Aircraft & Propulsion

Europe has launched a research program to develop a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of future supersonic aircraft and provide input into international efforts to develop certification standards for noise and emissions.

The former finance chief at Boeing Commercial Services has teamed with a well-known private equity firm in aerospace and defense to launch Aquila Air Capital, a new commercial aircraft, engine and equipment lessor, to capitalize on the historic disruption in commercial aviation.

Long-sought changes have the potential to turn Spirit’s 20th-century-style factories into marvels of digitally driven lean manufacturing.

The FAA is expanding a cargo-compartment inspection mandate to all Boeing 787s after determining the affected parts—decompression panels—may be found throughout the widebody twin fleet and not just on a limited number of aircraft.

Electrical grounding issues that led Boeing to recommend some 737 MAX operators park their aircraft have turned up in two areas besides the original standby power control unit where it was first discovered.

Repairs to in-service, stored aircraft likely.

Leonardo has shipped the fourth prototype AW609 commercial tiltrotor to Italy from the U.S. for final tests ahead of the aircraft’s civil certification.

One week into a de facto partial fleet grounding, Boeing continues to evaluate the scale and needed steps to correct 737 MAX electrical system problems—an issue that extends beyond the area originally flagged by the manufacturer.

SkyNRG is to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facilities in the U.S. and has signed an MOU with Alaska Airlines to increase investment in low-carbon fuels.

South Africa’s Sasol has been producing synthetic jet fuel from coal and natural gas for decades.

Startup Xwing has completed the first autonomous gate-to-gate demonstration with a commercial cargo aircraft.

Power unit glitch forces new MAX groundings and adds to quality control woes. But is it a storm in a teacup? Listen in as Aviation Week’s editors analyze Boeing’s latest challenge.

Boeing’s March order-book tally of 185 737 MAXs included sales of 62 already-constructed aircraft, helping the manufacturer ensure that its planned narrowbody production-rate ramp-up will not contribute to a glut of unsold units.

The exemplary support the French government has provided to the country’s aerospace industry has proved effective damage control.

Racer’s development has involved industry and academia from across Europe.

Analysts say a return to pre-crisis levels of aircraft demand remains far off.

Boeing’s March deliveries included 19 737 MAXs, pushing the first-quarter total to 58 and keeping the manufacturer largely on track to meeting its

Bell has created a team of potential suppliers in Germany as it offers its Model 525 helicopter as a platform for the Bundespolizei.

United Airlines has launched a new endeavor with nearly a dozen other corporations to collectively purchase roughly 3.4 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year.

With cargo demand rising since the beginning of the pandemic, Airbus sounds out the potential for A350 and A380 freighter versions.

Airbus is making several changes to its executive board following the departure of Airbus CEO of defense and space Dirk Hoke and chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini.

President Joe Biden is proposing a DARPA-like organization to conduct high-risk, high-payoff advanced research into climate resilience.

Electric aircraft pioneer Pipistrel is to develop a vertical-lift unmanned cargo aircraft for Chinese delivery company SF Express.

Ask the Editors: Embraer’s monopoly in regional jets could last for years, but that position is not as great as it sounds.

LATAM Airlines Group is using its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization to retire its Airbus A350 widebodies, which will streamline its twin-aisle fleet to all Boeing aircraft.