AerCap Holdings N.V. Signs Agreement to Convert 30 Airbus A320/A321s from Passenger to Freighter Aircraft
July 16, 2008
Launch Customer for Airbus A320 Family Conversion Programme
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AerCap
Holdings N.V. (“AerCap,” NYSE: AER) today announced that it has signed an
agreement with Airbus Freighter Conversions GmbH (“AFC”) for converting 30
of its older Airbus A320s and A321s from passenger to freighter aircraft.
With this agreement, AerCap will also become the launch customer for the
A320/A321 passenger to freighter (“P2F”) conversion programme of AFC and
will provide the first aircraft for AFC’s A320 Family P2F certification
expected for 2011. The other 29 firm conversion slots are scheduled between
2012 and 2015.
Klaus Heinemann, Chief Executive Officer of AerCap, said:
“The launch of the A320/A321 freighter conversion programme is a great
opportunity for AerCap to position itself as a leasing company in the cargo
market, which is characterized by substantial replacement requirements for
the aging freighter fleet through aircraft types with lower
fuel-consumption and emissions. Expansion into the freighter segment will
further advance the diversification of our asset and customer base.”
Klaus Heinemann further commented:
“The passenger-to-cargo conversion project also shows that AerCap is
continuously developing its business model of managing aircraft and engines
throughout their entire lifecycle. The conversion is expected to extend the
service life of the older A320 Family aircraft in our portfolio
significantly, at returns that are typically more attractive than those for
passenger variants of the same aircraft with this age profile.”
Lars Becker, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Freighter Conversion,
said:
“The new A320/A321P2F converted freighter will meet all requirements of
the growing air cargo feeder market. It has the best economics in its class
and will match very well with AerCap’s portfolio as a leading aviation
company. Based on the competencies and capabilities of our parent companies
UAC, Irkut, Airbus and EADS-EFW, we in AFC anticipate converting about 400
aircraft into freighters until 2026.”
Industry experts forecast that the global freighter fleet will double
in size to over 3,600 units by 2025, with significant growth in the
narrowbody freighter segment, which includes the Airbus 320/321 freighters,
the Boeing B737-300/-400 and B757-200 cargo aircraft.
About AerCap
AerCap is an integrated global aviation company with a leading market
position in aircraft and engine leasing, trading and parts sales. AerCap
also provides aircraft management services and performs aircraft and engine
maintenance, repair and overhaul services and aircraft disassemblies.
AerCap has a fleet of 314 aircraft and 77 commercial engines that were
either owned, on order, under contract or letter of intent, or managed.
AerCap is headquartered in The Netherlands and has offices in Ireland, the
United States, Singapore, China and the United Kingdom.
About AFC
Airbus Freighter Conversion GmbH (AFC) is responsible for the
conversion of Airbus A320/A321 Family aircraft. The company is the
interface to the customer and responsible for programme coordination,
marketing and sales, customer contracts and the delivery of converted
aircraft. AFC is an EADS EFW, Airbus, UAC and Irkut joint company,
headquartered in Dresden, Germany. The establishment of AFC in March 2007
marked a new step in the long-term, extensive cooperation programme between
Russian and European industries. Russian share in the Joint Venture equals
50% and is divided between UAC (25%) and Irkut (25%). The other 50% are
divided between EADS EFW (32%) and Airbus (18%). After ramping up the
conversion line at EFW’s facility in Dresden, Germany, a second conversion
line will be established in Zhukovskij, Russia.
About the A320/A321P2F Conversion Programme
The A320/A321 Passenger to Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft is the
most modern solution in the small freighter market segment. Payload varies
from 21 to 28 metric tonnes and the aircraft’s range will be up to 2,100
nm/3,700 km. Based on its initial design and wider fuselage section, it is
possible to carry bulk or containerized freight in the belly holds, which
is a unique feature in this market segment, delivering more loading
flexibility. During the conversion process the passenger cabin is
dismantled and a new reinforced floor structure and cargo loading equipment
are added, and a big cargo door is installed in the upper deck of the
fuselage to simplify cargo loading.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. In most cases, you can identify forward-looking
statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”,
“anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential” or
“continue” or the negative of such terms or similar terminology. Such
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve significant assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and actual
results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
For Media:
Frauke Oberdieck
Tel. +31 20 655 9616
foberdieck@aercap.com
For Investors:
Peter Wortel
Tel. +31 20 655 9658
pwortel@aercap.com
SOURCE AerCap Holdings N.V.
Southwest Airlines Employees Show Their LUV for President Colleen Barrett With a Song, Gift, Video Tribute, and the Sound of Cowbells
July 16, 2008
The Most Influential Woman in Aviation Steps Back from Management Role –
Company Throws a Good Old Fashioned Surprise Party!
DALLAS, July 15 /PRNewswire/ — The clamoring of cowbells and a
rendition of a Willie Nelson song is not what you would expect to hear in
the lobby of a Fortune 500 company; but then again, Southwest Airlines is
famous for doing the unexpected! Southwest Executive Colleen Barrett, who
leaves her role as President effective today, was honored by Employees in
Dallas with a surprise tribute to show appreciation for her years of
Servant Leadership. (Colleen will remain a fulltime Southwest Employee
through July 2013.) The monumental event was centered on hundreds of
Southwest Employees cheering for a woman the Company LUV built
affectionately calls its “Queen of Hearts.”
“Well, we all know that Colleen doesn’t like surprises! But, we also
know that Colleen can’t be totally surprised that her Southwest Family
wanted to make this day a little extra special for her,” said Southwest CEO
Gary Kelly. “The transition from an extremely hardworking President to an
extremely hardworking Southwest Employee is a huge milestone. From the
34,000 Southwest Family Members — job well done, Colleen Barrett — we’ll
see you tomorrow!”
As Colleen’s Southwest Family gathered at Corporate Headquarters to
mark her last official day as President, the Employees celebrated the
milestone exactly the way Colleen’s mother would have wanted — with the
ringing of cowbells. The ringing of cowbells is a tradition that dates back
to Colleen’s childhood in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Her mother used to ring
“that darn cowbell,” as Colleen would say, every time she or her brothers
would accomplish a significant goal or celebrate a colossal moment in their
lives. In fact, the distinctive sound of “that darn cowbell” marked many
historic milestones for Colleen, and today was no exception.
Video footage/photos of the celebration and Colleen Barrett can be
found at the following links:
— Online celebration video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZw_TDCfek
— Additional video footage:
http://gallery.swamedia.com/videos/value=open/type=video
— Photos: http://gallery.swamedia.com/photos/kw=SWApeopleOfficers
About Colleen Barrett:
Prior to joining Southwest (in 1978), Colleen Barrett worked for
several years as an Executive Assistant to Herb Kelleher (Southwest’s
Founder and former Executive Chairman) at his law firm. For Southwest
Airlines, she has served as Secretary of the Corporation since March 1978;
and served as Vice President Administration from 1986 to 1990; Executive
Vice President Customers from 1990 to 2001; and President from 2001 to
present.
Colleen has been named one of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,” by
Forbes.com (2005, 2004); one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,”
by Fortune (2003, 2002); and one of the “100 Most Influential Women in
Aviation,” by Women in Aviation International (WAI) (2003); in addition,
Colleen has been presented the Horatio Alger Award (2005); Texas
Trailblazer Award (2005); Tony Jannus Award (2007); IWF Woman Who Makes A
Difference Award (2004); and she was inducted into the International
Pioneer Hall of Fame as a Woman in Aviation, (2005).
http://www.southwest.com
SOURCE Southwest Airlines
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico Updates 2008 Guidance
July 16, 2008
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo
Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (the
“Company” or “GAP”) today announced that the Company is updating its
guidance for full year 2008 based on recent developments that have
increased uncertainty with respect to rates of growth of traffic and
revenues in 2008, including the effects of adverse economic conditions in
the U.S. as well as high fuel costs upon low- cost carriers and other
airlines serving GAP’s airports. The following data refers to full year
2008 data as compared to the corresponding full year 2007 data.
Former Full-Year 2008 Guidance:
— Expected traffic growth between 5 to 7%;
— Expected commercial revenue growth between 13 to 16%;
— Expected aeronautical revenue growth between 8% and 10% — Expected cost of service growth between 10 to 12% excluding baggage
screening, and between 15 to 17% with baggage screening;
— Expected EBITDA margin between 65% to 66%;
— An effective tax rate between 28 to 31%;
— Expected CAPEX, between Ps. 1.3 billion and Ps. 1.8 billion,
depending on baggage screening systems.
Updated Full-Year 2008 Guidance:
— Expected traffic growth between -1 to 1%
— Expected commercial revenue growth between 10 to 13%
— Expected aeronautical revenue growth between 2% and 4%
— Expected cost of service growth between 11% to 14%;
— Expected EBITDA margin between 64.5% to 65.5%;
— An effective tax rate between 28 to 31%; — Expected CAPEX, between Ps.1.2 billion and Ps. 1.7 billion,
depending on baggage screening systems.
GAP assumes no obligation to update or correct the information in this
press release.
This report may contain projections or other forward-looking statements
related to GAP that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned
that these statements are only projections of future events based on
assumptions and estimates GAP believes to be reasonable, but these
projections may differ materially from actual future results or events.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely
include, but are not limited to: changes in general economic, business or
political or other conditions in Mexico, changes in general economic,
business or political or other conditions in the United States or changes
in general economic or business conditions in Latin America, the price of
fuel, inflation rates, exchange rates, regulatory developments, customer
demand and competition, changes in the performance or terms of our
concessions, developments in legal proceedings, changes in capital markets
in general that may affect policies or attitudes towards lending to Mexico
or Mexican companies, increased costs, unanticipated increases in financing
and other costs or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity
financing on attractive terms. Readers are referred to the documents filed
by GAP with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission,
specifically the most recent filing on Form 20-F which identifies important
risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained
in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based
on information available to GAP on the date hereof, and GAP assumes no
obligation to update such statements.
Company Description:
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates twelve
airports throughout Mexico’s Pacific region, including the major cities of
Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta,
Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo; and six other mid-sized cities:
Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis.
In February 2006, GAP’s shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the ticker symbol “PAC” and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the
ticker symbol “GAP”.
For further information please visit: http://www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx or
contact us:
In Mexico
Miguel Aliaga, Investor Relations Officer
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V.
Tel: 01 (333) 8801100 ext 216
maliaga@aeropuertosgap.com.mx
In the United States
Maria Barona / Peter Majeski
i-advize Corporate Communications
Tel: 212 406 3690
gap@i-advize.com
SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Charts Progress as Services Anticipate 5th Generation Capabilities
July 16, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — With two of its
three variants now in flight test, the 17 remaining pre-production aircraft
in assembly, the first two production aircraft in fabrication, another 12
production jets fully funded and early funding approved for an additional
18 airplanes, the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35 program is taking off —
both literally and figuratively.
“The successful inaugural flight of the first F-35B — our short
takeoff/vertical landing variant — provided an exclamation point to what
has been an extraordinary year so far for the program,” said Tom Burbage,
Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35
Program Integration. “While the flight of the F-35B was certainly the most
visible sign of the program’s success, much more is going on, including the
expansion of our production line, outstanding progress in software
development, the outfitting of our avionics test bed for full-up F-35
mission systems flights beginning later this year, extremely strong
government support for the program and the continued strengthening of our
international partnerships.”
As the F-35’s production rate rises steadily to a peak of one aircraft
per working day by 2016, allied military services are beginning to
integrate the Lightning II’s potent 5th generation capabilities into their
strategic planning. Among the F-35’s distinguishing capabilities is its
ability to interoperate with an unprecedented array of assets in the air,
at sea and on the ground.
“Communication among disparate equipment and different military
services has hampered coalition operations for many years, but the F-35 is
specifically designed to resolve those issues, gathering and sharing
information in real time with different aircraft, troops on the ground and
ships at sea,” Burbage said. “For example, information the F-35 receives
from its sensors or an off-board source can be passed to troops
immediately, enabling them to carry out their mission more quickly, more
effectively and helping ensure their safety. No other aircraft to date has
come close to having the Lightning II’s level of interoperability.”
The F-35 Lightning II is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation
stealth fighter. The three F-35 variants are derived from a common design
and use the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide to replace at least
13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, making the Lightning II the
most cost-effective fighter program in history.
Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial
partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable
F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE
Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.
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.
SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
TAM Receives Financial Guarantee Approval from Ex-Im Bank to Finance Four Boeing 777s
July 16, 2008
Agreement covers aircraft scheduled for deliveries during this year
SAO PAULO, Brazil, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TAM (Bovespa:
TAMM4 and NYSE: TAM) received the approval from the Export-Import Bank of
the United States (Ex-Im Bank) of a financial guarantee to support the
financing of four Boeing 777-300ER aircraft contracted with the company,
with deliveries scheduled for this year.
Currently, the B777-300ER is the most efficient twin-engine commercial
aircraft in the market in its category, carrying approximately 370
passengers in TAM’s three class configuration.
TAM’s fleet plan forecasts that it will end 2008 with 123 aircraft in
operation — four Boeing B777-300ER, two B767-300ER and 117 Airbus
aircraft. The company estimates that it will end 2012 with 147 aircraft,
maintaining the policy of standardization and having a young fleet with a
low average age.
Precision Aviation Group Begins Work on 12,000 Square-Foot Facility Expansion
July 16, 2008
ATLANTA, July 15 /PRNewswire/ — In its continuing effort to provide
the best products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and
defense industry, Precision Aviation Group (PAG) — the exclusive provider
of ISMRO (Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) — began work
on expanding its headquarters at 495 Lake Mirror Road in Atlanta, GA.
The rapid growth of PAG’s four companies — Precision Heliparts (PHP),
Precision Avionics & Instruments (PAI), Precision Heliparts-Canada (PHP-C)
and Precision Accessories & Instruments-Canada (PAI-C) — necessitated the
12,000 square-foot expansion. The work will include renovations of PAG’s
sales and service areas and is expected to be completed in six months, said
PAG President David Mast.
“We are excited about the expansion of our headquarters in Atlanta. We
have expanded our current facility twice during the last 10 years, but had
reached maximum capacity as our business and employee ranks have grown by
80 percent over the last 3 years,” Mast pointed out.
PAG processes thousands of accessories, avionics, instruments, and
other rotable items for repair and overhaul each year. PAG companies have
FAA, EASA and Transport Canada certifications.
“After an exhaustive search, we decided that an expansion and
renovation of our existing facility would best suit our requirements,” Mast
added, “We are expanding our existing facility by 40 percent (from 30,000
square feet to more than 42,000 square feet), and are taking this
opportunity to renovate our existing shops and offices and make large
capital investments in tooling, equipment, technology and logistics to
better serve our customer base, and provide a solid foundation for
continued growth.”
About Precision Aviation Group (PAG) is a leading provider of products
and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry.
With sales/service facilities in the United States and Canada, PAG uses its
distinct business units and customer focused business model to serve
aviation customers through two business functions — Aviation Supply Chain
and Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul — (ISMRO).
PAG provides parts and MRO services for helicopters and fixed-wing
aircraft through Precision Heliparts (PHP http://www.heliparts.com ) and Precision
Avionics & Instruments (PAI http://www.precisionavionics.com ) in Atlanta, GA and
Precision Heliparts – Canada (PHP-C http://www.heliparts.ca ) and Precision
Accessories & Instruments (PAI-C http://www.paicanada.ca ) in Vancouver, BC. PAG
has MRO capability on 8,000 different products, including accessories,
avionics, instruments and starter generators.
SOURCE Precision Aviation Group
LAN Airlines Announces New Flights Between Toronto and Santiago
July 16, 2008
South America’s Leading Airline to Offer Service between Toronto and
Santiago, Chile, starting in September
MIAMI, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — LAN Airlines expands the reach
of its international network today by announcing new service to Santiago,
Chile, from Toronto, Canada starting September 3rd, 2008. Once in Santiago,
passengers have access to flights to multiple destinations within Chile and
Argentina. The company will offer five flights per week to Santiago via New
York City on its modern fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft.
LAN flights will operate from Toronto to Santiago on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays providing reliable
alternatives for passengers traveling to the South America region.
Passengers wishing to travel between Toronto and New York now have another
carrier choice for this popular route. In New York, passengers can also
connect to Lima, Peru with LAN Airlines.
“LAN has had its sights set on Canada for quite some time,” said Pablo
Yunis, Vice President, North/Central America, LAN Airlines. “Toronto is a
very important market for travel to South America, both for leisure and
business travel, as well as for travelers who are returning to their
homelands. Our goal is to connect South America with one of the most
important cultural and financial centers in North America and showcase our
signature service to Canadian travelers.”
LAN has long been hailed as the premier airline in South America.
Following an investment of $100 million, the airline boasts a modern fleet
of Boeing 767 aircraft for international flights and continues to set the
standard for travel to the region. LAN Premium Business Class offers
full-flat seats to South America, a wine list selected by Latin America’s
only master sommelier and meals prepared by the region’s leading chefs. The
entire cabin is outfitted with an on-demand in-flight entertainment system
that features music, movies and games. Economy Class passengers can also
enjoy new seats which recline at a greater angle and a seat cushion that
slides forward to increase comfort.
“We are committed to every one of our passengers,” said Pablo Yunis.
“It is our desire to tend to them with a warm and positive disposition in a
welcoming environment while providing the excellence in customer service
and the best travel experience.”
The Toronto-New York-Santiago route will operate from Terminal 3 at
Pearson International Airport.
About LAN
LAN Airlines (NYSE: LFL), South America’s premier air carrier, will
celebrate 50 years of operation in the United States in August, 2008. Over
the years LAN has expanded its services to become one of the leading
airlines in the world. Currently connecting 40 cities in North America with
over 50 South American destinations out of its gateways and cities operated
by its partners, LAN is one of the few profitable airlines in the world. In
2007 alone, the airline received seven international awards, including the
distinction of “South America’s Leading Airline” by the World Travel
Awards. In 2008, LAN was named “Best Airline in Central/South America and
the Caribbean” by the Official Airline Guide and “Best Managed Airline in
Latin America” by Euromoney magazine. The introduction of service in
Canada, coupled with philanthropic and environmental initiatives, are part
of the next chapter of the airline’s illustrious history. Passengers
traveling with LAN Airlines or its affiliates may accumulate frequent flier
kilometers/miles in LANPASS, American Airlines’ AAdvantage, or any other
oneworld(TM) member frequent flyer programs. LAN Airlines is a member of
oneworld(TM) and LAN Peru, LAN Ecuador, and LAN Argentina are affiliate
members of oneworld(TM), the world’s leading quality alliance.
For additional information, contact LAN toll-free at 866-I-FLY-LAN
(866-435-9526). Visit LAN’s website at http://www.lan.com .
SOURCE LAN Airlines
Terrafugia, Inc. to Display Proof of Concept for Its Transition(R) Roadable Aircraft at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI July 28-Aug 3
July 16, 2008
WOBURN, Mass., July 15 /PRNewswire/ — Terrafugia, Inc. will debut the
Proof of Concept Transition(R) Roadable Aircraft at the annual EAA
AirVenture convention in Oshkosh, WI. Terrafugia’s Transition(R) is a
unique aircraft, commonly referred to as a “flying car.” On the ground, the
Transition(R) folds its wings to fit in a standard garage and drives on the
road at highway speeds. In the air, the Transition(R) flies between
airports like a typical general aviation aircraft. The functionality of
Terrafugia’s Transition(R) allows owners to better utilize all 5000+ public
airports — bringing true door-to-door convenience to the aviation world.
“Completion of the Transition(R) Proof of Concept is a significant
milestone in the development of the first practical roadable aircraft,”
said Carl Dietrich, CEO/CTO of Terrafugia Inc. First flight of the
Transition(R) Proof of Concept is on schedule for the end of 2008.
Production airframe reservations are currently being held with refundable
deposits.
Terrafugia’s Transition(R) Roadable Light-Sport Aircraft seats two and
is expected to have a 460 mile range with a fuel consumption of 30 mpg at a
cruise speed of over 100 mph in the air. The Transition(R) features a
convenient electro-mechanical wing actuation system, aerodynamic bumpers, a
safety-cage and crumple zones, and a full-vehicle parachute. The
Transition(R) has already attracted significant customer and investor
interest due to its unique ability to combat the cost, weather sensitivity
and logistical concerns of personal aviation.
Light-Sport Aircraft:
In 2004 the FAA created the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Rule. This
Rule makes becoming a pilot simpler and less expensive. Terrafugia’s
Transition(R) brings a new level of safety, convenience and practicality to
personal flying. By combining this new rule with innovative technology,
Terrafugia is poised to spark the next revolution in flight. Light-Sport
Aircraft must weigh less than 1320lbs at takeoff and conform to
industry-standard design and performance guidelines.
EAA AirVenture:
The EAA AirVenture convention is the largest general aviation event in
the world. Over 500,000 pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and industry leaders
are expected to attend.
Terrafugia, Inc.:
Terrafugia, derived from the Latin for “escape from land,” is based in
Woburn, MA and was founded by graduates of the Department of Aeronautics
and Astronautics and the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology. http://www.terrafugia.com.
SOURCE Terrafugia, Inc.
Current Lockheed Martin F-16 Versions Are Most Advanced Multi-Role Fighters Available Today
July 16, 2008
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The two
versions of the F-16 being delivered to customers today are the most
advanced multi-role fighter aircraft types currently available on the
international market and are building on the F-16’s reputation for
effectiveness and value, the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) vice president for
the program said today.
“The F-16 continues as a modern, highly capable, affordable and
supportable fighter. The program is healthy and full of activity, with firm
production through 2012 and a strong likelihood of new orders that will
extend the line for several more years,” said John Larson, vice president
for F-16 programs, in remarks to reporters at the Farnborough Air Show.
Larson said there are current backorders for about 98 F-16 aircraft,
plus a strong possibility Lockheed Martin will gain 200-400 further orders
during the next few years.
Recent F-16 program milestones have included the 4,400th F-16 delivered
for Poland and a recent contract for 24 new Advanced Block 52 F-16s for
Morocco, the newest member of the F-16 family.
In addition to the F-16 production programs, Lockheed Martin continues
to develop and integrate advanced technologies to upgrade programs for
existing F-16 aircraft to ensure interoperability with the world’s only 5th
Generation Fighters, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
“This integration of advanced technologies for fielded and new aircraft
provides an opportunity for F-16 operators to benefit from the latest
developments in technology and capabilities for fighter aircraft,” Larson
said. “This technology will provide a natural bridge from 4th Generation of
fighters to the 5th Generation.”
Aircraft now being produced for Poland, Israel, Greece and Pakistan are
in the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C/D configuration. The United Arab Emirates
was the launch customer for the Block 60 F-16 version, which has the type
designation – F-16E/F – and is the most sophisticated configuration of the
F-16 produced to date.
Larson said both new versions have the latest technologies and
capabilities — including AESA radar and around-the-clock, all-weather,
standoff, autonomous, air intercept and precision strike. These aircraft
have the latest in avionics, sensors and weapons, plus user-friendly
cockpits and integrated systems that provide pilots with high situation
awareness.
Both types have features that extend mission range, persistence and
payload — including internal electronic countermeasures equipment and
optional conformal fuel tanks. The aft cockpit of the two-place versions of
both types serves either as a weapon system operator station or an
instructor pilot station.
“Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force are totally committed to
modification and sustainment of the worldwide F-16 fleet. We recognize that
we have a serious obligation to support our customers in their missions,
and we also recognize fleet sustainment as a growing business opportunity,”
Larson said.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about
140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology
systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of
$41.9 billion.
For additional information, visit our Web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corp.
SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Sikorsky Announces S-92(R) VIP Helicopter Sale to Azerbaijan Airlines
July 16, 2008
FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ —
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has sold an S-92(R) VIP helicopter to Azerbaijan
Airlines (AZAL), the state-owned airline of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Sikorsky announced today at the Farnborough International Air Show.
Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The S-92 aircraft will be used for corporate VIP missions. The aircraft
is expected to be delivered in early 2011. In addition to the VIP
helicopter, the contract includes options for two additional helicopters
for offshore oil missions.
“The S-92 helicopter has proven that it is well suited for a variety of
missions, including VIP and Head-of-State transport,” said Bruce McKinney,
Vice President, Sikorsky Europe. “Sikorsky is proud to bring this reliable
and safe aircraft to AZAL and the Eurasian market.”
The S-92 helicopter has established a leading position in the offshore
oil industry and successfully fills a variety of other missions including
search and rescue, VIP and Head-of-State transport. It was the world’s
first helicopter certified to the latest and most rigorous safety standards
of both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation
Safety Agency/Joint Aviation Authorities.
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).” Sikorsky Europe is a Sikorsky trade name. 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.
SOURCE Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
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