$4 Trillion Needed for Global Jet Fleet Transformation, Boeing to Showcase 737-10 MAX and 777-9X at Paris Air Show, and More
Aviation news brief June 13
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Avolon Forecasts $4 Trillion Needed for Global Jet Fleet Transformation
Aircraft leasing company Avolon forecasts that the aviation industry will require $4 trillion in capital over the next two decades to transform the global commercial fleet and meet the industry's net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
According to Avolon, 44,300 new passenger planes will be needed by 2042, half for replacement and half for growth.
The report states that the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body jets will dominate growth. It also predicts an upturn for smaller turboprop planes due to their current age. source
Senate Committee Proposes $107bn FAA Reauthorisation Bill
The US Senate Commerce Committee has unveiled a bipartisan FAA reauthorisation bill spanning five years. The bill, proposing over $107 billion in appropriations for the FAA between 2024 and 2028, aims to enhance runway safety, modernize airspace systems, increase aviation workforce, bolster air services in rural areas, and improve airport infrastructure.
It also seeks to introduce improved consumer protections, including a ban on airlines charging families to sit together.
The bill will enable the completion of the FAA's NextGen program, the adoption of the latest airport surface detection tech, and new requirements for high-altitude balloon tracking. source
United Partners with Panasonic for In-Flight Entertainment Upgrade
United Airlines has entered a partnership with Panasonic Avionics to install almost 300,000 Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems over the next two years. This deal, which marks the largest Panasonic has received for its IFE products, will provide United's fleet with 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Astrova IFE, debuted in 2022, offers high-quality visuals, 3D audio, and the ability to connect wireless headphones directly. Seats will also have USB-C ports for charging devices.
This initiative is part of the 'United Next' project, aimed at enhancing passenger experience with seatback entertainment screens, high-speed Wi-Fi, larger overhead bins, and more. source
Malaysia Airlines Takes Inspiration from British Airways for A330neo Business Class
Malaysia Airlines, in an effort to renew its widebody fleet, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to acquire 20 A330-900 aircraft as part of the Airbus A330neo series.
The airline is inspired by its oneworld partner, British Airways, for the design of its new business class seats. These seats, known as the Collins Aerospace Elevation, will have a fully-closing door for enhanced privacy.
The new aircraft, expected to be delivered from winter 2024, will feature 28 of these business class seats in a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration. The seats will also be retrofitted to the airline's Airbus A350-900s starting in 2026. source
Hainan Airlines Sets Strict Weight Restrictions for Cabin Crew
China's Hainan Airlines has introduced a strict policy on weight requirements for their cabin crew, stating that crew members exceeding a certain weight standard by 10% will be grounded.
This policy, stated in the airline's latest style guide, uses a formula based on crew member's height to determine the standard weight. For instance, a crew member with an average height of 158 cm, typical for a woman in China, would be expected to weigh 48 kg.
The move, aimed at maintaining a professional image, is unprecedented in China's domestic aviation industry and could potentially hinder the airline's recruitment efforts. source
Raytheon Technologies' Collins Aerospace Joins EU's SESAR Initiative
Raytheon Technologies' Collins Aerospace division has been selected to participate in eight projects under the European Union's SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (SESAR 3 JU).
This initiative, aiming to accelerate the delivery of the Digital European Sky, collaborates with various air traffic management stakeholders to foster innovation in key areas like connectivity, trajectory-based operations, autonomy, and data services.
Collins will lead the JARVIS project, using AI technologies to enhance automation in flight deck and control tower operations to reduce workloads and boost safety. source
Boeing to Showcase 737-10 MAX and 777-9X at Paris Air Show
Boeing will showcase two of its latest aircraft, the 737-10 MAX, and the 777-9X, at the 2023 Paris Air Show. The 737-10 MAX, still awaiting final certification, offers high capacity and range.
Meanwhile, the 777-9X is promoted as the largest and most efficient twin-engine aircraft, set to redefine the long-haul market. However, certification delays may push its commercial introduction to 2025. source
NASA and Boeing Launch X-66A: The Future of Sustainable Air Travel?
NASA, in partnership with Boeing, has announced that their latest creation from the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project has been designated the X-66A by the U.S. Air Force.
The experimental aircraft, equipped with Transonic Truss-Braced Wing, is aimed at inspiring a generation of sustainable single-aisle planes, widely used in passenger airlines worldwide.
The X-66A is set to contribute towards the goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With potentially 30% less fuel consumption and reduced emissions than current models, it represents a significant step towards more sustainable aviation. source
Automated Drone Technology to Streamline Aircraft Inspections
Automated drone technology is poised to revolutionize aircraft inspections, making them more efficient, accurate, and safe. This technology can scan an entire aircraft in less time than humans, detecting potential issues with high precision.
The use of digital twin technology will also enable more proactive inspections, storing and comparing data over time to identify potential issues.
Despite initial resistance due to labor contracts and a reluctance to change, the benefits of cost savings and improved safety make this technology inevitable in the aviation industry. source
Turkish Airlines Eyes MRO Subsidiary in Serbia Amid Growing Ties with Air Serbia
Turkish Airlines is contemplating the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) subsidiary in Serbia, following its increasing ties with Air Serbia. This development emerges amidst strained relations between Air Serbia and its main MRO provider, Jat Tehnika.
Turkish Airlines' Chairman, Ahmet Bolat, cites decreasing labor costs in parts of Southeastern Europe as an incentive for this potential investment. Air Serbia has been progressively sending aircraft for maintenance to Turkish Technic, Turkish Airlines' MRO provider, since January.
Moreover, Air Serbia and Turkish Airlines are exploring the establishment of a Joint Venture, aimed at enhancing competitive offerings and service quality for their passengers. source
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