Goodyear Celebrates 111 Years of Innovation
August 28, 2009
AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In celebration of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s 111th anniversary, the company is recognizing its most significant moments in history with a compilation of “Goodyear’s top 111 innovations, inspirations and historic firsts.”
The list reflects Goodyear’s pioneering spirit of innovation throughout the years, which has been felt across the earth, the skies and even the moon.
“Innovation is what has made Goodyear what it is today,” said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear’s senior vice president and chief technical officer. “Not only is innovation an important part of our past, but it’s even more so our goal for the future.”
More than a century of innovation has secured Goodyear’s place in history. Some of the company’s most memorable contributions include:
- 1901: Goodyear adopts the wingfoot trademark, saying it will help Goodyear circle the Earth.
- 1908: Goodyear develops the All-Weather tread design. The diamond-shaped studded pattern would be used for more than 40 years with only minor modifications and become a well-known symbol of Goodyear tire quality.
- 1918: The Wingfoot Express makes the first cross-country trucking journey from Boston to San Francisco, demonstrating the toughness and reliability of Goodyear tires. It was also the first truck to feature a sleeper cab.
- 1920: Goodyear Hall (a center containing an auditorium, classrooms, recreational facilities and the state’s largest gymnasium at the time) is constructed in Akron, Ohio. A dream of future CEO P.W. Litchfield, the center made Goodyear a pioneer of employee wellness and education.
- 1925: Goodyear’s first commercial blimp, the Pilgrim, debuts. The airship is 50,000 cubic feet and is the first non-rigid craft to use helium.
- 1947: Goodyear establishes one of the earliest industrial programs to encourage protection of the environment, the Goodyear Conservation Awards recognizing resource management. In 1973, Keep America Beautiful Inc. would select Goodyear’s environmental improvement program as the nation’s best.
- 1963: The Orange Bowl becomes the first live sporting event to be nationally broadcast to television from a Goodyear blimp.
- 1970: Goodyear tires land on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission.
- 1977: Goodyear introduces the Tiempo, the first tire designed for year-round use in all climates. The Tiempo would become the most successful tire in company history, selling 3.5 million in the first year.
- 1991: Goodyear launches the Aquatred, which would become the most award-winning tire in industry history. With its unique, deep-groove aquachannel, the tire set new standards for wet traction and changed the way drivers think about new tires.
- 2009: Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires help save consumers gas money by reducing rolling resistance compared to the Goodyear Assurance.
Goodyear was founded Aug. 29, 1898 by Frank Seiberling in Akron, Ohio.
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs nearly 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.
Emivest Aerospace Flies Morgan Freeman’s SJ30
August 28, 2009
August 27, 2009 – Emivest Aerospace Corporation (EAC) is pleased to announce the first flight of Morgan Freeman’s SJ30, serial number 010 – N30GZ. The aircraft flew this morning under a beautiful Texas sky by EAC Production Pilot Bryan Dennsion and EAC Chief Test Pilot John Siemens. This marks the beginning of the production flight test of the aircraft and makes the second SJ30 to enter into production flight test this year. SN 008 which flew earlier this summer is scheduled to be delivered to the customer within 2 weeks.
SN 010 is scheduled to enter into the Jet Works Air Center’s facility in Denton, Texas as early as next week for completion work. SN 010 will receive its interior completion, exterior paint, and the installation of an HF radio SELCAL, Garmin 500 with XM weather, XM radio, entertainment package, cockpit speaker mute switch, and dual mode S transponders (with enhanced surveillance) upgrades.
We are looking forward to delivering the aircraft to Mr. Freeman, and thus help him in checking his SJ30 purchase off his “bucket list”.
Korea National Police Agency Order An AW119Ke
August 28, 2009
AgustaWestland and UI International (UII) are pleased to announce they have been awarded a contract by the Korean Public Procurement Services to supply the Korea National Police Agency (KNPA) with one AW119Ke law enforcement helicopter as part of an on-going programme to modernise the Police helicopter fleet.
This is the first AW119Ke to be purchased by the Korean Government and the third law enforcement helicopter sold into the Korean market. It will join two KNPA AW109 helicopters that have been in service for a number of years. The AW119 Koala enhanced is a spacious 8 seat single engine helicopter developed to enhance safety and provide high productivity and performance at a competitive price. The large unobstructed cabin permits rapid re-configuration for a variety of missions such as utility, passenger transport, emergency medical services and the very popular law enforcement role. The high power margins deliver outstanding performance that makes the AW119Ke the most cost effective helicopter in its class.
AgustaWestland and United Industries International believe that this latest addition to the KNPA fleet of law enforcement helicopters will represent a step up in capability for the Korean Law Enforcement service in the country. To support the role the helicopter will be equipped with a powerful search light and cargo hook for utility operations. UI Helicopter (UIH), a subsidiary of the UI Group has established a fully approved AgustaWestland Customer Support Facility in Korea to provide local support to the KNPA.
Earlier this year the first AW139 helicopter was delivered to the Gangwon Fire Fighting Department marking the first delivery into Korea of this popular new generation medium twin engine helicopter. Three more AW139 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered into Korea before the end of this year and AgustaWestland has high hopes that the Korean market will provide an excellent opportunity for the AW139 and other AgustaWestland products.
Airbus delivers its 4000th A320 Family aircraft to TAM
August 28, 2009
Ferry flight to deliver charity donation to support schools
Airbus has delivered its 4000th A320 Family aircraft to Brazilian flag carrier TAM from its Final Assembly Line in Hamburg. The aircraft, an A319, was handed over to TAM in the presence of the President of the Board of TAM, Maria Claudia Oliveira Amaro as well as Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders.
The aircraft is powered with IAE engines and configured in a comfortable single-class lay-out seating 144 passengers. On the A319’s ferry flight from Hamburg to Brazil, TAM will transport goods for schools for handicapped children in the region. The equipment was donated by Aviation without Borders Germany (LOG) and facilitated by the Airbus Foundation.
Maria Claudia Oliveira Amaro, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAM said: “TAM’s acquisition of the 4000th A320 Family aircraft is another milestone in our partnership with Airbus. It will be an even bigger excitement when TAM’s aircraft heads for Brazil, as it will also be contributing to an important initiative in the social responsibility arena.”
“The delivery of our 4000th A320 Family aircraft to TAM not only speaks for the tremendous success of the A320 programme, but also for our strong relationship with TAM , the largest Airbus operator in the Southern Hemisphere” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.
Daniel Baubil, Executive Vice President A320 Family Programme added: “The A320 Family is without doubt the world’s most eco-efficient, modern and reliable aircraft family in its market segment. And the programme’s success will continue as constant improvements in aerodynamics, weight reduction, operational improvements and increased cabin comfort will further strengthen the A320 Family’s market leadership.”
In July more than 10,000 Airbus employees involved in the programme at all Airbus’ sites celebrated the production of the 4000th A320 Family aircraft.
TAM became an Airbus A319 operator in 1998 with a historic combined order of 90 aircraft together with the airlines TACA and LAN. Today the airline operates a fleet of 125 Airbus aircraft. More than 350 Airbus aircraft are in operation in Latin America with 22 carriers. This represents more than 40 per cent of aircraft over 100 seats in service in Latin America.
The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly–by-wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. More than 6,400 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to 221 customers worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.
United Airlines Moves to Cash-Free Environment on Trans-Atlantic, Brazil and Argentina Flights
August 27, 2009
CHICAGO, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — United Airlines today announced that effective Sept. 2, the airline will accept only credit and debit cards for most onboard purchases on trans-Atlantic flights and on flights to and from Brazil and Argentina. To speed cabin service, provide receipts and increase efficiency, cash will no longer be accepted onboard these flights, except for duty-free purchases.
United introduced the popular EasyPurchase initiative worldwide in March, and ceased accepting cash in April on flights within the United States (including Hawaii) and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Feedback provided by thousands of customers in online surveys demonstrated wide acceptance for a cash-free environment. “Customers appreciate the simplicity and the speed with which cashless transactions can be done onboard,” said Lynda Coffman, managing director-Onboard Design and Strategy.
Customers on all United flights can use major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club, and debit cards bearing the Visa or MasterCard logos.
United will continue to accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards on flights to and from Asia. Also, cash will continue to be the accepted form of payment on United Express flights.
Users of United Mileage Plus Visa cards from Chase will earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on in-flight purchases. Travelers who apply and are approved for a Chase Mileage Plus Visa card using the exclusive onboard application will earn 30,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles and receive a $100 United discount travel certificate after their first purchase.
Boeing Announces New 787 Schedule and Third-Quarter Charge
August 27, 2009
CHICAGO, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today announced that the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner is expected by the end of 2009 and first delivery is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2010.
The new schedule reflects the previously announced need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft, along with the addition of several weeks of schedule margin to reduce flight test and certification risk. The company projects achieving a production rate of 10 airplanes per month in late 2013.
“This new schedule provides us the time needed to complete the remaining work necessary to put the 787’s game-changing capability in the hands of our customers,” said Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney. “The design details and implementation plan are nearly complete, and the team is preparing airplanes for modification and testing.”
Based on the revised schedule and other assumption updates, the company has determined that the 787 program is not in a forward-loss position.
However, separate from the updated program profitability assessment, the company has concluded that the initial flight-test airplanes have no commercial market value beyond the development effort due to the inordinate amount of rework and unique and extensive modifications made to those aircraft. Therefore, costs previously recorded for the first three flight-test airplanes will be reclassified from program inventory to research and development expense, resulting in an estimated non-cash charge of $2.5 billion pre-tax, or $2.21 per share, against third-quarter results. This charge will have no impact on the company’s cash outlook going forward.
The 787 team working the side-of-body reinforcement has completed initial testing and is finalizing design details of new fittings that are expected to ensure full structural integrity of the joint. The static test procedure that uncovered the issue will be repeated and the results fully analyzed before first flight is conducted. Fatigue testing also will be performed on stringer components to validate the long-term durability of the modification.
The first 787 test airplane and static test unit have been prepared for the new fittings. Installation is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
Boeing Anuncia Nuevo Cronograma del 787 y Cargo del Tercer Trimestre
August 27, 2009
27/08/2009 /PR Newswire Latinoamerica/ — The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) anunció hoy que el primer vuelo del avión 787 Dreamliner está previsto para fines de 2009, y que la primera entrega está programada para el cuarto trimestre de 2010.
El nuevo cronograma refleja la necesidad ya anunciada de reforzar un área dentro de la sección lateral del fuselaje del avión, además del agregado de varias semanas de margen en el cronograma para reducir el riesgo en las pruebas de vuelo y la certificación. La empresa prevé alcanzar una tasa de producción de 10 aeronaves por mes a fines de 2013.
“Este nuevo cronograma nos deja el tiempo necesario para completar el trabajo que falta, para que los clientes puedan contar con las capacidades revolucionarias del 787”, indicó Jim McNerney, Presidente del Directorio, Presidente y CEO de Boeing. “Los detalles de diseño y el plan de implementación están casi listos, y el equipo está preparando los aviones para las modificaciones y pruebas”.
Fuente: The Boeing Company
United Airlines Cambia por un Entorno Libre de Efectivo en Vuelos Transatlánticos y desde y hacia Brasil y Argentina
August 27, 2009
27/08/2009 /PR Newswire Latinoamerica/ — United Airlines anunció hoy que con vigencia a partir del 2 de septiembre la aerolínea aceptará sólo tarjetas de crédito y débito para la mayoría de las compras abordo en vuelos transatlánticos y vuelos desde y hacia Brasil y Argentina. Para agilizar el servicio de cabina, entregar comprobantes y aumentar la eficiencia, no se aceptarán pagos en efectivo abordo de estos vuelos, salvo en las compras libres de impuestos.
United introdujo la popular iniciativa “EasyPurchase” (Compra Fácil) en todo el mundo en marzo, y dejó de aceptar efectivo en abril en vuelos dentro de Estados Unidos (incluida Hawai) y en vuelos desde y hacia Canadá, México, América Central y el Caribe.
La información provista por miles de clientes en encuestas en línea demostró una amplia aceptación de la iniciativa de no utilizar efectivo. “Los clientes valoran la simplicidad y velocidad de realizar las operaciones a bordo sin utilizar efectivo”, dijo Lynda Coffman, Directora Gerente del Área de Diseño y Estrategia A Bordo.
Fuente: United Airlines
Hawker Beechcraft Unveils New, Larger Aircraft Service Center in Indianapolis
August 27, 2009
Expands capacity, adds interior modification and paint services
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 27, 2009) – To further its commitment to providing the best customer service and support, Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) today announced the grand opening of its newly expanded, factory-owned aircraft maintenance and service facility at Indianapolis International Airport (IND). The expansion marks a new chapter for the facility, which has provided world-class service to the region for almost 40 years. The FAA-certified, cutting-edge center specializes in Hawker and Beechcraft products, including the next-generation, all-composite fuselage Premier and Hawker 4000 aircraft.
“Hawker Beechcraft continues to focus on how to best reach and serve our broad base of customers,” said Christi Tannahill, vice president, Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Service and Support. “In response to the region’s growing base, we expanded the size of the already exceptional service center, added new capabilities and grew our team of highly trained technicians to create a trusted, one-stop, go-to source for customers.”
The HBS facility in Indianapolis has been serving the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions since 1971. The new facility is three times the size of the previous one, providing space to accommodate significantly more aircraft and generating additional economic activity in the area. The facility boasts a highly experienced staff, including several Master Technicians who collectively have nearly 200 years of experience. In addition, Indianapolis facility plans to add many new jobs over the next 18 months.
The new facility includes a 7,700-square-foot line service terminal operated by Signature Flight Support, a 47,300-square-foot maintenance hangar space and 23,000 square feet of customer areas, administrative offices and back shops. Master Technicians, EASA-certified mechanics, and knowledgeable, on-site factory technical representatives offer expert service. In addition to focusing on maintenance, repair and modification of airframes, powerplants, and avionics systems, the Indianapolis HBS facility offers world-class AOG (aircraft on ground) support. The new HBS service center will also now be offering custom interior modification services, with paint capabilities becoming available this fall.
Customers may also enjoy amenities such as fully equipped guest offices with WiFi Internet access, a comfortable lounge, a showroom stocked with the latest products and a design center for interior and exterior options.
“We are pleased by Hawker Beechcraft’s expansion at Indianapolis International Airport,” said Al Bennett, secretary of the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) board. “Not only will it bring additional jobs to the city, but having them as a aviation service provider will help us attract more private business and general aviation traffic throughout our airport system.”
For service at Hawker Beechcraft Services Indianapolis, customers can call 888.893.4488 or e-mail hbs_ind@hawkerbeechcraft.com.
Headquartered in Wichita, the HBS network of 10 factory-owned service centers provides professional aircraft maintenance and repair and modification capabilities in Little Rock, Ark.; Mesa, Ariz.; Tampa, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Wichita, Kan.; Houston, Tex.; San Antonio, Tex.; Toluca, Mexico; and Chester, UK.
Prize in Human-Powered Helicopter Contest Rises to $250,000 Thanks to Sikorsky Aircraft Pledge
August 27, 2009
STRATFORD, Conn., Aug. 27, 2009 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has increased its pledge to provide $250,000 in prize money for the Igor I. Sikorsky Human-Powered Helicopter Competition. Sikorsky previously had pledged $20,000 in prize money for whomever could win the competition by achieving the engineering feat. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
The competition, created by the American Helicopter Society International, challenges engineers to develop a human-powered helicopter that can reach an altitude of at least three meters during a hover lasting 60 seconds. No one has accomplished this feat yet. The official world record is held by Professor Akira Naito of Nihon University in Japan, with an altitude of 0.2 meters and flight duration of 19.46 seconds. Sikorsky Aircraft informed AHS International at its annual forum in May that the company would increase its pledged contribution, which AHS would award to the competition winner.
“Igor Sikorsky, founder of Sikorsky Aircraft, believed that individuals provide the spark that moves mankind ahead. This competition continues his legacy by inspiring ingenuity in the next generation of engineers who will design our industry’s future,” said Mark Miller, Vice President of Research and Engineering at Sikorsky Aircraft. “Our company is built on innovation. We believe strongly in the power of challenge.”
More information about the competition is available from the American Helicopter Society at 703-684-6777.
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