The World of Aviation

Embraer has used the grand opening of a new $41 million showroom to deliver its first US built Phenom 100 business jet. The Brazilian aircraft maker opened an assembly plant for the $3.75 million entry level executive jet at the Melbourne International Airport in Florida in February, its first production facility in North America. The

Airbus has completed first flight of the ‘Sharklet’ wing-tip devices that make up a key part of its A320neo design. The 2.5 metre tall devices will replace the A320’s current wingtip fence and are claimed to reduce fuel burn by about 3.5 per cent. They will be available as an option on current generation A320s

ExecuJet Australasia has opened new Fixed Base Operations in Melbourne and Wellington. The Melbourne facility, located at Essendon’s general aviation airport, adds a lounge area, offices, stores and maintenance workshops to an existing maintenance facility. “The expanded facility will allow us to offer a more comprehensive maintenance service as well as now offer a full

Boeing says it is on pace to meet a stepped up production schedule for its 737 airliner. The company yesterday said it finished its first 737 at the new rate of 35 per month, up from 31.5 per month. Boeing plans to further increase production to 38 per month in the second quarter of 2013

Transaero has firmed up an order for eight Airbus A320neos, building on a memorandum of understanding signed by Russia’s second largest airline in August. The A320neo, featuring updated engine options and wingtip ‘sharklet’ devices designed to improve fuel efficiency, is scheduled to begin deliveries in 2015. Transaero will select an engine option at a later

One of Boeing’s three 747-8I test aircraft, RC021, was scheduled to arrive at Frankfurt Airport today for four days of checks and rehearsals focused on ground handling procedures. Three Lufthansa pilots were to accompany the jetliner on its flight from Seattle to Germany. RC021, which has been used to test interior systems such as heating,