Another computer glitch for Qantas
Qantas passengers around Australia and New Zealand were affected by delays on January 3 after the airline’s Amadeus check-in system crashed for the second time in two months. The system experienced a server outage of about one hour during the morning peak which produced flow-on delays for most of the day, the airline only catching
Further delays to F-35B vertical landing tests
The second F-35B development aircraft, BF-2, joined its BF-1 sister at NAS Patuxent River near Washington DC on December 29 prior to the commencement of STOVL flight trials. BF-1 had been grounded since arriving at Pax River in mid November, ostensibly for only 15 days so that ‘scheduled maintenance’ could be performed on the aircraft,
China Eastern orders 16 A330s
China Eastern Airlines has ordered 16 A330s for delivery between 2011 and 2014, but as yet has not specified whether they will be -200 or -300 variants. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet of A330s all powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. This deal appears to be the final major order of 2009 to
Indonesia to retire bulk of Nomad fleet
Indonesia has announced it will retire most of its GAF Nomad maritime surveillance aircraft as part of a maritime modernisation effort. The Indonesian Navy says it will retire 21 of its 28 Nomads, retaining six for training duties alongside its three current CN-235 maritime surveillance aircraft and a further three CN-235s currently on order.
USAF searches for Huey replacement
The USAF has issued an RFI to replace its fleet of 62 UH-1N Huey helicopters under the Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP) program. The USAF requires up to 93 new helicopters to replace the UH-1N in the ICBM field support, VIP shuttle and civil defence roles. Requirements include an ability to carry nine combat-equipped
Brazil fighter decision still pending
Brazil’s much anticipated FX-2 decision for 36 new aircraft to replace its ageing Mirage fighters is still to be announced despite reports late last year that France’s bid with the Dassault Rafale had been successful. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told media shortly before Christmas that “we should make the decision at the
