Air Transport

With commercial aircraft output continuing to rise and military aircraft production set to increase, Aviation Week looks at the pressures facing the global aerospace industry.

Other countries’ efforts led to more financial stability, technological nimbleness and responsiveness to airspace users.

Analysts warn that overcapacity might soon become a serious issue for airlines again, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

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.

Transpacific expansion and an extensive airport lounge renovation project are in play at Air New Zealand.

Heathrow managers use simulation to increase airport capacity.

Boeing makes billion-dollar investment in new composite wing center and productivity enhancements for the 777X.

Airbus pushes ahead with A320neo schedule despite temporary flight-test halt.

Disappearances, shoot downs and suicidal CFITs tax IATA’s safety strategy.

The double-stretch may help Boeing by blazing a trail toward unprecedented levels of commonality in its future widebody line-up.

Leading-edge technologies and groundbreaking products highlight offerings from four small exhibitors in Paris.

Restructuring of marketing efforts and stretched version are ongoing projects for Sukhoi’s Superjet 100, as sales lag expectations.

Boeing has begun assembly of the wings for the first 737 MAX, marking the start of a process that will culminate with rollout and first flight of the new twinjet in early 2016.

CEO Christoph Mueller says two A380s are “surplus to requirements” and will be sold or leased.

Airlines using WSI’s TAPS for weather forecasts and to avoid turbulence may get 15-min. tracking updates as an added benefit.

Carriers and airports grapple with adoption of dual-till or single-till revenue models when setting charge structures.

It allows the company to negotiate better terms with suppliers, thus lower costs, and adapt its operating system in ways that will drive efficiency internally.

Bigger is better when it comes to fuel burn in the GE9X engine.

CFM, a GE-Safran/Snecma joint venture, has seen at least eight sets of blades with fake records in recent months, alerts sent to its customers reveal.

London is leading an effort to keep satellite ADS-B off the agenda of the International Telecommunication Union.

Riccardo Procacci discusses how Avio Aero is building business in new markets and maintaining relationships with old customers 2.5 years after its acquisition by GE.

FAA takes datacomm babysteps as secure texting replaces voice for departure clearances.

IAG is now close to acquiring Aer Lingus, but Ryanair still must accept an offer for its 30% stake.

Industry officials with insight into the C919 program think that a 2018 first delivery will be challenging.

Significant performance enhancements forecast by Rolls for new Trent 7000