FLUG REVUE update: Week ending April 21, 2002

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UPDATE
Week ending April 21, 2002

+++ Third Eurofighter IPA flies +++ Boeing F-15K chosen for F-X Project +++ NASA administrator outlines vision +++ China Eastern orders 20 A320 +++ Dassault and SAGEM cooperate on UAVs +++ Ariane lifts New Skies satellite +++ Hertrich re-elected president of the BDLI +++ News in brief +++

Third Eurofighter IPA flies
Britischer Serien-Eurofighter fliegt

The first British series production Eurofighter, IPA1 (Instrumented Production Aircraft), made a successful maiden flight from BAE Systems Warton facility in Lancashire, U.K. Piloted by Eurofighter Project Pilot Keith Hartley, with Chief Test Pilot Paul Hopkins in the rear seat, IPA1 made a 26 minute test flight before returning to Warton. Commenting on the first flight Keith Hartley said: "It was a privilege to make the first flight of IPA1 which represents a significant milestone in the programme, and is the visible result of a huge effort across Europe by BAE Systems, our European partners and our suppliers. The pilots get the pleasure of flying an outstanding aircraft, but only thanks to every one else's sterling work."
A further two IPAs are flying in Europe. IPA2 in Italy and IPA3 in Germany made their maiden flights earlier this month and the three IPAs will now join the existing seven Eurofighter Typhoon Development Aircraft (DA) in completing flight testing and certification. In another significant milestone for the Eurofighter programme, BAE Systems, twin-seat development aircraft DA4, also based at Warton, has successfully carried out the first ever fully guided firing of a live Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from a Eurofighter. Piloted by BAE Systems Test Pilot Craig Penrice, with Weapons Systems Operator Stan Ralph in the rear seat, DA4 flew from Warton to the QinetiQ range at Benbecula in the Hebrides where it tracked and targeted an unmanned Mirach target before successfully firing the AMRAAM missile. The fully guided missile achieved a direct hit on the target, which was shot down into a safe area in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Boeing F-15K chosen for F-X Project
Südkorea wählt F-15 Eagle

Putting an end to two years of fierce competition over the country's fighter jet project, South Korea on Friday (April 19) officially chose Boeing's F-15K as its next-generation fighter jets in consideration of the long-standing military alliance with the Unites States. The decision at a meeting is expected to give a new lifeline to Boeing's military aircraft sector as the $4.46 billion deal would secure jobs on its sputtering F-15 production line in Missouri. But Dassault Aviation, which was looking for its first export of the Rafale, failed to win an order outside France despite strong backing from its government. The French-built fighter beat the F-15K by a narrow margin of 1.15 percent in the first phase of evaluation.
South Korea also selected General Electric of the United States as a provider of engines for the F-15K aircraft over its rival Pratt & Whitney. It marks the first time that GE will provide engines for the F-15 since the U.S. fighter jet went into service about 30 years ago. Though the U.S. Air Force certified in 1997 that GE engines could power the fighter, P&W has been the sole F-15 engine supplier. The engine deal is estimated at a cost of $350 million as part of the fighter project deal.
"We settled on Boeing's F-15K after taking into account security, diplomatic and trade partnerships with bidders' countries in the final round of competition," said Brig. Gen. Hwang Eui-dong, spokesman for the ministry. He strongly implied that the military alliance between South Korea and the U.S. played a predominant role. The U.S. has maintained troops in South Korea since the end of the Korean War (1950-53).
In the provisional contract, Boeing said that it would deliver two F-15K jets in 2005, 10 in 2006, 16 in 2007 and 12 in 2008, according to sources.
Rafale International (Dassault, Snecma, Thales) have taken note of the result of the FX evaluation and of the Korean Government's intention to proceed to buy F15 from US Boeing Company. Since the result of the first phase which has not given RAFALE as the winner despite the multiple advantages such as lower prices, better technical/operational capabilities and technology transfer compared to F15, such a political decision was anticipated. They regret that despite assurances repeatedly given at all levels of the Korean Authorities on the transparency and fairness of this competition including the possibility to buy a non US Aircraft, the Korean Ministry of Defense has once more made its choice solely for ROK/US political considerations. Since such a decision is "a matter of national sovereignty" they respect it but they reserve all the rights with respect to any legal action regarding fairness and transparency of the competition in order to defend the image of Rafale worldwide and the damage of such a so called competition result.

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NASA administrator outlines vision
O´Keefe stellt Pläne der NASA vor

In his first major address since being sworn into office, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe today outlined his strategic vision for the agency's future, including a component designed to inspire and educate a new generation of explorers and scientists. "The nation faces extraordinary new challenges. The world is changing, and if NASA is going to exploit these new opportunities then America's space program must also change," said Administrator O'Keefe. "Our future decisions will be science-driven, not destination-driven. The investments we make today must be justified by their contributions to the long-range goals of the agency."
The new NASA vision for the future is: To improve life here,to extend life to there, to find life beyond. The NASA mission is: to understand and protect our home planet, to explore the Universe and search for life, to inspire the next generation of explorers as only NASA can.
The new vision for the agency builds on NASA's unique capabilities as the nation's premiere aeronautics and aerospace research and technology organization. "The biggest difference is that we will let specific science objectives tell us where to go," concluded Administrator O'Keefe. "NASA's mission of discovery will be carried out with a new commitment to fiscal responsibility and the synergy that comes from working with other government agencies, private indus

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China Eastern orders 20 A320
A320-Auftrag von China Eastern

China Eastern Airlines signed a contract with Airbus today in Shanghai for the firm order of 20 A320 aircraft, scheduled for delivery from the beginning of 2003. The newly ordered aircraft will be powered by CFM International engines. The purchase agreement was signed by Ye Yigan, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines and John Leahy, Chief Commercial Officer of Airbus in a ceremony presided over by Liu Shaoyong, president of China Eastern Airlines. "Selection of the A320s will improve our operating efficiency thanks to the aircraft's commonality with our existing fleet," said China Eastern Airlines President Liu Shaoyong during the signing ceremony. "The expansion of our A320 fleet further reinforces the foundation for our continued growth and prosperity."

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Dassault and SAGEM cooperate on UAVs
Drohnen-Pläne von Dassault und SAGEM

Dassault Aviation and SAGEM have decided to share their mutual expertise and have reached a cooperation agreement on the development of the future tactical UAVs. For both companies, this is a strategic development choice which aims at meeting the armed forces' evolving operational needs. With this agreement, they will be able to design together the multi-payload / mutli-mission systems which should be brought into service in the European and foreign armed forces over the coming years. Combining both partners' acknowledged competencies in matters of air combat systems and tactical UAV systems will allow them to provide the armed forces with a wide spectrum of solutions in order to further enlarge the UAVs' mission fields. The aim of Dassault Aviation and SAGEM it to design new enduring and fast stealth aerial vehicles, and to optimise the complementary nature of manned aircraft and UAVs. This new generation of UAVs, which will be interoperable with the existing SAGEM systems, will be based on the most advanced aeronautic technologies developed for fighters.

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Ariane lifts New Skies satellite
Flug 150 mit Ariane 4 erfolgreich

Arianespace's fifth mission in three months successfully orbited the first new spacecraft for New Skies Satellites, NV. since the telecommunications operator's creation in 1998. The NSS-7 satellite was carried by an Ariane 4, which lifted off tonight from the Spaceport during an evening launch window. NSS-7 marks the beginning of a telecommunications capacity expansion that will double New Skies Satellites' in-orbit resources by year-end 2003. Built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, the 4,700-kilogram NSS-7 will be located at 338.5 degrees East longitude over the Atlantic Ocean to offer enhanced coverage of the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NSS-7 carries a mixed C- and Ku-band transponder payload.
The Arianespace mission marked the 150th flight milestone for the Ariane family of commercial launch vehicles. The first Ariane mission was performed from the Spaceport on December 24, 1979 using an Ariane 1. For today's Flight 150, Arianespace employed the Ariane 4 launch vehicle family's 44L version, which was equipped with four liquid strap-on boosters for additional thrust during initial climb-out. "From April 1992 to April 2002, we carried out exactly 100 launches," Le Gall told Ariane launch team members, customer personnel and other guests in the Spaceport's control room. "This average of 10 launches a year is undeniable proof of our flexibility, and of our position as leader in the commercial launch services market."
The next Arianespace mission is scheduled for May 3, using an Ariane 4 to place the Spot 5 remote sensing satellite into Sun-synchronous orbit for France's CNES space agency. Le Gall said the following two missions are planned in June - one with an Ariane 4, and the other using an Ariane 5.

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Hertrich re-elected president of the BDLI
BDLI-Präsident Hertrich wiedergewählt

Rainer Hertrich was confirmed in his post as President of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) when the top committees of the Association came up for re-election. In a statement made after his election, Hertrich underlined the special role of aerospace as a strategic key industry. "Like no other branch of industry, it links the interests of policy in the areas of foreign affairs, national security, the economy and technology," said Hertrich. "The resolute further development of Germany as a high technology location must lie at the centre of a joint strategic alliance between government and industry. A high-wage country like Germany can only survive in the international competition if it expands its technological strengths. We are standing by as partners to the government," declared Hertrich, who as Chief Executive Officer heads up the biggest European aerospace company, EADS European Aeronautics Defence and Space Company. The newly elected committees, executive board and advisory council of the BDLI represent the entire spectrum of the German aerospace industry. Measured in terms of sales, the BDLI with its approximately 130 member companies represents the interests of more than 90% of the German aerospace industry. In 2001 the German aerospace industry succeeded after six years of continuous growth in raising industry turnover yet again to EUR15.3 billion, compared with EUR14.8 billion in 2000. The number of persons employed rose in 2001 for the fourth year in succession, from 69,000 to 71,200.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Sikorsky announced that it has not submitted its S/H-92 medium-lift helicopter for consideration in an ongoing procurement of helicopters by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces. "An analysis of the customer's requirements made it clear that they wanted to go in a different direction than the S/H-92," said Jeff Pino, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Programs. "We regret this outcome, but our decision is the right one for Sikorsky." Pino added that the S/H-92 is on track for FAA certification by the end of 2002: "I am very pleased by our path to certification, and even more pleased by the civil and military customer interest in this aircraft in markets around the world."
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Northrop Grumman announced that it is amending its offer for TRW Inc. to $53 per share in value of Northrop Grumman common stock for each share of TRW. The company also said it is extending its pending exchange offer to May 3, 2002, at midnight EDT. Kent Kresa, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer, stated, "We are increasing our offer for TRW due to improving economic conditions which drive TRW's end markets and continuing positive developments in the defense industry. We strongly encourage TRW shareholders to send a strong message to their board of directors in favor of inviting us to conduct due diligence. If the TRW board continues to deny us access, this offer will not proceed."
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The U.S. Air Force and Boeing celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the B-52 Stratofortress at a ceremony. Since the Boeing YB-52 prototype made its first flight on April 15, 1952, the Stratofortress has been the world's foremost heavy bomber. After decades of serving as the backbone of the strategic bomber force for the United States, the B-52 has provided its unique capabilities to numerous military operations including Operation Desert Storm and most recently, Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Middle East Airlines, the national airline of Lebanon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus today, covering the sale of six Airbus A321s. The aircraft will be purchased by MEA for delivery between the end of 2002 and 2004. “Selection of the A321 will improve our operating efficiency thanks to the aircraft's commonality with our existing and future fleet,” said MEA Chairman Director General Mohamad El-Hout. “And the continued expansion of our Airbus fleet is key to ensuring our future growth and prosperity as Lebanon's flag carrier.”
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Honeywell announced that it has been selected as the sole source supplier for aircraft wheels, brakes and support services in partnership with Dunlop Aerospace of the United Kingdom for the Airbus A380-800 Super Jumbo aircraft. The contract is valued at U.S.$1.5 billion over 25 years. Honeywell revenues estimated at $700 million over the life of the program. "As the sole-source supplier, the Honeywell - Dunlop team will jointly develop the wheels and brakes and will utilize a new metal matrix composite material and high-density carbon to meet the significant weight reductions required for the Super Jumbo aircraft," said Roger Wolfe, Honeywell Aircraft Landing Systems Vice President & General Manager. "Honeywell will design and manufacture the main wheels, piston housing, and some brake assembly components while Dunlop will be responsible for the nose wheels, carbon heatpack, and torque tube."
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Kamov and Turbomeca, a Snecma Group company, have signed an agreement for the engining of the Ka-226, Ka-115 and other light Kamov helicopters. The first stage of the contract deals with the engining of the Ka-226 with the Arrius 2G engine. The Ka-226 is due to be certified in September 2004. This helicopter is intended for the Russian market and for export. It is also planned to co-produce the Arrius 2G and ensure aftermarket service and product support in Russia. Discussions are underway between Turbomeca and NPO Saturn to co-produce the Arrius in its factory in Rybinsk (350 km north-east of Moscow).
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AgustaWestland, the world's No 1 helicopter company and a 50:50 joint venture between GKN and Finmeccanica, has secured an innovative Strategic Partnering Contract (SPC) with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide an improved Repair and Overhaul (R&O) service for the UK Lynx and Sea King helicopter fleets. The contract is valued at between 40 and 50 million Pounds per annum. Together with the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) acting as a major sub contractor, AgustaWestland will manage the R&O process and take responsibility for the provision of transmission and driveline spares for as long as the aircraft remain in service.
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TRW has been named prime contractor of a combined team for the Department of Defense's missile tracking Space-Based Infrared System Low (SBIRS Low) program, under a new agreement reached with the DoD's Missile Defense Agency. In the new combined team approach, TRW subcontractor Spectrum Astro will play a key role developing spacecraft while Raytheon and Northrop Grumman will develop sensor payloads under competitive subcontracts to TRW. Prior to restructuring, TRW, with Raytheon as a principal team member, and Spectrum Astro, with Northrop Grumman, led competing teams to define requirements and complete conceptual designs for an operational SBIRS Low system. “This combined team offers a compelling, evolutionary approach to lowering technology risk for the program by combining the best and the brightest from both previous teams,” said Tim Hannemann, member of TRW's Chief Executive Office. “At the same time, the team preserves competition in developing the critical sensor elements of the satellite payload, ensuring that the best technology prevails. Our experience as a prime contractor and the talent on our team will ensure that we meet the goals of the capabilities-based approach that the Missile Defense Agency has established for this key program.”
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QinetiQ (formerly the larger part of DERA) has just reached a major milestone in the TopSat project, which is the first of its kind in the UK providing high resolution satellite imagery. The key phase involved the testing of the spacecraft structure in a vibration environment, which is affirmation that the project is on track for a successful launch in 2004. QinetiQ is leading a consortium of UK companies in TopSat's development, which makes good use of the UK's world class capability in small satellites and high performance space missions. QinetiQ's role is both in strategic design and co-ordinating the implementation of the entire system. Once deployed QinetiQ will also manage in-theatre trials including direct reception of data in the field using a fully mobile low cost data station.
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The first series production unit of Embraer's ERJ 145 XR, the newest version of the jet commuter aircraft family produced in Brazil, has entered its final stage of certification activities. Delivery of this aircraft to Continental Express, its launch customer, will take place next October. The 50 seat , extra range jet - hence its “XR” designation further enhances the ERJ 145 family, now offered with three versions of the model, each designed to suit specific airline needs. Fuel capacity and design weights differentiate each model, to provide operator versatility in maximum range and payload. The main visual difference between the new aircraft and previous models is the existence of winglets, which diminish turbulence at wing tips, thus reducing fuel consumption while increasing flight range. The new 145 XR is equipped with Rolls-Royce AE3007 A1E engines, with an increase of 17% in thrust compared to the AE3007 A1 engines that equip the ERJ 145 LR model, and with an auxiliary fuel tank with a capacity increase of 1,000 liters, allowing a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles, or 3,600 kilometers.
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Four Canadian soldiers were killed and eight others seriously injured when an U.S. fighter jet dropped at least one 500-pound bomb on their position near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Canadian defense officials said. Details are sketchy, but U.S. Central Command officials confirmed a U.S. Air National Guard F-16 fighter dropped "one or two" laser-guided bombs on the Canadians at about 1:55 a.m. Afghan time. Command officials didn't speculate as to the cause of the accident, but said an investigation will be conducted. The Canadian troops were conducting a live-fire night exercise near Kandahar. "Without a doubt there was a misidentification of the Canadians and what they were doing on the ground," Gen. Ray Henault, chief of the Canadian Defense Staff, told reporters in Ottawa.
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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Type Certificates to GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) for CF34-8 Growth jet engines for three aircraft applications. “This is a terrific achievement for the CF34-8 Growth program,” said David Joyce, general manager of GEAE's Small Commercial Engine Programs. “We are proud to add the -8 Growth models to the CF34 product line. Special thanks to the specialists, partners, and suppliers for their incredible demonstration of technical excellence, teamwork, and dedication.” The CF34-8 Growth engine certification program included the completion of 19 major engine tests at three sites: GEAE's facilities at Peebles, Ohio, and Lynn, Massachusetts, as well as at Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) of Japan. IHI is a revenue-sharing participant in the CF34-8 Growth program. In addition, more than 25 component and rig tests were completed at locations worldwide.
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BAE Systems has been awarded a Phase II follow-on concept study by the United Kingdom Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) for the emerging Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control (MASC) programme, formerly known as Future Organic Airborne Early Warning (FOAEW). BAE Systems continues its teaming relationship with the Northrop Grumman Corporation,s Integrated Systems sector for this Phase II study. MASC is a key element of a package of naval assets to be procured for Royal Navy service during the first half of the twenty-first century. This package is to include the UK,s Future Aircraft Carrier and the Future Joint Combat Aircraft (FJCA). BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems are currently teamed up in a bid for the Future Aircraft Carrier, alongside other strategic partners.
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Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation, delivered the first U-2S reconnaissance aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art cockpit displays and controls to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing based at Beale Air Force Base, CA. This first aircraft is on schedule, under budget, and meets all performance and program requirements. The U-2S Reconnaissance Avionics Maintainability Program (RAMP) upgrades the 1960s-vintage cockpit with newly installed equipment, including three 6x8 inch multifunction displays, an up-front control and display unit, and an independent secondary flight display system. The new equipment replaces legacy systems that are no longer supportable and provides improved pilot situational awareness. The entire fleet of 31 U-2S models and four two- cockpit trainers will be modified before the project is completed in 2007.
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Boeing announced that it has finalized a firm order from Midwest Express Airlines for 25 Boeing 717-200 airplanes with options for an additional 25. Midwest Express, ranked the No. 1 domestic airline by the 2001 Zagat Airline Survey, announced in April of last year its intent to order 20 717s for its long-term fleet modernization program. The estimated list value of the firm order for 25 717s is $940 million, with monthly deliveries scheduled to begin in February 2003 and continue into 2005. Total firm orders for the Boeing 717 are now 162, including this new order. The 717 has more firm orders than any other jetliner in its class, validating Boeing's December 2001 decision to commit to the airplane following a detailed economic and market evaluation.
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The Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation led F-22 Raptor industry team today delivered to the U.S. Air Force Raptor 4009, the last flight test aircraft to be produced under the program's Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase contract. Over the next nine weeks, Raptor 09 will be subjected to a series of dedicated tests and evaluations designed to validate how easy the F-22 is to maintain and repair.
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In what was to prove a fateful year for the aviation industry worldwide, the Austrian Airlines Group achieved a result from operating activities (EBIT) of EUR – 88.9m in 2001, down by EUR 172.2m on the preceding year. Profit before tax totalled EUR – 164.1m, compared with EUR 41.0m in 2000. In the fourth quarter of 2001, the new Board of Management introduced an extensive range of measures designed to counteract the downturn in the industry and restructure the company. Passenger volume at the Austrian Airlines Group was increased by 1.2 % to a total of 8.55 million passengers carried. As part of the release of the results for the year 2001, Vagn Soerensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Austrian Airlines Group, made the following statement: “For us, 2001 was certainly a radical turning point; equally, however, it presented an opportunity to set a course out of the current crisis and on to a successful future. It is a huge challenge, which we shall overcome!” The development of the Austrian Airlines Group was negative from the beginning of 2001. This was due to the insufficient economic viability of individual routes and the fleet overall. This negative tendency worsened from spring onwards against the background of the weakening economy and resulting falls in demand. The terrorist attacks of 11 September, therefore, impacted upon the Austrian Airlines Group at a time when it was already in a position that required serious restructuring, and thus only further accentuated the company's difficulties. The efficient and target-oriented performance of the Austrian Airlines Group was hampered still by structural flaws such as imprecise allocation of business segments under the 'parent company concept' that was still in place at the time.
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"Swiss International Air Lines Ltd." – this is the name under which the company will be listed in the register of companies, in accordance with a decision taken by the Executive Board. In addition, following the decision by the Federal Ministry of Justice not to permit double headquarters for the airline, the company headquarters will be based in Basel. The Executive Board of Crossair AG decided that the new company should be called “Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.” and not “ Swiss Air Lines Ltd.” The Board is still convinced of the legality of the original version “Swiss Air Lines Ltd.”, but wants to avoid the possibility that, should of eventual legal actions over the start-up arise, this would involve unnecessary matters, with resultant damage to the company image. Moreover, the addition of “International” underlines the global role of SWISS.
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"For many of our member airlines whose operations are mainly within Europe, en route navigation charges are 10 percent or more of their total operating costs. Now, just as they are beginning to recover from the economic slow-down of 2001 and the events of September 11, they may be forced to raise their fares, just at the wrong time," said IATA Director General and CEO Pierre J. Jeanniot. Jeanniot referred to a rise in air navigation charges by EUROCONTROL member states ranging from 4 to 85 percent from 1 April, to give an average increase of 13 percent within the EUROCONTROL area. EUROCONTROL navigation charges are now a USD 4.5 billion cost item, paid for by all airlines using European airspace. At the airlines' request, EUROCONTROL states' air navigation charges for the first quarter of 2002 had been frozen at the 2001 levels. This brought some welcome, if temporary, cash-flow relief for the airline industry. At a EUROCONTROL meeting on 11 April, IATA asked for the charges freeze to be extended in view of the on-going financial crisis in which the airlines have already lost USD 12 billion in 2001 on their international services. The request was refused.
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On April 1st 2002, 30 organisations from all of the aeronautical industry sectors in Europe launched a forward-looking initiative to pave the way for improving cabin environmental comfort on the next generation of civil transport aircraft. Friendly Aircraft Cabin Environment (FACE) is a Technology Platform within the European Community (EC) 5th Framework Programme. It is a four-year project with a budget of about €35 million, jointly funded by the EC and the consortium, which is being co-ordinated by Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A. in Italy. The aim of FACE is to improve environmental comfort in the aircraft cabin and cockpit of future European turbofan aircraft. It addresses the environmental comfort parameters that depend on noise, vibration and air quality technology, and includes effects on/from multimedia utilisation. The structural-acoustic behaviour of composite fuselages is one of the more important issues that will be considered within the acoustics research, in relation to civil turbofan applications. This will be studied utilising composite fuselage barrels derived from two linked research projects (TANGO and FUBACOMB).
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The presence of so many of the leading manufacturers and the wide range of helicopters on display at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA Berlin-Brandenburg have ensured that the “Helicopter” section here is the leading meeting place in its field at any air show in Europe. This development is reflected at the ILA2002 (6 -12 May) by a redesigned HeliCentre located around Hall 10 on the site that is soon to become Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI). With its combination of a separate heliport, exclusive open air site and a chalet area that has been reserved especially for the manufacturers of helicopters, the ILA2002 is the ideal trade show for the suppliers of helicopters, equipment and ancillary services. Moreover helicopters can operate at the heliport independently of all other flight movements. This specially designed concept has already met with a very good international response at the ILA, and as a result the helicopter sector will be more strongly represented here than ever before. The internationale exhibitors from the “Helicopter” sector will include Agusta-Westland, Bell Helicopter Textron, Eurocopter, MD Helicopters, NHI, PZL Swidnik, Rostvertol und Sikorsky. Among the rescue services and organisations on display will be the ADAC Air Rescue Service, Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht (German Air Rescue Service), the International Air Ambulance Service, the Civilian Defence Service of the German Border Protection Force´s Airborne Division (BGS) and the German Airforce´s SAR (Search and Rescue) Service. Over 50 helicopters are expected at the ILA2002.
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Boeing reported first quarter net earnings of $602 million, or $0.75 per share, on $13.8 billion of revenues, excluding non-recurring items and the impact of adopting a new accounting standard related to goodwill. During the same period last year, the company reported net earnings before non-recurring items of $761 million, or $0.89 per share on $13.3 billion of revenue. Boeing's financial results include the impact of stock compensation expenses which reduced first quarter earnings per share by $0.13 and $0.02 during the same period last year. When stock compensation expenses are excluded, along with non-recurring items and changes in accounting, earnings per share totaled $0.88 in the first quarter of 2002 compared with $0.91 per share in 2001. Excluding non-recurring items, operating earnings and margins for the period totaled $1.0 billion and 7.4 percent, respectively, versus $1.2 billion and 9.2 percent during the first quarter of 2001.
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Fairchild Dornier said Thursday that General Electric Co .'s (GE) leasing arm, GECAS, has canceled a $ 4.2 billion order for 50 728JET aircraft and an option for 100 more. It canceled the order following Fairchild Dornier's insolvency in April, a spokesman for Fairchild Dornier said. "It's only a formal step. We are sure that GECAS will come back and renew its contract once we have found a partner to restructure the company," the spokesman added. Meanwhile Fairchild Dornier secured a $90 million loan to intended to keep the company afloat while administrators work on a restructuring plan for the company. Fairchild Dornier said it will use the loan to cover running costs and press on with development of the 70-seat 728 airliner and its 32-seat 328JET.
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