Aerospace

Many African airlines could be more profitable if they brought their commercial departments up to date with modern industry best practices. That was one of the messages from a workshop staged by Sabre and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Alan Dron reports.

From turbo-generator to motor-driven fan, E-Fan X demonstrator will flight-test a complete high-power, high-voltage hybrid-electric propulsion system.

Paul Eremenko may have been frustrated with internal resistance to change at Airbus. He was hired in 2015 to run A3, the Silicon Valley-based innovation hub.

Computational modeling validated by components testing assesses the severity of damage caused by a drone colliding with an aircraft at approach speed.

By combining multiple power sources, small manned aircraft could fly almost indefinitely, unlocking new potential.

To coincide with Africa's first African business aviation conference and exhibition (AfBAC), which runs from 29th November to 1st December in Johannesburg, South Africa, new analysis of industry data by Global Jet Capital, a global leader in financial solutions for private aircraft, reveals that the continent's business jet market is set for significant growth.

Vega has been a great success for Avio, encouraging further innovation for the rocket.

Velvet Wasp is an armed drone designed by the UK’s SteelRock to enable soldiers to provide their own close air support.

The Central Bank of Swaziland (CBS) has ordered Nedbank Swaziland to freeze the accounts of local carrier Aghalieaku Airways after investigations implicated its owner, Nigerian Chief Benjamin Aghalieaku Arinze, in possible drug cartel activities, reports ch-aviation.

Aircraft lighting influences birdstrikes, Facebook and Airbus team to advance stratospheric UAVs, Boeing backs new MIT wind tunnel, NASA supercomputers unlock flow secrets, and TsAGI’s air-cushion amphibian for the Arctic.

The aerospace industry lacks adequate policy to manage risks. Efforts show that strides are being made, however.

The aeronautics sector in Tunisia is in full growth mode, with around 80 companies employing more than 13,000 people. African Aerospace's Vincent Chappard takes a look at the history, development and future plans for the aerospace industry in the North African country.

Boeing subsidiary Insitu says that working proactively with regulators is key to enabling routine commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight UAS operations.

Global law firm White & Case has advised Kenya Airways Limited on its US$2 billion financial restructuring.

U.S. startup’s plans to certify a nine-seat battery-powered regional aircraft by 2020 are based on modifying an already certified turboprop.

Conglomerates are prime targets because they have disparate business units—some with unrealized value—as well as redundant cost structures and excess fat.

Gluing detail parts together would reduce mass because the adhesive has little weight and pieces can be thinner than those connected by fasteners.

MIT’s Beaver Works collaboration with Lincoln Laboratory is tackling an air-launched mini-drone that can keep up with the fighters that launch it.

TIACA and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have signed an MoU to work closely on issues affecting air cargo, from security to digitisation.

Can a right-sized single-aisle fleet solve load factor challenges in Africa?

FAA approves safe spherical drone; JAXA tests cut airframe noise; Workhorse sets SureFly flight date; A³’s Vahana readied for flight; smaller VTOL UAV from UMSSkeldar

Boeing Ethiopian Airlines have announced an order for four Boeing 777 Freighters – the world's largest and longest-range twin-engine cargo jet – in a deal valued at more than $1.3 billion at list prices.

GE Additive ships prototypes of the world’s largest laser metal additive-manufacturing machine, sized to make structural parts for engines and narrowbody jets.

The United Arab Emirates appears to be all-in on the Joint Strike Fighter, but has yet to allay concerns over protecting sensitive information.

Air Sénégal, the national carrier of Senegal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two A330neo aircraft, which is the new re-engined version of the A330 widebody airliner.