FLUG REVUE update: Week ending May 30, 2004

UPDATE
Week ending 30 May 2004

+++ Condor is making a comeback +++ Finmeccanica to buy AgustaWestland +++ Dassault launches the Falcon 900DX +++ Frankfurt airport expansion delayed +++ Bombardier Flexjet Europe launches the Transatlantic Express +++ Raytheon ASTOR completes its initial flight +++ News in brief +++

Condor is making a comeback
Thomas Cook macht Condor zum Billigcarrier

New Condor is back. Thomas Cook AG's airline is with immediate effect once again flying under the brand name Condor. Though the new Condor is carrying on where it left off in its more or less 50 years of successful flying, it has been given a completely different focus and new content for its relaunch. New Condor is the first and, so far, only German airline to offer budget prices on long-haul routes - for as little as 99 euros, passengers can fly with Condor to America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Its short- and medium-haul destinations can as from now on also be reached at lead-in prices as low as 29 euros.
In the competition with low fare airlines, the new offers put Condor ahead. "We need a new perspective," Ralf Teckentrup, board member at Thomas Cook AG and responsible for the Group's airlines, commented: "This is why we are concentrating increasingly on seat-only sales. We see high growth potential particularly in the budget price segment. The tour operator market we have focused on up until now has been in decline over the past two years. Condor must therefore work hard to achieve a significantly improved market share in the seat-only sales segment." To this end, new Condor is building on its old strengths such as its attractive route network, its presence at Germany's key airports, its high-quality product and its link to Lufthansa. New Condor is exploiting its strong position in the long-haul market and is the first airline in Germany to offer budget prices for flights to the Caribbean, America and Asia too. A long-distance flight can now be purchased for more or less half the price. New Condor is moreover able to offer budget prices nationwide from all major international airports in Germany. And thanks to its membership within Lufthansa Group, its integration into the leading German airlines' domestic feeder system is assured. "No other competitor can match this", Ralf Teckentrup said.
New Condor also differs from the other suppliers in the low-fare market: Its in-flight service continues to be included in the ticket price and on long-haul flights the separate "Comfort Class" is available offering more convenience, even better service and enhanced comfort upon payment of a surcharge. To get even more customers enthusiastic about the product, new Condor has considerably changed its market presence. It flies in the blue Thomas Cook livery to underline its status as a member of the group while, at the same time, signalling the fact that new Condor differs significantly from the old one. The price system with fares starting from 29 euros to all short- and medium-haul destinations and from 99 euros to all long-haul destinations is as easily understood as is booking via the Internet. Just a few clicks and a paperless ticket is secured - the newly designed Internet site makes booking easier than ever. "From the low-fare carriers," Ralf Teckentrup commented, "we have borrowed the pricing system and the easy accessibility via the Internet. From the scheduled carriers, we have our product quality. We are thus able to offer both - high quality at low prices and easy flying."

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Finmeccanica to buy AgustaWestland
Hubschrauberhersteller geht zu 100 Prozent an Finmeccanica

Finmeccanica announces that it has signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with GKN p.l.c. containing the main terms for the acquisition of the latter's 50% shareholding in AgustaWestland, the world's leading helicopter company, which was established in 2001 as a fifty-fifty joint venture. Under the terms of the HoA, Finmeccanica would acquire GKN's shareholding in AgustaWestland on the basis of a cash consideration of £1,001,5 million (approximately Euros 1,506 million) subsequent to obtaining all the normal regulatory clearances, as well as approval by GKN shareholders. Finmeccanica will furthermore acquire real estate assets currently owned by GKN and already utilised by the joint venture for a sum of £62 million (approximately Euros 93 million).
The agreed consideration presupposes the award by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the “Future Lynx” contract to re-equip the British Army and Royal Navy with a fleet of re-manufactured Lynx helicopters. In the event that the contract is not awarded the consideration will be adjusted downward by £35 million (approximately Euros 53 million). Finmeccanica and GKN expect to achieve completion of the transaction by year end. Finmeccanica intends to strengthen its industrial positioning by pursuing its growth strategy in the Aerospace & Defence sectors in line with its stated strategic objectives. Finmeccanica will acquire full control of a high quality asset which it already knows very well from both an operational and strategic standpoint. At the same time, Finmeccanica will directly increase its exposure to the US and UK defence budgets.

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Dassault launches the Falcon 900DX
Neuer Geschäftsreisejet von Dassault

On May 24, Dassault Aviation introduced the Falcon 900DX, a large cabin tri-jet that combines Falcon safety, technology and performance with fuel efficiency and value. The 900DX fills a niche between Falcon's 2000EX and 900EX models. The Falcon 900DX offers a unique combination of capabilities and exceptional features to our customers, while providing an unprecedented value in a business jet, said Charles Edelstenne Chairman of Dassault Aviation from the European Business Aviation Air Show (EBACE) here in Geneva. The aircraft comes standard equipped with the new, intuitive EASy flight deck, a wide-spacious cabin, and offers superior airport performance, excellent climb rates, high cruise speeds, and a 4,100 NM range-all while burning 40 percent less fuel than its nearest competitor. With fuel prices at an all-time high, the 900DX truly represents a business jet for today and the future.
John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon, explained how the Falcon 900DX's excellent thrust-to-weight ratio will enable customers to easily use smaller airports previously inaccessible to large-cabin aircraft. Airport performance has always been a strong suit for Falcons, said Rosanvallon. This new airplane beats even the Falcon 900EX, which is renowned for its incredible short-field performance. The Falcon 900DX comes standard with the new, highly intuitive EASy flight deck. Customers already flying the EASy flight deck have given the system high marks. The spacious cabin of the 900DX takes its cues from its sibling, the 900EX. At 7'8 wide, there's plenty of space for passengers to work or relax in pure comfort. The Falcon 900DX features the wide-body comfort of the long range Falcon 900EX EASy with a lower purchase price. Its operating costs are projected to be 5 % lower than the Falcon 900C it replaces. Certification and first deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled for December 2005.

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Frankfurt airport expansion delayed
Neue Landebahn in FRA nicht vor 2009

The schedule announced by the Hesse government regarding the duration of the state approval procedure for Frankfurt Airport's (FRA) expansion program provides, in the opinion of Fraport AG, “clarity in the progress of Hesse's largest investment project during the coming years.” A company spokesperson explained on Tuesday that inauguration of the new runway can be expected within about two years after the zoning procedure (Planfestellungsverfahren) on FRA's expansion ends. The time allowance set by the approval authorities increases planning and investment security. In the meantime, the airport's existing capacities can handle the expected growth in air traffic. The Fraport spokesperson explained that the company would continue working with all of its energy to achieve the realization of Frankfurt Airport's expansion. Thoroughness, exactness, and efforts to meet all legal requirements do not exclude a quick initiation and completion of the project.
In conclusion, the spokesperson emphasized – just before Fraport AG's Annual General Meeting for Shareholders on June 2 – complete optimism in the future. The air transport industry is on a growth path again – which is clearly benefiting Germany's central hub at Frankfurt and thus increasing its international competitiveness vis-à-vis other mega hubs. The growth trend will further accelerate, independent of the schedule for the Airport Expansion Program (AEP). More important than any possible time delay for the AEP, which has not been excluded in the past, is the clear political commitment to airport expansion and its necessity for Germany's economic prosperity.

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Bombardier Flexjet Europe launches the Transatlantic Express
Transatlantischer Geschäftsreiseservice

On May 25, Bombardier Aerospace launched the Bombardier Transatlantic Express, the world's first fixed-price business jet charter service between Western Europe and North America. The new service – which utilizes the high-speed, ultra long-range Bombardier Global Express business jet – will establish a new speed standard by connecting North America and Europe faster than any other civil aircraft since the Concorde. The Bombardier Transatlantic Express offers return trips between any city in Western Europe and the U.S. Eastern coast for a fixed price. The service is scheduled to begin operations in summer 2004 and will be operated through Bombardier Flexjet Europe, headquartered in London, U.K.
“Following the Concorde's retirement last year, we received an overwhelming demand to develop a superior solution to cross the Atlantic faster than today's scheduled services,” said Judith Moreton, managing director, Bombardier Flexjet Europe. “Our solution is the Bombardier Transatlantic Express which offers executive flights at a fixed cost, superior speed and unmatched flexibility. “Our solution is ideal because, unlike other transatlantic business jet travel programs where customers must purchase an aircraft share, this service is offered 'by the flight' and is available to anyone. This is a straightforward, simple program.”

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Raytheon ASTOR completes its initial flight
Erstflug des Raytheon ASTOR

Taking to the air for the first time since its modification from a Bombardier Global Express to a Sentinel R Mk 1, the first ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) aircraft flew on May 26 for 4.4 hours. The flight was made from the L-3 Integrated Systems facility in Greenville, Texas, where the modification and integration work has been carried out under Raytheon's direction. The crew reported that the aircraft performed well in all parameters of flight and its handling differed little from that of a standard Global Express. "The aircraft wanted to leap into the air," said Capt. Joe Wiser, an L-3 flight test veteran with 22 years experience. "All major systems performed optimally." Capt. Wiser said: "During four hours and 24 minutes of flight time, the aircraft reached 15,500 feet, its low altitude objective. Overall, modifications to the aircraft produced very little drag. The more than 300 hours of risk reduction efforts during the aerodynamic testing phase really paid off; the aircraft flew extremely well without vibration and handled predictably. Based on my experience with functional flight testing, this flight was remarkable."
The ASTOR system is expected to enter service in 2005, according to program director Barry Steiner. "The relationships with Raytheon, L-3, Bombardier, and the customer have been excellent," Steiner said. "This first flight is the result of a team adept at mitigating risk and pulling together to meet our in-service date next year."

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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN

Lufthansa has decided to raise its capital with release of new shares at a price of at least 9,85 Euro. At 76320000 new shares to be issued, this translates to a 750 Million Euro infusion. The move is managed by a consortium let by Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Morgan Stanley. “We will invest in the future of our network carrier model” said Lufthansa CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber. He especially mentioned the introduction of the new A380 which should give new power to intercontinental services.
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America West Holdings Corporation announced hat its wholly owned subsidiary, America West Airlines, Inc., has agreed on a term sheet to amend its 1999 Airbus purchase contract. The new agreement would call for the airline to acquire 22 Airbus A320 family aircraft (a mix of A320s and A319s), all powered by IAE V2500 engines from International Aero Engines. Of the 22 aircraft, 17 (10 A320s and seven A319s) would be purchased directly from the manufacturer and five would be leased from various lessors. America West plans to take delivery of the five leased aircraft in early 2005, and the remaining 17 aircraft would be purchased in late 2005 and 2006. The additional 22 aircraft would be used by the airline to meet its growth targets of 8 to 10 percent in 2005 and 2006. Fourteen of the 22 aircraft would be A320s configured with 12 first class and 138 main cabin seats; the eight remaining aircraft would be A319s configured with 12 first class and 112 main cabin seats. America West has flown the A320 since 1991 and introduced the A319 in 1998. America West currently operates a fleet of 139 aircraft, including 50 A320 and 32 A319 aircraft.
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Northrop Grumman Corporation received a $1.386 billion construction preparation contract for work on the new generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, CVN 21. The company's Newport News sector is the prime contractor for the award. Work performed under this contract includes the continued design of the ship's propulsion plant and increased design efforts of the ship to meet the requirements of increased sortie rates, manning reductions and weight reductions. Long lead-time materials, such as propulsion machinery, will also be purchased under this contract, and advanced construction will begin for select units. The contract also provides for continued research and development efforts with key suppliers. Innovations for CVN 21 include an enhanced flight deck, improved weapons movement, a redesigned island, a new nuclear power plant, allowance for future technologies and reduced manning. Construction is expected to begin in 2007 with delivery to the Navy in 2014.
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The first tests of a Raytheon Company Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) against a surface target resulted in two direct hits in operations at the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Test Range in California May 5. The upgraded RAMs were equipped with a new software package for engaging helicopter, air and surface (HAS) targets. The missiles were flown against a coastal patrol interdiction craft. In two separate firings, a RAM, equipped with a telemetry package in lieu of a warhead, was fired at the target craft. In each instance, the RAM acquired the target and adjusted aimpoint for maximum lethality. "This success demonstrates an important new RAM capability, to engage the hostile surface threat in the littoral environment. In this flight test, RAM missiles detected, tracked and engaged a surface target in a complex background," said Capt. Albert Lang, the U.S. Navy's RAM program manager.
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NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe applauded a Congressional Conference Agreement that supported the President's Vision for Space Exploration. The Conference Agreement for General Science, Space and Technology announced support for the Vision and committed to providing sufficient funding during fiscal year 2005 to initiate it. Administrator O'Keefe said, "I am extremely pleased by the achievement last week of a House/Senate Conference Agreement on the FY 2005 Budget Resolution. It provides a total of $23.9 billion in budget authority for Function 250, General Science, Technology and Space, and the adoption by the House of Representatives, on May 19, of the Conference Report. "The funding level for Function 250 will accommodate the President's FY 2005 budget request for NASA and funding of the Vision for Space Exploration in forthcoming action by the Committees on Appropriations. “House and Senate managers for the Budget Resolution recognized the criticality of funding for NASA in the Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee of Conference: 'The conferees support the President's Vision for Space Exploration and believe the fiscal year 2005 funding for Function 250 should provide sufficient funding to initiate the process. Additionally, the bulk of the requested increase for fiscal year 2005 is for Return to Flight of the Space Shuttle and continued assembly and operations for the International Space Station. The conferees hope that these two must-fund requirements will be taken into account during the consideration of the NASA appropriation.'
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American Eurocopter is proud to be a part of one of the finest and largest Sheriff Departments in the USA. The final four helicopters of the 12 ordered are complete and have been delivered on Friday, May 21, 2004. This will complete the fleet for the Sheriff's Department of the new AS350B2. Captain Jim Di Giovanna was at the American Eurocopter plant in Grand Prairie to take delivery on the final two helicopters. The Sheriff's Department replaced their previous fleet of McDonald Douglas with the Eurocopter AS350B2 to keep up with the growing needs of their department.
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ESA's comet-chaser Rosetta, whose 10-year journey to its final target Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko started on 2 March, is well on its way. The first phase of commissioning is close to completion and Rosetta has successfully performed its first scientific activity - observation of Comet Linear. The commissioning activities, which started a couple of days after launch, included the individual activation of all instruments on board the Rosetta orbiter and the Philae lander. This first check-out worked flawlessly and showed that the spacecraft and all instruments are functioning well and in excellent shape. The commissioning tests also paved the way for Rosetta's first scientific activity: observation of Comet C/2002 T7 (LINEAR), which is currently travelling for the first and only time through the inner Solar System and offered Rosetta an excellent opportunity to make its first scientific observation. On 30 April, the OSIRIS camera system, which was scheduled for commissioning on that date, took images of this unique cometary visitor. Later that day, three more instruments on board Rosetta (ALICE, MIRO and VIRTIS) were activated in parallel to take measurements of the comet. Although the parallel activation of the instruments was not planned until later in the year, the Rosetta team felt confident that this could be done without any risk because of the satisfactory progress of the overall testing.
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Lockheed Martin began manufacturing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile at its Pike County Operations facility in Troy, AL. The facility will perform final integration, assembly and testing of the THAAD missile, which is an integral part of the THAAD weapon system and the United States' network of layered defenses against ballistic missile attack. THAAD is designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to medium-range ballistic missiles. THAAD comprises a command and control/battle management system, missiles, launchers and radar. The THAAD missile uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes. A key element of the nation's Ballistic Missile Defense System, THAAD is a Missile Defense Agency program, with the program office located in Huntsville, AL.
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Boeing has selected Toray Industries, Inc., to provide TORAYCA prepreg composites for use in the primary structural areas of the all-new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner. "Composites offer us a variety of advantages including better durability, reduced maintenance requirements and increased potential for future developments," said Mike Bair, senior vice president -- 7E7 Program. "Toray's composites will make the 7E7 light, strong, and extremely reliable." The composite prepreg material, a combination of high-strength carbon fiber and toughened epoxy resin, has proven performance on 777 structural applications such as the empennage and floor beams. The composites will be used in major sections of the 7E7, including the wing and fuselage. Toray will supply the composites material from its facility in Tacoma, Wash.
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For the first time, Pratt & Whitney's (P&W) Short Take-Off & Vertical Landing (STOVL) Propulsion System for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has demonstrated 39,700 pounds of thrust, the level required for the unique combat aircraft to hover. At the same time, weight reduction initiatives have brought the F135 engine system below its contracted target weight. This demonstration confirms pre-test predictions established for the F135 propulsion system and provides strong evidence that the production configuration of the F135 will achieve specification requirements for hover thrust. With completion of this demonstration, the F135 Team has accomplished another significant milestone on the path to qualifying the F135 engine. The latest review of the F135 STOVL System revealed that the achieved-to-date (ATD) weight is below the contracted weight target value. An on-going weight management plan will result in a STOVL weight at 3% to 6% below the contracted target. The weight achievements are critical for F-35 performance. The F135 STOVL team continues to investigate additional weight reduction and performance enhancement opportunities with Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office.
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ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) and Air Tahiti announced today an order for five –500 series ATR aircraft. This contract, which involves one ATR 42-500 and four ATR 72-500s (+ 2 options), will allow the French Polynesian Airline to renew and increase its existing fleet in order to extend its inter-island network. Air Tahiti, a long-standing ATR operator (since 1986), currently operates 9 newgeneration ATR aircraft. The 5 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between November 2004 and December 2008.
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Boeing is proceeding with the second round of wind tunnel tests for its all-new 7E7 Dreamliner at four locations around the world as it works toward finalizing the passenger airplane's configuration early next year. In addition to its own high-speed facility in Seattle, Boeing is using the QinetiQ low-speed wind tunnel in Farnborough, England; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames facility in Mountain View, Calif.; and the University of Washington low-speed wind tunnel, also in Seattle. "No one in the world does advanced aerodynamics as well as Boeing, said Chief Project Engineer Tom Cogan. "It is a core competency that allows us to create the airplanes that our customers want. Boeing has refined its computational fluid dynamics methods since designing its 777 airplane during the early 1990s, allowing designers to optimize an aircraft's shape to achieve the highest efficiency. In the past, Boeing has taken as many as 60 wing designs into wind tunnels for testing. For the 7E7, it will take fewer than a dozen.
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On May 24, Cirrus Aviation of Germany ordered its second Bombardier Learjet 40 light business jet at the EBACE aviation conference.
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On May 25, a Russian Progress robotic resupply ship launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to deliver cargo to the residents of the International Space Station (ISS). As the Station flew over Africa, the 14th Progress spacecraft to travel to the ISS lifted off its Central Asian launch pad right on time at 8:34 a.m. EDT. Less than 10 minutes later, craft reached orbit, deployed its solar arrays and navigational antennas. Its computers are loaded with preprogrammed commands for engine firings and rendezvous maneuvers for an automated linkup to the rear port of the Station's Zvezda Service Module on Thursday at 10:55 a.m. EDT. Moments after liftoff, flight controllers in Houston notified the ISS crew, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka and NASA Science Officer and Flight Engineer Mike Fincke, of the successful Progress launch. The launch of the new resupply vehicle occurred a little over 24 hours after an identical Progress ship departed the Station. That Progress undocked yesterday from Zvezda at 5:19 a.m. EDT. It was sent into a temporary "parking" orbit well away from the Station. Over the next 10 days, Russian engineers will gather data from its motion control system to determine whether microgravity experiments can be conducted in such a craft. The Progress, the 13th to visit Station, will be deorbited on June 3.
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Adam Aircraft is pleased to announce that a pioneering air taxi company led by aviation industry legends Donald Burr and Robert Crandall, has placed a 75 aircraft order for the A700 AdamJet. The company, yet to be named, is creating a new class of on-demand, point-to-point air transportation bringing the benefits of private jet travel to a much broader group of frequent travelers. Both Adam Aircraft and the new venture will be first to market in this closely-followed aviation segment, with FAA certification and first delivery of the A700 in the first quarter of 2005. As seasoned veterans of the airline industry, Burr and Crandall understand the importance of selecting the right equipment for their short-haul, private jet transportation business. "We have followed Adam Aircraft for a number of years, and we are convinced the A700 is the best aircraft for our mission," said Donald Burr CEO of the new air taxi service.
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Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Commercial Financial Services business to GE Commercial Finance, the business-to-business financial services unit of General Electric. The transaction includes approximately $2 billion in assets. Under the terms of the agreement, BCC will receive a premium above net asset value at closing for the sale of the business. The all-cash transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2004. “We are extremely pleased with the agreement that we have reached with GE Commercial Finance. This further advances our strategic priority to support the sale of Boeing products and services by arranging, structuring or providing financing. While the commercial finance business has been a solid contributor to our success, we believe it will be better positioned for growth within the GE Commercial Finance portfolio,” said BCC President Walt Skowronski.
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On May 23, a Boeing Business Jet completed the first North Atlantic flight by a business jet equipped with the Future Air Navigation System (FANS), a system that streamlines communication between airplane crews and air-traffic controllers. Until now used only on commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and 777, FANS automatically provides controllers with real-time airplane position reports and clearance requests for in-flight changes. The crew receives the response via nearly instantaneous text messages displayed on flight-deck computer screens. Using Oceanic Air Traffic Control satellites and VHF radio data link networks, FANS reduces conversations between a flight crew and controllers, and therefore the use of congested radio frequencies.
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Northrop Grumman has begun rooftop integration range-testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's fire control radar, which features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) that enables near-simultaneous performance of multiple radar functions. The AN/APG-81 AESA radar, which the company has developed under contract with Lockheed Martin, represents a significant advance in capability. Because the radar's beam is moved electronically, it can find targets much more quickly than older radars that move the antenna mechanically. The lack of moving parts greatly improves reliability as well. "This milestone of rooftop radar testing represents a critical step forward in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program," said Air Force Major General Jack Hudson, the F-35 joint program director, who participated in a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new rooftop lab at the company's Electronic Systems sector facility. "Northrop Grumman has performed like a true team player in executing the development of the radar and other avionics in concert with Lockheed Martin."
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An array of advanced and highly accurate manufacturing machines that will produce major subassemblies for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are in the final stages of assembly and testing on the factory floor at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. “These are the most advanced machines ever applied to fighter aircraft assembly,” said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 JSF program. “Their efficiency and accuracy will help the F-35 achieve its goals of affordability, quality and manufacturing speed.” Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant will be the final assembly point for the F-35, a stealthy, supersonic multirole fighter designed to replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft. Production of the center fuselage began on May 18 at Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, Calif. Lockheed Martin will start production of the forward fuselage and wings at Fort Worth later this summer, and BAE Systems will begin building the aft fuselage and tails at Samlesbury, England, shortly thereafter. The three major subassemblies will be joined at Fort Worth beginning next year. First flight is planned for 2006.
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The Eurofighter Typhoon has so many problems with its on-board systems that it should only be flown aggressively, or in foul weather, by two pilots, the Evening Standard newspaper in London reported, quoting a leaked UK defence ministry report. Qinetiq test pilots had been assessing the new fighter for eight months and found that a computer system to alert the pilot when the aircraft is going too slow is inadequate; that the cockpit displays "frequently fail in flight", and therefore; ant that "corruption" of the flight control computer system means that it could suddenly switch from "in-flight" mode to "ground" mode in mid-air, leading to "immediately catastrophic" results. Despite these findings in an April 30 report, the London newspaper said, assistant chief of air staff Air Vice Marshall David Walker has approved the Eurofighter's release to service on May 13.
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ATK (Alliant Techsystems) is currently conducting System Design and Development captive carry flight tests of its AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. The flight tests follow the Advanced Technology Demonstration in which a series of AARGM launches successfully acquired, guided to and hit a variety of targets in increasingly complex operational scenarios. The current captive carry tests will help collect and calibrate sensor data for AARGM's advanced multi-mode seeker. AARGM, the successor to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), is a Navy major acquisition program managed by PMA-242 Defense Suppression Systems program office and employs a multi-sensor guidance system. AARGM's multi-sensor system, includes a Millimeter Wave (MMW) transceiver, advanced digital Anti-Radiation Homing (ARH) receiver and a tightly coupled GPS/INS, and is capable of selectively engaging a variety of time sensitive strike targets in addition to enemy air defense targets even after radar emissions are shut down.
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Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) congratulated the Pentagon for announcing a six-month deferment on a Boeing Company contract for refueling tankers in order to consider other options. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made the final call to delay Boeing's plan to lease and then sell 100 refueling tankers to the Air Force for $23.5 billion. CAGW was one of the deal's earliest and harshest critics, calling it budget-busting and scandalous even before controversy erupted following Boeing's admission that it illegally hired the former Air Force official who negotiated the deal. “Secretary Rumsfeld has cleared the way for less-expensive options that might finally drive a needle through the heart of this insider deal,” CAGW President Tom Schatz said. “CAGW has said for three years that leasing the planes was more expensive than upgrading existing planes or buying the planes outright. Now that numerous investigations and studies have confirmed our position, it's time for the lease plan to meet its demise so that taxpayers can chalk up a victory.” The Pentagon's announcement comes on the heels of a report by the Defense Science Board (DSB), a Pentagon advisory panel, that concluded the aging of the current fleet is manageable, and other options should be examined before it needs to be replaced. The report states that at its current rate of use, the fleet is capable of flying until 2040. The DSB report is one of three due out this month concerning the tanker lease deal.
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Kenya Airways received its first Boeing 777-200ER (Extended Range) earlier this week during a celebration that included the airplane and two Kenya Air Force fighter jets dazzling onlookers while flying over Nairobi. The airplane is the first 777 regularly operating in sub-Saharan Africa and the first airplane in the region powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines. During the fly-over, observers enjoyed a close look at Kenya Airways' new flagship airplane when the flight crew circled the 777-200ER around the city at an altitude of 1,000 feet (305 meters).
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Patria has delivered the first wing spoiler set for the Airbus A380 airliner, to the A380 assembly line in Toulouse, France. “This is a major milestone in our composite manufacturing, we have now proven our ability to successfully run a project of this size”, says Mr. Seppo Seppälä, Executive Vice President of Patria Advanced Solutions. Patria's Aerostructures Business Unit is responsible for the design, testing and manufacture of the wing spoilers and has been actively involved in the A380 program since as early as 1997. Spoiler manufacturing employs about 80 employees in Finland, in addition to 160 man-years of design. In this program Patria acts as a risk-sharing industrial partner to Airbus. Value of the project is about 425 MEUR over 20 years' period. There are 16 spoilers per A380 aircraft.
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SkyTeam announced that the alliance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aeroflot. The MOU is a preliminary step in the new member process and outlines Aeroflot's intentions to undertake exclusive discussions to become a part of SkyTeam, pending fulfillment of the alliance's joining requirements. The signing ceremony, which took place at the Kremlin, was attended by Valery Okulov, president of Aeroflot, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, chairman and CEO of Air France KLM, who served as a representative of SkyTeam, Leo Van Wijk, president and CEO of KLM and representatives of SkyTeam member airlines. "The addition of Aeroflot to the SkyTeam alliance will provide our passengers with access to new destinations in Russia and beyond, while creating new efficiencies and synergies for member airlines," said Mr. Spinetta. "SkyTeam strategically aligns itself with partners that further support our ultimate objective of providing customers the highest levels of choice and convenience." Earlier this year, the SkyTeam Governing Board welcomed the airline's bid for alliance membership. The MOU signed today lays the groundwork for Aeroflot to officially join the alliance; an event to occur once the carrier fulfills SkyTeam's requirements for quality standards, most likely to occur in 2005.
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Raytheon has delivered to the U.S. Navy the first production model of the next-generation Tactical Tomahawk (Tomahawk Block IV) cruise missile at the company's Missile Systems operations. The concept for Block IV arose from a challenge by the Pentagon to implement the U.S. Navy's vision of a low-cost "Tactical" Tomahawk system that would provide affordable, responsive fire power, affordable follow-on production, and significantly reduce life cycle cost. Tactical Tomahawk will be the centerpiece of the Navy's new Tomahawk Baseline IV Weapons System. The system integrates the Tactical Tomahawk missile with improved mission planning and platform weapons control capabilities. This latest version of the Navy's surface- and submarine-launched precision strike standoff weapon incorporates innovative technologiesto provide unprecedented operational capabilities while dramatically reducingacquisition, life cycle and ownership costs.
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Russia started delivering a total of fourteen MiG-29 aircraft engines updated in the Moscow manufacturer for the Hungarian Defence Forces. The Hungarian experts received the first five engines at the 'Dezsõ Szentgyörgyi' Base Airfield in Kecskemét on 13th May. According to the contract terms, the further nine engines are to arrive in Hungary shortly. As it is known, more than ten years ago, the Hungarian Republic procured 28 MiG-29 tactical fighter planes and seven reserve engines in return for the Russian national debt. The service time for the majority of the engines calculated in calendar days and flight hours has already expired, thus their industrial update could not be postponed.
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As a result of the negotiations carried out between TAI and the leading helicopter manufacturer Agusta, an AgustaWestland company, an agreement, regarding the production of the newly developed AB139 helicopter's fuselage at TAI facilities was signed by TAI's General Manager Mr. Oktay Tezsezen and Agusta's Vice President Materiel Mr. Aldo Gianni on 19 March 2004. This agreement will enhance the frame of the industrial collaboration between Italian and Turkish aerospace industry. The AB139 is a new generation medium twin helicopter developed with the latest technology in order to replace AB412 helicopters. Within the framework of the program, in which TAI will be the second source, a total of 250 fuselages will be produced at TAI facilities.
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Boeing and Japan Transocean Air (JTA) have entered into an agreement that will significantly reduce JTA's operating costs by having Boeing manage much of the airline's spare-parts supply chain. Under the arrangement, known as Integrated Materials Management (IMM), Boeing will be responsible for the purchasing, inventory management and logistics of JTA's expendable aircraft parts. Examples of expendable parts include bushings, clamps, brackets, retainers, hoses, seals, and couplings. "Through IMM, Japan Transocean Air will avoid the cost of holding inventory, eliminate the problem of spare-parts obsolescence, and improve its overall materials management productivity," said Mark Owen, Boeing vice president of Spares. "Parts suppliers also benefit from the improved and more timely information that IMM provides. This feature helps suppliers reduce the cost of managing their supply chain."
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The American credit rating company Moody's Investor's Service has downgraded the SAS credit rating from Ba3 to B1 for the company's "Senior Implied Rating," corresponding to a one-step downgrade of the rating. Moody's has also changed the outlook rating from "Negative" to "Stable." The background to the change in prospects to "Stable" is that Moody's assesses that the SAS "Turnaround 2005" program is progressing as planned and is generating the promised results. Moody's also recognizes the strong support provided to SAS by the trade unions to implement the necessary changes in collective labor agreements. The credit rating company is also positive about SAS's limited future capital requirements and the company's current program for freeing up capital. Finally, Moody's assesses that the strong engagement of SAS Group Management in the process of change is positive.
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Air Baltic, a subsidiary of SAS, is expanding flights between Germany and the baltic states. From 1 June, direct flights are offered to Vilnius, from Hamburg, Berlin and Cologne. From 15 August, flights from Cologne to Riga will be offered. Air Baltic will use Avro RJ 70s and price it stickets from 49 Euros one-way.
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Lufthansa is consistently continuing its consolidation strategy at LSG Sky Chefs. Negotiations on the sale of LSG's US subsidiary Chef Solutions have been concluded as a further step in the implementation of plans announced by Lufthansa's Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber to focus business at LSG on airline catering. LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG (LSG Holding) is selling Chef Solutions to funds managed by the American financial investor Questor. The transaction was approved today by the LSG Holding Executive Board. The Lufthansa Executive Board is pressing firmly ahead with the rehabilitation of unprofitable Group businesses. Divestment of Chef Solutions shows that those plans are being determinedly implemented in order to reinstate LSG's core airline catering business on a profitable footing. The Convenient Meal Solutions business segment, operating under the "Chef Solutions" brand in the USA since 2000, produces pre-prepared convenience food for the retail and food service industry. Chef Solutions operates 14 facilities in North America and employs a workforce of 2,600 staff. In 2003, it generated about 17 per cent of the LSG Group's total revenues of 2.7 billion euros.
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Lufthansa Bombardier Aviation Services GmbH (LBAS) has just completed its first major refurbishment of a Bombardier Global Express. The three-year-old airplane went under a comprehensive, 9,000 man-hours, program including refurbishment, modifications and airframe related work at the LBAS facilities at Berlin-Schönefeld airport before it has been delivered to an undisclosed, private customer. The majority of the interior work has been accomplished in cooperation with the Lufthansa Technik Completion Center in Hamburg. Among other things the airframe work consisted of scheduled inspections tasks, dis-crepancy rectifications and the implementation of various service bulletins like a Build 4 upgrade of the electrical systems wherefore wiring changes throughout the whole cabin and software updates have been necessary. A minor package of modi-fications concentrated on the activation of a Live TV-, an outside camera- and a sat-com-system while the cabin management system was completely upgraded.
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Cessna's Citation CJ3 is targeted to be Cessna's first airplane certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Citation CJ3 program has completed well over half of the required FAA certification conditions, and logged over 900 flight hours in 540 flights. As certification and first deliveries approach, Cessna continues to roll-out airplanes from the fully operational Citation CJ3 production line. Currently, Citation CJ3 serial numbers 003 through 012 are in various stages of assembly and completion. Cessna's first production CJ3, serial number 003, rolled off of the main production line on February 13, and is currently in Cessna's completion facility.
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Cessna's all new Citation Sovereign made its international debut at the 2004 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, May 25-27, 2004. Citation Sovereign serial number 680-0003 will arrive at Geneva International Airport on May 24, and will be on static display throughout EBACE. “The Sovereign is the first clean-sheet airplane to enter general aviation's traditional-midsize market in the past 20-years,” notes Roger Whyte, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We focused on this market because our customers indicated they needed an airplane with the best combination of size, range, and price. The Sovereign meets or exceeds all of their requirements. “The Sovereign is ideally suited to European operators' needs. Its impressive 3,040 nm range allows it to complete missions from Geneva to anywhere in Europe, Northern Africa, or Middle East with ease. We anticipate the Sovereign will be very popular in Europe because of its range, short field performance, and cabin comfort,” concludes Whyte.
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The new Terminal E at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport where four people were killed in a roof collapse at the weekend was cleared of firefighters and security staff because of fears it would further disintegrate. Fresh cracking noises were heard similar to the ones that preceded Sunday's disaster on a 30-metre section of the recently-opened terminal. "Given the situation, it was judged best to evacuate everyone," an official said. As a technical investigation began into the causes of the accident, France's airport chief warned that the entire building -- built at a cost of 750 million euros (900 million dollars) -- could be demolished if a design fault is shown to have been the origin. "We will take no risk when it comes to safety," Pierre Graff, president of Aeroports de Paris (ADP), told Le Parisien newspaper. When it was opened in June 2003, Terminal 2E was described as an architectural gem, and was a key part of plans to turn Charles de Gaulle into Europe's prime air hub.
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