INDUSTRY NEWS

Sikorsky-Boeing Defiant helicopter revealed – Sikorsky and Boeing provided the first look at the Defiant helicopter, one of two designs competing under the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role technology demonstrator program. The Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator effort will inform requirements for the U.S. Army’s FVL family of systems, which will come online in the 2030s. The Defiant is designed to fly at twice the speed and range of today’s conventional helicopters, and offers advanced agility and maneuverability, according to the Sikorsky-Boeing team. Data from the Defiant will help the Army develop requirements for new utility helicopters expected to enter service in the early 2030s. The Defiant’s first flight was bumped to 2019 following a technical issue discovered during ground tests. Competitor Bell’s V-280 Valor tilt-rotor aircraft has been flying since December 2017 ...

Boeing, Flyadeal sign commitment for up to 50 737 MAX jets – Boeing and flyadeal announced the Middle East carrier is growing its fleet with the 737 MAX to take advantage of the airplane's fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comforts. The airline committed to ordering 30 airplanes with options for 20 more in a deal that would be valued at up to $5.9 billion at list price. The deal is subject to both sides concluding final terms and conditions and a purchase agreement. Flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines, offers affordable flights within Saudi Arabia. Over the past year, the airline has conducted an evaluation process for 50 narrowbody airplanes to support domestic growth and potential international expansion. While flyadeal has been operating new Airbus A320s, the airline says it has selected the 737 MAX for the future ...

India to hold review after IndiGo flight suffers engine issues mid-air – The Indian Government is set to hold a review meeting on to discuss the recent incident where an IndiGo Airbus A320neo aircraft suffered engine failure mid-flight. The meeting will be held between India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and related stakeholders, including IndiGo, engine maker Pratt & Whitney, and Airbus. The incident took place on January 3 while the aircraft was en route to Kolkata from Chennai. The crew followed the normal operating procedures and asked for a priority landing. There was no engine shutdown and no emergency landing was declared. The flight stalled mid-air with a ‘loud bang’ with sparks and smoke from it, resulting in heavy vibration. The incident forced the plane powered by engine manufactured by Pratt & Whitney to return mid-way to Chennai. According to IndiGo, the return was caused by ‘technical caution’ noted by the crew. India’s aircraft investigation body Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had already sent a team to Chennai to evaluate the incident.