FLUG REVUE update: Week ending 12 December 2004

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UPDATE
Week ending 12 December 2004

+++ A350 offering approved +++ Embraer 195 flies +++ 59 Rafales ordered by France +++ Tiger HAD signed up +++ South Africa to take A400M +++ China orders more Airbus¥ +++ SITA and Cargolux to offer IT solutions +++ Goodrich Hella lights for the 7E7 +++ BAE reduces stake in SAAB +++ GP7200 begins flight testing +++ News in brief +++

A350 offering approved
Neuer Airbus-Langstreckenjet im Angebot

On December 10, Airbus has received approval from its shareholders, EADS and BAE Systems to begin making firm commercial offers to launch customers for two new members of its wide-body Family. The new sisterships to the A330s, called "A350" models, respond to the market demand foreseen by Airbus customers, many of whom have expressed their interest in these new models and contributed to their definition. Due to enter service in the first half of 2010, the A350 models will complement the existing Airbus A330 and A340 product line. Offering a maximum of operational commonality with the current A330/A340 line - including Common Type Rating with the A330 -, they complement the current A330-200 and -300 line, offering extended range in these seating categories.
"The long range market is becoming more segmented in terms of size and range. Airbus has listened to its customers, who were interested in the medium size category with greater range to complement their current Airbus wide-body Families. As a result of this demand, we are now pleased to offer the A350, which, in addition to its intrinsic characteristics, is in the unique position of being a full member of a comprehensive airliner family, hence benefiting from an unmatched level of commonality", said Airbus President and CEO Noël Forgeard on the occasion of the announcement. "We are now in the unique position to satisfy all airlines' demands in the long range sector, from the 250 seater to the high capacity A380." The market for aircraft in the 250-300 seat category is estimated at some 3,100 new aircraft over the next 20 years, of which Airbus expects to get at least 50 per cent.
The A350 will be offered in two versions. The A350-800 will typically seat 245 passengers in a long range three class configuration and have a range in excess of 8,600 nm / 15,900 km) providing ultra long range capability in this "medium size" seating category, and offering the lowest seat mile costs for this less dense long range market. Seating 285 passengers in a similar configuration, the A350-900 will have a range of more than 7,500 nm / 13,900 km, allowing operators to benefit from exceptionally low unit costs in the most competitive mainstream markets. The A350 models will benefit from technologies, materials and manufacturing processes used on the A380, and will draw from composite wing design and Airbus manufacturing know-how. Although eligible for a choice of engines, the initial A350s will be powered by two new generation General Electric engines which, thanks to new technologies, will generate a double-digit improvement in fuel efficiency.

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Embraer 195 flies
Erstflug der Embraer 195

The EMBRAER 195 commercial airliner made its first flight at Embraer's São José dos Campos headquarters on 7 December and successfully performed a range of flying quality and system validation tests. The airplane took off at 11:58 am (local time) and landed safely 1 hour and 56 minutes later.
The 108-seat EMBRAER 195 is the largest aircraft ever built by Embraer. Powered by two GE CF34-10E engines, this airplane can be configured for single class or dual class seating. With maximum payload of 29,829 pounds (13,530 kilos), it provides the best balance between performance and economics. The EMBRAER 195 will continue its flight tests at the Gavião Peixoto facility, in the interior of the state of São Paulo, where the certification campaign of the other members of the EMBRAER 170/190 family is also taking place.
Certification of the EMBRAER 195 is expected in the second quarter of 2006. SWISS has 15 EMBRAER 195s on firm order and 10 options. General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has taken options on 10 aircraft of the model. As of September 30, 2004, the EMBRAER 170/190 family had logged 325 firm orders and 383 options.
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59 Rafales ordered by France
Wichtiger Auftrag für Dassault

French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie announced on December 6, 2004, during the Senate debate on the 2005 defence budget, the formal award of an order for 59 Rafale fighters. The order covers 47 aircraft for the Armée de l´Air (11 two-seaters and 36 single-seaters) and 12 single-seat aircraft for the French navy. All of these aircraft will be delivered to the F3 multi-mission standard, whose development contract was awarded in February 2004. They will be delivered between 2008 and 2012. The 118 engines needed for the aircraft, as well as the related spare parts, have also been ordered, in two batches, from Snecma Moteurs. These latest contracts bring to 120 the number of production-standard Rafale combat aircraft ordered for the French armed forces, including 82 for the air force and 38 for the navy.
As a major partner of the Rafale programme, Thales welcomed the order for 59 Rafale F3 standard combat aircraft awarded by the French defence ministry. This new contract confirms the programme as a key component of France's defence capability for the coming decades. Thales is supplying the electronic equipment that constitutes the Rafale's navigation and attack system, including the RBE2 electronic scanning radar, the Spectra electronic warfare system, IFF identification equipment, mission and data-storage computer, displays, communication equipment, backup instruments and electric power generation systems.

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Tiger HAD signed up
Neue Tiger-Version in Entwicklung

On Wednesday 8 December, the "Instructions To Proceed " - the contracts for the launch of the development work for the HAD Tiger version intended for Spain and France - were signed in Toulouse. These contracts were signed on behalf of the countries by the Director of the contracting authority, OCCAR, with the industrial partners Eurocopter Tiger (the Eurocopter subsidiary), MTR/ITP, SAGEM, and INDRA.
At the end of October, OCCAR was mandated by the participating countries to launch the development of this new HAD (Support Suppressor Helicopter) version of the Eurocopter combat helicopter. This launch signifies a major step forward in the advancement of the Tiger program. The multi-purpose HAD version combines the combat/support capabilities of the HAP version with the attack capability of the air-to-ground missiles of the UHT version. France is acquiring 40 of its 80 Tigers in the HAD version and, in time, Spain will have 24 HAD version helicopters. Furthermore, certain other countries have already expressed their interest in this new version.

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South Africa to take A400M
A400M für Südafrika

The South Africa Government announced that it has accepted an invitation from Airbus Military for South Africa to participate in the A400M multi-role mission transport aircraft design and manufacture programme. In return, the Government has committed to procure and take delivery of between 8 and 14 aircraft as the programme matures between 2010 and 2014. The cost of 8 aircraft would be Euros 837 million. Negotiations are currently underway between the Government and Airbus Military to determine the terms of agreement for the country's participation. At the same time, Denel and Aerosud have engaged Airbus Military to develop the details of industrial partnership contracts around specific dedicated work-share packages that will become effective as soon as an agreement has been signed between Government and Airbus Military. We are confident that a Memorandum of Agreement will be signed in the coming weeks.
Of critical importance to Government is the fact that the A400M programme provides the country with the opportunity to meet its growing international obligations, particularly in regard to peacekeeping and support disaster relief and management, and a range of other civil, commercial and military missions. The current proposal contains specific benefits for South Africa: Firstly, guaranteed work-packages to industry, designed to meet global standards, will be in place for the next 17 years. Being in at the beginning also gives our industry a strong chance to bid successfully for maintenance and upgrade work in the future. This will allow South African companies to be integrated into what could be the world's largest aviation supply chain. Secondly, the partnership allows South African industry and the Defence Force to influence the design and industrialisation of the aircraft that will ensure, amongst other things, that the aircraft we are committed to purchase already incorporate many of the features we consider necessary for deployment according to our own needs. Thirdly, the cost benefit to the country as a whole is greater than following a simple procurement process in 2010 as the country's investment is linked directly to the number of aircraft to which we commit, but the return on that investment will derive from the success of the whole programme. Furthermore, the payments are stretched over the whole period of the programme, thus ensuring that costs are more easily managed on a year-by-year basis, rather than on large commitments over a short period of time.

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China orders more Airbus
Schröder-Besuch: Neuer Airbus-Vertrag unterschrieben

China Aviation Supplies Import & Export Group Corporation (CASGC) has announced its decision to acquire 23 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. The announcement was made in Beijing at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People attended by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. "CASGC has enjoyed an excellent cooperative relationship with Airbus for many years. Through our joint efforts, Airbus can provide more modern and economic aviation products to Chinese airlines, while CASGC can offer high quality and value-added services to Chinese airlines," CASGC President Li Hai said.
Airbus' business in China has been steadily expanding since it first entered the country in 1985. The Airbus fleet in service in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao has grown to more than 260 today from just 29 in 1995. A training and support centre, which represents a US$80 million investment by Airbus, is fully operational in Beijing. Five Chinese companies are involved in producing parts for Airbus aircraft.

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SITA and Cargolux to offer IT solutions
Neue IT-Allianz im Frachtgeschäft

SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) and Cargolux Airlines International S.A. announced their decision to create the world's only company solely dedicated to the provision of IT solutions to the air cargo industry. SITA INC subsidiary, SITA Cargo (UK) Ltd., and Cargolux's CHAMP Cargosystems SA, will merge to become the market leader in air cargo automation with unrivalled professional expertise, a global presence and a commitment to its present customer base of some 200 which it expects to grow rapidly. "The new company will have a customer base in excess of 50 cargo airlines. The combined workforce of over 150 employees represents worldwide expertise in all areas of cargo and the industry will benefit greatly from the tapping of this deep industry knowledge through this joint venture," said Francesco Violante, Managing Director, SITA INC. The new company will be headquartered in Luxembourg; 51% owned by SITA INC and 49% owned by Cargolux. The main staff locations will be Luxembourg, the UK and the USA. There will be no job losses and a major investment programme is planned over the next five years.
"This is one of the most significant developments in air cargo IT automation. The industry needs a strong force with the know-how and experience to enable a new generation of systems that can deliver the functionality required at a cost the industry can afford. We can achieve this faster and more effectively through this partnership," said Uli Ogiermann, CEO of Cargolux.
Together, the parent companies have identified clear opportunities emerging around core cargo practices in a changing market, which are very much technology driven. These will focus on user friendliness and process optimization through improvements in operationally critical areas such as data exchange with third parties and third party systems, piece level processing, open systems, RFID tagging, warehouse management system integration and PDA interfaces.
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Goodrich Hella lights for the 7E7
Neue 7E7-Unteraufträge

Boeing has selected Goodrich Corporation to supply the exterior lighting for the new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner. The system consists of runway turnoff and taxi lights as well as wing illumination, cargo handling lights and logo lights, which illuminate an airline's logo on an aircraft's vertical stabilizer. According to Uwe Bloecker, President, Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems, "This contract marks a significant milestone for our team. It is the first major Boeing application of our lighting technology. The 7E7 will make use of our High Intensity Discharge (HID) technology -- the next generation in aircraft lighting. The system can lower direct maintenance costs and stretch time between unscheduled repairs. We are delighted to have been chosen by Boeing to bring this technology to such a high-profile aircraft."
Goodrich HID technology has a lifespan 80 times longer than traditional technology. It emits a light color similar to daylight and has extremely low power consumption resulting in energy savings between 40-80% compared to traditional lighting systems. Goodrich's Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems will be producing the lighting system for the 7E7 with first deliveries expected in 2007. With locations in Lippstadt, Germany and Tampa, Florida, Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems is a world leader in the design, development, test, manufacture and repair of exterior and interior lighting and systems for military, commercial, regional and business aircraft.

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BAE reduces stake in SAAB
SAAB wird wieder eigenständiger

In 1995 SAAB and BAE SYSTEMS created a 50/50 Joint Venture to develop and explore the Gripen Export business. In order to adapt to both external and internal dynamics, this Joint Venture has evolved including the creation of Gripen International as the export marketing organization for Gripen. SAAB and BAE SYSTEMS have jointly decided to develop further the cooperation regarding the Gripen export business. SAAB will take the responsibility for Gripen International's efforts to win new Gripen export business. As already envisaged in 1995, through the Joint Venture with BAE SYSTEMS, SAAB's export marketing capabilities have increased and it is now appropriate for SAAB to take the lead for these activities. The move also opens possibilities to realize further synergies in the interface between Gripen International and SAAB. The change will be implemented from 1st of January 2005.
In recognition of the changes to the Joint Venture Agreement BAE SYSTEMS will reduce its shareholding in SAAB AB. BAE SYSTEMS will retain at least 20 percent of votes and capital that will be considered as a long term investment.
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GP7200 begins flight testing
Erstflug des GP7200

The GP7200 engine in development for the A380 made a successful first flight aboard a specially equipped test aircraft on December 3rd from GE's Flight Test Centre in Victorville, California. Flight testing over the next three weeks will be devoted to an initial assessment of engine operation and gathering propulsion system data for Airbus and the nacelle supplier, Hurel Hispano. Specific tests include engine airstarting, inlet distortion and fan stall margin measurements, and a survey of nacelle undercowl temperatures. A second series of GP7200 flight tests will begin in the second quarter of 2005 aboard the same test aircraft. These tests are expected to last up to eight weeks and will conduct detailed engine performance measurements and validate engine systems operation.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

The A318, the latest member of Airbus' best-selling A320 Family, flew for the first time with new PW6000A engines (PW6124A) from Pratt & Whitney. Certification of this aircraft engine combination should take place towards the end of 2005 after some 500 flight hours. The A318 took off from the Finkenwerder airfield at Airbus' Hamburg plant in Germany at 10h16 hours local time (09h16 UTC), and returned at 13h08 hours local time (12h08 UTC) after a successful mission. The flight, lasting two hours and 52 minutes, was captained by Philippe Pellerin, Experimental Test Pilot with Bernd Schäfer, Chief Pilot in Hamburg as first officer, Manfred Birnfeld and Hermann Schmoeckel as Flight Test Engineers/Test Conductors and Jean-Paul Lambertas Test Flight Engineer. The crew tested the aircraft through the full flight envelope and carried out initial performance assessment and low speed characteristics. In all cases the engines performed exactly as anticipated.
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On 7 December, thousands of Boeing employees celebrated the ceremonial rollout of the 500th Boeing 777 commercial airplane Friday, Dec. 3. The 777, the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane ever, will reach 500 airplanes delivered faster than any other twin-aisle airplane in commercial history. "There is no question the 777 has been and will continue to be an enormous success," said John Quinlivan, vice president and general manager, 747/767/777 programs. "The 777 is the market leader in efficiency, economics, reliability and comfort." The 500th 777 is scheduled for delivery to International Lease Finance Corp. and operator Air France later this month. Thirty-eight customers have ordered 647 Boeing 777s, outselling its direct competitor by a two-to-one ratio.
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The Eurofighter Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) 4, operated by EADS CASA at Getafe near Madrid, has been deployed to Vidsel in the very north of Sweden, near the Polar Circle, to start with the implementation of special "Extreme Cold Weather Trials." There, the aircraft and the test team will face permanently temperatures between -25 and -31º Celsius in this time of the season. Therefore, the 50 Spanish staff members participating in this two months exercise have received a specific arctic training and were provided with special protective garments. EADS CASA Chief Test Pilot Eduardo Cuadrado took off from Getafe on Tuesday, Dec. 7th at 09:30 hrs. The deployment to Vidsel was planned in two legs and the first destination was Laage Air Force Base near Rostock (Germany), where the Luftwaffe operates their first Eurofighter squadron. In order to achieve a smooth flight and to cover the 1,200 miles between Getafe and Laage in the fastest way, the Eurofighter carried out an in-flight refuelling over Zaragoza, where an F-18 of the Spanish Air Force was also waiting to escort IPA4 during the ferry flight. The flight to Laage lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes as planned. In the morning on the 9th, both aircraft then headed for Vidsel, flying the distance of 850 miles in about two hours.
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With a view to continuously improving performance and customer response, Turbomeca has created a Production Division, directly attached to the Operations Division. Its main objective is to reinforce the steering of operations, by co-coordinating the implementation of operational actions designed to optimize the production process. This new division will also operationally coordinate all assembly activities carried out on the international sites.
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The WET model of the European Robotic Arm (ERA) was comprehensively inspected and tested at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre near Moscow last week. ESA astronaut André Kuipers donned a Russian Orlan spacesuit for the occasion. He spent over three hours underwater with the model of the robotic arm, which was built in 1998, but is nevertheless in perfect condition. The impressive robotic arm is over 11 metres in length and weighs 630 kg. Once ERA reaches the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) will be its home base. With the help of seven joints, a variety of tools and its electronics, the astronaut's aid can move insect-like around the Russian ISS segments and will be used for a variety of tasks.
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Aerojet recently test-fired a Viking flight spare rocket engine assembly in order to help design a new engine which will deliver the next rover to the surface of Mars in 2009. The rocket engine used in the test was originally built, tested and delivered in 1973 for the Viking program. The engine was put into storage after the successful landing of the Viking 1 and Viking 2 spacecraft on Mars in 1976. "Aerojet hardware has flown on every U.S. mission to Mars," said Aerojet President Michael Martin. "We are extremely proud that the hot fire testing of the Viking Lander rocket engine assembly further proved Aerojet's heritage capabilities in design, manufacture, test and production of propulsion systems. Our role in the Mars Science Laboratory mission will bring our work full-circle."
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Lockheed Martin has named Larry Lawson as executive vice president, general manager of the F/A-22 Raptor program. In this role, Lawson has overall responsibility for the program, which has a team of 4,500 employees in Georgia, Texas and California along with industrial teammates and 1,000 suppliers. Lawson had served as vice president, F/A-22 deputy since September 2004. Lawson replaces Ralph Heath, who has been named Lockheed Martin executive vice president effective Jan. 17, 2005. Heath succeeds Dain Hancock, who is retiring. Lawson's new position is effective immediately.
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Embraer announced today that startup airline Hong Kong Express Airways Ltd (HKE) will operate four EMBRAER 170 aircraft configured with 76 seats. HKE will be the launch customer for the EMBRAER 170, not only in China but also in the whole of Asia. Three aircraft are scheduled for delivery to HKE in the second half of 2005 and one in the first half of 2006. These aircraft will be leased from General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). HKE Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tse said: "The aircraft will be used to provide multiple daily services between Hong Kong and secondary cities in mainland China. In conjunction with the extensive air services to over 140 cities worldwide through the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), HKE's plan of operation will strengthen HKIA's position of being the predominant gateway to mainland China by enhancing the connectivity for mainland China international travelers as well as the air service for local Hong Kong travelers. This is an investment of over US$ 100 million, which fully demonstrates our commitment to Hong Kong."
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The Boeing Airborne Laser (ABL) team flew an aircraft equipped with the integrated battle management and Beam Control/Fire Control (BC/FC) systems for the first time at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Dec. 3. "This is a significant technological achievement in the ABL program and demonstrates the continued steady flow of progress we've been making." said Jim Evatt, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. The ABL aircraft conducted initial airworthiness and battle management testing in 2002 after extensive modification from a civil freighter to the first airborne platform to house a megawatt-class directed energy weapon system. Following those successful tests, it was delivered to Edwards AFB in late 2002 to begin further weapon systems installation.
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Raytheon has received a $158 million contract for continued production of AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles and support materials. The contract includes 443 all-up-round AIM-9X tactical missiles, 153 AIM-9X training missiles and support equipment. The award was made by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. "The awarding of our first full rate production contract is a significant achievement for the AIM-9X program. I am extremely proud of the AIM-9X team's accomplishments in providing the U.S. warfighter and our allies with the world's finest short range missile," said Navy Capt. Scott Stewart, the Naval Air Systems Command program manager for Air-to Air missile systems.
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SAS Flight Academy has reached a three-year agreement with Aerogulf Services for training of helicopter pilots. Aerogulf Services is one of the longest-established aviation companies in Dubai having been set up in 1976. It is the emirate's only company specialising in the lease and hire of helicopters primarily for the offshore and marine industries as well as the tourism sector.
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L-3 Communications announced that L-3 Communications Canada, through its subsidiary L-3 Communications MAS (Canada) Inc., has executed a Memorandum of Agreement with Sikorsky International Operations Inc. (Sikorsky) to provide In-Service Support (ISS) for the 28 Sikorsky H-92 Cyclone medium lift helicopters for the coming 20 years. The value of this contract is expected to be in excess of C$800 million. Sikorsky has been awarded the contract to deliver the Maritime Helicopter Program to replace the Canadian Forces' fleet of Sea King Helicopters. L-3 MAS is responsible for ISS set-up and provision of extensive ISS activities. L-3 MAS will ensure a smooth transition from production to in-service support, providing a training facility, as well as management and control of all ISS work in strict accordance with cost, schedule and performance requirements. In addition, L-3 MAS will support Sikorsky in the development and management of an Accredited Technical Organization, support the DND Weapon System Manager with Fleet Management and Operational Planning, and ensure the H-92 operational availability is maintained throughout its life cycle with the Canadian Forces.
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Arianespace has set December 18 as the new liftoff date for Flight 165 in a rescheduling that allows for completion of a subassembly replacement on the mission's Ariane 5 Generic launcher. The subassembly change-out was decided after an anomaly appeared during ground tests involving equipment similar to that used the Flight 165 launch vehicle. Flight 165 is a mission to Sun-synchronous orbit, and its liftoff is set at a precise moment rather than the traditional launch window of minutes or hours for Ariane flights to geostationary transfer orbit. Launch time is 1:26 p.m. at the Spaceport in French Guiana (16h26 GMT, 5:26 p.m. in Paris, and 11:26 a.m. in Washington, D.C.).
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Space pioneer John W. Young, a man who flew twice to the moon, walked on its surface and commanded the first Space Shuttle mission, is retiring. Young's achievements during his 42-year career at NASA are unmatched. He was the first human to fly in space six times and launch seven times, six times from Earth and once from the moon. He is the only astronaut to pilot four different types of spacecraft, flying in the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Young is the longest serving astronaut in history. His retirement from NASA is effective Dec. 31. Young, a native of Orlando, Fla., retired U.S. Navy Captain and test pilot, joined NASA in 1962. His first mission was as pilot of the maiden manned flight of the Gemini Program, Gemini 3 in 1965. With Young and Commander Virgil Grissom on board, Gemini 3 was the first American space flight with more than one person.
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Aerospace sales, orders, exports, and employment all increased significantly in 2004 as defense-related industry categories showed robust growth, the Aerospace Industries Association reported in its state-of-the-industry analysis released Wednesday. Indicators from AIA's Aerospace Research Center showed the good news should continue into next year, with growth likely to rival that of 2004, AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass said in his year-end address. "These numbers show a healthy industry that continues to show strength and fortitude despite significant challenges in the last several years,'' Douglass said. "The industry downturn after the terrorist attacks of 2001 was relatively modest and thankfully short-lived.'' The statistics, complied by AIA's Research Director David Napier, show increases in several key indicators after years of decreases. Overall sales in the aerospace industry rose 8 percent in 2004, jumping by $12 billion to a total of $161 billion, the highest level of current-dollar sales in the industry's history. In contrast, sales decreased by $4.5 billion in 2003. The healthiest gains came in portions of the industry involved in defense contracts. Military aircraft sales increased 15 percent and missile sales jumped 10 percent. Revenues in the civil aircraft sector, including engines and parts, increased modestly to $35 billion. Civil transport revenues were projected to decline 1.1 percent, or about $200 million. That is in contrast to 2003, when the same category saw a decrease of 26 percent, or $7.1 billion. For the first time in two years the number of U.S. commercial jetliners delivered increased, going up four planes to a total of 285.
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Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) is to become a Bell Associated Training Facility for Middle East-based operators of the Bell 412 helicopter, and has welcomed Doha-based Gulf Helicopters as its first customer. This was confirmed today in a signing ceremony at the Dubai Helishow 2004 by Emirates' chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum; Jeff Roberts, group president, civil simulation and training, CAE; and Dane Pranke, director of marketing & sales, Middle East/Africa, for Bell Helicopter; and Paul Giles, senior vice-president, helicopter group, Hawker Pacific (the Bell Helicopter regional independent representative).
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Rockwell Collins announced that the integration of the simulation and training capabilities attained last year with the acquisition of NLX has progressed well and the business will now be recognized as Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions. Through this business, Rockwell Collins provides a wide range of training systems, upgrades, modifications, curriculum development, electronically delivered learning, engineering and technical services for many military and commercial platforms. These platforms include the Bombardier Challenger 300 simulator, the U.S. Army's Additional Black Hawk Flight Simulator (ABHFS) Program, the U.S. Navy's P-3C Visual System Modifications and E-2C Hawkeye Weapon System Trainer, and the B-1 and B-52 Training Systems for the U.S. Air Force.
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Boeing and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have finalized an order for 18 Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners that makes the airline the world's largest 777 customer and ties the record for the largest order of the 777-300ER. With this order, valued at $4.1 billion at list prices, SIA has ordered a total of 77 of the twin-engine airplane family models. International Lease Finance Corp. is the only other customer to order 18 Boeing 777-300ERs. This also brings total 777-300ER orders to 104 airplanes.
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Lufthansa and the Cockpit union representing around 4,400 pilots at the Group agreed a pay accord at the weekend and a comprehensive package of future-oriented measures designed to keep the Group on a competitive footing. The package encompasses measures to raise productivity and a pay freeze as well a new contributory company pension plan for pilots' retirement pensions and a solution for the low-cost carrier sector in the Group. Stefan Lauer, Chief Executive Aviation Services and Human Resources, who conducted the negotiations, sees the pay accord as a clear signal for safeguarding jobs at the Group. "With this agreement, we have come to a basic understanding on how to shape our future. The length of the agreement and the productivity-raising measures are especially of crucial importance for strengthening our position in each business segment." The outcome of the talks shows that Lufthansa has successfully concluded very difficult negotiations on future working conditions and cost structures in the cockpit. Simultaneously, we have resolved issues, which have been disputed for several years, concerning the structure of future retirement pension arrangements. "With this deal concluded in harness with our negotiating partners, we have set a milestone in the concerted campaign to place staff costs on a competitive base," said Lauer. Under the terms of the accord, the pilots have agreed to a pay freeze up to 31 March 2006. The measures to improve productivity include the addition of two extra flying hours monthly onto regular working time prior to overtime as well as changes within the existing salary scales and more flexibility, which will reduce costs overall by around six per cent. Over the full term of the pay accord, the package will appreciably cut costs in the Lufthansa passenger business. Pilots' retirement benefits will be based on a contributory company pensions scheme and brought more into line with retirement benefits for staff on the ground, while taking into account the specific conditions of work in the cockpit.
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Airbus is further increasing its industrial cooperation with Italy's Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, for the A380, the largest aircraft in the airline commercial aviation history. Alenia Aeronautica will start new activities for the aircraft's cargo version (A380 Freighter), in addition to the production of the double-deck central fuselage for which Alenia is already responsible for the passenger version. The agreement will allow Alenia Aeronautica to improve its own contribution in terms of advanced technologies and to further develop its relation with Airbus. Alenia Aeronautica is already involved in all Airbus programmes (A300-310, A320 Family, A330-340 and A380). For the A380 Freighter, Alenia Aeronautica will specifically be in charge of the development and production of both composite barrier walls which separate the crew area from the cargo area, and of floors' grids made of advanced metal alloy.
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Swiss International Air Lines and Unique (Flughafen Zürich AG) have agreed a new user scheme for Zurich Airport that will take effect as of the Summer 2005 timetable end of march. Under the agreement, the national airline and the airport operating authority will work more closely together at Zurich Airport. The new user scheme for Zurich Airport stipulates that Gates A will be available for all SWISS flights within Europe. SWISS intercontinental flights will depart from and arrive at Gates E exclusively. This change will improve airport planning parameters, which in turn will facilitate shorter check-in and transfer times. The benefits for SWISS passengers are a clear and understandable user format, shorter distances and transfer times, and better access to connecting flights. With these changes, Zurich Airport positions itself as one of the most attractive airports in Europe at which to transfer. Greater efficiency in ground procedures will improve the likelihood of transfer passengers making their connecting flight and reduce instances of passengers and their baggage being carried on different flights. Concentrating handling ac-tivities at specific locations will also improve punctuality at the airport.
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Lockheed Martin received a U.S. Air Force contract totaling more than $112 million for continued production of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), the world's first stealthy cruise missile. This first lot of full rate production, Lot 4, is for 288 missiles. Lockheed Martin was approved for Milestone III, signaling the start of full rate production, in March of 2004. Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of Lots 1 and 2 began in late 2001 and will continue through 2004. The last 11 Lot 2 missiles are on plan for delivery by the end of December 2004. Lot 3 began in December 2003, with the first missile delivery planned for January 2005, one month in advance of contractual requirement. The U.S. Air Force expects to procure 4,900 JASSMs over the life of the program, while the U.S. Navy plans to procure 450 JASSMs, starting in fiscal year 2007.
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Touting its mission readiness to build the next Marine One fleet, Sikorsky Aircraft today unveiled its new Executive Transport Center, which will serve exclusively as the final assembly facility for the new presidential helicopter should the company win the contract. "Over the past several months, we've made the investment to prepare this secured, state-of-the-art presidential helicopter manufacturing facility," Sikorsky President Stephen Finger told hundreds of employees attending the ribbon-cutting along with U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Connecticut. "I am proud to say we are ready. We are ready to begin work on the next presidential helicopter today," Finger said.
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Having dropped advanced flight research vehicles rather than bombs over an illustrious career spanning nearly a half century, NASA's B-52B "mothership" air-launch aircraft is being retired. Operated by NASA Dryden for most of its lifetime, NASA's venerable B-52B has participated in some of the most significant projects in aerospace history. At retirement, the air launch and research aircraft holds the distinction of being NASA's oldest aircraft, as well as being the oldest B-52 still flyable. At the same time, it has the lowest number of flying hours of any B-52 in operation, having been used exclusively in the role it has continued to perform so reliably for nearly 50
years. Bearing NASA tail number 008, the B-52B first flew in June 1955 and was flown by the Air Force in the B-52 test program for several years before it was modified to support the X-15 research aircraft program at NASA Dryden in 1959. It flew its last research mission Nov. 16, 2004, launching the scramjet-powered X-43A on its record Mach 9.6 flight over the Pacific Ocean.
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Vietnam Airlines has signed a contract for an additional ten A321 aircraft, bringing total orders for Airbus aircraft to fifteen. The airline placed its initial order with Airbus for five A321 aircraft in October 2002, having been an operator of A320 Family aircraft on lease since late 1993. Deliveries of the first purchased aircraft commenced in July 2004, with the Airbus fleet currently comprising of six A321s and ten A320s. The first of the additional A321s will be delivered in spring 2006.The fleet of A320 Family aircraft currently operate on an extensive domestic and regional network.
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Boeing is adding Bridgestone to its 7E7 Dreamliner global partner team as the all-new airplane's tire supplier. Each 7E7 will have 10 tires, two for the nose landing gear and four tires on each of the main landing gear. The 7E7's radial tires feature a new belt structure based on a high-elasticity, high strength cord that is weight efficient and wear resistant. "Every 7E7 will be delivered with Bridgestone tires," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 7E7 program. "Bridgestone has proven itself as a wonderful partner through its work with us on many other programs and we are pleased to have them join us on the newest Boeing airplane."
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Vodafone and Boeing, acting through its business unit Connexion by Boeing, today announced their intention to jointly trial the delivery of high-speed in-flight WiFi connectivity to airline passengers. Vodafone will be the first global mobile telecommunications operator to undergo trials with Connexion by Boeing, aimed at extending Vodafone's laptop data mobility services in flight. The trial, due to start this month, will test the Vodafone customer experience with the Connexion by Boeing real-time, in-flight Internet service, which operates in a similar manner to ground based public Wi-Fi. Following successful completion of trials and Vodafone entering into a full agreement with Connexion by Boeing, Vodafone customers will be able to access the Internet or their corporate VPN, and have sessions billed to their Vodafone account.
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Details of the planned reduction of RAF personnel were announced by the Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram. The RAF is undergoing a radical restructuring, designed to ensure its personnel are best equipped and trained for meeting the security challenges of the 21st century. The MoD White Paper, 'Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities' published in July this year, announced plans to reduce the number of personnel from 48,900 to 41,000 by 2008. In a House of Commons statement, Mr Ingram explained this reduction would be achieved through a balanced strategy based on a combination of natural outflow, reduced recruitment and targeted redundancy. As part of the reduction strategy, the recruitment target for the next three financial years has been reduced from 10,000 to 6,000 personnel, and the Service will be looking to achieve some 2,750 redundancies.
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On 8 December, the Lufthansa Supervisory Board approved orders for seven Airbus A340-600 long-haul jets. The purchase is part of Lufthansa's firm plans to strengthen its position as a leading, global network carrier in the profitable long-haul business. With this decision, Lufthansa is continuing its policy of acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft in ecological and economical pursuit of new customer-oriented goals. The A340-600 is noted for high fuel-efficiency and low emissions. The orders were already included in Lufthansa's investment planning. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2006 and 2007. The orders are fully in line with capacity planning for the Airbus A380, which will begin joining the fleet from the end of 2007. Besides replacing existing aircraft, the new A340-600s will equip the airline with the capacity required to accommodate forecasted demand in the next few years.
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On 9 December, MTU Aero Engines' supervisory board appointed Udo Stark chief executive of MTU Aero Engines as of the first of the year 2005. Until October 31, 2004, Udo Stark was chairman of the executive board of MG Tech-nologies AG, a group which through his consistent focussing strategy he positioned among the financially most solid MDAX companies.
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Saab Aerostructures has now completed the production of the first three forward fuselages of the NH90 helicopter for Eurocopter. A total of 270 forward fuselages for the helicopter will be delivered by Saab Aerostructures. The NH90 is a new product for Saab Aerostructures and entails new methods and technology. The first three of a total of 270 forward fuselages for the NH 90 are now completed at Saab Aerostructures in Linköping Two of them have been delivered to Eurocopter in Germany and the third forward fuselage will be delivered around mid December. From there the forward fuselages will be transported onward to one of the final assembly locations in Finland, Italy, Germany or France.
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In its meeting of 9 December 2004, the Supervisory Board of the Austrian Airlines AG took a number of decisions to ensure a successful continuity at top management level and streamline the way in which the Board of Management divisions are run in future. The Board of Management contracts of the Chief Financial Officer Ing. Mag. Thomas Kleibl, 45, and Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Josef E. Burger, 52, both of which were due to expire at the end of September 2005, have now been extended for a further period of four years (i.e. from October 2005 until 2009). Chief Operations Officer Dr. Walter Bock, 60, having contributed many years of successful service to the company, has now decided to step down and enjoy his well-earned retirement when his own contract expires at the end of September 2005.
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RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. announced today that the first upgraded Israel Air Force A-4 Skyhawk has successfully completed its inaugural flight. This critical milestone of the program was accomplished within a tightly planned schedule of only 11 months following the program initiation. The A-4 Skyhawk is the IAF's advanced trainer used in the flight academy and as a lead-in fighter trainer for both the modern fighters (F-15 and F-16). The program, activated on January 1st, 2004, includes replacements of out-dated avionic units onboard the aircraft with newly designed equipment. The modernization aims at improving the training environment of air cadets flying the aircraft, enables a complete debrief of each flight using 3 dimensional graphic displays synchronized with video and audio recordings, while significantly reducing the aircraft's cost of ownership.
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Irkut Corporation has started delivery of the third phase multifunctional two-seat fighter Su-30MKI to the Indian Air Force. Thus, Irkut together with Sukhoi Design Bureau, RPKB, NIIP, Saturn and other companies participating in cooperation on the project, are completing fulfillment of contract signed with Indian Ministry of Defence in November 1996. Certification of the third phase Su-30MKI was successfully accomplished. The Su-30MKI equipped with a phased array radar and an engine with thrust vector control (TVC) is currently the only aircraft of this level in the world being under series production.
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The Darmstadt administrative district board has issued its "declaration of completeness" regarding Fraport's documentation submitted for the zoning procedure on the expansion of Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Thus, "another important milestone" toward ensuring the competitiveness of Germany's central air transportation hub has been reached says Fraport AG's executive board chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender. The planning documents for airport expansion will be released in mid-January 2005 and will be available for public review in 57 communities for a full month. The public will then have an opportunity to give input and make objections to the plan until the beginning of March 2005. Furthermore, all government agencies and environmental protection organizations, whose fields of activities are affected by FRA's expansion, will have an opportunity to comment on the plan. Within the four-week comment period citizens will have an opportunity to make objections in writing. Concurrently, the Darmstadt administrative district board will ask government agencies, administrative bodies and other organizations affected by the expansion to give their input. The comments and objections made will then be discussed among Fraport experts and the parties involved, government agencies and organizations within the scope of a public hearing scheduled for the second half of 2005. The Darmstadt administrative district board will then present the results of the hearing in the form of a hearing report to the Hesse Ministry of Economics, Transportation and State Development, which will evaluate the total facts. The corresponding zoning decision is expected for the second half of 2007.
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The Eurofighter's EJ200 engine is the most advanced in its class worldwide, providing the combat aircraft with breathtaking agility. Starting with Tranche 2, the powerplant comes with a new control system. That system is being developed, under the roof of the Eurojet engine consortium, by MTU Aero Engines in partnership with German, Spanish and British hardware suppliers and with Rolls-Royce Bristol, who provides the software. With this activity, Germany's leading engine manufacturer has landed yet another development contract. The DECMU's unique feature is that it marries control and monitoring functions in a single unit. Before, it used to take two different systems to achieve the same purpose. The new unit is more flexible and cost-effective than the two predecessor systems taken together, although size and reliability remain the same. But chalk up one more for the DECMU: it will readily accommodate foreseeable engine modifications including thrust vectoring, if adopted. Also, existing engines can optionally be retrofitted with it at relatively modest effort.
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The Cirrus group has taken over Augsburg Airways, effective December 1. It thus has 15 mor turboprop regional airliners and 350 employees under its control. Cirrus itself had 30 aircraft, most of them operating on regional routes.
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EADS expects its 2005 revenues to grow to around Euro 33 billion and EBIT to more than Euro 2.4 billion. For 2004, EADS had forecasted revenues of Euro 32 billion and EBIT of Euro 2.2 billion. On that basis, the 2005 guidance represents three percent revenue growth and more than nine percent EBIT increase. The EADS revenue guidance is calculated on a 2005 exchange rate assumption of US$ 1.30 to the Euro compared to Euro 1 = US$ 1.23 in 2004. EADS expects Airbus to deliver 350-360 aircraft in 2005, entirely out of the existing order book. Revenues from its defence business should continue to grow and reach around Euro 8.5 billion in 2005, or approximately 26 percent of total group revenues. The defence business will be mainly driven by progress with the A400M and Paradigm programmes, higher missile deliveries and the ramping up of NH90 and Tiger helicopter deliveries. Airbus EBIT* growth will be driven by increased volumes. At the same time, Airbus' self-funded R&D expenses will remain on the 2004 level, mostly accounted for by A380 development expenses and the launch of the A350 programme. While the Military Transport Aircraft and Space divisions are expected to contribute to the 2005 overall EBIT improvement, the Defence and Security Systems and Aeronautics divisions are expected to achieve stable results in 2005.
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