+++ Air Berlin buys LTU +++ Small GEO Platform contract signed +++ Eurofighter signs improvement contract at last +++ Eurocopter Inaugurates its New Plant in Spain +++ A129 for ATAK programme +++ CAE launches CAE 5000 Series full-flight simulator +++ News in brief +++
Air Berlin buys LTU
Expansion von Air Berlin geht weiter
Air Berlin has purchased LTU. The price amounts to 140 million euro. Also, debts of between 190 and 200 million euro are taken over. The deal is to be financed to a large extent by a combined financing with a total volume of approximately 250 million euro from the issuance of new shares and a conversion loan, whereby new shares are spent by up to 10 per cent of the present capital stock and the larger portion will originate from the conversion loan. Additionally to the financing of the purchase price these means are inserted for the refinancing of approx. 100 million euro LTU debts and for the refinancing of approx. 50 million euro air Berlin commitments.
“With the takever of LTU we follow the desires of the market. Many of our customers, who estimate above all our service, demand already for years that we offer also long-distance. We can now do that”, said Air Berlin boss Joachim Hunold.
Hunold expects annual synergy effects between 70 and 100 million euro by the integration of LTU into Air Berlin. These are to be achieved through common purchase and selling, flight plan tuning as well as cost lowerings by quantity discounts at airports. Restructuring are not ruled out, but dismantling of LTU is not the goal. Hunold: „If we as company want to grow further, we need good and motivated coworkers. I know still many colleagues from the time of my earlier LTU activity. That was the most successful time in the history of this airline. Because I believe in LTU and its coworkers, I see also a perspective for the enterprise.”
LTU will remain a legally independent enterprise with own management. Also the name LTU will continue to exist in the foreseeable future. In European traffic it will however a smooth integration of the LTU destinations into the Air Berlin network. LTU at present operates 15 medium range and 11 long-distance jet. Their most important Destinationen are the Dominican republic, the USA, Thailand, the Kanari islands, North Africa and Turkey.
In addition to the LTU acquisition, Air Berlin changes its code share partner: CONDOR replaces TUIfly. Joachim Hunold sees the agreements with CONDOR advantageous both for the customers and for the enterprises involved. Air Berlin, LTU and CONDOR will co-ordinate its flight plans and will sell mutually tickets. The advantage for the customers is in the more broadly varied offer: The jets of the three enterprises will fly for example no longer in parallel to the same destinations, but on different traffic days.
Air Berlin PLC intends to acquire a 49percent participation in Swiss airline Belair. Belair is a subsidiary of the Hotel Plan group, which belongs to the commercial company Migros again to 100 per cent. Belair operates at present three airplanes: two Boeing 757-200 and a Boeing 767-300. While Air Berlin aims at a reinforcement of its activities in the Swiss market, Hotel Plan sees advantages for Belair if selling and logistics are merged with Air Berlin. Regarding the purchase price silence was agreed upon.
Air Berlin PLC delivered a profit of 50.1 million euro for 2006, after a loss of 115.9 million euro in the previous year. “With these figures we are more than content”, explained finance executive Ulf Hüttmeyer. Air Berlin could increase in the year 2006 the yield per available seat kilometer (ASK) by 11 per cent. The portion of the single place sales, which makes the enterprise to a large extent independently of the pressure of the large German tour operators, rose from 56 to 60 per cent of the seats. Altogether the annual turnover 2006 amounted to 1.57 billion euro. After 1.22 billion euro in the year 2005, this is an increase of 29,6 per cent.
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Small GEO Platform contract signed
ESA bestellt Satelliten bei OHB
On 28 March in Berlin, the European Space Agency officially announced the signing with OHB/Germany of a Euro100 million framework contract to develop a European Small Geostationary Satellite platform for telecommunication missions.
This contract covers the first part of the Small Geostationary Satellite initiative aimed at the definition of a general-purpose small geostationary satellite platform which will enable European players to compete effectively on the commercial telecommunications market for small platforms.
To achieve this, the European Space Agency has set up a new programme element under ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems). The “ARTES 11” programme was approved at the ministerial meeting of the ESA Council held in Berlin in December 2005 and currently eight of the Agency's Member States are participants.
Divided into two parts, the programme initially involves the development and manufacture of the first flight model of a generic bus. This work is included in the contract that was signed by Mr Giuseppe Viriglio, ESA Director of Telecommunications and Navigation, and Professor Manfred Fuchs, CEO of OHB-System AG. The platform will accommodate a payload mass of up to 300 kg with power consumption of up to 3 kW over a 15 year mission lifetime.
The programme subsequently involves the development, manufacture and launch of a first satellite mission to provide flight heritage and in-orbit demonstration for the platform.
The mission payload is due to be selected around end-2007/early 2008 under an open tender process and the satellite selected is scheduled to be launched by the end of 2010.
The Small Geostationary Platform is being developed by a consortium headed by the German firm OHB with a core team line-up including LuxSpace (Luxembourg), the Swedish Space Corporation (Sweden) and Oerlikon Space (Switzerland). An industrial cooperation agreement between OHB and these companies was signed on 28 March in Berlin.
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Eurofighter signs improvement contract at last
Neue Fähigkeiten für Typhoon: Vertrag endlich unterzeichnet
The General Manager of NETMA (NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) Peter Worrall and Eurofighter GmbH CEO Aloysius Rauen on Thursday 29 March signed a contract that extends the capabilities of Eurofighter Typhoon beyond those already delivered with Tranche 1 based on the Main Development Contract.
This contract (officially called "First Batch of Enhancements for the Eurofighter") clears the roadmap for integrating new functionalities based on the four air forces requirements between the four customer nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) and the Eurofighter consortium of Alenia Aeronautica, BAE Systems, EADS CASA, and EADS Germany.
Also EADS CASA delivered SS011 to the Spanish Air Force, the first Block 5 aircraft and representing the latest and last production standard of Tranche 1.
Aloysius Rauen comments: "The contract we signed today covers the so called Phase 1 Enhancement for Tranche 2 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. It will mainly focus on air-to-surface capabilities and communication improvements. It will further position Eurofighter Typhoon at the forefront of Multi-role/swing-role fighter aircraft and underline the market leader position of the weapon system with unmatched capabilities.
The new functionalities are welcomed by the four partner air forces as they enable them to further extend the operational tasks of Eurofighter Typhoon. Industry will therefore put every effort into meeting the required specifications and schedules to provide first line performance to the airmen of the partner nations."
The Phase 1 Enhancement will include the integration of new weapons like Paveway IV and the EGBU-16 (Enhanced Guided Bomb Unit) alongside integrating a Laser Designator Pod (LDP) into Tranche 2 aircraft of all four partner nations. The Human Machine Interface will receive performance upgrades required for the simultaneous Swing Role operation, allowing a pilot to continue a bomb run while at the same time fight air attacks by minimizing the pilot´s workload in complex air warfare scenarios. Further extension of the MIDS performance (Multifunctional Information and Distribution System) is a substantial contribution to this objective.
Eurofighter Typhoon of Tranche 2 will receive additional functionalities In the Phase 2 Enhancement. The four-nation Eurofighter consortium plans to start work on the respective proposal in the second half of 2007. It will mainly focus on the integration of new weapons probably including standoff weapons like Storm Shadow and Taurus.
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Eurocopter Inaugurates its New Plant in Spain
Werk in Albacete eingeweiht
The President of the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, José María Barreda, inaugurated the new Eurocopter España plant in Albacete in the presence of the Eurocopter CEO, Lutz Bertling; the Spanish Secretary of State for Defense; and the Mayor of Albacete. The authorities from the Ministry of interior, Industry, and Defense also attended this significant event, alongside representatives from the region's main political and administrative institutions. The full program for the morning ceremony included a demonstration by the Aspa, aerobatic team of the Spanish Air Force, with Eurocopter Colibri helicopters.
The inauguration shows the long term commitment of the Eurocopter Group to Spain. The plant was designed to incorporate the highest levels of technology in Europe, with the aim of developing a full cycle and permanent helicopter industry in Spain. The 150,000 square meter site will contain 33,000 square meters of covered production facilities, which will house the EC135, NH90, and Tiger hangers, as well as the facilities dedicated to aerostructures. By the end of 2010, the plant will have a workforce of 700 people.
As the third pillar of the Eurocopter Group, Spain is developing engineering, manufacturing, upgrading, delivery, and logistic activities, with complete responsibility for customer support, marketing, and program management. Eurocopter is the main helicopter contractor in Spain, and the country is fully involved in the most important programs. The Ministry of Interior has decided tol acquire 48 EC135, mainly for EMS and law enforcement missions and the Ministry of Defense has ordered four of these aircraft for the Emergency Military Unit (UME). The Spanish Army has ordered a total of 24 Tiger combat helicopters.It is expected that the country will participate in the development of the new tactical transport helicopter, the NH90, the most modern multi-role helicopter in the world: the Spanish Ministry of Defense has already ordered 45 of these aircraft.
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A129 for ATAK programme
Türkey verhandelt über neue Kampfhubschrauber
The Turkish Executive Committee has announced that it is to start contract negotiations with AgustaWestland, in partnership with Turkish Aviation Industry (TAI), for the Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter – ATAK Project - for the Turkish Land Forces Command. The estimated value of this programme to AgustaWestland is in excess of Euro 1.2 billion based on the requirement for 51 A129 helicopters.
The AgustaWestland proposal includes significant industrial benefits for Turkey. Several leading Turkish aerospace companies, such as TAI and Aselsan, will be involved in the programme. Final assembly, delivery and acceptance of the aircraft will also take place in Turkey. The Italian Army, which already operates the A129, has successfully deployed the helicopter in support of a number of United Nations peace keeping missions in Somalia, Kosovo and Iraq. The A129 has demonstrated high reliability and low maintenance during these operations, despite the harsh environmental operating conditions.
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CAE launches CAE 5000 Series full-flight simulator
Neue Flugsimulatorserie von CAE
CAE marked its 60th anniversary by launching a new product, the CAE 5000 Series full-flight simulator. This new product addresses training requirements for high-volume commercial narrow-body aircraft such as the B737 and the A320, as well as the business jet market including the emerging Very Light Jets (VLJs). “Over the years, CAE has lead the industry with more than 60 firsts, including the first six-degrees-of-freedom motion system, first Level D simulator, first PC-based suite of training devices featuring high-fidelity software, and many prototype simulators for new aircraft. Today, CAE is also innovating by adding a new line of full-flight simulators called the CAE 5000 Series which broadens what is already the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of simulation and training solutions.” Mr. Brown added.
The 5000 Series is a direct result of input from CAE's customer and technical advisory boards, CAE's own training instructors, and close coordination with regulatory agencies worldwide. Customers wanted CAE's quality, reliability and fidelity in a product that would help them be more cost efficient and address specific training requirements, including: Initial and recurrent training on narrow-body platforms (A320, 737NG), which are expected to account for 60% of aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years and Business aviation training, including the emerging VLJ segment.
The CAE 5000 Series launch customers are: Lufthansa Flight Training: Lufthansa Flight Training has signed a contract for an Airbus A320 5000 Series full-flight simulator. This contract brings to 34 the number of full-flight simulator orders CAE has announced in fiscal 2007; Ryanair : The five FFS announced and ordered by the airline in October 2006 will all be CAE 5000 Series FFSs; CAE's own global training network: CAE is currently designing and manufacturing one 5000 Series FFS for each of the A320 and B737 aircraft types, and will deploy them within CAE's global training network early next year. The CAE 5000 Series will also be used in the CAE-Airbus pilot-training cooperation.
“Lufthansa Flight Training has been intimately involved in the product definition and design of the CAE 5000 Series, as part of CAE's customer and technical advisory boards,” said Florian Hamm, CEO of Lufthansa Flight Training GmbH. “LFT is well known as a front-runner in implementing innovative technology. We are looking forward to having a 5000 Series simulator ready for training at our training centre in Berlin in 2008.”
CAE 5000 Series simulators for both the B737NG and Airbus A320 will be available in early 2008. List prices will depend on the aircraft platform and configuration, and will range from C$8 to C$11 million.
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NEWS IN BRIEF / KURZMELDUNGEN
Lufthansa and Airbus ended their extensive A380 route-proving programme today with a distinctly Bavarian flourish. Having flown more than 60,000 kilometres on its route from Frankfurt to New York, Chicago, Hong Kong and Washington, the aircraft made its final landing in Munich. Since 17 March, the two partners have been testing all the important processes involved in the operation of the A380 under realistic conditions. In all, 3,750 Airbus and Lufthansa staff as well as guests had an opportunity to experience a new dimension in air travel during the 65 hours the aircraft was airborne. During the route-proving exercise, the A380 also made its firstever landing in the United States. Passengers aboard the route-proving flights were enthusiastic about the qualities of the new aircraft and were particularly struck by the A380's light and airy, spacious and quiet cabin. The Lufthansa captains were impressed by the aircraft's manoeuvrability, while the Lufthansa crew praised the level of cabin comfort. “We are delighted that that we have been able to work with Airbus as a partner for innovation and actively accompany and support the development and route proving of this new aircraft type with our expertise and experience - as we did with earlier models,” said Lufthansa CEO and Chairman Wolfgang Mayrhuber. During the preceding test and development stages, Lufthansa was the exclusive partner of the European plane maker - for example, during the important A380 evacuation test at the end of March 2006 and the first A380 Early Long Flights (ELFs) conducted by Airbus in September 2006.
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AgustaWestland announced the delivery by Kawasaki of the first ever licence built EH101 helicopter to their Customer, the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The aircraft was accepted by the customer on the 23rd March at Kawasaki Aerospace's Gifu plant in Japan. The aircraft is the second MCH101 to be delivered to the JMSDF, the first having been assembled at AgustaWestland's Yeovil facility prior to delivery to Kawasaki for customisation and completion.
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Northrop Grumman successfully completed radar flight-test certification for the fourth-generation variant of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor. The fourth-generation AESA radar, designated the AN/APG-77V(1), brings a significant upgrade to the F-22 aircraft beginning with Lot 5 and provides the capability to carry out numerous search and targeting missions. Flight tests of the Northrop Grumman AESA radar system were conducted as part of an overall flight-test certification of the Raptor by the Combined Test Force team at Edwards Air Force Base from Jan. 18 to March 7, 2007. The tests included four sorties involving the launch of AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles and 1,000-lb. Joint Direct Attack Munitions against simulated threats.
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The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) was decommissioned in Mayport, Fla., March 23. After a 17-gun salute, USS John F. Kennedy Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Zecchin addressed the more than 5,000 guests, former commanding officers, city officials and distinguished visitors. In his speech, he described his feelings for the ship and the legacy of its crew. “While preparing for today, I realized that serving on this ship is akin to having a relationship with a tried and true friend," Zecchin said. "Saying goodbye is a sublime melancholy.” Zecchin described the level of dedication the crew revealed. He illustrated their pride in professionalism in terms of a recent port visit to Boston, when 21 degree below zero windchills made working conditions at night unforgiving. The 80,000 ton warship, namesake of the 35th President of the United States, saw 18 deployments and 30 commanding officers in its 38 years of service.
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US Airways Group announced that it has completed a $1.6 billion debt refinancing transaction. The new loan, which was arranged by Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers, will bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.50 percent. The applicable margin is reduced as the loan is paid down or as the company's credit rating improves. It can be as low as LIBOR plus 2.00 percent if the loan balance is under $600 million or the loan facility credit rating, as determined by Moody's Investor Services and Standard & Poor's, improves to Ba3 and BB-, respectively. The term of the loan is seven years with substantially all of the principal amount payable at maturity. The loan requires the company to maintain a minimum level of unrestricted cash and a minimum collateral coverage ratio. The refinancing improves liquidity over the next seven years by reducing principal payments and lowering near-term interest expense. Upon funding, the Company extinguished two separate debt facilities: a $1.25 billion senior secured credit facility and a $325 million unsecured debt facility. The additional $25 million will be used for general corporate purposes. The new loan will reduce the blended interest margin by over 100 basis points.
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In an effort to develop environmentally progressive technologies for aerospace applications, Boeing researchers and industry partners throughout Europe plan to conduct experimental flight tests this year of a manned airplane powered only by a fuel cell and lightweight batteries. The systems integration phase of the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane research project, under way since 2003 at Boeing Research and Technology -- Europe (BR&TE), was completed recently. Thorough systems integration testing is now under way in preparation for upcoming ground and flight testing. "Given the efficiency and environmental benefits of emerging fuel cell technology, Boeing wants to be on the forefront of developing and applying it to aerospace products," said Francisco Escarti, BR&TE managing director. "The Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane project is an important step in that direction." A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts hydrogen directly into electricity and heat without combustion. Fuel cells are emission-free and quieter than hydrocarbon fuel-powered engines. They save fuel and are cleaner for the environment. The Boeing demonstrator uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system to power an electric motor, which is coupled to a conventional propeller. The fuel cell provides all power for the cruise phase of flight. During takeoff and climb, the flight segment that requires the most power, the system draws on lightweight lithium-ion batteries. Flight tests, which will take place in Spain, will demonstrate for the first time that a manned airplane can maintain a straight level flight with fuel cells as the only power source.
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Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 will open to the world's Passengers on Thursday 27 March 2008. Terminal 5 (T5), which will become a new home for British Airways, serve around 30 million passengers a year and be a stunning new gateway to the UK. An intensive six-month period of proving trials will begin in September this year, when over 16,000 people will be recruited to act as passengers and thoroughly test every aspect of the building including car parking, check-in, baggage systems, IT systems and security. "T5 is already a testament to the skill and hard work of the thousands of people, including architects, planners, construction workers, airport and airline staff, who have together made the building happen. With just 366 days to go there is still much to do, but we're confident we are on track to deliver a world-class experience that Heathrow's passengers deserve. "68 million passengers will fly through Heathrow this year in aging terminal facilities designed to accommodate around 45 million. When T5 opens and 30 million passengers move out of existing terminals, for the first time we will have space to breath in the central terminal area and have a once in a lifetime opportunity to redevelop the rest of the airport and bring it up to a comparable standard to T5. "By 2012, we aim to have either re-built or redeveloped our existing facilities and returned Heathrow to its rightful status as the world's leading international airport. We will be proud to welcome the world's Olympians through our gates."
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The first centre wing box, the 'structural heart' of the A400M military transport aircraft, has been delivered from the Airbus Nantes site in France to Seville in Spain, where it arrived yesterday, Wednesday 28th March. Deliveries of major structural sections for the first A400M military transport aircraft to the final assembly line in Seville, Spain, started at the end of 2006. An advanced composite structure, the centre wing box connects to the outer wing sections as well as being the component that connects the wings to the fuselage. In addition, the centre wing box is one of the fuel tanks of the A400M aircraft. This particular part of the aircraft structure is capable of absorbing forces of over 200 tonnes which can be encountered during different phases of flight. In addition, significant weight savings have been achieved through 50 per cent of the centre wing box being produced from carbon fibre composite components.
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German operator EUROHELI.com announced it has become the first operator in Germany to invest in a Cineflex HD (high definition) gyro-stabilised camera system. The Freiburg-based company, which operates a mixed fleet of EC120 and AS 350 helicopters over a range of flight services, takes delivery of the new camera in April 2007. EUROHELI.com owner and managing director Harald Becker says it was the camera's performance that convinced him to make the order. “The Cineflex V-14 is by far the most stable aerial system I have experienced, and the video elements are second to none.” The new camera will be used largely on broadcast and commercial shoots. “We have just completed work on a month-long event for a major German high performance car maker”, says Becker, “who wanted to introduce a new range of vehicles to its worldwide sales force. I just wish we'd had the Cineflex for that job.”
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From 1st April 2007 onwards the name dba will no longer have its own corporate identity. The entire range of activities, from bookings to flights, will be carried out under the Air Berlin brand. This applies to domestic German routes and to European flights. "We have adopted the business quality of dba and combined this with the award-winning Air Berlin service. The result is our common business class for everyone," explained Joachim Hunold, Air Berlin's Chief Executive Officer, in Berlin on Monday. Discrepancies in the regulations regarding fares, baggage allowance, reductions and service have now been eliminated. The flexi fares that used to apply at dba will soon be available for booking via all the Air Berlin sales channels. The relevant technical changes will start to be implemented by the end of March. All flights operating from 1st May 2007 can then be booked using the Air Berlin system, and with the carrier code of "AB". dba's domestic German destinations fit in perfectly with Air Berlin's European network. Air Berlin passengers have a choice of more than 600 flights a day. All the aircraft sport Air Berlin's livery. The ticket desks and check-ins at the airports are a uniform Air Berlin red as well.
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Boeing and British Airways have finalized an order for four Boeing 777-200ER jetliners valued at more than $800 million at list prices. British Airways also secured options for four additional 777-200ERs. British Airways said it is using the 777s to expand its long-haul fleet. British Airways has a fleet of 43 Boeing 777s making it Europe's largest operator of the popular jetliner. "The Boeing 777 fitted our requirements and could easily be assimilated into the rest of our long-haul fleet," said Robert Boyle, commercial director, British Airways.
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On Wednesday 28 March, at around 15:00, the second firing test of the solid rocket motor 'Zefiro 9' – the motor that will power the third stage of ESA's future small launcher Vega - took place at the Salto Di Quirra Inter-force Test Range in Sardinia, Italy. The first results of the test indicate that the behaviour of the motor and the actuation of the nozzle were in accordance with predictions up until 35 seconds after ignition, when a sudden drop in the motor's internal pressure was detected. The pressure stabilised at a value lower than the nominal, leading to a longer combustion time than the expected 105 seconds. More than 400 sensors fitted to the motor monitored its behaviour during and after the firing test. The first visual investigation conducted on site after the firing showed that the nozzle of the motor was damaged, but no further damage was observed on the motor case or on the test bench. ESA and Industry teams have already started a thorough analysis and assessment of the data collected during the test. The causes of the anomaly have not been identified yet and an investigation board is being set up for this purpose. The board shall recommend preventative and other appropriate actions to preclude the recurrence of similar anomalies for the finalisation of the motor qualification. This was the second firing test of the Zefiro 9 motor. The first test took place successfully in December 2005. The first firing tests of the other Vega solid rocket motors - Zefiro 23 (second stage) and P80 (first stage) held on 26 June 2006 at Salto di Quirra and on 30 November 2006 in Kourou respectively, also went well. Three more firing tests, in the years 1999-2000, were conducted successfully for the Zefiro 16 motor, the forerunner of the Zefiro family of solid rocket motors.
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American Airlines said that it has accelerated its fleet renewal plan by beginning the replacement process for a portion of its MD-80 fleet. The Company said that the decision also provides it with substantial fleet flexibility in the future. Following approval by AMR's and American's Board of Directors, American has notified The Boeing Company of its intent to begin pulling forward the delivery of 47 Boeing 737-800 aircraft under a previously existing purchase commitment. American initiated this process by notifying Boeing that American will take delivery in early 2009 of three of these aircraft previously scheduled for delivery in 2016. American intends to continue pulling forward deliveries of the other aircraft from their current 2013-2016 delivery schedules into the 2009-2012 timeframe. “We believe that beginning to replace some of our MD-80s in a measured way makes economic sense and represents prudent and strategic reinvestment in our business that will bring long-term benefits to shareholders, customers and employees,” said AMR Chairman and CEO Gerard Arpey. “Our existing agreement with Boeing gives us ample flexibility for our long-term fleet plan. While the MD-80 remains an excellent aircraft that serves us and our customers well, the new 737s will be a great addition to our fleet that will lower our operational costs, boost the fuel efficiency of our fleet and also bolster our efforts to lower emissions and noise levels.” Arpey noted that American's long-term purchase contract with Boeing gives the Company substantial fleet flexibility and includes the right to purchase on short notice additional 737s well beyond the 47 committed aircraft as well as the right to purchase 787 aircraft. He also stressed that the purchase contract with Boeing gives American the ability to obtain the 47 aircraft and additional 737 aircraft with a delivery schedule that best meets the needs of the business, without having to make large firm delivery commitments at a specific time, and that American's “purchase rights” give it the ability to acquire such additional aircraft from Boeing with as little as 15 months notice.
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Northrop Grumman recently celebrated the on-time delivery of the first Mississippi-built center fuselage of a RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk unmanned aerial system at a ceremony at its Unmanned Systems Center manufacturing facility in Moss Point, Miss. The delivery is a significant milestone for the Global Hawk program, marking progress of the manufacturing and assembly of the first Block 30 variant, which will be delivered to the U.S. Air Force later this year.
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Boeing and Avianca Airlines, Colombia's flagship air carrier, announced the airline has ordered 10 787s, making it the first South American carrier to order the 787 and marking the largest 787 order to date for Latin America. The order, worth approximately $1.5 billion at list prices, was previously credited to an unidentified customer on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website. Today's order also includes purchase rights for an additional 10 787s.
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ATR and Canary Islands-based Islas Airways announced the signature of a contract for 6 new ATR 72-500s for a total value of around US $ 110 million. For the first time the airline is adding new “500 series” ATR aircraft to its fleet, currently composed of one ATR 42-300 and 4 ATR 72-200s. The deal has been inked in the Canary Islands by Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO, and Miguel Concepción Cáceres, Islas Airways CEO. These six aircraft, configured with 70 seats, will be equipped with the new “Elegance Cabin”, Light Emitting Diode (LED) and with the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools. The airline will take delivery of two aircraft in 2007, two in 2008 and two in 2009.
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Boeing, which performs development, production and sustainment work on the B-1 bomber, has helped the U.S. Air Force B-1 fleet surpass 500,000 flight hours. The aircraft reached the milestone during a March 1 flight. The $2.8 billion Conventional Mission Upgrade Program awarded to Boeing in 1993 adds computers, weapons, and communication and navigation equipment to maintain the B-1's relevance for another 40 years.
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Rolls-Royce and Embraer celebrated the delivery of the 2,000th AE3007 engine during a ceremony on March 22 at Embraer's facility in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The AE3007 has powered Embraer's ERJ family of regional jets and Legacy Business Jet for a decade. Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Sir John Rose presented Embraer President and CEO Mauricio Botelho with a customized gift commemorating the event. Entering service in 1996 with Embraer, the AE 3007A engine powers 20 variants of the Embraer ERJ 145, ERJ 140 and ERJ 135 regional jets, the Embraer Legacy 600 corporate aircraft and ERJ-145 military variants.
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Air China and Lufthansa continue their cooperation to increase the frequency on the Sino-German route. The total capacity will be 66 flights per week from Frankfurt or Munich to: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Air China has long-term strategic partnership with Lufthansa, started their first code shares in October 2000 and signed a further five-year code-share agreement in May 2006. The cooperation aims to provide passengers with extensive route network, smooth flight links and consistent products and services to consolidate and enhance both airlines' market competitiveness. Air China and Lufthansa developed a full-scale code sharing, carrying both airlines' codes on all Sino-German flights. Air China's flight no. was carried from Frankfurt and Munich to other 8 German cities: Berlin and Hamburg etc., while Lufthansa's flight no. was carried to more Chinese cities. The third country code sharing offers passengers options between China, Brazil and Spain. The two airlines also developed Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) cooperation which enables both airlines' FFP members to collect points and redeem airfares on all Air China or Lufthansa's self-operating flights. Passengers also enjoy seamless transfer services between the two airlines via through check in. Both airlines profit from the partnership and contribute over one hundred thousands more passengers every year.
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The first of Australia's 46 MRH-90 conducted its maiden flight in Marignane, France. The aircraft flew for 1.5 hours and the Eurocopter test crew were delighted with its performance. The first 4 MRH-90 are on schedule for delivery into Australia by the end of 2007, and the first fuselage of the 42 aircraft to be assembled in Australia arrived in Brisbane on 27 March. This is a significant achievement in the history of this program and the hard work and dedication of all involved from the Commonwealth and Eurocopter, through its Australian subsidiary, Australian Aerospace, is acknowledged. The project includes a $1.2 billion Australian Industry Capability package that focuses on state of the art composite construction, avionics, turbine engine assembly and maintenance, and ongoing software support.
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Galileo Avionica has been conducting a successful commercial strategy in India, proven by two important results. On one hand, Galileo Avionica has signed a service contract relating to the radiotarget Mirach 100/5 for the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of the Indian Ministry of Defence. The order, representing a logistic support for Mirach 100/5, requires about 20 flights to be performed within one year for the qualification of arms systems. The contract has been won after a tight contest between some of the most important companies in the Defence field. The order has more than a pure economic value. In fact, Galileo Avionica produced a starting-point for developing a long collaboration with India, setting up assumptions for the introduction of Mirach 100/5. On the other hand, the precision approach radar named PAR 2080 C, developed by Galileo Avionica recently started operating at the Indian Air Force Pune Base.
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Fokker Services, a company of the Netherlands based Stork Aerospace, has completed the acquisition of Aerotron AirPower (LaGrange, Georgia USA), which was announced on 16 March 2007. This acquisition is part of Fokker Services strategy to expand it's postion in the growing US aerospace services market and follows the acquisition of AIRINC last year. The parties did not reveal the financial details of the transaction. Aerotron AirPower Inc. (95 employees) specializes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of complex pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, and electro-mechanical components installed on a wide variety of aircraft including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer.
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Boeing and Austrian Airlines said that the airline's fleet of four 777-200ERs will be monitored by Boeing's Airplane Health Management (AHM), a software system that helps airlines improve the management of unscheduled maintenance events. The maintenance operation center, engineers, and mechanics at Austrian Airlines will use AHM to gather and evaluate critical in-flight data in real-time. The additional visibility enables airlines to begin working faults while an airplane is in the air and can help turn unscheduled maintenance events into planned ones. For example, a fault identified by AHM and relayed to ground controllers can prompt preparation that allows an airline to turn a potentially costly on-ground maintenance delay into an easily addressable repair that minimizes or eliminates disruptions to passenger flight plans. "We expect Boeing's Airplane Health Management to address a variety of issues for us," said Walter Hechenberger, Austrian Airlines' executive vice president, Technic. "We want to increase both the availability of the airplanes and our efficiency in maintaining them. If we succeed, we can obviously improve the flying experience of our passengers as well as our own economic performance. We are happy to have Boeing as a partner in this win-win arrangement."
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Pratt & Whitney Canada has delivered the first two PW617F engines for flight testing on the new Embraer Phenom 100 very light jet. "These engine deliveries represent an important milestone for both Pratt & Whitney Canada and Embraer," said Dan Breitman, vice president, turbofan development. "The PW600 family is the leader in the emerging very light jet market, and we are very pleased with the progress of the PW617F engine program." Selected by Embraer in 2005, the PW617F engine provides 1,615 pounds of thrust for the Phenom 100 and features a dual-channel, full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system. Designed around the latest technologies, as well as a 50-percent reduction in parts count, it offers customers a step-change in performance, cost and value. Certification of the engine is expected in the fourth quarter of 2007.
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Delta Air Lines announced that it has filed an application to list its new common stock on the New York Stock Exchange after the company's emergence from bankruptcy. Subject to the approval of its listing application and the effectiveness of its Plan of Reorganization, Delta anticipates that shares of the newly issued common stock will begin trading on the NYSE in early May under the ticker symbol “DAL”. “The planned listing of Delta's new stock on the New York Stock Exchange is another significant milestone on our path toward emergence from bankruptcy as a strong, healthy competitor and an industry leader,” said Edward H. Bastian, Delta's executive vice president and chief financial officer. “This action marks a return to our roots even as we look to new opportunities. By using the company's historic ticker symbol 'DAL' on the exchange where Delta originally listed its stock 50 years ago, we are paying tribute to our proud history – and our tradition of outstanding service and always putting people first – as we begin a new chapter focused on positioning Delta as a global leader in a rapidly changing airline industry.”
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Boeing selected Crane Aerospace & Electronics to supply the onboard weight and balance system for its new 777 Freighter, making it the first commercial airplane program to choose the new advanced technology known as AirWeighs. "The ability to quickly provide accurate weight and balance calculations will enhance the efficiency of operations for 777 Freighter customers," said Kim Pastega, engineering integration leader for the 777 Freighter Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are pleased to have Crane supply this technology for the 777." The onboard weight and balance system is designed to provide measurements of the 777 Freighter's weight and center of gravity. Operators benefit from having accurate and reliable weight and balance measurements provided in real time. In addition, the system can quickly validate manual weight calculations.
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The US Army's next-generation airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform has a new runway to get off the ground. "The Army remains committed to ACS (Aerial Common Sensor) to meet current and emerging reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition requirements," said Col. John Burke, deputy director, Army Aviation, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans at the Pentagon. The ACS is intended to detect troop movements, intercept enemy communications and radar transmissions, and communicate with other aircraft. After terminating an $879 million contract with Lockheed Martin for the development of the system in early 2006, the Army is returning to the drawing board to focus on system requirements. "The prudent course of action at this time was to terminate the contract and bring the various players - industry, the acquisition- and user-communities, the Navy and Air Force - back to the drawing board to make sure we all have a firm understanding of what the requirements are and the various challenges we need to overcome to make this program succeed," said Claude M. Bolton, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition Logistics and Technology in 2006. "We are not terminating the program."
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Air Force Research Laboratory engineers have outlined a five-year timeline for a new, adaptive engine that will enable pilots to switch from high speed combat maneuvers to long-range persistence mode as effortlessly as a bird in flight. AFRL's Propulsion Directorate recently issued a broad agency announcement calling for industry to develop a demonstration program for the revolutionary engine, called Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology, or ADVENT. Also known as Project ADVENT, the program's goals are to develop inlet, engine and exhaust technologies that optimize propulsion system performance over a broad range of altitude and speed. The demonstration program will select two competitive contractor teams in August during a concept exploration phase, said Matthew Meininger, the ADVENT program manager. The remainder of Phase I will include critical component testing and engine preliminary design. A single contractor will then be selected in late 2009 to carry out the Phase 2 effort. This phase covers work from engine-detailed design through Technology Readiness Level 6, which signifies it is ready for a full-up, operational test in a relevant engine environment. Meininger said engine demonstrator testing would occur in 2012.
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The first new Grob 120A training aircraft has arrived at the French Air Force Flight Training School on the Cognac Air Base. This event marks an important step in the EADS programme which aims at the modernisation of the ab initio pilot training for the French Air Force (FAF). Grob Aerospace, a supplier to EADS within this programme, will deliver a total of 18 Grob 120A by the end of this year. Among the numerous guests of a ceremony heralding the arrival of the first training aircraft were the French Air Force Chief of Staff, General Stéphane Abrial, and Johann Heitzmann, CEO of Military Air Systems at EADS Defence & Security (DS). The overall programme is based on a contract from the French Ministry of Defence with EADS´ unit Military Air Systems and Socata. Besides the supply of new training aircraft it includes the procurement of line and base aircraft maintenance and ground-based training devices - such as flight simulators and integrated logistics support, with supply chain management plus infrastructure handling. In order to meet these requirements, EADS has transferred the contract and its management to a dedicated subsidiary in Cognac: the EADS Cognac Aviation Training Services (ECATS), located directly at the air base in Cognac. The contract was concluded on 19 April 2006 and covers a timeframe of five years with options for five possible yearly extensions up to 10 years.
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Raytheon has completed the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC) to Hawker Beechcraft Inc., a new company formed by GS Capital Partners, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, and Onex Partners for approximately $3.3 billion in cash. The sale was first announced on December 21, 2006. The transaction includes Raytheon Aircraft facilities and other assets in Wichita and Salina, Kansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Dallas, Texas; as well as its Fixed Based Operations (FBO) network across the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico. "Completing the sale of Raytheon Aircraft Company gives us further opportunity to invest in and grow our government and defense business and to deliver value to our shareholders," said William H. Swanson, Raytheon's Chairman and CEO. The Company expects to use a portion of the after tax sale proceeds for the early retirement of approximately $1.0 billion of the Company's debt and for the Company's stock repurchase program. As previously announced, the Board of Directors has, subject to the closing of the sale, authorized the early retirement of debt and an increase of $750 million in the total authorization for the Company's stock repurchase program. The transaction does not include Raytheon's ownership in either Flight Options, LLC or Raytheon Airline Aviation Services LLC, both of which are reported in the "Other" segment of the Company's financial statements.
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Orbital Sciences Corporation announced that one of its current satellite customers, Australia's Optus Networks, has placed a firm order for its third STAR(TM) communications satellite as an addition to its in-orbit fleet. The Optus D3 satellite will provide Ku-Band direct television broadcasting services to Australia and New Zealand. The new satellite, like Optus D1 and Optus D2, will be based on Orbital's STAR platform and will carry a total of 32 transponders and is scheduled for delivery in 2009. Commenting on the contract award, Mr. Carl A. Marchetto, Orbital's Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Space Systems Group, said, "We are thrilled with Optus' continued acquisition of Orbital's STAR satellites. With the Optus D1 spacecraft already deployed in the Optus fleet and the Optus D2 satellite scheduled for launch later this year, we are looking forward to another opportunity to work with one of our most important customers. We are fully committed to working closely with the Optus team to build on our already solid relationship, to help ensure Optus meets the needs of the customers they serve."
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The GAO informed the US Air Force that all other protest issues surrounding the CSAR-X contract award have been denied. In a March 29 decision the GAO denied all of the additional arguments raised by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, "finding that none furnished an additional basis for sustaining the protests." "This is good news for the Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Michelle Johnson, Air Force spokesperson. "It allows us to focus on the GAO's February 26 recommendation and move forward with our number two acquisition priority." Air Force officials have previously clarified their intent to comply with the GAO's recommendation by amending the CSAR-X Request for Proposal. The Air Force will update the Request for Proposal with respect to the evaluation of Operations and Support costs, reopen discussions with offerors, and request revised proposals. If the evaluation of the revised proposals results in a change to the CSAR-X Best Value Source Selection, the Air Force will make any necessary changes in the contract award decision.
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Over the next two years, fourteen additional helicopters will be made available for use on military operations, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne has announced on 30 March 2007. The Ministry of Defence has agreed to buy six new Merlin helicopters, which will be available within a year and to convert eight existing Chinook Mark 3 helicopters to make them available for deployment in two years. The complete package will cost around £230m. Mr Browne said: "This is the best possible outcome for our joint helicopter force and for the Armed Forces as a whole. This package will deliver 14 additional military helicopters into new operational roles, with the first available for operations within a year. "Battlefield support helicopters are one of the most crucial capabilities for military commanders. I am determined that we have enough if we need to send more to operations in Afghanistan, Iraq or elsewhere. "The £175m firm cost will equip the UK Merlins with operational enhancements and the latest generation of advanced rotor-blades which will enhance their speed, range and lift. This will ensure good performance even in demanding environments like Iraq and Afghanistan. The Chinook Mk3s were ordered in 1995 for special operations. They were delivered in 2001 but have been unavailable since then due to well reported technical problems.
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“The Czech Air Force L-159 aircraft fleet has reached its first 10.000 flight hours (FH). The ten thousand's FH was preformed by the L-159 s/n 6064 piloted by Capt. David Reha on March 23, 2007 on the prestigious NATO Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) in Florennes, Belgium. TLP is a program for the most experienced NATO pilots, who after succeeding in the exercise can operate as leaders in various tactical air operations of NATO,” said Colonel Jiri Verner, Commander of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base at Caslav on a press conference, adding that this year the L-159 aircraft should reach 3.000 FH, i.e. more than 120 FH on each of the 24 aircraft in service.
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The Expedition 14 crew of the International Space Station continued preparations for the April arrival of a new station crew by boarding their Soyuz TMA-9 craft and taking a 24-minute flight from one station docking port to another. Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin guided the Soyuz away from the Earth-facing port of the station's Zarya module and docked it to the aft port of the Zvezda module. The move frees the Zarya port for the arrival of the Expedition 15 crew aboard the Soyuz TMA-10, scheduled to dock to the station on April 9. Tyurin undocked the Soyuz from Zarya at 5:30 p.m. CDT and redocked to the Zvezda port at 5:54 p.m. CDT as the station and the Soyuz flew 210 miles above the east coast of South America. Minutes later, hooks and latches engaged between the Soyuz' docking probe and Zvezda's docking port to attach the craft firmly to the station. During the time from undocking to redocking, the crew traveled about a third of the way around the world. To prepare for Thursday's undocking and relocation, Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria and flight engineers Tyurin and Sunita Williams shut down key station systems and configured the complex for autonomous operations in the unlikely event they would not be able to redock. Prior to undocking, Tyurin activated the Soyuz' backup battery as a precaution when the prime spacecraft battery indicated a slightly lower voltage reading. It was quickly determined that the voltage drop was due to the activation of some Soyuz systems, and the prime battery soon returned to its normal voltage output. Late Thursday into early Friday, the crew will open the hatch to the Soyuz, re-enter the station and reactivate systems for regular activity. Friday will be an off-duty day for the crew as they readjust their sleep cycles, which were changed to accommodate the Soyuz move. Further preparation for the Soyuz relocation included the undocking and discarding of the ISS Progress 23 cargo craft from the aft Zvezda port on Tuesday, March 27, making room for the Soyuz to redock. That activity went smoothly; the ISS Progress undocked at 1:11 p.m. CDT and re-entered Earth's atmosphere at 5:44 p.m.
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In the Austrian Airlines Supervisory Board meeting to take place on 25 April 2007 a decision for a new stock option plan (“SOP 2007”) applicable for Board of Management members, managing directors and executive employees of Austrian Airlines and its most important subsidiaries should be taken. The stock options to be granted on the basis of SOP 2007 are to be directly linked to the net profit of Austrian Airlines Group (EPS or Earnings per share) and to the success of the Austrian Airlines stock price on the stock exchange. A report of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board, meeting the requirements of section 95, para. 6 in connection with section 159, para. 2, line 3 of the Stock Corporation Act, will be published in the “Amtsblatt zur Wiener Zeitung” on March 28th 2007. It is planned to address this issue at the General Meeting of Shareholders.
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Cathay Pacific Airways and Lufthansa Technik entered into a new major Total Engine Support TES contract. Over the next ten years Lufthansa Technik will exclusively serve a fleet of fifteen Boeing 747-400 powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW4056-3 engine via the Total Engine Support TES contract including the six spare engines of the carrier. In addition both parties are in final preparations on a second TES contract for the PW4062 engines of the six new Boeing 747-400 ERF airplanes, to be introduced in May 2008 (including three spare engines).
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March 25th saw the launch of Europe's newest airline as Brussels Airlines was formed from the merger of AEA member SN Brussels and Virgin Express. SN Brussels was, of course, the successor to Sabena, one of AEA's founding members, and has built a strong brand in the Brussels business markets in just five years of operation. Virgin Express has been a successful operator of 'no-frills' services from Brussels, mainly to Southern European leisure destinations. The merged airline has evolved a clear strategy of maintaining these differentiated products across the network, with a simple fare structure. The airline has a fleet of 45 short-haul jets as well as four Airbus 330s, which are used on services to Africa, an area in which the Brussels hub has traditionally had a strong market presence.
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ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and Her Excellency Ms Sarah Dennis, New Zealand's Ambassador to France, signed an arrangement on the installation of a transportable telemetry station to track the Ariane 5 launcher that will carry into orbit ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for its maiden flight in autumn this year. Europe's ATV will be one of the vital supply craft for the International Space Station, delivering equipment and spare parts as well as food, air and water for its permanent crew. Once docked to the ISS, the ATV will serve to re-boost the space station; then, as part of a controlled re-entry, it will burn up in the Earth's atmosphere, disposing of waste material no longer needed on the ISS. For the launch of the first ATV, named Jules Verne, the Ariane 5 launcher has been specifically adapted. The launcher will place the ATV in a 260 km circular orbit inclined 51.6° to the equator. From this orbit the ATV will use its own propulsion system to automatically reach and dock with the ISS.
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Malév Hungarian Airlines was welcomed on board oneworld at a series of special celebration events in its Budapest home base. Its addition, as one of the alliance's first new recruits for six years, is a central part of oneworld's biggest expansion since its launch eight years ago.
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Royal Jordanian Airlines was welcomed on board oneworld. Royal Jordanian is the first airline from the entire Middle East to find a home with any of the global airline alliances and oneworld's first recruit for some six years. Its addition marks the first step in the alliance's biggest expansion since it was launched eight years ago. Royal Jordanian Chief Executive Samer Majali said: "oneworld invited us to join in October 2005. With the tremendous support of everyone in oneworld, we have successfully achieved this historic milestone just under a year and half later. Becoming a member of oneworld is a huge opportunity for RJ. We will benefit considerably from our membership - through increased revenues, the ability to reduce costs and the opportunities to work together in all sorts of areas with some of the most highly regarded businesses in this industry. It will also boost Amman as an aviation hub in this region, with all the benefits this means for Jordan.
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