Aerospace, defense and air transport companies spent Friday trying to put a brave face on the anticipated fall-out from the UK’s June 23 vote to leave the European Union (EU). Adverse market reaction to the so-called Brexit referendum sent stocks tumbling and pushed the British Pound to its lowest value against the U.S. dollar since 1985.
First to react was IAG—parent company of British Airways, Iberia and Vueling—which issued a profits warning for 2016 as the London Stock Exchange opened on June 24. The airline group said that while it “continues to expect a significant increase in operating profit this year, it no longer expects to generate an absolute operating profit increase similar to 2015.”
IAG’s written statement concluded that it “believes that the vote to leave the European Union will not have a long-term material impact on its business.” However, it did acknowledge that throughout June in the build-up to the referendum it saw weaker than expected sales. Generally, the UK travel industry reported slow bookings—especially for summer vacations—apparently due to uncertainty about the outcome of the vote amid dire warnings about a possible recession. IAG’s stock ended 22.54 percent down when the London market closed on June 24.
27 June 2016
FAA Issues 'Part 107' Final Regulation for Commercial Drones
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has released a long-awaited final regulation allowing for the commercial, non-recreational use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)—popularly known as drones—weighing less than 55 pounds. The Part 107 regulation, which takes effect in late August, permits daylight-only flights that remain within the visual line of sight of the drone operator. Beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations and flights over people will require waivers to the rule.
Speaking during a White House-led teleconference on June 21, secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta described a regulation that differs slightly from the draft rule the FAA released in February 2015. Among differences, the draft rule specified that commercial drone pilots would have to be at least 17 years old, and it set a maximum operating altitude of 500 feet above ground level. Part 107 reduces the required age of the pilot to 16 and the maximum altitude to 400 feet. Unlike the draft rule, the final regulation allows for operations during “civil twilight” if the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles—and it states that the prohibition of nighttime operations “will also be waivable.”
Speaking during a White House-led teleconference on June 21, secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta described a regulation that differs slightly from the draft rule the FAA released in February 2015. Among differences, the draft rule specified that commercial drone pilots would have to be at least 17 years old, and it set a maximum operating altitude of 500 feet above ground level. Part 107 reduces the required age of the pilot to 16 and the maximum altitude to 400 feet. Unlike the draft rule, the final regulation allows for operations during “civil twilight” if the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles—and it states that the prohibition of nighttime operations “will also be waivable.”
Boeing to Provide Airport and Airspace Modeling Services to Assist Turkish Authorities
Boeing announced a new Technical Assistance Agreement with iGA Havalimani Isletmesi A.S. (IGA), the developer and operator of Istanbul New Airport.
Through the agreement, Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen will provide its Total Airport and Airspace Modeler (TAAM) solution to assist IGA and DHMI, Turkey’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority. This group will support the development of Istanbul New Airport airspace design, the airport operation optimization program and an operational readiness plan.
Through the agreement, Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen will provide its Total Airport and Airspace Modeler (TAAM) solution to assist IGA and DHMI, Turkey’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority. This group will support the development of Istanbul New Airport airspace design, the airport operation optimization program and an operational readiness plan.
GoAir takes delivery of its first of 72 A320neo aircraft
Mumbai, India based GoAir has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft, becoming the world’s third operator to do so. The A320neo powered by Pratt and Whitney engines, is the first of 72 A320neo on order and joins GoAir’s existing fleet of 19 A320 aircraft.
The aircraft is configured in a conformable layout and is the first A320neo equipped with the innovative Spaceflex cabin configuration with 186 seats. GoAir currently flies to 22 Indian destinations. With the NEO induction, GoAir will expand its network and offer fliers better connectivity and continue its growth as one of India’s preferred low-cost airline.
The aircraft is configured in a conformable layout and is the first A320neo equipped with the innovative Spaceflex cabin configuration with 186 seats. GoAir currently flies to 22 Indian destinations. With the NEO induction, GoAir will expand its network and offer fliers better connectivity and continue its growth as one of India’s preferred low-cost airline.
AWAS orders 15 A320 Family aircraft
AWAS, the Dublin-based leading global aircraft leasing company has announced an order for an additional 15 A320 Family aircraft, comprising 12 A320ceo and three A321ceo aircraft.
Dave Siegel, AWAS CEO remarked on the deal, “AWAS is pleased to continue our long-term relationship with Airbus in reaching this deal for the order of 15 A320 CEO Family aircraft which will include a mix of both A321 and A320 aircraft. AWAS is bullish on the A320 and A321 CEO family as its value proposition to airlines remains strong which is evident in the continued global demand for Airbus single aisle aircraft. AWAS is pleased to be able to offer our customers new production CEOs in support of their fleet plans.”
Dave Siegel, AWAS CEO remarked on the deal, “AWAS is pleased to continue our long-term relationship with Airbus in reaching this deal for the order of 15 A320 CEO Family aircraft which will include a mix of both A321 and A320 aircraft. AWAS is bullish on the A320 and A321 CEO family as its value proposition to airlines remains strong which is evident in the continued global demand for Airbus single aisle aircraft. AWAS is pleased to be able to offer our customers new production CEOs in support of their fleet plans.”
Singapore Airlines flight returns to Changi, catches fire, no casualties
A Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA) flight to Milan caught fire early on Monday after returning to Singapore's Changi airport following an engine oil warning message, but all passengers were safe, the airline and airport officials said.
The aircraft's right engine caught fire after the aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, touched down at Changi airport at around 6:50 am (2250 GMT). Emergency services put out the fire and there were no injuries to the 222 passengers and 19 crew on board, a SIA statement said.
"Passengers disembarked through stairs and were transported to the terminal building by bus. Passengers will be transferred to another aircraft which is expected to depart for Milan later today," the statement said.
The aircraft's right engine caught fire after the aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, touched down at Changi airport at around 6:50 am (2250 GMT). Emergency services put out the fire and there were no injuries to the 222 passengers and 19 crew on board, a SIA statement said.
"Passengers disembarked through stairs and were transported to the terminal building by bus. Passengers will be transferred to another aircraft which is expected to depart for Milan later today," the statement said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)