AIX postponed: Reed Exhibitions announced that Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) and the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC), which were set to take place at the Hamburg Messe, Germany from 30 March to 2 April 2020, will be postponed following the escalation of COVID-19 in Europe. Speaking about the announcement, Katie Murphy, portfolio director at Reed Exhibitions, said: “The health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and staff is our number one priority. In close coordination with all partners involved, we will promptly announce an alternative date for the events.”
EHang 216 obtains permit from Norway: China’s EHang announced that the company has obtained an operational permit for its two-seater passenger-grade AAV, the EHang 216, from the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA Norway). This is the first operational permit for long-term testing flight of the EHang 216 in Europe. After the assessment of test flight plans and contingency plans, the CAA Norway issued an operational permit for EHang 216 to conduct flights together with a local customer for the purpose of testing and certification. According to CAA Norway, it believes the country ’s geographic conditions suit the testing of unmanned aircraft well.
Air India Engineering to perform GTF maintenance: Pratt & Whitney has announced that Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in support of Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines and customers in India. AIESL will service PW1100G-JM engines at its facility in Mumbai. AIESL’s introduction to GTF maintenance will be a phased approach, starting with engine upgrade and module exchange capabilities as immediate support of the GTF fleet in India. The facility has already received its first GTF engine.
Etihad posts loss for 2019: Etihad Airways said it posted a loss of US$870 million for 2019, which was an improvement over the US$1.28 billion loss posted in 2018. The company said revenues totalled US$5.6 billion compared to US$5.9 billion in 2018. Etihad carried 17.5 million passengers in 2019 compared to 17.8 million in 2018 with a 78.7 percent seat load factor compared to 76.4 percent in 2018. Yields increased by 1 percent, largely driven by capacity discipline, network and fleet optimisation and growing market share in premium and point-to-point markets. Due to the capacity reduction, passenger revenues slightly decreased to US$ 4.8 billion compared to US$5 billion in 2018.
AirAsia India completes IATA safety audit: AirAsia India, a joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and AirAsia Investment, said it has completed its Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) by the International Air Transportation (IATA). The IOSA registration process covers eight areas: Corporate organisation and management systems, flight operations, operational control – flight dispatch, aircraft engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, ground handling, cargo operations and operational security. Sunil Bhaskaran, CEO of AirAsia India said: “We are proud to announce that we have successfully completed the IATA operational audit. We strive to ensure that we always incorporate and adapt best international practices and will now focus on continuing to maintain the highest standards of safety and operational integrity at all times.”
Airbus February orders and deliveries: During the month of February, Airbus recorded no new orders, it announced, but did deliver 55 aircraft to 35 customers. Single-aisle deliveries in February involved 40 A320 Family aircraft (composed of 37 NEO versions and three in the CEO configuration); plus four A220s. For Airbus widebody aircraft, seven A350 XWBs were provided in the A350-900 configuration and two A350 XWBs in the A350-1000 configuration; along with two A330 Family aircraft (composed of one NEO version and one CEO). Airbus’ backlog of aircraft remaining to be delivered as of 29 February stood at 7,670. This total was comprised of 6,209 A320 Family aircraft and 547 A220s, as well as 328 A330s, 577 A350 XWBs and nine A380s.
