navAero Signs Fleet-Wide Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag Contract with European Charter Operator Viking Airlines
March 19, 2009
SUNDSVALL, SWEDEN, March 20, 2009 — navAero announces that the tBag™C22 Electronic Flight Bag system has been selected by Viking Airlines for fleet wide deployment for B737NG and B737CL Series and McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft. “We are convinced that navAero´s technology will give us a future proof and cost effective platform that will further enhance our operations. We’re tremendously impressed of the broad range of achieved FAA and EASA STC´s, this shows that our choice is right”, says Christian Tadjeran, Accountable Manager & CEO of Viking Airlines. The contract covers a fleet wide deployment of Viking Airlines´ five Boeing 737s and one McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft. Deployment of the contracted platform has already started and will be finalized during 2009. “We are very happy to announce that yet another European customer have chosen our cost efficient, environmental friendly and safety enhancing state-of-the art EFB platform”, concludes Knut Aabo of navAero.
navAero, Inc. is the world leader in developing and commercializing cost effective electronic flight bag products.
Snecma and Snecma Services merger: management appointments
March 19, 2009
Courcouronnes, March 19, 2009.
Snecma and Snecma Services, both companies in the SAFRAN Group, has merged on February 1, 2009 to adapt to changes in the aviation market and meet customer expectations.
Within the scope of this merger, Snecma made the following management appointments.
Yves Prete named Vice President, MRO division
Yves Prete, 55, holds an electromechanical engineering degree from the free university of Brussels. From 2005 until this latest appointment, he was head of Sichuan Snecma Aero-engine Maintenance in China.
Jean Massot named Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Jean Massot, 61, graduated from the ENSMA mechanical and aeronautical engineering school, later attended the CHEAr defense college in 1997. From January 2008 until this latest appointment he was Senior Vice President of Snecma Services.
Michel Brioude named Vice President, Spare Parts division
Michel Brioude, 50, graduated from the INSA applied sciences school. From 2006 until this latest appointment he was director of the commercial engines division at Snecma Services.
Lydie Guerville named Vice President, Improvement Initiatives
Lydia Guerville, 38, earned a PhD in materials engineering and sciences and holds degrees at the Ecole des Mines de Paris engineering school. From 2006 until this latest appointment, she was head of the rotating parts machining production unit.
Jean-Jacques Orsini named Vice President, Quality
Jean-Jacques Orsini, 42, holds degrees from the Arts et Métiers engineering school and the ESTA technology and business school. From 2008 until this latest appointment he was Vice President for Research & Technology at Snecma.
Dassault Falcon’s 2008 Sales Results
March 19, 2009
(St. Cloud, France, March 19, 2009) – At today’s annual financial analysts meeting,
Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Charles Edelstenne announced sales results for
2008. Dassault received a net total of 115 firm orders worldwide for Falcon business jets
in 2008.
Dassault Aviation’s 2008 consolidated sales were 3.75 billion Euros with Falcon business
jets accounting for 62% of that total. Dassault delivered 72 Falcon business jets for entry
into service in 2008. The delivery rate of completed Falcons is expected to increase to 90
aircraft in 2009 while the production of green aircraft will be reduced as market
conditions demand.
“There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a very challenging economic environment.
However, Dassault has always taken a long term view,” said Edelstenne. “We will
continue our ongoing investments in customer support as well as technology and
innovation. A major expansion for our company owned Service Center network is also on
schedule. The Falcon 2000LX will be certified soon. EASy Phase II development is
accelerating and development of the SMS continues.”
“We began to see a slowing in demand in late 2007 but the level of activity remained
strong through the first three quarters of 2008,” said John Rosanvallon, President and
CEO of Dassault Falcon. “The fourth quarter of 2008 was challenging with rising preowned
inventories and a significant contraction of available credit.”
“While we all must deal with the crisis we are currently facing, it is important to
remember that there are enduring facts regarding the advantages of business aviation.
These facts are critical to aircraft operators who rely on their business jet for their
efficient transportation and as a key driver to expansion and growth of their
organization,” said Rosanvallon. “Growth is also vital to the economies that rely on
business aviation for high paying jobs in manufacturing, operations and support. When
they’re combined, our industry is critical to the successful conduct of international
commerce that will lead us out of today’s difficult environment.”
Rosanvallon finished, “Dassault remains in good position to take advantage of future
growth and to service the still expanding fleet of Falcons.”
2008: Expansions for the Future
Dassault significantly increased Falcon support capacity in 2008 with the announcement
of two new factory owned service centers in Reno, Nevada and Sorocaba (Sao Paulo)
Brazil. Additionally, the capacity of the Le Bourget and Little Rock Service Centers
grew as multi-year expansion projects were completed.
“As the worldwide Falcon fleet continues to grow, Dassault Falcon has undertaken a
number of pro-active steps to aggressively grow our Factory owned service capabilities,”
said Jacques Chauvet, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Customer Service at Dassault
Falcon. “Even in these difficult times, our factory owned service center network
continues to grow so we can help our operators stay competitive in their marketplace.”
Also in 2008, Dassault Falcon opened a 20,000 square foot spares distribution center in
San Jose, California in a joint business venture with UPS. “Opening this facility is part
of our strategic plan to move Genuine Dassault Falcon Replacement Parts closer to the
operator,” said Frank Youngkin, Dassault Falcon’s Vice President of Customer Service.
“Getting our customers the parts they need, when they need them is at the forefront of
everything we do. We’ve dramatically increased our inventory levels and are seeing a
corresponding reduction in delivery times.”
The San Jose facility serves multiple roles. The first is to support the growing West
Coast base of Falcon operators which has climbed dramatically in recent years with same
day, overnight or self pickup of Genuine Dassault Falcon Replacement Parts. The second
role is to extend the ordering deadline for next day delivery to East Coast operators.
With the new facility in operation, orders received by 10 pm Eastern Standard Time can
be sent for next day delivery on the West Coast. The San Jose facility will also serve a
support function for outlying spares warehouses.
A vast expansion project that doubled the size of Charles Lindbergh Hall in Bordeaux-
Merignac was recently completed. Opened in 2003, Lindbergh Hall is the main assembly
center of all Falcons and now has the capacity to handle 28 Falcons undergoing various
stages of production. Ground breaking on the additional 200,000 square feet of capacity
occurred in January 2008 and was completed and in operation in January 2009.
2008: Product Development Continues
One of the highlights of 2008 occurred at EBACE in May when Dassault announced the
900LX, the next member of the highly efficient family of Falcon business jets. The
Falcon 900LX will be built on the same platform as the Falcon 900EX EASy but will
feature winglets and an extended range to 4,800 nautical miles. Certification is expected
in the first half of 2010. It will be available for deliveries starting mid 2010 at which time
it will start to replace the Falcon 900EX.
John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon said at the time of the launch,
“The 900LX will make one of the most popular Falcon series much more capable,
economical and environmentally responsible to operate – issues that mean more today
than ever before. Our customers have been telling us that efficiency is becoming a bigger
part of the decision making process when acquiring a business jet. The 900LX will make
the most efficient airplane in its class even more so.” The Falcon 900LX will burn 7%
less fuel than the Falcon 900EX.
At NBAA in October 2008, Dassault launched “EASy Phase II” a host of enhancements
to the award-winning EASy flight deck that will include synthetic vision technology.
The synthetic vision system is being developed in conjunction with Honeywell
Aerospace and will be offered as an option in new aircraft and as a retrofit in all EASy
models.
“When EASy was introduced, it was a revolutionary advancement in cockpit technology
and a giant step forward for business aviation,” said Rosanvallon. “And today EASy
continues its development with the addition of synthetic vision that will move today’s
most advanced flight deck even further ahead into the future.”
Synthetic Vision will be offered as an option as part of ‘EASy Phase II,’ to both new and
existing EASy operators in the last quarter of 2009 on the Falcon 900EX EASy and
Falcon 900DX. It is scheduled to be available for the Falcon 7X, Falcon 2000LX and
Falcon 2000DX in mid-2010.
world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70
countries across 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the renowned Mirage and Rafale
fighter jets as well as a complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and
production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on both continents. It
employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over
1950 Falcon jets have been delivered to more than 65 countries worldwide.
The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets—the Falcon 900DX,
900EX, 900LX and the7X—as well as the twin-engine Falcon 2000DX and 2000LX.
Air Botswana takes delivery of its first ATR 72-500
March 19, 2009
from left to right: L.M. Bantsi, Acting General Manager of Air Botswana, and Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO.
National-flag carrier Air Botswana today took delivery of its first new ATR 72-500, in accordance with a deal for two ATR 72-500s inked last year and valued at some US $ 37 million. With its new ATR 72-500s, configured with 68-seats and equipped with the “Elegance Cabin” and In-Flight Entertainment, Air Botswana will be able to respond to the growth of the air transport demand in the country by increasing the passenger capacity of its current fleet of 3 ATR 42-500s. In addition, the airline will fly its new ATR turboprops in routes previously operated by regional jets that become unprofitable.
Commenting on the delivery, L.M. Bantsi, Acting General Manager of Air Botswana, quoted: “The introduction of these new ATR 72-500 aircraft responds to our need to increase our route coverage and to provide more frequencies to our passengers. There is a strong development of the regional air transportation in Botswana and we are committed to match this opportunity with larger capacity ATRs.” He added: “We are very satisfied with the reliability and the performance of the ATR 42-500s we already fly. The ATR ‘-500 series’, with their ability to operate in hot and high environments are optimally adapted to our needs.” Mr. Bantsi concluded: “The relations of Air Botswana with ATR have existed for the past 20 years, and are now further enhanced by the acquisition of the two ATR 72-500 aircraft to be delivered today and in May 2009. Indeed, this is a long and fruitful experience and we expect to continue with ATR for many years to come.”
Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, underlined “the very strong commonality between both the ATR 42-500 and the ATR 72-500, which will ease the introduction of the new aircraft into the fleet of Air Botswana. Such commonality will also represent a significant reduction in training and spares investments as well as ongoing operating costs.” He added: “The ATR aircraft are playing an important role in the development of the regional air connectivity in the whole African continent. We count today more than 80 aircraft being operated by some 25 carriers. This reflects the suitability of the ATR aircraft for some specific operating conditions in the continent, including hot and high environments and small and remote airfields.”
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 979 aircraft (420 ATR 42s and 559 ATR 72s).
The ATR –500 series:
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) regulations. The ‘-500 series’ feature the lowest fuel consumption per passenger and CO2 emissions of the regional aviation, thus contributing to make ATR the “Green Player” of the regional aviation.
About Air Botswana
Air Botswana was created in 1988 as the national flag carrier. Today, the airline contributes to the development of tourism and business in the country, and
is an active member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). On the ground, the airline’s reputation for excellence extends to the modern engineering hangar at Sir Seretse Khama Airport where Air Botswana technical staff carry out full maintenance not only on the home fleet but also on the aircraft of other African carriers. This capability could attract contract work from ATR operators in Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, and as it was the case, Tanzania, contributing significantly to revenue.
About ATR
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. In 2008, ATR posted an annual turnover record, with US $ 1.3 billion.
Embraer Launches The Lifetime Programme
March 19, 2009
New service opens a world of possibilities to Embraer pre-owned commercial aircraft customers
São José dos Campos, March 19, 2009 – Embraer officially launched the Lifetime
Programme, today, during a press briefing in Moscow, Russia. Developed to support
Embraer’s ECC Leasing subsidiary activities, Lifetime is a comprehensive support package
that can be fully customized to the needs of Embraer pre-owned commercial aircraft
customers, by selecting each product and service available.
“Embraer is starting to enter new markets, such as the Ukraine, where we have found that
our customers do not require merely the traditional elements, but a far broader coverage of
support services,” said Maurício Aveiro, Embraer Vice President Customer Support, Airline
Market. “It is within this context that the idea for the Lifetime Programme was born. We are
working hard toward expanding the Programme to all regions of the world.”
As more pre-owned aircraft begin to trade on the market, Embraer has taken a fresh look at how
best to support these aircraft and identified a clear requirement for a distinct package that would
offer more than the traditional total support approach. Lifetime is the result of this detailed review
and delivers a fully-customized comprehensive package to customers.
“Many of the airlines we are talking to about our pre-owned aircraft repeatedly highlight that they
want an all-encompassing package to assist them, whether it be as a start-up operator or a new type
entry to an existing fleet,” said Mark Dunnachie, ECC Leasing Managing Director. “The Lifetime
Programme is designed to meet and surpass this expectation. No other manufacturer has provided a
package so tailored to its portfolio of used aircraft, and we are confident that our customers will
rapidly associate Lifetime to Embraer’s pre-owned aircraft, as a winning combination.”
The Lifetime Programme proposal is to “offer a world of pre-owned aircraft solutions”, and it
reflects a philosophy that goes far beyond the existing support packages, representing a wide
coverage for Embraer’s pre-owned aircraft. Brazil’s Passaredo Linhas Aéreas and Mexico’s
Aeroméxico Connect have already signed with ECC for the Lifetime Programme.
Conceived for the secondary market, the Lifetime Programme offers every operator a list of
services and products covering everything, from pre-EIS (Entry Into Service) to EIS and
customer support, on a daily basis.
About ECC Leasing Company Limited
Embraer’s wholly owned ECC Leasing Company Limited subsidiary was incorporated in
Dublin, Ireland, in September 2002, to manage and remarket Embraer’s pre-owned aircraft
portfolio. To date, ECC has managed a total of 71 aircraft, of which 40 have been leased and
31 sold to airlines, corporations, and government entities in North and South America,
Europe, and Asia. ECC Leasing handles Embraer aircraft that may be acquired through tradeins
and provides remarketing services for third parties in connection with its sales campaigns.
Imperium, Inc. Announces Joint Project with BOEING for Wireless Remote Expert Inspection
March 19, 2009
Ultrasound Imaging Camera Allows for Remote Simple Monitoring of Composite Damage in Real Time
March, 2009 – Silver Spring, MD – Imperium, Inc., the developer of the world’s only portable ultrasound imaging camera, the Acoustocam, announced today a method that will allow maintenance experts to remotely inspect and review composite structures located at another facility in real-time.
The project, which has been developed in collaboration with Boeing [NYSE: BA] engineers, will allow maintenance personnel to use Imperium’s Acoustocam to quickly survey damage without having to bring in harder to set up, conventional ultrasound equipment – all from remote locations.
The Acoustocam is a hand-held device that may be used as part of quick survey of suspected damage areas. The device shows subsurface defects that cannot be seen visually. The user simply places a probe against the aircraft structure and with proper equipment setup, subsurface defects appear on a handheld monitor in real time. The advantage of the remote operator interface is that the expert NDE operator may be remotely situated
Imperium is the sole provider of the Acoustocam, an ultrasound camera that is potentially more understandable, useable, and affordable than anything like it currently on the market.
We believe remote expert monitoring can benefit the inspection process in countless ways for manufacturers of composite structures,” said Bob Lasser, President of Imperium. “We plan to roll out the program nationwide in 2009.”
Customers can purchase a satellite package to use the Acoustocam monitoring technology, if wireless capability is not available in their geographic location.
About Imperium, Inc.
Imperium, Inc. has been developing and manufacturing advanced ultrasound imaging systems since 1996. The company was founded by Dr. Marvin E. Lasser, the Chief Scientist of the US Army and former Director of Research for Ford (Philco Division). Current users of our products include companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Bell Helicopter, US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Army, and NASA. Applications of the technology can be found in industrial, medical, sub sea, and biometric settings. The technology is protected by several granted and pending patents.
Becker’ DVCS 6100 Digital Intercom and Audio Selector Panel System ideal COTS solution for Lockheed C-130/L-100 Aircraft
March 19, 2009
MIRAMAR, Fla., March 18, 2009 – Over 40 models and variants of the Hercules serve with more than 50 nations. In December 2006 the C-130 became only the fifth aircraft to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer the United States Air Force. The C-130 is also the only military aircraft to remain in continuous production for 50 years, as the updated C-130J Super Hercules. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history.
Military forces operating C-130’s increasingly adopt commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products in an effort to enhance capability and reduce operational costs. The modifications available for the C-130’s include navigation, communication, flight control, autonomous defense system upgrades and many more. These enhancements provide greatly improved quality, reliability and extend the useful life of the C130 well into the twenty-first century.
Becker Avionics focuses on meeting individual requirements with the highest commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Becker Avionics’ COTS avionics solutions can help transform today’s legacy platform into the platform of tomorrow. Upgrading the old analog audio systems of the C-130/L-100 with the state-of-the-art digital DVCS 6100 will enhance the effectiveness of the platform. When compared to a legacy analog audio system, digital technology provides simplified installation, improved performance, reduced wiring and reduced installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the comprehensive built-in-test (BIT) of the DVCS 6100 enables line maintenance crews to easily diagnose/isolate failures and replace system components quickly.
C-130/L-100 aircraft are found around the world; no matter if the mission is combat, humanitarian relief, fire fighting or transporting cargo, upgrading and extending the service life of these critical assets will ensure viable tactical airlift capability for many countries.
Becker Avionics is aware that obsolescence and sustainability plays an important factor when it comes to electronics equipment and has incorporated a sustainment-focus during the design phase of the DVCS 6100.
Becker Avionics audio systems are known for their quality, reliability and ruggedness. For decades armed forces around the world have relied on avionics systems manufactured by the Becker Avionics Group. Over 30 years ago, the Becker analog Intercom system (ICS) was first fitted to the German Alpha-jet, the Dassault-Breguet Atlantic reconnaissance/submarine hunter aircraft and the Bölkow BO105 helicopter. Today the same system is still supported by Becker Avionics, even though product evolution has continued. Over 10 years ago the Becker Avionics digital intercom system was first installed as standard equipment on the Eurocopter EC145. In the military version the second generation DVCS is operated by the US-Army on the Lakota LUH (Light Utility Helicopter). The system has proven its reliability and exceptional voice quality in many applications, including specialized missions aircraft.
The equipment flies with exactly the same performance on Bell and Sikorsky helicopters, as well as fixed wing aircraft such as the Pilatus PC 7/9 military trainer, Dornier Do 228, Beechcraft King Air B200 and the 60-seat MA600, the first indigenous Chinese regional aircraft.
Recent ICS retrofit opportunities for the Brazilian, Turkish, Austrian and French Air Force C130’s have, once again, illustrated the inherent flexibility and all-round performance of the DVCS6100. All operators can benefit from the depth of the Becker Avionics experience and knowledge, so, all you Hercules types, read-back is correct, contact Becker when ready for departure!
About Digital Voice Communication (DVCS) 6100
The DVCS 6100 has been designed for both rotary and fixed-wing applications, and fully reflects Becker Avionics’ proven know-how in audio system development for more than four decades. Since the market introduction of the 1st DVCS generation, over 300 systems have been placed into service and have achieved outstanding field reliability. As a result of the continuous product improvement program, the DVCS6100 is another Becker Avionics success story. Performance and scalability has led to numerous installations in a diverse mix of rotary and fixed wing platforms, including, but not limited to, the following models: BO105, EC135, EC145, MD900, Bell412, S-70A, DO228, MA-600, Pilatus PC9, L-410, King Air 350, and DHC-5 Buffalo.
As of today, Becker Avionics’ DVCS 6100 is the only ETSO/TSO certified digital intercom system in its class!
About Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics is a privately held high-tech company that develops, manufactures and distributes the latest communications, navigation, surveillance and search & rescue equipment for airborne and ground applications.
Becker Avionics has a longstanding history of over 50 years in providing equipment to General and Corporate Aviation, ATC, law enforcement and military organizations around the world. In order to support the international market requirements the Company has established branches around the world. Becker Avionics supports an extensive customer base, such as, but not limited to, Eurocopter, EADS, Airbus, British Aerospace, ATR, CASA, RUAG, Xi’an Aircraft Corporation, AgustaWestland, Pilatus, German Air Force, Navy and Army, German Border Patrol, German Police, Austrian Army and Police, Swiss Air Force, Dutch Police, Security Civil, Irish Air Corps, Egypt Navy, Indonesian Navy, Portuguese Air Force, US Army, Air Force, Navy and Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, etc.
Embraer Signs Service Contract with Japan Airlines
March 17, 2009
Company joins Pool program to cover the EMBRAER 170 jets operated by J-AIR
São José dos Campos, March 17, 2009 – Embraer Asia Pacific (EAP), Embraer’s
subsidiary in Singapore, has signed a ten-year parts Pool program service contract with Japan Airlines (JAL). The airline has a total
of ten firm orders for the EMBRAER 170 and options to purchase another five
airplanes of the same model. The agreement covers around 350 part numbers for all
EMBRAER 170 jets operated by J-AIR, a wholly owned subsidiary of JAL, serving its regional network in Japan.
“Being chosen by an airline, like JAL, which is recognized for its operational excellence, takes
our Pool program to another level,” said André de Castilho, Director, Customer Support and
Services – Embraer Asia Pacific. “Embraer is committed to offering economical maintenance
solutions, in order to guarantee that customers have full and efficient operational support.”
The Pool program will quickly provide the airline with replacement parts, as well as a greatly
reduced need for warehousing facilities, and much lower inventory management costs, while,
at the same time, increasing the ability to budget expenses. Besides the Pool program, EAP
also has 22 pilots in Japan who will be operating the E- Jets for three years under the Pilot
Lease Agreement between Embraer and J-AIR.
“J-AIR expects Embraer to provide excellent one-stop shopping service through the Pool
program, and hopes to have a good relationship with Embraer,” said Tatsuo Yamaguchi,
Director, Material Planning, J-AIR.
Embraer’s E-Jets family has enjoyed outstanding success in the world’s commercial aviation
market. On December 31, 2008, the E-Jets had logged 876 firm orders and 810 options. With
more than 500 aircraft delivered, the family of E-Jets had surpassed 2.4 million flight hours,
carrying over 100 million passengers.
Elbit Systems to supply the Republic of Korea with airborne EW suites valued over $25 million
March 17, 2009
Bene Berak, Israel, March 17, 2009… Elbit Systems (NASDAQ: ESLT) announced today that its subsidiary, Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd. (Elisra), was awarded a contract valued over $25 million to supply the Korean Government with Airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites for its ROKAF C-130 transporters. The advanced and integrative EW suite includes protection systems against various radar-guided and heat-guided missile types.
Elisra CEO, Itzhak Gat, said that the selection of Elisra’s systems by the Republic of Korea, for the second time recently attests to the high level of customer satisfaction and confidence in the company’s products. Gat added that the contracts are additional evidence of Elisra’s recognition for its technological leadership in the EW field.
Smart Airborne EW Solutions for Mission Superiority
Elisra is a world leader in advanced integrated EW Solutions, has been keeping aircraft at the cutting edge of technology and constantly fit for new changing and challenging needs. Elisra’s systems serve the Israeli Air Force as a sole supplier, and support reliably and successfully other air forces around the world.
Elisra’s systems and solutions include a family of tailored Self Protection Suites – from Warning Systems – RWR, LWS or MWS through Active Systems, ensuring mission completion and safe return.
About Elisra:
Elisra, a world leader for over 4 decades in the field of Electronic and Information Warfare as well as Intelligence and C3 systems has been the source of these solutions deployed in modern defense forces of over 40 countries world wide.
The company develops, designs, manufactures, integrates and supports advanced EW, Intelligence (RF and IR based technologies) and Communication solutions, for air, sea and land applications.
Elisra, 70% owned by Elbit Systems Ltd., and 30% by Elta Systems Ltd. (an IAI subsidiary), comprises of Elisra Electronic Systems, Tadiran Electronic Systems and Tadiran Spectralink.
GE Aviation’s Growing Services Business Remains Strong During Industry Downturn
March 17, 2009
GE Aviation’s Growing Services Business Remains Strong During Industry Downturn
EVENDALE, OH – March 17, 2009 – As the aviation industry deals with the global economic downturn, GE Aviation’s Services business is providing stable, long-term revenues while helping customers cope with the challenging environment.
GE Aviation has an installed base of more than 8,000 engines in service, while CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of GE and Snecma (SAFRAN Group), has more than 13,000 engines in service. They are the foundation for GE Aviation’s Services, with 2008 revenues approaching $7 billion.
Only 40 percent of the GE and CFM installed fleet have had their first shop visit, and the revenue generated from servicing them through their 30+year operating life can approach seven times the revenue from the original engine sale. With such a young engine fleet, much of this revenue has yet to be realized. Several large fleets, such as CFM56-5B and -7B engines for narrow-body aircraft, are entering their maintenance period, with service activity growing at about 15 percent annually.
GE Aviation’s long-term maintenance and material solutions, branded as OnPointSM solutions, are tailored to the operational and financial needs of customers for any size fleet. GE’s backlog of OnPoint solution agreements reached $55 billion in 2008, up more than 9 percent from 2007. In addition, the Services business has a pipeline of almost $30 billion of new orders for other service products. Backed by GE’s global network, OnPoint services include overhaul, on wing support, new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and integrated systems.
“More customers are seeking predictable maintenance and material costs, access to technology upgrades and increased engine residual value that GE Aviation offers,” Tom Gentile, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation’s Services business.
GE Aviation has invested more than $150 million between 2007 and 2009 in its 11 overhaul and repair operations for upgraded technologies and equipment to ensure customers receive the latest component and maintenance repairs in a timely manner. GE is also expanding its network of airline and third-party service providers, which are committed to utilizing GE’s material and licensed repair technologies. In the last year, ST Aerospace, Aveos, TEXL (a unit of the Swire Group) and Iberia have joined Air France/KLM, JAL, Standard Aero, MTU, EGAT (Taiwan) and IHI as global network service providers for GE and CFM engines.
“As GE Aviation’s Services business has grown, we have developed a more customer-focused global services strategy, based on our extensive global network of providers,” said Gentile. “Customers can have their engines maintained at a GE Aviation’s Services facility or at one of GE’s global network providers. Either way, these customers have access to the same high-quality OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and repair services.”
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as avionics, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.
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