Airbus is intending to offer electronically-dimmable windows as an option on A350s, and plans to disclose more details at the Aircraft Interiors Expo at the end of March. The airframer does not currently use such technology in its aircraft range, unlike Boeing which fits dimmable windows on its 787s. Airbus says the new windows, developed by US firm Gentex, are a newer design, developed in co-operation with the airframer and able to block 99.999% of light. It says the feature will be available “in the near future” for Airbus customers. They will be “mechanically simpler” than normal window shades, the airframer claims. The manufacturer has not publicly identified an initial customer for the development. FlightGlobal understands that the A350 is in line to receive the new windows, but Airbus has not specified whether they will be fitted to other types. Airbus plans to give further information on the technology and the timeframe for its introduction at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg which runs from 31 March.

Source: Cirium

Boeing is recommending pilots complete flight simulator training prior to returning to the cockpits of 737 Max – a position reversal for a company that long insisted computer-based training was sufficient. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says it is reviewing Boeing’s recommendation, but has not disclosed what training it will ultimately require when clearing the Max to fly. But should the FAA mandate simulator time, airlines would face the task of running thousands of pilots through a small number of simulators, which observers have said could take many months, slowing carriers’ ability to get their aircraft back in service. Boeing says only 34 simulators are currently in existence, and US airlines have said they have only a handful. “Boeing is recommending 737 Max simulator training in addition to computer-based training for all Max pilots prior to return to service of the 737 Max,” says Boeing in a statement. “This recommendation takes into account our unstinting commitment to the safe return of service as well as changes to the airplane and test results. Final determination will be established by the regulators.” The FAA says it “will consider Boeing’s recommendation for flight crew simulator training during the upcoming Joint Operations Evaluation Board” meeting, says the agency. The Joint Operations Evaluation Board (JOEB) is composed of pilots from US and international 737 Max operators and is tasked with evaluating 737 Max pilot training. “The flight crews will be subjected to rigorous validation testing that will help the FAA and other international regulators evaluate proposed flight training and emergency procedures,” says the FAA. The JOEB will send information and data to the FAA’s Flight Standardisation Board, which will make the FAA’s final training recommendations. “The FAA is following a thorough process, not a set timeline, to ensure that any design modifications to the 737 Max are integrated with appropriate training and procedures,” says the FAA. Industry insiders have speculated the FAA will lift the Max’s grounding early this year.

Source: Cirium

Avianca Holdings has made this announcement regarding its future fleet plans:
As part of the implementation of the “Avianca 2021 Plan”, Avianca management has reached the following agreements to tailor its aircraft commitments to its future requirements: In cooperation with Airbus, the Company has reduced its firm commitments to 88 A320neo aircraft (from 108). Previously scheduled firm A320neo family deliveries in 2020 through 2024 have been deferred or cancelled. The 88 remaining commitments are now scheduled for delivery in 2025 through 2028 (20 per year) with the balance in 2029 (8), These agreements provide comprehensive financial benefits, with significant Capex reduction in the period through the end of 2024. Separately, Avianca has agreed to enter into 12-year operating leases for up to 12 A320neo aircraft with BOC Aviation. Deliveries to occur after 2023, consistent with the Avianca 2021 plan. Finally, Avianca reached a mutually beneficial agreement with Boeing with regards to the outstanding 787-9 deliveries. CFO Adrian Neuhauser said “The completion of these three major aircraft transactions, coupled with the recently completed financial reprofiling and securing of $375 million of new long-term capital financing, places Avianca in a solid position as it moves forward with the Avianca 2021 Plan.”

Source: WorldAirlineNews