AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

*Boeing will roll out its newest airliner, the 747-8 Intercontinental in ceremonies today in Everett, Washington. The 747-8I is the passenger version of the latest generation of Boeing 747s. It's stretched to accomodate 465 passengers in a typical seating layout and features new, more fuel efficient engines. The unveiling of the 1st 747-8I, seen above leaving the paint hanger earlier this week, will be broadcast live on the web.

*LUFTHANSA has announced that it plans a 386-seat configuration of its new 747-8I when it arrives in its fleet in 1st quarter of 2012. The stretched jumbo jet will be configured with 8 first class seats, 80 business class seats and 386 economy seats. The carrier also plans a new onboard product, which altered the amount of available space. The new onboard product has not yet been disclosed. Positioned between the 526-seat A380 and twin configuration 306- and 345-seat A340-600, the 747-8I will occupy a space that will allow the carrier to begin partly replacing its 23 747-400s and 7 -400 Combis. Lufthansa plans to use the 747-8I on long-haul routes.

*Italian media are reporting that ALITALIA and MERIDIANA FLY are in discussions regarding a potential merger. Talks have been in progress for a “few months," however the boards of the carriers have yet to make a decision about combining. 

*The Captain of the QANTAS A380 that suffered an engine explosion overhead Indonesia on November 4, will give his first interview tonight on the Austrlian "60 Minutes" news program. Captain Richard de Crespigny, pictured above, recounts how Sydney-bound flight Flight 32 was just minutes into its flight out of Singapore when a small oil leak caused one of the jet's massive engines to explode, extensively damaging the left hand side of the aircraft. The Sydney Pilot, a 25 year old veteran who had previously flown in the Royal Australian Air Force, tells of how he ensured the crippled aircraft, carrying 440 passengers and 26 crew, was able to land safely at Changi Airport after circling in the air for nearly 2 hours. "I don't think an Airbus aircraft has ever been challenged as much as this has," Captain de Crespigny says on "60 Minutes". "I think a Rolls Royce engine's never failed so spectacularly with so much collateral damage. It was a flight you could never train for". de Crespigny says he dislikes being referred to as a "hero" because he was just doing his job and was supported by an "extraordinary crew with lots of experience".

*An AIR BRITAIN Pilatus PC12 suffered a runway excursion upon landing in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday, February 12. The aircraft came to rest in a grassy field. None of the 6 passengers and crew onboard were injured in the incident. The Pilatus was damaged and has been removed to a nearby hanger for a damage assesment. Switzerland's AAIB has opened an investigation.

*MERPATI NUSANTARA Flight 537, a Fokker 100, had to make an emergency return to Sampit, Indonesia, yesterday, February 12, after the crew had to shut down the left hand engine. The Fokker was removed from service for inspection and repairs.

*AIR MAURITIUS Flight 48, an A340, had to make an emergency diversion to Mombasa, Kenya, on Friday, February 11, due to smoke in the cockpit. The A340 was later ferried to Mauritius for inspection and repairs, and returned to service yesterday.

*IRAN ASEMAN Flight 3825, a Fokker 100, had to make an emergency return to Zahedan, Iran, on Thursday, February 10, after the crew could not retract the landing gear. The Fokker was removed from service for repairs.

*SUNEXPRESS Flight 9037, a Boeing 737, had to make an emergency return to Van, Turkey, on Wednesday, February 9. While on their initial climb, a bird was ingested into the right hand engine. The 737 was later ferried to Antalya, Turkey, where it underwent inspection and then returned to service.

*DELTA AIRLINES Flight 58, a Boeing 767, had to make an emergency return to Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, February 6. About 1 hour after departure, fumes developed in the passenger cabin, which prompted the crew to request return. The 767 landed safely back in Tokyo about 2.5 hours after its initial departure and was then removed from service for inspection. According to media reports, caustic fumes developed in the passenger cabin between rows 20 and 24. Flight Attendants were reportedly on standby with fire extinguishers until the aircraft landed back in Tokyo. The fumes were later traced to a problem with seat electronics.