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UPDATE 
Week ending October 10, 1999
+++ Luftwaffe flies to East Timor +++ First flight of Taurus KEPD 350 +++ Dasa/CASA will float +++ First European 328JET delivered +++ "Green light" for XMM space telescope +++ FedEx opens new European hub in Paris +++ IATA lowers passenger forecast 1999-2003 +++ Mars Climate Orbiter team finds likely cause of loss +++ Boeing and DHL Launch 757 conversion and fleet management program ++ News in brief +++

Luftwaffe flies to East Timor
Ost-Timor-Einsatz für die Luftwaffe

On October 7, the German parliament has approved a contribution to the international peacekeeping forces in East Timor. Defence minister Rudolf Scharping then immediately ordered the operation to proceed. Two days later, on October 9, two C.160 Transall transports were despatched from the Luftransportgeschwader 63 at Rendsburg to Darwin. This trip around the globe will entail stops in Cyprus, Oman, India and Bali. The major portion of the soldiers will fly from Cologne/Bonn on 13 October.
The Transalls are fitted in a medical evacuation configuration and will be used to evacuate infured or ill soldiers of the INTERFET-force in East Timor to Australia. Operations will be into Dili or other secure airports on the island, it is said. Beside LTG 63 personnell, there will also be soldiers from LTG 62 Wunstorf involved, as well as doctors and communications specialists.

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First flight of Taurus KEPD 350
Taurus absolviert erfolgreichen Erstflug

On October 4, Taurus KEPD 350 completed the first successful free flight test on the Swedish test range at Vidsel and brought evidence about its operational capabilities. Taurus Systems GmbH, an affiliated company to DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Dasa, Munich) and Bofors Missiles AB (Sweden) stated that with this flight it has established the technical preconditions to fulfill the requirements of various airforces who have signalled interest in the Taurus system and, as a consequence, created a billion DM turnover potential. "With this free flight test we have reached an important milestone" declaredManfred Küsters, the general manager of Taurus Systems GmbH. The missile has fully met the requirements with respect to aerodynamics, propulsion and navigation systemsduring release from a TORNADO combat aircraft and the subsequent free flight over hilly terrain in marginal weather conditions. The test was 100% successful and the maximum range demonstrated. When development started one and a half years ago, a first free flight over sea had been planned which would have subjected the navigation system to less load strain. Due to the fast development progress, however, it was possible to refrain from this interim test and to give preference to the more demanding free flight test over hilly terrain.
The development contract comprises the full scale development and production of 28 test missiles making use of advanced simultaneous engineering technologies and cost effective production processes, such as modular electronic systems, a TriTech navigation system (comprising inertial navigation, global positioning system/GPS, terrain navigation and IR waypoint navigation), an infrared seeker head and a high thrust turbo engine to achieve velocities beyond 0,8 Mach at very low altitude, as well as a sophisticated mission planning system and a new fuel management system. Delivery to the German airforce is planned to take place from the year 2002 on. With its successful flight, the company claims that the MAW Taurus system has managed to outpace its competitors in France and Great Britain, as only the German-Swedish missile has so far fulfilled the operational requirements in a free flight over hilly terrain.

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Dasa/CASA will float
Börsengang für fusionierte Dasa/CASA

On October 7, Spanish state holding company SEPI declared that DaimlerChrysler would float its aerospace unit after it had completed the takeover of the Spanish group's CASA aerospace arm. "(The flotation) will be from January onwards," SEPI chairman Pedro Ferreras told reporters. In Munich, Dasawas quick to deny the statement, saying that no such decision had been made. Anyhow, a floatation of the merged company is widely expected by analysts.
The Dasa/CASA merger, announced in June, is expected to be finalised in October. SEPI will retain 12.5 percent of the merged company, but Ferreras said he would like that stake to be sold to Spanish institutions. The new company will hold the largest stakes in Europe's two biggest aerospace consortiums: 42.1 percent of Airbus Industrie and 43.5 percent of Eurofighter.

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First European 328JET delivered
328JET für Tyrolean Jet Service

Fairchild Aerospace has delivered the first 328JET regional jet to a European operator, Tyrolean Jet Service. Since deliveries began in August, 328JETs have also been delivered to Skyway Airlines (4), Shell Petroleum, Dogmoch, and Ozark Airlines. In response to market requirements, Fairchild is planning enhancements to the 328JET, including avionics upgrades, extended-range fuel tanks and a 1,000-pound increase in maximum takeoff weight. To accommodate special customer needs, the company is also providing additional customized interiors and seating arrangements such as executive shuttle and medical evacuation configurations.

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"Green Light" for XMM space telescope
XMM erhält grünes Licht

Europe's largest science satellite, XMM, has received the "green light" for launch. On October 5, approximately 120 space experts convened in Überlingen on Lake Constance for the so-called "Flight Acceptance Review". The prime industrial contractor for the spacecraft, measuring 11 meters, is Dornier Satellitensysteme GmbH (DSS, Friedrichshafen), a member of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Dasa, Munich). The launch of XMM onboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle is scheduled for December 8, 1999.
In Überlingen, DSS submitted the satellite test and analysis results to its customer, the Paris-based space agency ESA. In the last months the spacecraft had undergone a thoroughcheck. A space simulation test (at various temperatures andunder vacuum conditions), vibration tests (to simulate theascent loads during launch) and extensive functional checks were performed. "All tests were completed successfully; in part the results are better than the requirements posed by the customer", is the proud statement of the DSS project manager, Uwe Minne. Robert Lainé, the XMM project manager on behalf of ESA, agrees: "I am highly satisfied with the achievements of the industry consortium. On the one hand, the cost target was observed and on the other hand, we are ahead of schedule because according to the original schedule, the launch had been planned for January 21, 2000. On top of this, all system requirements were met. .""

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FedEx opens new European hub in Paris
Neues Frachtdrehkreuz für FedEx

Federal Express Corp. (FedEx), the world's largest express transportation company, has officially opened its new European hub at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. The 77,000m 2 facility is the largest FedEx hub outside the US and improves connectivity for FedEx customers, shipping internationally to, from and within Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The $200 million CDG hub project was jointly funded over the past three years by FedEx and Aéroports de Paris (ADP). With the opening of the hub, FedEx also announced its FedEx EuroOne network, centered on the newest addition to the FedEx system. The FedEx EuroOne network supports a range of important service improvements, including next business-day deliveries among 38 major European cities, with cut-off and pick-up capabilities as late as 7pm in those cities. As it upgrades services in Europe, FedEx plans to replace its existing fleet of six Boeing 727s in the region with five new wide-bodied Airbus A310s within the next 12 months.
Roissy-Charles de Gaulle represents a strategically powerful location for FedEx, being at the heart of one of the most important economic regions in Europe. FedEx has forged strong partnerships with the French government, ADP and customs authorities. FedEx has also establishedimportant links with the surrounding Roissy community through a job creation program aiming to generate an estimated 3,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, over the next six years.

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IATA lowers passenger forecast 1999-2003
Geringere Passagierzuwächse prognostiziert

The latest IATA passenger forecast indicates that sentiment about traffic growth prospects among airlines and industry forecasters is becoming more cautious than last year. As a result, the forecast Annual Average Growth Rate (AAGR) for total scheduled international traffic is predicted to be 5.02% for 1999-2003 - down by 0.5 percentage points from the average level of IATA's 1998-2002 passenger forecast and 1.5 percentage points on the 1997-2001 forecast.
The picture of passenger growth varies significantly between regions, often driven by the varied economic growth prospects. For example, economic problems in South America, previously one of the high growth areas of IATA's Passenger Forecast, have had a significant impact. The five year AAGR for traffic to/from Brazil is now projected at just 3.9% compared with 8.4% twelve months earlier. In Asia, traffic growth expectations generated by the increasingly evident upswing in economies such as Thailand and Korea have been offset by the continued stagnancy of the Japanese economy. The AAGR for Japan is now estimated to be just 2.6%, a drop of 1.5 percentage points on the 1998-2002 forecast. Passenger Forecast 1999-2003 is derived from IATA's annual survey of the world's major airlines, airports and civil aviation authorities. The report represents the consensus opinion of the aviation industry's leading forecasting and strategic planning experts and provides informed commentary on the current and future development of the global passenger market.

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Mars Climate Orbiter team finds likely cause of loss
Falsche Maßeinheiten Ursache für Verlust des Mars Climate Orbiter

A failure to recognize and correct an error in a transfer of information between the Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft team in Colorado and the mission navigation team in California led to the loss of the spacecraft last week, preliminary findings by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory internal peer review indicate. "People sometimes make errors," said Dr. Edward Weiler, NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Science. "The problem here was not the error, it was the failure of NASA's systems engineering, and the checks and balances in our processes to detect the error. That's why we lost the spacecraft." The peer review preliminary findings indicate that one team used English units (e.g., inches, feet and pounds) while the other used metric units for a key spacecraft operation. This information was critical to the maneuvers required to place the spacecraft in the proper Mars orbit. "Our inability to recognize and correct this simple error has had major implications," said Dr. Edward Stone, director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "We have underway a thorough investigation to understand this issue." Two separate review committees have already been formed to investigate the loss of Mars Climate Orbiter: an internal JPL peer group and a special review board of JPL and outside experts. An independent NASA failure review board will be formed shortly. Mars Climate Orbiter was one of a series of missions in a long-term program of Mars exploration managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA's Office of Space Science.

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Boeing and DHL Launch 757 conversion and fleet management program
757 für DHL werden von Boeing gemanagt

On October 5, Boeing announced it has signed a deal to provide 44 757 Special Freighters to DHL Worldwide Express under a new program offering a total solution for airline fleet management. As part of this total solution, Boeing Airplane Services will purchase 44 in-service 757 passenger airplanes, convert them to Special Freighter (SF) models, and provide the airplanes to DHL under a multi-year lease arrangement. Boeing Airplane Services also will provide maintenance for the airplanes for DHL under a separate maintenance and engineering agreement. The program means the launch of a new 757 passenger-to-freighter conversion program. "Customers have told us they want the conversion option for this airplane," Gullion said. "The 757SF fits an excellent freighter market segment. A conversion program makes sense because it gives operators the performance and freight-carrying capabilities of the 757 at an excellent value."
The first airplane will be delivered to DHL during the first quarter of 2001. The converted 757 will be capable of carrying 60,000 pounds (27,216 kg) of cargo and has a range of over 2,000 nautical miles (4,630 km) with volume payload capacity of over 8,000 cubic feet (226.5 m3). Specifications will depend on a number of factors, including the age of the conversion airplanes, their original model, and customers' requested configurations.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

NASA has delayed a Hubble repair mission because it needs more time to fix wire damage on the shuttle Discovery that came to light after a near-disaster in the last launch. Discovery's next flight has now been rescheduled for Dec. 2 at 4:32 a.m. EST. It will carry seven astronauts on a 10-day mission to repair the Hubble space telescope. The shift means that Discovery's mission will be the third and last in 1999. Because of the inspections, this year will have the fewest shuttle flights since the orbiters were grounded after Challenger exploded in 1986. Discovery's delay will push shuttle Endeavour's launch on an 11-day, six-astronaut radar mapping mission, to Jan. 13, 2000. And Atlantis' next mission, the third shuttle trip to the international space station, is now set for no earlier than Feb. 10, 2000.
+++
On October 7, a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite built by Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space was successfully launched at 8:51 a.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla. This was the second successful launch of the new-generation replenishment spacecraft, designated GPS IIR. The Company will supply 18 more of these satellites to the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., over the next five years. The GPS satellite was built at Valley Forge facilities managed by Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space.
+++
After more than four months of being subjected to intense stress, F-22 Raptor #3999 has -- ahead of schedule -- successfully completed 100 percent design limit load testing here at Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems (LMAS). "The design limit loading sequence on 3999 was completed on Saturday, 25 September," Jeffrey Rowe, F-22 ground test manager said. "The F-22 airframe structure has now been successfully tested to all planned static design limit conditions." Saturday's test -- a combination of fuselage mechanical loading with pressurization of the inlet ducts to simulate a hammershock condition -- was the last of 18 design limit test cases to be performed on 3999 since testing began in late May.
+++
On October 4, Bombardier Aerospace announced that Air Nippon Co., Ltd.has placed a firm order for three 56-seat Dash 8 Q300 turboprop airliners for its regional operations. A subsidiary of All Nippon Airways, the largest domestic airline in Japan, All Nippon will utilize its Q300 aircraft on routes between Tokyo International Airport at Haneda and islands within Tokyo's domain, and for flights within Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture.
+++
On October 1, the Boeing 767 Program celebrated a unique program milestone - the delivery of airplane No. 767. This airplane is the 767th 767 to be built by The Boeing Company. The airplane - a 767-300ER (extended range) - delivered to G.E. Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), of Stamford, Conn., and will be operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines.
+++
Attached beneath a modified L-1011 carrier plane, NASA's experimental rocket plane, the X-34, completed its last captive-carry flight for 1999 to proceed with the upgrade of this first airframe. Originally designed as a structural test article, the A-1 will be equipped with both avionics and hydraulics systems and redesignated as A-1A. The A-1A will conduct unpowered flights. The remainder of the captive-carry flights will resume in late January 2000 following tow tests at Dryden. Tow tests are designed to reduce the risk of the first flight by evaluating the functionality of many systems such as landing gear, brakes, hydraulics, navigation and software programs. A freightliner tractor will tow the X-34 at least 16 times over a couple of months gradually aiming for 80 miles per hour.
+++
Europe's air travellers are suffering intolerable delays and frustration because the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system has consistently failed to provide the capacity the air transport industry needs. During the past two summers those delays have reached crisis levels. But the crisis can be resolved, given the goodwill and political courage of all the parties involved. This was the message delivered by IATA Director General Pierre J. Jeanniot at a press conference in Geneva, 4 October. Pan-European problems require pan-European solutions. Building on the solid foundations of the current ECAC and EUROCONTROL work, IATA has developed a five point action plan: To adopt the ATM 2000+ Strategy in full and also to implement immediately; a top-down process for planning and operating airspace as a continuum; across national boundaries ("One Airspace"); to give EUROCONTROL and the European Union the necessary regulatory powers and processes so that (a) common rule-making becomes possible; (b) EUROCONTROL decisions have direct applicability in Member States; and (c) EUROCONTROL standards and requirements are effectively and swiftly complied with in Member States; To establish a permanent European-wide capacity planning process to ensure that capacity is added to the European network where and when it is needed.
+++
On October 8, Delta Air Lines announced that it has sold all 525,000 shares of SAirGroup it has held since 1989. SAirGroup assisted Delta in finding a buyer for these shares. This transaction will result in a before-tax gain to Delta of approximately $29 million and cash proceeds of approximately $114 million.
+++
After the lifting of UN sanctions, Libya has apparently plans to buy new airliners from Airbus. Up to 24 aircraft are needed according to recent reports. Though Airbus confirms the talks in principle, details of fleet composition are not yet clear.
+++
On 7 October, Eurocontrol has started the implementation of the 8.33 kHz channel spacing programme in order to reduce the minimum allowable spacing between VHF frequencies. This will create additiional VHF frequencies for ATC in Europe. Previous spacing was 25 kHz. All aircraft operating above FL245 (upper airspace) are now required to carry equipment that can handle the new spacing. Otherwise they will be denied acces to upper airspace and face less favourable routing. Eurocontrol warns that in a transition period there could be additional delays due to the fact that not all aircraft yet qualify.
+++
Lufthansa does not rule out to take a stake in Air Canada, possibly in concert with Star Alliance partners United and SAS. The announcement came as the battle over ownership of Air Canada and Canadian Airlines and their possible merger continues to rage. Lufthansas aim is to keep Air Canada secure within the Star Alliance. A blocking minority of 35 per cent is apparently sought.
+++
After the demise of Debonair, Mönchengladbach airport is seeking new carriers to continue the routes. This is very important, as Debonair accounted for 30 per cent of the Mönchengladbach traffic figures. In a first step, European Air Express is said to begin flying on the London-Luton route from 11 October.
+++
Lufthansa has lowered the milage necessary to get free flights. There are now only six different levels. Europe - North America is now available for 70000 miles points, instead of 90000.
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Lufthansa has announced a closer relationship with Spanair. All flights to Spain and many routes withoin Spain will now be offered und a code-share agreement. Also, it is intended to work closely on freight, catering and holiday package issues. The deal will improve Lufthansas access to one of its most important European markets. Spanair is owned 49 per cent by SAS, one of Lufthansas Star Alliance partners.
+++
Fairchild Aerospace, which is still much short of capital to carry its high-flying projects for a new regional airliner family through to realisation, is now hoping for a new investor to bring in 300 million US-Dollars. This is necessary as a planned bond issue was abandoned recently due to the unfavourable market conditions. Until new money is found, Fairchild Aerospace is working with bridge financing of around 80 million US-Dollars in short-term loans.
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Dortmund airport handled 67250 passengers in September, an all-time high. Growth is only hampered by the inadequate facilities, the airport said. Dortmund offers 24 destinations in ten european countries.
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Hahn Air has started flights between Hahn and Berlin-Tempelhof city airport. Two flights a day are offered, with introductory fares as low as 235 DM. Fairchld Metroliner IIIs are used.
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Ryanair is increasing capacity on the Hahn to London-Stansted. From November 4, there will be three daily flights, and the new Boeing 737-800 will be introduced. At the same time, a super-saver fare of 99 DM will be offered. Ryanair claims that occupancy is at 75 per cent since it started the route in the spring.
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Schweizer Aircraft has announced the appointment of Hahn Helicopters as a new Service Center for Schweizer Model 300C, 300CB and 300 helicopters in Germany. Hahn Helicopte was established in 1996 and has nine staff, including three inspectors and flur mechanics. Hahn Helicopters is approved unter JAR 145. Schweizer also apoointed a new distributor in Italy, Eli-Alpi in Rivanazzano.
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The European Air Chiefs met on October 8 at Lucerne, Switzerland. Of the many important issues discussed at the conference, ther were pilot training, unmanned aerial vehicles, pilot selection, rules of engagement, outflow of pilots, exchange of services instead of payment incash. Enhanced co-operation in these areas will enable european air foces to participate even more effectively in the many challenges of the future.
+++
The German EMS company DRF (Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht) has announces a deal with HSD and HDM, two private companies which operate intensive care helicopters between hospitals. Among the joint projects is the operation of a BK 117 at Regensburg by HDM. HSD will now integrate its alarm centre with the DRF centre at Stuttgart. The new alliance now will operate 27 EMS stations in Germany and operate 40 helicopters.
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Previous updates are still available:
Die News der letzten Wochen sind weiter abrufbar:

*October 3, 1999

*September 26, 1999 *September 12, 1999 *September 5, 1999

*August 29, 1999 *August 15, 1999 *August 8, 1999 *August 1, 1999

*July 18, 1999 *July 11, 1999 *July 4, 1999

*January to June 1999 *January to December 1998 *January to December 1997 *September to December 1996

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