– Rolls-Royce PLC says it has been awarded a $500 million contract to supply AE 3007 engines to 75 corporate jets ordered by Indigo, a Chicago-based jet service. The company says the order represents installed and spare engines for 25 Embraer Legacy aircraft, with an option for 50 more. Britain’s Rolls-Royce makes aircraft engines, turbines and marine propulsion systems.
– The federal government is investigating a potential rudder problem after a United Airlines Boeing 737 banked suddenly while descending for a landing at O’Hare International Airport last week. The plane landed safely. Boeing announced in September that it would train pilots in how to handle jammed rudders and would begin installing new rudder systems on 737s in 2003.
– American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines have dropped out of a venture with Boeing to develop high-speed Internet access on jets. The airlines cited shifting priorities after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The project, Connexion by Boeing, aims to let passengers check e-mail and surf the Net while flying. Boeing plans to test the service, which would cost about $20 an hour, on some Lufthansa planes late next year or early in 2003.
