................................................

Avic Aircraft thinks it is time that turboprop airliners are widened—if only because passengers seem to be getting wider, too. The Chinese manufacturer plans a notable jump in airframe diameter for its proposed 76-seat MA700 regional aircraft, a competitor for the established, relatively svelte ATR 72 and Bombardier Q400. MA700 entry into service is now slated for 2017, having slipped repeatedly while Avic has been preparing the technical and probably political ground for project launch. It should be followed by a version seating more than 90 passengers.

Count on the persistence of states in the U.S. South to pursue aerospace jobs, regardless of setbacks, and on the perseverance of manufacturers to oblige them.

As aerospace and defense suppliers head to this year's Farnborough air show, two of their biggest customers present a stark picture of an industry going in two directions. Boeing Commercial Airplanes is hoping to roll out big orders for its reengined 737 MAX narrowbody jet at the show, further proof of airlines' seemingly insatiable appetite for more efficient aircraft.

How large can “big fan” engines get? For almost 50 years since the genesis of the high-bypass-ratio turbofan, fan size has increased proportionately to thrust. But is that about to change?

It is an interesting time for U.S. aviation. Airbus, by unveiling plans to assemble narrowbodies in the U.S., has created the perfect opportunity for a turf war between the world's two largest airframers. Delta Air Lines' new pilot contract indicates a major shift in mainline feed, and US Airways and AMR Corp.—as has become the norm since the beginning of the year—continue to battle for the hearts and minds of workers, legislators and investors to support their respective views on what may be the last consolidation among legacy carriers for decades to come.

The long-running Concorde legal drama will soon return for another surreal season. In November, the Versailles Court of Appeal is slated to render its verdict after once again scrutinizing the evidence related to the July 25, 2000, crash of an Air France supersonic jet. And in January 2013, the same court is expected to question Jacques Herubel, a retired Aerospatiale engineer whose responsibilities included Concorde.

Irkut Corp.'s MS-21 narrowbody airliner orderbook has climbed by 35 as Aviation Capital Services (ACS) converted options. ACS, a leasing company that is a subsidiary of state-owned Russian Technology Corp., will receive 18 MS-21-200s with 150 seats and 17 MS-21-300s designed to carry 180 passengers. Irkut, part of United Aircraft Corp., is expected to deliver the aircraft in 2022-25.