BBA Aviation – CEO Interviewed on Interim Results 2009
August 7, 2009
LONDON, August 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — BBA Aviation, the leading provider of flight support and aftermarket services and systems to the aviation industry, said while revenues in the first half were down 13 per cent, operating profits only fell 2 per cent on a like-for-like basis, to GBP50.6m, thanks to the “difficult” measures it had taken to mitigate against the downturn.
“One of the reasons that we have been so resilient through this first half is all our businesses demonstrate a low level of operational gearing and this means we can flex our cost base to meet the environment that we face,” Simon Pryce, Chief Executive, said in a video interview with Cantos.
“What I am really pleased to see, though, is the continued focus that we have on generating free cash flow, where we reduced our debts by over GBP100m in the first half of 2009 and we generated in excess of almost three times the free cash flow that we generated in 2008, and there is more of that to come.”
Air Transport Association Applauds Synthetic Fuels Specification Approval
August 5, 2009
WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the ASTM International Committee on Petroleum Products and Lubricants for passing a new specification that will enable the use of synthetic fuels in aviation. ASTM International is one of the largest standards- development organizations in the world.
“ATA is very pleased that the full committee has approved the ASTM International Aviation Fuels Subcommittee recommendation. The unanimous passage of this specification is significant for all consumers of jet fuel. For the airline industry specifically, this brings us one step closer to our aim of widespread production of cleaner, alternative fuels that will help the industry meet its environmental goals while enhancing the security and competitiveness of its energy supply,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May.
ATA has been a strong advocate for alternative aviation fuels, and is a founding member of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), a collaborative effort among airlines, engine and airframe manufacturers, airports, universities, the Federal Aviation Administration and others, to advance the production and acceptance of alternative aviation fuels. Read more about the airlines’ alternative fuels commitment and frequently asked questions on the ATA Web site.
ENAC Completes Tests For The First Helicopter IFR Route In Italy with An AW139 Helicopter
August 5, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the ENAC (Ente Nazionale Aviazione Civile – Italian Civil Aviation Authority) has successfully completed on July 28th the first stage of qualification and authorization tests for the creation of a helicopter low altitude IFR route between Turin and Venice in Italy, crossing the Pianura Padana (Po Valley).
The trials were performed using an AW139 medium twin engine helicopter specifically equipped to monitor and process the data generated by ground and satellite based navigation systems. In particular, the reliability of navigation data and the navigation capabilities of the AW139, a latest generation helicopter, were evaluated during the tests, whilst taking into account the expected evolution of satellite navigation systems.
Utilising air traffic services provided by ENAV (Ente Nazionale Assistenza al Volo – Italian Company for Air Navigation Services), units constantly tracked the aircraft whilst evaluating the radar coverage along the route and the navigational accuracy of the AW139 flying the 210 nm (around 385 km) route.
Giuseppe Orsi, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said “We are happy to have provided our contribution for the creation of helicopter low altitude IFR routes in Italy where the latest rotorcraft technology can play a major role supporting the development of a modern integrated transportation network in the country. These successful tests represent a significant step forward as part of our efforts, under the VertiPass programme in Italy, to pave the way for further exploitation of rotary-winged aircraft flexibility, safety and cost/effectiveness to the benefit of a larger and larger number of end-users. Under this programme AgustaWestland is committed to helping expand the use of rotorcraft platforms for passenger transport purposes in Italy”.
The activity, planned by ENAC and managed by ENAV with AgustaWestland involvement, is part of a number of initiatives to develop a dedicated network of low level IFR routes optimised for helicopter operations. These routes will be integrated into the airspace system and will utilise flight levels where icing conditions are not normally experienced and below where a pressurised cabin or oxygen would be required. In the presence of adverse weather conditions procedures will be developed for helicopters to abandon the use of dedicated IFR airspace, and utilise the airspace used also by fixed-winged aircraft.
Embraer Names 1st Authorized Service Center for the Phenom 100 in Europe
August 5, 2009
U.K.’s Inflite to support the Phenom family and the Legacy 600
São José dos Campos, August 5, 2009 – The U.K.’s Inflite maintenance services provider,
based at London Stansted Airport, was certified, this week, by the European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) for Phenom 100 maintenance. Inflite is the first Embraer authorized service
center in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to be awarded this certification.
“We are delighted to expand our relationship
with Inflite and achieve this important
milestone,” said Antonio Martini, Embraer Vice
President, Customer Support and Services –
Europe, the Middle East and Africa – Executive
Jets. “It’s very gratifying to celebrate another
EASA authorization in our network, just a few
days after receiving the certification of our own
service center in Le Bourget. We are working
hard to offer our Phenom customers the best
support in the EMEA region through a strong
network of authorized service centers.”
The Inflite maintenance staff has taken its theoretical training at Embraer CAE Training
Services (ECTS) and practical training at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, in Brazil.
“Inflite, which has been an authorized service center for the Legacy 600 super midsize jet since
2004, is proud to become the first authorized service center certified for the Phenom 100 in
Europe,” said Steve Buckingham, Managing Director of Inflite. “This exciting new entry level
jet is a welcome addition to our growing portfolio, and this award further cements our
commitment and relationship to the Embraer Executive Jet family.”
BELL HELICOPTER NAMES TEAM DETROIT AGENCY OF RECORD
August 5, 2009
FORT WORTH, TX – August 5, 2009 – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT)
company, today announced the company has selected Team Detroit as its official
advertising agency of record following a competitive review process. The partnership is
effective immediately.
Team Detroit will work in conjunction with Bell’s marketing team to capitalize on the
company’s strong reputation and rich heritage to build a stronger more relevant brand
that resonates with its target audience. The agency will provide strategic
communications planning, media buying, traditional and digital creative development and
production.
“For nearly 75 years, Bell has been setting the pace in the vertical lift aircraft industry,”
said George Rogers, President & CEO, Team Detroit. “They have a terrific history and a
remarkable story to tell, one that is backed by innovation and technology. We’re excited
about this new collaboration and the opportunity to be a part of Bell’s continued
success.”
“From our initial conversations dating back to almost a year ago, we’ve always been
extremely impressed with Team Detroit,” said Joe LaMarca, Jr., Vice President of
Communications, Bell Helicopter. “Team Detroit is a one-of-a-kind agency with a proven
track record, experienced individuals and a passion for new ways of thinking. We’re
ready to get started.”
Rotorway Eagle 300T
August 5, 2009
Miami, Flórida – na última feira de aviação, que é a maior do mundo, em Oshkosh no estado americano de Wiscosin, que se encerrou no último domingo, a Rotorway International (www.rotorway.com) apresentou com grande cobertura da imprensa especializada mundial, entre convidados, amigos, e um belo coquetel, o cobiçado RotorWay Eagle 300T turbinado com motor Rolls Royce RR300, de 2 lugares e certificado.
O RotorWay Eagle 300T está sendo fabricado com mais de 40 anos de experiência na fabricação de helicóptero com maior custo-benefício no mercado aeronáutico. Com mais de 2400 helicópteros já fabricados na sua história, e exportando para 52 países, RotorWay International apresenta o sonhado tubinado e certificado ao mercado.
O RotorWay Eagle 300T será de 2 lugares, certificado, com peso máximo de 2050 libras / 930Kg, peso vazio de 950 libras / 431Kg, peso de uso de 1100 libras / 499Kg.
O RotorWay Eagle 300T terá um tanque de 80 galões / 303 litros com um alcance de 2 horas com 30 minutos de reserva, a uma velocidade de cruzeiro de 110 Knots / 127 mph / 204.38 Km/h
A reação da imprensa especializada e dos futuros clientes foi além das expectativas. O RotorWay Eagle 300T homologado irá preencher uma lacuna que a Rotorway International acredita que existe principalmente junto as escolas de pilotagem.
A previsão de disponilidade do RotorWay Eagle 300T ao mercado a ser confirmada pela fábrica, será a partir do primeiro semestre de 2014. E o preço, apesar de ainda não termos números definidos, podemos garantir que será o mais competitivo do mercado, pois essa estratégia de custo-benefício é um must dentro da RotorWay International, conclui Richard Sanchez, Presidente da Moriah International, Inc/www.helimiami.com, que é o representante exclusivo para todo o Brasil.
Enquanto isso não acontece a Rotorway International continua concentrando esforços no já campeão A600 Talon, o helicóptero de 2 lugares, com uma autonomia de 2 horas e velocidade de cruzeiro de 100 mph, que já ganhou espaço e reconhecimento no mercado mundial de helicópteros não certificados, completa Richard Sanchez.
Italian Navy Takes Delivery Of Its 21st AW101 Helicopter
August 4, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Italian Navy has taken today delivery of its 21st AW101 three engine medium/heavy helicopter during an official ceremony held at Maristaeli Luni naval base in Italy. This Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)/Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) configured aircraft is the first unit of the last AW101 batch for the service which has committed to a total of 24 AW101s.
The Italian Navy is already operating 8 ASW/ASuW, 4 HEW (helicopter early warning) and 8 amphibious support helicopters. The Italian Navy’s AW101s ASW and HEW variants are amongst the most advanced naval helicopters in service today and have been successfully deployed on overseas operations providing a major contribution to international maritime operations. The long range and endurance of the AW101 combined with the capabilities of its sensors and onboard processers make it a highly effective naval helicopter.
Recently the Italian Navy supported the G8 Forum in Italy using the AW101 to perform transport for heads of state and government officials. The AW101 was chosen due to its safety, cabin space and comfort.
The maritime variant of the AW101 is in service with the Italian Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy having replaced the Sea King helicopter in a number of ship and shore based roles. Also the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) has chosen the AW101 for Airborne Mine Countermeasures and Antarctic Survey operations designated the MCH101 and the CH101 respectively.
Over 170 AW101 helicopters have been ordered so far by customers worldwide to perform a number of roles.
Cessna Names Thress as Vice President, Customer Service
August 4, 2009
WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 4, 2009 Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has named Brad Thress vice president, Customer Service, reporting to Mark Paolucci, senior vice president, Customer Service. In his new role, Thress will be in charge of marketing, sales and customer change management for Cessna’s support organization and will be based in Wichita.
“Cessna has always enjoyed an advantage over other companies through our attention to customer support,” said Paolucci. “The industry is changing and Brad is the person we want to make sure our focus remains on customers through our marketing and through our one-on-one relationships, and that the voice of the customer is transmitted to the rest of the company.”
Prior to this assignment, Thress served as vice president, Component Operation under the Integrated Supply Chain group for the past three years. He joined Cessna in 1992 as a demonstration pilot. He became product marketing manager for the Citation X business jet in 1996 and was promoted to program manager in 1999 for development and certification of the Citation Sovereign. In 2002 he advanced to senior product director, responsible for the production line start-up for the Sovereign. Thress assumed the position of vice president, Quality in 2003, responsible for FAA compliance, process control and variation reduction initiatives.
He served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force prior to joining Cessna and holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration degree from Baker University. He is a certified Textron Six Sigma Green Belt and holds several Citation type ratings.
Elisra Presents New Data Link Technology Developments for UAVs at This Year’s AUVSI
August 4, 2009
The new C-band Starlink Digital Data Link System and Advanced Data Link System (ADLS-2) will be showcased, underscoring Elisra’s technological prowess in the data link field.
Benei Berak, August 4th, 2009…Elisra, a world leader in EW and wireless communication technologies, unveils its newly developed UAV data link systems at AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America 2009 Conference and Exhibition in Washington DC, August 11-13. The company’s latest C-band Starlink and ADLS-2 solutions will be showcased, underscoring Elisra’s technological prowess in the UAV data link field.
Elisra’s C-band Starlink digital data link was designed for integration on tactical UAS and is now operational worldwide. The system delivers secure UAS-borne payload video images in real time to field commanders, dismounted troops and Special Operations Forces, providing them with critical reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. Immune to jamming and interference, this data link system provides the best inner-link solutions for interference, multipath, and coexistence. The C-band Starlink employs a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) method that produces high spectral efficiency (4 MHz per channel), operating in Single Frequency or Frequency Hopping modes with uplink and downlink traffic sharing the same frequency for efficient bandwidth use. Based on COTS technology, this latest-generation data link system operates at ranges between zero and 100 km.
Elisra’s expertise and experience in developing custom-tailored wireless communication systems has led to their in-house developed miniaturized Air Data Terminal (ADT). Besides its superior performance, this ADT is remarkable for its very low volume, weight, and power consumption. The Ground Data Terminal (GDT) is mounted on a dual-axis tracking system, allowing easy tracking of the target UAS and extending the Line-of-Sight (LOS) communication range to 100 kilometers
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The Advanced Data Link System (ADLS-2) can be better understood not so much as a product, but rather as a hardware/software composite, custom tailored for each specific client and matched to specific circumstances, requirements and applications, even to a specific UAV model. The system is best described as a technological process, reflecting Elisra’s efforts to remain at the forefront of technology with continually upgraded offerings. ADLS-2 is the company’s latest wireless communications system for MALE UAVs. This data link system is the first of its kind with the ability to transmit data, both video and audio, from five different UAV-borne payloads and 24 IP outputs, simultaneously.
ADLS-2 consists of an airborne segment – the Air Data Terminal (ADT) – and a ground segment – the Ground Data Terminal (GDT). These segments comprise a variety of units – each specifically configured according to customer needs, UAV type, and the platform’s payload capabilities. The compartmentalized ground units receive UAV data and distribute it to their respective addressees. The GDT constitutes an integral part of the Ground Control Station (GCS), where personnel control the UAV and conduct two-way communications according to mission parameters. Elisra’s ADLS-2 offers latest generation solutions resulting in substantial weight and volume reductions as well as enhanced performance parameters. The new system can perform analog/digital data conversion. The analog data from UAVs onboard payloads, received at the system’s Air Video and Data Modem (AVDM), is converted to digital format, coded and transmitted to the ground. There, the Ground Video and Data Modem (GVDM) reverses the process and directs the bundled information, be it video, audio, SAR imagery or GPS location data, to the intended recipients.
NASA Astronaut Sends First Tweets From Space Station
August 4, 2009
HOUSTON, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA astronaut and U.S. Army Col. Tim Kopra has become the first International Space Station crew member to use the social media tool Twitter to discuss living and working in orbit.
Kopra (@Astro_Tim) recently joined the Expedition 20 crew after arriving at the orbiting laboratory July 17 aboard space shuttle Endeavour. He is set to return to Earth on the STS-128 mission, which is targeted to launch Aug. 25. To follow Kopra on Twitter, visit:
www.twitter.com/Astro_Tim
Kopra will provide followers with a unique perspective as an Expedition 20 flight engineer and member of the Army. He is an Army aviator and West Point graduate. He periodically will answer questions submitted on the Army’s Web site.
This is Kopra’s first spaceflight. He completed his first spacewalk July 18 during the STS-127 mission. Kopra is in orbit with station Commander Gennady Padalka and Roman Romanenko — both Russian cosmonauts — and NASA astronaut Mike Barratt, European Space Agency astronaut Frank DeWinne and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Bob Thirsk.
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