Boeing has completed the test flights for the recertification of the Boeing 737
MAX. In recent days, pilots from the American aviation regulator FAA tested the plagued plane, which has been grounded since March last year after two fatal crashes due to problems with the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation
System (MCAS).

The test flights were conducted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the vicinity of the 737 MAX factory near Seattle with a two-year-old MAX 7, the smallest variant in the 737 MAX series.

According to the FAA, the completion of the test flights is an important milestone for putting the aircraft back into service. However, the supervisor must evaluate the data of the test flights.

In addition, the regulator wants to complete other tasks, including approving the new pilot training procedures before sending the aircraft back into the air. It is very unlikely to happen before September, Reuters reports.

"We will take the time necessary to thoroughly evaluate Boeing's work," said the FAA. "The planes are not allowed to re-launch until the FAA security experts are convinced that the aircraft meets the certification standards."

The problems with the 737 MAX have already cost Boeing billions. At the end of May, the company announced that it would cut 13,000 jobs, because it hardly receives any new orders due to the corona crisis. In total, about 160,000 employees work at Boeing, most of them in the United States.

Meanwhile, Boeing has resumed production of the 737 MAX. The aircraft are being
produced at a slow pace at the 737 MAX factory in Renton near Seattle. As the year progresses, the aircraft manufacturer will increase the production of the aircraft. The goal is to have at least 31 737 MAX airplanes rolled off the line
every month by 2021.

--- DB4 - July 1 2020
* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)

Aircraft manufacturer ATR wants to launch a new generation of turboprops by 2030. The Airbus subsidiary promises potential customers for the so-called EVO series the opportunity to fly extremely economically and to significantly reduce emissions.

ATR is currently building two types: the ATR 42 and the larger ATR 72. The EVO is intended to be a further development of the latter type. Thanks to new engines, propellers and systems, the EVO should consume 20 percent less fuel, be 20 percent cheaper in maintenance and emit 50 percent less CO2. When flying entirely on biofuel, emissions should be virtually zero.

"Our new generation of aircraft is a step towards sustainable aviation through gradual innovation." said ATR CEO Stefano Bortoli.

The aircraft manufacturer has asked engine manufacturers to contribute ideas about the propulsion of the EVO. In addition, it is checked how many potential customers are interested in the new type. The official launch could follow in 2023, if those conditions are met.

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)

Leasing company Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) is taking over 64 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from competitor China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC). These are MAX 8s, 9s and 10s that have yet to be built and are expected to be delivered between now and 2026.

The transaction brings DAE's portfolio to more than 550 aircraft (including 500 Boeings), which are leased to more than 100 customers.

How much money DAE pays CALC for the 737s has not been disclosed.

The 'why' of this transaction draws much speculation but Chinese pressure could be involved to try marketing Chinese COMAC-aircraft to Chinese airlines instead of Boeing and Airbus.

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)