A big debut

A media event last month hosted by U.S. Marine Corps squadron VMX-22 shared highlights of the recently completed V-22 Operational Test and Evaluation (OPEVAL), provided a look at program status and upcoming milestones—and gave select reporters the unprecedented opportunity to be the first nongovernment personnel to fly aboard the aircraft since its return to flight.

During OPEVAL, the aircraft was put into “real world” scenarios aimed at evaluating the V-22’s operational effectiveness and suitability. Successful completion of this critical phase of testing is required to support a full-rate production decision by the U.S. Defense Department. The decision is scheduled for late September.

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British Airways set for fleet revamp

British Airways last month said it’s started a review of its long-haul fleet requirements for the next 15 years.

The review, announced at the airline’s shareholder meeting and expected to be complete within the next nine months, could lead to long-term orders. Currently British Airways has 110 long-haul airplanes—all made by Boeing—in its fleet.

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IN BRIEF

New regional jets could give passengers more interior room

The 787 Dreamliner isn’t the only new passenger airplane that will introduce passengers to a more comfortable flying experience—and possibly give airlines a competitive advantage.

According to a Wall Street Journal article in late June, Embraer, the Brazilian maker of regional jets, has put a full-size cabin in a small jet. The company did this by building a plane with a design involving two overlapping circular cross sections to maximize cabin width and still provide headroom above and cargo space below the cabin floor.

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WTO begins formal investigation into airplane subsidies

The World Trade Organization last month began its formal investigation into alleged U.S. and European Union support for large civil aircraft.

The WTO’s first step in this probe was to set up two panels to investigate claims that Europe and the United States illegally subsidize Airbus and Boeing, respectively. According to an International Herald-Tribune report, the United States and Europe have until early August to agree on the makeup of the panels.

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