ATR 42-600 commences flight testing
The first ATR 42-600 made its first flight at Toulouse on March 4, kicking off a 75 hour flight test campaign ahead of the type’s expected entry into service in 2011. The two hour maiden flight saw the aircraft undergo tests of the engines, avionics, hydraulics and electrical systems, as well as blade balancing. The
Somon Air orders 737s
Tajikistan based carrier Somon Air has ordered two Boeing 737-900ERs, valued at US$163m (A$181m) at list prices. Somon is Tajikistan’s first private full service airline and operates two 737-800s from Dushanbe to cities in Russia, Germany, Turkey and the UAE.
Boeing reveals NewGen Tanker
Boeing has confirmed it will offer a development of its 767, dubbed ‘NewGen Tanker’, to meet the the US Air Force’s recently released KC-X requirement. The NewGen Tanker is based on the 767-200 airframe but would feature a fly-by-wire controlled refuelling boom, under wing and centreline hose and drogue refuelling points, a cargo door for
QantasLink has announced that it will add additional frequencies on its services from Brisbane to Mackay and Rockhampton, while Jetstar will also make changes to its services on the same routes, including withdrawing from Rockhampton. From April 6, QantasLink will operate an additional eight services per week between Mackay and Brisbane, taking the total number
Tunisia orders two C-130Js
The North African country of Tunisia has ordered two Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules for delivery from 2013. Tunisia already operates a small fleet of C-130B and C-130H Hercules it acquired in the 1980s, and will become the 12th customer for the C-130J.
Vic opposition blasts government on airports
The Victorian opposition coalition has attacked the Brumby government for failing to ensure the viability of a number of regional airports around the state. Citing the Engineers Australia 2010 Infrstructure Report Card for Victoria, Shadow Aviation Industry Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said that the Labor government had not supported the network of more than 80 public
