Aviation engineering news

Airbus has successfully completed the first flight of its latest Out-Sized Transport (OST) aircraft, the Beluga XL. The Aircraft landed at Toulouse at 14:41 hrs local time after successfully completing its first test flight lasting four hours and 11 minutes just south of Airbus headquarters. The test flight was carried out [read more]

Virgin Orbit has entered into a partnership agreement with Spaceport Cornwall which will see satellite launches return to the UK for the first time in 50 years. The partnership with Satellite launch provider, Virgin Orbit, will see launches from a Spaceport at Cornwall Airport Newquay by 2021, using a modified Boeing [read more]

US low-cost carrier JetBlue is the first airline to order the newly renamed Airbus A220 airliner. JetBlue has signed a commitment for 60 of the jets, formerly known as the Bombardier C-Series. The C-Series was officially brought into the Airbus family on Tuesday when it was renamed as the A220. The order [read more]

Airbus has renamed the C-Series 100 and 300 to the A220-100 and A220-300 respectively following it taking control of Bombardier. In a ceremony in Toulouse today, Airbus officially welcomed the two newest members of its family of A series Commercial aircraft and the first not carry the traditional 3 designations. Airbus [read more]

Lockheed Martin has confirmed that the LM-100J Super Hercules will take to the skies at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018. The LM-100J will participate will be on static display and flying in the shows daily flying schedule. The LM-100J is a variant of the C-130J Super Hercules designed as a commercial freighter. [read more]

The deal which sees Airbus take a majority stake in the company set up to produce Bombardier C-Series jets came into effect yesterday. The Company, C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership is now owned by Airbus 50.01%, Bombardier 34% and Investissement Québec 16%. Airbus SAS, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus [read more]

Boeing’s new middle-market aeroplane, likely to be dubbed the 797, is another step closer to reality after talks with Delta Airlines. The Seattle based airframer has had discussions with Delta with a view to them launching the aircraft. Delta is looking to replace around 100 of the ageing middle-market aircraft it [read more]

Norwegian has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max with an upgraded, slimmer seat that promises more space for passengers. The 737 Max will be used on transatlantic routes from Edinburgh airport and the seats have been specifically designed for more comfort on longer routes. Norwegian says it will [read more]