Russia is considering an overhaul of its regional airline sector, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev calling for a new or modernized short-distance, small-capacity aircraft to be built, perhaps with a foreign company’s assistance, and extolling plans to increase financial aid to regional operators. This effort may also include a re-engining effort using U.S. powerplants for the old Antonov An-2 aircraft, about 1,400 of which are currently serving Russia’s civil aviation industry.

The FAA does not expect further extensions of the comment period for proposed repair station certification and classification requirements beyond the additional 90 days the agency has allotted for trade associations to review and address concerns with the proposed overhaul of Part 145 rules.

As engines become increasingly reliable and stay longer on-wing, the battle over spare parts is becoming a sensitive sparring ground as manufacturers try to guard a traditional source of income and maintenance-savvy airlines try to cut costs. The stand-off is set to become more intense in the U.S. where Delta Air Lines’ Technical Operations maintenance arm is exploring a raft of new technologies for engine overhaul and repair, some of which is currently performed by the original manufacturers, as part of efforts to cut costs and boost revenue.

Technology migration to smaller aircraft combined with an aging airline fleet and less-than-optimal internal processes are taxing the FAA’s certification workload even as the agency works to streamline its efforts, a rulemaking advisory committee reports.

Resurgence of U.S. manufacturing is bolstered by foreign companies setting up shop

As defense budgets decline, angst about pink slips

More than one-third of A&D employees under 30 are looking for another position within their current organization

Shortly after ST Aerospace decided not to acquire Pemco World Air Services, it appears the bankrupt MRO based in Tampa, Fla., found a new buyer. And that buyer, Avion Services Holdings, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, does not appear to be making major changes—at least for now.