An unusual split winglet design, strikingly similar to the “dual feather” wingtip feature revealed by Boeing in May 2012 for its upcoming 737 MAX derivative, has been launched by Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) for retrofit on up to eight versions of the current Next Generation 737. The winglet development, dubbed the Split Scimitar, has been officially launched with an order from United Airlines and initially will be certified for retrofit of 737-800s.

Aeronautical Engineers (AEI) expects to receive a supplemental certification from the FAA certification by the end of this week for its program to convert MD-80s to freighters, enabling the company to begin production on the first of 20 orders by the end of this month. Those 20 orders bolster AEI’s confidence in its expectation for orders for more than 200 converted MD-80s in the next 10-15 years, says Robert Convey, VP-sales and marketing for the Miami-based conversion specialist. AEI is the only company performing conversions on MD-80s.

Syphax Airlines has selected CFM International's LEAP-1A and CFM56-5B engines to power three Airbus A320neo and three Airbus A319/A320ceo aircraft, respectively.

Despite saying it has full confidence in the safety of Boeing’s new 787, the FAA has launched a technical investigation into the root causes of a series of electrical issues that have dogged the widebody since its entry into service with international and U.S. carriers.

An established aviation-maintenance college has been acquired by a private equity firm that sees opportunities to build partnerships with airlines, aircraft manufacturers and MRO providers, enhance the school’s Tulsa, Okla., campus and open new campuses. “We’re particularly excited about the opportunity to develop deeper partnerships with the industry,” says Jason Rosenberg, a principal with Chicago-based, private equity company Sterling Partners.

A 2015 mandate for controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) in European airspace above 28,500 ft.—Flight Level 285—will represent the most lucrative opportunity in the airline retrofit market in 2013 for avionics makers.

Lockheed Martin’s decision to open an engine shop in Montreal started out as an asset acquisition effort to bolster the company’s existing capabilities but quickly grew in scope when company executives saw greater opportunity in starting a stand-alone operation, a company executive tells Aviation Week.

Just as the aluminum industry profits by turning one soda can into another, aircraft manufacturers are waiting for the day when composite scrap from their assembly lines, or parts reclaimed at an aircraft’s end-of-life, can be made flyable again.