Kogalymavia A321 Crash [Updated]

Kogalymavia A321 flight number 9268 was reported crashing down 23 minutes after took off at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, Egypt headed to St. Petersburg, Russia. There were 217 passengers and 7 crew on-board, the death toll of 224 people. The flight 9268 is one of the deadliest aircraft crash in Egypt at once the deadliest aircraft accident involving Airbus A321 series ever.

The authority of Egypt said that 214 of them were Russians and another three were Ukrainian. The crashed site located around Sinai Peninsula, near Al-Irish City. Also the authority said that the aircraft was reported technical problems and requested for re-routing the flight, after that the aircraft completely lost contact.

Kogalymavia airline, headquartered in Kogalym, Tyulem, Russia. The airline has operating name Metrojet, so whole fleet have Metrojet livery, not Kogalymavia. Airline's main business is international charter services, most of them are leisure destinations. These were what happened in a flight 9268, hundreds of Russian have some vacations in Egypt and getting back to Russia. Kogalymavia operating six Airbus A321s and another 20 A321s on list order as well as two Bombardier Challenger 850s for VIP charter aircraft, the data taken per October 2015.

After two days, Kogalymavia crash has blamed for any external influence. This statement released by senior airline official while black box investigations has yet to give any conclusions. At the same time, head of Russia's Federal Aviation Agency told that it was very premature and too early to speculate any cause of the crash. Below picture shown us the Kogalymavia A321 debris at main crash site. Some debris flown away to more than 9 miles from the main crash site.

Beechcraft Delivers King Air 350i to Chinese Aviation

Beechcraft has successfully deliver of Beechcraft King Air 350i to Chinese aviation services, AVIC Hebei General Aviation (HGAC).

Surprisingly, this will the first King Air 350i in the country which dedicated to serve charter or private flight services. The HGAV to place the aircraft based in Shijiazhuang City in Hebei Province.

HGAC is one of the largest private aviation services in China, they only have propeller-driven aircraft in its fleet such as, Cessna Caravan 208, AVIC Y5/B as well as Beechcraft King Air 350i.

Beechcraft King Air 350i is a twin-turbo-propeller aircraft that claimed as the best fuel performance and flight range on it class. The King Air 350i equipped with sophisticated avionics systems such as head-up display of flight director as well as enhanced autopilot situational  awareness, all of those bundled within Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21. The aircraft also allow to carry up to nine passengers.

Malaysia Airlines A380 While On Maneuver

The super jumbo jet aircraft Airbus A380-800 of Malaysia Airlines while on maneuvering over Farnborough airspace, England. Apparently the Malaysia Airlines A380 on banking maneuver to get correct path to climb after takeoff phase. The picture captured by Alex Beltyukov very well.

Malaysia Airlines operating six A380s per September 2015, there is no plan to expand the super jumbo aircraft fleet recently. They are now on struggling to recover from two tragedies in 2014. The disappearance of two flights, Boeing 777-200ER MH370 flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing and MH17 flew from Schiphol to Kuala Lumpur and shot down over Ukraine territory. The last update from MH17 tragedy is, Russia could face legal action over MH17 crashed in Ukraine airspace. Because there is indication that Russia involved on this crashed which killed 290 passengers on board.

Singapore Airlines A350 XWB Paint Job Completed

Finally, Singapore Airlines A350 XWB first order has completed its paint job, now it has signature gold-blue-white SQ livery. The photo taken by Lancelot of Airbus has revealed the look of extra-widebody jetliner. The aircraft has rolled out of paint shop at Airbus' facility in Toulouse, anyway this variant is Airbus A350-900 series.

The Singaporean carrier has placed about 63 A350-900s in the list order. Airbus plans to deliver the aircraft in the early of 2016 or might be even faster than should be. The carrier will be the second operator of A350 series in ASEAN region after Vietnam Airlines.

Speaking of Singapore Airlines, the carrier is the top airline in the world. According to Skytrax survey, the carrier awarded as five-star airline among the best airlines entire the world. Uniquely, Singapore Airlines has no domestic routes, as you know the size of Singapore, whole destinations are international flights.

Finnair A350 While on First Flight in Toulouse

Finnair A350 successfully conducted first flight at Airbus facility in Toulouse. This is the newest variant of Airbus A350-900 XWB, extra widebody series for the Finnish carrier. The picture shown the A350 XWB while on rotating takeoff on runway, and captured by F.Lancelot of Airbus.

The first flight or also known maiden flight is the final production phase of an aircraft. After being painted and assembled, the Airbus A350-900 XWB will enter ground checks as well as another flight tests till its delivery time to the customer. There are about 19 of Finnair A350 on waiting list order of Airbus.

While, Finnair is the national flag carrier of Finland, they also the largest airlines in the country. Headquartered in Vantaa and has a main hub at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. More than half of its shares owned by the government, up to 55 percent, the rest owned by private sectors. The carrier owns about 71 aircraft on its fleet as well as 88 destinations worldwide and keep increasing. According to 2014 statistics, Finnair carried over 10 million passengers, most of them were European destinations and several Asian flights. Finnair also known as one of the safest airlines in the world.

Sukhoi Su-35 of Russian Air Force Fly Above Sky

Sukhoi Su-35 while on maneuvering flying above the sky, this jet fighter coming from Russian Air Force. The grey based paint looks amazing blending perfectly with skies in some way, thanks to Pavel Osipovich for a beautiful photo. The Su-35 registered as 902 of Russian Air Armed Force.

The Su-35 is a multi-role jet fighter, apparently the jet fighter built based on Su-27 platform. So it also has 'cobra' maneuver in the sky, very useful on dog-fighting battle. In the past, Sukhoi named the aircraft with Su-27M and changed to Su-35 later on.

Currently, Su-35 selected as replacement of ageing F-5's fleet of Indonesian Air Force. They plan to purchase 16 Su-35s. Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab JAS 39Gripen and Dassault Rafale also compete in this procurement beforehand, but decision have made. Another potential customers are China, Venezuela as well as North Korea.

Comac C919 Chinese Passengers Aircraft First Appearance

Finally the Comac C919 the first passengers aircraft ever built by China came to first its appearance taken place at Comac's facility in Shanghai. The C919 has 158 seats configuration, seems it has direct competition with most popular narrow body of Airbus A320 series and Boeing 737 series. They expected to make its first maiden flight in 2016 and to enter service at least in 2019.

Comac (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.) is a Chinese state-owned aviation manufacturer, founded in 2008. The company is designing and manufacturing narrow-body aircraft in order to autonomy to provide aircraft needs in country.

Because China is known as one of the largest aircraft market in the world. The company also claims that they already booked about 517 orders from 21 customers, most of them are domestic orders. Later on they on proposing and designing larger aircraft such as widebody-twin-aisle C929 as well as C939, both aircraft will have 300 up to 400 seats configuration.

Delta Air Lines A330-300 242 Tonnes MTOW Handover

Delta Air Lines A330-300 242 Tonnes MTOW Handover

Delta Air Lines, largest carrier in USA received first delivery of new Airbus A330-300 242t. This variant also called higher-weight variant, 242t stands for 242 tonnes of maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).

This delivery is Delta attempts to replace its ageing fleet, such as Boeing 747 series and Boeing 767 series. Delta states that new A330-300 higher-weight is 15 to 25 percent more efficient than Boeing's old fleet. The carrier will plan to receive another nine A330-300 242ts in 2017. American carrier is confident to the aircraft since A330-300 will give lower cost in flight operation.

Airbus says that higher-weight of A330-300 has many improvements in aerodynamics, additional/optional center fuel tank and 2 percent better fuel efficiency compare to original Airbus A330-300 series. Delta chooses GE as engine's partner with GE CF6-80E1 engine. The carrier to fly higher-weight A330-300 in transatlantic and transpacific routes. The new A330-300 will have three classes seat configuration, able to carry up to 293 passengers at once.

A320neo Maiden Flight Takeoff with CFM Engine

A320neo Maiden Flight Takeoff with CFM Engine

The maiden flight or first flight of Airbus A320neo with CFM International engine variant. The maiden flight has successfully conducted on 19 May 2015 in Airbus' headquarter in Toulouse, France. The data recorded the maiden flight spent about nearly 4,5 hours in the sky.

This time A320neo installed by CFM International Engine, Leap-1A. This engine is the developed engine offered by CFM, based on original CFM56 series of first A320 back in 1987 with fine tuning in performance and fuel efficiency. Airbus to offer two different engines option for its new variant A320neo, the other one is came from Pratt&Whitney PW1100G. Photo taken by P.Pigeyre of Airbus.

F-22 Raptor Upclose Photo Shoot In Alaska

F-22 Raptor Upclose Photo Shoot in Alaska

The most advanced fighter jet own by USA, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor while inflight mission somewhere over Alaska and Arctic. This photo taken by John Dibbs, stunning upclose photo shoot. The picture shown us F-22's pilot facing camera behind its cockpit.

Latest news from F-22, Lockheed Martin F-22 of USAF (United States Air Force) did a static display on May 9-10 at Boeing Field. This was the first ever public display for the 5th generation jet fighter. Pilots from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska also came giving theirs experience to public.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of Vietnam Airlines Rolled Out

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of Vietnam Airlines Rolled Out

Finally, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner of Vietnam Airlines has rolled out of paint shop at Boeing facility in Paine Field. This is pretty quick for the paint job since it has been realized less than a month, just after finish its assembly line.

This is the first delivery for Boeing 787-9's order out of total 17 aircraft. Spokesperson said that the aircraft will be VN-A861 as registered number. Hopefully, National-owned carrier of Vietnam will receive the Dreamliner in mid 2015. Currently Boeing working on interior part of the aircraft before its send to official delivery.

Airbus A400M Atlas Crashed At Seville

Airbus Defence & Space confirms four of its flight test crew of Airbus A400M were killed in A400M accident in Seville, Spain.

Airbus A400M Nose Wrecked

The total crew on board were six, the other two have serious injury. According to the spokesperson of Airbus, all of the crew were Spanish Nationals.

Airbus A400M Crash Site At Seville Airport

The registered A400M MSN23 was departed from Seville Airport at 12.45 pm local time and crashed was recorded at 13.00 pm, the initial conclusion is the Airbus A400M was falling down right after takeoff runway.

The Airbus A400M MSN23 intends to be delivered to the Turkish Air Force in June 2015.

Airbus A400M Atlas Inflight

This is the first time crash for Airbus A400M Atlas since first flown in December 2009. The A400M is a tactical transport aircraft built by Airbus Defence & Space to compete and gain in military transport market.

Indian Air Force Buys USD 96 Million For C-130J Support

Indian Air Force bought support deal for Lockheed Martin C-130J worth to USD 96 million, United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced.

Currently, Indian Air Force operating five of Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical airlifters as well as additional six order of the similar type. The additional order came after Indian Air Force loss its six C-130J fleet due to crash.

While the support deal will cover radar warning receivers, about nine thousands flare cartridges, counter-measure dispensing systems and many equipment related to the C-130J.

The main objective of this acquisition and deal are to ensure aircraft operate effectively in order to support military transport and humanitarian assistance during disaster if necessary. Indian Air Force to place six C-130Js in west and east coasts of India each.

Japan Jet Fighter Intercepted More Foreign Aircraft

Japan recorded highest interceptions and scrambling over neighbor or foreign aircraft that approaching its airspace.

Mitsubishi F-2 of Japan Air Force

The defence ministry of Japan said that in 2014, there were 943 jet scrambling, increased about 16 percent compare to the 2013. The ministry added most of foreign aircraft were Russian and Chinese military aircraft.

Back to the Cold War era, there were even more jet interceptions attempt. Eventually its decreased after Cold War end.

Minister of Defence said that there were no significant airspace violation in recent years, but the tensions tend to increase due to  territorial disputes with Japan between China and Russia.

For example, Japan and China disputing over islands in East China Sea and over islands located in north coast Japan with Russia. Responding to the tensions, Japan has increased its defence budget in on going years.

Asiana Airlines A320-200 Veered Off Runway

South Korean airlines, Asiana Airlines' Airbus A320-200 veered off runway after touch down at Hiroshima Airport, Japan.

Asiana Airlines Airbus A320-200 Takeoff

The flight number OZ162, flew from Seoul, Korea to Hiroshima in medium-haul or regional flights. The A320-200 carried about 74 passengers and another eight of crew member.

Initial report says that about 20 passengers were minor injured, such as bruises and scratches. Whole passengers were completely evacuated to the nearest hospital.

Airbus A320-200 of Asiana Airlines Crashed Scene

The picture shown the Airbus A320-200 of Asiana Airlines without any landing gear attached, whole parts were come off right after landing. There were several fire mobile engines in order of firing precaution.

There is no official report yet regarding main cause of the accident.

Previously, two years ago, Boeing 777 series of Asiana Airlines had similar accident in San Francisco Airport, three people killed.

Panavia Tornado Developing New Successor

Panavia Tornado ECR German Air Force

Panavia Tornado ECR German Air Force while at Rostock Laage Airport in German. Airbus Defence & Space is eyeing a potential opportunity for European industry to develop a fighter jet to replace last generation Panavia Tornado fleet of the German air force post-2030.

"A few months ago, the Ministry of Defense of Germany prepared a strategic defense capability plan, and are looking for something to replace capabilities to fill the void that will come with the replacement of the tornado," said Alberto Gutierrez, head of Eurofighter and the Group Combat aircraft Airbus programs. "He has asked us to investigate what could be the solution."

Airbus believes that the operating environment in 2030-2040 may require the use of a combination of manned fighters and aircraft. Described by the company as "mules", it can perform functions such as reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic warfare and even air strikes.

"We are currently working with the German air force in the needs of customers," says Gutierrez. "We are thinking of something that will enter service in 2030."

Airbus Defence and Space initial concept involves the use of a two-seat fighter with a crew member who is responsible for command and control and manned-unmanned teaming tasks.

Speaking at the company's site Ottobrunn, near Munich on June 20, Gutierrez said: "What we can not afford to do is a plane from scratch completely're talking about the reuse of certain Eurofighter components and looking at what we are doing in our development cycles for more than prototypes. we are looking for a diverse portfolio of new technologies ".

Gutiérrez considered a joint development activity - as used in the four nations Eurofighter program - it will "bring the solidarity of our countries, and also ensure that our defense industrial base and stimulate growth."

Why Low Cost Airlines Cheap

Why low cost airlines cheap. Ryanair Boeing 737-800

Why low cost airlines cheap ? Might this question emerged among us during plan to have a trip. According to European authorities, number of low cost airlines increase up to 35% of total airlines in Europe.

Ryanair was started low cost airlines trend in Europe back in 1990. Meanwhile in United States, Southwest Airlines was started even earlier in 1971. As a result many established airlines suffer from market share. These are below some reasons why low cost airlines can be so cheap.

Reason why low cost airlines cheap

Higher Seat Density. In Boeing 737 series, the airlines set the seats configuration to have 180 seats in all economy class. Compare to regular airlines, they set the configuration just 128 seats in economy and business class.

Fast Turnarounds. In low cost airlines concept turnarounds just need 25 minutes maximum. In simple words higher utilization of aircraft. Compare to regular airlines need up to 45 minutes.

Direct Flights. There are only point to point flights. No transfers flights and pretty short range flights. Most of regular airlines offer transfer flights and long haul flights. Intercontinental flights in hundreds of countries.

Use Smaller Airports. Have you realized that low cost airlines tend to fly to small airports. These would cost lesser and cheaper. Because small airports have simpler ground facilities. Passengers oftentimes should expense higher from small airports to downtown.

Tickets Are Direct Selling. Easyjet states that 95% of its sales came from online transaction. Regular airlines sale tickets via travel agencies that cost higher in some way.

No Unnecessary Extra Features. In Regular airlines you could have entertainment programs, lounges and meals. In budget airlines there is no frills. No additional costs though.

One Type Aircraft Fleet. This would cost airlines as low as possible. Cheaper maintenance since no differentiation of fleet. All crew can be pointed everywhere. No additional training cost. While in regular airlines there are various aircraft.

Employee to Passengers Ratio. Low cost airlines have lower employee to passengers ratio. For instance, Ryanair has 9679 passengers per employee. Compare to Air France has 715 passengers per employee. It will make significant efficiency in operating cost and more profit.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, Low Cost Airlines in USA

According to statistics, low cost airlines is 45 percent efficient in cost compare to regular airlines. So Those are some reasons, why low cost airlines cheap.

Bombardier CS100 Receives FAA & EASA Validation

Bombardier CS100 Receives FAA & EASA Validation

Bombardier CS100 Receives FAA & EASA Validation. The Canadian CS100 received the type validation of both the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States and the European Aviation Safety Agency, paving the way for the aircraft will be delivered to launch customer Swiss.

Validations follow the Transport Canada type certification in December 2015.

Swiss is scheduled for delivery of aircraft engines Pratt & Whitney PW1500G in late June. The entry into service tax for July 15 has 15 firm orders and 15 CS100s CS300s, plus 10 options.

"Obtaining aircraft type validations CS100 EASA and the FAA marks one of the final in our program very successful tests chapters" says Francois Caza. Vice president product development and chief engineer and head of the Organization of approval Bombardier design.

Bombardier CSeries

On February 17 2016 Air Canada signed a letter of intent with Bombardier for up to 75 CS300 aircraft as part of its plan to renew the fleet of single-aisle aircraft.

This comprised 45 firm orders and options for an additional 30 aircraft. It includes the right to replace the CS100 aircraft, under certain circumstances, which will begin in late 2019 and spread to 2022.

As of April 12, 2016 the CSeries deliveries had 250 firm orders from 678. Air Baltic with 20 firm orders will be the first airline to operate the CS300 when they receive the aircraft after mid-2016.

On April 28, 2016, Bombardier and Delta Air Lines announced a sale of 75 firm orders and 50 options of Bombardier CS100.

The first ship will enter service in the spring of 2018. Airways News believe that a substantial 65 to 70% discount on the list price of $ 71.8 million was presented to the final sale price of $ 24.6-28.7 million per aircraft.

This large order from a major carrier of Bombardier could help break the duopoly Boeing/Airbus single aisle.

With those 127 firm orders in early 2016, the introduction should be firm with a portfolio of more than 300 orders and up to 800 planes. These shall including optional.

Conditional orders, letters of intent and purchase rights. Which implies an onerous contract provision of about $ 500 million, $ 3.9 million order.

The company continues to seek an aid package of $ 1 million from the federal government.

Sukhoi Su-35 of Russian Air Force Fly Above Sky

Sukhoi Su-35 while on maneuvering flying above the sky, this jet fighter coming from Russian Air Force. The grey based paint looks amazing blending perfectly with skies in some way, thanks to Pavel Osipovich for a beautiful photo. The Su-35 registered as 902 of Russian Air Armed Force.

The Su-35 is a multi-role jet fighter, apparently the jet fighter built based on Su-27 platform. So it also has 'cobra' maneuver in the sky, very useful on dog-fighting battle. In the past, Sukhoi named the aircraft with Su-27M and changed to Su-35 later on.

Currently, Su-35 selected as replacement of ageing F-5's fleet of Indonesian Air Force. They plan to purchase 16 Su-35s. Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab JAS 39Gripen and Dassault Rafale also compete in this procurement beforehand, but decision have made. Another potential customers are China, Venezuela as well as North Korea.

H225M Attack Helicopter of Poland To Be Installed Missile

H225M Attack Helicopter of Poland

H225M Attack Helicopter of Poland. The Polish Air Force to provide possible H225M 21 helicopters helicopters with missiles Airbus Rafael Spike-ER according to Israeli sources.

Warsaw has yet to fully commit to an agreement for a total of 50 heavy helicopters division through three services, after selecting the type in April 2015.

However, it is understood that the Air Force plans to use anti-tank guided munitions built by Israel in its fleet.



"We have shown that this version of the Spike missile is the best solution when the need is to provide combat capabilities such a helicopter," says Aviram Levy, marketing director Rafael.

The missile has already been sent by Spain on board its Airbus Helicopters The Tigers.

Spike's missile is an Israeli fourth generation of portable systems fire and forget anti-tank and anti-personnel guided missiles with tandem HEAT warhead-laden, developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems missiles. Extra extended-range or long-range version of the weapon. Previously it was also known as the NT-Dandy or NT-D. It has a maximum range of 8000 m and has a larger diameter and is heavier than the other systems, and is usually mounted on the vehicle in the tank or aircraft.