Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

WestJet Pilots Endorse Long-Haul Expansion Plans

Approval Required Under Agreement With Pilot's Union

WestJet announced today that its 1,380 pilots have voted in favour of the company's plans to expand its successful wide-body operations. Such approval is required under the airline's agreement with the WestJet Pilots Association.

NASA: Astronomers Fascinated About Cosmic ‘Winter’ Wonderland

Hot Young Stars 5,500 Light Years Away Creating Spectacular Light Show

Although there are no seasons in space, this cosmic vista invokes thoughts of a frosty winter landscape. It is, in fact, a region called NGC 6357 where radiation from hot, young stars is energizing the cooler gas in the cloud that surrounds them.

Leonardo, CNSAS Lay The Foundations Of Future Helicopter Rescue

Form Cooperative Agreement For The Joint Development Of New Capabilities

Helicopters have become indispensable in mountain and wilderness medical rescue. The Italian Alpine Rescue and Leonardo – two prime Italian players with global recognition – will work together to develop even more effective technologies, solutions and training.

Amir Blachman Selected To Lead Strategic Development Of Private Space Station

Named Vice President of Strategic Development By Axiom Space

Amir Blachman has been appointed the new Vice President of Strategic Development by Axiom Space. In this role, Blachman will lead the financial planning, funding, and growth strategy for the world's first private, international commercial space station.

NASA Administrator Remembers NASA Scientist, Astronaut Piers Sellers

Passed away Friday Due To Pancreatic Cancer

NASA is mourning Piers Sellers, an astronaut and scientist who passed away Friday in Houston of pancreatic cancer.

Flight Attendant Who Survived 33,000 Foot Fall In 1972 Passes Away

Was Working On Board An Airliner That Had A Bomb On Board

The woman who survived the highest fall without a parachute back in 1972 has passed away in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

Adacel To Supply ATC Tower Simulator To Colombian Air Force

TSS Includes Four Trainee Positions Covering All Aspects Of Traffic Control

The Colombian Government has awarded a contract to Adacel Systems of Orlando, FL to supply an air traffic control (ATC) tower simulator system (TSS) to the Colombian Air Force.

Aircastle, easyJet Complete Ten Aircraft Purchase And Leaseback Program

Includes A319-100 Aircraft Manufactured in 2005 And 2006

Aircastle Limited and easyJet plc have completed a purchase and leaseback program for ten Airbus A319-100 aircraft. The aircraft, which were manufactured in 2005 and 2006, feature easyJet's distinctive dual over-wing door exit configuration, which enables higher density seating.

USAF Selects Developer For F-16 Mission Computer

Raytheon Upgrade Will Provide Twice The Processing Power Of Previous Computer

The U.S. Air Force selected Raytheon Company to develop and produce its new F-16 Modular Mission Computer Upgrade. The new mission computer offers more than two times the current processing power and 40 times the current memory, equipping USAF pilots with near-fifth-generation aircraft computing power.

DLS To Strengthen F-16 Tactical Communications For US FMS Requirements

Awarded $11.7 Million Contract By SPAWAR

Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems, will provide improved tactical Link 16 communication capabilities for the F-16 fleet of Foreign Military Sales customers.

AD: Viking Air Limited Airplanes

AD NUMBER: 2016-25-22

PRODUCT: All Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes.

AD: Airbus Airplanes

AD NUMBER: 2016-25-03

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes.

Airborne 12.28.16: Bell 505 Cert, CO NIMBYs Shut Down-Again, IL Pilot Fees

Also: Orlando v Drones, Electroair, Air Force Needs, AMA Expo, Sonex Update, Wings Over The Rockies, Continental Motors

Transport Canada Civil Aviation has granted type certification to Bell Helicopter for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X. Unveiled in 2013, the new, five-seat helicopter went from concept to a successful first flight in 20 months. Since then, the aircraft has flown more than 1,000 flight hours and undergone rigorous testing. Bell reports they have more than 400 letters of intent to purchase worldwide since the initial launch in 2014. Here’s our latest update in the battle between Colorado

Companies Set To Compete For Likely The Last Major USAF Contract Of The Decade

T-X Trainer Competition Will Be A Clash Of The Aerospace Titans

As 2016 draws to a close, the eyes of the defense segment of the U.S. and international aerospace industry is looking ahead to the next year's competition for the U.S. Air Force T-X Trainer ... the airplane that will be the successor to the T-38 Talon.

Government Of Canada Investing In Safety At The Nanaimo Airport

Will Build A Shelter For Aircraft Rescue And Firefighting Equipment

Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained regional airports. From visiting friends and family, to traveling to medical appointments, to getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support vibrant and sustainable communities. Regional airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

Lockheed Martin CEO Meets With President-Elect Trump On F-35 Costs

Says The Price Of The Aircraft Will Come Down

Shortly after President-elect Donald Trump took to twitter to blast defense contractor Lockheed Martin over the cost of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, company CEO Marillyn Hewson made a pledge to Trump to reduce the cost of the airplane to the U.S. taxpayer.

FAA Proposes Civil Penalties Against Three Companies

All For Alleged Hazardous Materials Violations

The FAA has proposed civil penalties ranging from $57,400 to $72,000 against three companies for allegedly violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations.

AeroSports Update: Another Aviation First

It Seems Like We Are Setting New Records In Aviation Every Day, But This One Is Special

The headline from UPI.com read something like this, “More than 100 Australians participated in a series of tandem parachute jumps while dressed as Santa Claus.” While that alone sounds like it ought to be setting some sort of a record, there’s actually more to the story.

JetSuiteX Says No City Permit Needed For KSMO Operations

Will Operate From Atlantic Aviation Facilities

The lack of a city-issued permit is not going to stop JetSuiteX from beginning scheduled operations from Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), according to the company's CEO.

Female Afghan Pilot Seeks Asylum In The U.S.

Says She Fears For Her Life If She Returns Home

The woman who became the first female qualified to fly military airplanes in Afghanistan has requested asylum in the United States.

Airborne 12.27.16: Best Aero-Stories of 2016?, Scorpion Jet, Austro AE300 Update

Also: Drone Anniversary, Barefoot Bandit Grounded, Aero-Calendar, VSS Unity, Iran Air-Airbus, Trump Cost-Cutting, 500th 787

During the last year, we at ANN have covered a lot of aviation and aerospace stories in our airborne broadcasts. We came up with the idea of presenting a review of the most important stories covered in 2016, but we realize it’s not what was important to us that counts, it’s the stories that caught the attention of our viewers that matters. We’re looking for your input on stories that were of particular interest to you. It may have been some shattering news or it m