Aviation News Mega-Thread

[n33d4sp33d_85]

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 09.article

[n33d4sp33d_85]

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 17.article

[n33d4sp33d_85]

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 13.article

[n33d4sp33d_85]

D-Day Wings C-47B Skytrain takes to the air

Amidst the terrible news we almost daily read in these dark days, there is suddenly a ray of light: the French organisation D-DAY WINGS has announced that their Douglas C-47B Skytrain has made its first post-overhaul flight on 29 March 2020.

The aircraft is a C-47B-15-BK Skytrain, registration N514AC (msn 26558) and former USAAF 43-49297, which was bought from the Collings Foundation of Stow (MA). Since its acquisition both Pratt & Whitney R1830-94 Twin Wasp engines and their propellers were replaced by overhauled ones. On 21 March 2020, both "new" engines were run simultaneously for the first time. One day later, N514AC made its first taxi run under its own power. Although the organisation claims to have obtained a ferry permit, it is not known if or when the Skytrain will leave for its new home, Caen/Carpiquet in France.

Once returned to France, the Skytrain will be used for para jumps over the historic drop-zones of Normandy. But before she takes to the sky for the first jump-run, the aircraft will be painted as 42-92415, named "Miss Annabelle Lee" with code "J7". This specific machine was flown by the 303rd Squadron of the 442th Troop Carrier Group from Fulbeck in the south of England.

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazi ... &__tn__=-R

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Lessor Avolon has announced it has deferred and cancelled aircraft on order with both Airbus and The Boeing Company.

Cancelled have been four A330-900s, which were to be delivered next year, and 75 B737MAXs which were still unplaced. These aircraft were originally planned for delivery in 2020-2024.

Deferred to at least 2024 are sixteen B737MAXs. Nine A320neo-family aircraft are deferred until 2027.

Avolon has taken these actions in order to reduce its future capital outlay, to prepare for market influence by the current coronacrisis.

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazi ... &__tn__=-R

[n33d4sp33d_85]

At the end of last month, Air Transat phased out its last three Airbus A310-300s: C-GPAT, C-GSAT and C-GTSY. All three were ferried to Montreal-Mirabel Airport for storage.

The airline already planned to phase out the trio later this year, but accelerated this due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Since delivery of its first A310-300 in December 2000, the airline operated a total of fourteen of the type.

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazi ... &__tn__=-R

[n33d4sp33d_85]

The CEO of airBaltic told media in Latvia that the airline will accelerate the phase out of its four The Boeing Company B737-300s, as well as its twelve DHC-8-400s.

The airline had already planned a gradual phase out of these two types, but this was previously set for 2021. This means, post-Corona, airBaltic will be an all Airbus A220-300 operator.

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazi ... &__tn__=-R

[n33d4sp33d_85]

F-16 Fighting Falcons for Bulgaria

On 2 April 2020, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (Fort Worth, Texas), was awarded a USD 512 million contract for the construction of eight F-16 Block 70s for the Republic of Bulgaria. This Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract includes USD 4,1 million worth of pre-priced options.

Work will be carried out at Fort Worth (TX) and at the assembly line at Greenville (SC). All work is expected to be completed by 31 January 2027.

https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazi ... &__tn__=-R

[n33d4sp33d_85]

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 41.article

[n33d4sp33d_85]

https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/u ... 40.article