Congressionally mandated budget cuts that prompted the FAA to put a hiring freeze in place created an additional challenge for the safety agency's inspector workforce, which was already hampered by an ineffective staffing model, a government audit found.

If there are winners in a high-stakes, high-expectations program that generated a mere 262 orders in its first 13 years, then the engine OEM with a 55% share of the business would qualify. Measuring by total aircraft in service and awaiting delivery, the Engine Alliance (EA) GP7200 is the preferred powerplant for Airbus A380 customers, winning 134 of 243 orders with engine choices specified. (Three orders on the books—officially, at least—totaling 19 aircraft remain without engine choices.)

When the first Boeing 737 MAX jets are delivered, operators should benefit from new technologies built on a derivative airframe.

Airframe OEMs' support plans for next-gen jets go beyond what earlier models received

Europe's commercial operators and airports are becoming safer

Setting up a component repair facility halfway around the world is no small undertaking, but SR Technics is on track to open its new repair facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December. The new shop will complement the company's existing repair network with locations in Switzerland, Spain and Abu Dhabi, as well as support the growth of its Integrated Component Services (ICS) business.

Honeywell is also studying potential new engine developments to compete with Pratt & Whitney Canada's ubiquitous PT6 and its planned successor. “In the downturn we saw that the strongest small-airplane market was turboprops and we were fascinated by that,” says Honeywell's director of engineering propulsion systems, Jim Kroeger. “There is keen interest in the marketplace in turboprops and particularly in the utility market. We think it is driven by the fundamental low operating costs of the airplane,” he adds.

Airbus can barely keep up with demand. A combination of high fuel prices and low interest rates has helped boost the jetliner market to record levels, with more growth ahead. But there is one exception to this happy situation: the A380. It is time to face some tough facts about the program.