Boeing delivers first P-8A
Boeing has delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft to the US Navy. The aircraft is the first of 13 scheduled to be delivered under a US$1.6 billion low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011. The US Navy expects to eventually order 117 P-8s to replace its P-3C Orions, with IOC for
Airbus readies A350 landing gear tests
Airbus will begin testing the main and nose landing gear of its A350 XWB after completing a test bench at its facility in the British city of Filton. The European planemaker says it is carrying out extensive testing campaigns on all A350 systems well ahead of first flight next year, part of an effort to
First flight for Thai A380
Thai Airways’ first Airbus A380 made its maiden flight yesterday from Toulouse, France to Hamburg, Germany, where it will undergo cabin installation and painting. Thai will become the ninth A380 operator when it takes delivery of the aircraft, scheduled for the third quarter of this year. The airline has ordered six of the superjumbo jets
Qantas flags further job cuts
Qantas expects a 60 per cent drop in labour demand at its heavy maintenance facilities in Australia over the next five years, the airline has said in comments that could pave the way for further job cuts. Qantas last month announced plans to consolidate maintenance facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne and Avalon that together employ 1460
Qantas launches Wi-Fi trial
Qantas will tomorrow begin an eight week trial of wireless internet service on A380 flights to and from the US. Six of the airline’s A380s will be equipped with wi-fi during the trail, with internet connection available on flights between Sydney or Melbourne and Los Angeles. The service will initially be provided free of charge
Int’l growth outpaces domestic slump
The parent company of airports in Auckland, Cairns, Mackay and Queenstown has reported a 5.5 per cent increase in half yearly profits on the back of strong demand for international travel. Auckland Airport said after-tax profits for the group rose to NZ$69.1 million (A$53.6m) for the six months ending December 31. Revenues were up 8.9
