Aviation News
Stratolaunch Plane Flies For the Second Time Ever

On April 29th of last week, Stratolaunch, the world’s largest plane by wingspan, flew for its second time ever. The Stratolaunch plane took off from Mojave Air and Space Port at 10:28 AM and stayed in the air for 3 hours and 14 minutes before returning. It reached a maximum altitude of 14,000 feet and a top speed of 199 mph, which was 3000 feet less, but 10 mph faster than the aircraft’s performance during the first time it ever flew. In a statement, the company that operated the Stratolaunch said that the test was “extremely successful” and that they did not notice anything unusual. Making an enormous aircraft with two fuselages fly is a challenging task since a lot of stress is exerted on the structure of the plane. The Stratolaunch accomplished this without difficulty in its test flight, and it demonstrated that it could fly safely.
Purpose of the Flight
The Stratolaunch’s recent test flight was aimed to check the performance of the plane after its modifications during the 2 years it was on the ground. During that time, the Stratolaunch received improved aircraft instrumentation, a more advanced flight control system, and most importantly, an environmental system that allowed the cabin to be pressurized. The pressurization system would allow pilots to fly the Stratolaunch at higher altitudes and work in a more comfortable environment. The flight tested the Stratolaunch’s ability to handle the pressurized cabin and its new safety features from the upgraded flight systems. The most exciting part of the test flight saw how the Stratolaunch would handle landing in a crosswind. The gigantic plane touched down on one side of its landing gear before the other side settled down a few seconds later.

Significance of Flight
This new test flight of the Stratolaunch plane signals an important insight into the company that owns the plane. Back when the Startolaunch company was created, its goal was to send satellites and rockets into orbit by launching them off the plane. However, in 2018, the founder of the company, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, died 1 year before the plane ever took flight. Without jurisdiction and management from the founder, Stratolaunch collapsed. However, the company still wanted to get the plane off the ground for one time before they ceased operations. Stratolaunch managed to preserve some of their employees and flew the plane once in April of 2019 before putting their company, including the aircraft, up for sale at $400 million. Then in October of 2019, Stratolaunch was acquired by Cerberus Capital Management, and it was announced in December of 2019 that the company focus would be shifted to launching hypersonic vehicles (vehicles that travel faster than 5 times the speed of sound) rather than launching satellites. This new test flight means that the Stratolaunch company is back in operations again.

About the Stratolaunch Plane
The Stratolaunch, registered as N351SL, is a mother ship aircraft designed to mount a smaller vehicle on its wing. It features a double fuselage so a vehicle can fit in the middle of the aircraft. The right fuselage houses the cockpit and flight control systems, and the left fuselage contains the data collection systems and storage areas. With 2 fuselages and enough room to accommodate a vehicle in the middle, the length of the Stratolaunch’s wing measures 385 feet, the length of nearly 2 Boeing 747s. Due to its large size, the Stratolaunch plane is nicknamed “Roc” after the legendary bird in Middle Eastern mythology. Many of the components of the Stratolaunch are also adopted from the 747. The enormous plane is powered by 6 Boeing 747 engines, and a significant portion of the aircraft systems and parts on the Stratolaunch is directly taken from a donor 747, such as the landing gear and avionics. Currently, the Stratolaunch is being developed to carry hypersonic vehicles that it will launch in the air once completed. The Stratolaunch company is also working its own hypersonic jet called the Talon-A that will attach to the Stratolaunch, but it will be a few years until that flight actually happens since the Stratolaunch needs to be tested in solo flights first to see if it is capable of carrying the Talon-A.

Overall, the Stratolaunch is being tested to see if it can fly safely and if it is capable of supporting a vehicle on its wing. The second flight of the Stratolaunch is a great indicator that the company is making progress towards their new goal of launching hypersonic vehicles. With this new flight, the Stratolaunch company is one step closer to reaching its goal. Although the first test of the Stratolaunch carrying another vehicle won’t be anytime soon, it is an ambitious goal to look forward to. When the project is finally completed, the Stratolaunch will provide great contributions to technology in the future.

Source:
https://www.space.com/stratolaunch-worlds-largest-airplane-roc-2nd-test-flight
https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/29/22410519/stratolaunch-test-world-widest-plane-second-flight-roc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaled_Composites_Stratolaunch
Cover Image: Reporter
Analysis
IATA’s Alarm: Airline Profit Margins Remain Alarmingly Thin

IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, recently gave a wake-up call to the aviation industry about the precarious state of airline profit margins. His revelations were part of a broader discussion at IATA’s 79th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The Current Profit Situation
This year, the aviation industry anticipates an astounding $803 billion in revenues. However, a shocking revelation is that only $9.8 billion of this colossal figure will translate into net profit. This means that, on average, the profit per passenger is a meager $2.25, an amount that can’t even cover the cost of a subway ticket in New York City. “Clearly, that level of profitability is not sustainable,” warned Walsh. Yet, he acknowledged the powerful recovery velocity, comparing it favorably to the $76 loss per passenger in 2020.

Identifying Major Hurdles
Walsh went on to elaborate the significant hurdles facing the industry. These include rising inflation, increasing operating costs, and enduring labor shortages. Along with these fundamental challenges, the industry is wrestling with specific pressures from OEM suppliers and oil companies. Walsh’s critique of OEM suppliers centered around their slow response to supply chain disruptions, which are both escalating costs and limiting aircraft deployment. “Airlines are beyond frustrated. A solution must be found,” Walsh expressed, reflecting the mounting exasperation within the industry.
Alongside the supply chain predicaments, Walsh pointed fingers at oil companies. He accused them of thriving at the airlines’ expense, noting that the crack spread for jet fuel was at record highs for most of 2022.

Walsh also didn’t hold back in his criticism of certain airports for shifting their operational inefficiency costs onto airlines. He singled out Schiphol Airport for its egregious 37% charges hike spread over three years—with a 12% increase this year alone. He also flagged concerns around South African airports and ATC’s shocking 63% charges increase proposal.
Despite the enormity of these challenges, Walsh applauded the airline industry for maintaining profitability. He ended his speech with a powerful call to arms for increased accountability and stricter economic regulation for monopoly suppliers. In light of his critique, calls for lighter regulation should be dismissed outright.
READ Also: Riyadh Air Reveals New Livery and Receives IATA Code RX
The question that remains is: How can airlines and other stakeholders address these challenges to strengthen the airline profit margins? Your thoughts and opinions matter, share them in the comments section below.
Aviation News
Riyadh Air Reveals New Livery and Receives IATA Code RX

Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, continues to make significant strides since its launch. Not only has the airline been assigned the Airline Designator Code RX by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking its official engagement with the global airline community, but it has also recently unveiled the first of its two livery designs. In this article, we delve into the exciting reveal of Riyadh Air’s new livery and the airline’s acquisition of the IATA Code RX.
This design, a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance, embodies the airline’s vision for the future of flight. These developments underscore Riyadh Air’s commitment to innovation and sophistication in its operations, promising an exciting future for the airline and its passengers.
Riyadh Air Acquires IATA Designator Code
The IATA code was acquired during the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit, which took place in Istanbul on June 4, 2023. Tony Douglas, the airline’s chief executive, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating that the code would be visible on “every touchpoint that our guests see as they take flight with us.” He further added that the Riyadh Air team has been actively engaging with industry stakeholders and experts to discuss safe, efficient, and technologically advanced topics in the global air travel industry. The code reflects the airline’s ambition to be a digitally led airline, having the connection of innovation and state-of-the-art technology.
IATA codes play a significant role in the travel industry and the efficient organization of air transportation for both passengers and cargo. These codes are essential for airline identification, international bookings, and the smooth operation of ground service teams at airports.
Unveiling of Riyadh Air’s Livery Design




In a recent development, Riyadh Air has unveiled the first of its two livery designs. The design is a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance, embodying the airline’s vision for the future of flight. This reveal further emphasizes Riyadh Air’s commitment to innovation and sophistication in its operations, promising an exciting future for the airline and its passengers.
Riyadh Air’s Strategic Positioning and Future Plans
Riyadh Air, which was officially unveiled in March 2023, is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 investment plan. The airline was established to leverage the country’s strategic location as a hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, promoting growth and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia. Owned by the Public Investment Fund of the nation, Riyadh Air has outlined its plans to begin commercial operations in early 2025. The airline aims to establish connectivity between Saudi Arabia and 100 destinations by 2030.
In its ambitious plans, Riyadh Air is expected to add $20 billion to the country’s non-oil GDP growth and produce over 200,000 jobs both directly and indirectly. The airline’s career webpage has already attracted job applications from over 300,000 applicants across 182 countries worldwide.
Potential Aircraft Orders and Future Fleet
There are also speculations about a potential hefty order for 737 MAX aircraft. Although Airbus is being considered a potential supplier for a portion of the required single-aisle aircraft, namely the A321neo models, Boeing appears to have an advantage. This news comes just two months after Riyadh Air announced a major order for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebodies. Previous reports indicated that the new airline was nearing a potential purchase deal with Airbus for A350 widebodies.
READ ALSO: Riyadh Air and Saudia to Purchase 78 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft
In conclusion, Riyadh Air’s acquisition of the IATA code and the unveiling of its livery design mark significant steps in its journey towards becoming a major player in the global aviation industry. With its ambitious plans and strategic positioning, the airline is set to make a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s economy and the global aviation landscape.
airbus
Air Algérie Airbus Order: A330-900s and A350-1000s Join the Fleet

In a substantial stride forward, Air Algérie, Algeria’s flagship airline, recently confirmed an Airbus order for seven widebody aircraft. This move not only underscores its deep-rooted association with Airbus but also paves the way for its ambitious commercial growth.
A330neo and A350-1000: Powering Air Algérie’s Airbus Order

Central to Air Algérie’s Airbus order are the A330neo and the A350-1000. Incorporating these aircraft into the fleet promises flexibility, efficiency, and lower operating costs, including a 25% reduction in fuel burn per seat.
Both these aircraft are equipped with the award-winning Airspace cabin, known for its superior comfort and ambiance. Increased personal space, expanded overhead bins, state-of-the-art lighting system, and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems are notable features.
Spotlight on A330neo and A350
The A330neo and A350 are prominent members of the Airbus widebody family. The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, boasts a non-stop flight range of 7,200 nm / 13,334 km. As of April 2023, the A330 Family had amassed 1,775 firm orders from 130 global customers, signifying its popularity in the short and medium-haul market.

The A350, a modern long-haul aircraft, runs on Rolls-Royce’s innovative Trent XWB engines. Capable of non-stop flights of up to 8,700 nautical miles or 16,100 kilometers, the A350 had garnered 967 firm orders from 54 customers worldwide as of April 2023.
READ ALSO: Airbus A350 Freighter Delivery Delayed to Early 2026
Looking Ahead: Air Algérie’s Airbus Order and Its Impact
This significant Air Algérie Airbus order is a testament to its commitment to growth and improving passenger experience. With the integration of the A330neo and A350-1000, we eagerly anticipate the airline’s expanded services. What new routes are you most excited about? Share your views in the comments section below!
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