Lease Corporation International Group Orders 20 Bombardier CSeries Jetliners With Options to Purchase a Further 20
March 30, 2009
First Leasing Company Customer for CSeries Aircraft
TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – March 30, 2009) – Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Lease Corporation International Aviation (New Buildings) Limited has signed a firm purchase agreement for three CS100 and 17 CS300 jetliners. The purchaser, which also took options on a further 20 CSeries aircraft, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lease Corporation International Limited (LCI). LCI is a privately owned aircraft leasing company that owns and leases planes to major airlines.
Based on list prices, the firm order for 20 CSeries aircraft is valued at approximately $1.44 billion U.S.
“This firm order for both CS100 and CS300 aircraft adds to the momentum we anticipated for CSeries aircraft following the initial firm order by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Moreover, LCI’s purchase confirms the flexibility designed into this technologically advanced aircraft family as required by all our customers, but especially leasing companies,” said Gary R. Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are grateful for LCI’s confidence in the CSeries aircraft and delighted to welcome them as the launch leasing company customer. We look forward to working with them on further development of the aircraft for its entry into service in 2013.”
“We are excited about the future of Bombardier’s CSeries jetliner family,” said LCI Chairman, Adam Tomazos. “Market studies carried out by ourselves and other organizations see a large worldwide demand for aircraft in the 100- to 149-seat category over the next two decades and the CSeries jetliner family is a perfect fit.”
The launch of the CSeries family of aircraft was announced at the Farnborough Air Show on July 13, 2008.
The 110-seat and 130-seat CSeries family of aircraft brings unmatched passenger comfort, performance, and operating economics, benefiting from the latest technological advancements, including: fourth-generation aerodynamics; increased use of composites and advanced aluminium alloy in structures; the very latest in system technologies, such as fly-by-wire, electric brakes, and a next-generation engine – the Pratt & Whitney PurePowerTM PW1000G engine. PurePowerTM represents a significant breakthrough in turbofan technology, especially on the environmental front where it will set new benchmarks from dramatically reduced fuel burn, noise, and emissions.
At time of entry into service in 2013, the CSeries family of aircraft will be the greenest single-aisle aircraft in its class. These game-changing aircraft will emit 20(i) per cent less CO2 and 50(i) per cent less NOx, fly four(i) times quieter, and deliver dramatic energy savings – 20(i) per cent fuel burn advantage as well as 15(i) per cent improved cash operating costs versus current in-production aircraft of similar size. The CSeries aircraft will set a new benchmark in the industry, consuming as little as two litres of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometres in its more dense seating layouts(i).
The CS100 and CS300 aircraft models will share a new common centerline engine and have the same crew type rating, operating and maintenance procedures. Each of the aircraft models will also have operational flexibility to permit utilization on both short-haul and transcontinental routes.
In addition to Bombardier’s fourth-generation transonic composite wing design, the company is also using its Reconfigurable Engineering Flight Simulator II (REFS II) to develop customized ‘fly-by-wire’ control laws specific to CSeries aircraft. This simulator is the first of many devices planned, as part of an extensive integrated test regime, to ensure the CSeries aircraft achieves consistently high levels of reliability when it enters service.
About Lease Corporation International
Lease Corporation International (LCI) is a privately owned aircraft lessor founded in 2004. Since its inception LCI has acquired aircraft valued at over $3.5 billion. Its customer list includes national flag carriers and major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Air France and Virgin Atlantic. The company’s highly experienced management team works closely with airframe and engine manufacturers, and with major financial institutions to provide aircraft leasing solutions for airlines worldwide.
“Royal Air Maroc orders 6 ATRs ‘-600 series”
March 27, 2009
Fly Comlux division moves to new offices at Zurich Kloten airport
March 27, 2009
Comlux The Aviation group is pleased to announce that its Charter and Aircraft management division based in Zurich – Fly Comlux – moves to new offices at Zurich Kloten Airport, starting 1st April . With 4 VIP aircraft of its fleet based in Zurich, this change allows Comlux to get closer to its crew and aircraft transiting through Zurich Airport.
Whereas the operational side of Comlux moves to Zurich Airport, Comlux Management (including Comlux Transactions and Comlux Creatives) remains in the city center of Zurich, offering to its clients a great location close to the Banks and Financial institutions. Besides, Comlux Creatives has established in the same building a complete floor dedicated to its cabin interior showroom and design office.
Stephen Laven, CEO of Fly Comlux division says: “The new facilities of Comlux Aviation AG at Zurich airport are spacious and ultra modern. This new atmosphere will enhance team work between Dispatch, Charter sales, Maintenance and Crew training activities. As for any aircraft operator, the airport proximity is a plus which allows you to increase the quality of your service and to get closer to our flying teams”.
From 1st April 2009, please note the new contact details of Comlux Aviation AG:
Comlux Aviation AG
Gate 14
Oberfeldstrasse 14
8302 Kloten
Tel: + 41 43 888 72 50
Finnair receives first A330
March 27, 2009
Eco-efficient A330 adds to Finnair’s Airbus family
Finnair has taken delivery of its first A330-300. The new aircraft is the first of eight A330-300s ordered by Finnair for the development of its medium and long haul operation. Powered by General Electric CF6-80E1 engines, the carrier’s new A330 can seat 271 passengers in a two-class cabin (229 seats in Economy and 42 in Business Class).
“With its compelling cost efficiency and the high passenger comfort we see the A330 as the right aircraft for our ambitious fleet renewal plans”, said Jukka Hienonen, CEO of Finnair. “It will help us to achieve our goal of having one of Europe’s youngest and environmentally friendly fleets. The low fuel burn of the aircraft reduces cost and at the same time the environmental impact of our operations.”
The ability to better match market requirements in terms of range and efficiency makes the twin engine A330 one of the most popular wide-body aircraft in service today. With over 11 million hours in operation the A330 has demonstrated its very low operating costs per seat and is proven to be the most efficient aircraft in its class. Compared with its predecessor aircraft at Finnair the A330 will consume 20 percent less fuel.
“We are delighted and feel honoured to be the prime choice for the further development of the Finnair fleet,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “With the A330, Finnair will now operate almost all Airbus family products and benefit from our cockpit and operational commonality.”
With the brand new A330-300, the Finnair fleet now includes 35 Airbus aircraft: 11 A319s, 12 A320s, six A321s, five A340s and the first A330. Finnair was also the first airline to order the A350 XWB, signing for 11 aircraft with first delivery in 2014.
With a true wide-body fuselage the A330-300 is the most economic means of flying medium range routes whilst offering true long haul comfort. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimised for the medium to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. Orders for the aircraft stand at more than 390 from 38 customers.
Embraer Releases Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 Results in US GAAP
March 27, 2009
SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, BRAZIL–(Marketwire – March 26, 2009) – Embraer (BOVESPA: EMBR3) (NYSE: ERJ), the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, recorded fourth quarter 2008 (4Q08) net sales of US$1,818.4 million and net sales for FY2008 of US$6,335.2 million. Net Income for 4Q08 and for the full year totaled US$111.7 million and US$388.7 million, equivalent to diluted earnings per ADS of US$0.7181 and US$2.2432, respectively.
During the last quarter of 2008, Embraer increased the number of customers with firm orders for jets from the EMBRAER 170/190 family, with the sale of 11 E-Jets (six EMBRAER 170s and five EMBRAER 190s) to British Airways, from the United Kingdom.
The Company delivered the first EMBRAER 190s to Holland’s KLM Cityhopper, and EMBRAER 195s to Azul Linhas Aéreas, which is the first Brazilian airline to operate an E-Jet. Regional – Compagnie Aérienne Européene, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air France, received the 500th E-Jet in the last quarter of 2008. The entry level Phenom 100 jet received the Type Certificate (TC) from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC) and from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The first two units of the jet were delivered in December 2008. At the end of the year, the ultra-large Lineage 1000 received the Type Certificate from ANAC and from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA. During 4Q08, the Defense and Government segment signed an important Latin American contract for the Super Tucano with the Dominican Republic, and sold one aircraft for transporting government officials to the Royal Thai Army, in Asia.
The firm order backlog on December 31, 2008, decreased 3.2%, compared to September 30, 2008, and reached US$20.9 billion, reflecting the beginning of the economic downturn initiated in September. Embraer sold 11 E-Jets during 4Q08, compared to 112 new sales for FY 2008. The E-Jet firm order backlog accumulated a total of 876 firm orders and 810 options.
In 4Q08, Embraer delivered 59 jets in the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense and Government segments. Total deliveries in 2008 were 204 jets, the highest for a year in the Company’s history, and consistent with Embraer’s delivery schedule for the year.
Net revenues for 4Q08 totaled US$1,818.4 million, or a 3% decrease, compared to US$1,875 million for 4Q07. For FY 2008, net revenues totaled US$6,335.2 million, or a 20.8% increase over FY 2007 net revenues of US$5,245.2 million.
The gross margin for 4Q08 totaled 20.8%, representing a decrease from the 22.6% gross margin of 4Q07. For FY 2008, gross margin totaled 21.2%, representing a decrease, compared to 22.0% reported for FY 2007.
Income from operations reached US$274.6 million in 4Q08, or 66.1% above the US$165.3 million recorded for the same period last year. In FY 2008, income from operations was US$537.1 million, or an increase of 43.5% over the US$374.2 million of FY 2007, mainly due to the productivity gains achieved during the year, combined with the recognition of approximately US$80 million in contributions from suppliers, due to the certification of the Phenom 100 entry level jet.
Net income decreased from US$200.9 million, in 4Q07, to US$111.7 million, in 4Q08, and the net margin was 10.7% and 6.1%, respectively. Net income also decreased to US$388.7 million, in 2008, from US$489.3 million, in 2007, and net margins decreased to 6.1% from 9.3%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company maintained its high level of liquidity. Its total cash position, at the end of 2008, was US$2,201.5 million. Deducting the total indebtedness of US$1,825.4 million, at the end of 2008, the net cash position on December 31, 2008, was US$376.1 million.
EMBRAER DIVULGA OS RESULTADOS DO 4 degrees TRIMESTRE E DO EXERCÍCIO DE 2008
March 27, 2009
SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, BRAZIL–(Marketwire – March 26, 2009) – A Embraer (BOVESPA: EMBR3) (NYSE: ERJ), empresa líder na fabricação de jatos comerciais com até 120 assentos, apresentou no quarto trimestre de 2008 (4T08) receita líquida de R$ 4.139,6 milhões e prejuízo líquido de R$ 40,6 milhões, correspondente a um prejuízo por ação de R$ 0,05607. No exercício de 2008 a receita líquida atingiu R$ 11.746,8 milhões e o lucro líquido R$ 428,8 milhões, o que corresponde a um lucro por ação de R$ 0,59247.
O lucro líquido anual da Embraer em 2008 foi computado levando-se em consideração as novas práticas contábeis brasileiras, emitidas em linha com a convergência para as normas internacionais de contabilidade, principalmente no que se refere à Deliberação da CVM n degrees 534/08, que aprovou o Pronunciamento Técnico CPC 02 – Efeito das Mudanças nas Taxas de Câmbio e Conversão de Demonstrações Contábeis, estabelecendo o conceito da moeda funcional. Em conseqüência, a Empresa concluiu que o Dólar norte-americano é a sua moeda funcional e, para melhor entendimento, seus efeitos estão detalhados na nota explicativa 2 – Apresentação das Demonstrações Financeiras, que acompanha as Demonstrações Financeiras de 2008. A Empresa optou por reapresentar as cifras comparativas de 2007 de acordo com as novas práticas contábeis.
No último trimestre de 2008, a Embraer ampliou o número de clientes na carteira de pedidos firmes de jatos da família EMBRAER 170/190 de E-Jets, com a venda de 11 aeronaves para a British Airways, do Reino Unido. A Empresa entregou os primeiros EMBRAER 190 para a KLM Cityhopper, da Holanda, e EMBRAER 195 para a Azul Linhas Aéreas, a primeira companhia aérea brasileira a operar um E-Jet. A Regional – Compagnie Aérienne Européene, subsidiária integral da Air France, recebeu o 500 degrees EJet produzido pela Embraer. As novas vendas de jatos executivos da família Phenom aumentaram o número de contratos firmes para mais de 800 aeronaves. O jato Phenom 100, da categoria entry level, obteve o Certificado de Tipo da Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) e da Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), autoridades de aviação civil do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos, e as duas primeiras unidades foram entregues. O Lineage 1000, jato da categoria ultra-large, recebeu no final do ano o Certificado de Tipo da ANAC e da European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), além da Certificação de Tipo Suplementar (Supplemental Type Certificate – STC) da FAA. No segmento de Defesa e Governo, a Embraer se destacou pela efetivação de mais um importante contrato de venda do Super Tucano na América Latina com a República Dominicana, além da venda de uma aeronave para o transporte de autoridades na Ásia, para o Royal Thai Army (Exército Tailandês). Em dezembro, foi assinado um aditivo contratual com a Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) para o programa A-1M de modernização das aeronaves AMX.
A carteira de pedidos firmes da Embraer encerrou o 4T08 em US$ 20,9 bilhões, representando uma queda de 3,2% em relação ao trimestre anterior, já refletindo os impactos da crise econômica mundial iniciada em setembro de 2008. Nesse período, a Empresa vendeu 11 aeronaves comerciais, ou cerca de 10% do total de 112 novos pedidos assinados em 2008. A carteira de pedidos firmes de E-Jets acumulou o total de 876 pedidos firmes e 810 opções de compra.
No 4T08, a Embraer entregou 44 E-Jets para o segmento de Aviação Comercial e oito Legacy 600, dois Phenom 100 e um EMBRAER 175 para o segmento de Aviação Executiva, além de quatro jatos para o segmento de Defesa e Governo. Durante 2008, as entregas totalizaram 204 jatos e a Embraer cumpriu a meta estabelecida junto ao mercado e seus clientes.
A receita líquida da Embraer no 4T08 foi de R$ 4.139,6 milhões, comparada a R$ 3.298,5 milhões registrada no 4T07, representando um crescimento de 25,5%. No exercício 2008, a receita líquida totalizou R$ 11.746,8 milhões, 17,5% maior que os R$ 9.993,7 milhões do exercício de 2007.
A margem bruta de 20,1% apurada no 4T08 representa queda quando comparada à margem de 21,9% do 4T07, enquanto que no exercício de 2008, a margem bruta apurada foi de 20,5 %, valor estável em relação ao resultado de 2007.
As despesas operacionais somaram R$ 396,6 milhões no último trimestre, representando um crescimento de 17,7% em relação aos R$ 336,9 milhões apurados no 4T07. A margem operacional ficou em 10,5%, menor que os 11,7% do ultimo trimestre de 2007. No exercício de 2008, as despesas operacionais aumentaram 16,1%, totalizando R$ 1.294,6 milhões, ante aos R$ 1.114,7 milhões apurados em 2007. Assim, a margem operacional no exercício de 2008 foi de 9,5%, ligeiramente maior que a de 2007 (9,4%).
O resultado líquido do 4T08 foi negativo em R$ 40,6 milhões, com margem líquida negativa de 1,0%, apresentando queda quando comparado aos R$ 399,7 milhões e margem líquida de 12,1% do 4T07. O resultado líquido do exercício de 2008 apresentou queda de 63,8% em relação ao exercício anterior, diminuindo de R$ 1.185,2 milhões em 2007 para R$ 428,8 milhões em 2008, com margem líquida de 11,9% e 3,6%, respectivamente.
Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. Announces Flight School Operations
March 27, 2009
JACKSONVILLE, FL–(Marketwire – March 27, 2009) – The corporate president, Dean Bradley, is pleased to begin introducing Quasar Aerospace Industries, Inc. (QAI), formerly Equus Resources, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EQUR), to the public.
QAI is the holding company for a group of aviation related entities that by joining together help makes each of them more efficient and profitable. One of its wholly owned subsidiaries is Atlantic Aviation, Inc.
Atlantic Aviation, Inc. (AAI) operates a flight school at Herlong Airport in Jacksonville, FL. It is presently negotiating with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority for a long-term lease to build a state of the art flight training facility. The facility will have a 14,000 sq. ft. maintenance hangar that will hold six aircraft, a 6,750 sq. ft. administration, training building, and ramp parking for 25 aircraft when completed.
AAI was formed to respond to a critical shortage of flight school capacity in Florida with a particular demand for training international students. Once the initial school is operational, the goal is to market this “School Concept” as a turn-key franchise opportunity to aviation professionals around the country.
Atlantic has signed a letter of intent with a group from India to train foreign flight students, and has submitted an application to the U. S. Secretary of State for approval for this operation. When the program begins, we will start adding ten students per month until we are fully operational with 60 students in training at all times at varying stages of training and a full capacity of 80 students. The program runs for approximately six months, and each student pays $66,000 for the full program. At full capacity this one school could generate approximately ten million dollars in revenue with margins ranging from 38-45%. The flight training program currently has eight students enrolled.
In our next press release, we will tell you a little about Quasar Aircraft Corporation who are developing a four seat trainer aircraft and will be the developer of a twin engine, six seat very light jet aircraft.
Air Transport Association CEO Applauds FAA Leadership Selection
March 27, 2009
WASHINGTON, March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the administration’s announcement that it will name industry veteran Randy Babbitt as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“Randy Babbitt is a superb choice to lead the FAA. He has both the experience and the leadership skills to drive the modernization of our aging air traffic management system and to improve relations with air traffic controllers,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “I am enthusiastic about working with Randy, as well as Sec. LaHood, to increase the efficiency of air travel and to enhance what is already the safest aviation network in the world.”
ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.
Boeing, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Capital Deliver First Emirates SkyCargo 777 Freighter
March 27, 2009
– 777 Freighter marks the first Boeing delivery to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE)
EVERETT, Wash., March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA), DAE and Emirates SkyCargo today celebrated the first 777 Freighter delivery to the Dubai-based air freight carrier, and the first ever Boeing delivery to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Capital, the leasing arm of DAE, has a total of eight 777 Freighters on order.
“Today marks a milestone in our relationship with two key customers based in Dubai,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. “The unmatched efficiency and reliability of the 777 passenger models have made it the premier twin-aisle choice for our Middle East customers – so too, will the 777 Freighter enhance air freight delivery to and from the region at the best margins achievable.”
Emirates’ first 777 Freighter is shown here taking off from Paine Field in Everett during flight testing earlier this month.
Perot Systems Wins NASA Contract
March 26, 2009
FAIRFAX, Va., March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Perot Systems Corporation (NYSE: PER) announced today that its Fairfax, Virginia-based Government Services Business Unit, won a 5-year NASA Blanket Purchase Agreement with a potential value of $7.5 million. For this contract, Perot Systems will be providing engineering, technical and program management support to NASA’s Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE). Perot Systems has been providing engineering support services to the OCE since December 2005.
“Perot Systems is pleased to have been chosen by NASA to continue supporting the Office of the Chief Engineer. We appreciate NASA’s continued trust and are looking forward to continuing to provide 5-star service to them,” said Lee Carrick, President of Perot Systems Government Services.
About Perot Systems
Perot Systems is a worldwide provider of information technology services and business solutions. Through its flexible and collaborative approach, Perot Systems integrates expertise from across the company to deliver custom solutions that enable clients to accelerate growth, streamline operations and create new levels of customer value. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Perot Systems reported 2008 revenue of $2.8 billion. The company has more than 23,000 associates located in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.
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