America Needs a U.S. Space Corps [feedly]

----
America Needs a U.S. Space Corps
// War Is Boring - Medium



It's time for the Pentagon to create an independent orbital military service

Continue reading on War Is Boring » https://warisboring.com/america-needs-a-u-s-space-corps-ab79bebe93eb


----

Shared via my feedly newsfeed

USAF to transition to all MQ-9 Reaper force in 2018 [feedly]

----
USAF to transition to all MQ-9 Reaper force in 2018
// Air Force Technology News Press Releases

The US Air Force (USAF) will completely replace its remotely piloted aircraft, MQ-1 Predator, with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) MQ-9 Reaper by early next year. http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsusaf-to-transition-to-mq-9-reaper-after-phasing-out-mq-1-predator-5750117
----

Shared via my feedly newsfeed

Sun 'N Fun To Host Massive Gathering Of P-51 Mustangs [feedly]

----
Sun 'N Fun To Host Massive Gathering Of P-51 Mustangs
// Aero-News Network

Expected To Be The Largest Assembly Of P-51s In A Decade Or More It is being billed as possibly the largest gathering of P-51 Mustangs in a decade or more ... on Wednesday, April 5th, 2017 Stallion 51's invited guests will arrive impressive formation for what is promising to be the largest assembly of P-51 Mustangs in over a decade at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, FL. http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e8baee71-ef22-4eb3-a711-a83645ca6a36
----

Shared via my feedly newsfeed

Common catalyst sucks out sulfur for cleaner diesel [feedly]

----
Common catalyst sucks out sulfur for cleaner diesel
// Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine



Electric vehicles, powered by renewable energy sources, are hitting the roads in greater numbers every year, but the transition away from gas guzzlers is going to take a while. In the meantime, scientists are working on ways to clean up existing fossil fuels, and a new refining process developed at Caltech uses a potassium catalyst to reduce the amount of sulfur in gasoline and diesel to a fraction of their current levels.

.. Continue Reading Common catalyst sucks out sulfur for cleaner diesel

http://newatlas.com/potassium-catalyst-cleans-up-diesel/48149/

Counter UAV (C-UAV) Technologies Market 2016-2026 - Yahoo Finance

Counter UAV (C-UAV) Technologies Market 2016-2026 Yahoo Finance This pioneering new report from business intelligence provider visiongain offers market insight and analysis of the emerging Counter UAV (C-UAV) market. Visiongain assesses that the C-UAV market will generate revenues of $2,483 million in 2016.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/counter-uav-c-uav-technologies-151100182.html

Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System - Leonardo & UK MoD Launch Phase 2 of the (RWUAS) Demonstrator Programme - Newswire Today (press release)

Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System - Leonardo & UK MoD Launch Phase 2 of the (RWUAS) Demonstrator Programme Newswire Today (press release) NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Rome, Italy, 2017/02/28 - The UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Technology Office has placed a two year, jointly funded, Research and Development contract for a Rotary Wing Unmanned Air ...

http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/162966/

Embraer names new CEO of Portugal's OGMA - ATWOnline

http://atwonline.com/mro/embraer-names-new-ceo-portugal-s-ogma

NASA wind tunnel tests Lockheed Martin X-Plane concept

Cleveland OH (SPX) Feb 27, 2017Supersonic passenger airplanes are another step closer to reality as NASA and Lockheed Martin begin the first high-speed wind tunnel tests for the Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) X-plane preliminary design at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The agency is testing a nine percent scale model of Lockheed Martin's X-plane design in Glenn's 8' x 6' Supersonic Wind Tunnel. During

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/NASA_wind_tunnel_tests_Lockheed_Martin_X_Plane_concept_999.html

Lockheed-Martin's Press Release: NASA Wind Tunnel Tests Lockheed Martin’s X-Plane Design for a Quieter Supersonic Jet



PALMDALE, California, Feb. 24, 2017 – Supersonic passenger airplanes are another step closer to reality as NASA and Lockheed Martin begin the first high-speed wind tunnel tests for the Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) X-plane preliminary design at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

The agency is testing a nine percent scale model of Lockheed Martin’s X-plane design in Glenn’s 8’ x 6’ Supersonic Wind Tunnel. During the next eight weeks, engineers will expose the model to wind speeds ranging from approximately 150 to 950 mph (Mach 0.3 to Mach 1.6) to understand the aerodynamics of the X-plane design as well as aspects of the propulsion system. NASA expects the QueSST X-plane to pave the way for supersonic flight over land in the not too distant future.

“We’ll be measuring the lift, drag and side forces on the model at different angles to verify that it performs as expected,” said aerospace engineer Ray Castner, who leads propulsion testing for NASA’s QueSST effort. “We also want make sure the air flows smoothly into the engine under all operating conditions.”

The Glenn wind tunnel is uniquely suited for the test because of its size and ability to create a wide range of wind speeds.

“We need to see how the design performs from just after takeoff, up to cruising at supersonic speed, back to the start of the landing approach,” said David Stark, the facility manager. “The 8’ x 6’ supersonic wind tunnel allows us to test that sweet spot range of speeds all in one wind tunnel.”

Recent research has shown it is possible for a supersonic airplane to be shaped in such a way that the shock waves it forms when flying faster than the speed of sound can generate a sound at ground level so quiet it will hardly will be noticed by the public, if at all.

“Our unique aircraft design is shaped to separate the shocks and expansions associated with supersonic flight, dramatically reducing the aircraft’s loudness,” said Peter Iosifidis, QueSST program manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “Our design reduces the airplane’s noise signature to more of a ‘heartbeat’ instead of the traditional sonic boom that’s associated with current supersonic aircraft in flight today.”

According to Dave Richwine, NASA’s QueSST preliminary design project manager, “This test is an important step along the path to the development of an X-plane that will be a key capability for the collection of community response data required to change the rules for supersonic overland flight.”

NASA awarded Lockheed Martin a contract in February 2016 for the preliminary design of a supersonic X-plane flight demonstrator. This design phase has matured the details of the aircraft shape, performance and flight systems. Wind tunnel testing and analysis is expected to continue until mid-2017. Assuming funding is approved, the agency expects to compete and award another contract for the final design, fabrication, and testing of the low-boom flight demonstration aircraft.

The QueSST design is one of a series of X-planes envisioned in NASA's New Aviation Horizons (NAH) initiative, which aims to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise through innovations in aircraft design that depart from the conventional tube-and-wing aircraft shape. The design and build phases for the NAH aircraft will be staggered over several years with the low boom flight demonstrator starting its flight campaign around 2020, with other NAH X-planes following in subsequent years, depending on funding.

For more information, visit our websites: lockheedmartin.com/QueSST or www.nasa.gov/aero.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Russia's future stealth bomber would replace Tu-22, Tu-95 and Tu-160 planes

Moscow (Sputnik) Feb 28, 2017
Developers of the Russian new-generation strategic bomber, known as the Advanced Long-Range Aviation Complex (PAK DA), have defended the preliminary design of the project, according to Evgeniy Fedorov, scientific director of the Russian State Research Institute of Aviation Systems. According to him, the Defense Ministry submitted very strict requirements for the new aircraft. "The militar

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russias_future_stealth_bomber_would_replace_Tu_22_Tu_95_and_Tu_160_planes_999.html

https://theaviationist.com/2017/02/27/russia-to-start-building-its-next-generation-flying-wing-stealth-bomber-to-replace-the-tu-22-tu-95-and-tu-160-aircraft/

Antonov's AN-178 completes testing on loading/unloading of cargo containers, pallets... - Airforce Technology

Airforce Technology

Antonov's AN-178 completes testing on loading/unloading of cargo ... Airforce Technology Ukrainian aircraft manufacturing and services firm Antonov has completed transport testing on its short-range medium-airlift transport aircraft AN−178. The transport testing involved the loading and unloading of the aviation cargo containers and ...

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsantonovs-an178-aircraft-completes-transport-testing-5749668

£8 million investment into drones for the armed forces announced in Oxford - Oxford Mail

Oxford Mail

£8 million investment into drones for the armed forces announced in Oxford Oxford Mail Chief Executive Officer of the MOD's Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, Tony Douglas, said: "Investing in innovation is a priority in DE&S and research programmes, such as the Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System, demonstrates our commitment to ...

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/15120394.__8_million_investment_into_drones_for_the_armed_forces_announced_in_Oxford/

Turkey's TAI says signs Sikorsky cooperation deal for helicopter components... - Yahoo Finance

Turkey's TAI says signs Sikorsky cooperation deal for helicopter ... Yahoo Finance ANKARA, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has signed a cooperation agreement with Sikorsky, which is part of Lockheed Martin, to make various helicopter components, TAI said in a statement on Tuesday. TAI said $270 million worth of ...

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/turkeys-tai-says-signs-sikorsky-093509169.html

US think-tank calls for stealthy, carrier-based UCAV

An influential think-tank has unveiled a vision of a future US Navy strike group composed of two aircraft carriers and supporting ships with 110 aircraft, including new requirements for a stealthy attack unmanned air system (UAS) and a manned fighter optimised for the air-to-air mission.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-think-tank-calls-for-stealthy-carrier-based-ucav-434654/

Bell Studying Civil Derivative of V-280

http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/bell-studying-civil-derivative-v-280

Hybrid Wing Body Emerges As Potential C-130 Successor

Lockheed Martin broadens HWB possibilities as design focuses on bid for NASA X-plane demonstrator

read more

http://aviationweek.com/technology/hybrid-wing-body-emerges-potential-c-130-successor

Worldwide Helicopter Fleet To Grow 1.2% Yearly, Forecast Says

The global in-service Western civil helicopter fleet is expected to grow from 28,500 aircraft in 2017 to about 31,770 by the end of 2026, according to Aviation Week Network's 2017 Fleet and MRO Forecast.

read more

http://aviationweek.com/awinbizav/worldwide-helicopter-fleet-grow-12-yearly-forecast-says

Avalon Air Show: Australian civil UAV usage surges - Shephard Media

Shephard Media

Avalon Air Show: Australian civil UAV usage surges Shephard Media Australian UAV operators expect substantial growth in the areas of agriculture and architecture/building operations before the end of the decade, according to a survey conducted by the Australian Association of Unmanned Systems (AAUS). While defence ...

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/avalon-air-show-australian-civil-uav-usage-surges/

Desert Wolf marketing Black Hornet 2 handheld UAV in SA - defenceWeb

defenceWeb

Desert Wolf marketing Black Hornet 2 handheld UAV in SA defenceWeb The pocket sized and hand launched UAV uses FLIR's Lepton micro thermal camera, visible spectrum cameras, and proprietary software for flight control, stabilization, and communications. FLIR describes the Black Hornet UAV as one of the lightest, ...

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D46955:desert-wolf-marketing-black-hornet-2-handheld-uav-in-sa%26catid%3D7:Industry%26Itemid%3D116

China secures its 'biggest' military export order for new UAV system - IHS Jane's 360

IHS Jane's 360

China secures its 'biggest' military export order for new UAV system IHS Jane's 360 China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported on 28 February said the deal represented the "biggest overseas purchase order in the history of Chinese [UAV] foreign military sales". The identity of the customer and the size and value of the contract ... Chengdu test flies Wing-Loong II unmanned aerial vehicleQuwa Defence News & Analysis Group China says it has received its largest foreign drone order - Xinhuaeuronews China Successfully Tests Wing Loong II DroneSputnik International Sino -Global Times

http://www.janes.com/article/68308/china-secures-its-biggest-military-export-order-for-new-uav-system

The 6 questions all air traffic control providers need to address this year - NATS Blog

http://nats.aero/blog/2017/02/6-questions-air-traffic-control-providers-need-address-year/

Aviation Salary Survey

Carbon Global: http://www.carbon60global.com/insight/pages/aviation-salary-survey-2017.aspx




Welcome to the first ever Carbon60 Aviation Salary Survey created in conjunction with Aviation Job Search which is based on responses from over 2,000 aviation professionals across the world.



Download: Carbon60_Aviation_Survey_2017.pdf

Embraer Phenom 300 is the world’s most delivered business jet for the fourth year in a row

Embraer Executive Jets delivered 63 Phenom 300 light jets in 2016, the highest volume of any business jet model for the year, according to a report made by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). This is the fourth consecutive year that the Phenom 300 achieves this mark, and it has accumulated 266 deliveries since 2013.


“We are elated to once again see the Phenom 300 receive such an important recognition from the market. We are very grateful to our customers for the validation of both the aircraft’s original design as well as all their input, which has made this jet the best in its class,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, Embraer CEO. “Our customers’ reaffirmation of trust in us only strengthens our resolve to deliver the best customer experience.”


In seven years of operation, the Phenom 300 fleet is approaching the 400 aircraft mark, having sustained more than half of the light jet market share since 2012. The aircraft is in operation in 30 countries and has accumulated close to 500,000 flight hours. Embraer is continuously investing in its competitiveness with enhancements to its comfort, technology and operational efficiency.


The Phenom 300 is one of the fastest light jets, having established several speed records with the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.


Photos: https://eej.imagerelay.com/sb/e2819d9e-0b36-4c26-bb6e-a8314599b3e9​


About the Phenom 300


The Phenom 300 performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a six-occupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300 costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,200 pounds of thrust each.


The Phenom 300 offers a spacious cabin, designed in partnership with BMW Designworks USA, and the largest baggage compartment in its category. The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300 features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment center, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system.


The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.

India chooses Tecnam

Tecnam announced today that they have delivered two Tecnam P2006T Twins and one Tecnam P2010 aeroplanes to customers in India.

In a tender floated by the Punjab State Government, Tecnam succeeded against stiff competition from other GA manufacturers in initially securing an order for one Tecnam P2006T Twin. The twin will be delivered to the Punjab Government owned Patialia Aviation Club.

The first has been assigned to the Punjab based Government owned and operated, Patialia Aviation Club and the second to Wings Aviation of Hyderabad, one of India’s most respected Flight Training Schools.

As part of the in-service introduction process, Tecnam India recently organised a Part 147 training course for the Tecnam P2006T in Hyderabad, which was attended by 8 DCGA officials and 22 Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. This was fully funded by Tecnam India, a first in Indian GA history that free training has been provided for many engineers.

Mr Y Prakhakar Reddy’, GM, Wings Aviation said. “The choice of Tecnam P2006T multi engine aircraft was not a matter of debate for us, as we were already operating the P68, Tecnam P2006T was for us clearly s better choice both in terms of acquisition and operating cost. We wanted the first mover advantage by being the first customer of Tecnam in India. We received outstanding support from the Indian Dealer M/S CITRUS AIR “

Paolo Pascale, MD Tecnam commented “We are very proud to have commenced deliveries of Tecnam aeroplanes to India. There is no doubt that India GA will grow significantly in India and we are delighted to fulfil our potential in supporting future India based owners and operators.”

Tecnam India has also secured an order for the Government of Karnataka owned Government Flying Training School, Jakkur for a Tecnam P2010. The P2010 stood as the clear winner in both the technical and commercial bid against Cessna’s 172S.

More info on the P2006T: http://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2006T/

More info on the P2010 http://www.tecnam.com/aircraft/p2010

A320: 30 years young…and still going strong!

22 FEBRUARY 2017 FEATURE STORY


When the no. 1 A320 performed its maiden flight 30 years ago today, few could have predicted how this single-aisle jetliner would transform the air transport industry – and Airbus itself.

The A320’s initial liftoff, performed from France’s Toulouse-Blagnac Airport adjacent to Airbus headquarters, opened new standards with the revolutionary use of digital computerised fly-by-wire controls on a civil airliner, and the introduction of a wider fuselage cross-section that enabled airlines to offer passengers more spacious seats and a wider aisle.

Three decades later, the A320 product line continues as the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family – with total orders for more than 13,000 and a production rate that results in one jetliner coming off an Airbus final assembly line every seven hours.

The numbers logged by the no. 1 A320 during its lifetime as a testbed aircraft were equally impressive. This milestone jetliner was flown by 110 different Airbus test pilots, accompanied by 20 test flight engineers and 70 flight test engineers; with its tasks including the in-flight evaluations of 29 different jet engines, as well as the development and certification of many Airbus systems.

Prior to its retirement in 2016, the no. 1 A320 became “Flight Lab 1,” utilised for tests in support of the European Union-sponsored Clean Sky research initiative and the SESAR Single European Sky research programme.

The A320’s first flight on 22 February, 1987 lasted 3 hours, 23 minutes. Today, an A320 Family jetliner takes off or lands somewhere in the world every two seconds – with more than 7,400 aircraft delivered by Airbus and over 11.5 billion passengers carried.

Airbus premiers at ITB Berlin Travel Show (8-12 March)

• Empowering passengers to make best choices when travelling by air
• iflyA380.com website and cabin differentiation trends exhibited

27 FEBRUARY 2017 PRESS RELEASE


Every year, over 3.5 billion passengers travel by plane, and while most carefully plan their itineraries, until now they were unable to select the aircraft or cabin experience of their own choosing.

Airbus has set out to change this. The world’s leading aircraft manufacturer will empower the flying public by offering a range of initiatives enabling passengers to put their choices first. These will be presented at the ITB Berlin Travel Show, the world’s largest travel trade fair, on 8-12 March. Airbus Activities at ITB include:
Media Briefing & Announcement on Thursday 9th March at 15.00 in Room R3 in the City Cube;
Airbus “iflyA380.com” stand at Hall 25 (stand number 115) for a full immersion into the features of the iconic A380 aircraft;
Airspace by Airbus cabin mock-up at the TAP stand in Hall 1.1;
Presentation by Bob Lange, Airbus Head of Market and Product Strategy, at the ITB Congress on Friday 10th March at 15.45 in the “Auditorium London” (Convention Hall 7.1b).

Customers today increasingly expect to design their own experiences. On March 9th in Berlin, Airbus will announce an exciting initiative to support airlines in differentiating their product offering based on aircraft type.

Also at ITB, Airbus will demonstrate iflyA380.com, the world’s first flight booking assistant to propose the A380 as criteria for passengers when selecting their trip. The new iflyA380.com website enables users to browse and search all flights, destinations and airlines offering A380 services. Once the desired A380 flight has been chosen, customers are taken seamlessly to the booking website of their selected airline, at no extra cost.

Independent surveys show that 98% of A380 passengers would recommend flying on the world’s most spacious aircraft to their friends and family, and that 60% are willing to make an extra effort to fly on it.* Being the passengers’ favourite, the A380 offers accessible luxury and unparalleled comfort in all classes. Today, the A380 has been enjoyed by over 160 million passengers around the globe. Flying with the world’s leading airlines** on 110 routes and over 55 destinations, the A380 has been named Best Aircraft Type by Global Traveller magazine for two years running.

“We know how much passengers love the A380. With iflyA380.com, we empower the flying public to choose the experience they truly desire. Now, travel to the destination can be just as enjoyable as the stay itself” says Bob Lange, Airbus Head of Market and Product Strategy, “Airbus aircraft offers key differentiators for airlines, adding value to the offering, and to the passengers, enhancing their experience."

Airbus Appoints Jean-Brice Dumont as Head of Engineering for Commercial Aircraft

Jean-Brice Dumont to succeed Charles Champion, who retires end 2017



Alain Flourens to replace Dumont as Head of Engineering at Helicopters


28 FEBRUARY 2017 PRESS RELEASE


Toulouse, 28 February 2017 - Jean-Brice Dumont, 45, currently Head of Engineering at Airbus Helicopters, has been appointed Head of Engineering at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, following the decision by Charles Champion, 61, to retire by the end of this year. Dumont will join Airbus on 1 September, 2017 and take over from Champion in December 2017 following a transition phase. He will become a member of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft Management Committee.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Charles Champion for his outstanding contribution to Airbus throughout his career,” said Tom Enders, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “Since he joined Aérospatiale in 1980, he has been engaged in almost every aspect of the business from Manufacturing to Programmes, Sales to Customer Services and, in the latter years, Engineering. Airbus owes much to his experience, commitment and energy. I wish him all the best for his personal future.”

Dumont will be succeeded at Airbus Helicopters by Alain Flourens, 59, currently Head of the A380 Programme within Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Flourens will join Helicopters as of 1 July, 2017 and take over from Dumont as of 1 September, 2017. Flourens will become a member of the Executive Committee of Airbus Helicopters. His succession will be subject to further notice.

“After 10 years of heading the A380 Programme, Alain Flourens has been instrumental in putting the A380 Programme on a stable trajectory – with breakeven now achieved over the last two consecutive years,” said Fabrice Brégier, President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “I wish to thank him on behalf of everyone at Airbus for this.”

With two decades of industry experience, Jean-Brice Dumont has been Executive Vice President Engineering as well as Chief Technical Officer since 2012 at Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). Dumont joined the company in February 2004, working as Engineer and Development Project Manager for the NH90 programme, prior to becoming NH90 Chief Engineer and NH Industries’ Technical Director from 2008 to 2012. Dumont is a graduate of France’s École Polytechnique and ISAE Aerospace Institute.

Alain Flourens was promoted to Executive Vice President and Head of the A380 Programme in 2008, following assignments as Head of the Single Aisle Programme, a post he had held since September 2006, and Executive Vice President, Head of the Airbus Centres of Excellence, since 2005. In 1990 he joined Aérospatiale’s Aircraft Division in Toulouse, became Production Manager in Nantes and in 1993 Managing Director at the company’s St Eloi factory. Flourens began his professional career in 1982 at the French Ministry of Defence. He graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris in 1980 and obtained a degree in engineering from Toulouse ISAE Institute in 1982.



About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Air Caraïbes receives its first A350 XWB for service to the Antilles

Air Caraïbes has become the 11th worldwide customer to receive Airbus’ A350 XWB, which is setting the standard in terms of aircraft operational efficiency and low fuel consumption. Handover of the no. 1 aircraft – an A350-900 version – to this Guadeloupe-based operator took place during a ceremony in Toulouse, France.

Passengers on Air Caraïbes’ A350 XWBs will experience the industry reference for quiet comfort and superior in-flight entertainment in a three-class cabin. 

Explore our coverage of the A350 XWB delivery to Air Caraïbes – including photos, videos, stories and more.

For additional information on Air Caraïbes’ A350 XWBs, Visit the dedicated section (in French) on this operator’s website.




With this latest delivery, Air Caraïbes becomes the first French airline to operate the A350 XWB. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, was delivered during a ceremony held at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse on 28 February. It will take off at 14:00 heading for Paris Orly Sud before embarking on its first commercial flight to Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France on 2 March.



This A350-900 can accommodate 389 passengers in a three-class configuration, (18 in Business, 45 in Premium Economy and 326 in Economy). The exceptional comfort and quietness of the ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabin, combined with its new lighting system – much appreciated by passengers for the way it reduces the effects of jet lag – strengthen the sense of wellbeing and relaxation on long-haul flights.



Air Caraïbes plans to operate its A350 XWB alongside the A330s it already has in service on its Paris <> French Caribbean routes.




The A350 XWB benefits from the latest technological and aerodynamic innovations offering an unprecedented level of operational efficiency while significantly cutting its environmental footprint. Its fuselage and wings are made of carbon fibre and it is powered by the new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.



To date, orders for 821 A350 XWBs have been placed with Airbus by 44 customers around the world, making this one of the most successful programmes ever in the long-range aircraft segment.

Spacex to send privately crewed Dragon spacecraft beyond the Moon next year

We are excited to announce that SpaceX has been approached to fly two private citizens on a trip around the moon late next year. They have already paid a significant deposit to do a moon mission. Like the Apollo astronauts before them, these individuals will travel into space carrying the hopes and dreams of all humankind, driven by the universal human spirit of exploration. We expect to conduct health and fitness tests, as well as begin initial training later this year.... Continue reading http://www.spacex.com/news/2017/02/27/spacex-send-privately-crewed-dragon-spacecraft-beyond-moon-next-year