Air China has grounded some of its Boeing 787s powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, which had been found to have vulcanization and fatigue cracks in the blades of the engine’s intermediate pressure (IP) compressor.

Qantas Airways has converted six more options for Boeing 787-9s to firm orders, which will allow the Australian flag carrier to retire its remaining 747-400s a few years earlier than planned.

Further details are emerging of Rolls-Royce’s plan to flight test the company’s UltraFan future commercial engine technology demonstrator with Airbus as part of a wider strategy that targets entry-into-service from the mid-2020s.

Aircraft Briefs-May 1, 2018

Emirates Airline has temporarily grounded some aircraft to optimize operations as demand slows and fewer flight crew are available.

The US Department of Transportation will use its exemption authority to issue certificates to operators of small unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) seeking to transport goods for compensation, a procedural step toward allowing delivery drones.

FAA has mandated inspections for the CFM56-7B fan blade population not covered by the agency’s April 20 emergency airworthiness directive (AD), following CFM International’s latest recommendations.

Boeing has struck a $4.25 billion deal to acquire Miami-headquartered aircraft parts distribution, composites and aftermarket supplier KLX Inc.’s Aerospace Solutions Group, marking a further move into the value chain.