China’s three state-owned airlines will boost their combined fleet by more than 300 planes, with a major Airbus A320neo order announced today. Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern will each take about 100 single-aisle aircraft, all expected to be delivered between 2024-2027.v
737MAX
Alaska Airlines extends Recaro partnership for 737 MAX seating
As the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX fleet expands passengers can expect familiarity on board. The carrier will keep the interior common to the existing fleet, extending its partnership with seating supplier Recaro into the latest tranche of deliveries.
Boeing pays off 737 MAX criminal prosecution for $243 million
Boeing will avoid criminal prosecution related to overt acts to defraud the United States tied to the certification process of 737 MAX. And it managed to purchse that freedom at a bargain price.
Aeromexico to resume 737 MAX service on 21 December
Aeromexico is the latest carrier to return its 737 MAX fleet to the schedule. The carrier intends to operate 4 flights with the type on 21 December and grow the operations from there.
Stagnation displaces Astronics’ recovery resurgence hope
The summer looked good for Astronics. The company saw green shoots of a recovery and was ready to resume its production of components for aircraft manufacturers and interiors suppliers. But as the summer came to a close so did that hope of a quick return to 2019 levels of production. And with the 737 MAX still grounded the company finds itself in what CEO Peter Gundermann describes as a “pretty tough” place.
Two major takeaways from FAA Administrator Dixon’s 737 MAX test flight
On Wednesday morning Steve Dickson, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, took Boeing’s 737 MAX for a test flight. Following the successful flight Dickson repeatedly stated, “I like what I saw” from the progress, particularly in how the MCAS system was revised. But that optimism must be tempered against a few very real remaining challenges in getting the aircraft back into commercial service.
Stelia launches Opera, new business class seat for single-aisle market
With single-aisle aircraft flying further than ever before, airlines continue to invest in delivering a more compelling premium cabin experience on board. And now they have another choice of seating supplier to help make that happen. Stelia Aerospace launched the Opera business class seat today, bringing a new luxury option to the single-aisle fleets of tomorrow.
FAA sets new minimum requirements for 737 MAX autopilot
Fewer exceptions will be permitted for missing indicators or controls when the 737 MAX returns to the skies thanks to new guidance from the FAA.
Some thoughts on Muilenburg’s testimony about the 737 MAX crash
What can we gather from more than three hours of testimony by Boeing executives and government safety officials before the US Senate Commerce Committee today? Mostly that the format is terrible for getting real answers to the critical questions surrounding the 737MAX crashes, subsequent grounding and potential, eventual return to service. Still, a few interesting bits bubbled up through the testimony.
Sunrise Stretch: PaxEx Update 2019-10-18
The beginnings of Project Sunrise and extra leg room for the Kiwis. Plus more wifi (maybe) coming in China and another loyalty top tier moves further away.
Get these stories and more in this week’s PaxEx Update.