Aviation

Airbus delivers first FANS-C equipped A320 to easyJet

Milestone marks the start of SESAR FANS-C demonstration by seven airlines

100 aircraft with FANS-C to demonstrate 4D initial trajectory sharing in Europe

@easyJet @SESAR_JU #WorldATM

World ATM Congress, Madrid, March 13^th 2019 – Airbus has delivered the first *FANS-C equipped A320 aircraft to easyJet. In the frame of Europe’s SESAR Air Traffic Management (ATM) research programme, this aircraft – and others to follow – will take part in the Airbus-led project: “Demonstration of air traffic management improvements Generated by 4D Initial Trajectory Information Sharing” (DIGITS) which will demonstrate the sharing of an aircraft’s predicted trajectory data with air traffic control (ATC).

[FANS-C : Future Air Navigation System (FANS) ]

FANS-C technology will enable airlines to optimise their aircraft’s trajectories and make traffic flows more fluid and aircraft speed easier to manage, which will help them to save fuel and reduce noise. In particular, the sharing of predicted trajectories with ATC controllers will enable smooth aircraft sequencing on approach and in the “Terminal Maneuvering Area”.

Airbus Orders and Deliveries Commercial Aircraft – October 2019

Hugh McConnellogue, Group Head of Network Operations at easyJet said: “We are very pleased to be the first airline to receive this new FANS-C technology in our Airbus aircraft – and to try it for real in the SESAR demonstration. Our early hands-on experience already indicates that it promises to be an important enabler to increase the efficiency, safety, and on-time performance of our expanding operations – especially in the congested European airspace.”

Airbus begins assembly of first future ‘eco-wing’ prototype

Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Airbus Commercial Aircraft said: “We congratulate easyJet on the delivery of the first FANS-C equipped Airbus aircraft, which marks the start of this very large demonstration of 4D initial trajectory sharing across Europe.” He adds: “We are proud to lead this SESAR project and to play our part in helping ATM respond to the increase in air traffic volume while enhancing safety, and to bring about a positive environmental impact thanks to a more efficient ATM system.”

From now until mid-2020 seven European airlines, which are all taking part in DIGITS, will progressively equip up to 100 of their A320 Family aircraft with the FANS-C technology. The “Very Large Demonstration” (VLD) will last more than a year and collect data from over 20,000 revenue flights, allowing stakeholders to demonstrate benefits of this technology during live day-to-day operations.

Paving the way for start of the DIGITS operational phase and to ultimately deploy this technology across Europe and the rest of the world, Airbus achieved the world’s first certification of FANS-C ‘4D’ avionics on a commercial aircraft in November 2018 – the initial aircraft type being the A320 Family. Moreover, to complement the airborne FANS-C technology, air navigation service providers (ANSPs) throughout Europe will develop the respective ground ATC tools.

Aviation

Boeing Offers 25% Pay Increase & Promise to Build Next Plane in Seattle

Boeing is seeking to avert a potential strike with a new tentative agreement that promises to build the next-generation aircraft in the Puget Sound region, Washington.

The agreement, announced on September 8, 2024, follows negotiations between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751. The deal, which will be put to a vote by over 33,000 IAM members in Washington and Portland, includes several key provisions aimed at improving workers’ conditions.

Set to be voted on September 12, 2024, the contract offers a substantial 25% wage increase, enhanced retirement benefits, better health coverage, and increased paid time off. Additionally, the contract guarantees that mcas boeing next new aircraft will be manufactured in Seattle, underscoring the company’s commitment to the region.

In a video to employees, Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, emphasized the significance of the agreement: boeing titanium roots are here in Washington. It is where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes that connect the world. And it’s why we’re excited that, as part of the contract, our team in the Puget Sound region will build Boeing’s next new airplane.”

The agreement comes as a potential strike loomed on September 13. If the union members reject the proposal, a walkout could commence on Friday morning. While the proposed deal does not meet all of the union’s demands, such as a 40% wage increase or a restoration of the traditional pension plan, it includes notable “quality of life” enhancements, including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

The union has acknowledged the concessions made in negotiations but views the proposal as a significant improvement. “Negotiations are a give and take, and although there was no way to achieve success on every single item, we can honestly say that this proposal is the best contract we’ve negotiated in our history,” the union’s message stated.

Workers are expected to vote on the proposal on Thursday, and if approved, the agreement will include incentives such as a one-time $3,000 bonus. boeing777x, The contract also ensures that Boeing will continue its legacy in the Puget Sound region by building its next aircraft there, further strengthening the company’s bond with the area.