BENTAL’S UNIFIED G-054 POWERPACK PROVES SUPERIOR CHOICE ONBOARD ELBIT SYSTEMS NEW HERMES 90 UAV

June 18, 2009

Le Bourget, June 17, 2009…Bental Industries, Ltd., Israel’s defense industry leading electric motion, and UAV stabilized payload systems supplier, announces it will integrate its Starter Generator system G-054 on Elbit Systems new Hermes 90 UAV.  Slated for debut at the Paris Air Show this year, the Hermes 90 will utilize Bental’s power pack to provide, as part of the UAV gasoline engine, electric power to its systems.

Bental’s system, boasts hundreds of successful flight hours many under strenuous combat conditions.  These sophisticated, PMG (Permanent Magnet Generator) brushless DC Starter Generator systems, based on rare earth magnet technology, are specifically designed for integration on UAV gasoline engines.

TAM Signs a 12-Year OnPoint Solution Agreement for Its GE90 Engine Fleet

June 18, 2009

LE BOURGET-June 16, 2009-TAM S.A., Brazil’s largest airline, has signed
a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GE Aviation for a 12-year
OnPointSM solution agreement for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of
its GE90-115B engine. The engines power TAM’s 10 Boeing 777-300ER
aircraft. The OnPoint solution agreement is valued at $345 million over
the life of the contract.

“GE’s GE90-115B engines have demonstrated outstanding fuel burn and low
emissions, which are very important to our airline,” said TAM CEO David
Barioni Neto. “This OnPoint agreement will ensure our GE90-115B engines
remain in top condition with high-quality OEM service and material.”

“We are pleased TAM has the continued confidence in GE Aviation to sign
this OnPoint solution agreement for its new GE90 engine fleet,” said
Kevin McAllister, vice president and general manager of sales for GE
Aviation. “GE Aviation has been the MRO provider for TAM’s CF6-80E1
engines and CFM56-5B* engines for several years, and we look forward to
providing the same high-quality service and support to its GE90-115B
engines.”

TAM is the first Latin American airline to operate the GE90-115B-powered
Boeing 777-300ER. The first aircraft was delivered in August 2008. TAM
operates its 777-300ERs on international flights within South America
and to Europe.

OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the
operational and financial needs of each customer for any size fleet.
These agreements are designed to help lower the customers’ cost of
ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Backed by GE’s global
support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support,
new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades,
engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and
integrated systems.

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.

The Government Of The Arab Republic Of Egypt Orders Three AW109 Power Helicopters

June 16, 2009

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt through the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for three AW109 Power light twin helicopters. The AW109 Power Helicopters will be operated by the Egyptian Air Force and used to perform emergency medical service (EMS) duties on behalf of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Defence is the first customer for the AW109 Power in Egypt.

The AW109 Power is a highly versatile twin engine helicopter and offers the highest levels of performance with low operating costs. The AW109 Power EMS due to its spacious cabin for patient and medical staff delivers the finest patient care environment of any helicopter in its class. The AW109 Power is certified for single or dual pilot IFR flight and has excellent one engine inoperative performance and has high levels of system redundancy for improved levels of safety.

The spacious patient/medical staff cabin of the AW109 Power for emergency medical service (EMS) is completely separate from the cockpit, allowing 2 or 3 attendants full access to the two longitudinally placed litters without disruption to the cockpit. The co-pilot seat is reversible for an additional medical attendant. Both single and dual litter configurations are available. Internal as well as baggage bay storage are provided with dedicated equipment and patient loading is facilitated through large cabin doors on either side of the fuselage. The internal layout includes provision for the installation of all necessary medical equipment to treat patients whilst in transit. Standard oxygen and power supply units are positioned on both the cabin rear bulkhead and upper side panels.

The operators of AW109 Power EMS helicopters are serving communities around the world helping to save many lives every day of the year, while setting the new standard for aeromedical helicopter in its class. More than 470 helicopters have been ordered for both civil and paramilitary purposes from almost 50 countries. The AW109 Power range of roles also includes VIP/corporate, law enforcement, maritime applications, harbour pilot shuttle, training.

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LAN Signs MOU for 12-Year OnPoint Solution Agreement for Its GE90 Engine Fleet

June 16, 2009

LE BOURGET-June 16, 2009-LAN Cargo has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) With GE Aviation for a 12-year OnPointSM solution
agreement for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of its GE90-110B
engine that power its four Boeing 777 Freighters. The OnPoint solution
agreement is valued at $135 million over the life of the contract.

“GE Aviation has provided engine maintenance, repair and overhaul
services for LAN Airlines CF6-80C2 and CFM56-5C* engines for several
years,” said Doug Izarra, regional general sales manager for Latin
America and the Caribbean for GE Aviation. “We are pleased the LAN Cargo
has selected GE as the MRO provider for its GE90 engine fleet and look
forward to providing outstanding service and support.”

Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, LAN Cargo is part of LAN Airlines, one
of the largest airlines in Latin America. LAN Airlines offers its Latin
American passengers one of the most modern air fleets in the world with
84 passenger aircraft and 11 cargo aircraft. In November 2008, GE
recognized LAN for achieving 1.5 million flight hours with its GE’s
reliable CF6-80C2 engine fleet that powers its Boeing 767 aircraft.

OnPoint solutions are customized service agreements tailored to the
operational and financial needs of each customer for any size fleet.
These agreements are designed to help lower the customers’ cost of
ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Backed by GE’s global
support network, OnPoint services may include overhaul, on wing support,
new and used-serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades,
engine leasing, integrated systems support and diagnostics and
integrated systems.

Cebu Pacific Signs 12-Year OnPoint Solution Agreement

June 16, 2009

LE BOURGET, France – June 16, 2009 – Philippine low-fare carrier Cebu Pacific has signed a 12-year OnPointSM solution agreement with GE Aviation’s Services business for the maintenance and overhaul of the CFM56-5B* engines powering the airline’s fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft.

The agreement, which covers the –5B engines powering recently announced fleet of 10 purchased A320s, is valued at more than $100 million U.S. over the life of the contract.

Cebu Pacific, the first low-fare carrier in Asia, is headquartered in Manila.  It is a subsidiary of the JG Summit Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines.  The airline began operation in 1996 and has been a pioneer of the “low-fare, great value” strategy in the local aviation industry.

Cebu, the leading low cost airline in the Philippines, is the third largest LCC in Asia and operates flights to 46 domestic and international destinations.  It also offers the most flights to the ASEAN region from the Philippines with operational hubs in Manila, Cebu and Clark.

OnPoint solutions are flexible, long-term commitments designed to meet customers’ unique engine services needs.  Backed by GE’s world-class support, these solutions help lower our customers’ cost-of-ownership and maximize the use of their assets. Available OnPoint services include overhaul, on wing support, new and used serviceable parts, component repair, technology upgrades, engine leasing and diagnostics.

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 integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.

Cebu Pacific Expands CFM56-5B-Powered Airbus Fleet; Places $155 Million Engine Order

June 16, 2009

LE BOURGET, France — June 16 2009 — Cebu Pacific has selected CFM International’s CFM56-5B engine to power 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft in a firm engine order valued at approximately $155 million U.S., including spare engines.  The airline is scheduled to take its first aircraft in October 2010, with deliveries continuing through November 2013.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) took delivery of its first CFM-powered Airbus A320 in 2005.  Today, the airline operates a fleet of 21 A319/A320 aircraft, 100% powered by CFM56-5B engines.

CEB, the leading low cost airline in the Philippines and the third largest LCC in Asia, operates flights to 46 domestic and international destinations.  It also offers the most flights to the ASEAN region from the Philippines with operational hubs in Manila, Cebu and Clark.  CEB continues to show leadership in innovation and technology.  It was the first local airline to introduce E-ticketing, pre-paid excess baggage, and seat selection in the Philippines.

By selecting the CFM56-5B Tech Insertion configuration, Cebu Pacific continues to take steps in reducing its operating costs.  Over the engine’s life cycle, CFM56 Tech Insertion will provide the airline better specific fuel consumption, which translates to better fuel burn and, as a result, lower CO2 emissions.  The engine also meets the new International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Committee of Aviation Environmental Protection standards (CAEP /6) that took effect in early 2008.

Tech Insertion will also result in longer time on wing through an equivalent 15 – 20° C additional exhaust gas temperature margin; between 5 and 15% percent lower maintenance costs (depending on the thrust rating) through enhanced durability. These benefits are achieved through improvements to the high-pressure compressor, the combustor, and the high- and low-pressure turbines.

CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.

Etihad Airways Selects Engine Alliance for GP7200 Engines and Fleet Management Agreement

June 16, 2009

LE BOURGET – June 16, 2009 – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has selected Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its 10 new firm Airbus A380 aircraft. The Abu Dhabi-based airline has also signed a multi-year long-term Fleet Management Agreement with the Engine Alliance for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of its firm GP7200 engine fleet. Total value of the deal is more than $1.3 billion (USD).

A380 deliveries to Etihad Airways are scheduled to begin in 2012. The Engine Alliance will manage  services for the GP7200 engine and utilize the MRO capabilities of its member companies, GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, as well as other MRO facilities in its support network.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, said: “Engine Alliances’ engines offer impressive propulsion technology combined with a great support package. The GP7200-powered A380s will play an integral role in our ambitious expansion plan in the coming years. The deal represents the best overall engines solution, taking into account operational, environmental and financial factors.”

“We are delighted with Etihad Airways’ GP7200 engine selection,” said Jim Moravecek, Engine Alliance President. “Our best-in-class fuel consumption product on the aircraft and our commitment to fulfill Etihad’s service needs will enable them to improve revenue generation activities at the lowest operating costs possible.  We look forward to playing a role in Etihad’s growth plans for the region and beyond.”

Etihad Airways has achieved significant growth since it first took to the skies in November 2003 and today maintains its position as the world’s fastest-growing commercial airline. From its hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad operates one of youngest and most environmentally efficient fleets in the world, which is set to grow to 52 by the end of 2009. The award-winning airline also aims to increase its passenger numbers this year to seven million, an increase of 15 percent, while also launching into new markets and further developing its global flight network.

The GP7200 is derived from two successful wide-body engine programs, the GE90 and the PW4000. It benefits from the two programs’ latest, proven technologies and the lessons learned from more than 25 million flight hours of successful operation. Certified at 76,500 pounds (340 kN) of thrust, the engine has the capability to produce more than 81,500 pounds (363 kN) of thrust. The GP7200 is the quietest, most fuel efficient engine for the A380, and its emissions are well below current and anticipated regulations.

The GP7200 is manufactured at GE and Pratt & Whitney, with GE assembling the core in Durham, NC (North Carolina), and Pratt &Whitney manufacturing the fan module, low pressure compressor and low pressure turbine.  Final engine assembly is conducted at Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Center in Middletown, CT (Connecticut). GP7000 Engine Program participants include SNECMA (France), Techspace Aero (Belgium) and MTU Aero Engines (Germany).

The GP7200 entered revenue service in August 2008, with the first Emirates A380. Since entering service, the GP7200-powered A380 has not had an in-flight shutdown and has demonstrated a departure reliability rate greater than 99.9%.

In addition to Emirates, the Engine Alliance GP7200 has been selected to power A380 aircraft for Air France, Korean Airlines, and the International Lease Finance Company (ILFC). Air France is scheduled to receive its first GP7200-powered A380 aircraft in October.

The Engine Alliance is a 50/50 joint venture of General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

AirAsia X orders the A350 XWB

June 16, 2009

Long haul low cost carrier places firm order for 10 aircraft

AirAsia X, the long haul low cost affiliate of Malaysia’s AirAsia Group, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 10 A350 XWB aircraft. The airline will use the aircraft on a network linking its Asian hub in Kuala Lumpur with destinations worldwide, especially in Europe and Australia. AirAsia X has selected the A350-900 variant for its fleet, which will be configured to seat more than 400 passengers in a two-class layout.

“Business is all about timing and long-term strategy,” said Tony Fernandes, Director and Founder of AirAsia X. “At AirAsia we have always planned for the long-term. By buying the A350 XWB the strategy of AirAsia and AirAsia X is now fixed all the way to 2020. The vision of creating the world’s first long haul and short haul low-cost airline is complete and we are all very excited.”

“We selected the A350 XWB for the step-change it offers in terms of operating economics and its exceptional passenger appeal,” said Azran Osman Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X. “With the A350 XWB in our fleet we will be able to set new standards in the low cost long haul market, making it possible for more people to fly further in comfort at ever more affordable prices.”

“We are extremely pleased to add AirAsia X to the customer base of the A350 XWB,” said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “Offering a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn, the all-new A350 XWB will shape new levels of efficiency in the mid-size widebody category and will enable AirAsia X to benefit from the lowest possible operating costs per seat of any aircraft in its class.”

The A350 XWB  Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions.

The A350 has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns.

Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 493 from 31 customers worldwide.

Brit Air Orders CF34-8-Powered Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen Aircraft

June 16, 2009

Brit Air Orders CF34-8-Powered Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen Aircraft
LE BOURGET – June 16, 2009 – Brit Air has firmed up engine orders for
six Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen jetliners, powered by GE Aviation’s
CF34-8 engines. The order was initially announced in October 2008. The
total aircraft and engine order is valued at approximately $300 million
list price.

Brit Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air France, is one of three
launch customers for the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft program. The airline’s
fleet currently includes 15 Bombardier CRJ100 and 15 Bombardier CRJ700
regional jets, all powered by CF34 engines.

“We are very pleased that Brit Air is depending upon our highly reliable
CF34 engines to power its new aircraft fleet,” said David Joyce,
President and CEO of GE Aviation. “This order demonstrates Brit Air’s
continuing commitment to GE’s technologically advanced products.”

The CRJ1000 will be offered with the CF34-8C5, -8C5A1, and -8C5A2 engine
models. The -8C5A2, the latest version, is scheduled to enter revenue
service in 2010. For the CRJ1000, the engines feature a new first-stage,
high-pressure turbine nozzle and other enhancements for durability and
is targeted to deliver up to 12 percent lower engine maintenance costs.
The -8C5A2 will be rated at the same 14,510 pounds of thrust as the
original -8C5, but with greater thrust capability at takeoff.

The CF34-8 family has more than 1,350 engines in service powering the
Bombardier CRJ700 with the CF34-8C1 and -8C5B1 engines (13,800 pounds of
thrust), the CRJ900 with the CF34-8C5 engine (14,500 pounds of thrust),
and the EMBRAER 170/175 with the CF34-8E5 (14,500 pounds of thrust). The
CF34-8C1 has incorporated technology from the -8C5 version to create a
common engine for the CRJ700 and CRJ900. To date, 95 percent of the
CRJ700 fleet is under contract for this upgrade.

Bombardier and GE worked together to help usher in the era of regional
jet airliners in the early 1990s with the CRJ100 and CRJ200 50-seater
aircraft, powered by the CF34-3. During this decade, the larger CRJ700
and CRJ900 aircraft entered service powered by the CF34-8C5 engine
family. Today, more than 6,000 CF34 engines power Embraer E-Jets*,
Bombardier CRJ** Series regional jets and Challenger** business jets.

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 integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical
systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to
support these offerings.

ATR and Royal Air Maroc sign contract for 8 ATR ‘-600 series aircraft, including 2 options

June 16, 2009

On the occasion of the Paris Air Show, Morocco’s flag carrier Royal Air Maroc and ATR today signed a contract for the purchase of 4 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-600s aircraft, plus options for 2 additional ATR 72-600s. This contract follows an agreement inked and announced in March 2009. The aircraft will be operated by Regional Air Maroc Express, the new regional subsidiary of the airline, which will be launched in the next weeks and has been created in cooperation with the Moroccan Public Authorities.

The deliveries of these ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft will start in 2011. Meanwhile, in order to ease the launch of Royal Air Maroc Express, the airline will lease 4 ATR 72-200s from ATR. The first ATR 72-200 is currently being delivered.

These ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s, configured with 48 and 70-seats respectively, will be equipped with a new avionics suite featuring the most advanced technologies in navigation aid and communication tools. The aircraft will also be equipped with an enhanced cabin in order to offer higher comfort to the passengers.

Commenting on this contract, Driss Benhima, President of Royal Air Maroc, declared: “We are very pleased to introduce the ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft in Morocco and to become its first operator in the Mediterranean region. The ATR’-600 series’, because of their low operating costs and their performances, particularly in hot and high environments, are perfectly adapted to the needs of our regional transport. With these aircraft, we will offer our passengers aircraft featuring the highest standards of comfort and environmental friendliness. We are pleased to name them the ‘greenliners’ of the regional aviation”. He added: “We have decided to introduce the ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft in order to develop our regional network, enhance the air connectivity between Moroccan towns and reinforce their appeal, thus contributing to promote national tourism. We are pleased to provide our fellow clients with appropriate timetables and frequencies.”

Stéphane Mayer, ATR Chief Executive Officer, underlined his satisfaction of counting Royal Air Maroc, such a prestigious African carrier, among ATR customers. “We are especially satisfied of participating in the launch of its regional subsidiary with aircraft featuring the most reduced CO2 emissions of the regional market. With their new ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s, Royal Air Maroc Express will be able to develop its network with aircraft which, because of their low operating costs, are well positioned to optimize each flight’s profitability”. The Chief Executive Officer of ATR also said that “with the new developments of the ATR ‘600 series’ in passenger comfort, particularly with the new seats and the enlarged overhead bins, ATR is pleased to contribute to the high-quality service provided by Royal Air Maroc”.

Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 998 aircraft (424 ATR 42s and 574 ATR 72s).

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