This part of our site brings you news from the aviation industry by our Aviationhotshot writer, Dave Rohee, updates and information that may be controversial, interesting, and an inside look at what’s making headlines!
We will keep you abreast of the latest updates on how the airline industry is faring under the reduction in passenger traffic during the Pandemic, and whether the airline industry can recover in the short term. Many airlines have been forced to ground a major part of their fleet of aircraft.
The first article will give you a better picture of the huge problem the airlines face due to the grounding of their fleet.
The Future of the Airline Industry
Recently and definitely due to the devastating impact of the Pandemic – Coronavirus, Billionaire Warren Buffet with little fanfare sold all shares he held in the US industries four major airlines!
This renowned financial genius owned 8 Billion dollars in shares! He was invested in Delta (11%), in American and Southwest (10%), and 9% in United Airlines. Does he know something that we should be paying close attention to? My guess would be most certainly.
Buffet’s decision was based on his view, “The World has changed for the airlines” he said. Thanks in no small part to the Pandemic, Americans will not be getting back to flying anytime soon and may never reach a similar level for many more years.
While Buffet may be unusually clear-minded and focused in any industry he has invested in his career, it really does not take a genius to see what the future holds for the entire airline industry, and not just in the US, but also worldwide.
Another factor to take into consideration is the overabundance of airplanes, sitting idle during this worldwide virus that has taken the world by storm and shows no sign of letting us get back to normal life.
Many airlines, both US and international airlines, most notably Emirates with 269 aircraft grounded and India extending its banning flights and train travel until May 17 will all contribute to a greater or lesser extent of how the airline industry will return to some profitability in the next five years!
Here is a photo of the Grounded Emirates fleet. An unusual sight to behold.
Several other major airlines – i.e. Singapore Airlines is considering selling some of its fleet in favor of newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft. A sure sign that major changes are taking place in advance of the “new normal” when international flights resume at better than minimal capacity.
To add to the problems of grounding aircraft, the most serious issue then becomes how to preserve these aircraft so that they will not suffer from an environment that is usually harmful to aircraft. The major factor being corrosion affecting the exterior of the planes and some of its more sensitive components.
Engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APUs) inlets and outlets, pitot probes, static ports, and other openings on planes have to be meticulously covered. Even the landing gear has to be protected from corrosion.
Daily inspections of the fleet are mandatory, on the lookout for oil or hydraulic fluid leaks while confirming the exterior of the aircraft is still well protected. Every so often, air data probes must be flushed and cleaned. Any residue or build-up from time on the ground could lead to malfunctions.
These inspections are crucial for the safety and longevity of the aircraft. In fact, in March, some engineers found a bird’s nest under the wing of an Airbus A330 aircraft. Nesting from birds, bees, and insects produces a problem for parked aircraft. After all, you can’t really blame them. It is hard to find a nicer place to build a home than a shiny Airbus A330.
How do we get back to normal airline operations?
These and many more questions to be answered in future updates.
Aviation Journalist, Published Author & Contract Writer
The Boeing & Embraer Controversy!
Embraer hits out after Boeing scraps $4.2 billion acquisition deal!
What must be an embarrassment for Boeing has become an international squabble
Between two major aircraft manufacturers.
Boeing recently pulled out of a 4.2 billion deal with Embraer. It was slated to be a major acquisition that would allow Boeing to match a similar acquisition between the other two major aircraft players in the industry, Airbus and Bombardier.
Boeing apparently felt that Embraer had failed to meet stipulated conditions for closing the transaction, but Embraer said Boeing had sunk the proposed deal, because of wider financial problems it faces as a result of the coronavirus crisis and the grounding of its 737 MAX.
This has all the makings of a prolonged legal battle as Embraer has already threatened to sue Boeing for its failure to complete the agreed-upon program which was initiated back in 2018.
The aviation industry has kept a close watch on the two major aircraft manufacturers – Boeing and Airbus as each company seeks to dominate the worldwide sales of airliners, from regional jets to large wide-body airplanes.
Airbus, by virtue of its completed acquisition of Bombardier, has already seen increased sales of the regional jet (C-Series jets) and renamed as the A220 which has enjoyed sales success.
The two major Regional Jet Competitors
The Boeing Story that may shock you!
This is the saga of the Boeing 737 Max Jet! The two crashes of this type of aircraft and the deaths of over 300, stunned the world and affected the major aircraft manufacturer known for many successful new planes developed over the decades, many with excellent safety records.
The same cannot be said for the 737 Max Jet. While the 737 story has an excellent pedigree, starting with the advent of the Model 737-100 in 1967. It was nicknamed as the “Baby Boeing” and started off as 50-60 seat mid-size aircraft.
Over the last 5 decades, the 737 has evolved into many models, more seating capacity, larger and more efficient engines, and a host of additional safety features and new technology upgrades.
The unfortunate saga of the 737 Max Jet is as yet unfinished. Read the story from this experienced pilot’s perspective. We will keep updating this story as the Max Jet saga unfolds.