Bombardier confirms CSeries order from China
Bombardier has confirmed that CDB Leasing (CLC), one of China’s top leasing companies, is the previously-announced undisclosed customer that signed a conditional purchase agreement for five CS100 and 10 CS300 aircraft. The purchase agreement also includes options on an additional five CS100 and 10 CS300 aircraft, for a total of up to 30 CSeries aircraft.
Boeing lowers 747-8 production rate
Despite the promise of double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency, operating costs and emissions, Boeing has been forced to commit to a marginally lower production rate for the 747-8 program from 1.75 aircraft to 1.5 a month due to what the company describes as “lower market demand for large passenger and freighter airplanes”. “This production adjustment
Bond Helicopters takes off in Australia
Bond Helicopters has launched operations in Australia to provide offshore services to the energy industry. The company’s launch is based around its first major contract – a multi-million dollar, five-year agreement with the PTTEP Australasia Group of Companies (PTTEP), part of Thailand’s national petroleum exploration and production company. Bond will initially support PTTEP’s Timor Sea
Qantas officially opens new catering centre in Brisbane
Qantas has officially opened a new $80 million “flagship” catering centre in Brisbane, which becomes the airline’s main catering hub. The new Qantas Catering centre, to which the airline started transitioning operations some months ago, is claimed to be one of the most advanced such facilities in the southern hemisphere. It includes robotic food-handling technology,
Virgin Australia expands NZ codeshares
Virgin Australia has expanded its codeshare agreement with Air New Zealand, adding its code to an additional 17 routes across New Zealand. The move, which follows regulatory reauthorisation of the trans-Tasman alliance between the airlines, and adds to existing trans-Tasman codeshares and some domestic services. The trans-Tasman alliance between Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand
New EU emissions row erupts
The European Union is set to ignite a fresh diplomatic row following its decision to re-implement the controversial Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to all international flights within EU airspace. The European Commission last year suspended the scheme for international carriers in the face stiff opposition from Chinese and US authorities. The publication of the EU
