Peruvian Airlines, the Peruvian startup, is getting ready for launching

July 7, 2009

The latest startup is in the process of filing all the necessary documents with the Civil Aviation Authority and hopes to launch some time later this year. The airline is owned by Grupo Kanagua, which is owned by a group of Peruvian investors headed up by Cesar Castanio.

Azul Linhas Aereas carried 650,000 passengers in its first six months

July 7, 2009

According to David Neeleman, the Brazilian startup has garnered 4.5% of the domestic market carrying 650,000 passengers in its first six months. The airline is now third in domestic market share, ahead of Ocean Air and WebJet. Load factor in May was 80%. It now serves 13 destinations with 74 daily flights. It plans to operate a total of 14 aircraft in 2010 and plans to reach a fleet size of 36 in the near future.

Southwest goes for the Mexican market

July 7, 2009

Kyle O’Neal, manager of code sharing marketing at the US’ largest airline, announced that Southwest is ready to internationalize itself through its code sharing agreement with Mexico’s Volaris. He stated, “This agreement allows us to expand our reach, without having to invest in capital and without flying to Mexico ourselves”. He also pointed out that Southwest has also signed a similar code sharing agreement with WestJet, and had one with a domestic airline which is no longer operating.

New airline to connect Belize with Cancun, Guatemala City and San Pedro Sula

July 7, 2009

Maya Island Air Regional, will begin service on July 8 with two daily roundtrip flights between Belize and Guatemala City and San Pedro Sula and two daily return flights between Belize and Cancun. The new airline is owned by Maya Island Air.

GE’s GE38 Engine Initiates First Full Engine Testing

July 7, 2009

LYNN, Massachusetts — July 7, 2009 — GE ushered in a new era of
helicopter propulsion on June 24 when the GE38 engine began its first
full engine test at GE Aviation’s Lynn, Massachusetts, facility.

Selected to power Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation’s CH-53K helicopter for
the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in December 2006, the GE38
represents the cornerstone for a new turboshaft/turboprop engine family,
with a revenue potential of more than $4 billion including heavy-lift
applications.

“This important milestone marks the beginning of the design validation
phase of the program and provides confidence the engine will be ready on
time to deliver unprecedented capability to the Marine Corps,” said
Harry Nahatis, GE38 Program Manager.

Testing of the GE38 is expected to run through 2011, concurrent with a
full U.S. military qualification test program. This testing, conducted
under a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program contract,
includes five ground-test engines that will accumulate more than 5,000
engine test hours, plus 20 flight-test engines for the CH-53K
development aircraft.

Capable of producing more than 7,500 shaft-horsepower at sea level, the
GE38 architecture is updated with new aerodynamics for more efficient
operation, plus improved cooling schemes and materials for added
durability.

The GE38 can provide up to 20% lower fuel consumption compared to other
engines in its class for longer range and/or heavier payload. Added
power provides mission flexibility and enhanced hot/high aircraft
performance, while its simplified design translates to improved
reliability and a 50-80% operating and support cost advantage.

Assistair expands FBO services within the Spanish Mediterranean

July 7, 2009

Assistair Business Aviation Handling the fixed base operation (FBO) division of the Mallorca based aviation company Assistair Group, has announced the addition of two new FBOs to its existing Palma, Barcelona El Prat and Valencia airport bases. The new bases at Gerona and Ibiza airports have been opened in response to demand from existing Assistair customers who fly in and out of the destinations regularly. The facilities, which opened in late June,  reflect a continued growth of the Assistair business “Whilst others are being conservative in their development in the current economic climate, we see lots of opportunity for expansion. We are actively looking at other Mediterranean destinations including the South of France and Italy” states Catherine Gaisenband, founder and CEO of the Assistair group.
The existing FBOs handle some 10 000 passengers each year flying in and out of the airports on a range of aircraft from light Citation jets through to heavy aircraft such as Boeing Business Jets. “Generally most of our clients are European, but we have seen a shift in our customer base this year with an increase in the number of Russian, American and Middle Eastern passengers handled. They now account for about 25% of the company’s FBO business” added Catherine.  A similar client base is expected to use the new FBOs and it is likely some 2000 passengers will travel through them over the next six months.  “The beginning of the year was quiet, however May saw private aviation activity increase” continues Catherine “ so we are looking forward to developing the business in Ibiza and Gerona.”
Gerona has seen an increase in requirements from passengers visiting the Costa Brava’s growing industrial areas which Assistair hopes to capitalise on.  In Ibiza the additional FBO will sit alongside the existing Assistair Flight Support services operation that is already established working with commercial airlines.
Contemporarily styled, with modern design and a fresh feel following the company’s recent rebrand, the new bases’ decor will mirror the Valencia and Palma FBO styling, and will set the tone for any future facilities.
Each operation offers a full range of passenger and crew services including handling, slot co-ordination, VIP catering, travel arranging, and weather control and flight planning. Passengers will also be able to make the most of international TV channels, and complimentary internet access.
The opening of the new FBOs is part of a longer term strategy to develop a Mediterranean corridor of Assistair FBOs “Our plan is to expand our range of services throughout the Mediterranean, as well as diversifying in our service offering” says Catherine “however it is very important for us that we maintain the personal service levels our customers have come to expect and really value”.
Assistair Appoints Emerald Media Spain as their PR agency.
To support their expansion and continued branding strategy Assistair have appointed Emerald Media Spain as their PR agency. “We have invested a lot of time, money and effort in our new brand. Combined with our expansion plans, this makes it the right time to bring in external expertise for our communications to let everybody know about us” says Catherine “we are delighted to work with Emerald as they have the same enthusiasm, energy and passion for aviation as Assistair.”

Apple Vacations Announces New Non-Stop Flights from Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport to Cancun, Mexico

July 1, 2009

LANSING, Mich., July 1 /PRNewswire/ — Apple Vacations has announced new non-stop air service from Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport to Cancun, Mexico. Flights are scheduled to begin December 27, 2009 on USA 3000 Airbus A320 150-seat jets. The service represents the first new international air service to fly non-stop to an international destination from the Lansing airport.

“This is great news for all Michigan travelers,” said Robert Selig, Executive Director of the Capital Region Airport Authority. “We hope this is just the first of several new international air service announcements for the Capital Region International Airport. Look for more non-stop flights from Lansing to exciting, fun destinations worldwide in the future. The Capital Region International Airport is now officially a gateway to Michigan for international travel.”

The Capital Region International Airport recently opened a new $4.3 million, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station located at the east end of the main terminal. The Capital Region International Airport is now the only international airport in Michigan outside Detroit with a full-service U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspection Station. The new inspection station is capable of processing up to 200 international airline passengers per hour.

In recent years, the Capital Region International Airport has been the site of nearly $20 million in airport improvement projects that included extending the main airport runway to 8,500 feet.

Kaman Awarded Joint Programmable Fuze Contract Options

July 1, 2009

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., July 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — (Nasdaq: KAMN) Kaman Corporation announced today that its Precision Products operation has entered into a contract modification with the United States Air Force (USAF) for the award of Options 6, 7 and 8 under the company’s multi-option Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) contract. The modification provides new prices and quantities for the next three option buys upon exercise and updates the original contract negotiated in 1997.

The new value of the next option (Option 6) of the contract is approximately $53 million. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2010. Upon exercise, the value of Options 7 and 8 will depend on the quantity options selected by the USAF, add-ons, foreign military orders and future funding.

“This contract modification award is the result of our efforts to attain profitability on sales of the JPF to the Air Force,” said Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Jim Larwood, Division President, Precision Products added, “We expect sales to the USAF under this revised contract to be profitable and support our long-term strategy and expectations for the Precision Products business.” Keating concluded, “The successful negotiation of this contract modification has been a long term goal for Jim and his team and we are very pleased with their efforts and the result.”

The JPF is an electro-mechanical bomb safing and arming device for the USAF. The JPF allows the settings of a weapon to be programmed in flight and is the current bomb fuze of choice of the USAF. In addition to the USAF, multiple nations currently utilize the JPF and further international market growth is planned. Kaman produces more than 2,000 JPFs per month at facilities in Orlando, Florida and Middletown, Connecticut.

Safe Harbor Statement

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are more fully described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update the information contained herein, except as required by law.

About Kaman Corporation

Kaman Corp., headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn. conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safing and arming solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; and support for the company’s SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. Kaman is also one of the nation’s leading industrial distribution companies for power transmission, motion control, material handling and electrical components from nearly two hundred locations throughout North America.

Volaris Airlines Launches Its First International Service at LAX

July 1, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – July 1, 2009) – Mexico’s leading low-fare air carrier — Volaris Airlines — today celebrates the launch of its first international service at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with daily non-stop service to Toluca and Guadalajara, Mexico with flights operating from Terminal 2. Using a modern fleet of Airbus A320s, Volaris offers air travelers an On-Time and Baggage policy, more service options and value for travel to Mexico.

“Volaris’ service at LAX is an acknowledgment of our efforts to modernize our airport and our decades-long commitment to sustainable design and service,” said Michael Molina, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Senior Director of External Affairs. “We are thrilled to welcome Volaris to LAX, one of America’s premier airports and the sixth busiest airport in the world.”

Since its inception three years ago, Volaris has transported more than 8 million customers to 21 cities in Mexico and has received awards for its high customer satisfaction and on-board services.

“Los Angeles represents one of the most attractive U.S. destinations for Mexicans traveling for business or leisure purposes, or to visit family and friends,” said Enrique Beltranena, Volaris’ Managing Director. “We are certain that now that our outstanding service, on-time guarantees, and affordable prices have opened up in Los Angeles, we will be favored by customers.”

The Volaris aircraft average only 2.5 years old and feature leading edge technology, leather seats, in-flight entertainment on all flights, and wide legroom. Volaris’ On-Time and Baggage policy guarantees a passenger’s money back if a flight is delayed 30 minutes or if baggage fails to arrive at the destination.

Volaris’ schedule of service to/from LAX:

Los Angeles (LAX) to            Toluca (TLC) to
Toluca (TLC)                    Los Angeles (LAX)
---------------------           ----------------------
Depart - Arrive                 Depart - Arrive
---------------------           ----------------------
2:05 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.           11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Los Angeles (LAX) to            Guadalajara (GDL) to
Guadalajara (GDL)               Los Angeles (LAX)
---------------------           ----------------------
Depart - Arrive                 Depart - Arrive
---------------------           ----------------------
12:30 a.m. - 05:40 a.m.         11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
2:50 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.           9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.

Los Angeles World Airports is a City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates four airports in Southern California: Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International, and Van Nuys Airport (general aviation).

About Volaris

Volaris is a Mexican airline that offers customers a unique travel experience — featuring an easy ticket purchasing process and an on-time guarantee on all flights. With 21 aircraft, Volaris has the youngest and most modern fleet in Mexico serving 23 airports plus two international routes. It started operations in March 2006.

Alaska Airlines y Horizon Air Ofrecen Promoción “Vuele Ahora, Disfrute del Paraíso Después”

July 1, 2009

01/07/2009 /PR Newswire Latinoamerica/ — Los Clientes que viajen por Alaska o Horizon desde la Zona de la Bahía Podrán Ganar Descuentos en el Nuevo Servicio Sin Escala a Hawai de Alaska

SEATTLE, 1 de julio /PRNewswire/ — Los clientes que vuelen con Alaska Airlines o Horizon Air desde la zona de la bahía entre el 1 de julio y el 30 de septiembre de 2009 tienen la posibilidad de ganar un descuento de hasta 40% en los nuevos vuelos sin escala que ofrece Alaska Airlines entre Oakland, California, y las Islas de Hawai, a partir de esta temporada de otoño.

Para poder participar, los clientes deben ser miembros o registrarse en el Plan de Millaje de Alaska Airlines e inscribirse en la promoción a través del sitio web alaskaair.com/baytoparadise. Luego, cualquier viaje que realicen por Alaska Airlines o Horizon Air desde San Francisco, Oakland, San José, Sacramento y Santa Rosa, California, hasta cualquier destino de Alaska Airlines o Horizon Air, les permitirá ganar descuentos para dos pasajeros en los nuevos vuelos sin escala que ofrece Alaska entre Oakland y Hawai. La escala de descuentos es la siguiente: para dos viajes, 20% de descuento, para tres viajes, 30% de descuento y para cuatro o más viajes, 40% de descuento. Los clientes recibirán un descuento mínimo de 10% sólo por registrarse.

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