HondaJet Becomes the best-seller, Hawaiian Might Cancel Airbus Orders in Favor of Boeing and More
HondaJet — The most delivered jet in its category for 2017
Based on the data provided by GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association), HondaJet announced that it was the most delivered jet in its category for 2017.
The company delivered 43 aircraft in 2017 and currently manufactures at the rate of 4 aircraft per month at its headquarter in Greensboro, North Carolina. Based on the increasing interest and demand for its aircraft, the company has also been ramping up its production.
General Aviation Aircraft and Rotorcraft Shipments Globally Increased in 2017
As per the data released by GAMA on Feb 21, 2018, the general aviation aircraft shipments globally increased 2.5%, from 2,268 units in 2016 to 2,324 units in 2017.
Of these, Piston aircraft and Business jets witnessed 6.5% and 1.3% increase respectively, whereas turbprops shipments declined by 3.3%.
For rotorcrafts, the total rotorcraft shipments increased from 861 units in 2016 to 926 units in 2017, witnessing a growth of 7.5%.
Of these, turbine rotorcraft shipments increased from 637 units in 2016 to 662 units in 2017 (3.9% growth).
Piston rotorcraft shipments increased from 224 units in 2016 to 264 units in 2017 (17.9% growth).
Hawaiian Airlines Might Cancel Airbus A330 Orders in Favor of Boeing 787–9 Dreamliners
As reported by Leeham News, Boeing has successfully persuaded Hawaiian Airlines to cancel its existing orders for 6 Airbus A330–800s in favor of Boeing 787–9 Dreamliners.
However, neither Hawaiian nor Boeing have yet officially announced anything about this outcome.
Boeing’s aggressive campaign for Hawaiian to opt for Boeing aircraft is considered as Boeing’s move to displace Airbus A330neo amidst Boeing’s consideration for the highly speculated ‘Boeing 797’.
Qatar Airways’ Potential New Airline in India Targets for 100 Aircraft Fleet
Qatar Airways’ CEO has reaffirmed the plan to launch an airline in India at a recent press conference. He also mentioned that this airline will initially will have a fleet of 100 aircraft. However, there’s not much detail about the expected launch date yet.
Sikorsky Enters Final Assembly of the First HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter
Sikorsky has begun final assembly of its first HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter and is expected to deliver the aircraft ahead of schedule to the US Air Force. The first flight is scheduled for the end of this year.
HH-60W is one of the highly networked and connected helicopters ever built and is equipped with new Tactical Mission Kit (TMK), along with integrated sensors, radar and multiple defense systems in the cockpit.
Other Major Updates for Today
- Jetstar Airways, an Australian low-cost carrier will introduce Airbus A321neo LR into service in mid-2020.
- Norwegian Air Shuttle took delivery of its 100th (final) Boeing 737–800 aircraft today.
- Japan’s ‘First Airlines’, the world’s first virtual airline based in Tokyo offers virtual reality flights that go nowhere.
Originally published at aviationoutlook.com on February 22, 2018.
