PZL Mielec Transformation Paves Way for INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK(TM) Helicopter
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, England, July 16 /PRNewswire/ —
The first BLACK HAWK helicopter cabins to be delivered from PZL Mielec,
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s affiliate in Poland, are scheduled for later this
year as the company moves toward the introduction of the INTERNATIONAL
BLACK HAWK(TM) helicopter in 2011, Sikorsky announced today from the
Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United
Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Progress at PZL Mielec has included various modernization projects as
the production ramp-up of BLACK HAWK helicopter cabin parts moves forward.
In addition, the transformation has yielded increased employee engagement,
the successful incorporation of UTC’s operating system and a thriving
production of legacy M28 and the M18 aircraft.
“The INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK helicopter is moving steadily toward
becoming a reality, largely due to the great strides we have made in
bringing the PZL Mielec facility to the world-class standards of a United
Technologies Corporation company,” said Sikorsky President Jeffrey P. Pino.
“Additionally, the workforce has embraced the challenges we have
introduced, and we are looking forward to seeing the culmination of these
efforts later this year, when the first BLACK HAWK helicopter cabins roll
off the assembly line in Poland.”
The modernization of PZL Mielec has been ongoing since March 2007. In
addition to supporting production of the INTERNATIONAL BLACK HAWK(TM)
helicopter, PZL Mielec will continue its capability for aircraft design,
manufacture, flight test and delivery. Among the milestones achieved
through the modernization process are:
— More than 2,700 tool blocks and templates produced
— More than 1,800 part numbers produced
— Key equipment installed and operational
— Operators and mechanics trained
— Certain export licenses obtained
— Subassemblies being produced
— Major fixtures installed
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world
leader in helicopter design, manufacturing, and service. The company’s long
commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement:
“We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every
time(TM).” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA,
provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to
the aerospace and building systems industries.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning
future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from
those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including
but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and
practices or in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the
design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as
well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those
detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corporation’s Securities
and Exchange Commission filings.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Boeing, Malaysia Airlines Announce Order for 35 Next-Generation 737s
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE:
BA) and Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysia Airlines today announced the airline
has ordered 35 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes. The order is valued at
more than $2.6 billion at current list prices. The airline also has
acquired purchase rights for an additional 20 Next-Generation 737-800s.
Today’s announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow
by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson; Malaysia
Airlines Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Tengku Azmil
Zahruddin; and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President, Sales, South and
Southeast Asia Dinesh Keskar.
The order, which brought the total number of Boeing 737s ordered past
the 8,000th mark, was recently posted on the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Orders and Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer.
“Today we celebrate Malaysia Airlines as the newest member of the
Next-Generation 737 family of operators, and we welcome this occasion to
strengthen our long-term relationship with a valued partner,” Carson said.
“The selection of the Next-Generation 737 to support the airline’s
strategic fleet modernization plan reinforces the superior economics of the
most fuel efficient single-aisle airplane operating in today’s market.”
The 737s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which improve fuel
efficiency by up to four percent, increase range, and reduce CO2 emissions
and takeoff noise.
“This new fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s will replace our existing
737-400 fleet, allowing Malaysia Airlines to expand to points which were
not previously economically viable and will create a strong platform for
the airline to profitably grow,” said Azmil. “This supports our aim towards
usage of more agile and fuel-efficient aircraft for our core network in the
ASEAN region, including the domestic sector in Malaysia and the fast
growing economies of China and India.”
The digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically
advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. The 737-800, which can
seat from 162 to 189 passengers, is 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds) lighter,
can fly 481 kilometers (260 nautical miles) farther and 335 meters (1,100
feet) higher while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.
As of June 30, 2008, the 737 has logged more orders than any other
commercial jet model in history with more than 8,000 orders. Boeing has
more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 with a value of
more than $160 billion at current list prices. Boeing currently produces
Next-Generation 737-600s, -700s, -800s and -900ER (Extended Range)
airplanes.
Malaysia Airlines, with a 60-year history as the national carrier of
Malaysia, operates a mixed fleet, which includes 747 passenger and
freighter, 777 and Classic 737 airplanes, and carried more than 1.4 million
passengers last year.
SOURCE Boeing
Hamilton Sundstrand to Provide UMS for Sikorsky CH-53K Helicopter
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FARNBOROUGH AIR
SHOW — Sikorsky Aircraft has chosen Hamilton Sundstrand to supply the
Utility Management System (UMS) for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter, which
is under development for use by the U.S. Marines. Sikorsky and Hamilton
Sundstrand are both subsidiaries of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
“We are delighted to be a major supplier to Sikorsky’s CH-53K
helicopter program,” said Joe Triompo, president, Hamilton Sundstrand
Engine & Control Systems. “Our UMS will strengthen the aircraft’s data
management and subsystem control capabilities.”
The UMS includes two different digital electronic computers, designed
and developed by Hamilton Sundstrand. The computers manage air vehicle
inputs for key CH-53K helicopter subsystems.
Hamilton Sundstrand was previously selected to supply the CH-53K
helicopter’s secondary power systems — consisting of the environmental
control system, auxiliary power unit and main engine start system. The
company also was chosen to develop the helicopter’s fly-by-wire flight
control system, which includes triple redundant computers, and main and
tail rotor actuators. This system further builds on Hamilton Sundstrand’s
triple redundant fly-by-wire system designed for Sikorsky’s UH-60M
helicopter.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader
in helicopter design, manufacturing and service. The company’s mission
statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: “We
pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every
time(TM).”
With 2007 revenues of $5.6 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand employs
approximately 19,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Windsor
Locks, Conn. Among the world’s largest suppliers of technologically
advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs,
manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system
solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It
also is a major supplier for international space programs.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to the building and
aerospace industries worldwide.
Hamilton Sundstrand Announces Nearly $350 Million in Aftermarket Agreements at Farnborough Air Show
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FARNBOROUGH AIR
SHOW — Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE: UTX), announced nearly $350 million in new aftermarket agreements at
the 2008 Farnborough Air Show. This figure covers the cumulative revenues
over the expected life of the agreements.
Those contracts include agreements with SR Technics, Volvo Aero
Services, Japan Airlines, Saab Aerotech, ACT-Aero Technical Support and
Services Inc., and the U.S. Army CECOM Life Cycle Management Command.
Hamilton Sundstrand aftermarket agreements come in the form of spare
parts, repair, Maintenance Service Programs, On-Site Support, and
Comprehensive Asset Repair and Exchange (C.A.R.E.).
“Hamilton Sundstrand is proud to offer its airline and OEM customers
reliable, convenient and cost-effective support,” said Mike Dumais,
Hamilton Sundstrand Customer Service vice president and general manager.
“Our ability to do so is evident by the amount of aftermarket support
agreements we sign each year.”
With 2007 revenues of $5.6 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand employs
approximately 19,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Windsor
Locks, Conn. Among the world’s largest suppliers of technologically
advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs,
manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system
solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It
also is a major supplier for international space programs.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to the building and
aerospace industries worldwide.
This release includes “forward looking statements” concerning business
opportunities and other matters that are subject to risks and
uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated or implied in forward looking statements
include changes in economic conditions and airline flight hours; challenges
in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies
and new products; and delays and disruption in delivery of materials and
services from suppliers. For information identifying other important legal,
technological, competitive and other uncertainties, see UTC’s SEC filings
as submitted from time to time, including but not limited to, the
information included in UTC’s 10-K and 10-Q Reports under the headings
“Business,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Cautionary Note
Concerning Factors that May Affect Future Results,” as well as the
information included in UTC’s Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Hamilton Sundstrand Completes Acquisition of REVIMA APU from EADS Sogerma
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FARNBOROUGH AIR
SHOW — Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE: UTX), has purchased the remaining 49 percent interest of REVIMA APU.
This interest was held by EADS Sogerma — a business unit of EADS — since
it entered into a joint venture agreement with Hamilton Sundstrand in 2004.
REVIMA APU is now a wholly-owned Hamilton Sundstrand overhaul and
repair facility, which will service aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
systems and accessories for customers worldwide. REVIMA APU is located in
Caudebec-en- Caux, near Rouen, France. It employs 230 people and offers
more than 35 years of turbine engine repair experience.
“The APU maintenance, repair and overhaul business has a bright future
and the full ownership of this business enables us to continually improve
and expand services to our airline customers,” said Dave Gitlin, Hamilton
Sundstrand Power Systems vice president and general manager. “We thank our
former partner EADS Sogerma for their contributions over the last four
years and wish them success in the future.”
Since its inception in 2004, REVIMA APU has increased the number of
APUs it services annually from 220 to more than 700. REVIMA APU holds
certifications from the EASA, CAAC, CAAS, FAA and a number of other
countries. It is capable of repairing and overhauling APUs and accessories
for most Boeing and Airbus aircraft along with regional aircraft produced
by EMBRAER, Bombardier, Fokker, BAE Systems and Saab. It is also the only
worldwide repair facility certified to repair the PW980 APU, which is
installed on the A380 aircraft.
With 2007 revenues of $5.6 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand employs
approximately 19,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Windsor
Locks, Conn. Among the world’s largest suppliers of technologically
advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs,
manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system
solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It
also is a major supplier for international space programs.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to the building and
aerospace industries worldwide.
Boeing KC-767 Tanker Cost Advantage Grows as Fuel Prices Soar
July 17, 2008
ST. LOUIS, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — As the U.S. military
expresses concern over escalating fuel costs stressing defense budgets,
Boeing (NYSE: BA) reports that the U.S. Air Force could pay as much as $44
billion more in fuel bills over 40 years to operate a fleet of 179 Airbus
A330-200 aerial refueling tankers, compared with 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
$130 per barrel, $150 per barrel and $200 per barrel(1). Oil prices hit a
record high last week above $147 a barrel, and many analysts expect prices
to continue climbing. Escalating fuel costs are a critical military
concern. As the largest consumer of fuel in the Department of Defense
(DOD), the Air Force, for example, spends an additional $600 million
annually for each $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oil, spending
approximately $6.6 billion on aviation fuel costs in 2006 alone.
“Boeing’s primary focus and objective, as always, is on our customers’
operational needs — and affordable life cycle cost is a key component to
any aircraft acquisition,” said Dave Bowman, vice president and general
manager of Boeing Tanker Programs. “This is even more evident today as our
Air Force customer seeks the most affordable and capable solution.”
Conklin & de Decker, an independent aviation research company, recently
recalculated fuel price costs for the Boeing 767-200ER and the Airbus
A330-200, popular commercial twin-aisle aircraft that are being converted
to military aerial refueling tankers. The larger, heavier A330 is less
fuel-efficient than the 767-200ER and, as a result, consumes 24 percent
more fuel per trip than the 767-200ER. The study also factored in estimated
costs of refining, transportation, storage, handling and fueling the
aircraft.
The Air Force’s Request for Proposals (RFP) called for a highly
capable, medium-sized, low-risk and low-cost refueling tanker to replace
its aging fleet of KC-135 tankers. However, on Feb. 29, the Air Force
selected Northrop Grumman-EADS to build 179 next-generation tankers based
on the A330. The DOD called for a recompetition after the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) urged the Air Force to reexamine 10 of 15
significant issues in Boeing’s protest of the contract award. Among the
sustained issues, the GAO concluded that fuel costs needed reevaluation.
The report stated that “even a small increase in the amount of fuel that is
burned per hour by a particular aircraft would have a dramatic impact on
the overall fuel costs.” The Air Force is now preparing a new RFP for an
expedited competition.
For a copy of the Conklin & de Decker fuel study, visit
http://www.globaltanker.com.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one
of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in
innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St.
Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with
71,000 employees worldwide.
(1) International Energy Agency (complete citation)
SOURCE Boeing
Lockheed Martin Enhances Farnborough-Based Swift Laboratory
July 17, 2008
Upgrades Focused on Nation Security, Joint Operations and Fighter Aircraft
Simulators
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16 /PRNewswire/ — FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW —
Lockheed Martin UK (NYSE: LMT) unveiled an enhanced Swift Laboratory during
this year’s Farnborough Air Show. The Swift, located in the Farnborough
Aerospace Centre, is an innovative and interactive research and development
laboratory. Recent upgrades include new assets focused on national
security, network-enable operations and fighter aircraft simulators.
“Our UK laboratory environment is one of the most advanced in the
country for prototyping, experimenting, modeling, simulating and
visualizing net- enabled, effects-based capabilities,” said Richard
Williams, Swift Lab Director. “At Swift, our focus is on partnering with
our civilian government, military and industry customers to meet their
challenges.”
Swift continues to evolve in the sophistication of its in-depth
simulations. Real systems using real data can be analysed using actual
communications networks to both test and stress systems and operations.
Environments also can be established for work in both classified and
unclassified environments.
“Swift provides a rapidly adaptable setting to evaluate new customer
operations and missions,” Randy Peterson, Director, Mission Operations,
said.
“Our goal is to provide increasing levels of value added services to
our UK civil government and military customers, as well as extending our
reach as a portal to laboratories in the U.S.”
To demonstrate Swift’s capabilities during the show, specific scenarios
were run that featured national security and joint operations themes. The
Swift environment demonstrates how the seamless integration of real-time
data, intelligence and records can be used to solve a customer problem or
result in specific actions that can be taken or executed in a crisis.
Swift opened in June, 2006 to provide a state-of-the-art reconfigurable
laboratory in the UK. Aimed at enhancing a customer’s mission performance,
the Swift is a proven, invaluable resource for Lockheed Martin UK.
Lockheed Martin UK, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a leader
in systems integration working on major programmes spanning the aerospace,
defence and civil sectors. Lockheed Martin works with more than 100
business partners and employs over 1700 people at 12 sites across the UK.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000
people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007
sales of $41.9 billion.
X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator Approaches First Flight
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, England, July 16 /PRNewswire/ —
After three years in development and experimental testing, the first flight
of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator is “within
reach,” James Kagdis, Program Manager, Advanced Programs, said today at the
Farnborough International Air Show. Sikorsky, based in Stratford, Conn.,
USA, is a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator has accomplished more than 14 hours of
ground run testing and is progressing toward first flight.
“The Demonstrator has completed Phase 2 of ground run testing with
blades on, and is in final build-up for first flight,” Kagdis said.
“Customer feedback since tells us that X2 TECHNOLOGY has the potential to
be applied to a broad range of missions. We are excited at the prospects of
transforming vertical flight through this innovative technology.”
Sikorsky’s Schweizer Aircraft Corp. rapid-prototyping facility in
Horseheads, N.Y., is preparing the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator for its first
flight.
The X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator combines an integrated suite of
technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating
coaxial rotor helicopter. It is designed to demonstrate a helicopter can
cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining such desirable helicopter
attributes as excellent low speed handling, efficient hovering and
autorotation safety, and a seamless and simple transition to high speed.
Among the innovative technologies the X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator
employs are:
— Fly-by-wire flight controls
— Counter-rotating rigid rotor blades
— Hub drag reduction
— Active vibration control
— Integrated auxiliary propulsion system
Sikorsky Aircraft first announced the initiative to develop an
integrated suite of technologies called X2 TECHNOLOGY in June 2005. The
project is funded solely by Sikorsky.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., USA, is a world
leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company’s long
commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement:
“We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere … every
time(TM).” United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., USA,
provides a broad range of high-technology products and support services to
the aerospace and building systems industries.
Airbus Announces Orders Worth Over US$ 40 Billion At Farnborough Airshow
July 17, 2008
Airbus announced transactions covering 256 aircraft, valued at US$ 40.5 billion at the 2008 Farnborough Air Show. These transactions include firm orders for 247 aircraft and nine commitments. This also reflects a strong aerospace market despite the global economic uncertainties.
The highlights of the show were two large orders from Middle Eastern carriers. DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and finance division of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) placed a 100 aircraft order valued at $12.6 billion, comprising the purchase of 30 Airbus A350-900 and 70 Airbus A320 aircraft. Meanwhile Etihad announced a 55 aircraft order comprising an additional
10 A380s, 20 A320s, and 25 A350 XWBs.
Other firm aircraft order announcements made during the show include the following: Aeroflot for five A321s; Asiana for 30 A350 XWBs; US based lessor, Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for 23 Airbus A320 Family aircraft; Saudia for eight A330-300s; Synergy Aerospace for 10 A350-800s; and Tunisair for 10 A320s, three A330-200s, and three A350-800s.
In addition to the new contracts, Airbus received commitments for nine aircraft during the Show. Qatar Airways placed an MOU for four A321s, and Alis of Italy for five A330-200 Freighter aircraft. Furthermore, Netherlands based leasing company AerCap signed a contract to convert 30 of its older passenger fleet of A320/A321s into freighter aircraft (P2F). AerCap thus becomes the launch customer for this freighter conversion programme.
Airbus’ success is founded on innovative design, which has given it the world’s most modern aircraft family in every category – from the 100-seat Airbus A318 all the way up to the world’s largest and newest airliner, the double-deck A380.
Airbus is also unique in offering airlines a common cockpit in every single passenger aircraft that it produces today, which makes it easier and quicker for pilots to switch between aircraft types during their career – while saving airlines time and money.
Airbus is an EADS company.
CFM Receives $5+ billion in New Orders, Materials Agreements at Farnborough Air Show;
July 17, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England — July 17, 2008 — CFM International booked orders for 540* new CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines during the 2008 Farnborough Air Show, in addition to inking a materials and service agreement with ST Aerospace. These agreements are valued at more than $5 billion U.S.
CFM56 engines are produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company. The company has just announced the extension of the relationship agreement through the year 2040.
An orders recap:
Pakistan’s AirBlue ordered CFM56-5B engines to power 14 Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline also signed an integrated services package to cover the maintenance, overhaul, and repair of this fleet.
Aeroflot ordered CFM56-5B engines to power 5 Airbus A321s.
Air China ordered 30 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737s.
Arik ordered seven CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737s.
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) CFM56-5B engine to power 25 firm Airbus A320 family aircraft. The leasing company also orders 15 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Dublin-based AWAS chose CFM56-5B engines to power 45 firm and up to 55 option A320 aircraft.
British Airways has ordered CFM56-5B engine to power two Airbus A318 aircraft.
China Southern Airlines CFM56-5B engines to power 20 Airbus A320 family aircraft, and back the engine purchase with a long-term material services agreement.
The Dubai government’s new low-cost carrier, FlyDubai, ordered 50 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines ordered 35 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing 737s.
Saudi Arabian Airlines selected the CFM56-5B engine to power 22 new Airbus A320 family aircraft.
CFM International (CFM) has inked a series of agreements with Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd. (ST Aerospace) valued at $1.5 billion U.S. in support of ST Aerospace’s CFM56-3, CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations. These agreements include a comprehensive 10-year materials services agreement that encompasses component repairs and the provision of both new and used serviceable materials for life-limited and non-life limited parts for the CFM56 engine.
In addition, CFM International also launched the TRUEngineTM designation to help the industry more accurately appraise used CFM56 engines and to enhance the resale value of these assets. This designation is available to all CFM56 engines meeting the criteria. To date, more than 1,600 engines from Continental Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have been granted TRUEngineTM status.
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