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+++ Shuttle Discovery rolls out +++ Lufthansa and Aegean Airlines cooperate +++ MTU reports first results from Clean testing +++ Lufthansa Technik Group achieves good result in 2004 +++ News in brief +++
Shuttle Discovery rolls out
Space Shuttle macht Fortschritte
NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery is one important step closer to launch. Discovery was rolled from its hangar early on Mach 29 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Discovery will be attached to its propulsion elements, a redesigned External Tank (ET) and twin Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. "This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Space Shuttle Program," said Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle Program Manager. "This effort has taken a talented team dedicated to meticulously preparing the vehicle and implementing all the modifications for a safe Return to Flight," he added. Discovery's launch window is from May 15 to June 3. Its mission, designated STS-114, will take Commander Eileen Collins and six crew members to the International Space Station. The mission is the first of two test flights to check out new inspection and repair techniques, as well as to deliver supplies to the Station. It is the first Shuttle mission since the Columbia accident in February 2003.
Discovery's journey began as it was moved from its hangar to the VAB. In the VAB, a lifting sling was attached to the orbiter in preparation for attachment to the ET and twin SRBs. Work on Discovery in the VAB includes installation of a new digital camera, testing electrical and mechanical attachments between the orbiter and ET and umbilical checks. While in the Orbiter Processing Facility, Discovery underwent 41 modifications in response to the Columbia accident and the recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. They included addition of the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System; equipping the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System (heat shield) while in space; sensors in the leading edge of the Shuttle's wings, a new safety measure that monitors the orbiter's wings for debris impacts; and a new digital camera to view the ET during launch.
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Lufthansa and Aegean Airlines cooperate
Neue Kooperation für Lufthansa
On 30 March, Aegean Airlines and Lufthansa unveiled plans for strategic cooperation between the two airlines in Athens. The new partnership commences officially with the start of the 2005/06 winter timetable on 30 October 2005. The two carriers will then begin codesharing in their route networks. "Lufthansa, one of the world's leading airlines, has done us proud by recognising us as a strong regional partner," said Aegean Airlines President and CEO Theodoros Vassilakis. "We are delighted at becoming Lufthansa's partner in Greece, as we are with the opportunity of offering our passengers connections into Lufthansa's global route network," he added. Lufthansa and Aegean will codeshare on all their flights between Germany and Greece. Selected domestic flights within Greece and several flights ex Germany will also be offered in the codeshare mode. Details of these services, which are currently being finalised, will be released later. Cooperation is not confined to coordination of flight schedules. The two partners also plan to harmonise their passenger and baggage check-in procedures and allow mutual lounge access. Passengers will additionally be able to earn and redeem mile credits on flights operated by either airline.
Aegean Airlines is Greece's most dynamic airline with growth rates of more than 20 per cent over the past five years. It is the first Greek carrier to offer electronic tickets. Ast year, it was voted the best regional airline 2004/2005 by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA). The Greek carrier operates a fleet of 19 aircraft of the Avro RJ100 and Boeing 737 type, and serves 18 destinations in Greece, Cyprus, Germany and Italy.
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MTU reports first results from Clean testing
Clean tests meet targets
The Clean technology demonstrator has surpassed MTU's expectations: at Stuttgart University's altitude test facility, MTU's components met and in part bested all objectives. The low-pressure turbine's efficiency came in more than one percentage point better than anticipated, reported MTU Aero Engines. The company has since presented the findings of its initial evaluation of the test data for its components. The two Clean key components--the high-speed low-pressure turbine and the heat exchanger-came from MTU, as did the turbine center frame. The testing also involved novel materials and design variants. "We demonstrated that our high-speed low-pressure turbine was technologically fully mature," concluded Dr. Günter Wilfert, who oversees the Clean project at MTU. The recuperator, too, ran as scheduled, complying with specifications. To minimize pressure losses on the hot gas side, plans are now to introduce design improvements MTU hopes to explore under future research programs. Also MTU's third component on the Clean project, the turbine center frame, proceeded through the test without a hitch, underscoring the design's functional integrity. Passing the tests also were an advanced honeycomb seal material, various design variants and alternative brush seal materials. Under the aegis of Airbus Industrie, the Stuttgart tests also included studies to show whether the engine improvements actually yielded the hoped-for savings on the aircraft as a whole. The studies concluded that a recuperated engine indeed achieved the targeted fuel savings and complied with advanced NOx emission standards.
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Lufthansa Technik Group achieves good result in 2004
Wieder Wachstum im Wartungsmarkt
In 2004 the Lufthansa Technik Group, one of the world's leading providers of aircraft MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services, grew stronger than the market itself and substantially improved its earnings. Its 2004 annual report, covering Lufthansa Technik AG itself plus the eighteen consolidated companies comprising the group, indicates income from operations of 227 million euros. "With the airlines benefiting from a rising number of passengers, yet still under increasing price and cost pressures, Lufthansa Technik was again very successful in its tenth year as an independent company, further strengthening its market position," said August Wilhelm Henningsen, chairman of the Lufthansa Technik AG executive board, on 31 March in Hamburg. He cited as reasons the company's modern innovative line of products, its internationally successful alliances, and its effective cost-management programs. Since 2002 the latter have improved its cash flow by 130 million euros.
While in 2004 the demand for MRO services again picked up for the first time since 11 September 2001, resulting in a market growth of 5.3 percent, Lufthansa Technik's sales revenue increased by an aggregate 7.3 percent. Its sales to customers within the Lufthansa Group were up by 7.5 percent. Those to customers outside the Lufthansa Group rose by 7.2 percent, accounting for 56 percent of the total, as in 2003. Worldwide the number of the Lufthansa Technik Group's customers increased by 12 percent in 2004, reaching a total of 514. In that year alone, 255 new contracts were signed, representing 330 million euros in sales. "With our new and innovative products we are often pioneers in the marketplace, and we have learned how to react quickly and flexibly to changes in demand," Henningsen stated. Lufthansa Technik's market success has been due in part to shortened aircraft downtimes, to special services designed for aircraft-leasing companies for instance, and to full-service packages for low-cost and startup airlines.
For 2005 the Lufthansa Technik Group expects to achieve further growth, especially in its sales to customers outside the Lufthansa Group. "Still, I am assuming that, even if we do fully implement all our earnings-improving projects this year, the very good results that we attained in 2004 will be hard to match," Henningsen concluded.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
The next ten years will see continued growth in purchases of new fighter aircraft. Outside North America and Western Europe, this will especially be the case in Asia where up to US$ 7 billion may be spent on new fighter programs. In Eastern Europe and Latin America, several countries will be making important strategic decisions about the future of their air defence capability in the near future. It is therefore essential that the companies involved are aware of these opportunities in order to offer the best possible conditions to potential buyers. India expects to experience sustained economic growth in the next decade and wants to ensure that no threats to the subcontinents security will endanger this growth. In line with that, there will be large-scale purchases in order to boost capability and replace old equipment. Approximately US$ 3 billion have already been spent on 140 new Su-30s that will be delivered between 2007 and 2017. "Up to 130 medium sized fighter aircraft are also needed, and a notable shift was made when it was announced that F-16 is considered as a strong contender. Also, more new training, special mission aircraft and helicopters are needed for all three services. All these purchases will be followed by additional related contracts for MRO and Training and Simulation worth hundreds of millions of dollars," reports Marko Lukovic, Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan.
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The U.S. Marines Corps has approved Goodrich's Integrated Mechanical Diagnostics Health and Usage Management System (IMD-HUMS) for Full-Rate Production on board CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters. Goodrich (NYSE: GR) has received contracts to deliver and support the installation of 28 IMD-HUMS kits in 2005 and 2006. Currently the Marines have a total fleet of 147 CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters. According to Kip Freeman, Director of Business Development for Goodrich's Fuel & Utility Systems division, "This contract is a direct result of a successful operational evaluation completed in October 2004. The Marines recognize that IMD-HUMS can increase operational availability, improve flight safety, simplify maintenance, and reduce operating costs for their Super Stallion fleet."
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Boeing and Emirates officials, led by the airline's Chairman H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Alan Mulally, celebrated delivery of the airline's first two Boeing 777-300ER airplanes. The Dubai-based airline will receive 10 777-300ERs this year, with four coming from International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) and six from General Electric Commercial Aviation Service (GECAS). The airline currently operates 21 Boeing 777s and plans to increase its fleet through lease and direct purchases to 51 by late 2007, making it one of the world's largest 777 operators.
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The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a full-rate production (FRP) contract for the Combat Survivor Evader Locater (CSEL) communications system. The initial $43.6 million order calls for Boeing to deliver 5,053 CSEL hand-held radios to the joint services by October 2006. The acquisition of as many as 46,000 CSEL radios by the Air Force, Army and Navy could push the total value of the contract to $250 million.
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The residents of the International Space Station completed a 4-hour, 30-minute spacewalk recently. The crew installed communications equipment on the exterior of the Zvezda Service Module and deployed a small satellite experiment. The equipment installation was part of the preparation for the maiden docking of the European Space Agency's cargo carrier, the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). The ATV named "Jules Verne" is due to launch next year. With no crew inside, Station systems were either deactivated or put in autonomous operation for the duration of the spacewalk. Hatches were closed between the U.S. and Russian segments of the complex in the unlikely event the crew would not have been able to return to the outpost. Clad in Russian Orlan spacesuits, Expedition 10 Commander and NASA Science Officer Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov left the Station's Pirs Docking Compartment airlock at 1:25 a.m. EST. They quickly set up tools and tethers for their excursion, and Sharipov activated the Russian Nanosatellite for later deployment. The first primary task was the installation of three space-to-space communications, known by the Russian acronym WAL, antennas on the forward conical section of Zvezda. The S-band low gain antennas are part of the Proximity Communications Equipment (PCE). They will be used for ATV and Service Module interaction during future rendezvous and docking operations. The first three antennas were installed on the aft end of Zvezda during Expedition 9. It was the second spacewalk for Sharipov and Chiao's sixth. The pair logged almost 10 hours of spacewalk time during the two Expedition 10 excursions. Today's spacewalk was the 58th in support of Station assembly and maintenance; 33rd staged from the Station itself; and the 15th from Pirs.
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NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft completed the commissioning phase of the mission and has moved into the cruise phase. Deep Impact mission planners have separated the spacecraft's flight operations into five mission phases. Cruise phase will continue until about 60 days before the encounter with comet Tempel 1 on July 4, 2005. Soon after launch on Jan. 12, 2005, Deep Impact entered the commissioning phase. During that phase, the mission team verified the basic state of health of all subsystems and tested the operation of science instruments. The spacecraft's autonomous navigation system was activated and tested using the moon and Jupiter as targets.
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A Russian Proton rocket successfully launched a next-generation domestic communications satellite on 30 March that will be able to reach over a billion people across large parts of Asia. Liftoff of the Proton-K booster was at 2231 GMT (5:31 p.m. EST), or in the wee hours of Wednesday morning at the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch site in central Kazakhstan. The Proton's three core stages each burned and separated as planned, leaving the Block-DM upper stage to successfully conduct a series of firings to place the Express AM-2 satellite into its intended high orbit. After several weeks of system tests in space, Express AM-2 will be maneuvered into its operational slot 22,300 miles high in geostationary orbit along the equator at 80 degrees East longitude above the Indian Ocean. From there, the satellite will cover users across all of Russia, parts of China, northern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the northern reaches of Indochina.
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Representatives from both Russia and the Ukraine met to discuss and agree on a business-plan regarding the modernization of the AN124-100 fleet and putting the AN124 back into production. The meeting which took place on March 25th 2005 at the Federal Agency of production, energy and industry resulted in a signed business-plan. The contract concentrates on a five year modernisation plan to bring the existing fleet of AN124-100 Ruslan aircraft up to their full 150 tonne capacity and fulfilling all the IKAO requirements. Also discussed was the intention to put the AN124 back into production with the initial production of 15 aircraft. The issue surrounding the production of AN 124 aircraft is to be added to the agenda for the Interstate Council led by both the Russian and Ukrainian Presidents. This is essential for ensuring suitable financing of the project. Volga-Dnepr Group, the largest operator of AN124-100 aircraft, together with Antonov Design Bureau and other interested parties from Russia and the Ukraine are preparing to restore production of the Ruslan at the Aviastar factory in Ulianovsk. Expert assessment of the outsize cargo market predicts that the market will continue to grow at a rate of 15-20% a year resulting in greater demand and 150 tonne capacity not to mention more aircraft. Present at the meeting was the Director of Volga-Dnepr Group Alexey Isaikin, who underlined the importance of concentrating on the efforts at Government level with specific reference to investment and managing the system of orders for new AN124 aircraft. Petr Balabuev, General Constructor at Antonov Design Bureau commented; "The Antonov Design Bureau supports the need to consolidate our efforts restore the production of AN124 aircraft."
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State District Judge Jerry Sandel of the 278th Judicial District Court in Anderson, Texas, has signed a $96 million judgment against airplane engine manufacturer Textron Lycoming. The judgment results from a legal battle involving a number of small airplane engine failures that occurred when the airplanes' crankshafts broke in flight. The judgment, entered today, totals $96,039,498.33 and includes $86,394,763.00 in punitive damages as well as awards for future attorneys' fees and interest. In February, a jury in Grimes County, Texas found Lycoming liable for fraud, ordered the company to pay actual and punitive damages to Navasota, Texas-based Interstate Southwest Ltd. and also found that the crankshaft failures in question resulted solely from Lycoming's defective design. That verdict came following a seven week-long trial. In addition, the verdict effectively precluded Lycoming from pursuing a $173 million indemnity claim against Interstate, which it had previously filed in a Pennsylvania court. "This judgment sends a clear signal that the original verdict was sound," says Marty Rose, who represents Interstate Southwest. "Our client has been vindicated. Between the judgment and its impact on the indemnity claim -- we couldn't have hoped for a better result." Between 2000 and 2002, there were 24 small airplane engine failures and 12 deaths in Cessnas, Pipers and other airplanes with Lycoming aircraft engines. Interstate Southwest supplied Lycoming with the crankshaft forgings for those engines.
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EL AL, the national airline of Israel, continues its profit trend, recording its best annual results in five years. The carrier's annual profit of $33.1 million for 2004, covering January through December, is an increase of 421%, compared to a $6.4 million profit in 2003. The profit growth marks an important year for Israel's national carrier, as it successfully completed a privatization process and is now traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. EL AL's cash flow in 2004 was higher than ever, reaching approximately $175 million and the overall cash balance at the end of the year was $153 million. The carrier's annual revenues showed an increased of 19%, to a record total of approximately $1.4 billion from passenger and cargo traffic, as compared to revenues of approximately $1.16 billion in 2003. This growth is attributable to an increase of 15% in the number of passengers flying EL AL plus an increase of 17% in revenue from cargo business. (EL AL is the leading airline in Israel's cargo market.) The increase in the airline's record revenue was achieved despite a steep upsurge in competition in the skies and the rising cost of fuel, which raised EL AL's expenses by approximately $67 million in 2004. The strengthening of the Shekel and Euro in relation to the dollar also led to an additional $6 million expense for EL AL.
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Air Canada Technical Services (ACTS), a limited partnership of ACE Aviation Holdings Inc., today announced that it has secured an agreement with Delta Air Lines for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Atlanta-based airline's fleet of more than 200 Boeing 757-200, 767-300 and 767-300ER aircraft. The exclusive agreement, one of the industry's largest outsourcing contracts, covers a period of five years and represents potential revenue to ACTS of approximately USD$300 million. Heavy maintenance work will be performed at ACTS's Vancouver maintenance centre beginning in May 2005, resulting in the creation of approximately 300 jobs there. Delta Air Lines currently operates 121 Boeing 757s, 28 Boeing 767-300s and 59 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
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Honeywell announced that Peg Billson has been named Vice President and General Manager of its $1.8 billion Airframe Systems business, and Greg Albert has been named Vice President and General Manager of its $400 million Aircraft Landing Systems business, effective April 1.
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Lockheed Martin received a $37.8 million contract to provide the U.S. Air Force with Precision Engagement production kits to modify A/OA-10 aircraft. The entire A-10 fleet will be modified over the next five years for an estimated total contract value of $168 million. The Precision Engagement modification will enable the A-10 to use advanced precision guided weapons, including the Joint Direct Attack Munition and the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser. The modification also adds the capability for advanced targeting pods to improve pilots' situational awareness. "The Precision Engagement modification allows aircrews to engage targets from a higher altitude using smart weapons," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Multi-Mission Solutions, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego. "This not only provides A-10 pilots with greater safety, but it also gives them the capability to more swiftly and accurately eliminate threats."
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Rockwell Collins has completed the initial delivery of its avionics system to EADS-CASA for integration in the CN-235-300M maritime patrol aircraft. The platform has been selected by the United States Coast Guard for its Deepwater program, the multi-year, multi-billion dollar program to modernize and replace the Coast Guard's ships and aircraft, and improve command and control and logistics systems. The avionics system for the CN-235 aircraft has been developed using Rockwell Collins' proven open architecture standards and is designed to accommodate technology as it becomes available. The cockpit features four Rockwell Collins 6- by 8-inch active matrix liquid crystal multi-function displays, as well as a complete suite of communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems to meet evolving air traffic management and maritime patrol mission requirements.
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NASA must nail down a detailed fly-out plan in order to keep skilled technicians with the space shuttle program as it heads toward its 2010 conclusion, an AIA-led Industry Panel concluded. In a report released by AIA President and CEO John Douglass as part of the Integrated Space Operations Summit in Nashville, a panel of industry representatives concluded NASA must also complete the shuttle and International Space Station programs in an integrated fashion to lead seamlessly into a new era of space exploration. "NASA faces many challenges with the president's exciting Vision for Space Exploration,'' Douglass said. "Among the most important is creating a smooth transition from the shuttle and space station programs and retaining the best and brightest minds to take us to the moon, Mars and beyond." NASA chose AIA to spearhead industry input to the ISOS report, which includes suggestions from four government panels. Together the efforts represent technical input to strategic planning for NASA's long-range goals, including sending people back to the moon and on to explore Mars. The fly-out plan should include a look at whether a skills-retention incentive program is needed similar to the Titan IV rocket phase-out strategy, the panel concluded. The industry board stressed the importance of working closely with the companies involved in all space programs.
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Daniel J. Crowley has been appointed executive vice president and general manager of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, effective June 30. Crowley will replace Bob Elrod, who has announced his plans to retire from Lockheed Martin after 27 years of service. Crowley will join Tom Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of JSF Program Integration, at the helm of this key international aircraft development effort -- potentially the largest defense procurement program in history.
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The Pratt & Whitney F135 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program has successfully completed the post test Critical Design Review (CDR) by the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Joint Program Office (JPO). The JPO review found that the F135 propulsion system has met all review objectives and is on track to deliver the first flight test engine later this year. The Post Test CDR, conducted by government and industry experts appointed by the JSF JPO, is an independent review of the design of the production configuration F135 propulsion system. This review follows a pre-test CDR completed in May 2003 which cleared the way for nearly two years of SDD testing.
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Vision Systems International (VSI) announced that the Hellenic Air Force has added the company's Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System capability to its new fleet of F-16 block 52 aircraft. This new capability, ordered as part of Peace Xenia 3, will allow pilots unprecedented combat performance and situational awareness. The JHMCS provides pilots with a "first look, first shot" capability when employed with high off-boresight weapons under high-g conditions. The system allows pilots to lock-on and fire at enemy aircraft without having to maneuver their aircraft into position. The pilot needs only to point his head at the target and weapon systems are automatically cued. JHMCS is also highly effective when used in air-to-ground engagements as demonstrated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In both air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, critical information such as weapon cues and aircraft performance parameters are graphically displayed directly on the pilot's visor.
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On March 17, 2005, MBDA, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of international missile systems company MBDA, was awarded a contract by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Munitions Directorate, to begin developing a next generation deployable wing subsystem designed for use on future munitions. Through the revolutionary use of smart materials and adaptive structures, MBDA will develop a high aspect ratio, deployable joined tandem wing with integral flight controls called Active Diamond Back( (ADB). This wing, when integrated into an airframe designed for high endurance, will lead to a system of increased loitering capability through maximum aerodynamic performance and minimum airframe weight. Use of these revolutionary materials will additionally lead to the use of fewer electro-mechanical parts, promoting increased affordability and reliability while reducing the time required to both produce and test the final wing assembly. Active Diamond Back( Program Manager Hank O'Shea describes the MBDA approach as being "an innovative integration of new materials with unique properties". O'Shea has assembled a team of materials suppliers to develop a wing subsystem with the capability to morph or change shape in flight for each mission segment.
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"February traffic growth gave mixed signals. A slowing of global economic activity saw passenger traffic fall to 6.6% year-on-year from the 7.9% reported in January. The good news is that the resilience of air travel was once again demonstrated in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami. Growth for Asian carriers returned to normal levels, partially boosted by Chinese New Year travel," said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). February passenger traffic growth of 6.6% brought year-to-date passenger growth to 7.3%. All regions reported positive growth with the Middle East and Latin America being the strongest performers. Asia Pacific largely recovered from the impacts of Tsunami, posting a 7.9% year-on-year increase for February. Cargo slumped by 0.9% in February, although year-to-date figures maintained positive growth of 6.5%. Weaker global economic activity and a slump in Chinese imports during the Chinese New Year period are largely to blame for this.
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The Russian carrier UT Air has signed a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 42-300s to develop its regional market. First aircraft is expected to be delivered by US major Continental Airlines in June this year. In January 2004, for the first time in Russia, the airline launched a tender covering regional turboprops and ATR won the competition. Along with this contract signed for ATR 42-300 aircraft, the airline is negotiating with ATR for training and Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) contract, in order to provide world-wide comprehensive airframe maintenance, equipment repair and standard exchange services.
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GB Airways has signed a contract with Airbus for five Airbus single-aisle Family aircraft: one A320 and four A321s. This is the first time that the airline is acquiring aircraft directly from Airbus. Delivery of these five aircraft is expected from 2007 onwards. The aircraft will be powered by IAE V2500 engines from International Aero Engines. The airline is an all-Airbus operator, with eleven A320s and three A321s in its fleet today. Three further A321s are expected to join the fleet by Spring 2007. GB Airways, a British Airways franchise partner, received its first A320 in May 2000. The airline operates flights from its main base in London-Gatwick, and also from London-Heathrow. Last week, the airline started operating from its new base in Manchester. This summer, GB Airways will operate British Airways flights to 30 selected destinations in Gibraltar, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain including the Balearic and Canary islands, and Tunisia.
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New Zealand has selected NH Industries to supply new NH90 helicopters to replace the New Zealand Air Force's UH-1B Iroquois, Minister of Defence Mark Burton was quoted as announcing to several local news organizations. The government plans to spend as much as NZ$550 million (US $389 million) to procure new helicopters, including the NH90 and a new light-utility helicopter to replace the current Sioux. No decision has been made on the number of NH90s to be bought to replace the RNZAF's fourteen Iroquois, which are nearing obsolescence. The Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal John Hamilton has welcomed the Government announcement that the NH90 will replace the Air Force's fleet of Iroquois Helicopters. "This is excellent news for the Air Force and those that depend on the helicopter support we provide," says Air Vice-Marshal Hamilton.
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The Dutch Labour Party is demanding that the US Audit Office investigate delays and rising costs in the production of a new fighter plane, which they claim have spiralled since the project was initially set up. The Netherlands joined the project in 2002, when then prime minister Wim Kok agreed to invest 800 million dollars in the US-led international Joint Strike Fighter project. The new, high-tech warplane is intended to replace the Dutch air force's current F-16 fighter planes, with the Dutch government planning to buy dozens of them at 45 million euros a piece. They were originally expected to cost 31 million each. In return for the contract, The Hague envisaged winning lucrative aerospace contracts.
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MD Helicopters (MDHI) announced the milestone delivery of its 100th single-engine MD 520N helicopter, to GALS, Russian Helicopter Company. The first MD 520N was delivered in October 1, 1991 and revolutionized the rotorcraft industry with its quieter, safer, NOTAR system technology for anti-torque control. Today, a worldwide fleet of 247 NOTAR system-equipped helicopters has accumulated nearly 600,000 flight hours. The event further made history as the first MD 520N delivered in the Russian Federation.
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The selection of Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd. of Kelowna, British Columbia as the winning bidder for a potential 22-year C$1.77 billion Contracted Flying Training and Support contract for the Canadian Forces heralds an exciting new era for the community of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. Under the terms of the contract, Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd., leading a consortium of Canadian companies known as Allied Wings, will provide the Canadian Forces with long-term primary flight training, and specialized helicopter and multi-engine fixed wing pilot training. The contract requires the provision of all support activities including aircraft and simulators, construction of new flight line, ground training and classroom facilities, and the provision of aviation and student support services. "This program is an innovative approach to satisfying our pilot training requirements and represents a long-term commitment to Portage La Prairie, providing significant economic benefits and stability for years to come" said Defence Minister Bill Graham. "I am also convinced that through our long-term commitment to this initiative, we will be able to attract militaries from around the world to train in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba."
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Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 has started Operational Evaluation of the V-22. The purpose of Operational Test-IIG is to test the operational effectiveness and operational suitability of the MV-22 Osprey. This test is expected to run through the end of June. The majority of the testing will be conducted in the western part of the US, though test events will be conducted at MCAS New River and aboard naval shipping as well. "We will continue to train and prepare our pilots and crewmembers here in New River N.C.," said Col. Glenn M. Walters, VMX-22 commanding officer.
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On Thursday, 31 March a rotation of NATO forces engaged in an air-policing mission in the Baltic States is scheduled to take place. Norwegians troops who are completing their mission in Lithuania will be replaced by troops from the Dutch Royal Air Force. The first two out of four Dutch aircraft fighters F-16 landed at Zokniai on 30 March. On 31 March, the second pair of the Dutch fighters will land at the Lithuanian Air Forces Base in Zokniai, where a mission handover ceremony is also scheduled to take place.
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Rolls-Royce and Cathay Pacific Airways have signed additional long-term service contracts worth a total of US$770 million for two more versions of the Trent engine in the Cathay Pacific fleet. The support packages, managed by Rolls-Royce under the banner of TotalCare, cover the Trent 800 engines on 17 Boeing 777s, of which 15 aircraft have been delivered to date, and the Trent 500s which power Cathay Pacific's three ultra-long-range A340-600s. The agreements are in addition to existing TotalCare support for the Trent 700 engines in Cathay Pacific's current fleet of 23 A330 twinjets, plus six further aircraft still to be delivered.
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The Reconnaissance Pod System from SaabTech for the Swedish Gripen fighter made its first flight March 24 at Saab in Linköping, Sweden. "Excellent handling qualities, the digital flight control system took care of everything it just feels like flying a clean aircraft, says Richard Ljungberg, Saab test pilot and former Swedish Air Force recce pilot. "We even tested camera functions in the pod together with maneuverability of the aircraft during the first flight." The maiden flight was carried out a couple of months after the first delivery to FMV, the Swedish Defence Material Administration. FMV has designed the reconnaissance system for the Gripen system out of the demands from the Swedish Armed Forces.
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