Aerospace

Just weeks after the inaugural flight, a business-only airline will add economy seats.

Unless you enter the segment, the demand will always be uncertain. Only a few weeks after its inaugural flight, a new airline that promised all-business class cabins has abandoned its plans.

As it is realized by the company that it is difficult to find all business class passengers, one of the airlines that was announced to start its all business class airlines is now slightly turning back to the dual-class seats segment.

BermudAir, which describes itself as being built for “business and premium leisure travelers,” announced an industry-leading method of air travel before its inaugural trip from Bermuda to Boston in the US in August.

According to One Mile at a Time, it had planned to set up its two leased Embraer E175 aircraft, which were originally a part of the fleet of the now-defunct British airline Flybe, commencing on November 1 so that there would have been 30 seats distributed across 15 rows.

However, passengers will now have the choice to fly in economy thanks to BermudAir’s conversion to a “dual-class” cabin arrangement.

The airline’s chief executive, Adam Scott, said in a statement to Flight Global: “Since opening in August, we have stayed unwavering in our promise to improve air capacity for Bermuda and fulfil the business and tourism needs of the island.

“A dual-class cabin gives our customers more reasons to fly with BermudAir and allows us to keep that commitment. After nearly 170 flights that were successful, it is clear that there is a huge demand for direct, short-haul, and premium flights between Bermuda and the East Coast. Despite the tremendous positive feedback our BermudAir customers have given us regarding their travel experiences, they still want more freedom and options.

Still to be decided is how the two kinds of seats will be arranged in the cabin.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.