Commercial Aviation News

Bombardier Sues Mitsubishi Over Airplane Trade Secrets

Canadian manufacturer Bombardier has sued the Japanese plane manufacturer Mitsubishi as well as former Bombardier employees alleging that they stole trade secrets relating to how planes are certificated in the United States and Canada. Nothing had been proven in court at the time though. Remember Mitsubishi is trying to get its MRJ certificated and to market to be able to have a slice of the dwindling regional jet market. The 92-page lawsuit, according to Reuters, states Bombardier employees who were recruited by Mitsubishi or AeroTEC brought with them confidential documents and data related to the certification of airplanes in Canada and the United States. Reuters explains AeroTEC is working with Mitsubishi Aircraft to have its 90-seat regional passenger jet certified by regulators.

Yesterday our regional carrier Caribbean Airlines announced that it has selected Boeing and using the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for its fleet renewal drive. The airline currently operates 12 Boeing 737-800NG jets and 5 ATR 72/600s. The Trinidad and Tobago based company is looking at 12 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes to replace the older NGs. The 737 MAX 8 – part of a fuel-efficient family of airplanes – will seat up to 160 passengers in Caribbean Airlines' three-class configuration featuring the "Caribbean Plus" Cabin, and provide more than 500 nautical miles more range than the existing aircraft. The airline commemorated the selection of the MAX during a ceremony featuring national dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honorable Keith Rowley, and Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Garvin Medera.

Here is an article Bloomberg posted about Airbus looking to re-engine the A350 in the coming years as well as create a clean-sheet narrow body, if created would be the first since the A320 in 1984.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...plans-for-all-new-narrow-body-re-engined-a350

Airbus has set the date for when the first TAP Airbus A330-900neo will be delivered. The long awaited delivery is expected to happen just in a few short days on the 26th of November. TAP is the launch customer for the A330neo and will be commemorated by a delivery ceremony at the Toulouse delivery center. The delivery of the first aircraft was halted by issues relating to the Rolls Royce Trent 7000 powerplants. In September, EASA certification was granted and FAA approval is expected soon.

Sam Chui flies American Airlines from Los Angeles to Beijing on their Boeing 787-9.

Turkish is expected to take on more 777 freighters from Boeing. They are to acquire three 777Fs the first of which will arrive in September of 2019. The other two will arrive in January and February of 2020 respectively.

The first flight test vehicle for the Boeing 777X program is really coming together (literally) after the airframer fully joined all the fuselage sections giving a total view of the aircraft in one piece. The signature folding wing tips are also seen in the photo provided.

Not news but cool video of spotting in MUC of some commercial widebodies in not average weather.

British Airways has retired the Boeing 767 model in its fleet completing a longstanding run utilizing the aircraft type. The 767 has been in operation with the company for nearly 30 years (28 years, 1990-2018). Yesterday, November 25th the final flight was completed using Boeing 767-300 registered G-BZHA and flying as BA662.

Royal Air Maroc has unveiled a special livery that will adorn their first Boeing 737 MAX 9 and 787-9. It is a bit more special paint job than usual just to commemorate the first units of the -9 models of both series types. Of course the airline already operates the 787 but with the -8 variant and they also already fly the 737-800. The first Boeing 787-9 has been seen outside at Everett already being prepared for delivery and the registration appears to be CN-RAN(M?).

Well...today is the 26th of November and indeed TAP Air Portugal has taken delivery of their first Airbus A330-900neo. Of course remember they are the launch customer for the plane which has been delayed by quite sometime. This one is the first of 21 eventually that TAP will be using. Hopefully two more will be handed over before 2018 finishes and then 15 are expected to be delivered in 2019.

If you want to get your Hello Kitty on then this is perhaps the airline to do it with. Follow along with Sam Chui as he flies EVA Air with everything decked out in Hello Kitty.

Pierrejean Design the Emirates Boeing 777 First Class Cabin, amenities and experience.

Boeing delivered the first 737 MAX for Fiji Airways, which plans to use the fuel-efficient, longer-range version of the popular 737 jet to expand and modernize its single-aisle fleet.

"We are thrilled to take delivery of our very first 737 MAX 8, named Island of Kadavu," said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. "The introduction of the 737 MAX is the beginning of a new chapter for Fiji Airways and we look forward to taking advantage of the airplane's superior performance and economics. These new airplanes will enable us to offer a world-class customer experience through the new Boeing Sky Interior cabins with in-seat entertainment for all guests." Fiji Airways plans to take delivery of five MAX 8 airplanes.

Boeing has delivered its 2000th airplane to China and it was a Boeing 737 MAX to the Chinese Xiamen Airlines. Boeing delivered its first 1,000 airplanes to Chinese airlines over four decades. The next 1,000 Boeing jets have now been delivered over the past five years. The rapid pace continues as one in four Boeing-made commercial jet goes to a Chinese operator, either through direct purchase or lease.

The first Boeing 737 MAX 8 for Cayman Airways has been delivered as announced on November 29th. The first 737 MAX to enter service in the Caribbean marks the beginning of the airline's plans to modernize its fleet and expand its network. "Cayman Airways is able to achieve the highest levels of efficiency with the 737 MAX 8, along with unparalleled levels of reliability and comfort," said Cayman Airways President and CEO Fabian Whorms. "In addition, the MAX's incredible range opens up the potential for several new markets within the Americas."

China Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its first A350-900 in Toulouse, becoming the latest operator of this efficient twin-engine widebody aircraft. The Shanghai-based carrier now operates an Airbus fleet of 356 aircraft, including 306 A320 Family aircraft and 50 A330 Family aircraft (figures at the end of October 2018). China Eastern is the largest Airbus operator in Asia and second largest in the world. China Eastern’s A350-900 aircraft features a modern and comfortable four-class cabin layout of 288 seats: four first, 36 business, 32 premium economy and 216 economy. The airline will initially operate the new aircraft on its domestic routes, followed by flights to international destinations.

A large order comes in firm for Airbus as lessor Avalon finalizes for 75 A320neos and 25 A321neos. The 9 billion pound order is the single largest one for Avalon from Airbus.

The milestone delivery of the first U.S.-produced A321 to Air Lease Corporation (ALC) was celebrated by (left to right): Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of ALC; Jeff Knittel, Airbus Americas Chairman & CEO; Jimmy Dempsey, Frontier Airlines CFO; and Daryl Taylor, Vice President & General Manager of the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility.

The first Airbus A380 for Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) has been revealed from the paint shop. This has caused a stir since announcement not only because it is an A380 but because of the striking livery that it was proposed to carry. Now we can see a real photo of the aircraft and compare it to the renders. Passengers will fly this on the Tokyo Narita to Honolulu route from May 2019.