Page 15 - Aviation News - September 2017

Lancair Mako First A320neo for S7

Debuts at

Oshkosh

Lancair International unveiled its new four-
seat Mako light aircraft at this year’s Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture show. The Mako, which
features an automatically operated retractable
nosewheel, can be powered by various engines
including the 210hp Continental IO-360 and
the turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540, giving it
competitive performance against types such as
the Cirrus SR22 and the Cessna TTx. It has
two gullwing entry doors and a central control
stick with throttles on both sidewalls allowing The first A320neo for S7 Airlines. Eurospot
operation by either pilot. As with other Lancair
products, the Mako is sold as a kit but owners Oneworld alliance member S7 Airlines from BOC Aviation, it was handed over to the
can complete their aircraft at the Lancair recently took delivery of its first Airbus Novosibirsk-based operator on July 21. S7
builder-assist centre at its Uvalde, Texas factory. A320neo, becoming the first carrier in Russia has configured the aircraft in a 164-seat, two-
The prototype Mako (N580L) made its first flight to operate the type. The Pratt & Whitney- class layout including eight in Business and
on July 18 and has flown more than 40 hours to powered jet, VQ-BCF (c/n 7629) is one of 19 156 in Economy. It joins the airline’s existing
date. Rod Simpson on order, including three A321neos. On lease fleet of 44 A320 Family aircraft.

Air France Unveils Offshoot Aimed at Millennials

Previously known under the working name the millennials, whose lifestyles revolve airline, “as it will offer original products and
Boost, Joon launches its first medium-haul around digital technology”, according to its services that reflect those of Air France”.
services this autumn with long-haul flights parent Air France. Instead, savings will be achieved through
scheduled to start next summer. Joon is an integral part of Air France’s revised cabin crew labour agreements, and
According to its parent company Joon – bid to regain market share on ultra- buy-on-board services.
which will be headed by veteran Air France- competitive routes, although the French flag Operations will start with six Airbus
KLM Group manager Jean-Michel Mathieu carrier has gone to great lengths to explain A321s leased from Air France, followed
– is aimed at “a young working clientele, its new offshoot will not be a low-cost next year by up to four A340s.

Chinese Buy ‘Flying Car’ Darwin

Changes Hands

Luxembourg-based private equity fund
4K Invest, owner of Slovenian flag carrier
Adria Airways, has acquired Darwin
Airline.
Under the terms of the deal, the
Lugano-based carrier will continue to
operate under its own Air Operator
Certificate (AOC) but will be rebranded
as Adria Airways Switzerland.
“Darwin is an excellent airline
with experienced management and
staff,” Adria CEO Dr Arno Schuster
remarked. “Extending our network and,
consequently, optimising cost structures
will create a win-win situation for both
The Transition can cruise at an airspeed of 93kts and has a range of 425nm. Rod Simpson
carriers. Our experienced commercial
The Terrafugia Transition roadable aircraft behind the cabin module, the Transition has department will market Darwin’s flights
project has been sold to the Chinese double folding wings which are positioned under the brand name Adria Airways
organisation Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, beside the fuselage when it is in road mode. Switzerland”.
which is a multi-product company with On the ground the Transition has a top The Swiss carrier, which employs
investments including Volvo and Lotus Cars. speed of 70mph, and in the air it cruises at around 400 staff, had previously operated
The Transition is a two-seat machine, originally 93kts and has a range of 425nm (787km). It as Etihad Regional following a partial
launched in 2006, and the prototype (pictured) has been approved as an LSA (Light Sport buyout by Etihad Airways in 2014. Its sale
was first flown in March 2009 followed by Aircraft), although none have been delivered to comes amid a major review of the Abu
the production prototype on March 23, 2012. customers, and the company is also working Dhabi-based airline’s European portfolio.
Powered by a Rotax 912 ULS, mounted on a four-seat model, the TF-X. Rod Simpson

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