Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason 2 Begins Mapping Oceans
July 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Less than a month after
launch, the NASA-French space agency Ocean Surface Topography Mission
(OSTM)/Jason 2 oceanography satellite has produced its first complete maps
of global ocean surface topography, surface wave height and wind speed.
The new data will help scientists monitor changes in global sea level
and the distribution of heat in the ocean. This information is used to
monitor climate change and ocean circulation, and to enable more accurate
weather, ocean and climate forecasts. The data reveal patterns of sea level
anomalies, which are used by scientists to calculate the speed and
direction of ocean surface currents.
The new mission extends a 16-year continuous record of global sea level
measurements begun in 1992 by the NASA/Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales
(CNES) TOPEX/Poseidon mission and continued by the two agencies on Jason 1,
launched in 2001. Data from TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason 1 shows that mean sea
level has been rising by about .12 inches a year since 1993.
The new maps were generated from the first 10 days of data collected
once the new satellite reached its operational orbit of 830 miles on July
4. OSTM/Jason 2 and its predecessor, Jason 1, now are flying in formation
in the same orbit approximately 55 seconds apart, making nearly
simultaneous measurements that are allowing scientists to precisely
calibrate the new satellite’s instruments. Comparisons of data from the two
satellites on sea-level anomalies, significant wave height and ocean wind
speed all show very close correlation of all measured parameters.
“These initial observations from OSTM/Jason 2 compare very closely to
those of Jason 1,” said Lee-Lueng Fu, OSTM/Jason 2 project scientist at
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. “To be able to collect
such high-quality science data within a month of launch breaks previous
records. It is also a direct reflection of how mature the field of
satellite altimetry has become and of the seamless cooperation of our
international team.”
The satellite’s first radar altimeter data were acquired just 48 hours
after its launch on June 20 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on a
Delta II rocket. CNES processed the first test results, followed by more
advanced data results a week after launch. The more advanced results were
produced after calculating the precise location of the satellite’s
preliminary orbits. The satellite, its instruments and ground segment all
are functioning properly. After it has been fully calibrated and validated,
the satellite will begin providing oceanographic products to users around
the world.
OSTM/Jason 2 is an international endeavor, with responsibilities for
satellite development and launch shared between NASA and CNES. CNES
provided the OSTM/Jason 2 spacecraft, NASA provided the launch, and NASA
and CNES jointly provided the primary payload instruments. CNES and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are responsible for
satellite operations, while JPL is managing the mission for NASA. Data
processing is being carried out by CNES, the European Organisation for the
Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and NOAA, depending on
the type of product.
After on-orbit commissioning of OSTM/Jason 2 is completed, CNES will
hand over mission operations and control to NOAA, which then will join with
EUMETSAT to generate, archive and distribute data products to users
worldwide.
Curtiss-Wright Awarded $4.25M Contract for U.S. Army Program
July 30, 2008
Award for Support of Future Combat Systems
ROSELAND, N.J., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Curtiss-Wright
Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced it was chosen for the development
and demonstration phase of the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems’ (FCS)
Integrated Computer System (ICS) program. Under terms of the contract with
General Dynamics C4 Systems and Rockwell Collins, Inc., Curtiss-Wright will
supply its Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module (GESM) to meet the performance
and reliability needs of the FCS, a family of advanced, networked air- and
ground-based military systems for use by the U.S. Army’s future forces.
“Curtiss-Wright is proud to supply our advanced open-standards based
networking products for the U.S. Army’s FCS/ICS program,” said Martin R.
Benante, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Curtiss-Wright. “We have
taken a leadership role in developing the new high performance standards
needed to meet emerging defense applications and we are committed to
delivering products based on these standards that should provide maximum
throughput, compatibility and computing power.”
General Dynamics and Rockwell Collins provide the computer processing,
networking, information assurance and data storage resources necessary to
support the network-centric operations of FCS.
The GESM contract will be fulfilled by the Curtiss-Wright Motion
Control segment facility in Ottawa, Canada and shipped to Rockwell Collins.
Curtiss-Wright will supply the General Dynamics/Rockwell team with a rugged
VPX-based line replaceable module, called the VPX3-683. VPX3-683 technology
supports “in-the-field” servicing, enabling the replacement of individual
cards rather than entire card-filled subsystems, thus reducing cost,
complexity and logistics. The company’s GESM design utilizes
commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products, which eliminates custom design
and support costs and provides cost-effective, readily available,
technically-current and future-tolerant core functionality for the FCS
system.
The award also includes a services contract to be provided by
Curtiss-Wright with a production phase option planned to start in 2010.
About Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified company headquartered in
Roseland, N.J. The company designs, manufactures and overhauls products for
motion control and flow control applications, and provides a variety of
specialized metal treatment services. The firm employs approximately 7,600
people worldwide. More information on Curtiss-Wright can be found at
http://www.curtisswright.com.
About Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Curtiss-Wright Controls is
the Motion Control segment of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. With
manufacturing facilities around the world, Curtiss-Wright Controls is a
leading technology-based organization providing niche motion control
products, subsystems and services internationally for the aerospace and
defense markets. For more information, visit http://www.cwcontrols.com.
NASA Confirms Liquid Lake on Saturn Moon
July 30, 2008
PASADENA, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA scientists
have concluded that at least one of the large lakes observed on Saturn’s
moon Titan contains liquid hydrocarbons, and have positively identified the
presence of ethane. This makes Titan the only body in our solar system
beyond Earth known to have liquid on its surface.
Scientists made the discovery using data from an instrument aboard the
Cassini spacecraft. The instrument identified chemically different
materials based on the way they absorb and reflect infrared light. Before
Cassini, scientists thought Titan would have global oceans of methane,
ethane and other light hydrocarbons. More than 40 close flybys of Titan by
Cassini show no such global oceans exist, but hundreds of dark lake-like
features are present. Until now, it was not known whether these features
were liquid or simply dark, solid material.
“This is the first observation that really pins down that Titan has a
surface lake filled with liquid,” said Bob Brown of the University of
Arizona, Tucson. Brown is the team leader of Cassini’s visual and mapping
instrument. The results will be published in the July 31 issue of the
journal Nature.
Ethane and several other simple hydrocarbons have been identified in
Titan’s atmosphere, which consists of 95 percent nitrogen, with methane
making up the other 5 percent. Ethane and other hydrocarbons are products
from atmospheric chemistry caused by the breakdown of methane by sunlight.
Some of the hydrocarbons react further and form fine aerosol particles.
All of these things in Titan’s atmosphere make detecting and identifying
materials on the surface difficult, because these particles form a
ubiquitous hydrocarbon haze that hinders the view. Liquid ethane was
identified using a technique that removed the interference from the
atmospheric hydrocarbons.
The visual and mapping instrument observed a lake, Ontario Lacus, in
Titan’s south polar region during a close Cassini flyby in December 2007.
The lake is roughly 7,800 square miles in area, slightly larger than North
America’s Lake Ontario.
“Detection of liquid ethane confirms a long-held idea that lakes and
seas filled with methane and ethane exist on Titan,” said Larry Soderblom,
a Cassini interdisciplinary scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey in
Flagstaff, Ariz. “The fact we could detect the ethane spectral signatures
of the lake even when it was so dimly illuminated, and at a slanted viewing
path through Titan’s atmosphere, raises expectations for exciting future
lake discoveries by our instrument.”
The ethane is in a liquid solution with methane, other hydrocarbons and
nitrogen. At Titan’s surface temperatures, approximately 300 degrees
Fahrenheit below zero, these substances can exist as both liquid and gas.
Titan shows overwhelming evidence of evaporation, rain, and fluid-carved
channels draining into what, in this case, is a liquid hydrocarbon lake.
Earth has a hydrological cycle based on water and Titan has a cycle
based on methane. Scientists ruled out the presence of water ice, ammonia,
ammonia hydrate and carbon dioxide in Ontario Lacus. The observations also
suggest the lake is evaporating. It is ringed by a dark beach, where the
black lake merges with the bright shoreline. Cassini also observed a shelf
and beach being exposed as the lake evaporates.
“During the next few years, the vast array of lakes and seas on Titan’s
north pole mapped with Cassini’s radar instrument will emerge from polar
darkness into sunlight, giving the infrared instrument rich opportunities
to watch for seasonal changes of Titan’s lakes,” Soderblom said.
Launched in Oct. 1997, Cassini’s 12 instruments have returned a daily
stream of data from Saturn’s system. The mission is a cooperative project
of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency.
TAM Airlines Adjusts its Operational and Administrative Structure
July 30, 2008
SAO PAULO, Brazil, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TAM Airlines, a
company of Grupo TAM (Bovespa: TAMM4 and NYSE: TAM) with headquarters in
Asuncion, Paraguay, is going to adopt a management model based on the three
pillars that support the company’s activities: Service Excellence,
Technical and Operational Excellence, and Managerial Excellence. TAM
Airlines has been the new name of TAM Mercosur since last March, pursuant
to the guidelines for repositioning the brand that accompanied the
expansion of Grupo TAM in the international market.
The management model is being adopted in all parts of the group,
aligning administrative and operational processes and seeking continuous
improvement of passenger and cargo air transport services.
With the administrative restructuring of the group’s Paraguayan
company, 133 employees will be transferred to the personnel roster of TAM
Linhas Aereas. About 120 employees are being let go. In recognition of the
service of these employees, the company is offering a package of benefits
superior to what is required by law, and that includes an extension of the
health plan and the granting of air travel discounts for a period
proportional to time of service. These employees will also receive support
in the process of reentering the job market.
With the aim of optimizing resources and improving the company’s
operational capacity, there will be changes in TAM’s air network,
specifically in the routes flying in and out of the Paraguayan capital.
“The search for synergies is consistent with our strategy of expanding
our presence in the international market, and seeks to promote process
optimization,” said Captain David Barioni Neto, president of TAM Linhas
Aereas and president of the Board of Directors of TAM’s Paraguayan
division, who is responsible for the executive management of TAM Airlines.
TAM (http://www.tam.com.br) has been the domestic market leader since
July of 2003, and closed June 2008 with 48.6% of market share. The company
flies to 42 destinations in Brazil. Through business agreements signed with
regional companies, it reaches 79 different destinations in Brazil. TAM’s
market share among Brazilian companies that operate international flights
stood at 75.3% in June. Operations abroad include TAM flights to 15
destinations in the United States, Europe and South America: New York and
Miami (USA), Paris (France), London (England), Milan (Italy), Frankfurt
(Germany), Madrid (Spain), Buenos Aires and Cordoba (Argentina), Santa Cruz
de la Sierra (Bolivia), Santiago (Chile), Asuncion and Ciudad del Este
(Paraguay), Montevideo (Uruguay), and Caracas (Venezuela). It has
code-share agreements that make possible the sharing of seats on flights
with international airlines, enabling passengers to travel to 64 other
destinations in the U.S., Europe and South America.
American Airlines Offers a Fresh Twist on Traditional Latin American Fare
July 30, 2008
Announcing New First Class and Business Class Menus Created by Conclave
Chef Stephan Pyles
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Culturally
inspired entrees, including signature dishes developed by American Airlines
Chefs’ Conclave member Stephan Pyles, will delight the taste buds of
American Airlines First and Business Class customers beginning Aug. 1. The
newly revamped Latin American menus on southbound Latin America flights
will elevate the onboard dining experience for customers.
Designed by Chef Pyles, in conjunction with chefs at Gate Gourmet and
American Airlines flight attendants, the recent additions incorporate a
medley of flavors found in traditional Latin American fare.
“American Airlines is pleased to maintain our commitment to enhance
premium class products and services that our customers value by continuing
to update our menus and providing new entrees that reflect distinctive
Latin American tastes,” said Lauri Curtis, American’s Vice President –
Onboard Service. “Chef Pyles’ culinary talents have helped to shape
American’s food and beverage program for 20 years now and we are grateful
to him for assisting us in providing our customers with enticing cuisine.”
“I was delighted to develop new recipes for American’s Latin American
markets because that culture is my passion and my expertise,” said Chef
Pyles. “It’s also an honor to have some of my best-known signature dishes
flying to and from these destinations.”
In August, First and Business Class customers will be offered a choice
of:
— Coriander Beef Fillet – the fillet of beef is accented by coriander
and cranberry mojo and is served with Ecuadorian potato cakes and sauteed
asparagus
— Margarita Salmon – a fillet of salmon marinated in a margarita mix
is accompanied by Cuban-style rice and grilled pineapple
Menus rotate monthly to ensure variety, thereby enhancing the travel
experience for American Airlines customers. Other Chef Pyles signature
recipes to be featured in the coming months include:
— Poblano Soup – the soup is a creamy blend of roasted poblano peppers
and asiago cheese
— Charred Tomato and Eggplant Soup – the soup is a blend of charred
Roma tomatoes, Japanese eggplant, garlic and fresh herbs
— Marinated Seared Salmon – the marinated seared salmon sits atop a
black bean roasted banana mash within a coconut serrano broth
— Chipotle BBQ Short Ribs – the chipotle BBQ short ribs are served
with three cheese mushroom polenta and sauteed broccolini.
American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance,
offers regularly scheduled flights to a multitude of Latin American cities
departing from Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), New York (JFK) and
Chicago (ORD).
About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world’s largest airline. American, American
Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in over 40
countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet
numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American’s award-winning Web site,
AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus
personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a
founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of
the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer
their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on
its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140
countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle
Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines,
American Eagle, the AmericanConnection(R) airlines, AA.com, We know why you
fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.
(NYSE: AMR)
About Stephan Pyles
A fifth generation Texan and pioneer of New American Cuisine, Chef
Stephan Pyles has created 14 restaurants over the past 22 years. Pyles has
been consulting with American Airlines since the Chefs’ Conclave inception
in 1988.
Pyles was the first Texan inducted into The James Beard Foundation’s
“Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America” and Bon Appetit has credited
him with “almost single-handedly changing the cooking scene in Texas.” In
2006, Esquire named Pyles “Chef of the Year” and included the restaurant,
Stephan Pyles, in their list of “Best New Restaurants.” The February 2007
issue of Texas Monthly named Chef Pyles newest restaurant, Stephan Pyles,
“Texas’s Best New Restaurant of 2006.”
Cessna’s Jack Pelton Receives EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award
July 30, 2008
OSHKOSH, Wis., July 30, 2008 – Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack J. Pelton received the 2008 Freedom of Flight award last night during the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual week-long gathering – AirVenture 2008.
The award is EAA’s highest honor, bestowed annually to an individual whose contributions to aviation closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship and innovativeness of EAA members.
“We are honored to present this award to Jack for his long-time involvement in aviation and with EAA, especially in relation to his vision for light sport aircraft through the Cessna SkyCatcher, which will create a paradigm change in aviation training,” EAA President Tom Poberezny said.
Pelton joined Cessna, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, in November 2000 as senior vice president of product engineering and oversaw Cessna’s engineering and product development activities. He was named president and chief executive officer in 2003 and added the title of chairman in 2005.
Under Pelton’s leadership, Cessna turned in its best financial performance ever with 2007 sales of $5 billion and has increased the company’s backlog to a record $16 billion through the first half of 2008. His work has spurred the company into new markets with the introduction of the Citation Columbus large-cabin, long-range business jet; the SkyCatcher light sport aircraft; and the expansion of Cessna’s single-engine product line with the acquisition of the Cessna 350 and 400 high-performance, composite aircraft. Also during his tenure, Cessna has accomplished seven new aircraft certifications.
Pelton also has been a voice for industry issues, championing a Kansas state measure to establish a regional aviation training facility and acting as a national leader in the fight against new fees on business aviation. He also has devoted time to youth outreach, working to counter the trend of declining pilot starts.
In March, Pelton was named winner of the 2008 AVIATION WEEK Laurel for Business and General Aviation, among the aerospace industry’s most prestigious awards and presented annually for more than 50 years to recognize professional excellence.
As an EAA Lifetime member, Pelton belongs to the EAA Warbirds, Vintage and International Aerobatic clubs. He is chairman of the Gathering of Eagles, which promotes Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire youth involvement in aviation. He also supports numerous grass roots activities to expose youth to aviation, including the Build A Plane organization that gives young people the opportunity to build real airplanes.
Pelton holds a commercial pilot’s license with instrument, multi-engine and seaplane ratings. He also holds type ratings in several Cessna Citation business jets, including the Citation X, the world’s fastest civil airplane.
He owns single engine aircraft, including a Ryan PT22, Citabria, Cessna 195 and 206. The 195, the last one produced, was recently acquired from Velma Wallace, wife of Dwane Wallace, who helped his uncle Clyde Cessna build the business and led Cessna as CEO for decades. Dwane displayed the 195 at AirVenture in the 1980s. After Pelton restored the plane, it was on display again at AirVenture 2007, where it won a Bronze Lindy. EAA’s aircraft awards are recognized worldwide as the most prestigious for aircraft construction and restoration.
Announcing – The Bendix/King AV8OR(TM) Series
July 29, 2008
Three New Systems in AV8OR(TM) Series Announced – AV8OR(TM) Handheld
Multi-Function Display, and AV8OR(TM) Horizon 3D and AV8OR(TM) Vision 3D
Cockpit Information Systems with Synthetic Vision
OSHKOSH, Wis., July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Honeywell (NYSE: HON),
a leader in aircraft navigation and safety systems, used the occasion of
EAA’s 2008 AirVenture Oshkosh to announce the launch of its new Bendix/King
AV8OR(TM) Series — portable avionics for general aviation pilots.
“The new Bendix/King AV8OR(TM) Series includes a variety of powerful,
portable GPS navigation solutions, including the new MSRP $749 AV8OR(TM)
Handheld Multi-Function Display and two synthetic-vision equipped portable
cockpit information systems — the AV8OR(TM) Horizon 3D and AV8OR(TM)
Vision 3D,” said Dan Barks, Director, General Aviation Aftermarket
Avionics.
“These new systems bring pilots enhanced situational awareness in the
cockpit and flexibility offered by a portable system. Each of these new
AV8OR(TM) Series systems,” Barks said, “were designed and developed as a
result of customer input from pilots, dealers and others in the general
aviation industry.”
The AV8OR(TM) Horizon 3D and AV8OR(TM) Vision 3D include synthetic
vision graphical rendering of the environment providing the pilot with a
realistic view of the aircraft position and situation outside of the
cockpit, by providing the pilot with real-time satellite weather
information, topographic terrain and aeronautical navigation information.
The systems are an asset to both VFR and IFR pilots that seek enhanced
situational awareness with the flexibility offered by a portable system.
The AV8OR(TM) Horizon 3D includes a modern Samsung tablet PC with high
resolution touch-screen display. The AV8OR(TM) Vision 3D features a
ruggedized, ultra-high brightness touch-screen display and remote-mounted
computer module. Both systems include air data sensor, attitude heading and
reference system and GPS. Both interface with optional traffic sensors and
datalink weather receivers, and both display approach plates for enhanced
safety and convenience.
The AV8OR(TM) Handheld system also provides advanced GPS navigation
tools for automotive usage.
“The AV8OR(TM) Handheld is ideal for any pilot that requires GPS
navigation in the air or in the car, real-time weather, and navigator
graphical moving map, with built-in entertainment system,” Barks said. “In
addition to pilot-specific features, the AV8OR Handheld includes an
all-in-one multimedia player with the ability to view or play music,
movies, pictures and electronic books. The AV8OR(TM) Handheld is much more
than an aviation GPS unit — it’s a handheld Multi-Function Display that
pilots will want to keep with them from the car to plane, and even at their
destination, for entertainment.”
The AV8OR(TM) Handheld’s high resolution 4.3-inch diagonal
touch-screen, easy to use interface and innovative features such as ‘Smart
Profile’ set a new standard in navigation at a suggested price almost every
pilot can afford, Barks added. Smart Profile view is a unique vertical
profile view of the flight path relative to terrain, airspace and
obstacles. The AV8OR Handheld graphical interface makes in-flight
navigation simple, with an on-screen keyboard, “Touch-and-See”
identification of map objects, and “Touch-and-Drag” map panning.
The AV8OR Handheld is designed with an external interface to WxWorx XM
Satellite Weather receiver available separately, and enables graphical
NEXRAD, METARs, Storm Cell Tracks, AIRMETs/SIGMETs, Text METARs/TAFs, and
more. The built-in multimedia system allows pilots to create library of
music, movies, photos and electronic books on the included 4GB SD Card. The
unit also includes a Bluetooth(R) interface for wireless weather, an
interface to an alternate GPS receiver and even an interface to cellular
phones.
The AV8OR(TM) Handheld is available through select Honeywell
Bendix/King dealers at a manufacturer suggested retail price of $749. In
addition, through an exclusive deal between Honeywell and WxWorx, customers
who purchase any of the three AV8OR models will receive a coupon good for
$250 off select WxWorx receivers.
For more product information, dealer contacts, or other information
about the AV8OR(TM) Series, please visit http://www.BendixKing.com/AV8OR
and http://www.BendixKing.com/AV8OR3D. For a demonstration at Oshkosh,
please visit Hangar B, booth 2081-2086.
Honeywell International is a $38 billion diversified technology and
manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products
and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry;
automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in
Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York,
London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please
visit http://www.honeywell.com
Based in Phoenix, Honeywell’s aerospace business is a leading global
provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for
aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military,
space and airport operations.
OpenSkies Expands PREM+(SM) Cabin
July 29, 2008
Unique PREM+(SM) Product Provides Business Class Comfort Without Business
Class Cost
Significant PREM+(SM) Capacity Increase Planned in Response to Strong and
Growing Customer Demand for High Value Premium Offering
LOS ANGELES, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — OpenSkies, the new premium
transatlantic airline from British Airways, today announced plans to
significantly expand its PREM+(SM) cabin from 28 to 40 seats on its flights
from Paris-Orly and Amsterdam-Schiphol to New York-John F. Kennedy.
The OpenSkies PREM+(SM) cabin is an entirely new service category that
rivals incumbent carrier business class offerings on the Paris and
Amsterdam routes across the Atlantic to New York. With leather seats
featuring a 140 degree recline and 52 inch seat pitch, PREM+(SM) provides a
unique combination of comfort and personal space at a highly competitive
price. With its cost-efficient fares, the PREM+(SM) cabin also qualifies
for use by business travelers whose corporate travel policies would
otherwise restrict business class travel.
“From the very beginning, OpenSkies was built with a spirit of
experimentation and creativity and a passion for listening to our
customers,” said Dale Moss, Managing Director of OpenSkies. “Since our
launch, we have had a tremendously positive reception to our PREM+(SM)
service. By offering business class comfort without business class costs,
PREM+(SM) compares very favorably with what our competitors offer as
business class. We’re thrilled to expand our PREM+(SM) offering and focused
on continuing to be flexible and responsive to our customers’ needs.”
Along with ample individual space and privacy, PREM+(SM) also offers
personal entertainment systems with more than 50 hours of programming,
OpenSkies’ fresh and healthy meal service, and access to the OpenSkies
Concierge Desk featuring personalized services for all customers from the
purchase of their ticket throughout their journey.
After the expansion of its PREM+(SM) cabin, OpenSkies will carry 64
passengers aboard its reconfigured Boeing 757 aircraft in a two cabin
configuration, with 40 seats in PREM+(SM) and 24 seats in BIZ(SM), where
OpenSkies offers 180 degree lie-flat beds and 73 inches of legroom.
OpenSkies’ 30 ECONOMY cabin seats will be removed to enable the expansion
of PREM+(SM).
OpenSkies plans to introduce the newly configured aircraft on the
Paris-Orly to New York-John F. Kennedy route beginning October 1st, 2008.
About OpenSkies
OpenSkies is a premium transatlantic airline offering guests superior
service, competitive fares and exceptional value. OpenSkies flies from
Paris-Orly to New York-JFK and will fly from Amsterdam-Schiphol to New
York-JFK. Other European destinations being considered for the airline
include Brussels, Frankfurt and Milan. The airline offers guests innovative
features onboard, including lie-flat beds in business class, personal
entertainment units with 50+ hours of programming, and fresh and healthy
meal service. Backed by British Airways, OpenSkies is the first airline
created as a result of the Open Skies agreement, which allows airlines to
fly between any U.S. and E.U. destination.
EL AL and American Airlines To Launch Code Share Agreement in 25 Cities in North America
July 29, 2008
Special Low Introductory Fall and Winter Airfares are Offered
NEW YORK, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — EL AL, Israel’s national airline,
announced today that beginning September 2, 2008 EL AL and American
Airlines passengers will soon have many more options to fly between 25
additional cities in North America and Israel. The first group of
passengers to benefit from the new code share agreement can fly from
Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
The remaining cities which will be launched this fall are Austin, Texas;
Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Indianapolis, Indiana;
Las Vegas, Nevada; Montreal, Canada; Orlando, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona;
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; San Diego,
California; San Jose, California; Seattle, Washington; St. Louis, Missouri;
and Tampa, Florida.
This new code share agreement allows maximum flexibility and added
convenience as American Airlines flights easily connect to EL AL nonstop
flights to and from Israel. Other benefits of the code share flights
include: more attractive airfares, no need to purchase a separate domestic
ticket and automatic luggage transfer to the connecting flight.
Additionally, EL AL Matmid frequent flyer members can earn points on any
flight operated by American Airlines. Passengers will also save additional
time due to a smoother, more convenient connection between the two flights.
Frequent flyers and premium class passengers will also enjoy more benefits,
such as use of the first and business class lounges of both airlines.
The following fares include roundtrip flights on both the American
Airlines and the nonstop EL AL flights. From October 26, 2008 thru March
31, 2009 (except December 17-24, 2008) the roundtrip fare for both flights
(including all fuel surcharges) is $1,311 from Boston and Washington, DC;
$1,411 from Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, and Miami. From San Francisco, the
roundtrip fare is $1,511.
This fall, from September 2 thru October 25, 2008 (except October
6-13th), the roundtrip fare for both flights (including all fuel
surcharges) is $1,471 from Boston and Washington, DC; $1,591 from Chicago,
Dallas/Ft Worth, and Miami. San Francisco area passengers pay $1,711. These
special fares must be purchased within 72 hours of confirming a
reservation. Tickets must be purchase before September 15, 2008 by calling
EL AL at (800) 223-6700 or any travel agent or visit http://www.elal.com.
From North America, EL AL passengers can fly nonstop to Israel from
four airports which are New York (JFK/Newark), Los Angeles and Toronto. The
code share partnership between the two airlines also enables EL AL
passengers to have the option of flying nonstop to or from Israel (one way)
and choosing a stopover in one of the many EL AL European gateway cities in
the other direction. The European cities are London (Heathrow), Paris
(Charles De Gaulle), Madrid, Zurich and, based on approval in the future,
Barcelona. As such, the transatlantic flight between North America and
Europe will take place on American Airlines and the nonstop flight to/from
Israel on EL AL, thereby providing more travel opportunities.
“This code share agreement is the most comprehensive and far reaching
agreement between EL AL and any foreign airline. The new partnership
reflects the “EL AL 2010″ strategy — to operate as a global worldwide
airline and to grow steadily, always responding to the needs of our North
American passengers who travel to Israel,” stated Professor Israel (Izzy)
Borovich, Chairman of the Board, EL AL.
Offer Gat, CEO, EL AL Israel Airlines, North and Central America
states, “We are pleased to offer this unprecedented and convenient
opportunity to passengers living in or near any of these USA cities who
wish to travel to Israel. In addition to having many more passengers begin
their Israel experience on the national airline which will make their
travels more memorable, they will also get to personally experience the
friendly in-flight service and warm Israeli hospitality.”
From the United States, EL AL utilizes state-of-the-art 777 and 747-400
Boeing aircraft which are equipped with personal TV monitors at every seat
in all classes of service. A wide selection of in-flight entertainment is
offered to all passengers. The new 777 aircraft are equipped with flat beds
(180 degrees) in First Class and lie flat seats (170 degrees) in Platinum
Business. These same new seats will soon be installed in all of the
existing EL AL 747-400 fleet. Among the other amenities of these EL AL
aircraft are wide, spacious cabins, the most comfortable seats available,
fully digital electronic in-flight entertainment with larger screens as
well as provisions for personal computers and interactive features.
This fall and winter, EL AL has 22 nonstop flights every week from New
York (JFK/Newark), 3 weekly from Los Angeles (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday)
and 3 every week from Toronto (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday).
Above “G class” coach fares are subject to availability on EL
AL/American Airlines code share flights only. Above fares do not include
$84.30 applicable taxes. (These include the September 11 security fee of
$2.50 per US enplanement, up to $5 one-way and $10 roundtrip). EL AL
reserves the right to cancel promo at any time. Cancellation/change
penalties and other restrictions may apply.
About EL AL
EL AL, Israel’s national airline, offers the most nonstop flights
between New York (JFK/Newark) and Israel and the only nonstop service from
Los Angeles. EL AL is the only airline with First Class service on nonstop
flights between the U.S.A. and Israel. EL AL flies to more than 40
destinations worldwide from Israel and to many additional destinations via
partnership agreements with other airlines. EL AL has annual revenues of
about $1.8 billion and carries approximately 1.8 million passengers
annually. Your Israel experience begins the moment you board EL AL.
EL AL embodies Israel’s values of innovation and caring and the promise
of a genuine Israeli welcome. For updated daily departure and arrival
flight information, travelers can call (800) EL AL-747, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. For reservations, call EL AL at (800) 223-6700 or any travel
agent or visit http://www.elal.com, where travelers now also have the option of
convenient, time saving online check-in for flights departing EL AL gateway
cities in North America.
EL AL. It’s not just an airline. It’s Israel.
About American Airlines (AA)
American Airlines (AA) is the world’s largest airline in terms of the
number of passengers and the airplane fleet. The carrier is wholly owned by
AMR Corporation and it owns American Eagle. American Airlines was founded
in 1930. In 2006, the company, which is based in Dallas, Texas, presented
income of $22.6 billion, and a profit of $231 million.
The American Airlines combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000
aircraft, and it boasts the widest flight network in North America, with a
market share of 17.8% in 2006. It has nearly 82,000 employees, including
some 10,000 pilots. American Airlines flies to approximately 250 cities in
over 40 countries, with more than 4,000 daily flights. American Airlines is
a founding member of, and partner in, the Oneworld(R) Alliance.
New niche for Titan Airways as it unveils its 44-seat Boeing 737-300QC
July 29, 2008
Titan Airways, the London Stansted-based VIP charter specialist presented its newly configured 44-seat all-business class Boeing 737-300QC to the UK’s top charter brokers last week and the response was unanimously positive. “This aircraft will sell itself.”
The aircraft, showcased at Inflite’s new London Stansted FBO (fixed based operation) facility, has been in the Titan fleet for a year, originally flying in a single class 130-seat layout. Now, after an extensive three months’ work by Inflite at London Stansted, G POWC features just 44 seats in a comfortable business class layout – stylishly upholstered in yellow and black leather – in a spacious four abreast configuration. Titan determined a new model for the aircraft in response to market demand.
The new layout, representing an investment of £0.5 million, affords plenty of personal space and leg room, making it ideally sized for corporate charters – incentives, product launches, music tours and football charters. (One well known London premiership team has already flown on the aircraft.)
Air charter broker Trevor Wright from Planesense said the cabin had a “real look of Ferrari about it – extremely stylish. I will certainly be recommending it, and it’s perfect for European car launches on conference and incentive trips.” Lawrence Reed from Air Partner Plc, one of Titan’s biggest charter users, agreed. “Its appeal is also its generous hold capacity, which will be a strong selling point for the music tours we do,” he suggested. Tim Procter from Air Charter noted the cabin was extremely roomy and fresh looking. “The yellow and black colour scheme is very distinctive,” he said. “Beautifully presented for a QC aircraft,” added Spencer Arnold from Hunt and Palmer. “Ideal for the corporate charter market. Who could fail to be impressed?”
And while Titan is set to make strong inroads into business aviation territory with this uniquely configured aircraft, – unique to its business model, all the seats are palletised on a roller track and are removed inside one hour enabling the aircraft to undertake night flights for the Royal Mail. The seats are kept safe overnight in one of Titan’s hangars.
Titan Airways’ 737, which originally flew with Falcon Air of Norway, features two club-four seat arrangements at the front, with a coffee table that can convert to a full working/dining table for each club-four setting. A fixed divider separates these seats from the front of the cabin, which offers 36 forward facing seats with a seat pitch of approximately 62 inches – almost twice that of an average 737. Each leather seat is formed in a cradle design for optimum comfort, complete with moveable headrest and footrest, ample recline and in-seat power connectivity for laptops, electrical equipment or inflight entertainment. Titan is promoting Mezzo hand held multi-channel units which play include a selection of films, short features and documentaries.
On board, Titan’s inflight attendants provide a discreet, yet attentive service. A selection of a’ la carte menus is offered, complemented by fine champagnes and wines carefully selected from around the world. The 737 will be able to fly Europe-wide with a four and a half hour range. For example, London to Cyprus and the Canary Islands direct.
“We are thrilled with this new addition to our charter fleet and are very encouraged by the response we have had from our customers,” said Alastair Kiernan, Titan Airways Commercial Director. “It enables us to offer something special to those who require a sanctuary in the sky and a wealth of comfort.
He added: “The all-business class configuration of the 737-300 perfectly complements our existing fleet and is a nice addition offering something different. Our usual high standard of business class catering, inflight service and the bespoke refinements our customers have come to expect will continue to be offered on all flights.
The aircraft will be available at short-notice and can be booked in advance for charter flights by contacting Titan’s commercial team.”
<Comentarios de Elenita
 |
Estimados lectores:
La historia que sigue es sobre una carrera aérea que se realiza la semana entrante. O sea, que se enterarán del resultado después de leer este artículo. Todos... Read more » |
 |
|
 | ||
