Twin-aisle performance at single-aisle costs—that’s the tough task airlines have given Boeing as it studies a next-generation “middle of the market” 757 successor.
Russia’s low-drag, low-noise airliner; Google undeterred by solar UAV crash; Europe to take down space debris; university research: modeling vortices, deterring birds, quieter honeycomb, sound-wave inspections.
Based on enormous backlogs, Airbus and Boeing are ramping up production of key programs. But some analysts begin to warn about overcapacity in major markets that could affect future deliveries.
2016 aerospace legislation faces White House hurdle, the ongoing war over Gulf airline subsidies, U.S.-India draw closer on defense and AIA chooses Melcher as new CEO.
COMMERCIAL AVIATION Sierra Nevada Corp. has teamed with Turkish engineering firm STM to restart production of Dornier 328 turboprop and 328Jet regional airliners. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ankara government to build the aircraft in Turkey and develop the 60-70-passenger turboprop TR628 and turbofan-powered TRJ628.
Eileen Drake has been named CEO and president of Aerojet Rocketdyne and a member of the board of directors. She succeeds Scott Seymour, who retired after five years in those positions. Drake joined the company in March as COO. She was president of Pratt & Whitney Aeropower’s auxiliary power unit and small turbojet propulsion business. Her experience includes seven years as a U.S. Army aviator and as airfield commander of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Chinese flight delays are worsening. Only 68.4% of scheduled flights were on time last year—the third straight year of declining performance—demonstrating that palliatives, such as opening temporary airways, are not coping with industry growth.
