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+++ EADS leadership crisis +++ Bombardier CSeries progress +++ Raytheon joins EADS in FCA marketing +++ Sikorsky S-92 wins Korean presidential competiton +++ Eurocopter: new Spanish plant in Albacete +++ MARSIS boom extended +++ News in brief +++
EADS leadership crisis
Neue Führung soll im Juni bekanntgegeben werden
EADS failed to solve the leadership question at Airbus before the Annual General Meeting on May 11. Instead it was announced that the EADS Board of Directors will combine the election of new CEOs, the approval of the company's future structure and the nominations for the Executive Committee into one decision. The newly appointed Board, headed by re-elected Chairmen Dr. Manfred Bischoff and Arnaud Lagardère, met on Wednesday immediately after EADS' Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in Amsterdam and agreed to decide on these major strategic issues for the future of EADS until June 1. Until then, the Chairmen Bischoff and Lagardère will temporarily take responsibility.
The designated CEOs Tom Enders (46) and Noël Forgeard (58) will propose to the EADS Board a new Executive Committee to lead the company's business operations. Following this, Enders and Forgeard will be elected as Chief Executive Officers of EADS and will assume their new positions for a five-year term. For the time being they remain in their current roles: Enders is heading EADS' Defence and Security Systems Division, and Forgeard is heading Airbus.
Meanwhile, EADS posted very good figures for the first quarter of 2005. From January to March 2005, the company reached an EBIT of Euro 657 million, more than triple the figure for the same period of 2004 (Euro 198 million). Revenues grew by 16 percent to Euro 7 billion (Q1 2004: Euro 6 billion) driven by strong performance across all divisions. Defence revenues also grew by 16 percent. EADS said that the first quarter results confirm our 2005 targets for EBIT and revenue growth with a solid cash position. Airbus has maintained its leadership in deliveries and orders and has realized a steady improvement in its profits. The successful A380 first flight demonstrates the potential for further strong revenues and EBIT growth at Airbus in the years to come. Our defence businesses are also set for strong revenues and improved EBIT performance this year. In addition, progress at EADS Space has been strong indicating that the space business will contribute positively to the portfolio. EBIT improved in all Divisions, in particular at Airbus, primarily due to the increase of aircraft deliveries from 67 in the first quarter of 2004 to 87 in the same period of 2005. The Airbus EBIT benefited from favourable hedging rates in line with those in the first quarter of 2004. The turnaround at EADS Space was confirmed by the division's performance in the first quarter. EADS Space's profitability is expected to be significantly higher than in 2004.
The self-financed Research & Development (R&D) charge has decreased from € 535 million in the first quarter 2004 to € 422 million in the first quarter of 2005. This is in large part due to the entry to production of the A380 passenger version and the increase of R&D capitalization for the A380. R&D expenses are expected to increase in the following quarters when the A380 freighter version development ramps up. EADS' order intake in the first three months amounted to nearly Euro 9 billion (Q1 2004: Euro 3.4 billion). The strong increase is mainly due to stronger Airbus and Space orders. Airbus booked 123 gross orders representing a 66 percent market share. Space orders during the first quarter 2005 included UK Ministry of Defence orders for Paradigm following key milestones achievements at Paradigm.
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Bombardier CSeries progress
UK and Canada support new airliner
On 13 May, Bombardier announced that letters of intent relating to the new CSeries family of aircraft have been signed with the governments of Canada, Québec and the United Kingdom. The Greater Montréal area in Québec, Canada, has been selected as the preferred location for the final assembly of the CSeries family of aircraft. Bombardier's Belfast plant in Northern Ireland has also been chosen as the preferred site for the development of the wings, engine nacelles and composite empennage structures. As part of a rigourous selection process, Bombardier Aerospace reviewed program financing proposals from over a dozen sites in Canada, the United States and Europe, which were eventually narrowed down to four offers from Québec, Ontario, New Mexico and Northern Ireland. The proposals were assessed against an exhaustive list of economic, technical and strategic criteria to determine the best environment for the final assembly and major work packages of the CSeries family of aircraft.
"This is a very significant milestone as we progress in our discussions with customers and risk-sharing partners before our Board considers a launch decision," said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "We would like to thank all the governments who took part in this selection process. Their interest clearly demonstrates their support of the CSeries aircraft program and the substantial economic benefits it will generate for the chosen locations." The Province of Québec was selected as the final assembly site location because of the Canadian and Québec governments' competitive partnership offers, as well as the overall favourable economic and manufacturing context. The new labour agreement reached last March with Bombardier Aerospace employees in Québec was also a key factor in the decision.
Under the LOI, the U.K. Government will provide a contribution of £180 million as part of an investment partnership for the development of the CSeries aircraft and the location by Bombardier of major work packages at its plant in Northern Ireland. The Letter of Intent is the first step that would lead to negotiating a formal agreement which would take effect if the Bombardier Board decides to launch the aircraft. The LOI establishes details of the agreement including the terms and conditions of the financial package and the extent of the work packages to be undertaken at Bombardier Aerospace's plant in Belfast. The work would comprise the development of the wings, engine nacelles and composite empennage structures for the CSeries aircraft family.
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Raytheon joins EADS in FCA marketing
CASA-Transporter für die US Army?
Raytheon and EADS North America have established a partnership to offer the C-295 and CN-235 transport for the U.S. Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program. Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) business and the EADS CASA North America business unit will lead the program capture and execution effort. "Raytheon, as prime contractor, is proud to lead this FCA team and join with EADS North America on this critical modernization program for the Army," Jack Kelble, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, said. "This team, with its combination of international, world-class expertise in mission systems integration, production and mission support, offers the best, no-risk solution for the Army's intratheater transport."
The planned FCA acquisition will provide the Army with a new fixed-wing transport aircraft capable of performing rapid-response intratheater missions with cargo, equipment and soldiers, as well as medevac duties and airdrop delivery. As prime contractor for the FCA team, Raytheon Company is providing program management, mission systems integration and mission support solutions for FCA. EADS CASA North America will assemble and deliver the Future Cargo Aircraft in the United States. The Raytheon FCA team will offer a solution that is compliant with both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) standards. The EADS CASA aircraft are able to operate from austere forward runways and deliver both troops and materiel within the theater. Furthermore, the FCA solution is interoperable with Army heavy-lift helicopters currently in service. The Raytheon FCA solution has greater than 95% mission capability.
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Sikorsky S-92 wins Korean presidential competiton
EH101 in Südkorea geschlagen
On May 6, Sikorsky announced that the Republic of Korea has chosen the S-92 helicopter for its presidential mission. Sikorsky will deliver three S-92 helicopters in a VIP configuration beginning in 2007. "We are delighted that the Korean government has selected the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter for this vital mission following a thorough and rigorous competition," said Steve Estill, Sikorsky Vice President of Worldwide Sales. "The S-92 helicopter offers an outstanding combination of safety, comfort, performance, and affordability that make it an ideal aircraft for head of state and VIP customers around the world." The S-92 helicopter was selected over the Agusta-Westland EH-101 in a competition conducted by the Korean Ministry of National Defense. In addition to Korea the S-92 helicopter has been chosen by three other nations for either head of state or VVIP missions within the past year; Turkey is under contract for one head of state S-92 helicopter; Turkmenistan is under contract for two head of state S-92 helicopters; and Gulf Helicopters of Qatar is under contract to acquire one S-92 helicopter for VVIP missions.
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Eurocopter: new Spanish plant in Albacete
Expansion in Spanien
Eurocopter has decided to create a new plant in Albacete, close to the Air Force base of Los Llanos (Castilla-La Mancha), in line with the industrial plan agreed within the framework of the Tiger helicopter program. To all intents and purposes, the Government of Castilla-La Mancha has shown a very high interest in welcoming Eurocopter Spain and has offered remarkable institutional support. This decision will ensure the development of permanent employment within Eurocopter España for up to approximately 450 employees and revenue of 1.500 million euros over the next 10 years. Eurocopter will invest more than 60 million euros in tooling, equipment, and installation over the next 10 years. This manufacturing plant will allow Eurocopter España to implement a full scope helicopter industry based on the TIGER and EC 135 programs, recognized by the National Institutions and the market place, with its own identity. Engineering activities will be realized in Getafe, where synergies will be obtained with the development and flight test center of EADS-CASA.
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MARSIS boom extended
Erfolg für ESA-Marssonde
Thanks to a manoeuvre performed on 10 May 2005 at 20:20 CET, ESA flight controllers have successfully completed the deployment of the first boom of the MARSIS radar on board ESA's Mars Express spacecraft. After the start of the deployment of the first 20-metre boom on 4 May, analysis by flight controllers at ESA's European Space Operations Centre, Darmstadt, Germany, had shown that although 12 out of the 13 boom segments were in place, one of the outermost segments, possibly No. 10, had deployed but was not locked into position. Deployment of the second (20 m) and third (7 m) booms was suspended pending a full analysis and assessment of the situation. As prolonged storage in the cold conditions of outer space could affect the fibreglass and Kevlar material of the boom, the mission team decided to 'slew' (or swing) the 680 kg spacecraft so that the Sun would heat the cold side of the boom. It was hoped that as the cold side expanded in the heat, it would force the unlocked segment into place.
The operations to deploy the remaining two booms could be resumed in a few weeks, after a thorough analysis and investigation of the Boom 1 deployment characteristics. The Mars Express Sub-Surface Sounding Radar Altimeter (MARSIS) experiment is to map the Martian sub-surface structure to a depth of a few kilometres. The instrument's 40-metre long antenna booms will send low frequency radio waves towards the planet, which will be reflected from any surface they encounter. MARSIS is one of the seven science experiments carried on board Mars Express, one of the most successful missions ever flown to the Red Planet. Mars Express was launched on 2 June 2003 and entered Mars orbit in December 2003.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Gulfstream Aerospace delivered the first Gulfstream G450 business-jet aircraft to its U.S.-based owner on May 7. "Just over two years ago the G450 took its first flight and today we've delivered the first of the series to its owner. We've met the development schedule that we committed to early on and have accomplished each program milestone on time, including today's entry-into-service," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream. While the G450 builds on the success and proven dispatch reliability of the GIV/GIV-SP - the best-selling long-range business jet ever produced - it shares more similarities to its sister ship, the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550. Both aircraft feature the exclusive PlaneView cockpit, which includes four large flight displays and Honeywell's Primus Epic avionics and Visual Guidance System (VGS). The G450 and G550 also feature as standard equipment the award-winning Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS), which was developed to improve safety of flight by enhancing pilot situational awareness while reducing pilot workload. The Gulfstream EVS is the first system of its type certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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XTAR announced that it has successfully completed its first field trials of the XTAR-EUR satellite for the U.S. Army's 7th Signal Brigade, based at the Army's Sullivan Barracks in Mannheim, Germany. Results of the demonstration have dramatically illustrated the capabilities of XTAR, with throughput reaching an astounding 105 Mbps, more than 12 times current capabilities. "XTAR's recent demonstrations in Germany have shown that the performance of the XTAR-EUR satellite far exceeds the current military DSCS (defense satellite communications system) satellites," said Denis Curtin, chief operating officer, XTAR. "Using a combination of high-power transponders aboard the XTAR-EUR and a few minor upgrades to the terminals, the trials were able to reach a data rate that eclipses anything that legacy systems are capable of transmitting." The XTAR demonstration used a current military tactical ground AN/TSC-85C satellite communications terminal, interfaced with a standard 16-foot U.S. Army Lightweight High-Gain X-band Antenna (LHGXA) and an 8-foot tactical satellite antenna and related system components. Minor upgrades were installed on these terminals, including a new modem by Advantech AMT, Phoenix, Ariz. and Dorval, Quebec. Also, Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Fla., and L3 Communications Systems-West, Salt Lake City, Utah, provided modified antenna feeds that allowed the 25-year old terminal to use both the left and right hand polarizations available on the XTAR-EUR satellite. Despite the age of the terminals, engineers were able to transmit the high data rates reliably over the XTAR-EUR satellite using just 40 MHz of bandwidth at 16 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) modulation and Reed-Solomon FEC (forward error correction) coding. Testing over the XTAR-EUR satellite's spot beam antenna achieved a user data rate of 105 Mbps on the 16-foot dish using the Harris modified antenna feed and 75 Mbps on the 8-foot dish using the L3 modified antenna feed. All testing above 8.448 Mbps was accomplished using the new Advantech modem, which has been selected by L3 for the U.S. Army's next generation Phoenix satellite terminals.
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MTU Aero Engines GmbH has significantly enhanced its result for 2004 and substantially improved its capital structure through the repayment of bank liabilities ahead of schedule. Sales were slightly up and the order book grew apace. The accounting, for the first time in accordance with IFRS, was influenced in particular by special effects deriving from the sale of the company. In the past financial year, adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation and extraordinary items) rose from 176 million Euro in 2003 to 247 million Euro; this corresponds to an increase of 40 %. The growth can be attributed to the rise in air traffic with a bigger demand for spare parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services as well as to ongoing improvements in efficiency within the company. The company also made good progress in reducing its indebtedness: a total of some 200 million Euro was repaid in 2004 and a further approx. 130 million Euro by the end of March 2005. "With these repayments, MTU has substantially improved its capital structure and reduced its interest load," explained Udo Stark, MTU president and CEO. The repayments, with which MTU paid back more than 50 % of its bank liabilities by the end of 2004 and as much as 86 % by the end of March 2005, were made possible by a sustained strong liquidity position: the adjusted cash flow from operating activities was increased by 35 %. "We achieved the cash flow target that we had set ourselves within the framework of the Impact 100 restructuring and cost-cutting program," declared MTU CFO Reiner Winkler. "In 2004 our adjusted cash flow from operating activities was Euro 213 million (comparable adjusted)." "In the past year, aviation got going again. The figure for passenger miles was 8 % higher than in the previous record year 2000. We have benefited from this positive trend and have reached the quantitative targets that we had set ourselves - in some cases we even clearly surpassed the target figures," summarized Stark. "However, the industry had to cope with the adverse development of the dollar exchange rate. This also left its mark on MTU." The persistent low exchange rate of the US dollar weighed heavily on commercial sales and commercial MRO. Even so the engine manufacturer was able to slightly increase its sales to Euro 1,993 million (comparable adjusted, prior year: 1,952 million Euro) - adjusted for the dollar exchange rate, it would have increased by 9 % to 2,135 million Euro. Thanks to significantly improved efficiency, MTU was able to achieve these sales with a 7 % smaller workforce of 7,400 employees. Order entry in 2004, at 2,267 million Euro, was substantially higher than sales. As a result the order backlog grew by 11 % from 3,060 million Euro to 3,408 million Euro. The order base is sound, at year-end 2004 it was 1.7 times the annual sales of the company. "We expect to see a further upswing in 2005," stressed Stark, "after all, the planned aircraft deliveries send a clear message: This year Airbus and Boeing want to hand over some 680 aircraft to their customers. In addition, engines in which MTU has a stake are to be found in comparatively young fleets of aircraft and are intensively used - factors that form an ideal basis for further growth at MTU."
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SAS Group is currently in the process of evaluating the future structure and strategy of SAS Component, a global operator in the area of aircraft component management and logistics. This includes negotiations with an international consortium on a possible partnership or acquisition. SAS Component is a subsidiary of SAS Technical Services. The aviation component business is a growing high technology industry within the aviation sector. Companies within this area develop high quality services for the airline industry in the maintaining and logistics of aircraft components, from flight deck instruments to landing gears.
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In the traditionally weak first quarter Lufthansa improved its operating result by 90 million euro to -26 million Euro and thus continued its upward trend. "We are on the right track," Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said when presenting the first-quarter figures. "We have achieved a sound result despite the dramatic hike in oil prices. All the business segments contributed to this good performance." The Lufthansa Group took some key strategic decisions during the first quarter. "The customers and their wishes are our benchmark," Mayrhuber said as he outlined the product and innovation campaign that has been set in train. "With the integration of SWISS we shall further extend our role as a leading network carrier in the passenger business segment," Wolfgang Mayrhuber commented. "The merger of SWISS and Lufthansa is a marriage between two airlines that each put a premium on providing top quality. The customers of both companies will reap numerous benefits. An even broader scheduled flight network, better connections and enhanced frequent flyer programmes will boost our attractiveness significantly." The Leisure Travel and Catering segments are making headway. "Both segments have improved their result appreciably. This year Thomas Cook will achieve the turnaround and move back into the black", Mayrhuber stated. LSG Sky Chefs, too, is anticipating a positive operating result for 2005 before restructuring charges. "The key task remains restructuring its US business." In the first three months of this year the Lufthansa Group generated revenue of 3.9 billion euro, which matches last year's figure. Traffic revenue rose by 3.2 per cent on the back of increased sales and higher average yields at Lufthansa Cargo. Other operating income fell by 51.5 per cent. This was due to the disposal of Amadeus shares in the first quarter of 2004, which had yielded book profits of 292 million euro. Operating expenses totalled 4.3 billion euro and were thus held at the prior-year level. Fuel costs surged by 35.1 per cent, however, to 458 million euro. Without the fuel price hedging measures, the Group's airlines would have had to pay 50 million euro more for kerosene.
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The Fraport Group once again increased revenues and financial results during the first three months of 2005. In comparison to the first quarter of 2004, earnings climbed by 7.8 per cent to EUR480.9 million and EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) by 10.9 per cent to EUR110.2 million. The Group result from January to March 2005 increased by 45.3 per cent to EUR27.6 million. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed 11.3 million passengers during the first quarter of 2005, an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Fraport Group's airports recorded a total of 15.7 million passengers, an increase of 3.3 per cent on the first quarter of 2004. Substantial growth was reported by Frankfurt-Hahn, Fraport's airport for low-cost carriers, as well as by Antalya and Lima, the Group's popular tourist airports. FRA's cargo tonnage grew by 5.9 per cent to 456,018 metric tons. Cargo tonnage for the entire Group also grew noticeably by 5.7 per cent to 543,152 metric tons - with particular growth recorded by Frankfurt-Hahn and Lima. Growth in Group revenues can be attributed partly to airport traffic charges. These charges particularly benefited Frankfurt, Frankfurt-Hahn and Antalya airports. Security services also contributed to the increase in Group revenues. The operating expenditures grew by 6.9 per cent, developing under-proportionately to the increase in revenues. Personnel expenses climbed 5.1 per cent, mainly because of a manpower increase at Fraport's ICTS Europe subsidiary which specialises in security services. ICTS Europe added 1,394 people to its payroll during the first quarter of 2005, bringing the total number of employees to 10,038. Non-staff costs increased by 10.6 per cent to EUR129.0 million, mainly due to increased security costs. These expenditures also included modernisation of FRA's retail areas and maintenance of Terminal 1, as well as provisions.
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On May 9, Boeing and Japan Airlines (JAL) today completed contracts for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Next-Generation 737-800 passenger airplanes, agreements worth $5.3 billion at list prices. JAL also has options for 20 more 787s and 10 more 737s. Japan Airlines sees the 787 Dreamliner as its next generation mid-sized twin aisle airplane, replacing Boeing 767s and Airbus A300-600s. The 737s will replace and expand JAL's single-aisle fleet. JAL announced it had selected the 787 last December and the 737 in February. JAL is one of 20 airlines that have announced orders and commitments for 255 Dreamliners. Completing the JAL agreement brings to 112 the number of 787s under firm contract. The 787 will be the key airplane on several of JAL's domestic and international routes. The 787 will "provide outstanding flexibility in route planning and a wonderful flying experience for passengers," according to Japan Airlines.
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Air France is reinforcing its presence in Cincinnati with new, seasonal non-stop service to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. Part of a 10 percent increase in U.S. capacity this year, Air France is also adding a third daily flight in Washington, D.C., as well as inaugurating service from Detroit on June 13.
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Rockwell Collins introduced the new Eye HUD Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) that provides day/night situational awareness for utility and cargo helicopter operations. The new Eye HUD HMD is a compact, lightweight, affordable monocular display that is well-suited for rotary wing combat support aircraft. Using optics from Rockwell Collins and symbol generation from BAE Systems, the Eye HUD HMD provides the aircrew with basic Head up Display (HUD) situational awareness capability that includes aircraft flight, engine performance, and weapons symbology in day and night operations. The optical system attaches to the standard helmet ANVIS Night Vision Goggle mount, allowing the pilot to easily change from day to night mode in flight. The Eye HUD HMD is designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft configurations and mission requirements. The system is easily expanded to include head tracking and weapons cueing capabilities and can be used with all aviator helmets. The Eye HUD HMD also provides a full range of adjustments to accommodate laser eye protection and aviator eyewear.
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The government of Brazil has selected Lockheed Martin to provide comprehensive logistics support services for six navy A-4 aircraft and 10 J52-P408 engines. The four-year contract will begin in July and is valued at $6.5 million. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide maintenance services such as engine overhaul, flight line and depot level maintenance for the A-4s, and on the job training for technicians from the Brazilian Navy. The maintenance will be performed at the Brazilian Navy base in São Pedro da Aldeia. Engine overhaul will be performed at Lockheed Martin's Aircraft Argentina facility in Cordoba.
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Northrop Grumman has placed a purchase order with Aurora Flight Sciences of Manassas, Va., to produce the company's first Hunter II unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The order for the unmanned aircraft, which will serve as a test and demonstration system, reflects Northrop Grumman's commitment to the medium-altitude endurance UAV market. It will also help mature the manufacturing processes needed to ensure Northrop Grumman can respond quickly and cost-effectively to emerging UAV requirements for military and commercial customers.
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Commander Sergei Krikalev and Flight Engineer John Phillips are moving full speed ahead into their Expedition 11 maintenance and science work aboard the International Space Station. Krikalev replaced a liquid processing component of the Russian Elektron oxygen generation system yesterday. It failed almost immediately prompting additional troubleshooting. The system separates hydrogen and oxygen molecules from water, and injects the oxygen into the Station's atmosphere. Oxygen is being supplied as needed from tanks in the Progress cargo ship docked with the Station. It is one of several oxygen supplies available. Phillips performed some on-the-spot maintenance of a balky treadmill today. It had stopped working, so he inspected electrical connections and prepared to downlink data from his last run, so biomedical engineers on the ground can try to track down the problem. Resistive exercise equipment and stationary bicycles will be used to provide the 2.5 daily hours of exercise prescribed for each crew member.
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Boeing and GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), revealed a definitive agreement for the purchase of six Boeing Next-Generation 737-700s valued at approximately $330 million at list prices. GECAS will lease the six new airplanes, along with six previously ordered 737-700s, to Sky Europe, a Central European low-cost low-fare airline, based in Bratislava, Slovakia . Sky Europe currently operates Boeing 737-500s. Deliveries of the new airplanes will begin in 2006 and extend through 2007.
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AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Defence Logistic Organisation, on behalf of Headquarters 2 Group, Royal Air Force Strike Command, accepted the AgustaWestland tender, following a competition, for the provision of a Civil Owned Military Registered (COMR) helicopter Service for 32 (The Royal) Squadron. This service will provide helicopters from 1 April 2006, to be operated in the VIP and Communications role by 32 (The Royal) Squadron from RAF Northolt. The AgustaWestland proposal for three A109 Power helicopters marks the first entry of Westland Helicopters into the COMR market.
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On behalf of Team Apache Systems LLC, Lockheed Martin ceremonially delivered its first Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also known as Arrowhead(tm), for the AH-64 Apache helicopter to the U.S. Army today during the Army Aviation Association of America's national convention in Orlando, FL. The Lockheed Martin Arrowhead system was presented to U.S. Army Apache Project Manager COL Ralph Pallotta by Tom Simmons, vice president, Fire Control for Lockheed Martin. More than 300 attendees were on hand for the ceremony, including U.S. Army dignitaries, Team Apache Systems subcontractors and Lockheed Martin employees who contributed to the success of the program. "Today is a great day for the Army, for Army Aviation and for our Apache warfighters as we receive the first Modernized TADS/PNVS - a capability that we have needed for a long time," said LTC Shane Openshaw, U.S. Army Apache sensors product manager.
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Northrop Grumman shipped the 23rd satellite in the long-running Defense Support Program (DSP) series to the United States Air Force's Cape Canaveral Air Station for launch preparation. Flight 23 will mark both a last, and a first, for the program. This final DSP, to be launched this autumn, will be the firstoperational satellite to be launched aboard Boeing's Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-Heavy. "The sensors supplied for DSP have been upgraded continually for more than 30 years," said Ron Simpson, director, Military Operations and Maintenance, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "Now in their fourth generation, their enhanced performance includes the ability to detect new threats." Since its first launch in 1970, DSP has served as the space-borne segment of North American Aerospace and Defense Command's Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment System. The satellites have detected and provided early warning of missile launches, space launches and nuclear explosions.
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The KAI T-50 Full Scale Development (FSD) team celebrated completion of the 1,000th flight of their new advanced jet trainer today at Korea Aerospace Industries' facilities at Sacheon, South Korea. The event was attended by representatives of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), other Korean government agencies and the international industry team building the T-50. T-50 flight testing began on Aug. 20, 2002, and the last test aircraft began flying on Sept. 4, 2003. Since then, the four test aircraft have been flying regularly with no significant problems. "Eight-seven percent of the flights have been flown with no discrepancies," said Chung. "This is rare for a flight test program of a sophisticated aircraft and is a strong testament of the reliability of the aircraft. We expect the production aircraft to do at least as well."
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Bristow Helicopters are pleased to announce the award of a £100 million three-year extension to a contract for the provision of aviation services to the Integrated Aviation Consortium (IAC) comprising of Shell, CNR, BP, BP Sullom Voe and Lundin. The contract extension will secure approximately 200 jobs in both Aberdeen and Shetland. Bristow's Commercial Manager, Alan Grant said: "The extension of this contract is a terrific boost for everyone involved and highlights the appreciation of the quality of the service provided. Together, all the partners have worked as a team overcoming the many challenges posed by such a complex operation and have shown an unwavering commitment to the provision of a safe and efficient service." Bristow currently has five AS332L Super Puma helicopters based in Scatsta servicing offshore facilities both East and West of the Shetland Islands and manages the provision of three BAe 146 fixed wing aircraft ferrying offshore-bound and Sullom Voe personnel between Aberdeen and Shetland, the Contract also includes the management of all aspects of the airport facility at Scatsta Airport. Bristow Helicopters has been the main contractor for the IAC since 1996 and are looking forward to continuing to provide the service for a further three years from 1st July this year.
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The Singapore Airlines Group achieved a record operating profit of $1,356 million for the year ended 31 March 2005. It nearly doubled the profits earned in 2003-04, in spite of challenges caused by high fuel prices and a proliferation of new airline entrants in the local market. Revenue for the Group, at $12,013 million, was the highest ever – up $2,251 million (+23.1%) from last year. Effective control of costs saw expenditure in the same period rise by only 17.3% to $10,657 million. Net profit attributable to shareholders improved by $540 million to $1,389 million. A strong operating performance, higher contributions from the sale of aircraft and share of profits of associated companies contributed to earnings. For perspective, 2003-04 net profit attributable to shareholders was boosted by a tax write back of $205 million as a result of a reduction in the Singapore company tax rate. No such write back occurred in 2004-05. Operating performance was better because of a strong rebound in demand (up 20% in revenue passenger kilometre terms) following a reduction in travel the previous year when SARS broke out. Passenger yield improved 9.8% while unit cost rose only 4.5% for the same period. Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chew Choon Seng, said the result was especially satisfying after a year in which the Group faced many challenges. "Everyone across the Group has worked very hard throughout the year to deliver this outstanding result. I want to thank them for making it a record year. "There are more challenges ahead, and we cannot be complacent," Mr Chew said. Two external factors impacted on the results this year: fuel prices and foreign exchange movements. Fuel costs - the largest cost component - accounted for over one quarter of Group expenditure (25.3%), up from just under a fifth last year (19.9%). Effective fuel hedging by the Group reduced the impact of higher fuel prices by $380 million, from $969 million to $589 million. Exchange rate movements contributed $112 million to the Group's operating profit, largely due to the strength of major revenue generating currencies, particularly the British Pound, Euro, Japanese Yen and Australian Dollar, coupled with cost savings from US Dollar-denominated expenditure as a result of a weaker US Dollar. The Company generated an operating profit of $723 million (+382%), or 53.3% (+31.2 percentage points) of the operating profit of the SIA Group.
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During one year in revenue service the Boeing 777-300ER flew more than 32,000 hours year, amassing a 99.2 percent average schedule reliability rate that surpasses previous 777 model introductions and is in line with the 99.3 percent overall rate for the 777 family. Air France is currently the largest 777-300ER operator and was the first to put the airplane into service one year ago.
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On May 11, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Type Certificate (TC) to Adam Aircraft for the A500 Centerline Twin. "We are very pleased for our team who worked so hard for this TC," said Adam Aircraft Chairman and CEO Rick Adam. "I am also very happy for our customers who will be able to pilot their A500s soon. Working with the FAA, we have produced a next-generation twin that meets or exceeds the highest safety and regulatory standards." The A500 is constructed of high-performance Toray carbon fiber material, producing an extremely strong and aerodynamically efficient airframe. The centerline configuration for the twin Teledyne Continental TSIO-550 powerplants provides the reliability of two engines without compromising single-engine stability. Inside the cabin, pilots and passengers will experience many of the latest technological advancements such as seats rated to 26Gs, side-stick controls, airbags at the crew stations, and a flight deck with large Avidyne flat screen displays and Garmin nav/com systems. As passengers step up from the air stair door of the A500 into the club-seating configuration in the cabin, they will appreciate the wide aisle for ease of movement and the largest cabin in its class. The first major production milestone for the A500 was announced in October 2004, with the rollout of S/N 004, the first customer aircraft. Since that time, five other customer aircraft have been added to the production process. Facilities in Englewood and Pueblo, Colorado and Ogden, Utah will contribute to a capacity ramp-up goal of six aircraft per month, during which time the Production Certification is expected.
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The U.S. Navy begins Operational Evaluation of the MH-60R Weapons System, the next generation submarine hunter and surface attack helicopter that will replace the fleet's legacy SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft. Designed as a rigorous assessment of the aircraft and its mission systems in operational flight conditions, Operational Evaluation is the aircraft's final test phase before fleet introduction and delivery. Navy evaluators gave the authorization to begin Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) at an April 22 Operations Test Readiness Review meeting. The decision followed the helicopter's successful completion of the Navy's six-month-long developmental test phase, known as Technical Evaluation, in February. The Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1), based at Patuxent River, Md, will perform the operational evaluation at various test ranges, and is expected to conclude in September. Specifically, VX-1 will evaluate the performance of the MH-60R aircraft and its on-board weapons subsystems, including the multimode radar, electronic support measures and radar warning receiver, airborne dipping sonar and acoustics. The fusion of multiple data sources for most effective workload management and decision-making also will be evaluated.
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EADS Defence Electronics has been awarded a contract by Airbus Military S.L. in Toulouse to equip the A400M military transport aircraft with the Digital Map Generator System (DMGS). As the Company announced on Friday, they have been commissioned to supply the system for all the 188 A400M transport aircraft for which a firm order has been placed by the nations involved in this programme. Moreover, all those aircraft subsequently sold internationally are also to be equipped with the DMGS. The Digital Map Generator System is part of a product family of navigation and tactical information systems, which EADS Defence Electronics developed for many different types of aircraft. It allows coloured topographic maps to be generated and images specific to the mission to be superimposed over them in real time. This gives the pilots of helicopters and transport aircraft an instrument with which they can react quickly and precisely during operations. EADS Defence Electronics is already involved in the A400M programme with the Mission Management Computer (MMC) and the Defensive Aid Computer (DAC). The EADS Defence Electronics A400M computer family is based on the new M²AC concept (Modular Mission Avionics Computer), which can be used in different types of aircraft. M²AC has a versatile, adaptable, modular system architecture, which is based on open industrial standards and is therefore easy to configure.
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Embraer announced that LOT Polish Airlines has converted four EMBRAER 170 options from their original contract into four firm orders for EMBRAER 175 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2006. LOT's EMBRAER 175s will carry 82 passengers.The Polish company was the first carrier to operate the EMBRAER 170 in Europe. LOT's revenue service with the EMBRAER 170 began in March 2004. This week, LOT took delivery of its tenth EMBRAER 170 in a closed ceremony held at the headquarters of Embraer.
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The Eurocopter president, Fabrice Brégier, inaugurated the AGP - the new workshop dedicated to the series production of large dimension helicopter blades - at the plant in La Courneuve, at a ceremony attended by numerous VIPs. Above all, the main rotor blades for the NH90 and all the main blades for the Super Puma/EC225 and Cougar/EC725 family of aircraft will be manufactured at the AGP (Large Blade Workshop). The AGP is equipped with extremely high performance molding equipment and has a modular installation - with built-in development potential - that can be adapted to new work loads. The air conditioned workshop has a surface area of more than 3,000 m² and marks a major industrial step, confirming the La Courneuve site as a worldwide leader in blade manufacture and the control of high technology composites. The AGP is capable of producing 4 blades per day (three times more than previously), and is organized in product lines, offering the possibility of optimizing the sharing of common processes (non-destructive test and numerical control equipment), while maintaining the specific features of each blade type (with different equipment according to the versions being produced - like the blade deicing systems, for example).
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Thales Group consolidated revenues in the first three months of 2005 totalled Euro 2,009m, an increase of 3.5% compared to Q1 2004 (Euro 1,941m). On a like-for-like basis, and accounting for the transition to IFRS financial reporting standards, the increase was 5.4%. Exchange rate fluctuations had a slight impact of Euro 15 million compared with Q1 2004, while changes in the scope of consolidation (mainly due to the deconsolidation of Thales Electronic Solutions, which was divested on 30 November 2004) resulted in a net reduction in revenues of Euro 19m.
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Three months after Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld submitted a budget to Congress that would have killed the C-130J program, he now believes purchases of the Hercules transport should continue. In a May 10 letter to Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, Rumsfeld said that "new information" had come to light that made officials believe "it is in the best interests of the Department to complete the multi-year contract." Rumsfeld's move to drop the C-130J Hercules was met with strong resistance from key congressional leaders, including Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., in whose state the Hercules is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Chambliss fired off a letter to President Bush protesting the aircraft cuts. Estimated costs to terminate the contract, which ran until 2009, ranged from $800 million to $1.6 billion, according to officials.
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Boeing delivered a 737 equipped with an advanced landing system that will guide the airplane to runways with unprecedented accuracy. Unlike current technology, which relies solely on information from ground stations, the Global Positioning Landing System (GLS) integrates data from the global navigation satellite system, ground stations and a multi-mode receiver on the airplane to provide pinpoint accuracy of the airplane's position relative to the runway and surrounding terrain. "Boeing is committed to a safe and effective global air transportation system. This precision approach and landing information will enhance safety by significantly improving takeoff and landing capability at airports around the world," said Captain Ray Craig, 737 Chief Pilot. "GLS increases the Next-Generation 737's lead as the most technologically advanced airplane in its class, and enhances the revenue-generating capability for airlines." The FAA certified the GLS system following an extensive three-year testing program, during which the system proved to be a reliable and flawless navigation system suitable for automatic landings and low visibility takeoffs. JAA certification is expected soon.
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Cessna's Citation Mustang has made progress during its first two weeks of flight-testing. Since first flight on April 23, 2005, the Citation Mustang has logged over 36 hours in 19 flights. Testing on all Citation Mustang systems, including the Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system and the Pratt & Whitney PW615F engines and FADECs, has begun. The initial flight envelope expansion was completed on May 2, 2005, and the Citation Mustang successfully demonstrated its interim flight envelope limits of 200 KIAS (0.63 Mach) and Flight Level 41,000 feet (FL410). Cessna anticipates further expansion to Vmo and Mmo in mid-summer.
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Confirming an industry trend, one of Germany's busiest regional airports will soon replace its old common-use passenger technology with a new system from ARINC Incorporated. Fast-growing Münster Osnabrück Airport becomes the third airport facility in Germany to switch to ARINC's advanced iMUSETM passenger solution, under a contract just awarded. ARINC will replace the airport's existing CUTE system with a suite of ARINC check-in and boarding technology including 75 workstations for shared use by all of the airport's customer airlines. ARINC will also provide backup support for the airport's in-house IT department under the 5-year contract. "We are very proud Münster Osnabrück has chosen ARINC to provide the common-use passenger platform for their future," stated Frank Pfleiderer, the company's Regional Director, Germany. "I believe this decision reflects how well ARINC products and services match the needs of today's airport customers around the world. Münster Osnabrück and the airlines operating here can be assured of reliable control and smooth passenger operations by adopting the iMUSE system." "ARINC's service and support have a good reputation, and their iMUSE product has a reputation for dependability in other locations," stated Francisco Rodriguez, CIO Münster Osnabrück International Airport. "ARINC was flexible and responsive in meeting our technical and commercial requirements. We now look forward to operating a highly stable and reliable passenger system with iMUSE technology," Rodriguez added. In addition to Münster Osnabrück, ARINC has previously installed the iMUSE system in Germany at Munich Airport Terminal 2, and at Nuremberg Airport.
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Alitalia Maintenance Systems (AMS) received approvals from the Italian and European aviation authorities ENAC and EASA to perform overhaul for the engine type CFM56-5B. This engine type is primarily flown with Airbus A319/ A320/A321 aircraft. AMS also services CF6-50 and CF6-80 engines. Alitalia is launch customer for the new product. About 20 shop visits of CFM56-5B engines are expected at AMS this year. "By extending our portfolio with CFM56-5B engines we can service our key account Alitalia even better," says Gennaro di Capua, CEO of AMS. "We expect a rising demand for CFM56-5B services within the next years. With the authorization to issue EASA Form 1-certificates for CFM56-5B engines we are now well prepared." The engine type only came into market in 2000. Experts assume an increasing demand for repair and overhaul services with CFM56-5B engines ageing. AMS is a Joint Venture of the Italian airline Alitalia and Lufthansa Technik.
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Boeing and Ryanair completed the airline's previously announced order for 70 Boeing 737-800 airplanes, worth US$4.6 billion at list prices, plus options for up to 70 more. Ryanair shareholders ratified the agreement May 12. The new 737-800s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which reduce takeoff noise at airports, reduce fuel burn by up to four percent and increase the distance the 737 can fly.
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During the Annual General and Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders approved the merger of Sagem and Snecma, as well as the new name, Safran. The Safran Group is organized in four branches: Aerospace Propulsion, Communications, Aerospace Equipment, Defense-Security. The group is headquartered at: 2, boulevard du Général Martial Valin, 75015 Paris, France. Jean-Paul Béchat is Chairman of the Executive Board, which also includes Grégoire Olivier and Yves Imbert. Mario Colaiacovo is Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Atlasjet International Airways A.S. of Istanbul, Turkey has become the 41st operator of Bombardier CRJ aircraft. Atlasjet will use two pre-owned Bombardier CRJ700 airliners to open new services linking Istanbul with several domestic destinations that are currently not served adequately. "We will be the first airline in Turkey operating new-generation Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft," said Tuncay Doganer, Managing Director, Atlasjet International Airways. "The CRJ700 aircraft will provide us with the range capability to cover all destinations in Turkey with the right economics and performance. The CRJ700 airliner will also give passengers the flexibility provided by direct services to many more destinations."
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U.S. Air Forces in Europe activated a new wing at Mildenhall (UK) May 12 enhancing the command's ability to provide support to its geographically separated units in the United Kingdom. The Airmen of the 501st Combat Support Wing will focus on units that, by their nature, are separated from main operating bases of Royal Air Forces Mildenhall and Lakenheath. "The activation of the (new wing) will provide USAFE with a wing of functional experts dedicated to the support of U.S. Air Force's geographically separated units in the United Kingdom," said Gen. Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, USAFE commander. Previously, separated units in the United Kingdom, including bases in Fairford, Croughton, Alconbury, Molesworth and Menwith Hill, reported to the 38th CSW at Sembach Annex, Germany.
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Lufthansa and the independent flight attendants' union (UFO), which represents some 14,000 cabin crew within the Lufthansa Group, have agreed on a wide-ranging package of long-term measures. Under the terms of the agreement, which runs for 48 months, current salaries will be maintained until the end of 2006. From 1 January 2007, salaries will be raised by at least 2.5 per cent (but by no more than the average wage settlement in Western Germany). From 1 January 2008, staff will receive an inflationary compensation. A new pay structure will also be introduced for cabin crew. From 2007 the variable component of their salary will be increased to a maximum of half a month's pay, depending on the company's performance. A number of individual measures have also been agreed to improve productivity. These include increasing the maximum planned duty time of cabin crew by two hours to 89 hours per month and reducing off-duty days by one day per quarter and annual leave by two days. These productivity-boosting components will only apply until the end of 2007, when they will be reviewed. A new competitive starting salary of 1,350 euros per month was agreed for new members of staff instead of the previous salary of about 1600 euros. Salary increments will be awarded every two years.
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The Indian Government has approved the indigenous construction of an Air Defence Ship of approximately 37,500 metric tones displacement at Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kochi for the Indian Navy in January 2003 at an estimated cost of Rs. 2880 crores. The concept design defining the overall ship dimensions, evolution of hull form, general arrangement drawings, structure, stability, weight and space analysis and hydro-dynamic model tests have been completed. The contracts for outsourcing activities related to Propulsion System Integration and Detailed Engineering and Documentation have been signed. The contract for procurement of steel from SAIL has also been signed. The construction of the aircraft carrier is likely to be completed by 2011 - 2012. India would be one of the few countries in the world who have the capability to manufacture an aircraft carrier. There is a requirement of three aircraft carriers so that two aircraft carriers are operationally available at all times. Presently, only one aircraft carrier INS Virat is in operation with the Navy.
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In response to the Tuesday May 10th announcement that Sky Europe has selected the Next-Generation 737, Boeing issued the following statement: Boeing is pleased that Central European low-cost low-fare airline SkyEurope Airlines has selected the Next-Generation Boeing 737 airplane. When finalized, the agreement between Boeing and SkyEurope will result in the purchase of four new Boeing Next-Generation 737-700s worth US$220 million at list prices. The airplanes will be equipped with performance-enhancing Blended Winglets and are projected for delivery in 2007. Also, Boeing has issued a separate news release to announce that GECAS has ordered six incremental 737-700s, together with six 737-700s previously ordered, to fulfill an agreement to lease the 12 airplanes to SkyEurope. These airplanes will deliver starting in 2006. As part of its agreement with Boeing, SkyEurope will also receive purchase rights for up to 16 additional 737-700s. With the combination of the new purchases, leased airplanes and purchase rights, SkyEurope could add up to 32 Boeing 737-700s to its fleet. The finalization of the contract with SkyEurope is expected in the next few months at which time the order will be booked on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries web site.
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The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team's (FET) F136 program is marching towards its System Design and Demonstration (SDD) contract by completing all performance, operability and aeromechanical testing of its Conventional Take-off and Landing (CTOL) and Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) engine variants. "Both engines are being delivered ahead of schedule and with all F-35 Program Office test requirements completed on time," said Bob Griswold, of GE Transportation and president of the FET. "We couldn't be happier with the performance of our CTOL and STOVL engines. This is a key milestone toward completing our Phase III, pre-SDD contract." The Fighter Engine Team anticipates the award of a seven-year, Phase IV SDD contract for its F136 engine program in August.
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