Aviation Week & Space Technology

Among Chinese carriers, Hainan Airlines is the most eager to try long, thin international routes. The government has decided the airline has the most use for the A330s in a bulk order placed in June.

The ruling makes it easier for carriers to be successfully sued over flight cancellations and suppliers over defective parts.

SpaceX and other new players in the A&D field may change the way heritage providers do business.

Low-cost carriers in Mexico are already outpacing legacy airlines, but want to grow the overall market by enticing bus passengers to fly and save time, at competitive fares.

Deep-space flight time and expense could be greatly reduced through the use of nuclear rocket engines and make Mars exploration more feasible.

XTI’s VTOL TriFan appeals to crowdfunders; game-changing demos at AFRL; fast-formable composite parts; how UAS can help in a crisis; more unmanned news.

JT8D engines powering MD-88s suffer the worst fan-blade erosion of any engine in Delta’s fleet. FAA research program will support tests of an anti-erosion coating.

For the foreseeable future, national security space launches will keep the United Launch Alliance and enginemaker Aerojet in business. But the outlook down the road is full of change and opportunity, as Blue Origin plans to build a new launch vehicle and test facility in Florida and will team up with ULA on a new Vulcan rocket.

Australia’s Airbus Tiger helicopters, which were under threat of abrupt replacement early this year, are proving their worth. Belated declaration of final operational capability is likely only a few months away.

After years of delays and development problems, Australia’s MRH90 helicopters are finally going into service.

Republican lawmaker says NASA shortchanged itself in delaying the first manned Orion flight.

The smooth performance of helicopter deliveries to Australia under U.S. FMS contracts contrasts with troublesome programs for two Airbus types that were immature when ordered

Aerojet’s offer for ULA falls on deaf ears, leaving rocket maker without a ride in EELV program.

German carrier wants to monetize synergies created by its acquisition of three airlines.

NTSB points to possible broader problems in the industry with missed safety checks.

Historic space-launch facilities in Florida are getting a private-sector makeover

SAS has repositioned itself as a niche carrier serving the Scandinavian frequent traveler

What is a ‘real’ operational test, anyway; NASA doubts Orbital can meet its schedule for returning Antares to flight and Japan may lift restrictions on daytime flights to the U.S.

NASA doesn’t believe Orbital ATK can meet its announced schedule for returning Antares to flight.

Many airlines want the lowest maintenance cost possible, but also wish to retain full flexibility.

Poland buys U.S. cruise missiles; General Atomics delivers MQ-9 Reapers; preventing hypoxia; secure voice communication systems for helos; new Czech trainer demonstrator.

Billions spent on the Eurofighter aircraft’s capability enhancements may finally be paying off.

F-22 shortfall likely to prompt billions in extra spending on upgrading F-15Cs, though questions remain on what mods are needed.

Why the Pentagon should invest in high-tech commercial research and why start-ups will warm to the lure of government dollars.

GIV final crash analysis blames pilots for routinely ignoring checklist procedures and FAA for not verifying a key safety system during certification of the aircraft.