The COMAC ARJ-21, China’s first passenger jet, entered service today with Chengdu Airlines. The 78-90 passenger aircraft, originally scheduled to enter service in 2006, has finally entered revenue service. The Advanced Regional Jet was designed nearly 15 years ago, and…
Recent reports from Russian sources claiming an order of up to 100 Superjets seem to be, perhaps, wishful thinking. A report from Iran today suggests things are more complicated. While news that numerous Iranian airlines are negotiating deals is not…
News from China today is that AVIC announced orders for 185 MA700s. Customers include Joy Air, Okay Airways, Cambodia Bayon Airlines and several leasing companies committed the new regional turboprop. Air China, China Southern, China Eastern and Hainan Airlines apparently…
Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation signed an agreement with an undisclosed US airline for 20 of its Y12 turboprops. Even Chinese media is surprised, and a bit of hubris is understandable. The agreement, signed at the Zhuhai airshow, is the first…
Iran has been under sanctions on commercial aviation since 1995. Its airlines fly old aircraft and safety has been compromised frequently. The national fleet averages 22 years old. One report suggests that 100 grounded aircraft could come back into service…
Although Airbus and Boeing came off a record year for orders in 2011 and Boeing is expected to have a record year this year as nearly 1,000 commitments for the 737 MAX are converted to orders, there are plenty of…