<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-starliner-returning-to-earth-early-after-mission-failure-269557">Boeing</a> CEO Muilenburg stepped down today, with David Calhoun being named as the new CEO of the company.

In October 2019, Calhoun was elected as the non-executive chairman of the company.

Effective January 13, 2020, Calhoun will take over the duties of CEO and the President.

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/boeing-supplier-employees-anxious-as-company-halts-737-max-production-269046">Boeing Co</a> had temporarily halted production of its grounded 737 Max for the first time in more than 20 years.

Boeing made the announcement as the planemaker's best-selling MAX has been involved in two fatal crashes, reports said.&nbsp;

Watch: The downfall of Boeing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-downfall-of-boeing-268804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Boeing, which builds the 737 south of Seattle, said it will not lay off any employees during the production freeze, though the move could have repercussions across its global supply chain and the US economy.

The 737 MAX has been grounded since March after two crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people within five months, costing the plane manufacturer more than $9 billion so far.

Until now <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-the-fall-of-brand-boeing-268899">Boeing has continued</a> to produce 737 MAX jets at a rate of 42 per month and purchase parts from suppliers at a rate of up to 52 units per month, even though deliveries are frozen until regulators approve the aircraft to fly commercially again.

(With inputs from agencies)

Boeing CEO Muilenburg stepped down today, with David Calhoun being named as the new CEO of the company. In October 2019, Calhoun was elected as the non-executive chairman of the company.

Boeing CEO Muilenburg stepped down today, with David Calhoun being named as the new CEO of the company. In October 2019, Calhoun was elected as the non-executive chairman of the company. Effective January 13, 2020, Calhoun will take over the duties of CEO and the President. Earlier, Boeing Co had temporarily halted production of its grounded 737 Max for the first time in more than 20 years. Boeing made the announcement as the planemaker's best-selling MAX has been involved in two fatal crashes, reports said. Watch: The downfall of Boeing Boeing, which builds the 737 south of Seattle, said it will not lay off any employees during the production freeze, though the move could have repercussions across its global supply chain and the US economy. The 737 MAX has been grounded since March after two crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people within five months, costing the plane manufacturer more than $9 billion so far. Until now Boeing has continued to produce 737 MAX jets at a rate of 42 per month and purchase parts from suppliers at a rate of up to 52 units per month, even though deliveries are frozen until regulators approve the aircraft to fly commercially again. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing CEO Muilenburg steps down, Calhoun to take over duties starting January

Boeing is temporarily halting production of its grounded 737 Max after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last week it would not approve the plane’s return to service before 2020.

Boeing halts 737 max production after 20 years

Chile's Air Force said on Tuesday one of its cargo planes had crashed with 38 people on board after going missing for more than 12 hours, and said that a rescue team was searching for possible survivors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctica-bound-plane-disappears-with-38-aboard-chilean-air-force-267324">The Hercules C130 aircraft</a> took off at 4:55 pm&nbsp;on Monday from the southern city of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia and was heading to a base in Antarctica, but operators lost contact with the plane shortly after 6:00 p.m.

The Air Force said in a statement it had yet to locate the military cargo plane or determine whether there were any survivors, but said it had concluded the plane must have crashed given the number of hours it had been missing.

The plane had been carrying 17 crew members and 21 passengers, the Air Force said, adding that its rescue team was scouring the area "where it lost communication with the plane, with the goal of rescuing possible survivors".

The region where the plane disappeared is a vast, largely untouched ocean wilderness of penguin-inhabited ice sheets off the edge of the South American continent.

The plane had been travelling to perform logistical support tasks for the maintenance of Chilean facilities at the Antarctic base, the Air Force said.

Chile's Air Force said on Tuesday one of its cargo planes had crashed with 38 people on board after going missing for more than 12 hours, and said that a rescue team was searching for possible survivors.

Chile's Air Force said on Tuesday one of its cargo planes had crashed with 38 people on board after going missing for more than 12 hours, and said that a rescue team was searching for possible survivors. The Hercules C130 aircraft took off at 4:55 pm on Monday from the southern city of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia and was heading to a base in Antarctica, but operators lost contact with the plane shortly after 6:00 p.m. The Air Force said in a statement it had yet to locate the military cargo plane or determine whether there were any survivors, but said it had concluded the plane must have crashed given the number of hours it had been missing. The plane had been carrying 17 crew members and 21 passengers, the Air Force said, adding that its rescue team was scouring the area "where it lost communication with the plane, with the goal of rescuing possible survivors". The region where the plane disappeared is a vast, largely untouched ocean wilderness of penguin-inhabited ice sheets off the edge of the South American continent. The plane had been travelling to perform logistical support tasks for the maintenance of Chilean facilities at the Antarctic base, the Air Force said.

Missing cargo plane with 38 aboard has crashed: Chile Air Force

The upgrade work&nbsp;of MiG-29 fleet is in its final stages, with modern customisations&nbsp;capable of prolonging their life by&nbsp;40 years.

A source told WION, “IAF and HAL have completely mastered the technology of upgrading MiG-29 fighter jets into MiG-29 UPG."

The source further added, "The project, which incorporates delivery of modernisation kits from Russia, technology transfer and personnel training is divided into two stages: first,&nbsp;the overhaul of the plane, then, the upgrade process itself envisaging the modernisation of the airframe, instalment of new systems and adding new capabilities."

Currently, all planes are being&nbsp;modified only in India. The capabilities of the upgraded MiG-29s which included improving&nbsp;electronic equipment have been significantly augmented and new weapons can be fitted in.

"MiG-29UPG has gained not only increased efficiency but also has much more leverage in hitting the ground and naval targets (both static and moving) with high-precision weapons in any meteorological conditions both day and night'', the source added.

This has made it possible for the local refurbishment of aircraft, leaving the choice of using either Indian origin or international aerial weapons to Indian Air Force.&nbsp;Other than this, the fuel payload has been increased&nbsp;and the operating range has been improved.

The upgrade work of MiG-29 fleet is in its final stages, with modern customisations capable of prolonging their life by 40 years. A source told WION, “IAF and HAL have completely mastered the technology of upgrading MiG-29 fighter jets into MiG-29 UPG.

The upgrade work of MiG-29 fleet is in its final stages, with modern customisations capable of prolonging their life by 40 years. A source told WION, “IAF and HAL have completely mastered the technology of upgrading MiG-29 fighter jets into MiG-29 UPG." The source further added, "The project, which incorporates delivery of modernisation kits from Russia, technology transfer and personnel training is divided into two stages: first, the overhaul of the plane, then, the upgrade process itself envisaging the modernisation of the airframe, instalment of new systems and adding new capabilities." Currently, all planes are being modified only in India. The capabilities of the upgraded MiG-29s which included improving electronic equipment have been significantly augmented and new weapons can be fitted in. "MiG-29UPG has gained not only increased efficiency but also has much more leverage in hitting the ground and naval targets (both static and moving) with high-precision weapons in any meteorological conditions both day and night'', the source added. This has made it possible for the local refurbishment of aircraft, leaving the choice of using either Indian origin or international aerial weapons to Indian Air Force. Other than this, the fuel payload has been increased and the operating range has been improved.

MiG-29 upgrade allows weapon customisation, improves operating range

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrests-ordered-in-philippines-vaping-ban-263361">Philippine</a> Airlines flight bound for Manila suffered an apparent engine failure on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles and made an emergency landing, authorities said.

All 347 passengers and 18 crew aboard Flight 113, a Boeing Co 777 widebody, are safe, an airline spokeswoman said.

Pilots of flight 113&nbsp;declared an emergency and reported a possible engine failure, Los Angeles International Airport said. A witness on the ground described "bursts of flames" coming out of an engine.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the plane returned and landed safely. Television station ABC-7 in Los Angeles aired video of the aircraft after takeoff that showed flames and smoke coming out of the right engine.

The plane landed around noon local time&nbsp;and was met by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the airport said. The emergency landing did not affect other flights.

Although the cause of the apparent engine failure was not immediately clear, it comes as Boeing faces intense scrutiny over twin deadly crashes involving its 737 MAX single-aisle jetliner. The 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide since March.

GE Aviation, a subsidiary of General Electric, which makes the GE90 engine for the 777 twin-aisle jetliners, said it was aware of the incident and was "working with the airline to determine the cause of the event and to promptly return the aircraft to service."

Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"You saw bursts of flames, little flames shooting out from the engine," said Andrew Ames, a 36-year-old fitness professional in Los Angeles, who watched as the 777 ascended over the ocean after takeoff. "It almost looked like backfire flames from a motorcycle or car."

"I had never seen a plane spew flames repeatedly. Then it stopped. As soon as it stopped, I saw the plane bank left, like it was heading back to the airport," Ames said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-ban-toxic-vaping-philippines-president-duterte-263244">Philippine</a> Airlines spokeswoman said the flight crew noticed smoke in the plane's second engine, declared an emergency and returned safely to the airport.

"All passengers are safe and sound," spokeswoman Cielo Villaluna said. "They are all being assisted to another flight."

A Philippine Airlines flight bound for Manila suffered an apparent engine failure on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles and made an emergency landing, authorities said.

A Philippine Airlines flight bound for Manila suffered an apparent engine failure on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles and made an emergency landing, authorities said. All 347 passengers and 18 crew aboard Flight 113, a Boeing Co 777 widebody, are safe, an airline spokeswoman said. Pilots of flight 113 declared an emergency and reported a possible engine failure, Los Angeles International Airport said. A witness on the ground described "bursts of flames" coming out of an engine. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the plane returned and landed safely. Television station ABC-7 in Los Angeles aired video of the aircraft after takeoff that showed flames and smoke coming out of the right engine. The plane landed around noon local time and was met by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the airport said. The emergency landing did not affect other flights. Although the cause of the apparent engine failure was not immediately clear, it comes as Boeing faces intense scrutiny over twin deadly crashes involving its 737 MAX single-aisle jetliner. The 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide since March. GE Aviation, a subsidiary of General Electric, which makes the GE90 engine for the 777 twin-aisle jetliners, said it was aware of the incident and was "working with the airline to determine the cause of the event and to promptly return the aircraft to service." Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "You saw bursts of flames, little flames shooting out from the engine," said Andrew Ames, a 36-year-old fitness professional in Los Angeles, who watched as the 777 ascended over the ocean after takeoff. "It almost looked like backfire flames from a motorcycle or car." "I had never seen a plane spew flames repeatedly. Then it stopped. As soon as it stopped, I saw the plane bank left, like it was heading back to the airport," Ames said. The Philippine Airlines spokeswoman said the flight crew noticed smoke in the plane's second engine, declared an emergency and returned safely to the airport. "All passengers are safe and sound," spokeswoman Cielo Villaluna said. "They are all being assisted to another flight."

Philippine Airlines flight heading to Manila makes emergency landing in Los Angeles

Several Asian airlines have cut flights to Hong Kong over the coming weeks, according to industry scheduling publication Routes Online, as anti-government protests in the city grow increasingly violent and disrupt daily life.

Routes online said latest schedules showed cancellations from PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, India's SpiceJet Ltd, Malaysia's AirAsia Group Bhd, and the Philippines' PAL Holdings Inc and Cebu Air Inc.

The cuts come as Hong Kong police on Monday fired tear gas at protesters trying to escape a besieged university, while others armed with petrol bombs awaited an expected operation to oust them.

The unrest, raging for almost six months, and an escalating Sino-US&nbsp;trade war has pushed the Asian financial hub into recession for the first time in a decade.

On Monday, Routes Online showed Garuda has reduced weekly flights to Hong Kong to four from 21 through mid-December, SpiceJet has suspended its Mumbai-Hong Kong route through January&nbsp;15 and AirAsia has cut flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in December and January.

Garuda and SpiceJet did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. AirAsia said passenger numbers have been lower over the past few months and that it is adjusting capacity accordingly.

A spokeswoman for PAL Holdings' Philippine Airlines said the carrier was using smaller planes than usual for Hong Kong as passengers were postponing travel due to safety concerns. It has also cut daily flights from Manila to four from five, she said.

A spokeswoman for Cebu Air's Cebu Pacific said the budget carrier has cut flights from Cebu and Clark through December and January respectively due to softened demand. She said the airline nevertheless launched its Puerto Princesa-Hong Kong route on Sunday as scheduled.

Airport Authority Hong Kong on Sunday reported an October decline of 13 per cent&nbsp;in passengers and 6.1 per cent&nbsp;in the number of inbound and outbound flights - the steepest falls since the unrest began. It said a growing proportion of travellers were using Hong Kong as a transit point rather than a destination.

Last week, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said its business outlook was "challenging and uncertain" and that it has cut capacity and delayed four plane deliveries due to falling demand.

Major mainland Chinese carriers also reported double-digit declines in demand on so-called regional routes in September and October as protests in Hong Kong and travel restrictions to Taiwan took their toll, monthly traffic reports showed.

Routes Online said several Chinese carriers, including Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd and China Southern Airlines Co Ltd had filed for fresh capacity reductions to Hong Kong since late October.

China Eastern declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Air China and China Southern did not respond to requests for comment.

Several Asian airlines have cut flights to Hong Kong over the coming weeks, according to industry scheduling publication Routes Online, as anti-government protests in the city grow increasingly violent and disrupt daily life.

Several Asian airlines have cut flights to Hong Kong over the coming weeks, according to industry scheduling publication Routes Online, as anti-government protests in the city grow increasingly violent and disrupt daily life. Routes online said latest schedules showed cancellations from PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, India's SpiceJet Ltd, Malaysia's AirAsia Group Bhd, and the Philippines' PAL Holdings Inc and Cebu Air Inc. The cuts come as Hong Kong police on Monday fired tear gas at protesters trying to escape a besieged university, while others armed with petrol bombs awaited an expected operation to oust them. The unrest, raging for almost six months, and an escalating Sino-US trade war has pushed the Asian financial hub into recession for the first time in a decade. On Monday, Routes Online showed Garuda has reduced weekly flights to Hong Kong to four from 21 through mid-December, SpiceJet has suspended its Mumbai-Hong Kong route through January 15 and AirAsia has cut flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in December and January. Garuda and SpiceJet did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. AirAsia said passenger numbers have been lower over the past few months and that it is adjusting capacity accordingly. A spokeswoman for PAL Holdings' Philippine Airlines said the carrier was using smaller planes than usual for Hong Kong as passengers were postponing travel due to safety concerns. It has also cut daily flights from Manila to four from five, she said. A spokeswoman for Cebu Air's Cebu Pacific said the budget carrier has cut flights from Cebu and Clark through December and January respectively due to softened demand. She said the airline nevertheless launched its Puerto Princesa-Hong Kong route on Sunday as scheduled. Airport Authority Hong Kong on Sunday reported an October decline of 13 per cent in passengers and 6.1 per cent in the number of inbound and outbound flights - the steepest falls since the unrest began. It said a growing proportion of travellers were using Hong Kong as a transit point rather than a destination. Last week, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd said its business outlook was "challenging and uncertain" and that it has cut capacity and delayed four plane deliveries due to falling demand. Major mainland Chinese carriers also reported double-digit declines in demand on so-called regional routes in September and October as protests in Hong Kong and travel restrictions to Taiwan took their toll, monthly traffic reports showed. Routes Online said several Chinese carriers, including Air China Ltd, China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd and China Southern Airlines Co Ltd had filed for fresh capacity reductions to Hong Kong since late October. China Eastern declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Air China and China Southern did not respond to requests for comment.

Asian airlines slash flights to Hong Kong as unrest escalates

Flight operations will remain suspended at the Kolkata Airport, east-India's busiest, in view of the fast approaching Bulbul Cyclone from 6 pm today to 6 am tomorrow.

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West Bengal: Flight operations to remain suspended at Kolkata Airport from 1800 hours today till 0600 hours tomorrow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BulBulCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BulBulCyclone</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1193111135425191936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Meteorological Department has asked local authorities&nbsp;their highest alert, as the cyclone is expected to unleash a storm surge as high as seven feet&nbsp;in coastal districts.

Gale wind warnings for gusts ranging from 35kmph to 90kmph have been issued for the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal. Fishermen have been asked to suspend operations from November 8 at the coasts of Odisha-West Bengal. Those fishing far out in the sea have been advised to return to the coast.&nbsp;

Bulbul, packing a maximum wind speed of 120 kilometres per hour, is on course to make landfall near the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which straddles Bangladesh and part of eastern India and is home to the endangered Bengal tigers.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee tweeted ''Cyclone Bulbul is about to pass through Bengal. Our state administration is closely monitoring the situation 24x7''.

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Cyclone Bulbul is about to pass through Bengal. Our State Administration is closely monitoring the situation 24x7. We are taking all measures to tackle any contingency. Special Control Rooms have been set up and NDRF-SDRF teams are deployed. (1/3)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1193114655675146241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Recently, Bangladesh authorities evacuated around 100,000 people from the country's low-lying coastal villages and islands with Cyclone Bulbul set to slam into the country later on Saturday, officials said.

The cyclone is expected to hit the Bangladesh coast at around 8 pm, disaster management secretary Shah Kamal told AFP, adding there are plans to evacuate some 1.5 million people before that.

Some 55,000 volunteers have been mobilised to go door to door and alert people about the storm.

Bangladesh's low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, is regularly battered by powerful cyclones that leave a trail of devastation in their wake.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed over the last few decades in cyclones, whose frequency and intensity have increased.

(With inputs from AFP, ANI)

Flight operations will remain suspended at the Kolkata Airport, east-India's busiest, in view of the fast approaching Bulbul Cyclone from 6 pm today to 6 am tomorrow.

Flight operations will remain suspended at the Kolkata Airport, east-India's busiest, in view of the fast approaching Bulbul Cyclone from 6 pm today to 6 am tomorrow. West Bengal: Flight operations to remain suspended at Kolkata Airport from 1800 hours today till 0600 hours tomorrow. #BulBulCyclone — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2019 × The Meteorological Department has asked local authorities their highest alert, as the cyclone is expected to unleash a storm surge as high as seven feet in coastal districts. Gale wind warnings for gusts ranging from 35kmph to 90kmph have been issued for the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal. Fishermen have been asked to suspend operations from November 8 at the coasts of Odisha-West Bengal. Those fishing far out in the sea have been advised to return to the coast. Bulbul, packing a maximum wind speed of 120 kilometres per hour, is on course to make landfall near the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which straddles Bangladesh and part of eastern India and is home to the endangered Bengal tigers. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee tweeted ''Cyclone Bulbul is about to pass through Bengal. Our state administration is closely monitoring the situation 24x7''. Cyclone Bulbul is about to pass through Bengal. Our State Administration is closely monitoring the situation 24x7. We are taking all measures to tackle any contingency. Special Control Rooms have been set up and NDRF-SDRF teams are deployed. (1/3) — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 9, 2019 × Recently, Bangladesh authorities evacuated around 100,000 people from the country's low-lying coastal villages and islands with Cyclone Bulbul set to slam into the country later on Saturday, officials said. The cyclone is expected to hit the Bangladesh coast at around 8 pm, disaster management secretary Shah Kamal told AFP, adding there are plans to evacuate some 1.5 million people before that. Some 55,000 volunteers have been mobilised to go door to door and alert people about the storm. Bangladesh's low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, is regularly battered by powerful cyclones that leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed over the last few decades in cyclones, whose frequency and intensity have increased. (With inputs from AFP, ANI)

Flight operations temporarily suspended in Kolkata as Cyclone Bulbul gains traction

Two aeroplanes owned by different domestic airlines collided at the parking bay of the Tribhuwan International Airport on Friday afternoon, an airport official said. 
 
The incident occurred at around 2:30 pm when an aircraft with a call-sign 9N-AMC hit the tail end of a parked ATR 72 of Yeti Airlines while taxiing to the parking bay. 
 
The aircraft of Shree Airlines laid impact on the tail end of an aircraft of Yeti Airlines while it was on its way to parking. 
 
The incident occurred at the Domestic Parking bay of the airport. The flights at the airport are operational," TIA Spokesperson Pratap Babu Tiwari told ANI. 
 
No person was injured in the incident.

Two aeroplanes owned by different domestic airlines collided at the parking bay of the Tribhuwan International Airport on Friday afternoon, an airport official said.

Two aeroplanes owned by different domestic airlines collided at the parking bay of the Tribhuwan International Airport on Friday afternoon, an airport official said. The incident occurred at around 2:30 pm when an aircraft with a call-sign 9N-AMC hit the tail end of a parked ATR 72 of Yeti Airlines while taxiing to the parking bay. The aircraft of Shree Airlines laid impact on the tail end of an aircraft of Yeti Airlines while it was on its way to parking. The incident occurred at the Domestic Parking bay of the airport. The flights at the airport are operational," TIA Spokesperson Pratap Babu Tiwari told ANI. No person was injured in the incident.

Two aeroplanes collide at Nepal airport, no casualties reported

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus&nbsp;aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said.

The order includes 12 Airbus A330neo jets, for which Rolls-Royce&nbsp;is the sole engine supplier, and 13 A321XLR long-distance narrow-body jets. It was included in a new Airbus order tally but the name of the buyer was not immediately disclosed.

Airbus and GE both declined to comment.

If confirmed, the decision by the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company to invest in the A330neo would be a key endorsement for the A330neo programme which has been clawing its way back from a period of weak sales and some cancellations.

GECAS has traditionally prioritised aircraft powered by engines made by its parent company General Electric.

Decisions to invest in rival technology highlight competition to diversify portfolios in the leasing industry, even though GE is perceived as more closely aligned in the wide-body market with Airbus rival Boeing.

The A330neo is a 250-300 seat upgrade of Airbus's most-sold wide-body aircraft, the A330, which is offered alongside the slightly larger Airbus A350 family. Both aircraft are exclusively powered by engines from Rolls-Royce.

In 2015, GECAS invested in the first A350 by buying the aircraft immediately after its delivery to Qatar Airways and then renting it back to the airline in a sale-and-leaseback deal.

But it remains rare for the GE subsidiary to buy Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft directly from the manufacturer.

Rolls and GE compete fiercely for engine sales and the A330neo aeroplane has, in turn, faced intense competition from the newer Boeing 787, which offers both GE and Rolls-Royce engines.

GECAS is widely seen as a candidate for potential sale as GE overhauls its balance sheet through disposals. It has said it aims to invest in aircraft to keep down the average age of its portfolio to 5.5 years from 6.8 years by 2024.

In a statement with its monthly order update on Thursday, Airbus said an "unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies".

It is common for aircraft deals to be posted on an anonymous basis before the buyer goes public, often using the publicity surrounding air shows.

Planemakers are gearing up for the Dubai Airshow from Nov. 17 which could feature confirmation of demand from leasing companies including GECAS, industry sources said.

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said.

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said. The order includes 12 Airbus A330neo jets, for which Rolls-Royce is the sole engine supplier, and 13 A321XLR long-distance narrow-body jets. It was included in a new Airbus order tally but the name of the buyer was not immediately disclosed. Airbus and GE both declined to comment. If confirmed, the decision by the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company to invest in the A330neo would be a key endorsement for the A330neo programme which has been clawing its way back from a period of weak sales and some cancellations. GECAS has traditionally prioritised aircraft powered by engines made by its parent company General Electric. Decisions to invest in rival technology highlight competition to diversify portfolios in the leasing industry, even though GE is perceived as more closely aligned in the wide-body market with Airbus rival Boeing. The A330neo is a 250-300 seat upgrade of Airbus's most-sold wide-body aircraft, the A330, which is offered alongside the slightly larger Airbus A350 family. Both aircraft are exclusively powered by engines from Rolls-Royce. In 2015, GECAS invested in the first A350 by buying the aircraft immediately after its delivery to Qatar Airways and then renting it back to the airline in a sale-and-leaseback deal. But it remains rare for the GE subsidiary to buy Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft directly from the manufacturer. Rolls and GE compete fiercely for engine sales and the A330neo aeroplane has, in turn, faced intense competition from the newer Boeing 787, which offers both GE and Rolls-Royce engines. GECAS is widely seen as a candidate for potential sale as GE overhauls its balance sheet through disposals. It has said it aims to invest in aircraft to keep down the average age of its portfolio to 5.5 years from 6.8 years by 2024. In a statement with its monthly order update on Thursday, Airbus said an "unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies". It is common for aircraft deals to be posted on an anonymous basis before the buyer goes public, often using the publicity surrounding air shows. Planemakers are gearing up for the Dubai Airshow from Nov. 17 which could feature confirmation of demand from leasing companies including GECAS, industry sources said.

GE unit orders 25 Airbus jets including 12 Rolls-powered A330neo

Boeing Co forecast Indian airlines will order up to 2,380 planes from global planemakers over the next 20 years, 80 more than it predicted last year.

Darren Hulst, a senior marketing executive at Boeing, also confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that it was working with regulators on returning the 737 MAX to service and that the company expected the model to return to commission in the fourth quarter in the United States.

India's passenger traffic had risen at around 20 per cent in recent years, making it one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, but growth has stumbled this year following the collapse of Jet Airways Ltd in April and softer economic conditions.

At present, Airbus SE has the dominant market share in the country, where the largest airline, Interglobe Aviation Ltd's IndiGo, operates an all-A320 family fleet and last month ordered another 300 of the planes.

Boeing Co forecast Indian airlines will order up to 2,380 planes from global planemakers over the next 20 years, 80 more than it predicted last year. Darren Hulst, a senior marketing executive at Boeing, also confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that it was working with regulators on returning the 737 MAX to service and that the company expected the model to return to commission in the fourth quarter in the United States.

Boeing Co forecast Indian airlines will order up to 2,380 planes from global planemakers over the next 20 years, 80 more than it predicted last year. Darren Hulst, a senior marketing executive at Boeing, also confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that it was working with regulators on returning the 737 MAX to service and that the company expected the model to return to commission in the fourth quarter in the United States. India's passenger traffic had risen at around 20 per cent in recent years, making it one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, but growth has stumbled this year following the collapse of Jet Airways Ltd in April and softer economic conditions. At present, Airbus SE has the dominant market share in the country, where the largest airline, Interglobe Aviation Ltd's IndiGo, operates an all-A320 family fleet and last month ordered another 300 of the planes.

India will order 2,380 jets from planemakers over 20 years: Boeing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-says-dozens-of-737ng-planes-grounded-globally-over-cracks-259164">Boeing's new chairman</a> on Tuesday gave a forceful vote of confidence in CEO Dennis Muilenburg amid calls in Congress for the embattled Boeing chief executive to resign after two deadly crashes.

"Dennis has done everything right," Boeing Chairman David Calhoun told CNBC, praising Muilenburg for keeping the board closely abreast of efforts to return the 737 MAX back to service after 346 people were killed in the accidents.

"To date he has our confidence," Calhoun said.

Calhoun acknowledged that some of Boeing's assumptions in the development of the MAX were faulty, but hit back at suggestions that the company cut corners and compromised safety.

Boeing's board has kept a low profile during the crisis over the MAX, which was grounded worldwide in March following the second of the two crashes.

The company on October 11 stripped Muilenburg of the chairman title, replacing him with Calhoun, even as he was kept on as CEO and as a member of the board.

Muilenburg last week endured two days of bruising grilling and criticism from lawmakers probing the issues that led to the two accidents of the top-selling jet.

Boeing has acknowledged problems with the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, an automated flight control system implicated in both the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes.

Calhoun said the crashes also revealed "flawed" assumptions about how pilots would react to a malfunction of the system.

"No one was hiding anything, it was a set of engineering decisions that ended up being wrong," Calhoun said. "And our job now is to make sure that whatever processes we had, whatever process our regulator has, that those processes never allow for this to ever happen again."

But lawmakers depicted the crashes as evidence Boeing had cut corners on safety to rush the MAX into service to compete with a plane from rival Airbus.

Cultural problem?

US Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat who chaired last week's hearing by the House Transportation Committee, pointed to documents showing Boeing leadership during the MAX's development was "aware of many of the problems that engineers are now attempting to fix."

DeFazio faulted Muilenburg's responses to many questions as "consistent with a culture of concealment and opaqueness."

"The bottom line is that there are a lot of unanswered questions, and our investigation has a long way to go to get the answers everyone deserves, especially the families of the crash victims," DeFazio said in a letter to congressional colleagues.

But Calhoun said criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-states-lawmakers-will-press-boeing-ceo-on-day-two-of-testimony-258870">Boeing's corporate culture</a> missed the mark.

While Boeing could take steps to strengthen the visibility of its commitment to safety, "I do not believe that this instance is indicative of a cultural problem," he said.

Meanwhile, he said Muilenburg is completely focused on returning the MAX to service and succeeding in the face of "one of the most difficult situations any CEO that I've ever known has lived through."

"We're going to support Dennis."

Calhoun said Muilenburg had asked not to receive a bonus for 2019 after lawmakers lambasted the CEO over his pay at the hearing last week.

In 2018, Muilenburg's total compensation package was $23.4 million, according to a securities filing.

And Calhoun said the company was not considering clawing back Muilenburg's pay from earlier years because there was "no culpability."

Boeing's new chairman on Tuesday gave a forceful vote of confidence in CEO Dennis Muilenburg amid calls in Congress for the embattled Boeing chief executive to resign after two deadly crashes.

Boeing's new chairman on Tuesday gave a forceful vote of confidence in CEO Dennis Muilenburg amid calls in Congress for the embattled Boeing chief executive to resign after two deadly crashes. "Dennis has done everything right," Boeing Chairman David Calhoun told CNBC, praising Muilenburg for keeping the board closely abreast of efforts to return the 737 MAX back to service after 346 people were killed in the accidents. "To date he has our confidence," Calhoun said. Calhoun acknowledged that some of Boeing's assumptions in the development of the MAX were faulty, but hit back at suggestions that the company cut corners and compromised safety. Boeing's board has kept a low profile during the crisis over the MAX, which was grounded worldwide in March following the second of the two crashes. The company on October 11 stripped Muilenburg of the chairman title, replacing him with Calhoun, even as he was kept on as CEO and as a member of the board. Muilenburg last week endured two days of bruising grilling and criticism from lawmakers probing the issues that led to the two accidents of the top-selling jet. Boeing has acknowledged problems with the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, an automated flight control system implicated in both the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. Calhoun said the crashes also revealed "flawed" assumptions about how pilots would react to a malfunction of the system. "No one was hiding anything, it was a set of engineering decisions that ended up being wrong," Calhoun said. "And our job now is to make sure that whatever processes we had, whatever process our regulator has, that those processes never allow for this to ever happen again." But lawmakers depicted the crashes as evidence Boeing had cut corners on safety to rush the MAX into service to compete with a plane from rival Airbus. Cultural problem? US Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat who chaired last week's hearing by the House Transportation Committee, pointed to documents showing Boeing leadership during the MAX's development was "aware of many of the problems that engineers are now attempting to fix." DeFazio faulted Muilenburg's responses to many questions as "consistent with a culture of concealment and opaqueness." "The bottom line is that there are a lot of unanswered questions, and our investigation has a long way to go to get the answers everyone deserves, especially the families of the crash victims," DeFazio said in a letter to congressional colleagues. But Calhoun said criticism of Boeing's corporate culture missed the mark. While Boeing could take steps to strengthen the visibility of its commitment to safety, "I do not believe that this instance is indicative of a cultural problem," he said. Meanwhile, he said Muilenburg is completely focused on returning the MAX to service and succeeding in the face of "one of the most difficult situations any CEO that I've ever known has lived through." "We're going to support Dennis." Calhoun said Muilenburg had asked not to receive a bonus for 2019 after lawmakers lambasted the CEO over his pay at the hearing last week. In 2018, Muilenburg's total compensation package was $23.4 million, according to a securities filing. And Calhoun said the company was not considering clawing back Muilenburg's pay from earlier years because there was "no culpability."

Muilenburg did 'everything right' after deadly crashes: Boeing chairman

British Airways owner IAG said on Monday it had agreed to buy Spanish carrier Air Europa for 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion) in cash, bolstering its ability to compete for European travel to Latin America and the Caribbean through Madrid.

Against the backdrop of a challenging environment for airlines globally, the deal is the latest by a big European carrier looking westward to boost traffic and average fares.

Air Europa offers domestic and international flights to 69 destinations, including long-haul routes to Latin America, the United States, and the Caribbean.

"Acquiring Air Europa would add a new competitive, cost-effective airline to IAG, consolidating Madrid as a leading European hub and resulting in IAG achieving South Atlantic leadership," Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG said.

Europe's third-largest budget carrier Norwegian Air, which has shaken up the market for travel across the Atlantic with cut-price fares, last month signed a partnership with JetBlue Airways to enable European passengers to book straight through to around 100 US&nbsp;cities.

IAG said the agreement with Air Europa was signed by its Spanish unit Iberia and added it expected the deal to close in the second half of next year.

The company, whose profits have taken a hit from pilot strikes, expects the deal to be earnings accretive in the first full year after completion and accretive to return on invested capital by the fourth year.

British Airways owner IAG said on Monday it had agreed to buy Spanish carrier Air Europa for 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion) in cash, bolstering its ability to compete for European travel to Latin America and the Caribbean through Madrid.

British Airways owner IAG said on Monday it had agreed to buy Spanish carrier Air Europa for 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion) in cash, bolstering its ability to compete for European travel to Latin America and the Caribbean through Madrid. Against the backdrop of a challenging environment for airlines globally, the deal is the latest by a big European carrier looking westward to boost traffic and average fares. Air Europa offers domestic and international flights to 69 destinations, including long-haul routes to Latin America, the United States, and the Caribbean. "Acquiring Air Europa would add a new competitive, cost-effective airline to IAG, consolidating Madrid as a leading European hub and resulting in IAG achieving South Atlantic leadership," Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG said. Europe's third-largest budget carrier Norwegian Air, which has shaken up the market for travel across the Atlantic with cut-price fares, last month signed a partnership with JetBlue Airways to enable European passengers to book straight through to around 100 US cities. IAG said the agreement with Air Europa was signed by its Spanish unit Iberia and added it expected the deal to close in the second half of next year. The company, whose profits have taken a hit from pilot strikes, expects the deal to be earnings accretive in the first full year after completion and accretive to return on invested capital by the fourth year.

British Airways-owner looks westward with 1 billion euros Air Europa purchase

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) check-in system went down after a fault developed in international submarine cables that connect the country.

In order to run the operations, the national flag carrier switched to a manual system. That could result in a delay in flights, reported ARY News.

Separately, PIA, in a tweet, said: "PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) network is down due to damage to their underground cables causing an outage of PIA Check-In systems across the country. We're moving to backup systems and manual processes. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to the resulting delays."

Internet service across the country was impacted on Tuesday.

According to the reports, two submarines cables have gone offline disrupting internet in Pakistan. 
 
"IMEWE and SEAMEWE 4, that carry almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's internet traffic, went offline due to a fault at a location that's yet not determined," the report said.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) check-in system went down after a fault developed in international submarine cables that connect the country. In order to run the operations, the national flag carrier switched to a manual system.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) check-in system went down after a fault developed in international submarine cables that connect the country. In order to run the operations, the national flag carrier switched to a manual system. That could result in a delay in flights, reported ARY News. Separately, PIA, in a tweet, said: "PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) network is down due to damage to their underground cables causing an outage of PIA Check-In systems across the country. We're moving to backup systems and manual processes. We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to the resulting delays." Internet service across the country was impacted on Tuesday. According to the reports, two submarines cables have gone offline disrupting internet in Pakistan. "IMEWE and SEAMEWE 4, that carry almost 50 per cent of Pakistan's internet traffic, went offline due to a fault at a location that's yet not determined," the report said.

Pakistan International Airlines system down after submarine cable fault

The United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama.

The suspension, which goes into effect December 10, was announced by the Department of Transportation and affects nine airports on the island nation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked the Transportation Department for the suspension as a means to "further the administration's policy of strengthening the economic consequences to the Cuban regime for its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its support for (President) Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela."

The Trump administration accuses Cuba of aiding and abetting crisis-wracked Venezuela, which is Havana's closest ally.

Cuba rejected the measure and vowed that it would fail, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stating that "concessions will not be taken from us."

Trump has moved to roll back steps toward normal relations and business ties that were established under Obama, who made moves to diminish five decades of Cold War tension and sanctions between the neighbours.

American, Delta and JetBlue airlines will be affected by the deadline to halt operations to destinations such as Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, as well as Camaguey and the sprawling mega-resort of Varadero.

Cash-strapped Cuba depends heavily on tourism earnings to fund its government, the only one-party Communist state in the Americas.

Havana already has trimmed its 2019 tourism target by 15 per cent to 4.3 million visitors.

The United States still maintains its economic embargo on Havana, which only can be ended by the US Congress.

But it has allowed exceptions, such as cruise ship visits, which must have an educational underpinning in order to go to the island.

Some 900,000 tourists visited the island on cruise ships last year, and almost 40 per cent were American, according to official data.

The charter flights on which many Cuban-Americans travel to Cuba from Miami are not affected by the change.

Commercial flights to Cuba began under the Obama administration in 2016.&nbsp;

The United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama.

The United States will suspend all scheduled flights to Cuba except to its capital Havana, authorities said Friday, as US President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle the rapprochement begun by his predecessor Barack Obama. The suspension, which goes into effect December 10, was announced by the Department of Transportation and affects nine airports on the island nation. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked the Transportation Department for the suspension as a means to "further the administration's policy of strengthening the economic consequences to the Cuban regime for its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its support for (President) Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela." The Trump administration accuses Cuba of aiding and abetting crisis-wracked Venezuela, which is Havana's closest ally. Cuba rejected the measure and vowed that it would fail, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stating that "concessions will not be taken from us." Trump has moved to roll back steps toward normal relations and business ties that were established under Obama, who made moves to diminish five decades of Cold War tension and sanctions between the neighbours. American, Delta and JetBlue airlines will be affected by the deadline to halt operations to destinations such as Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, as well as Camaguey and the sprawling mega-resort of Varadero. Cash-strapped Cuba depends heavily on tourism earnings to fund its government, the only one-party Communist state in the Americas. Havana already has trimmed its 2019 tourism target by 15 per cent to 4.3 million visitors. The United States still maintains its economic embargo on Havana, which only can be ended by the US Congress. But it has allowed exceptions, such as cruise ship visits, which must have an educational underpinning in order to go to the island. Some 900,000 tourists visited the island on cruise ships last year, and almost 40 per cent were American, according to official data. The charter flights on which many Cuban-Americans travel to Cuba from Miami are not affected by the change. Commercial flights to Cuba began under the Obama administration in 2016.

United States to end scheduled flights to all Cuban airports except Havana

India's biggest airline IndiGo reported its biggest-ever quarterly loss on higher maintenance costs and cut capacity expansion targets, at a time when the industry is grappling with slowing passenger growth in a sluggish economy.

IndiGo parent InterGlobe Aviation Ltd's net loss grew to 10.66 billion rupees ($150 million) in the three months to September&nbsp;30 from 6.52 billion rupees a year earlier, the only other instance that the airline reported a quarterly loss.

Maintenance costs spiked as IndiGo was forced to reassess the expense of leasing and maintaining older Airbus&nbsp;A320ceo planes to fill a gap caused by the grounding of newer A320neo aircraft due to engine issues, Chief Financial Officer Aditya Pande said on a call with analysts on Thursday.

The company also cut its expectations for capacity expansion for 2019-20 to 25 per cent&nbsp;from 30 per cent, blaming a 3-4 month delay in aircraft deliveries by Airbus. It projected capacity growth of 25 per cent&nbsp;for 2020-21.

The results come against the backdrop of an escalating tussle between IndiGo co-founders and top two shareholders Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia over corporate governance issues and future strategy.

Gangwal had alleged that Bhatia's affiliate IGE Group had unusual control over IndiGo. Earlier this month, Bhatia alleged Gangwal had breached shareholder agreements and filed cases in courts in London and the United States, according to media reports.

Some analysts said the feud will not hurt IndiGo's performance, while others believe a prolonged dispute could impact high-level decision making at the Gurugram-based airline.

'Softening economic environment'

IndiGo's quarterly loss also comes as Asia's third-largest economy grows at its slowest pace in years and domestic passenger growth cools.

Although IndiGo flew more customers compared with a year earlier, domestic passenger traffic in India rose only 1.2 per cent&nbsp;year-over-year in September, the slowest increase since March and the second-worst pace in at least five years.

"The revenues in the festive season have been somewhat subdued," Chief Executive Ronojoy Dutta said on the conference call, referring to October, a typically strong period for consumer spending.

"Are we in a softening economic environment? It looks like it."

Dutta also estimated a "flattish" year-over-year change in 2019-20 unit revenue, a measure that compares revenue to flight capacity and is used to gauge efficiency.

Still, IndiGo's quarterly revenue from operations surged 31 per cent&nbsp;to 81.05 billion rupees.

IndiGo and smaller rival SpiceJet Ltd have benefited this year from the collapse of cash-strapped Jet Airways, once India's largest private carrier, as both raced to fill Jet's vacated slots.

IndiGo's overall expenses rose 27.6 per cent to 95.77 billion rupees, while costs related to aircraft repair and maintenance surged 88 per cent&nbsp;to 15.3 billion rupees.

The higher costs are expected to continue for the next couple of quarters and taper off in 2022, CFO Pande said.

India's biggest airline IndiGo reported its biggest-ever quarterly loss on higher maintenance costs and cut capacity expansion targets, at a time when the industry is grappling with slowing passenger growth in a sluggish economy.

India's biggest airline IndiGo reported its biggest-ever quarterly loss on higher maintenance costs and cut capacity expansion targets, at a time when the industry is grappling with slowing passenger growth in a sluggish economy. IndiGo parent InterGlobe Aviation Ltd's net loss grew to 10.66 billion rupees ($150 million) in the three months to September 30 from 6.52 billion rupees a year earlier, the only other instance that the airline reported a quarterly loss. Maintenance costs spiked as IndiGo was forced to reassess the expense of leasing and maintaining older Airbus A320ceo planes to fill a gap caused by the grounding of newer A320neo aircraft due to engine issues, Chief Financial Officer Aditya Pande said on a call with analysts on Thursday. The company also cut its expectations for capacity expansion for 2019-20 to 25 per cent from 30 per cent, blaming a 3-4 month delay in aircraft deliveries by Airbus. It projected capacity growth of 25 per cent for 2020-21. The results come against the backdrop of an escalating tussle between IndiGo co-founders and top two shareholders Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia over corporate governance issues and future strategy. Gangwal had alleged that Bhatia's affiliate IGE Group had unusual control over IndiGo. Earlier this month, Bhatia alleged Gangwal had breached shareholder agreements and filed cases in courts in London and the United States, according to media reports. Some analysts said the feud will not hurt IndiGo's performance, while others believe a prolonged dispute could impact high-level decision making at the Gurugram-based airline. 'Softening economic environment' IndiGo's quarterly loss also comes as Asia's third-largest economy grows at its slowest pace in years and domestic passenger growth cools. Although IndiGo flew more customers compared with a year earlier, domestic passenger traffic in India rose only 1.2 per cent year-over-year in September, the slowest increase since March and the second-worst pace in at least five years. "The revenues in the festive season have been somewhat subdued," Chief Executive Ronojoy Dutta said on the conference call, referring to October, a typically strong period for consumer spending. "Are we in a softening economic environment? It looks like it." Dutta also estimated a "flattish" year-over-year change in 2019-20 unit revenue, a measure that compares revenue to flight capacity and is used to gauge efficiency. Still, IndiGo's quarterly revenue from operations surged 31 per cent to 81.05 billion rupees. IndiGo and smaller rival SpiceJet Ltd have benefited this year from the collapse of cash-strapped Jet Airways, once India's largest private carrier, as both raced to fill Jet's vacated slots. IndiGo's overall expenses rose 27.6 per cent to 95.77 billion rupees, while costs related to aircraft repair and maintenance surged 88 per cent to 15.3 billion rupees. The higher costs are expected to continue for the next couple of quarters and taper off in 2022, CFO Pande said.

IndiGo reports biggest quarterly loss, cuts expansion targets

German flight attendants' union UFO on Sunday&nbsp;said it would stage an all-day strike at smaller German divisions of airline group Lufthansa in an escalating row over workers' pay and pensions.

The walkout at Lufthansa brands Germanwings, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Line and Sunexpress had initially been scheduled for 0300-0900 GMT, but the union in a statement on Sunday said industrial action would now be extended until midnight local time (2200 GMT), citing threats made by the airline over jobs as the reason.

A Lufthansa spokesman said the strike was illegal because UFO's status as a negotiator on behalf of staff was in doubt.

Lufthansa on Friday had offered a 2 per cent&nbsp;pay rise to cabin staff, prompting the union to call off a planned strike at Lufthansa's namesake core brand at hubs Frankfurt and Munich.

But the dispute deteriorated after UFO found the offer lacked concessions on expenses and employment conditions.

The cabin crew union has for months fought with the airline in court over UFO's legal status. Lufthansa claims the union's new leadership team that took office earlier this year was not elected in a way that met legal requirements.

German flight attendants' union UFO on Sunday said it would stage an all-day strike at smaller German divisions of airline group Lufthansa in an escalating row over workers' pay and pensions.

German flight attendants' union UFO on Sunday said it would stage an all-day strike at smaller German divisions of airline group Lufthansa in an escalating row over workers' pay and pensions. The walkout at Lufthansa brands Germanwings, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Line and Sunexpress had initially been scheduled for 0300-0900 GMT, but the union in a statement on Sunday said industrial action would now be extended until midnight local time (2200 GMT), citing threats made by the airline over jobs as the reason. A Lufthansa spokesman said the strike was illegal because UFO's status as a negotiator on behalf of staff was in doubt. Lufthansa on Friday had offered a 2 per cent pay rise to cabin staff, prompting the union to call off a planned strike at Lufthansa's namesake core brand at hubs Frankfurt and Munich. But the dispute deteriorated after UFO found the offer lacked concessions on expenses and employment conditions. The cabin crew union has for months fought with the airline in court over UFO's legal status. Lufthansa claims the union's new leadership team that took office earlier this year was not elected in a way that met legal requirements.

Lufthansa cabin crew union stages all-day strike at smaller airlines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-ups-estimate-of-20-year-demand-for-new-planes-250372">Airbus Defence and Space has issued an internal warning of significant challenges</a> in meeting cashflow and other targets for 2019 as it rolls out an internal efficiency plan called "Momentum", people familiar with the matter said.

It is the second time in as many years the group's second-largest division has been forced to urge its 33,000 staff to save more cash in the final quarter of the year, a period when government customers are often slow in finalising payments.

This year, the squeeze has gained extra urgency as Airbus remains locked in a dispute with Germany over a freeze on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, imposed after the killing of journalist Jamal Kashoggi by Saudi operatives just over a year ago.

Airbus says the moratorium on defence export licences has disrupted an already long-delayed Saudi border systems contract.

Airbus Defence and Space staff have been urged to take steps to improve the division's cash position by the end of 2019, the people said, adding no figures were available.

One part of that effort is Momentum, a new plan aimed at achieving durable improvements in performance over the long term.

Responding to a Reuters query, an Airbus spokesman confirmed the focus on improving cash as well as the new efficiency plan.

"In early fall, as is rather customary, management has reminded the teams inside Airbus Defence and Space that we have to work hard in order to meet our targets by year-end," the spokesman said.

"Our particular focus in 2019 is on achieving our free cash flow objectives. Momentum, in its current phase, is one supporting tool in our instrument box to make that happen."

Airbus took a total of $228 million&nbsp;in first-half charges related to the Saudi contract but has declined to put any numbers on the fallout to its cashflow.

The group is targeting a positive free cash flow before M&amp;A and customer financing of approximately 4 billion euros in 2019 after an outflow of 3.981 billion euros in the first half blamed partly on higher inventories due to delayed jetliner deliveries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbus-orders-inspection-of-400-helicopters-following-norway-crash-249066">Airbus Defence and Space is the group's second-largest division by sales and contributes some 17 per cent&nbsp;of its revenue</a>.

The division supplies aerial refuelling tankers, satellites and military transport planes, and contributes to the four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet. It has also partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation&nbsp;to study a successor to the Eurofighter and the French Rafale.

Divisional chief executive Dirk Hoke has urged Berlin to relax the Saudi export ban, saying it will not lead to far-reaching changes in the Gulf kingdom. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has said there is no reason to alter the moratorium which has been extended to March next year.

Airbus Defence and Space has issued an internal warning of significant challenges in meeting cashflow and other targets for 2019 as it rolls out an internal efficiency plan called "Momentum", people familiar with the matter said.

Airbus Defence and Space has issued an internal warning of significant challenges in meeting cashflow and other targets for 2019 as it rolls out an internal efficiency plan called "Momentum", people familiar with the matter said. It is the second time in as many years the group's second-largest division has been forced to urge its 33,000 staff to save more cash in the final quarter of the year, a period when government customers are often slow in finalising payments. This year, the squeeze has gained extra urgency as Airbus remains locked in a dispute with Germany over a freeze on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, imposed after the killing of journalist Jamal Kashoggi by Saudi operatives just over a year ago. Airbus says the moratorium on defence export licences has disrupted an already long-delayed Saudi border systems contract. Airbus Defence and Space staff have been urged to take steps to improve the division's cash position by the end of 2019, the people said, adding no figures were available. One part of that effort is Momentum, a new plan aimed at achieving durable improvements in performance over the long term. Responding to a Reuters query, an Airbus spokesman confirmed the focus on improving cash as well as the new efficiency plan. "In early fall, as is rather customary, management has reminded the teams inside Airbus Defence and Space that we have to work hard in order to meet our targets by year-end," the spokesman said. "Our particular focus in 2019 is on achieving our free cash flow objectives. Momentum, in its current phase, is one supporting tool in our instrument box to make that happen." Airbus took a total of $228 million in first-half charges related to the Saudi contract but has declined to put any numbers on the fallout to its cashflow. The group is targeting a positive free cash flow before M&A and customer financing of approximately 4 billion euros in 2019 after an outflow of 3.981 billion euros in the first half blamed partly on higher inventories due to delayed jetliner deliveries. Airbus Defence and Space is the group's second-largest division by sales and contributes some 17 per cent of its revenue. The division supplies aerial refuelling tankers, satellites and military transport planes, and contributes to the four-nation Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet. It has also partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation to study a successor to the Eurofighter and the French Rafale. Divisional chief executive Dirk Hoke has urged Berlin to relax the Saudi export ban, saying it will not lead to far-reaching changes in the Gulf kingdom. But Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has said there is no reason to alter the moratorium which has been extended to March next year.

Airbus defence unit sees cash challenge, adopts efficiency plan

French carrier&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-xl-airways-seeks-rescue-deal-with-air-france-251933">Air&nbsp;France</a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;offset&nbsp;the carbon dioxide&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;of its 500-odd&nbsp;daily&nbsp;internal flights by 2020 at a cost of millions of euros, the company's CEO has announced.

In a bid to counteract its climate impact, the company will finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to less-polluting energy, Anne Rigail told Le Parisien newspaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It is an investment of several million euros, she said in an interview published late Monday, adding the company was acting "voluntarily".&nbsp;

Other projects would include banning single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, and "to start separating and recycling waste" from October.&nbsp;

The airline industry has been under fire over its carbon&nbsp;emissions, which at 285 grammes of&nbsp;CO2&nbsp;emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency.&nbsp;

Heavy-duty transportation, freight trucking, shipping and aviation, represent over a tenth of global greenhouse gas&nbsp;emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;contribute to global warming and climate change, which scientists say will unleash ever harsher droughts, superstorms, and sea-level rise.

In July,&nbsp;France&nbsp;announced it would impose new taxes on plane tickets of between 1.50 and 18 euros per flight, a move criticised by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-france-emirates-maintain-cairo-flights-after-british-air-suspension-237472">Air&nbsp;France</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is meant to raise about 180 million euros a&nbsp;year&nbsp;to be invested in greener transport infrastructure.&nbsp;

Rigail said she did not know if there had been a drop in passenger numbers due to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-nobel-for-swedens-greta-thunberg-a-tough-decision-for-prize-committee-252010">campaign of "flight shaming"</a>&nbsp;spearheaded by 16-year-old schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, who has become a symbol of the fight against climate change.&nbsp;

French carrier Air France will offset the carbon dioxide emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020 at a cost of millions of euros, the company's CEO has announced.

French carrier Air France will offset the carbon dioxide emissions of its 500-odd daily internal flights by 2020 at a cost of millions of euros, the company's CEO has announced. In a bid to counteract its climate impact, the company will finance projects that support tree planting, forest protection and the global shift to less-polluting energy, Anne Rigail told Le Parisien newspaper. "It is an investment of several million euros, she said in an interview published late Monday, adding the company was acting "voluntarily". Other projects would include banning single-use plastics such as cutlery from local flights as from January, and "to start separating and recycling waste" from October. The airline industry has been under fire over its carbon emissions, which at 285 grammes of CO2 emitted per kilometre travelled by each passenger, far exceed all other modes of transport, according to the European Environment Agency. Heavy-duty transportation, freight trucking, shipping and aviation, represent over a tenth of global greenhouse gas emissions, says the World Resources Institute, a research body. The emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, which scientists say will unleash ever harsher droughts, superstorms, and sea-level rise. In July, France announced it would impose new taxes on plane tickets of between 1.50 and 18 euros per flight, a move criticised by Air France. It is meant to raise about 180 million euros a year to be invested in greener transport infrastructure. Rigail said she did not know if there had been a drop in passenger numbers due to a campaign of "flight shaming" spearheaded by 16-year-old schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, who has become a symbol of the fight against climate change.

Air France to offset daily CO2 emissions by next year

Dalaman airport will lose 70,000 passengers who were scheduled to travel to Turkey in October after the collapse of Thomas Cook, general manager of the airport Cengiz Ayaz said on Wednesday (September 25).

Dalaman airport to lose 70,000 passengers after Thomas Cook collapse - General Manager

A futuristic<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-new-multi-billion-dollar-starfish-airport-set-to-open-in-september-231977"> new airport </a>in Beijing, which is expected to become one of the busiest in the world, was opened by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Xi declared the starfish-shaped airport open in brief remarks at a ceremony inside the huge terminal, days before the country holds a grand celebration to mark 70 years of Communist rule.

Located 46 kilometres south of Tiananmen Square, the Beijing Daxing International Airport will operate at full capacity in 2040, with eight runways and the potential to receive 100 million passengers per year.

The airport is seen as a fitting embodiment of the "Chinese dream" Xi has offered his fellow citizens.&nbsp;

Both foreign and domestic carriers have announced plans to move their operations to the new airport.

British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Finnair have already announced their new routes to Daxing to tap the potential of the&nbsp;new aviation hub.

The SkyTeam alliance, which includes Delta, Air France, and Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), was expected to move over to the new airport, along with their partners Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.&nbsp;Delta and Air France said that the decision to whether move airports had not yet been made.

The third-largest Chinese airline, Air China, is expected to keep flying the bulk of its flights from Beijing Capital International Airport.

"Switching airports can be a complex decision for airlines," said aviation analyst John Strickland.&nbsp;

"Airlines would prefer to see a new airport open and overcome teething problems before moving services from another well tried and tested airport", he added.

The maiden flight from the airport is scheduled at 0730 GMT, according to Chinese flight tracking app Umetrip.

Soaring Growth

At 700,000 square metres - about the size of 100 football pitches - the new structure will be one of the world's largest airport terminals.

The building was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016.

Inside, it stands out for its flowing, curved lines and the use of natural light that filters down to the lowest levels of the building through the openings on the roof.

Underneath the terminal is a train station and a metro line that will allow travellers to reach the city centre in 20 minutes.

The project cost $17.5 billion.

At full capacity, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/beijing-new-airport-starts-test-flights-on-monday-218368">Daxing</a> would be the world's largest single terminal in terms of traveller capacity, according to its designers.

Atlanta airport in the United States -&nbsp;the world's busiest airport - can receive more than a hundred million passengers but across two terminals.

The current Beijing Capital International Airport - the world's second-largest -&nbsp;is already overflowing, with just over 100 million passengers annually.&nbsp;

"Daxing is an extension of the phenomenal growth of the aviation market in China," said Shukor Yusof, head of Malaysia-based aviation consultancy Endau Analytics.

Air transport is booming in China as living standards increase along with peoples' desire to travel.

It is expected to surpass the US to become the world's biggest aviation market by the mid-2020s, according to the International Air Transport Association.&nbsp;

By 2037 the country will have 1.6 billion plane journeys each year -&nbsp;a billion more than in 2017, the organisation estimates.

A futuristic new airport in Beijing, which is expected to become one of the busiest in the world, was opened by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. Xi declared the starfish-shaped airport open in brief remarks at a ceremony inside the huge terminal, days before the country holds a grand celebration to mark 70 years of Communist rule.

A futuristic new airport in Beijing, which is expected to become one of the busiest in the world, was opened by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. Xi declared the starfish-shaped airport open in brief remarks at a ceremony inside the huge terminal, days before the country holds a grand celebration to mark 70 years of Communist rule. Located 46 kilometres south of Tiananmen Square, the Beijing Daxing International Airport will operate at full capacity in 2040, with eight runways and the potential to receive 100 million passengers per year. The airport is seen as a fitting embodiment of the "Chinese dream" Xi has offered his fellow citizens. Both foreign and domestic carriers have announced plans to move their operations to the new airport. British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Finnair have already announced their new routes to Daxing to tap the potential of the new aviation hub. The SkyTeam alliance, which includes Delta, Air France, and Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), was expected to move over to the new airport, along with their partners Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Delta and Air France said that the decision to whether move airports had not yet been made. The third-largest Chinese airline, Air China, is expected to keep flying the bulk of its flights from Beijing Capital International Airport. "Switching airports can be a complex decision for airlines," said aviation analyst John Strickland. "Airlines would prefer to see a new airport open and overcome teething problems before moving services from another well tried and tested airport", he added. The maiden flight from the airport is scheduled at 0730 GMT, according to Chinese flight tracking app Umetrip. Soaring Growth At 700,000 square metres - about the size of 100 football pitches - the new structure will be one of the world's largest airport terminals. The building was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016. Inside, it stands out for its flowing, curved lines and the use of natural light that filters down to the lowest levels of the building through the openings on the roof. Underneath the terminal is a train station and a metro line that will allow travellers to reach the city centre in 20 minutes. The project cost $17.5 billion. At full capacity, Daxing would be the world's largest single terminal in terms of traveller capacity, according to its designers. Atlanta airport in the United States - the world's busiest airport - can receive more than a hundred million passengers but across two terminals. The current Beijing Capital International Airport - the world's second-largest - is already overflowing, with just over 100 million passengers annually. "Daxing is an extension of the phenomenal growth of the aviation market in China," said Shukor Yusof, head of Malaysia-based aviation consultancy Endau Analytics. Air transport is booming in China as living standards increase along with peoples' desire to travel. It is expected to surpass the US to become the world's biggest aviation market by the mid-2020s, according to the International Air Transport Association. By 2037 the country will have 1.6 billion plane journeys each year - a billion more than in 2017, the organisation estimates.

Beijing futuristic airport opens ahead of China's 70th anniversary

Aviation safety regulator may ask Boeing to set up simulators in India to train pilots on the 737 MAX planes once it clears the aircraft as safe for flying, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The 737 MAX, the fastest-selling plane in Boeing's history, has been grounded the world over since March in the aftermath of two fatal crashes in five months that killed 346 people.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will also conduct an independent inspection of the grounded planes once they are cleared for flying by the US&nbsp;regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"Once FAA re-certifies it and says these issues have been resolved then we will evaluate whether what they are saying is right or wrong ... We will carry out our own inspections," the official said, adding that it is unlikely the planes will fly in Indian skies until next year.

Boeing is making software changes and drawing up a new pilot training plan, and will need to conduct a key certification test flight to get the FAA's approval before it can put the planes back in the air. Some federal officials expect the test flight to be conducted in October.

"Later this year India will send a team. We would like to take a look at their flight data, some simulators will also be required for training pilots," the official said, adding it may ask Boeing to have simulators in India.

Budget carrier SpiceJet has about a dozen Boeing 737 MAX planes in its fleet and a total of 155 on order - among the largest single orders for the narrow-body plane.

Boeing has delivered 219 737 MAX jets to customers globally, with 4,564 orders for jets yet to be delivered. The Boeing 737 MAX is a more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's best-selling single-aisle 737 series. 
&nbsp;

Aviation safety regulator may ask Boeing to set up simulators in India to train pilots on the 737 MAX planes once it clears the aircraft as safe for flying, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Aviation safety regulator may ask Boeing to set up simulators in India to train pilots on the 737 MAX planes once it clears the aircraft as safe for flying, a senior official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The 737 MAX, the fastest-selling plane in Boeing's history, has been grounded the world over since March in the aftermath of two fatal crashes in five months that killed 346 people. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will also conduct an independent inspection of the grounded planes once they are cleared for flying by the US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "Once FAA re-certifies it and says these issues have been resolved then we will evaluate whether what they are saying is right or wrong ... We will carry out our own inspections," the official said, adding that it is unlikely the planes will fly in Indian skies until next year. Boeing is making software changes and drawing up a new pilot training plan, and will need to conduct a key certification test flight to get the FAA's approval before it can put the planes back in the air. Some federal officials expect the test flight to be conducted in October. "Later this year India will send a team. We would like to take a look at their flight data, some simulators will also be required for training pilots," the official said, adding it may ask Boeing to have simulators in India. Budget carrier SpiceJet has about a dozen Boeing 737 MAX planes in its fleet and a total of 155 on order - among the largest single orders for the narrow-body plane. Boeing has delivered 219 737 MAX jets to customers globally, with 4,564 orders for jets yet to be delivered. The Boeing 737 MAX is a more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's best-selling single-aisle 737 series.

Aviation watchdog may ask Boeing to set up 737 MAX simulators in India

An Indonesian cargo plane with four people on board lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, an official said, the latest incident to hit the country's poor aviation record.

The Twin Otter DHC6-400 set off from the city of Timika on Wednesday at 10:39am&nbsp;and was headed to Ilaga, a mountainous region in the remote eastern province of Papua and was scheduled to arrive 50 minutes after taking off.

"After 2.5 hours, there has been no information from the nearest airport on the plane's whereabouts, we decided to announce the plane has lost contact," local transportation agency head, Yan Purba told Metro TV.

The aircraft was carrying three crew members and one passenger as well as 1.7 tonnes of rice.

Search and rescue have been assembled for the missing plane which was flying in a good weather condition, Purba said.

Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands, but mountainous Papua is a particularly difficult area to reach.

The country has a poor aviation safety record and Papua is a particularly problematic place to fly due to its mountainous terrain and frequent poor weather.

In June, a military helicopter with 12 people on board lost contact just minutes after it took off from a remote Papua district Oksibil, to Sentani, also in Papua.

The remains of the aircraft have not been found to this day.

Earlier in 2016, a cargo plane carrying construction materials crashed in Ilaga, killing all four people on board.

An Indonesian cargo plane with four people on board lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, an official said, the latest incident to hit the country's poor aviation record.

An Indonesian cargo plane with four people on board lost contact with air traffic control on Wednesday, an official said, the latest incident to hit the country's poor aviation record. The Twin Otter DHC6-400 set off from the city of Timika on Wednesday at 10:39am and was headed to Ilaga, a mountainous region in the remote eastern province of Papua and was scheduled to arrive 50 minutes after taking off. "After 2.5 hours, there has been no information from the nearest airport on the plane's whereabouts, we decided to announce the plane has lost contact," local transportation agency head, Yan Purba told Metro TV. The aircraft was carrying three crew members and one passenger as well as 1.7 tonnes of rice. Search and rescue have been assembled for the missing plane which was flying in a good weather condition, Purba said. Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands, but mountainous Papua is a particularly difficult area to reach. The country has a poor aviation safety record and Papua is a particularly problematic place to fly due to its mountainous terrain and frequent poor weather. In June, a military helicopter with 12 people on board lost contact just minutes after it took off from a remote Papua district Oksibil, to Sentani, also in Papua. The remains of the aircraft have not been found to this day. Earlier in 2016, a cargo plane carrying construction materials crashed in Ilaga, killing all four people on board.

Cargo plane carrying four missing in eastern Indonesia

Airbus on Wednesday increased its estimate of the number of new aircraft needed over the coming two decades as airlines seek more fuel-efficient planes even as it trimmed its forecast for the increase in demand for air travel.

In its latest Global Market Forecast for the next 20 years, the European aircraft maker said it expects air traffic to grow by 4.3 per cent annually, a drop from the 4.4 per cent annual growth it forecast last year.

Nevertheless, Airbus now expects even higher demand for new aircraft than it did last year thanks to airlines increasingly retiring older planes for new ones that offer lower operating costs as they consume less fuel.

Airbus anticipates demand for new aircraft over the coming two decades at 39,210 planes, a rise of nearly 2,000 from its forecast last year, due to a sharp increase in replacements.

Unlike last year, it did not provide a cost estimate.

"Developments in superior fuel efficiency are further driving demand to replace existing less fuel-efficient aircraft," said Airbus in a statement.

However, it scaled back the number of planes it expects airlines to acquire to meet growth in demand for air travel by more than 1,500 aircraft to 25,000.

Airbus said that nevertheless, the annual growth of more than 4 per cent reflects the resilient nature of aviation from economic shocks and its increasingly key role in the global economy.

"Economies thrive on air transportation. People and goods want to connect," said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

"Globally, commercial aviation stimulates GDP growth and supports 65 million livelihoods, demonstrating the immense benefits our business brings to all societies and global trade," he added.

The firm also stressed that with its latest more fuel-efficient models it will help the airline industry limit its environmental impact.

"Airbus believes it will largely contribute to the progressive decarbonisation of the air transport industry and the objective of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 while connecting more people globally," it said.

The airline industry aims to freeze its carbon footprint at its 2020 level thanks to more fuel-efficient aircraft and through offsets like planting trees

Airbus on Wednesday increased its estimate of the number of new aircraft needed over the coming two decades as airlines seek more fuel-efficient planes even as it trimmed its forecast for the increase in demand for air travel.

Airbus on Wednesday increased its estimate of the number of new aircraft needed over the coming two decades as airlines seek more fuel-efficient planes even as it trimmed its forecast for the increase in demand for air travel. In its latest Global Market Forecast for the next 20 years, the European aircraft maker said it expects air traffic to grow by 4.3 per cent annually, a drop from the 4.4 per cent annual growth it forecast last year. Nevertheless, Airbus now expects even higher demand for new aircraft than it did last year thanks to airlines increasingly retiring older planes for new ones that offer lower operating costs as they consume less fuel. Airbus anticipates demand for new aircraft over the coming two decades at 39,210 planes, a rise of nearly 2,000 from its forecast last year, due to a sharp increase in replacements. Unlike last year, it did not provide a cost estimate. "Developments in superior fuel efficiency are further driving demand to replace existing less fuel-efficient aircraft," said Airbus in a statement. However, it scaled back the number of planes it expects airlines to acquire to meet growth in demand for air travel by more than 1,500 aircraft to 25,000. Airbus said that nevertheless, the annual growth of more than 4 per cent reflects the resilient nature of aviation from economic shocks and its increasingly key role in the global economy. "Economies thrive on air transportation. People and goods want to connect," said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. "Globally, commercial aviation stimulates GDP growth and supports 65 million livelihoods, demonstrating the immense benefits our business brings to all societies and global trade," he added. The firm also stressed that with its latest more fuel-efficient models it will help the airline industry limit its environmental impact. "Airbus believes it will largely contribute to the progressive decarbonisation of the air transport industry and the objective of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 while connecting more people globally," it said. The airline industry aims to freeze its carbon footprint at its 2020 level thanks to more fuel-efficient aircraft and through offsets like planting trees

Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday temporarily suspended license of a SpiceJet pilot in connection with a runway incursion that occurred in the first week of August.

The license of pilot Atul Yadav has been revoked for three months from July 10, 2019 after probing his role in the runway incursion by Surat-Mumbai SEJ-2763 flight at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) airport.

The incident of the runway (RWY) incursion had occurred on July 5 this year.

Sharing details of the incident, DGCA said, "Yadav was monitoring both tower and ground frequencies while taxing. He had briefed pilot-in-command that they were cleared for crossing RWY 14. This RWY crossing clearance was given by tower to aircraft which was ahead of SEJ-2763. The action of the crew member jeopardised the safety of the aircraft and the passengers."

The aviation authority said that the show cause notice was issued to pilot on August 19 to explain in writing within 15 days as to "why the action should not be taken against him for endangering the safety of aircraft and passengers on board".

After receiving the reply, the crew has accepted his mistake and explained that it happened due to another aircraft with a similar call sign ahead of SEJ-2763, IGO 063 which got clearance to cross runway 14.

"Therefore, in the exercise of the powers delegated under Clause (a) of Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 19 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, read with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation notification No. S.O. 727 (E) of October 1994 the undersigned hereby suspends in public interest, the privileges of the pilot license held by Yadav, CPL- 13633 for a period of three months from 10.07.2019," it said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday temporarily suspended license of a SpiceJet pilot in connection with a runway incursion that occurred in the first week of August.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday temporarily suspended license of a SpiceJet pilot in connection with a runway incursion that occurred in the first week of August. The license of pilot Atul Yadav has been revoked for three months from July 10, 2019 after probing his role in the runway incursion by Surat-Mumbai SEJ-2763 flight at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) airport. The incident of the runway (RWY) incursion had occurred on July 5 this year. Sharing details of the incident, DGCA said, "Yadav was monitoring both tower and ground frequencies while taxing. He had briefed pilot-in-command that they were cleared for crossing RWY 14. This RWY crossing clearance was given by tower to aircraft which was ahead of SEJ-2763. The action of the crew member jeopardised the safety of the aircraft and the passengers." The aviation authority said that the show cause notice was issued to pilot on August 19 to explain in writing within 15 days as to "why the action should not be taken against him for endangering the safety of aircraft and passengers on board". After receiving the reply, the crew has accepted his mistake and explained that it happened due to another aircraft with a similar call sign ahead of SEJ-2763, IGO 063 which got clearance to cross runway 14. "Therefore, in the exercise of the powers delegated under Clause (a) of Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 19 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, read with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation notification No. S.O. 727 (E) of October 1994 the undersigned hereby suspends in public interest, the privileges of the pilot license held by Yadav, CPL- 13633 for a period of three months from 10.07.2019," it said.

Mumbai: DGCA suspends pilot's license for 3 months in runway incursion case

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday said body scanners should be made mandatory at all major airports within a year.

It also informed that body scanners will be made mandatory at all the other airports in two years.

A full-body scanner is a device used to scan an individual's body for security, screening purposes, without making physical contact.

The technology helps in seeing an alternate wavelength image of a person`s body to detect any suspicious items.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday said body scanners should be made mandatory at all major airports within a year. It also informed that body scanners will be made mandatory at all the other airports in two years.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday said body scanners should be made mandatory at all major airports within a year. It also informed that body scanners will be made mandatory at all the other airports in two years. A full-body scanner is a device used to scan an individual's body for security, screening purposes, without making physical contact. The technology helps in seeing an alternate wavelength image of a person`s body to detect any suspicious items.

Body scanners to be made mandatory at all airports in 2 years

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said that the government is determined to privatise Air India and people are interested in buying it.

"The government's determination to privatise Air India is a given. We have to get the best possible deal and get it in the shortest time available. People are very much interested in acquiring Air India," said Puri.

"Procedure involved in the formation of an alternate mechanism, a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been formed. A meeting at Cabinet Secretariat level has also taken place," he added.

"Total privatisation will be done in the shortest possible time and with the best deal. People are keen on acquiring Air India because it is a first rate airline. Whoever acquires Air India will be very fortunate and will be able to run it according to strong private sector principles," said Puri.

The Parliament on August 3 passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019, that increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh with Civil Aviation stating that the government was committed to privatisation of Air India as its debt has become totally unsustainable.

The Bill, which seeks to amend the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008, had earlier been passed by Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said that the government is determined to privatise Air India and people are interested in buying it.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said that the government is determined to privatise Air India and people are interested in buying it. "The government's determination to privatise Air India is a given. We have to get the best possible deal and get it in the shortest time available. People are very much interested in acquiring Air India," said Puri. "Procedure involved in the formation of an alternate mechanism, a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been formed. A meeting at Cabinet Secretariat level has also taken place," he added. "Total privatisation will be done in the shortest possible time and with the best deal. People are keen on acquiring Air India because it is a first rate airline. Whoever acquires Air India will be very fortunate and will be able to run it according to strong private sector principles," said Puri. The Parliament on August 3 passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019, that increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh with Civil Aviation stating that the government was committed to privatisation of Air India as its debt has become totally unsustainable. The Bill, which seeks to amend the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008, had earlier been passed by Rajya Sabha.

Government is determined to privatise Air India: Union Civil Aviation Minister

The Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, Ashwani Lohani on Sunday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-supply-to-air-india-stopped-at-six-domestic-airports-report-244881">stoppage of fuel supplies at six airports</a> from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is because of an overall shortage of funds.

"It is because of an overall shortage of funds but doesn't reflect on the operational performance and recent efforts of the airline," Lohani said.

Earlier, on Friday state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) led by Indian Oil stopped jet fuel supply to Air India at six airports - Kochi, Pune, Patna, Ranchi, Vizag and Mohali - over payment defaults.

"Oil marketing companies (OMCs) led by Indian Oil have stopped jet fuel supply at six airports," Air India Spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar had earlier said in a statement.

Kumar said Air India cannot handle huge debt service liabilities in the absence of equity support.

"This fiscal our financial performance is very good and we are moving towards healthy operating profit. Airline despite legacy issues is performing very well," he had maintained.

The Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, Ashwani Lohani on Sunday said that stoppage of fuel supplies at six airports from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is because of an overall shortage of funds.

The Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, Ashwani Lohani on Sunday said that stoppage of fuel supplies at six airports from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is because of an overall shortage of funds. "It is because of an overall shortage of funds but doesn't reflect on the operational performance and recent efforts of the airline," Lohani said. Earlier, on Friday state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) led by Indian Oil stopped jet fuel supply to Air India at six airports - Kochi, Pune, Patna, Ranchi, Vizag and Mohali - over payment defaults. "Oil marketing companies (OMCs) led by Indian Oil have stopped jet fuel supply at six airports," Air India Spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar had earlier said in a statement. Kumar said Air India cannot handle huge debt service liabilities in the absence of equity support. "This fiscal our financial performance is very good and we are moving towards healthy operating profit. Airline despite legacy issues is performing very well," he had maintained.

Stoppage of fuel supply due to shortage of funds: Air India chairman

A 19-jet aerial parade soared over the Hudson River in New York on Thursday (August 22) in advance of the New York International Air Show.

'People have a love affair with aviation' - UK and US military teams fly over the Hudson River

Jet fuel supply to state-run carrier Air India has been stopped at six domestic airports because of unpaid dues to fuel provider, Indian Oil Corp (IOCL), three sources said on Thursday.

"Jet fuel supply to Air India has been stopped for commercial reasons at six airports," a source at Indian Oil Corp told Reuters.&nbsp;

India, for years, has propped up the debt-laden airline by infusing equity to keep it alive - the government injected 39.75 billion rupees ($553 million) into Air India in the fiscal year that ended on March 31.&nbsp;

"In the absence of equity support Air India cannot handle the huge debt service liabilities," the airline said in a statement, adding its financial performance was improving.

Fuel supply to Air India has been halted since Thursday evening at six cities across the country including Mohali in the north, Vishakapatnam and Kochi in the south, Pune in the west and Ranchi and Patna in the east, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

Country's aviation sector is facing turmoil with one of its biggest private carriers, Jet Airways in bankruptcy, while passenger growth in the market overall has slowed.

The government failed last year in its attempt to sell a 76 per cent&nbsp;stake in Air India due to a lack of interest from bidders who said they found some of the stake sale terms too onerous, making it a non-starter.&nbsp;

It is now redrawing the stake sale plans and as part of the effort it has hived off some of the loss-making airline's debt of $8.5 billion.

India may now consider selling up to a 100 per cent stake in the airline, a government official told Reuters in July, adding that it expects to get 150 billion rupees ($2.1 billion) from selling the airline.

Jet fuel supply to state-run carrier Air India has been stopped at six domestic airports because of unpaid dues to fuel provider, Indian Oil Corp (IOCL), three sources said on Thursday.

Jet fuel supply to state-run carrier Air India has been stopped at six domestic airports because of unpaid dues to fuel provider, Indian Oil Corp (IOCL), three sources said on Thursday. "Jet fuel supply to Air India has been stopped for commercial reasons at six airports," a source at Indian Oil Corp told Reuters. India, for years, has propped up the debt-laden airline by infusing equity to keep it alive - the government injected 39.75 billion rupees ($553 million) into Air India in the fiscal year that ended on March 31. "In the absence of equity support Air India cannot handle the huge debt service liabilities," the airline said in a statement, adding its financial performance was improving. Fuel supply to Air India has been halted since Thursday evening at six cities across the country including Mohali in the north, Vishakapatnam and Kochi in the south, Pune in the west and Ranchi and Patna in the east, one of the sources said. Country's aviation sector is facing turmoil with one of its biggest private carriers, Jet Airways in bankruptcy, while passenger growth in the market overall has slowed. The government failed last year in its attempt to sell a 76 per cent stake in Air India due to a lack of interest from bidders who said they found some of the stake sale terms too onerous, making it a non-starter. It is now redrawing the stake sale plans and as part of the effort it has hived off some of the loss-making airline's debt of $8.5 billion. India may now consider selling up to a 100 per cent stake in the airline, a government official told Reuters in July, adding that it expects to get 150 billion rupees ($2.1 billion) from selling the airline.

Fuel supply to Air India stopped at six domestic airports: Report

By&nbsp;Srimoyee Chowdhury

Limitless, boundless, infinite - the sky was never the limit for Ellie Carter’s achievements. Speaking exclusively to WION, the young prodigy opened up about her dreams, passion and love for airplanes and adventures which she developed at the tender age of 9.&nbsp;

At an age when driving licenses are even not issued, Ellie’s dreams took her to skies.

Ellie’s career took off after she was invited to the California base of the U2 spy plane when she flew with some of the American pilots.

She started her flying lessons soon after she turned 14, by then she had already flown different models. Ellie has already taken the controls of 12 different aircraft – including a Second World War L4 Grasshopper – and has now made flying history with her solo glider flight.

She completed two special six-minute flights last week under the watchful eye of the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club at North Hill Airfield.

Here are some snippets of the conversation.

WION: How did it start? How did you take to the sky at the age of 9?

Ellie: After my first flight at the age of 9, I was incredibly lucky since a lot of people saw my enthusiasm and helped me by taking me to the flights with them. That allowed me to continue to fly until I was 14 and ready to take official flying lessons.

WION: Do you want to consider any platform for young pilots like you?&nbsp;

Ellie: Absolutely! I've not reached where I am now without other pilots inspiring me, and I'm so grateful for that. And if I can inspire someone like that it will be so rewarding and brilliant for me.

WION: What is your dream aircraft to fly in?&nbsp;

Ellie: Every aircraft is different. I want to fly everything! I haven't flown a biplane yet which is something on my list. I plan to fly something special when I'm older so, I'll try everything.

WION: In many countries, a career in aviation is a distant dream, your thoughts?&nbsp;

Ellie: In my opinion, if there's a possibility of taking up a career as a pilot, definitely go for it! It’s absolutely amazing and such a unique experience. From what I've experienced, more or less, everybody will see your passion and they will try and help you. So if you can find someone willing to help and encourage you in the long run, then definitely do it and don't give up.

WION: Any plans for mentoring?&nbsp;

Ellie: Absolutely! There is currently one young girl who I’m mentoring, I give her as much advice I can and it is one good way of getting more females into aviation.

WION: The United Kingdom has a dismal ratio of women as pilots, India has more than double. What do you think is the reason?&nbsp; 
Ellie: I think the females in the UK are not taught about such opportunities in aviation from a young age, so when it comes to deciding what you want to do, only a few of them pursue a career in aviation. 
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By Srimoyee Chowdhury Limitless, boundless, infinite - the sky was never the limit for Ellie Carter’s achievements. Speaking exclusively to WION, the young prodigy opened up about her dreams, passion and love for airplanes and adventures which she developed at the tender age of 9.

By Srimoyee Chowdhury Limitless, boundless, infinite - the sky was never the limit for Ellie Carter’s achievements. Speaking exclusively to WION, the young prodigy opened up about her dreams, passion and love for airplanes and adventures which she developed at the tender age of 9. At an age when driving licenses are even not issued, Ellie’s dreams took her to skies. Ellie’s career took off after she was invited to the California base of the U2 spy plane when she flew with some of the American pilots. She started her flying lessons soon after she turned 14, by then she had already flown different models. Ellie has already taken the controls of 12 different aircraft – including a Second World War L4 Grasshopper – and has now made flying history with her solo glider flight. She completed two special six-minute flights last week under the watchful eye of the Devon and Somerset Gliding Club at North Hill Airfield. Here are some snippets of the conversation. WION: How did it start? How did you take to the sky at the age of 9? Ellie: After my first flight at the age of 9, I was incredibly lucky since a lot of people saw my enthusiasm and helped me by taking me to the flights with them. That allowed me to continue to fly until I was 14 and ready to take official flying lessons. WION: Do you want to consider any platform for young pilots like you? Ellie: Absolutely! I've not reached where I am now without other pilots inspiring me, and I'm so grateful for that. And if I can inspire someone like that it will be so rewarding and brilliant for me. WION: What is your dream aircraft to fly in? Ellie: Every aircraft is different. I want to fly everything! I haven't flown a biplane yet which is something on my list. I plan to fly something special when I'm older so, I'll try everything. WION: In many countries, a career in aviation is a distant dream, your thoughts? Ellie: In my opinion, if there's a possibility of taking up a career as a pilot, definitely go for it! It’s absolutely amazing and such a unique experience. From what I've experienced, more or less, everybody will see your passion and they will try and help you. So if you can find someone willing to help and encourage you in the long run, then definitely do it and don't give up. WION: Any plans for mentoring? Ellie: Absolutely! There is currently one young girl who I’m mentoring, I give her as much advice I can and it is one good way of getting more females into aviation. WION: The United Kingdom has a dismal ratio of women as pilots, India has more than double. What do you think is the reason? Ellie: I think the females in the UK are not taught about such opportunities in aviation from a young age, so when it comes to deciding what you want to do, only a few of them pursue a career in aviation.

I want to fly everything! says Britain's teen pilot Ellie Carter in exclusive conversation with WION

In a bid to enhance passenger convenience, SpiceJet is set to transfer its entire operation to terminal two of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from October 1, this year, the airline said on Tuesday.

"A single terminal operation would not just help the airline substantially cut down its costs, but provide our passengers with a seamless and smooth travel experience as they transit between domestic and international flights at one of the country's busiest airports," stated SpiceJet in an official statement.

The transition is being planned and implemented by the airline with the active support of Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).&nbsp; 
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In a bid to enhance passenger convenience, SpiceJet is set to transfer its entire operation to terminal two of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from October 1, this year, the airline said on Tuesday.

In a bid to enhance passenger convenience, SpiceJet is set to transfer its entire operation to terminal two of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from October 1, this year, the airline said on Tuesday. "A single terminal operation would not just help the airline substantially cut down its costs, but provide our passengers with a seamless and smooth travel experience as they transit between domestic and international flights at one of the country's busiest airports," stated SpiceJet in an official statement. The transition is being planned and implemented by the airline with the active support of Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).

SpiceJet to shift entire operation to terminal 2 of Mumbai airport

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