Boeing 777X Expects Commercial Launch in 2025, Qantas Unlikely to Buy C919, and More
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Boeing 777X expects commercial launch in 2025
The Boeing 777X, is still in the process of being certified three years after its first test flight, with various delays faced during commercial launch and production.
The pandemic and problems with one of its engines have led to rigorous testing, and airlines that have already booked and others that want to operate the plane are waiting for its launch.
Currently, there are four test planes constantly being tested to prepare for certification. Boeing expects the first 777X to be delivered in early 2025, and it will be the first commercial airliner with a foldable wingtip. source
Qantas unlikely to buy Chinese-made C919 passenger jet over safety concerns
Aviation experts predict that Qantas will not purchase the Chinese-made passenger jet, C919, due to safety concerns.
The state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) launched C919 in December 2022 after 15 years of development and costing tens of billions of dollars.
COMAC has received over 1,000 orders for C919, with almost all its customers being Chinese airlines and leasing companies. C919 relies heavily on Western suppliers for critical components and subsystems, including its avionics, landing gear, nacelles, flight controls, and jet engines, which comprise around 60% of US companies. The production cost of C919 is twice the original proposed price. source
Brazilian Air Force taps StandardAero for Rolls-Royce AE 3007 MRO services
StandardAero has won a multi-year contract to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engines powering the Brazilian Air Force's fleet of Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
Under the agreement, StandardAero will provide MRO services for FAB’s AE 3007A equipped fleet from its Maryville, TN location. StandardAero's 154,000 sq. ft. Maryville facility has supported the AE 3007 since 1997 and supports more AE 3007 engines than any other company worldwide.
StandardAero is the only US-based AE 3007 Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) and supports all three members of the Rolls-Royce AE engine family. source
AirAsia X adopts a cautious approach to growth plans in 2023
AirAsia X is being cautious in its growth plans as the airline looks to start anew this year. The budget carrier will be introducing new routes and expanding its fleet size gradually.
The airline will be focusing on traditional routes and regional destinations such as Australia, South Korea, and Japan before flying longer hour flights like it did before.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail stated that the airline will be careful with its moves as it wants to ensure that whatever fare it charges is profitable. The airline is planning to fly to Istanbul, Turkey, and is eyeing China's recent re-opening as a huge opportunity to fly more passengers. source
Recurring leaky faucet problem in Boeing 787 jets - FAA inspection call
The FAA has called for inspections of all Boeing 787 jets due to recurring problems with leaky bathroom faucets that could potentially harm the plane's electronic systems.
The FAA has issued a proposal for repetitive inspections of the Boeing 787, known as the Dreamliner, following multiple cases of water leaking from lavatories under the cabin floor into bays where electronic equipment is stored.
The leaks threatened to damage critical electronic equipment that could potentially lead to a "loss of continued safe flight and landing." Boeing has traced the problem back to a problem with an O-ring seal, but believes the issue is limited to certain 787s. source
Pilot shortage puts air travel in chaos: Industry struggles to find solutions
The aviation industry is facing a pilot shortage, with North American airlines short 17,000 pilots this year, according to Oliver Wyman. Efforts to improve pilot training and financing, and more rigorous student screening procedures are among the remedies being proposed.
Private flight schools are expanding, and universities with flight programs are growing too. Airlines are taking a more direct role in training pilots, with United having graduated its first class of 51 cadet pilots from its Aviate Academy last month.
New technology, such as virtual reality training tools and more selectivity in the student screening process, may also help narrow the gap. source
Qantas doubles down on Project Sunrise with order for 12 Airbus A350-1000s
Qantas is doubling down on its investment into Project Sunrise, with plans to order 12 Airbus A350-1000s and invest nearly AU$2.7bn ($1.84bn) in capital expenditure. The new planes will enable point-to-point travel between Sydney or Melbourne and New York or London in one flight.
The A350-1000 will carry up to 238 passengers in a new configuration featuring first class, with a lie-flat bed and a reclining lounge chair in a 1-1-1 configuration, or business class seats, with full privacy behind sliding doors.
Qantas is also investing AU$100m ($68.82m) in various lounge upgrades, including a new first class lounge at London Heathrow. source
South Korean eVTOL firm Plana expands operations to the US, prepares for FAA certification
South Korean start-up Plana has opened offices in San Jose and Irvine, California, as it seeks FAA type certification for its five-seat VTOL aircraft. Plana is already flight-testing a scaled model of its hybrid-electric aircraft, which it expects to enter service in 2028.
It is planning to participate in Korea's K-UAM Grand Challenge, a demonstration project for urban air mobility, later this year.
Plana intends to use an off-the-shelf turbogenerator, electric motors, and batteries to achieve its desired payload and range combination.
Its business model involves integrating propulsion, avionics, and aircraft systems from existing aviation manufacturers. The company has signed a letter of intent for 20 aircraft to be deployed by prospective operator Ghenus Air. source
China developing new launch system to compete with SpaceX
China is developing a new aerospace launching system, the Long-Range Aerospace Transportation System, which aims to cut cargo cost per kilogram to 5% of the existing Long March rockets, according to South China Morning Post.
China plans to double down on reusable rockets, with the aim of launching nearly 13,000 internet satellites to counter SpaceX's Starlink.
Additionally, China recently carried out a successful rocket vertical landing test at sea, a technology that would lay the foundation for future space applications including a recyclable near-space experiment platform and the development of space travel. source
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