Bradley Perrett covered China, Japan, South Korea and Australia. He is a Mandarin-speaking Australian.
Before joining Aviation Week in 2006 he was a macroeconomics, politics and aerospace journalist with Reuters. Perrett holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Macquarie University, Sydney. He left Aviation Week in 2020.
Chinese engineers are working on a hydrogen-fueled rocket engine almost three times the size of their current largest powerplant in that category. But the work is only at an early stage. The engine, which would develop thrust of 200 metric (440,000 lb.) thrust, exists as a concept or preliminary design. So far, developers are tackling critical technologies and have not built parts of a serviceable engine, says Zhang Nan, president of the Beijing Aerospace Propulsion Institute.
A new shorter-range option for the Airbus A330-300 consists of cabin rearrangements for more seats, derated engines and lower gross weight certification, but no physical changes to the powerplant or airframe. At all offered weights, the A330 will also get cockpit technology from the A350 and A380, including dual head-up displays and new navigation systems.
Four Asian customers will buy 140 Airbus A320-family aircraft in four orders or intended orders announced on Sept. 25. Of those aircraft, 91 are for the re-engined NEO series.
