshow, is a firm contract for 50 A320neo aircraft and five additional A380s. “The A320neo promises to be a great aircraft which is why we have chosen it to form the backbone of our future single aisle expansion. Together with our increase in A380s and our orders for A350 XWB, we are continuing investing in an integrated Family of the world’s most modern and fuel efficient aircraft,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO. “Qatar Airways supported the development of the Airbus A320neo very early on. It is with great pride that we are announcing this large order today including an additional five A380s,” said John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We appreciate having built a ...

Spirit Airlines and Airbus signed today at the Dubai Airshow a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 75 single-aisle aircraft, comprising 45 A320neo and 30 A320s. The engine selection will be announced later. The new aircraft will be used on Spirit’s targeted growth markets in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. The A320neo reduces fuel burn by 15%, which is equivalent to 1.4m litres of fuel – the consumption of 1000 mid size cars. This saves 3600 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year, the amount of CO2 absorbed by 240,000 mature trees. The A320neo aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint. Including today’s announcement, firm orders and commitments for the Airbus A320neo, launched less than a year ...

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Atlasjet (Turkey) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire 10 CS300 and take options on a further five CS300 aircraft. Founded in 2001, Atlasjet operates 17 aircraft on domestic and international routes with scheduled and charter services. Atlasjet operates domestic scheduled passenger services and regular charter flights to cities across Europe, Kazakhstan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Operating from its main base at Atatürk International Airport, Istanbul, the airline also has hubs at Adnan Menderes Airport, Izmir and Antalya Airport. Bombardier forecasts that Turkey will play a key role in the transformation of the aviation industry in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Carriers in the region, especially in Turkey and the Middle East, have consistently reported increased annual revenues and capacity growth. Bombardier has booked firm orders for 133 CSeries airliners from Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Lufthansa (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation ...

At Dubai Airshow that is currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Bombardier presented a full-scale flight deck demonstrator for the all-new CSeries aircraft. As in a real aircraft, visitors can “board” the CSeries aircraft demonstrator, turn left to experience the flight deck or turn right to walk down the aisle of the cabin. The cabin features spacious seating, increased shoulder space, extra large windows and upsized overhead storage that deliver a new level of widebody comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The all-new design of the CSeries aircraft flight deck benefits from the latest avionics technology and features a number of state-of-the-art communication and navigation aids, developed with the future in mind. The integrated flight deck features high-resolution 15.1-inch diagonal LCD displays, the industry’s largest, which are capable of enhanced and synthetic vision future upgrades. The flight management system display is based on a phase of flight approach, giving ...

Boeing and Dubai-based Emirates Airline announced an order for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) plus options for additional 20 of the airliner. This order marks the single largest commercial airplane order in Boeing’s history by dollar value. With a total of 182 Boeing 777 orders, 2011 is the best-selling year for the 777 program, surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005. “The 777′s reliability, performance and operating economics have firmly established it as the backbone of our fleet,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group. “We have an ambitious and strategic plan to continue growing our international network and especially increasing our long-haul, non-stop routes. This order supports our fleet expansion and reiterates our commitment to operating a modern fleet for the benefit of our passengers and to ensure operational efficiency as well.” Emirates is the world’s ...

Twenty years after its maiden flight, Airbus announced the final end of A340 production! While new A340 aircraft are no longer to be built, Airbus will continue to fully support the current global fleet of A340s, as long as they are in operation. Four versions of the A340 were produced by Airbus: the A340-200, A340-300, A340-500 and A340-600. The A340-200 is the shortest version of the family and the only version with wingspan measuring greater than the length of the fuselage. With 261 passengers in a three-class cabin layout the A340-200 has a range of 7,450 nautical miles (13,800 km). Due to performance improvement packages the -200 (labeled A340-213X) later provided a range of 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km). Due to its large wingspan, four engines, low capacity, and improvements to the A340-300, the −200 proved heavy and unpopular with mainstream airlines. Only 28 A340-200s were produced with several now ...

This Saturday American Airlines will start a new campaign featuring Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey. In this new TV spot Spacey plays three characters which simultaneously showcases his vast acting talent and American Airline’s unique approach to customer service. The airline invited us to have an exclusive first look at the 60 second short film. All AA Boeing 767-300′s and 777′s feature a new, upgraded Business Class cabin design, seats and entertainment. This includes lie flat beds, two separate tray tables and an entertainment system that provides travelers with a wide selection of movies, games, music and TV shows, as well as current news. The B777 offers an in-seat monitor. On the 767-300, the system is portable. Video: American Airlines is the world’s fourth largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American operates an extensive international and domestic network, with scheduled flights throughout North America, Latin and South America, ...

These stunning photos have been hand-picked as a little tribute to one of the most awesome fighter jets ever built – the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Initial fielding of this single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters is currently scheduled for 2016. All photos (c) Lockheed Martin

Etihad Airways is celebrating reaching 50,000 fans on its Facebook page by launching a giveaway. One lucky Etihad Airways Facebook fan is going to win 50,000 Guest Miles. To take part, all you have to do is to enter your details in the promotions tab on Etihad Airways’ Facebook page. 50,000 Guest Miles in Etihad Airways’ frequent flyer scheme is enough for 1 Pearl Business return ticket from Abu Dhabi to Larnaca (37,152 miles), or 2 Coral Economy tickets from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai (45,026 miles), or 1 return upgrade from Coral Economy to Pearl Business on the Abu Dhabi to Geneva route (47,260 miles). Etihad Airways’ Facebook page can be found at http:/www.facebook.com/etihad.airways Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are a people business, an award winning airline, and we are delighted to have reached this social media milestone of 50,000 Facebook fans. ...

A video emerged on the internet showing the emergency landing of LOT flight LO16, Boeing 767-35DER (SP-LPC), at Warsaw Airport last Tuesday from inside the cabin! A passenger filmed the gear-up emergency landing on the foamed runway and the amazingly quick evacuation of the plane. On Tuesday the flight coming from Newark, NJ (EWR) encountered problems lowering the main landing gear during approach to Warsaw. The crew then decided to carry out a gear-up belly landing.

Boeing delivered the first 747-8 Freighter to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. The delivery is the first of nine Boeing 747-8F Atlas Air has on order. Atlas Air’s subsidiary, Global Supply Systems (GSS), will operate the new freighter for British Airways World Cargo through a five-year wet-lease agreement. As part of the lease agreement for three 747-8 Freighters with GSS, British Airways World Cargo will utilize the airplanes on long-haul routes to cargo hubs in Asia, Africa, India and the United States. The 747-8 Freighter is 76.3 m long, which is 5.6 m longer than its predecessor, the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume, which translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. The 747-8 Freighter is powered by GE’s GEnx-2B engines. Source & Photo: Boeing

The vertical tail section for the first Thai Airways International (THAI) Airbus A380 has been painted with the airline’s orchid logo at Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany. The painting was completed last week, and the section is now being shipped to Toulouse, France. Assembly of the aircraft is set to begin later this month. THAI will become the ninth Airbus A380 operator when it takes delivery in the third quarter of 2012. Photo: Airbus S.A.S by C. Brinkmann

Peach Aviation, Japan’s first low-cost carrier, has taken delivery of its first A320 through a leasing contract with GECAS. The Japanese carrier will lease 10 A320s. Peach Aviation’s A320 aircraft seats 180 passengers in a single-class layout and is powered by CFM International engines. Peach Aviation was established by All Nippon Airways (ANA), First Eastern Investment Group (First Eastern) in Hong Kong and Innovation Network Corporation of Japan. The Osaka-based company will start operations from Kansai airport in March 2012, first on domestic routes, and then internationally across Asia.

Today, a Boeing 767-35DER (SP-LPC) operated by polish flag carrier LOT Polskie Linie Lotnicze conducted an emergency landing at Warsaw-Frédéric Chopin Airport (WAW), Poland. Flight LO16 carrying 230 passengers was bound from Newark, NJ (EWR). During approach to Warsaw, the crew encountered problems lowering the main landing gear. They entered a holding pattern above the airport for about one hour before the crew decided to carry out a gear-up landing. LOT spokesman Leszek Chorzewski said the plane landed with nearly empty fuel tanks after dumping fuel in preparation for the emergency landing. A fire brigade laid out special flame retardant foam for the plane to land on. On landing, sparks flew from the engine and small fires erupted under the plane but were immediately put out by firefighters. The passengers have been evacuated using slides, nobody was injured. Video by AP Video by BBC