Japan Airlines is expected to report a heavy loss Friday for its fiscal first half ended Sept. 30, increasing pressure on the carrier and the Japanese government to develop a restructuring plan to help assure investors and customers that the troubled company won't collapse.
"We will not create a situation in which airplanes do not fly," Transport Minister Seiji Maehara insisted to reporters, adding that short-term government financing and other rescue measures could be unveiled this week in advance of the earnings release. JAL's turnaround is expected to be overseen by the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. of Japan, a newly created quasi-government entity designed to help rescue struggling companies.
During the second week of October 2009, the 17th International Exhibition for Airport Equipment, Technology, Design & Services took place for the first time at the exhibition grounds of the Munich Trade Fair Centre. On the website of Interairport 2009 it can be read that the "show ended with highly positive results".
Nicola Hamann, Exhibition Director on behalf of the organisers, commented; “The figures for exhibitors, visitors and exhibition space at inter airport Europe 2009 are almost identical to those of 2005. It was obvious though that in times like these, we could not match the figures of the record event in 2007. However, we see it as a big success to be able to announce identical results to 2005, which was an exceptional year for the airport industry.”
Members of WWA were also present at this exhibition and took some interesting pictures of the event. Click here to see them...
Today, the first Airbus A330-200 Freighter has been rolled out at its factory in Toulouse for the first time. The aircraft, registered F-WWYE (MSN1004), is the first A330 with full freighter capability and was launched by Airbus in January 2007. It is primarily aimed at replacing ageing mid-size long-haul freighters.
The Airbus A330-200 Freigher is a long-haul all-cargo aircraft which is capable of carrying 69 tonnes over a distance of 3,200 nautical miles. The aircraft introduces a versatile main-deck cargo loading system that enables operators to load both pallets and containers. In order to overcome the standard A330's nose-down body angle on the ground, A330F has a revised nose landing gear layout. Although the gear itself is similar, a distinctive blister fairing is installed (see picture). Until now Airbus has received 67 firm orders for the type.
A minor set-back for Australian carrier Qantas as the airline has to wait until December for the delivery of its fifth and sixth Airbus A380 aircraft after the manufacturer encountered problems with the fifth aircraft. Qantas confirmed that is will take delivery of the aircraft a month later than initially planned as Airbus needs more time for further testing to rectify a minor trim stability problem. However, the airline dismissed rumors that the aircraft wasn't able to fly straight while on autopilot.
Responding to media speculation that its 787 program may suffer more delays because of the complex side-of-body modification, Boeing VP and GM-787 Dreamliner Program Scott Fancher issued a statement Friday claiming that the troubled aircraft is on schedule to fly this year.
"The design of the side-of-body solution is on track. Installations of the fittings are proceeding well and we are pleased with the progress we are making on this important effort. We continue to be on track to fly the 787 by the end of the year," Fancher said. The manufacturer will deliver a more comprehensive review of the program's status on Oct. 21 during its third-quarter earnings call.
During the second week of October 2009, the 17th International Exhibition for Airport Equipment, Technology, Design & Services took place for the first time at the exhibition grounds of the Munich Trade Fair Centre. On the website of Interairport 2009 it can be read that the "show ended with highly positive results". 
A minor set-back for Australian carrier Qantas as the airline has to wait until December for the delivery of its fifth and sixth Airbus A380 aircraft after the manufacturer encountered problems with the fifth aircraft. Qantas confirmed that is will take delivery of the aircraft a month later than initially planned as Airbus needs more time for further testing to rectify a minor trim stability problem. However, the airline dismissed rumors that the aircraft wasn't able to fly straight while on autopilot.