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UPDATE
Week ending June 22, 2003
+++ Emirates places biggest aircraft order ever +++ Arianespace „order letter“ for 30 Ariane 5s +++ AB139 gets Italian certification +++ Embraer 175 takes to the air +++ France: UCAV demonstrator programme launched +++ NH90 promoted for Canadian Maritime Helio +++ Qatar Airways orders 34 aircraft +++ Irkut/EADS and R-R finalize Be-200 study +++ Lufthansa to meet challenges, says Weber +++ General Dynamics Canada and Indra join TIPS +++ EADS and Sukhoi team up +++ Alcatel and Astrium work on AlphaBus +++ News in brief +++
Emirates places biggest aircraft order ever
Großauftrag von Emirates
On June 16 at the Paris Air Show, Emirates, announced that it has placed the biggest order in civil aviation history -- worth $19 billion (approx. 70 billion Dirhams). The fast-growing carrier confirmed purchase orders for 21 more Airbus A380-800s, and leasing orders for two A380-800s. The additional 23 aircraft bring Emirates' total order for the giant double-deck jetliner to 45, the most ordered by any airline. At the same time, Emirates announced operating lease orders for 26 Boeing 777-300ERs, 14 from General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and 12 from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), and powered by General Electric GE90-115B engines. They will provide much-needed extra capacity on existing routes and help it continue to expand its network, which has already risen to 66 cities in 46 countries since services started in 1985. Emirates also announced orders for more four-engined A340s, purchasing two more ultra-long-range A340-500 and 18 of the larger A340-600 Higher Gross Weight aircraft, as well as leasing two A340-600s from ILFC, the International Lease Finance Corporation. This makes Emirates the launch customer for the A340-600 HGW. The confirmed orders announced in Paris, along with those revealed at the Dubai Air Show two years ago, bring Emirates' current total order book to $26 billion.
The extra Airbus A380 orders cover four versions: a 533-seat three-class aircraft; a 653-seat two-class aircraft; a 500-seater able to fly non-stop from Dubai to Australia; and two freighters. They enter service from 2006. Deliveries of A340-500s start this year and of A340-600s from June 2007. The move to acquire 26 new 777s follows Emirates' experience with its current fleet of 20. Sheikh Ahmed said: “They have proved extremely popular with passengers, cargo customers and crew, and the new Extended Range version will provide the reliability and extra capacity which our forecasts show we need on trunk routes in years to come. “By using operating leases we avoid burdening ourselves with large amounts of debt, and here we are delighted to be working with the two major aviation leasing companies GECAS and ILFC.”
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Arianespace „order letter“ for 30 Ariane 5s
Großer Ariane-5-Auftrag für EADS
At the 45th Paris Air Show, Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall and Josef Kind and Hervé Guillou, respectively President and CEO of EADS Space Transportation, signed an "order letter" to initiate production of the "PA batch" of 30 Ariane 5 launchers. This new commitment will allow Arianespace to ensure its launch service continuity. EADS Space Transportation's efforts to enhance productivity, which are reflected in this order and are backed by its European industry partners and Arianespace, will improve the competitiveness of the Ariane launcher for the benefit of its clients. This agreement officializes the new industrial tasking between the two companies, which was approved at the ESA ministerial-level meeting on May 27.
EADS Space Transportation is now the sole prime contractor for the Ariane 5 launcher. As a result, the company will manage the totality of contracts covering launch vehicle production, and is to deliver a standardized launcher to Arianespace in French Guiana. Arianespace is in charge of the commercial launch service operation, and manages the production. The company will source the launcher from the prime contractor, adapt it to customer mission requirements, and carry out launch operations at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
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AB139 gets Italian certification
Zulassung für die AB139
The AB139 has received its Italian IFR Type Certification. Mr. Di Palma, Managing Director of the Italian Certification Air Worthiness Authority (ENAC), signed and handed over the AB139 Type Certificate to Mr. Amedeo Caporaletti, CEO AgustaWestland and Chairman of Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company at a ceremony at the Paris Air Show, Le Bourget. The certification was the culminating of 1600 hour of ground and flight test programme Mr. Caporaletti stated, “today marks a tremendous achievement that testifies the companies commitment to the market to introduce the new benchmark medium twin helicopter”, Mr Redenbourgh added, “we are proud to be a partner with this exciting new product which brings new standards and capability to the market, and we look forward to the FAA certification which is expected in the coming months”. The first production aircraft will be delivered to an Italian customer later this year. Twenty five customers have demonstrated their confidence in the AB139 thus providing a two year order backlog for Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company. The major market segments of Offshore, Corporate, VIP, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement are all represented. In addition Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) has selected AB139 as its recommended helicopter for the US Coast Guard Deepwater Program.
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Embraer 175 takes to the air
Erstflug der Embraer 175
On June 14, Embraer announced the maiden flight of the EMBRAER 175, the second member of a family of four new-generation commercial jets specifically designed for markets optimized with 70- to 110-seat equipment. The complete aircraft family is composed of the EMBRAER 170, EMBRAER 175, EMBRAER 190 and EMBRAER 195. The aircraft, serial number 0014, took off this Saturday from the company's São José dos Campos facility at 11:50 AM, accompanied by its sibling EMBRAER 170 S/N 007, for a 120 minute flight in which it performed a range of systems validation tests.
With a 70in/178cm longer fuselage than the EMBRAER170, the new EMBRAER 175 offers approximately 10% more seat & cargo capacity, yet shares a common pilot type rating, a common cockpit, common flying qualities with the fly-by-wire system, and a common engine, the GE CF34-8E. Mission versatility, operational efficiency and cabin design offered by the new Embraer jet family allow airlines to operate these aircraft in a variety of markets where the 70- to 110-seat jets offer natural growth from traditional regional airplanes, a right-sizing option from larger equipment, as well as a step forward for low cost carriers to enhance their presence in mid-size markets. Embraer's order book for the EMBRAER 170/190 family currently stands at 234 firm orders and 289 options. Final assembly and outfitting of the second EMBRAER 175 aircraft, S/N 0017, is being carried out at a steady pace. The first EMBRAER 175 aircraft will be used for handling qualities and performance evaluation tests, while the second, set to fly in the coming weeks, will be employed for flutter, buffeting, systems and interior testing.
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France: UCAV demonstrator programme launched
Gelder für unbemanntes Kampfflugzeug
The French authorities have decided to launch a UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) demonstrator programme. This is a major decision in terms of defence strategy and industrial policy. Dassault Aviation was designated as prime contractor of the programme. Mr. Charles Edelstenne, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, acknowledged with satisfaction this decision. “The know-how gained by our company during the last 50 years allows us to fulfill this central role in this new field of world aerospace.” He also underlined that “within the frame of this programme, Dassault Aviation will associate all its French and European partners, thereby contributing with them to the future building of building of defence aerospace in Europe.” The programme is valued at Euro 300 million, the French defence procurement agency DGA said. "The UCAV project will help lay the foundation for a future military plane programme around 2020," said Yves Gleizes, the head of the DGA.He said the project was open to European partners, but that France wanted to keep control of the programme.
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NH90 promoted for Canadian Maritime Helio
Lockheed Martin vermarktet NH90
Lockheed Martin Canada, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, and NHIndustries announced the establishment of a formal teaming arrangement for the pursuit of the C$3.1 Billion Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project. Lockheed Martin Canada is bidding as a prime contractor for the replacement of the aging fleet of Sea Kings. The program calls for the purchase of 28 multi-mission maritime helicopters that will be shipped based on board Canada's fleet of Halifax Class frigates. The terms of the agreement announced today define specific areas of responsibility and work scope for both companies. Lockheed Martin Canada will also provide the integrated mission system in partnership with its Tier I partner Thales Canada As a result of this agreement, NHIndustries has announced that it has withdrawn the NFH version of the NH90 from consideration and will focus its efforts exclusively on the Lockheed Martin Canada led effort.
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Qatar Airways orders 34 aircraft
Großauftrag von Qatar
Qatar Airways has signed a US$5.1 billion agreement with Airbus to purchase 32 aircraft in a deal that will increase the airline's fleet from 24 to 52 by 2008. In addition, the airline will be taking two new airbus aircraft on a 5 years lease from GECAS. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Mr Akbar Al Baker and Airbus Industrie's Chief Executive Officer Mr Noel Forgeard announced the deal at the Paris Airshow in Le Bourget. Qatar Airways is the launching customer for the High Gross Weight A 340-600 aircraft that the airline will receive in June 2006.
The deal includes: A firm order for 14 Airbus A330, to be delivered to the airline from September 2004 to 2008; options for another eight A330; General Electric engines for the A330; a firm order for two A340-600 High Gross Weight, to be delivered from June 2006 to 2010; options for another eight A340-600HGW; Rolls Royce engines for the A340-600 HGW; firm orders for two A321s, to be delivered from December 2003; the leasing of two A330-200s for five years from July 2004.
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Irkut/EADS and R-R finalize Be-200 study
Be-200 wird mit BR715 vermarktet
The three aerospace companies EADS, Irkut and Rolls-Royce Deutschland have finalized their feasibility study on the Russian-made amphibious aircraft Be-200. The three companies have identified a market potential for 320 aircraft in 25 countries over the next 20 years as fire-fighting and multi-role mission aircraft. In its role as an amphibious fire-fighting aircraft it has a unique water scooping capacity of up to 12 t (3000 US Gallons).
Based on the successful completion of the joint feasibility study Irkut, EADS and Rolls-Royce Deutschland will authorize to offer the fire fighting version of the Be-200 with BR715 engines in August during MAKS 2003 Air Show in Moscow. The three partners are preparing for the introduction of the aircraft mainly in Europe, North America and Australia. The study confirmed the potential to power the Be-200 with two modern Rolls-Royce BR715 engines. "Its excellent fuel efficiency and extremely high reliability make the BR715 the ideal power plant for the Be-200" says Stefan Zimmermann, Head of Business Development for Rolls-Royce Deutschland.
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Lufthansa to meet challenges, says Weber
Hauptversammlung der Lufthansa
At his last Annual General Meeting as Chairman of the Lufthansa Executive Board, Jürgen Weber presented a financially robust Lufthansa Group that is poised to meet the challenges of the future. "Lufthansa is in the top league of the world airline industry," he said in Cologne. After twelve years at the helm of the company, Jürgen Weber, the world's longest-serving airline chief, is handing over the reins to his successor, Wolfgang Mayrhuber. Lufthansa's evolution from a state enterprise into a profitable aviation group and the founding of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, are important milestones and achievements during his period of office.
With Wolfgang Mayrhuber, the company was well equipped for the future in times of crisis, Weber said. "Under his leadership Lufthansa will remain ready for change and will develop its strengths, such as vigilance, speed and the choice of the right tools." Wolfgang Mayrhuber, he added, would always insist on bringing about a fair equilibrium between the interests of Lufthansa's customers, shareholders and employees.
For Jürgen Weber, the 2002 annual result and the company's financial strength are renewed proof that Lufthansa is fit for the inevitable changes facing the airline industry. The aviation group had once again proved its strength, he said. The fact that Lufthansa could today claim the best annual result for 2002 in the aviation industry worldwide showed how successful the transformation process in the last decade had been: an operating profit of 718 million euros and a result from ordinary activities of 1.6 billion euros - an increase of 1.9 billion euros over the prior year. In view of the positive business developments in the previous year, the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board were therefore proposing a dividend of 0.60 euros per share.
Taking stock of his time as chairman, Jürgen Weber said it was thanks to the company's staff and management that Lufthansa had recovered from the shock of September 11 and had been able to post a good result in 2002. Together they were vigilant, adaptable and a top team, for whom quick reactions had become second nature, Weber said. But crisis management at Lufthansa did not automatically mean job cuts and redundancies, which were often proclaimed elsewhere to be the panacea for any crisis. "That approach does not fit in with our culture," he stressed.
Weber hoped that the crisis would have a cathartic effect on the entire industry. Experts were continuing to forecast long-term positive growth for the airline industry, with the volume of passengers worldwide expected to increase by 4.3 per cent a year. For Weber, however, there is absolutely no doubt that free world trade cannot do without the services of the aviation industry in the long run.
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General Dynamics Canada and Indra join TIPS
TIPS mit neuen Mitgliedern
The Transatlantic Industrial Proposed Solution (TIPS) continues to gain industrial momentum as the TIPS group of industries -- comprised of EADS, Galileo Avionica, Northrop Grumman ISS International, Inc., and Thales -- announce the addition of General Dynamics Canada (GDC) and Indra of Spain. “Canada has long been a supporter of the trans-Atlantic approach the TIPS solution offers NATO,” said GDC President John Watts. “General Dynamics Canada is a long-standing member of the trans-Atlantic industrial working group, striving to give NATO an effective AGS capability for the 21st century. We believe TIPS is the best solution for NATO AGS and will bring significant work on the program to Canada.'' “From the view of both the Spanish MOD and Indra, these trans-Atlantic cooperative programs have been constantly successful as will be the case with TIPS in the sense that it is a fully responsive approach to the NATO AGS requirement. Furthermore, we are sure that TIPS is the best solution,” said Indra Chief Executive Officer Regino Moranchel.
In addition to announcing the expansion of the TIPS industries, more than 25 members of the TIPS Industrial Working Group met Monday to discuss elements of the upcoming study phase of the program. These industries represent countries from across the Alliance, which account for more than 95 percent of the available funding for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program. The TIPS system-of-systems approach centers on a mixed-fleet approach based on the Transatlantic Cooperative AGS Radar, integrated onboard a manned midsize aircraft and a High-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Air Vehicle. The TIPS team represents a watershed approach to trans-Atlantic industrial cooperation and technology sharing, capitalizing on technology developed in North America and Europe.
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EADS and Sukhoi team up
Zusammenarbeit von EADS und Suchoi
EADS, Sukhoi Corporation, the Russian defence technology sales company Rosoboronexport and the European missile manufacturer MBDA have signed a protocol at the 45th Aerosalon in Le Bourget near Paris. The protocol outlines opportunities for cooperation in the areas of joint development of future defence systems including UCAV technology, possibilities for inclusion of MBDA missile systems for Sukhoi fighter aircraft, joint product support activities and aircraft modernisation. “This agreement is an important move in our strategy to further develop the EADS defence business globally. EADS believes that innovation is our competitive strength, and the teaming agreement with Sukhoi is important for the development of technology for future defence systems”, said Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, the CEOs of EADS. Mikhail Pogosyan, General Director of Sukhoi, said: “This agreement is a major milestone for Russian-European cooperation in the defence industry and combines the strengths of two world leaders.” The partners will set up a working group, which will develop the issues of the protocol.
Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation and Sukhoi announced the creation of a common working group aimed at opening co-operation opportunities towards new developments in the aircraft field, as well as, following the announcement by Mrs. Michèle Alliot-Marie, French Defence Minister, in the field of unmanned systems air vehicles (UAV). This working group will operate within the guidelines defined by the respective Governemental authorities of both manufacturers. Within this frame, a Protocol has been signed by the CEO's of both companies, namely Mr. Michail Pogosyan for Sukhoi, and Mr. Charles Edelstenne for Dassault Aviation. This Protocol foresees, among others, to enlarge this co-operation to the civil aircraft field, including supersonic business jets.
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Alcatel and Astrium work on AlphaBus
Zusammenarbeit im Satellitenbau
The European satellite communications industry today reached a landmark of cooperation at Le Bourget air show in France. The accord regards collaboration on large space platform AlphaBus. The two major satellite manufacturers Alcatel Space and Astrium, made the announcement jointly from the European Space Agency (ESA) pavilion of the Paris event. Pascale Sourisse, chairman and CEO of Acatel Space, and Antoine Bouvier, chairman and CEO of Astrium, both explained that the agreement was crucial for the survival of the European satellite telecommunications sector. According to Claudio Mastracci, ESA Director of Applications, “this agreement is a historical decision that sees two main actors like Alcatel Space and Astrium join forces on an ambitious project that will keep Europe at the forefront of the key satellite telecommunications sector. The success of this project is essential for Europe's future in space”.
AlphaBus is indeed Europe's contender in the large satcom platforms market. It is a high-performance satellite: increasingly powerful and reliable satellites with ever-greater payload capacity are being developed to meet the requirements of telecommunications from geostationary orbits. This trend has brought costs down, making satellite services affordable to more users. The sector is evolving continuously, from telephony to direct TV broadcasting, now preparing to meet demand for a new generation of multimedia and mobile services. AlphaBus is destined to be an innovative and competitive product line. It will offer payload power of 12 kW to 18 kW initially, with substantial growth potential. This will make for still lower service costs for users, and the platform will be able to handle new types of mission - such as those needed to fly the very large antennas associated with next-generation payloads.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Following a reassessment of the EMBRAER 170 certification campaign, Embraer has defined November 2003 as the new certification date for the EMBRAER 170. The decision results from delays in the completion of system related tests and the production of associated documentation, and the inclusion of capabilities currently scheduled as post-certification items in the basic certification program. Previously announced EMBRAER 175, 190 and 195 certification and first delivery dates remain unchanged. The EMBRAER 175 successfully performed its maiden flight on June 14th and certification is due on the 3rd Quarter 2004. The EMBRAER 190 certification program was anticipated to 3rd Quarter 2005 followed by the EMBRAER 195 certification in the 3rd Quarter 2006. As a result of the new certification target date of the EMBRAER 170 as well as the economic uncertainties and the adverse market conditions faced by the civil aviation market as a whole, and the corporate jet segment in particular, Embraer has revised the total jet aircraft deliveries for 2003 to 110 aircraft, from 132.
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Thales Avionics announced that its digital Head-Up Display System has been chosen by Airbus for its A380 all new very large airliner, as well as narrow body and the long range aircraft family programs. The digital Head-up Display is the latest step forward in the development of an all-digital cockpit. This new-generation HUD continues to advance in terms of higher system integration, more flexible operation and higher-quality graphics, with specific LCD technology features. It is paving the way for the enhanced capabilities offered by Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) and Surface Guidance Systems (SGS).
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A June 18 sea-based missile defense test failed in an attempt to intercept its target. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) issued a news release soon after an SM-3 interceptor missile, launched from an Aegis cruiser (the USS Lake Erie) in the Pacific Ocean, failed to hit an Aries target missile which was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. In a news release issued prior to the test, MDA said the main mission of Aegis ballistic missile defense Flight Mission-5 (FM-5) was "to evaluate the SM-3 kinetic warhead's guidance, navigation and control operation in space using an upgraded solid divert and attitude control system (SDACS). Following the test, MDA indicated that the mock warhead deployed, but the intercept did not occur as expected. FM-5 is the second in a series of six flight tests to develop a sea-based ballistic missile defense against short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Three earlier sea-based tests met MDA expectations.
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Korean Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to acquire up to eight Airbus A380-800 passenger aircraft (five firm orders and three options). Deliveries to Korean Air are scheduled to begin in late 2007 through 2009. "Our decision to purchase the A380 aircraft meets our strategy to reinforce Incheon Intl Airport as the strongest hub in Northeast Asia," said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. "As one of the leading airlines in Asia, our long-term fleet plan plays a significant role in this strategy.”
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At the Paris Air Show, Silvano Casini, Chief Executive Officer of ELV, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, signed a collaboration agreement between their two companies concerning Vega launcher production and operation at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Also on hand for the signature was Jean-Jacques Dordain, future Director General of the European Space Agency. ELV, as industrial prime contractor, will be in charge of production of the launcher's components and integration in French Guiana. As the launcher design authority, it will also participate in final preparations and launch operations. Arianespace is the Vega operator, and is in charge of the launch services contract. At the Guiana Space Center, it will be responsible for Vega launch facilities and integration of the upper segment and satellite. It will also carry out final preparation and launch operations. The organization for Vega launches is similar to that used for the Ariane and Soyuz programs, to maximize the synergies between these programs.
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The court of arbitration has rejected the SWISS pilots' demand that, in the event of job cuts, all former Swissair pilots should be made redundant before the first former Crossair pilot can be dismissed. The court of arbitration has ruled that if there are too many pilots, jobs should be trimmed in proportion to the size of the two existing corps in line with a 'zipper system'.This ruling will have serious consequences for SWISS. In a decision issued on 17 June 2003, the court of arbitration rejected the application by SWISS PILOTS that, if the fleet is reduced and pilots dismissed, all former Swissair pilots working on European and long-haul routes should be the first to go, even if 50 to 100-seater regional aircraft are grounded. The court also rejected an application by SWISS to the effect that if aircraft in the regional fleet are grounded, former Crossair pilots working on these aircraft would be dismissed and conversely, if aircraft serving big European and long-haul routes are taken out of service, former Swissair pilots will lose their jobs. The court of arbitration ruled that if aircraft are grounded and pilots have to be dismissed, a proportional zipper system will come into play. This ruling will have very serious consequences for SWISS should it acquire legal validity. The zipper system will cause substantial additional costs and will rob SWISS of any possibility of executing the planned fleet reduction on the basis of economic criteria, or of fully exploiting the savings potential associated with the reduction.
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MBDA has awarded Bayern Chemie/PROTAC with the contract to develop the Meteor Propulsion Sub System (PSS). The contract contains development, first lot production and integrated logistics. The total contract value is in excess of 250 million Euros. The rear section of Meteor comprises the Bayern-Chemie/PROTAC solid boron fuelled, throttleable ducted ram-rocket (TDR) motor which, with its superior performance, is one of the principle elements of Meteor's success.
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MBDA and Thales Airborne Systems signed a contract valued at 46 million euros covering the development and initial production of the seeker system for Meteor, the future Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM). This contract formalizes the cooperation agreement already in place between the two companies in the area of anti-aircraft missile seekers. Initial production will meet the requirements of the UK Royal Air Force. Under the terms of the contract, signed at the Paris Airshow in Le Bourget by Sandro Pazzini, Managing Director of MBDA Italy and Gérard Christmann, Managing Director of Thales Airborne Systems' Missile Electronics Division, Thales Airborne Sytems and MBDA Seeker Division will supply several hundred seekers.
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Sikorsky announced that Norsk Helikopter has signed an agreement to add two more Sikorsky S-92s to its offshore oil fleet, bringing to four the total number of S-92 helicopters that Norsk has agreed to purchase. All four aircraft are scheduled to enter into service with Norsk in 2005, according to Sikorsky. Norsk is a premier offshore oil operator founded in 1993. The company operates a total of nine helicopters, including two Sikorsky S-76 aircraft, out of three land bases and two offshore oil platforms, and has long-term service relationships with Statoil, ExxonMobil, and Total.
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Sikorsky unveiled its newest military helicopter, the H-92 SUPERHAWK, and said it would be a formidable competitor in current and future government helicopter procurements worldwide. Based on the FAA-certified and Collier Trophy-winning Sikorsky S-92, the H-92 SUPERHAWK will provide military customers with an impressive array of systems and features, housed in an airframe that has already passed the world's most stringent safety certification standards. Drawing on the aircraft development program that created the Sikorsky S-92, the base model H-92 SUPERHAWK will feature ballistic tolerance improvements, including self-sealing fuel tanks and additional armor protection for sensitive areas of the aircraft. All H-92 SUPERHAWKs will also carry self-defense systems such as IR suppression and chaff/flare systems to protect against missile attack. The aircraft will also include a military-grade wiring bus as part of an overall upgraded military avionics capability that can be configured to meet each customer's requirements. Powering the new H-92 SUPERHAWK will be two new GE CT7-8C engines, uprated as much as 25% from the CT7-8A engines found on the civil S-92 helicopter. Sikorsky and GE Aircraft Engines signed their agreement to the new engine program today at the Paris Air Show.
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Alcatel announced the signature of a new 190 million US dollar contract with the Brazilian satellite operator Star One for the construction and the in-orbit delivery of the telecommunications satellite Star One C1 for Latin America. The Star One C1 mission and in-orbit positioning has been modified since the first contract signed last year. Based on Alcatel Space Spacebus 3000B3 platform, Star One C1 will be launched by the end of 2005 by Ariane 5 and will be positioned at 65° West. The first satellite in the C series and fitted with 37 transponders in C and Ku bands, Star One C1 will replace the Brasilsat B2 satellite in the C band and will provide South America with high speed Internet and multimedia capacity.
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Alcatel Space, a world leader in space system solution announced today it has signed a US dollar 150 million contract with RascomStar-QAF, the pan-African satellite service operator, to build and deliver in orbit the first RASCOM telecommunication satellite dedicated to the African continent. Alcatel Space will supply both the in-orbit delivered satellite and its associated ground infrastructure including the mission, business, and ground control segments. Under an agreement with RASCOM, the Regional African Satellite Communication Organization, representing the interests of 44 African telecommunications operators, RascomStar-QAF has the responsibility to implement by 2006 the first African satellite telecommunication system covering the whole continent. This satellite will offer RascomStar-QAF the capability to provide fixed voice, data telecommunications and Internet access as well as broadcasting satellite services to the whole African continent, although its footprint extends beyond Africa to include part of Europe and of the Middle East.
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An enlargement of combat capabilities of Mi-24/Mi-35 type helicopters due to installation of the last generation avionics and armament, is considered by military and political leadership of the states having the mentioned helicopters in their inventory, as a priority. Russian and French specialists intend to join their efforts in proposing the upgrade of on-board avionics and armament of Mi-24/Mi-35 type helicopters in the interests of foreign customers. The basis of this partnership will be the world-recognised experience of the Russian helicopter manufacturing fitted with the latest developments in avionics of the French company SAGEM, interacting with above 20 countries in the area of military electronics.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada Customer Training Centre (CTC) in Ludwigsfelde, Germany has received JAR-147 certification from the Luftfahrt Bundesamt (LBA), the German airworthiness authority. As a result, the company becomes one of the first North American engine manufacturers with training capabilities in Europe entitled to offer type training for maintenance personnel according to the latest European guidelines. "The JAR-147 certification means that P&WC's training for customers is now automatically recognized across Europe," said Scott McElvaine, Manager, Customer Training, P&WC. He spoke at a certification ceremony held at the CTC that was also attended by representatives of the LBA and P&WC CSC Europe GmbH. With JAR-147 certification, maintenance personnel who attend and pass courses at the Ludwigsfelde CTC will automatically hold a type certificate complementary to their JAR-66 license. "The day after they complete the course, they will be able to perform work on our engines without further justification to their local airworthiness authority," explained Mr. McElvaine. "This is a tremendous benefit for them and reflects our ongoing commitment to provide the best customer support in our industry.
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“It will only take a few weeks until the first Eurofighter Typhoon production aircraft will be officially handed over to the air forces of Germany, Spain and of the other nations”, said Aloysius Rauen, CEO of EADS Military Aircraft. “All tests and evaluations necessary for the acceptance by the customers – Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – have been performed and completed successfully and to the satisfaction of the four National Armament Directors.” According to Rauen, amongst these steps was the proof of the 'hardening' measures of Eurofighter aircraft against electro-magnetic (EM) radiation up to 200 Volts per meter: “This represents the highest degree of EM resistancy of any combat aircraft in the world”, Rauen stated. In addition, the first four production-standard aircraft have proven the contracted basic mass empty (BME), which is 11 tones, with the twin-seater having the contracted BME of 11.7 tons. “The EADS Military Aircraft plant at Manching is going to deliver eight twin-seater Eurofighter production aircraft to the German Air Force (GAF) in 2003. This number includes GT 001, which since mid-February is already in use at the GAF Technical School at Kaufbeuren/Bavaria for ground-crew training. There, the first group of 30 GAF technicians has already finished the technical type-rating courses”, Rauen said. “And the Spanish Air Force will receive four aircraft until the end of 2003 from the Eurofighter production line at the EADS plant Getafe near Madrid”, he added.
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Mike Bair, senior vice president of the Boeing 7E7 program, said that the company is making excellent progress on the development of the 7E7 and continues to be on track to seek authority to offer the airplane later this year. During a presentation at the Paris Air Show today, Bair announced the airframe candidate companies that have been selected to participate in the design and manufacture of large subassemblies. Alenia Aeronautica, Fuji Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Vought Aircraft Industries have been selected as external candidates. In addition, several Boeing sites will be participating at this level. Bair noted that other companies that participated in the materials technology development effort will likely become suppliers to the program by working with one or more of the main team members.
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The companies involved in the three-year MEADS risk reducing phase - EADS/LFK (Germany), MBDA-I (Italy) and Lockheed Martin (USA) - will deliver their development offer on schedule in June 2003 via MEADS International to the NATO agency NAMEADSMA. "The offer lays an important foundation upon which our customers can base their decisions regarding the continuation of this major transatlantic program, as it will contain the first reliable estimations concerning development, acquisition, and operating costs," declared Werner Kaltenegger, CEO of EADS/LFK, in a meeting of experts which took place alongside the 2003 Paris Airshow. "In addition, the first assemblies will be completed on schedule this year - including the prototype of the new fire control radar - and extensive simulations will be performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the ultramodern MEADS air defense system." In the framework of a three-year risk reducing phase and under contract to the NATO agency NAMEADSMA, MEADS International is working on the overall design and key components of a future ground-based air defense system. MEADS is the acronym for Medium Extended Air Defense System.
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BAE SYSTEMS Avionics Group has unveiled its Mi-172 Cockpit Demonstrator sited on the Kazan Helicopter stand at this week's Paris Air Show as part of the company's on-going international marketing agreement between the two companies, and a third, Kelowna Flightcraft Limited. The three companies concluded an international marketing agreement for the Mi-172 medium-utility and transport helicopter earlier this year. Dr David Hughes, EVP Helicopter with BAE SYSTEMS, Avionics Group, said: "BAE SYSTEMS is delighted to have located our Mi-172 cockpit demonstrator on the Kazan Helicopter stand for the duration of the Paris Air Show. This is one of the most tangible consequences of our international marketing agreement on Mi-172 with Kazan Helicopters and Kelowna Flightcraft Limited and demonstrates a new level of global co-operation in the international helicopter market. Exhibiting our demonstrator on Kazan's stand is a first in terms of co-operation between BAE SYSTEMS and Russian partner."
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Max-Viz Inc. recently completed its initial flight trials of the company's latest EVS-1000 Enhanced Vision System for business jets and helicopters. This product's smaller, 30° field-of-view [FoV] EVS is compatible with most business jet HUDs and may have some application for specific helicopters operations. Max-Viz is planning production of the newest member of the family by year-end. “This newest model in the EVS-1000 series provides our business jet customers with even more flexibility to address special requirements such as HUD display”, says Gregg Fawkes, Max-Viz President. “Typically, helicopter operators want the wider field-of-view, but we have seen the requirement for the smaller FoV from some special mission operators”, he added.
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Preparations for the Spanish Soyuz mission on the International Space Station (ISS) in October took another step forward with the docking of an unmanned Progress M1-10 spacecraft with the International Space Station, on 11 June at 13:17 Central European Time. The Progress M1-10 on mission number 11P to the ISS was successfully launched into orbit on Sunday, 8 June at 12.34 Central European Time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Progress spacecraft acts as a cargo supply vehicle for the ISS. The Progress M1-10's cargo included European experiment equipment, which will play a large part in the mission of ESA astronaut Pedro Duque to the ISS in October this year. Whilst on the ISS astronaut Duque from Spain will carry out a number of physical science, human physiology, biology and education experiments. The European cargo, which flew in the Progress M1-10 included a major component of the NANOSLAB experiment, which first flew on the flight of ESA astronaut Frank De Winne in November 2002 as part of the Belgian Odissea Mission. This Physical Science experiment has been modified for the Spanish Soyuz Mission.
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FiatAvio has signed a contract with the EuroProp International Consortium (Industria de Turbo Propulsores, MTU Aero engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma Moteurs) for the supply of the Propeller Gearbox for the TP400-D6 Engine, which will power the new Airbus Military SAS A400M Air Force transport aircraft. The Propeller Gearbox for the TP400-D6 belongs to the + 10,000 shaft HP class, with a 5.3m propeller diameter. It will be the largest propeller gearbox ever developed in the Western world. Under the terms of the contract FiatAvio will be responsible for the design, development, manufacture and support phases of the Propeller Gearbox, which represents a significant participation in the Engine Programme.
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The first Italian Navy EH101 in the Heliborne Early Warning (HEW) configuration made its public debut at Le Bourget 2003. The Italian Navy has to date ordered 20 aircraft with 8 configured for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)/Anti-Surface Warfare (AsuW), 4 for Airborne Early Warning and 8 for amphibious operations. The contract for the last batch of 4 aircraft is expected to be awarded at the end of 2003 bringing the Italian Navy order for EH101 to 24. Deliveries of the ASW/AsuW aircraft have now been completed.
The HEW aircraft, equipped with a pulse-doppler surveillance radar and APS 784 antenna housed in a 3m diameter radome, is able to detect and track multiple air targets even if embedded in ground or sea clutter, track surface targets and perform real-time surveillance of air and surface threats. Secondary maritime roles include over-the-horizon targeting and surveillance, AsuW and search and rescue. The mission sensors are controlled and integrated through the Mission Computer System (MCS), the core of which comprises two Mission Computer Units (MCUs).
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Fifteen days after the launch of Mars Express, Europe has reaffirmed its trust in Soyuz: next stop Venus in 2005! Just two weeks after the flawless launch of Mars Express on its way towards the Red Planet, ESA and the European-Russian company Starsem reinforced their relationship with the signature of the Venus Express launch services agreement. The contract was signed at Le Bourget (Paris) Air Show, Tuesday, 17 June 2003, by David Southwood, Director of Science for the European Space Agency, and Jean-Marie Luton, CEO of Starsem. Yuri Koptev, General Director of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency Rosaviakosmos, Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director of Launchers for the European Space Agency, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, CEO of Arianespace, also attended the ceremony. The launch of Venus Express will take place in November 2005 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Soyuz launch vehicle will send the spacecraft on its way towards our nearest planetary neighbor. Europe's latest vote of confidence in the Soyuz continues a long tradition of cooperation between Europe and Russia. This announcement comes soon after the decision by European space ministers to build a Soyuz launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
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Sikorsky unnveiled its first "Chinese-made" light helicopter in Shanghai recently, targetting the country's fledgling civil aviation market. The three-seat S-300C helicopter, which weighs around 930 kilograms, was manufactured by Shanghai Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, a joint venture between Sikorsky and a local private business, Shanghai Little Eagle Science and Technology Co. Cai Yan, marketing officer with Shanghai Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, told China Daily the joint venture is "ready to mass-produce S-300C helicopters to meet the demand." Currently, the firm can produce 48 S-300C helicopters per year. According to company sources, S-300C helicopters will also be on sale to individuals for around US$280,000.
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Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), a business unit of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, has been awarded a contract to build two A2100 geosynchronous satellites for SES ASTRA. The satellites, designated 1KR and 1L will provide distribution of direct-to-home broadcast services across Europe following their scheduled launches in the second half of 2005 and 2006 respectively.
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A second test flight of EADS/LFK's hypersonic missile is planned for August 2003 at a German test site. It is the intention that the Mach 6.5 world speed record set up during a similar low-level test flight last year will be further improved upon. The second test flight will be the last in the ongoing German research and technology project and will provide a basis at the same time for the three-year German-Swedish hypersonic technology programme, which is due to be launched in 2004. During a first test flight in February 2002, an EADS/LFK hypersonic missile designed following a new integral concept reached a speed of over Mach 6.5 - more than 2.1 kilometres per second. Lattice fins were used for aerodynamic stabilisation of the missile.
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Two cornerstone components for future research and operations aboard the International Space Station are ready to begin integrated testing at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The European-built, NASA-owned "Node 2" and the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Pressurized Module will be linked up on the ground for a trial run, before they are launched to join the orbiting Space Station complex. "We were all very pleased to see the two modules together in the Space Station Processing Facility today," said Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA's Station Program Manager. "Our teamwork and dedication to continuing the assembly of the Station shines through when a key milestone such as this is realized." International Space Station Partner Program managers and representatives met at KSC this week to welcome the modules to the United States and to officially sign over ownership of Node 2 from the European Space Agency (ESA) to NASA. Node 2 was built for NASA under a barter agreement with ESA. In exchange for Node 2, NASA will launch the European Columbus Laboratory on board a future Space Shuttle mission to the Space Station.
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Paradigm Secure Communications (PSO), a company wholly owned by EADS, announces it has reached agreement with the MOD in relation to the terms and conditions of the Skynet 5 programme and service provision to MOD commenced on 30th May 2003. PSC further announces that the three Mandated Lead Arrangers have now confirmed credit approval to proceed with the first round of banking syndication in support of this project under the Private Finance Initiative which will be implemented immediately by BNP-Paribas, CIBO and HSBC. The Skynet 5 programme entails PSC delivering secure global military satellite communications to the UK armed forces in the form of a service provision contract worth approximately £2 billion over two decades
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Frank Robinson landed an R44 Raven II on the first approved and permitted Robinson Helipad, officially opening the private rooftop helistop. Located on the Honda dealership in Santa Ana, California, the 20 x 20-foot helipad features Robinson's new lightweight deck designed for helicopters with gross weights up to 3,000 lb. Honda of Santa Ana owner Ron Vinci took advantage of Robinson's offer to provide a helipad deck, heliport consulting, and engineering assistance if he bought a new R44. Vinci recently purchased the new R44 Raven II, which he will use to visit his car dealership from his home in San Diego, less than an hour's flight away by helicopter.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector and EADS said that the U.S. Air Force and German Ministry of Defense (MoD) are moving ahead with a fall 2003 demonstration of an EADS-designed electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensor onboard the Northrop Grumman-produced RQ-4A Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The demonstration is a significant step in the evaluation of an unmanned solution for Germany's wide area surveillance requirements. It could lead to a possible, future development of a German-owned and -operated Global Hawk derivative -- the Euro Hawk.
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BAE Systems is working with the UK MOD to develop Condor II, a vital capability to enhance situational awareness on helicopters. Condor II demonstrates state of the art sensor and system integration technology. BAE Systems will supply an integrated sensor suite including EO, Low Light TV, TERPROM and a Laser Radar. Data will be fused together to produce a composite picture, which is displayed in a helmet mounted display system. Dr David Hughes, EVP Helicopter Systems said 'condor II will provide solutions to the last great barrier of battlefield helicopter operations - operating safely and effectively at night and in adverse weather conditions. It will be a major breakthrough in helicopter operating capability and has potential spin-offs into military fixed wing and civil operations'.
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A U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin-led team has successfully accomplished an accelerated on-orbit checkout of the last Milstar II secure communications satellite and transferred full operational control of the spacecraft to the Air Force Space Command. The satellite will now be quickly placed into service to support current military operations. The Milstar II satellite communications network supported military operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom by providing secure transmission of critical targeting information and ground forces command and control data and will continue to ensure necessary communications for deployed forces around the globe.
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Only seven and a half months after Germanwings inaugural flight, the airline flew its millionth passenger. Dr Joachim Klein, Managing Director of Germanwings, greeted the landmark passenger - Renate Sato Vidal - on her way to flight 4U 882 to Rome. To mark the occasion, Mrs Sato Vidal was given champagne and a free flight voucher for herself and a guest to fly to each of the destinations on the entire Germanwings network - which currently consists of 21 destinations."A landmark like this must be celebrated," said Dr Joachim Klein, "and Mrs Sato Vidal can celebrate with us twenty-one times as she travels to each of the European destinations we offer." The Germanwings Managing Director announced that the airline had now taken bookings of almost 1.7 million and would probably carry approximately 215,000 passengers in June alone.
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Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) recently marked an important milestone with the delivery of its 1,000th PW200 turboshaft engine. The PW200 engine series powers new generation light twin helicopters including the Agusta A109E, Bell 427, Eurocopter EC135, MD Helicopter's MD900/902 and the Kazan Ansat. The 1,000th engine was delivered to Eurocopter for an EC135P2 helicopter. A ceremony was held at the Paris Air Show during which a commemorative plaque was presented to Fabrice Bregier, Eurocopter's President.
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Rotorsim, the consortium owned equally by CAE and Agusta S.p.A., an AgustaWestland company, will establish a new helicopter training center in Sesto Calende, Italy to provide integrated training solutions for AgustaWestland helicopters. The center brings together two world leaders in their fields of helicopter manufacturing and flight training and simulation to provide integrated training solutions. The training center is being established within the frame of the Agusta Training Center, in Sesto Calende, Italy, which is located a short distance from Agusta's headquarters in Cascina Costa. The training center will open in 2005 with the delivery of a CAE-built A109 full mission simulator (FMS) for training military and civil customers of the A109 helicopter. Rotorsim initially expects the A109 FMS to generate revenues of approximately Euro 80 million (C$125 million) over 15 years. Training solutions for additional Agusta helicopter platforms are expected to be added in the future.
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Pratt & Whitney (P&W), along with teammates Rolls-Royce and Hamilton Sundstrand, successfully conducted the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its F135 propulsion system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) last month. The CDR reviews demonstrated that the F135 is meeting or exceeding requirements as specified in its System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program. CDR is a major program milestone in which the government and contractors review the entire F135 propulsion system. For the F135, it capped an intensive seven-month process, including over 100 part-level reviews and 28 module and functional area reviews. These reviews allow the JSF community to assess progress toward the planned capability and performance requirements of the F135. Areas reviewed include weight, affordability, performance, single engine safety, reliability, and maintainability.
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Boeing released its 2003 Current Market Outlook at the Paris Air Show today, noting a forecast of a $5.2 trillion market for new commercial airplanes and aviation services over the next 20 years. The report, widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market, shows that the long-term forecast remains healthy. Boeing estimates the world fleet will more than double to 34,000 jets by 2022, comprising approximately 18,400 airplanes for market growth; 5,900 airplanes for replacement; and 9,700 airplanes currently flying. The mix of current and new airplanes is expected to accommodate a forecast of 5.1 percent per year growth in world air travel. Regional growth varies between 4 and 7.3 percent, with Latin America expected to be the fastest-growing region.
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Saab Aerospace & BAE Systems today signed an agreement for a new Integrated Helmet Mounted Display System (IHMD) for the Gripen. The agreement will enable the IHMD to be integrated into the Gripen fighters and be delivered to South Africa from in 2007. The new helmet enables the pilot to view, lock and fire on targets using the helmet display. The helmet allows greater situation awareness, and enables the pilot to react more quickly than has previously been possible. The helmet system will be redesigned due to the difference in size between the Gripen and the Eurofighter. The first tests on the new helmet will be conducted in 2005 and deliveries to South Africa will begin in 2007.
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BAE Systems delivered the first Airbus A380 Inner Outboard Fixed Leading Edge wing assembly to Airbus at Broughton in North Wales from its Aerostructures business in Prestwick, Scotland. Neil McManus, Managing Director of the Aerostructures business, said, "This is the first design and build contract for Aerostructures and we are proud to have achieved such a major milestone in both technology and capability development. It is a tremendous accomplishment for all involved and signifies our commitment to new commercial aircraft product development and further establishes our desire to be a major player in our market sector."
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Rolls-Royce has completed a series of high-thrust tests on its Trent 900 engine being developed for the Airbus A380. The program's first development engine reached 88,000lb thrust at the company's Derby, UK test facilities, exceeding the level required for entry into service in 2006 by around 25 per cent. Ian Kinnear, Director - Airbus Programmes, said: "The ability to achieve test running to these levels at such an early stage of development once again validates our low-risk, derivative approach which builds on previous Trent experience.
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Volvo Aero Military Programs has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with General Electric Aircraft Engines, GEAE, to enter into a collaboration agreement on the F414 engine for MAKO. The MoU involves collaboration discussions on development activities, hardware production and final assembly etc. up to a total engine value of 30%. GEAE has been selected by European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, EADS, as a supplier of the F414M engine for EADS efforts to develop a new supersonic/light combat aircraft, called MAKO, with which it is competing in the European Joint Trainer program.
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In April and May 2003 the outstanding capabilities of the LR TRIGAT multi-purpose guided missile system were once again demonstrated with a successful firing campaign on the test site of the Bundeswehr Technical Centre 91 (WTD 91) at Meppen. The most recent firing campaign consisted of three firings from the Panther test helicopter and was carried out as part of the trilateral official tests which will conclude development work on the LR TRIGAT ammunition. LR TRIGAT was jointly developed by Germany, France and Great Britain. On the industry side, EADS/LFK and MBDA are cooperating on development under the roof of EMDG, whose headquarters are in Paris.
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Canada's Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness (OCIPEP) has purchased 8,800 square kilometers of one-meter IKONOS satellite imagery to be used for routine disaster risk assessment and emergency preparedness along the Canada-United States border. The contract, which was negotiated by Space Imaging reseller PhotoSat Information Ltd., (Vancouver, B.C.) will provide imagery and data for eight border areas and towns including the Yukon-Alaska border, the Quebec-Vermont border, Sault Ste. Marie, Sarnia, Windsor and Niagara Falls. The mapping initiative is part of an overall border security effort spearheaded by the Canada/United States Critical Infrastructure Protection Steering Committee, formed after the signing of the 2001 Smart Border Agreement by Canada and the United States. OCIPEP is a member of the committee's mapping subgroup. The value of the contract was not disclosed.
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The countdown has started for teachers from around the United States striving to become permanent members of NASA's Astronaut Corps. NASA will review more than 1,600 applications from teachers for the three to six slots in the first class of Educator Astronauts. Educator Astronauts will be trained to perform spacewalks, operate the Space Shuttle's robotic arm and lead research experiments. Educator Astronauts will also share their extraordinary experience with millions of students and teachers in a unique NASA program designed to show learning in a whole new light.
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British Airways and Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of Boeing, announced that the recent successful introduction of in-flight Internet connectivity effectively demonstrated the power of broadband and met all established objectives for passenger usage. During the three-month service demonstration that commenced on February 20 on selected flights between London and New York, airline passengers were able to stay in touch with family, colleagues and the office, and to send and receive e-mails, access the World Wide Web or their firewall-protected corporate intranets, and entertain themselves – all in real-time.
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Raytheon Aircraft will soon complete deliveries of special mission King Air B200s to the Israeli Air Force. The patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, nicknamed “Tzufit,” entered service with the IAF in 1990, and are used for intelligence gathering missions. The IAF makes extensive use of the “Tzufit” on routine security assignments and in exercises. The last aircraft in the current order is scheduled to be delivered this month. The IAF employs other King Airs as observation aircraft that serve for locating pilots who bailed out of their planes, and for patrol missions in inclement weather.
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Raytheon Aircraft has this month delivered the first of seven special mission Beechcraft King Air 350s to the Royal Australian Air Force for use as navigator and pilot transitional training. The King Airs were selected over competitive aircraft for the mission on the basis of the aircraft's demonstrated operational flexibility in a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance and training. All aircraft will undergo special mission modifications in Australia prior to delivery to the RAAF Base at Sale, Victoria. The first of the modified King Air aircraft completed its first operational sortie early this month.
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In April, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) air vehicle engineering department cleared the in-service U.S. Navy Seahawk fleet of H-60B/F/Hs to continue flying to 12,000 hours. This milestone marks a major achievement for the numerous Seahawks currently supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as a variety of Counter Drug and Homeland Security Operations. The requirement for at least a 12,000-hour airframe life was recognized in mid-2001 when facing two major inventory changes. First, the MH-60R multimission helicopter was changing from a remanufacture strategy to a new build strategy. The increased time for new build would mean MH-60Rs would take more time to fully field to the fleet when it commenced deliveries in 2005.
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The traffic trend of the Austrian Airlines Group in May continued to feel the damaging effects of the global economic downturn and the consequences of the SARS breakout. At 671,439 the figure for the number of passengers carried by the Group was 13.1 % down on the comparable month the previous year. The relatively sharp reduction in charter traffic (-29.9 %) was caused, amongst other factors, by a structural transfer to scheduled traffic. In the scheduled segment itself, the consequences of SARS became most apparent on long-haul routes. The average passenger load factor on scheduled services reduced by 2.7 percentage points to 66.6 %. The cumulative traffic statistics for January to May 2003 show a 4.7 % fall in the number of passengers to 3.06 million passengers. The charter segment continued to grow during this period, by a healthy 8.6 %, while scheduled services carried 6.5 % fewer passengers than in the comparable period last year. At 64.7 %, the load factor on scheduled services was 2.7 percentage points lower than the figure for the previous year. In the first five months of 2003, the Group provided a total of 57,333 flights, 3.3 % fewer than were made from January to May 2002.
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Rolls-Royce has been contracted by Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (GAMCO) to support a TotalCare agreement for Gulf Air's fleet of six A330-200s powered by the Trent 700. The contract, which is valued at $150 million, was announced today (18 June) at the Paris Air Show. Under the terms of the agreement, GAMCO will manage the contract on behalf of Gulf Air. The signing of this agreement further strengthens the relationship between Rolls-Royce and GAMCO which has existed since GAMCO's founding in the early 1980s and extends across several Rolls-Royce engine types. Gulf Air has been a Rolls-Royce customer since its start-up in 1950.
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