AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,301 news found

Civil aviationFAA AD on McDonnell Douglas model DC-9-15 airplane (2004-07-08)
Washington, Usa - To prevent loose external power ground wires, which could cause arcing and overheated wire insulation and consequent smoke/fire in the cockpit
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2003-NM-31-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on McDonnell Douglas model DC-9-10, DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes (2004-07-05)
Usa - To detect and correct fatigue cracking, which could result in major damage to the adjacent structure of the pylon aft spar upper cap, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 99-NM-255-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on McDonnell Douglas model DC-9-14, DC-9- 15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-32F (C- 9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, and DC-9-34F; DC-9- 21, DC-9-41, and DC-9-51 series airplanes (2004-07-04)
Washington, Usa - To prevent overheating of the ballast transformers due to aging fluorescent tubes that cause a higher power demand on the ballast transformers, which could result in smoke in the cockpit
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2003-NM-58-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on AeroSpace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd model N-22B, N-22S, and N-24A airplanes
Washington, Usa - To detect and correct cracks in the rear fuselage bulkhead
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2000-CE-43-AD; Amendment... more

Government actsContracts: "Scheduled air services on the Rostock-Laage - Munich and Rostock-Laage - Cologne/Bonn routes (Germany)"
Rome, Italy - The invitation to tender issued on the Official Journal of the European Union
Official Journal of the European Union C 81 of 31 March 2004, page 17 Operation of scheduled air services Invitation to tender issued by the Federal Republic of Germany pursuant to article 4(1)(d) of... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Bombardier model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes
Washington, Usa - To detect and correct cracking in the primary fuel ejector, which could cause fuel leakage into the center fuel tank, and result in engine shutdown during flight
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2004-NM-41-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation model S-76 A, B, and C helicopters
Washington, Usa - To prevent both autopilots from disengaging following a No. 2 DC generator failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) flight
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2003-SW-45-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Boeing model 757-200 and -200CB series airplanes
Washington, Usa - To prevent failure of the attachment installation of the forward lavatory during an emergency landing, which could result in injury to the crew and passengers
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2000-NM-404-AD; Amendment... more

HelicoptersThe Bell 104 challenges the R-22
Washington, USA - A new chopper by Bell Helicopters is being developed
Bell Helicopters would be developing a new chopper in order to challenge the Robinson R-22 in its market for its class. The Bell 104 (this would be the selected name) will be a piston engine two-seats... more

DefenseTension rises in Taiwan due to Chinese missile threat (2): United States' statements
Washington, USA - The delivery of radars to Taipei completely honours US legal system Public Law 96-8 prescriptions
The delivery of long range surveillance radars to Taiwan is still at the drafting stage, also because its specification enactment is still incomplete. Probably, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin will compete... more

PeopleAir traffic is recovering: 4.4% increase observed
Rome, Italy - Aea publishes the data for the first quarter of 2004
Aea (Association of European Airlines), has published the data relative to air traffic in the first quarter of the year (1 January-21 March). Results are reassuring, with an overall increase of 4.4%. The... more

AirlinesAir Europa might join SkyTeam
Paris, France - As announced by Air France
Spanish airline, Air Europa, might join the SkyTeam global alliance as an associate member. The news was circulated yesterday by Air France, which has just renewed its code-share contract with Air Europa... more

CuriositiesVotes the Air Force One Republican?
Washington, USA - A bizarre proposal by USA Republican environment to add another "right" wing to the President's airplane
The Boeing 747-200B called Air Force One, the United States President's aircraft, would be involved in the Presidential electoral campaign. Nevertheless, such involvement would not regard aircraft's management... more

CuriositiesVenice autonomous police union plays April fool on airport security
Venice, Italy - A fake press release about an explosives detector was published
Venice's Sap (autonomous police union) played an April fool by publishing yesterday a fake press release concerning the installation of a new explosives detector at the Venice airport on 1 April. In the... more

PeopleIata: industry to post USD 3.2bn profit
Santiago, Chile - Traffic rises, cost reduction remains essential
"The successive crises that have traumatized air transport since September 2001 cost the industry three years of growth and profitability. Positive traffic trends over the last six months bring us back... more

IndustryA holding for Mil's helicopters
Moscow, Russia - It will incorporate all companies producing various types of helicopters belonging to such historical Russian brand
The foundation of a single holding for managing the activities of all the companies which produce Mil's helicopters has been announced in Russia. At first, it seems a similar operation for Kamov had been... more

PeopleItalian air transport strike confirmed for 5 April
Rome, Italy - In spite of the rumours about a probable postponement, the protest will take place
In spite of rumours of a probable postponement (see AVIONEWS), the Italian air transport strike planned for 5 April has been confirmed by unions. All employees of the sector will come out in protest for... more

Civil aviationStructural problems for US military helicopters
Washington, USA - It has been reported by pilots and crews
Helicopter pilots and crews would be particularly worried regarding the serious condition in which several aircraft are from a structural solidity point of view. In fact, a number of fuselage cracks would... more

Science and technologyCatania: yesterday airport stuck due to poor visibility
Catania, Italy - Most flights diverted to the Palermo airport
Due to poor visibility, the Catania airport faced a slowdown yesterday, although it was not closed. Most flights did not land at the "Fontanarossa" airport, but were diverted to the Palermo airport: from... more

DefenseNorth Korea: the United States are preparing the II Korea War
Pyongyang, North Korea - Pyongyang threatens to strengthen its own nuclear deterrent
North Korean Government proves very worried regarding recent joint exercises between the United States and South Korea and with reference to those with Japan. Moreover, Pyongyang thinks that the settlement... more

CuriositiesPresident Bush training with the F-16
Washington, USA - Possibility of supporting other President aircraft already in service with a two-seats version is under consideration
President George W Bush has overcome some training weeks in Air National Guard, by performing some flights thanks to a F-16's simulator before real tests. United States President has underlined the fact... more

AccidentsPresident Fox's plane hit by thunderbolt
Mexico City, Mexico - The aircraft has landed without consequences
The Mexican Air Force aircraft PT-01 on which President Vicente Fox was flying was hit on a wing by a thunderbolt during the return flight to the capital from Tamaulipas. The accident occurred while the... more

DefenseTension rises in Taiwan due to Chinese missile threat
Taipei, Taiwan - Two relevant military specifications in order to face such danger
Taiwan would have ordered from the United States the production of two long range warning radar aiming to detect ballistic missiles. American Government would have made know that such step is not strictly... more

Latest newsPentagon bashes the 767 Tanker programme
Washington, USA - Criticism towards US Air Force and Boeing for their insufficient delivery of project costs data
"Inappropriate procurement strategy". This is the definition given by Pentagon Inspector General concerning US Air Force’s order for 100 new Boeing KC-767 Tanker air-tankers (see for details AVIONEWS). B... more

Airports68-year-old German man lands in US airbase by mistake
Bitburg, Germany - He risked to be shot down
A retired 68-year-old man took a big risk yesterday when, onboard a small tourism aircraft, he landed at the American military airbase in Spangdahlem, Germany, one of the largest in the Country. The amateur... more

AirlinesAlitalia: negative results for last quarter of 2003
Rome, Italy - The board approved the accounts for the fourth quarter of 2003
Alitalia's board approved yesterday the accounts for the fourth quarter of 2003 and results are not reassuring. Sales from October to December 2003 amounted to EUR 1,084m with a decrease of 74m compared... more

IndustryRaytheon Co. awarded of a over 34 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the production of Seasparrow missiles
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $34,483,374 cost-reimbursable modification to previously awarded contract N00024 03 C 5448, to procure long lead material in support of the FY03/04 production... more

IndustryRaytheon Corp. awarded of a near 12 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the MH-60R and MH-60S aircraft
Raytheon Corp., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded an $11,725,000 delivery order under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract (N00383-02-G-018A) for manufacture... more

IndustrySikorsky Aircraft Corp. awarded of a over 84 USDm contract
Washington, Usa - For the MH-60R LRIP II aircraft
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn. is being awarded an $84,390,989 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-03-C-0011) for the procurement of four MH-60R... more

Fair and shows110 years ago Sergei Ilyushin, famous Russian aircraft designer, was born
Moscow, Russia - He designed extraordinary war aircraft and contributed to the development of passenger travel
Today is the anniversary of the birth of Sergei Ilyushin, a famous soviet aircraft designer. He was born from a family of peasants in the north of Russia and, after graduating as an engineer in Moscow,... more

DefenseModernization process of German armed forces has started
Berlin, Germany - The Typhoon as the cornerstone of national defence system
German Government has recently shown its programme in order to radically chance its forces, as in its opinion they are now too affected by an old structure and a Cold War style. The "Bundeswehr in Transformation"... more

IndustryA new General Director for Galileo Avionica
Rome, Italy - He will mainly manage purchases and human resources
Galileo Avionica's board of directors has appointed its new General Director, Renzo Meschini. Meschini will take care of every issue regarding purchases, human resources management and the systems improvement.... more

AerospaceThe 9th ISS' crew is ready
Moscow, Russia - A Russian, an American and a European to leave on April 19 aboard of a Soyuz
The new astronauts (as the 9th crew) leaving on next April 19 for the International Space Station (ISS) have been selected and in large part already trained. Russian Gennady Padalka, US Michael Fink and... more

Latest newsFarewell celebration for the F-104
Rome, Italy - Waiting for its final retirement from service, orders from many sources arrive in order to receive at least an airframe
The retirement of the last F-104 Starfighter from service in Italian Air Force will occur on October 31 2004 but, in the meantime, several orders have arrived in order to take delivery of at least an aircraft... more

DefenseRussian Navy's exercise in the Black Sea
Moscow, Russia - An air-naval forces massive deployment up to April 5
A great Russian air-naval exercise has started in the Black Sea today, destinated to extend until April 5. Such activity involves 15 battle ships for every class, with the addition of 30 auxiliary naval... more

Science and technologyRome-Ciampino: new low-cost flights to Zurich and Coventry
Rome, Italy - Connections are operated by Helvetic Airways and Thomsonfly
The offer of low-cost flights from the second airport of Rome, Ciampino, keeps growing, with a new flight to Zurich inaugurated last Sunday by Helvetic Airways and one to Coventry, England, by Thomsonfly,... more

DefenseFirst matters to solve for the new 26 members Nato
Bratislava, Slovakia - Slovakia will not award its own bases while Russia keep an eye also on Slovenia
Official joining by 7 Eastern Europe countries of Nato since March 29 goes on causing worth noticing comments and reactions as much as relevant by various sources. From Bratislava (Slovakia) an announcement... more

Science and technologyCagliari airport: after fog alert stressed the need for runway adequation
Cagliari, Italy - As early as in September 2002, Sogaer had requested the completion of the Resa
Following the closure of the Cagliari airport yesterday and in this morning due to to fog and heavy rain, Sogaer, the company that manages the airport, has stressed the need for the completion of the Resa... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Dassault model Mystere-Falcon 50 series airplanes
Usa - To prevent early fatigue, corrosion, or fretting, which could result in structural failure of major components, and possible reduced structural integrity of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2002-NM-232-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Dornier model 328-100 series airplanes
Usa - To prevent failure of the support arms of the ground spoiler assemblies due to cracking, which could result in loss of function and/or separation of the affected ground spoiler assemblies from the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2002-NM-300-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on Airbus model A-318, A-319, A-320, and A-321 series airplanes
Usa - To detect and correct cracking in a main landing gear (MLG) sliding tube, which could result in failure of the sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2004-NM-43-AD; Amendment... more

Civil aviationFAA AD on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) model 4101 airplanes
Usa - To detect and correct damage of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer attachment fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the horizontal and vertical stabilizers and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane
Airworthiness Directive Federal Register Information Header Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 2002-NM-63-AD; Amendment... more

DefenseCambodia starts destroying portable surface-to-air missiles
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - It is the first Asian country to resort to such pre-emptive move against terrorism
As it had already been announced (see for details AVIONEWS), Cambodia has started destroying its portable very short range surface-to-air missiles. Some 233 Russian made missiles will have to be eliminated... more

Latest newsItalian Air Force's 81 history years have been celebrated
Rome, Italy - Meeting among Heads of General Staff and Minister Martino
The celebration for 81 years from the foundation of the Italian Air Force occurred on March 28. Such anniversary has been commemorated by a comment of AMI Head of General Staff, General Sandro Ferracuti,... more

Civil aviationAn impressive increase of AMI's interceptions after September 11, 2001
Rome, Italy - The Italian fighters to constantly operate during Easter
Recently, Italian Air Force Head of General Staff, Gen. Sandro Ferracuti, unveiled data regarding interceptions performed by AMI's fighters up to today starting from September 11, 2001: some 67 notifications... more

AirlinesContinental Airlines: new flight from Cleveland to Myrtle Beach and Birmingham
Houston, Usa - From June 10 for a route while for the other one July 1
Continental Airlines announced the airline will begin new nonstop service linking its hub at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport with Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Birmingham, Ala. Seasonal once-daily service... more

AirlinesFirst flights for Thomsonfly, the new British low-cost airline
London, UK - The carrier connects Coventry airport with Europe
The first flights of new-born British low-cost carrier Thomsonfly took off today. The airline operates flights from the Coventry airport, in central England, to Jersey, Malaga, Rome, Valencia and Venice.... more

Science and technologyThe Eu proceeds against eight member States including Italy for acoustic pollution regulations
Brussels, Belgium - The Countries have not notified the regulations relative to the European directive
Eight Eu Countries - Italy, Germany, Greece, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Sweden - have received a motivated opinion by the European Commission for not having submitted the regulations... more

AirlinesAir France takeover bid on Klm in April
Paris, France - The operations was postponed last 19 March
The launch of Air France takeover bid on Klm, postponed last 19 March (see AVIONEWS), will be held early in April. The two carriers have announced it in a press release, although they have not specified... more

DefenseUkraine sets out missiles' disappearance
Kiev, Ukraine - Ukrainian Minister of Defence tries to ease international military and political environments
After the understandably worried reaction by international political and military environments, Ukrainian Minister of Defence has tried to keep people calm by stating that disappeared missiles, though... more