The World of Aviation

The Indian government has formally announced the selection of the Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) new tanker aircraft. The announcement followed a lengthy selection process which included flight demonstrations in India by an A330 MRTT during which the aircraft refuelled multiple types of IAF fighters and

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a US$3.68bn modification to the previously awarded low rate initial production lot 6 advance acquisition contract (LRIP 6) for the procurement of 31 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The 31 aircraft comprise 18 F-35A conventional take-off and landing aircraft; six F-35B short take-off vertical landing aircraft; and seven F-35C carrier variant

Embraer has selected Pratt & Whitney as its engine supplier for a second generation of its E-Jet airliner family. Using the PurePower PW1700G and PW1900G geared turbofans, Embraer believes it will achieve double-digit fuel efficiencies when combined with improvements to wing design and systems. While the program for a second generation of Embraer’s popular 70-

Middle East Airlines (MEA) has firmed orders for 10 A320neo aircraft, including five A320neo and A321neo jets for entry into service from late 2015. The airline will make an engine selection at a later date. MEA will add the new jets to its existing all-Airbus fleet of four A330-200s, four A321s and 10 A320s. Airbus

Bombardier Aerospace delivered 233 aircraft during 2012, down on its 245 deliveries the year before.  However, the company received orders for 481 aircraft in 2012, eclipsing the 245 for the prior year. Business aircraft made up 179 deliveries compared to 163 the previous year, while Bombardier received orders for 343 business jets in 2012, 152

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will invest $95 million to upgrade the business and economy class cabins aboard its fleet of 10 777-200ERs. Business class will see the installation of fully-flat sleeper seats in a four-abreast 1-2-1 configuration as is currently fitted on the airline’s A380, 777-300ER and A340-500 aircraft.  In economy class personal LCD monitors will