Mar 25 2013

CSeries FTV-1 powered for the first time

CSeries FTV-1 Outside Hanger

CSeries FTV-1 Outside Hanger

On March 25th, 2012, Bombardier Aerospace announced it had successfully completed the first full powering on of the main electrical system on CSeries aircraft FTV-1.

Bombardier also noted that the Complete Airframe Static Test article at the Saint-Laurent, Quebec facility successfully completed the wing down and up bending static tests during March 2013. The completion of these tests means that FTV-1 can progress towards its first flight.

The company also noted that tests on Aircraft 0, the on the ground integrated systems test rig for the CSeries aircraft are also progressing in support of the first flight of the CSeries.

As of December 31, 2012, Bombardier had booked orders and commitments for 382 CSeries aircraft, which included firm orders for 148 airframes.

Mar 20 2013

Estonian Air drops two Embraer 190s from fleet plans

Estonian Air LogoOn March 20th, 2013, Estonian Air concluded an agreement to remove two upcoming Embraer E190s from its fleet as a cost cutting measure. The airline will be forced to pay certain fees in order to do so.

The airline is attempting  reduce its fleet of 10 aircraft in half. Estonian Air’s fleet currently consists of three Bombardier CRJ900s, four Embraer 170s and three Saab 340s.

The airline will be forced to sell the Embraer 170s as well if it cannot find someone else to take over the lease of the CRJ900s as the airline is locked into an 18 year lease of those aircraft.

Mar 15 2013

Cargo Compartment Modification ahead for CRJ100/200 aircraft

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive on March 13th, 2013 that requires airlines operating the CRJ100 and CRJ200 to replace liners in the aircraft’s Class C cargo compartment to meet new fire standards for the type.

The airworthiness directive requires operators to change the liners installed in the original aircraft’s baggage hold because they do not meet flammability requirements. This will mean that 574 US-registered aircraft would be affected and would result in a cost of $29.2 million for the entire fleet.

The requirement applies to series 100 and 440 Bombardier CL-600-2B19 regional jets with a Class C cargo compartment. These two aircraft types are also known as the CRJ100 and 200. Airlines must comply with the AD within 28 months from April 17th, 2013, when the directive comes into effect.

SkyWest Airlines is the largest CRJ200 operator, with 159 of the aircraft type in its fleet at the end of 2012. Air Wisconsin operates a fleet of 71 CRJ200 aircraft, and Pinnacle Airlines has 140 CRJ200s in its fleet.

Mar 14 2013

Changes at California Pacific Airlines and operational hopes

California Pacific AirlinesCalifornia Pacific Airlines, still in the process of obtaining FAA approval to begin operations, announced on March 14, 2013 that the founder of the airline has stepped down. In the place of Ted Ballas the airline will place John Selvaggio in the position of CEO/President. Selvaggio previously worked with Midway Airlines, US Airways and Delta Air Lines. He also was involved in the creation of Song, Delta’s low cost carrier which did not find success and eventually was absorbed into Delta mainline service.

While this change occurs, the airline also indicated that it has asked for an extension from the FAA with regards to its ongoing application process and fully intends to begin operations this summer with a single Embraer 170 which has been stored at  Palomar Airport since summer 2012.