Returning damaged 787 to service was a key early test

As composite structures become larger, more integrated and more critical, guaranteeing the integrity of a major repair when the aircraft returns to service is a growing imperative. Research into methods of checking repairs in situ could pave the way for wider structural health monitoring.

Very Large Aircraft debate seems to leave A380s showing poorly

Eight months after the end of the highly publicized grounding of its EC225 heavy helicopter, Airbus has renewed its faith in the Super Puma design. The company hopes that the EC225e—e for enhanced—due to fly in 2015 will finally put the type's troubles to bed after the nine-month-long grounding caused by the failure of the bevel gear vertical shaft on two North Sea-based aircraft during 2012.

Airbus is raising the production rate of its narrowbody line. The company plans to increase output from the current 42 aircraft per month to 46 by the second quarter of 2016. That move is to be preceded by an interim step up to 44 from 42 in the first quarter of 2016. Boeing plans to raise 737 production to 47 from 42 aircraft per month in 2017 and is weighing going to 52 units by 2018-19.

Thailand's Aerothai has launched initiatives that will mean major upgrades in all facets of its air traffic management (ATM) system—including the first steps toward a nationwide satellite-based navigation network.

Unlike the 1987 movie “Trains, Planes and Automobiles,” low-cost Latin American airlines Azul Linhas Aereas and VivaAerobus.com are connected by buses and aircraft. They also are based in countries with growing middle classes that are first and second in terms of potential market size.

Flying the Piaggio P180 Avanti twin-turboprop pusher from the front seat is a unique experience, but taking control of the same Avanti using a sidestick and a virtual windscreen from a side-facing seat in the rear of the cabin is a rare treat indeed.