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+++ Airbus Chinese assembly line to be in Tianjin +++ REWE Group parts with Its LTU shares +++ Gulfstream CAEW flies +++ Japan Airlines to join oneworld +++ JCA competitiors submit bids +++ Airlines to loose 3 billion this year +++ News in brief +++
Airbus Chinese assembly line to be in Tianjin
Endmontagelinie: Chinesischer Standort ausgewählt
The National Development & Reform Commission of China (NDRC) and Airbus announced that the site for a potential A320 family final assembly line (FAL) in China is Tianjin Binhai New Coastal District, a state level new development zone. This follows the signing of the memorandum of understanding between NDRC and Airbus in December 2005 to further upgrade cooperation between Airbus and China in the field of civil aviation. Out of 4 cities considered for the establishment of the FAL, Tianjin has been selected after a thorough evaluation including multiple criteria such as, facility site and land, sea port proximity, airport characteristics, labour and industrial capability.
The site selection is an important step, which enables the on-going feasibility study to continue, with an objective to reach a final joint decision on the setting up of the FAL by end September 2006. Subject to such decision, the shared target is to commence FAL operations in 2008 with a production ramp up to four aircraft per month by 2011. Industrial cooperation between Airbus and China has been steadily increasing in recent years. In addition to the FAL feasibility study, a number of other initiatives are already underway. They include targets for increased parts procurement, as well as the setting up of the Airbus (Beijing) Engineering Centre (A(B)EC) which was inaugurated in July 2005 with a target of 200 Chinese engineers by 2008. Furthermore, a participation of up to five per cent of airframe content in the A350 programme is being proposed to the Chinese aviation industry, with specific design of the parts to be manufactured in China being carried out at A(B)EC. China's national planning agency has approved Airbus' selection of Tianjin for the location of its A320 jets assembly line, the first outside the aircraft maker's European base. The assembly line will be located in the Binhai New Area (BNA) of Tianjin, a northern port city, said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Thursday.
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REWE Group parts with Its LTU shares
Wöhrl kauft weitere LTU-Aktien
The Cologne-based REWE Group has parted with its minority share in LTU Luftransport-Unternehmen GmbH on June 1, 2006. The 40 per cent share was sold to INTRO Verwaltungs GmbH, Nuremberg, with its shareholder Hans Rudolf Wöhrl, which had already acquired the majority of shares in the Düsseldorf-based holiday airline on February 17, 2006. The trading and tourism company REWE Group originally acquired a stake in LTU in 2001 to expand its tour operator portfolio together with the tour operators of the group (LTU Touristik). The company had repeatedly emphasised that its core business did not include running an airline. “With its new strategic partner, LTU now has an excellent opportunity to continue its market development. We will remain closely linked to the holiday airline through our tour operators as one of its main business partners”, said Norbert Fiebig, Management Board Member in charge of travel and tourism at REWE Group, in Cologne on Thursday, June 8. With its turnover in the travel business of 4.2 billion euros, REWE Group is the number three on the German travel market. The travel and tourism division includes the tour operators ITS, Jahn Reisen, Tjaereborg, Dertour, Meier's Weltreisen and ADAC Reisen as well as the DER and Atlas travel agencies and DER Business Travel.
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Gulfstream CAEW flies
Neues Frühwarnflugzeug für Israel
Gulfstream Aerospace successfully completed the first flight of its Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) special mission aircraft on May 20, just three weeks after it was rolled out from a production hangar at the business-jet manufacturer's Savannah, Ga., headquarters. This extensively modified large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 jet aircraft will serve as the platform for the Israeli Ministry of Defense's (IMOD) AEW surveillance system. According to Pres Henne, Gulfstream senior vice president programs engineering and test, the G550 is the ideal platform for this defense system. "The modified G550 CAEW platform and ELTA Systems' mission suite compete favorably with much more expensive older aircraft at considerably greater operating efficiencies," Henne said. "For much lower acquisition and life-cycle costs, the CAEW G550 delivers higher altitude, longer range and loiter time and more effective electronic early warning systems.
Gulfstream was awarded a contract in 2003 to supply CAEW aircraft to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The contract included options that were recently exercised. Following extensive flight-testing, Gulfstream will deliver the first CAEW aircraft to ELTA Systems Ltd. at the end of August. ELTA Systems Ltd., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), will provide and install the mission electronic equipment. Jehezkiel Grizim, general manager of ELTA's AEW division, said, "The ELTA sensor suite provides integrated, real-time information on air targets and is designed to fit the G550 platform. ELTA radar provides unique 360-degree coverage without aircraft obstruction, with conformal antennae, optimizing its performance through a dynamic beams allocation and allowing rapid target acquisition."
The CAEW special mission aircraft features the most extensive exterior modifications on a Gulfstream aircraft to date, requiring multiple Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificates and FAA-approved aircraft service changes. Gulfstream's dedicated special missions team increased the G550's maximum zero fuel weight; provided the structural attachments, racks and wiring; nearly tripled the electrical power by adding two additional generators; and installed a liquid cooling system for ELTA Systems' extensive electronic equipment. These modifications were developed by Gulfstream engineers using state-of-the-art design tools, including a full CATIA electronic mockup, and computational fluid dynamics to ensure a high efficiency and a low drag. These modifications create the space, power supply and environment required to install and operate the electronic components that make the CAEW platform equal in capability to aircraft that weigh twice as much. Gulfstream also was awarded a contract for Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) from the Israeli Ministry of Defense in 2001. Gulfstream delivered the first SEMA platform to IMOD at a ceremony on May 23, 2005. A modified Gulfstream V (GV), the SEMA aircraft was produced to replace the Israeli Air Force's three aging Boeing 707 aircraft. Similar to the G550 CAEW platform, Gulfstream modified the GV SEMA aircraft to accommodate onboard mission equipment, also supplied by ELTA.
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Japan Airlines to join oneworld
Oneworld mit neuem Mitglied
Japan Airlines (JAL) will become part of oneworld in early 2007, after accepting today a formal letter of invitation to join the world's leading quality global airline alliance. JAL is the biggest carrier in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of both revenue and passengers carried, and the largest carrier yet to link to any of the global alliance. Using virtually all measures, it will be in the alliance's biggest three, alongside American Airlines and British Airways. Besides the mainline Japan Airlines, five other members of the JAL Group will also join oneworld as affiliates -JALways, Japan Asia Airways, JAL Express, J-Air and Japan Transocean Air. The letter of invitation was signed at a meeting of the oneworld Governing Board in Paris ahead of tomorrow's IATA World Air Transport Summit. The Chief Executives of the eight existing oneworld partners - American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, LAN, Finnair and Aer Lingus - were joined for the first time by their counterparts at JAL and the other two members elect Malév and Royal Jordanian.
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JCA competitiors submit bids
Wettbewerb für neuen Transporter
The Team Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) partnership of Raytheon and EADS CASA North America
submitted to the Army two intratheater lift proposals for the JCA requirement based on EADS CASA's family of combat-proven military transport aircraft -- the C-295 and CN-235. Both proposals offer the best value mission system for the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, including both the combat-proven aircraft and accompanying world class logistics support. Both proposals either meet or exceed the requirements laid out by the JCA program office. Additionally, the C-295 is the only two-engine aircraft in its class that can carry five pallets, providing additional flexibility for intratheater lift.
Earlier this year, Team JCA chose Mobile Regional Airport (MRA) in Alabama as the final assembly and delivery site for its proposed JCA solution. In addition, EADS CASA North America will establish at the MRA a new final delivery center for CN-235 and C-295 transport aircraft to be sold into the North American market. The new co-located facility will create more than 150 jobs at full-production rate if the Team JCA aircraft is selected.
Lockheed Martin Offers C-130J for Joint Cargo Aircraft Program
Lockheed Martin oficials said that they have proposed their in-production short-fuselage variant of the combat tested C-130J for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program. JCA requirements call for an aircraft capable of short-field performance, able to transport a payload of 12,000 pounds, and designed to accommodate new technology such as defensive systems and state-of- the-art avionics. "Our C-130J solution meets or exceeds all JCA performance requirements and provides a solid cornerstone for the transformation of the Army's fixed wing fleet," said Rob Weiss, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics vice president for business development. "The performance margins of the C-130J allow it to operate effectively from high-field elevations on hot days, safely completing all missions with unmatched engine-out survivability and capability. The productivity advantages of the C-130J significantly reduce the number of sorties required to sustain deployed combat teams, thereby reducing daily operating costs."
Alenia North America announced that the C-27J JCA Team of L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 IS), a subsidiary of L-3 Communications, Alenia North America, Inc. (a Finmeccanica company), Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) personally delivered its proposal for the C-27J as the best value solution for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program. L-3 IS is prime contractor for the JCA program. The JCA program was established to address operational shortfalls and is a key component in the U.S. Army's transformation of its fixed-wing fleet. The C-27J JCA Team offering is an effective, C-27J multi-mission cargo aircraft solution that will fill the current capability gap in joint aerial delivery based on its ability to transport critical cargo and personnel, self-deploy over strategic distances, land in austere locations, operate autonomously, and provide routine and combat aerial sustainment to the joint force. "Built from the ground up to support combat operations, the C-27J is the most rugged, versatile, and survivable aircraft in its class. It was designed to operate in remote and austere environments and provide the tactical utility necessary to logistically support soldiers," said Giuseppe Giordo, president and CEO of Alenia North America. "Our C-27J Team offering represents the best value solution - on time and on target."
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Airlines to loose 3 billion this year
IATA-Versammlung mit vorsichtigem Ausblick
"We are starting to see some light at the end of a five year tunnel—some cautious optimism" said Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association at the opening of the World Air Transport Summit and IATA Annual General Meeting in Paris. Bisignani noted tremendous progress in airlines since crisis struck the industry in 2001. "Labour productivity improved 33%. Sales and distribution costs dropped 10% and non-fuel unit costs reduced 13%," said Bisignani. "Oil remains the wild card. The break-even fuel price increased from US$14 per barrel to US$50 since 2001. But in just one year, the fuel bill ballooned US$21 billion and is expected to top US$112 billion this year," said Bisignani. "While the fuel price continues to race ahead of efficiency gains, it is truly amazing that profitability has not deteriorated from last year. Losses for 2006 will be US$3 billion, slightly less than the US$3.2 billion recorded for last year," said Bisignani.
"We must remember that the strong revenue environment—10% annual growth over the last three years—is also fragile. A weaker global economy could change our prospects dramatically. Change is more important than ever," said Bisignani. Bisignani highlighted the industry's responsible achievements in three critical areas: safety, Simplifying the Business and the environment.
Looking forward, Bisignani issued a series of challenges to industry stakeholders in the form of 8 wake-up calls. "A responsible industry has the right to demand responsible policy and actions." "Airlines have recently benefited from the robust global economy. We must keep focused on efficiency and not let a strong revenue environment distract us from further change. Enormous productivity increases since 2001 must be recognised. But too often these gains have been achieved after long battles or with bankruptcy protection. Cooperation, not conflict will secure long-term employment. To share success, unions must be part of the solution," said Bisignani.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Boeing and Continental Airlines announced the airline ordered another 10 787-8 Dreamliners and an undisclosed mix of 24 Next-Generation 737s as part of Continental's ongoing growth plans. The order brings to 20 the number of 787s the airline has on order, the most of any U.S. airline. The value of the 10 new 787s and 24 737s is approximately $3 billion at average list prices. The first of Continental's 787s will deliver in 2009. The Next-Generation 737s contained in the new order are scheduled to begin delivery in 2008.
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Revenues from oneworld alliance fares and sales activities in 2005 rose by 20 per cent year-on-year to almost US$650 million - growing nearly three times faster than its member airlines' overall passenger revenues. Its eight partner carriers - American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Cathay Pacific Airways, Iberia, LAN, Finnair and Aer Lingus - classified almost two-thirds of this as "incremental" revenue, or money they would not have earned had it not been for oneworld. The 20 per cent increase in revenues from oneworld fares and sales activity in 2005 builds on growth of more than 30 per cent the previous year. Interlining between oneworld airlines - one carrier selling connecting flights on another partner - generated total revenues of more than US$1.8 billion for the eight airlines, including benefits from alliance fares and sales products. That represents one dollar in every 30 earned by the eight carriers from their passenger services overall.
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Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the revolutionary Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ) was honored with the 2005 Robert J. Collier Trophy, aviation's most prestigious award. Eclipse joins past winners of the trophy including Orville Wright, Howard Hughes, Chuck Yeager, Scott Crossfield, the crew of Apollo 11 and SpaceShipOne. The 95 year-old award is administered by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). The Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually "for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year." Eclipse Aviation is designing, developing, manufacturing and flight testing the Eclipse 500, an aircraft that has set a bold new standard for jet price and performance. To create the Eclipse 500, Eclipse used technologies and business practices forged in the technology industry to drive down cost while increasing performance. Eclipse is applying innovation across every facet of its business with the use of UGS' PLM technology, to make the Eclipse 500 significantly safer, easier and less expensive to operate than traditional business aircraft, and more efficient to certify and produce.
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Lufthansa and the Vereinigung Cockpit union, which represents about 4,000 pilots employed by Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Lufthansa Cargo AG, reached a pay deal at the weekend. Under the terms of the agreement, salaries of cockpit staff will rise by 2.5 per cent from 1 July 2006 and by a further 1.5 per cent from 1 March 2007. The volume of the new collective pay settlement, which will apply for 18 months until 30 September 2007, is thus well below three per cent. Furthermore, the regular working time for pilots prior to the payment of overtime will be lowered incrementally during the term of the agreement. This will give the company greater flexibility in the scheduling of cockpit crews and enable it to respond more effectively in future to seasonal or crisis-related fluctuations. This regulation simultaneously replaces part of the variable salary component, inasmuch as it was linked to the performance of the company concerned. However, the salary component calculated on the basis of the Group's performance will not be affected. In addition, pilots will receive a one-off payment equivalent to ten per cent of their monthly salary. According to Stefan Lauer, Chief Officer Aviation Services and Human Resources, who conducted the negotiations, the new pay accord, while placing a financial burden on the company, will also open up new opportunities. “Although the increases in remuneration are on a par with collective wage increases in Germany, the earnings still have to be generated. However, the settlement is a fair deal for both sides, particularly when viewed against the background of a 23-month wage freeze. The lowering of the regular working time prior to the payment of overtime will also afford us much greater operational flexibility and permit more efficient use of resources.”
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Together with Boeing, Insitu and QinetiQ, Thales UK has concluded the third stage of a series of maritime trials of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Thales was the prime contractor responsible for the progress of the Joint UAV Experimentation Programme (Team JUEP), testing and monitoring a ScanEagle UAV developed by Boeing and the Insitu Group. The £3 million third phase of testing was a significant step for the Royal Navy, launching the unmanned craft from the HMS Sutherland in a series of surveillance tasks, testing the networkability, image quality and manoeuvrability of the ScanEagle. Images were monitored in real-time by a networked Sea King Mk7 using Airborne Surveillance and control before successfully landing on the ship. Testing off the north-west coast of Scotland, the ScanEagle negotiated the Hebrides during a six-hour flight, all the while transmitting footage to the HMS Sutherland.
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On the eve of the arrival in France of the Korean minister, Mme. Myeong-Sook Han, and at the precise time when France and Korea are celebrating the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Korean government has given its final approval for the launch of the new KHP military transport helicopter, developed in cooperation with Eurocopter. For an estimated total amount of 6 to 8 billion USD, this program which concerns 245 helicopters, represents the largest defense contract ever signed between a European company and South Korea. The aim of this program is to replace a fleet of currently-aging American-manufactured corporate and transport helicopters. Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) will be the main contractor for this unprecedented program. As first partner of KAI, Eurocopter will provide technical assistance for the development of the aircraft as well as certain sub-assemblies during the production phase.
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Heliflite Pty Ltd, authorised distributor of Agusta Westland civil helicopters for Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea, has delivered the first Agusta A109S Grand to an Australian customer. The GRAND was acceptance at Agusta's Vergiate factory on 15th May. According to Heliflite's Sales and Marketing Manage John Skeen, Mr Neil Balnaves, well known in the Australian media industry, will base his new GRAND at Sydney's Mascot Airport and will use it for private business, flying predominantly between Sydney and Queensland. The new Grand replaces an Agusta 109C model and is completed in a VIP configuration.
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With its final mechanically scanned APG-73 radar system for the F/A-18E/F headed to the U.S. Navy, Raytheon has received a contract worth up to $22.8 million to provide spares and support for the successful program. The company expects its post-production F/A-18 radar business to continue to grow, with recent and anticipated wins predicted to total more than $40 million in contracts for 2006. The sustainment team within the F/A-18 radar business unit provides post-production life-cycle support to current operators of the AN/APG-65, AN/APG-73, and AN/APG-79 AESA (active electronically scanned array) radars. Activity includes repair of the radar units and modules and the manufacture of spares, as well as support engineering, a growing business at the company. The mechanically scanned APG-73 radar has been a Navy workhorse since it was first produced in 1993. Nine hundred thirty-two radars have been delivered to the Navy and various international customers including Australia, Canada, Finland, Malaysia and Switzerland. The APG-73 fire control radar offers many capabilities, including an all-weather, coherent, multimode, multi-waveform search-and-track sensor that provides the flexibility needed for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. An upgrade of the earlier APG-65, it provides higher processor throughput, greater memory capacity, improved reliability, and easier maintenance without associated increases in size or weight.
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AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Latvian State Border Guard representative, Gen. Eriks Ivanovs, Chief of Central Board of the Border Guard, belonging to the Ministry of the Interior, has signed on June 2, 2006 a contract for two A109 Power helicopters. Procurement of the helicopters is being financed by the European Community using Schengen Facility programme funds. The A109 Powers will be used by the State Border Guard Aviation Service for patrolling the eastern European border and other law enforcement missions. The Central Board of the Border Guard, under the Ministry of the Interior, launched the state tender competition for the acquisition of light twin helicopters in late 2005 and the A109 Power was selected as the helicopter that best met the requirements and conditions set out in the tender.
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NASA announced Monday agency center responsibilities associated with the Constellation Program for robotic and human moon and Mars exploration. This distribution of work across NASA's centers reflects the agency's intention to productively use personnel, facilities and resources from across the agency to accomplish the Vision for Space Exploration. "Our past experiences have provided the foundation to begin shaping the space exploration capabilities needed to create a sustained presence on the moon and on to Mars," said Scott Horowitz, associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. "Our programs and projects are evolving as we develop the requirements to execute the Vision for Space Exploration. At the same time we are aligning the work that needs to be accomplished with the capabilities of our NASA centers." In addition to primary work assignments each center will support moon and Mars surface systems conceptual designs. Centers also support additional Constellation program and project activities. Center assignments: Ames Research Center, Moffett Field Calif., leads the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) Thermal Protection System Advanced Development Project. Ames is developing information systems to support the Constellation Program Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance Office. Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., leads CEV Abort Flight Test integration and operations including Abort Test Booster procurement and integration with the Flight Test Article. Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, leads the CEV Service Module and Spacecraft Adapter integration, providing oversight and independent analysis of the prime contractor's development of these segments. Glenn has lead responsibility for the design and development of several crew launch vehicle (CLV) upper stage systems. Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., provides co-leadership of the Constellation Program's System Engineering and Integration navigation team and software and avionics team. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., leads a multi-center activity in support of the Mission Operations Project to plan systems engineering processes related to operations development and preparation. JPL provides co-leadership for the Constellation Program Office Systems Engineering and Integration Software and Avionics team. Johnson Space Center, Houston, host the Constellation Program, the CEV Project and the Mission Operations Project. The Constellation Program manages and integrates the program and all projects. The CEV Project Office manages and integrates all CEV elements including prime contractor work. The Mission Operations Project manages and integrates all activities related to mission operations. Kennedy Space Center, Fla., hosts the Ground Operations Project. The project manages all activities related to ground operations for the launch and landing sites, including ground processing, launch, and recovery systems. Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va., leads Launch Abort System integration supporting the CEV Project, providing oversight and independent analysis of the CEV prime contractor's development of the system. Langley leads the Command Module Landing System Advanced Development Project for CEV. Langley provides vehicle integration and CEV test article module development for the CLV Advanced Development Flight Test-0. Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., hosts the Constellation Launch Vehicle projects. The projects are responsible for project management of all CLV and cargo launch vehicle related activities. Marshall provides the CLV first stage design, and is responsible for launch vehicle demonstration testing including the Advanced Development Flight Test-0. Stennis Space Center, Miss., manages and integrates rocket propulsion testing for the CLV Project. Stennis leads sea-level development, certification, and acceptance testing for the upper stage engine, sea-level development testing for the upper stage main propulsion test article, and sea-level acceptance testing for the flight upper stage assembly.
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Boeing and a team of U.S. bio-defense companies will modify the ScanEagle unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to look for biological warfare agents as part of a program funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the U.S. Department of Defense. The DTRA has awarded Boeing Phantom Works a two-year, Phase 1 contract worth $8.2 million for the Biological Combat Assessment System (BCAS) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program. The DTRA and the Boeing-led team will work with the U.S. Pacific Command and the U.S. Navy Third Fleet to design and develop a remote sensor system that can assess battle damage and collateral effects, employing breakthrough operational capabilities to locate, track, collect and detect simulated biological warfare agents in a designated target area.
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Bell Helicopter announced they have selected Aurora Flight Sciences of Manassas, VA as the airframe provider of the Bell Eagle Eye TR916 Unmanned Aircraft System. Bell Helicopter is a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, a partner in Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, for the Integrated Deepwater System program of the U.S. Coast Guard. The work will be done at Aurora Flight Science's manufacturing facility located in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
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Two new Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance systems, built by Northrop Grumman, have already flown approximately 50 missions and more than 1,000 combat hours in support of coalition forces since their deployment in the Persian Gulf in January of this year. The initial production versions of the Global Hawk have improved sensor capabilities over previous Global Hawk versions. The Global Hawk system was first deployed as advanced concept technology demonstration vehicles shortly following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Global Hawks have now flown more than 6,000 hours and 260 missions in support of the global war on terror, and the family of Global Hawk aircraft has accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours over all missions.
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Sikorsky Aircraft announced plans to open a 100,000-square-foot Rapid Prototyping and Military Derivatives Completion Center (RPMDCC) at its Schweizer Aircraft subsidiary in a new building adjacent to the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport. The RPMDCC, which will be branded Sikorsky HAWK WORKS @ Schweizer Aircraftsm, will serve as the primary completion center for all Black Hawk and Naval Hawk derivative aircraft, mostly for foreign military customers.
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UK Secretary of State for Transport Douglas Alexander has today announced the details of the night restrictions regime to apply from 29 October 2006 at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports. Under the new regime that will be in operation until October 2012, the number of movements permitted at all three airports will not increase above the levels permitted at present, whist the quota count will actually reduce reflecting the scope for introduction of quieter aircraft during the next six years. Making the announcement in a Written Statement to Parliament, Mr Alexander said: "I consider that for each airport the decision strikes the appropriate balance between the need to protect local communities from excessive noise and the benefits that services can bring to the national, regional and local economy." The new night restrictions regimes will continue to recognise both an eight hour 'night period' (2300-0700 hours), and a six and a half hour 'night quota period', (2330-0600 hours) during which the appropriate restrictions will apply. For example, during the whole of the night period, the noisiest types of aircraft may not be scheduled to land or take off and they are effectively banned from doing so (other than in exceptional circumstances) in the night quota period.
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At the request of German national authorities, aircraft from the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&C Force) will provide airspace surveillance support during the FIFA World Cup in Germany from 7 June to 9 July. NATO has agreed to augment German air surveillance capability by providing additional low-level coverage and radio relay in order to contribute to security during the various ceremonies and football matches that will be held throughout the Championship. Due to the long duration of the support, both NAEW&C Force Components, the E3-A and the E-3D, will carry out this mission from their main operating bases at Geilenkirchen (Germany) and Waddington (UK), respectively.
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Boeing and FedEx have jointly initiated an in-service evaluation of active radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on some major airplane parts for a FedEx MD-10 Freighter. "The RFID technology is designed to help airlines reduce ownership costs by managing repairs and tracking assets," said Kenneth Porad, RFID program manager for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "On-airplane use of active RFID technology is making history and setting the stage for wireless sensor networks in the future." Similar to a bar code, RFID is an automated identification and data collection technology that uses radio frequency waves to transfer data between a reader and items that have RFID devices affixed. RFID offers significant advantages over other types of identification, specifically, no line-of-sight requirement and a dynamic read/write capability. These tags store data such as part and serial numbers, manufacturer codes, date of installation and country of origin. In addition, the tags can also store maintenance data so airlines can better understand the consumption of parts to ensure adequate inventories are on hand.
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EADS Astrium and ARABSAT, the communications satellite operator based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have signed a contract for the construction of the BADR-6 ('Full Moon') satellite. Scheduled to enter service in 2008, BADR-6 will provide communications services over a wide area encompassing the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, from Morocco to the Gulf, and a large part of sub-Saharan Africa. It is the fifth communications satellite contract awarded to EADS Astrium since the beginning of 2006. EADS Astrium will build the satellite as prime contractor and will be responsible for launch and early operations as part of an in-orbit delivery contract. EADS Astrium has already developed the Satellite Control Centres in Dirab (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and in Tunis (Tunisia) to control the ARABSAT satellite fleet. The communications payload will be supplied by Alcatel Alenia Space. BADR-6 has a launch mass of 3.4 tons, a solar array span of 32 meters once deployed in orbit, and payload power of about 6 kW. As with the two satellites already built by EADS Astrium for ARABSAT, BADR-6 is based on the E2000+ version of the highly successful Eurostar communications satellite series. BADR-6 will provide commercial services for a minimum of 15 years.
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L-3 Communications announced with great sadness that Frank C. Lanza, its chairman and chief executive officer, suddenly passed away earlier this evening. He was 74. "We are all shocked and saddened by the passing of Frank C. Lanza," said Robert B. Millard, lead director of the L-3 Communications Board of Directors. "On behalf of the Board of Directors and all L-3 employees we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Lanza family."
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The U.S. Navy has granted new nomenclature -- AN/APY-10 -- to Raytheon Company's m aritime surveillance radar for the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA). Typically, new nomenclature results when systems change significantly. Although the APY-10 has all the capabilities of the Navy's AN/APS-137 maritime surveillance radar, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) believed extensive modifications to the P-8A radar justified a request for new nomenclature. The APY-10 will display weather information in color, provide better performance in track-while-scan and target detection modes, and allow full on-line direction by Boeing's Mission Control and Display System for the P-8A. The APY-10 will also be substantially smaller and lighter that the APS-137.
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Cessna announced it is studying the feasibility of developing and producing a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). The company plans to display a full scale proof-of-concept aircraft at this year's Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) annual convention - known as AirVenture - next month in Oshkosh, Wis. The newly-emerging Light Sport Aircraft category is the highest growth sector of general aviation. Light Sport Aircraft are defined as having a maximum gross weight of 1320 pounds, maximum level-flight speed of 120 knots, and no more than two seats. "As the world's largest producer of single engine piston airplanes, we believe we could bring unique capabilities to this exciting market," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack Pelton. "Our extensive sales and service network could provide an important market advantage, which, in concert with our design and manufacturing experience, could make this an attractive extension of our product line," he said. Pelton said the company will evaluate a spectrum of issues associated with entering the sector to determine if there is a favorable business case. That decision is expected to be made in the first quarter of 2007.
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The first images from NASA's new CloudSat satellite are already revealing never-before-seen 3-D details about clouds. Mission managers tested the flight and ground system performance of the satellite's Cloud-Profiling Radar in late May, and found it to be working perfectly. The satellite's first images may be viewed at: "CloudSat's radar performed flawlessly, and although the data are still very preliminary, it provided breathtaking new views of the weather on our planet," said Graeme Stephens, CloudSat principal investigator and a professor at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. "All major cloud system types were observed, and the radar demonstrated its ability to penetrate through almost all but the heaviest rainfall. "We have now begun continuous radar operations, and we look forward to releasing our first validated data to the science community within nine months, hopefully sooner," Stephens said.
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A team of Lockheed Martin , Marshall Aerospace and Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract for the long term support of the United Kingdom's fleet of C-130 aircraft. The initial value of the contract to Lockheed Martin is approximately $300 million with potential of over $1.2 billion throughout the life of the The Hercules Integrated Operational Support (HIOS) contract will ensure that the UK's C-130 fleet is maintained at a high level of readiness. The C-130Ks (formally referred to as Hercules C. Mk 1 and 3)and C-130Js (Hercules C. Mk 4 and 5) are used to support and conduct airlift operations, deliver operational medical capability and ensure vital supplies are in place to support front line theaters of operations. The RAF's C-130s have also been at the forefront of humanitarian relief work across Africa and recently in support of earthquake relief missions in the mountains of Pakistan. "The Royal Air Force has truly demonstrated to the world the irreplaceable value that the C-130 has in airlift operations. No other aircraft can achieve the range of operational missions that the Hercules can," says David Haines, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130 programs. "The RAF has set the standard in many areas of C-130 operations, including pushing the performance envelope of the new C-130J. HIOS will transform the way the Hercules fleet is supported and will guarantee more aircraft ready to fly at all times. Lockheed Martin is committed to the long term support of the aircraft it delivers to operators around the world."
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The Sea Launch Company's Board of Directors has named Robert Peckham as the new President and General Manager, effective June 5. Peckham has been serving on an interim basis in this role, since March. 30. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, focusing the past 18 years on commercial space business. He has played a pivotal position in the growth of Sea Launch, since joining the Marketing and Sales team in 2000 and will continue to provide oversight to that team until a successor is named in the near future.
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HAI President Matt Zuccaro received the call Wednesday, June 7, that HAI has been waiting to receive for many years. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Joint Resource Council (JRC) approved the investment and funding decisions associated with moving forward with ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) in the Gulf of Mexico. Wednesday's decision is a tremendous achievement for the offshore helicopter community in the Gulf, as the Gulf has been selected for Segment 1 of the new technology. “The need for accurate weather, direct communications, and surveillance capabilities has never been greater to support the 650-plus helicopters flying offshore,” President Zuccaro commented today. The FAA, HAI, and industry officials, representing platform and helicopter owners in the Gulf of Mexico, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Lafayette, Louisiana on Thursday, May 18, 2006, to formally establish a cooperative government/industry business relationship to enhance communications, weather, and surveillance capabilities in the Gulf of Mexico.
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The Canadian Coast Guard has selected the Canadian company Telesat to provide ship to shore communications via satellite. This represents the second commercial phase for the highly successful ESA supported project Marine eCommerce Applications. Marine eCommerce Applications (MeCA) proved its capabilities in 2005, when Telesat began offering internet services to passengers aboard Canadian ferries. The new agreement with the Canadian government calls for Telesat to provide satellite equipment to selected Coast Guard vessels, which will be used to access e-mail, watch satellite television and use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones. The Honourable Loyola Hearn, the Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans observed that this is a significant development for crews who spend long periods at sea, enabling them to stay in touch with their families and events at home. The project has recently completed its first phase at a Telesat testing facility. In phase two, which began in April 2006, a first vessel in the Coastguard's Maritimes region has been equipped with the satellite equipment. Phase 3 will involve installation and training as well as introduction of the system to the four remaining Coast Guard regions: Newfoundland, Quebec, Central and Arctic, and Pacific.
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Lockheed Martin's Atlas V rocket has been selected by NASA to launch the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission in 2009 from Cape Canaveral, Fla. The mission will fly on a powerful Atlas V 541 configuration to propel MSL on a half-year journey to the red planet. "We are extremely proud of the trust NASA has placed in our team to deliver the biggest ever rover to Mars," said Jim Sponnick, Atlas program vice president for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "This comes on the heels of two recent, very successful Atlas launches for NASA, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Pluto New Horizons. We are excited to be a part of our nation's space exploration efforts." Boosting the 7,900-lb. MSL spacecraft into a Mars transfer trajectory will require the Atlas V 541, similar to the Atlas V 551 that launched the New Horizons mission to Pluto in January. The 541 configuration includes four strap-on solid rocket boosters, each of which adds an additional 300,000 lbs. of thrust to the almost 1,000,000 lbs. provided by the core vehicle's RD-180 engine. The Atlas V 541 vehicle will also utilize a 5-meter fairing to protect the MSL payload on the ascent. Once the boost phase of flight is complete, the Centaur upper stage will perform two engine burns to place MSL into a Mars transfer trajectory. Scheduled for launch in the fall of 2009, MSL will land on the surface of Mars in spring 2010 and begin its two-year mission.
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Singapore Airlines' Chief Executive Officer, Chew Choon Seng, began his one year term as the chairman of the association's Board of Governors for 2006-7 with the close of the 62nd Annual General Meeting in Paris today. Chew succeeds Robert Milton, Chairman of Air Canada.
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BAE Systems has formally exercised the put option regarding its 20 percent stake in Airbus. EADS and BAE Systems will seek to finalize their negotiations regarding the sale of BAE Systems' Airbus stake to EADS during the coming weeks. The finalisation of the transaction will be subject to BAE Systems shareholders' approval and will make EADS the sole shareholder of Airbus. Already in April 2006, BAE Systems announced its intention to sell its stake in Airbus. If BAE Systems and EADS are unable to agree on the terms of the sale, in accordance with the Airbus shareholders' agreement, an investment bank acting as an expert will be appointed to determine the price to be paid by EADS. EADS retains the right to pay in cash, in shares or in a mixture of both.
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The European Commission adopted a communication taking stock of the GALILEO satellite radionavigation programme. The communication outlines the key components of this ambitious European project and includes an updated timetable for its implementation. It will be forwarded to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Committee of the Regions. “GALILEO is perfectly in line with the Lisbon growth strategy. It is the largest industrial project ever organised on a European scale, the first European public-private partnership, the first European public infrastructure. The project will generate jobs as well as innovation and improvement for European citizens”, said Commission Vice-President Jacques Barrot. As of 2010, the 30 satellites in the planned constellation will provide optimum coverage throughout the world, offering positioning accuracy to within approximately a metre. The range of the five GALILEO services will be capable of meeting the needs of all potential users, wherever they may be in the world.
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Kaman Corporation reported that the software for the Integrated Tactical Avionics System (ITAS) for the SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopter has entered Formal Qualification Testing (FQT) at Kaman's subcontractor CSC-Australia in Sydney. The testing will be witnessed by the customer. Paul R. Kuhn, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "ITAS represents an impressive systems and weapons management capability that will enable a crew of 2 to perform complex missions that would otherwise require a crew of 3 or 4 to complete. In May, 2006, the company finished the last of approximately 400 pre-qualification software tests of the ITAS software, paving the way for the beginning of the formal qualification testing process, which has now begun. We anticipate that the FQT phase will take approximately 2 months, followed by final flight acceptance testing of the 11 full mission-capable helicopters beginning during the third quarter of 2006. "Entering the FQT process is an important milestone for the program," Kuhn continued. "Our subcontractors, CSC-Australia and Northrop Grumman, have worked hard to support this effort, and I appreciate the continuing efforts of all involved in the program as we move closer to completion of the contract."
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Boeing has completed ahead of schedule the installation of Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) kits on France's fleet of four E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. "This is the most significant upgrade to the French AWACS fleet since its initial delivery in the early 1990s," said Chad Hammond, Boeing French RSIP program manager. Boeing completed the modifications through a $143 million Foreign Military Sales contract via the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The RSIP kit increases the aircraft's radar sensitivity, allowing it to detect and track smaller targets. It also improves the radar's existing computer with a new high-reliability multi-processor and rewrites the software to facilitate future maintenance and enhancements.
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BAE Systems has received a $25.1 million U.S. Air Force contract to provide 20 QF-4 full-scale aerial targets and associated technical support. The QF-4 is an F-4 Phantom aircraft modified for remote-control operation. The targets provide the Air Force with full-sized aircraft that permit aircrews to train in highly realistic air combat maneuvering -- including live weapons launch. The contract is the second of five possible options exercised under an original agreement in effect until 2013. BAE Systems will perform the modification work at its facility in Mojave. The production effort will be completed by July 2008.
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The new Labinal plant in Ain Atiq, near Rabat, was officially inaugurated today, in a ceremony presided by His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. Because of the King's presence, several tens of thousands of people traveled to the Labinal site in Morocco. During the inauguration ceremony attended by a number of VIPs and guests, Jean-Paul Béchat, Chairman of the Executive Board of SAFRAN, underscored the Group's confidence in the future of Morocco, and in the country's competitive assets as a subcontractor to the aviation industry. His Majesty Mohammed VI bestowed the Alaouite Wissam (commander) medal on Jean-Paul Béchat. The new production site spans some seven hectares (about 17 acres), and offers 10,800 square meters (116,640 sq ft) of floorspace. It is dedicated to the assembly and marketing of electrical connection systems for the aviation industry. Representing an investment of 100 million dirhams (about 9 million euros), this plant offers a state-of-the-art working environment for its personnel.
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Lufthansa Technik Budapest, a joint venture of Lufthansa Technik and Malev Hungarian Airlines, celebrated its 5th birthday with representatives from customers, authorities, and employees. The company was established in spring 2001 by Lufthansa Technik, the leading provider for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of modern airliners. Since then more than 80 aircraft underwent heavy maintenance in Budapest. Altogether more than 100 events, including light maintenance and modification programs took place. The company in which Malev Hungarian Airlines holds a 15 per cent stake is located at Ferihegy Airport and therefore ideally located for customers in Eastern and Central Europe and the CIS. Lufthansa Technik Budapest is specialized in heavy maintenance for the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 Classic. Together with its sister company Shannon Aerospace in Ireland it forms the heavy maintenance network for short-haul aircraft of Lufthansa Technik Group in Europe.
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Microturbo Limited, the gas turbine company, located at Segensworth, Fareham has been awarded a multi million pound contract by Turbomeca, its parent company, to repair and overhaul Astazou engines. The engines power Gazelle helicopters operated by, amongst others, the UK and French armed forces. The first engines to go through the companies facility are for the French military and were completed on 2nd June after a four month program. The repair and overhaul activity will be undertaken at Microturbo's new 50,000 square foot state of the art facility in Fareham, which was added in April 2005 specifically to cater for this type of growth.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced that Aerolíneas Mesoamericanas, “ALMA of Mexico”, has signed lease agreements for six previously owned 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets with deliveries scheduled to commence in June 2006. ALMA is the first Mexican airline to operate commercial Bombardier aircraft. Two aircraft will be leased from Canadian Regional Aircraft Finance Transaction No. 1 Limited (CRAFT) and four from General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS). The leases were signed by Guillermo Heredia, President and Founder of ALMA, during a brief ceremony attended by representatives from Bombardier Aerospace.
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On June the 7th, 2006, in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, the Beriev Aircraft Company, a part of the IRKUT Corporation, and National Service for Fire and Civil Protection, a part of the Ministry of Internal Administration of the Portuguese Republic, signed a contract for leasing Be-200 amphibious aircraft. The agreement envisages that the Be-200 aircraft in standard configuration “Be-200ES” will be leased for 62 days starting the 1st of July, 2006 to perform fighting forest and soil fires. According to Portuguese mass media, in 2005 fires destroyed more than 300,000 hectares of forest. As per the leasing agreement the Russian side shall provide to Portugal the aircraft with the crew and technical support.
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The amount of space available to Business Class passengers on Austrian Airlines aircraft is to increase with the conversion of the Boeing 777 and Boeing 767 fleet. The share of space devoted to Business Class seating on the Boeing long-haul fleet is set to rise from its level of 13.6% at present to 17.7%. A total of 49 lie-flat sleeper seats will be used on the Boeing 777 heading for Asia and Australia in the future, with 36 of the new Business Class seats to feature on Boeing 767 aircraft. Dr. Josef E. Burger, who as Chief Commercial Officer is also responsible for product conception made the following statement: 'Last year, the overall share of people travelling Business Class stood at around 13%, with the revenue generated by this share some 30% of the total. In the first quarter of 2006, we were able to increase the percentage of our traffic devoted to Business Class passengers to 14.7% on short- and medium-haul routes, and to 9.1% in long-haul.' Investment in the new Austrian lie-flat sleeper seat on long-haul routes and the equipment with inflight internet services by Connexion by Boeing™ will total EUR 40 million for the long-haul fleet.
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Ryanair announced record after tax profits of Euro 302m, some Euro ead of previous expectations. Traffic grew by 26% to 35m passengers, yields were up 1%, as total revenues grew by 28% to Euro 1.69bn. Excluding fuel, unit costs fell by 6% (including fuel they rose by 5%). Fuel costs rose by 74% to Euro 462m. Despite these substantially higher fuel costs, Ryanair achieved an 18% after tax margin, as adjusted net profits increased for the year by 12% to Euro 302m. Announcing these results Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary, said: “Ryanair has again delivered record traffic and profits despite substantially higher oil prices, intense competition and the absence of Easter from the fourth quarter. This robust performance validates our lowest fare/lowest cost model which continues to grow profitably in Europe even during adverse market conditions, when many of our competitors are reporting losses. Highlights of the past 12 months include: After tax profit of Euro 302m, an increase of 12% despite a 74% increase in fuel costs. Cost discipline continues with a 6% unit cost reduction excluding fuel. Average yields increased by 1% despite a 27% increase in capacity. Significant traffic growth of 26% to 35m passengers, across 330 routes with 103 aircraft. The retirement of our remaining B737-200's, reduced the average age of Ryanair's fleet to 2,5 years, the youngest in Europe. 46 new routes and 1 new base have already been announced for the remainder of 2006.
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The Board of BAA confirms that it has agreed, subject to final documentation, a revised definitive proposal from the Ferrovial Consortium valuing BAA at 950.25 pence per share. As part of this consideration, shareholders will be entitled to receive the proposed final dividend of 15.25 pence per share. The Board believes that an offer at this level represents an attractive price for BAA. The Board of BAA plc informs shareholders that talks between BAA and a consortium including Goldman Sachs Infrastructure Group have ceased.
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Nine SkyTeam carriers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with British Airport Authority (BAA) to co-locate their facilities in Terminal 4 at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) providing easier connections and more convenience to the nearly 3.5 million SkyTeam passengers who travel through LHR each year. According to the agreement, by 2008 carriers with existing LHR service, including Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Czech Airlines and Korean Air, will join KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which currently serves its passengers in this terminal. Other carriers – Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, and Northwest Airlines – will have the option to operate in this terminal should they serve LHR in the future. The move illustrates the carriers' focus on benefits to their customers and their partners' customers. As a result of this co-location, SkyTeam customers traveling through LHR will have access to several service enhancements. Current plans call for 32 check-in desks, additional bag drop-off locations, lounge facilities and room to add kiosks for self-service check-in.
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The International Space Station crew wrapped up its week with post-spacewalk tasks and began to turn their focus toward the arrival of a Progress supply spacecraft and preparations for Discovery's upcoming shuttle mission, designa ed STS-121. Commander Pavel Vinogradov and Flight Engineer Jeff Williams had a busy weekend with closeout tasks and station configurations after the spacewalk last week. They finished the cleanup and stowage of the Orlan spacesuits and related tools. The crew members enjoyed light duty days on Monday and Tuesday, resting up after the extended spacewalk and its follow up activities. They resumed a normal work and sleep schedule Wednesday. Another off-duty day for the crew is scheduled for Monday.
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