October 28, 1974

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International Air Transport

Fuel Outlook Dictating Technical Transport Research

Hampton, Va.—Technical research priorities for air transport are marching to a different drummer—fuel shortages stemming from the Arab oil embargo and the subsequent quadrupling of crude petroleum prices by members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

By Warren C. Wetmore12 min

120

International Air Transport

More Digital Controls Due on Transports

Los Angeles—Next generation of civil air transports is likely to take advantage of recent advances in avionics technology by shifting into digital flight control systems that could offer operators significant economic benefits. The move toward greater use of digital techniques, already apparent in current wide-body transports, has sufficiently encouraged both carriers and airframe manufacturers to prompt their more extensive and more efficient use in future airframes.

By Barry Miller10 min

International Air Transport

Impact of Concorde Service Under Study

Paris—Air France route structure, flight frequencies and basic first-class/economy seat ratios are all likely to be affected profoundly when the carrier puts its Concorde supersonic transports into operation late next year, officials of the airline believe.

By Robert R. Ropeiewski10 min

106

International Air Transport

Reawakened Air Cargo Market Predicted

San Francisco—Exploitation and expansion of cargo capability of existing equipment and development activity for the next generation are quickening as the once-sputtering fuse to the air cargo explosion now is burning brighter. Fleet planners eyeing the air freight market, which for the U. S. carriers became a billion-dollar business last year, have a greater variety of wide-body cargo capacity to choose from than they did a year ago, and they once again are hearing serious talk about an uncompromised air freighter.

International Air Transport

Engine Market Poised for New Growth

New transport aircraft engines are being developed that will meet the noise, emission and route requirements of the 1980s, while offering more efficiency—but at a higher cost—than today’s engines. Surprising as it may seem in the midst of economic turmoil, say the market analysts, the aircraft engine and engine parts business is in excellent shape and still growing. Growth rate of the Free World’s airlines is expected by the engine manufacturers to bottom out this year at approximately 2%.

By Michael L. Yaffee9 min

128

International Air Transport

Ground Technology Competes for Funds

Perennial problem of handling airline passenger baggage speedily, while maintaining a high degree of accuracy, may be yielding to advanced technology—becoming one of several types of ground automation equipment that could grow as a competitor for equipment funds.

By Kenneth J. Stein8 min

International Air Transport

Equipment Gap Poses Locals Dilemma

Washington—Emphasis of Free World manufacturers on development of wide-body and long-haul commercial transports has left U. S. local service carriers in a dilemma that can result in massive reductions of small city airline service in the next few years.

By Charles E. Schneider8 min

October 211974

November 41974

October 28, 1974

October 28, 1974