CFM International LEAP-1A engine deliveries for Airbus A320neos are now on time after being delayed, but production of LEAP-1Bs for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has fallen further behind. The GE-Safran Aircraft Engines JV has stabilised LEAP-1A production, recovering from a delay 3 months ago, and is delivering “16 or 17” turbofans a week for the A320neo, Safran group CE Philippe Petitcolin said. There is now a 3-week delay, however, in LEAP-1B production, Petitcolon acknowledged. The continued acceleration of the 737 MAX production rate makes it a moving target for the engine manufacturer. GE and Safran are aiming to deliver 30 LEAP-1Bs weekly by June, up from 20 earlier this year. “We target the Q2 for being back on time in deliveries to Boeing,” Petitcolin said. <br/>
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The US DoT issued an interim final rule Wednesday that prohibits passenger airlines from carrying rechargeable lithium-ion cells or batteries as cargo, noting their potential of causing uncontrollable fire in cargo holds. The interim rule, a regulation issued without advance public notice as a proposed rule, also requires that Li-ion batteries and cells be shipped at no more than a 30% state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft. The rule does not restrict passengers or crew from bringing on board personal electronic devices containing Li-ion batteries, or restrict cargo airlines from transporting batteries or cells exceeding 30% of charge when packed or contained in devices. “The FAA Technical Centre’s research found that lithium batteries subject to certain conditions could result in adverse events". <br/>
A senior official with A4A defended the airline industry’s record on emissions reduction before the US Congress, saying that the proposed Green New Deal’s call to replace air travel with high-speed rail ignores progress carriers have made toward increasing fuel efficiency and developing new technology. The remarks came during a Feb 26 hearing of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee held to examine the impacts of federal infrastructure policy on climate change and the environment. A4A VP-environmental affairs Nancy Young said: “We are already doing a number of things that are suggested as measures in the GND, like developing and deploying sustainable alternative jet fuel and innovating in technology and operations infrastructure." <br/>
Pakistan's civil aviation authority has confirmed the closure of its airspace, while its Indian counterpart has barred all flights from 8 northern airports, amid clashes between the nations' forces in the disputed Kashmir region. India's DGCA issued a NOTAM barring flights in and out of Amritsar, Jammu, Kangra, Kullu Manali, Kushok Bakula, Pathankot, Rimpochee, Shimla and Srinajar "due to operational reasons", shortly before 11:30 local time. The Indian NOTAM comes amid conflict between India and Pakistan, after the Indian air force entered Pakistan-controlled territory in the disputed Kashmir region Feb 26 and attacked a suspected terrorist-training camp. Pakistan's govt Wednesday said its air force had shot down 2 Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace. <br/>