Commercial Aviation News

The latest commercial aviation news and analysis about new airlines and airliners entering service, new routes being opened up by the world’s many carriers, their cabin offerings, and many other topics can be found here. From the future of one long-haul aircraft type to the retirement of another, the mix of airliners that the airlines operate is changing.

Airlines continue to grow in number in Asia while Europe sees operators fold in their challenging mature market but new routes between the two continents continue to be opened. Alliances between airlines shift and mergers have seen fewer airlines in North America while carriers in the Far East have proliferated. Despite China’s dominance in manufacturing and a strong export sector, air freight has stagnated on long-haul routes while internet shopping boosts the industry’s short-haul profitability.

Airlines are constantly having to adopt new technologies and tactics to deal with increasing volumes of passengers, security threats and environmental challenges. More and more biofuels are being approved for use and airlines in recent years have used them for revenue earning flights, while also investing in the most efficient engines.

Investigators complete preliminary report into China Eastern 737 crash

Chinese investigators have completed a preliminary report into the March 21 crash of a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800.

Canada's first 737-800BCF prepares for action

A new specialist freight division at one of Canada’s largest carriers has accepted its first aircraft. WestJet Cargo welcomed the 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) on lease from BBAM, making the Calgary-based firm the first in Canada to operate the type.

Which UK start-up is to gain its maiden widebody this summer?

A long-term lease placement of a single, used Airbus A330-200 from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) is billed for a summer arrival. But to which airline you ask? Find out here, plus see what its initial plans are…

Why this biz jet endured -37c in Canada

The road (or runway) to aircraft certification is a challenging one! Learn why this biz jet had to endure a deep freeze trial in the far north of Canada

TAP A320 thrust reverser deploys during go-around

Danish investigators have opened an inquiry into an inadvertent thrust reverser deployment during a go-around involving a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320.

Emirates reveals return to another London airport

Responding to “sustained demand for international travel”, Gulf giant Emirates is billed to return to another London gateway this summer. Find out which one this is, how many airports Emirates plans to serve the UK capital this year, and more, by reading ahead!

Astonfly trains 500 Ryanair pilots

Low-cost carrier Ryanair is entrusting French flight school Astonfly to select and train its pilots of the future.

Norse and Air Europa ink Dreamliner lease deal

As start-up Norse Atlantic Airways prepares to launch tickets sales this month, it is leasing four of its Boeing Dreamliners to generate cash.

News Freemium

Why a Malaysia 737 suffered uncommanded pitch up

A preliminary report issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has determined why a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 unexpectedly pitched up during flight

New Flybe launches maiden service

Flybe mark two – the new Flybe Ltd – officially launched this morning with its inaugural flight departing Birmingham Airport for George Best Belfast City Airport.

Global Corporate and Business Aviation News

On this page you will find the latest news on airlines expanding their fleets and changes in aircraft types, covering a wide range of commercial airlines, countries and regions, whether it’s the growing regions of Asia and Africa or the more mature markets of Europe and North America.

Airlines are also examining new technologies and greater fuel efficiencies on the ground with electric power for taxiing. When passengers board the aircraft they have their faces recognised by a computer instead of airline staff checking boarding passes. Security threats were once hijacking terrorists, but now conflict zones’ airspaces are to be avoided and virus carrying passengers pose a problem for crew and customers alike.

Airlines across the planet are expanding their fleets and sometimes ordering as many aircraft as they have in service or even up to two to three times more. The aim of many airlines is to have the youngest fleet with the most efficient engines, and that may see a mix of orders and leasing. Aircraft development is seeing more truly international collaboration, from Airbus absorbing the Bombardier C series to Boeing and its joint venture with Brazil’s Embraer. Markets are seeing strategic manoeuvres by major players.

In business aviation, the corporate jet market aimed at the time constrained executive is being teased with supersonic jets that could enter service in the 2020s. This market is also seeing onboard technical improvements so aircraft can be tracked anywhere over land and oceans. The larger the corporate jet, the more valuable the asset to be tracked and secure. Another trend in the market has been more demand for larger business aircraft and that is set to continue well into this decade. These larger aircraft are also adopting new features aimed at passenger wellbeing with lower altitude cabin air pressures and lighting that compliments the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

Keep on top of the latest news from the rest of the aviation industry including airport news, new airport technology and trends and aviation engineering.

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