The Dubai Airshow last month was not only the stage for the much-expected widebody orders and Boeing's 777X program launch. It also proved that almost anything is possible as far as airline business models are concerned. The one airline sector that should be scaring investors away is European regional aviation. Everything seems to work against it—high costs (made worse by small aircraft), increasing low-cost carrier competition, and a weak overall market.

2014 will be critical year for AgustaWestland's tiltrotor program

True to her word, Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) has reintroduced a bill that would require uniform fatigue standards for pilots. Reps. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) and Timothy Bishop (D-N.Y.) have already introduced companion legislation, the Safe Skies Act, on the House side (AW&ST Jan. 21, p. 21). “Her unwavering commitment will end the cargo carve-out and bring Part 117 back in line with Congress's original intent, one level of safety for U.S. aviation,” touts Independent Pilots Association (IPA) President Robert Travis, whose group represents some UPS pilots.

NASA software helps pilots save time and money

Though the FAA in early November published a final rule requiring U.S. airline pilots to experience and recover from full stalls in the simulator, key details needed to put the training into practice within five years are as yet unfinished and the topic of continuing debate.

VistaJet is expanding a recently formed partnership with Jet Aviation, naming the international fixed-base operation chain its handling services provider in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia regions. VistaJet in early September announced a teaming agreement with Jet Aviation and newly formed membership-based private aviation company Wheels Up as part of its plans to expand in the U.S.

The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that FAA significantly scale back a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) seeking inspections and replacement of Engine Components Inc. (ECi) and Airmotive Engineering “Titan” cylinders found on 6,000 Continental 520 and 550 model reciprocating engines.