The World of Aviation

US based Robinson Helicopters more than doubled its production numbers in 2011, turning out 356 helicopters as compared to 162 in 2010. The numbers are a welcome turnaround for the world’s largest maker of civilian helicopters, which saw orders plummet amid the US recession. The company built 893 aircraft at its peak two years ago.

Bell Helicopter has received approval from Transport Canada to increase the weight limit of its twin engine Bell 429 helicopter by 227kg to to 3405kg. The company said it will petition the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency for concurrence. The weight limit increase will be available to existing users of the aircraft through the

French planemaker Daher-Socata says it delivered 38 TBM 850 tubroprops in 2011, making it the fourth best year in the 21 year history of the TBM family. The company said it delivered its first aircraft to Singapore and Argentine, though US customers accounted for more than three-quarters of deliveries. Since its introduction in 2006, a

Airservices Australia says time is running out for aspiring female pilots to apply for flight training scholarships. The scholarships, valued at $8000 each, can be used for initial pilot training or towards the cross-country flying component of a private pilot licence. Members of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association aged 16 and over with a demonstrated

Mexican budget carrier Volaris has ordered 44 Airbus A320 jetliners including 30 next generation A320neos. The purchase represents the largest ever commercial aircraft order by a Mexican airliner, Airbus said. Established in 2006, Volaris currently operates an all Airbus fleet of 34 aircraft. The A320neo, featuring updated engine options and wingtip ‘sharklet’ devices designed to

AirAsia X will suspend flights to Paris and London and curtail services to India in a cost cutting move, the Malaysia based budget carrier announced Thursday. Attributing the move to the familiar combination of global economic uncertainty and soaring fuel costs, the long haul division of AirAsia said it would suspend its only two services