Arik Air resumes flights after temporary grounding
Credit: Rob Finlayson
Nigerian’s largest airline Arik Air has resumed operations after being temporarily grounded Sept. 13-14 because of an administrative problem with its insurance policy.
Airline execs say industry is better positioned for future downturns
NTSB recommends rudder blanking prevention after Delta MD-88 runway excursion
Credit: NTSB
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends the FAA, Boeing and airlines explore and mitigate a relatively obscure directional-control problem linked to aircraft with tail-mounted engines. The action came as the board held its final hearing into the March 5, 2015, runway excursion of a Delta Air Lines MD-88 landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport during a snowstorm.
Thai Airways announces A350 XWB service delay to Melbourne
Credit: Airbus
Thai Airways International, which took delivery of its first Airbus A350 XWB Aug. 30, will delay launching the first scheduled service to Melbourne Airport because of additional inspections and requirements from Australian authorities.
Boeing to build satellite to boost broadband over Africa
Credit: Boeing
Boeing announced plans Sept. 12 to build a 702-family digital payload-bearing satellite for Cayman Islands-based satellite provider Global IP.
Startup French Blue begins Paris-Punta Cana service
Credit: French Blue/Twitter
Paris Orly-based long-haul, low-cost startup French Blue launched its first flight from Paris Orly to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Sept. 10.
Aerolíneas Argentinas takes A330-200
Credit: Airbus
Buenos Aires-based Aerolíneas Argentinas has taken delivery of an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, provided on long-term lease by Stamford, Connecticut-based lessor Aircastle.
AirBaltic expects fewer CS300s in 2016
Credit: Bombardier
Latvian carrier airBaltic still plans to launch the Bombardier CS300 into commercial service this year, but it will receive fewer CS300s than planned in 2016. Photo: Rendering of CS300 in airBaltic livery
Thales, SES to launch high-speed connectiviity service in 2017
Credit: Thales
Thales is partnering with satellite-operator SES to launch a new high-speed, Ka-band-based commercial aircraft connectivity service in the Americas next year.
United, DHL to boost Newark-Puerto Rico service
Chicago-based United Airlines and Deutsche Post DHL Group subsidiary DHL announced a collaborative effort Sept. 15 to increase widebody passenger service from Newark, New Jersey, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, while also boosting cargo shipments and storage capacity of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical payloads.
Volaris takes delivery of North America's first A320neo
Credit: Airbus
Mexican ultra low-cost carrier Volaris took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo Sept. 12, making the LCC the first A320neo operator in North America.
Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.