ATR is establishing a global network of ATR-recognized maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies, and the first to join will be one from the Asia-Pacific region.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) funding is garnering attention in a Congress concerned about the burgeoning costs of passenger and baggage screening and the Obama administration’s call for raising both passenger and airline fees to help pay the bill. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the Homeland Security Committee’s transportation security subcommittee, is expected to offer an amendment Wednesday, when the subcommittee meets to mark up the TSA Authorization Act of 2011.
The FAA is proposing a $1.1 million fine for Aviation Technical Services for making improper fatigue crack-related repairs on 44 of Southwest’s Boeing 737-300s, but says the alleged violations are not related to the fuselage rupture on a Southwest 737-300 in April. The FAA alleges that Everett, Wash.-based Aviation Technical Services (ATS) failed to accomplish all the work required by three FAA airworthiness directives calling for five repetitive inspections and a one-time inspection to find and repair fatigue cracks in the fuselage skins of the aircraft.
The FAA is proposing a $590,000 civil penalty against Alaska Airlines for allegedly operating a Boeing 737-400 on 2,701 flights that were not in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulations.
An aircraft purchase agreement between Air India and Boeing in 2005 was a scripted plan between the U.S. government and the aircraft manufacturer, according to a diplomatic U.S. cable released by whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks.
Alaska Airlines is beta testing a new Facebook application that shows users the location of Facebook friends living near airports served by the airline and the lowest fare for traveling there in a given month. But to shop for flights, as well as to book them, users are taken to the airline’s website. Alaska launched the app on Aug. 31.
Keeping up with China Southern Airlines’ rapidly growing fleet and supporting its strategy to grow capabilities and international customers have led Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering (Gameco) to break ground Sept. 8 for a $90 million, eight-bay narrowbody hangar and workshops. The MRO plans to finish the 14,800-sq.-meter hangar at the end of 2012 and start using it in the first quarter of 2013.
New delays in the certification of the Comac ARJ21 regional jet could force the Chinese aircraft maker to stretch out development of its C919 mainline commercial aircraft. The FAA is insisting that its shadow certification effort on the ARJ21 be completed before it begins work on the C919. But the C919 is already near the point at which certification agency involvement needs to begin; if the project advances much further without the agency’s involvement, the U.S. regulator may decide it cannot become involved.
China has ambitions to compete against Airbus and Boeing in the commercial jet market but, in terms of exports, China has been making better progress with its turboprops.
Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) is expected to propose an extension to the FAA’s operating authority, changing the expiration date to the end of the calendar year in a bill that does not immediately appear controversial.
Arinc plans to set up a Russian office next year to tap growth in commercial and business aviation in the market. The aviation electronics specialist already has contracts with Russian airports and business jet operators for its infrastructure and inflight offering. Andy Hubbard, vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says that even though the market has long been of interest, a meeting with potential customers this year prompted Arinc to step up its engagement in Russia.
U.S. airports can meet infrastructure needs if government policy would permit them to develop new revenue streams, Airport Council International—North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato told Aviation Week in an interview.
August's jet fuel crack spread—the difference in price between crude oil and a refined product—reveals a disturbing trend that shows no sign of abating. The marker hit a record high last month when U.S. Gulf Coast jet fuel averaged $126.3 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude oil averaged $86.33 per barrel. The crack spread against the European Brent crude oil benchmark was closer, with Brent averaging $110.22 per barrel for August.
Hawaiian Airlines , Honolulu, appointed Kevin Yim director-advertising and promotions and Ann Botticelli senior VP-corporate communications and public affairs.
Taiwan’s EVA Air has ordered 10 ATR 72-600s for its subsidiary Uni Air, with first deliveries set for next year. Aviation Week reported earlier that EVA planned to order 10 new turboprops for Uni and that ATR was the front-runner in the competition against Bombardier. The airline says in a statement that 10 ATR 72-600s have been ordered, with options for 10 more, and that the first will be delivered in September 2012.
