Aircraft & Propulsion

It was an unusual setting for a major aircraft order announcement. Media had been informed by Qatar Airways that the airline and Boeing would be making an “historic” announcement.

UK-based engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has run what it describes as the world’s most powerful aerospace gearbox for the first time.

Mexican flag carrier Aeromexico unveiled its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, called “Quetzalcoatl,” at the carrier’s hangar in the Mexico City International Airport.

Irish low-cost carrier (LCC) Ryanair will base two Boeing 737-800s from early November in Hamburg—a $200 million investment.

Bombardier will cut its workforce by approximately 7,500 employees through 2018 as part of an effort to create “a clear path to profitable earnings growth,” president and CEO Alain Bellemare said.

Malaysia Airlines is completing a charter business concept to operate its six Airbus A380s in a dedicated subsidiary for religious pilgrimage traffic.

Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO John Slattery believes a new rule, which initially limits Chinese startup airlines to smaller aircraft, could create opportunities for the Embraer E190.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is preparing to add the fourth and final test aircraft to its E190-E2 program, which has now accumulated 241 flight hours.

An unannounced slippage in C919 flight testing implies a delay in the undisclosed target for first delivery, which had previously been set for 2019.

Cairo-based EgyptAir has inked a deal to purchase eight new Boeing 737NGs, with first delivery expected in February 2017, according to an EgyptAir statement.

Engineers from Glenn Research Center and UTRC will begin wind-tunnel tests of first fan set designed specifically for boundary layer ingestion early next month.

While boosters and skeptics disagree on where the commercial and defense budget cycles are, most say the current business environment is no place for amateurs.

IATA and global IT provider SITA said the tracking rates of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology could reduce the number of mishandled bags by up to 25% and save the air transport industry over $3 billion by 2022, according to a paper released Oct. 19 at the IATA World Passenger Symposium in Dubai, UAE.

GE Aviation has completed the initial ground testing of the first full GE9X development engine, which will power Boeing’s 777X aircraft that is scheduled to begin production in 2017, with first delivery in 2020.

Denver, Colorado-based low-cost carrier (LCC) Frontier Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, becoming the first US carrier to receive an A320neo with CFM engines.

The MA700 is progressing too slowly to make its scheduled first flight in June 2017.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. has started MRJ90 flight testing in the US.

Aircraft & Leasing Market-Oct. 18, 2016

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will upgrade the cabin products on its five new Airbus A380s, which are on firm order with Airbus for delivery from the 2017 second half.

Improving cooperation between Singapore Airlines’ two low-cost carrier subsidiaries is one part of its plans for fleet expansion.

Sukhoi’s SSJ100 and Bombardier’s CSeries 100 (CS100) are closing in on their London City Airport steep approach certifications, which they hope to secure in 2017.

The French aerospace industry will face dire worker shortfalls if it can’t fix its inability to recruit and train young people.

European regional airlines are cautiously optimistic about continued growth, and regional aircraft OEMs worldwide are also reaping the benefits.

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has booked firm orders for nine commercial aircraft from four customers during the third quarter―approximately $484.4 million in sales.

For Brazilian manufacturer Embraer's commercial aircraft, consolidated 2016 orders, deliveries and cancellations -- updated through the 2016 third quarter.