U
P
D
A
T
E
Home | UPDATE | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Inside | Datafiles

UPDATE 
Week ending June 17, 2001
+++ European Air Transport Co-ordination Cell formed +++ European airline traffic drops +++ Ariane launches Intelsat 901 +++ Europe and Russia co-operate in space +++ News in brief +++

European Air Transport Co-ordination Cell formed
Luftwaffen koordinieren Lufttransport

Following the formal accession of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Air Group (EAG) earlier this year, the Chief of Staff German Air Force, Lieutenant General G. Back, as the Chairman of the EAG Steering Group, had the pleasure of hosting its annual meeting in Berlin. The main topic of the agenda has been devoted to Air Transport. Consequently, a significant decision was made, during this meeting, to help optimise military air transport, by improved co-operation and co-ordination. Agreement was reached on the establishment of a European Air Transport Co-ordination Cell (EACC) which will be established at the Royal Netherlands Air Force base at Eindhoven. The EACC will be established by 17 September 2001, and will comprise personnel from all EAG air forces, who contribute to the co-ordination and efficient use of air transport and air-to-air refuelling assets available to the EAG nations now and in the future. The First Director of the EACC will be provided by the French Air Force.
The decision of establishing the EACC is an important step on the path of closer European military co-operation and will add significant benefit to the EAG members' air forces. Thus, the EAG is contributing to both the realisation of the European Union Headline Goal and the NATO Defence Capabilities Initiative. The future introduction of the A400M aircraft into almost all EAG member nations inventories will provide further opportunities for deeper co-operation and will give full strength to the European air transport co-ordination. Currently the EAG SG is composed of the Chiefs of Air Staff from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom, as well as of senior representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Ministries of Defence.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite


European airline traffic drops
Rückgang bei den europäischen Fluggesellschaften

AEA members' passenger figures in April showed a further deterioration in the market when, for the first time in ten years, overall passenger-km were down on the year before. With Total International traffic at minus 0.2%, the decrease was a small one. On most longhaul route areas, however, traffic losses were more substantial. Far East/Australia was down 4.9% and North Atlantic minus 4.1%. Losses on the South Atlantic and on African routes were of a comparable magnitude. Again, it was intra-European services which bucked the trend, with a 6.5% traffic growth.
In this, the first month of the Summer timetable, changes in capacity varied widely from region to region. In Europe, 7.6% more seat-km were offered, and 1.3% on the North Atlantic. There was 9.3% fewer seat-km to Africa, however, and a 2.8% drop on Eastern routes. Overall, capacity was up 2.7%, leading to a load factor drop of 2.1 percentage points, to 72.7%. Load factors were down on all operating regions with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa. Neither was April a good month for airfreight, with a 2.5% drop in overall volume attributable mainly to a 10.4% decrease in the North Atlantic market. The other major market, to/from the Far East, also failed to register an increase.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite


Ariane launches Intelsat 901
Intelsat mit Ariane ins All gebracht

On June 9, the first of the Intelsat IX-series satellites was placed into an accurate geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 4 launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The Intelsat 901 payload was the 18th Intelsat satellite launched by Ariane, confirming the global telecommunications operator's long-term confidence in Arianespace. Five more Intelsat IX-series satellites are scheduled for launch by Arianespace, including one more spacecraft this year. The Intelsat IX-series satellites are tailored for today's telecommunications demands, and are key to Intelsat's business development strategy.
The Flight 141 once again demonstrated the quality and reliability of Arianespace's launch services. Since March 1995, Arianespace has performed 62 successful Ariane 4 launches in a row. Three more Ariane 4 launches and four Ariane 5 missions are planned through the end of 2001. The next Arianespace launch, Flight 142, is slated for July 12. Flight 141 was carried out by an Ariane 44L, the most powerful version of this launcher, equipped with four liquid-propellant strap-on boosters. Liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana was on June 9, 2001 at 3:45 am local time (6h45 GMT; 8:45 am in Paris and 2:45 am in Washington, D.C.). Built by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California, the Intelsat 901 satellite will be positioned at 342 degrees East. It joins the Intelsat fleet of satellites providing telecommunications and television services for the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Intelsat 901 weighed 4,723 kg. at liftoff, and is equipped with 42 C-band transponders and 14 Ku-band transponders. It has a design life of more than 13 years.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite


Europe and Russia co-operate in space
Raumfahrt-Zusammenarbeit mit Russland

On 8 June a hearing took place in the State Duma in Moscow on "Opportunities for Euro-Russia co-operation in space". The meeting was hosted by the President of the State Duma, Gennadi Seleznev, and was organised by the Chairman of the Duma Committee on Education and Science, Ivan Melnikov. The meeting followed political contacts of the Duma with Philippe Busquin, Commissioner for Research in the European Commission and with Members of the European Parliament. Last year Commissioner Busquin expressed the will to reinforce the EU-Russia initiative "Dialogue on Space" during a meeting with Yuri Koptev, Director General of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, Rosaviakosmos. In parallel, Mr Yuri Koptev and Mr. Antonio Rodotà, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) have been assessing the possibility of enhancing cooperation between ESA and Rosaviakosmos.
The European delegation consisted of representatives of the European Commission and the European Space Agency, a member of the European Parliament and representatives from industry; the Russian side was composed of legislators, space industry, and representatives from Rosaviakosmos. Participants in the hearing reviewed current joint activities and in particular the impetus which the new European Strategy for Space, adopted by the European Union Research Council and the ESA Council in November 2000, can give to further co-operation between the EU, ESA and the Russian Federation. The industrial presentations and subsequent discussions highlighted three areas that merit particular attention because of the wide-ranging benefits to be expected from combining efforts: launch services; development of the satellite navigation system GALILEO; elaboration of the initiative "Global Monitoring for Environment and Security" (GMES) and supporting space-based and information-related activities
Co-operation in these areas promises not only economic benefits in a global marketplace, but also technological, strategic and political benefits. The participants at this high-level hearing recommended that the joint working group, which was set up by Commissioner Busquin and Director General Koptev in the framework of the Dialogue on Space with full involvement of the European Space Agency, rapidly address these three areas on a political level, building on existing achievements. There is a window of opportunity to move negotiations forward and plan industry work in these areas.

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite


NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle returned to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on June 8 after a six-week deployment in Australia. "The Australian deployment has been a tremendous success," said Col. Wayne Johnson, director of the Global Hawk Program for the Reconnaissance Systems Program Office here. "We will use the lessons learned from this deployment to better meet the warfighter's needs when the system is operational." While deployed, the UAV completed 11 sorties for a total of 238.3 flight hours. Four of those missions were flown in support of Tandem Thrust '01, a joint-force exercise held at various locations across the country. The deployment was intended to help U.S. Air Force and Ministry of Defence officials determine Global Hawk's future military utility in Australia. Global Hawk Air Vehicle No. 5 "Southern Cross II" completed its 89th mission for a total of 1,182 program flight hours to date.
+++
The presidents of the Qualiflyer Alliance airlines confirmed their commitment to the core values of the Qualiflyer Alliance at their regularly-scheduled meeting on June 12. All Qualiflyer Alliance members are determined to jointly enhance the customer benefits that the Qualiflyer alliance offers, such as: - the frequent flyer programme, which has become the leading European programme in terms of size and customer perception; - joint alliance call centers in London, Milan, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Istanbul, Stockholm, New York and Brisbane which provide services 24-hours a day, seven days a week; - joint airport organisations, that offer passengers assistance and service, at 45 locations throughout Europe; - joint sales offices in the main European countries. On the basis of these achievements, talks with potential new member airlines have been scheduled.
+++
During the German/French summit at Freiburg on June 12 Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Germany hoped to sign a deal on buying Airbus A400M military transport planes with its European partners at Le Bourget. "The will to get this joint project on the road cannot be shaken," Schroeder told journalists after the day of talks
+++
Cesare Gianni, president of Eurofighter International, said on June 11 that the European consortium will make efforts to meet the offset requirements for Korea's next-generation fighter program code-named FX. "They are very demanding requirements, but we are willing to meet them," Gianni said in a press conference at the Hotel Shilla in Seoul. "The value of this proposed offset production to Korea would amount to $2.8 billion," Gianni said, adding that his side is committed to meeting this target. Korea recently raised the offset requirements from 30 percent to 70 percent. We raised the offset requirements to acquire core technologies and parts production in case Korea introduces fighters in a direct purchase," a Defense Ministry official said. Currently, the Defense Ministry is considering buying fighters in a direct purchase or produce fighters under a license contract. Gianni said the European consortium is also considering measures through which Korea can expand its offset package in commercial airplanes within the framework of the FX project.
+++
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that contracts it received for the modernization of the Brazilian Air Force F-5 aircraft, have become effective and the initial downpayment was made on June 8, 2001. This follows Elbit Systems' announcement on January 4, 2001 regarding the approval by the Brazilian Senate of the financing terms of the F-5 modernization program. The value of the contracts received by Elbit Systems from Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft company, and the Brazilian Aeronautics Command, is approximately $230 million to be performed over a period of six years.
+++
Pratt & Whitney has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to provide ten of its F100-PW-229 engines to power F-15E fighter aircraft, scheduled to be delivered in 2003 and 2004. "We are very proud to be the power for the F-15E," said Dennis Enos, vice president, operational engine programs, Pratt & Whitney. "The combination of the F-15E and the F100 engine have been shown to be an extremely effective combat proven system, and we are pleased to be members of an outstanding U.S. Air Force and Boeing team."
+++
On June 11, Griffon Corporation announced through its wholly-owned subsidiary Telephonics Corporation receipt of contracts of approximately $13.0 million for its new RDR-1700 Search, Surveillance and Weather Avoidance Radar system and its APS-143B(V)3 Surveillance Radar. Telephonics will provide up to twenty-three RDR-1700s for use on Agusta-Westland naval helicopters, and three APS-143B(V)3 for use on an unnamed fixed-wing platform for airborne anti-drug surveillance activities. Delivery of these systems is expected to take place over the next 18 to 24 months. The RDR-1700 multi-mode, X-band radar has a flexible design that allows installation in helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft for support of search and rescue activities that require detection of small vessels. The system has an integral target tracking capability. At a weight of less than 35 kilograms and with three search modes and 360-degree digital color scanning, this radar is ideal for coastal activities including Search and Rescue, drug interdiction, customs, anti-smuggling and the detection of illegal fishing.
+++
The second Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the United Kingdom became Royal Air Force property on June 13, less than one month after the first aircraft was delivered. This second aircraft, UK2, was accepted by Air Commodore David Vass, AirTransport, Air-to-Air Refueling, 2 Group, Headquarters Strike Command, RAF, from the Boeing C-17 production facility here. UK1 was delivered to the RAF on May 17. The airplanes are stationed at RAF Brize Norton, west of London.
+++
FiatAvio, the aerospace company of the Fiat Group, and Agusta, an AgustaWestland company, have signed a contract for production and logistics support of the T700/T6E1 engine for the Italian military multi-role NH 90 helicopters. This engine contract is the first awarded after signing of the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) Memorandum of Understanding for production go-ahead. A total of 396 engines plus spares will be produced for 196 helicopters. This contract covers the initial procurement of 232 engines for 116 helicopters. The T700/T6E1, rated at 2,000 kW, is the newest growth derivative of GE's T700 engine family. The T700/T6E1 was co-developed and will be co-produced by GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) and FiatAvio. FiatAvio is responsible for 50 percent of the design and testing of the certification engines and will assemble and test the production engines for Italy's NH 90 helicopters at their Brindisi plant. In addition, production engine components will be manufactured at Fiat's plants in Pomigliano d'Arco, Acerra, and Torino. Overall, Fiat will produce 60 percent of the T700/T6E1 engines for the Italian NH 90 and 40 percent for other T700/T6E1 markets worldwide.
+++
The ten most promising mission concepts of the 43 proposed to NASA for possible launch to Mars in 2007 were selected to receive funding for six months of continued studies.Included in the ten concepts selected for study are missions to return samples of martian atmospheric dust and gas, networks of small landers, orbiting constellations of small craft, and a rover that would attempt to establish absolute surface ages of rocks and soils. NASA plans to evaluate the ten innovative concepts using rapid six-month studies as a means for jump-starting the identification of new Mars Scout missions that will compete for a possible launch in 2007. The proposals were submitted to NASA's Mars Exploration Program in the Office of Space Science in Washington, DC, in response to a call for proposals in March 2001. Those selected will receive up to $150,000 each for the study.
+++
The latest findings from the IATA Global Airport Monitor show Singapore Changi, Sydney Kingsford Smith and Helsinki Vantaa leading the way in Overall passenger satisfaction. The analysis highlights comparative passenger satisfaction levels amongst 48 major airports world-wide, based on a sample of 90,000 international passengers. This year competition for the top places is as hot as ever, with 4 airports ratings within 5% of the top scoring airport, Singapore Changi. This reflects these airports' continuous investment in either upgrading facilities or focusing on customer service. Singapore secures 'top of the class' position for Overall passenger satisfaction and for a further 15 service items including the newest service item measured, Cleanliness of airport terminal. Sydney, having undergone an extensive improvement programme, excelled for its Comfortable waiting/gate areas and Courtesy, helpfulness of airport staff (joint with Singapore). Hong Kong continues to invest in its newly opened airport and has the benefit of a comprehensive transportation network, which explains the top position globally for Ground transportation to/from airport. Minneapolis takes the lead for Ease of finding your way through the airport/Signposting and its Restaurant/Eating facilities. This year Birmingham, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Sydney Kingsford Smith and Vienna are the new additions to the top 10 rated airports for Overall passenger satisfaction.
+++
On June 12, Rolls-Royce handed over its 1000th AE 3007 engine to Embraer at the aircraft maker's facilities in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The event was attended by senior representatives from both companies and the British Ambassador to Brazil. Speaking at the ceremony, John Cheffins, Chief Operating Officer, Rolls-Royce, said: "Embraer has played a significant role in the expanding regional jet market with its hugely popular ERJ aircraft series. The result is that the AE 3007, which is the exclusive engine on Embraer's 37 - 50 seat jets, has become our fastest-growing programme. We are proud to join with Embraer in recognising this landmark delivery and we look ahead with confidence to future successes." "Delivery of the 1,000th AE 3007 aircraft engine is a major achievement. We at Embraer are pleased to play a part in this milestone event that further underlines the long-standing association between our company and Rolls-Royce", said Mauricio Bothelo, Embraer's President and CEO. Firm and option orders for Embraer twin-engine corporate and regional jets are fast approaching 1600. This high-volume programme has seen 1000 engines delivered to Embraer since the ERJ 145 first entered service in 1996, 400 of which were delivered last year. The in-service fleet has already accumulated 2.5 million engine hours and will have reached more than 4 million by the end of this year.
+++
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and six manufacturing companies from the Netherlands was signed, signifying the companies' agreement to work together in support of the P&W-powered Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Signing the MOU for Pratt & Whitney was Bob Cea, Vice President, JSF119 programs. Signers for the Netherlands companies were Ger de Vlieger, Vice President and General Manager, Eldim B.V.; Gerard van Beek, President, Fokker Elmo B.V.; Dennis Flanagan, Managing Director, Hamilton Sundstrand Customer Support Center - Maastricht B.V.; Ir. Huub J.G. van Heel, Managing Director, Nederlands Centrum voor Laser Research; Dick Alta, General Manager, Urenco Nederland B.V.; and Kier Vis, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Stork N.V. "Even though Pratt & Whitney already has individual agreements with many of these companies related to specific JSF119 work, we mutually agreed to take a team approach to assure success of the program," Cea said. "The MOU will assure that Pratt & Whitney and our Dutch partners can share information, coordinate our communication and marketing efforts, and be attuned to issues that affect the Netherlands aerospace industry as a whole."
+++
Embraer, the world's fourth largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, announced the delivery today of its first jet to the Belgium Government. The delivering ceremony took place at the Herpain hangar of the Melsbroek airport in the outskirts of the Belgian capital. The ERJ 135, identified as CE 01, is part a four-aircraft order by Brussels, all of them assigned to government staff transportation. The full contract between Belgium and Embraer is valued at US$ 78 million and has a special meaning for the Brazilian manufacturer, as explained by the company's CEO Mauricio Botelho: "It's a true honor for us to have our jets serving the Belgium Government, particularly at a time when Brussels will head the European Community from July on."
+++
American, Delta and United airlines have announced a new partnership with Boeing aimed at providing millions of worldwide airline passengers each year with two-way broadband connectivity to e-mail, the Internet, corporate intranets, live television and entertainment, and other services while in flight. In a joint news conference, three of the world's leading airlines and Connexion by Boeing announced they have signed a Letter of Intent to pursue forming a new global business venture to provide broadband communications and data services to commercial aircraft. The proposed venture would be jointly owned by Boeing and the three airlines, with Boeing serving as the major shareholder with overall management responsibility. "It will take this kind of collaboration to bring a high-quality service to the airline passenger and the entire marketplace," said Scott Carson, president, Connexion by Boeing. "Each of the airlines and Boeing bring together a critical mass to help ensure success for this service with airline passengers and the global airline industry." Upon signing definitive agreements, Boeing and the airlines each will contribute funding, certain intellectual property, and other assets necessary to carry on the business of the proposed venture. As part of the definitive agreements, the three airlines will equip a total of 1,500 aircraft with the venture's innovative, high-speed broadband Internet connectivity service, which will retain the Connexion by Boeing name. The timing of the first installation will be in the second half of 2002.
+++

Back to the top of the page / Zurück zum Anfang der Seite


Previous updates are still available:
Die News der letzten Wochen sind weiter abrufbar:

*June 10, 2001 *June 3, 2001

*May 27, 2001 *May 20, 2001 *May 13, 2001 *May 6, 2001

*April 29, 2001 *April 22, 2001 *April 15, 2001 *April 8, 2001 *April 1, 2001

*January - March 2001

*January to December 2000 *January to December 1999 *January to December 1998 *January to December 1997 *September to December 1996

Home | UPDATE | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Inside | Datafiles
Copyright 2001 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved.
Last updated 14 June 2001
FLUG REVUE, Ubierstr. 83, 53173 Bonn, Germany