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Week ending December 1, 2002
+++ Second Boeing X-45A flies +++ Taurus KEPD 350 completes tests in South Africa +++ Shuttle at the ISS to install more structure +++ Astrium opens new production centre +++ News in brief +++
Second Boeing X-45A flies
Erstflug des zweiten UCAV
The second Boeing X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle technology demonstrator has successfully completed its first flight at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. After taking off from the dry lakebed at NASA-Dryden, X-45A vehicle No. 2 flew for approximately 30 minutes and reached an air speed of 195 knots and an altitude of 7,500 feet. This flight comes six months after the first flight of X-45A vehicle No. 1 on May 22. "We're very excited about the second X-45A demonstration vehicle joining the flight test program," said Darryl Davis, Boeing UCAV program manager. "Operating two aircraft in flight test will validate the test points more rapidly, and demonstrate the robustness of the system we're developing with our Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, and the U.S. Air Force team." After initial X-45A flight worthiness tests are completed, the maturing test process will eventually involve flying the two UCAV demonstrators in formation, operating with manned aircraft, dropping ordnance, and performing autonomous missions in simulated threat scenarios. Toward this objective, the UCAV program successfully demonstrated in October a distributed, multi-vehicle control capability for the UCAV Mission Control Segment, or MCS. The demonstration, conducted at the Boeing Simulation Integration Laboratory in Seattle, showed how the MCS software allows a single operator to control more than one air vehicle in support of fixed target strikes and suppression of enemy air defense missions. "I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments of the government/industry test execution team, led by Gary Cosentino of NASA and Roy Smith of Boeing," commented Col. Earl Wyatt, the DARPA UCAV program manager. "The joint team deserves a tremendous amount of the credit for the success we've demonstrated to date."
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Taurus KEPD 350 completes tests in South Africa
Flugtests der Abstandswaffe in abgeschlossen
The free flight of the Taurus KEPD 350 precision standoff guided missile system, FV 1 (verification missile 1), on 21 November 2002 at the test range in Overberg/South Africa was a complete success. For the first time, the missile used corresponded to the series configuration. The free flight campaign was the last of a total of five within the scope of the development work and provided both a verification of the required features and final validation of the simulation models. The free flight was conducted by Taurus Systems GmbH (TSG) and led by the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61 (WTD 61) with the support of the German Air Force. "The free flight campaign which was carried out successfully for Taurus KEPD 350 is an example of the excellent system capability of EADS/LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH, the largest guided missile system company in Germany. My thanks go to the whole Taurus team. Together with our Swedish partner SAAB Bofors Dynamics, we have achieved excellent results in an extremely short development time," said Werner Kaltenegger, CEO of EADS/LFK. The test campaign took place under quasi-operational conditions as regards both target erection and flight path. Using the newly developed Taurus KEPD 350 mission planning station, the flight path and all other important mission data were calculated and transmitted to the missile. This was safely released in a twin configuration from the right shoulder station of the Tornado carrier aircraft at a flight altitude of 4,500 meters and reached the target with extreme precision after flying its full operational range. "We are proud that we have been able to demonstrate the high operational performance of Taurus KEPD 350 through the last free flight within the scope of the industrial testing," said Dr. Wolfgang Blaschke, Managing Director of TSG. "The complete system as well as all the subsystems operated perfectly. We are tremendously pleased with this great success and wish to thank the colleagues from WTD 61 and the Luftwaffe for their professional cooperation."
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Shuttle at the ISS to install more structure
Raumstation wird ausgebaut
STS-113 Mission Specialists John Herrington and Michael Lopez-Alegria successfully completed a Thanksgiving Day spacewalk at 6:46 p.m. CST (0046 GMT Friday). During the 6-hour, 10-minute extravehicular activity, they continued activating and outfitting the International Space Station's P1 (P-One) Truss, which included: connecting fluid lines from the P1 Truss to the S0 (S-Zero) Truss, relocating launch restraints and relocating a Crew and Equipment Translation Aid, or CETA, cart from the P1 to the S1 (S-One) Truss. They are also installed the second Wireless video system External Transceiver Assembly that will be used to support helmet camera communications for future spacewalkers. They received support from inside the station. STS-113 Pilot Paul Lockhart coordinated the spacewalk and Commander Jim Wetherbee operated Space Shuttle Endeavour's robot arm. NASA ISS Science Officers Peggy Whitson and Don Pettit controlled the station's robot arm, which was used to relocate the CETA cart. This was the second of three STS-113 spacewalks and the 23rd based out of the station. Endeavour docked with the International Space Station at 3:59 CST on November 25, bringing a new crew and another segment of the station's backbone, the Port One (P1) segment of the Integrated Truss System. The rendezvous and docking of Endeavour with shuttle Commander Jim Wetherbee at the controls went smoothly. Docking occurred about 248 statute miles above the South Pacific off the southeastern coast of Australia. After successful leak checks, the last hatch between the two spacecraft was opened at 5:31 p.m. The Expedition 5 crew - Commander Valery Korzun, NASA ISS Science Officer Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Sergei Treschev - welcomed the new arrivals to the orbiting laboratory to begin a week of docked operations. After greetings, the first item on the agenda was a safety briefing by Korzun. Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox, NASA ISS Science Officer Don Pettit and Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin later installed their custom seatliners in the Soyuz spacecraft that could serve as a return vehicle in the unlikely event it became necessary to leave the station unexpectedly. Their call saying they had completed the installation and pressure checks of the Russian SOKOL re-entry suits made them station crewmembers. It also officially ended the Expedition 5 increment, after 171 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes.
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Astrium opens new production centre
Neue Fabrik in Ottobrunn eingeweiht
Through its new Production Centre for rocket engines at the Ottobrunn site, Astrium Space Infrastructure is concentrating its competencies as Europe's leading manufacturer of thrust chamber systems for the space industry. In a special ceremony on Monday, Bavaria's Minister of State for Economics and Technology, Otto Wiesheu, and the CEO of EADS, Rainer Hertrich, officially opened the Ariane Centre. Astrium Space Infrastructure has invested a total of Euro 20 million in the modern Production Centre. On an area of 10,000 square metres, 160 highly qualified engineers and skilled workers will produce engines for the European launcher Ariane, the most successful launcher on the global commercial satellite transport market. "In a period of only twelve months, we have succeeded in building our new high-tech Production Centre for launcher engines," noted Axel Deich, Director Propulsion and Equipment at Astrium Space Infrastructure and builder-owner of the Ariane Centre. "The concept and layout of the Ariane Centre will allow us to manufacture the same high quality products as always in less time and at a lower cost. This makes us interesting for other high-tech areas too. Today we already achieve revenues of Euro 2.5 million through the production of satellite and aircraft components." Astrium has invested a total of Euro 20 million in the new Ariane Centre. Small and medium-sized businesses in Bavaria will benefit by receiving 80 percent of the contract volumes. Over 50 businesses were involved in the planning and construction of the Ariane Centre. "Through its Ariane Centre, Astrium is an important driving force behind technology for the Bavarian space and suppliers industry," said Minister Wiesheu. "Only by participating in European projects for the future will it be possible to preserve know-how and make use of the commercial space industry to its full advantage."
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The V-22 Osprey Integrated Test Team (ITT) commenced Phase I of the high rate of descent (HROD) test plan in earnest on November 25th, completing 13 test points over the course of two back-to-back sorties. The ITT is using Aircraft #8, one of four Ospreys in the current test inventory, exclusively for the HROD testing. Aircraft #8 has been specially instrumented and wired to provide crucial feedback to pilots and engineers during the series of flights designed to ultimately give fleet pilots the confidence to exploit the V-22's unique maneuvering capabilities. "There were no big surprises,” Steve Grohsmeyer, test co-pilot for the initial HROD events, said of the flights as he walked back to the hangar at the end of a long but productive day at NAS Patuxent River. "The airplane behaved very nicely.” "Overall, it was a good start,” added Tom Macdonald, ITT Chief Test Pilot and test pilot for the flights. "The test team worked hard and allowed us to get a lot done today.” While the team has taken a methodical and safe approach toward the HROD plan, Grohsmeyer explained that the first flights were by no means "baby steps.” "Already we're hitting rates of descent that are well beyond where we expect fleet pilots to go,” he said. "We're going to give the average tilt rotor aviator plenty of space to do what he needs to do in any operational environment.”+++
Boeing has announced that it was awarded a NASA contract to continue development of the X-37 reusable spaceplane and conduct atmospheric and orbital flight tests. Under this $301 million Space Launch Initiative contract, which includes options through 2006, Boeing Phantom Works will complete the final assembly of the X-37 Approach and Landing Test Vehicle and conduct an atmospheric flight test in April 2004. The contract also initiates a design for an additional X-37 long-duration orbital vehicle, currently scheduled to be inserted into low Earth orbit by a Delta II booster in July 2006. "This award solidifies our commitment to long-term development of next-generation launch technologies," said Ron Prosser, vice president of Boeing Integrated Defense Advanced Systems. "We look forward to being part of NASA's long-range plans to achieve safe, low-cost and dependable access to space. The X-37 will provide the initial technologies to help carry out this strategy."
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) applauds the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) for its support of the aviation industry with the creation of the S$210 million Air Hub Development Fund (AHDF) Over three years aviation will benefit from 15% discounts on aircraft landing fees and rentals as well as incentives to attract new services and expand the activities of existing airlines In response to IATA's request following September 11, Singapore Changi offered airlines a 10% reduction in user charges until December 2002. In recognition of this, IATA awarded Singapore's Changi Airport with an Eagle Award. The AHDF extends the period for another three years and increases the discount level to 15%. IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani commented that "This is yet another clear demonstration of Singapore's strategic understanding of the contributions of air transport to the overall economy and the requirements for aviation to be successful. As the airline industry continues to struggle with its recovery, I congratulate Mr. Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister of Transport for Singapore on providing much needed relief for the airlines that will also serve to strengthen Singapore's position as an important air hub in the region."
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The Boeing Company announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its plant in Spokane, Wash., to Triumph Group Incorporated. Boeing in March 2002 announced its intention to sell the plant, which produces a variety of composite and thermoplastic aircraft parts. Boeing and Triumph reached agreement Nov. 22, 2002, and made the formal announcement at a news conference today at the Spokane facility. The transaction is subject to successful negotiation and ratification of collective bargaining agreements. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Transfer of ownership is expected to occur by Dec. 31, 2002. As part of the transaction, Boeing and Triumph will enter into an eight-year single-source agreement to continue supplying the parts fabricated by the Spokane plant. "We are pleased to announce a solution that enables the Spokane facility to continue to operate in Eastern Washington," said Mary Armstrong, vice president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Aircraft Systems & Interiors. "Triumph is a valued supplier with a long, positive history with Boeing. We are confident that Triumph will be a good employer and a strong leader in the Spokane community."
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On November 28 at 9:07 local time, a COSMOS carrier rocket was successfully launched on schedule with its payload including OHB's RUBIN-3 micro satellite. The rocket took off at the Plesetsk launching pad located 800 kilometers north-east of Moscow, successfully placing the satellite it was carrying in its intended orbit. OHB's RUBIN-3 micro satellite is to be used for experiments involving new orbital telematics concepts. After reaching its solar-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers, this experimental payload started sending comprehensive data to Bremen via the US ORBCOMM gateway using the ORBCOMM satellite network. One special feature is that RUBIN is transmitting e-mail messages. The satellite was financed, developed and built by OHB-System. The experimental mission comprises two phases. In Phase 1, data collected on the rocket during its ascent, e.g. temperature, velocity and vibration strain, was recorded. In Phase 2, which RUBIN-3 has now entered, the satellite will be sending the measurements from its orbital position via the 30-satellite strong ORBCOMM network to the ground stations. From now on, RUBIN-3 will be used to conduct further long-term testing of comprehensive communications with satellites and for system optimization. OHB's RUBIN series now comprises three communication satellites, the first of which was successfully launched in July 2002 and sent roughly 1,600 e-mail messages containing measurements from outer space. RUBIN-2 has been slated for a December 2002 launch.
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The Bremen-based space company OHB-System AG shipped the finished signal, energy and video cables for the physical research laboratory FSL (Fluid Science Lab) to Alenia Spazio in Turin. The Italian company is building this laboratory on behalf of the European Space Agency for the COLUMBUS module of the International Space Station, the entire cabling for which OHB-System has also supplied. The Fluid Science Lab is designed to conduct experiments on the transportation of materials and energy as well as the surface properties of liquids and gases in gravity-free conditions as of 2004. A better understanding of these phenomena is of crucial importance for optimizing the terrestrial use of fluid resources, e.g. in combustion, lubrication, coating and other technical processes. The cabling systems, on-schedule delivery of which was rewarded with a bonus of EUR 100,000, constitute the first part of the deliveries which OHB-System will be making for the Fluid Science Lab. In the course of the next six months, it will be followed by the video management unit (VMU) for recording, processing and transmitting video and other data gathered from the experiments, the PCU power supply unit and a series of special high-resolution digital cameras allowing precise observation of the fluids. Using these cameras in tandem with precise video processing and transmission (VMU), scientists will be able to follow and control their experiments on an almost real-time basis from the earth.
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Alpha Aviation Co..,Ltd.President Shizuka Saito presented Robinson Helicopter Company President Frank Robinson today with the Japanese Type Certificate for the Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters.Robinson Helicopter Company is the first U.S.helicopter manufacturer to receive Japanese type certification. Alpha Aviation in Japan,a Robinson dealer,began the certification process in 1999. Robinson Engineer VP Pete Riedl and James Wang of the FAA visited Japan as a part of the process.The Lycoming engines used in all Robinson helicopters were approved in July 2001. Airframe certification this month completes the process.
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Robinson Helicopter Company announced it has already received more than 50 orders for the new R44 Raven II helicopter,including two ENG Newscopters.Robinson started taking orders for the helicopter in June and began delivering the aircraft this month following final FAA certification. "The new helicopters are going all over the world for a number of applications,” says RHC Sales Manager Milly Donahue."Many customers are interested in the aircraft for its ability to perform in high altitudes and hot temperatures.” The R44 Raven II features the new Lycoming IO-540 Fuel Injected,Angled-Valve, Tuned Induction engine,designed by Lycoming in cooperation with Robinson exclusively for the Raven II.The new engine is derated to 245 HP for 5 minutes,and 205 HP maximum continuous rating.This allows a 100 lb increase in the R44 's gross weight and increased IGE and OGE hover ceilings,while eliminating the carburetor and the need for carburetor heat.
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With signing an overhaul agreement American Airlines affirmed its confidence in the quality of Lufthansa Technik's services. Over the next twelve months the Powerplant Services of the Hamburg based company will be responsible for the overhaul of Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 engines of the former TWA Boeing 767 fleet. All together 12 engines will be part of this contract. Since 1991 Lufthansa Technik's Powerplant Services have also specialized on the PW 4000. Out of 460 shop load events in the year 2001 at its Hamburg facilities, around 15% have been with this engine type. Working on airplane engines for more than 40 years the engineers in Hamburg and Frankfurt have a broad experience in maintenance, repair and overhaul of the GE CF6-50, CF6-80, the CFM 56-series and the IAE V2500.
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The British Army has successfully completed flight trials of BAE SYSTEMS terrain avoidance and cable warning system - TERPROM Eagle OWL. The trial, on-board an Army Lynx helicopter, follows closely upon similar trials undertaken last year in the US, by the US Navy using Sea Hawk helicopters. The purpose of this trial was the demonstration and assessment of TERPROM Eagle OWL, s capability, within a tactical operations environment, to provide the pilot with warnings and cueing of impending threats from terrain, obstructions and wires over various terrain types and during degraded visual conditions. A high degree of user confidence was gained in TERPROM Eagle OWL during the trial. The equipment demonstrated good potential for use in operations where inadvertent entry into mandatory instrument flying conditions takes place in mountainous terrain and also for night vision operations in very low ambient light conditions in unfamiliar terrain. The fusion of data provided by the digital terrain database, together with the information received via the forward-looking scanning laser, allowed a 360-degree assessment of the surrounding environment to be undertaken. The analysis, processing and presentation to the pilot of this fused data by the TERPROM Digital Terrain System (DTS), provided an enhanced level of situational awareness and flight safety during low-level operations.
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Eurocopter International Pacific (EIP) has delivered the first EC130 B4 in Australasia to a private customer in New Zealand. This EC130B4 is the first of six aircraft that have been sold to customers in the region. Two additional EC130B4's will be delivered to customers in New Zealand before the end of 2002 with the remainder being delivered in the region in 2003. Although this is the first of type flying in the region, the success of this new aircraft is clearly evident by the number of sales so far.
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Aerospace Testing Expo 2003, the world's first international trade fair dedicated to aerospace testing & inspection technologies & services, takes place on February 26, 27 & 28 at the Hamburg International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Germany. Attracting aerospace testing & inspection professionals from around the world, Aerospace Testing Expo 2003 provides a unique forum to view the very latest in aerospace component, sub-system (powerplant, avionics...) and full airframe test & evaluation, including: Research & Development testing; Flight Testing & Evaluation; Production & Final Assembly Testing & Inspection; In-Service Maintenance Testing & Inspection. Already participating are 150 exhibitors, representing the world's leading international companies and organisations across the aerospace testing community. Supporting the Expo is an Open Technology Forum -a free to attend program of conference presentations on latest technologies/methodologies across the aerospace testing environment.
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Lockheed Martin, with the help of the U.S. Air Force, recently completed the development flight-testing of new conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) for its F-16 multirole fighter. CFTs are external, pod-like fuel reservoirs attached on the upper surface of the F-16's fuselage, with the tank's lower surface conforming to the aircraft shape. "Adding CFTs is a major improvement in the F-16's already-legendary combat capability,” said John L. Bean, vice president of F-16 programs. "The CFTs add significantly to the F-16's unrefueled mission radius, patrol persistence and payload. CFTs have become a popular option on our advanced F-16 versions – the advanced Block 50/52 and Block 60, which are in development and initial production. "Addition of large conformal tanks to the F-16 without impacting its superb aerodynamics and handling qualities was a major technical achievement. The CFTs are designed for the full F-16 flight envelope – up to 9 g's, maximum angle of attack and sideslip and maximum roll rate. These points were demonstrated repeatedly during the flight test program.”
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South Korea´s first liquid-fueled rocket, called the KSR-III, was launched on Thursday afternoon following a 24-hour delay. According to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), developer of the KSR-III, the rocket was set off in Anheung on the west coast at 2 p.m. The launch of the three-stage rocket, originally set for Wednesday, was delayed because of poor weather conditions, with wind exceeding 8 meters per second. The KSR-III project, begun in late 1997 and costing $64 million, has been regarded as a significant step toward developing a small-satellite launch vehicle for the country. The rocket is 14 meters long, weighs six tons, has a thrust of 12.5 tons and is powered by liquefied oxygen and kerosene. It flew an altitude of 42.7 kilometers, with a maximum speed of 902 meters per second and had a trajectory of 79 kilometers in a 231.44-second flight before falling into the West Sea. The KSR-III, with its liquid propellant, is considered environmentally friendly. KARI's previous KSR-I and II rockets, which were launched in 1993 and 1997, respectively, had solid-fuel engines.
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The Lockheed Martin-led F/A-22 Raptor industry team has delivered the air dominance fighter program's last Dedicated Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (DIOT&E) aircraft - Raptor 4011 - with yesterday's signing, Nov. 26, of formal acceptance documents here by U.S government officials. "The delivery of Raptor 11 completes the five-ship Raptor fleet required by the Air Force for DIOT&E," said Ralph Heath, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. executive vice president and F/A-22 program general manager. "Raptor 4011 will now be flown to Lockheed Martin's facility in Palmdale, Calif., where it will be prepared to support the timely start of DIOT&E pilot training, scheduled to begin in February up the road at Edwards Air Force Base." Once at Edwards, Raptor 11 will be assigned to the Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) detachment there, and be used to demonstrate the F/A-22 lethality, survivability and reliability. AFOTEC's overall mission is to determine whether F/A-22 is capable of, and suitable for, operational use.
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NASA completed negotiation of a new cost-plus award fee contract to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the operation of the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. The contract will run five years and have a value of approximately $8 billion. The contract extends the JPL agreement beyond the current expiration date of Sept. 30, 2003. The contract includes a new award-term provision that, based on performance reviews, may extend the contract period of performance for up to an additional five years. Consistent with the agency's "One NASA" initiative, the new contract will more closely align JPL's policies and procedures with those of other NASA centers.
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SES ASTRA regrets to announce the failure of the Proton launch vehicle to place ASTRA 1K, the fourteenth satellite in the ASTRA series, into the correct orbit. ASTRA 1K was built by Alcatel Space of France, with Proton launch services from the Cosmodrome of Baikonur (Khazakstan) provided by ILS (International Launch Services), a US-Russian joint venture. The spacecraft was intended to operate at ASTRA's orbital position of 19.2° East. SES ASTRA has full insurance coverage for the ASTRA 1K programme and the launch failure will not affect existing services at 19.2° East. Furthermore, ASTRA 2C, already operational at 19.2° East, offers comprehensive back-up for the ASTRA low-bands at this slot and will remain there until further notice. Interactive Ka-Band services will continue to be provided by the existing Ka-band payload on ASTRA 1H. With an existing available surplus capacity of roughly 20% of the 13 satellite strong ASTRA fleet in orbit, SES ASTRA, over the coming months, will reassess its future needs and make investment decisions on ASTRA 1K replacement capacity accordingly.
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Effective 0200 GMT 28 November 2002 a new network of air routes connecting Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe will be implemented. Passengers can expect flight times to be shortened by up to 30 minutes and an estimated 103,000 minutes of ground delays should be eliminated for departures to Europe from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. For airlines, the benefits of more efficient routes in fuel savings alone will reduce costs by a conservative estimate of US$55 million per year.Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO said "This is a shining example of how an industry-led solution can produce real benefits for consumers and the environment along with reducing costs. This is the culmination of great efforts and outstanding cooperation by IATA, ICAO, national governments and our member airlines." IATA began the process of reforming the route structure following a meeting in Singapore in February 2000. IATA was tasked by its member airlines to review air traffic flows along the entire Kangaroo route from Australia to Europe with a goal to improving safety, reducing costs, and increasing both efficiency and environmental friendliness.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada has reinforced its leadership position with a number of recent successes in the European light-twin helicopter market, further underscoring the popularity of its engines and maintenance plans in the region's emergency medical services (EMS) sector. In Norway, Norskluftambulanse, one of the country's largest EMS helicopter operators, has ordered four Eurocopter EC135 helicopters powered by PW206B2 engines for its fleet, which already includes a P&WC-powered Eurocopter EC135. In Spain, Helicopteros del Sureste, one of the nation's largest helicopter operators specializing in EMS, fire fighting and passenger transport, is taking delivery of a second PW206C-powered A109E helicopter for use in EMS. In the Czech Republic, Alfa Helicopter, a company specialized in EMS, recently took delivery of its first PW207D-powered Bell 427 helicopter specially configured for EMS operation. The PW200 engines, the first operated in the country, will be enrolled in P&WC's Eagle Service Plan (ESP®). Finally, Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht E.V. (DRF), Germany's largest EMS operator, has signed a Fleet Management Plan agreement with P&WC covering its existing and future entire fleet of PW200-powered aircraft. As many as 15 aircraft will be protected by the plan, including Eurocopter EC135, MD Explorer and Agusta A109E helicopters.
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easyJet plc, Europe's leading low-cost airline, reported record full-year results for the financial year ended 30th September 2002. Highlights of the year include: profit before tax up 78% to £71.6m (2001: £40.1m); Revenues up 55% to £552m (2001: £357m); Passenger numbers up 60% to 11.4m (2001: 7.1m); Cost per Available Seat Kilometre down 1.3% to 4.46 pence (2001: 4.52 pence); Average net fare down 4% to £46 (2001: £48); Profit before tax, goodwill and exceptionals1 up 86% to £81.8m (2001: £44.1m); In the year, easyJet was able to take advantage of the problems affecting the traditional airline sector. The airline has grown organically at over 40%, added eight new routes from London Gatwick, increasing the number of services to eleven (as British Airways scaled back its operations) and gained a foothold in Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly from which it now operates on four routes. The acquisition of Go Fly (completed on 31 July 2002) enabled easyJet to emulate the effects of many years of organic growth in a single step to become Europe's largest low-cost airline. The rationale of combining two airlines with almost identical route network strategies and cultures was compelling. The integration of the two businesses is well advanced, with two significant milestones - single brand and single UK Air Operator's Certificate - close to completion. The option to acquire Deutsche BA, which is exercisable until August 2003, provides easyJet a low risk, low-cost way to assess and enter the German market.
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UK Competition Minister Melanie Johnson announced that she has decided not to refer to the Competition Commission the proposed rocket motors joint venture between MBDA and SNPE, provided the parties give undertakings to remedy the concerns arising in this case. Her decision is in accordance with the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT). The DGFT has advised that the merger raises national security concerns in relation to: the maintenance of strategic UK capabilities to develop, operate and maintain solid rocket motor propulsion systems; and the protection of classified information. Melanie Johnson has decided that these concerns should be addressed by behavioural undertakings to be given by the parties. If the parties agree to this course of action there will be no reference to the Competition Commission.
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The launch of Ariane Flight 157 has been postponed after an anomaly was detected during the final countdown phase in the synchronized sequence. The countdown was automatically stopped before the Vulcain main engine was ignited. The launcher and its satellites are in a safe mode on the pad at the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch complex. In a briefing with reporters at the Spaceport, Arianespace Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Le Gall said the Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage and upper stage will be emptied, and the launcher is to be transferred back to the final assembly building on its mobile launch table tonight.
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The first of three Airbus A340-600s Cathay Pacific Airways is leasing from ILFC has been delivered to the operator. Cathay will thus be the first Asian carrier to operate the ultra-long range A340 variant when it puts it into service. The new aircraft will enable Cathay Pacific to launch high capacity, long-range direct flights as far away as the US East coast. The aircraft are the first out of an order for 13 placed by one of the world's leading leasing companies, ILFC, who was also a launch customer for the new version of the A340.
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The South African Air Force's new intercontinental aircraft, arrived at Airforce Base Waterkloof, in Pretoria. The aircraft has been acquired to meet the demand for effective intercontinental air transport required by the Presidency and other senior government representatives. This requirement has significantly escalated during the last couple of years, since South Africa's return to the international fold and consequently South Africa's growing regional and international diplomatic initiatives and responsibilities. The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) was selected to meet this requirement due to its capability to transport delegations from Air Force Base Waterkloof, with its altitude and temperature conditions, on a non-stop flight to destinations some 10 185 km (5500 nm) away, allowing for possible en-route wind conditions and adequate fuel reserves required at the final destination.
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As part of its recruitment drive, Airbus is currently taking part in a joint Airbus-Pegasus road show touring France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. Between October 2002 and January 2003, it is expected that more than 1,000 students from 15 leading European aerospace universities will have been contacted. Airbus' main objective is to recruit young engineers for the A380 programme and to increase its international recruitment. The universities visited belong to the Pegasus network, a total of 20 institutions in eight countries, which have agreed on joint quality standards. Each of the road show events provides an opportunity for students to meet a multi-national Airbus team, including senior and junior representatives from Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Services and Human Resources. This allows them to see the international nature of Airbus right from the start.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that it has signed an exclusive five-year contract with Air Wisconsin to provide heavy maintenance on the airline's fleet of Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets. Renewals could extend the contract period to eight years. The maintenance will include "C” checks conducted every 4,000 aircraft flying hours as well as structural inspections every two years. Based on current firm orders, the Air Wisconsin fleet will grow to 58 aircraft during the initial five years. The work will be performed at the Bombardier-owned West Virginia Air Center (WVAC) in Bridgeport, West Virginia, the leader in regional and business jet maintenance services. The Center has hosted 310 aircraft visits so far in 2002.
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A piece of history was carved out Nov. 22 when four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 419th Fighter Wing here took off on a combat training mission. While four F-16s on a routine training mission is not necessarily historic, one of the pilots, Lt. Col. Michael Brill, earned his place in the record books during the sortie. Brill became the first pilot in the world to log 5,000 flying hours in the F-16 aircraft. "I've been fortunate," said Brill. "The fact that I've been able to stay in the cockpit this long really is a case of being in the right place at the right time." Brill's 5,000 hours in the F-16 is the equivalent of traveling 1,750,000 miles--enough to circle the earth 70 times. The Virginia native surpassed previous thousand-hour milestones in the F-16 in 1985, 1988, and 1993. He was also the first pilot to amass more than 4,000 total flying hours in the F-16 in August 1998.
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The Maltese flag carrier Air Malta has signed a further contract with Lufthansa Technik AG for the engine maintenance of its new Airbus A319/A320 fleet over the upcoming 12 years. Lufthansa Technik's Powerplant Services in Hamburg will be servicing the CFM56-5B6 engines of the carrier's seven A319s and the CFM56-5B4 engines of the five A320 under an exclusive Total Engine Support TES contract. The contract will start with the roll-out of the new Airbus airplanes in December of 2003. The last deliveries is scheduled for March 2008. Following a former contract Lufthansa Technik will in between also take care of the engines of the existing seven Boeing 737-300 and the two Airbus A320. Air Malta has been entrusting the care of its engines to Lufthansa Technik since March of 2000.
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UK Competition Minister Melanie Johnson announced that she has decided not to refer to the Competition Commission the completed acquisition by Finmeccanica SpA of the strategic communications business of Marconi plc. Her decision is in accordance with the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT). Melanie Johnson said: "The DGFT has advised me that the public security concerns raised by this merger should be addressed by behavioural undertakings to be given by Finmeccanica. The concerns identified are the maintenance of strategic UK capabilities to develop, operate and maintain defence communication and cryptographic systems and the protection of classified information.
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