50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

United States aviation news

Piper receives EASA approval of M500

Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced it has been awarded approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), for the Piper M500, clearing the way for the innovative aircraft to enter into service on the European register. “EASA certification is an important milestone allowing us to kick off a major sales campaign to bring the M500 to the European market,” said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO...

Gogo Business Aviation Now Enabling Open Router Environment

Gogo Business Aviation, a leader in connected airplanes, has embarked on an initiative to enable operators, dealers and installers to equip their aircraft with approved routers from third-party manufacturers that best suit their individual needs and preferences on the Gogo Biz network. The move is part of a larger initiative to provide a more open ecosystem, enabling a wider array of router option...

CNN Announces 'CNN Air' Dedicated Drone Unit

Cable television news organization CNN has launched CNN Aerial Imagery and Reporting (CNN Air), its first dedicated drone unit. CNN Air will employ two full-time unmanned aircraft systems operators “to fully integrate aerial imagery and reporting across all CNN networks and platforms, along with Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner entities,”...

Boeing Delivers 50th 787 Dreamliner to ANA

Boeing and ANA (All Nippon Airways) celebrated the delivery of the airline's 50th 787 Dreamliner during a ceremony today at Boeing's Everett Delivery Center. The milestone marks yet another record for ANA as it becomes the world's first airline to operate 50 787 Dreamliners. "The 787 Dreamliner has played a significant role in opening up new routes into new markets, while also...

Intel Unveils 'Aero' Drone Development Platform

Semiconductor manufacturer Intel Corporation this week announced the launch of the “Aero Ready to Fly” quadcopter drone, designed as a platform for drone application developers. The quadcopter will be available later this year; it was unveiled August 16 at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. “Designed from the ground up to support drones,” the Aero platform...

AAR Extends Reach in Middle East with flydubai PBH Contract

AAR , a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and integrated supply chain solutions worldwide, has signed a long-term, multimillion-dollar contract to provide power-by-the-hour (PBH) component inventory management and repair services to Dubai-based flydubai. The agreement represents a significant expansion of AAR’s commercial footprint in the Middle East. AAR will assume nose...

Boeing Awarded $2.8B for KC-46A Tanker Initial Production

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] $2.8 billion on Aug. 18 for KC-46A tanker low-rate initial production. The award includes the first two “production lots” of 7 and 12 planes respectively, as well as spare parts. Including future options, Boeing plans to build a total of 179 of the 767-based refueling aircraft for the Air Force to replace their KC-135 fleet. “The...

Boeing, Nok Air Partner for Humanitarian Aid Flight

Boeing and Nok Air partnered today to launch a special humanitarian aid mission to Thailand. With the help of the international non-profit organization Vital Voices, whose mission is to invest in and empower women leaders, the airline's 22nd Next-Generation 737-800 will transport and deliver nearly 30 boxes full of relief items including clothes and school supplies. The it...

Hawaii's Paradise Helicopters signs fleet for Bell Helicopter Customer Advantage Plans

Bell Helicopter with the support of Able Aerospace Services, announced that Paradise Helicopters, a leading helicopter tour company in Hawaii, has signed its fleet of Bell 407s for the Customer Advantage Plan (CAP). Paradise is the first helicopter tour company to enroll in this new service solution. Bell Helicopter’s Customer Advantage Plans provide customers with comprehensive coverage soluti...

Man proves he can still fly a plane after 100 years

Percy Skinner decided he wanted to celebrate a milestone birthday in a unique way. “I turned 100 years old on June 17,” said Skinner. “Now I’m looking forward to 200.” Percy arrived at the airport along with several family and friends. They all were eagerly anticipating watching the man celebrate his milestone birthday with a milestone moment. With a gall...

Flexjet adds maiden Embraer Legacy 450

Flexjet LLC, offering travelers access to the world’s most luxurious fleet of private jets, today accepted its first Legacy 450 midsized business jet from Embraer (NYSE: ERJ). Flexjet becomes the first fractional fleet provider to take delivery of the Legacy 450, which the FAA certified in August 2015. Additional deliveries of the Legacy 450 are scheduled for later this year, with a total of five...

STS Line Maintenance Opens New Station in White Plaines, New York

STS Line Maintenance (STSLM), a division of STS Aviation Group, announces the opening a brand new line maintenance station in White Plaines, New York. The company will now provide on-call and scheduled aircraft services to all commercial and regional carriers operating out of Westchester County Airport (HPN). The new STS Line Maintenance station is powered by highly trained staff of Aircraft Ma...