Cessna Optimistic on Single-Engine Pistons, Turboprop Sales

November 6, 2008

Cessna Optimistic on Single-Engine Pistons, Turboprop Sales

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, brings seven aircraft and a positive outlook to AOPA Expo 2008, running Nov. 6-8 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

“While the economic slowdown has created a difficult business environment, we are encouraged by brisk activity from new and existing propeller fleet operators placing almost 200 orders for 2009 production aircraft,” Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jack J. Pelton said. “These customers use aircraft to generate revenue or complete missions, so the aircraft are tools that are essential to their businesses being successful. Flight schools, for example, need to continue to upgrade to all-glass cockpits in order to stay competitive in the training market.”

In July, Cessna and the University of North Dakota (UND) announced they had entered into a multi-year contract for Model 172 Skyhawks to be used for flight training in the university’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. UND will take delivery this month of the final Skyhawk in its initial order of 25.

Another long-time Cessna customer, the University of Dubuque, has ordered 10 Skyhawks to replace its current fleet of Model 172s. The school took delivery of five this summer and will receive the next five in summer 2009.

Incorporating the latest technology has buoyed single-engine piston sales and spurred record production levels for the Cessna Caravan turboprop, which now features the Garmin G1000 3-screen glass cockpit and GFC 700 digital autopilot as standard with an optionally available TKS ice protection system.

At its static display at Mineta San Jose International Airport, Cessna is displaying its broad product line, including the Skyhawk, Turbo Skylane, Turbo Stationair, Cessna 350, Cessna 400, Grand Caravan and Citation Mustang. Also at static, Cessna will debut its new mobile marketing vehicle, which offers an interactive experience with a flight simulator and multi-media kiosks providing information on the single-engine piston line.

Additionally, the company has a display at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center where it is displaying mock-ups of the SkyCatcher light sport aircraft and the Cessna 400.

Cessna currently has eight single-engine models and one in development; four Caravan models; and eight Citation models in production with two in the development process.

oxfordjet partners with Oxford Air Services – New agreement provides executive helicopter shuttle transfers

November 6, 2008

oxfordjet partners with Oxford Air Services
New agreement provides executive helicopter shuttle transfers

In a newly ratified agreement, all private jet passengers flying in and out of Oxford Airport will have ready access to Oxford Air Services’ (OAS) fleet of executive helicopters.  oxfordjet, which recently opened its brand new business aviation terminal, will market OAS helicopter services as part of its new customer services offering.  All bookings and enquiries will be processed by the oxfordjet Customer Services Team, located at the new facility.

Oxfordjet provides passengers with luxurious facilities, including VIP and VVIP zones, private shower rooms, a bar, meeting rooms and customs and immigration facilities.  The terminal overlooks the main business aircraft apron, providing easy access to aircraft.

“A seamless transfer facility for private jet passengers utilising oxfordjet was always our intention,” said James Dillon-Godfray, oxfordjet’s Head of Marketing and Development.  “We are delighted to be formally teaming with our resident helicopter charter company OAS as we have a long established relationship with them and we know they’ll deliver a first-class service.   This is a natural development providing our customers with an effective, efficient and quality-oriented service.”

OAS provides luxury helicopter travel utilising its fleet of twin and single-engine aircraft with capacity to carry up to nine passengers.  “The cost of helicopter travel can be more than recovered by the time saved,” said Michael Hampton, MD and Chief Pilot of OAS.  “Our passengers are busy executives who want to arrive at their destinations as safely and swiftly as possible.  The partnership between OAS and oxfordjet will enable them to do just that”.

OAS will run shuttle services from Oxford Airport to the primary business airports around London, including The London Heliport (approximate 25 minutes’ flying time) Farnborough, plus the major London terminals at Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and across the Channel to Paris and other European destinations.   OAS also provides helicopters for sporting events and race days throughout the UK.

Steve Jones, Oxford Airport’s Managing Director, said:  “Oxford Airport will continue to enhance its facilities for the business traveller.  Our costs are considerably lower than the usual London airport options and we have no capacity limitations or slot constraints.  This, together with OAS’ new helicopter transfer services, makes oxfordjet a serious contender in the UK’s business aviation sector.”

GE Global Research Engineer Adam Rasheed Receives 2009 Lawrence Sperry Award

November 6, 2008

GE Global Research Engineer Adam Rasheed Receives 2009 Lawrence Sperry
Award
Joins aerospace pioneers Sally Ride, the first American woman in space
and Kelly Johnson, designer of the SR-71 Blackbird, among those
recognized for early career contributions in aeronautics

NISKAYUNA, NY, November 6, 2008 – GE Global Research, the technology
development arm of the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and a pioneer
in aviation and aerospace research, today announced that Adam Rasheed, a
senior aerospace engineer, will be recognized with the 2009 American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)’s Lawrence Sperry
Award.  This distinguished award honors prominent contributions made by
a young person, age 35 or under, in the field of aeronautics and
astronautics.

Rasheed will receive the award at an awards luncheon on 6 January 2009
as part of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ 47th
annual Aerospace Sciences Meeting, held at the Marriott World Center in
Orlando, Florida.

Rasheed was recognized for his significant contributions to hypersonics,
pulse detonation engines and for innovative research in propulsion. He
joins an elite group of aerospace professionals who have been honored
with this award. Past winners include: Sally Ride (1984 winner), the
first U.S. woman in space, Eugene Kranz (1967 winner), famed NASA Flight
Director from the Apollo program, and current Lockheed Martin Chairman,
Daniel M. Tellep (1964 winner).  The award, named after American
inventor and aviation pioneer Lawrence Sperry, has been given annually
since 1936.

AIAA President George Muellner stated: “Dr. Rasheed’s selection for the
Sperry Award confirms that hard work and passion for ones field of
research brings recognition. By winning the award, Rasheed continues the
long tradition of young engineers making a real difference in the
aerospace community, through their innovation, desire, and hard work.
His work in propulsion will stand to inspire future young engineers and
have a lasting impact on the evolution of engine technology.”

“Adam is highly deserving of the Lawrence Sperry Award, as his
accomplishments in pulse detonation engines and hypersonics, at any age,
are remarkable,” said Gary Leonard, Leader of the Energy & Propulsion
Technologies at GE Global Research “To see such talent and dedication so
early on in an individual’s career is truly commendable and we are
excited for his continued development as an engineer at GE Global
Research.”

“To say I am deeply honored by the award is an understatement.  To be
included amongst a group who have contributed profound amounts to the
field of aerospace is truly humbling,” said Adam Rasheed, on receiving
the Lawrence Sperry Award. “I can only hope to accomplish even a
fraction of what they went on to achieve.”

Rasheed leads an experimental effort of the Pulse Detonation Engine
(PDE) Advanced Technology program at GE Global Research.  He joined
Global Research in 2001, where his work has focused primarily on
propulsion and energy technologies.

PDE is a technology in which repeated detonations of fuel-air mixtures
create a pressure-rise combustion, potentially offering significantly
lower fuel consumption and reduction in emissions. PDE represents the
next evolution in aerospace propulsion. PDE has the potential to break
the paradigm of today’s engine technology and set a whole new standard
of performance and efficiency.

Rasheed received his Ph.D (2001) and M.S. (1998) in Aeronautics from
Caltech where he focused on hypervelocity aerothermodynamics.  He
received his B.Eng. (Aerospace) from Carleton University in 1995.   He
serves on the AIAA High Speed Air Breathing Technical Committee.

The advancements Rasheed has made in the areas of pulse detonation
engines and hypervelocity aerothermodynamics has captured the attention
of many, as he has previously been named to Technology Review Magazine’s
2005 list of the world’s Top 35 Young Innovators (TR35) and participated
in the National Academy of Engineering’s annual Frontiers of Engineering
Symposium (2006).

About GE Global Research

GE Global Research is one of the world’s most diversified industrial
research labs, providing innovative technology for all of GE’s
businesses. Global Research has been the cornerstone of GE technology
for more than 100 years, developing breakthrough innovations in areas
such as medical imaging, energy generation technology, jet engines and
lighting. GE Global Research is headquartered in Niskayuna, New York and
has facilities in Bangalore, India, Shanghai, China and Munich, Germany.
Visit GE Global Research at www.ge.com/research.

About GE:

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company
that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water,
transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves
customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000
people worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at
http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.

Avidyne Announces New Flexcare Extended Warranty Plan

November 5, 2008

FlexCare™ Provides Extended Service at Greater Value;
Continues Avidyne’s Commitment to Providing World Class Service & Support
AOPA – SAN JOSE, CA., November 6, 2008 –Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight deck and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced today that they have launched their new FlexCare™ Extended Warranty Service Plan, which is designed to offer owners of Avidyne products a higher level of support over the life of their aircraft at significant cost savings.

The FlexCare Extended Warranty Service Plan coverage period begins when the Avidyne product’s original 2-year new-product warranty expires.  FlexCare offers the same great benefits and services provided in Avidyne’s original new-product warranty including parts and labor, as well as all reasonable dealer removal, installation and calibration charges. FlexCare also includes Avidyne’s recently-announced Platinum exchange and Platinum Advanced exchanges services for support of expedited return to service. FlexCare covers both inbound and outbound shipping charges on exchanges. Owners have the choice of purchasing one, two or three year FlexCare Extended Warranty Service Plans.

“We’re committed to assuring our customers have after-sale support that provides value and keeps pace with our product development,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer.  “We’ve built a strong reputation around our ‘Flying Made Simple’ approach to product innovation, and we are applying that same philosophy to supporting our customers.  This program is another step towards ensuring that their service experiences are made simple, too,” he added.

“FlexCare is the latest in a series of strategic decisions by Avidyne to drive its customer-focused service model,” said Rob Higby, Avidyne’s vice president of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service, “We recently added new quick-turn services including Platinum Exchange and Advanced Exchange, and now we’ve reduced the cost significantly in order to make our extended warranty protection available to a larger number of our customers.”

In addition to FlexCare, Avidyne has implemented a number of other important initiatives to meet their goal of providing world-class product support including the recent opening of their new International Customer Support Center in Germany, a more than $2 million investment in expanding their Melbourne, FL-based call center and exchange asset pool, and the realignment of their sales and services teams within the same organization to maximize customer touch and responsiveness.

Pricing & Availability
FlexCare Extended Warranty Service is now available for all in-warranty and existing FLEX extended-warranty customers. Avidyne is also offering options for owners with out-of-warranty units to reinstate their coverage between now and November 30, 2008.

FlexCare Service Plan Rates    1 Year    2 Year    3 Year
Entegra 3 Display Systems      $2,100    $3,150    $4,200
Entegra 2 Display Systems      $1,525    $2,290    $3,025
EX5000 MFD & EMax™            $375        $565        $750
EX500 MFD                                  $375        $565        $750

About Avidyne Corporation
Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and its Flying Made Simple™ system design make flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company’s expanding line of products include the industry-leading Entegra integrated flight deck systems for new and existing aircraft, datalink-capable EX5000 and EX500 multi-function displays and the dual-antenna TAS600 series of active traffic advisory systems, the MLB700 broadcast datalink receiver, the MLX770 world-wide datalink transceiver, and the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system. Headquartered in Lincoln, MA, the company has facilities in Columbus, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Boulder, CO.

Avidyne Launches Entegra WX Series

November 5, 2008

MLX 770 availability and WSI partnership extend Avidyne’s market leadership
as the single-source worldwide weather solutions provider for general aviation

AOPA – SAN JOSE, CA., November 6, 2008 –Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight deck and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced today the launch of their Entegra Wx Series—a full suite of weather sensors and data services comprising the newly-TSO’d MLX770 Two-way Datalink Transceiver and the MLB700 Broadcast Datalink Receiver serving worldwide WSI InFlight® datalink weather, as well as Avidyne’s TWX670 Tactical Color Lightning System providing real-time on-board weather detection.

“The launch of Avidyne’s Entegra Wx Series offers a new level of choice for our customers,” said Avidyne president, Dan Schwinn. “By initially launching the MLB700, then developing the TWX670 and adding Compatiblity Mode, designing and getting approval for the MLX770 and MultiLink™, expanding our agreement with WSI for world-wide weather data, and certifying Release 4 and Release 8 MFD software, we have orchestrated a suite of sensors and data services that position Avidyne as the single-source worldwide weather solutions provider for general aviation,” said Schwinn.

“The combination of Avidyne’s MLX770, MLB700, and TWX670 provides exceptional strategic and tactical weather data services for a broad range of aircraft operators, with the industry’s most comprehensive coverage, regardless of where they fly,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer. “Coupled with WSI’s industry-leading weather products, the Entegra Wx Series allows operators worldwide to monitor and avoid threatening weather, enhancing safety and utility of their aircraft,” he added.

Avidyne’s newly-certified Release 4 upgrade for the EX500 Multi-function Display (MFD) and Release 8 upgrade for the EX5000 MFD provide full interface and display support for the new MLX770, color mode capabilities when interfaced with the TWX670, and support for expanded Canadian and Caribbean datalink weather coverage with the MLB700.   In addition, Avidyne recently certified its TWX670 to provide “Compatiblity Mode,” which allows it to interface to many 3rd-party lightning detection displays including GNS430/530 and G1000 systems.  Avidyne is also actively working with 3rd-party display and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) manufacturers to develop sensor interfaces with the Entegra Wx Series.

Avidyne’s MLX770 utilizes the global reach and reliability of the 66-satellite Iridium® satellite network, and delivers strategic datalink weather services to Entegra- and EX500-equipped aircraft virtually anywhere in the world.

WSI is the industry leader in providing innovative and trusted weather data and briefing solutions. Avidyne and WSI originally teamed in 2007 to develop and manufacture Avidyne’s MLB700 and the WSI AV-300 and AV-350 satellite weather data and audio receivers, designed to receive WSI InFlight® weather services and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) programming.  These datalink products , developed by the Avidyne Safety Systems Group in Columbus, OH, are manufactured at Avidyne’s facilities in Melbourne, FL.

About Avidyne Corporation
Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and its Flying Made Simple™ system design make flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company’s expanding line of products include the industry-leading Entegra integrated flight deck systems for new and existing aircraft, datalink-capable EX5000 and EX500 multi-function displays and the dual-antenna TAS600 series of active traffic advisory systems, the MLB700 broadcast datalink receiver, the MLX770 world-wide datalink transceiver, and the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system. Headquartered in Lincoln, MA, the company has facilities in Columbus, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Boulder, CO.

Communiqué – Explanation Regarding New Projects

November 5, 2008

São José dos Campos, November 5, 2008 – With reference to statements attributed to its
Executive Vice-President, Finance and CFO, Antonio Luiz Pizarro Manso, during the conference
telephone call for presenting the results of the third quarter of 2008, held on November 4, Embraer
publicly clarifies that, at the present time, it is not seeking to associate with any other aircraft
manufacturer in the world, neither does it have a project for developing large airplanes.
Market trends for commercial jets have been constantly monitored by Embraer, which always
seeks placement opportunities for its current product line. Furthermore, the Company has an
engineering department devoted to preliminary studies of new programs and pre-competitive
technological development.
According to the Company’s strategic vision, as established and approved by the Board of
Administration, initiatives for associating with other companies or for launching products could
be considered, based on a thorough study of possible scenarios, and they would be promptly
announced to the market.

La NASA y Ocean Tomo Federal Services, LLC Venden Licencia para Patente Gubernamental

November 5, 2008

05/11/2008 /PR Newswire Latinoamerica/ — La NASA y Ocean Tomo Federal Services, LLC, subsidiaria de propiedad total de Ocean Tomo, LLC, anunciaron hoy la primera venta en la historia de la licencia para una patente gubernamental por medio de una subasta pública de propiedad intelectual. Esta subasta en vivo, la octava organizada por Ocean Tomo, se llevó a cabo el 30 de octubre de 2008 en Chicago y fue la más importante realizada hasta la fecha, con una participación de más de 500 personas. El lote de la NASA ofrecido en licencia en la subasta comprende una cartera de diez patentes estadounidenses y una solicitud de patente local para un método y sistema utilizado en el análisis de señales no lineales y no estacionarias, conocido como Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT).
Fuente: NASA

El CEO de Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Hablará en Conferencia de Merrill Lynch

November 5, 2008

05/11/2008 /PR Newswire Latinoamerica/ — El Presidente y CEO de Boeing (NYSE:BA) Integrated Defense Systems, Jim Albaugh, hablará en el Foro de Perspectivas sobre la Defensa, organizado por Merrill Lynch, el miércoles 12 de este mes a alrededor de las 2:45 p.m., hora Este.

Los comentarios de Albaugh serán transmitidos por Internet en vivo en http://www.boeing.com/. Las personas que deseen escuchar esta transmisión deberán verificar de antemano en el sitio web que sus computadoras estén configuradas para recibirla.
Fuente: Boeing

Vayama.com Offers Special Fares to Destinations Where U.S. Dollar is Thriving

November 5, 2008

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Despite the current state
of economic turmoil, the U.S. dollar is gaining strength against some
currencies and causing more Americans to express interest in booking trips
abroad. International travel site, vayama.com (http://www.vayama.com) makes
it easier for travelers to take advantage of the stronger dollar by
offering low fares to places like Brazil, Chile, Australia, Turkey,
Argentina and India where local currencies have recently plummeted.

For example, the Brazilian real has fallen almost 30 percent against
the U.S. dollar in the past three months. In October, the Indian rupee
dropped to an all-time low against the greenback, and the dollar
strengthened against the Chilean peso, hitting a multi-year high.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of travelers searching
for better international deals in the past few months,” said Andre
Hesselink, vayama.com CEO. “Vayama has some incredible airfare deals right
now so travelers can enjoy a more affordable trip to countries outside the
United States.”

Below are a few examples of the low fares available on vayama.com to
destinations where the dollar is currently strong. With the exception of
Brazil, no specific travel dates are required for these fares.

— Brazil
From Orlando to Sao Paulo: $442.00
Taxes and fees: approximately $153.00
Book by: November 22, 2008
Travel from November 22 – December 9, 2008

— Chile
From Washington D.C. to Santiago: $609.00
Taxes and fees: approximately $415.00
Book by: March 31, 2009

— Turkey
From New York to Istanbul: $364
Taxes and fees: approximately $390.00
Book by: November 15, 2008

From Chicago to Izmir: $317.00
Taxes and fees: approximately $387.00
Book by: November 19, 2008

— Argentina:
From Miami to Buenos Aires: $450.00
Taxes and fees: approximately $397.00
Book by: December 31, 2008

— Australia
From San Francisco to Sydney: $675.00
Taxes and fees: approximately $336.00
Book by: November 21, 2008

— India
From Los Angeles to Hyderabad: $1,055.00
Taxes and fees: approximately $486.00
Book by: November 26, 2008

About Vayama.com

Vayama (http://www.vayama.com) is a first-of-its kind travel website
that provides North Americans a whole new world of choice for booking
international flights. Using the latest in web technologies, vayama offers
a massive selection of airlines, flights and fares, many never previously
available online, so you can find the lowest prices and best schedule
options for all your international travel. Even though vayama was
established 1.5 years ago, the company was founded by travel experts with
decades of experience, and is backed by one of the world’s largest travel
organizations. Vayama is a subsidiary of BCD Holdings NV, one of the global
leaders in the travel industry. For more information on vayama, go to
http://www.vayama.com.

TAM is the Most Punctual Brazilian Airline in October

November 5, 2008

 

In first ten months of year, company recorded 85.5% punctuality on average,
three percentage points better than the market average

SAO PAULO, Brazil, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TAM Linhas Aereas
(Bovespa: TAMM4 and NYSE: TAM) closed October with 90% of flights operating
within scheduled time, that is, with delays of less than 30 minutes,
according to data released today by Anac (Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil
– National Civil Aviation Agency). This places the company as the most
punctual among all Brazilian airlines.

TAM stood out among companies evaluated, with the market average 87.5%,
two points higher on the delay index when compared to September (89.5%).
The company also had the lowest number of cancellations in the month, 2.2%
of expected operations compared to a market average of 3.2%.

TAM also had the best monthly punctuality average in the period
January- October — 85.8%. Its cancellation percentage was also the lowest
in the period, averaging 1.8%. The market average was 2.7%.

“The fact that we are once again the most punctual Brazilian airline
demonstrates our staff’s commitment to customers”, said Captain David
Barioni Neto, TAM President. The low level of delays and cancellations is a
reflection of the company’s three management pillars: Service,
Technical-Operational and Management excellence.

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