This week’s top air transport stories include sustainability news from Airbus and Boeing, as well as a proposed new Saudi Arabian carrier, Riyadh International Air while Indian carrier Go First files for bankruptcy protection.
In manufacturer news, Boeing will add a 787-10 to the EcoDemonstrator program in 2023 to evaluate advanced long range navigation systems. Dubbed an “Explorer” aircraft, the 787-10 is the first of a planned series of additional test platforms which Boeing will use to focus on specific technologies. Although the donor operator of the stretched 787 has not been identified, Boeing says the aircraft will fly in June “from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an airplane’s fuel use and emissions by up to 10%.”
Airbus is simultaneously pursuing its hydrogen aircraft project and looking at a more conventional propulsion system for entry into service in 2035-40. The airframer is preparing another generation of aircraft—as part of CFM International’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) demonstration program—that burns 20-25% less fuel and 100% compatible with SAF. Along with technologies that will help the RISE program, the EU’s Clean Aviation public-private partnership is funding research into hydrogen heavily.
In airline news, Saudi Arabia announced a new flag carrier, Riyadh International Air (RIA), to be based at the city’s King Fahd International Airport (DMM) and operate both domestic and international flights. The new airline will serve the vast new tourism area and futuristic city of Neom in the country’s far northwest. Saudi Arabia is also putting in place an aerospace eco-system, including a new national lessor, AviLease, a huge expansion of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (which will be renamed King Salman International Airport), and a new MRO establishment.
Indian carrier Go First filed for bankruptcy protection due to the increasing number of aircraft it has had to take out of service due to issues with the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines which power its Airbus A320neo fleet. Go First canceled all its flights scheduled May 3-5.
Canada’s WestJet completed its acquisition of Toronto-based leisure travel company Sunwing. The addition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines will bring 18 Boeing 737s to the combined fleet, though initially the companies will continue independent operations. The new tour-operating business will include the vacation businesses of the two companies.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce—who has held the position for 15 years—plans to retire in November, and will be succeeded by CFO Vanessa Hudson, who has been with the Australian flag carrier for 28 years, during which time she has held many senior executive roles including chief customer officer and senior VP for the Americas and New Zealand. She has also been executive manager at various times for sales and distribution, commercial planning, and product and services.
Breeze Airways is seeking approval from the U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) to start flights to Mexico, marking the Utah-based ultra-low cost carrier’s first international service since commencing commercial operations in May 2021. The application seeking regulatory clearance for U.S.-Mexico flights outlines that the carrier intends to begin operations between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in November. Service is scheduled to be once a week using Airbus A220 aircraft.
In aircraft news, Jetcraft Commercial, the commercial aircraft division of Jetcraft, has closed a transaction to purchase 25 Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft frames. It did not name the seller. At the same time, Jetcraft has an agreement to place 10 of the airframes, with separately sourced engines, with an undisclosed buyer. The remaining 15 airframes will be placed with various operators around the world. Deliveries will begin in May 2023 and continue forward. All 25 airframes will return to the commercial market, Jetcraft officials say.
Luxair approved the purchase of two more Boeing 737 MAX 8s, adding to two of the type already on order and another pair that the Luxembourg flag carrier is planning to lease. The MAX aircraft will be configured with up to 186 seats, giving passengers “greater than average seat spacing” of 30 in. The 737 MAX 8 can accommodate 162 to 210 passengers. The new aircraft will be used to operate existing services to Dubai, Cape Verde, and Senegal, as well as new longer-distance destinations.
Finally, in regulatory news, the FAA plans to complete key revisions to system safety assessment (SSA) procedures by late 2024 and is updating its in-service risk-assessment process used to determine actions, including when to ground fleets. The rule will require applicants to consider latent failures that leave an aircraft one additional malfunction away from a catastrophic accident. Related guidance will cover “integrated” SSAs, which the FAA required for the 737 MAX’s return to service analysis, and Boeing is using for in-progress programs.
