Boom Supersonic's 'New Concorde' Loses Potential Customer, Evolution in Flight Training Simulators, and More
Aviation news brief July 10
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Boom Supersonic's 'New Concorde' Loses Potential Customer as Virgin Atlantic Backs Out
Virgin Atlantic has decided not to proceed with its option to purchase supersonic jets from Boom Supersonic, in a move perceived as a setback for the manufacturer.
The decision comes as Boom experienced delays in the rollout of its Concorde-esque aircraft, the Overture, which is now anticipated to be certified in the next seven years.
While no firm commitment was in place between Virgin Atlantic and Boom, the airlines' interest in sustainable high-speed air travel remains, as per a spokesperson. Other airlines, such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, have placed orders for the Overture. source
EasyJet's Preemptive Flight Cancellations Affect 180,000 Passengers
EasyJet, the budget airline, has cancelled 1,700 flights for July, August, and September, impacting around 180,000 passengers. The company attributes the cancellations to air traffic control issues across Europe and the war in Ukraine, which have caused unprecedented delays and reduced air capacity.
EasyJet's largest base, Gatwick, has been most affected. Although 95% of the impacted customers have been rebooked, approximately 9,000 are still awaiting replacement flights.
Despite the disruption, easyJet maintains it has more staff working than ever before and continues to operate around 1,800 flights daily. source
41% Increase in Indian Airfares Sparks Recovery Concerns
India has witnessed a 41% surge in airfares, the highest among countries in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, according to Airports Council International (ACI Asia-Pacific). This rise has raised concerns about the long-term recovery of the aviation industry in the country.
Other countries such as the UAE, Singapore, and Australia have also seen significant fare increases.
This surge is attributed to the rising aviation turbine fuel prices and supply chain disruptions due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. source
Growing Demand for Business Jet Pilots Drives Evolution in Training Simulators
The surge in private aviation usage has led to a demand for more flight simulators for pilot training. However, with the diversity of private aircraft, finding an appropriate simulator can be challenging.
Jim Scott, owner of Artemis Aerospace, discussed the development of custom flight simulators to address this problem, leading in business jet simulator creation. The company recently assisted a client with the construction of an Embraer Phenom 300 simulator, a popular light jet. There's a need for an adequate supply of simulator components to meet the growing demand for business jet pilots. source
Airbus Encourages Green Jet Fuel Use by Offering Free SAF for Ferry Flights
Airbus is promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by offering it free of charge for ferry flights from its delivery centers. Indigo was the first customer to utilize 5% pure SAF from Airbus for a ferry flight from Toulouse, France to Delhi, India.
Airbus aims to include 10% pure SAF in its operations' fuel mix by the end of the year and hopes to power all ferry flights with clean fuel in the future.
Airbus is collaborating with SAF producers such as LanzaJet and Neste to guarantee supply, and is working towards achieving 100% SAF compatibility by the decade's end. source
Northern Pacific Airways Secures FAA Approval, Plans July 14 Start
Northern Pacific Airways, a low-cost start-up airline, has received approval from the FAA, marking a significant step towards the launch of its operations. Initially slated to start operations on June 23, 2023, the airline now anticipates beginning on July 14.
Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Northern Pacific Airways plans to use its Boeing 757-200 aircraft to connect the US with Asia, targeting "premium leisure travelers".
With services planned for economy, business, and first class, the airline will commence routes to destinations such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York. source
AirBridgeCargo's Re-launch Plans in Jeopardy Amid Aircraft Uncertainty
AirBridgeCargo's plans to resume operations appear uncertain, as the carrier has yet to secure the two Il-96-400T freighters it aimed to use for the relaunch initially planned for June. According to the lessor Ilyushin Finance Co, negotiations are still ongoing and have also started with other prospective airlines.
Amid the delay, Red Wings' general director indicated that the company plans to operate the Il-96s under a cargo airline's certificate. Before the Ukrainian conflict, AirBridgeCargo operated 18 freighters, but western sanctions have grounded the fleet for over a year. source
Turkish Airlines' AnadoluJet to Dry-Lease Six B737 MAX 8s from CDB Aviation
Turkish Airlines has signed a dry-lease contract with CDB Aviation for six Boeing 737-8s, which will be delivered in 2024-2025 for its low-cost unit, AnadoluJet.
This move forms part of Turkish Airlines' growth strategy to expand AnadoluJet's fleet to about 200 aircraft.
The low-cost division, which began adding MAX and neo-generation aircraft last year, will continue to operate a mixed Airbus and Boeing fleet as it works towards obtaining its own AOC. source
NTSB Probes United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Engine Incident in Newark
A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 experienced an engine fire warning after landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on June 28. The plane was flying from Fort Lauderdale with 179 passengers and five crew members.
The left engine fire warning prompted pilots to shut down the engine and activate the onboard firefighting system. No injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Technical staff found evidence of a fuel leak and heat damage on one of the CFM International LEAP 1-B engines. The extent of internal damage will be identified after a thorough engine inspection. source
$4 Million Government Investment Fuels Launch of Nexus Airlines in Western Australia
Nexus Airlines, Western Australia's newest airline, commences its first commercial flight today on the expanded Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN), backed by the State Government's investment of over $4 million.
The airline will operate the Geraldton-Karratha-Port Hedland-Broome route and back, with the Geraldton to Perth route beginning on July 17.
The investment allowed Nexus Airlines to use larger 76-seater aircraft for better passenger comfort and lower fares. Under a four-year agreement, Nexus Airlines holds exclusive rights to operate the IRFN until June 2027. The improved IRFN services are predicted to bring new business and tourism opportunities to regional Western Australia. source