The week in brief 060510

The Financial Times reports that Boeing is suspending shipments of some sections of the 787 to its Seattle assembly line because some suppliers have experienced parts shortages - but also because of "some engineering and design changes". Boeing's Jim Albaugh said that "We know that we have quite a number of design changes, and what we want to do is stabilise the supply chain and we can do that with the reserve we have in the schedule without impacting deliveries". Boeing says it will still deliver "a couple" of 787s before the end of this year.

ICAO has established a task force to enhance the safety risk management around volcanic eruptions. ICAO says it expects a report from a multi-disciplinary team by 1 August, to provide analysis of lessons learned from the recent European experience. Beyond that ICAO wants a "roadmap for establishing globally-harmonised ash concentration thresholds, options for improved detection systems of volcanic ash, as well as recommendations to improve notification and warning systems" by May next year. 

Airservices Australia now has a new terminal area radar in operation at Melbourne Airport. The unit has a solid state primary radar with a 60 nm range, plus a Mode S capable Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar with a range of 256 nm. The technology allows for selective integration of individual aircraft and provides the ability to receive Down-Linked Aircraft Parameter data. Airservices already had a Mode S system in place at Gold Coast Airport; and plans to install the technology at seven more sites, with Darwin to be commissioned before the end of this year and Sydney and Adelaide to follow in 2011. 

Following a successful cabin crew swap experience with Virgin Atlantic over the last three years, Virgin Blue is launching a similar program with Virgin America. Six locals with exchange with six Virgin America crew members for a 12-month period. The selection process is underway.

Japan Airlines is suspending its daily B767 operation into Brisbane as part of a major restructuring of its schedules. JAL says it will reinstate the service when the restructure is complete and the airline is back into profitability. Brisbane Airport is looking for an alternative carrier to service the demand that saw JAL's flights carrying loads of more than 80 per cent.

Lufthansa plans to fly its first A380 to Narita when the aircraft enters service on 12 June. The next destinations will be Beijing from August and Johannesburg. Initially, the airline will operate to the two Asian ports three times weekly, with its A380 configured in three classes for a total load of 526 passengers.

BAE Systems has released a couple of derivatives of the Avro Business Jet that certainly catch the eye. 

The ABJ Explorer One (pictured) is aimed at the high net worth individual who wants the freedom to travel and explore remote locations in a stylish and comfortable way. The elegant interior incorporates a beautifully proportioned lounge with curved sofas wrapping around a low central Ottoman from which monitors can be deployed. A fully equipped office workstation is incorporated into the forward bulkhead with a large display cabinet located on the opposite side of the aircraft providing a focal point on entry. And then there's the stunning rear entertainment lounge and 'Air Deck'.