Airbus has revealed new wing technology that could tackle two of the biggest issues facing airlines – carbon emissions and fuel costs. The wings were unveiled recenlty after almost 10 years of development. Currently tacked on to a modified A340-300’s wings ahead of flight testing, Airbus said parts based on the two-third scale prototype wings could eventually be used on a short-range, single-aisle plane. The parts were created as part of the EU-funded Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe (Blade) project. Laminar-flow wings, such as the newly unveiled prototypes, have thinner leading edges than conventional aerofoils. The design could reduce wing friction by half and overall aircraft drag by 8% over a short range, Airbus said, saving up to 5% on fuel costs over a flight of almost 1,500km. <br/>
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Efforts to upgrade the US air-traffic system are on budget and steadily improving flight efficiency, a govt watchdog found, contradicting assertions by president Donald Trump and airline executives. Just as the House is set to debate a bill that would separate the air-traffic system from the FAA, a Govt Accountability Office report requested by lawmakers shows that the existing system is performing well, undercutting one of the chief arguments by proponents of the change. "If Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration are serious about improving the air traffic control system," Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat, said. "They should abandon their risky privatisation proposal and get to work to pass a bill that will provide a stable and predictable funding stream for our aviation system.” <br/>
Hurricane Irma has caused extreme damage to Saint Martin's Princess Juliana International airport, long a popular spot among aviation fans for catching up-close views of incoming aircraft, according to reports. Princess Juliana airport was "hit hard, with what appeared to be sand washed up to parts of the main terminal, and the building's roof [was] extensively damaged," according to a report from the AP. Curacao-based InselAir issued a travel update Sept 7 saying the airport "is still closed for operation". InselAir has cancelled all flights to Saint Martin through at least Sept 8 due to "enormous damage" on the island, it says. Other airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways and KLM have also cancelled flights to Princess Juliana. <br/>