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Friday, November 30, 2007 F135 Team Delivers F135 STOVL Propulsion System to Lockheed Martin By FlyingNews @ 7:47 AM :: 394 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney has delivered the first F135 short-takeoff/vertical-landing (STOVL) propulsion system including the Rolls-Royce Lift System to Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. The propulsion system will support airframe and engine interface evaluations for the first STOVL flight test aircraft, scheduled for its initial flight in May 2008. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. Read More..

Friday, November 30, 2007 FAA Settles Case Against TAG Aviation USA, Inc. By FlyingNews @ 7:42 AM :: 361 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reached a $10 million settlement agreement on Nov. 8 with TAG Aviation USA, Inc. (TAG) of Burlingame, Calif., and TAG Holding SA (TAH) of Geneva, Switzerland and their affiliates or subsidiaries for operating flights for compensation or hire without an air carrier certificate. This follows the Oct. 12 revocation of AMI Jet Charter’s certificate for allowing TAG Aviation to operate the flights. Under the terms of the $10 million settlement agreement, TAG paid $4 million on Nov. 8 and will pay the remaining $6 million by close of business on Dec. 31. Read More..

Friday, November 30, 2007 EMBRAER SELLS E-JETS TO JAPAN’S SUZUYO GROUP By FlyingNews @ 7:37 AM :: 420 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer has signed with its second Japanese customer, Suzuyo & Co. Ltd., to deliver two EMBRAER 170 E-Jets, with purchase rights to acquire one additional aircraft. This order was already included in Embraer’s third-quarter backlog as “Undisclosed”. “We are very enthusiastic about this second order from Japan, as we make further significant inroads into the Asia Pacific region,” said Mauro Kern, Embraer Executive Vice President, Airline Market.“It is especially gratifying to have this order come from such a long-standing and broad-based corporate group, and we wish them great success in this new enterprise.” Read More..

Friday, November 30, 2007 LJ Aviation First Company to Offer Cessna Citation Mustang Charter Flights By FlyingNews @ 7:34 AM :: 422 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the first charter certificate for the Citation Mustang has been issued to L.J. Aviation. Based at Latrobe, Pa., L.J. Aviation offers domestic and international charter flights using a fleet of 28 aircraft, including 11 Citations: one Mustang, three Bravos, two Ultras, one Encore, one VII, two Excels and one Sovereign. The fleet will soon be expanded with one Citation CJ3 and one Citation XLS+. Read More..

Friday, November 30, 2007 Bombardier And SkyWest Inc. Announce a Transaction For 22 CRJ NextGen Jets By FlyingNews @ 7:33 AM :: 365 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace and SkyWest, Inc. announced today that SkyWest, Inc. of St. George, Utah has placed a firm order for 18 CRJ700 NextGen and four CRJ900 NextGen regional jets. The transaction also includes 22 options which SkyWest can apply to either aircraft. This is the first order for CRJ NextGen aircraft by SkyWest, Inc., which through its SkyWest Airlines and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) subsidiaries, already operates the world’s largest CRJ fleet with 363 aircraft. The fleet currently includes 244 CRJ200, 102 CRJ700 and 17 CRJ900 regional jets. Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Boeing Completes First Flight of Second KC-767 Tanker for Japan By FlyingNews @ 11:44 PM :: 393 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Boeing [NYSE: BA] aircrew completed the first flight of the second KC-767 for Japan Nov. 18 following an extensive modification that transformed it from a commercial airplane to a military tanker. The new tanker lifted off from McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kan., adjacent to the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Wichita facility, and logged a two-hour and 41 minute flight before returning safely. It will be one of two KC-767s delivered to Japan in the first quarter of 2008. Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Cessna Chooses China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation as Manufacturing Partner for Model 162 SkyCatcher By FlyingNews @ 9:47 PM :: 419 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, will partner with Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) to manufacture the new Model 162 SkyCatcher light sport aircraft (LSA). SAC is a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I), which is a government-owned consortium of aircraft manufacturers. The company made the announcement today during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "The LSA market demands the latest avionics, safety and reliability, light-weight equipment and a competitive price tag," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. "Our solution is to partner with SAC, a company with excellent facilities, state-of-the-art technologies and a workforce highly experienced in aircraft manufacturing. SkyCatcher customers will get an advanced design, high-quality workmanship and world-class product support, all at an affordable price from Cessna, a brand known and trusted worldwide." Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Bombardier Global 5000 Sets New Transatlantic Speed Record By FlyingNews @ 9:46 PM :: 573 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers The high-speed Global 5000 jet set a new speed record on October 21, flying 3,652 nautical miles (6,765 km) non-stop from Berlin to Washington in just eight hours, 17 minutes. The Global 5000 business jet departed Berlin's Schönefeld Airport (EDDB) with a three-person crew and a payload equivalent to 12 passengers – a fuel surplus of 1,200 pounds (544 kg) above reserves and seven passengers. National Aeronautic Association (NAA) representative Kristan R. Maynard was on board the fully sanctioned flight, as well a representative from Rolls-Royce Deutschland and Bombardier employees. Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Boeing, Qatar Airways Celebrate 777-300ER Delivery By FlyingNews @ 9:43 PM :: 373 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways today celebrated the arrival of the first Boeing airplane to join the airline's fleet. Qatar Airways' new flagship 777-300ER arrived after a nearly 15-hour direct flight from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Qatar has ordered a total of 27 777s with options for five additional airplanes. Qatar also has ordered 30 787 Dreamliners and holds 30 options. Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Netherlands Police Agency orders six Eurocopter EC135 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 9:41 PM :: 356 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands signed a contract on November 28 for six Eurocopter EC135 P2i light twin-engine helicopters for the Dutch Police, KLPD (Korps landelijke politiediensten). The aircraft are to be delivered between mid-2009 and the end of 2009 and will replace the BO105s presently in service with KLPD. Eurocopter is proud to be adding the KLPD to its list of prestigious EC135 law enforcement customers. Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Eurocopter is Celebrating the Centenary of the Helicopter: 100 years of helicopters, 54 years of records for Eurocopter By FlyingNews @ 7:12 AM :: 363 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The fledgling aviation industry drew its impetus from records that were continuously beaten by the very rapid progress in technology. Beating a record not only proved that one could go faster, higher and further, but, above all, that the technology behind this result had been mastered. The helicopter was no exception to the rule. As soon as engineers had come to grips with the basic rudiments of vertical flight, the race to achieve new performance records was launched. Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 Hawaiian Airlines choose Airbus A350 XWB and A330 aircraft for long-haul fleet By FlyingNews @ 7:10 AM :: 360 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., Hawaii’s largest airline, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for six Airbus A350 XWB-800s and six A330-200s, selecting Airbus aircraft for the first time in their history. Hawaiian Airlines will begin receiving the new A330-200s starting in 2012 while A350 deliveries will begin in 2017. Both will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., Hawaii’s largest airline, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for six Airbus A350 XWB-800s and six A330-200s, selecting Airbus aircraft for the first time in their history. Hawaiian Airlines will begin receiving the new A330-200s starting in 2012 while A350 deliveries will begin in 2017. Both will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines. The aircraft will be deployed within the airline’s Pacific network, which currently extends from Hawaii to nine cities in the Western United States and three cities in the South Pacific. The extended range and capacity of the aircraft allows for growth in the future. President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, Mark Dunkerley, said this order is a progressive decision for the airline. “These aircraft will help build on our success and enable us to provide our passengers with extraordinary travel comfort. We are committed to investing in the most modern technology and operationally-efficient aircraft, and Airbus meets our needs with the A330-200 and A350-800.“ “We are very pleased that Hawaiian Airlines has chosen both the Airbus A330 and A350 to enhance their long-haul fleet,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer-Customers. “These aircraft will allow our new customer, Hawaiian Airlines, to respond efficiently to the increasing demand for travel to its business and holiday destinations, and expand to new ones in the future.” Read More..

Thursday, November 29, 2007 AgustaWestland Completes BERP IV Flight Testing By FlyingNews @ 7:08 AM :: 448 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland has successfully completed the qualification flight testing of the new generation BERP IV AW101 main rotor blades. The new technology blades will enter operational service in early 2008 on the UK's Royal Air Force fleet of AW101 Merlin Mk.3A helicopters. The BERP IV program commenced in 2000 with a technology selection and integration phase leading to the design and manufacturing phase in 2002. The blades first flew in September 2006 and have now completed a 13 month flight test programme during which the AW101 was flown at speeds up to 198 knots and at altitudes of 13,000 ft. Aircraft fitted with BERP IV blades have also been flown at weights up to 16,500 kg - 1,900 kg over the normal Merlin gross weight and 900 kg over the current AW101 maximum gross weight. Read More..

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Textron’s Cessna Aircraft Company to Acquire Assets of Columbia Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:42 PM :: 365 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers In a move to further broaden its single engine product portfolio, Textron Inc.’s (NYSE: TXT) Cessna Aircraft Company today announced it was the successful bidder for select assets of Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Company, a Bend, Oregon-based producer of high-performance, single-engine aircraft. The bid of $26.4 million was the high bid in United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon this afternoon. “This is a significant day as it brings together two top aircraft design and production companies to offer the global general aviation community the widest range of propeller aircraft, along with world-class product support, all under the Cessna brand – one of the most trusted names in aviation,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack. J. Pelton. “I would like to thank the 400-plus Columbia employees for their continued hard work and dedication during the bankruptcy process. We look forward to welcoming them to the Cessna family.” Read More..

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Bombardier Sells Four Of Its Bombardier 415 Amphibious Firefighting Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:40 PM :: 386 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced the sale of four Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft to an undisclosed customer. In addition to purchasing the four firefighting aircraft, the customer also purchased additional special mission equipment items to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities. The value of the order based on the aircraft list price is approximately $118.2 million U.S and will include spare parts provisioning, training and technical support. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the last quarter of fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, and will continue until 2010. Read More..

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency takes delivery of its third Eurocopter Dauphin AS365 N3 By FlyingNews @ 8:36 PM :: 413 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) took yesterday delivery of its third Dauphin AS365 N3 from Eurocopter Malaysia at Terminal 2, Subang, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak and several top brass from the Armed Forces and government sector. With this on time delivery, the newly established Malaysian Coast Guard Air Wing Operations is ready to perform long-range surveillance and rescue operations in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and on its high sea areas with a globally proven reference helicopter system. The first and second aircraft have been delivered ahead of schedule and were presented to the Malaysian public at the 50th Independence Celebration in August 2007. Read More..

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 TAP to acquire up to 15 A350XWBs and eight additional A320s By FlyingNews @ 8:28 PM :: 339 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers TAP Portugal has signed a firm contract for 12 A350XWBs, plus three options, and a letter of intent for an additional eight A320 Family aircraft. The Lisbon based airline herewith converts its initial order for the A350, placed in December 2005, into the new A350XWB, and has, simultaneously, increased the number of aircraft ordered, from 10 to 12. At the same time TAP is taking delivery of its first directly owned A330-200. In announcing the transaction, TAP's Chief Executive Officer, Fernando Pinto, said: "We have thoroughly re-evaluated our initial A350 order and the result clearly demonstrated that the XWB is the winner in all areas. This aircraft will meet TAP's requirements to cater for passenger traffic growth across the Atlantic and our plans to serve further destinations. The A350XWB offers outstanding passenger comfort thanks to its wider cabin, and unmatched operating costs, fuel consumption and environmental friendliness. The further additional A320s is a natural choice for our expansion plans, as the A320s perfectly fit our need for efficient single aisle aircraft offering the best possible comfort for our passengers". Read More..

Sunday, November 25, 2007 AEROMÉXICO RECEIVES FIRST EMBRAER 190 JET By FlyingNews @ 9:17 PM :: 381 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer has delivered the first of four EMBRAER 190 jets to Aeroméxico Connect, a subsidiary of Aeroméxico and the launch customer of the E-Jets in the country. The new aircraft, to be operated under a leasing contract with GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), will comfortably carry 99 passengers in a dual-class configuration – 11 executive and 88 coach. “It is a great honor to deliver this aircraft to Aeroméxico Connect, Mexico’s leading regional airline,” said Mauro Kern, Embraer’s Executive Vice President, Airline Market. “I am sure Mexican air travelers will enjoy the EMBRAER 190´s unparalleled combination of space, comfort and performance, which have made our E-Jets a popular choice by operators around the world.” Read More..

Sunday, November 25, 2007 AIRBUS A318 POWERED BY CFM56 ENGINES APPROVED FOR STEEP APPROACH By FlyingNews @ 9:06 PM :: 393 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Engines The A318 and the A318 Elite fitted with CFM International CFM56 engines were approved for the Steep Approach landing capability by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on November 19th. In June 2007, approval was granted by the EASA for the A318 powered by Pratt and Whitney PW6000 engines. This certification opens up the Steep Approach capability to all Airbus A318 and A318 Elite operators at airports such as London City, where stringent approach requirements exist. During compatibility tests carried out at London City Airport in 2006, the A318 demonstrated that it is an excellent neighbour, ideally suited to downtown sites due to its low noise characteristics. Read More..

Thursday, November 22, 2007 KLM signs follow-up contract for two A330s By FlyingNews @ 11:47 PM :: 364 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers KLM Royal Dutch Airlnes has signed a contract for the acquisition of two further A330-200s plus an option on two, herewith bringing their total A330 fleet to 12 aircraft. This acquisition is part of the longer term fleet renewal and expansion plans of KLM. The A330s, powered by CF6-80E(1A3) engines, will mainly serve on intercontinental and will have a two-class configuration with 251 seats. Read More..

Thursday, November 22, 2007 Boeing, KLM Announce Order for Additional 777-300ERs and 737-700s By FlyingNews @ 9:50 PM :: 357 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, part of the AIR FRANCE/KLM Group, has placed an order for additional 737 and 777 aircraft. The airline will add three Next-Generation 737-700s and two 777-300ERs (Extended Range) to its fleet. As part of the agreement, KLM took options on one additional 737 and two additional 777s. The order, worth approximately $716 million at catalog prices, was previously posted to the Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site and attributed to an unidentified customer. With today's announcement, the airline has six 777-300ERs on direct order with Boeing and is scheduled to take delivery of its first of this model in the first quarter of 2008. KLM currently operates a fleet of 15 777-200ERs in a combination of leases and direct purchases. Read More..

Thursday, November 22, 2007 US Airways expands Airbus A330 aircraft order By FlyingNews @ 9:45 PM :: 382 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers US Airways is expanding its A330 fleet with the purchase of five more A330-200 passenger aircraft. This firm order is in addition to the 92 Airbus aircraft, including 10 A330-200s ordered by US Airways in October of this year. "The A330-200 with its superior range relative to our existing fleet will allow US Airways to continue international expansion to new destinations across the globe from the Pacific to the Atlantic" said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of US Airways. "We intend to use the A330s to expand our existing gateways as well as provide the potential to eventually add intercontinental service from our west coast hubs." Read More..

Thursday, November 22, 2007 Entire F-15 fleet returning to flight By FlyingNews @ 9:42 PM :: 362 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander, Air Combat Command, sent a message Nov. 21 to F-15 pilots, weapons systems officers and maintenance professionals outlining the actions the Air Force has taken following the Nov. 2 F-15C Eagle mishap that resulted in the loss of the aircraft. You can read the article here.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Sonex Aircraft, LLC Introduces Optional Pre-Assembled Spars By FlyingNews @ 9:46 PM :: 560 Views :: 0 Comments :: Sport Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Sonex Aircraft, LLC announced today the introduction of a new labor-saving Sonex Aircraft Complete Airframe Kit option: Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spars for Sonex and Waiex airframes, making Sonex Aircraft easier to build than ever before. While retaining full compliance with the FAA’s Experimental Amateur-built “Major Portion” regulations, these pre-manufactured optional kit components can be expected to reduce Sonex Aircraft build time by a significant amount. This upgrade can be added to the purchase of Sonex and Waiex Complete Airframe Kits for $2,200. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Argentine Air Force to buy four Saab 340B aircraft By FlyingNews @ 9:44 PM :: 384 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Saab Aircraft Leasing in cooperation with Saab Aerotech is pleased to announce the formal decision of the Argentine Air Force to buy four Saab 340B aircraft during 2008 and 2009. This is a culmination of a four year process to select a new middle-size transport aircraft for the Argentine Air Force. The total budget for the aircraft and logistic support package is approximately 34 million USD spread over five years. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 U.K. Royal Household Selects Sikorsky Aircraft As Preferred Supplier for Royal Family Helicopter By FlyingNews @ 9:41 PM :: 370 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The Royal Household of the United Kingdom has chosen Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. as the preferred supplier to provide the next helicopter for the Royal Family's transportation. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Sikorsky provided the S-76C+™ helicopter that the Royal Family currently flies and was named preferred supplier for the replacement, which will be an S-76C++™ helicopter subject to contract and U.K. government approval. "The new S76C++, which will continue to provide the Royal Family with a helicopter travel service for official engagements, was chosen as most closely meeting the mission requirements, providing the best value and producing the lowest carbon footprint of the three short-listed helicopters," said Captain Christopher Pittaway, Manager and Chief Pilot of The Queen's Helicopter Flight. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Grob highlights G 120A Trainer’s achievements in service with world’s most demanding air forces By FlyingNews @ 9:35 PM :: 399 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers At the Dubai Air Show 2007, Grob Aerospace is highlighting the G 120A’s achievements in service with some of the world’s most demanding air forces, proving its superiority as the most versatile and cost effective primary military trainer. German, Israeli, Canadian and French Air Forces have selected the G 120A to fulfill their initial flight training requirements Its versatility and cost effectiveness has been demonstrated by a repeat order placed in June this year to expand the Canadian Air Force’s fleet of nine G 120A-C to eleven because more advanced tasks, usually conducted on more expensive aircraft, could be “downloaded” onto the G 120A-C. Certified for full aerobatics and for flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) with part-glass cockpit, the G 120A has proved to be an outstanding training platform capable of delivering full “ab initio” training. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Bombardier Sells Four CRJ700 NextGen Regional Jets to GoJet Airlines By FlyingNews @ 11:07 AM :: 371 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that GoJet Airlines of St. Louis, Missouri has signed a contract to acquire four Bombardier CRJ700 NextGen airliners. The value of the firm order, based on the list price for the CRJ700 NextGen aircraft, is approximately $137.5 million U.S. GoJet Airlines has been operating CRJ700 jetliners since 2005 and currently has 15 of the aircraft in its fleet. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Boeing Delivers Third C-40C to U.S. Air Force Reserve Command By FlyingNews @ 10:03 AM :: 357 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Friday delivered the third of three C-40C transport aircraft to the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), providing a critical airlift asset to government leaders on official business. Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, commander, 4th Air Force, accepted the aircraft at Boeing facilities in Seattle and flew it to Scott Air Force Base (AFB), Ill., where it will begin service with the AFRC. The 932nd and 375th Airlift Wings, units of the AFRC and Air Mobility Command respectively, will use the Next-Generation 737-700 Boeing Business Jet derivative to provide congressional delegations and senior government personnel safe, secure and reliable transportation -- often to remote locations around the world -- while supporting their need to conduct in-flight business. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Qantas Places Firm Order For 12 Bombardier Q400 Turboprops By FlyingNews @ 8:05 AM :: 375 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Qantas Airways of Sydney, Australia has signed a firm order for 12 Bombardier Q400 turboprop airliners on behalf of its QantasLink regional airline. Qantas has also taken options and purchase rights on an additional 24 Q400 aircraft. Four of the 12 firm-order aircraft announced today represent conversions of existing aircraft options. On October 22, 2007 Bombardier Aerospace confirmed it was in discussions with Qantas Airways with regards to this transaction. Based on the list price of the aircraft, the contract for the 12 firm Q400 airliners is valued at approximately $339 million U.S. Read More..

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 Boeing Delivers AirBridgeCargo's First 747-400 Freighter on Lease from GECAS By FlyingNews @ 8:01 AM :: 410 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Air Cargo Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Boeing 747-400 Freighter to enter the fleet of AirBridgeCargo, a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, under lease from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS). The new airplane is the sixth 747 freighter in the AirBridge fleet, joining five 747-200/-300 Freighters. It is also the first of two 747-400 Freighters that AirBridgeCargo will lease from GE Commercial Aviation Services, and the carrier will take an additional 747-400F on lease in the second quarter of 2008. The Volga-Dnepr Group has also ordered five of Boeing's new 747-8 Freighters, the highly efficient and more capable next model in the 747 freighter family. Read More..

Saturday, November 17, 2007 Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan™ Demonstrator Engine Begins Ground Testing Ahead of Schedule By FlyingNews @ 8:22 PM :: 364 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan™ demonstrator engine successfully completed its first ground test, ahead of schedule, at the company’s advanced test facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.. The full-scale demonstrator engine successfully started and ran, marking the beginning of a ground test program that will run through May 2008. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “We are delighted to see our next generation Geared Turbofan engine successfully begin its validation testing program,” said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family, Pratt & Whitney. “With more than 20 years of design, development and component rig testing, we are confident that this demonstrator engine will meet all performance expectations and validate the game-changing characteristics of the Geared Turbofan engine.” Read More..

Saturday, November 17, 2007 Zhuhai Purchases Additional Sikorsky Helicopters to Support China's Growing Offshore Oil Industry By FlyingNews @ 8:19 PM :: 366 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced that China Southern Airlines Company's Zhuhai Helicopter Branch has contracted for additional Sikorsky helicopters to support offshore oil projects in the South China Sea and Bohai Bay in China. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) Zhuhai is the oldest operator of Sikorsky helicopters in China and has purchased two S-76C++™ helicopters and an S-92A® helicopter. Zhuhai began flying S-76A™ helicopter models in 1984, and since then has used Sikorsky helicopters to provide offshore oil support for such companies as China National Offshore Oil Corp., ExxonMobil, and Phillips. Read More..

Saturday, November 17, 2007 Boeing Delivers AirBridgeCargo's First 747-400 Freighter on Lease from GECAS By FlyingNews @ 8:03 PM :: 388 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Boeing 747-400 Freighter to enter the fleet of AirBridgeCargo, a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, under lease from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS). The new airplane is the sixth 747 freighter in the AirBridge fleet, joining five 747-200/-300 Freighters. It is also the first of two 747-400 Freighters that AirBridgeCargo will lease from GE Commercial Aviation Services, and the carrier will take an additional 747-400F on lease in the second quarter of 2008. The Volga-Dnepr Group has also ordered five of Boeing's new 747-8 Freighters, the highly efficient and more capable next model in the 747 freighter family. Read More..

Saturday, November 17, 2007 Air Canada leases additional Boeing 777-300ER to continue wide-body fleet renewal and modernization By FlyingNews @ 7:41 PM :: 355 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Air Canada announced today it has signed a 10-year lease for one new Boeing 777-300ER from International Lease Finance Corporation to continue its wide-body fleet renewal and modernization program. Air Canada will take delivery of the leased aircraft in April 2009, bringing to 18 the total number of Boeing 777s entering the fleet. The transaction is part of an ongoing fleet renewal program that will give Air Canada one of the most modern and comfortable aircraft fleets in the world and provide savings on fuel, expanded range capabilities and other efficiencies. Read More..

Thursday, November 15, 2007 Government of Croatia Adds Two Bombardier 415 Amphibious Aircraft to its Fleet By FlyingNews @ 8:53 PM :: 396 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced that the Government of Croatia has placed a firm order for another two Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft. With this order, the Croatian government is increasing its fleet to six Bombardier 415 aircraft. The contract is valued at approximately $62 million US, and includes spare parts, pilot training and multi-purpose equipment that will allow this aircraft to perform medical evacuations and emergency relief. Read More..

Thursday, November 15, 2007 ATR signs Agreement with AEROMAR for 2 ATR 72-500s By FlyingNews @ 8:42 PM :: 374 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers ATR today announced the signature of a MoU with the Mexican carrier AEROMAR for the purchase of 2 ATR 72-500s. The total value of this agreement is over US $ 36 million. With these 2 ATRs, powered with new, higher rated PW 127M engines developed for "Hot and High" operations, AEROMAR will add new aircraft to its ATR 42 fleet and, for the first time, it will integrate 70 seat aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with the "Elegance" cabin and the "In-flight Entertainment" system as well as with state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools. Read More..

Thursday, November 15, 2007 Dubai Air Wing Order Two VVIP AW139s By FlyingNews @ 8:29 PM :: 352 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the signing of a new contract with the Dubai Air Wing for two AW139 helicopters in VVIP configuration. More than 300 AW139 helicopters have now been ordered by customers around the world making it the best selling helicopter in its class. Over 100 AW139 helicopters are now in service worldwide in a wide range of roles including offshore transport, VIP transport, SAR, EMS, law enforcement and maritime protection. Read More..

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 C Jet becomes first private customer for VIP Airbus A350 XWB By FlyingNews @ 11:24 PM :: 369 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Business Aircraft Manufacturers C Jet Limited of Hong Kong has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the first VIP Airbus A350XWB, becoming a new customer for the type. Called the Airbus A350XWB Prestige the aircraft will feature a VIP cabin customised to C Jet Limited’s needs. Read More..

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Laboratory Returns to Dryden By FlyingNews @ 9:42 PM :: 505 Views :: 0 Comments :: NASA NASA's DC-8 airborne science laboratory returned to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center recently after an absence of more than two years. The venerable flying science lab's missions had been managed by the University of North Dakota since late 2005, although Dryden flight crews continued to operate the aircraft on worldwide data gathering missions. The converted jetliner is the first science aircraft to be based at Dryden's new Aircraft Operations Facility adjacent to Air Force Plant 42 in nearby Palmdale. Four other NASA science aircraft are due to be based there in coming months. Read More..

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Eclipse Aviation Announces 12 Aircraft Sale to DAE Flight Academy By FlyingNews @ 9:38 PM :: 484 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced during its first appearance at the Dubai Airshow, that it has sold 12 Eclipse 500 jets to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Flight Academy (DAEFA). The purchase marks Eclipse Aviation's entry into the ab initio flight training market. Delivery of these Eclipse 500s will begin in 2008. "We are extremely excited that DAE Flight Academy will be using Eclipse 500s for its innovative flight training program," said President and CEO of Eclipse Aviation Vern Raburn. "We see tremendous future growth and sales in the ab initio training market for international airlines. The Eclipse 500's built-in reliability combined with the highly-advanced Avio NG total aircraft integration system makes this an ideal training aircraft for the new ICAO Multi Crew Pilot License (MPL) and a great tool to prepare for the airline training." Read More..

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Delta Responds to Reports of Consolidation By FlyingNews @ 9:35 PM :: 366 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today denied published reports that it had engaged in merger talk with United Airlines. Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson said: “There have been no talks with United regarding any type of consolidation transaction and there are no such ongoing discussions.” Delta will not speculate on possible airline consolidation and has reiterated its position on the issue. In an earlier statement responding to reports of Pardus Capital Management’s call for Delta to be a leader in airline consolidation. Read More..

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Adria Airways Orders Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen and CRJ1000 NextGen Airliners By FlyingNews @ 9:33 PM :: 566 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Adria Airways of Ljubljana, Slovenia has signed a firm order for two Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen and one CRJ1000 NextGen regional jets. Adria is the fourth airline to order the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft, launched in February, 2007. The value of the order based on the aircraft list prices is approximately $122.7 million U.S. Read More..

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Hainan Airlines takes delivery of their first A330 By FlyingNews @ 9:23 PM :: 383 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Hainan Airlines Company Limited (HNA), a subsidiary of the HNA Group, based in China, has taken delivery of its first A330 on lease from CIT Aerospace. The aircraft powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines was handed over to the HNA Chairman, Mr. CHEN Feng in a ceremony held in Toulouse. The aircraft will seat 222 passengers in a two-class configuration. The HNA Group, the fourth largest aviation group in China, comprises Hainan Airlines, Xinhua Airlines, Changan Airlines, Shanxi Airlines and is now setting up its Grand China Air. The group currently operates 12 A319s and has 98 Airbus aircraft on order. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Five new A330 wide-body aircraft for Oman Air By FlyingNews @ 11:27 PM :: 307 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Oman Air has signed a firm contract with Airbus for five new aircraft from the A330 Family. The order is for three A330-300s and two A330-200s. No engine choice has been made. These aircraft will provide additional capacity on Oman Air’s regional and international routes from the airlines base in the Sultanate of Oman to Europe and the Far East. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan™ Demonstrator Engine Begins Ground Testing Ahead of Schedule By FlyingNews @ 9:04 PM :: 364 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan™ demonstrator engine successfully completed its first ground test, ahead of schedule, at the company’s advanced test facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.. The full-scale demonstrator engine successfully started and ran, marking the beginning of a ground test program that will run through May 2008. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “We are delighted to see our next generation Geared Turbofan engine successfully begin its validation testing program,” said Bob Saia, vice president, Next Generation Product Family, Pratt & Whitney. “With more than 20 years of design, development and component rig testing, we are confident that this demonstrator engine will meet all performance expectations and validate the game-changing characteristics of the Geared Turbofan engine.” Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Bahrain Purchases VVIP S-92® Helicopter By FlyingNews @ 8:44 PM :: 328 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today announced that the Bahrain Defence Forces have purchased another Sikorsky helicopter, selecting the VVIP S-92® helicopter for use by the Royal Bahrain Air Force. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). "This latest purchase of a Sikorsky helicopter by the Kingdom of Bahrain is the result of the strong relationship that we continue to build upon with each opportunity to provide proven aircraft to this region of the world," said Stephen B. Estill, Sikorsky Vice President. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Sells Hawker 4000 and Hawker 850XP to Turkey’s Leading Charter Operator By FlyingNews @ 8:40 PM :: 417 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announced the sale of a super-midsize Hawker 4000 and a midsize Hawker 850XP to Sertur Air, Turkey’s largest charter operator. Based in Istanbul, Sertur Air will be adding their new Hawker 4000 and Hawker 850XP to the fleet of five Hawker 850XP’s and one Hawker 400XP they operate today. “Our Hawker models are well suited to the requirements of the business or private traveler in Turkey,” said Sean McGeough, vice president of International Sales. “Large, luxurious cabins, individually customized to provide an exceptional experience are the hallmark of the Hawker line. The range and capabilities of our Hawker aircraft make non-stop travel anywhere in the Middle East and Europe an easy option.” Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Dassault Delivers 400th Falcon 900 By FlyingNews @ 8:35 PM :: 360 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Dassault is set to deliver its 400th Falcon 900 marking a significant milestone with one of the world's most popular families of business jets. The Falcon 900DX will be delivered to CITIC, China's largest state owned financial services holding company and will be based in Beijing. The current two versions of the Falcon 900 family, the 900EX EASy and 900DX, will number more than 200 before the end of this year. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Lebanon's Open Sky Aviation Orders Two Cessna Citation Mustangs By FlyingNews @ 8:33 PM :: 1089 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Dubai Airshow that Open Sky Aviation has placed an order for two Citation Mustang aircraft. Open Sky Aviation will be the first air charter operator in the Middle East region to offer entry-level business jets. It will begin operating from Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport upon delivery of its first Mustang and will serve destinations including Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Boeing, transavia.com Announce Next-Generation 737 Order By FlyingNews @ 8:31 PM :: 328 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Dutch airline transavia.com have finalized an order for seven 737-800s with conversion rights to other model types. The order is worth approximately $523 million at list prices. The airline also secured options for a further three airplanes. The airplanes will operate out of the airline's Dutch hubs: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. This order was previously booked on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site under the unidentified customer category. The airline already operates an all-Boeing fleet of 29 Next-Generation 737s. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Pakistan's Airblue expands fleet with Airbus A320 By FlyingNews @ 8:26 PM :: 591 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Airblue, Pakistan's fastest-growing airline has signed a firm contract for eight Airbus A320s, taking their total order for the A320 Family to 14. In late November 2006, Airblue signed firm contracts for six Airbus A320s. The aircraft will be configured to seat 157 passengers in two classes. Airblue operates on domestic and regional routes to Dubai in addition to long haul services to the United Kingdom, and hopes to expand routes to additional international destinations. Read More..

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Helivip Services Orders Three Helicopters And Is Appointed AgustaWestland Distributor In South Africa By FlyingNews @ 8:22 PM :: 391 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Helivip Services of South Africa has placed orders for one AW119 Ke single turbine engine and two Grand light twin helicopters. Furthermore, Helivip Services has signed a multi-year contract and distribution agreement which foresees the purchase of around twenty more helicopters including the AW119 Ke, the AW109 Power, the Grand and the AW139 models through to 2010. The contract and distribution agreement were signed at the Dubai Airshow today. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 Egypt’s Smart Aviation Orders Five Cessna Citation Sovereigns By FlyingNews @ 11:32 PM :: 1585 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Dubai Airshow that Smart Aviation has placed an order for five Citation Sovereign aircraft worth more than $80 million. The aircraft will be delivered through 2009. Smart Aviation is a business jet charter operator based in Cairo, Egypt. The company is part owned by EgyptAir and began operating in early 2007 with a single Citation Sovereign. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 New aircraft lessor DAE Capital buys 100 Airbus aircraft By FlyingNews @ 11:15 PM :: 327 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and financing division of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to buy 100 aircraft from Airbus. The order is for 70 A320 Family and 30 A350 XWB Family aircraft. DAE Capital aims to become a leading lessor based in the Middle East. DAE Capital’s parent company DAE is a world class aerospace company headquartered in Dubai. It manages a number of activities including airport development and operations, engineering, manufacturing and services. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 SARAYA AVIATION ORDERS THREE GULFSTREAM G450 BUSINESS JETS FOR ITS NEW CHARTER OPERATIONS By FlyingNews @ 9:01 PM :: 391 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Saraya Aviation has purchased three long-range Gulfstream G450 business jets to provide long-range flights for its new charter flight operation. The G450s will transport private individuals and groups, corporate executives and government officials traveling around the world. Saraya Aviation, which formed earlier this year, will receive the three G450s in early 2010. In advance of those deliveries, it will begin operating its air charter service next year with its existing fleet of smaller charter aircraft. Saraya Aviation is based in Abu Dhabi with branch offices in Dubai, Amman and Riyadh. Its charter aircraft will be based at various airports according to demand. Saraya Aviation is an air-charter company within Saraya Holdings, a real estate development and asset management company investing in the travel and tourism industry worldwide. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 Improved fuel economy and lower emissions due to Volvo Aero’s lightweight technology By FlyingNews @ 8:54 PM :: 342 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Pratt & Whitney’s decision to commission Volvo Aero to design and manufacture an important component in the GP7000 aircraft engine is a major success for Volvo Aero’s lightweight technology. The new component (an optimally manufactured turbine exhaust case) for the A380 aircraft’s engines will substantially reduce emissions of CO2 by up to 20 tons per aircraft per year. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 EMBRAER SELLS TEN E-JETS TO VIRGIN NIGERIA By FlyingNews @ 8:45 PM :: 340 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer has signed the growing Virgin Nigeria airlines for seven EMBRAER 170 and three EMBRAER 190 aircraft, all Advanced Range (AR) versions. The deal includes options for another six EMBRAER 190 and purchase rights for eight EMBRAER 190 or EMBRAER 195 jets. The value of the firm order, at list price, is US$ 306.5 million, based on January 2007 economic conditions, and could come to US$ 805.5 million, if all six EMBRAER 190 options and purchase rights for eight EMBRAER 195 are confirmed. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 Cessna Receives Fleet Order from Ethiopian Airlines for Diesel Skyhawks By FlyingNews @ 8:29 PM :: 378 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Ethiopian Airlines and Africair, Inc., Cessna Aircraft Company’s authorized representative for Ethiopia, announced today a contract for 10 new turbo diesel Skyhawks. Cessna, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the diesel option for the Model 172S at the U.S. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association annual Expo in October. The Cessna Skyhawk TD (turbo diesel) is a new variant of the 172 Skyhawk, aviation’s most popular aircraft seeing extensive use in flight training and pleasure flying throughout the world. The Skyhawk TD is powered by a 155 horsepower Centurion 2.0 diesel engine manufactured by Germany’s Thielert Aircraft Engines Gmbh. The engine burns JetA-1 fuel, making it a popular option in countries where Avgas is scarce. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 Dana Group Of Nigeria Orders Bombardier Learjet 45 Xr And Challenger 605 Jets By FlyingNews @ 8:23 PM :: 370 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace today announced that Dana Group of Lagos, Nigeria, has placed orders for a super light Learjet 45 XR aircraft and a new widebody Challenger 605 jet. The two aircraft are the launch orders for the Dana Group’s newest subsidiary, Dana Airlines Limited. The transaction is valued at approximately $39 million* US, based on the 2007 list prices of typically equipped aircraft. Delivery of the versatile, high-performance Learjet 45 XR business jet, which is particularly well suited to flight conditions in Africa, is scheduled for March 2008. The sought-after Challenger 605 jet, which entered service in January 2007, will fly intercontinental missions and is scheduled to be delivered in 2010. Read More..

Monday, November 12, 2007 Airbus A320 Family first to be approved for new precision Microwave Landing System By FlyingNews @ 8:13 PM :: 327 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Airbus' A320 Family obtained Category IIIb approval for the first time on a commercial aircraft, for a new precision approach and landing system called the Microwave Landing System (MLS) that increases airport capacity. The approval was granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). First customer, British Airways, will implement MLS at London's Heathrow airport on A320s and A321s. MLS uses micro-wave signals that are less susceptible to interference, for example from other aircraft moving on the airport surface or buildings, than the current Instrument Landing System (ILS). Airports equipped with MLS will be able to increase their traffic flow during bad weather conditions, no longer having to re-route aircraft when visibility is low. Cat III b approval enables airports to allow precision approach and landings in very low visibility conditions, with the decision height lower than 15 metres/50 feet. Read More..

Friday, November 09, 2007 NASA Pilot Edwin Lewis Dies in Crash By FlyingNews @ 5:34 PM :: 561 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Accidents, NASA Edwin W. Lewis Jr., a research pilot at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center on Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., died in the crash of a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 the evening of Nov. 8. Lewis was flying with another Civil Air Patrol member who also perished in the aircraft when it crashed southwest of Las Vegas. Read More..

Friday, November 09, 2007 Boeing and Cathay Pacific Announce Order for 10 747-8Fs and Seven 777-300ERs By FlyingNews @ 5:29 PM :: 311 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters and seven more 777-300ERs (Extended Range). At list prices, the entire deal is valued at $5.2 billion. With today's announcement, Cathay Pacific becomes the eighth airline to order the 747-8 Freighter, bringing the Boeing total to 73 orders for the highly efficient new cargo airplane. The new freighters will augment the airline's fleet of 19 747 Freighters used to connect Hong Kong to a wide range of international markets. Read More..

Friday, November 09, 2007 Singapore Airlines is first to sign up for new Airbus service for the A380 By FlyingNews @ 5:20 PM :: 355 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Singapore Airlines is the first customer for A380 Flight Hour Services, a new Airbus support package designed to provide airlines with enhanced maintenance and logistics support for spare parts and services for their A380s. The agreement signed with Singapore Airlines is for an initial ten year period and covers Airbus Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) spare parts and services for avionics, cabin and integrated modular avionics systems on all the A380s Singapore Airlines will operate. Available through an Airbus single point of contact, the new A380 Flight Hour Services for LRUs will help minimise aircraft on-the-ground time during repairs and maintenance by providing airlines with even faster and simpler access to spare parts and services at predictable rates, based on stock and flight hour parameters. Read More..

Thursday, November 08, 2007 ATR and Malaysia Airlines Sign MoU for 10 ATR 72-500s By FlyingNews @ 7:01 PM :: 377 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers ATR and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of a fleet of 10 ATR 72-500s and options for 5 additional aircraft. The agreement, valued at some 285 US $ million including options, has been inked in Toulouse by Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, and Tengku Azmil Zahruddin, Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer of Malaysia Airlines. These ATR 72-500s, configured with 68-seats, will be operated by MASWings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines to expand its services in the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. The aircraft will be equipped as well with state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools. The airline will take delivery of the aircraft in 2009 and 2010. Read More..

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 New FAA Rule Boosts Aircraft Wiring Safety By FlyingNews @ 6:13 PM :: 407 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today finalized a new rule designed to mitigate conditions that put airliners at risk for wire failures, smoke and fire. The final rule greatly enhances the safety requirements for design, installation and maintenance of electrical wiring in new and existing airplane designs. It moves existing rules on wiring into a single section of the regulations, and adds new certification standards to address wire degradation and inadequate design or maintenance. Read More..

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 Brazil airline BRA requests suspension of all flights amid financial woes By FlyingNews @ 6:09 PM :: 342 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines Financially strapped airline BRA Transportes Aereas has asked Brazilian aviation officials for permission to temporarily halt all of its domestic and international flights, the company said Tuesday. The suspension of service would begin on Wednesday, BRA said in a statement. The carrier said it expected immediate authorization and was arranging for ticketed customers to fly on other airlines, but did not elaborate on why it planned the shutdown. The company reportedly sent layoff notices to all of its 1,100 employees, Globo TV said. You can read the article here.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 Boeing, SpiceJet Celebrate Airline's First 737-900ER Delivery By FlyingNews @ 5:49 PM :: 355 Views :: 0 Comments The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and New Delhi-based SpiceJet today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. With this delivery, SpiceJet becomes the first India-based airline to operate the 737-900ER. SpiceJet originally announced its decision to purchase five 737-900ERs and five 737-800s at the 2006 Asian Aerospace Air Show in Singapore.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007 A380 world tour continues with the first visit to Montreal By FlyingNews @ 5:31 PM :: 673 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Airbus A380 will continue its world tour with a visit to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport - in Quebec (Canada), on 12th November 2007. The world's largest commercial airliner, which is also the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly civil aircraft in the skies will be operated jointly, under Airbus' responsibility, by Airbus and Air France flight and cabin crew. Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 First EASA Certified Citation Mustang Delivered By FlyingNews @ 3:20 PM :: 360 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has delivered the first European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified Citation Mustang to the Danish entrepreneur Jørgen Andersen. The aircraft will be privately owned and operated by Andersen and his company JAI. This is the second Citation Mustang delivered to a European customer following the recently announced delivery to Jane Howell of a U.S. registered aircraft. Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 Boeing Completes 747-8 Intercontinental Firm Configuration By FlyingNews @ 2:15 PM :: 352 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has completed firm configuration of the 747-8 Intercontinental. This milestone marks the completion of the major trade studies needed to finalize the airplane's performance and interior features. "We have designed the 747-8 Intercontinental to be the ideal airplane for serving the 400- to 500-seat market between the 777 and the A380," said Michael Teal, deputy chief project engineer for the 747 program. "The airplane will provide airlines significantly lower operating costs, as well as improved economics and environmental performance compared to the 747-400. It also will feature a new interior that will increase passenger appeal and create a strong and very favorable first impression." Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 New Typhoon Development Aircraft Makes First Flight By FlyingNews @ 12:48 PM :: 361 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The latest Typhoon test aircraft IPA6 has made its maiden flight from BAE Systems flight test facility at Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire. The aircraft flown by Typhoon Project Test Pilot, Mark Bowman was airborne for 54 minutes. Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 EMBRAER SIGNS CONTRACTS WITH THE ROYAL THAI ARMY AND THE ROYAL THAI NAVY By FlyingNews @ 12:40 PM :: 345 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer signed contracts with the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy for the sale of two ERJ 135 LR (Long-Range) jets. Both agreements include a substantial logistics package, reflecting Embraer’s Defense and Government business expansion in the Asia Pacific region. The new ERJ 135 jets will be used for government transportation by the Royal Thai Army and by the Royal Thai Navy, as well as for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions by the Royal Thai Navy. Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 Cessna Opens FAA Control Tower at Independence Airport By FlyingNews @ 12:18 PM :: 360 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers With Citation Mustang deliveries ramping up at the Independence, Kan. Airport (KIDP), Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the opening of an FAA air traffic control tower providing services to the new Class D airspace there. Five controllers staff the tower which is located at the south end of Cessna's flight hangar and is operational seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 Boeing, LAN Airlines Complete Deal for 32 787s and Four 777 Freighters By FlyingNews @ 12:13 PM :: 339 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Air Cargo The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that Chile's LAN Airlines will receive 32 787 Dreamliners, marking the largest 787 acquisition to date for Latin America. The Santiago-based carrier has ordered 26 airplanes from Boeing, and will lease an additional six 787-9s from International Lease Finance Corp. In addition to the Dreamliner order, Boeing said LAN also has committed to acquiring four 777 Freighters -- two from Boeing and two to be leased from GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS). Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 Eurocopter sets up fully-owned Subsidiary in the United Kingdom through Acquisition of McAlpine Helicopters Limited By FlyingNews @ 12:10 PM :: 359 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters In line with its strategy to be a multi-local player with its own facilities in all its key markets, Eurocopter is pleased to announce the acquisition of all remaining shares of McAlpine Helicopters Limited as of November 1, 2007. Eurocopter previously held 10 per cent in the British company which now becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary, Eurocopter UK Limited. Through this investment, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer underlines its commitment to its significant market and customer base in the UK and Ireland. Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter, stated, “We are proud to add a company as reputable and qualified as McAlpine Helicopters to our international network of currently 17 subsidiaries. The British Isles are one of our major markets in Europe and worldwide. By consolidating our resources and strength with McAlpine’s proven capabilities, we will be able to further extend our service and support to our civil and military customers in the UK and Ireland. It is our strategy to be a multi-local player with a worldwide exclusive sales and customer service network mainly through fully-owned subsidiaries, of which our new Eurocopter UK Limited has now become an integral part.” Read More..

Tuesday, November 06, 2007 CHC Helicopter Corporation Signs A Contract For Thirteen AW139 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 12:08 PM :: 342 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that CHC Helicopter Corporation through its global helicopter support division, Heli-One, has signed a contract for thirteen AW139 medium twin helicopters. The order value is worth approximately 140 million dollar. This new order, which adds to the previous one for twenty AW139s, will further expand CHC's AW139 fleet dedicated to offshore and emergency medical service missions. CHC, as the world's largest provider of helicopter services to the global offshore oil and gas industry, started incorporating the AW139 helicopter into its fleet in 2005 as part of its fleet renewal and expansion plans. Read More..

Saturday, November 03, 2007 Operation Maggie Migration: a mammoth mission By FlyingNews @ 8:47 AM :: 512 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Travis AFB, Calif., took part in the transport of an unusual traveler Nov. 1 -- possibly their largest airlift passenger ever. Maggie the elephant arrived at Travis for a quick stop before being transported to her final destination at the Performing Animal Welfare Society, an animal sanctuary near San Andreas, Calif. "We're proud and happy to have her come through Team Travis. This is precious cargo, a national treasure for us," said John Buchanan, 60th Aerial Port Squadron. You can read the rest of the article here.

Friday, November 02, 2007 The AN-148 is mastering unpaved runways By FlyingNews @ 9:17 PM :: 483 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers On October 31, 2007, one of the AN-148 regional passenger aircraft of the initial batch, flew to Odessa to carry out tests on widening its operation conditions. ANTONOV ASTC’s test team including test-pilots E.A.Galunenko and S.M.Troshin will research behavior of the aircraft on unpaved airfield. During the programme of certification tests which was completed in February, 2007, the AN-148 proved its ability to take-off and land safety from/to the runways with bad quality of pavement. It is provided, in particular, by aerodynamics scheme of high wing position and big distance between D-436-148 engines and runway surface. Due to these features the engines are protected against suction of foreign particles from the runways. Read More..

Friday, November 02, 2007 CHC Orders 12 Sikorsky S-92® Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 9:10 PM :: 555 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation announced today that CHC Helicopter Corp. has signed a contract for 12 S-92® helicopters. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). The S-92 helicopters will be used primarily to fulfill offshore transportation requirements in all corners of the world, but may also be used in the commercial Search and Rescue (SAR) role. Read More..

Friday, November 02, 2007 Boeing Delivers 500th F/A-18 Modified at Cecil Field By FlyingNews @ 8:58 PM :: 478 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today celebrated the delivery of the 500th U.S. Navy F/A-18 strike fighter modified at the company's Cecil Field facility near Jacksonville, Fla. Boeing and prime contractor Northrop Grumman have installed a wide range of avionic upgrades, technology improvements and structural enhancements to Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets since the modification facility opened in September 1999. The former naval air station functions as a "drive-in" facility that ensures modified aircraft are immediately available for deployment as soon as the work is completed. Read More..

Thursday, November 01, 2007 THE PIPER MATRIX RECEIVES FAA TYPE CERTIFICATION By FlyingNews @ 8:11 PM :: 533 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Piper Aircraft, Inc. reported today that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded type certification (TC) to the Piper Matrix, a cabin-class, six-seat aircraft based on the world renowned Piper Malibu Mirage and operating with the economy and simplicity of an unpressurized aircraft, The Matrix, which was unveiled at AOPA EXPO 2007 earlier this month, is the latest addition to Piper’s PA-46 family of aircraft. Delivering unsurpassed luxury in a niche currently unfilled in general aviation – cabin-class, high performance aircraft, with standard air-conditioning – the Piper Matrix is priced well below any comparable aircraft. Read More..

Thursday, November 01, 2007 FAA Revokes AMI Jet Charter’s Certificate By FlyingNews @ 8:05 PM :: 506 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revoked the air carrier certificate held by AMI Jet Charter of Burlingame, CA, on October 12 for allowing entities that do not hold air carrier certificates to exercise control over flights and for failing to keep records needed to ensure continued safety. The FAA found that AMI permitted TAG Aviation — an entity not holding a U.S. air carrier certificate — and various “charter ally” companies to schedule flight crews and operate flights in violation of federal regulations. The FAA alleges that AMI also failed to keep required records on maintenance, crew members, ground and flight training, and flight and duty time for the aircraft and crews operated by those companies. Read More..

Thursday, November 01, 2007 Eclipse Aviation Brings Airline-Quality Safety Program to General Aviation By FlyingNews @ 8:02 PM :: 544 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world's first very light jet (VLJ), today announced that it has received approval of its Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA - pronounced foh-qwah) program from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Eclipse Aviation is the only aircraft manufacturer that has received FAA approval for a FOQA program that includes flight data monitoring capability consistent with the advanced programs used by commercial airline operations (FAR Part 121), the safest demonstrated flight operations in the world. Until now, FOQA was implemented only within resource-rich commercial airlines, and was largely unheard of in the general aviation and small corporate-fleet world. Eclipse's FOQA program is breaking new ground, and is largely enabled by the next-generation integrated avionics and data collection systems designed for and incorporated in the Eclipse 500 very light jet. Read More..

Thursday, November 01, 2007 True Flight Aerospace Lands Tiger Aircraft in Valdosta, GA By FlyingNews @ 7:57 PM :: 1024 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers It's official. True Flight Aerospace has selected Valdosta, GA as the site for it's new 60,000 square foot manufacturing plant. For the past several months leaders at True Flight Aerospace, LLC the manufacturing arm of True Flight Holdings, LLC have been quietly visiting sites all over the southeast. According to True Flight CEO Kevin Lancaster the decision was a tough one but in the end the support of the state and local leadership made Valdosta the clear choice. Valdosta is a great location. It has the infrastructure, skilled labor pool and forward looking leaders that continue to attract new businesses to the area, he said. Read More..

Thursday, November 01, 2007 Vought Reaches Milestone Delivery with 800th Set of Wing Components for Airbus A330 Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 7:54 PM :: 639 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Parts Manufacturers Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. recently delivered its 800th unit of wing components to Airbus in the United Kingdom for the A330/A340 family of commercial airplanes. In May, Vought signed a life-of-program contract extension with Airbus to be its sole-source supplier on the A330/A340 for mid-and outboard leading edge assemblies, top panel assemblies, center spar assemblies and mid-rear spars. The contract also covers A340-500/600 mid- and outboard leading edge assemblies, top skins and stringers, center spar assemblies and mid-rear spars. Vought will deliver its 800th unit of A330/340 wing components to Airbus in Germany next year. Read More..