Boeing has dispatched a prominent executive to help Rolls-Royce work through escalating engine problems that have grounded dozens of 787 Dreamliners. Keith Leverkuhn is serving as Boeing’s eyes and ears at Rolls factories in Singapore and Derby, England, where the Trent 1000 engine is manufactured and being repaired. Leverkuhn, an engineer with expertise in propulsion, is best-known for steering Boeing’s 737 Max through development to its commercial debut a year ago. Leverkuhn’s special assignment to Rolls signals the importance Boeing is placing on containing the disruption to its marquee jetliner — and placating airline customers as the crucial summer travel season approaches. About 34 Dreamliners are parked and awaiting repaired engines, and the number is at risk of rising in the coming months. <br/>
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Thousands of pilots at the country’s largest carriers are nearing retirement, opening up opportunities for those who pay up to US$200,000 for the training necessary to advance as an aviator. Although big airlines can recruit qualified fliers by turning to smaller affiliates and other regional carriers the way major league ball clubs dip into the minors, some regional carriers are having trouble replenishing their own rosters. “I’ve never seen the industry be at this level of pilot demand,” said Kenneth Byrnes, the chairman of the flight training department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s campus in Daytona Beach, Fla. An airline analyst at the Cowen Group said in a research note last year that about 22,000 pilots — about 2 in 5 — at the 5 largest domestic carriers would reach mandatory retirement age, 65, by 2026. <br/>
The US DoT told Congress it opposes a Senate bill that would require new rules prohibiting airline fees that are not "reasonable and proportional," along with many other new consumer protections that the administration deems "unnecessary and wasteful," according to a letter Friday. The DoT said the Senate airline fee provision requiring rules barring "unreasonable" cancellation, baggage, seat selection and same-day change fees would mark a return to the pre-1978 era before airline deregulation. The bill said the govt must review whether fees are "disproportionate to the costs incurred by the air carrier." A4A said previously the provision would result in “govt-mandated price controls” and should be rejected. The House bill does not have the provision. <br/>
Senate Aerospace Caucus co-chairs Mark Warner and Jerry Moran May 24 introduced a bipartisan bill to advance research and development in the aeronautics industry. The Aeronautics Innovation Act would provide a 5-year funding commitment to boost innovation and help the US spearhead the next generation of aircraft. “In order for the US to boost its competitive edge in aeronautics, Congress must enact policies that invest in long-term research and development,” Warner said. “With countries across the globe looking to profit from record demand in the coming years for commercial aircraft, competition is fierce to lead the way in developing next-generation technology. This bill lays out a blueprint for how the US...can build the safest, quietest, most-fuel efficient and environmentally friendly planes available.” <br/>
British meteorologists said thousands of lightning strikes hit the UK during a powerful overnight thunderstorm, and a London-area airport reported flight disruptions Sunday after an aircraft refuelling system was damaged. London Stansted said that a lightning strike disabled the fuelling system "for a period this morning. Engineers have been on site and have now restored the system, however flights may still be subject to diversion, delay or cancellation." More than 200 flights were delayed at Stansted. Another 31 departures and 18 arrivals were cancelled, according to FlightStats. London-area airports were busier than usual, since Britain is in the middle of a long holiday weekend, and many schoolchildren also have a half-term break this coming week. <br/>
Austria’s Vienna International Airport (VIE) has experienced one of the highest growth rates of new LCC routes of any major European airport as more LCCs have entered the market. The airport handled 4,864,177 passengers in the January-March period, up 6.6% year-over-year. VIE currently has an LCC market share growth of 17% to 20%, which is expected to rise to 25% this year. “However, the current trend of LCC growth in Europe arrived late in Vienna. Compared to countries like Spain—where LCCs have a total market share of 50%—there is still a lot of volume for growth in Austria,” According to VIE board member Julian Jäger. Vueling plans to establish a Vienna base this summer. Wizz Air established a base in Vienna recently. And Scoot and Level are also evaluating services at VIE. <br/>