In a bid to alleviate frequency congestion, Eurocontrol plans to expand the coverage area for 8.33-kHz-frequency operations from the current seven to 28 nations before the end of October 2002. Around 11,000 aircraft already are equipped with 8.33-kHz-capable radios; the expansion affects around 800 additional aircraft. Those without the new equipment can expect to be restricted to flights below FL 245, Eurocontrol says.

Reductions in air service between smaller communities and congested hubs could result from European Commission proposals to amend the slot allocation regulations. ``We believe that if this becomes law, it could happen,'' said Mike Ambrose, director general of European Region's Airline Association (ERA).

The Avro RJX-85 development aircraft, G-ORJX, has been fitted with four ``block 2'' engines and has accumulated approximately 130 hours in more than 60 flights. The aircraft was due to leave the United Kingdom for three months of ``hot and high'' and cold weather trials at Eglin Air Force base, Fla., at the end of August. The plan is for the aircraft to fly to engine-maker Honeywell's base at Phoenix and then on to Colorado Springs, Colo. Cold weather trials will follow in the Freezing Chamber at Eglin.