The overall budget, a slight decrease from fiscal 2015’s enacted level, includes requests of $9.9 billion for Operations; $2.85 billion for Facilities & Equipment; $166 million for Research, Engineering, & Development; and $2.9 billion in Airport Improvement Program grants.

The Transasia ATR 72-600 involved in today's accident carried tail number B-22816 and airframe serial number 1141. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW127M engines, it first flew on March 28, 2014, and was delivered to Transaia Airways on April 14, 2014.

Galileo will comprise a civilian-controlled constellation of 30 satellites, but civil aviation authorities are skeptical that Europe’s space sector can meet navigation and communications safety standards.

Along with this year’s HeliExpo trade show in Orlando, Aviation Week editors will produce a special report on the civil rotorcraft industry’s new technologies and development programs. That includes a breakout story on the launch of Rockwell Collin’s Pro Line Fusion avionics and a comprehensive look at new developments in helicopter engines among the industry’s top manufacturers.

A shortage of airline pilots, a worrisome trend that will grow more apparent over the next two decades, has the industry contemplating current pilot-education requirements and ways to streamline the process of certifying commercial pilots.

Pilot academies in Australia are playing a leading role in helping meet the growing need for pilots at Southeast Asian and Chinese airlines.

Demand for pilots at U.S. majors and regionals is outstripping supply and likely to cause shortages unless corrective steps are taken.

New maintenance base for landing gear opened by Gameco will be one of the largest in China.