Aircraft Wallpaper and Aviations News

31 December 2014. Turkish Air Force has received second Airbus A400M Atlas, the tactical and transport aircraft in Kayseri Air Base.

This aircraft is the thirteenth production of all A400M, code name MSN13, including prototypes. The MSN13 assembled at Airbus' facility in San Pablo site in Seville.



The first delivery of A400M received in April 2014.

Airbus have been delivered ten aircraft to four customers who ordered the tactical transport aircraft, such as France, Germany, United Kingdom and Turkey. There are four countries which haven't received the order yet, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and Malaysia are the next customers.

At the moment, Airbus Defence & Space has received total 174 order for the nations.

Airbus A400M Atlas is a tactical and transport aircraft that built to compete with Lockheed Martin C-130 and Transall C-160. The A400M Atlas able to perform mission roles, transportation roles as well as electronic surveillance and air-to-air refueling. Four Europrop International TP400-D6s power the A400M, turbo-propeller able to boost about 33,000 kW thrust.

30 December 2014. Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-400 has successfully conducted emergency landing at Gatwick Airport London due to failure on main landing gear.

The aircraft, Virgin Atlantic flight number VS43 had taken off from Gatwick at 11.44 am local time to Las Vegas, USA. There were about 462 passengers on board including pilot and air crew.



The aircraft took circled flight over southern of England for few hours in order to burning and dumping fuel before landing.

There were only three main landing gear able to retract from four landing gear.

This is important since the main landing gear failed to retracted and aircraft should be as light as possible to ensure the safety during emergency landing.

Eventually, the aircraft has safely landed before 4.00 pm local time.

Before the landing, the pilot and crew remain tried to made landing gear work but failed. The air crew made attempt to calm the passengers.

The witness' crew said that the actual landing was one of the smoothest emergency landing ever.



Gatwick Airport is the busiest single-runway airport in the world, there are about 900 departures and arrivals daily. The incident of Virgin Atlantic makes some heavy delay, cancellation or diverted flights.

No cash compensation for the passengers since this was the extraordinary circumstance but the airlines have to providing meals and overnight accommodation if necessary.

30 November 2014. The largest carrier in Indonesia, Lion Group has agreed to purchase another 40 of ATR 72-600s.

The agreement was signed in Rome and worth to USD 1 billion at list price.



Additional of purchasing make Lion Group is the biggest ATR 72-500/600's operator in the world with hundred of ATR 72-500/600s.

Official statement from ATR said that the additional 40 of ATR 72-600s will used to meet growing demand forecast in the next five years as well as developing operators and ATR opportunities worldwide particularly in Asian market.

The delivery of aircraft is expected to start in 2017 and complete in 2019.

Lion Group has three subsidiary airlines who operating the ATR aircraft. There are Wings Air with 32 fleet, Malindo Air with 10 fleet which operated in Malaysia and one ATR operated by Thai Lion Air in Thailand.

ATR 72-600 is a turboprops aircraft with 68 -74 passengers on board, powered by Pratt & Whitney Engine and has mid-range flight range up to 900 nautical miles.

The aircraft is efficient in using short to mid-range destinations across island and remote area. In Indonesia Lion Group serves remote area such as Kalimantan, Sumatra, Bali and Nusa Tenggara Island.

29 November 2014. The helicopter maker of Russia, Russian Helicopters has conducted the first flight of its new Mil Mi-171A2.

Russian Helicopters is a coherent statement for rotorcraft-maker around the world that they are ready to deliver world class commercial helicopter.




Russia is known as a military aircraft maker, but now the wind seems change its direction to commercial purpose.

The Mi-171A2 is developed based on Mi-171Sh helicopter equipped with VK-2500PS-03s powerplants. Using advanced KBO-17 avionics systems from Kret which enhanced the cockpit display using glass display.

Russian Helicopters claims that they designed with improved rotor system with swash plate and new rotor hub.



The Mi-171A2 is the multi-role helicopters that added by heavy lifted capability, thanks to enhanced and more powerful engines. Mi-171A2 has MTOW (maximum takeoff weight) uo to 13 tonnes and 24 comfortable seats for passengers.

The Mil Mi-171A2 is facing Airbus Helicopter EC225 and Sikorsky S-92.

29 December 2014. AirAsia Airbus A320-200 flight number QZ8501 disappeared from the Jakarta Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar at 6.18 am local time, just after 43 minutes departed from Surabaya headed to Singapore.

The aircraft carried about 155 passengers, including 7 crew. The AirAsia QZ8501 should be landing at Changi International Airport at 8.30 am local time, there is two hours time difference between Singapore and Surabaya.



Indonesian Ministry in official statement said that the A320-200 QZ8501 followed flight path and contacted the ATC in Jakarta at 6.12 am local time, they reported the aircraft was at 32,000 ft altitude.

The pilot requested permission to climb to the 38,000 ft altitude in order avoiding clouds.

The aircraft was still in radar at 6.16 am, suddenly in a minute later, the aircraft could only be identified via automated dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B). While at 6.18 am the aircraft loss from the radar.

Whilst AirAsia announced that the A320-200 QZ8501 lost contact with ATC at 7.24 am Singapore time.

Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency have been deployed assisted by Boeing 737 Surveillance aircraft from Indonesian Air Force. The last coordinates known of the A320-200 QZ8501 is about south west of west Kalimantan and Belitung island.

The Airbus A320-200 known as the most popular narrowbody aircraft in the world. The aircraft has been sold for more than 4,000 according to the database worldwide. Airbus has launched the improve variant of the A320, the A320NEO offers better fuel efficiency and longer range of flight.

27 December 2014. Etihad Airways announces its plan to launch  first service of Airbus A380-800 to Heathrow, London.

The Airbus A380-800 is the newest fleet and the largest capacity as well.



The double-decker aircraft has been hand-over from manufacturer Airbus to Etihad on last week in Hamburg, Germany.

From now on, all flights from Abu Dhabi to London will be assisted by Airbus A380-800.

There are several classes in A380's flight, especially for Etihad, the upper deck will be dedicated to premium classes.

The Residence by Etihad is a three room suite, consists of bedroom, bathroom and living room. They claimed this level of service as luxury as private jet travel but more spacious. The Residence located in the forward upper section of the aircraft.

Etihad's A380 also provides First Apartments service which are private suites with  a full-length bed and separate reclining lounge. In this type of services also included mini-bar and personal wardrobe and vanity unit.



The 'less' luxury class is the Business Studios, equipped with flat bed up to 80.5 inches long and aisle access. While the economy classes, called as Economy Smart Seat, including fixed wing headrest on each seat.

The Airbus A380-800 able to carry up to 800 passengers if all seat configuration is in economy class. Since the spacious compartment and cabin, airlines are free to make some customization and offer an extra luxury flight.

26 December 2014. One of the biggest gulf carrier, Emirates Airlines, claimed as the world's largest widebody aircraft passenger fleet.

The statement released after Emirates added fourteen more freighters into their fleet. So the total fleet become 218 widebody aircraft.



Emirates has acquired about 27 aircraft in 2014 and keep on rejuvenating the fleet in the coming years.

Emirates operating 50 super jumbo jet Airbus A380-800 and become the biggest operator in the world. At the same time UAE-based carrier also become the largest Boeing 777-300ER with 100 aircraft.

The airline records about 3,500 per week and about 45 million passengers since January 2014. In the same period of time, Emirates also carried about 2 million tonnes of cargo worldwide.

Currently, Emirates reduces its operations worldwide. Fluctuations oil prices and currency rates and Ebola issue became the main reasons of the reduction.

25 November 2015. Japan announces its plans to buy Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey in 2015 fiscal budget.

The budget documents shared online on Japanese Ministry of Defence's web page.



The document says "acquisition of tiltrotor aircraft (source selection underway) with a view to enhance unit deployment capabilities in amphibious operations. Acquiring tiltrotor aircraft that complement and strengthen the capabilities of existing transport helicopter (CH-47A) in terms of cruising speed and flight range".

Implicitly, Ministry of Defence of Japan did not clearly mention the V-22 Osprey. In other hand, Boeing spokesperson confirms that Japan is buying the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey.

The V-22 Osprey are built by partnership of Bell Helicopter and Boeing.

Bell-Boeing spokesperson states that they are honored that Japan has selected the V-22 Osprey as fleet combat. They will continue its work with United States government on developing military aircraft and foreign military sale.

This will be good news for Bell-Boeing sales after Israel has canceled its purchased on six V-22 Osprey, recently.



Japan is not saying the budget but John Garrison, Bell Helicopter CEO says they have budgeted for around seventeen Bell-Boeing V-22 Ospreys tiltrotors.

Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey is a multi-role tiltrotor aircraft that has ability to perform takeoff and landing vertically (VTOL). It also has short takeoff and landing (STOL) when needed in warfare or carrier-ship. Bell-Boeing claims the V-22 Osprey designed to combine special capabilities of helicopter as well as long-range and high-speed flight cruising.

Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have collided at Laguardia Airport's apron area at 11 pm local time.

Two Boeing 737s were too close during approaching the taxiing gate. According both airlines, there were no injured or harmed passengers due to incident.


American Airlines flight number 1104 have just landed from Dallas was taxiing to the apron's gate and Southwest Airlines flight number 449,heading to Denver was departing from its gate.

The left winglet of Southwest Airlines 737 collided with American Airlines's left section of horizontal stabilizer in the aft section of the aircraft.

An airport worker seemingly put a chunk of the broken winglet's part.

The winglet is a vertical fin in the tip of the wings, the role of wingtip is to enhance fuel efficiency and airflow.

All of 143 passengers of Southwest Airlines have evacuated back to the terminal building and the aircraft was taken into inspection and repairing attempt. While American Airlines have moved all passengers onto another aircraft.

24 December 2014. Singapore Airlines flight SQ615 flew from Osaka to Singapore experienced by turbulence inflight, about twelve passengers and two crew on board injured.

The flight SQ615 departed Osaka, Monday night at 11.30 pm and should be landed at Changi, Singapore at 5.17 am. The turbulence happened about one hour before landing, said Singapore Airlines spokesman.



Right after landing, injured passengers and crew were assessed by doctor and being taken to near clinic at Terminal 2, Changi International Airport. Medical personnel as well as airline staff were on standby action, responding critical situation as SQ615 arrived.

Most of injured passengers suffered head and neck damaged and several of them having cuts and abrasions on arms and legs.

After short treatment, thirteen injured people are allowed to get home. There is one patient is still need further examination in a hospital due to serious neck injury.

Singapore Airlines SQ615 bring Airbus A330-300 as a fleet, carried thirteen crew, two infants and other 268 passengers.

24 November 2014. The world's largest passengers aircraft, Airbus A380-800 of Emirates Airlines has completed the 3C check.

The 3C check means comprehensive maintenance or overhaul. The A380's 3C check is the largest maintenance check on any other aircraft.



Emirates Airlines received the first A380-800, with registration EDA in June 2008. The A380-800 EDA had flown about 20 million kilometers in more than 3,000 takeoffs and landings. This distance is equal to 27 return trips to the moon.

Spokesperson of Emirates said that the overhaul has restored the A380-800 to near pristine condition. Two teams of highly specialized engineers stripped the whole interior into the bare metal hull as well as overhauled whole aircraft parts and reassembled parts. All of these overhaul maintenance took 55 days.

Our flight circumstances in sandy and high temperature environment make Emirates' maintenance effort need to be adjusted into highest level. We prefer replaced parts than cleaning or repairing the damaged parts.

Airbus A380-800 EDA carrying more than 1.2 millions passengers since 2008.

Currently Emirates Airlines has 55 of Airbus A380-800s and other 177 aircraft in various type. Emirates became one of the largest aircraft with more than 27 million passengers annually, most of them are in international routes.

23 December 2014. Qatar Airways has received the first Airbus A350-900 XWB in official ceremony in Toulouse, France.

The Airbus A350-900 XWB is the latest generation of widebody aircraft. Finally, after seven years since Qatar Airways placed order during the Paris Air Show, the day of delivery has came.



Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Boss says receiving the A350-900 XWB as launch customer is a very proud moment for the Gulf Airline, we will welcome this advanced widebody aircraft in our fleet.

Rolls-Royce the engine maker joins Airbus in order providing outstanding power plant to power the A350 XWB. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB is one of the most powerful engine ever built and will power the A350 XWB.

The Airbus A350-900 XWB facing direct competition on Boeing 787 Dreamliner in latest generation of widebody commercial aircraft.

Airbus A350-900 XWB redefines the new era of comfortable and efficiency in long-haul services term. Aerodynamics issues and light weight materials becoming highlight in A350's technology. All of these combined with silent yet efficient Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB Engine.

Until November 2014, Airbus records 778 orders for Airbus A350-900, larger -1000 Series and -800 smaller Series from tens of customers.

22 November 2014. Delta Airlines to buy 50 Airbus widebody aircraft, the orders consist of 25 Airbus A350-900 XWB and 25 Airbus A330-900NEO (new engine option).

Initially Delta wants Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, but Boeing can't fulfill Delta requirements for time delivery. In official statement of Boeing, they said that we did not have enough 787 positions available in the time frame.



Delta instead ordered from lifetime Boeing's competitor, Airbus.

Delta expects the delivery time can be started in 2017 and finish in 2019.

Airbus A330NEO powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 and Trent XWB for the extra widebody Airbus A350-900.

Delta Airlines one of the largest American carrier, that flown about 165 passengers annually. Airbus widebody aircraft is just good buying decision in order gain more market and keep competitive with brand new fleet.

22 December 2014. Airbus produces about twenty sharklet wing-tip retrofit package per month for older Airbus A320 Series.

The first phase production is expected to be finished in Q2 next year.



The production of sharklet wing-tip retrofit package has been validated and finalized by the aerostructure division of Airbus.

The retrofit package for the wing-tip able to improve the fuel burn of older A320 aircraft. The standard wing-tip simply replaced by sharklet wing-tip, however the simpleness is not that simple. The procedure is more complex since the wing must have a reinforcement in certain area.



Airbus says they already conducted the exercise of replacing the retrofitted wing-tip attempt. This exercise has been done in Cardiff with real A320 aircraft. Airbus adds the replacing attempt has followed by certification tests of wing and fuel matters.

The retrofitted wing-tip programme has launched and many customers of Airbus A320 Series have been included in waiting list.

21 December 2014. Canada announces to buy fifth boeing C-17 Strategic Air lifter.

Currently, Royal Canadian Air Force operating four Boeing C-17s. The existing fleet was in 2007 investment alongside with Boeing CH-47 Chinook and Lockheed Martin C-130J super hercules.



During its visit, Canadian Defence Minister Rob Nicholson released the official statement for the agreement. He adds the purchase will significantly augment the flexibility of Canadian Armed Forces especially in strategic airlift mission.

The Air Force Association of Canada also shows its support in order of boeing C-17's acquisition. The Boeing C-17 needs to have heavy maintenance check for five months in every five years. The addition of Boeing C-17's fleet will reduce the loss of aircraft availability during maintenance period.

Royal Canadian Air Force Boeing C-17 has been conducted tens of flights every year. supporting French military operation in Mali as well as contributing to international coalition fight against militants in Iraq and Syria.

21 November 2014. Paris has decided its selection of the Airbus A330 MRTT, replacing Boeing KC-135s transport tanker aircraft.

The old fleet Boeing KC-135s have been in operational for decades and French Military assess this aircraft are no longer suitable for modern mission and warfare.



Airbus states that the agreement between Airbus Defence & Space and French Procurement Agency (DGA) has been approved.

The first Airbus A330 MRTT (Multirole Tanker Transport) is expected to be received in 2018 and the second aircraft in 2019. Airbus says the remaining aircraft will be delivered one to two aircraft per year. French DGA orders about 12 Airbus A330 MRTT.

There is no official statement regarding the value of the orders, but the deal cover qualification activities, personnel training, development and initial five-year of in-service support services.

France will be the seventh country who own the A330 MRTT, following Australia, Uni Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

Airbus A330 MRTT has the same platform with Airbus A330 Series. The A330 MRTT is designed to be able perform aerial fuel refueling as well as transport aircraft.

20 November 2014. The retrofit variant of Gulfstream G650, the business jet Gulfstream G650ER has been delivered a month earlier from the schedule.

After that the official hand over ceremony expected to held before 2014 ends.




Larry Flynn, Gulfstream President says that it is a good day when you can deliver promises ahead of schedule.

Gulfstream denies to mention the first customer who receive the new ultra-long-range business jet, G650ER.

FAA, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the retrofit certification of original G650. Gulfstream G650 has entered service about two years ago.

Gulfstream G650ER is retrofit variant of G650, ER stand for extended range. The aircraft offers the longer range of flight, thanks to fuel additional about 1,810 kg. The G650ER can fly to 13,900 km at speed cruising at Mach 0.85, this mean the business jet able to fly transpacific destinations.



Gulfstream G650ER powered by Rolls-Royce BR725 with advanced software systems and fuel metering system. The G650ER has direct competition with Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 Series but these aircraft are not release yet. The retrofit cost of Gulfstream, G650ER is about USD 2 million so the price changed to USD 66.5 million.

19 November 2014. The Royal Air Force (RAF) has received the first Airbus A400M Atlas Military Aircraft.

The handover took place on Brize Norton Air Base, from the Airbus' base in Seville, Spain to Royal Air Force. Whilst the official handover ceremony will be held on this last November 2014.



Airbus A400M Atlas has service registration ZM400 and special livery of Royal Air Force.

This is the first A400M of total 22 aircraft in coming years. The second one has performed its flight debut last month. The spokesperson of RAF said that they expected to receive another A400M very soon and the third aircraft before 2014 ends.

Airbus A400M Atlas is a military tactical transports which has massive maximum payload capacity up to 32 tonnes. The turboprop engines promising good performance in short range flight mission in any warfare. The aircraft come after the decision of RAF to retire Lockheed Martin C-130K Hercules fleet.

UK, France and Turkey are among the first country received this advanced military tactical transport aircraft. Germany also prepares to receive its A400M in next few weeks. Malaysia, Luxembourg, Spain, and Belgium are also A400M Atlas customers.

19 December 2014. China is now can not be underestimated in advanced jet fighter industry.

Shenyang, one of Chinese aircraft maker has released J-31 Gyrfalcon or Falcon Hawk.



This is fourth generation multi-role jet fighter in medium size. The J-31 Gyrfalcon has 1,250 km combat range and about 4,000 km while on ferry flight mission. The gross weight is about 17,6 tonnes with twin-turbofans engines the J-31 could fly up to Mach 1.8 in a full-throttle.

Chinese military expert said that Shenyang J-31 Gyrfalcon intended to be a rival for Russian Sukhoi SU-35 and Lockheed Martin F-35 of USA.