Federal regulators on Monday outlined a list of design changes they will require in the Boeing 737 Max to fix safety issues that were discovered after two deadly crashes that led to the worldwide grounding of the plane. The FAA proposed software changes to a flight-control system implicated in the crashes. It also plans to require a warning light to pilots that wasn't working on the planes that crashed, changes to on-board computers, and the rerouting of some wiring. The document and an accompanying 95-page summary, following an 18-month review, provide the most detailed look yet at the FAA’s examination of factors that contributed to the crashes, which killed 346 people. It is not clear when the FAA will lift its March 2019 order grounding all Max jets, which followed similar orders by regulators in the rest of the world. Boeing officials said last week they hope to win regulatory approval to resume deliveries of completed Max jets in the fourth quarter of this year. “We’re continuing to make steady progress towards the safe return to service, working closely with the FAA and other global regulators," said Boeing spokesman Bernard Choi. "While we still have a lot of work in front of us, this is an important milestone in the certification process.”<br/>
general
Space tourism venture Virgin Galactic announced it signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to develop an aircraft for supersonic travel, giving a first look on Monday of the coming vehicle’s design. Supersonic travel is a long-term bet for Virgin Galactic, which has been developing reusable spacecraft capable of sending people on short trips to the edge of space for more than a decade. Virgin Galactic said it completed a mission concept review alongside NASA of its supersonic vehicle design and now will work with the Federal Aviation Administration to create a framework for certifying the aircraft for flight. Previously Boeing’s venture arm invested $20m in Virgin Galactic, specifically toward helping the company build a supersonic aircraft. “We have made great progress so far, and we look forward to opening up a new frontier in high speed travel,” Virgin Galactic chief space officer George Whitesides said. The initial supersonic design targets Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound, using a delta-wing aircraft. Virgin Galactic said the aircraft would be capable of carrying between 9 and 19 passengers and would cruise at an altitude above 60,000 feet.<br/>
Edinburgh Airport in Scotland, the UK, has announced that it will lay off around one third of its workforce due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision was made after a long and detailed consultation process with staff and unions. The move is expected to help the airport prepare for a prolonged recovery. Edinburgh Airport employs 750 direct personnel. These redundancies will affect all areas such as frontline staff, management, and support functions. The airport added that the terms of the lay-off were supported by over 90% of those who participated in the ballot. The personnel who will be laid off will receive letters and will leave on 31 October. Edinburgh Airport CEO Gordon Dewar said: “This is a bitterly sad day for the airport and for those colleagues who are losing their jobs through no fault of their own but due to the impact of this dreadful pandemic. We have worked with unions and staff over the past four months to protect as many jobs as possible, but unfortunately we have to confirm this regrettable news as the business prepares for whatever comes next.” <br/>
The construction and expansion of all airports in the country will be deferred pending a study on the aviation industry, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He said the study called the National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP) would take up to two years to complete and is much needed in light of the present Covid-19 pandemic. All proposed airport projects, including the expansion and upgrade of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) in Kedah and the Penang International Airport will come under review. "The ministry will be embarking on a two-year study to come out with a National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP). This is crucial as the aviation sector has been badly hit by the Covid-19 global pandemic and will take at least two to three years to recover," he said in his ministerial reply on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address. He cited an example of the KPX and Penang International Airport, where both airports would be competing for passengers and it would not be economically viable.<br/>