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.
Airbus
British Airways continues to diversify its inflight connectivity portfolio
British Airways’ newest long-haul planes will not be fitted with the Gogo 2Ku solution. Instead, the company will diversify its vendor portfolio, though passengers shouldn’t notice the difference.
Emirates puts Premium Economy on hold
Travelers have been waiting for years to see a new premium economy cabin arrive at Emirates. And, unfortunately, it appears the wait will stretch a bit longer. The carrier is reported to be delaying the retrofit of its existing aircraft, keeping the new cabin out of reach for passengers.
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.
Airbus, Rolls-Royce halt development on E-Fan X electric aircraft
The initial goal was a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator embarking on its first flight in 2021. The new reality is that the E-Fan X project has been scrapped. Rolls-Royce and Airbus pulled the plug on the joint development effort late last week.
JetBlue removes 40% of capacity, delays new deliveries as demand drops
JetBlue joins the collection of US carriers slashing its schedule in response to a drop in demand. The carrier now intends to reduce fly by 40% in April and May, with an expectation of “substantial” cuts in June and July as well.
AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes, Din Meranun caught up in Airbus bribery scandal
Last week’s news that Airbus will pay nearly $4 billion in penalties associated with a long-running bribery investigation was huge. This week AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and Chairman Din Meranun find themselves caught up in the scandal as well.
Airbus brings A321 production to Toulouse, replacing A380 work
Out with the A380, in with the A321neo. Airbus announced its intention to convert its A380 Lagardère facility in Toulouse to a final assembly line for the spectacularly popular and well-selling A321neo. The transition is expected to occur by mid-2022.
JetBlue confirms network shift to the east, cuts at Long Beach, closing Oakland
JetBlue will cut its Long Beach focus city to just 15 flights a day. The move, first tipped last night, is the latest in a shift of the airline’s resources away from the west coast as it optimizes the route network and pushes for greater profitability.
When good planes have to die: Scrapping an A380 and Lineage 1000E
Why scrap a perfectly good airplane? Whether an extremely large or reasonably small aircraft, the reasoning often is the same: Money. Images from the past couple weeks showing an A380 and Embraer Legacy 1000 headed to die raised questions and emotions about just how well the process works.