September 14, 1998

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HEADLINE NEWS

Zenit Destroys 12 Globalstars; Failure Threatens Sea Launch

CAPE CANAVERAL The failure of a Ukrainian/Russian Zenit booster carrying 12 Loral Globalstar spacecraft shortly after launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Sept. 10 ranks as an unprecedented commercial space launch accident that will have a profound impact on Globalstar’s initial plan to compete with Motorola’s Iridium program.

By CRAIG COVAULT

AIR TRANSPORT

Fire Damage Sought In Cockpit Debris

WASHINGTON Salvage teams are working to recover Swissair Flight 111’s cockpit and the electronics bay below it for investigators seeking to determine why the MD-11 crashed into the Atlantic off Nova Scotia two weeks ago. Investigators for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) are considering reconstructing those sections of the aircraft so they can better determine the source and location of smoke that infiltrated the flight deck moments before the Sept. 2 crash.

By JAMES T. McKENNA

AIR TRANSPORT

Strike’s Service Impact Prompts U.S. Response

CINCINNATI The U.S. government has taken legal action to restore air services to small communities affected by the Northwest Airlines pilots’ strike and the shutdown of its affiliate Mesaba Airlines. At least 17 cities in 10 states have lost all air service since the Aug. 29 walkout, and both domestic and international flight schedules have deteriorated at Northwest hubs and in scores of other communities, largely in the Midwest.

By JAMES OTT

AIR TRANSPORT

Discounting, Excess Capacity To Worsen Asian Outlook

PERTH, AUSTRALIA Asian carriers face a grim outlook for autumn as they leave the northern summer period—usually a time of peak revenues—weakened by ticket discounting and excess capacity, according to a leading industry analyst. “The outlook for October and November is extremely grim,” Peter Harbison, managing director of the Sydney-based Center of Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), said. “Current loads mask a gloomy outlook for not only Asian carriers but U.S. and European airlines forced to slash fares to compete.”

By GEOFFREY THOMAS

AIR TRANSPORT

Airbus Plans New Talks With Chinese Manufacturers

BEIJING FARNBOROUGH Airbus’ Managing Director Noel Forgeard is expected to visit China as part of a worldwide tour as early as this month to discuss new joint manufacturing initiatives now that the 100-seat AE31X program has been officially killed.

By BRUCE DORMINEY,MICHAEL MECHAM

AIR TRANSPORT

Hurel-Dubois, Aermacchi Form Nacelle Joint Venture

MEUDON-LA-FORET, FRANCE France’s Hurel-Dubois and Italy’s Aermacchi will form a joint subsidiary in an effort to secure additional business in the nacelle/thrust reverser market. Last month, they were selected by General Electric to develop and produce the CF34-8D turbofan’s nacelle and thrust reverser.

By PIERRE SPARACO

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September 14, 1998

U.S. Doubts Korean Space Launch Claim

By DAVID A. FULGHUM

Panel Urges Major Changes In Soho Ground Operations

By Michael A. Taverna