SkyWest Inc. signs for 40 firm EMB-175s, plus options

Embraer and SkyWest Inc. (SkyWest) announced a firm order, today, for 40 EMB-175s. SkyWest will operate the aircraft under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) with United Airlines. Another 60 firm orders are reconfirmable aircraft, which are subject to SkyWest being awarded CPA agreement contracts with major U.S. airline partners. In addition to that, the agreement includes options for another 100 E175s, taking the total order potential up to 200 airplanes. (Source: Embraer, 21-May-2013)

Russian Navy RFS Lena in Valletta Port

The Russian Federation naval vessels RFS Lena - an Uda class (Project 577) replenishment tanker - has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.

This is RFS Lena third visit in the Grand Harbour this year. Her first visit was from 10th to 13th January, and the second from 15th to 18th Apri.

The Russian replenishment tanker is currently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 wharf, and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour on Friday, May 24th. 

(20-May-2013)

Taiwanese AF Mirage 2000-5 crashes into waters west of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan

A Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force twin-seater Mirage 2000-5 jet fighter crashed into waters west of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan on Monday morning, but its pilots ejected to safety before the plane hit the water, according to Air Force Command Headquarters. The fighter went down soon after taking off from the air force base in Hsinchu at 0954lt on a training mission, but the cause of the crash is not yet known, the Air Force said in a statement. An S-70C helicopter was sent to airlift the pilots to safety and they have been taken to a hospital in Hsinchu for observation, the Air Force said. (Source: focustaiwan.tw, 20-May-2013)

Piedmont Airlines DH8A makes intentional belly landing at Newark

A Piedmont Airlines Dash 8-100 (N934HA), performing flight US4560 on behalf of US Airways from Philadelphia to Newark (USA) with 31 people and three crew, was on approach to Newark when the crew reported they had a left hand main gear unsafe indication and requested a low approach to have the gear inspected from the ground. Tower subsequently reported the left hand main gear appeared only half way out of the wheel well. 

The aircraft climbed back to 3000 feet and entered a holding west of the aerodrome for about 90 minutes to work the checklists and burn off fuel. The aircraft positioned for an approach to RWY 04L and landed with all gear up. The aircraft slid on its belly to a safe stop on the runway, the occupants evacuated through the left hand main door. No injuries occurred. (Source: avherald.com / Photo: Phil Messing, 18-May-2013)

Air Malta to launch Malta-Algiers route on June 17

Air Malta will start serving a new scheduled service to Algeria's capital, Algiers on June 17. There will be two weekly flights - on Mondays and Thursdays and Air Malta expected to carry 6,000 passengers on the route this summer. 

Commenting on this new service, Air Malta's chief commercial officer Philip Saunders said "this is good news for Malta and Algeria. Our flights will offer much needed connectivity and are expected to facilitate and enhance business opportunities between the two countries." (Source: timesofmalta.com, 17-May-2013)

Wizz Air launches Budapest-Malta route

Low cost-carrier Wizz Air launched today its new route between Budapest-Liszt Ferenc International and Malta International Airport.

This first flight – operated with an Airbus A320, registration HA-LPE – touched down at Malta IAP around 0855lt and it was welcomed by a water arch by Malta IAP's fire engines on the taxiway leading to apron-9.

Wizz Air will be operating two weekly flights between Budapest and Malta IAP this summer season, on Mondays and Thursdays.

(17-May-2013)

Myanma Airways MA-60 overruns end of runway after landing at Monghsat airpoirt

A Myanma Airways Xian MA-60 (XY-AIQ), performing a flight from Heho to Monghsat (Myanmar) with 55 passengers, overran the end of the runway while landing on Monghsat's RWY 30 at about 1150lt (0520z) by about 240 meters and stopped by the airport perimeter fence. Two passengers received serious injuries (broken arms) and were taken to a local hospital, the aircraft sustained substantial damage like a collapsed left main gear, damage to the left wing, especially to the left hand wing. Myanma Airways reported that the aircraft suffered a brakes failure. (Source: avherald.com, 16-May-2013)

Nepal Airlines DHC6 veers off the runway after landing at Jomson airport

A Nepal Airlines de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter (9N-ABO) performing flight RA555 from Pokhara to Jomsom (Nepal) with 19 passengers and three crew, landed on Jomsom's RWY 24 at 0833lt (0248z) but veered left off the runway, went down the slope to the Kaligandaki river and came to a stop on the bank with the left wing in the water. All three crew and four passengers received serious injuries and were taken to hospitals, the other 15 passengers escaped with minor or no injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage beyond repair, the cockpit area was crushed, the right wing separated. (Source: avherald.com / Photo: AFP, 16-May-2013)

Exclases Russia signs contract for five AW-139 helicopters

HeliVert, a Russian Helicopters and AgustaWestland joint venture, and Exclases Russia are pleased to announce the signing of a contract between the JV and Exclases Russia for the supply of five AW-139 helicopters which will be assembled at the HeliVert plant in Tomilino near Moscow. This contract, which includes a mix of five VIP and utility-configured helicopters, the first contract signed between HeliVert and Exclases Russia for Russian-built AW-139 helicopters which includes an AW-139 that is scheduled to be delivered in June. (Source: AgustaWestland, 16-May-2013)

Royal Danish Navy HDMS Iver Huitfeldt in Valletta Port

The Royal Danish naval frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F 371) - an Iver Huitfeldt class - has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning at 1000lt for a brief port-call to take up bunkers and stores.

The Royal Danish frigate - with a Super Lynx Mk.90 helicopter, serial S-134, on board - berthed alongside at Pinto-1 wharf and sailed again from the harbour at 1700lt.

 














(Source: 16-May-2013)

Boeing, Southwest Airlines announce launch of 737 MAX 7

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Southwest Airlines announced today the launch of the 737 MAX 7, the third member of the 737 MAX family. The Dallas-based carrier and launch customer for the 737 MAX program became the first airline to order the 737 MAX 7, when it converted 30 existing orders for Next-Generation 737s into orders for the 737 MAX 7. Southwest also exercised options to add five more Next-Generation 737-800s to its fleet. (Source: Boeing, 15-May-2013)

Indian Navy inducts its first Boeing Poseidon-8I

India has inducted its first Boeing Poseidon-8I aircraft (IN321), which will boost long range maritime snooping and warfare capability, into Navy at its air station INS Rajali on Wednesday. Vice admiral B K Varma, chief of staff, Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy said "the aircraft is to be used for broad-area maritime and anti-submarine operations. The aircraft is going to be a unique part in our anti-surface warfare, surveillance and intelligence capacities". (Source: Times of India / Photo: Boeing, 15-May-2013)

Taiwanese AF F-16 crashes into the Taiwan Strait, pilot ejects safely

A Republic of China (Taiwanese) Air Force single-seater F-16 jet fighter crashed into the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, but its pilot ejected to safety, according to military sources. The plane crashed after taking off from the Air Force's base in Chiayi in southern Taiwan, the sources said. (Source: wantchinatimes.com, 15-May-2013)

USN accepts delivery of the first mobile landing platform, USNS Montford Point

The Navy accepted delivery of the first Mobile Landing Platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), from General Dynamics-NASSCO, May 14, in San Diego, Calif.

The Mobile Landing Platform is a new class of ship and highly flexible platform that will provide capability for large-scale logistics movements such as the transfer of light and heavy vehicles and equipment from sea to shore.

The ship is owned by U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) and will be operated by a 34-person civilian-mariner crew under contract to MSC. (Source: U.S. Navy, 15-May-2013)

X-47B UCAS completes first catapult launch from an aircraft carrier

Northrop Grumman's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) completed its first ever carrier-based catapult launch from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) off the coast of Virginia today. 

The unmanned aircraft launched from the deck of USS George H.W. Bush at 1118lt. It executed several planned low approaches to the carrier and safely transited across the Chesapeake Bay to land at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after a 65-minute flight. (Source: United States Navy, 14-May-2013)

Turkish Airlines finalizes a firm order for 50 737 MAXs and 20 B738s, plus options

Boeing and Turkish Airlines today finalized a firm order for 40 737 MAX 8s, ten 737 MAX 9s and 20 Next-Generation 737-800 jets, valued at US$6.9 billion at list prices. The order, originally announced as a commitment last month, also includes options for an additional 25 737 MAX 8s and is the largest Boeing order in Turkish Airlines' history. (Source: Boeing, 14-May-2013)

Beechcraft receives contract for 35 T-6s for the U.S. military

Beechcraft Defense Company today announced it has signed a contract with USAF for the production of 35 T-6 training aircraft, with an option for two additional aircraft. The contract represents the 19th production lot of T-6 aircraft ordered by USAF and USN as part of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System procurement program. 

The new contract is valued at US$210 million and will comprise 33 T-6 aircraft for the U.S. Navy and two for the U.S. Army. Production of JPATS Lot 19, which will take place in Wichita, Kan., begins this month, with the final delivery scheduled for February of 2015. (Source: Beechcraft Corp, 13-May-2013)

Airbus rolls-out first A350 XWB in corporate livery

Painting of the first A350 XWB “MSN001” was today fully completed as it emerged in its Airbus livery out from the paintshop in Toulouse. This latest milestone shows that MSN001 is progressing well on its route to first flight.

The aircraft painting was achieved in less than seven days and follows the recent completion of MSN001’s flight-test-instrumentation (FTI) verification. Last month the aircraft underwent its engines installation, and passed a subsequent intensive phase of ground vibration tests. MSN001 will soon start the final tests before its maiden flight this summer. (Source: Airbus, 13-May-2013)

Turkish AF F-16 fighter crashes near Turkey's border with Syria

The pilot of a Turkish F-16 fighter jet,  from the 5th Main Jet Command in the northern province of Amasya, has been found dead after the aircraft crashed near Turkey's border with Syria, reports say. The plane was flying over the Amanos Mountains in the southern province of Osmaniye on Monday when it lost radio contact, Anatolia news agency said. The pilot reportedly sent a message saying "I'm jumping" before contact was lost at 1415lt (1115z). Osmaniye Governor had earlier announced that a cockpit window and some other pieces of the aircraft had been found in the Caksir area. (Source: bbc.co.uk, 13-May-2013)

Yemeni AF Su-22 crashes into a residential district of the capital Sanaa

A Russian-made Yemeni military jet ploughed into a residential district of the capital Sanaa yesterday killing the pilot, officials said. The Sukhoi crashed into “Al-Asbahi residential district in southern Sanaa,” a military official told AFP. Witnesses said the plane exploded in the air before crashing and debris from the aircraft scattered across the area, causing light damage to buildings and shattering windows. The Defense Ministry said on its website 26sep.net that the Sukhoi Su-22 attack aircraft was returning from a “usual training mission in (the eastern) Marib and Khawlan regions. (Source: arabnews.com, 13-May-2013)

airBaltic launches Riga-Malta route

Latvian carrier airBaltic launched today its new route between Riga International Airport and Malta International Airport.

This first flight – operated with a Boeing B737-500, registration YL-BEE – touched down at Malta IAP around 1210lt and it was greeted by a water arch by Malta IAP's fire engines on the taxiway leading to apron-9.

airBaltic will be operating one weekly flight between Riga IAP and Malta IAP this summer season, on Sundays.

(12-May-2013)

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 prototype crashes in Val Bormida, pilot ejects safely

Alenia Aermacchi says one of its test pilots is in a good condition after being forced to eject from a prototype M-346 advanced jet trainer on May 11. In a statement, the company says the twin-engined aircraft - which it identifies as CMX617 - encountered a technical problem around 20-min after taking off from Turin-Caselle airport. 

"The aircraft crashed in Val Bormida, between the provinces of Cuneo and Savona, without damage to people or properties," after its lone pilot ejected successfully, it adds. Further details about the crash have yet to be disclosed, but Alenia Aermacchi says it has formed an internal technical commission to investigate the factors leading to the accident. (Source: flightglobal.com, 11-May-2013)

Armed Forces of Malta rescue 84 migrants

Late last night, three Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) patrol vessels rescued a group of 83 persons from onboard a 10m long rubber dinghy which began taking in water, from a position some 31 nautical miles (NM) South of Malta. The AFM's Rescue and Coordination Centre (RCC-Malta) at Luqa Barracks, was alerted earlier on Friday about the boat and subsequently, the AFM Air Wing's King Air Maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) was also scrambled into the air and conducted a search for the reported dinghy in the area. 

The AFM’s King Air successfully located the persons on the rubber dinghy and then directed a Maritime Squadron Patrol Craft to the area in order to render assistance. Worsening sea conditions through the night made the operation quite challenging for AFM assets. The group of persons onboard the dinghy was made up of 82 men and 1 woman.  The migrants onboard AFM Patrol boats P21, P22 and Melita 2 landed at the Maritime Squadron's base at circa 01:30hrs of this morning. Migrants are claiming to be of Somali Origin. (Source: Armed Forces of Malta, 11-May-2013)

New Zealand purchases 10 SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite

Kaman Corp. announced that its subsidiary, Kaman Aerospace Corporation (Kaman), has entered into a US$120 million contract with the New Zealand Ministry of Defence for the purchase of ten SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite aircraft, spare parts, a full mission flight simulator, and related logistics support. (Source: Kaman, 8-May-2013)

Geman Navy FGS S71 Gepard & FGS S73 Hermelin in Valletta Port

Two German naval fast-patrol boats FGS S71 Gepard (P 6121) and FGS S73 Hermelin (P 6123) - both Gepard class (type 143A) - have sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning at 0830lt for a brief port-call to take up stores. The two patrol boats berthed alongside each other at Pinto-5 wharf and sailed again from the harbour at 1130lt .

(Source: 10-May-2013)