Most conversations about autonomous aircraft focus on smaller planes. But Airbus decided to go large when it comes to taxi, take off, and landing automation. Very large. The aircraft manufacturer announced this week the successful conclusion of its Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off and Landing (ATTOL) project using the A350-1000 XWB aircraft.
A350
Delta shifts pilots for new normal
There’s more to Delta’s fleet plan than just this week’s 777 retirement news. The company is shifting crew bases as it adjusts its network and fleet deployments. And while no other types are immediately slated for retirement, the writing is certainly on the wall.
Airbus aims to ease "COVID Combi" temporary freighter conversions
How quickly can an airline convert a passenger plane to freighter service? Airbus hope to ease the process for the A330 and A350 with a new Service Bulletin modification.
South African Airways suspends some flights as losses deepen
Just a day after announcing “flights to all its destinations continue as normal” South African Airways made cuts to its operation. Domestic flights to Cape Town and Durban are affected, as is the Munich route.
Airbus, Thales bring touch screens to the A350 flight deck
Pinch-and-zoom and panning gesture controls familiar to smartphone and tablet users the world over are now availalbe to the flight deck for the first time in a commercial aircraft. Airbus and Thales delivered the first certified and equipped plane to China Eastern, kicking off a new generation of interactive experiences for pilots.
An electrified experience: PaxEx Update – 13 Dec 2019
Electric aircraft are really real and the Embraer E2 family is complete. Plus a ton of good news for Airbus and an incremental eventual win for inflight connectivity.
Qantas selects A350-1000 for Project Sunrise
A slightlyy modified version of the Airbus A350-1000(ULR) is the aircraft of choice for Qantas as it inches closer to its “Project Sunrise” plans for nonstop flights between Sydney and London or New York City. But neither the business plan nor aircraft order are finalized yet. Negotiations with pilots over work rules are the sticking point now.
Air France to swap A380, A340 fleets for A350 with expanded order
Air France will add ten more A350-900 aircraft to its fleet in the coming years, supporting the retirement of its A380s and A340s. The deal will help the carrier to simplify its operations and deliver a more consistent passenger experience across its long-haul operations.
TSI Aviation Seats gains access to Airbus BFE catalog
Airlines purchasing the A350, A330/neo and A320/neo family aircraft now have a new option for a seating supplier. TSI Aviation Seats, a joint operation led by Turkish Technic, is now listed in the BFE catalog opening up new sales channels for the operation.
Delta to grow A330neo fleet, accelerate deliveries
Delta Air Lines will accelerate its A330neo fleet growth through the first half of 2021. Two additional planes and faster deliveries of existing orders will bring newer aircraft online, replacing older frames and helping drive growth.