+++ Airbus factory in China after biggest deal ever +++ EADS CASA delivers first C-295 to Brazil +++ Bombardier cuts CRJ700/900 production +++ Gulfstream Quiet Spike goes supersonic +++ Skybus orders 65 Airbus A319 +++ News in brief +++
China
Airbus factory in China after biggest deal ever
China will 170 Airbus kaufen
China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group Corporation (CASGC) signed a General Terms Agreement (GTA) for the purchase of 150 A320 Family aircraft and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 20 A350XWB aircraft with Airbus in Beijing. CASGC President Li Hai and Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, and EADS co-CEO, Louis Gallois signed the agreements at the Great Hall of People in the presence of the Chinese President Hu Jintao and the visiting French President Jacques Chirac.
The General Terms Agreement for the firm purchase of 150 A320 Family aircraft together with the Letter of Intent for 20 A350XWBs represents the largest single transaction ever performed by Airbus in China. “These commitments are new milestone achievements in the history of the close cooperation between our two companies. We are pleased to develop our cooperation with more A320 Family aircraft and we are happy to introduce the Airbus A350XWB Family aircraft, which represents the 21st Century solution for an aircraft in this size category, into China. We believe that more Chinese airlines will select this new generation aircraft for daily operation in the future, “ said Li Hai at the ceremony.
At the same time, Airbus has signed the Framework Agreement with a Chinese Consortium comprising Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ), China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) in Beijing on the establishment of an A320 Family Final Assembly Line in China. This follows the study initiated in late 2005 and is part of Airbus' commitment to increasing its industrial cooperation with China. Under the Framework Agreement, Airbus will set up an A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin, and the corresponding joint venture is to be created between a Chinese Consortium led by TJFTZ and Airbus. The agreement, which covers all major issues related with the establishment of the Final assembly Line in China, is subject to formal approval by the Chinese government. Aircraft assembly in China is planned to begin in early 2009, with the aim of ramping up production to reach four aircraft per month by 2011.
Airbus is committed to forging a long-term strategic partnership with China. Six Chinese manufacturers are already involved in manufacturing parts, such as wing components, emergency-exit doors and maintenance tools for Airbus aircraft. In July 2005, Airbus (Beijing) Engineering Centre was formally inaugurated in Beijing.
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EADS CASA delivers first C-295 to Brazil
Brasilien erhält neue Transportflugzeuge
On 23 October, EADS CASA has delivered the first military transport aircraft C-295 to Brazilian Air Force. The ceremony took place in Brasilia attended by Walter Pires, Brazilian Minister of Defence, Luis Carlos da Silva Bueno, Brazilian Chief of Air Staff, Francisco José García de la Vega, Spanish Chief of Air Staff and Francisco Fernández Sáinz, Chairman of EADS CASA. Four aircraft will be delivered before the end of year 2006. The delivery plan was for two aircraft. It means the delivery plan is well ahead of schedule. The Brazilian government and EADS CASA signed in April 2005, two important contracts to supply Brazil with twelve (12) C-295 military transport aircraft and to modernize a fleet of eight (8) P-3BR maritime patrol aircraft including the installation of the mission system FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System). These were the first defence contracts between these two countries.
The C-295 aircraft delivered is part of the CL-X programme dedicated to supply the Brazilian Air Force with medium transport aircraft to support activities related with the Amazon Protection System (SIPAM) and the Calha Norte Project, fundamentally social activities, to support people in remote areas of the Amazon, with difficult access by other means of transportation. The twelve EADS CASA C-295 aircraft will replace the BAF C-115 Buffalo fleet, and will also support the C-130 Hercules in the Brazilian Air Force.
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Bombardier cuts CRJ700/900 production
Entlassungen bei Regionalflugzeughersteller
Bombardier Aerospace announced that it is adjusting its regional aircraft production rates to reflect current market demand. As a result, the production rate for its CRJ700/900 regional jets will be reduced. This will be partly offset by an increase in the Q400 turboprop production level in response to the growing need for this type of cost efficient regional airliner, which is ideally suited to short-haul routes. Bombardier will adjust its workforce level accordingly. Total Bombardier aircraft deliveries for the current fiscal year 2006/07 are expected to remain at a similar level to that of last fiscal year 2005/06 (year ending January 31, 2006), but with a different product mix.
“We lead the regional aircraft market with 1,376 deliveries of our CRJ Series and 749 deliveries of our Q-Series regional aircraft, including more than 320 deliveries of our CRJ700/900 regional jets and over 350 deliveries of Q300/400 turboprop aircraft as of July 31, 2006. Recent orders for both our larger 90-passenger CRJ900 aircraft from Northwest Airlines and My Way Airlines and 70-seat Q400 aircraft from Frontier Airlines and Luxair demonstrate that we have the right products for operators looking to take advantage of our regional aircraft's competitive operating economics,” said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “The restructuring of the airline industry continues, with relatively few orders for regional jets in the 70- to 90-seat jet category being awarded in recent years. This situation should improve as attested by the numerous sales campaigns we are actively pursuing. However, we must be prudent and manage proactively our CRJ700/900 jets production schedule in the short term to ensure we achieve our goal of increased profitability and our success in the long term. This means making difficult but necessary decisions. We recognize the impact this decision will have on our affected employees and we will treat them fairly and with respect,” Mr. Beaudoin added.
The production rates will be adjusted as follows: For the 70-passenger CRJ700 and 90-seat CRJ900 regional jets, starting November 2006, a reduction to a rate of one aircraft produced every five days from a rate of one aircraft every three days, or a total of approximately 65 deliveries in the current fiscal year 2006/07 (year ending January 31, 2007) and approximately 50 deliveries in the next fiscal year 2007/08 (year ending January 31, 2008). For the Q-Series turboprop family, which includes the Q200, Q300 and Q400 airliners, starting in October 2006, the increase in the Q400 production level will result in a total of approximately 50 Q-Series deliveries in the current fiscal year 2006/07 and approximately 65 Q-Series deliveries in the next fiscal year 2007/08.
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Gulfstream Quiet Spike goes supersonic
Flugtests für leise Überschalljets
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announces that its patented Quiet Spike sonic boom mitigator successfully accomplished its first supersonic flight on Friday, October 20, achieving a major program milestone. Gulfstream, in collaboration with the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center , has been flight-testing the structural integrity of its Quiet Spike since mid-July. Mounted on the nose of a NASA F-15B aircraft and flown at Mach 1.2 or 20 percent faster than the speed of sound, the Quiet Spike operated as designed. It fully extended to its maximum length of 24 feet and performed as expected during the 1 hour, 5-minute test flight, which reached an altitude of 45,000 feet. Gulfstream's Quiet Spike is a multi-segmented, articulating boom that, when fully extended from the nose of a supersonic low-boom shaped aircraft, is expected to reduce the effects of sonic booms. “The fact that the Quiet Spike performed as designed at supersonic speeds and was extended and retracted without any difficulties, brings us one step closer to our goal of seeing if it will reduce the sonic boom when mounted on a more appropriate platform,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, programs, engineering and test, Gulfstream.
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Skybus orders 65 Airbus A319
Airbus für neue US-Billigfluglinie
Skybus, a new low-cost/low-fare airline based in Columbus, Ohio, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 65 Airbus A319 aircraft. In terms of number of Airbus aircraft, this is among the largest single orders ever by a U.S. carrier. The airline has not yet announced its engine selection for the single-aisle aircraft. Each of the Skybus A319s will accommodate passengers in a single-class configuration. The number of seats and specific route structure remains confidential while the airline gears up to enter service in early 2007. The airline will initially operate leased A319s as it begins non-stop service from its home base in Columbus, while building its all-Airbus fleet.
“It is exciting to get in on the ground floor of such a promising operation as Skybus,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer. “It has been a few years since an order of this meaning and magnitude has come from a low-cost start-up airline, and we are professionally flattered that Skybus has turned to the A319 as the core of its fleet. It's a true testament to the airline's confidence in our product and our people.” Firm orders for the A320 Family - consisting of the 107-seat A318, 124-seat A319, 150-seat A320 and 185-seat A321 - currently stand at more than 4,500 aircraft from 166 customers.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
A flying experimental vehicle that allows systems that are already in development to be tested under operational conditions - this dream of many development engineers has now become reality thanks to an ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH system. After an almost three-year development period, the mission equipment carrier (MAT) was transferred to the German Bundeswehr today. In the next few weeks, the behaviour and reliability of the first helicopter components will be tested using the MAT. The MAT is being used to try out “mission avionics”. The German Bundeswehr and industry can use the MAT to test how equipment components – such as aircraft guidance systems, sensor systems, mapping modules, integrated helmet systems or the operator-machine interface – behave when used in flight. To do this, the principle of the “flying laboratory” was realised in the MAT: it actually combines two helicopters in one machine. While a test pilot and up to two engineers are making tests in the test system, the aircraft pilot responsible functions as a safety pilot who can intervene at any time and fly the helicopter safely. The test system and actual basic helicopter are strictly separated from each other. This means that the test components need not be approved for use in flight. The MAT is based on a completely redesigned UH-1D. This multi-purpose helicopter, which is one of the most widely deployed aircraft in the world, weighs relatively little for the large payloads it can transport. ESG, the main contractor, has completely redesigned it. The company developed the aircraft electronic system, the “avionics”, and the measuring equipment for the MAT. Various conversions for the body of the helicopter were also commissioned by ESG. Sensors weighing up to 140 kilograms are attached to two equipment racks on the nose.
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The European military helicopter market is set to dwindle in size over the next ten years, but will still remain relatively large, and is valued at nearly US$26 billion between 2006 and 2015. This is partly because a number of lucrative contracts are currently at delivery stage in a number of countries. The primary examples of this are the NH90, Tiger and EH101 programs, which have artificially inflated the value of the market. With the completion of these projects, the market will return to a more 'normal' level as the decade progresses. Despite this reduction in size, the military helicopter market will be relatively healthy due to a number of new requirements, particularly in the naval market. These positive trends will be reinforced by the need to replace large numbers of surviving airframes dating from the 1960s and 1970s. "The European military helicopter market will be determined by the demands of operations other than war (OOTW) for the next ten years," observes Frost & Sullivan Defence Analyst Graham Cushway. "This generally means that they require a need for greater adaptability in terms of mission, and large carrying capacities. Subsidiary military helicopter markets, such as naval helicopters and attack helicopters will also be boosted by these requirements." OOTW are characterised by small numbers of troops being moved rapidly around large areas to deal with larger numbers of insurgents. Helicopters are usually the best way to achieve this, being faster moving than ground vehicles and avoiding the hazards posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). At the same time, OOTW pose new problems in terms of military helicopter design, as they need to be reconfigurable for roles such as humanitarian aid and reconstruction, which require greater carrying capacities than simple troop transport aircraft. A major restraint in the market is that military budgets are shrinking, particularly in terms of maintenance and ground staff. This means that new military helicopter designs have to allow for a higher level of maintainability and ease of repair than would previously have been the case.
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New supplies arrived at the International Space Station on 26 October as an unpiloted Russian cargo spacecraft docked to the aft port of the Zvezda Service Module. With almost 2.5 tons of food, fuel and supplies for the station's Expedition 14 crew, the ISS Progress 23 automatically docked to Zvezda at 10:29 a.m. EDT as the spacecraft and the station flew 220 miles above Italy. The 23rd Progress to visit the station was launched Monday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Following the initial docking, the final latching of the Progress craft to the station was delayed by about three and a half hours as Russian flight controllers evaluated potential interference by an antenna on the spacecraft. At the time of docking, flight controllers could not confirm that the antenna used by the Progress' Kurs automated docking system had retracted as commanded. If the antenna had remained extended, it could have interfered with the final latching of the supply ship to the station. After reviewing data, Mission Control Moscow commanded the Progress' docking probe to slowly retract, pulling the ship firmly into the port and aligning the hooks and latches that hold it secure. Latches for the craft on the station were secured at about 2 p.m. EDT. ISS Progress 23 holds 1,918 pounds of propellant for the Russian thrusters, 110 pounds of oxygen and almost 2,800 pounds of spare parts, experiment hardware and life support components, including parts for the Russian Elektron oxygen-generation system. The system has been inoperable since last month, and Tyurin is expected to resume repairs on the unit next week.
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Raytheon has been awarded a $4.1 million contract, with a priced option for an additional $1.2 million, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to demonstrate the suitability of its Vigilant Eagle Airport Protection System to function in a civilian environment and its ability to protect aircraft from the threat of shoulder-fired missiles. Vigilant Eagle provides an invisible dome of protection around airports or airfields, offering all aircraft -- international and domestic commercial flights as well as military and private planes -- protection from terrorist surface-to-air missiles including MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense System). Vigilant Eagle aims a focused, precisely steered beam of electromagnetic energy at a terrorist's missile, diverting the threat away from the targeted aircraft. Because Vigilant Eagle is ground-based rather than installed on individual aircraft, it can protect all aircraft inside an airport area. Vigilant Eagle consists of three interconnected primary components: a distributed missile detect and track system, a command and control system and the active electronically scanned array, which is a billboard-size array of highly efficient antennas linked to solid state amplifiers that provide the beam that diverts the missile.
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The A380 powered by four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines has successfully completed high altitude tests in Ethiopia and is now in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates for hot weather tests. The high altitude tests were carried out at Bole International Airport, which is located in Ethiopia's capital city Addis Ababa. The airport sits 7,500 feet (2,286 metres) above sea level and the tests validated the Engine Alliance engines' performance at high altitude airports. Following the tests, the aircraft flew directly to Al Ain where it is undergoing tests to assess the engines' performance at airports with extremely hot temperatures. To date 16 customers have ordered a total of 159 A380s. Six customers have selected Engine Alliance GP7200 engines for a total of 82 firm orders, while ten customers have selected Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines for a total of 77 firm orders.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced the successful completion of its participation in a maritime surveillance trial conducted off the North West Shelf (NWS) of Australia. The trial was conducted by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army, as well as the Offshore Protection Command (OPC), a partnership between the Australian Defence Force and Australian Customs Service. The goal of the trial was to assess the potential of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to integrate into a joint surveillance capability and to demonstrate the capability to support the Navy's Armidale Class Patrol Boats, OPC Dash-8s and Army troops, providing an additional layer of surveillance and protection to Australia's maritime approaches. The North West Shelf was selected as the primary area of focus for the trial given its vital strategic and economic interest to Australia and related opportunity to enhance existing security against such criminal activities as illegal fishing, drug running and people smuggling.
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On October 18, 2006 AERO Vodochody dispatched the second S-76D airframe to the seat of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation – Stratford, USA. This new version, together with the first sent off in July 2006, will be used for further development works and final determination of the aircraft configuration. Currently, AERO is processing an order for the third D version prototype, which should be delivered during the year 2007 (according to SAC specification).
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In a launch closely watched by the airline industry, Eos Airlines began offering innovative premium-class only service tailored to trans-Atlantic business travelers on October 18th, 2005. Defying conventional industry wisdom -- the new airline staked its future on the belief that business and luxury-oriented travelers were calling for improved service, rather than simply discounted fare structures. One year later, the results are in, and Eos is emerging as a remarkable success story. Eos' unrivaled emphasis on "curb to curb" personal service and its ability to diminish the typical airport delays in check-in and security resonated with an audience of business executives increasingly frustrated by hassles in and discomfort of international air travel. The airline has pioneered a new category -- not simply the "all business class," category that includes recent start-ups still focused largely on discounted pricing, but a category devoted to personal service. Eos, with only 48 flat-bed suites on a plane originally designed for 220 passengers, consistently hears from its guests that it is "superior to even the best of first class on other carriers" and "reminiscent of the Concorde" or "more like a large private jet", even as the Eos experience is offered at business class prices. here are many recent indicators of success for the airline. In September, Eos launched a new schedule featuring a second daily flight in each direction on the New York to London route. September also set sales records for the airline, with the greatest number of monthly bookings in Eos' one-year history. Gross bookings in September increased 65% versus the trailing three- month average. Even with seating capacity virtually doubled - the airline maintained load factors of 66% for the month. Forward bookings for October and November are also at unprecedented levels, up 56% versus last 90 days. Eos also continues to provide the best on-time performance among all airlines on the New York to London route. Perhaps most importantly, the "intent to recommend," among Eos guests, one of the most telling customer satisfaction metrics, has consistently scored at nearly 90%. This "Net Promoter" score, as author Fred Reichheld has labeled it in his new business bestseller, The Ultimate Question, places Eos at the very top of a range of "best-of-class" companies across multiple industries. Customer survey data has also demonstrated deep appreciation for Eos staff and service levels, with flight attendants earning a 97% approval rate.
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Cessna Aircraft announced the first flight of its Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). The airplane departed McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan., at 8:33 a.m., performed a variety of flight maneuvers at speeds in excess of 110 knots (127 miles per hour), and landed 9:05 a.m. at Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport a few miles away. “It's been nine months to the day since I gave the team the go-ahead to build an LSA concept aircraft,” said Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack J. Pelton. “As the world's largest producer of single engine piston airplanes, it's a testament to the experience and engineering ability of the Cessna team that we were able to make this happen in such a short timeframe. I extend my congratulations to the team in getting the LSA airborne so quickly so we can further evaluate this promising concept.” The newly-emerging LSA category is the highest growth sector of general aviation. Light Sport Aircraft are defined as having a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, maximum level-flight speed of 120 knots, and no more than two seats. Pelton said the company will evaluate a spectrum of issues associated with entering the sector to determine if there is a favorable business case. That decision is expected to be made in the first quarter of 2007. Cessna's LSA proof-of-concept features a high wing spanning 30 feet, side-by-side seating for two in a cabin with a maximum width of 48 inches (a half-foot more than the ubiquitous Cessna 152), tricycle gear, and a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine. Cessna's sport aircraft incorporates dual control sticks, upward opening doors, toe brakes, and a castering nose wheel. Construction is primarily of aluminum, with selective use of composite parts for the cowl, wing and dorsal fin.
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Cessna Aircraft yielded strong customer orders and new business opportunities resulting from products announced and/or showcased at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention. In total, Cessna received 115 jet orders worth more than $1 billion and expects that these agreements will be finalized and enter backlog. Combined with pre-show agreements, the company has already booked over 160 orders for the fourth quarter.
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JetSet Inc., Canada's premiere Very Light Jet (VLJ) operation featuring the MS760x Paris Jet, announced the first ever Introductory Light Jet Training Program for Pilots. The two-day training course is being offered Saturday, October 28th and Sunday the 29th, from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Toronto Airways located at the Buttonville airport starting from CAD$2,499. A second course is scheduled for November 25th and 26th, 2006. "This introductory course is for pilots who dream about flying a jet - a much faster and appealing aircraft - but who have not had the opportunity before," says Edward Furtak, president of JetSet Inc. "Typical pilot courses range from US$15,000 - US$30,000 on an entry level jet and are offered to career pilots only. With JetSet's program, any pilot can take part with minimal investment." JetSet Inc. is well positioned to benefit from the current industry buzz surrounding the VLJ sector. As a number of manufacturers such as Eclipse Aviation, Adam Aircraft and Cessna are gearing up to deliver their first VLJs, JetSet is leading the race as four of their MS760x personal jets are already flying and a fifth will be delivered at the end of November. With another 17 aircraft on immediate delivery, the company is taking the next step forward by providing professional training to pilots wishing to make the transition from propeller planes to jets.
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Keystone Helicopter has reached an agreement with Seacor Holdings LLC for the purchase of Keystone's Flight Services Division. Keystone Helicopter's Flight Services Division currently operates 35 aircraft for air medical operations at various remote base sites throughout the Eastern United States and Puerto Rico. The Division employs more than 200 pilots and technicians that keep these operations running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "Seacor is a multi-billion-dollar company with diversified businesses, including helicopter operations," stated David Ford, President of Keystone Helicopter, in a letter to the employees and customers of the company. "They have indicated that they have a strategic goal of growing their presence in that market, and see Keystone's Flight Services Division as an excellent fit with their existing operations."
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A series of Raytheon ADM-160B Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) vehicles demonstrated successful separation performance when launched from an Air Force F-16 aircraft. The flight tests took place at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., under a development contract managed by the 728th Armament Systems Group. Nine free-flight launches took place from May to July during the Eglin 46 Test Wing sorties. Each sortie involved the launch of MALD vehicles at varying speeds, altitudes and F-16 pylon locations. Three of the nine MALDs were equipped with specialized telemetry instrumentation to gather trajectory information, and all were photographed by chase aircraft with on-board cameras. The launches were safe, stable and demonstrated successful MALD separation at extreme points of the F-16. The 120-inch MALD is a turbojet-powered, swing-wing missile that is launched from an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon or B-52 Stratofortress and flies a pre-programmed flight path into hostile air space to stimulate enemy air defenses.
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The Government Accountability Office denied protests regarding the Army's Light Utility Helicopter contract award on Monday, 23 October. Accordingly, the Army's Utility Helicopter project office will execute the contract for the EC145 derivative as signed with EADS North America Defense of Arlington, Va. EADS has said it will be able to deliver the first helicopters from the European production line to the US Army by the end of the year.
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Two European customers have signed up for Boeing's Web-based maintenance tool, which is fast becoming an industry standard for carriers seeking efficiency improvements afforded by e-Enabled aviation maintenance and performance solutions. Sterling Airlines A/S of Dragoer, Denmark, and the Stockholm-based SAS Group have ordered Maintenance Performance Toolbox. Toolbox will be used by the airline units within SAS Group: SAS and SAS Braathens, the Oslo-based affiliate. The SAS units will be using Toolbox on their Boeing Next-Generation 737 fleets; Sterling will use Toolbox on both its Classic and Next-Generation 737s. The carriers acquired Toolbox capabilities that provide easy access to current and critical maintenance information as well as the ability to streamline the potentially cumbersome process of customizing online maintenance manuals. They also signed up for a specific tool that will help generate, update and track task cards, which are labor-intensive documents required by aviation regulators for a wide range of airplane maintenance activities.
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Sikorsky is finishing developmental flight tests of its S-92 helicopter with a search and rescue automatic flight control system (AFCS) that is able to lock in and fly point-in-space approaches, hands-off, and hover for rescues. The system is the first to fly automated approaches to a set position "hooked" by a search radar, flight management system way point, thermal imager, or digital map. "This system does a fully coupled approach, hover and departure. A nighttime, IFR rescue in icing conditions is now possible, military or civilian, with this system and aircraft family," said S-92 project pilot Ron Doeppner. The civil S-92 system is a subset of the sophisticated AFCS prototyped in the HH-92 SUPERHAWK helicopter variant entered in the U.S. Air Force CSAR-X competition. The search and rescue (SAR) flight control modes were tested first on the HH-92 demonstrator last year. With the aircraft on an automatic descent to a set altitude and position, the flight crew can keep eyes looking out of the cockpit for added safety and mission effectiveness. "I wish I'd had a fully integrated flight control system like this when I was flying Air Force rescue and special ops helicopters," Doeppner said. "When you put this into an aircraft with the safety and survivability features of the HH-92, you've got the world's most advanced SAR helicopter."
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U.S. Air Force officials announced the multiyear procurement contract for the C-130J has been converted from a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 to a FAR 15 contract. In order to comply with the fiscal year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act, the C-130J contract has been converted from the existing commercial item procurement to a traditional military procurement to purchase aircraft in fiscal year 06. The conversion involved repricing 39 aircraft, resulting in institutional net savings of $168M. "The Air Force, with the Congressional leadership and support of Senator John McCain and in conjunction with Lockheed Martin, has made this a better contract vehicle that provides the government the cost insight it needs to procure aircraft for the Air Force and Marine Corps," said Sue Payton, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. "The Air Force acquisition community looks forward to working closely with Congress in future acquisition reform initiatives."
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Europe's two leading maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers Lufthansa Technik and Air France Industries have decided to join forces in offering an extensive component & logistic support service for the Airbus A400M. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Alain Bassil, President of Air France Industries, and August Wilhelm Henningsen, Chairman of the Executive Board, Lufthansa Technik AG. Effective immediately both partners will start evaluations to offer a complete line of component services to all A400M operators worldwide. Under this scheme, the companies will provide component repair & overhaul, engineering services, management of a dedicated component pool including all required logistics not only at the Air Forces´ A400M main bases but also during various missions around the globe. The new program will offer significant cost advantages resulting from synergies and the MRO know-how of 2,000 airplanes served by the two companies.
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A versatile new document viewer has been added to the “best in class” Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solution offered by ARINC Incorporated and Jeppesen. The companies recently received approval of ARINC's DocViewer from the FAA's Aircraft Evaluation Group. Jeppesen's terminal chart applications have already received FAA approval, with plans to gain approval for the entire suite of EFB applications. DocViewer becomes an important part of Jeppesen's overall suite of EFB applications, which includes Airport Moving Map, Enroute Moving Map, terminal charts, and the Jeppesen Data Distribution and Management system. “DocViewer will enhance the versatility of our ARINC/Jeppesen integrated EFB and bring a very user-friendly solution for managing electronic documents to the flight deck,” stated Thomas Wede, Jeppesen Senior Vice President, Commercial and Military Aviation. “Flight crews using DocViewer will be able to display vital documents such as aircraft and operations manuals, putting important reference material right at their fingertips.”
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Delta Air Lines will boost its ability to go the distance, internationally, as the first U.S. carrier to take delivery of Boeing's 777-200LR aircraft. By adding the world's longest range commercial jetliner to its fleet, Delta will bolster its international expansion with the ability to connect virtually any two cities around the globe, nonstop. The 777-200LR is the fifth and newest model of the 777 family to enter passenger service. Delta will take delivery of two 777-200LR aircraft in 2008. “These aircraft will enable us to fly non-stop to ultra long distance destinations across Asia and the Middle East as we continue our international expansion,” said Mel Fauscett, managing director of Fleet Planning & Acquisition for Delta. “The range of these aircraft coupled with innovative cabin features will allow customers to travel to popular international destinations in superior comfort and distinguish Delta's customer experience among the U.S. carriers.” Delta plans to take delivery of these aircraft in early 2008.
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From 6 November new regulations on hand baggage will apply to all passengers departing from airports in the European Union. For the most part, the EU regulations correspond to the requirements imposed by the US authorities, which have applied since the end of September on all flights to or from the United States. Under the new standardised regulations, the amount of liquids, gels and creams permitted in hand baggage will be limited to 100 ml per container. These have to be carried in a transparent, zip-lock plastic bag with a maximum volume of one litre and must be presented during security checks. Only one bag per passenger is permitted. Zip-lock bags can be bought at retail outlets. Exempted from this ruling are medicines as well as special food (e.g. baby food or food items for diabetics), larger amounts of which may be carried in hand baggage if they are required during the flight. Liquids can also be purchased duty-free on board Lufthansa flights. Liquids that have been purchased after passing through security at the airport may also be taken on board, although this does not apply on flights to the United States.
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China Aviation Supplies Import & Export Group Corporation (CASGC), AerCap, and Calyon Airfinance, are pleased to announce that they have agreed to jointly invest in a new aircraft operating lease venture initially dedicated to the People's Republic of China market. The venture comprises Dragon Aviation Leasing Company Limited, based in Beijing, People's Republic of China, and AerDragon Aviation Partners, based in Shannon, Ireland. The companies have been created to respond to the growing demand for aircraft in the world, especially in China and other Asian countries, and will initially focus their activities on narrow-body aircraft. According to estimates by airframe manufacturers, the Chinese domestic aviation market may require up to 2600 additional aircraft over the next 20 years. Mr Li Hai, Chairman of the CASGC commented: "We are very pleased about the joint commitment of three of the major players in aviation finance to this growing market. Our focus on this market is expected to bring additional benefits to the venture's future customers and provides the opportunity for rapid growth and profitability for all stakeholders through the development of the Chinese aircraft leasing market." The new venture expects to build a portfolio of $1billion worth of aircraft in the next few years. Each partner will contribute its own expertise in developing the venture, CASGC through its key position in the Chinese aviation market, AerCap through the management of the aircraft, and Calyon as one of the key institutions in the aviation financing market.
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NASA's twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatories mission, known as STEREO, successfully launched Wednesday at 8:52 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. STEREO's nearly identical twin, golf cart-sized spacecraft will make observations to help researchers construct the first-ever three-dimensional views of the sun. The images will show the star's stormy environment and its effects on the inner solar system, vital data for understanding how the sun creates space weather. "The stunning solar views the two observatories will send back to Earth will help scientists get a better understanding of the sun and its activity than we've ever been able to obtain from the ground or any of our other missions," said Nick Chrissotimos, STEREO project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. The two observatories were launched on a Delta II rocket in a stacked configuration and separated from the launch vehicle approximately 25 minutes after lift-off. After receiving the first signal from the spacecraft approximately 63 minutes after launch, mission control personnel at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, Md., confirmed each observatory's solar arrays successfully deployed and were providing power. NASA's Deep Space Network antennas in Canberra, Australia received the initial radio signals.
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After completion of the test activities, the Italian Defence Ministry has accepted the first Alenia Aeronautica C-27J tactical transport aircraft. This aircraft is part of a 12-unit contract, and its related 5-year logistic support, whose supply will be completed by 2008 to the Italian Air Force 46th Wing, Pisa Air Force Base. A second aircraft will be presented to ItAF for test by the end of the year. The Italian Air Forces' aircraft have the new C-27J standard configuration, with a flight-refuelling device, self-protection system and double head-up display.
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Virgin Atlantic Airways has just introduced something entirely new for its passengers: the latest breaking news of world events, sports, business, weather and entertainment—all delivered right to their seats. The new live text news service was developed by ARINC Incorporated in collaboration with the airline and Inflight Productions, Sky News, and eFlyte. Virgin Atlantic passengers can now keep up with events in the world below—even as they travel at 35,000 feet. Passengers can read the latest sports scores, business reports, world headlines, weather forecasts—even celebrity gossip. The all-text news stories are prepared by Sky News or by Virgin Atlantic, and are updated hourly.
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The second modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin has been declared fully operational for military and civilian navigation users around the globe. This milestone is the culmination of a successful on-orbit deployment and check- out phase that allowed the spacecraft to begin service ahead of the planned schedule. Launched last month from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. the GPS Block IIR-15(M) is the second in a series of eight Block IIR-M spacecraft that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems is developing for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The third GPS Block IIR-M satellite is scheduled for liftoff on Nov. 14 from Cape Canaveral.
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German President Horst Köhler exercised his first presidential veto, rejecting a law that would have partially privatized German ATC organisation DFS. The law would have allowed Germany's federal government to sell off up to 74.9 percent of the state-owned Flugsicherung. The organization employs some 5,300 people, including 1,800 air-traffic controllers. The reason for withholding his signature was that the German constitution requires the federal government to retain sovereignty over matters of public security. Opponents of the law welcomed Köhler's move. "The president has reached a landmark decision," said Peter Heesen, the head of the German Civil Servants Association, which represents many of the DFS's employees. "It's an important contribution to the debate about what the state's sovereign duties are and must continue to be in the future." Hans-Rudolf Wöhrl, the owner of small German carrier LTU Airlines, also said he thought Köhler made the right choice. The sale, he said, "would have been tantamount to a hike in fees since a private investor would have demanded a profit." The German government maintains that the sale is essential in efforts to create a "single European sky," eradicating the national borders that complicate air traffic control in Europe.
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The first Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of Tranche 2 standard are about to start final assembly in Germany and the United Kingdom. The first Tranche 2 aircraft will be IPA7 (Instrumented Production Aircraft), the 29th single-seater of German production. IPA7 is scheduled to move to the final assembly rigs at EADS Military Air Systems' Manching facility at the end of the year. The first flight of IPA7 is due in 2008 with the aircraft to be used for testing the Block 8 capabilities together with IPA6 (British single-seat BS031), a Tranche 1 aircraft that will be upgraded to receive the Tranche 2 standard avionics. IPA6 is already undergoing initial tests at BAE Systems in Warton. The first Tranche 2 aircraft to be handed over to a Partner Air Force will be BS037 (British single-seat BS037) for the Royal Air Force. The front fuselage section of BS037 has already been shipped to the BAE Systems facility at Warton from their site at Samlesbury, while the aircraft's centre fuselage has concluded the equipping process at Manching and is due for delivery to the UK shortly. BS037 will fly for the first time in 2008 and will be handed over to the Royal Air Force in the same year.
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Boeing reported third quarter net earnings of $694 million, or $0.89 per share, compared with $1,011 million, or $1.26 per share, a year ago. Special items that affected core operating results include the previously disclosed $0.22 per share charge this quarter to exit the Connexion business, and benefits totaling $0.93 per share a year ago for tax settlements and asset sales. Adjusting for these items, third-quarter adjusted earnings per share* was $1.11 compared to $0.33 for the same period last year. The year-ago figure was not adjusted for the impact of a labor strike, which reduced earnings in that period by an estimated $0.25 to $0.30 per share. Revenue for the quarter rose 19 percent to $14.7 billion from $12.4 billion in the same period last year. Boeing updated its earnings per share guidance for 2006 to between $2.40 and $2.50 per share, which reflects the termination charges for Connexion offset by better performance across Boeing's businesses. Boeing increased its 2007 EPS guidance by $0.20 per share to between $4.45 and $4.65, reflecting the discontinuance of its Connexion investment, contributions from the Aviall acquisition and additional performance improvements. Revenue guidance for 2007 is increased to between $65.5 billion and $66.0 billion driven by additional services revenue from Aviall.
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“Lufthansa remains on success course”, commented Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber when presenting the quarter results. Despite high oil prices the Group increased operating profit in the first nine months of the year by 46.7 per cent to 691 million euros. “The result and the resonance in the market underline our strategic direction. We have become better, larger and more profitable. We are investing in our future and will be taking on 2500 new employees this year.” In view of the continuing good development and the positive economic climate the Lufthansa Board has raised its forecast for the full year and is now anticipating an operating profit of some 750 million euros. Mayrhuber stressed that all business segments had contributed to this success. “All segments have operated successfully, strengthened their customer base and scored well with new products. The systematic orientation to profitability and the respective core competencies is paying off.” The Passenger Transportation business had made a substantial contribution to improving the result in a very competitive environment. Better yields and a sustained climb in demand had led to this development. Primarily in the growth markets of Asia the Group was operating successfully and was also well prepared for the future. “In India and China Lufthansa takes first place amongst the European airlines and we continue to invest, in new destinations for example”, explained Mayrhuber. Part of the growth strategy was also the most recent ordering of 35 new aircraft to extend and modernise the fleet. The Lufthansa CEO stressed that the Group's service and quality offensive was reaping benefits. “Customer satisfaction has improved once again. The reaction to our quality products including bargain prices is extremely positive.” Lufthansa was not only good, but also value for money.
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On Tuesday 24th, October 2006 the maiden flight of the new advanced high performance single engine four-seater SuperCobra was performed by the Czech aircraft manufacturer Evektor. The all metal SuperCobra with retractable landing gear, powered by 315 HP Lycoming IO-580A1B, made take off at 12:15 p.m. clock from the Kunovice international airport located at Evektor base and made two 30 minutes successful demonstration fligths with the initial aircraft flight testing. The Evektor has designed SuperCobra with outstanding performance parameters - top cruise speed 175 kts, range 1000 nm and useful load 1260 lbs. The SuperCobra is a unique fusion of power, timeless design, elegance and superior cabin comfort. The airplane´s luxurious cabin is the widest in its class and is equipped with state-of-the-art integrated avionics - glass cockpit in standard. The first deliveries are planned after completion of EASA CS-23 / FAA FAR-23 certification at the very beginning of 2008; deliveries of the previous 200 HP Lycoming model VUT100 Cobra which is successfully proceeding the EASA certification are scheduled in the second half of 2007 after completion of certification process.
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Boeing and CIT Aerospace, a business unit of CIT Group announced the leasing company's order for five 787-8 Dreamliners. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2012. The order was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries web site and attributed to an unidentified customer. The 787 Dreamliner has accumulated 455 orders and commitments from 36 airline and leasing customers around the world. Development of the 787 is on schedule for first flight in 2007 and entry into service in 2008.
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Boeing and Tokyo-based ANA announced that the airline exercised options for two additional 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters. ANA launched the 767-300BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in October 2005 with an order for three conversions and four options. Now the airline holds a total of five firm orders and two options. ANA plans to use the converted freighters as part of its joint venture cargo operation called ANA & JP Express, with partners Japan Post, Nippon Express, and Mitsui O.S.K Lines.
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Air Berlin, the German airline based at Berlin-Tegel airport, has awarded Snecma Services a 10-year contract covering maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the CFM56-5B engines powering the airline's A320 fleet. Air Berlin will eventually deploy a fleet of 100 Airbus A320 aircraft. This contract confirms Air Berlin's confidence in Snecma Services, which has provided MRO services for the airline's CFM56-3 engines since 2001, within the scope of a Time & Material contract. To date, Snecma Services has serviced more than 20 engines at its facilities in France and Belgium. The size of Air Berlin's fleet, the second largest in Germany, made the competition for this latest contract very fierce. By winning this contract, Snecma Services, an OEM repair shop, has further proven its ability to come up with extremely competitive and responsive proposals.
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Pratt & Whitney announced the certification of its F135 engine to power the Lightning II's first flight later this year after successfully completing all tests scheduled to date. The F135 has achieved Initial Flight Release from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). Robert Burnes, JPO F-35 propulsion director, has declared all F135 tests and verification reports complete, clearing the F-35 Lightning II to fly. The JPO has certified the F135's flight worthiness to power the F-35 Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) flight test program. "Receiving the JPO's Initial Flight Release is an important milestone for the Joint Strike Fighter program and the F135 team. JPO approval qualifies the Pratt & Whitney engine to power the Lightning II first flight and flight test program," said Bill Gostic, vice president, F135 engine programs for Pratt & Whitney. "It validates the F135 production configuration."
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Galileo Avionica, a Finmeccanica company, is proud to announce that PAR-2090 (Precision Approach Radar), a radar system for precise landing, has successfully completed the validation phase. Italian and foreign representative of air-traffic controllers positively tested the efficacy of the system. Thanks to its Doppler signal processing, the system PAR-2090 is able to locate and monitor aircraft landing even in bad weather conditions or poor visibility. Its “clear weather-heavy rain” working mode allows the PAR to identify combat aircraft even in stormy weather up to 16mm/hrs. Galileo Avionica has developed and produced PAR systems since 1980. About 50 systems have already been delivered to several countries and many of the new generation systems (PAR 2080 C and PAR 2090 CF), are waiting to be delivered.
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MTU Aero Engines Holding AG continues on its positive growth trend: In the first nine months of 2006, the company's revenues rose by 13% to Euro1,749.9 million (1-9/05: Euro1,545.6 million). The sector reporting the highest growth rate was once again commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). MTU's pre-tax earnings have also improved significantly, with EBITDA progressing from Euro166.6 million at end September 2005 to Euro224.7 million at end September 2006: a year-on-year increase of 35%. This increase is even more pronounced in the adjusted figures for net income, which has more than doubled in comparison to the same period last year, rising 148% to Euro87.7 million (1-9/05: Euro35.3 million).
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SWISS is to introduce a new daily service between Geneva and Prague on December 15. Services between Geneva and London City Airport will also be increased to six daily frequencies from the same date. With the introduction of the new flights, SWISS will offer direct service to 21 destinations from Geneva. The new daily Geneva-Prague service will depart from Geneva at 11:40 on weekdays, arriving in the Czech capital at 13:25. The westbound flight will leave Prague at 13:55 and arrive in Geneva at 15:35. Services at the weekend will operate to different schedules. All flights will be operated using Avro RJ100 equipment. SWISS service on the Geneva-London City route is to be increased from four to six daily flights. The main innovation here will be a late-evening Geneva-London frequency which will return the following morning, enabling UK-based travellers to arrive in Geneva as early as 09:30.
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