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UPDATE 
Week ending July 9, 2000
+++ NH90 contract signed +++ AECMA: European aerospace had good 1999 +++ Boeing 747X launch possible this year +++ Proton-K launch opens the way for Zvesda +++ Southwest places record 737 order +++ Lockheed Martin gets THAAD development contract +++ New chief executives nominated for Sabena, AOM, Air Littoral and Air Liberté +++ News in brief +++

NH90 contract signed
Auftrag für NH90-Fertigung unterzeichnet

The contract for the Production Investment and the Production (PI/P) of a 1st batch of helicopters was signed on 30 June, at the Maison des Polytechniciens, in Paris, by Helmuth Heumann, General Manager of NAHEMA, and Philippe Stuckelberger, General Manager of NHIndustries. The 1st batch of 298 NH90 helicopters is part of the immediate production commitment of 366 helicopters, included in the total requirement of 595 NH90s. This was based on the go-ahead and the Parliamentary approval of the 4 Participating Nations and the MoU signature held in Berlin ILA Airshow on 8 June this year. The total value of the contract amounts to 6.6 billion Euro: NH90 is the biggest helicopter programme ever launched in Europe, and, in addition, national industries are participating with a self financing for the 25% amount of the Production Investment. The target to maintain the costs within the estimate elaborated before the Design & Development phase has been achieved thanks to the close collaboration between NHIndustries, its industrial partners, NAHEMA, and the End Users by combining: a continuous design to costs analysis and a permanent control of the technical configuration despite the large variety of required mission to meet. This commercial approach, to achieve the PI/P 1st batch contract ensures the customer: world market competitive prices, guaranteed performance backed by stiff penalties, and deliveries according to operational needs.
Italy orders 60 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for the Army, 46 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) plus 10 TTH for the Navy France will receive 27 NFH for their naval forces; Germany receives 50 TTH for the Army and 30 TTH for the Air Force, of which 23 are foreseen for Combat Search and Rescue missions following a dedicated further contracted development; The Netherlands will receive 20 NFH. The 1st batch in both the TTH and the NFH versions includes 54 TTH as option for Germany - 30 for their Army and 24 for their Air Force - and 1 TTH as option for Italian Air Force. Deliveries will start on 2003 for the Tactical Transport version. Production shares of the four countries will be 31.25% for France (Eurocopter), 32% for Italy (Agusta), 31.25% for Germany (Eurocopter Deutschland) and 5.5% for The Netherlands (Stork Fokker). NHIndustries is responsible for the programme management, marketing, sales, and after sales support.

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AECMA: European aerospace had good 1999
Erfolgreiches Jahr für Europas Luftfahrtindustrie

On 4 July, the European Association of Aerospace Industries (AECMA) published its statistical data for 1999 during a press conference in London. The financial figures for the aerospace industry in Europe demonstrate the strength of the industry. Turnover in the European aerospace industry increased by 5% to 66 billion Euro during 1999. Employment grew 3% to 437,000 and profit margins as a percentage of turnover rose to 7%, which represents another successful year for the industry. However, after four years of strong growth, overall performance is levelling off and the European aerospace industry is witnessing increased competition in all sectors.
In 1999 and 2000, major restructuring has re-shaped the industry at the prime contractor level and has created strong transnational companies. The formation of EADS and Astrium has laid the foundations for the first purely European companies in the sector. Now, the supply chain is also beginning to respond by consolidating into more powerful businesses. Following the launch of major defence programmes such as Eurofighter, Rafale and Tiger in 1999, European governments have taken further steps this year towards the implementation of other important defence programmes such as the A400M transport aircraft, the NH90 naval and transport helicopter and the Meteor air-to-air missile. Most recently the decision to formally offer A3XX civil aircraft to the market advances the prospect of a final launch of this programme. - Leading edge technology continue to bring benefits, such as increasingly environmentally friendly aircraft.
One significant challenge facing the industry is the establishment of an integrated regulatory framework in Europe. This is largely a political task for European governments and the European Union. Another obvious area for improvement is in the harmonisation of defence requirements. A third area that requires urgent attention is Air Traffic Management (ATM). Changes to the current air traffic system are the key to increasing air transport capacity. Furthermore, creation of a European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) with executive and regulatory powers to make it a credible counterpart to the American FAA, is yet to be realised.

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Boeing 747X launch possible this year
Gestreckter Jumbo im Angebot

In an effort to combat the new A3XX from Airbus, Boeing has briefed operators of its 747 on possible higher gross weight and stretch options. Representatives from more than 30 airlines spent three days discussing technical and system requirements for new models known as the 747-400X airplane and the 747X family. The 747X family includes a 747X Stretch passenger airplane, capable of carrying more than 500 passengers, and a 747X Stretch Freighter. Also part of the family plan is a 747X airplane capable of flying more than 8,975 nautical miles (16,620 kilometers) - matching the range of the recently launched 777-200 longer range derivative. The 747X family - which also potentially includes Combis and high-capacity Domestic versions - would incorporate a new wing, and have a maximum takeoff weight of more than a million pounds. All derivatives include a modern 777-style interior, and an updated flight deck, similar to the 777s. "The 747X builds on 30 years of success," Orlowski said. "It is a low-risk solution for Boeing customers and airports."
Development cost of the new 747s would be four million US-Dollars, which can be financed by Boeing itself, said CEO Phil Condit. He added that "we will probably launch in the next six to nine months", depending on customer commitments which could be as low as 10 to 30, maybe from just one airline.

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Proton-K launch opens the way for Zvesda
Erfolgreicher Proton-Start macht den Weg für Swjesda frei

Russia on July 1st for a second time in this week launched its satellite-carrying Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur cosmodrome. Following last Saturday's launch of a Proton-K with an Express AM Russian telecommunications satellite into orbit, the rocket carried into space a U.S.-made SD-Radio-1 satellite. The Proton lifted off at 2.09 a.m. Moscow time (6.09 pm EDT Friday), and the satellite reached the required orbit at an altitude of 47.102 km at 4.34 a.m. local Moscow time (8.34 pm EDT Friday).
SD-Radio-1 is designed to retransmit programs of 100 television channels, including 50 sports and leisure channels. It also will support digital telecommunications systems, including television, radio, cellular and automobile communications.
This launch was the 275th overall involving Proton rockets. It was also Proton's 16th commercial launch, since the U.S.-Russian joint venture International Launch Services was set up in 1995 to earn cash by launching commercial satellites. During the last five years of partnership between the U.S.-based Lockheed-Martin Co. and Russia's Khrunichev State Scientific-Production Space Center and Energiya Missile-Space Corporation, Proton carried American, European, Canadian and Chinese satellites into space.
Following a General Designer's Review held on June 26th in Moscow, the partners in the International Space Station announced that the Zvezda service module is set to be launched on Wednesday 12 July from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on a modified Proton launcher. The first European hardware destined for the Space Station - Zvezda's central computing system -will be on board.
Launch is currently scheduled for approximately 07:05 a.m. Central European Time. A more refined liftoff time will be known closer to the launch date following detailed trajectory analysis by Russian ballistics experts. This analysis will be based on optimum lighting conditions for docking to the Space Station while the two spacecraft are over Russian ground communications stations.
ESA provided the Data Management System, which serves as the "brain" of Zvezda. This central computing system will not only control service module functions, but ultimately will also perform overall control, mission and failure management of the Russian segment of the Space Station and will support overall navigation and guidance functions for the entire Space Station. ESA delivered the computer hardware and software and the associated ground systems under an agreement with the Russian Space Agency Rosaviakosmos. The system was developed and manufactured in Europe by an industrial team lead by Astrium Space Infrastructure in Bremen, Germany.

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Southwest places record 737 order
737-Großauftrag von Southwest

On June 29, Boeing confirmed that Southwest Airlines has placed an order for up to 290 Next-Generation 737s. The order includes 94 firm Boeing 737-700s, as well as 25 options and up to 171 purchase rights for an additional 196 Next-Generation airplanes over the next 12 years. Deliveries under the new order begin in 2002. The order is the largest ever placed for the Next-Generation 737. The firm order, valued at $4.5 billion, amounts to more airplanes than Southwest ordered during its first 16 years of operation. As the launch customer of the 737-300, 737-500 and Next-Generation 737 family, Southwest has contributed significantly to the design objectives of the 737.
Concurrently, Commercial Airplanes announced that the monthly production rate for Next-Generation 737s would increase from the current 24 per month to 28 per month with deliveries in the third quarter of 2001. "This rate increase reflects the overall popularity of the Next-Generation family," said Jim Jamieson, executive vice president of Airplane Programs. "Orders from airlines around the world confirm that it is the most advanced, economical, reliable and comfortable airplane in its class." Boeing has logged orders for 1,579 Next-Generation 737s since launching the program in 1993. Boeing delivered the 500th Next-Generation 737 in April.

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Lockheed Martin gets THAAD development contract
Heftig kritisiertes Luftabwehrsystem wird entwickelt

On June 28, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, awarded Lockheed Martin an approximate $4 billion contract to begin the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program. The contract announcement comes almost one year after the THAAD team recorded its historic first intercept of a simulated theater ballistic missile target -- June 10, 1999. Following that watershed event in Theater Missile Defense history, the THAAD team continued to demonstrate its commitment to mission success. On Aug. 2, 1999 the team achieved its second intercept, further demonstrating the feasibility of hit-to-kill technology and paving the way for the program to move into EMD.
"We learned important lessons from the Program Definition/Risk Reduction phase of the THAAD program and are now fully prepared to move forward -- shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Army and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) -- on this critical national initiative," said Ed Squires, Lockheed Martin THAAD vice president. "I am extremely proud of what the entire THAAD team has accomplished. We view the EMD program as an exciting challenge and an important opportunity to make a real and lasting contribution to national and international security."
The THAAD system is being developed in two phases. The first phase of the program is the main focus of the EMD contract. During this phase, the THAAD team will demonstrate the system's design and operational capabilities through a series of ground and flight tests. The team will also validate system manufacturing processes through low-rate initial production. The purpose of this phase is to complete the missile and radar hardware and other system elements necessary to satisfy the Key Performance Parameters specified in the system's Operational Requirements Document (ORD). This phase of the program will provide a substantial war fighting capability to the U.S. Army by 2007. The second phase, which will come later, will complete planned battle management and other software enhancements to provide full ORD compliance.

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Swissair reshuffles management at European airlines
Management-Änderungen bei Swissair

SAirGroup President and CEO Philippe Bruggisser has suggested a revised management structure to the shareholders of AOM, Air Littoral and Air Liberté. This new structure would include creation of a "Conseil de Surveillance", to be chaired by Alexandre Couvelaire. The new structure would be headed by designated CEO Paul Reutlinger. Sabena's board approved the move at a meeting while the boards of the French airlines will meet in the near future. As of August 1, 2000, Paul Reutlinger, current CEO of Sabena, will assume operative responsibility for the French airlines AOM, Air Littoral and Air Liberté. Reutlinger will be based in Paris and will guide the fusion of the three airlines into a single, profitable airline. He will maintain his seat on the Sabena Board of Directors and will be named Vice Chairman of that body. Christoph Müller will become CEO of Sabena as of August 1, 2000. He has beenChief Operating Officer of the Belgian airline since December 1999. In France, Alexandre Couvelaire, who has until now held the dual function of CEO and Chairman of both AOM and Air Liberté, will take on the position of Chairman of the Conseil de Surveillance, the highest body of the new airline. This action is subject to shareholder approval at an extraordinary meeting that has yet to be scheduled. The new airline's executive management, headed by Paul Reutlinger, will report to the Conseil de Surveillance.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

On June 27, EVA Airways of Taiwan purchased seven of the newest model 777 jetliners: four longer range 777-300 airplanes, and three longer range 777-200 airplanes. "These longer-range 777 airplanes open new markets for us with their extended range and unmatched economics," said Tony Cho, EVA corporate planning division executive vice president. Capable of flying more than 8,860 nautical miles (16,405 kilometers), the longer-range Boeing 777-200, slated as the world's longest-range commercial airplane, will be powered exclusively by the world's most powerful airplane engine, GE's GE90-110B1. The GE90-115B will be the exclusive powerplant for the longer-range Boeing 777-300. The longer-range 777-300 will have a range of 7,200 nmi (13,330 km) but will carry more passengers and cargo than the longer-range -200. EVA plans to use the jetliners on non-stop international routes from Taipei to the East and West Coasts of the United States, and for service from Taipei to Europe.
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National Airlines is acquiring four new Boeing 757-200 jetliners. GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) will provide the financing for these on an operating lease basis. All four airplanes are scheduled for delivery in 2001. The airline also has announced plans to acquire yet another four 757-200s, bringing the total to eight. The Las Vegas, Nev.-based airline is the fourth customer to announce acquisition of new Boeing 757s in the last two months. In May, American Airlines ordered 20 757-200s, JMC Airlines of the U.K. ordered two 757-300s and American Trans Air announced an intention to order 10 757-300s.
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During a ceremony on June 28, Boeing began assembly of the first C-17 Globemaster III for lease to the U.K. Royal Air Force. Attending the ceremony on the C-17 production line were officials from the U.K. Ministry of Defence, the U.S. Air Force, the City of Long Beach and Boeing. The first C-17 for the Royal Air Force will be delivered in spring 2001. The lease agreement between Boeing and the United Kingdom is still being negotiated. A signed agreement is expected by September.
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The privatisation of Hamburg airport could be decided in the next three weeks, with just two bidders remaining in the running. These are said to be the H.R.L. Morrison & Co investment bank and a consotrium of Hochtief and Aer Rianta. Flughafen hamburg had 9,45 passengers last year, a plus of 3,6 per cent. Turnover was 372 million DM, with a profit of 57,8 million DM.
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On July 2, exactly 100 years after the first flight of a Zeppelin rigid airship at Lake Constance, the new Zeppelin NT was christened "Friedrichshafen". The ceremony took place at the Löwenthal airport hangar of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin and was conducted by Elisabeth Veil, a descendant of Count Zeppelin. Certificaton of the Zeppelin NT, once expected for 1998, is now targeted for spring 2001.
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Eurowings pushed its passenger count over three million last year, rising turnover by 3,1 per cent to 729 million DM. Profits went up to 7,99 million DM. Eurowings is hevily engaged in feeder services for its partner KLM and may be affected by a possilbe merger of the Dutch carrier with British Airways.
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Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin have targeted the cannon for their entries in the JSF competition. The Advanced 27mm Aircraft Cannon is based on the proven BK27 developed by Mauser-Werke Oberndorf of Germany. Citing lower weight, improved integration and accurate lethality, Lockheed Martin recently announced its decision to use the single barrel, gas-operated cannon that fires 1,800 rounds a minute for its entry in the JSF combat aircraft competition. The decision follows a move by Boeing last year to select the cannon for its JSF entry. The Boeing-led Advanced 27mm Aircraft Cannon team is operating independently in its efforts to secure the cannon for the JSF.
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Swissair has completed the refurbishment of its long-haul fleet offering First Class passengers new inflight service and seating comfort. In collaboration with designer Tilla Theus and master chefs Roland Pierroz and Philippe Rochat, Swissair has developed a First Class product that sets new standards in comfort and service. Among the key new features is the seat/ottoman combination. With the press of a button the seat can be adjusted into a perfectly flat bed. The ottoman allows passengers to invite a fellow traveler over for conversation or a meal. The new First Class was unveiled last October and debuted in commercial service in December. With the completion of the fleetwide refurbishment, the new First Class is now available in 15 Swissair MD-11 and 9 Airbus A330 aircraft on flights to destinations around the world. Response among passengers to the new First Class has been overwhelmingly positive. "We have surpassed by a considerable margin our objective of being perceived as having the best First Class by 75% of our top customers," says Bernard Ecklin, Swissair product manager. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, Swissair will install a similar First Class product in the nine Airbus A340 aircraft, which joins the long-haul fleet in 2002.
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China successfully launched a meteorological satellite on June 25th at 7:50 p.m. (Beijing time). The satellite, called the Fengyun 2, was launched by a Long March 3 carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province. This is China's second geostationary meteorological satellite. It is an improved version of the first Fengyun 2 meteorological satellite launched by China in 1997, Chinese experts said. The satellite has a designed life span of three years. The rocket, measuring 44.9 meters in length, has a boosting capacity of 300 tons. It was designed by Chinese scientists. This is the 13th launch of a Long March 3 carrier rocket and the sixty-first launch of Long March carrier rocket series.
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Boeing's recently launched e-business Web site, "myboeingfleet.com", now offers airline customers 32 times more content, thanks to the addition of a huge volume of data on July 1. The additional content, totaling more than 1.5 terabytes of data, includes millions of engineering drawings for almost all Boeing and Douglas commercial jetliners in the world fleet. The 1.5 terabytes of data are equivalent to digitizing the content of 3 million books of 350 pages each. One terabyte equals 1,000 gigabytes. Besides the engineering drawings, other content added to the myboeingfleet.com portal on July 1 included searchable parts lists, more than 11,000 component maintenance/overhaul manuals and a fleet status report known as the Boeing FLEET TEAM Digest.
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Bombardier Aerospace, Defence Services and the Deparment of National Defence has inaugurated the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program with the official opening of its operations at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Moose Jaw. A 1994 Bombardier initiative, NFTC provides NATO-standard flying training in a unique private-public sector partnership. Bombardier heads an industrial consortium that provides and maintains two fleets of training aircraft and flight simulators, as well as other training equipment and support services. The Governme! nt of Canada, through the Department of National Defence, provides program management, facilities, infrastructure and instructor pilots from the Canadian Armed Forces. To date, Canada, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Singapore and Italy have committed to participate in NFTC. The contractual value of these training commitments totals more than $3.5 billion Cdn. over the next 20 years. Direct benefits to Canada include more than 5,600 person-years of long-term employment. NFTC training proceeds in three phases at CFB Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and at CFB Cold Lake,! Alberta, and capitalises on the bases' more than 700,000 s! quare kilometres of unrestricted military airspace, including the tactical training range at CFB Cold Lake, widely regarded as one of the best training facilities in the world. At present, 141 Canadians and nine foreign students are scheduled to train annually in Phase II, using Raytheon Aircraft Co. T-6A Harvard II turboprop aircraft at CFB Moose Jaw, prior to Advanced Jet, Multi-engine or Helicopter training. The first course, including students from Canada and Italy, began June 12, 2000.
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Russia launched an Express-A3 communications satellite early on Saturday, June 24th from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The satellite was put into orbit by a Proton-K rocket at 4:28 a. m. (0028 GMT). The launch, originally scheduled for Friday morning, had been put off because faults in the fueling system. The Proton rocket had been modified in line with advice of a commission investigating crashes of such launching vehicles last July and October. Russia had launched two Express communications satellites earlier. The first ended in failure last October when the Proton-K booster rocket exploded in mid-air. The second, Express-A2, was successfully placed in orbit in March. The 2.6-ton Express-A3, which has a designed service life of ten years, will be used to transmit digital television and mobile communications signals.
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Lockheed Martin's second X-35 concept demonstrator aircraft for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program has successfully completed structural loads testing at company facilities in Palmdale, Calif. "The structural testing verifies the X-35's ability to withstand the rigors of flight testing," said Frank J. Cappuccio, vice president and program manager for the Lockheed Martin JSF. "This test is even more significant when you consider that the X-35 will demonstrate the actual flight handling characteristics of our proposed operational configuration, thereby truly demonstrating our 'fly-before-buy' commitment to the customer." A test fixture with 90 hydraulic actuators applied stresses to different parts of the airplane to simulate in-flight aerodynamic pressure loads on the aircraft. The aircraft tested is the X-35C, which is configured as the U.S. Navy carrier variant and is the second demonstrator aircraft assembled. Because the different variants are structurally very similar, the load-test results apply to all three concept demonstrator variants. The aircraft was tested to 100 percent of design limit load -- minus 3 gs and plus 8 gs. This means the wings were stressed to carry about 180,000 pounds, or the weight of 50 mid-size automobiles. Test conditions also included wing torsional testing that represents aircraft rolling maneuvers.
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The Boeing Co. will launch Canada's RADARSAT-2 Earth-observation satellite, with the world's most advanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, on board a Delta II rocket in 2003. MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, on June 23 awarded Boeing a contract to launch the satellite. Its mass is expected to be 2,600 kilograms (approximately 5,720 pounds), and its orbit 798 kilometers (431 nautical miles) at 98.6 degrees, sun-synchronous.
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LTU in Germany have ordered installation of CTT Systems Zonal Drying System, in order to prevent condensation, in their complete fleet of Airbus A330-200 aircraft, a total of seven aircraft. Installation of first three aircraft is planned for December 2000 and additional two aircraft during year 2001 and two during year 2002. The decision was based upon a successful In-Service evaluation over a six months period carried out in one of LTU 180s A330 aircraft having the Zonal Drying System installed. The evaluation, overviewed by representatives from Airbus Industry, showed the effectiveness of the Zonal Drying System in drying out the insulation blankets and continuously preventing the build-up of new condensation between the cabin and the aircraft skin. "This order is an important step for CTT because not only have LTU been impressed by our system but Airbus Industry have also followed the evaluation and seen the effectiveness. Furthermore, we are delighted that LTU have increased the number of aircraft to be equipped with our system," comments CTT Systems AB president Mr. Torbjorn Johansson the order.
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Aerospatiale Matra Lanceurs, prime contractor for the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) built for the European Space Agency, has awarded at the end of June a contract to Fokker (Netherlands) for the development and manufacturing of the solar generation system (SGS). The contract amounts to 7.7 million euros. The ATV will be operational in 2003 ensuring the servicing of the International Space Station (ISS). Nine flight models will be successively launched at a rhythm of about one every 16 to 18 months up till 2013. The solar generation system (SGS) is composed of four wings with four panels each, equipped with silica solar cells. The wings measure nine meters in length, and are equipped with silicon solar cells. The system supplies a maximum power of 4.800 watts to the ATV during the rendezvous phase, and the phase when the ATV is attached to the station (a maximum of six months). The ATV's body is ten meters long and 4.5 meters in diameter. Its girth with the four solar panels deployed is 22 meters. Launch mass will be about 20 tons. It will be launched by Ariane 5 Evolution with the re-ignitable upper stage "Versatile".
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Qantas has expressed its interest to Airbus Industrie in becoming a launch customer for the A3XX, with indications of an initial requirement for up to 10 aircraft, for deliveries from 2006 onwards. The Sydney-based carrier said it was interested in the A3XX for its "Kangaroo Route" between Australia and London, and the trans-Pacific route between Australia and Los Angeles. "The anticipated seat-mile cost advantage and payload range capability make the A3XX an appealing option for Qantas to consider for its large aircraft needs," says Qantas Chief Executive Officer James Strong. "We are recognised as a pioneer in the development of long-haul air travel and it is appropriate that we continue our tradition of carrying customers in latest-technology aircraft over some of the longest air routes in the world," he adds.
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Korean Air has placed an order with Airbus Industrie for the purchase of three more widebody A330-300 aircraft. The latest contract increases the carrier's total A330 firm orders to 19 aircraft, comprising 16 A330-300s and three A330-200s. The newly-ordered aircraft will be delivered in 2001 and 2002. According to Airbus the latest contract with Korean Air consolidates further the market leading position of the A330/A340 Family, with a total of 607 firm orders from 56 customers worldwide, compared with 469 orders from 30 customers for the competing 777 series.
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BAe Systems, Regional Aircraft and West Air Sweden AB, of Gothenburg, announced the launch of a jointly-funded freighter programme for the ATP regional airliner. The launch follows the purchase by West Air Sweden of six ATPs formerly operated by United Feeder Services of the USA in a deal brokered by the asset management team of BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft. West Air Sweden has placed options on the remaining three ATPs in the UFS fleet. Three aircraft (msn 2022. 2034, 2036) have already been delivered to West Air Sweden with the following three (msn 2020,2021, 2035) due to follow in early Autumn. West Air Sweden is a privately owned air carrier specialising in the freight market and with its principal customers being the Swedish Mail Service. It also performs operations on behalf of the major integrators (next day delivery of parcel and package services) and has a busy ad hoc operation throughout Europe. Carrying out these tasks, West Air has a fleet of 11 BAe 748 aircraft, two of which are large freight door variants.
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A Lockheed Martin Atlas IIA rocket lifted off from Complex 36 Pad A on June 30th successfully placing the first of the next-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) into geosynchronous transfer orbit for NASA. Liftoff occurred at 8:56 a.m. EDT followed by spacecraft separation just under 30 minutes later. It was the fifth straight successful Atlas launch of 2000 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the 51st consecutive successful flight of Atlas. The Atlas IIA, designated AC-139 for the TDRS-H mission, is one of two Atlas II family configurations presently launching satellites for government and commercial customers worldwide. The Atlas II series, including the II, IIA and IIAS, has achieved 100 percent operational success starting with the inaugural launch of each vehicle. Specifically, the Atlas IIA has tallied 19 successes in 19 flights. TRDS-H is the first of three next-generation tracking satellites that will launch aboard Atlas. Once operational at 171 degrees West longitude, TDRS-H will become TDRS-8 and join the six satellites already on orbit in the TDRS fleet. All of the other TDRS satellites have been launched from the space shuttle. TDRS-H was built by Hughes Space and Communications Company of El Segundo, CA.
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The first production model of New Piper Aircraft, Inc.'s Malibu Meridian completed it's first in a series of flight tests required in the extensive certification and production program. Once flight testing is complete, expected following the demanding battery of tests the aircraft must pass, it will head for exterior and interior completion. This first production Meridian will then be readied for delivery to the first retail customer later this summer. The first totally new aircraft developed by New Piper since it was established in 1995, the Meridian is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-42A turboprop engine producing 500 shaft horsepower. It is capable of delivering speeds up to 267 knots (approximately 300 mph), can climb to an altitude of 25,000 feet in just 17 minutes, and can carry up to six people to a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet. Full-scale production of the Meridian line of aircraft begins with S/N 003, and includes an additional 34 aircraft scheduled to be completed by year end. To date, New Piper has received 102 retail orders and 137 wholesale orders on new Malibu Meridian business aircraft, for customers in 10 foreign countries, as well as within the United States.
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Jeffrey G. Katz, President and CEO of Swissair, is leaving the Swiss airline after three-and-one-half years of valuable service on the company's behalf. He will return to the USA to accept a CEO position in the e-business sector. The SAirGroup Board of Directors is aware of the numerous challenges facing the airline sector and has moved to strengthen the management capacity in this business segment. SAirGroup CEO Philippe Bruggisser will therefore take on the task of managing Swissair and all the Group's airline business.
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With an eye toward establishing a global presence, SR Technics has given itself a new corporate structure. The regional operations of the company will be amalgamated under the SR Technics Group. This gives the SAirGroup's aircraft maintenance company an ideal framework for its global activities. SR Technics is currently creating regional centres in Europe, the USA, the Far East and South America. The scope of products offered is also being expanded to include additional powerplant and aircraft models. According to SR Technics Group CEO Hans Ulrich Beyeler, the goal is to strongly expand the company's position in the rapidly changing business environment, making SR Technics one of the leading maintenance providers in the world.
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Beginning January 1, 2001, Swissair plans to integrate a substantial amount of its training services in a newly-founded subsidiary: Swissair Training Center AG. The company will primarily be involved in the training of pilots and flight attendants and aims to become a leading provider of training services in the European aviation market. The most significant services provided by the Swissair Training Center AG will be the selection and basic training of pilots and basic and continuation training for flight attendants. The new firm will also lease-out aircraft simulators. Additional activities will include seminars and assessments in operations outside the aviation field. The Swissair Training Center AG represents the largest training facility within the Qualiflyer Group. During the first business year the new company plans to generate operating revenue of CHF 60 million with 160 staff in 80 full-time positions. Designated CEO Manfred Brennwald believes the Swissair Training Center AG, together with various partners, can develop into a leading provider of training services in the European aviation market.
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