China Market Booming, Boeing 777 Fuel Tank Issues, and More
Aviation news brief for March 1, 2023
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Here are the exciting aviation industry updates for today. Let’s get started.
Airbus forecasts Middle East aviation services industry to outpace global growth
According to Airbus' Global Market Forecast report, the Middle East aviation services industry is expected to outpace global growth, requiring 3,020 new passenger and freight aircraft deliveries by 2040.
The report states that the region will experience a 4.7% average annual growth until 2041, surpassing the global average of 3.7%.
The growth in airline fleet is also driving the expansion of the MRO sector, with regional governments investing in localizing MRO services to support the industry.
Additionally, Airbus expects the region to see an addition of 56,000 new pilots, 51,000 new technicians, and 100,000 new cabin crews, with the market expected to be valued at $25 billion by 2041. Read more
China market booming for Emirates with rising demand from tourists and business travelers
Emirates plans to expand its operations in China in response to rising travel demand as the country changes its COVID-19 measures.
The airline will resume daily direct flights between Dubai and Beijing on March 15, and has already increased the frequency of its nonstop service to Shanghai.
Emirates also began operating nonstop flights between Guangzhou and Dubai in February. The airline's occupancy rates have been satisfactory, with inbound flights to China seeing booming sales.
With China easing entry restrictions, more airlines plan to resume flights or boost frequencies, contributing to further recovery in the global air travel market. Read more
Canada's De Havilland eyes big share of India's regional aviation market
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada plans to capture 80% of India's small-plane market, which is expected to have around 120 aircraft that seat less than 20 passengers in the next ten years.
Small planes are crucial for India to connect remote areas and islands with a growing population of first-time flyers. The Canadian manufacturer will face competition from other regional aircraft manufacturers such as Textron Aviation and Hindustan Aeronautics.
The Indian government has allocated INR 45 billion ($544 million) under a regional connectivity program to develop 100 airports and heliports. It is giving subsidies to airlines to offer cheaper fares on regional routes. Read more
Boeing 777 fuel tank safety upgrades to cost airlines over $14 million
The US FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to address a potential safety issue on Boeing 777 aircraft that could result in fuel tank explosions.
The AD requires airlines operating any Boeing 777 to install Teflon sleeves, cap sealing of fasteners, conduct detailed inspections, and impose corrective actions. Maintenance and inspection programs must also be revised to incorporate more restrictive airworthiness limitations.
The directive is effective from April 4, 2023, and could cost airlines over $14.05 million in total, with up to $5,720 per aircraft for necessary corrective actions. Read more
Air India aims to challenge Emirates' Indian market share with a multi-hub strategy
Air India, which has recently been privatized, plans to focus on non-stop, long-haul flights as it receives its first batch of widebody planes from orders placed with Boeing and Airbus.
The company will receive six Airbus A350-900s originally ordered by Aeroflot due to Western sanctions on Russia. It will also receive 20 Boeing 787s and ten 777-900s and refurbish its fleet of 27 Boeing 787-8s and thirteen 777s.
Air India aims to challenge Emirates' market share in India by offering multiple international hubs, avoiding long layovers for travelers. The company also plans to integrate Vistara and rebrand AirAsia India and Air India Express. Read more
FAA to examine the U.S. aerospace system's structure and culture after a "close call" incident
The FAA is investigating a "close call" between a JetBlue flight and a Learjet at Boston Logan International Airport.
According to preliminary reviews, the pilot of the Learjet took off without clearance while JetBlue Flight 206 was preparing to land on an intersecting runway.
An air traffic controller instructed the Learjet pilot to line up and wait, but they began a takeoff roll instead. The pilot of the JetBlue aircraft initiated a climb-out as the Learjet crossed the intersection.
The FAA has issued a "safety call to action" and will form a safety review team to examine the U.S. aerospace system's structure and culture. Read more
Russian airlines soar above sanctions: still operating 467 Airbus and Boeing jets
Despite sanctions imposed by the West in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian airlines are still operating by circumventing global regulations and using older planes for spare parts.
Most of these airlines use jets from Airbus and Boeing, which are prohibited from doing business in Russia.
Foreign leasing companies, owning more than two-fifths of these aircraft, demanded their assets back, but Russian carriers still operate 467 Airbus and Boeing jets.
While they have cut flights to the US, Western Europe, and allied countries, they have increased service to Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and former Soviet republics. Domestic flights have also only decreased by 15%, a much smaller decline. Read more
CDB Aviation completes delivery of five 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Oman Air for post-pandemic growth
CDB Aviation, an Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing, has completed the delivery of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Oman Air, as part of a sale and leaseback transaction.
The new aircraft are equipped with the CFM Leap 1B27 engines and configured with 12 business and 150 economy class seats.
These aircraft will support Oman Air's growth strategy and expanding network, as it plans to introduce new routes to North and South America and Australia. Read more
United Airlines expands free Wi-Fi coverage for T-Mobile subscribers
United Airlines has rolled out free Wi-Fi access to T-Mobile subscribers with eligible plans on all of its flights, including long-haul routes, with the exception of two-cabin regional jets.
The Wi-Fi service covers all of United's internet providers, including Panasonic, Thales, and Viasat. However, free Wi-Fi access is limited to cell phones and unavailable for laptops.
Non-T-Mobile customers can access cheaper internet plans, while messaging is free, and connectivity on all domestic and short-haul international flights costs a flat $8 or 1,600 miles per device for MileagePlus members.
Delta Air Lines also offers unlimited free Wi-Fi with no device limits on all planes equipped with Viasat antennas, sponsored by T-Mobile. Read more
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