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+++ Airbus delivers 4000th aircraft +++ Delta files for Chapter 11 +++ Northwest files for Chapter 11 reorganization +++ First Embraer 190 delivered to JetBlue +++ SR Technics gets financing for expansion +++ EU wants to strengthen regional airports +++ News in brief +++
Airbus delivers 4000th aircraft
4000. Airbus geht an Lufthansa
On 9 September, Airbus reached a significant milestone when the 4,000th aircraft to come off the production line was delivered to its customers Lufthansa; the Frankfurt-based airline took delivery of the twin-aisle A330-300 at a special ceremony in Toulouse, France. Commenting on this achievement, Gustav Humbert, Chief Executive Officer, stressed the significance of this historical day for Airbus. He said: "This is a clear reflection of the company's success with customers and operators and with the travelling public." Since its creation, Airbus has brought to the market a series of 13 different models covering all market segments from the smallest 107-seat A318 up to the large 555-seat A380 double-decker.
Since its creation, Airbus has received orders for 5,570 aircraft including 544 A330s from 243 operators and 210 customers. This shows a healthy backlog of 1,570 aircraft. Lufthansa was one of the very early Airbus operators when it took delivery of its first A300 aircraft in 1976, the first wide body twin engine aircraft to be produced by any aircraftmaker. Lufthansa has been a loyal Airbus customer since the early days. The airline was launch customer for the A310 back in 1978. Lufthansa was also one of the driving forces behind the launch of the A330/A340 programme back in 1987, and contributed significantly to the development of the A320. It became launch customer for the A321 in 1989, and is now, with more than 80 aircraft in service, one of the largest operators of the A320 family. Lufthansa was also a launch customer for the A380 of which it has ordered 15.
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Delta files for Chapter 11
Vergleichsverfahren eingeleitet
On 14 September, Delta Air Lines announced that to address its financial challenges and support its ongoing efforts to become a simpler, more efficient and cost-effective airline, the company and its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Delta's Board of Directors, in a unanimous decision, directed the company to take this action after determining that a Chapter 11 reorganization is in the best long-term interest of the company, its employees, customers, creditors, business partners and other stakeholders. Delta expects to continue normal business operations throughout the reorganization process. “The action we have taken is a necessary and responsible step to preserve Delta's value for our creditors, customers, employees, business partners and other stakeholders as we address our financial challenges and work to secure our future,” said Delta CEO Gerald Grinstein. “Delta is open for business as usual and will continue normal operations throughout the reorganization process. Our customers can be confident that they remain our number one priority and that their travel plans and SkyMiles are secure.”
To help support its business during the Chapter 11 proceedings, Delta has obtained a commitment for $1.7 billion in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from GE Commercial Finance and Morgan Stanley as Co-Lead Arrangers. The commitment includes up to $1.4 billion of financing on an interim basis pending final approval of the full DIP financing at a later date. In addition to the commitment for the new $1.7 billion DIP financing, which replaces approximately $980 million in secured pre-petition financing from GE Commercial Finance and American Express, Delta has an agreement in principle with American Express to provide the airline with an additional $350 million of secured financing. Altogether, Delta's post-petition financing arrangements now total up to $2.05 billion, an increase of approximately $1.07 billion from the company's pre-petition secured credit facilities.
During the last year, Delta has developed and implemented a transformation plan aimed at achieving approximately $5 billion in annual financial benefits by the end of 2006 as compared to 2002. As of June 30, 2005, Delta had implemented initiatives intended to achieve approximately 85 percent of these benefits and was ahead of schedule to meet its target. However, persistent record-high fuel costs at unpredicted and unprecedented levels and the continued downward pressure on revenues within the airline industry substantially outpaced and masked these benefits. Despite doing everything it could to preserve its liquidity, Delta has determined that it has no alternative but to utilize the protections and flexibilities provided by the U.S. bankruptcy laws. Delta intends to use the additional time and flexibility provided by the Chapter 11 process to expand its transformation plan and move the company toward a more secure future. “Delta's financial problems are severe, but by no means insurmountable,” Mr. Grinstein said. “We are optimistic about our future because we have been working for months on a business plan that builds on the substantial improvements we've already made and demonstrates that Delta can return to profitability once the company is able to restructure appropriately.”
Delta understands that any cost savings that it is able to achieve while in Chapter 11 must fit within the strategic context of a sensible business plan that remakes the airline into a profitable company. Delta has made great strides over the last few years to adapt itself to the new competitive environment, undertaking major cost-cutting initiatives and massive network, scheduling and operational improvements – without adversely impacting its customer service rankings. As part of these efforts to improve efficiency and bottom line results, Delta undertook the largest single-day schedule restructurings in its history, including the redesign of the Atlanta hub operation and the elimination of its hub operation at Dallas/Ft. Worth airport. The airline also restructured its domestic fare system with industry-leading “Simplifares,” rolled out extensive new customer-focused airport technology, and outsourced a significant portion of its heavy maintenance, among other steps. Delta's in-court business plan builds on these achievements and on its competitive strengths and is designed to return the carrier to profitability.
Delta plans to use Chapter 11 to reconfigure its fleet and network footprint in a manner that will enhance its revenues. First, Delta plans to simplify and streamline its fleet by targeting four aircraft types to be removed by the end of 2006, so that only seven mainline aircraft types will remain. Second, Delta plans to deploy smaller aircraft on many of its routes so that it utilizes the proper-sized aircraft for the route it is flying. Third, Delta will continue to right-size its hub operations. Fourth, Delta plans to increase its capacity on international routes with greater profit potential. In addition to these substantial network and operational improvements, Delta has determined that further job reductions and changes to employee pay and benefits are a necessary component of its business plan. “Any changes in pay and benefits will be in the context of a comprehensive business plan that is equitable and involves other Delta stakeholders,” said Grinstein. “Importantly, Delta people at every level and across all work groups also will have a greater ability than they do now to benefit from our financial recovery and operational excellence,” he added. The company said it will be communicating to employees more details about these changes as early as next week.
On September 12, Delta presented the union that represents Delta pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), with pilot cost-saving proposals necessary to help address the company's severe challenges.
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Northwest files for Chapter 11 reorganization
Weitere Insolvenz bei großen US-Airlines
On 14 September, Northwest Airlines, announced that it and certain of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The company emphasized that it will continue to operate normally. "As we have consistently stated, the airline industry has changed permanently," said Doug Steenland, Northwest president and chief executive officer. "Northwest must significantly lower its costs to compete with other carriers. Many of these are legacy carriers that have already used the bankruptcy process to achieve changes in their cost structures or newer, low- cost carriers which have much lower labor and operating costs than legacy carriers." "We had developed a plan to restructure Northwest outside of Chapter 11 and have been implementing that plan," Steenland added. "Unfortunately, in addition to an uncompetitive cost structure, our efforts have been overtaken by skyrocketing fuel costs. We can no longer continue to incur sizable losses and reductions in liquidity as we attempt to complete implementation of the plan. By filing for Chapter 11 now, we ensure that we have the means to complete the transformation of Northwest quickly and effectively."
Northwest expects that its fuel bill for 2005 will be approximately $3.3 billion. This compares to $2.2 billion for 2004 and $1.6 billion for 2003. "The Chapter 11 process will allow us to realize three major goals essential to the transformation of Northwest Airlines: first, a competitive cost structure including both labor and non-labor costs; second, a more efficient business model which will allow us to continue to deliver superior choice and service to our customers; and third, a strengthened balance sheet with debt and equity levels consistent with long-term profitability." "We have many valuable assets that position us well in today's marketplace, including our highly-skilled, dedicated employees, strong hub and spoke network, domestic and international alliances, world-class airport facilities, valuable cargo business, strong presence in U.S. Heartland markets and extensive trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic international routes. Once our reorganization has been completed and a competitive cost structure is in place, Northwest will emerge as a strong competitor with a solid future."
Steenland said the decision to file for Chapter 11 protection was unrelated to the ongoing strike by members of the airline's mechanics union. He stressed that the airline's operations are working well and that the company has experienced no adverse impact on its operational performance. In addition to its other labor cost restructuring, Northwest said that it must continue its transition from defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans. Absent any changes to ERISA, particularly the deficit reduction contribution provisions, Northwest is required to contribute $3.3 billion to its defined benefit plans from 2006 through 2008. Notwithstanding having filed its Chapter 11 petition, the airline will continue to seek favorable pension legislation.
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First Embraer 190 delivered to JetBlue
JetBlue steigt bei kleinen Jets ein
On Sept. 13, Embraer celebrated delivery of the first EMBRAER 190 to launch customer JetBlue Airways during a ceremony held at the manufacturer's headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. JetBlue has placed firm orders for 101 EMBRAER 190s and expects to take delivery of approximately 18 of the new aircraft each year between 2005 and 2011. JetBlue service with its first E-Jet is expected to begin in November. "Today is a day JetBlue customers and crewmembers have been looking forward to for years," said JetBlue's CEO David Neeleman. "As I look as this beautiful new aircraft I see many new opportunities to bring the JetBlue experience to communities all over North America. With all-leather seats (and none of them a middle one), 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio, 36 channels of free DIRECTV, and FOX Premium Entertainment, I am confident this aircraft will turn heads everywhere it lands."
JetBlue's EMBRAER 190 aircraft are configured with 100 leather seats in a two-by-two layout and a comfortable 33-32 inch pitch in one single class that ensures all customers an aisle or a window seat with easy access and movement throughout the cabin. JetBlue E-Jets are equipped with its customary in-seat entertainment system, featuring large 6.8 inch video screens, 36 channels of DIRECTV and up to 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio and, on flights longer than two hours, a selection of movies on FOX InFlight Premium Entertainment. The 100-seat EMBRAER 190 received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification Sept. 2, 2005, three days after certification was awarded by Brazil's Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA). The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) are expected to certify the EMBRAER 190 soon. The EMBRAER 190 is the third in Embraer's four- member E-Jets family to receive type certification.
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SR Technics gets financing for expansion
Wartungsunternehmen auf Expansionskurs
SR Technics, the leading independent provider of technical solutions for commercial aircraft, and its main investors 3i and Star Capital, have concluded an asset-backed financing deal, which will contribute to funding the group's further growth of its Fleet Technical Management and Component Businesses. GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), the aviation financing unit of GE, will provide a secured term loan facility of US$325 million for use by SR Technics. In addition to funding the expansion of the company's business, this loan facility will also allow the repayment of debt - retiring senior debt in total and partial repayment of mezzanine and investor loans. This facility will be secured on the back of SR Technic's stock of Airbus and Boeing aircraft components (rotables). Commenting on the deal, Frank Turner, Chairman, SR Technics said: "This is a pioneering financing arrangement for our industry which allows SR Technics to invest in customer components and fleets, without the time constraints normally associated with accessing capital. The innovative nature of this financing is another example of SR Technics driving change in our sector. Our goal is to be the world leaders in providing innovative solutions for our airline customers as demonstrated by the $1bn ten-year contract which we secured with easyJet recently. We are delighted that we have now also secured the backing of one of the world's premier aviation financing institutions, namely GECAS."
Burkhard Brinkmann, 3i Director and a member of the SR Technics Holding Board added: "Following our backing of the acquisition of FLS Aerospace in June 2004, this financing transaction is a further milestone in 3i's support for SR Technics. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to secure the company's position as the leading independent solutions service provider in the sector. The asset-backed nature of this transaction will ensure the required flexibility and scalability in the funding structure going forward and will form a solid base for future expansion."
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EU wants to strengthen regional airports
Entwicklung der Regionalflughäfen
Following a wide-ranging public consultation, the EU Commission has adopted new rules which will encourage the development of regional airports. These rules lay down the conditions under which start-up aid can be granted to airlines to operate new routes from regional airports. New regional air services will encourage mobility in Europe and regional development. The clear rules adopted today guarantee equal treatment for public and private airports and ensure that airlines receiving aid are not unduly favoured. These guidelines also give airports and Member States guidance on the public financing of airports. Vice-President Jacques Barrot, the Transport Commissioner, said “The European Commission wishes to encourage the development of regional airports and personal mobility. These new rules give regional airports the legal certainty they need for their future development and for their relations with airlines and the authorities.”
Intense competition on the European air travel market, and in particular the emergence of low-cost airlines, has prompted many airports to provide incentives to certain airlines to start up new services. This broadens the range of options available to the travelling public and makes air travel accessible to all Europeans. It bolsters regional economic development and reduces congestion at major airports, known as “hubs”. The Commission intends to encourage this trend, while at the same time ensuring equal treatment for all airport operators and all airlines, and proper use of public money. The new guidelines establish a firm legal framework for agreements between airports and airlines. Their adoption follows extensive consultations with, in particular, the air travel industry and the Member States. The new guidelines will increase transparency and prevent any discrimination in the agreements concluded by regional airports and airlines on start-up aid. They guarantee completely equal treatment for publicly owned and privately owned airports.
If an airport decides to grant an airline public aid which is not justified on purely commercial grounds, such aid can be accepted if it covers not more than 30-50% of the additional costs incurred in starting up the new service, including marketing costs and the costs of setting up at the regional airports concerned. The service benefiting from the aid must ultimately prove profitable; for this reason, such aid must be degressive and limited to a maximum of three years (or five years in the case of disadvantaged regions and the outermost regions of the EU). The airports concerned are mainly those with an annual passenger volume of less than 5 million. The Commission will apply the new guidelines from the date of their publication in the Official Journal. The new guidelines also clarify the framework for public financing of airports, and in particular investment in airport infrastructure. The European airport sector has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which has led to a Court of Justice ruling that airports are, in principle, traders or economic operators. Airport infrastructure provides the basis for the economic activities of the airports themselves, but in some cases also helps meet regional economic development, land-use planning and accessibility objectives. The guidelines spell out how the competition rules apply to the economic activities of airports, while taking account of any general interest tasks assigned to them.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Following Spain's decision to acquire the Tiger combat helicopter, Mr. José Maria Barreda, President of the Community of Castilla-La Mancha, and Mr. Fabrice Brégier, President of the Eurocopter Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that officializes Eurocopter's selection of the Albacete site for its new manufacturing plant. As Eurocopter's third pillar, Eurocopter Espana will thus be setting up a fully fledged helicopter industry in Spain with a complete range of activities, including market studies, production, certification, commercialization and support of the product throughout its life. As for Castilla-La Mancha, the region is set to become a strategic reference for Eurocopter and for the aeronautical industry: not only will human (450 jobs), technical and logistics resources be created but the Spanish Defense Ministry intends to make the region into an aeronautical pole of excellence. The first foundation stone is due to be laid in the last quarter of 2005 and the plant inauguration is set for the second quarter of 2007. Initial deliveries of the light twin engine EC135 helicopters will start up in the second quarter of 2007, and the Tiger assembly line will begin production in 2008.
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Boeing and Jade Cargo International, the first cargo airline in China with foreign ownership, have completed a firm order for the carrier's purchase of six Boeing 747-400ER (Extended Range) Freighters. The airplanes, with a list price value of $1.3 billion, are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2006 through January 2008. Jade Cargo, based in Shenzhen, China, plans to begin operations in 2006. The airplanes were recently included on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site, attributed to an unidentified customer. The 747-400ERF has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,775 kg), a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760 kg) and a maximum range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km). The airplane's distinctive nose door allows increased revenue by accommodating high-value outsize shipments and, with the side door, provides superior efficiency and flexibility in ground operations. Jade Cargo International, founded in October 2004 and the first joint venture airline of its kind in China, is owned by Shenzhen Airlines Company Limited, Lufthansa Cargo AG and DEG - Deutsche Investitions - und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, a subsidiary of KfW-Bank Group.
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Boeing announced its entry in the U.S. Air Force combat search and rescue aircraft program, the advanced HH-47 CSAR-X tandem rotor aircraft. "The HH-47 Boeing is offering to the US. Air Force is a combat proven and technologically proven solution. This option is in line with our vision of being the preferred supplier, integrator and teammate of the Air Force customer," said Chris Raymond, vice president - Business Development, Boeing Air Force Systems. Built on a new airframe, the Boeing HH-47 CSAR-X rescue aircraft is equipped with advanced countermeasures and survivability enhancements similar to those utilized in U.S. Special Operations MH-47G heavy assault rotorcraft. With its proven long-range performance, the special operations helicopter is multi-mission capable with significant combat experience, at high altitudes, in austere environments and with limited visibility. Military worldwide including the Netherlands Air Force, United Kingdom's Royal Air Force, Egyptian Air Force, Singapore, Japan, Australia and many more currently use this Boeing platform. "This aircraft has a history of performing search, rescue and humanitarian missions around the world," said Michael J. Tkach, vice president, Boeing Rotorcraft Systems. "The configuration that meets the customer's requirements is in active production and, as such, is a low risk choice for the U.S. Air Force."
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Lufthansa Technik AG has taken the market lead with its special technical services for aircraft owners such as leasing companies and banks. At the end of August, the Hamburg company opened a sales office in Seattle/Washington to provide even better services for leasing companies and banks in the need of technical services for their aircraft. The American West Coast is home to many major leasing companies who own more than two thirds of the world's leased aircraft fleet. The first customer for the new sales office is Guggenheim Aviation Partners in Seattle. At the European International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Conference (ISTAT) in Hamburg on September 12, Lufthansa Technik announced that it would be performing a transition check, engineering services and other technical services for a Boeing 747-400 of the American aircraft operator. This work will be carried out in Hamburg before the aircraft is delivered to Air India. With its special Total Asset Support TAS, Lufthansa Technik's current customer base includes nearly all major aircraft leasing companies and numerous banks involved in this business. In 2004 alone, the sites in Hamburg, Berlin, Budapest (Hungary) and Shannon (Ireland) looked after 25 aircraft belonging to these customers. Together with the work involved in changing aircraft operator, the strongly upbeat market is also focusing increasingly on technical services and support for start-up airlines who often use leasing aircraft in the initial stages. Turnover with the TAS product has seen rapid growth in just a few years.
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Boeing Business Jets announced it has received its first order from an operator in the People's Republic of China. Boeing did not reveal the identity of the operator at the customer's request. With this order, the total number of BBJs ordered since the program's inception in 1996 is 98. Of the 57 customers who have ordered these ultra-large-cabin jets, 39 percent are private individuals, 38 percent are government heads of state, 13 percent are corporate operators and 10 percent are operated by charter companies. There are currently 84 BBJs in service around the world. About 10 percent of BBJs delivered are based in the Asia Pacific region today.
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Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) was recently awarded a contract to supply the Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system - "Machatz 1" to the Israel Air Force (IAF). The order, valued in excess of $50 million includes long-term maintenance contract. The first air vehicle will be delivered shortly. Machatz 1 will serve as a force multiplier to the Israel Air Force's operational capabilities. It has unique performance characteristics that include the ability to fly at an altitude of 30,000 feet and an endurance of over 40 hours, two major advantages over most other UAVs. Machatz 1 can carry multiple sensors such as maritime patrol radar, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), COMINT and ELINT systems, etc. The system has automatic launch and recovery and all-weather capabilities.
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SAGEM Avionics ICDS-8 integrated cockpit displays are now FAA certified for the Eurocopter AS 350B2 helicopter. The system includes two 8.4 inch active matrix liquid crystal displays which together make-up a primary flight display (PFD) and engine management system (EMS) display. These displays provide a great technology enhancement for the “B2” cockpit to include replacement of all the analog engine and system indicators. This modification program also included the installation of a digital attitude heading reference system to provide attitude and directional information to the PFD. The STC for the displays on the AS 350B2 is offered by Eagle Helicopters, Inc. out of Spokane, Washington. Arrangements can be made with any completion center to utilize this STC for local installations. In addition, Eagle Helicopters is planning to offer a complete kit for the install. The company is also making plans to extend the STC to additional AS 350 models.
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Helijet International, North America's leading scheduled helicopter service, is increasing capacity on its popular Vancouver-Victoria commuter route effective September 19, with the addition of Executive Transport Airways' 23-passenger Sikorsky S61. Executive, part of the Coulson Group of Companies, is recognized as a leading operator of S61 aircraft in North America. “We've worked out a one year term, with possible extensions,” noted Helijet's President and CEO, Danny Sitnam. “Executive Transport will support certain flights on our behalf from our Vancouver and Victoria terminals. The new 23-passenger helicopter will increase our Monday-to-Friday capacity by a further 400 seats per week, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak periods. As a result, we are very pleased to be working with the Coulson Group, and like others in our business, recognize their strong reputation when it comes to operating the larger S61 aircraft.”
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The first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter came alive with electrical power on 7 September, as technicians at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth initiated "power-on" -- the incremental process of testing the aircraft's circuits, electronic components and wiring. The event was completed on schedule. "Power-on is a significant milestone in the manufacturing process of any new aircraft. The successful, on-time achievement of this event further demonstrates that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is progressing as planned, and confirms the value and effectiveness of its innovative design and build process," said Ralph D. Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. "Today, we begin making sure that air 'power' is always 'on' when future F-35 pilots take to the skies to defend the freedom of the United States and allied nations," Heath said.
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Lockheed Martin's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile successfully intercepted and destroyed an incoming tactical ballistic missile (TBM) today during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The battle-proven PAC-3 Missile is the world's only fielded hit-to-kill, kinetic energy air defense missile. During the flight test, designated Task 2-2, two PAC-3 Missiles were "ripple-fired" at an incoming Patriot-As-A-Target TBM, a legacy Patriot missile modified to represent a short-range TBM. Preliminary data indicates the TBM was destroyed and all test objectives were achieved. "Today's test demonstrated software improvements in the PAC-3 Missile Segment and associated ground systems," said Richard McDaniel, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's director of PAC-3 programs. "We also demonstrated the system's capability to detect, track, engage and intercept a threat-representative short-range TBM. No other air defense missile fielded today can protect our Soldiers like PAC-3."
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At the 70th Thessaloniki International Fair, Finmeccanica signed a letter of intent with Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) for the development of joint programmes in the aerospace and defence sector. Under the agreement, Finmeccanica and HAI will seek, by the end of the year, to identify potential joint programmes in the civil and military aerospace and defence sector that will be capable of generating revenues of around EUR 300 million over the next three years. The main areas of interest will be: the production of aerostructures; the modification and upgrading of civil and military aircraft; satellite applications; electronic systems; and surveillance systems.
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The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) has selected BAE Systems to develop a full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The propulsion system design, which uses two FADECs per engine, resulted from a joint study between BAE Systems and GE Transportation-Aircraft Engines, located in Evendale, Ohio. The FADEC governs engine fuel flow, controls variable engine geometries, and incorporates a lift fan engine and nozzle controls. The FET plans to deliver the first production F136 engine in 2012. Orders for the BAE Systems FADEC could total as many as 5,000 units through 2030.
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In the presence of his Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Mr. Olivier Lambert, who is the Eurocopter Executive Vice President for Commercial Affairs, officially handed over the keys of the EC155 B1 helicopter to Mr. Salim Zeghdar, who is Executive Director of Monacair. The helicopter will be jointly operated with Heli-Air Monaco - a "first" for the Principality. The ceremony, which was held at the Monaco heliport, was attended by numerous political, industrial, and economic leaders and by the press.
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Mr. Jacques St-Laurent, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTCL) is proud to announce a major investment of almost $11 M in workforce training. Mrs. Michelle Courchesne, minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, was also present to announce a contribution of $3.7 M from the Government of Quebec, for a total investment of almost $14.3 M in workforce training. The invested sums, distributed over a three-year period (2005-2008), aim at facilitating employees' adaptation to the latest technologies used for aircraft design. In the end, BHTCL will invest 38 hours per employee annually for workforce training, which represents an increase of almost 9%. "This major investment will consolidate our position of leader in the field of aerospace and will allow us to remain the world's premier provider of vertical-lift aircraft. The training program will also lead to the improvement of BHTCL's productivity and will allow for a greater versatility of our employees", declared Jacques St-Laurent.
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Amicus shop stewards from DARA, the world-class military jet aircraft repair agency based in Wales, will lobby the UK Chancellor at the Trades Union Congress Conference today over a decision that will cause the plant to close with 1,400 job losses. Amicus say the decision to move the maintenance of military jets out of DARA, the GBP80 million facility near Cardiff, is disastrous for the skilled people who are going to lose their jobs, the taxpayers who funded the plant and for Wales. The union also says that MoD claims that work will be transferred back to the RAF is not realistic and that repair work already removed from DARA St. Athan is being done by the private sector at massively inflated costs and to slower timescales. Amicus believes that no other organisation in the country has the capacity, facilities or the highly skilled workforce to fulfil the work. Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, said: "We are at a loss to understand the logic for these decisions which will see the loss of 1,400 highly skilled Welsh jobs only to cost more and take longer for the work to be done elsewhere. "The whole reason for DARA's establishment less than two years ago was to ensure that market testing of the work was carried out, that it would be done by a specialist workforce efficiently and at the best price. All the evidence shows that the RAF and private companies simply cannot compete with DARA. We are lobbying the government hard and will be appealing to Ministers, Welsh MPs and Assembly Member's to support our campaign."
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Effective November 1, 2005, Martinair will introduce a new class on all its intercontinental (ICA) flights. This new class, the Comfort Class, offers passengers 10% more legroom than the standard Economy Class along with enhanced entertainment facilities. Passengers will be able to make use of a Personal Entertainment Player offering a selection of films and other programs. An upgrade to Comfort Class will be available at a fixed surcharge of EUR49 per person over and above the price of a standard Economy Class fare for a single trip. Comfort Class seats offering more passenger privacy are available in a separate area of the cabin on all Martinair aircraft. Comfort Class complements the customary Economy Class for cost-conscious travelers and Star Class, Martinair's most exclusive product.
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On 7th September 2005, the first flight of a Rafale combat aircraft configured with MBDA's Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile was successfully carried out at Istres in south east France. This first flight marks a significant stage in clearing the carriage envelope of Rafale armed with Meteor. For the first time, Rafale flew equipped with representative Meteor missiles positioned on both its wing and fuselage carriage points. During the test, managed by Dassault Aviation and MBDA, Meteor GHTMs (Ground Handling and Training Missiles) were fitted on wings and fuselage. All test objectives were successfully achieved.
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US Air Force officials at Headquarters Air Mobility Command announced the award of $2.2 billion worth of annual International Airlift Services contracts in support of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program (CRAF). Civilian airlines contractually commit to the CRAF to support Department of Defense airlift requirements in emergencies when the need for airlift exceeds the capability of military aircraft. To provide incentives for civil carriers to commit aircraft to the CRAF program and to assure the United States of adequate airlift reserves, AMC annually awards peacetime airlift business to civilian airlines that offer aircraft to the CRAF. The Defense Department offers business through the International Airlift Services contract.
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Northrop Grumman recently received a $124.5 million U.S. Navy letter contract for the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). Operating from the MH-60S helicopter, ALMDS uses a light detecting and ranging blue-green laser to detect, localize and classify near-surface, moored and floating sea mines. The initial contract awarded a total of $45.5 million for a low-rate initial production (LRIP) of three AN/AES-1 ALMDS pods. The contract calls for options totaling $79 million for an additional six LRIP pods, one full-rate production lot of six pods, two training systems and integrated logistics support for the system.
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Japan's Hayabusa spacecraft returned photos and data after successfully arriving at its target, asteroid Itokawa. "The Hayabusa spacecraft is in good health and all its scientific instruments -- consisting of a visible imager, a near infra-red and X-ray spectrometer and a laser altimeter -- are functioning normally and have started their calibration observations," the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said. Hayabusa is slated to stay at the asteroid until the end of November. The spacecraft is to perform detailed remote sensing and mapping of the asteroid, followed by an attempt to collect a surface sample of asteroid Itokawa for return to Earth in 2007. Hayabusa is a project of Japan's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), a research arm of JAXA.
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The CN-235 and C-295 transports have embarked on a four-week U.S. tour to highlight the medium-sized airlifters' capability to meet U.S. Army mission requirements for its Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA). The tour, which began Sept. 11, will include briefings and familiarization flights in 16 states. The visit is organized by Team FCA – the Raytheon/EADS CASA North America industrial teaming for the FCA competition. Raytheon is the Team FCA's mission systems integrator and mission support lead, while EADS CASA North America will oversee U.S. production aspects for the CN-235 and C- 295 aircraft.
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The U.S. Air Force is completing the worldwide deployment of more than 280 tactical meteorological data collection systems. These systems use the Iridium network of 66 low-earth orbiting satellites to provide near-real-time mission-critical weather data to war planners and decision makers. The system – called the “AN/TMQ-53 Tactical Meteorological Observing System (TMOS)” – with its embedded Iridium data modem, represents an important improvement over legacy tactical weather systems. In the past, tactical weather systems used slower manual techniques to process, encode and transmit weather observations from combat weather teams. Prior to the fielding of the AN/TMQ-53, it often took up to 72 hours for a team to establish a deployed weather network. The Iridium-based system allows the teams to start transmitting weather data from any location on the globe within an hour of arrival. The AN/TMQ-53 TMOS is a collection of weather sensors connected to a computer and Iridium data modem. Its modular design allows deployment as a stand-alone suite of sensors or fully automatic suite, in a basic or enhanced package. The basic configuration measures surface pressure, temperature, dew point, wind direction and speed, Rh and liquid precipitation. The enhanced configuration also measures cloud base/heights/amounts, vertical visibility, surface visibility, present weather, precipitation type (liquid, frozen, solid) and lightning out to 50 nautical miles.
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Boeing announced the industry Global Tanker Team currently working on aerial refueling tankers for Italy and Japan has agreed to partner should the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force determine a new aircraft is the best solution for replacing the KC-135. The team includes Boeing; Smiths Aerospace; Rockwell Collins; Vought Aircraft Industries; Aeronavali (a company of Alenia Aeronautica/Finmeccanica); Honeywell; GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney. The announcement was made by George Muellner, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Air Force Systems business, while speaking at the Air Force Association meeting in Washington, D.C. "This is a skilled team with more than 75 years of experience in aerial-refueling technology, integrated systems, and aircraft manufacturing and modification," Muellner said. "As industry partners we have been working together for more than two years to design and deliver the Boeing advanced aerial refueling tanker." The Global Tanker Team convened recently in St. Louis, committing to deliver the most advanced aerial refueling capability for its global customers.
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Lockheed Martin reached a critical milestone in the C-5 Galaxy modernization programs, as technicians installed the first engine pylon on a Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) test aircraft. The RERP is the second phase of a two-phased C-5 modernization effort and incorporates over 70 improvements to the aircraft, including new engines. Both C-5A and C-5B test aircraft are included in this modernization test effort that improves the reliability of the aircraft and adds longer term mission capability most cost effectively. Current Air Force acquisition plans call for modernization of all 112 C-5s in service. Installation of the new pylons, designed and built by Goodrich Aerospace, prepares the aircraft for the new engines which will be installed later this year. C-5 RERP uses the proven General Electric CF6-80C2 engine which is one of the most widely used engines in commercial service and includes such distinguished aircraft as Air Force One. The new engines are capable of delivering more than 50,000 pounds of thrust per engine, allowing the aircraft to carry more than 270,000 pounds and take off and land in distances as short as 5,000 feet. +++
America West Holdings Corporation, parent company of low-fare carrier America West Airlines, Inc., announced results of its special meeting of stockholders to vote on the proposed merger agreement with US Airways. Stockholders holding voting rights of Class B America West stock voted in favor of the merger with the breakout as follows: 85.2 percent voted for the merger, 4.4 percent voted against and 10.4 percent abstained. Stockholders holding voting rights of Class A America West stock voted in favor of the merger, with 100 percent voting for the merger. The result is the merger agreement has received America West stockholder approval with 95.5 percent of total voting shares in favor of the merger. America West Chairman, President and CEO Doug Parker said, "Today's results reflect overwhelming support for our proposed merger with US Airways, which will create a stronger airline that offers improved job stability for our employees, expanded service for our customers and a more long-term, viable investment for our stockholders. With US Airways final bankruptcy court hearing scheduled for later this week, we anticipate closing our merger with US Airways at the end of September as previously scheduled."
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FedEx is growing its substantial Airbus fleet with a new order for six A300-600 freighter aircraft, plus options. The newly ordered aircraft will all be delivered in 2007. FedEx has not yet announced its engine selection for the new A300-600s. “The A300 has served us well for many years, especially from a reliability perspective” said James R. Parker, senior vice president of air operations for FedEx Express. “When you deliver more than 3.3 million Express packages each day, dependability and operational cost efficiencies become your most important considerations.” The newly ordered planes will join an Airbus fleet at FedEx Express that is more than 100-strong. The airline currently flies a fleet of 47 A300-600 freighters plus 54 A310 Freighters. FedEx also has ordered 10 super-jumbo A380s and will be the first freighter operator with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2008.
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Club328, the expanding Southampton, UK-based executive jet operator is introducing a Dornier 328 turboprop this month, elegantly appointed with 12 generous executive class seats.It is taking the 328 from US aircraft lessor, CIT Aerospace, a unit of CIT Group Inc.. Work is currently well advanced to bring the aircraft on to the UK register. The 328 (Serial Number 3095) was once the corporate demonstrator of Fairchild Dornier, with no expense spared on its cabin design and lighting. The aircraft features an oak-panelled interior, with sideboard, drinks cabinet, fold down tables for passengers to work from and individual built in screens for inflight entertainment. The interior was built and designed by Fairchild Corp in San Antonio, Texas.
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Cessna announced FlightSafety International has been selected to provide initial type training for the company's Citation Mustang new generation entry-level jet. According to Roger Whyte, Cessna's senior vice president of sales and marketing, "The selection of FlightSafety is the extension of a mutually beneficial relationship that has existed for more than three decades." Training will be available to Mustang buyers prior to the delivery of the first aircraft late next year and will be conducted at the FlightSafety Cessna Learning Centers in Wichita, Kan., and Farnborough, England. "Due to the large number of overseas orders, it was determined that the location for training close to the customer was an absolute must," Whyte said.
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Sikorsky announced that Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) has contracted to buy three S-92 helicopters for offshore oil service. With this contract, BSP becomes the first oil company in Asia to select the S-92 for fleet operations. BSP and Sikorsky announced the deal in a signing ceremony here today at the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre before an audience of government officials, BSP representatives and other guests. "We're confident that the S-92 will provide BSP excellent performance, reliability, and safety operating in the challenging offshore environment of the South China Sea," said Pete Saloomey, Sikorsky's Regional Executive for Asia.
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The global air cargo market, currently showing significant strength through a flurry of new freighter orders, is poised for strong 20-year growth, during which The Boeing Company forecasts that the world freighter airplane fleet will double from 1,760 to 3,530 airplanes. This is a key finding in the latest Current Market Outlook, recently produced by Boeing and available on its Web site. According to the Current Market Outlook 2005, issued annually by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 2,870 freighters will enter the fleet by 2024 and 1,100 cargo airplanes will be retired, for a net gain of 1,770 airplanes. Freighters of all sizes will provide more than half of the world's total air cargo capacity, a slight increase from today, although as a percentage of the total world airplane fleet, freighters will decrease from 10.5 percent to 10 percent, due to an increase in size of the average freighter. “The overall forecast is slightly higher than last year's forecast, with about 100 more airplanes entering the fleet than we projected previously,” said Jim Edgar, regional director, Cargo Marketing for Asia . “Carriers also are looking increasingly to large freighters, especially the 747 and 777 models, for optimal efficiency and range.” The share of widebody freighters is expected to increase to 64 percent of the fleet, compared to 47 percent currently. About 60 percent of the freighters that will be added to the fleet will be widebody airplanes.
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Perot Systems Corporation announced that it has been selected as the Information Technology (IT) solution provider supporting both Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. (Vought) and Global Aeronautica, LLC, a Vought/Alenia joint venture, in the development and ongoing support of their new state-of-the-art manufacturing and integration facilities dedicated to the Boeing 787 program. Vought and Global Aeronautica recently broke ground for two new purpose-built facilities at Charleston International Airport in North Charleston, S.C., on a 380-acre site. Vought will build the 787 aft fuselage in its facility, and Global Aeronautica will integrate a large portion of the fuselage in its building. Production is anticipated to begin early in 2006. As these manufacturing facilities take shape, Perot Systems will design, develop and maintain the systems required to support Vought and Global Aeronautica through a long-term support agreement. Leveraging multiple interrelated technical and process disciplines, Perot Systems will deliver an integrated solution that meets the needs of both Vought and Global Aeronautica.
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NASA has awarded a Small Class Acquisition contract to the Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Va. The contract extends an existing NASA Launch Services (NLS) contract awarded in 1999. It enables the agency to order launch services for up to 30 new missions with a minimum capability to deliver a 250 kilogram payload (approximately 550 pounds) to a 200-kilometer (approximately 124 miles) circular orbit with an inclination of 28.5 degrees. The new contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with an ordering period through June 2010. The minimal total contract amount of this contract is $100,000. If NASA orders all 30 missions, the total estimated value of all launch services awarded under the NLS IDIQ contracts could reach $5 billion.
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NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory tipped its wings in farewell as it departed the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for its new home at Grand Forks, N.D., on Sept. 14. NASA recently signed a cooperative agreement with the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and will pay the university $25 million over a five-year period to maintain and operate the agency's DC-8 science research aircraft. The plan is for the DC-8 to be the centerpiece of a new National Suborbital Education and Research Center at the university. The agreement is intended to expand science research capabilities using the DC-8 and enhance hands-on educational opportunities for students. Built as an extended-range jetliner in 1966, the DC-8 was acquired by NASA from Alitalia Airlines in 1985 and modified to convert it to a flying science laboratory. It was first operated by NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. from 1986 to 1997, and transferred to Dryden late that year.
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Eastern General Aviation Corporation (EGAC) has agreed to purchase one Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to serve offshore oil support missions in the Bohai Bay area. Delivery is anticipated in late 2006.EGAC, a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holding Company, signed the agreement today with Sikorsky. This S-92 is configured to carry 19 passengers and two crew. "The S-92 has quickly become the aircraft of choice in the offshore oil market worldwide and we are happy to add EGAC to the growing list of customers for this aircraft,” said Stephen Estill, Sikorsky's Vice President for Worldwide Sales.
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In response to the latest record levels of oil prices in the wake of the hurricane “Katrina”, Lufthansa is responding to the drastically increased prices and adjusting its fuel surcharges. For domestic German and inner-European flight tickets the surcharge as of sales date 26th September will be twelve Euro per flight leg, for long-haul routes 52 Euro per flight leg. That represents increases of three and 15 Euro respectively. The previous surcharge will apply to all tickets issued on or before 26th September. Thanks to its forward-looking fuel-hedging policy and its modern, fuel-efficient fleet, Lufthansa is in a relatively good position compared to its competitors. However, the steadily increasing price for oil is continuing to exert pressure on the airline's expenditure. Lufthansa continuously monitors oil prices and will apply the latest surcharge until the price of aircraft fuel on the spot markets has once again settled at a stable level.
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The sensor fusion software developed by EADS Defence Electronics for Turkish airspace surveillance on board the "Peace Eagle" early warning aircraft, has successfully completed its acceptance test. As the company announced during the Defence Systems & Equipment International fair DSEi in London, the Multi-sensor Integration (MSI) software was accepted by Boeing in its role as the general contractor for the Peace Eagle programme following two intensive weeks of testing involving approximately 160 individual tests. The MSI software is in service on board the NATO AWACS fleet and has been ordered also for the Australian "Wedgetail" programme.
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Airmen who operate and fly the MQ-1B Predator are tired, but you couldn't tell that by the unprecedented 27,000 hours the Predator has flown this past year supporting operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Some in the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., believe they are the only flying squadron in the Air Force that can even come close to logging that many flying hours. From June 2004 to June 2005 the unit flew more than 27,000 hours, breaking its own monthly record three of the past 12 months. Comparatively, the unit flew nearly 20,000 hours in 2004 and 9,500 in 2003. “Our guys and gals are tired and don't see a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Lt. Col. M.E. Bannon, 15th RS director of operations. “And when they are at forward-deployed locations, they run hard, but do it for short distances.” But that is not the case at home station. “There's no sprinting here,” Colonel Bannon said. “We're on a marathon, and I'm trying to get us through 26 miles without breaking the squadron, (our remotely piloted aircraft) and the careers of 180 people.”
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PW4000-94" turbofans have in the past been affected by compressor surges. The final fix (terminating action) is available in the form of a “ring case configuration” (RCC), which entails replacing the existing case consisting of two half-shells with a ring case. The AD note describing this fix does however contain certain requirements some operators may not be aware of: All Boeing 767 aircraft must be operated with no more than one old Segmented Case Configuration (SCC) after 31 May 2006, the corresponding date for Airbus A300/A310 and MD11 aircraft is 31 August 2006. And by 31 January 2007, the same directive also applies to the Boeing 747. As there are still about 1500 engines in the field without RCC, time is getting tight. Lufthansa Technik was one of the first shops to perform the RCC and has gathered considerable experience since 2003. To enable operators to conform to the requirements of the AD, the engine shop has developed a highly flexible program. It offers all options from taking only a customer's High Pressure Compressor (HPC) module into the shop for the modification work up to taking the complete engine for a major overhaul – including RCC, of course. In each case, customers can expect a very competitive Turn-Around Time.
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AeroMobile, a joint venture of Telenor and ARINC Incorporated, is taking a leading global role working with telecoms regulators and agencies toward the introduction of safe and approved use of cell phones by airline passengers. “As the company leading the development of in-flight mobile phone communications, AeroMobile has been very closely involved with both the regulation and the systems testing. The progress made so far is extremely encouraging,” stated Jan Tore Meren, Senior Vice President, Telenor New Business. AeroMobile has developed and proven the necessary technologies that will bring this capability to aircraft in a safe and cost-effective manner, allowing the capability to meet all necessary aircraft certification and telecoms regulation criteria. Regulatory bodies such as the CEPT's European Communications Committee (ECC) and U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are defining the rulemaking in Europe and the USA, two of the most influential markets in the world for the business of cellular service on aircraft. The CEPT/ECC is leading to a definition of operational requirements. This removes the risk of harmful interference between cellular systems onboard aircraft upon terrestrial networks. This definition will pave the way for the corresponding statements in other regions, based on ECC's technological reputation.
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Lufthansa's winter timetable comes into force on 30th October. Up to the end of March 2006, Lufthansa aircraft will take off almost 13,000 times a week worldwide and take passengers to 181 destinations in 76 countries. Together with the codeshare partners more than 26,000 weekly flights to 411 destinations in 96 countries are on the winter timetable. According to the current planning, that means an extension of Lufthansa's offer of five to six percent in continental traffic – achieved through better utilization of capacity and a simultaneous reduction in the continental fleet. The offer on intercontinental routes will remain stable. Lufthansa is further extending its connections with the growth market of Eastern Europe. As of October 30th, with Dnipropetrovsk, one of the most important industrial cities in Ukraine will be linked with the worldwide Lufthansa route network with six weekly flights. The previous seven weekly flights from Frankfurt to Sofia in Bulgaria will be doubled to 14 flights per week. In addition, flights to the Indian IT centre of Bangalore as well as to Cape Town, South Africa, will feature daily on the flight schedule in future. Previously there were three flights to Cape Town and five to Bangalore each week. Budapest, Gothenburg, Madrid, Nice, Prague and Rome are the new non-stop destinations from Hamburg. The attractive city travel destinations will be served as of 15th October, with six flights a week to Gothenburg, seven to Madrid, Nice and Rome, as well as twelve to Budapest and Prague. New connections complete the offer from North Rhine-Westphalia: With eleven weekly flights the Düsseldorf - Basle link will be a new addition, and there will be six flights a week to Belgrade and Sofia.
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American Airlines is investing in Aviation Partners Boeing Performance Enhancing Blended Winglet Technology to cut its ever-increasing fuel costs. After a rigorous evaluation process, American Airlines determined that Blended Winglets are the most elegant solution for making its fleet of 757-200's more cost effective. "Our visible technology will give American Airlines the range/payload benefits to enhance operational capability on its existing route structure and potentially open up new market opportunities," says Patrick LaMoria, Aviation Partners Boeing VP of Sales & Contracts. "Given the current market, and the tough financial conditions air carriers are operating under today, this important order really showcases the outstanding value of our Performance Enhancing Technology." American will retrofit 20 of its 757-200's with Blended Winglets at its maintenance facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma beginning in November and continuing on through early 2007. As part of the agreement, American will also retrofit one of its Next Generation Boeing 737-800s with Blended Winglets this October.
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The European Commission declared illegal a number of measures taken by the Greek State which gave an unfair advantage to Olympic Airways and Olympic Airlines, the new company which has taken over its flight operations. This decision closes the investigation, started on 16 March 2004, into the State aid granted since December 2002, when the airline was ordered to repay €160 million in illegal aid. Between 1994 and 2000 the Commission took a number of decisions authorising public aid for the restructuring of Olympic Airways. In December 2002, however, the Commission found that further aid had been granted to the airline which was incompatible with the common market, and demanded that Euro 160 million be repaid. That aid has still not been repaid. Following a detailed analysis of the finances of both Olympic Airways and Olympic Airlines, the Commission today found that Greece has continued to grant further aid to these companies, which is incompatible with the common market and therefore illegal, including: Euro 40 million from the Greek State and Olympic Airways to cover part of the costs to Olympic Airlines of leasing aircraft; an unjustified payment of some Euro 90 million from the Greek State to Olympic Airways when Olympic Airlines was set up and transferred to the State, achieved by overvaluing the assets transferred to the State; the Greek State's toleration of Olympic Airways' failure to pay more than €350 million in tax and social security liabilities due between December 2002 and December 2004;
the assumption by the Greek State of a number of Olympic Airways' financial obligations, e.g. in connection with aircraft leasing contracts and the repayment of a bank loan, amounting to up to €60 million. The exact amount to be recovered by the Greek state will be defined during the execution of the decision.
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Aviation Week Group and the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) are partnering to create the first conference to examine military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) issues in Europe. MRO Military Europe will be held during the Berlin ILA 2006 Airshow, May 17 and 18, 2006, and will follow on the tradition created by Aviation Week Group's highly successful MRO Military conferences series held in the US. MRO Military Europe will focus on the aircraft maintenance needs of European militaries, NATO and Russia. It will look at customer requirements and how service providers can earn their share of this significant market. MRO Military Europe will also focus on the use of power by the hour concepts for military fighters and the future of Performance Based Logistics. In addition it will present case-studies of how maintenance is done is real-world hostile environments.
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As part of efforts to enhance Garuda Indonesia's business and service, Garuda Indonesia and the Boeing Company have agreed to sign a US$ 2 billion agreement which focuses upon the development and modernization of Garuda Indonesia's fleet through operations of 10 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and 18 Boeing 737 New Generation series. The agreement was signed by the President & CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar and the Senior Vice President of the Boeing Company, Dinesh Keskar, on September 15, 2005 at the Pierre Hotel in New York. Also attending was the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who was present on a State Visit to the United States. The signing of the agreement is a further elaboration of a contract previously signed by the two companies in 1996 for procurement of the Boeing 777 ER (Extended Range) series. As Garuda Indonesia continues to develop its business and improve service quality, following the direction in the new management's business plan, the introduction of the Boeing 787-8 is a tangible step in its efforts to regenerate its future fleet and reflects the airlines understanding of the need for a more modern fleet to achieve an enhanced performance. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will be part of Garuda Indonesia's fleet in 2011 and 2013.
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Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Electric Company for the GEnx engine to power the airline's new fleet 60 Airbus A350 aircraft. The GEnx order from Qatar Airways is valued at more than $1.6 billion, and represents the largest single order for GE's newest engine under development. Deliveries of Qatar Airways' new A350 fleet, a combination of A350-800 and A350-900 aircraft, begin in 2010. The A350 order is part of an aggressive growth program the airline is undertaking to expand its route structure. One of the world's fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways, based in Doha, currently serves 66 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, increasing to 68 destinations by the end of this year.
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A team of engineers from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Air Warfare Center China Lake and The Boeing Company are currently working together on the P-8A Multimission Maritime Aircraft program to execute the approved Live-Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) Strategy. This strategy is focused on vulnerability reduction and survivability enhancement while fulfilling congressionally-mandated LFT&E requirements. LFT&E testing began in April and will conclude through 2012, prior to the P-8A entering full-rate production. Though early in its System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase, the P-8A program continues to set the standard for acquisition programs, and this phase focuses on one of the most critical areas - survivability.
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Debut at MTU Aero Engines: In a first for the company, Germany's leading aero engine manufacturer has honored ten of its suppliers. The Supplier Award was bestowed during this year's Supplier Day on Wednesday, September 14 in Munich. Selections were made in four categories: costs, quality, logistics and cooperation. The winners accepted their prizes at the Flugwerft Oberschleißheim museum from MTU Aero Engines' COO Dr. Michael Süß.
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The Austrian Airlines Group has managed to take another important step towards the harmonisation of its fleet. Today, 15 September 2005, it was announced that a contract has been signed with a French financial investor for the sale of two Airbus A340-200 aircraft. Following delivery work, the jets will be delivered one at the end of the 2005/06 winter schedule and the other at the end of the 2006 summer schedule. The two companies agreed to keep the sale price confidential. An application to acquire replacements for the two long-range aircraft will be presented to the Supervisory Board of the Austrian Airlines Group at the end of September. The Group's Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Kleibl, also asserted the benefits for the Technical Services Division, for which he is responsible on the Board of Management: 'With this sale, we are taking the first step towards harmonising our long-range fleet. With just 257 seats, the Airbus A340-200 is a relatively small, cost-intensive four-jet long-range aircraft with low revenue potential. It is only suitable for extremely long routes on which traffic volumes are low. In view of the high fuel costs at present, twin-jet aircraft types offer clear cost benefits over those with four engines in flight operations, particularly with regard to the significantly reduced seat costs and in maintenance. Moreover, we shall already have integrated our new Business Class concept into the replacement aircraft, with its comfortable lie-flat seats and state-of-the-art entertainment programme.'
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Lufthansa Technik has reached a new milestone in supplying its new photoluminescent emergency-floorpath marking system to the aviation community: This autumn the Airbus A380 will be the latest airplane completing the customer portfolio. The German maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) provider will deliver 500 meters of Guideline “ColourFit” to Airbus for installation onboard MSN002, which will join the test program beginning of 2006. While the European airplane manufacturer selected the new color variant “indigo” for the real A380, the colors “indigo” and “special am-ber” will be installed in the A380 mock-up, presented at trade-shows.
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Swiss International Air Lines is introducing further attractive codeshare destinations to expand its route network. As of October 1, Doha becomes accessible directly from Zurich with flights operated by Qatar Airways, as does Ljubljana with Adria Airways. And from October 30, passengers will be able to fly directly from Zurich to Delhi or Toronto thanks to a new codeshare service operated by Air Canada. SWISS is also expanding its range of codeshare flights with Lufthansa. Four attractive new destinations in Canada, India, Qatar and Slovenia become available to SWISS customers in October. The network expansion is possible thanks to joint undertakings with partner airlines. The appeal of the new services is further enhanced by good connecting possibilities in Zurich, which allow them to dovetail smoothly within the SWISS route network.
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On 14 September, Fraport AG, the owner and manager of Frankfurt Airport (FRA), laid the foundation stone for a major expansion of Terminal 1 that will raise the capacity of FRA's main terminal by about four million passengers per year. Both the arrivals and departures levels of Hall C will be extended by about 40 meters eastward. This will allow for 30 additional check-in counters and 4 more baggage carousels, as well as about 900 square meters of space for shopping facilities. Fraport is investing a total of Euro 115 million in the Hall C project, including Euro 10 million for the new baggage conveyor system. The project also includes modernization of fire safety technology in adjoining terminal areas. Planning for this major project started in April 2003 and preliminary work began in July this year. Completion of the building shell extension is scheduled for mid-2006 and the inauguration for June 2007. Because of the extra capacity, the enlarged halls will help bridge capacity requirements until FRA's planned Terminal 3 at the south of the airport is ready. In the coming years, Fraport AG will invest up to Euro 300 million annually in its existing Terminals 1 and 2 at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), the company's home base. Speaking at a press conference, Fraport AG's executive board chairman Dr. Wilhelm Bender emphasized, "Ongoing major construction at the airport is an indication of our dynamics and growth; it also means we are securing the future of Frankfurt Airport and the surrounding region."
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Forecasts indicate that increasingly congested airports in Europe will not be able to meet part of the air traffic demand in the coming years. Therefore the European Commission is exploring possible measures to address the current and future airport capacity shortages. In this context, it has launched a Consultation Paper on “Airport capacity, efficiency and safety” addressed to airlines, airports, air navigation providers and all other stakeholders of the air transport industry. “We are working on Air Traffic Management and the Single European Sky to increase capacity in the sky. But if we do not address airport problems, this effort would be meaningless”, said Vice-President Jacques Barrot, responsible for Transport. He added that “we should both plan the construction of new airports, and make every effort to better utilise the existing infrastructure”. Already in its 2001 White Paper “Transport Policy for 2010” the Commission highlighted the core problems arising form the persistent growth of the air transport sector: the congestion of the European skies causing delays and the chronic shortages of airport runway, taxiway and terminal capacity on the ground. The “Single European Sky Initiative” adopted in March 2004 will bring about the re-organisation of the upper airspace over Europe towards more efficient and integrated structures. However, there is still insufficient take-off and landing capacity. At congested hub airports, shortages of runway capacity are a pressing problem that has negative consequences for the global competitiveness of European airlines. A recent study revealed that if demand grows just below the current rate, airports will be severely constrained in 2025. By 2025 more than 60 airports will be congested and the top 20 airports will be saturated at least 8-10 hrs per day. This is because traffic demand will have increased by factor 2.5 from its 2003 level. And despite a 60% increase in airport capacity in the airport network, only twice the volume of the 2003 traffic will be satisfied and demand corresponding to 3.7 million flights per year (17%) will not take place.
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MTU Aero Engines repaid 80 million euros of its high yield bond. This reduces the still outstanding amount of the bond to 195 million euros, from 275 million euros. Repayment was made at the contractually agreed price of 108.25% plus accrued interest. The 10-year bond, with a final redemption date of 2014, was issued in March 2004 and carries 8.25% interest. "Our strong liquidity enabled us to make this partial repayment," explains Reiner Winkler, MTU Aero Engines' chief financial officer. "This way we keep reducing our annual interest burden. Over a year's time, this reduction of the high yield bond will in the future cut our interest payments by more than 4 million euros."
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