Lufthansa Signs With Jeppesen for Integrated Crew Management System
October 27, 2008
GOTEBORG, Sweden, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Jeppesen has signed an
agreement with Lufthansa to provide its Carmen Crew Management System
(CMS). The project will start during the fall this year. Carmen CMS
provides airlines with improved crew scheduling flexibility and an
integrated crew management process which lowers operating costs.
“With Carmen CMS from Jeppesen, we can benefit considerably from the
advantages of having the entire crew management process sharing the same
optimization, legality, quality definitions, visualization, data and
analysis tools,” said Jens Appel, vice president Crew Planning at
Lufthansa. “The Carmen Crew Management System from Jeppesen will improve
the decisions being made in the crew planning process, all the way from the
long-term pairing analysis to the detailed decisions made on the day of
operation.”
“We are very proud to be selected by Lufthansa as the provider of an
integrated crew management solution,” said Thomas Wede, Jeppesen senior
vice president and general manager, Commercial and Military Aviation.
“Lufthansa and Jeppesen have a long business relationship, and the airline
is one of the most advanced users of our optimization tools. This new
contract is one of our largest in recent years, and it will extend our
partnership with Lufthansa significantly, something we all at Jeppesen are
very proud of.”
Carmen CMS covers the administration of all crew data and business
rules, and contains modules for optimizing pairings and crew rosters, tools
for maintaining optimum rosters, as well as support for detecting and
mitigating operational problems. Even though the system consists of
standardized modules shared with many other airlines, the architecture
still allows a highly customized behavior of the user interface, data
interfaces, business rules and optimizers. The architecture also supports a
low risk transition from older legacy systems.
Lufthansa, one of the leading airlines in the world, has successfully
been using Jeppesen’s Carmen Crew Pairing product since the early 1990’s.
The airline is currently using the software to solve variable crew problems
with over 35,000 flights monthly, making it one of the world’s most
challenging planning problems.
About Jeppesen
For more than 70 years, Jeppesen has made it possible for pilots and
their passengers to safely and efficiently reach their destinations. Today
this pioneering spirit continues as Jeppesen delivers essential information
and optimization solutions to improve the efficiency of air, sea and rail
operations around the globe. Jeppesen is a subsidiary of Boeing Commercial
Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Air Methods Receives $17 Million Contract from Sikorsky Aircraft Company
October 27, 2008
Company will provide medical interior systems for HH-60M Black Hawk
helicopter
DENVER, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Air Methods Corporation
(Nasdaq: AIRM), the largest air medical transportation company in the
world, today announced its Products Division has been awarded a contract in
excess of $17 million from Sikorsky Aircraft Company for production of 48
HH-60M Black Hawk Multi-Mission Medevac Interior Systems. Production has
started and is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter 2010.
“Through this contract, Air Methods is pleased to continue to be part
of the U.S. Army’s historic efforts to modernize its air ambulance fleet,”
said Art Torwirt, vice president, Air Methods Products Division. “Our
interior system allows this proven airframe to convert from one
configuration to another in a matter of minutes which maximizes the
effectiveness, utility, and overall value of the HH-60M.”
The HH-60M is the medical evacuation configuration of the newest
version of the Black Hawk. The HH-60M provides additional payload and
range, advanced digital avionics, better handling, active vibration control
and improved survivability over past versions. The aircraft can support
medical, personnel or cargo transport missions and is equipped with
state-of-the-art medical systems to provide critical care for up to six
patients. Medical systems include a Patient Loading System, an on-board
oxygen generation system, medical suction, patient monitors and high
intensity NVG compatible lighting. The aircraft is also equipped with
advanced avionics and special mission systems to assist the crew in
locating and rescuing injured personnel. Specialized equipment includes a
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system and an external rescue hoist.
Air Methods Corporation (http://www.airmethods.com) is a leader in
emergency air medical transportation and medical services. The Hospital
Based Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport
services for hospitals. The Community Based Services Division is the
largest community-based provider of air medical services. The Products
Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and
aerospace technology. The Company’s fleet of owned, leased or maintained
aircraft features over 320 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Copa Airlines Launches Voluntary Carbon Offsetting Program
October 24, 2008
Copa is the first Latin American airline to offer carbon offsetting option
for air travel footprint
PANAMA CITY, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Copa Airlines,
subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE: CPA), today launched a voluntary
carbon offsetting program. The program is based on a “carbon calculator”
available at http://www.copaair.com, where passengers can calculate the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions produced by their air travel, then make a
voluntary contribution to offset the flight’s carbon footprint.
The carbon-offsetting program is part of Copa Airlines’ commitment to
the environment, which includes a totally renovated fleet equipped with
fuel-efficient engines, an investment in new technologies, and streamlining
of operations to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The
airline also is implementing an Environmental Adaptation and Management
Program that encompasses the measurement, reduction and offsetting of
emissions, in addition to promoting cleaner production, consumption of
renewable resources and a corporate culture of environmental
responsibility.
“Our efforts to reduce environmental impact are equally as important as
those of our passengers. We are very pleased to offer this dependable and
respected option for offsetting the carbon footprint of air travel and to
participate in this joint effort to benefit our planet,” said Pedro
Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. “Counteracting the effects of climate change
is an enormous challenge, which will be successful only if we undertake the
task together.”
Copa’s voluntary gas-emissions offset program was developed in
association with Sustainable Travel International (STI), a nonprofit
organization that will invest passengers’ contributions to finance
high-impact, sustainable-development programs such as alterative energy
projects and reforestation.
As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, Copa will
continue to identify actions that reduce pollution and that contribute to
the sustainable development of Latin American countries.
About Copa Holdings, S.A.
Copa Holdings, through its Copa Airlines and Aero Republica operating
subsidiaries, is a leading Latin American provider of passenger and cargo
service. Copa Airlines currently offers 136 daily scheduled flights to 42
destinations in 22 countries in North, Central and South America and the
Caribbean through its Hub of the Americas based in Panama City, Panama. In
addition, Copa Airlines provides passengers with access to flights to more
than 120 other international destinations through codeshare agreements with
Continental Airlines and other airlines. Aero Republica, the second-largest
carrier in Colombia, provides service to 12 cities in Colombia as well as
international connectivity with Copa Airlines’ Hub of the Americas through
daily flights from Bogota, Bucaramanga, Cali and Medellin. For more
information, visit http://www.copaair.com.
About Sustainable Travel International (STI)
Sustainable Travel International
(http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) is a US-based non-profit
organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development and
responsible travel by providing programs that help travelers and
travel-related companies protect the environmental, socio-cultural and
economic values of the places they visit, and the planet at large.
Sustainable Travel International introduced carbon offsetting and custom
carbon calculators into the North American travel and tourism industry.
Pratt & Whitney Awarded $78M F135 Long Lead Production Contract
October 24, 2008
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney was
recently awarded a $78 million production contract for F135 engines,
powering the F-35 Lightning II. This low rate initial production (LRIP)
contract covers F135 long lead material for seven conventional take-off and
landing (CTOL) and seven short-takeoff/vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35
aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX)
company.
“This contract allows Pratt & Whitney to acquire and produce F135
engine parts to support our customers and meet the F-35 production and
delivery schedule,” said Chris Flynn, director, Pratt & Whitney F135 engine
programs.
This award is one in a series of milestones for the F135 engine
program, including exceeding 10,000 ground test hours as part of the system
development and demonstration program; logging 59 successful flight tests
and more than 75 flight test hours of the F135-powered CTOL F-35 aircraft;
and completing 14 flights of the F-35B powered by Pratt & Whitney’s F135
STOVL propulsion system.
Rated at more than 40,000 pounds of thrust, the F135 is the most
powerful fighter engine ever built. The technologically advanced F135 is an
evolution of the highly successful F119 engine for the F-22 Raptor. By the
time the F-35 enters operation, the F119 engines will have logged more than
480,000 flight hours. In addition, the F135 will have logged 16,000 flight
hours and more than 17,000 ground test hours. This ground and flight test
experience will confirm the maturity and the associated reliability of the
F135 engine for armed forces around the world.
The F135 STOVL propulsion system team consists of Pratt & Whitney, the
prime contractor with responsibility for the main engine and system
integration; Rolls-Royce of the United Kingdom, which provides lift
components for the STOVL F-35B; and United Technologies Corp.’s Hamilton
Sundstrand unit, provider of the engine control system and gearbox.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and
service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas
turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to the global
aerospace and building industries.
GE Aviation Celebrates Dedication of Composites Factory in Batesville, Mississippi
October 24, 2008
BATESVILLE, Mississippi — October 23, 2008 – Joined by Governor Haley Barbour and many other Mississippi officials, GE Aviation today dedicated its new jet engine component factory near Batesville in northwest Mississippi.
Formally called GE Batesville Composites Operation, the 300,000-square-foot facility will produce advanced composite engine components, which are unique in the aviation industry.
GE Aviation, a General Electric Company business unit and world-leading producer of jet engines, employs more than 30 people in the new Batesville facility. Based on current demand for its jet engines, GE anticipates the Batesville workforce will exceed 100 people within a couple of years.
Batesville employees are being trained in team building and advanced manufacturing processes, with assistance from Northwest Mississippi Community College. The plant delivers its first components in 2009.
The facility will produce two composite parts for GE’s new and popular GEnx jet engine: fan platforms (installed between the engine’s front fan blades) and the fan case assembly, a large circular structure that encases the front fan. The fan platforms and fan case are made of carbon fiber and epoxy resin composite material.
The GEnx engine, which will power the Boeing 787 and 747-8 aircraft, is the world’s only jet engine with composite fan blades, composite fan platforms, and a composite fan case.
Since announcing plans in 2006 to locate in Mississippi, GE has worked closely with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Also, GE has teamed with Mississippi State University’s (MSU) College of Engineering, and its Raspet Flight Research Laboratory to demonstrate the manufacture of composite components. GE and MDA will continue to team at Raspet to develop new processes for manufacturing composites.
“This is a textbook example of how state government – linked with its universities – can team with private industry to create sophisticated manufacturing technologies and products with global impact,” said David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation. “Mississippi government and education leaders have been key in making this GE facility a reality.”
“Today we realize the tremendous promise offered by this outstanding project since the initial announcement two years ago that it would be built in our state,” said Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. “Now, skilled Mississippi workers are participating in some of the world’s most sophisticated manufacturing processes, holding good-paying jobs with a world-class company in an exciting growth business.
“Next year as the first of these unique, Mississippi-made composite jet engine components are delivered and placed into service by GE Aviation customers around the globe, we won’t just sit back and congratulate ourselves for making it happen; we will have to work even harder to show the world Mississippi is a place where promise and progress are very real.”
“GE Aviation’s opening has been much anticipated in the state,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope. “The jobs created at this advanced manufacturing facility will not only showcase the capability of Mississippi’s workforce, but will lead the state into the growing field of advanced composites.”
GE develops and produces the world’s most advanced composite components for jet engines. Composite components provide greater durability and engine weight savings, which translate into better aircraft fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance and replacement costs. GE introduced composite fan blades to jet travel in 1995 with its GE90 engine on the Boeing 777. Composites are also used in GE’s advanced military engines.
Buoyed by continuing sales success of GE90 and GEnx engines, GE’s composite production will grow in the coming years. The Batesville plant is also expected to produce other composite components in the future for GE’s newest commercial jet engines.
GE Aviation, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, generated revenues of $16.8 billion in 2007. The company also has the largest and fastest-growing installed base of jet engines in commercial aviation and a global services network to support them. GE Aviation also produces integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft.
GE Aviation employs approximately 38,000 people and operates more than 80 facilities around the world. Engine assembly is performed at facilities in: Cincinnati and Peebles, Ohio; Durham, North Carolina; and Lynn, Massachusetts. Engine overhaul, maintenance and on-wing support facilities are located in the U.S., Wales, Scotland, England, and Hungary.
GE Aviation invests $1 billion annually in jet propulsion R&D programs. This long tradition of commitment to new technology has helped GE maintains its leadership position within the industry with a proud list of “firsts” in both military and commercial jet propulsion, tracing back to 1942 with America’s first jet engine.
GE and NASA To Initiate Wind-Tunnel Testing for Open Rotor Jet Engine Systems
October 24, 2008
EVENDALE – October 24, 2008 – GE Aviation and NASA are teaming on a wind-tunnel test program to evaluate counterrotating fan-blade systems for “open rotor” jet engine designs that could sharply reduce fuel consumption.
The testing will begin in wind tunnel facilities at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in early 2009 and continue into mid-year. This is not a full engine test, but a component rig test to evaluate subscale fan systems using GE’s and NASA’s advanced computational tools and data acquisition systems.
Rising fuel prices have led GE and NASA to re-visit open-rotor engine systems. In the 1980s, GE successfully ground-tested and flew an open-rotor jet engine that demonstrated fuel savings of more than 30 percent compared to similar-sized, jet engines with conventional, ducted front fan systems. Since then, GE has dramatically advanced its data acquisition systems and computational tools to better understand and improve open-rotor systems.
“GE and NASA journeyed down this path 25 years ago with great technical success,” said David Joyce, president of GE Aviation. “Today’s fuel crisis greatly influences future jet engine concepts. GE and NASA will evaluate open-rotor concepts in the wind tunnel with far greater technology capability.”
For the NASA tests, GE will run two rows of counterrotating fan blades at 1/5 subscale in several configurations, tested in simulated flight conditions created in Glenn Research Center’s 9-by-15-foot low speed and 8-by-6-foot high speed wind tunnels.
GE and the Fundamental Aeronautics Program of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate in Washington are jointly funding the program. Snecma (SAFRAN Group) of France, GE’s longtime 50/50 partner in CFM International, a highly successful joint company, will participate with fan blade designs.
Open-rotor jet engine designs are among the longer-term technologies being evaluated for LEAP-X, CFM International’s (GE/Snecma) technology program focusing on future advances for next-generation CFM56 engines.
NASA’s testing rig equipment, which is being refurbished for the activities, was actually used in the 1980s when NASA and GE jointly tested scale-model, counterrotating fan systems that led to the development of the GE36 jet engine. The NASA test hardware is also capable of simulating aircraft installation systems with the open-rotor fan systems.
The GE36, which flew on Boeing 727 and MD-80 aircraft, featured an aft-mounted, open-rotor fan system with two rows of counterrotating composite fan blades. The enormous efficiency from bypass air created by this fan system drove the GE36’s dramatic fuel savings. Snecma was a 35 percent participant on the GE36 program. As fuel prices fell sharply in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the GE36 was never launched commercially, though it was recognized worldwide as a technology breakthrough.
The upcoming rig tests will focus mostly on the acoustic characteristics of various fan configurations, as well as performance and efficiency characteristics. Engine noise is a prime challenge in operating open-rotor engine systems in a commercial aviation environment.
GE is designing and fabricating the scale-model blades at its Cincinnati facility using technical input provided by the GE Corporate Research Center in New York.
NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, in partnership with U.S. industry, universities, and other government institutions, develops critical systems technologies and capabilities that address national priorities.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Successfully Wraps Up Testing at Edwards AFB, Validates Readiness for Future Test Deployment
October 23, 2008
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The
first Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35 Lightning II fighter has finished
all planned testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., demonstrating that
the aircraft, the support crews, and contractor and military service
personnel are ready for the dramatically expanded flight testing on the
program’s horizon.
“This initial round of testing at Edwards is just the beginning,” said
Doug Pearson, Lockheed Martin vice president of the F-35 Integrated Test
Force. “The exceptional performance of the aircraft and those supporting it
shows that the team is ready for the fast-paced flight test activities
upcoming at Edwards and [Naval Air Station] Patuxent River, Md.” By the end
of 2009, all 19 F-35 test aircraft will be complete and flight test
activities will intensify, leading to Initial Operational Test & Evaluation
in the 2013-2014 time frame.
During the three-week deployment at Edwards, most of the F-35’s
activity centered on a set of crucial tests that validated the aircraft’s
ability to shut down and restart its engine in flight. During the tests —
conducted to ensure that the aircraft can regain power and be flown safely
in the event of an unanticipated engine flameout — the Pratt & Whitney
F135 turbofan repeatedly restarted on command.
“Our goal was to collect in-flight data during 12 specific test cases
over Edwards, and we did exactly that,” Pearson said. “The initial data
review and pilot-reported results are very favorable and meet or exceed our
expectations.”
With all Edwards testing successfully completed, F-35 Test Pilot Jeff
Knowles will fly the aircraft back to Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas,
plant this week. “In addition to confirming that the engine spools up and
restarts very quickly after being shut off in flight, we found that the
airplane itself showed high reliability and was always ready for its next
mission,” Knowles said. “That kind of performance in an early development
plane bodes well for the aircraft we deliver to the fleet.”
The deployment began on Oct. 1 when Knowles flew the Lightning II
nonstop from Fort Worth to Edwards, landing “code one,” or without any
aircraft discrepancies.
“Our modeling and simulation indicated a robust propulsion system
design. With the completion of testing at Edwards I am even more confident
we have an excellent design that demonstrates appropriate performance and
margin to accommodate unplanned conditions if encountered,” Pearson said,
adding that support from the U.S. Air Force and the F-35 logistics team
were outstanding and “enabled us to meet every scheduled event.”
The F-35 involved in the testing is a conventional takeoff and landing
variant that has completed 63 flights.
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter.
Three F-35 variants derived from a common design, developed together and
using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide will 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 is a global security
company that 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.
Aviation Industry Group’s Airline Purchasing Expo Anticipates a 300% Increase in Revenue
October 23, 2008
Commonwealth Business Media finds continued success with international
aviation exhibitions in the face of turbulent economic times
EAST WINDSOR, N.J., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Commonwealth Business
Media, a subsidiary of United Business Media Ltd., announced today
continued growth in its aviation exhibition business.
Aviation Industry Group, based in London, focusing on the commercial
aviation industry is continuing to show positive growth of its events
products. The Airline Purchasing Expo
(http://www.aviationindustrygroup.com) is well on its way to being sold out
for 2009 anticipating that revenue growth will exceed 300% over 2006 when
the exhibition first moved to the London Olympia Exhibitions arena.
The exhibition brings together the key buyers in the Technical Airline
Procurement, Component and Maintenance Industry with leading companies in
Manufacturing, Components, Avionics/Instrumentation, Interiors, Aircraft
Maintenance, Repair Stations and Distribution/Logistics.
The exhibition is supplemented by two conferences, which take place at
the event, as well as ‘meet the airline’ and ‘meet the supplier’
speed-dating opportunities. For the first time in 2008 the Airline
Purchasing Expo also hosted the Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing Europe
Expo. The latter has proven popular with MRO exhibitors in view of the
close liaison between airline purchasing, engineering and maintenance
personnel when making outsourcing decisions.
Attendance at the show has grown from 1,040 attendees in 2006 to over
1,800 in 2008, a 42% increase, with over 2250 attendees expected in 2009.
Paul Copping, Managing Director of AIG says “this show has been phenomenal
for us. It demonstrates that if you have the right product in the right
market at the right time you can succeed despite a weakening economy.”
About Commonwealth Business Media (http://www.cbizmedia.com)
Commonwealth Business Media, Inc., a subsidiary of United Business
Media Ltd., is the leading information provider to the global trade,
transportation and travel markets with comprehensive proprietary data, news
and analytical content. Its leading brands include The Journal of Commerce,
PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions, Air Cargo World, Traffic World,
Official Airline Guide and Aviation Industry Group, a number of directory
databases covering the international trade, railroad and trucking markets.
The Company also produces more than 30 conferences serving the
international trade, aviation and maritime markets. Commonwealth is
headquartered in East Windsor, New Jersey, with offices in Newark, San
Francisco, New Haven, Long Beach, San Diego, Atlanta, Montreal, Toronto,
Washington DC, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo,
London, Dunstable and Sassenheim.
About United Business Media Ltd. (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com)
United Business Media Limited (UBM) is a global media and marketing
services company that informs markets and brings the world’s buyers and
sellers together at events, online, in print, and with the information they
need to do business successfully. UBM serves professional and commercial
communities, from IT professionals to doctors, from journalist to jewelry
dealers, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. UBM employs more
than 6,500 people in more than 30 countries. UBM’s businesses operating in
the US include CMPMedica, Commonwealth Business Media, Everything Channel,
PR Newswire, RISI, Techninsights, TechWeb and Think Services. UBM is listed
on the London Stock Exchange (UBM.L) and has a market capitalization of
$2.5 billion.
ASUR 3Q08 Passenger Traffic Up 6.90% YOY
October 23, 2008
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 23, /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo Aeroportuario del
Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR), (ASUR) the first privatized
airport group in Mexico and operator of Cancun Airport and eight other
airports in southeast Mexico, today announced results for the three-month
period ended September 30, 2008.
3Q08 Highlights1:
— EBITDA2 increased by 2.11% to Ps.439.3 million.
— Total passenger traffic was up 6.90%.
— Total revenues rose by 5.14%, mainly due to increases of 7.05% in
aeronautical revenues and 1.54% in non-aeronautical revenues.
— Commercial revenues per passenger declined by 5.28% to Ps.48.64 per
passenger.
— Operating profit declined by 0.16%.
— EBITDA margin was 39.22% compared with 41.30% in 3Q07.
1. Unless otherwise stated, all financial figures discussed in this
announcement are unaudited, prepared in accordance with Mexican Financial
Reporting Standards and represent comparisons between the three-month
periods ended September 30, 2008, and the equivalent three-month period
ended September 30, 2007. Results for 3Q07 and 9M07 are expressed in
constant Mexican pesos as of December 31, 2007, while 3Q08 and 9M08 results
are in nominal pesos. Tables state figures in thousands of pesos, unless
otherwise noted. Passenger figures exclude transit and general aviation
passengers. Commercial revenues include revenues from the activities of
non-permanent ground transportation and parking lots. All U.S. dollar
figures are calculated at the exchange rate of US$1 = Ps.10.9814.
2. EBITDA means net income before: provision for taxes, deferred taxes,
deferred employees profit sharing, non-ordinary items, comprehensive
financing cost, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be
considered as an alternative to net income, as an indicator of our
operating performance, or as an alternative to cash flow as an indicator of
liquidity. Our management believes that EBITDA provides a useful measure of
our performance that is widely used by investors and analysts to evaluate
our performance and compare it with other companies. EBITDA is not defined
under U.S. GAAP, and may be calculated differently by different companies.
Passenger Traffic
For the third quarter of 2008, total passenger traffic increased
year-over-year by 6.90%. Domestic passenger traffic increased by 3.14% and
international passenger traffic rose by 10.68%.
The 10.68% rise in international passenger traffic resulted mainly from
an increase of 12.71% at Cancun airport.
The 3.14% rise in domestic passenger traffic resulted mainly from
increases of 7.20%, 28.34%, 8.68%, 14.53%, 11.37% and 2.36%, at the Cancun,
Cozumel, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Tapachula and Villahermosa airports,
respectively.
For 9M08, total passenger traffic rose by 11.69% compared to 9M07, with
domestic passenger traffic up 11.75% and international passenger traffic up
11.64%.
New GENTEX Helmet Designed for Sikorsky’s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator
October 23, 2008
STRATFORD, Conn., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The historic first
flight of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s X2 TECHNOLOGY(TM) Demonstrator featured
the use of a helmet crafted by GENTEX especially for the X2 Demonstrator.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
GENTEX developed four helmets, unique to the X2 TECHNOLOGY program.
They were specifically designed using the Modular Aircrew Common Helmet
(MACH) as a baseline. The helmets offer impact protection of a traditional
helicopter helmet, with windblast protection of a fixed-wing helmet.
“This is the first opportunity to fly this configuration of the MACH
helmet,” said Barry Shope, Vice President, GENTEX Market Development.
“GENTEX is pleased to be part of this project allowing us to further
solidify our relationship with Sikorsky while demonstrating some of the
unique characteristics of this helmet.”
Sikorsky Chief Test Pilot Kevin Bredenbeck wore the GENTEX helmet on
Aug. 27 when he conducted the first test flight of the X2 TECHNOLOGY
Demonstrator. The Demonstrator aircraft’s suite of technologies is intended
to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial rotor helicopter.
The MACH helmet system is a two-part concept consisting of an inner
“Life Support Module” (LSM) and “Outer Mission Module” (OMM), in which each
pilot will be issued a custom-fitted LSM compatible with existing aircrew
oxygen masks while the Outer Mission Modules will be configured to
accommodate all current and future helmet-mounted equipment and displays.
GENTEX is working to reduce the current inventory of 27 helmets and helmet
configurations to a single design.
The X2 TECHNOLOGY Demonstrator is designed to establish that a
helicopter can cruise comfortably at 250 knots, while retaining such
desirable helicopter attributes as excellent low speed handling, efficient
hovering, and safe autorotation, combined with a seamless and simple
transition to high speed.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., 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., provides a
broad range of high-technology products and support services to the
aerospace and building systems industries.
GENTEX is a recognized world leader in the design and manufacture of
advanced helmet systems for both air and ground crew applications. GENTEX
also develops integrated ensembles for soldiers and pilots, light
filtration materials, military ballistic and laser protective eyewear,
electro-acoustic devices, oxygen masks, and chemical and biological
protective fabrics.
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