The last posting was very optimistic and promised much. Alas, 18 months have passed without a follow up; so here is a reminder of the major aviation highlights in the interim:
2018 The RAF celebrated its centenary on 1 April in 2018, marking it as the oldest independent air force in the world. Serge Dassault, the son of Marcel and a true aviation pioneer, died in May aged 93. A little-known effect of the US withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal is the cancellation of nearly $40 billion of Airbus and Boeing orders from Iran Air. Russia is accused of culpability in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) by a BUK missile whilst over-flying the Ukraine and causing the death of all 298 occupants. Rolls-Royce cut 3,000 jobs, over 10%, of its UK workforce. The Farnborough International Air Show held its annual gathering 70 years after its inception. A historic Junkers 52 crashed in the Swiss Alps in a Ju-Air sightseeing flight, killing all its 20 occupants. A member of the Seattle-Tacoma ground crew stole a Horizon Air Dash 8 Q400 and crashed it in north-west Washington state. Ryanair cancels 20% of its fights in Europe, mostly in Germany, as pilots staged strikes to support their claims (plus ca change). Singapore Airlines completes the world's longest flight of nearly 9,000 nmi when it landed in New York/Newark after taking off from Singapore Changi 17hrs, 52mn previously. A Boeing 737-MAX 8 of Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea killing all 189 occupants. Piaggio Aerospace requested being placed into receivership as insolvent. 2019 (to September) Airbus announced that A380 production is to end in 2021. UK-based Flybmi ceased operation with the loss of around 400 jobs. RAF Tornado force is withdrawn from service. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, crashed near the Ethiopian town of Bishoftu, killing all 157 people on board. The Boeing 737 MAX is grounded worldwide, prompted by similarities between the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. WOW Air closes down. The Ilyushin IL-112 carried out its maiden flight. President threatened tariffs on European Union products citing improper Airbus subsidies. RAF F-35B Lightning II Stealth Fighters are deployed operationally from RAF Akrotiri. The Paris Air Show, the world's largest, held its 53rd gathering. Aigle Azur filed for bankruptcy in September. The Thomas Cook Group, including Thomas Cook Group Airlines, is placed in compulsory liquidation. A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress operating under the Collings Foundation for their ‘Wings of Freedom’ tour crashed upon landing at Bradley International Airport. All the above courtesy of Wikipedia
1 Comment
|
AuthorAeronautical enthusiast dedicated to sharing his passion. Archives
June 2023
Categories |