South African Airways is to modernise its fleet with a pair of Airbus A350-900s, which will be introduced in the second half of this year. The airline has given few details about the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered twinjets but says they will be leased, and configured with lie-flat beds in the business cabin as well as 246 economy seats – with extra legroom in the first six rows.

SAA intends to use the aircraft to replace A340-600s on its route from Johannesburg to New York JFK. The modernisation is an "important indication of our commitment to the implementation of our turnaround strategy", says a spokesman for the carrier. He says the aircraft will assist with the airline's efforts to achieve financial stability in the "shortest time possible", by offering improved operating costs and route prospects, as well as enhancing the travel experience for passengers. SAA will lease the two aircraft for up to three years. It has declined to identify the leasing source.

Source: FlightGlobal

Investigators searching snow-covered areas of Greenland for crucial engine parts from an Air France Airbus A380 have managed to recover some of the missing components. The A380 suffered a serious failure to its outboard starboard Engine Alliance GP7200 while en route to Los Angeles on 30 September 2017. It lost its entire fan disc during the incident and the jet diverted to Goose Bay in Canada. But the investigation into the event has stalled as a result of the failure to locate key parts of the powerplant, which have been subjected to seasonal snowfall and buried. "One of the sought-after engine parts was found," it says, adding that it will be sent to the USA to be examined by manufacturer Engine Alliance under BEA supervision.

Source: FlightGlobal

The safety of our airplanes is Boeing’s highest priority. During the FAA’s review of the 737 MAX software update and recent simulator sessions, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified an additional requirement that it has asked the company to address through the software changes that the company has been developing for the past eight months. The FAA review and process for returning the 737 MAX to passenger service are designed to result in a thorough and comprehensive assessment. Boeing agrees with the FAA’s decision and request, and is working on the required software. Addressing this condition will reduce pilot workload by accounting for a potential source of uncommanded stabilizer motion. Boeing will not offer the 737 MAX for certification by the FAA until we have satisfied all requirements for certification of the MAX and its safe return to service.

Source: World Airline News