Boeing begins reworking 737 MAX AoA system before EASA’s deadline

Boeing has begun pre-wiring 737 MAX aircraft, getting an early start on reworking the narrow-body jet’s Angle of Attack (AoA) system before the changes are mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). 

CH-aviation.com data showed that since June 2022, Boeing has built 355 aircraft for 37 different airlines globally. Meanwhile, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) built 53 aircraft of the type for seven different airlines in the European Union (EU), 46 of which are assigned to the Ryanair group (five registered under Malta Air). 

Changes to the 737 MAX’s AoA system were mandated by EASA when the authority ungrounded the aircraft in January 2021. Among the requirements for the 737 MAX to return to service (RTS) in the EU, EASA required Boeing to install a MAX Display System, or MDS, with the “AOA DISAGREE” announcement functionality and change the stabilizer trim control wiring, as well as a number of other items, including changes to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). 

Post RTS, EASA mandated, included but not exclusive to, integrity enhancements to the AoA system developed and certified for the certification of the 737 MAX-10, a non-critical Systems Safety Analysis (SSA), which will be verified together with the certification of the 737 MAX-10, and safety analysis process updates, also verified for the certification of the 737 MAX-10. 

In the United States (US), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), through the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA), will mandate that 737 MAXs would have modern flight crew alerting systems. 

While US lawmakers cleared Boeing to proceed with the 737 MAX-7 and MAX-10 certification without a deadline, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill included the requirement to retrofit all Boeing 737 MAXs with modernized versions of the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System, or EICAS, one year after the 737 MAX-10 is certified. 

Russia sentences pilot to six years in prison over 2019 Sukhoi Superjet crash

 

The pilot of the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet aircraft, which crashed in Moscow and resulted in 41 fatalities, has been sentenced to six years in prison. 

Denis Evdokimov, the captain on the 2019 fatal flight, attempted an emergency landing at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) as the aircraft u-turned from its destination of Murmansk due to an in-flight lightning strike. 

However, as the flight crew attempted to land the aircraft, the Russian-made aircraft slammed into the ground, with the aircraft erupting in flames shortly after. According to a news report by Interfax from December 2019, the investigators concluded that the captain was at fault as “actions by Evdokimov to control the aircraft, committed in violation of the established rules, led to the destruction and fire of the aircraft, resulting in the death of 40 passengers and one crew member”, a report by the Investigative Committee of Russia (ICR) was quoted by the Russian news agency. 

Air India secures agreement for up to 290 Boeing single-aisle and widebody jets

 

Air India and Boeing have finalized an order for up to 290 new Boeing jets.

The finalization of the deal was announced during a ceremony at the Paris Air Show 2023 on June 20, 2023.

This sizeable order comprises a total of up to 290 new Boeing aircraft, including 190 737 MAXs, 20 787 Dreamliners, and 10 777X jets. Air India has also secured options for an additional 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners. This order represents Boeing’s largest in South Asia.

The deal had originally been announced in February 2023. During the Paris Air Show 2023, Air India also firmed up an order for 250 Airbus aircraft.

Riyadh Air is a planned second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh, its capital.

       Riyadh Air is a planned second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh, its capital. The airline's main operational base will be at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The airline is planning to be the largest in the Middle East in terms of revenue.

- Riyadh-based, PIF-owned airline to order 39 Dreamliners, with options for 33 more jets, enabling tourism and sustainable growth

- Passenger-pleasing, fuel-efficient 787s will support Saudi Arabia's goal of welcoming 100 million visitors per year by 2030

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Riyadh Air announced today that the new Saudi Arabian carrier has chosen the 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch and support its goal of operating one of the most efficient and sustainable fleets in the world.

Owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air said it will purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia's air transport network.

This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia's wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history. This will support the country's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.   

"The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.

"Riyadh Air's commitment to its customers will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience. By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world," Douglas said.

"This is a significant order that will support Riyadh Air's commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, while supporting American aerospace manufacturing jobs at Boeing and across our supply chain," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are incredibly proud of our nearly eight decades of partnership to drive innovation and sustainable growth in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. Our agreement builds on that longstanding partnership and will further expand access to safe and sustainable commercial air travel for decades more."

The 787-9 provides the longest range of the 787 family of airplanes, flying approximately 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), with additional cargo capacity. Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins with room for everyone's bag; soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

The 787 family is delivering unmatched fuel efficiency to airline operators around the world reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to airplanes they replace.

This new order will be posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.