Boeing's 737 Max Bills Include $2,000 a Month to Park Each Grounded Jet

While regulators contemplate whether Boeing Co.’s 737 Max can safely return to the skies, workers in a California airplane-storage yard keep a careful vigil against earthier concerns. Crews have sealed 34 Southwest Airlines Co. jets against the Mojave Desert’s sun, wind and sand, as well as insects and birds that can creep into wheel wells and engine air inlets. Southwest declined to discuss the expense, but one industry veteran said such sojourns run about $2,000 a month for each plane -- a… (www.yahoo.com) More...

Cessna Citation V crashes off coast of Florida after communication lost

A Cessna plane bound for Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport crashed Friday evening more than 300 miles off the coast of Florida after air traffic controllers lost communication with the plane and fighter jets were sent to investigate, the authorities said. The pilot of the Cessna Citation V is believed to be the only person who was on the plane, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The F.A.A. said air traffic controllers had been unable to communicate with the plane, which left from St.… (www.nytimes.com) More...

BBC article on the 737Max problems--Best Yet

Best article so far on explaining in layman's terms what's happened with the 737Max. Simple language, well written, great graphics, and produced by a non-US news agency. Keeps the bias to a minimum. (www.bbc.co.uk) More...

United Airlines extends cancellations of Boeing 737 MAX flights into August

United Airlines said on Friday it is extending by one month its cancellations of Boeing Co 737 MAX flights, through Aug. 3, as the jetliner remains grounded following two fatal crashes. United, which operates 14 737 MAX jets, said the decision would lead to about 40 or 45 daily canceled flights. The Chicago-based carrier joins rivals Southwest Airlines Co and American Airlines Group Inc which had already suspended 737 MAX flights into August as global carriers await regulatory approval for the… (www.yahoo.com) More...

Lufthansa improves travel experience on short- and medium-haul routes

Lufthansa has made this announcement: New, innovative seats make travelling even more comfortable USB port, tablet holder and more personal space First Airbus A321neo delivered with single cabin for all Network Airlines Reduction of CO2 emissions through new engines Lufthansa customers can now enjoy a completely new flight experience on short- and medium-haul routes. The Group has now received its first Airbus A321neo in Frankfurt (top), which will be operated by Lufthansa. New on board: a… (worldairlinenews.com) More...

Airbus tests market for A321XLR jet launch by mid-2019: sources

Airbus is talking to airlines about a longer-range version of its best-selling narrowbody jet family with a view to launching it by mid-2019 as it tries to head off a potential Boeing competitor, people familiar with the matter said. (www.reuters.com) More...

America's Deadliest Air Disaster, 40 Years Later

Forty Years On. Remembering America’s Worst-Ever Air Disaster. The Past as Prologue, and the Legacy of AA 191. (www.askthepilot.com) More...

WestJet pilot’s eyes burned by a green laser light on flight to Florida

A WestJet pilot flying from Newfoundland to Orlando International Airport had his eyes burned by a green laser light, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration officials said Wednesday. Spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said that the WestJet Airlines aircraft was about 40 kilometres from the airport when the laser light hit the pilot. The flight landed safely a short time later, and the pilot was placed on medical leave. (www.airlive.net) More...