An apology to our regular readers. We have been at ISTAT in Scottsdale Arizona and rather busy with that conference. We managed to speak with a number of industry leaders – here's one of them, Chet Fuller of Bombardier. He shared some thoughts on the CSeries program.

Etihad and airBerlin announced plans to integrate their 787 programs. The two airlines currently have a combined 56 firm orders. This is more 787s than are on order with any other airlines. A combined Etihad-airBerlin team will oversee the integration program. The airlines will share infrastructure, pool maintenance, develop joint training programs, and streamline purchasing [...]

London Luton Airport Operations, the operator of London Luton Airport, announced its Master Plan for the future of the airport.  The airport is the fifth largest airport in the UK and was the fastest growing London airport in 2011. As the operator since 1998, LLAO has carried out a detailed study of Luton and opportunities [...]

As if India did not have enough airline trouble.  Kingfisher is pretty much maimed. Jet is bumbling along. Air India forces its way under the state's umbrella with no shame.  Absent that cover, the airline would implode (and should have a long time ago). Reuters reports that India's airlines are likely to lose up to [...]

Wonderful news this morning. Boeing completed all flight tests required for type certification of the 787-8 with GEnx engines.  This marks the end of all certification flight testing associated with the baseline model of the 787.  Testing on engine and airframe improvements will continue as needed, as it does for all airplane programs.  Ground testing [...]

Qantas has started in-flight A380 connectivity trials. The trail offers travelers between Australia and the USA in-flight access to the Internet and email. The trial uses six A380s equipped with internet connectivity between Sydney and Los Angeles and Melbourne and Los Angeles. Qantas Executive Manager Customer Experience Alison Webster said customers will be able to [...]

Malaysia Airlines today revealed the design and specifications of its first new flagship, the A380, that is on track for entry into service 1 July 2012. Their A380 has a capacity of 494 seats in a three-class configuration comprising 8 First Class seats and 350 Economy Class seats on the main deck, together with 66 [...]

Given the state of the overall economy, EADS profits being +87% is amazing.  Demand for neo and an apparent sorting out of the A380 program are the big reasons for better numbers. Airbus managed to increase A380 prices and likely has seen actual prices on the airplane go up, even if nobody pays retail. Of [...]

After playing chicken with its pilots to come to work, Kingfisher took a body blow today. IATA suspended Kingfisher Airlines from its clearing house effective today due to non-payment of dues, an IATA spokesman said.  "This is because the airline did not settle their ICH (IATA Clearing House) account within the stipulated deadline. Kingfisher's participation [...]

BAA is threatening legal action if the Government continues to rule out a third runway at Heathrow, according to reports.  BAA want to ensure the UK government will consider expanding Heathrow as part of its aviation review.  The aviation review should be revealed later this month when the UK Department for Transport publishes its new [...]