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Saturday, September 29, 2007 Boeing, Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce Announce Biofuel Flight Demo By FlyingNews @ 12:04 PM :: 270 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Engines Boeing [NYSE: BA], Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce today announced a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a biofuel demonstration flight designed to help accelerate the development of viable and sustainable alternative fuels for commercial aviation uses. Boeing is exploring second-generation biofuel feed stocks and processes that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases throughout their entire lifecycle. The demonstration flight is planned for the second half of 2008 using an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. Boeing is in discussions with fuel-source providers around the globe to identify potential biofuels that are available in suitable quantities for laboratory and jet-engine performance testing and in compliance with stringent aviation requirements. Additional details will be announced closer to the actual demonstration flight date. Read More..

Saturday, September 29, 2007 Finnair Becomes Launch Customer for CF6 Engines with Tech CF6 Upgrades By FlyingNews @ 9:16 AM :: 246 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Aircraft Engines Finnair has selected GE's CF6-80E1 engines to power seven twin-engine, fuel-efficient Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The engines will be the first to incorporate the new high-pressure turbine upgrade that is part of the Tech CF6 program. Engine delivery will begin in March 2009. The engine deal is valued at more than $140 million (USD) list price. "Finnair and GE have built a strong relationship through the carrier's fleet of CF6-powered MD-11 aircraft," said Scott Donnelly, president and CEO of GE Aviation. "We are very excited Finnair has selected the CF6 engines with the Tech CF6 upgrade. This will help us further expand our relationship." Read More..

Saturday, September 29, 2007 Garmin Comes Aboard PiperJet By FlyingNews @ 9:13 AM :: 295 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Avionics Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced that Piper Aircraft has selected Garmin for the PiperJet’s avionics suite. This announcement was made at the 60th annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) meeting and convention, which is one-year after Piper unveiled the innovative PiperJet. “The PiperJet’s revolutionary design and impressive performance have positioned it to be another great Piper aircraft,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “We are proud to join the PiperJet team at such an exciting time and believe that this announcement is yet another example of our commitment to serve the entry-level business jet market.” Read More..

Saturday, September 29, 2007 World première for the Superjet 100: Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi introduce the By FlyingNews @ 9:09 AM :: 234 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, and Sukhoi Company today introduced the first prototype of the new generation regional jet Superjet 100, at the Russian plant at Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This is the most modern and ecological regional 95-seat jet available today on the market. The Superjet 100 represents the largest collaborative programme between Russia and Europe in the field of high technology, with a leading role played by Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company which holds 25% plus 1 share in SCAC (Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company), the company responsible for the aircraft’s design, production, marketing and certification. Read More..

Saturday, September 29, 2007 Boeing Completes Eight-hour Flight of A160T Hummingbird By FlyingNews @ 9:03 AM :: 331 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] successfully flew its A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft Sept. 26 for eight hours while carrying a 1,000-pound payload. During its longest flight to date and the program's 42nd flight overall, the aircraft reached an altitude of 5,000 feet near Victorville, Calif. The half-ton payload simulated the delivery of critical supplies to the battlefield. Future payloads will include a combination of sensors, weapons and systems to perform a variety of missions. Read More..

Thursday, September 27, 2007 Cessna Citation X Makes Maiden Flight with Elliptical Winglets By FlyingNews @ 8:00 PM :: 287 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the Citation X featuring Elliptical Winglets made its maiden flight on Tuesday, Sept. 25. The aircraft left Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport at about 1:30 p.m. and returned approximately 90 minutes later. Pilots Mike Voigt and Scott Foster were pleased with the performance of the systems and instrumentation. The aircraft flew again on Wednesday to begin collecting data to support Winglet Technology LLC's effort to obtain FAA and EASA supplemental type certificates (STC's) for its patented Elliptical Winglet. Read More..

Thursday, September 27, 2007 Bristow Clocks Up New Record on Eurocopter EC225 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 7:52 PM :: 242 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters BRISTOW Helicopters has soared ahead clocking up a record-breaking 10,000 flying hours on its fleet of new helicopters. The flying time is the result of its six new Eurocopter EC 225 helicopters. They are the successor to the AS 332L Super Puma and are being deployed across the North Sea and beyond. The distance they have flown so far is an amazing 1.7million miles, the equivalent of flying to the moon seven times or almost 70 round-the-world trips. Read More..

Thursday, September 27, 2007 American Airlines Statement Regarding Transportation Of Firearms To The United Kingdom By FlyingNews @ 7:49 PM :: 211 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines American Airlines recently implemented a policy, effective for tickets purchased on or after Sept. 24, 2007, that it would no longer allow the transportation of civilian firearms in checked luggage to Europe and Asia, as a result of onerous restrictions in the United Kingdom. After hearing from our customers and interested parties, including the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Safari Club International (SCI), American has determined that it can modify its policy to allow legally declared firearms to be transported on nonstop flights to other destinations in Europe outside of the UK, and to our Asian destinations. We regret that, at this time, as a result of UK policies we can not allow civilian transport of firearms into the UK. We look forward to working with the NRA, SCI, and other industry groups in an attempt to resolve those issues in the hopes of allowing civilian firearms to be transported to the UK on American Airlines in the near future.

Thursday, September 27, 2007 British Airways to buy 12 Airbus A380 aircraft for long haul fleet By FlyingNews @ 1:33 PM :: 228 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers British Airways will buy 12 Airbus A380 aircraft as part of the airlines’ long term fleet modernisation. The announcement marks the first time British Airways has selected to introduce Airbus aircraft for the company’s long haul fleet. The decision vindicates Airbus’ product strategy. The A380 is a key part of the solution for sustainable growth and eco efficiency in air transportation. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines. “The Airbus A380 will provide a great solution for our high density markets and get the most out of scarce London Heathrow slots. We said that environmental considerations would feature highly in our choice and our decision to buy these aircraft is consistent with this”, said Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive. Read More..

Thursday, September 27, 2007 Synergy Aerospace Signs A Contract For Twelve AgustaWestland Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 1:31 PM :: 221 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Synergy Aerospace, a division of Synergy Group, has signed a contract for twelve more helicopters including AW109 Power, Grand and AW139 models. This latest contract is part of the framework of the multi-year contract and distribution agreement signed in July 2006 which agreed the acquisition of 56 helicopters. This latest order is additional to the eighteen helicopters already ordered by Synergy Aerospace. Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 NetJets Europe Ups Falcon 7X Order by Nine Continuing Robust Sales Pace By FlyingNews @ 5:23 PM :: 230 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Following certification and first deliveries of the Falcon 7X earlier this year, sales continue to remain strong for the 5,950 nm tri-jet. The backlog recently passed the 170 mark after NetJets Europe signed an order for an additional nine aircraft. The new order brings NetJets Europe’s commitment to 33 aircraft with deliveries starting in the second quarter of 2008. Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Cessna Takes 30-Citation X Order from XOJET By FlyingNews @ 4:43 PM :: 239 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the opening of the National Business Aviation Association annual meeting it has an order from XOJET for 30 Citation X business jets with a retail value of more than $600 million. XOJET is one of the largest Citation X operators in the world. Today the XOJET’s fleet consists of 12 Citations Xs which will increase to 17 aircraft by the end of this year. The first aircraft from the new order will deliver in Q1 2008. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through Q4 2010 by which time XOJET will have 47 Citation X in their fleet. Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Boeing Holds Major Join Ceremony for Newest UK C-17 By FlyingNews @ 4:06 PM :: 221 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Boeing [NYSE: BA] today reached a significant milestone at its Long Beach, Calif., C-17 final assembly facility with a "major join" ceremony for the United Kingdom's fifth C-17 Globemaster III. With several hundred Boeing employees in attendance, representatives from the UK's Ministry of Defence and company executives participated in the event, driving a ceremonial rivet into the aircraft's fuselage and signing its nose cone. "The ceremony for UK 5 is a significant milestone that will lead to the delivery of another very capable aircraft, further improving access to both Afghanistan and Iraq," said Robin Philip, commercial director, Defence Equipment and Support for the UK Ministry of Defence. "Since its entry into service in 2001, the C-17 has performed superbly in RAF service, both in support of military and humanitarian relief operations." Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Next Generation PC-12 in high Demand By FlyingNews @ 1:52 PM :: 249 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Pilatus is experiencing unprecedented demand for the Next Generation PC-12. The high performance single-engine turboprop is making its public debut at the 2007 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Atlanta, Georgia. “When the Next Generation PC-12 was announced at NBAA last year, it immediately became a sensation,” said Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. “Even before we had released many details about the aircraft, orders began to pour in. Now that people are seeing it in person for the first time, the excitement is tremendous.” Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 First KC-30 Goes From Initial Assembly to Flight in Less Than 75 Days By FlyingNews @ 1:44 PM :: 228 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The first KC-30 Tanker aircraft completed its maiden flight today, underscoring the production strategy selected by Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) KC-30 industry team for the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 tanker replacement program. Aircraft "D-1" flew for nearly four hours and will be the first aircraft delivered to the U.S. Air Force if the Northrop Grumman team is awarded the KC-X contract. Contract award is currently expected in December 2007 or early January 2008. The KC-30 Tanker's commercial airframe, the A330, is a highly successful market leader in its class. The active, flexible and high-volume commercial production line for the A330 is supported by a fully operational industrial supply chain that includes leading U.S.-based suppliers. More than 1,281 A330s have been delivered and ordered to date, serving 87 operators worldwide. Current orders for the commercial A330 exceed 300 aircraft, with this number expected to grow considerably. Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Navy MH-60S Helicopter Crashes During Training By FlyingNews @ 1:39 PM :: 251 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Flying Accidents, Helicopters SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- A Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 crashed Sept. 24 into Fena Lake located at Naval Base Guam. Of the four crew members on board the aircraft, one member of the crew died from injuries sustained in the crash. The three remaining personnel have been transported to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam for treatment. One member is being treated for a broken arm, the remaining two crew members received minor injuries. The cause of the incident is currently being investigated.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Aerodynamic Enhancements Yield Speed Increase, New Designation for World’s Fastest Single-- Mooney A By FlyingNews @ 1:34 PM :: 257 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Mooney Airplane Company has announced that the world’s fastest piston single is now even faster. Thanks to a combination of aerodynamic refinements, the latest version of the Acclaim will now fly at a top speed of 242 knots and be known as the Acclaim-Type S. The 280 horsepower, turbo-normalized Acclaim, which established a new standard for aircraft in its class with a speed of 237 knots when it received its Federal Aviation Administration certification in December of 2006, has set a number of speed records since entering service. To date, more than 50 have been delivered. Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Cessna Selects Garmin’s G1000® for the Caravan By FlyingNews @ 1:26 PM :: 235 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Avionics Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today announced that Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company has selected the G1000 integrated avionics suite for the Caravan. Cessna produces three versions of the Caravan: Caravan 675, Grand Caravan and Super Cargomaster. The G1000 with GFC 700 flight control system will be the standard avionics package available for all Caravan models beginning in the first half of 2008. “The Caravan is known throughout the industry as being an extremely reliable and versatile aircraft, which are attributes that are also found in the G1000 avionics suite.” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “We are very pleased that Cessna has chosen the G1000, and are confident that future Caravan customers will enjoy the added safety and advanced technology.” Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Dassault Falcon to Further Expand Little Rock Completion Center By FlyingNews @ 1:20 PM :: 246 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers At a press conference recently at the Little Rock Completion Center, Dassault Falcon announced a new round of expansion at the Little Rock Completion Center. The announcement was made by Christian Sasso, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Dassault facility and Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. The expansion includes an additional 116,000 square feet of production, design and warehouse space. Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Cessna Aircraft Enters Acquisition Discussions with Columbia Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 12:37 PM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft and a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), said today it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation to acquire selected assets and certain liabilities of the Bend, Oregon-based aircraft manufacturer. According to Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton, “Columbia’s unique capability in the high-end single-engine piston market makes it a perfect complement to our Next Generation Piston product line and could provide our customers with the option of an outstanding low-wing, high-performance piston airplane. We believe the combination of this superb product line and Cessna’s world class support structure and brand will be unbeatable.” Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 XOJET Orders And Secures Options For a Total of 80 Bombardier Challenger 300 Jets By FlyingNews @ 12:18 PM :: 229 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Bombardier Aerospace today announced the largest single Challenger 300 aircraft order in the company’s history as XOJET, of San Carlos, California, placed a firm order for 20 super-midsize Challenger 300 jets, with options for an additional 60 aircraft. The transaction for the firm orders is valued at approximately $450 million U.S., based on the list price of typically equipped aircraft. The total value of the order, if all options are exercised will be approximately $1.9 billion U.S., based on the list price. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008. “This is a great day for Bombardier,” noted Jahid Fazal-Karim, senior vice-president, sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We know the Challenger 300 jet is at the top if its class. Following an extensive evaluation of aircraft in the same category, XOJET chose the Challenger 300 for its superior cabin comfort, reliability and performance. It is truly gratifying to have our customer, XOJET, share our excitement and invest such confidence in the Challenger 300 jet.” Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Boeing Modernizes B-52 with Network Capability By FlyingNews @ 12:00 PM :: 216 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Boeing employees in Wichita, Kan., pull a B-52H into a hangar to begin the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) upgrade. The CONECT modification is a computing, communication and display network that will allow B-52H crews to receive and send real-time digital information during their missions. The first CONECT modification is expected to take 11 months. When full production begins, the entire B-52 fleet will receive the CONECT modification.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Airbus A380 MSN009 to embark on route proving tours By FlyingNews @ 11:31 AM :: 217 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Airbus' A380 MSN009 test aircraft, powered by the new Engine Alliance GP7000 engines will embark on a series of four tours as part of its technical route proving. During this certification exercise, which aims at accumulating 150 hours of "typical airline" continuous operation, the A380 will visit destinations in South America, North America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The A380 will first go to Bogota, Colombia (26th and 27th September), returning to its home base in Toulouse, South West France. It will then fly to the USA, landing at Hartford, Connecticut; Cincinnati, Ohio and San Francisco, California (2nd till 5th October) and back to Toulouse. The route proving will continue, flying to Dubai; Melbourne, Australia; Manila - International and Manila - Clark, both on the island of Luzon in the Philippines and back to Dubai before returning to Toulouse (8th till 13th October). The next destinations to be visited are Bogota, Colombia; Vancouver, Canada and Osaka, Japan (15th to 19th October). Read More..

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 Adam Aircraft Announces First Flight of A700 Serial Number 004 Second Conforming Aircraft Added to Certification Program By FlyingNews @ 11:07 AM :: 221 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Adam Aircraft today announced the first flight of A700 Serial Number 004, the second conforming aircraft which will be used for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight-testing. The very successful 1.3 hour first flight occurred Friday, August 24, 2007 out of Centennial Airport (KAPA), Englewood, Colorado. According to flight crew Pilot in Command Jim Jones and David Hayes, Second in Command, "The aircraft flew very well and demonstrated excellent controllability and handling." "The A700 TC (Type Certificate) is one of our two most important objectives for the entire company," said Adam Aircraft Chairman and CEO John Wolf. "Jet 4's first flight and its entry into the flight test program is a major step toward that objective. It is a success that many, many members of our team contributed to with unselfish commitment. We should celebrate, and remind ourselves that this is the kind of accomplishment that not only builds our own confidence but also the confidence of our investors and customers that are counting on us. Our second objective, Make Production Fly, will help us ensure we are ready to produce the A700 in high volume once the aircraft is certified." Read More..

Friday, September 21, 2007 Boeing Delivers Refurbished E-4B to U.S. Air Force By FlyingNews @ 8:56 PM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently delivered a refurbished E-4B National Airborne Operations Center to the U.S. Air Force Strategic Command after completing programmed depot maintenance (PDM) at its modification center in Wichita, Kan. "With a small fleet of four aircraft, it is critical that we deliver this important national asset on cost and on schedule per the commitments we've made to our customer," said Andy Reheis, Boeing E-4B program manager. "Our employees take great pride in being able to return this asset to the customer so that it can perform its mission, and it shows in their performance." Read More..

Friday, September 21, 2007 ASTAR Air Cargo Pilots Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike By FlyingNews @ 8:47 PM :: 243 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo ASTAR Air Cargo pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), announced today that they have voted to authorize their elected union representatives to conduct a lawful withdrawal of services if contract talks do not result in an agreement, upon release of the parties to economic “self-help” by the National Mediation Board. ASTAR pilots overwhelmingly supported the union’s strike authorization ballot with over 97 percent of responding crewmembers voting in support of a withdrawal of services, if required. Negotiations with management began in January 2005. However, by April 2006, a filing for expedited mediation with the National Mediation Board was made citing a lack of progress. After nearly ten months of mediated talks, ASTAR pilots and management remain far apart on critical economic matters like compensation and hourly wage rates. Read More..

Thursday, September 20, 2007 House Passes FAA Reauthorization, Invests in Critical Aviation Research & Development By FlyingNews @ 4:58 PM :: 239 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA, Government Members of the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, which includes a series of provisions authored by the Science and Technology Committee to enable the nation’s air transportation system to be able to handle the expected significant growth in future air travel demand over the next twenty years safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly manner. H.R. 2881 incorporates the provisions of H.R. 2698, the Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007, introduced by Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO). The Committee reported H.R. 2698 with strong bipartisan support on June 22nd. Read More..

Thursday, September 20, 2007 CIRRUS BEGINS FLEET DELIVERY OF SR22-G3 TURBOS TO PlaneSmart! By FlyingNews @ 4:53 PM :: 247 Views :: 0 Comments :: General Aviation, Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers PlaneSmart! Aviation, Dallas, TX and CIRRUS Design Corporation announced today the completion of a previously announced multi-million dollar deal to replace its current fleet of CIRRUS SR22-G2s with all new Turbo CIRRUS SR22-G3s. The transaction enables PlaneSmart! to offer extraordinary transportation packages to clients. The new CIRRUS SR22-G3 or “Generation Three” is a result of over 700 refinements over its predecessor, the SR22-G2. PlaneSmart!’s new SR22-G3s will arrive from the factory with virtually every option CIRRUS offers, including factory installed Air-Conditioning and a new turbo-normalized engine which can maintain almost 100% power all the way to the certified ceiling of 25,000’. Read More..

Thursday, September 20, 2007 Eurocopter hands over 600th aircraft of its top-selling EC135 helicopter By FlyingNews @ 4:44 PM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The 600th EC135 helicopter built at Eurocopter’s German production facility in Donauwörth was handed over to its future operator. After its market introduction in 1996, the EC135 quickly did not only turn into an unrivalled commercial success in the light, twin-engine helicopter segment, but also proved to perfectly cover a vast variety of mission requirements, due to its flexibility, exceptional manoeuvrability, an unchallenged 98 percent availability, its ustomer-friendly maintenance schedules and environmental compatibility. 600 delivered aircraft make this helicopter type the world’s best seller and international benchmark in its class. With its powerful industry at Donauwörth Eurocopter is responding to the ever-increasing demand for the EC135 with steady production increases. In the last 12 months 100 EC135 were delivered. The production rate will further grow so that every second day, an EC135 will leave a final assembly line. Read More..

Thursday, September 20, 2007 Lufthansa and Swiss order additional Airbus aircraft By FlyingNews @ 4:42 PM :: 199 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Lufthansa German Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines have signed a contract with Airbus for nine A330-300s and 32 A320 family aircraft. Of the 32 Airbus A320 family aircraft, 30 (six A319s, four A320s and 20 A321s) will allow Lufthansa to further modernise its fleet and expand its network, while nine A330s and two A320s are to be operated by Zurich-based Swiss International Air Lines. Swiss is fully owned by the Lufthansa Group. "We are already benefiting from the exceptional reliability, efficiency and passenger appeal of the A330, as we have ten A330-300s in our fleet," says Nico Buchholz, Lufthansa's Head of Corporate Fleet Management. "The same applies to the A320 family. Both aircraft deliver excellent environmental performance, too." Read More..

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Cessna Receives $105 Million Order from Europe's JetAlliance By FlyingNews @ 12:45 PM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Jet Expo international business aviation exhibition in Moscow that JetAlliance has placed an order for a further 10 Citation business jets valued at $105 million. The order comprises one CJ1+, two CJ2+, two CJ3, three XLS+ and two Sovereign aircraft. Deliveries will take place in 2009 and 2010. This follows the order by JetAlliance for 25 Citation business jets announced in May of this year. JetAlliance, based in Vienna, Austria, is the third largest charter operator in Europe and is Cessna's authorized sales representative for Russia and Eastern Europe. "Citations are well matched to the needs of Russia's business community, and we are seeing strong demand across the region," said JetAlliance Chief Executive Officer Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer. Read More..

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Honeywell Signs $16 Billion Systems Contract With Airbus on A350 Extra Wide-Body Plane By FlyingNews @ 12:43 PM :: 251 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has been selected to provide the major mechanical systems for Airbus’s new long-range, wide-body A350 aircraft. The contract is expected to generate more than $16 billion (including aftermarket) in revenue for Honeywell over the projected 20- to 25-year life of the program. It is the largest systems and equipment package Airbus has awarded to date on this program. “We revitalized our customer focus in early 2005, and those efforts, coupled with Honeywell’s unparalleled technologies and experience with integrated aerospace systems, uniquely positioned us to meet Airbus’s demanding requirements for this next-generation aircraft,” said Robert Gillette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Honeywell Aerospace. “Honeywell’s advanced Air Management Systems and auxiliary power unit technologies will deliver the system performance and dependability Airbus and its operators expect in today’s global market.” Read More..

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 EMBRAER DELIVERS 50th A-29 SUPER TUCANO TO BRAZILIAN AIR FORCE By FlyingNews @ 12:28 PM :: 264 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Embraer delivered the 50th A-29, designation given to the Super Tucano by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), in a ceremony held, yesterday, at the Company’s Gavião Peixoto plant, in Brazil. The event was attended by civilian and military dignitaries and Embraer executives. Read More..

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Cessna Breaks Ground on Columbus (Ga.) Expansion By FlyingNews @ 12:21 PM :: 259 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today broke ground on what will be its third building in Columbus. The company will invest up to $24 million to expand aircraft subassembly work here, including construction of an $11 million facility at Muscogee Technology Park. The 100,000-square-foot building is slated to be completed in August 2008. Cessna Columbus started with a 110,000-square-foot building in 1996. The company added a second building – roughly 130,000 square feet – in 2001 to move the newly acquired McCauley Propeller Systems from Dayton, Ohio, and to support increased production rates in Wichita, Kan., and Independence, Kan. Read More..

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 American Eurocopter Delivers First of Six EC145s to Memorial Hermann Life Flight By FlyingNews @ 12:18 PM :: 269 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters During a ceremony at the 2007 Air Medical Transport Conference in the Tampa Convention Center, American Eurocopter delivered the first of six EC145 helicopters to Memorial Hermann Life Flight. On hand to accept the bright red EC145 were Life Director, Will David, and Director of Aviation Operations, Eric von Wenckstern. The Houston, Texas-based Memorial Hermann Life Flight is a long-time operator of Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft. In 1976, the company started the second air medical program in the United States with an SA319B Alouette. Since then, Memorial Hermann has continued to operate Eurocopter products to save lives. Read More..

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 Jetalliance Group places repeat order for Airbus ACJ By FlyingNews @ 12:16 PM :: 239 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Jetalliance Group of Vienna has placed a repeat order for an Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), adding to its previously ordered Airbus ACJ and three A318 Elites. Like its other aircraft the new Airbus ACJ will feature a VIP cabin and be powered by CFM56-5 engines. Jetalliance Flugbetriebs GmbH is one of the world's leading business-jet enterprises, with a fleet of over 35 aircraft with an average age of only 3.5 years - one of the youngest in Europe. It operates under JAR OPS 1 in Europe, but is also FAA part 129 certificated, allowing it to fly commercially in the USA and Canada. Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 Bell, Air Evac EMS, Inc. Sign Sixteen Aircraft Deal By FlyingNews @ 11:47 PM :: 248 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company has announced the sale of 16 of their 206L-4 LongRanger aircraft to Air Evac Services Inc. The aircraft will join the Air Evac's fleet with deliveries beginning in 2009 through 2011. Commenting on the deal Bob Fitzpatrick, Sr. Vice President, Bell Business Development said, "We are extremely pleased to provide these aircraft to Air Evac EMS. The reliability and versatility the 206L-4 provides EMS operators gives them the extra edge that can mean the difference between success and failure of their important mission. This is the beginning of a relationship we hope to see grow and last many years." Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 Cessna Presents Platinum Award to Pigs Can Fly Training Center By FlyingNews @ 7:50 PM :: 305 Views :: 0 Comments :: Training Pigs Can Fly (PCF) Aviation, LLC has received the Platinum Award for exceptional performance in the Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) network from Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. The award was presented by CPC Western Regional Manager Jim Pitman to PCF Aviation co-owner Patrick Mallon during the August 2007 Cessna Pilot Center Seminar in Wichita. Cessna considers a number of factors in evaluating CPC performance including facilities, training equipment and general operations. Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 Bombardier Q400 Aircraft Fleet Returning To Service By FlyingNews @ 7:48 PM :: 216 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers After meeting the requirements of Transport Canada’s Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the recent Bombardier Q400 aircraft landing gear issue, operators worldwide have been returning their aircraft to service. Approximately 70 per cent of the Q400 turboprop fleet is in service (or approximately 116 aircraft out of total fleet of 165 aircraft). Of the estimated 85 Q400 aircraft requiring detailed inspections, more than 35 aircraft are already back in service. "Several airlines have reported that their Q400 aircraft have returned to normal service. This is excellent news. We expect that more aircraft will also return to service in the coming days. We remain committed to our customers and are providing them with the necessary technical assistance to resolve the issue," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 Bell Signs Multi-Ship Deal with Med-Trans Corporation By FlyingNews @ 7:45 PM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Officials from Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and Med-Trans Corporation today signed an agreement for the sale of 11 Bell 407 aircraft in support of the Med-Trans Emergency Medical Service mission. The aircraft will be delivered between 2009 and 2011. Commenting on the agreement Bob Fitzpatrick, Sr. Vice President for Bell Business Development said, "This is a great day for Bell, our customer and most of all for the many people that these aircraft will help over the years. Providing aircraft to EMS operators is one of most rewarding parts of my job. And these particular models have proven their reliability and mission capability for many years." Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 AIRLIFT NORTHWEST ORDERS FOUR EC145s FROM AMERICAN EUROCOPTER By FlyingNews @ 7:43 PM :: 219 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters From the 2007 Air Medical Transport Conference in the Tampa Convention Center, American Eurocopter announces that Airlift Northwest has ordered four EC145 helicopters to expand the company’s mission capability and upgrade the company’s fleet. Airlift Northwest provides air medical service for one of the largest and most geographically varied service areas in the world—from southeast Alaska to coastal villages in western Washington and central Washington. “We conducted an extensive, objective assessment of all the potential aircraft that would fit our mission needs, and the EC145 was clearly the best choice. The safety and capability of the aircraft combined with American Eurocopter’s strong customer support were key to us in making this decision,” said Stephen J. Lewis, Airlift Northwest Chief Executive Officer. Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 Cessna, Machinists Ratify New Three Year Contract By FlyingNews @ 11:27 AM :: 215 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers, Small Aircraft Manufacturers Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today it has reached an agreement for a three-year contract with members of Local Lodge 774 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers(I.A.M.). "This agreement is a true reflection of Cessna's commitment to all employees and to our belief in the value of working collaboratively with the I.A.M. Without a doubt, Cessna has the best employees in the industry," said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. "We believe this package is both beneficial to Cessna employees and competitive in today's marketplace." Read More..

Monday, September 17, 2007 AgustaWestland To Market NHIndustries NH90 In Poland By FlyingNews @ 8:46 AM :: 219 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that, together with other NHIndustries shareholders Eurocopter and Stork Fokker, it has been agreed that AgustaWestland will lead the NH90 marketing campaign for the upcoming Polish Tactical Transport Helicopter requirement. The NH90 has established itself as the NATO standard helicopter of the 21st century. Designed by NATO for NATO it is making a significant contribution towards interoperability between European Armed Forces and their overseas allies for NATO and UN missions. Additionally it contributes to fleet standardisation and rationalisation in terms of training and logistics. Read More..

Sunday, September 16, 2007 Sabreliner to Extend Boeing Work Up to 10 Years By FlyingNews @ 10:41 AM :: 231 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Sabreliner Corp. has been selected by The Boeing Company to continue repairing critical flight control components for the U. S. Air Force fleet of KC-135 aircraft used mainly for airborne refueling. The work is part of a Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) contract recently awarded by the Air Force to Boeing. The Sabreliner portion is for one base year and nine one-year options, for a total of 10 years. This subcontract has a potential value of more than $60 million, and will double the volume of flight control component work accomplished monthly at Sabreliner's Ste. Genevieve, Mo. operation, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary of providing sophisticated repairs to KC-135 and other military variants of the Boeing 707 aircraft. Read More..

Sunday, September 16, 2007 D-JET S/N 002 First Flight By FlyingNews @ 10:35 AM :: 248 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers At 7:47 on September 14th, 2007, D-JET S/N 002 made its first flight from Diamond’s London facility. The flight was conducted by Daniel Ribeiro, Chief Test Pilot. Chase was flown by Giorgio Clementi, Manager Flight Test, in D-JET S/N 001. Daniel Ribeiro reported: "We had a safe and smooth first flight with S/N 002. During 43 minutes of flight, we checked systems and handling. Airplane handling was as anticipated, with the expected improvements based on the experience with S/N 001 being evident. Flight controls were smooth, with good harmony and light forces. Engine behavior was as expected, with stable performance during accelerations and decelerations. All installed systems worked as planned, and landing gear was retracted during climb out to the test area. Maximum altitude achieved during the flight was 11,000 ft." Read More..

Sunday, September 16, 2007 Update On Inspection Procedures On Bombardier Q400 Main Landing Gear By FlyingNews @ 10:30 AM :: 232 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers On September 13, 2007, Bombardier issued an All-Operators Message (AOM) providing Q400 operators with detailed inspection procedures to address Transport Canada’s airworthiness directive related to the aircraft’s recent main landing gear issue. These inspection procedures were developed by Goodrich, the landing gear manufacturer, and approved by Bombardier. Read More..

Friday, September 14, 2007 Kaman, Sikorsky Sign MOA for Helicopter Production Support By FlyingNews @ 11:10 AM :: 243 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters Kaman Corporation’s Helicopters Segment will play a key role in future Sikorsky BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK helicopter production under a three-year Memorandum of Agreement recently executed between Sikorsky Aircraft and Kaman. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Kaman will join a significant number of cabin, cockpit, tail cone and landing gear assemblies for UH-60L, MH-60S, and UH-60M BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK helicopters. Work will be performed by Kaman’s existing workforce of highly skilled engineers, technicians, assemblers, and support personnel at HeliworX, the company’s rotorcraft innovation and manufacturing support center in Bloomfield, Conn. The BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK helicopters are in service with a range of customers worldwide, including the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. Read More..

Friday, September 14, 2007 Eclipse Aviation Opens Customer Training Center at Double Eagle II Airport By FlyingNews @ 8:35 AM :: 226 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Aircraft Manufacturers Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), today held a grand opening ceremony for its Customer Training Center, the company’s first facility at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG). Eclipse Aviation has committed to an extensive pilot training curriculum that will prepare customers for real world operations of their Eclipse 500, and this building will help the company to deliver this superior training program. Eclipse 500 customers will receive all of their classroom and simulator training in this building including the type rating course and recurrent training. The 41,500 square foot two-story facility will accommodate four simulators, four classrooms and eight briefing rooms. The first Flight Training Device (FTD) has already been installed in the Center and will be used to train Eclipse 500 pilots shortly. An additional full motion simulator will be certified and operational in the coming months, with four full motion simulators operational by the end of 2008. Eclipse 500 pilot training will transition from the current in-aircraft training to full motion simulator training Read More..

Friday, September 14, 2007 Botswana launches Police Airwing with three Eurocopter AS350 B3 Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 8:27 AM :: 380 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The Botswana Police Service, represented by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Thebeyame E. Tsimako, and Eurocopter Southern Africa Pty. Ltd, signed a contract in Gaborone on September 13 for the purchase of three Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopters to serve its newly-formed Police Air Support . Two of the aircraft will be delivered in December 2008, and the remaining one in August 2009. Guy Joannes, CEO of Eurocopter Southern Africa, stated, “We are extremely proud of the confidence placed in our company and our product to get Botswana’s newly-established Police Air Support airborne. The AS350 B3 has a proven track record in police missions, especially in hot and high conditions. Eurocopter can back it up with a wealth of experience, being the world’s leading supplier of helicopters for law enforcement and homeland security operations.” Read More..

Friday, September 14, 2007 CSA Czech Airlines orders another eight A320 Family aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:25 AM :: 235 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The Czech national carrier CSA Czech Airlines has purchased a further eight A319s, firming up options placed in the initial contract signed with Airbus in April 2005. CSA has now firmly ordered a total of 20 Airbus single aisle aircraft and holds another four on option. CSA Czech Airlines had selected the A320 Family to replace the older generation aircraft in its core European fleet, following a thorough evaluation of both the A320 Family and competing types. Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 NTSB TO RELEASE FACTUAL REPORTS ON TWO AVIATION ACCIDENTS By FlyingNews @ 4:33 PM :: 299 Views :: 0 Comments :: NTSB Washington, D.C. - As part of its continuing investigations into two aviation accidents the National Transportation Safety Board will open public dockets and release a series of factual reports on Friday, September 14, 2007, at 11:00 am. Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 Bombardier Supports Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive Related To Recent Q400 Landing Gear Issue By FlyingNews @ 2:58 PM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Today, Transport Canada issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) applicable to Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft following two recent incidents of right main landing gear collapse. Bombardier has been working closely with safety and regulatory authorities to establish a proactive course of action to ensure a high level of safety is maintained. Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 NTSB Safety Recommendations A-07-52 through -54 By FlyingNews @ 11:14 AM :: 304 Views :: 0 Comments :: NTSB The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration: Require Cessna to modify the Citation 525 to incorporate an aural trim-in-motion warning and the addition of contrasting color bands on the pitch trim wheel to provide the pilot with more timely recognition of a trim runaway condition before control forces become unmanageable. (A-07-52) Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 Renewed Contract to Sustain Flight-Readiness of Canada's Search and Rescue Helicopters By FlyingNews @ 11:03 AM :: 205 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation, Helicopters The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced that the maintenance contract has been awarded for Canada’s search and rescue helicopter, the CH-149 Cormorant. The contract will provide continued maintenance on the Cormorant helicopters to allow them to conduct search and rescue work in often harsh and demanding environments. “The Cormorant helicopter provides Canada with one of the most modern and effective search and rescue capabilities, able to operate in some of the harshest, most severe conditions in the world,” said Minister MacKay. “They can fly over 1,000 km without refueling and carry up to 12 stretchers at a time. Whether it’s a rescue at high sea, helping an injured mountain climber or finding a lost hiker, they are ready ‘24-7’ when called upon.” Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 Bombardier Makes Recommendations Following Recent Q400 Aircraft Right Main Landing Gear Incidents By FlyingNews @ 10:57 AM :: 246 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Accidents, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers A second incident has occurred involving the collapse of a right main landing gear shortly after touchdown on a Q400 aircraft operated by SAS. The first incident occurred at Aalborg, Denmark on September 9, 2007. The second incident occurred on September 12, 2007 at Vilnius, Lithuania. There were no reported injuries amongst the crew of four and 48 passengers on board the second aircraft. Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 Arik Air Expands Fleet with Boeing 787s, 737s and additional 777-300ER By FlyingNews @ 10:55 AM :: 214 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Arik Air, Nigeria's newest commercial carrier, today announced an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800s, four 787-9s and one 777-300ER (Extended Range). The order is valued at approximately $1.8 billion at list prices. The 777-300ER was previously booked as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website. Arik's 10 737-800s and four 787-9s will be added at the next scheduled website update. In April, Arik Air took delivery of two 737-700s and announced an order for two 777-200LRs (Longer Range), two 777-300ERs and three 787-9s to initiate the largest and most aggressive fleet modernization program in Nigeria's aviation history. Read More..

Thursday, September 13, 2007 Brazilian airline TAM takes delivery of its first A321s By FlyingNews @ 9:14 AM :: 237 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Leading Brazilian carrier TAM Linhas Aéreas has taken delivery of its first two A321s. TAM's new A321s are powered by International Aero Engines V2500s and seat 220 passengers in a single -class layout. TAM already operates an Airbus fleet of 86 aircraft comprising 15 A319s, 61 A320s, and 10 A330s and is Airbus' largest customer in Latin America. Read More..

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi unveil Superjet International joint venture By FlyingNews @ 9:54 PM :: 218 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, and Sukhoi Company announced in Venice, Italy the setting up of Superjet International, the new joint-venture focused on worldwide after sales support and marketing and sales on western markets of the Superjet 100 regional aircraft family – the most advanced and environmental friendly regional jet aircraft available on the market. The new company is owned for 51% by Alenia Aeronautica and for 49% by Sukhoi Company. Amedeo Caporaletti has been appointed chairman of Superjet International by the first Superjet International Board of Director’s meeting, while Alessandro Franzoni takes on the role of chief executive. «Headquartered in Venice, Superjet International will capitalise on Alenia Aeronautica’s full-fledged infrastructure already available at its owned company Alenia Aeronavali’s site in Venice», say Sukhoi and Alenia Aeronautica in a joint statement. Moscow will be a home for the new joint venture’s first branch and, later on, additional branches will appear in the most relevant markets. Read More..

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 The name change occurred in conjunction with the inauguration on Friday of a major expansion of the production facilities in Newington. By FlyingNews @ 9:45 PM :: 302 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Aircraft Maintenance Turkish MRO MNG Technic has delivered VIP configured B727 to Azerbaijan recently. The B727 has entered into MNG Technic Hangar in Istanbul, Turkey to have a D Check and several modifications, including winglet modification. Turkish MRO specialist MNG Technic has almost renewed the Aircraft, and installed the QuitWing Winglets. Also, the Aircraft painted into Gold and Silver with Oriental design upon the customer requirements, with some Fade out in the color. The Aircraft was delivered at the beginning of September, and landed without any defects to Baku Haydar Aliyev Airport

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 Aero-Craft in Newington changes name to Volvo Aero Connecticut By FlyingNews @ 9:39 PM :: 249 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines The name change occurred in conjunction with the inauguration on Friday of a major expansion of the production facilities in Newington. Volvo Aero acquired Aero-Craft in December 2004. In conjunction with the purchase, Volvo Aero entered into a partnership on Trent 1000 fan cases with Carlton Forge Works, which opened the way for a focus on the production of fan cases for aircraft engines. After a short period it became apparent that the existing factory premises of 3,700 square meters in Newington would not be sufficient for Volvo Aero’s expansion plans. Ground was broken in autumn 2006 for a completely new factory building covering about 2,500 square meters. Read More..

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 GE Honda Aero Engines Begins Full Engine Testing of HF120 By FlyingNews @ 9:36 PM :: 252 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Aircraft Engines GE Honda Aero Engines has begun testing the first full HF120 demonstration engine (including maximum thrust levels) at Honda's Aircraft Engine R&D Center in Japan. Over the next five months, GE Honda will conduct an array of tests on several HF120 demonstrator engine builds to verify performance operability, thermal characteristics, and component efficiencies. This full-engine testing follows several months of engine core (hot section) tests on several builds of hardware. Read More..

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 Clifford Development Launches A Program to Certify the Cessna Citation S/II with Williams FJ44-3 Engines By FlyingNews @ 9:29 PM :: 293 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying, Business Aircraft Manufacturers Clifford Development has initiated a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program to re-engine the Cessna Citation S/II (CE-S550) with Williams International FJ44-3 engines. Clifford Development is currently certifying Williams FJ44-3 engines for the Cessna Citation II. “We are pleased to launch this effort to re-engine the Citation S/II working in collaboration with Williams International. Operators have expressed interest in the Williams FJ44-3 engines and the substantial performance, safety and operating cost improvements these engines promise. Plus, our Citation II certification program has led us to over 30 systems enhancements that can also be incorporated into the Citation S/II STC. We will at the same time be developing a new performance winglet,” noted Jim Clifford, chief executive officer of Clifford Development. Read More..

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 Boeing Wins $1.1 Billion KC-135 Tanker Maintenance Contract By FlyingNews @ 9:17 PM :: 203 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a 10-year, $1.1 billion U.S. Air Force contract to continue providing programmed depot maintenance (PDM) for the nation's KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. Boeing will perform the work for more than 200 KC-135 aircraft at facilities in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Since the initial KC-135 PDM contract award in October 1998, Boeing has completed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on more than 160 aircraft. Conducted every five years, scheduled PDM services include depot-level inspections, repairs, maintenance, modifications, re-painting and supply chain services. Unscheduled maintenance comprises about half of the work performed on each aircraft. Read More..

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 EgyptAir Takes Third Boeing 737-800 By FlyingNews @ 9:12 AM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered to EgyptAir its third Next-Generation 737-800 on Sept. 7. The airline has ordered 12 of Boeing's fast-selling, single-aisle commercial jets. The 737-800 is the most popular member of the Next-Generation 737 family, with more than 2,300 airplanes ordered. EgyptAir's new 737-800 is shown here departing Boeing Field in Seattle on a ferry flight to its home operating base in Cairo.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 RAAF C-17 AIRCRAFT READY FOR OPERATIONAL TASKS By FlyingNews @ 9:10 AM :: 299 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Air Force’s giant Boeing C-17A is now ready to perform operational tasks for Australia. The C-17 Globemaster has successfully completed eight months of intensive Introduction-into-Service activities, and has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC). “Air Force has introduced this strategic asset safely, efficiently and in a relatively short period,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd said. “The success of the C-17 project highlights the excellent cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force, Defence Materiel Organisation, the Boeing Company and US Air Force. It is a great credit to the C-17 project office, the people of 36 Squadron and those who support them, their families,” Air Marshal Shepherd said. Read More..

Monday, September 10, 2007 Aviation Capital Group orders 25 additional A320 Family aircraft By FlyingNews @ 8:58 PM :: 217 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers US based lessor Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has signed a firm contract for 25 additional A320 Family aircraft, including six A319s, 15 A320s and four A321s. With this order, the wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific LifeCorp will have 121 A320 Family aircraft in its portfolio. "We decided to add more A320 Family aircraft to our portfolio because of high customer demand," said R. Stephen Hannahs, ACG Group Managing Director and CEO. "The A320 Family is a popular, highly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft which fits in perfectly with our long term strategy of providing modern and productive aircraft." Read More..

Friday, September 07, 2007 Aegean Airlines Buys A Further Six Airbus A320s By FlyingNews @ 8:14 AM :: 227 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The fast growing Aegean Airlines has ordered six more A320s. This will eventually bring their fleet to 25 A320 Family aircraft. The first new aircraft was delivered earlier this year to the Greek airline. The airline's A320s are powered by IAE V2500 engines, and are equipped with a comfortable two-class layout. The A320s will replace older generation aircraft in Aegean's fleet and will be the cornerstone of the airline's expansion on high-traffic routes in Europe and in growing regional markets, flying from its bases in Athens and Thessaloniki. Aegean's scheduled European operations include code-share flights with Lufthansa. Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 Boeing and China Southern Airlines Announce Order for 55 Next-Generation 737s By FlyingNews @ 6:02 PM :: 216 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in The People's Republic of China, today announced the carrier has ordered 55 additional Next-Generation 737-700s and 737-800s for its expanding fleet. At catalogue prices, the order is valued at $3.8 billion. The model mix was not disclosed. The 55 airplanes announced today will supplement the129 737s already in China Southern's fleet as well as 14 more 737s yet to be delivered from previous orders. Collectively, the airplanes will progressively lower the average age of the China Southern Airlines fleet -- already one of the youngest in China. Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 The Tiger combat helicopter – a force for unity By FlyingNews @ 5:57 PM :: 240 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters The Tiger is the product of an innovative concept – the concept of the combat helicopter. It is also the cornerstone of the fertile Franco-German cooperation that gave birth to the Eurocopter group. The combat helicopter saw the light of day in France, when the first SS-10 missile was fired from prototype 02 of the SE-3120 Alouette in October 1953. After some initial skepticism, the military decided to adopt the concept of the armed helicopter. It was the right decision, as today’s success has proved. Now, half a century later, the combat helicopter is a well established concept and no one would dream of denying its usefulness on the battlefield. And with the Tiger, it has attained a superior standard of mobility, survivability and firing power. Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 Hilton Ranch Is Big Draw for Aviators By FlyingNews @ 4:34 PM :: 230 Views :: 0 Comments :: Flying Accidents I have been asking myself, "what was Steve Fossett doing in Yerington, Nevada?" Well the answer is William Hilton owns a huge ranch that is setup for aviators. He was searching for a dry lake bed to perform a new land speed record. You can read this article for more information.

Thursday, September 06, 2007 Pratt & Whitney Wins US$715 Million Engine Order from Flyington Freighters Private Limited By FlyingNews @ 4:18 PM :: 248 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines Flyington Freighters Private Limited has selected Pratt & Whitney PW4000-100” engines to power their fleet of new A330-200F aircraft. The contract covers installed and spare engines for 12 firm aircraft and an exclusive long-term service agreement provided by Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners. The agreement is valued at more than US$715 million. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX). “We chose the Pratt & Whitney PW4170 engines because they will provide the best value for our A330 freighter aircraft,” said Captain Deepak Parasuraman, Managing Director, Flyington Freighters Private Limited. “The comprehensive engine and service agreement is the right fit to power our fleet expansion.” Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 FAA Issues Final Decision on Airspace Redesign By FlyingNews @ 4:05 PM :: 222 Views :: 0 Comments :: FAA The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final decision for redesigning the New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia metropolitan area airspace that is expected to reduce delays, fuel consumption, aircraft emissions and noise. “This new concept in airspace design will help us handle the rapidly growing number of flights in the Northeast in a much more efficient way,” said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey. “This airspace was first designed in the 1960s and has become much more complex. We now need to look at creative new ways to avoid delays.” Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 DHL increases capacity for Hong Kong-Beijing service to meet growing trade volume By FlyingNews @ 4:03 PM :: 224 Views :: 0 Comments :: Air Cargo DHL, the worlds leading express and logistics company, has further enhanced its overnight service between Hong Kong and Beijing, by increasing its dedicated flight frequency to meet the growing demand for cargo capacity fuelled by the robust trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China. Customers utilizing this ten-time weekly dedicated service will now enjoy more options for their Hong Kong-Beijing shipment delivery schedule with the newly-added weekend flights, representing a 25 percent uplift capacity. As part of the service enhancement, DHL will utilize a larger Boeing B727-200F aircraft operated by Air Hong Kong - a 60/40 joint venture between Cathay Pacific and DHL - and customers will benefit from an overall 58 percent increase in payload capacity as the new freighter has a capacity to hold 24 tons per sector. Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 Boeing Successfully Completes First Test Flight of AEW&C Peace Eagle Aircraft By FlyingNews @ 3:59 PM :: 209 Views :: 0 Comments :: Military Aviation Boeing [NYSE: BA] has conducted a successful first test flight of a 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for Turkey's Peace Eagle program. During the 2.5-hour flight from Boeing Field in Seattle, pilot Regis Hancock and first officer Randon Stewart performed a series of functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft's systems and structures. The flight follows major aircraft modifications, including the installation of an advanced antenna, ventral fins and mission system equipment. "This is a major milestone for the program and a big step forward in our development and testing of this critical capability for our Turkish customer. We planned the flight almost a year ago and achieved it on schedule," said Mark Ellis, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager. Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 Swedish Defence Agency (FMV) takes delivery of the first NH90 helicopter assembled in Finland By FlyingNews @ 3:55 PM :: 205 Views :: 0 Comments :: Helicopters After the hand-over of the very first Swedish NH90 transport helicopter during Le Bourget 2007, FMV took delivery today of its second NH90, which is the first one assembled by Patria in Halli, Finland. Sweden signed a contract for 25 NH90 in September 2001, covering 18 firm orders of variants for the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), which include 13 Tactical Troop Transport (TTT)/Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters and five Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), plus seven options. These helicopters are equipped with a complete new Tactical Mission System (TMS) developed by SAAB in cooperation with NHIndustries. Of the 18 NH90, 14 are to be assembled in Finland. Read More..

Thursday, September 06, 2007 Aegean Airlines buys a further six Airbus A320s By FlyingNews @ 3:52 PM :: 197 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers The fast growing Aegean Airlines has ordered six more A320s. This will eventually bring their fleet to 25 A320 Family aircraft. The first new aircraft was delivered earlier this year to the Greek airline. The airline's A320s are powered by IAE V2500 engines, and are equipped with a comfortable two-class layout. Read More..

Wednesday, September 05, 2007 Boeing, Aeroflot Finalize Order for 22 787 Dreamliners By FlyingNews @ 3:30 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Aeroflot, Russia's flagship carrier based in Moscow, today announced they have finalized an order for 22 Boeing 787-8s. The order was contingent upon Aeroflot shareholder approval, which was granted yesterday. The order is valued at $3.6 billion at list prices. Aeroflot said the 787 will upgrade its existing widebody fleet, as well as provide for fleet growth to meet increased demand for air travel. "The 787 is an excellent match for many of our requirements thanks to its efficiency, operational performance and passenger comfort. The 787 will open new market opportunities as we further modernize our fleet and expand our international reach," said Valery Okulov, Aeroflot general director. Read More..

Wednesday, September 05, 2007 NTSB Safety Recommendation A-07-51 By FlyingNews @ 1:46 PM :: 301 Views :: 0 Comments :: NTSB NTSB Safety Recommendation A-07-51 The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration: Seek authority from Congress to require the installation of Technical Standard Order C126 [406 megahertz (MHz)] emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) in all applicable aircraft at the earliest possible opportunity. Further, the Federal Aviation Administration should strongly consider establishing a compliance date for upgrading to 406-MHz ELTs on or before the date that COSPAS-SARSAT will cease satellite processing of 121.5-MHz signals. (A-07-51) http://www.ntsb.gov/recs/letters/2007/A07_51.pdf

Wednesday, September 05, 2007 GE Selected for United States Air Force Advanced Research Program By FlyingNews @ 1:37 PM :: 220 Views :: 0 Comments :: Aircraft Engines GE Aviation has been selected to develop technology for the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program for the United States Air Force. Value of the contract, announced by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is for $231 million and will be conducted over two phases through fiscal year 2012. Development work will be conducted in Evendale, Ohio. "We are thrilled to be selected for this program," said Russ Sparks, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Military Systems Operation. "The contract is well-aligned with our product plans and will provide Technology Readiness 6 demonstration of technologies critical for a comprehensive range of next-generation aircraft and missions." Read More..

Wednesday, September 05, 2007 Cessna Delivers First Citation Mustang in Europe By FlyingNews @ 1:32 PM :: 276 Views :: 0 Comments :: Business Flying Entrepreneur Jane Howell has become the first European customer to take delivery of a Citation Mustang, the new-generation entry level business jet designed by Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. “This is a significant day for Cessna,” said Trevor Esling, vice president, international sales, for Cessna. “The Mustang is ideally suited to the European market place and one third of our current order book is from European customers.” Read More..

Wednesday, September 05, 2007 Boeing, Aviation Capital Group Announce Order for 15 Next-Generation 737s By FlyingNews @ 1:28 PM :: 208 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Aviation Capital Group (ACG) today announced that the leasing company has placed an order for 15 additional Next-Generation 737s. The order, worth approximately $934 million at list prices, was recently posted to the Boeing Orders and Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer. Read More..

Tuesday, September 04, 2007 FIRST EMBRAER 170 JET IS DELIVERED TO VIRGIN BLUE By FlyingNews @ 9:05 AM :: 222 Views :: 0 Comments :: Commercial Airlines, Commercial Aircraft Manufacturers Embraer delivered the first EMBRAER 170 jet to Australia’s Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd., during a ceremony held at Company headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Virgin Blue has six firm orders for the EMBRAER 170 and 14 for the EMBRAER 190. The E-Jets will be the backbone of the airline’s expansion. In November 2006, Virgin Blue placed an initial order for three EMBRAER 170 and 11 EMBRAER 190. In April 2007, the airline reinforced its confidence in the fleet expansion strategy based on the E-Jets by confirming three EMBRAER 170 options and three EMBRAER 190 purchase rights, for the current total of 20 firm orders. The company also has three options for the EMBRAER 190 and 17 purchase rights. Read More..