GE Aviation and its CFM International joint venture (JV) partner, Safran Aircraft Engines, face a “scary, daunting” production ramp-up on the LEAP engine program, but remain confident they will meet ambitious production targets, a senior GE executive said. Photo: CFM International LEAP-1B and -1A engines being manufactured at GE Aviation’s Lafayette, Indiana facility.
Air Vanuatu launches ATR operations
ATR
South Pacific carrier Air Vanuatu has begun operations with the ATR 72-600 twin turboprop.
Air Astana receives first A320neo
Kurt Hofmann
Air Astana has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, becoming the first airline in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to operate the type.
Tianjin Airlines enters international markets
Tianjin Airlines
China’s Tianjin Airlines plans to open a second route to London and begin operations from its home city to Paris in 2017.
PNG Air converts ATR 72-600 options
ATR
Papua New Guinea carrier PNG Air has converted five options for ATR 72-600 regional turboprops into firm orders.
COMAC receives ARJ21 orders from Chinese lessor
Wikimedia/Shimin Gu
The Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) received an order from China Aerospace Leasing for 20 firm and 20 options of ARJ21-700 aircraft at the Zhuhai Air Show.
New african carrier Goldstar Air to launch Baltimore services
Goldstar Air
New Ghanaian carrier Goldstar Air plans to start services to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) in 1Q 2017, according to CEO Eric Bannerman. Photo: Goldstar Air Boeing 737-300
Uzbekistan Airways orders more 787s
Uzbekistan Airways
Uzbekistan Airways will order three additional Boeing 787s, the carrier said Nov. 5 while taking delivery of a second 787-8 from a previous contract.
Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.
