FLUG REVUE update: Week ending November 16, 2003

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UPDATE
Week ending 16 November 2003

+++ EU Commission adopts Space Action Plan +++ Eurosam gets big missile contract +++ Lufthansa to offer better business class +++ Embraer 170 certified +++ Raytheon's AIM-9X achieves IOC +++ China orders 30 Boeings +++ News in brief +++

EU Commission adopts Space Action Plan
Die Raumfahrtpläne der EU

A policy paper on "Space: A New European Frontier for an Expanding Union" has been presented by the European Commission in Brussels. Space technologies are set to play a key role in helping the Union achieve its main objectives: faster economic growth, job creation and industrial competitiveness, enlargement and cohesion, sustainable development and security and defence. The policy paper was developed in close co-operation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and calls for substantial additional spending on space. It also recommends action to ensure Europe's independent access to space, to enhance space technology, promote space exploration, attract more young people into careers in science and strengthen European excellence in space science. European Space Policy will be implemented through a new multi-annual European Space Programme. It will identify priorities, on a five-year basis, for research, infrastructure development, services and technology. Applications might include satellite broadband telecommunications to tackle the "digital divide", and earth observation, communication and positioning systems.
"The development of Europe's capabilities in satellite communications, global positioning, and Earth observation will boost applications and have important social, economic and commercial benefits for Europe," said European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. "This Action Plan is the result of one of the most extensive consultations ever conducted in the research and technology sector. The final result shows that policy-makers and citizens alike strongly support a more active role for the EU in space. This White Paper is a call for action to mobilise Europe towards new goals and to meet new challenges. It will help us move ahead and put Europe's scientific talents, technologies and entrepreneurial skills to work for Europe and its citizens."
Meanwhile, negotiations on a framework agreement for structured cooperation between ESA and the European Community have been concluded. The ESA Council adopted the agreement, which had already been endorsed by the EU Council on 20 October. The origins of the agreement date from November 2001, when the ministers in charge of space activities gave ESA clear directions on the Agency's evolution and policy. The ESA/EC agreement marks a milestone in their relationship: it gives recognition to both parties, emphasising that they have specific complementary and mutually reinforcing strengths, and commits them to working together while avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort.
The framework agreement has two main aims. The first is the coherent and progressive development of an overall European Space Policy, which will specifically seek to link demand for services and applications using space systems in support of EU policies with the supply through ESA of space systems and infrastructures necessary to meet that demand. The second aim of the agreement is to establish a common basis and appropriate practical arrangements for efficient and mutually beneficial cooperation between ESA and the European Union, fully respecting the institutional and operational frameworks of each.
“This agreement will facilitate the setting up of new joint projects and provide a stable framework for ESA-EU cooperation, and that will benefit the European citizens”, said ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain. The agreement also opens up new possibilities for cooperation, such as EU participation in ESA optional programmes, or ESA management of EU space-related activities. “The framework agreement will be judged mainly according to its success in helping to generate valuable new programmes and activities responding to the demand of citizens expressed through the EC”, Dordain added. Official signature of the framework agreement is envisaged on 27/28 November, on the occasion of the EU Council in Brussels.

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Eurosam gets big missile contract
Luftabwehrraketen-Auftrag für Eurosam

The international missile systems group MBDA has been awarded a multibillion Euro contract by the European procurement agency OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Co-opération en matière d'Armement) for series production of the world's first advanced ground-based and naval air defence system with an anti-ballistic missile capability. The Euro 3 billion contract was signed on Wednesday 12th November in Bonn at the OCCAR headquarters by OCCAR President Klaus Wendelin von Sperber and Guido Lami, Managing Director of Eurosam, the joint venture between MBDA and Thales.MBDA's share of the contract is valued at Euro 2.3 billion. OCCAR signed the contract on behalf of the French, Italian and UK Ministries of Defence. The order covers series production of 18 SAMP/T Aster Block 1 missile batteries for the French army, French air force and Italian army and production of the Aster 15 SAAM (Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile system) vertical launch naval missile system for the French and Italian navies' new aircraft carriers and frigates.
The contract also covers Euro 400 million placed by OCCAR on behalf of the UK MoD with MBDA's wholly-owned subsidiary UKAMS for series production of Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles and support equipment for the PAAMS advanced naval air defence system which will equip the Royal Navy's first batch of Type 45 Daring class destroyers. In addition funding is released for the full-scale development of the Aster Block 1 Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM), an evolution of the Aster 30 missile designed for dedicated Theatre Missile Defence operations. In total, the order covers production of almost 1400 Aster missiles plus logistic support, associated equipment and training for the three countries.
The Aster SAMP/T missile system will provide area defence for forces deployed in “out of area” theatres of operation, defending against both manoeuvring and high speed targets such as aircraft, (UCAVs) Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles in severe ECM environments. Air-transportable and interoperable with NATO air defence systems, SAMP/T will enter service with the French army and air force and Italian army from 2007.

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Lufthansa to offer better business class
Service-Verbesserungen bei Lufthansa

Lufthansa, in a repeat of its second-quarter success, posted another operating profit in the third quarter. The Group returned a third-quarter operating profit of 200 million euros thanks to successful capacity adjustments and a tight rein on costs. "That is a solid result and shows that turbulence in the industry cannot throw us off course. We must now gather speed and gain more altitude. Much still remains to be done before we again attain the profitability required to fund growth and secure employment," said Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commenting today on the Group's quarterly figures.
For the first nine months, Lufthansa posted a cumulative operating loss of 154 million euros. Over the past six months, the Group has thus reduced the record loss of 415 million euros sustained in the first quarter by 261 million euros. In the nine-month term in the previous year, Lufthansa returned an operating profit of 790 million euros. Despite continuing economic weakness, the Group is expecting marginal improvement in the traditionally weak fourth quarter. For the full year in 2003, it is seeking a nearly balanced operating result.
The aviation industry is not only crisis-ridden, it is struggling with structural problems, noted Mayrhuber. The recent crises have only brought the underlying problems more quickly to the forefront. "The macro-economic conditions, in which we operate, have changed profoundly and will change even more. We must, therefore, embark on a new course," the Lufthansa CEO underlined.
Lufthansa must assume in its planning that yields will continue to decline for a long time to come, so that the Group has only one way to forge ahead: "We must save 1.2 billion euros over the next two years so as to create the foundations for future growth and reactivate our 66 grounded aircraft. We will continue to trim costs wherever necessary. We will invest, simultaneously, in quality and safety, in new aircraft like the Airbus A340-600 and A330-300, in our new Business Class on long-haul routes, in our lounges and in new terminals." Lufthansa must be able to do both: contain costs while simultaneously accelerating innovation.
Lufthansa strategy, in a word, is to achieve greater profitability by combining integrated and interdisciplinary solutions across the entire value-added chain with ongoing cost-cutting and efficiency measures. The resultant benefits will be re-invested in improving quality and product differentiation. The focus will remain consistently on the customer.
To that end, Lufthansa is conducting negotiations with internal and external business partners as well as with the trade unions and works council representatives. "In the "Air Traffic for Germany" initiative, we are also making our contribution towards improving general conditions for airlines operating from a German base," said Mayrhuber. Only when the national base is competitive can Germany expand its leading position in international air traffic.
"The Lufthansa product will be set off more sharply from others: Business Class will be distinctly upgraded, punctuality, reliability and quality will be further improved," said Mayrhuber, setting out the measures to be implemented in the three core route network, production and product areas. As already announced, Lufthansa is restructuring its regional traffic on 1 January 2004, so as to further optimise its cooperation with regional partner airlines and integrate them more closely in the concept of the Aviation Group.
On the product side, Lufthansa will naturally further simplify procedures on the ground and offer more sharply differentiated inflight services in the aircraft cabin. "Our quality standards will remain pitched at a high level with more service and greater comfort in future for business travellers and frequent flyers." We aim to offer a better inflight product than the competition: On all German domestic and European flights, the centre seat in Business-Class rows will be blocked to provide 50 per cent more stowage space and freedom of movement as well as greater privacy. "We are convinced that our new inflight product will position Lufthansa in the vanguard of Europe's airlines," Mayrhuber said. Lufthansa will also offer flights to bargain hunters.

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Embraer 170 certified
Vorläufige Zulassung für Embraer 170

Embraer announced that the Embraer 170 commercial airliner gained provisional type certification from the Brazilian airworthiness authority, Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA). Issuance of a similar certificate by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to happen soon. The provisional type certificate means that the aircraft meets international safety standards and allows the delivery of the Embraer 170 to airlines for the beginning of crew training and route testing flights. “The conclusion of this part of the Embraer 170 certification process is an important step for the Embraer 170/190 Program,” said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer's Senior Vice-President, Engineering and New Products Development. “The professionalism, dedication and resolve of Embraer and CTA team members have allowed us to meet this goal.”
The Embraer 170 test campaign was completed with very good results in terms of performance, comfort and reliability. The innovative electronic flight control system (fly-by-wire), with software developed by Honeywell, had its architecture and functionalities approved in extensive flight and ground tests. However, recent discussions between Embraer, Honeywell, CTA, FAA and European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) representatives established a mutual understanding that the flight control system software certification documentation shall be supplemented, before definitive type certification is granted in the first quarter 2004. “Honeywell is fully committed to a swift completion of the final steps of the formal certification process for the fly-by-wire system. The Embraer 170 is a new class of aircraft that brings technologies previously found only on larger air transport aircraft,” said John Uczekaj, Executive Vice President And General Manager of Honeywell Business, Regional and General Aviation. “Results of the certification flight tests make us very confident in the design and operation of the fly-by-wire system.”
Alitalia Express, having considered the situation described above, has opted for rescheduling the delivery of its aircraft to 2004, after the definitive type certification is granted. Embraer and US Airways are currently engaged in discussions aimed at defining initial deliveries of the Embraer 170. With the postponement of final certification, Embraer is taking a conservative approach as to its possible consequences, and therefore the eight Embraer 170 aircraft originally scheduled to be delivered this year to US Airways and Alitalia are being excluded from the company's 2003 delivery forecast. Embraer now forecasts 102 aircraft to be delivered this year instead of the 110 previously announced.

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Raytheon's AIM-9X achieves IOC
Neue Luft-Luft-Lenkwaffe einsatzbereit

The U.S. Navy and Raytheon celebrated the achievement of initial operational capability of AIM-9X with the U.S. Air Force. The 12th and 19th Fighter Squadrons of the 3rd Wing, 11th Air Force, are the first operational units to field and train with AIM-9X. "I'm extremely proud of our AIM-9X government and industry team. They have successfully developed and fielded a dominant air-to-air missile to the American warfighter," said Capt. Scott Stewart, Naval Air Systems Command program manager for Air-to-Air missile systems. "No longer a development program, AIM-9X is a reality that will change the rules of air combat forever. It's very satisfying to hear the words of praise from the Elmendorf aircrews and ordnance personnel. After all, warfighter satisfaction is what it is all about."
AIM-9X changes the rules of the aerial combat through a system design approach that incorporates a fifth-generation staring focal plane array seeker for robust guidance performance and infrared countermeasure resistance and jet vane control for extremely agile turning performance. AIM-9X has undergone an extensive and highly successful flight test program complemented by a sophisticated and accredited modeling and simulation capability. AIM-9X is a U.S. Department of Defense flagship program for modeling simulation, saving more than $50 million in development costs. The program scored an unprecedented 18 successes in 19 guided flights during development testing and completed 22 Operation Evaluation (OPEVAL) firings. The missile has also undergone more than 3,500 hours of rigorous captive flight testing.

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China orders 30 Boeings
Großauftrag für 737 auch China

Boeing confirmed that China Aviation Supply Company has finalized its agreement to purchase 30 Next-Generation 737 airplanes worth approximately $1.7 billion, based on average list prices. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans hosted a signing ceremony for the agreement at the Department of Commerce. Zhang Guobao, vice chairman -- National Development and Reform Commission, led the People's Republic of China's delegation while Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally was Boeing's senior representative. The airplanes, to be delivered in 2005 and 2006, are allocated as follows: Air China 5, Hainan Airlines 8, Shandong Airlines 7, Shenzhen Airlines 5, Xiamen Airlines 5.

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Bremen-based space technology company OHB-System AG has been awarded two contracts to conduct feasibility studies on missions in search of life on Mars. Known as Exomars and forming part of the European Space Agency's AURORA program, the project is to pave the way for future manned missions to the “Red Planet” as of 2009. Exomars comprises an orbiter, a landing vehicle and a robot which will not only search for traces of life but also explore water distribution as well as the chemical composition of rocks on Mars. In a project for Alenia Spazio, Turin, scheduled for completion by mid 2004, OHB is developing the technical specifications for the landing vehicle particularly in connection with entry into the Martian atmosphere and the landing of the robot. A further study under the European Space Agency's AURORA program will entail the return of Martian samples (Earth Entry Vehicle Demonstration). A vehicle returning to the earth from Mars will have to withstand far greater strain upon re-entering the atmosphere compared with a vehicle in a low orbit. EADS Space Transportation, Bordeaux, has assigned OHB with the task of developing a launcher for transporting the Earth-Entry Vehicle. This will entail finding the optimum re-entry conditions for the Mars Sample Return Capsule during its critical return to the earth.
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Workers in Texas and California have begun fabricating the first major airframe components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. On Monday, Nov. 10, milling machines at Progressive Inc., in Arlington, Texas, and at H.M. Dunn Co. Inc., in Euless, Texas, began cutting "big-bone" structural components for the supersonic stealth fighter. Simultaneously, Northrop Grumman Corp., a principal teammate on the F-35 program, started the milling process for other major parts of the F-35 JSF's airframe with its subcontractor Brek Manufacturing in Gardena, Calif. Progressive's first part was a major bulkhead for the F-35's wing section. H.M. Dunn kicked off F-35 manufacturing with a forward fuselage radar bulkhead, while Brek milled a center fuselage canopy shelf. The first F-35 is scheduled for completion in mid-2005, with first flight planned for late that year.
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Carter Aviation Technologies (Carter) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded their first contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The contract was awarded to support Carter's development of their next generation propeller and rotor. Design work for the new prop and rotor has been initiated. This next generation two bladed rotor is designed for higher-Mu flight. It will be 45 feet tip-to-tip with 50 sq. ft. of lifting surface and weigh approximately 300 lbs. Of that weight, 110 lbs is inertia weights located in 'leading edge triangular deltas' at the rotor tips. The rotor could produce 12,000-lbs of lift at MSL on a standard day. The ratio of the rotor's weight to an 8,000-lb helicopter would be .0375, which is only 1/2 to 1/3 the rotor weight of most helicopters. The inherent lightweight Carter rotor design permits using a safety factor that is higher than that normally found in helicopters. Carter's new, scimitar, 8-foot diameter propeller should be able to absorb 600 hp as a 2-bladed version and 1200 hp as a 4-bladed version. The highly swept blades will permit the use of higher tip speeds, higher coefficients of lift and thicker, more structurally efficient airfoils without getting into critical mach. This propeller can be optimized for better static and climb efficiencies without losing any noticeable cruise efficiency up through 300 mph.
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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has selected Connexion by Boeing as its provider of choice for high-speed Internet-based communications on board. The letter of intent agreement calls for the Connexion by BoeingSM mobile information service to be installed on 40 of SIA's long-haul jetliners with an undisclosed number of options for additional service installations. The announcement in Singapore precedes a definitive service agreement and establishes the framework for the power of in-flight broadband communications to be made available to SIA's customers in 2004. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
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Boeing announced the creation of a new Office of Internal Governance, reporting directly to Phil Condit, chairman and CEO. Boeing Senior Vice President Bonnie W. Soodik, currently president of Shared Services Group, will lead the new organization. In her new role Soodik will have responsibility for: Internal Audit, Ethics, Import-Export Compliance, Foreign Sales Consultants, and Sarbanes-Oxley governance requirements. “Today's action reflects the full agreement of our board and our senior management team that the commitment to these important areas must be set at the very top,” Condit said. “Creating this key office and putting Bonnie Soodik in charge sends an important message throughout the Boeing organization and to all those with whom we do business: that we will conduct ourselves according to the highest standards in every aspect of our business. Our action is the outcome of an internal analysis as well as external input regarding the most effective approach to the broad subject of internal governance.”
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Eurocopters factory at Donauwörth has delivered the first passenger door for the Airbus A380. The facility is design leader and exclusive supplier for all doors and freight doors ot the A380 passenger versions (A380-800, A380-800R und A380-900). Since 1997, about 60 engineers were working on the contract, and Eurocopter invested 100 million Euros in new production facilites. Series production will safeguard 150 to 180 jobs in Donauwörth. The A380 contract will run to 2020. Eurocopter is coordinating Latécoère (France) und Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) as its subcontractors in the deal. The new door is manly operated electromechanically and no longer manually.
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MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA) is delivering information to create products that measure land motion - within millimeters - using RADARSAT-1 data. The information is used to reveal areas prone to land slippage, flooding, subsidence, and volcano or earthquake activity. These products are being delivered to a customer in Italy. The process that makes such remarkable levels of accuracy possible is based on "Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar", or InSAR. RADARSAT-1 is the only commercial satellite that can collect data suitable for InSAR applications. Over 2,000 RADARSAT-1 images are being collected over Italy to create an InSAR database of the entire country. The final product can then be used to perform such diverse tasks as monitoring land subsidence in areas of oil extraction, or evaluating the smallest structural movement of buildings and bridges.
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BAE Systems and Boeing have signed a collaboration agreement for the design, development, supply, and support of air-to-air refuelling tanker aircraft based on the Boeing 767 aircraft platform, helping to secure significant numbers of high-value jobs and skills in the UK. The Memorandum of Understanding applies to the current UK programme for the future provision of replacement tanker aircraft, as well as existing programmes in the United States, Japan, and Italy. The MOU also applies to all future programmes globally and potential growth into other large platforms. Both BAE Systems and Boeing are part of TTSC, the Tanker Team. Mike Turner, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said, “The bid put forward by TTSC will deliver the best capability for the UK forces, in terms of interoperability and flexibility of usage in concert with the US, as well as securing jobs, skills, and work for many years to come.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) and Boeing announced the signing of a definitive service agreement that will bring real-time, high speed connectivity to the leading Asian carrier's passengers and airline operations. The agreement outlines the installation of the Connexion by Boeing mobile information service on JAL's long-haul fleet of 68 aircraft, including firm and optional. As the Asian launch customer for the Connexion by Boeing service, JAL will help pioneer in-flight connectivity in the region. Installations will begin in 2004, with passenger service expected to begin on routes originating from Japan to London. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. During the press conference in Tokyo announcing the completion of contract negotiations, Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson outlined the importance of the agreement and broadband connectivity to the Asian market, for the airline industry and for peripheral industries that stand to benefit from new technologies and an enhanced passenger and crew communication capability.
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EADS EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH) has provided the delivery of the 100th converted Airbus freighter aircraft. The conversion of the aircraft, an A310-300 (MSN 502), was performed for US-based lessor Intrepid Aviation Partners Group and will be operated on a wet-lease basis by Islandsflug. Islandsflug is already flying four A300-600Fs and one A310-300F for customers such as TNT, DHL or Air Hong Kong. The first conversion of an Airbus passenger aircraft into freighter configuration was completed in 1994. Since then and as of today, EADS has provided the delivery of 34 A300B4F, 44 A310-300F, 12 A310-300F and 10 A300-600F for 18 customers worldwide. EFW, headquartered in Dresden, Germany, is the center of competence for Airbus freighter conversions within EADS. EFW is also the responsible partner for the production of fiber-reinforced interior components for Airbus aircraft.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully conducted the first communication between the U.S. Air Force's Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance system and a manned airborne battle management platform. The company-funded event demonstrated a new architectural concept called the Advanced Information Architecture (AIA), which would allow Global Hawk imagery and other mission-critical data to be rapidly disseminated in theater among battle managers, ground troops and other tactical users. Northrop Grumman used the AIA concept to share imagery among Global Hawk, a test bed E-8C Air Force Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS), and several ground users equipped with tactical man-pack radios and laptop computers. The historic imagery exchange, which occurred Oct. 24 in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, advances the company's leadership in defining communications architectures that integrate the battle operations of manned and unmanned platforms. In July, the company demonstrated the ability of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a U.S. Navy RQ-8A Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical UAV and a U.S. Army Hunter tactical UAV, to communicate and safely operate in the same air space at the same time.
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Tthe Swedish government submitted its response to the Czech Republic's search for an interim solution to meet its air defence needs for the next 5-10 years. The Swedish Government has offered to provide the Czech Air Force with 14 newly-produced Gripen supersonic, multi-role fighters (12 single and 2 twin seat) together with a full support infrastructure for a price that is within the available budget over a 10 year period. There will be no additional charges over the loan period. This price includes all operational and maintenance costs and the optional finance package. The Czech Air Force will only need to supply fuel and manpower. The price will significantly reduce if the Czech government decides not to take up our optional finance proposal. Supporting this loan of highly capable, newly produced Gripens, will be a programme of offset and industrial co-operation provided by Gripen partners Saab and BAE Systems in line with the relevant Czech legislation to an amount of approximately 150% of the total contract value. Gripen International through its parent companies Saab and BAE Systems, has an excellent track record of delivering offset and industrial co-operation here in the Czech Republic and world-wide. The aircraft we are offering to the Czech Republic, directly from the Gripen production line in Sweden, will be among the most advanced and capable supersonic, NATO-interoperable, multi-role fighters in service worldwide.
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In ceremonies here with U.S. and Chinese government leaders, GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) signed a formal contract with the Chinese AVIC I Commercial Aircraft Co. Ltd. (ACAC) to supply GE engines for China's new regional jet aircraft. GEAE and Chinese officials have been working on the details of this long-term definitive agreement since late 2002, when ACAC selected GEAE's new CF34-10A engine to power China's ARJ21 regional jet, a new aircraft now under development and scheduled for flight-testing in 2006. ACAC and GEAE envision a potential market for 500 ARJ aircraft over the next 20 years. This represents a potential engine value to GEAE of approximately $3 billion.
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GE's CF34-10 engine flew for the first time, initiating an engine flight-test program that will continue through January 2004. This first flight, which lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes, focused on aeromechanical performance of the engine. “Our first flight represented a smooth start for the CF34-10 flight-test program, earned through more than 1500 hours of ground testing that involved seven development engines,” said Charles “Chip” Blankenship, general manager of the Small Commercial Engines Department of GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE). “The engine met, and in some cases exceeded, our expectations.” A total of 23 flights will be flown on GE's Boeing 747 flying test bed, with the CF34-10 mounted in the number 2 position (inboard under the left wing). The second flight, scheduled for this Friday, November 14, will be devoted to establishing the baseline performance of the engine. Subsequent flights will address such matters as stall mapping, component stability, controls performance during high-speed transients and air-starts, nacelle cooling, high-altitude takeoffs, and high angle-of-attack maneuvers to assess inlet compatibility.
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Enstrom Helicopter has announced the appointment of Jerry M. Mullins as president and CEO. Mr. Mullins joins Enstrom after leading Heli-Dyne Systems Inc. for the past 10 years, serving most recently as president and CEO. Mullins succeeds Peter Parsinen, who has guided Enstrom with distinction on an interim basis while a search for a long-term leader was conducted. Mr. Parsinen is the chief executive of TPG International, a sales and marketing firm specializing in helicopter products. He has agreed to provide executive consulting services to Enstrom well beyond an orderly transition period.
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Boeing updated 80 airline representatives and eight financial institutions about its super-efficient 7E7 Dreamliner passenger airplane, and gathered inputs that will support the program's work next year. The two-day meeting in Seattle provided Boeing the opportunity to listen to customer requirements, share concepts to standardize and simplify the airplane, and reveal the 7E7's state-of-the-art interior. The attendees represented more than 80 percent of the owners and operators in the 7E7's market segment. "By listening to the customers, we have been able to make real headway on an exciting new airplane – inside and out – that will be ideal for our airlines when it enters into service in 2008," said John Feren, vice president – Customers, 7E7 program. "It's amazing the time and energy our customers have given us to help us deliver the best value proposition. And they are responding very enthusiastically to what we are showing them." Leasing companies and financial institutions have a more active role in the 7E7's development than they have for prior Boeing airplanes.
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An open-architecture real-time operating system by BAE Systems has been selected for use on the fly-by-wire flight control system on Sikorsky S-92 medium-lift helicopter and its military derivative, the H-92 SUPERHAWK. The CsLEOS™ operating system will underpin the computer that governs the operation of the main and tail-rotor control surfaces on the helicopter. “The operating system that runs an aircraft flight control computer must be exceptionally robust,” said Milan Dedek, CsLEOS product manager for BAE Systems Aerospace Controls. “Our system was developed specifically for use on flight controls and other mission-critical aircraft systems and is ideally suited to this use. We are proud that CsLEOS has been chosen to demonstrate its capabilities on this high-profile program.”
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Agusta Aerospace Inc. of Italy awarded Unison Industries a contract for the design and development of two electrical wiring harnesses for Europe's new NH90 helicopters, Unison announced. Unison will develop the FADEC to Engine Harnesses at its headquarters in Jacksonville and manufacture follow-on production harnesses at its facility in Saltillo, Mexico. The deal, for an undisclosed amount, will not create jobs in Jacksonville, said Angela Milligan, marketing administrator.
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The Austrian Airlines Group continues to emphasise its Central and East European competence, in the cargo as well as passenger sector. From 10 November 2003, Austrian Cargo will provide a weekly Vienna-Kiev-Vienna all-cargo service in co-operation with Ukraine International Airlines (UIA). The new route will complement the existing cargo programme transported on daily passenger services. The new flights will be made on an Antonov 12 from UIA, which has a cargo hold capacity of around 20 tons or 80 cubic metres. The all-cargo service also allows rapid transportation by air of high-volume and bulky consignments, and uses an integrated loading crane for goods weighing up to 2,500 kilograms. This new service to Kiev completes the comprehensive cargo programme already operating between Vienna and Ukraine, with its direct flights to Dnepropetrovsk, Kharkov, Odessa and – during the summer period only – to Lviv. Connections to other Ukrainian destinations and to Tbilisi in Georgia can also be accessed via Kiev.
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SWISS's first Airbus A340-300 – registration HB-JMA – was officially named “Matterhorn” in Geneva. A good four months after its arrival, SWISS now has three of the nine A340-300s it has ordered in revenue service. The new aircraft makes long-haul travel a genuine delight, as is evidenced by the many positive comments that SWISS has received from its customers.
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In October 2003 Fraport AG recorded a 2.4 percent increase in both passenger and airfreight traffic at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - a noticeable increase compared to the same month last year. With almost 4.6 million passengers in the reporting month, Frankfurt Airport registered the best October in the airport's history and one of its strongest months since the traffic slump following 9/11. In particular, intercontinental traffic to the Middle East, Central and South Africa, as well as North America was characterized by high growth rates. Far East traffic, especially to India, also experienced growth in October 2003. China - the market with the highest traffic volume - also recovered from the impact of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The industry outlook is also optimistic: The travel sector is currently reporting a climb in bookings for the winter season and the Lufthansa Group reported increasing passenger figures for October 2003.
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The Brazilian Air Force received Gripen International's amended best and final offer, related to the F-X BR Project. The objective is to initially acquire 12 advanced fighter aircraft to replace their ageing Mirage III fleet. Gripen's updated offer to the Brazilian Air Force includes several enhancements to the Gripen fighter system. It also further improves our technology transfer, industrial cooperation and commercial terms. “The revised offer presented today further improves the very competitive offer presented last year. We believe that the Gripen proposal offers Brazil the most advanced fighter, the best technology transfer and a superior industrial cooperation. We are convinced that the Gripen offer is the most cost effective solution for Brazil,” says Gripen International's Director in Brazil, Erik Hjelm.
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In the first nine months of 2003, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide posted a 1.8 percent increase in Group revenues to EUR1,368.8 million. Group profits of EUR106.1 million exceeded the previous year's figure by 27.4 percent. Fraport AG's executive board chairman, Dr. Wilhelm Bender, said he was "very satisfied with what has been achieved in the first nine months of 2003". So far this year, Fraport AG's overall financial development has reached expectations, despite many negative external factors. The climb in revenues was mainly due to increasing demand for security services - including the 100-percent screening of hold baggage that has been in operation at airports throughout the European Union since January 2003. Because of the effects of the Iraq conflict, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and the stalled global economy, Fraport registered a drop in income from airport charges - which are dependent primarily on air traffic volumes. From January to September 2003, the Group's total passenger volume reached 53.3 million, 0.5 percent more than in the corresponding period last year. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - the most important airport of the Fraport Group - served 36.5 million passengers in the first three quarters of 2003, down 1.3 percent from the same period last year. Antalya Airport (AYT) recorded a 3.7 percent drop in passenger traffic during January to September 2003; a noticeable rejuvenation of passenger demand in the third quarter partly offset the loss resulting from the Iraq war. Due to its focus on the low-cost market the Group's Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) experienced substantial growth in passenger figures, which jumped by almost 72 percent.
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Four of the world's leading aerospace companies have combined forces with Boeing to form the Boeing Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) industry team. This is a crucial step toward making the 737 MMA the most cost-effective solution to the U.S. Navy's maritime patrol requirement. Boeing and partners CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Smiths Aerospace are focused on winning the MMA prime contractor selection in early 2004. “Boeing and the 737 MMA industry team are committed to providing the most affordable and effective multi-mission aircraft possible,” said Jack Zerr, MMA program manager for Boeing. “The team represents the best the aerospace industry has to offer in technical and managerial expertise. We hope that by working together to identify needed technologies and total system solutions that we can identify and reduce program risks and costs early enough to make a difference.”
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Markland Technologies, Inc., an integrated homeland security company, announced that within the last six months it has achieved significant results in its ongoing plasma research efforts which have been directed towards the potential use of gas plasma in the field of radar antennas. The company stated that these research findings have led to new patent applications, which would complement the existing patent portfolio that the company owns in this field of expertise. The research findings can be applied to create a whole new revolutionary concept for radar antennas. The company presently is working on multiple funded government research efforts, which are being conducted by its team of top plasma physicists.
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The first C-5 Galaxy to be retired from the Air Force inventory was delivered Nov. 11 to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Maintainers here prepared the Lackland AFB, Texas-based aircraft for long-term storage. The gigantic C-5 is an outsized cargo-transport that provides Air Mobility Command officials inter-theater airlift supporting U.S. national defense. It has the capability to carry fully equipped, combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice, officials said. Thirteen C-5s from across the Air Force are scheduled to go to the center. Travis will retire up to four aircraft by the end of 2004, reducing the total number of assigned C-5s to 33.
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Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge has announced his intention to retire as chairman of British Airways at the close of the company's next annual general meeting on July 20, 2004. He joined the company as chief executive in February, 1983, became chairman and chief executive in 1993 and then part-time chairman in 1996. Lord Marshall will be succeeded as chairman next July by Martin Broughton, 56, currently senior independent director. In preparation for this change, the board of British Airways has appointed him deputy chairman, with immediate effect. Martin Broughton, currently chairman of British American Tobacco, joined the airline's Board in 2000 and chairs its audit committee, as well as serving on the nominations, remuneration and safety review committees.
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The ISS Expedition 8 crew's day included work with International Space Station science experiments. Commander Michael Foale conducted a session of the Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System Fluid Dynamics Investigation in the Microgravity Science Glovebox. This study is growing 3D cells for research. Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri had a session with the Profilaktika investigation. This is a Russian experiment studying the changes during long-term space flight in human systems that control movement. In other activities, Foale replaced a canister on the Station's Resistive Exercise Device. Both crewmembers also monitored ISS systems and performed their daily exercise regimen
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