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+++ Mullaly moves to Ford +++ Boeing 737-900ER flies +++ Airbus A380 starts passenger test flights as Champion goes +++ Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter takes off +++ Impact ends SMART-1 mission to the Moon +++ 3i sells SR Technics +++ BAE to sell Airbus stake +++ News in brief +++
Mullaly moves to Ford
Neuer Chef für Boeings Verkehrsflugzeugbereich
In a surprise move, Alan Mulally has been named chief executive of Ford Motor Company, after 37 years with Boeing. He is replaced as president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes by Scott E. Carson Carson, 60, a 34-year Boeing veteran, moves to the leadership position from vice president, Sales, for Commercial Airplanes. "Scott Carson is a seasoned and well-respected leader who knows our customers, our business strategies, and our products and services inside and out," said Boeing-Boss McNerney. Boeing also named James M. Jamieson, 58, to the new position of chief operating officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Jamieson currently serves as senior vice president, Engineering, Operations & Technology, at Boeing's corporate offices in Chicago. Jamieson will report to Carson and oversee airplane operations and product development. "Adding the strength of Jim's background and experience in engineering, operations and product development will make our already strong Commercial Airplanes team even stronger," said McNerney. Mulally was named to his position at Ford after 37 years with Boeing. "We thank Alan for his enduring contributions and nearly 40 years of service to our company," said McNerney. "We wish him great success as he moves on to become CEO at Ford."
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Boeing 737-900ER flies
Erstflug der neuen 737-Version
The newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplane family took to the skies over Washington state on 1 September on its maiden flight. Painted in the Boeing blue-and-white livery, the 737-900ER (Extended Range) took off at 9:21 a.m. PDT from the Renton Municipal Airport in Renton, Wash. The first flight marks the beginning of a five-month flight test program to obtain certification of the airplane from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency by early 2007. Boeing flight test pilots, Capts. Ray Craig and Van Chaney, flew the airplane west toward the Pacific Ocean, then south to Astoria, Ore., and over Washington state's Olympic Peninsula before landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. The first flight tested the airplane's airworthiness, aerodynamic performance, stability and cruise performance. Flight controls, the autopilot, pressurization, avionics, air condition systems and the flight management computer also were checked during the flight. "It was a near flawless flight," said Craig, following the one-hour, 45-minute flight. "We've been working on this airplane since 2001 and to see it come to fruition under budget and ahead of schedule is a great tribute to the Boeing engineering and manufacturing team."
The 737-900ER flight test program will include a second test airplane, and the two jets are scheduled to accrue a total of 235 hours of flight testing and 210 hours of static ground testing. Both flight-test airplanes are scheduled to be delivered next year to Lion Air, the 737-900ER launch customer. To date, Boeing has won orders for 80 737-900ERs from Lion Air, GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), Sky Airlines, Continental Airlines and SpiceJet. Additionally, Futura International Airways and Excel Airways will begin operating 737-900ERs on lease from GECAS in 2008.
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Airbus A380 starts passenger test flights as Champion goes
Testflüge mit Passagieren
The Airbus A380 took off from Blagnac International Airport in Toulouse at 09:58 am local time on 4 September with 474 passengers on board for the first in a series of four long flights or “Early Long Flights”. During the flights, the passengers, comprised of Airbus employees and cabin experts, will put the cabin through its paces. The Early Long Flights are an important step towards the A380's entry into service. Though not part of the technical certification programme, these flights allow Airbus to assess the cabin environment and systems in flight ahead of final certification ensuring that airlines will benefit from a fully mature aircraft on delivery.
The A380 performing the flights is the third A380 test aircraft MSN002, which has been fitted in Hamburg, Germany, with a complete, standard cabin in a three-class configuration with a total of 474 seats. The flight will be operated as a standard airline service. Captaining the first Early Long Flight is Frank Chapman, Experimental Test Pilot, flying with Jacques Rosay, Chief Test Pilot and Jacques Drappier, Chief Instructor Pilot. Passengers include 20 to 30 cabin experts from Airbus and equipment manufacturers who will check the cabin systems functioning, including air conditioning, lighting, acoustics, in-flight entertainment (IFE), galleys, electrics, toilets and water waste systems.
Meanwhile, Mario Heinen (50) has been appointed Senior Vice President and Head of the A380 Programme with immediate effect. Mr Heinen has until now lead the Single Aisle Programme, and previously headed the Airbus Delivery Centres in Toulouse and Hamburg. He joined Airbus in 1999 coming from Lufthansa Technik, where he served as General Manager Aircraft Maintenance. New Head of the Single Aisle Programme is Alain Flourens (49), currently Executive Vice President and Head of Airbus' Centres of Excellence (COEs). The Heads of the COEs will, from now on, directly report to the Executive Vice President Operations Karl-Heinz Hartmann (55). This flattens the management structure by removing one reporting level. Charles Champion (51) hands over the A380 programme to Mario Heinen as the A380 moves from development and certification to the ramp-up of the series production. He has been appointed special advisor to the CEO Christian Streiff.
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Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter takes off
Erstflug für Spezial-Jumbo
The Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter took to the skies for the first time at 10:38 a.m. (UTC/GMT +8 hours) on 9 September, initiating the flight test program that will culminate in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. The two-hour, four-minute flight was the first of 250 expected flight test hours for the unique freighter, a specially modified 747-400 that will transport major composite structures of the all-new 787 Dreamliner. The enormous jet -- with its enlarged upper fuselage that can accommodate three times the cargo by volume of a standard 747-400 freighter -- gracefully took off under rainy skies from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (formerly Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport). Boeing flight test pilots, Capts. Joe MacDonald and Randy Wyatt, took the airplane north, and then flew roughly 150 miles south following along the east side of the island before heading north again. "It went beautifully," MacDonald said after the flight ended. In fact, the airplane handled so well, "quite often during the flight, it was easy to forget you were in an LCF rather than a regular 747-400," he said.
Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp., part of Taiwan's Evergreen Group, is modifying the fleet of three airplanes at its facility at the airport. "This is a key moment in the Dreamliner program," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Development and Production. "The LCF fleet is the foundation of our lean, global production system and enables us to meet the unprecedented customer demand for the 787. I congratulate the global LCF team -- our design and production partners, our modification partner EGAT, and our incredible Boeing team -- for this remarkable achievement." The flight test program is expected to last through the end of the year. The LCF also will complete more than 500 hours of ground testing in Taipei and Seattle combined. This comprehensive test program will ensure the LCF's reliability and ability to fly its intended mission. After completing initial flight tests in Taiwan, during which the airplane's handling characteristics will be evaluated as well as ensuring the LCF is free from flutter and excessive vibration, the airplane will fly to Seattle's Boeing Field to complete the remainder of the flight test program. The ferry flight to Seattle is expected to occur mid-month.
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Impact ends SMART-1 mission to the Moon
Aufschlag auf dem Mond beendet SMART-Mission
Early on the morning, of 3 September, a small flash illuminated the surface of the Moon as the European Space Agency's SMART-1 spacecraft impacted onto the lunar soil, in the 'Lake of Excellence' region. The planned impact concluded a successful mission that, in addition to testing innovative space technology, had been conducting a thorough scientific exploration of the Moon for about a year and a half. SMART-1 scientists, engineers and space operations experts witnessed the final moments of the spacecraft's life in the night between Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September at ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), in Darmstadt, Germany. The confirmation of the impact reached ESOC at 07:42:22 CEST (05:42:22 UT), when ESA's New Norcia ground station in Australia suddenly lost radio contact with the spacecraft. SMART-1 ended its journey in the Lake of Excellence, in the point situated at 34.4º South latitude and 46.2º West longitude.
The SMART-1 impact took place on the near side of the Moon, in a dark area just near the terminator (the line separating the day side from the night side), at a "grazing" angle between 5 and 10 degrees and a speed of about 2 kilometres per second. The impact time and location was planned to favour observations of the impact event from telescopes on Earth, and it was achieved by a series of orbit manoeuvres and corrections performed during the course of summer 2006, the last of which was done on 1 September. Professional and amateur ground observers all around the world – from South Africa to the Canary Islands, South America, the continental United States, Hawaii, and many other locations – were watching before and during the small SMART-1 impact, hoping to spot the faint impact flash and to obtain information about the impact dynamics and about the lunar surface excavated by the spacecraft. The quality of the data and images gathered from the ground observatories – a tribute to the end of the SMART-1 mission and a possible additional contribution to lunar science - will be assessed in the days to come.
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3i sells SR Technics
Neuer Eigentümer für Wartungsfirma
On 7 September, 3i, Europe's leading private equity and venture capital company, and funds managed by 3i announce that they have sold Zurich-based SR Technics to a consortium of investors based in the United Arab Emirates. The company is a leading independent provider of overhaul and repair services for aircraft, components and engines (MRO). In addition, SR Technics offers integrated solutions for the technical support of entire fleets in these three areas. The transaction value is Euro1bn (CHF 1.6bn). The transaction is subject to standard regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalised within two months. SR Technics' incumbent management team, led by CEO Hans Lerch, will work alongside its new owners, Mubadala Development (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and Istithmar (both Dubai), on continued expansion in the fast growing Asian and Middle Eastern markets. In parallel, SR Technics' strong market position in Europe will be further strengthened.
3i (56 %) and minority investor Star Capital (20%) backed management in a buyout from the administrators of SAirGroup (Swissair) in 2002. Since then, 3i has helped SR Technics become the leading independent provider of technical services for commercial airlines through organic growth and acquisitions, most notably including the acquisition of its competitor FLS Aerospace in 2004. Global clients include leading airlines such as Swiss, Easyjet, Cathay Pacific, Austrian Airlines and Thai Airlines. SR Technics employs approximately 5,000 staff today. "The transformation of SR Technics since 2002 has built the basis for the internationalisation and profitable growth of the group", said Dr. Stephan Kruemmer, CEO of 3i Germany and President of the Supervisory Board of 3i Schweiz AG. "The company has seen growth rates more than double the sector growth rate since we first invested. Its impressive expansion and growth in international customer base would not have been possible without an outstanding management team."
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BAE to sell Airbus stake
Verkauf der Airbus-Anteile beschlossen
On 2 July 2006, BAE Systems plc announced that the price payable by European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (EADS) in relation to the proposed disposal of BAE Systems' entire interest in Airbus S.A.S. (the Proposed Disposal) had been determined by an independent expert to be euro 2,750 million (£1,903 million). On 5 July 2006, the Company announced its intention, in accordance with Clause 10.6 of the Shareholders' Agreement between BAE Systems, EADS and Airbus, to undertake an audit of the Airbus Group. Today the Board of BAE Systems announces that it considers that the Proposed Disposal is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. Having assessed the results of the Audit, the Board believes that Airbus is facing a challenging short to medium-term outlook, in particular with respect to certain of its principal programmes. The Board believes that a significant amount of management focus, time and investment will be required to address the issues currently facing Airbus to improve its operating and financial performance and thereby to increase its value. Inevitably, there are risks involved in such a recovery programme and, having reviewed the Audit, the Board is concerned about the possible cash requirements of the Airbus business in the medium-term. The Board therefore believes that it is in the best interests of the Company to exit at the Price determined by the independent expert. In arriving at this judgement, it weighed with the Board that if it does not proceed with the Proposed Disposal, it may be necessary to retain BAE Systems' interest in Airbus for an extended period to be confident that it could be sold for materially more than the Price.
Following repayment of debts outstanding between BAE Systems and Airbus at completion and the payment of transaction related costs, net proceeds to BAE Systems are estimated to be approximately euros 1,784 million (£1,212 million). The Board proposes to return up to £500 million to BAE Systems' shareholders by way of on-market purchases of shares following completion of the Proposed Disposal. The Board also intends to consult with the trustees of the Company's pension schemes and the Pensions Regulator with regard to any further investment in those schemes. The remaining proceeds, together with BAE Systems' other cash resources, will be available for debt repayments and future investment in the Company and to pursue selected acquisitions in the core defence business.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in a joint effort with NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, performed the first-ever autonomous probe-and-drogue airborne refueling operation August 30, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The demonstration was conducted with a NASA F/A-18 configured to operate as an unmanned test bed. The Autonomous Airborne Refueling Demonstration (AARD) system used GPS-based relative navigation, coupled with an optical tracker, to provide the precise positioning required to put a refueling probe into the center of a 32-inch basket dangling in the air stream behind an airborne tanker. The tanker was equipped with a small relative navigation pallet, but production refueling equipment was not modified in any way. Pilots were on board the F/A-18 for safety purposes. Autonomous in-flight refueling is a critical enabler for affordable, persistent, unmanned strike systems. “This flight is a significant milestone – it demonstrates that autonomous systems can employ the benefits of air-refueling that have proven so valuable to military aviation,” said Lt. Col. Jim McCormick, DARPA program manager.
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Astrium has chosen Arianespace to launch the two SATCOMBw military communications satellites. These two satellites are part of a satcom system that Astrium is supplying to the German Ministry of Defense. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, announced today that the company had signed a launch contract with Astrium GmbH for the SATCOMBw-2a and SATCOMBw-2b satellites. SATCOMBw-2a and SATCOMBw-2b will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by Arianespace from the Guiana Space Center in the first and second quarters of 2008.
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Alcatel Alenia Space announced that it has been granted a satellite contract for the next step of the German Armed Forces' satellite communications program Satcom BW Stufe 2 by EADS Astrium, the space segment prime contractor. The contract calls for the design, the manufacturing and the integration of two military satellites. Based on the Spacebus 3000B architecture from Alcatel Alenia Space, Satcom BW geostationary multi-missions satellites will be fitted with payloads including Super-High-Frequency (SHF), Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) and Ku-band transponders from EADS SPACE. With a launch mass of approximately 2.5 tons and a power of 3.5 kW, the Satcom BW satellites are scheduled for delivery end of 2008, and due to start services early 2009 with an operational lifetime of 15 years. Satcom BW military communications satellites are key to the effectiveness of the German Armed Forces, and will provide the Bundeswehr with a secured multimedia network, ensuring continuous links between the political and military authorities and deployed units around the world. Satcom BW satellites will provide services over a region stretching from the Americas to Eastern Asia.
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The German Army's EC135 training helicopter fleet at the German Army Air Corps School in Bückeburg reached the 30,000-hour mark at the end of August 2006. The German Army has been operating 14 EC135 state-of-the-art training helicopters since 2000 and relies on a customer maintenance and service contract with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH to ensure smooth operation. These helicopters are used for advanced flight training for all parts of the German military. Between six and eight courses for budding pilots in the German Army, Air Force and Navy take place in Bückeburg each year. After completing their initial training in a BO105, the trainee pilots then learn to fly in the most demanding conditions including day and night flight, low-level flight, flying in mountainous regions and under IFR flight conditions.
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The Federal Ministry for Traffic, Construction and Urban Development (Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung, BMVBS) has commissioned TÜV NORD CERT to audit the German Air Traffic Control (Deutsche Flugsicherung, DFS). During the certification process, it is tested whether the DFS meets the latest European standards as air traffic control organization. This is seen as prerequisite for DFS to receive a Europe-wide approval for its control and safety tasks. TÜV NORD CERT is the first accredited organization in Europe that has the opportunity to become active in the context of the EU-wide certification of air traffic control organizations, as allowed by the regulation on air traffic control services (EU No. 550/2004). Professor Dr. Elmar Giemulla, branch manager of the Aviation business unit at the TÜV NORD group, sees the commissioning of TÜV NORD CERT by the Federal Ministry as both a milestone and a door-opener. In his opinion, it will make TÜV NORD CERT the European forerunner in the approval of air traffic control organizations. "TÜV NORD CERT and its consortium partners have bundled extensive know-how to allow us offering air traffic control organizations and aviation authorities of the EU member states support in the implementation of the latest European standards. As a result, we are innovation leaders in both Europe and the world for one of the most important fields of air traffic." The audit of the DFS, which is located in Langen near Frankfurt, and its branches by TÜV NORD CERT experts begins in September, and it will be concluded in October.
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Lockheed Martin announced the proposed sale of its ownership interests in Lockheed Khrunichev Energia International, Inc. (LKEI) and ILS International Launch Services, Inc. (ILS) to Space Transport Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. LKEI was formed as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and two Russian companies, Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center ("Khrunichev") and S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, to sell Proton launch services to commercial customers around the world. LKEI under the brand ILS currently provides sales, marketing and mission management support for launches of both the Lockheed Martin-built Atlas and Khrunichev-built Proton and Angara rockets to commercial customers. To date, ILS has launched 37 commercial Protons and has a backlog for 11 additional launches. Following the sale, ILS, which will no longer be affiliated with Lockheed Martin, will continue to market the Krunichev-built Proton and Angara launch vehicles to commercial clients and expects to provide all the same sales, contracting, licensing, mission management and customer support services. Lockheed Martin will retain all rights related to the commercial Atlas vehicle and will continue to offer commercial Atlas launch services through its subsidiary, Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services.
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The Eurofighter Consortium and Terma A/S Have Signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, Aiming to Pursue Areas of Mutual Interest The background for the agreement is deliberations by the Danish government on which aircraft to select for the replacement of the F-16 during the coming years. The Eurofighter is among the three candidates for the replacement. A final decision is expected within the next 2-3 years. With this MoU, Terma and the Eurofighter Consortium are in a good position to pursue the industrial possibilities together in the event that the Eurofighter is selected. Aloysius Rauen, CEO of Eurofighter GmbH comments: "We have demonstrated over the years that the spirit of partnership is a vital element of the Eurofighter program. This agreement with Terma will further extend the possibilities of the Eurofighter Consortium to reach potential export customers."
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On 29 August 2006, the INAER group, European leader for on-shore helicopter operations, signed an agreement with Eurocopter España for the acquisition of nine helicopters, which will be integrated into the group's fleet between June 2007 and January 2009. This represents an investment of 33 million euros for INAER. These helicopters are destined for fire fighting, civil protection and emergency medical services (EMS). Three different models of helicopter were selected by INAER. The renewal includes four EC135 and two EC145 to be used for EMS operations and which will be the first used for this type of mission in Spain, two AS350B3 "Squirrel", the only helicopter in the world able to reach the summit of Everest, and a AS355NP "Squirrel", the latest version of the famous aircraft family.
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The Canadian Ministry of Defence has awarded Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) a contract to standardize Danish Army Sperwer tactical UAV systems according to Canadian specifications. This program fulfills Canada's need to reinforce its fleet of Sperwer tactical UAV systems for its operations in Afghanistan. Deployed in the Kandahar region since March 2006, the Sperwer system has proven its operational effectiveness on a daily basis in the Canadian forces' missions to stabilize the country under harsh engagement conditions in a theater completely lacking in infrastructure. This is the second deployment of Canadian Sperwer following a first successful mission in 2003 as part of the ISAF. As proof of Canada's confidence in the Sperwer system, the program will consist of configuring the software and the equipment of the Danish systems (ground units and aircraft) in accordance with the Canadian ones. Transferring these Danish UAVs will allow Canada to quickly double its fleet of Sperwer tactical UAVs.
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Boeing and Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing announced the delivery of the company's first Next-Generation 737-800. New Delhi, India-based Air Sahara will operate the airplane. Bavaria, based in Munich, Germany, has a variety of Boeing airplanes on lease to operators around the globe, including 11 737-300s, six 737-700s and five 717-200s. Bavaria will take delivery of a second 737-800 later this month. "The 737 is the preferred jetliner among our leasing customers," said Karsten Sensen, chief executive officer of Bavaria. "The 737-800's efficiency and reliability are attractive to airlines, and the airplane's residual value makes it an excellent investment." Bavaria, a wholly owned subsidiary of the privately owned Schörghuber Group, is the world's largest privately owned aircraft leasing firm.
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While much was made of the recent terrorist plot to bring explosives on planes, only one-third of U.S. adults say their attitude toward flying changed because of it, according to a new Harris Poll. Fifteen percent said the news made them much more anxious about flying while 18 percent said it made them somewhat more anxious. Two-thirds (65%) say their attitude remains the same. hese are results from the latest Harris Poll of 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed by telephone between August 18 and 21, 2006 by Harris Interactive. Only one in ten U.S. adults say they made changes to their travel plans to avoid flying while three-quarters (76%) did not make any changes. Seven in ten (70%) say that they are anticipating flying the same amount in the next twelve months as they did in the previous twelve. One in five (21%) say they will be flying less while 6 percent will be flying more. It should be noted that people could be flying less for reasons other terrorism threats. Three in five U.S. adults (61%) believe that a ban on liquids on airplanes is necessary while one-third do not believe it is necessary. When asked how long the ban should last, almost half of adults say as long as the government deems it necessary and one-quarter (25%) believe it should remain in effect indefinitely. One in five (20%) say it should be in place for a few months and 4 percent of adults do not believe there should be a ban at all. An interesting partisan break occurs in this question, with Republicans (60%) more likely to believe that the ban should be in effect as long as the government deems it necessary over Democrats (43%). Democrats, however, are more likely than Republicans to believe the ban should be in place indefinitely (32% of Democrats versus 21% of Republicans). One-quarter of Independents are more likely to believe the ban should be in place for a few months as compared to Democrats (19%) and Republicans (16%) who believe the same. Regarding carry-on luggage, most adults indicate that they would not mind if all carry-on bags were banned. More than three in five U.S. adults (62%) would support a ban if the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) thought it was necessary while just over one-third (35%) would oppose it. Interestingly, those who are between the ages of 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 years old are much more likely to support the ban on carry-on luggage (73% and 74%, respectively). Younger generations are more likely to oppose such a ban; in fact half (51%) of 25 to 34 year olds would oppose this ban as would 44 percent of 18 to 24 year olds.
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The competitive threat posed by Middle Eastern airlines in long-haul travel is credible and real, according to the latest in a series of reports on the global airline industry by The Boston Consulting Group. The report, titled "The Rise of Middle Eastern Carriers: Meeting the New Challenges of the Airline Industry," finds that Middle Eastern carriers have been the fastest-growing long-haul airlines in recent years, and this is just the beginning. The size and audacity of the fleet orders announced by Middle Eastern carriers have dominated industry headlines. Although these carriers currently own just 9 percent of long-haul seats, they are responsible for nearly a quarter of all global long-haul aircraft orders over the next decade. Emirates is the largest buyer, placing around 70 percent of all new Middle Eastern long-haul orders and planning to triple its capacity over the next eight years. If it succeeds, Emirates will become the world's largest long-haul carrier by 2012. Ross Love, a vice president in BCG's Sydney office and a coauthor of the report, said that while the ambitious growth targets of Middle Eastern carriers might be difficult to realize operationally, they could be achieved. "We maintain an open mind on these questions. On the one hand, the absolute level of growth being planned by Emirates has never before been attempted in the airline industry, let alone been achieved. On the other hand, Emirates has a 15-year track record of achieving continuous yearly growth rates of more than 20 percent," said Love, who leads BCG's travel and tourism practice. He also noted that the bulk of the Middle Eastern carriers' new capacity would be on routes serving the Europe-Asia corridor. James Goth, a manager in BCG's Sydney office and a coauthor of the report, said that although Middle Eastern carriers enjoyed significant cost, capacity, and ownership advantages over incumbent competitors, they had not won the game yet. "While the Middle Eastern juggernaut cannot be stopped in toto, individual European, Asian, and North American carriers can still play a strong role in influencing where and how -- and in some cases, whether -- these carriers become their competitors. "These incumbent carriers need to start with a full understanding of which of their routes are likely to face Middle Eastern competition. Once this is understood, they should establish, on a route-by-route and carrier-by-carrier basis, where the competition will be most potent.
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Coinciding with the East-Indiaman Götheborg's presence in China, SAS announces an increase in traffic to China with the launch of the coveted Stockholm-Beijing route in April 2007. The Götheborg's visit has received widespread attention in China with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip participating in the activities. Industrialist Jacob Wallenberg, who is currently visiting China, will be pleased that Sweden's connections with China will be further strengthened with SAS expanding traffic to China.
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Saab Space's fourth generation S19L Guidance & Control System performed flawlessly in its first two suborbital flights within a period of four days at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, USA. "Seeing the rockets fly into the New Mexico morning sky was a wonderful reward after a long period of development work", says Lars Ljunge, project manager at Saab Space. The S19L system has been developed for NASA under their NSROC contract. Two Saab Space engineers provided support for the two launches, which took place on August 21st and 25th. The launch support marked the end of a year-long development and test undertaking, in which four first generation guidance systems have been upgraded with fourth generation technology.
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QinetiQ has won a £1.4m contract to develop a novel radar target simulator to emulate realistic radar echoes from targets such as missiles, aircraft, small surface craft and submarine periscopes. The contract includes provision for initial trials to evaluate interaction between the Radar Research Target Generator (RRTG) and the UK ARTIST (Advanced Radar Technology Integrated System Testbed) radar system. The RRTG will then be used to extensively test and evaluate the performance of ARTIST. The contract is due to be completed by December 2007 and be delivered two thirds of the way through the current ARTIST programme. QinetiQ's digital signal processing technology and Roke Manor Research's analogue radio frequency hardware will be used in the RRTG development. In addition to testing ARTIST, the technology will be used for auditing, acceptance and through-life testing of in-service and future radar systems.
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Italy's Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, and AERO Vodochody a.s. (AERO), today signed a contract under which AERO will become a partner in Alenia Aeronautica's C-27J latest generation transport aircraft programme and will manufacture and supply centre wing boxes for the C-27J Spartan. The centre wing box is a highly complex part of the aircraft that secures the wings to the fuselage. In addition to the centre wing box production, AERO Vodochody's participation in the C-27J programme will include responsibility for the equipment installed and final tests. The partnership between Alenia Aeronautica and AERO Vodochody will extend from the manufacturing aspects to promotion of the aircraft abroad. The Czech company will contribute to the C-27J's marketing in potential export markets and, therefore, will have the opportunity to expand its own contacts, with advantages for its own business. This means that AERO Vodochody is a key participant to the programme, going well beyond the role of a supplier.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Frontier Airlines of Denver, Colorado has signed a contract to acquire 10 Bombardier Q400 74-seat airliners. The contract includes options on 10 additional Q400 aircraft. The value of the firm orders based on list price is $256.8 million US. The value could rise to $520.3 million US if the 10 options are exercised. The Q400 aircraft is the airline's first turboprop. Frontier operates 280 flights a day to 57 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, some of which are flown by Horizon Air as Frontier JetExpress using Bombardier CRJ700 regional jets.
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Boeing recently delivered the first Next-Generation 737 equipped with an in-seat video entertainment system. The airplane, a Jet Airways 737-800, has 7-inch video monitors mounted in the back of every seat in economy class and 9-inch video monitors mounted in the seat arms in business class. The system offers passengers audio and video on-demand movies, games and in-fight information. "Our goal is to help our customers continue to succeed by providing technologies that add value to their operations and make flying more enjoyable for passengers," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production. To date three customers have ordered the in-seat video system option, which is manufactured by Panasonic and Thales. In addition to the Panasonic eFx in-seat video system, the Jet Airways 737-800 also is equipped with 110-VAC power outlets throughout the cabin and gooseneck personal reading lights in business class.
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USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) served as a test platform for the UH-1Y "Super Huey" and AH-1Z "Super Cobra" helicopters while conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean Aug. 31 through Sept. 2. The experimental helicopters, which feature increased maneuverability, agility and lift, were tested on the San Diego-based BHR to evaluate their suitability for shipboard operations and to give Marines a chance to work with the new helicopters. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 "Vampires," based out of China Lake, Calif., embarked BHR to conduct the operational tests. "The purpose of this operational test is to bring the aircraft aboard the ship," said Marine Lt. Col. William Bufkin, 39 of Seattle, Wash., a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. "We then put them in an operational environment doing what we normally do aboard ship; handling the aircraft, putting it in the hangar bay using the elevator, as well as conducting normal flight operations." The UH1-Y and AH1-Z program began in 1996 in concept phase, and the first aircraft were delivered for testing in the fall of 2001. The UH-1Y is scheduled for operation late in fiscal year 2008, while the AH-1Z will become operational in 2011. The UH-1Y will replace the UH-1N, the 34-year-old workhorse of the U.S. military.
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Norris Electro Optical Systems recently conducted a successful demonstration of the Autonomous Runway Incursion Prevention System (ARIPS), at the T. F. Green Airport, Providence, Rhode Island. ARIPS was specifically designed to detect and prevent airport runway collisions or incursions by providing instantaneous and direct warnings to flight crews. ARIPS has been evaluated over the past five years under the program direction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with funding appropriated by the Transportation Sub-Committee of the United States Congress. Six runway incursion demonstration scenarios were designed based on real- life incursions that recently occurred at Boston's Logan International Airport, and similar incidents this year at Chicago O'Hare and Los Angeles International Airports to show how ARIPS would directly alert pilots to a "near miss" with ample time for the pilot to react to a potential life- threatening situation. Norris successfully demonstrated the scenarios with live air traffic (commercial and general aviation) and vehicle traffic, addressing two of the most potentially dangerous types of incursions: (1) two aircraft simultaneously moving along runways that intersect one another, and (2) one aircraft entering onto a runway from a taxiway and into the path of a second aircraft along the runway. These "intersecting" types of incursions have proven to be the most difficult to prevent. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) maintains a list of "Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements," available at http://www.ntsb.gov/Recs/mostwanted/aviation_issues.htm. The list highlights recommendations that, if implemented, the Safety Board believes will have a significant impact on reducing deaths and injuries. One of its primary aviation improvements is to "Stop Runway Incursions or Ground Collisions of Aircraft," with a safety system that will "give immediate warnings of probable collisions/incursions directly to flight crews in the cockpit." Victor Norris, president of Norris Electro Optical Systems, said "ARIPS has proven to address this issue and can be cost-effectively installed at airports as large as Chicago O'Hare or as small as Lexington, Kentucky. We are ready to help reduce the risks of aircraft crashes and make airline travel as safe as possible."
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The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $298 million. The Government of Germany has requested a possible sale of 72 PAC-3 CRI missiles, 12 each Missile Round Trainers, support equipment, modification kits, publications, spare and repair parts, United States Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $298 million. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by improving the military capabilities of Germany and enhancing standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. The PAC-3 CRI missiles will provide Germany with an effective, state-of-the-art anti-tactical missile capability. Germany will use these assets to supplement existing fielded Patriot systems. Germany will have no difficulty absorbing these PAC-3 missiles into its armed forces.
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Goodrich celebrated the official ground breaking of the expansion to its Aerostructures Prestwick Service Center in Scotland. The facility, originally opened in 2004, will be increasing in size from 120,000-square-feet to 250,000-square-feet. Goodrich's Prestwick facility provides maintenance support services for engine nacelle and thrust reversers, flight controls, quick engine change and engine build-up components. Staff are on call 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a week, to provide rapid solutions for over 60 major customers with an ever- expanding range of support services. According Curtis Reusser, President of Goodrich's Aerostructures division, "This expansion allows for growth in our maintenance, repair and overhaul business across European, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Middle Eastern and African customers."
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Mechanics, aircraft fuelers, cleaners and stock clerks employed by NetJets, Inc., the world's leading provider of fractional and air charter service, began informational picketing today against their employer in Columbus, Ohio. The employees, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division, Local No. 284, have been in contract negotiations with NetJets since January of 2005. "NetJets' owners need to know the company is outsourcing mechanics jobs and defending its actions by comparing our superior wages and benefits to those of lower paid, non-union mechanics," said Chad Morrison, Local 284 steward and member of the union's negotiating committee. "Cheaper is not necessarily better when it comes to aircraft mechanics." "NetJets insistence on using cheaper, non-union mechanics to service aircraft is at the core of the contract dispute," said Morrison. Contract negotiations in Washington, D.C. over a new labor agreement broke down on August 25. NetJets pilots and flight attendants represented by the Teamsters have pledged to join picket lines. "Informational picketing will be extended to airports with the highest concentration of NetJets customers, industry events and where potential NetJets customers are located," said Allen Price, Teamsters Local No. 284 president. The Teamsters and NetJets have also been unable to reach agreements on wages, miscellaneous working conditions and health insurance. "The company's latest proposal slashes health insurance contributions to the point where benefits would have to be cut or employees would have to start making sizeable out of pocket contributions just to keep their families insured," said Morrison.
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The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member crew are on their way to the International Space Station after lifting-off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 11:14:55 a.m. EDT Saturday. "It's been almost four years, two Return to Flight missions, a tremendous amount of work by thousands of individuals to get the shuttle program back to where we are right now and that's on the verge of restarting the station assembly sequence," said Atlantis' Commander Brent Jett. "We're confident over the next few weeks, and few years for that matter, that NASA's going to prove to our nation, to our partners and our friends around the world that it was worth the wait and the sacrifice. We're ready to get to work." The fuel cut-off sensor system, which malfunctioned and delayed Atlantis' scheduled Friday launch, performed normally Saturday. The engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor is one of four inside the liquid hydrogen section of the shuttle's external fuel tank. Atlantis' flight, STS-115, will resume construction of the International Space Station. The shuttle and station crews will work with ground teams to install a girder-like structure, known as the P3/P4 truss aboard the station. The 35,000-pound piece includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. The arrays eventually will double the station's power capability. Atlantis' crew includes Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut. The shuttle is scheduled to dock with the station on Monday. Once Atlantis arrives, a day could be added to the 11-day mission for a focused inspection of the shuttle's heat shield.
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Paradigm Secure Communications Ltd., a subsidiary of EADS SPACE, has signed an export contract to deliver military satellite communications services to the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. This contract forms the second part of a unique, two-phased approach where Paradigm provides managed secure communications services to the Netherlands MoD. The first phase, with an interim contract already in-place, gives the Netherlands MoD direct access to secure satellite communications over the Skynet 4 system, on an as-and-when required basis until the end of December 2006. The second phase contract signed today runs from 1st January 2007, and will see full service provision provided using a combination of the existing Skynet 4 and the new Skynet 5 systems. Thanks to the state of the art performance of Skynet 5 and to the flexible approach, this will enhance the Netherlands MoD communications capability in remote areas, facilitate its role in national and allied operations, and enable cost-effective management of these resources.
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ATR and Air Deccan, the first Indian low-cost airline, celebrated today the delivery of the 700th ATR aircraft. The delivery ceremony has been held in Toulouse in the presence of Captain Gopinath, Air Deccan's Managing Director, Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO, and the minister of Foreign Affaires of France, Philippe Douste-Blazy. Other French and Italian political authorities and senior representatives of the worldwide partners and suppliers of ATR also attended the ceremony. This 700th delivered aircraft, an ATR 72-500, is part of the contract signed in 2005 by Air Deccan for 30 new ATR 72-500s and represents the 6th ATR 72-500 aircraft already delivered to the airline. Commenting on the delivery ceremony, Captain Gopinath stated: “It is an honor for Air Deccan to contribute to the success of ATR. Air Deccan's history is closely tied to ATR. We recently celebrated our third anniversary from the date in 2003 when an ATR 42 took off from Bangalore for our inaugural flight. Since we started this cooperation in 2003, we have significantly increased our fleet of ATR aircraft because of the confidence we have in these aircraft. They are very well adapted for feeder routes in India and can access most of the airports unable to be operated by jets. With the most economically efficient and comfortable aircraft in their category, ATR is an important part of our success as the most popular carrier in India”. He added: “ATR has a very important weight in the fast development of the economic and human ties in our country”.
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SWISS is to acquire a further two Airbus A321 and an additional Airbus A320 aircraft next spring for its European fleet. The extra capacity will enable the carrier to both benefit from the expected growth in European air travel demand and provide additional feeder services for its long-haul fleet, which will itself be expanded this November with the arrival of two further Airbus A330-200s. The additions to the SWISS intercontinental and European fleets will create a total of some 250 new jobs. Having largely completed the corporate restructuring programme on which it embarked in 2005, SWISS decided this June to expand its long-haul fleet with the addition of two further Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The increased productivity among its flight attendant corps and the agreement reached with the company's Airbus pilots on a new Collective Labour Agreement have also enhanced SWISS's competitiveness in Europe, laying the foundation for expansion in this segment, too.
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