Aircraft & Propulsion

Russia’s entry into the most fiercely contested area of the commercial airliner market, the single-aisle sector dominated by Airbus and Boeing, made its first flight May 28.

The MC-21 took off powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-JM engines. The alternative Russian powerplant – Aviadvigatel PD-14 just completed initial trials on the Il-76LL flying lab that enables it to start the certification tests.

Russia's new MC-21 airliner takes off on its first flight from Irkutsk.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has taken delivery of the first of 20 Bombardier CS300 aircraft it has on order.

Airbus has completed the wing-fuselage junction and has installed the tailplane and tailcone on Air Mauritius’ first A350-900, which is on schedule to deliver in the fourth quarter.

UK low-cost carrier (LCC) Monarch Airlines has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-800 as it starts to prepare for the arrival of its 737 MAX 8s next year.

Airbus has delivered the first A320neo to Vistara, a Delhi based full service airline and joint venture between Tata Sons Ltd. and Singapore Airlines (SIA).

Bombardier is sticking with its target of delivering 30-35 CSeries aircraft in 2017, but most of the deliveries will be back loaded toward the end of the year, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said.

Russia’s United Engine Corp. (UEC), a part of state-owned Rostec Corp., has completed the second stage of flight tests for the PD-14 engine that will power the Irkut MC-21.

Singapore-based lessor BOC Aviation has ordered four Airbus A320neo family aircraft (including A320 and A321 variants), plus two A330-900 widebodies.

Aviation Week's guest evaluation pilot Tim Wuerfel is an A320 captain at Lufthansa and previously a Boeing 737 captain. Listen in as he discusses his first impressions after flying Airbus’s popular A321neo.

Aviation Week’s evaluation pilot flies Airbus’s popular A321neo and finds a re-engined aircraft with more power, less fuel burn and emissions, and several system changes and refinements.

While the immediate financial outlook for the airline industry appears positive, experts warn of problems on the horizon.

Bombardier’s pricing on its sale of 75 firm CSeries aircraft to Delta Air Lines was “normal course” business and not improper, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its 10th and final Airbus A380.

Rolls-Royce has performed the first power runs of the gearbox for its new UltraFan engine at a facility in Germany.

HNA Group subsidiary Hainan Airlines is raising funds to acquire 13 Boeing 787-9s and six 737 MAX 8s.

Aircraft Briefs-May 24, 2017

In December 2015, FAA introduced a hurriedly conceived, small-unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) Registration Rule ahead of an expected Christmas surge in drone sales.

Russia’s Red Wings Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A321 with 220 economy seats May 19.

Kazakhstan-based regional carrier Qazaq Air is aiming to grow its fleet to five aircraft within two years.

New York Newark Airport has reopened after a United Airlines Boeing 757 had a suspected engine fire while taxiing, leading to minor injuries during the evacuation.

Delays in development are likely to put the Russian aircraft as the last of the new-generation aircraft in its segment, which will likely limit its market.

South African low-cost carrier (LCC) Mango Airlines is starting to consider the future shape of its fleet, as aircraft leases approach an end.

Russia’s United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) and China’s COMAC have launched full-scale development for a commercial widebody aircraft, setting up a joint company in Shanghai with an aim of delivering the first aircraft no later than 2027.