The World of Aviation

Airbus parent EADS spent 158 million euros (A$205m) fixing wing cracks in A380 superjumbo jets during the first quarter of the year, throwing a wrench in its plans to improve the program’s profitability. Despite the massive repair bill and the wider economic troubles in Europe, however, EADS still reported healthy first-quarter profits of 133 million

Boeing has tweaked the engine design of its upcoming 737 MAX airliner, upping the fan size as it continues to iron out plans for the jet. In the latest change, Boeing said the CFM LEAP-1B engines used in the updated 737 would come with a 69.4-inch fan, 1.4 inches larger that in the previous design

Simulator manufacturer and aviation training provider CAE has acquired Oxford Aviation Academy for C$314 million (A$312m), the companies have announced. CAE said it would continue to operate Oxford’s training facilities, including its flight training academy at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, under the name CAE Oxford Aviation Academy. “This expansion is an important step for CAE

Virgin Australia has announced plans to resume flights from Brisbane to Mount Isa, raising hopes in the mining centre that competition will lead to lower fares. Qantas has held a monopoly on the route since Virgin withdrew from Mount Isa in 2001, saying competition from the flying Kangaroo left it unable to fill its seats.

Hawker Pacific has ordered six Beechcraft King Air 350i turboprops and expects to begin taking delivery of the aircraft later this year. Hawker Pacific, a sales and support company, said the orders came in response to “increasing inquiries from customers looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or performance.” It said the King Airs would

Airservices Australia chief Greg Russell has resigned after almost seven years with the organisation. Mr Russell’s resignation was effective yesterday. Airservices chief financial officer Andrew Clark will serve as acting CEO until a permanent replacement is named. In a statement, Airservices did not provide a reason for Mr Russell’s departure. But the air traffic control