+++ German SAR-Lupe satellite safely in orbit +++ EU Commission proposes bringing air transport into Emissions Trading Scheme +++ Eurofighter test progress +++ Lufthansa and KarstadtQuelle agree on future of Thomas Cook +++ Raytheon sells aircraft unit +++ Delta outlines recovery, rejects USAir +++ More orders for A380 +++ Spain finally signs contract for 45 NH90 +++ Diamond opnes China factory +++ Shuttle lands at Kennedy +++ News in brief +++
German SAR-Lupe satellite safely in orbit
Deutscher Aufklärungssatellit im All
On 19 December, the first German reconnaissance satellite in the SAR-Lupe system has been successfully placed in orbit. The Russian Cosmos 3M launch vehicle took off on schedule from the Russian Plesetsk space station south of Archangelsk at 15:00:19 hours Central European Time, placing the first of a total of five radar satellites in its low orbit at an altitude of around 500 km half an hour later as planned.
The first contact between the control center and the satellite was established at 16:04 hours Central European Time. A preliminary review of all main functions showed that the satellite can now be put in operation. Satellite control is currently in the hands of the German Space Agency DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen. The ground station of the German Armed Forces in Gelsdorf is tracking the satellite at the same time and will assume operative responsibility for it in mid January, at which point in time it will start collecting SAR radar images.
SAR-Lupe is Germany's first satellite-based reconnaissance system. It comprises five identical small satellites and a ground segment for managing the satellites and receiving and processing the radar images. As the principal contractor of the German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB), OHB-System developed the overall system and oversaw a consortium of well-known European space technology companies.
The first German radar satellite was transported to the Russian launch pad at the beginning of December after undergoing extensive testing at the Ottobrunn satellite testing center. The four other satellites will be launched in intervals of four to six months. SAR-Lupe will be forming part of the European Reconnaissance System. Under the ESGA project (German acronym for “Europeanization of Satellite-Based Reconnaissance”), OHB-System is creating the technical basis for allowing France to use the German SAR-Lupe radar system. In return, Germany will be able to access the French optical HELIOS II system.
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EU Commission proposes bringing air transport into Emissions Trading Scheme
Luftfahrtgesellschaften sollen Abgashandel beitreten
The European Commission underscored its firm commitment to combating climate change by proposing legislation to bring greenhouse gas emissions from civil aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). EU emissions from international air transport are increasing faster than from any other sector. This growth threatens to undermine the EU's progress in cutting overall greenhouse gas emissions. Including civil aviation in the EU ETS is a cost-effective way for the sector to control its emissions and implements an approach endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The proposed directive will cover emissions from flights within the EU from 2011 and all flights to and from EU airports from 2012. Both EU and foreign aircraft operators would be covered. Like the industrial companies already covered by the EU ETS, airlines will be able to sell surplus allowances if they reduce their emissions and will need to buy additional allowances if their emissions grow. Any increase in ticket costs resulting from the scheme is expected to be limited, and significantly lower than rises due to oil price changes in recent years.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “Aviation too should make a fair contribution to our efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission will continue to work with our international partners to promote the objectives of a global agreement on aviation. Bringing aviation emissions into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme is a cost-effective solution that is good for the environment and treats all airlines equally.” While emissions from domestic flights are covered by the Kyoto Protocol targets, international aviation is not. Moreover, jet fuel for international flights has historically been exempted from taxation. Bilateral air agreements between EU Member States and third countries are being changed to allow this possibility, but this will take time to implement. Emissions from aviation currently account for about 3% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, but they are increasing fast – by 87% since 1990 – as air travel becomes cheaper without its environmental costs being addressed. For example, someone flying from London to New York and back generates roughly the same level of emissions as the average person in the EU does by heating their home for a whole year.
The rapid growth in aviation emissions contrasts with the success of many other sectors of the economy in reducing emissions. Without action, the growth in emissions from flights from EU airports will by 2012 cancel out more than a quarter of the 8% emission reduction the EU-15 must achieve to reach its Kyoto Protocol target. By 2020, aviation emissions are likely to more than double from present levels. The proposal for a directive follows up on a September 2005 Communication which concluded that bringing aviation into the EU ETS was the best approach, from an economic and environmental point of view, to tackling the sector's emissions. This was subsequently supported by the Council and European Parliament. The directive will treat all airlines equally, whether EU-based or foreign. From 2011 all domestic and international flights between EU airports will be covered, and from 2012 the scope will be extended to all international flights arriving at or departing from EU airports. It is estimated that by 2020 CO2 savings of as much as 46%,or 183 million tonnes, could be achieved each year– equivalent for example to twice Austria's annual greenhouse gas emissions from all sources – compared with business as usual.
To limit the rapid growth in aviation emissions, the total number of emission allowances available will be capped at the average emissions level in 2004-2006. Some allowances will be auctioned by Member States but the overwhelming majority will be issued for free on the basis of a harmonised efficiency benchmark reflecting each operator's historical share of traffic. To reduce administrative costs, very light aircraft will not be covered, and each operator will be administered by only one Member State.
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Eurofighter test progress
Versuchsprogramm für neue Fähigkeiten fortgesetzt
The year 2006 ends with the Eurofighter programme delivering more capability to the customer, with the submission to NETMA of the Declaration of Design and Performance for Block 5 Entry into Service capability. At the same time, SS011 in Spain, the first Block 5 production aircraft, was cleared for engine runs, which have now been completed successfully, and first flight is due before Christmas as soon as the required NETMA clearance for flight is available. All Block 2B aircraft scheduled for delivery this year have successfully completed their acceptance flights (PFAT) and the final handovers are currently pending only completion of relevant paperwork.
A major step forward, in terms of supporting the aircraft in service, was taken at Neuburg Air Base, home of the second German Eurofighter wing, Jagdgeschwader 74, with a four Nation workshop centred on Logistic Support issues for the operational fleets. Representatives of the Partner Nations and the Eurofighter Partner Companies reaffirmed their will to tailor the support system to nations' requirements and mapped out the way forward for this new approach to logistic support, based on the experience of the four Partner Air Forces currently operating Eurofighter Typhoon. The original logistic support system was conceived in the late 90s, but was always considered as being a first step for introduction into service. In the training area, the acceptance by the Royal Air Force of the ASTA Full Mission Simulator (FMS) at RAF Coningsby, ensures that all four Nations now operate both the ASTA FMS dome simulator, one of the world's finest training tools for aircrew, and the Cockpit Trainer. The ASTA (Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids) programme plays a significant role in turning the international Eurofighter Typhoon fleet into a highly capable tool of the Air Forces, giving them the performance advantage in being able to deploy the most advanced fighter aircraft of its type and generation.
In flight test, several major Milestones for the performance enhancement of the Eurofighter Typhoon can be reported. Instrumented Production Aircraft Three (IPA3), operating out of EADS Military Air Systems' Manching facility, conducted aerodynamic testing of the Laser Designator Pod with all planned objectives achieved. For the purpose of these tests, which included high speed supersonic flights, the aircraft was loaded with different configurations featuring up to four Paveway II, six air-to-air missiles plus two external fuel tanks. During the same period, all Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing for the air-to-ground configurations was concluded across the Eurofighter partners. At BAE Systems, Development Aircraft Two (DA2) and BT005 continued the successful testing of the Towed Decoy in long-lasting flights. Additionally, the new helmet design, fully integrated into the avionics system, was flown with active displays on the visor with initial results proving to be very positive. The complete carefree handling for air-to-air maneuvering over the whole flight envelope is now fully cleared with no limitations on the aircraft. As a result, the full air-to-air capability is available with weapons and external fuel tanks.
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Lufthansa and KarstadtQuelle agree on future of Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook geht an KarstadtQuelle
Deutsche Lufthansa AG and KarstadtQuelle AG have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding. In this accord, Lufthansa has agreed to sell its 50 per cent stake in the leisure travel group Thomas Cook AG to KarstadtQuelle. The agreed purchase price is 800 million euros. While Lufthansa raises its stake in Condor Flugdienst GmbH from the present ten to 24.9 per cent and receives the shares held by Condor in the Turkish holiday carrier Sun Express, the net profit for the previous financial year 2005/06 of Thomas Cook will fully remain within the company. The accord still requires the approval of the Supervisory Boards of Lufthansa and KarstadtQuelle and endorsement by the regulatory authorities. The transactions are scheduled to be finalised in the first quarter 2007. Lufthansa and KarstadtQuelle each currently hold a 50 per cent stake in Thomas Cook. Condor Flugdienst GmbH is presently 90 per cent owned by Thomas Cook, the remaining ten per cent is held by Lufthansa.
"This decision is in continuation of our strategy of focusing on core business, consistently trimming the portfolio to concentrate on our core competencies and creating added value for our company," said Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber. "The new structure furnishes Thomas Cook and KarstadtQuelle with optimum opportunities to develop in the tour operator business." The leisure travel business requires targeted investment and clear focusing in view of forthcoming structural change and consolidation, said Mayrhuber. "We intend to invest only in our core business. Our shareholders and staff will profit from a stronger positioned Lufthansa as will our customers."
The Chairman emphasised that Lufthansa and Condor will continue their close cooperation in future. "We are underlining that partnership by raising our stake to 24.9 per cent which will be held direct by Lufthansa, also in future. We want to help actively shape Condor's development." "Sun Express has established a leading position as a holiday carrier operating flights to Turkey," Wolfgang Mayrhuber observed. In harness with Turkish Airlines, a stakeholder in Sun Express, Lufthansa wants to expand that position and generate further growth in the Turkish leisure travel market. In the Lufthansa annual financial statements, Thomas Cook is included under income from subsidiaries. It returned a segment result of 54 million euros in the 2005 business year.
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Raytheon sells aircraft unit
Onex kauft Raytheon Aircraft
Raytheon announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its wholly owned subsidiary Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) to Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, a new company formed by GS Capital Partners, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, and Onex Partners. The Company also announced that, subject to the closing of this transaction, its Board of Directors has approved further debt reduction and an increase in the Company's stock repurchase authorization. "The sale of Raytheon Aircraft Company further demonstrates our commitment to deliver on the company's strategy of focusing on our core Government and Defense business and providing the best technology, solutions and Mission Support to our global customers," said William H. Swanson, Raytheon's Chairman and CEO.
The Company will sell RAC for approximately $3.3 billion and expects net after-tax proceeds to be approximately $2.5 billion. The transaction includes Raytheon Aircraft facilities and other assets in Wichita and Salina, Kansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Dallas, Texas; as well as its Fixed Based Operations (FBO) network across the United States, United Kingdom and Mexico. RAC has more than 8,500 employees and has approximately 100 authorized service centers worldwide.
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Delta outlines recovery, rejects USAir
Restrukturierungsplan von Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously concluded that the Company's creditors, as well as its other stakeholders, are best served by moving forward with the Company's standalone Plan of Reorganization. Accordingly, the Company today filed its standalone Plan and a related Disclosure Statement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company intends to emerge from Chapter 11 in the spring of 2007. The Disclosure Statement includes an overview of Delta's five-year business plan, which is intended to enable Delta to maintain and improve its competitive cost structure, to further strengthen its financial position and to achieve a profitable, long-term future. In particular, the business plan projects that Delta will achieve significant increases in cash flow, operating margin and net income, driven by the Company's success in increasing revenue, reducing costs and lowering debt.
The Disclosure Statement also includes a valuation analysis prepared by Delta's financial advisor, The Blackstone Group, which estimates a consolidated equity value for the Company of approximately $9.4 billion to $12.0 billion. These values would result in a recovery for Delta's unsecured creditors of approximately 63% to 80% of their allowed claims, subject to certain assumptions and adjustments as detailed in the Plan. Delta also announced today that its Board of Directors, with the full support of the Company's management team, has unanimously rejected the unsolicited merger proposal made by US Airways on November 15, 2006. The Board concluded that Delta's standalone Plan will provide the Company's creditors with superior value and greater certainty on a much faster timetable than the US Airways proposal. As detailed below, the US Airways proposal: is structurally flawed and cannot be executed as claimed due to overwhelming antitrust and labor issues; would harm consumers and communities due to its substantial anticompetitive effects; relies on claimed synergies that are premised on flawed economic assumptions; would burden the combined company with a precariously high debt load; and would reverse Delta's progress and erode the value of the Delta brand. Finally, US Airways continues to experience significant integration problems and has not completed its prior, smaller merger with America West – it is not equipped to simultaneously integrate a substantially larger company.
Delta's business strategy touches all facets of Delta's operations – the destinations Delta will serve, the way Delta will serve its customers, and the aircraft Delta will operate – in order to earn customer preference and continue to improve revenue performance. The five-year business plan projects: Operating margins from 8.0% in 2007 to 10.5% in 2010; EBITDAR margins from 15.7% in 2007 to 17.8% in 2010 (EBITDAR is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft rent); Over 50% reduction in net long-term debt, from approximately $17 billion in 2005 to approximately $7.5 billion in 2007; and a return to profitability in 2007 and an increase in net income, after profit sharing, from approximately $500 million in 2007 to approximately $1.2 billion in 2010.
The Company outlined in a separate press release issued today several of the concerns that Delta's Board and management believe pose insurmountable hurdles to the proposed US Airways transaction, including: the transaction is not likely to receive antitrust clearance from regulators because it would negatively impact consumers and their communities. The US Airways proposal would be subject to a lengthy Department of Justice review process, during which Delta would be forced to remain in bankruptcy; there are overwhelming labor issues that would preclude the combination from attaining the claimed synergies. The Delta unit of the Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing Delta's more than 6,000 pilots, has said – and Delta agrees – that Delta's pilot contract would prohibit the combined company from implementing capacity reductions that US Airways asserts are the economic foundation of the proposed transaction; the flawed economic assumptions underpinning the “synergies” in the US Airways proposal would result in vastly lower value than US Airways claims; the combined company would have the highest total debt load in the airline industry – approximately $23 billion – which would seriously limit its financial flexibility and ability to withstand the volatility of the industry; the proposal's domestic-focused strategy, which calls for a significant reduction in service and would result in a decline in service quality, would reverse Delta's progress and erode the value of its brand; US Airways continues to experience significant integration problems and has not completed its prior, smaller merger with America West. It is not equipped to simultaneously integrate a substantially larger company
US Airways Group commented on the release of Delta Air Lines Inc.'s standalone plan for its Chapter 11 restructuring. Doug Parker, US Airways' Chairman and CEO said, "We have always expected that Delta would file a standalone plan with the Bankruptcy Court. This plan will provide Delta creditors with a benchmark against which to evaluate the competing proposals and we welcome that comparison. This is an important step in a process that we believe will result in the merger of US Airways and Delta. "Combining US Airways and Delta will create at least $1.65 billion in annual synergies beyond the value that could be created by any standalone plan. These synergies come on top of the certainty of $4.0 billion in cash and the upside potential of 78.5 million shares of US Airways stock. These shared synergies will benefit all shareholders in the 'New' Delta. Factoring the synergy benefits into our offer, the current value of our proposal is significantly greater than the value of Delta's standalone plan.
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More orders for A380
Nachbestellungen von Qantas und SIA
Qantas Airways has signed a firm order for eight more of the world's largest and most advanced passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, taking the total number of A380s ordered by Australia's national carrier to 20 aircraft. The formal signing, which also covered an additional four Airbus A330-200s, took place at a ceremony in Sydney on 21st December, 2006, attended by Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Dixon, Qantas Chairman, Margaret Jackson, Airbus President and CEO, Louis Gallois, and Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy. The orders follow a commitment announced by Qantas in October 2006.
Singapore Airlines has committed to expansion of its Airbus A380 fleet with the signing of a contract for an additional nine orders and six new options, details of which were announced by the airline on 21st July 2006. The delivery positions were protected by options accompanying the airline's original firm order for ten aircraft in 2001. The first A380 is scheduled for delivery to Singapore Airlines in October 2007. The airline also signed an agreement to lease nineteen new A330-300s.
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Spain finally signs contract for 45 NH90
NH90-Auftrag aus Spanien unterzeichnet
After the decision adopted by the Spanish Government in May 2005 relating to the acquisition of NH90 helicopters, the Council of Ministers has approved the signature of a contract to supply the Spanish Armed Forces with an initial order of 45 helicopters for its fleet modernization. This approval launches the renovation and modernisation program of the medium helicopter transport fleet of the Ministry of Defence. It reinforces the role of Eurocopter España as the third pillar of Eurocopter. The first deliveries of this initial contract of 45 units will take place in 2010 in its tactical transport version. The new plant of Eurocopter España, sited in Albacete which will be officially opened during the first quarter of 2007, will assume the assembly of the NH 90 helicopters as well as the manufacturing of the front fuselage of which Eurocopter España will be the sole supplier. The assembly and manufacturing of the rear fuselage of the combat helicopters Tiger and the manufacturing of the EC 135 purchased by the Spanish Ministry of Interior will be also carried out at the Albacete plant.
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Diamond opnes China factory
Leichtflugzeugwerk in China
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH has entered into a Joint Venture (JV) with three partners to manufacture the DA40 Diamond Star aircraft in China under the company name 'Shandong Bin Ao Aircraft Industries Co., Ltd'. This is the first Joint Venture worldwide under which General Aviation aircraft will be manufactured completely under EASA and CAAC Production Organization Approval. The new production facility is located at the airport in Binzhou Dagao, in the Shandong province, approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Beijing. The total area of the premises at the General Aviation airfield is more than 30,000 square meters. The maximum production capacity is 1,000 aircraft per year (in three work shifts). The quality system for the new manufacturing facility is a mirror image of the EASA approved quality system of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH.
The opening ceremony of Shandong Bin Ao Aircraft Industries Co., Ltd in Binzhou Dagao Hi-Tec Development Zone, Zhanhua County, Binzhou, Shandong Province, P.R. China, PC 256800 on December 8th, 2006, was attended by a delegation of Austrian government members led by State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology Mag. Eduard Mainoni, as well as many other VIP guests. DAI plans to manufacture the DA40 Diamond Star with G1000 panel for the entire Chinese and selected Asian markets. The Joint Venture aims to receive EASA certification in the second quarter of 2007.
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Shuttle lands back at Kennedy
Thomas Reiter wieder am Boden
The Space Shuttle Discovery and its crew returned home Friday (22 December) after a 13-day journey of more than 5.3 million miles in space. Discovery's STS-116 mission successfully reconfigured the International Space Station's power and cooling systems from a temporary setup to a permanent mode and added a new piece to the station's backbone. Discovery's Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Bill Oefelein and mission specialists Nicholas Patrick, Bob Curbeam, Joan Higginbotham, Thomas Reiter and Christer Fuglesang landed Friday, Dec. 22, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., at 5:32 p.m. EST. Reiter and Fuglesang are European Space Agency astronauts.
The flight was the second in a series of missions that are among the most complex in space history. Discovery's crew rewired the station's power system and delivered a key component of the station's structure. The segment will enable future missions to attach a new set of solar arrays. The mission involved intensive ground commands as the station's power was shut down and rerouted in stages on two spacewalks. As systems were then powered up for the first time on their new channels, the station's power system was in its final configuration, ready for further expansion with more solar arrays and laboratories to be launched in 2007. As part of the station power reconfiguration and assembly process, the station flight control team uplinked a total of 17,901 computer commands, averaging about 2,000 commands per day. During a typical day on the station, flight controllers give approximately 800 commands.
Curbeam, Fuglesang and Williams, with the help of crewmates, made four spacewalks that completed the construction tasks, reconfigured power and cooling systems, and retracted a snagged solar array. The astronauts also replaced a failed camera, cleared a worksite essential to the next shuttle mission, reconfigured power to station's Russian segment and installed panels to provide additional protection from space debris. The fourth spacewalk was added to the mission to retract a solar array that only partially folded into its box on flight day 5. The solar wings were retracted far enough so that the new arrays installed in September could begin to fully rotate and track the sun to provide power. Mission managers decided, however, to address the problem of the partially retracted arrays while the shuttle crew was on the station. With only several days notice, mission engineers in both the shuttle and station programs developed a spacewalk plan for Curbeam and Fuglesang that resulted in the arrays' successful retraction on flight day 10.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy have successfully completed the first series of flights of the enhanced, more capable version of the Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned air vehicle (VTUAV), the MQ-8B. "This is a very significant milestone in the execution of the system development and demonstration program, which is under contract for nine unmanned helicopters," said Captain Paul Morgan, the Navy's UAS program manager. "These flights were completed on schedule, which shows the commitment of the Navy and Northrop Grumman to work diligently to get this important warfighting capability to the fleet as soon as possible." The MQ-8B Fire Scout offers a significant capability increase over the first generation RQ-8A Fire Scout. The addition of a fourth rotor blade, and other enhancements, give the MQ-8B greater payload carrying capacity -- up to 600 pounds for future sensors, equipment pods, and possible weapons. The Fire Scout's endurance has also been increased to more than eight hours. The MQ-8B has a greater fuel capacity than the RQ-8A and, with a standard payload, can stay on station for six hours at 110 miles from launch site.
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Boeing and Kenya Airways signed an order in Nairobi on Dec. 15 for three additional 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline now has nine 787s on order, and also holds four options for Boeing's fast-selling new airplane. The airline's original order for six Boeing 787s was made in March and included six options. The three additional 787s will be added to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site this week.
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Boeing and Qatar Airways have announced an order for two 777 Freighters. Launched in May of 2005, Boeing's 777 Freighter Program has tallied 51 orders for the world's most capable twin-engine freighter. This order was listed as unidentified last week on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site. "The State of Qatar is a country of robust economic growth," said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. "While the cornerstone of our success has been focused on our passengers, we also recognize that the 777 Freighter brings asset value to our fleet as we address a growing regional freight market."
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Three helicopters from the Eurocopter range the EC120 Colibri, the AS350 B3 Ecureuil and the EC130 B4 have just been certified by the Russian Authorities. These civil helicopters are now authorized by the Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) to operate over Russian territory. They are following in the footsteps of the EC145, certified in Russia in late 2005, and the BO105, AS355 N and AS350 B2 Ecureuils, BK117, AS332 L1 and L2 Super Pumas, certified in Russia in the 1990s. Jérôme Noulens, the CEO of Eurocopter Vostok, emphasized: "In Russia, this certification campaign is unique in its kind: it answers the growing needs of our customers for the very latest helicopters in our product range, especially in the corporate sector which is thriving." Eurocopter has just clinched its first sale of the EC135 and EC145 in VIP configuration to private Russian customers. The helicopters are due to be delivered in the spring of 2007. These sales reflect the current upsurge in the Russian VIP/corporate market for modern aircraft whereas previously the demand was mainly for pre-owned machines.
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BC's TRK Helicopters is enjoying strong growth in its corporate and charter businesses. To keep up with this demand for its services, TRK is acquiring six new Eurocopters in the next three years from Eurocopter Canada. The first, an EC120B Colibri, was recently delivered to TRK's hangars at Langley Airport outside Vancouver. An AS350B2 will be delivered in January 2007, followed by an EC130B4 in June 2007. In 2008, TRK is receiving two more AS350B3s, followed by a third AS350B3 in April, 2009.
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In another sign of the growing cooperation between the United States and India, the Indian navy will buy six former U.S. Navy H-3 Sea King helicopters. Naval Air Systems Command and the Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft program office (PMA-207) were instrumental in this $39 million Foreign Military Sales agreement, signed Nov. 15. The six Sea Kings are currently stored at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) in Arizona. These same helicopters were flying missions for the U.S. Navy a little more than a year ago. This process began in late February when representatives of the Indian government visited the Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft program office for discussions on the possible Sea King sale. The Indian government representatives also took a flight in one of base's Search and Rescue Sea King helicopters to see what they potentially were going to buy. The next step took place a few months later.
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The reception of the first A400M Horizontal Tail Plane took place on 20 December at the EADS CASA final assembly line in San Pablo (Seville) This Horizontal Tail Plane was sent from the EADS CASA facilities in Tablada where it is produced, to the structural test facilities of the Final Assembly Line, where it will undergo a series of tests before its assembly on the aircraft. The event represents a special milestone for EADS CASA since this Horizontal Tail Plane is the first A400M component delivered to the Final Assembly Line where assembly, final integration, and flight test of the A400M will take place. This is a further demonstration that the A400M programme is continuing to fully meet its targets. The Horizontal Tail Plane is constructed mainly of Carbon Fibre Composite Material and incorporates the most advanced materials, technologies and manufacturing processes resulting from the vast experience of EADS CASA in developing stabilizers. It has been designed and manufactured by EADS CASA in collaboration with Airbus Spain together with a number of other industrial partners including SACESA, SK10 and ICSA CTRM. The assembly and installation of the various systems is undertaken at Tablada using the most advanced jig systems, tooling and assembling processes.
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An energetic storm on the Sun has forced ESA mission controllers to react to anomalies or take action to avoid damage to spacecraft. Several missions, including Integral, Cluster and Envisat, felt the storm's effects, highlighting the need for ESA's ongoing development of space weather forecasting tools. The joint ESA/NASA spacecraft SOHO (Solar & Heliospheric Observatory) imaged a large solar flare on 13 December that led to an energetic solar radiation storm. The flare, detected by the LASCO (Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment) spectrometer on board SOHO, gave rise to a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME), a stream of fast-moving atomic particles, directed towards Earth. The flare also generated X-rays.
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Goodrich Corporation announced that it will realign its organization into 11 strategic business units within its three business segments, and will rename two of the three segments. The new, more efficient structure will result in a significant reduction in the number of autonomous business units, and is designed to accelerate Goodrich's focus on operational excellence to further enhance the company's alignment with its key product and technology areas. The new structure will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2007. Commenting on the new structure, Marshall Larsen, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, "These changes are the next natural step in Goodrich's deployment of its strategic imperatives of balanced growth, leveraging the enterprise and operational excellence. We expect this new structure to enhance the efficiency of our business operations and further simplify our interface with our global customer base. It will provide greater opportunities for sharing talent and technologies across our enterprise, further adding to our ability to provide world-class products and services to the global aerospace and defense industry."
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Boeing delivered its 600th 777 airplane, to Singapore Airlines. The 777 program reached the milestone after 11 years in service, faster than any other twin-aisle airplane program in history. With the delivery, Singapore Airlines now operates 61 777s, the largest 777 fleet in the world with 16 more 777-300ERs that remain to be delivered. The airplane delivered today will be added to the airline's fleet of 12 777-300s, 31 777-200s, 15 777-200ERs, 2 777-300ERs and 23 747-400s.
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Boeing has been awarded an $80 million U.S. Air Force full-rate production contract for the Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) system. The order calls for Boeing to deliver 1,600 weapons, 300 carriages and other equipment to the Air Force by 2008. This is the first full-rate production contract for the SDB I system. Boeing will manufacture more than 24,000 SDB I weapons and 2,000 carriages for the Air Force, with deliveries planned beyond 2015. The SDB I weapon system, which includes a four-bomb capacity pneumatic carriage, is the first of a new generation of weapons whose small size and robust performance greatly increase mission capability while reducing collateral damage in the target area.
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Eutelsat Communications and Alcatel Alenia Space announced that the two companies have signed a contract under which Alcatel Alenia Space will manufacture and deliver Eutelsat's W7 communications satellite. To be launched in second quarter 2009 to Eutelsat's 36 degrees East location, W7 will double the capacity currently available at a key neighbourhood in the Group's fleet of geostationary satellites. Through a configuration of high-performance fixed and steerable beams, W7 will also boost coverage and flexibility for addressing growing markets, notably in central Asia and Africa. W7's mission comprises up to 70 Ku-band transponders that can be connected to six beams serving Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. To be copositioned with Eutelsat's W4 satellite, which already serves anchor pay-TV operators in Russia, the Ukraine and sub-Saharan Africa, W7 will enable Eutelsat to almost double bandwidth for digital video services in these regions.
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The newest modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin, has been declared fully operational by the U.S. Air Force following successful on-orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems. The satellite, designated GPS IIR-16M, joins two other modernized Block IIR-M spacecraft and 12 original IIR satellites currently on-orbit within the overall 30-spacecraft constellation. The fourth GPS Block IIR-M satellite was recently delivered to Cape Canaveral to support a future 2007 launch, if requested by the Air Force for constellation sustainment. Launched last month from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., GPS IIR-16M is part of the eight-satellite Block IIR-M series 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 series includes new features that enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe.
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On the occasion of the Diamond Aircraft Industries Christmas Party in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, the DA50 Superstar was unofficially presented to the company and guests. The DA50 Super Star will have up to 350 hp, powered by various gasoline and diesel engines. This all new five-seater will be the most spacious in the new generation of single-engine aircraft in General Aviation.
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BBA Aviation announces that APPH, its landing gear and hydraulic system integrator, has signed a contract with Eurocopter France to design, develop, certify and manufacture the landing gear system for the EC175 helicopter. This seven tonne utility helicopter is a joint development programme between Eurocopter and Harbin Aviation Industries Group of China. The market for this programme is expected to be up to 1000 helicopters, with a production life cycle of 20 years. The value of the contract for Original Equipment and spares is anticipated to be in excess of $100m of revenue, with the first deliveries expected in 2010.
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Boeing, TNT and Guggenheim Aviation Partners celebrated the delivery of both customers' first 747-400ER Freighter. The milestone airplane was delivered to Guggenheim Aviation Partners (GAP) and will be put into service by TNT, the Netherlands-based global express and mail delivery services company. "The arrival of the first TNT-owned Boeing 747 is a major step towards achieving our strategic objective of being the number one carrier between Asia and Europe," said Peter Bakker, TNT Chief Executive Officer. "The aircraft will seamlessly link into TNT's air and road networks in Europe. This will provide TNT's customers with the fastest guaranteed transit times to Europe, while having full visibility and control through TNT's integrated IT-services, resulting in lower inventory costs, overall supply chain costs and increase of customer satisfaction."
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Stephan Nagel (40), former Director of Network Management and Fleet Coordination for the comprehensive association of airline carriers, called Star Alliance, starts his new assignment as Corporate Strategy Manager for Air Berlin. His focus will be the creation of strategic concepts to insure the medium- and long-term success of the corporation. Stephan Nagel will report directly to Joachim Hunold, CEO of Air Berlin.
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Airbus has delivered the first VIP version of its ultra long-haul A340-600, the world's longest airliner, to the private business group SAAD Air Ltd of Saudi Arabia, the first customer for the type. The Airbus A340-600, which has yet to be outfitted with its VIP cabin, will seat around 80 passengers and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines. SAAD Air is both global and growing, and is an established corporate jet user - it already has an Airbus A320 Prestige - so the move to a larger Airbus widebody was a natural step. SAAD Air will benefit from a more spacious cabin, ultra-long range and four-engined flexibility, giving it the freedom to transport VIPs in style, where they want, when they want. SAAD Air is also in negotiations to double its fleet in the near future, with a wide range of aircraft types for its private aviation business with VIP clientele.
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Northrop Grumman reached two major milestones on the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program: the delivery of the center fuselage for the first U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) variant and the start of assembly of the center fuselage for the first U.S. Navy variant. The company celebrated the milestones at a ceremony held at the company's F-35 manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. The center fuselage delivered today is only the second such unit to be produced under the F-35 program. The first, delivered in April 2005, was integrated on the first aircraft that took its maiden flight Dec. 15. Northrop Grumman plans to ship the USMC variant to Ft. Worth, Texas on Jan. 8 for the beginning of the aircraft's final assembly.
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For decades Russia has been counted among the world's major aircraft producers. Russian aircraft of all classes and types were the pride of both the national and international aviation industries. Many of them are still on a par with their best foreign counterparts. However, this earlier developed resource is not limitless. We both know and understand this perfectly. Aviation products manufactured mainly in the 1970s and 1980s are quickly growing older. Furthermore, in the last ten years Russian companies have only produced slightly more than 50 new civil airplanes. In the past few years a range of measures designed to improve the situation in the aviation industry have been adopted. A programme for the development of civil aviation equipment and a state weapons programme have started to be implemented. In November 2006 a United Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation was established. This corporation's main task is to gather together and concentrate all available resources towards really promising projects. In practice, a kind of launching pad that should help aircraft manufacturers produce modern, competitive products is now available. However, along with this, we must still do a great deal to ensure the future development of the aviation industry. In connection with this I would like to draw your attention to several key points. The first. Both the aviation industry and its parts suppliers must modernise the technology they use. It is obvious that this could be done through a balanced approach towards purchasing advanced technology of foreign origin as well as producing our own technology in Russia. Along with this a system of financing that would allow our domestic aviation companies to keep functioning at full capacity must be determined. Priority tasks include large-scale personnel training to enable employees to work with new technology, in a new technological environment. This concerns all categories of aircraft manufacturers: workers, technicians, engineers and, no less important, production managers and managers in general. And we must pay special attention to ensuring that young graduates benefit from high-quality training. The future of Russian aircraft manufacturing depends on them. Second. As Russia is literally just a step away from acceding to the World Trade Organisation we will continue to work on this issue and, as before, we will be guided by our national interests. In connection with this we need to protect domestic producers of aviation technology by using various contemporary methods and means that are accepted in the world economy. We see how rigidly and consistently foreign aviation corporations defend their interests. We have acquired a lot of experience from cooperation with our partners. And we must have our own strategy, plan for development, and defend our own interests. Third. Developing cooperation has a key value. I am referring to both cooperation between Russian aviation companies, manufacturers and their parts suppliers, as well as strengthening the ties between Russian companies and their foreign partners. It is well-known that technological and industrial cooperation is the main way to preserve our production levels, level of technology, stage of development, and also reduce the expense of producing aviation equipment. In addition to this, partnership with foreign aircraft manufacturers will provide us with additional opportunities to enter the market of third countries. Another priority task consists in increasing the level of aviation security. Nothing is or will be done halfway in this sphere. It is impossible to scrimp on fuel, on the preparation of flight personnel, on the quality of equipment. It is the question of our citizens' lives, the lives of crews and passengers. The system designed to ensure flight security also requires improvements. It is necessary to continue modernising airfield infrastructure. And in Russia, quite a lot of financial means have been allocated towards developing infrastructure – including aviation and airfield infrastructure – within various national programmes. We must also devote more efforts towards improving air navigation and meteorological equipment. In conclusion I would like to emphasise that Russia was, is, and certainly remains a major power in the aviation industry. The efforts of several generations of our citizens have resulted in a strong tradition of aircraft manufacturing. And we need to use all available opportunities to ensure that the national aviation industry rises to meet the challenge of the 21st century and the requirements of today's world.
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Sky Work Airlines of Bern, Switzerland has placed a firm order for one Bombardier Q400 turboprop airliner, Bombardier Aerospace announced today. The value of the order based on the Q400 aircraft list price is approximately $25.6 million US. The Sky Work Group operates several business jets and Sky Work Airlines currently operates a Fairchild-Dornier 328 aircraft and flies scheduled and charter routes to several points in Europe.
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Arianespace is ready to support the commercial satellite sector in 2007 and beyond with its "services and solutions" promise, and the company also remains committed to the exploration of space through international cooperation. These were the main messages of Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, who addressed invited guests at the company's year-end holiday party in Washington, D.C. this evening. The annual event, held at the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, was attended by Arianespace customers and partners, U.S. government officials, the international space industry, and representatives from countries involved in the Ariane program. "By expanding our family of launch vehicles, by providing the maturity of the Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher and by maintaining a higher launch cadence, we will continue to give satellite innovators and entrepreneurs the tools they need for success," Le Gall said. Arianespace's "services and solution" business approach – which provides a comprehensive, and competitive, package of commercial launch services – also preserves and extends the achievements of established players in the marketplace. In 2006, Ariane 5 missions added satellites to the fleets of DIRECTV and SES AMERICOM, expanding the reach of digital TV and television channel offerings within the United States. Le Gall noted that during the past year, seven of the 10 telecommunications satellites orbited by Ariane 5 were built by U.S. manufacturers, and three of them were launched for American-based operators. "2006 was another excellent year for Arianespace, and I am particularly proud of the support that we provided to the U.S. satellite market," he said.
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Onboard Systems International, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that it has been selected as the sole supplier of fast rope cargo hooks for the NH90 Helicopter Program led by NHIndustries (NHI). Fast roping is an air assault maneuver that rapidly inserts soldiers into a combat situation without the need to land an aircraft. “Our fast rope cargo hook had previously passed a high level of rigorous qualification testing for use in AgustaWestland's EH101 and Lynx aircraft,” said Jason Lemmon, General Manager for Onboard Systems. “We are extremely pleased that our hook's proven design, lower system weight and state-of-the-art safety innovations allowed us to supply an economical, off-the-shelf solution that also met the stringent requirements of the NH90 Program.”
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Cessna Aircraft reported the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted type certification (TC) to Cessna's Citation Encore+. With more than 600 hours of flight testing, the Encore+ met Cessna's certification timeline goal. The seven- to eleven-passenger Encore+ succeeds the Encore, offering increased payload capability, a new integrated avionics suite, more standard equipment, and new interior styling features like LED indirect cabin lighting. Full-fuel payload will be 1,170 pounds, 340 pounds more than the Encore. Takeoff distance was certified as 3,520 feet, time to climb to 45,000 feet as 27 minutes, range (with NBAA IFR reserves) as 1,762 nautical miles, and maximum true airspeed as 428 knots (nearly 500 miles per hour).
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The Korea Forest Service (KFS) will be receiving two more S-64E Aircrane Helitankers after a purchase agreement was signed between Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated and the Public Procurement Service at their headquarters in Dae Jeon City, South Korea, on December 15th. With the signing of the contract, valued by Erickson at over 50 Million Dollars, the two additional purchased Aircranes will bring the Korea Forest Service S-64 Helitanker fleet number to four as the agency continues a highly successful aerial campaign to control wildland and urban interface fire danger within the heavily forested Eastern Region of South Korea, ROK.
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Boeing is pleased that Royal Jordanian Airlines has announced its selection of the 787 Dreamliner as the new cornerstone of its long-haul, wide-bodied fleet operations. Royal Jordanian, which is expected to officially join the oneworld airline alliance early in 2007, serves a route network of 52 destinations on four continents. The airline currently serves its long-haul network with nonstop direct flights from Amman to Bangkok in the Far East and to New York, Chicago and Detroit in the USA. Royal Jordanian will add direct service to Montreal in Canada beginning in June 2007.
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, part of the Air France/KLM Group, has exercised options for three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. The airplanes, with a value of $212 million at list prices, will be delivered in 2008. KLM and Boeing also announced a contract for a fourth 777-300ER. This will be the 19th 777 in KLM's fleet, equipped with General Electric GE-90 engines. The airplane has a list price value of $250 million. The 777 order was booked previously on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website, attributed to an unidentified customer.
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Mesa Air Group Inc. signed a Joint Venture agreement with Shenzhen Airlines to create a Chinese regional airline, the name of which is yet to be determined. The new airline is expected to commence scheduled services within 12 months, initially operating 50-seat regional jets on domestic routes within the People's Republic of China. Focus cities for the new services will include Shenzhen, Beijing, Chongqing, Xiamen, Nanjing, Kunming, Dalian, Shenyang, Xian, Zhengzhou and Nanning. Mesa Air Group Chairman and CEO, Jonathan Ornstein said, "We are delighted and privileged to be the first US passenger airline to form a strategic alliance to create a new airline to operate in The People's Republic of China. Under the leadership of its President Mr. Li Kun, Shenzhen Airlines has earned an outstanding reputation in the industry with its modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. We at Mesa look forward to making a positive contribution to the development of the regional airline industry in China and to forging a strong, long-term relationship with our friends at Shenzhen Airlines." Shenzhen Airlines was founded in 1992 and currently operates a fleet of 45 new generation A320 and B737 aircraft, flying 100 routes within mainland China and South East Asia. The company has carried nearly 5.3 million passengers this year, employs 6300 people and is headquartered in the metropolis of Shenzhen, in southern China's Guangdong Province.
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Gripen International has received an invitation from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence to discuss a model for cooperation related to a possible replacement of the Norwegian F-16 fighter aircraft. The discussions will start early in 2007. An enhanced standard of the Gripen new generation fighter, dubbed Gripen N, has been offered as an answer to a formal Request for Information earlier in 2006. The offer, backed by the Swedish Government, also includes Industrial co-operation and development on several levels. "We are looking forward to the opportunity to co-operate more closely with Norway so that in partnership we can pursue the best possible solution", says Gripen International Campaign Director Norway Hans Rosén as a comment to the invitation. "We have already had very good and interesting discussions with the Government, representatives from political parties, the Armed Forces and Norwegian industry and we are really pleased to have the opportunity to take it one step further. It's an important step in the aim to put us on equal terms with other competitors."
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SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, has signed a contract for an additional 11 A320 aircraft, plus nine further options. The airline currently operates an all Airbus fleet of five A319s and eight A320s, with two additional A320 Family aircraft from an order in 2002 still to join the fleet. The new A320s will be deployed on the airline's steadily expanding route network across Asia, which currently extends to 26 destinations in 10 countries. “SilkAir is delighted to deepen its relationship with Airbus, as we take on more A320 family aircraft to meet our growth needs to 2012,” said Mike Barclay Chief Executive of SilkAir. We have been very satisfied with the performance of our A319 and A320 family aircraft since we began operating them in 1998, and we are pleased to once again select the A320 after a detailed competitive evaluation.”
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The EADS Board of Directors has appointed Alain Garcia (63), Head of Engineering of Airbus, as a member of the Executive Committee of Airbus. The Board of Directors has also appointed Harald Wilhelm (40) as Chief Controlling Officer (CCO) of Airbus and member of the Executive Committee of Airbus. Harald Wilhelm is also deputy of the Chief Financial Officer of Airbus.
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The Norwegian Government has now approved the so-called conceptual solution for the combat aircraft acquisition, effectively moving the combat aircraft project into the next stage. The process towards a possible acquisition of new combat aircraft will now be intensified. “We are still pursuing competition, and will therefore maintain a close dialogue with all three potential candidates, JAS Gripen, Eurofighter and Joint Strike Fighter,” says Minister of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen. “The Government will delay a decision on whether to continue the JSF production phase until a satisfactory level of Norwegian industrial participation has been achieved, but if we continue with JSF, we will also enter into agreements with the other two candidates,” emphasizes Strøm-Erichsen. Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says that the final choice of combat aircraft will be based on an overall evaluation. “To me it is of vital importance that the new aircrafts are able to meet Norway's defence policy needs and at the same time enable us to contribute to international peace and stability through NATO and other international operations.” Due to the estimated magnitude of this investment, significant resources have been allocated to developing the conceptual solution. Studies have been conducted on how to provide a future Norwegian combat aircraft capability, including discussions on several alternatives. “We have examined many options, and as a result of these deliberations, we have concluded that we would like to pursue the combat aircraft alternative, - either JAS Gripen, Eurofighter or JSF. In addition we have decided to pursue the option of extending the life of our current combat aircraft, with the aim of acquiring new aircraft at a later stage,” says Minister of Defence Strøm-Erichsen. In accordance with established policy for major public investment projects, the conceptual solution has been subject to quality review by external consultants.
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EADS will increase its cooperation with Irish high tech industry. A Memorandum of Understanding between EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services and Enterprise Ireland was signed in the presence of Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin T.D. in Dublin. The agreement forms the basis for co-operation until 2012. It will enable Enterprise Ireland to develop industrial and procurement links with EADS and to facilitate mutually beneficial technology, research and development projects between Irish companies and research institutions and EADS and its divisions. The primary aim of the agreement is to increase the level of procurement by EADS from Enterprise Ireland's client companies. Enterprise Ireland and EADS aim to increase annual sales by Irish companies to EADS to a value of Euro35m by 2012. Furthermore, the agreement aims to optimise opportunities for co-operation in technology research and development between EADS, Enterprise Ireland client companies and Science Foundation Ireland. The agreement will also help maximise the benefits of the involvement of EADS, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundations Ireland in the European Framework Program 7, an EU programme for funding scientific research.
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The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 11 (H-IIA F11) with the Engineering Test Satellite VIII "KIKU No. 8" (ETS-VIII) onboard was launched at 3:32 p.m. on December 18, 2006 (Japan Standard Time, JST.) The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 28 minutes after liftoff, the "KIKU No. 8" separation was confirmed.
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BAE Systems has been awarded a £947 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) that will boost the Tornado aircraft's availability for frontline operations, while considerably reducing the cost to the taxpayer. The contract, known as ATTAC (Availability Transformation: Tornado Aircraft Contract) will provide guaranteed availability of Tornado aircraft for the RAF, is potentially worth in the region of £1.5 billion and will save the MoD £510 million over the initial 10 years of the programme. Under the ATTAC service, BAE Systems will work in a partnered approach with the UK MoD's Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) and the RAF, reflecting principles such as Through Life Capability Management and contracting for availability as set out in the UK Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS).
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France-based AIRLINAIR and ATR have today announced a transaction for one new ATR 72-500. The contract, valuated at over US $ 17 million, has been inked in Paris between Lionel Guerin, AIRLINAIR CEO and Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO. AIRLINAIR is the largest European ATR operator and is a key supplier of regional operations for Air France. Its current fleet is entirely composed of ATRs (7 ATR 42-300s, 11 ATR 42-500s, 4 ATR 72-200s, 1 ATR 72-210 and 1 ATR 72-500). This new ATR 72-500 is the first new ATR aircraft acquired by AIRLINAIR and will be delivered in 2009. The aircraft will be equipped with the new “Elegance Cabin” and with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools. This new aircraft will allow the airline to continue its fleet upgrade renewal towards the newest generation ATR 42/72-500 aircraft.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that France's Sécurité Civile has placed a firm order for another Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft. This order brings the French fleet to twelve Bombardier 415 aircraft.
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Sikorsky Aircraft has selected General Electric Aviation to provide the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter's main engines. The three-engine CH-53K will replace the CH-53E SUPER STALLION(TM) helicopter. The GE38-1B engine planned for the CH-53K is a derivative of the CFE738 commercial turbofan engine and the US Navy T407 turboprop engine. The CH-53K contract and subsequent planned production program could lead to the manufacture of 156 aircraft. The current Sikorsky CH-53E SUPER STALLION(TM) aircraft is the largest, most powerful maritime helicopter in the world. The Navy deploys them from amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment, and to carry external cargo.
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Pakistan International Airlines took delivery of its first of three Boeing 777-300ERs on order. The newest member of PIA's long-haul, wide-body fleet departed Paine Field this morning en route to its new home base at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. PIA is one of the first airlines to have ordered and taken delivery of three variants of Boeing's highly successful 777 family, and the airline was the launch customer for the 777-200LR (Longer Range). PIA currently has three 777-200ERs and two 777-200LRs in operation and will take delivery in February of a second 777-300ER, as well as an additional 777-200ER on lease from ILFC.
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Virgin America has completed the last formal step in the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) airline certification review - that of flight proving runs. As a result, the airline now only awaits approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) before they can begin operations. As part of any new airline's regulatory review process, the FAA performs a comprehensive safety review and first examines all aspects of a new carrier's safety programs, operations manuals, training procedures, and personnel qualifications. They then use tabletop operations exercises, aircraft evacuations, and actual flights to test the safety effectiveness of airline flight crews and management in simulated real world scenarios. The "proving run" flights are the final step in this Systems Safety and operational review process, and Virgin America was required to fly aircraft and FAA examiners on flights to and from San Francisco, New York, and other airports. Virgin America is the first new airline to be certified through the FAA's new Air Transportation and Oversight System (ATOS) compliant certification procedures. ATOS is the FAA's newest and most advanced safety surveillance program.
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Embraer announced that Kenya Airways has chosen to add the EMBRAER 170 to its current fleet, continuing its network expansion. The airline, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will operate three EMBRAER 170 jets under an operating lease with GE Commercial Aviation Services' (GECAS) existing orders. There will be no changes in Embraer's orderbook due to this announcement.
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Munich Airport´s 30 millionth passenger in 2006 arrived this Friday to a personal welcome from Dr. Michael Kerkloh, the CEO of Flughafen München GmbH (FMG), the airport´s operating company. The first time that Munich has crossed the 30-million passenger mark in one operating year was an occasion to celebrate. Passengers deboarding Lufthansa flight LH 4483 from Barcelona arrived to the oom-pah-pah of an authentic Bavarian brass band. According to Munich Airport CEO, Kerkloh, "breaking the 30-million barrier" underscores Munich´s increasing importance among major international hub airports. "We´ve finally joined the `Champions League´of European hubs," said Kerkloh.
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On 22 December 2006, Ryanair celebrated carrying a record 40M since the beginning of the year. Ryanair's lucky 40 millionth passenger of 2006, 84 year old Mary Duggan from Cork, was travelling on a 1 cent flight to Liverpool where she will celebrate Christmas with her son.
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Ryanair expressed its disappointment at the European Commission's decision to refer its offer for Aer Lingus to a Phase II investigation. This further investigation could take between three to five months, and Ryanair regrets this unnecessary delay and any uncertainty it may cause for Aer Lingus shareholders and consumers who want access to lower fares and better service. Responding to the European Commission's announcement today, Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, said: “We are disappointed with the delay in the European Commission's approval of Ryanair's offer for Aer Lingus. This could and should have been decided in Phase I. Nevertheless, Ryanair recognises the European Commission's right to refer this transaction to a Phase II investigation. This longer time period will, we believe, allow the Commission to fully market test both the transaction and the revised remedies, which Ryanair will propose. Ryanair remains confident that its offer for Aer Lingus – which is consistent with the Competition Commission's stated policy on airline consolidation - will win EU competition approval under the Phase II procedure. “We will continue to work closely with the European Commission to assist them in their review of this transaction, which is in line with the European Commission's stated aim of encouraging consolidation amongst European airlines. This merger also provides Aer Lingus with a secure long term future as part of one strong Irish airline group, whereas, on its own, we believe it is doomed to a bleak future as a small, regional, high cost airline which recorded dismal financial results (including operating losses) in the first half of 2006, and whose reported load factors have declined significantly in recent months.
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Passenger numbers have reached a new record high at Schoenefeld Airport: 6 million passengers have already flown to and from Schoenefeld this year. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, CEO of Berlin Airports and Kerstin Hetzert, district manager of REWE-Tourism greeted the 6 millionth passenger in Schoenefeld. Michal Bartosz flew with LTU from Berlin to Punta Cana in the Caribbean. Berlin Airports and LTU presented the 17 year old student with two flight tickets on the LTU route system and a bouquet of flowers. Michal Bartosz flew with LTU from Berlin to Punta Cana in the Caribbean.
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A German court has said Berlin's Tempelhof airport, which was supposed to close on Oct 31, 2007, could stay open for another year in a compromise deal. "It is an attempt to create judicial peace," said judge Jürgen Kipp. Thirteen companies had filed an appeal to keep the airport open arguing they would be disadvantaged by the forced move to the site of the new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI) because of its poor transport connections. It is not yet clear what will happen to the massive Tempelhof complex once it is closed. Germany's national rail, Deutsche Bahn, said it would be interested in investing in a plan proposed by the former chairman of Estée Lauder, Fred Langhammer, to construct a giant health and wellness center on the Tempelhof site. Another investor group, the Silicon Valley based Capricorn Management, also announced a business concept for Tempelhof earlier this week. They propose building a conference center, hotel, art center and office complex. The problem is, both plans are contingent on the airport staying open.
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The Austrian Airlines Group has founded an own distribution company to market its technical services, to be called 'Austrian Airlines Technik Marketing GmbH'. This independent positioning in the market for the technical maintenance of aircraft will allow the company to use a neutral market presence to take full advantage of market opportunities, and thereby create better access to potential customers. The 100% subsidiary of Austrian Airlines AG will market the services of Austrian Technical Services, which enjoys a strong position in the international maintenance sector worldwide due to its excellent reputation, wide service spectrum and expertise, to third airlines. Austrian's Chief Financial Officer Thomas Kleibl explains the move: 'Since airlines tend to prefer outsourcing their maintenance business to legally independent repair shops instead of having it done directly by competitor airlines, founding Austrian Airlines Technik Marketing GmbH will improve the provider position of Austrian Technical Services and its focus on third-party business, as well as opening up further opportunities for expansion and growth. As a result, Vienna's reputation as an international location for aviation technology will increase in value overall.' Austrian Airlines Technik Marketing GmbH will employ 10 people and become operative from the beginning of 2007. Robert Wanek, whose most recent position was as Director Sales, Marketing & Customer Support at Austrian Technical Services, is to be appointed as Managing Director of the new company. The maintenance services of Austrian Technical Services, which currently employs 1,100 highly-trained staff, generated approximately EUR 230 million in maintenance volume in 2005.
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