ADL's Fuel-Saving Aircraft Drag Reduction System, Chicago to Get Air Taxi Service, and More
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Here are the exciting aviation industry updates for today. Let’s get started.
WestJet's 737-700 Takes Off with ADL's Fuel-Saving Aircraft Drag Reduction System
WestJet conducted the first revenue flight of a 737-700 aircraft equipped with Aero Design Labs' (ADL) drag reduction kit.
This kit, which has been in development since 2017, can reduce drag on the aircraft, save about $12,000 in fuel costs per month, and decrease over 40 tons of CO2 emissions per aircraft per month.
WestJet is the second airline to operate a flight with the kit installed, following Southwest Airlines. The ADRS 1 kit received Transport Canada certification in December 2022 and FAA certification in August 2022. ADL also plans to introduce drag reduction kits for 737-800 and -900 models. Read more
Ransomware Attack Disrupts Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Email Communications, Investigation Launched
Biman Bangladesh Airlines' email server was targeted by a ransomware attack on March 18, causing disruptions to internal communications. The airline isolated the affected server and halted email services immediately after the incident. Biman's flight operations remained unaffected by the attack.
Biman requested the public to disregard misleading information about the temporary email server shutdown. The company is following technical guidelines from the digital security agency to address the issue. A probe body has been formed to investigate the matter. Read more
India Halts New Flying Rights for Foreign Carriers to Boost Domestic Airlines
The Indian government has halted granting new flying rights, or bilateral rights, to foreign airlines to strengthen domestic carriers and establish them as global players. This halt has been ongoing since 2014, and the government recently refused to change it.
Bilateral air service agreements regulate the number of flights between two countries, and India has agreements with 116 nations.
Foreign carriers, particularly from West Asia and Southeast Asia, have sought increased entitlements to access the Indian market and fill flights to Europe and the Americas. Indian airlines argue that foreign carriers hinder their growth potential. Read more
Boeing's Targets Next Decade Timeline for New Single-Aisle Jet Launch
Boeing CFO Brian West has confirmed that the company will launch a new single-aisle jetliner in the next decade. For now, the company will focus on achieving significant efficiency improvements.
West emphasized that the near-term future of Boeing lies with the 737 Max, aiming for the Max 10's certification in 2024. Boeing has been lagging behind competitor Airbus since the 737 Max grounding and subsequent production issues.
Despite criticism that delays will put Boeing further behind Airbus, some industry experts see the timeline as prudent to avoid cannibalizing 737 sales. Read more
United Airlines and Archer Reveal Chicago's First Aerial Ridesharing Service with eVTOL Air Taxis
Archer Aviation and United Airlines announced plans to launch an aerial ridesharing service in Chicago, using Archer's Midnight eVTOL air taxi.
The commercial air taxi route, set for 2025, will connect O'Hare International Airport and Vertiport Chicago, situated in the Illinois Medical District.
The 10-minute air taxi trip is expected to be a cost-competitive alternative to ground transportation. Archer plans to charge $3-$4 per passenger per mile.
This is the second air taxi route announced by Archer and United, following a planned route between Newark Liberty Airport and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. United Airlines has invested $10 million for the first 100 of up to 200 Midnight aircraft. Read more
New FAA Plan Aims to Reduce Air Traffic Disruptions During Busy Summer Months
The FAA announced measures to prevent disruptions at airports serving New York City and Washington, D.C., this summer due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
To reduce congestion, the FAA will lower flight requirements for airlines' takeoff and landing rights. Airlines must file requests to give up slots by April 30, with the waiver effective from May 15 to September 15.
The FAA projects a 45% increase in delays in the NYC area compared to last year. United Airlines will seek a waiver for certain takeoff and landing allotments, while Delta Air Lines supports the FAA's measure.
The FAA plans to hold a summit with airlines later this month to discuss additional ways to alleviate disruptions. Read more
Ryanair Reopens Discussions with Boeing for 737 Jet Order after 18-Month Hiatus
Ryanair has resumed negotiations with Boeing for a major new aircraft order, signaling renewed optimism in the aviation industry.
CEO Michael O'Leary said discussions were in early stages for an order of Boeing 737 jets after a previous price disagreement. The multibillion-dollar order could be for the 737 Max 10 or the smaller Max 8200.
Ryanair, a significant Boeing customer, ordered 75 Max 8200s in December 2020, bringing its total orders to 210. O'Leary acknowledged that new planes would cost more than previous orders but noted improvements in Boeing's supply chain and backlog clearance. Read more
Airline Safety Regulations Face Renewed Push to Ban Lap Children on Planes
Flight attendants, led by the Association of Flight Attendants–CWA, are advocating for updated airline safety regulations requiring children under two to have their own seats on planes.
The union argues that holding a child on one's lap is insufficient protection during severe turbulence. The debate is not new, as the union has prioritized individual seating for babies for over 30 years.
The NTSB also supports the change and has previously recommended similar safety improvements.
While not officially required, the FAA strongly encourages parents to purchase separate seats and use approved child restraint systems. Read more
Aerospace Manufacturer CTL Gains Competitive Edge with Exclusive Noise Reduction Technology for Gas Turbine Engines
CTL Aerospace has acquired exclusive technology that significantly reduces noise from gas turbine engines, offering a competitive edge in producing noise-abating components for the aerospace sector.
The technology can drill holes as small as 200 microns wide, attracting interest from tech and electronics companies.
CTL purchased the intellectual property and equipment from a Minnesota-based manufacturer and currently uses the technology for a large overseas customer.
The company plans to market the noise-abating components to other clients, expecting high demand and around-the-clock operation. Read more
Dufour Aerospace Secures Swiss Helicopter as Latest Client for Tilt-Wing eVTOL Aircraft
Swiss eVTOL firm Dufour Aerospace and Switzerland's top helicopter company, Swiss Helicopter AG, have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent for the purchase of two Aero2 and one Aero3 tilt-wing aircraft.
This move signifies a major milestone for Dufour Aerospace, as all leading Swiss civil helicopter operators have now signed letters of intent with the company. Read more
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