Aviation

UK Airports Struggle to Implement Liquid Limit Changes

As summer approaches, travelers passing through major UK airports will continue to encounter restrictions on carrying liquids in their hand luggage, as the deadline for implementing new scanners has been extended.

Despite efforts to upgrade security technology, London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester airports are unlikely to have the necessary equipment in place by the previously set date of June 1st. This delay could persist for up to a year, potentially stretching until June 2025, as airports grapple with the installation process.

The government has granted airports individual extensions, acknowledging the challenges they face in transitioning to the new scanning technology. Consequently, passengers may still be required to remove liquids and laptops from their bags during security checks. Failure to meet deadlines will result in financial penalties imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority, as announced by the UK Department of Transport.

Chris Woodroofe, managing director at Manchester Airport said to BBC, emphasized the ongoing transition, urging passengers to adhere to the existing liquid restrictions and prepare for the possibility of continued inconvenience. While some terminals may feature the new scanning lanes, the majority are still in the process of implementation.

In addition to advising travelers to comply with current regulations, passengers are urged to familiarize themselves with the rules at their destination or transfer airports, as the outdated restrictions may still apply elsewhere.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, expressed understanding for the challenges faced by larger airports in adapting to the new technology. The next-generation scanners, equipped with computed tomography (CT) technology, offer clearer 3D images, allowing items to remain inside bags and increasing the permissible liquid limit to two liters.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.