Aviation Daily Roundup: January 31, 2022

Qatar 777X Freighter Launch Comes With Surprise 737-10 Deal

Credit: Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has signaled the long-anticipated launch of Boeing’s 777-8F Freighter with a firm order for 34 aircraft as part of a deal which also includes an unexpected agreement covering up to 50 stretched 737-10s.  

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United Airlines Opens Training Academy Amid Regional Pilot Shortage

Credit: United Airlines

United Airlines became the first major U.S. carrier to open its own flight school, part of an effort to address a looming pilot shortage that is expected to worsen in coming years.  

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With Investment, Better Aviation Batteries Possible, Report Says

Credit: EaglePicher

Aircraft propulsion batteries with three times the pack-level energy density of today’s automotive technology may be achievable in the next decade if enough investment is targeted at aeronautical applications, a new report published in Nature concludes. 

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Iceland Aims To Open Regional Airports To International Flights

Credit: Isavia

Isavia, operator of 12 Icelandic airports offering scheduled service and almost 40 landing strips for general aviation, is working to attract international airlines to fly directly to its regional airports in Akureyri and Egilsstadir.  

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Daily Memo: For Airbus And Qatar Airways, Time To Define Exit Strategies

Credit: Airbus/Frederic Lancelot/master films

In late 2021, an unhappy Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer was hearing complaints from unhappy customers.   

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FlyZero Identifies Zero-Emissions Opportunities For UK Industry

Credit: FlyZero

The UK’s FlyZero research project has revealed its concept for a 75-seat regional airliner powered by liquid hydrogen as it finalizes its study on how to prepare the country’s aerospace industry to participate in the development of future zero-emissions commercial aircraft.   

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Ryanair Narrows Losses, Warns COVID Disruption May Not Be Over

Credit: Ryanair

The surge in omicron coronavirus variant cases damaged Ryanair Holdings’ yields in December and January, but the Ireland-based airline group managed to reduce its fiscal 2022 third-quarter (Q3) net loss to €96 million ($107 million) from €321 million a year earlier.    

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Staffing Shortages Push Southwest Airlines To Lower 2022 Capacity

Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Southwest Airlines conceded it will not fully restore pre-pandemic capacity levels in 2022 as planned, citing ongoing staffing issues.    

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