The World of Aviation

The second F-35B development aircraft, BF-2, joined its BF-1 sister at NAS Patuxent River near Washington DC on December 29 prior to the commencement of STOVL flight trials. BF-1 had been grounded since arriving at Pax River in mid November, ostensibly for only 15 days so that ‘scheduled maintenance’ could be performed on the aircraft,

China Eastern Airlines has ordered 16 A330s for delivery between 2011 and 2014, but as yet has not specified whether they will be -200 or -300 variants. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet of A330s all powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. This deal appears to be the final major order of 2009 to

Indonesia has announced it will retire most of its GAF Nomad maritime surveillance aircraft as part of a maritime modernisation effort. The Indonesian Navy says it will retire 21 of its 28 Nomads, retaining six for training duties alongside its three current CN-235 maritime surveillance aircraft and a further three CN-235s currently on order.

The USAF has issued an RFI to replace its fleet of 62 UH-1N Huey helicopters under the Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP) program. The USAF requires up to 93 new helicopters to replace the UH-1N in the ICBM field support, VIP shuttle and civil defence roles. Requirements include an ability to carry nine combat-equipped

Brazil’s much anticipated FX-2 decision for 36 new aircraft to replace its ageing Mirage fighters is still to be announced despite reports late last year that France’s bid with the Dassault Rafale had been successful. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told media shortly before Christmas that “we should make the decision at the

New York based fuel supplier Allied Aviation Services has made an offer to buy International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) from the lessor’s troubled parent, American Insurance Group (AIG), in a deal reported to be valued at around US$12bn (A$13.15bn). The offer, which AIG has not responded to, according to US media reports, would see the