TAM reports its first loss in the third quarter
November 17, 2008
The other Brazilian “model airline” – the largest in the region – has reported it lost $53.2 million in the third quarter, compared to a profit of $22.9 million in the same quarter in 2007. This was in spite of continued growth – both domestic and international – for the nine months the airline reported a loss of $28.3 million compared to a profit of $37.3 million in the same period. Apart from high fuel costs, much of the loss is blamed on the devaluation of the Brazilian currency.
GOL plans to expand in the domestic market in 2009
November 17, 2008
Costa Rica finally approves CAFTA after four years
November 17, 2008
The Central American and the Dominican Republic Free Trade agreement with the US (CAFTA) was approved by Costa Rica’s government after four years of stalling by the Legislative Assembly. Rodrigo Arias, President Oscar Arias’ brother and spokesman stated: “We are finally closing this chapter”.
Volaris announces alliance with Southwest
November 17, 2008
Mexican LCC, Volaris, has taken the first step in expanding internationally with the announcement of a codeshare agreement with Southwest Airlines. While some details of the agreement are subject to US and Mexican government approval, the tentative start date is early 2010. Enrique Beltranena, Volaris General Manager, stated, “It is an honor for us to be part of this agreement, and in the name of the more than 1,500 Volaris employees in our 15 locations, I’d like to communicate our pride for working with an airline known for their success and dedication to customer service.” Congratulations!
Copa Airlines Takes Delivery of Embraer Aircraft
November 17, 2008
Panama, November 17, 2008 — Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings SA (NYSE: CPA), has taken delivery of its 15thEmbraer 190 aircraft.
The acquisition of the Brazilian-made Embraer brings Copa’s fleet total to 42 aircraft, and maintains its position among the youngest fleets in the region, with an average age of 4.2 years. In addition to its 15 Embraer jets, Copa operates 27 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft.
“The new Embraer 190 aircraft combines advanced navigation technology with a seating configuration that provides greater comfort for our passengers,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. “Both features are essential to offering world-class service to our customers.”
The Embraer 190 is an important part of the airline’s growth plan, which includes acquisition of aircraft equipped with technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Embraer 190 has seating capacity for 94 passengers, 10 in Business Class (ClaseEjecutiva) and 84 in the main cabin. The main cabin is configured with two seats on each side of the aisle without a middle seat.
About Copa Holdings
Copa Holdings, through its Copa Airlines and Aero República 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 theAmericasbased inPanama 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 República, the second-largest carrier inColombia, provides service to 12 cities inColombiaas well as international connectivity with Copa Airlines’ Hub of theAmericasthrough daily flights from Bogotá,Bucaramanga, Cali andMedellin.
British Airways Orders 20 CFM56-3 Advanced Upgrade Kits
November 17, 2008
EVENDALE, Ohio — November 17, 2008 — British Airways has placed an order 20 CFM56-3 Advanced Upgrades kits for its 737 Classic fleet. The order is valued at approximately $33 million at list price, and the kits begin delivery early next year. The order could potentially encompass as many as 44 CFM56-3 engines.
CFM56-3 engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company. Approximately 4,500 CFM56-3 engines in service worldwide; nearly one quarter of those engines have been upgraded.
“We are pleased to be incorporating the CFM56-3 Advanced Upgrade into our 737 fleet,” said Willie Walsh, chief executive officer of British Airways. “This engine has served British Airways well in the past, and the upgrade has already proven its value in service around the world. The lower fuel consumption will have an immediate positive impact on our operating economics while helping us control our carbon footprint; both of which are critical in today’s environment.”
A fully upgraded 10-aircraft fleet will save British Airways approximately 280,000 gallons of fuel per year. That equates to approximately a $750,000 savings at $2.60 per gallon of fuel. The add-on effect of the lower fuel consumption will be that this same fleet will emit 2,700 fewer tons of carbon emissions each year.
The Advanced Upgrade kit features three-dimensional high-pressure compressor (HPC) aerodynamics (3-D aero) and new high-pressure turbine hardware. The upgrade is installed during normal overhaul and provides significant benefits, including: up to a 1.6 percent improvement in specific fuel consumption (which directly impacts fuel burn), as well as up to 25 degrees additional exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margin, which reduces maintenance costs through longer on-wing life.
COMLUX ORDERS EXTRA AIRBUS A320 PRESTIGE
November 17, 2008
Comlux Aviation, the VVIP charter division of Comlux The Aviation Group, has ordered a second A320 for its VVIP operation, consolidating its role as the largest operator of the Airbus ACJ Family.
The new Airbus A320 will help to meet demand from the important Middle East market, and complements an A318 Elite and an ACJ that are already operated on VVIP charters by Comlux. Comlux has now placed orders for a total of nine aircraft, comprising four A318 Elites, two Airbus ACJs, two A320 Prestiges and one A330-200 Prestige.
“We were one of the first to recognise the need for even more space and comfort than traditional business jets, and because the Airbus ACJ Family has the widest and tallest cabin in its class, we can offer a lot more than other charter companies,” says the Head of Comlux Aviation’s VVIP Charter Division Ettore Rodaro . “The outstanding reliability of our Airbus ACJ Family is another plus that our customers appreciate, and we can also offer them a lot of experience in managing their VIP Airbus aircraft,” he adds.
“Comlux Aviation has built a well deserved reputation for top-class service, and we like to think that the Airbus ACJ Family cabin’s elegant ambiance, spaciousness and ease of movement has been a contributory factor,” says Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “We have a great product in the Airbus ACJ Family, and as operators such as Comlux make it more and more visible to customers, demand will continue to grow,” he adds.
Comlux Aviation has operated its first Airbus ACJ for several years, and last year became the first to put the A318 Elite into service, flying it an impressive 1,200 hours in its first year of service. It has three Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) from the airworthiness authorities in Malta (EASA), Switzerland and Kazakhstan, allowing it to best serve its customers in different regions.
In addition to the widest cabin in its class, Airbus’ ACJ Family also provides a very quiet environment, making it especially attractive to high-end travellers – particularly on long flights when a lot of time is spent in the aircraft.
Airbus created the Airbus A320 product line – from which the ACJ Family is derived – as a brand-new design, and has continued to improve it with new technology. Examples include the introduction of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) in the cockpit, and a new and brighter cabin lining that brings even more quietness.
Airbus’ A320 Family is the world’s best-selling airliner product line, with around 6,300 orders and more than 300 customers and operators. This popular base helps to make the Airbus ACJ Family a good investment, because of its heritage, and makes it an increasingly popular choice with individuals, companies and governments.
EMBRAER AND AJA SIGN FIRST LEGACY 450 AND LEGACY 500 FLEET ORDER IN THE MIDDLE EAST
November 17, 2008
Company based in Abu Dhabi acquires eight Embraer executive jets
São José dos Campos, November 16, 2008 – Embraer has signed a contract with Al Jaber
Aviation (AJA), a subsidiary of the Al Jaber Group, of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE),
for four Legacy 450 and four Legacy 500 executive jets. The total value of the agreement, at list
price, is US$ 134.6 million, based on January 2008 economic conditions. This order is already
included in Embraer’s third-quarter backlog, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.
“We are honored by AJA’s selection of our new Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 to expand its
business aircraft fleet,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President,
Executive Jets. “We are certain that the comfort and performance of our newest models will
offer AJA customers a premium business travel experience.”
This is the second contract signed by Embraer and Al Jaber Aviation. One year ago, at the 2007
Dubai Air Show, Embraer announced the sale of five Lineage 1000 and two Legacy 600 aircraft,
with options for another two Lineage 1000s and one Legacy 600 to AJA. The company will
begin operating Embraer executive jets in early 2009, when it will receive the first Legacy 600.
Mr. Mohammed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer of AJA said: “Today marks a very
important step in the development of AJA. Our analysis concluded that the new Legacy 450
and Legacy 500 offer the ideal combination of advanced design, cabin comfort and value for
the money. Our partnership with Embraer plays a pivotal role in the success of AJA. We are
very much looking forward to the delivery of our first Embraer aircraft, in February 2009,
and to providing our clients with unique service.”
About Al Jaber Aviation (AJA)
Al Jaber Aviation (AJA) is a new venture of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Jaber Group. AJA will
commence services in February 2009, offering VIP charter flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai
to destinations throughout the world. The company’s goal is to be a global leader in the
rapidly growing VIP charter market. The selection of the fleet of 21 new aircraft on order,
which includes the Legacy 450, Legacy 500, Legacy 600, and Lineage 1000 manufactured by
Embraer, was based on their advanced technology, high reliability and superior cabin space.
AJA will provide bespoke luxury travel to individuals, families, companies and government
representatives seeking the ultimate in personal travel, both on the ground and in the air. The
AJA experience will be about traveling in “Your Private Airspace”, with discrete and intuitive
bespoke service.
The Middle East is a critical region in the global VIP charter market. AJA has been designed to
tap this market potential, as well as support the strategic direction set out by the country’s leaders,
which aims to make the UAE a global hub for VIP aviation. The scale of AJA’s US$ 1.2 billion
investment and its commitment to developing a suite of supporting services and facilities bear
witness to that. For more information about AJA, visit ajaprivatejets.com.
About the Al Jaber Group
The Al Jaber Group (AJC) is a privately owned multi-faceted group of companies. Based in
Abu Dhabi, AJC provides professional services in the sectors of construction, heavy lifting &
logistics, industrial and trading. The strength of the Group is derived from controlled growth
and diversification. AJC demonstrates outstanding capabilities through utilizing varied
divisions and resources within the group to support and complement each company.
With a workforce of more than 55,000 people and a total asset base exceeding 10 billion AED
(Arab Emirates Dirham), the Group is geared to meet the constantly changing demands of the
market by investing in the latest engineering and information technology.
Mike Turner to Lead Marketing and Corporate Communications at StandardAero
November 17, 2008
TEMPE, Ariz.,November 14, 2008 –StandardAero has promoted Mike Turner to Marketing and Corporate Communications Director at their Tempe, Arizona-based headquarters. He was previously their Corporate Communications Manager.
Turner will be responsible for developing andimplementing strategies and branding initiatives for all marketing and corporate communications activities. He will also lead marketing communications, public relations, internal communications, tradeshows and the development of marketing initiatives supporting StandardAero’s products and services worldwide.
Prior to joining StandardAero, Turner managed marketing and communications strategy and tactics at Elliott Aviation; Sullivan Higdon & Sink, a strategic marketing and advertising agency in Wichita; and most recently Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
A 20-year marketing veteran, Turner holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelors in Aviation Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also a commercial-instrument rated pilot.
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StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company with $1.4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments and paint for business and general aviation, air transport, and military aircraft. The company, part of the DAE Engineering division, forms a global services network of 12 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, with an additional 14 regionally located service and support locations.
About DAE: www.dubaiaerospace.com
DAE is a fast developing global aerospace, manufacturing and services corporation made up of six divisions – DAE Capital, DAE Engineering, DAE Services, DAE Manufacturing, DAE Airports, and DAE Flight Academy.
Headquartered in Dubai, the group is growing through a series of phased developments and acquisitions to become a global player and to produce an integrated aerospace cluster, based at Dubai World Central – the new 140 square kilometre airport and logistics city being constructed in Jebel Ali, Dubai. It is forming international partnerships at the highest level of industry with the aim of establishing one of the most innovative and successful businesses in the global aerospace industry within the next decade.
DAE’s shareholders include the Government of Dubai, Dubai International Capital, DIFC Investments LLC, EMAAR, ISTITHMAR World, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), AMLAK Finance.
ExecuJet Middle East announces plans for new facility at Dubai World Central.
November 17, 2008
ExecuJet Middle East has secured land at Dubai World Central Airport plans to construct a custom built new facility at DWC. This will cater for the expected growth of both the aviation industry as well as ExecuJet service solutions across the region.
ExecuJet Middle East Managing Director Mike Berry envisages a larger facility at DWC which will enable them to provide increased maintenance support across a wider region. “We believe that the new facility at DWC will allow us to offer a wider range of options for our clients whilst providing the best service possible”. The plans also include an additional FBO VIP passenger centre that will cater for an increased number of clients. This will also give ExecuJet the opportunity to significantly expand on the amount of managed aircraft under the Middle East fleet.
The company will retain its current facility at Dubai International Airport which includes 24,358 sq ft of hangar space and houses a Bombardier and Honeywell bonded warehouse, managed by ExecuJet, and comprises a rapidly increasing stock of high demand spare parts for many product lines.
It has been a busy time in the Middle East with the AVEX Airshow & Airport Expo in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt taking place beginning of November where ExecuJet showcased the Learjet 60XR as well as the Middle East Business Aviation Airshow (MEBA) scheduled for mid November in Dubai where ExecuJet will be exhibiting as well as showcasing a range of different aircraft. Middle East Managing Director Mike Berry is concerned that sales in the region will be impacted by the current global economic downturn, “Business aviation has been expanding rapidly in the Middle East and the current climate is starting to be felt on the business within the region. This is a region that has over the past year produced some of the highest growth figures globally, which under the current climate cannot be expected to be continued”
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