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Monday, March 31, 2008 Boeing delivers third Globemaster to Canada By FlyingNews @ 7:18 AM :: 206 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Canada’s third CC-177 Globemaster III has been delivered by its manufacturer, Boeing, to the Air Force. The Air Force accepted Canada Three in early March at the company's Long Beach, Calif. final assembly facility. Canada is scheduled to receive its fourth and final CC-177 from an existing contract, signed in February last year, during an upcoming ceremony later this spring. Read More..

Monday, March 31, 2008 Bell Boeing Strategic Alliance Scores Five-Year Contract for V-22 Osprey By FlyingNews @ 7:15 AM :: 214 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $10.4 billion, five-year Multi-Year Procurement contract for 167 V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to a strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and The Boeing Company. "This is a significant step in the V-22 program," said Dick Millman, Bell Helicopter president and CEO. "This five-year contract will allow us to plan much further out as we order long-lead materials, invest for capacity growth, increase our production rate, and deliver these unique aircraft on time to a war-fighting customer who really needs them." Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 EADS-led AirTanker consortium signs 27 year air refuelling contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence By FlyingNews @ 7:27 AM :: 250 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers AirTanker, the EADS-led consortium, has today signed a 27 year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the provision of air transport and air refuelling capability to the Royal Air Force. The AirTanker consortium has also completed its financing for the programme, raising approx £2.5 billion (€3.2 billion) for investment in the fleet, a new state-of-the-art operational base and associated infrastructure. The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme includes the provision of a fleet of 14 new tanker aircraft, based on the latest generation Airbus A330-200 to enter service from 2011, replacing the previous fleet of VC-10 and Tristar refuelling aircraft. The contract also includes provision for all necessary infrastructure, training, maintenance, flight management, fleet management and ground services to enable the RAF to fly air-to-air refuelling and transport missions worldwide. The A330 FSTA aircraft will be more than 50% British by value. Through this agreement, EADS will become the RAF’s leading supplier of transport aircraft, complementing its existing commitment to supply 25 A400M aircraft to the UK forces. Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 Diamond Aircraft receives FAA Known Ice Certification for the DA42 By FlyingNews @ 7:24 AM :: 485 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, FAA, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Diamond Aircraft announced today that the DA42, its turbo-diesel powered light twin, has received FAA Known Ice Certification. The FAA certification expands the coverage of the original EASA Known Ice Certification to N-registered aircraft, and enables US pilots to get even more utility out of their DA42 aircraft. Burning a total of 12 gallons per hour on both engines, the DA42 has a range of up to 1,100 nm, and cruises at speeds up to 170 kts. With its twin turbo-diesel, FADEC-controlled engines, the G1000 glass cockpit, and now the ŒFIKI¹ certification, the DA42 is a superbly capable traveling machine. Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 Cessna Delivers First Flight School Mustang to University of North Dakota By FlyingNews @ 7:22 AM :: 374 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Training, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, yesterday delivered the first Citation Mustang to be used by a flight school to the University of North Dakota (UND). The school will use this entry level Citation jet for executive travel as well as flight training for undergraduate and contract students. Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 Boeing Confirms 737 Order from Turkmenistan Airlines By FlyingNews @ 7:19 AM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed an order for three Next-Generation 737s by national flag carrier Turkmenistan Airlines. The order for two 737-900ERs and one 737-700 is worth approximately $221 million at list prices. Turkmenistan Airlines' all-Boeing fleet also includes 717s, Classic and Next-Generation 737s, 757s, and one 767. Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 AirAsia X orders 10 additional Airbus A330 aircraft By FlyingNews @ 7:15 AM :: 224 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers AirAsia X, the new long-haul low cost-carrier within the AirAsia Group, has signed a firm contract for an additional 10 A330-300s, which brings the airline's total order to 25 A330 aircraft. In June 2007, AirAsia X placed a first order to 15 A330s. The agreement was signed by Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 Air Force Web site can prevent air mishaps for civilian pilots By FlyingNews @ 7:13 AM :: 323 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Military Aviation, Training, Flying Safety Air Combat Command officials here currently are reaching out to private civilian pilots by publicizing a Web site designed to prevent mid-air collisions with military aircraft. The Web site, called www.seeandavoid.org, allows users to locate their flight path and determine how they can avoid flying through military operating areas. Read More..

Friday, March 28, 2008 Boeing Announces Agreement to Acquire Vought Share of Global Aeronautica By FlyingNews @ 7:10 AM :: 243 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today it has agreed to acquire Vought Aircraft Industries’ interest in Global Aeronautica, LLC, a South Carolina fuselage sub-assembly facility for Boeing’s newest airplane, the 787 Dreamliner. After the transaction is complete, Global Aeronautica will become a 50-50 joint venture between The Boeing Company and Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Italy’s Alenia Aeronautica — a Finmeccanica Company. Vought will continue to produce the aft fuselage for the 787 at its facility adjacent to Global Aeronautica in North Charleston. Closing will occur following receipt of regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction will not affect Boeing’s current financial guidance. Boeing’s supplier management organization will continue to oversee Global Aeronautica along with the other major 787 supplier-partner team members. Read More..

Thursday, March 27, 2008 Northrop Grumman's Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft Sets 33-Hour Flight Endurance Record By FlyingNews @ 7:21 AM :: 261 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) RQ-4 Global Hawk set an endurance record for a full-scale, operational unmanned aircraft on Saturday, March 22, 2008, when it completed a flight of 33.1 hours at altitudes up to 60,000 feet over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. "It was a picture perfect flight, landing flawlessly on centerline with enough fuel remaining to continue for two more hours," said Jerry Madigan, Northrop Grumman vice president of high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) systems. "The pilots and ground crew, as well as Edwards Air Force Base senior leadership were very impressed with the Global Hawk's performance, meeting or exceeding every flight objective." Read More..

Thursday, March 27, 2008 AeroConversions Introduces AeroVee 2.1 By FlyingNews @ 7:18 AM :: 1176 Views :: 0 Comments :: Sport Aviation, Homebuilding Sonex Aircraft, LLC announced the latest evolution in the AeroConversions product line this week with the introduction of the AeroVee 2.1 Engine Kit. AeroVee 2.1 is now the standard AeroVee engine kit, replacing the AeroVee 2.0. The AeroVee 2.1 continues the Sonex Aircraft and AeroConversions tradition of simple, elegant design. Due to the increasing volume of AeroVee engine sales, Sonex and AeroConversions has been able to incorporate new features that enhance the already robust AeroVee design. The new AeroVee 2.1 features a purpose-built custom crankshaft that has a larger diameter and longer prop hub interface. This new design also eliminates the distributor drive gear and the racer spacer, making for an easier assembly. AeroVee 2.1 continues to use standard bearings, eliminating the need for custom bearings and allowing for easy replacement at overhaul time. All external steel conversion components are also now zinc plated for improved aesthetics and additional corrosion resistance. Read More..

Thursday, March 27, 2008 Garmin® GPSMAP® 495: A Feature Rich, Great Value GPS for Pilots By FlyingNews @ 7:13 AM :: 243 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Avionics Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the GPSMAP 495, a portable aviation device designed for pilots who want many of the same features as the popular GPSMAP 496 at a fraction of the cost. The GPSMAP 495 includes Garmin’s SafeTaxi® airport diagrams, Garmin’s Smart Airspace, AOPA’s Airport Directory data, enhanced high-resolution terrain database, aviation database with private airports and heliports, accelerated GPS update rate, and European VFR reporting waypoints. “Those familiar with our aviation handheld product line will see the GPSMAP 495 as a cross between the GPSMAP 296 and GPSMAP 496 because it provides some of the advanced features found on the GPSMAP 496, but is closer to the GPSMAP 296’s price point,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. Read More..

Thursday, March 27, 2008 AirAsia X Orders 10 Additional Airbus A330 Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 7:12 AM :: 201 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers AirAsia X, the new long-haul low cost-carrier within the AirAsia Group, has signed a firm contract for an additional 10 A330-300s, which brings the airline’s total order to 25 A330 aircraft. In June 2007, AirAsia X placed a first order to 15 A330s. The agreement was signed by Azran Osman-Rani, AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. Read More..

Thursday, March 27, 2008 Boeing Returns 2nd C-130 AMP Aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base By FlyingNews @ 7:07 AM :: 184 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has returned the second C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) aircraft, H2.5, to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for continued testing and software upgrades. A joint Boeing and U.S. Air Force crew from Louisville, Ky., flew the aircraft to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards on March 22. The aircraft, assigned to the 123rd Airlift Wing, 165th Airlift Squadron, Kentucky Air National Guard, was in Kentucky for a comprehensive inspection and its first defensive systems check. Read More..

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Bombardier Confirms Previously Unidentified Q400 Customer as Being Air Berlin By FlyingNews @ 8:23 AM :: 189 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace confirmed today that a firm order from a European airline for 10 Q400 turboprop aircraft plus 10 options, announced on October 23, 2007, was placed by Air Berlin PLC of Berlin, Germany. The airline had requested to remain unidentified at the time of the announcement. Based on the list price for the Q400 aircraft, the value of the firm order contract is approximately $267 million U.S. If all options are exercised, the contract value could rise to approximately $540 million U.S. Read More..

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 HeliNiugini Takes Delivery of First of Two Bell 407 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 8:21 AM :: 202 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the recent delivery of the first of two Bell 407 helicopters to HeliNiugini, a long-term Bell customer operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG). HeliNiugini have been flying 206L's for over 20 years and anticipate the 407's will enable the work done in support of seismic research, oil and gas exploration and gold mining to be done at a higher altitude and with shorter cycle times. Read More..

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 FAA Orders Inspections of Older 737s By FlyingNews @ 7:44 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, FAA, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Federal regulators have ordered inspections for hundreds of older model Boeing 737 jetliners after numerous reports of fuel leaks caused by a potentially faulty bolt. In August, a fire destroyed a China Airlines 737 when a bolt from a right wing slat pierced the jetliner's fuel tank. All 165 people aboard evacuated unharmed just before the Boeing plane exploded on a tarmac in Okinawa, Japan. The Federal Aviation Administration later that month ordered inspections of similar newer model 737s, but expanded the order to older models because of their design similarities, agency spokesman Les Dorr said Tuesday. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 South Korea's Black Eagles to fly KAI T-50 By FlyingNews @ 9:19 AM :: 493 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Aerobatics South Korea’s air force aerobatics team will use the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 from 2010, after the service inked a 10-aircraft deal worth an estimated 200 billion won ($200 million) this week. The “Black Eagles”, who have performed over 500 times outside South Korea, last flew the Vietnam War-era Cessna A-37 “Dragonfly” that was retired in 2007 after the Seoul air show. The team will be formed again after the first T-50 is delivered in 2010. Read More..

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Business Jet Door Falls Off; No One Hurt By FlyingNews @ 8:52 AM :: 283 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Accidents, Business Flying Aviation officials say the main passenger door fell off a twin-jet business plane as it was taking off from a Colorado airport. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Mike Fergus says the door tumbled from the Bombardier Challenger CL-60 shortly after takeoff Monday from Grand Junction Regional Airport. No one was hurt. He says that he doesn't know how high the plane was, but that it returned to the airport and landed safely. He also didn't know how many people were aboard, but the plane can seat about 20 passengers. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Pilot Error Cited in Indonesia Crash By FlyingNews @ 8:42 AM :: 225 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Flying Accidents An Indonesian pilot shouted "Pull up! Pull up!" seconds before his jetliner plunged into the sea last year, killing all 102 people on board, according to an investigation Tuesday that blamed his errors and a faulty navigation system for the disaster. "This is really bad. It is starting to fly like a bamboo ship," said one of the two pilots before the Boeing 737 crashed, according to comments captured by the cockpit voice recorder. "This is crazy!" Last week, the government revoked low-cost carrier Adam Air's operating license because of its poor safety record. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Pilot's Gun Fires on US Airways Flight By FlyingNews @ 8:37 AM :: 268 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Weird Flying News A gun belonging to the pilot of a US Airways plane discharged as the aircraft was on approach to land in North Carolina over the weekend, the first time a weapon issued under a federal program to arm pilots was fired, authorities said Monday. The "accidental discharge" Saturday aboard Flight 1536 from Denver to Charlotte did not pose a danger to the aircraft or the 124 passengers, two pilots and three flight attendants aboard, said Greg Alter of the Federal Air Marshal Service. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 KLM pilot unaware of new airport By FlyingNews @ 8:35 AM :: 249 Views :: 0 Comments :: Weird Flying News Mumbai - A KLM flight en route from Amsterdam to Hyderabad in India circled the country for several hours before flying on to New Delhi due to confusion about Hyderabad's new airport. The pilot had set course for the city's old airport but air traffic control told him the facility had been shut and directed him to fly to the new airport. The pilot did not know the new airport existed let alone had been opened and flew to New Delhi instead. Air traffic control refused permission to land and the pilot eventually managed to put the plane, with 243 passengers on board, down in Mumbai. Indian papers are reporting that Amsterdam had not been informed of the closure of Hyderabad's old airport and the opening of the new one. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Small plane missing off coast of Venice By FlyingNews @ 8:31 AM :: 194 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Accidents Rescuers say they're searching for a missing plane that crashed off the Venice Pier late Monday night. According to officials, three small training planes were working out of the Venice Airport at around 9:00 p.m. on Monday. They say two of them returned, but the third did not. Witnesses in the area of the pier say they saw the plane go down about a mile off the coast, but so far the wreckage hasn't been found. You can read the entire article here.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 First Flight for The Lancair Evolution By FlyingNews @ 8:16 AM :: 384 Views :: 0 Comments :: Homebuilding, Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Lancair International, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest addition to its line of high performance aircraft kits the Evolution, has achieved first flight. The Evolution aircraft kit is the result of 3.5 years of engineering, research and development at Lancair to produce a more spacious aircraft that will meet all flight handling characteristics required by FAA Part 23, including a 61 knot stall speed, while maintaining the Lancair tradition of extraordinary high performance. In addition, the Evolution provides a new level of safety to the experimental kit market by providing the BRS® parachute system, Energy absorbing seats, and the AmSafe Aviation® airbag seat belts for those customers who demand the latest in occupant safety! Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 Mi-171 helicopter of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant's production has received a Type Acceptance Certificate in Mongolia By FlyingNews @ 7:48 AM :: 279 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Civil Aviation Department of Mongolia has awarded a Type Acceptance Certificate for Mi-171 helicopter of Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant's (UUAP) production. This Certificate licenses UUAP to deliver the helicopters of Mi-171 type for needs of Mongolian Civil Aviation; the air companies of Mongolia in its turn are entitled to operate these helicopters. Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 GULFSTREAM G200 SETS SEVEN CITY-PAIR RECORDS By FlyingNews @ 7:43 AM :: 288 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers A Gulfstream G200 business jet recently set seven city-pair speed records in just 10 days, connecting cities in North America, Europe and Asia. The large-cabin, mid-range G200 took off from Gander International Airport in Gander, New Foundland, Canada, on Feb. 16 and flew 2,193 nautical miles northeast-bound with 4-knot tailwinds at an average speed of 0.79 Mach. It landed at the London Luton Airport 4 hours and 45 minutes later. Gulfstream International Captain Eric Henman was the pilot in command and Captain Nicholas A. Rose served as second in command. On board the aircraft were flight attendant Emily Caldwell and one passenger. Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 Dassault's Falcon 2000DX Enters Service By FlyingNews @ 7:39 AM :: 256 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers The Falcon 2000DX entered service recently when Dassault delivered the first aircraft to a customer in the Western United States. Dassault introduced the 3,250 nm Falcon 2000DX at the NBAA Convention in 2005. The first flight followed on June 19, 2007 and the program was approved by the EASA on September 19, 2007 and the FAA in October 3, 2007. The Falcon 2000DX replaces the Falcon 2000 in Dassault’s product line. Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 Airline Orders Six CRJ700 NextGen Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 7:37 AM :: 177 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it has received a signed firm order for six CRJ700 NextGen regional jets. The airline which placed the order has also taken options on an additional 10 aircraft, and has requested to remain unidentified at this time. Based on the list price for the CRJ700 NextGen aircraft, the value of the order is approximately $207 million US. If all 10 options are exercised, the value of the order could rise to approximately $562 million US. Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 Boeing Statement on 787 Center Wing Box By FlyingNews @ 7:36 AM :: 210 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers It is a normal part of the development of a new airplane to discover need for improvements, and that is what we are experiencing on the 787. The robust test process in place on the 787 program has confirmed the majority of our designs but we have found the need for some improvements. The center wing box issue has been addressed. The fix is being installed on Airplanes 1-6 in the Everett factory. Installations have begun on the four airplanes currently in Final Assembly. All airplanes after Airplane 7 will have the solution incorporated from the beginning. Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 ALOHA AIRLINES FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION By FlyingNews @ 7:30 AM :: 202 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines Aloha Airgroup, Inc., a Hawaii corporation whose principal operating subsidiary is Aloha Airlines, Inc., announced today that it filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Aloha will seek the Court’s approval to allow the Hawaii-based company to continue operating. Aloha is also seeking Court approval of a cash collateral financing arrangement with its principal working capital lender, General Motors Acceptance Corporation, to provide financing for operations pending a further hearing in accordance with bankruptcy rules. In doing so, Aloha seeks to protect 3,500 jobs, honor thousands of passenger travel reservations, keep the U.S. Mail and air cargo moving between the islands, and continue to provide essential ground-handling services for domestic and international airlines serving Hawaii. Read More..

Friday, March 21, 2008 First Two AgustaWestland Helicopters With Versace Interiors Delivered By FlyingNews @ 7:28 AM :: 199 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the first two helicopters fitted with Versace-styled interiors have been delivered to their customers during an official ceremony held at its Vergiate plant today. The two aircraft comprising a Grand light twin turbine engine helicopter featuring a black and white interior and paint scheme and an AW109 Power light twin with a grey-coloured Versace-styled interior, ordered by Ioan Tiriac Air of Romania and Elimarca of Italy respectively, were formally accepted by the customers. Read More..

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Embraer Completes First Phenom 300 Wing and Engine Installation By FlyingNews @ 7:32 AM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer successfully performed the wing-fuselage mating and installation of the engines of the first Phenom 300 executive jet, last week, at its Gaviao Peixoto plant. In addition, the first electrical power-on test was successfully completed on Tuesday, March 4. “We are excited to see the Phenom 300 program on schedule for a mid-year first flight,” said Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “The size and elegance of the aircraft, with its swept wing for high-speed cruise and long range, will make an impressive ramp presence. It is now becoming apparent how large the cabin is and how generous it is in terms of space and comfort.” Read More..

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Singapore Airlines' A380 lands at Heathrow By FlyingNews @ 7:26 AM :: 240 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers History was made today with the arrival of the first commercial flight of the world's largest passenger aircraft, the A380, into London's Heathrow Airport. Singapore Airlines' flight SQ308 landed at 2:50 pm local time with a full load of 471 passengers plus crew. This first A380 commercial service to Europe follows the delivery of the third A380 to Singapore Airlines on 11 March. Fitted with luxurious suites, award-winning four-abreast business class and a new, more spacious economy class, the A380 allows the airline's customers to travel to London in unprecedented comfort and space. Read More..

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Turkish Airlines Becomes Launch Participant in GE's Material Scrap Reclamation Program By FlyingNews @ 8:18 AM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Turkish Airlines is the first customer to participant in GE Aviation's new material scrap reclamation program, aimed at recycling hardware containing the rare and costly element -- rhenium. Under the program, customers will return their scrap high pressure turbine (HPT) blades made from nickel superalloys that contain rhenium to GE Aviation. The material will be cleaned and melted for re-use in HPT blade manufacturing. Read More..

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Cessna Introduces New 350 and 400 Aircraft to World Wide Sales Force By FlyingNews @ 8:13 AM :: 257 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, this month introduced the new Cessna 350 and 400 aircraft to its Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representatives (CSTAR) at a conference in Bend, Ore. where the 350 and 400 are produced. The conference included briefings from Cessna executives, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Aircraft engineers and sales representatives from the Bend Municipal Airport facility and the Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club. A tour of the production facility was also provided to the CSTARs. Read More..

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Boeing: Study Projects That As Oil Prices Climb, 767 Tanker Most Cost Efficient By FlyingNews @ 8:11 AM :: 213 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Boeing [NYSE: BA] reports that the U.S. Air Force likely would pay up to $30 billion more in fuel bills over 40 years to operate a fleet of 179 Airbus A330-200 aerial refueling tankers, compared to a similar number of tankers based on the Boeing 767-200ER. This assessment is based on a Conklin & de Decker Aviation Information study, funded by Boeing, that calculated the Air Force's cost with oil at $100 per barrel and $125 per barrel. Oil prices hit a record high last week above $110 a barrel, and many analysts expect prices to continue climbing. Read More..

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 A Bell Helicopter 407 to Provide By FlyingNews @ 8:09 AM :: 197 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that beginning April 1, 2008 its 407 model will be used by Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) based in Amarillo, Texas to provide air medical transport service for the region. The service will be operated in a partnership with Med-Trans Corporation, a leading provider of air ambulance programs. Bell's senior vice president for Marketing and Sales, Bob Fitzpatrick stated, "With its dependability and flight characteristics the Bell 407 is an outstanding platform for medical transport and we are pleased, through Med-Trans, to provide this helicopter to the residents within the NWTHS service area." Read More..

Monday, March 17, 2008 Boeing Awarded 2nd Contract for F-15 Radar Upgrade Work By FlyingNews @ 10:45 AM :: 340 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $130 million U.S. Air Force contract to upgrade 16 Air Force and Air National Guard F-15C Eagles with the APG-63(v)3 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The contract, which follows a similar agreement signed in September 2007 for seven aircraft, also includes initial spares and aircraft support. Read More..

Monday, March 17, 2008 Lockheed Martin F-35 Succeeds in First Aerial Refueling Test By FlyingNews @ 7:53 AM :: 333 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II successfully completed the first stage of its airborne refueling tests during the aircraft’s 34th flight yesterday. Aerial refueling capability will expand the F-35 operating envelope enabling longer duration flights. The milestone is another in a series leading to first production deliveries in 2010. “Our progress on the F-35 program remains strong. The F-35 is flying and proving its value every day,” said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. “The F-35B, the first short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft, is on plan for a mid-2008 first flight. All 19 test aircraft are in manufacturing flow or on the flight line and assembly is under way on the first two production aircraft, which are on schedule for delivery to the U.S. Air Force in 2010.” Read More..

Monday, March 17, 2008 Carilion Clinic Selects the EC145 as the Foundation for its Air Ambulance Fleet By FlyingNews @ 7:50 AM :: 351 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters American Eurocopter today announced that Carilion Clinic has chosen the EC145 for its Life-Guard air ambulance fleet. Carilion chose the EC145 to support its expanding mission schedule and continued growth. The aircraft is expected to be delivered at the end of summer ‘08. Carilion Clinic is a multi-specialty healthcare organization with more than 400 doctors and eight hospitals, based in Roanoke, Virginia. Carilion operates the region’s only Level-1 Trauma Center. Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation operates Virginia’s first aeromedical program with helicopter bases in Roanoke and Radford. Read More..

Monday, March 17, 2008 Diamond Aircraft receives 13 airplane order from Maylan Aviation Limited By FlyingNews @ 7:48 AM :: 408 Views :: 0 Comments :: Small Aircraft Manufacturers Diamond Aircraft and Maylan Aviation today completed an order for thirteen DA20-C1 aircraft. This order will bring the total of DA20s operated by Maylan to 35, making Maylan the second largest DA20 fleet operator in North America, and the largest in Canada. Maylan Aviation is using the DA20 as the cornerstone of its professional pilot training program, which takes primarily Asian students from 0 hours to the right seat of an airline in 14 months. Read More..

Monday, March 17, 2008 Continental Airlines, Boeing and GE Aviation Announce Plans for Sustainable Biofuels Flight Demonstration By FlyingNews @ 7:43 AM :: 337 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Continental Airlines [NYSE: CAL], Boeing [NYSE: BA] and GE Aviation [NYSE: GE] today announced plans to conduct a biofuels demonstration flight in the first half of 2009 in an effort to identify sustainable fuel solutions for the aviation industry. Continental is the first major U.S. carrier to announce plans to highlight technological advancements in sustainable biofuels that can help to further reduce carbon emissions. "Exploring sustainable biofuels is a logical and exciting new step in our environmental commitment. For more than a decade, we have been focused on reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, while providing industry-leading service to the places our customers want to go," said Mark Moran, Continental Airlines executive vice president of operations. "Boeing and GE Aviation have been frontrunners in pioneering technology that will benefit the aviation industry, customers, and the environment, and we are pleased to benefit from their expertise in this venture." Read More..

Thursday, March 13, 2008 More than 900 aircraft will be needed within next 20 years in Russia By FlyingNews @ 3:29 PM :: 464 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Russian airlines will need more than 900 passenger aircraft over the next 20 years in response to the strong growth in this market, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF). The Russian passenger aircraft fleet of 100 seats or more is expected to grow strongly from 528 aircraft in service in 2006 to nearly 950 by 2026. Over the next 20 years, Russia will require more than 900 aircraft to meet demand for aircraft replacement as well as fleet growth. This will represent a value at current list price of US$ 79 billion. These additional aircraft will include nearly 800 short haul - single-aisle aircraft which are currently prominent in the region's fleet and some 120 medium to long-range wide-body aircraft to satisfy international travel strong growth. Read More..

Thursday, March 13, 2008 Bombardier Sells Six CRJ900 NextGen Airliners To Iraq By FlyingNews @ 1:32 PM :: 451 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the Government of Iraq has placed a firm order for six CRJ900 NextGen airliners which will be used for civilian airline services in Iraq. The transaction includes options on an additional four CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the value of the firm contract is approximately $239 million U.S. If all options are exercised, the contract value could rise to approximately $400 million U.S.. Read More..

Thursday, March 13, 2008 CIT orders 15 A320 Family aircraft and five A330s By FlyingNews @ 1:27 PM :: 458 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers CIT Aerospace, a business unit of CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), a leading global commercial finance company, has signed a firm contract for 15 A320 Family aircraft and five A330-200s. Including the order announced today, CIT has ordered a total of 189 Airbus aircraft (152 A320 Family aircraft, including five ACJs, 30 A330s and seven A350 XWBs) of which 93 are already delivered. Read More..

Thursday, March 13, 2008 Gangwon Fire Fighting Department Orders One AW139 Utility Helicopter By FlyingNews @ 1:25 PM :: 476 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Korean Government has signed a second contract for an additional AW139 medium-twin helicopter in fire fighting / utility configuration for operation by the Gangwon Fire Fighting Department. The order, secured with the support of AgustaWestland’s Korean representative, United Industries International (UII), represents the third AW139 helicopter to be sold into Korea for government applications. The Gangwon Fire Fighting Department AW139 will perform Fire Fighting duties as its primary task and will be delivered with the capability to operate with bambi bucket and belly tank fire fighting equipment. The helicopter will also be equipped with a rescue hoist, emergency medical services provisions and a cabin configuration to transport 12 passengers and separately two VIP’s. Read More..

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Release of Flight Safety Investigation Report on the July 13, 2006 Crash of Cormorant Helicopter CH149914 By FlyingNews @ 7:19 AM :: 511 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents, Helicopters The Flight Safety Investigation Report (FSIR) on the crash of Cormorant helicopter CH149914 that killed three Canadian Forces Search and Rescue crew members and injured four others was released today and can be found on the Directorate of Flight Safety website at www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/dfs/. The report, which contains the major facts, findings and recommendations from the investigation, identified multiple cause factors that contributed to this accident. Read More..

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Airbus delivers third A380 to Singapore Airlines By FlyingNews @ 7:18 AM :: 465 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The third production Airbus A380 (MSN006) was handed over to Singapore Airlines on 11th March. Equipped with four Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines, the third aircraft for the first A380 operator follows the delivery of the first A380 (MSN003) on 15th October 2007 and second delivery (MSN005) on 11th January 2008. The third aircraft is fitted with the same spacious and luxurious cabin-interior Singapore Airlines revealed on the occasion of the delivery of their first A380, also featuring 471 seats in three classes. Read More..

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 U.S. Air Force Completes KC-45A Tanker Debriefing to Northrop Grumman By FlyingNews @ 7:21 AM :: 489 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The U.S. Air Force completed its debriefing to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today and fully explained why the company's KC-45A tanker offering was clearly the superior tanker for the contract to replace the service's aerial refueling tankers. "We greatly appreciate the customer's rigorous and deliberative debrief today. According to the Air Force, Northrop Grumman's KC-45A was selected because it is more advantageous to the government in the key areas of Mission Capability, Past Performance, Cost/Price, and Integrated Fleet Aerial Refueling Assessment. Our tanker clearly provides the warfighter with the best capability and at the best value to the American taxpayer," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president of Air Mobility Systems and KC-45A program manager. "We are under contract and moving out to get badly needed new tankers into the Air Force fleet as soon as possible." Read More..

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 A Adopts Upgrades for Aircraft “Black Boxes” By FlyingNews @ 7:18 AM :: 464 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated significant upgrades to aircraft cockpit voice and flight data recorders — improvements that will enable investigators to retrieve more data from accidents and incidents requiring investigation. “Because this is the safest period in aviation history, we now have to be able to analyze each accident in greater detail,” said Robert A. Sturgell, the FAA’s acting administrator. “These enhancements will give us more information about the causes of accidents and find ways to avoid them in the future.” Read More..

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Boeing to File Protest of U.S. Air Force Tanker Contract Award By FlyingNews @ 7:14 AM :: 439 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will file a formal protest on Tuesday asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the decision by the U.S. Air Force to award a contract to a team of Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) to replace aerial refueling tankers. "Our team has taken a very close look at the tanker decision and found serious flaws in the process that we believe warrant appeal," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This is an extraordinary step rarely taken by our company, and one we take very seriously." Read More..

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 Cessna SkyCatcher Prototype Completes First Flight By FlyingNews @ 7:10 AM :: 548 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Sport Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, completed the first flight of its Model 162 SkyCatcher prototype Saturday. "The first flight of the SkyCatcher is a significant step ahead toward our goal of bringing an affordable training aircraft to market," said Jack Pelton, Cessna's chairman, president and CEO. "There is a lot of excitement at Cessna as we progress through our many developmental programs and I'm very proud of our teams for continuing to stay on track." The one-hour SkyCatcher flight departed Cessna Aircraft Field Airport adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base just after 7 a.m. and consisted of flight maneuvers evaluating the controllability and stability of the aircraft. The SkyCatcher, flown by Cessna Engineering Test Pilot Dale Bleakney, proceeded to Mid-Continent airport where it will continue development testing. Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Hawker 900XP Earns EASA and Multiple Other International Certifications By FlyingNews @ 7:32 AM :: 492 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC), the world’s leading business, special-mission and trainer aircraft manufacturer, recently achieved certifications by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and several other international agencies for the Hawker 900XP. The aircraft is part of the latest evolution of the world’s best-selling business aircraft of all time, the mid-size Hawker 800-series. Deliveries of the Hawker 900XP in Europe and other countries began in December 2007. In addition to the EASA certification, the Hawker 900XP also received certification in Australia, Aruba, Czech Republic, Macau, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification was completed on August 24, 2007. Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 FAA Proposes $10.2 Million Civil Penalty Against Southwest Airlines By FlyingNews @ 7:31 AM :: 460 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today initiated an action to collect a $10.2 million civil penalty from Southwest Airlines for operating 46 airplanes without performing mandatory inspections for fuselage fatigue cracking. Subsequently, the airline found that six of the 46 airplanes had fatigue cracks. “The FAA is taking action against Southwest Airlines for a failing to follow rules that are designed to protect passengers and crew,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Nicholas A. Sabatini. “We expect the airline industry to fully comply with all FAA directives and take corrective action.” Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Bombardier Sells 27 Jets And Turboprops To SAS And Its Affiliates By FlyingNews @ 7:28 AM :: 482 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that SAS Scandinavian Airlines and three of its affiliate airlines have signed firm orders for 27 regional jets and turboprops and have taken options on an additional 24 aircraft. Estonian Air of Tallinn, Estonia and SAS have placed firm orders for 13 Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets and have taken options on an additional 17, while Widerøe’s Flyveselskap A/S of Bodø, Norway and airBaltic of Riga, Latvia have ordered 14 Q400 NextGen high-speed turboprop airliners and have taken options on seven more. The value of the combined firm orders based on CRJ900 NextGen and Q400 NextGen list prices is approximately $883 million U.S. The value of the orders could increase to approximately $1.75 billion U.S. if all options are exercised. Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Boeing Completes 50-Percent Design Release for the 747-8 Freighter By FlyingNews @ 7:26 AM :: 533 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Air Cargo The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has completed 50 percent of the design releases for the new 747-8 Freighter. The program has released the 747-8 Freighter's detailed designs to Boeing factories and its suppliers in order to begin building parts, assemblies and tools for the new cargo airplane. "This design milestone is a tribute to efforts of the 747-8 team, our customers and suppliers," said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager, 747 program and Everett site. "We are now focused on completing the remaining design work and delivering a 747-8 Freighter that increases the 747 family's leadership in the growing cargo market." Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Airbus President & CEO Tom Enders: Mobile, Alabama will produce the world's most capable aerial tankers and freighter aircraft By FlyingNews @ 7:23 AM :: 519 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker team - which includes Airbus as a key subcontractor - hosted a series of events today with local citizens, dignitaries and Airbus employees in Mobile, Alabama to mark the KC-45A's selection by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to replace its aerial refueling aircraft fleet. Airbus President & CEO Tom Enders and Airbus Americas Chairman Allan McArtor represented Airbus at a celebration luncheon and subsequent news conference. Mobile will be home to a new final assembly facility that is to build KC-45s, along with the Airbus A330-200 civilian freighter. Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Places First Multiple Order for New Citation Columbus By FlyingNews @ 7:21 AM :: 487 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has secured its first multiple order for the new Model 850 Citation Columbus business jet. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) of Pullman, Wash., will use two of the long-range, large-cabin Citations to support its global expansion and customer support efforts. In announcing the purchase, Ed Schweitzer, founder and president of SEL, told company employees that the new aircraft will continue the company's long-standing efforts for safe, efficient travel for employees, customers, Special Olympics teams and Corporate Angel Flight participants. Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Lufthansa Selects Cessna Citation Business Jets for its Private Jet Fleet By FlyingNews @ 7:19 AM :: 484 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that Lufthansa has acquired four additional Cessna Citation business jets with a total value of approximately $40 million (list price). This order for two CJ3 jets and two XLS+ aircraft is in addition to Lufthansa's order for four Citation CJ1+ aircraft for its new pilot training program, which was announced at the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting in September 2007. All aircraft are scheduled for delivery between March 2008 and mid-2009 and will operate in the Lufthansa Private Jet fleet, which provides point-to-point flights among 1,000 destinations in Europe and Russia. The Private Jet service also offers customers of Lufthansa and SWISS long-haul flights exclusive, seamless travel to onward regional airports. Read More..

Monday, March 10, 2008 Global Vectra Helicorp Orders Two Bell Helicopter 412 By FlyingNews @ 7:17 AM :: 476 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the recent sale to Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. (GVHL) in Mumbai of two Bell 412s, increasing their fleet to 22 Bell 412s. GVHL continues to be one of the fastest growing helicopter operating companies in India. CEO Allan Brown of GVHL, India's largest private helicopter operator, said, "The Bell 412 has a range/payload combination best adaptable to Indian offshore operational requirements. We were the first to introduce the Bell 412 helicopter to the offshore market in India and are today the largest player in offshore air logistics support to the oil and gas industry." Read More..

Thursday, March 06, 2008 Boeing Delivers 2nd KC-767 Tanker to Japan By FlyingNews @ 7:34 AM :: 454 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Monday delivered the second Japan KC-767 Tanker to the Itochu Corp. for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), two weeks after delivering the first refueling aircraft to the Japanese military. "We are thrilled to have followed our first delivery on Feb. 19 with this second KC-767 Tanker delivery on schedule," said George Hildebrand, Boeing KC-767 Japan program manager. "This second tanker will add significantly to Japan's military refueling capabilities." Read More..

Thursday, March 06, 2008 Ready for American military service: the U.S. Air Force chooses the A330-based tanker By FlyingNews @ 7:31 AM :: 503 Views :: 1 Comments :: Military Aviation, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The A330-200's selection as the next-generation U.S. Air Force aerial refuelling aircraft marks a major new breakthrough for Airbus, which will significantly increase its market and industrial presence in America. Under terms of the contract announced in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Air Force will acquire up to 179 KC-45A tankers for approximately $35 billion, replacing KC-135 aircraft that have performed the country's vital military air-to-air refuelling missions for more than 40 years. The Air Force ultimately plans to replace its entire fleet of more than 490 KC-135s. Read More..

Thursday, March 06, 2008 Bell Delivers Three H-1 Aircraft in February By FlyingNews @ 7:29 AM :: 493 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, this week delivered another H-1 Upgrade aircraft and brought February's delivery total to three for the program. The third aircraft, a UH-1Y utility helicopter, was accepted by the U.S. Marine Corps on Feb. 26, 2008. Final assembly of the aircraft was completed at Bell's Military Aircraft Assembly Center in Amarillo, Texas. Read More..

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Turkish Airlines Takes Delivery of Second A310-300 Converted Freighter Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 9:33 AM :: 471 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo Turkish Airlines took delivery of the second of its three Airbus A310-300Fs at EADS EFW´s facility in Dresden, Germany. The airframe bearing the Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 478 was formerly operated by the Turkish airline itself as a passenger aircraft. The conversion into freighter configuration started in early November 2007. Turkish Airlines` first A310-600 aircraft bearing the MSN 476 was the 100th conversion performed by EFW and was delivered in November 2007. These conversions are followed by a third one starting in July 2008. “Turkey is a fast growing air cargo market, and we are glad that our converted freighters help Turkish Cargo to meet the increasing demand. Since the start of the freighter conversion in Dresden twelve years ago, we managed to build a truly worldwide customer base. But of course it is important to succeed in growing markets such as Turkey, to ensure the future of our Dresden facility”, said Dr. Andreas Sperl, President and CEO of EADS EFW. Read More..

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Porter Airlines To Acquire Two Additional Bombardier Q400 Airliners By FlyingNews @ 9:31 AM :: 487 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Porter Airlines of Toronto has signed a firm order contract for two 70-seat Q400 turboprop airliners. The transaction represents the conversion of two of the 10 options taken by Porter when it placed a firm order for 10 Q400 aircraft in 2006, and brings the total number of firm Q400 aircraft orders placed by the airline to 12. The value of the contract at Q400 aircraft list prices is approximately $51 million U.S. Read More..

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Boeing Delivers 700th 777 By FlyingNews @ 9:29 AM :: 449 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Friday delivered its 700th Boeing 777 airplane, a 777-300ER (Extended Range), to International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC) and its customer, Cathay Pacific Airways. The 777 Program reached this milestone after 12 years in service -- faster than any other twin-aisle airplane program in commercial aviation history. ILFC has ordered 79 Boeing 777s since 1992 and the airplane delivered today is its 74th, which makes ILFC the world's largest 777 customer. Cathay Pacific now operates 24 777s, with 23 more 777-300ERs scheduled to be delivered. The airplane delivered Friday will join the airline's fleet of six 777-300ERs, 12 777-300s, five 777-200s and 24 747-400s in passenger service. Read More..

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Honda Aircraft Company Expands HondaJet Sales to Mexico and Canada By FlyingNews @ 9:27 AM :: 437 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., announced the expansion of sales of its advanced light jet HondaJet throughout North America with the selection of a retail sales and service representative for Mexico and a direct sales and U.S. service support plan for Canada. Honda Aircraft Company also announced its first fractional booking from Mexico with an order for 10 aircraft. HondaJet retail sales and service for Mexico will be provided by Servicios Aéreos Estrella, S.A. de C.V. (SAE), one of the country's top full-service Fixed Base Operators (FBO), located at Mexico City's Toluca International Airport (TLC). SAE will establish a new HondaJet sales and service facility at TLC for the nationwide retail sales and service operations for the HondaJet. SAE will begin taking customer orders immediately with first deliveries of the HondaJet expected in Mexico in 2012. Read More..

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Bell Helicopter Continues To See Strong Interest in Its Commercial Product Line By FlyingNews @ 9:25 AM :: 479 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, continues to find strong demand in the marketplace for its commercial products as sales to date this year maintain the healthy pace established last year. As of the first of this year, Bell's commercial product backlog stood at $1 billion. This figure is expected to increase by another $1 billion once the first production 429 completes its first flight late this year, enabling existing customer purchase agreements to move officially into backlog. Additionally another $400 million is expected to be added once deposits are received for the 84 purchase agreements signed at the Singapore Air Show and Heli-Expo in Houston in February. Bob Fitzpatrick, Bell's vice president for Marketing and Sales stated, "Our participation at this year's Heli-Expo and the Singapore Air Show provides us with a focal point to not only showcase our commercial products, but to meet face-to-face with our customers and peers in the industry. We're very pleased with the feedback we are getting from our customers about what they see happening at Bell and with our products. Having the first pre-production 429 in our display at HAI showed our customers we are continuing to make steady progress on this game-changing aircraft." Read More..

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 Australia Government Seeks Discussion With Kaman to Conclude SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite Helicopter Program By FlyingNews @ 9:22 AM :: 479 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters, Government Kaman Corp. (Nasdaq: KAMN) said that it has been notified by the recently elected government of the Commonwealth of Australia that it wishes to initiate a negotiation with Kaman to end the Super Seasprite program on mutually agreed terms. Responding to this overture, Neal J. Keating, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Kaman Corp., said, "We have received a communication from the Commonwealth that we are reviewing at this time with the expectation that we will enter a constructive process with the Commonwealth in order to arrive at a mutually agreeable conclusion to the Seasprite program. Although we have created a highly capable aircraft for the Royal Australian Navy and continue to fulfill our obligations to the Commonwealth under our contract, we appreciate the thoughtful approach and time invested by the current Government in addressing our program and we will work with them toward arriving at a satisfactory arrangement. "

Monday, March 03, 2008 Pratt & Whitney F135 Engine Exceeds 9,000 SDD Ground Test Hours By FlyingNews @ 7:49 AM :: 490 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine exceeded 9,000 system development and demonstration (SDD) ground test hours this week. This achievement, in addition to the 3,600 test hours accumulated during the F-35 concept demonstration program, puts engine test program hours at more than 12,600. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company. “This ground testing milestone, combined with the ongoing successful F-35 Lightning II flight test program, demonstrates the maturity, flexibility and reliability of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 propulsion system,” said Bill Gostic, vice president, Pratt & Whitney F135 engine program. Read More..

Monday, March 03, 2008 U.S. Air Force Selects Northrop Grumman to Provide the New KC-45A Aerial Refueling Tanker By FlyingNews @ 7:46 AM :: 472 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to provide the KC-45A aerial refueling tanker for the KC-135 tanker replacement program. The Air Force's KC-45A is based on the highly-successful A330 commercial airframe, produced by EADS. "We are excited to partner with the Air Force for their number one acquisition priority, the KC-45A Tanker," said Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer. "Northrop Grumman's vast expertise in aerospace design, development and systems integration will ensure our nation's warfighters receive the most capable and versatile tanker ever built. The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker will be a game changer." Read More..