ANA’s order for three A380s is the most notable of its growth moves, which also include dramatically expanding its low-cost carrier subsidiary Vanilla Air and partnering with Vietnam Airlines.
Aer Lingus sees great potential in growing its transatlantic network. Being part of International Airlines Group gives it better access to traffic feed and funding for additional aircraft.
Europe’s largest airline by passenger count, Ryanair, is seeing accelerated growth as a result of its “Always Getting Better” campaign, which highlights customer service.
Demand for mass-produced smallsats leads Clyde Space to expand its U.K. operations and establish a subsidiary in the U.S., where the defense market beckons.
Feb. 9-10—Microelectronics Reliability and Qualification Working Meeting. The Aerospace Corp. El Segundo, California. See cvent.com/d/5fq8yp Feb. 9-11—PNAA’s 15th Annual Aerospace Manufacturing Conference. Lynnwood Convention Center. Lynnwood, Washington. See pnaa.net/events/annual-conference/2016-conference
Robert Leduc has been appointed president of Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines, a United Technologies unit headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut. Leduc had been president of Sikorsky prior to its sale. He will succeed Paul Adams, who is retiring.
Boeing is still on the hunt for a launch application for its unconventional Blended Wing Body concept, bolstered by positive results from more than two decades of testing at some of the U.S.’s premier research facilities.
DEFENSE The first fuel transfer from a Boeing KC-46A tanker to a receiver aircraft was completed on Jan. 24, a key step toward approval of low-rate initial production. EMD-2, the first fully configured test aircraft, boom-refueled an F-16C and in coming weeks will transfer fuel to a C-17, A-10, F/A-18 and AV-8B (page 32).
The Arizona senator accuses United Launch Alliance of “manipulative extortion” on RD-180 engines; cargo carriers fight FAA fuel tank AD; NASA ponders how to use funding windfall; U.S. nuclear weapons seem here to stay.
