Aviation
Vietnam Airlines first Airbus 350-XWB
History was made on 30 June 2015 with Airbus’ delivery of the no. 1 A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines, which acquired its milestone aircraft on lease from Amsterdam-based AerCap. In doing so, Vietnam Airlines became the second operator of the game-changing “Xtra Wide Body” jetliner.
Relive the excitement by reviewing this dedicated website, which includes photos, video clips, news articles and more details related to the high-profile handover.
The world’s second airline to fly the A350 XWB in commercial service will be Vietnam Airlines, which is operating its initial highly-efficient next-generation widebody on lease from AerCap
The initial A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines in flight: This highly-efficient jetliner will be operated on lease from AerCap for the carrier’s long-haul routes.
Vietnam Airlines will initiate commercial service with its first A350-900 jetliner – which is being operated on lease from AerCap – on domestic routes, before commencing regular non-stop service from Hanoi to Paris
At the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, the distinctive blue and gold lotus livery of Vietnam Airlines is painted on the carrier’s first A350 XWB aircraft, which is being operated on lease from AerCap
The no. 1 A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines is configured in a premium three-class layout with 29 seats in Business Class, 45 in Premium Economy and 231 in Economy – featuring more space in all classes and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems throughout
“The size of the A350-900 XWB responds very well to our expected traffic growth over the next decade” – Mr Nguyen Sy Hung, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines
Aviation
Lost Tool Found in Qantas A380 After 34 Flights
An Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation recently revealed that a Qantas A380 operated 34 flights with a 1.25-meter nylon tool lodged in one of its engines.
This turning tool, used during borescope inspections to rotate the intermediate-pressure compressor, was left behind during scheduled maintenance at Los Angeles on December 6, 2023. It remained inside the engine until it was discovered by maintenance staff during a subsequent check at Los Angeles on January 1, 2024.
China Takes the Lead in Sixth-Generation Fighters with White Emperor B
The ATSB report highlights two critical lapses. First, maintenance engineers failed to notice the tool during final checks for foreign objects after the borescope inspection. Second, the lost tool procedure was not activated when the tool was identified as missing.
The certifying engineer ultimately cleared the aircraft for service without accounting for the misplaced tool. During the time qantas films the tool was inside, the A380 completed 34 flight cycles, accumulating nearly 294 hours without any noticeable effect on engine performance.
Although the tool was deformed by high-energy airflow within the engine, there was no reported damage to the engine itself. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell commented.
India’s C-295 to Gain Advanced Weapons for Maritime Surveillance
“This incident underscores the importance of following established maintenance protocols. Engineers missed the tool during foreign object checks, and the required lost tool procedure wasn’t started after realizing the tool was missing.”
Following the investigation, the airline issued a safety directive, urging all engineering and tool storage teams to adhere strictly to these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A qantas spokesperson stated, “While the tool didn’t impact engine performance, we take this incident very seriously. It is critical to follow the correct lost tool procedures.”
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing confirms 797: A New Era for Mid-Size Aircraft
-
Aviation2 months ago
Microsoft Flight Simulator Raises $3 Million to Bring Back the An-225 Mriya
-
Aviation2 months ago
Lockheed and Tata Team Up to Build C-130J MRO Facility in India
-
Airlines2 months ago
Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns
-
Airlines2 months ago
Qatar Citizens Can Travel to the United States Without a Visa
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing Offers 25% Pay Increase & Promise to Build Next Plane in Seattle
-
Aviation2 months ago
Qatar Airways bans these new Electronic Devices on plane
-
Airlines2 months ago
Emirates Ends 28-Year Singapore-Melbourne Fifth Freedom Route