60 Years Ago Dec. 21, 1955 —Aviation Daily—then American Aviation Daily—published a report, “Communist Airlines Busy and Improving,” on the state of air travel on “the other side of the Iron Curtain.” The report noted that “U.S. equipment will cause sensation,” as there were no four-engine transports available in the east, only twin-engine piston aircraft. 36 Years Ago
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has hit back against criticism of its attempt to fully take over LCC Tiger Airways, refuting claims that its offer is not high enough.
Silver Airways is hiring advisors at Raymond James to “evaluate a range of strategic alternatives,” including a merger or “ownership transition,” strategic partnerships, or new investments from outside groups.
Canada and Australia are doubling the number of seats airlines can fly per week between the two countries under an expanded air transport agreement, effective immediately, the Canadian government said on Dec. 17.
Airbus, which is struggling to deliver its first A320neo, has increased its firm orderbook of the reengined narrowbody with an order from International Airlines Group (IAG).
Brussels Airlines is expanding its widebody fleet with two Airbus A330-300s to support a new route to Toronto, additional frequencies to Africa and Washington Dulles International Airport, and possibly a new service to Mumbai.
China Southern’s intended order for 80 Boeing 737s, despite its size, suggests the carrier’s narrowbody fleet will become increasingly dominated by the Airbus A320 family.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport forecasts its annual passenger numbers will expand by 50% in the next five years, as it grows into its now-official role as China’s fourth long-haul gateway.
Armed with Transport Canada certification of the initial C Series variant, the CS100, Bombardier is continuing flight testing to certify optional capabilities and build the aircraft’s maturity ahead of its entry-into-service with Swiss International Air Lines in the second quarter of 2016.
The U.S. and Mexico have formally signed a long-awaited liberalized air agreement that will allow carriers from each country to more freely serve cities across the border starting Jan. 1.
AAR Corp. leveraged strong growth in its Aviation Services segment to offset sluggishness elsewhere in the company that saw net earnings fall 47% in its fiscal third quarter, which wrapped up Nov. 30.
Despite predictions of increasing profits, Qantas looks set to take a very conservative approach to further growth of its aircraft orderbook in the medium term.
To list an event, send information in calendar format to Donna Thomas at [email protected]. (Bold type indicates new calendar listing.) Jan. 4-8, 2016—AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, California, www.aiaa-scitech.org/GNC/ Jan. 4-8, 2016—34th Wind Energy Symposium, San Diego, California, www.aiaa-scitech.org/WindEnergy/
For a complete list of Aviation Week’s upcoming events, and to register, visit www.awin.aviationweek.com/events Jan. 21-22, 2016—MRO Latin America, Lima, Peru. Feb. 3-4, 2016—MRO Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. Mar. 3, 2016—Laureate Awards, The National Building Museum, Washington, D.C.
