Airbus A318 Elite passes milestone of tenth delivery
October 23, 2009
Airbus’ A318 Elite has successfully passed the milestone of its tenth aircraft delivery, highlighting the widespread and growing appeal of this new member of the family, which was launched less than four years ago, in November 2005.
The A318 Elite has won more than 25 sales in Asia, Europe and the Middle East – about a quarter of the 100-plus sales won by the Airbus ACJ Family to date.
Derived from the smallest member of the modern Airbus aircraft family, the A318 Elite is unique in bringing the space and comfort previously only associated with much larger jets, to a much broader market.
“Our A318 Elite is the new space-ship of corporate jet travel, because of the leap in comfort and space that it brings to a broad market,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The A318 Elite is also a very affordable package, delivering value as well as comfort and space,” he adds.
The A318 Elite features an optimised cabin, produced in co-operation with Lufthansa Technik, offering attractive affordability and unmatched comfort.
Comlux of Switzerland took delivery of the first A318 Elite in 2007, and recently became the first to take delivery of a second for VVIP charter, which Airbus is displaying at this year’s NBAA show. The A318 Elite has met with great success on the VVIP charter market, and is currently available for charter from Global Jet Concept in Geneva, as well as Comlux Aviation in Zurich.
This A318 Elite on display at NBAA features further improvements, such as a domed ceiling that brings a refreshing new ambiance to what is already the widest, tallest and most spacious cabin in its class.
In essence, customers get even more of a feeling of being in a stylish home or office rather than an aircraft, which is, in Airbus’ experience, what most of them really want.
Airbus can offer the domed ceiling because the upper interior of its aircraft is relatively uncluttered, allowing the installation of concave panels that create a pleasing impression of light and space that is unique to its aircraft in this class.
The A318 Elite has a range of more than 4,200 nm/7,800 km, allowing it to fly coast-to-coast within the USA, and to fly non-stop between London and New York.
Total sales of the Airbus corporate jets now stand at more than 150, comprising over 100 of the ACJ Family, plus a further 50 or so Airbus widebodies for VIP and government use.
Hawker Beechcraft and FlightSafety Set New Standard for Maintenance Training
October 23, 2009
First MxPro training class to be held at FlightSafety’s newly opened Training Center on Nov. 9
ORLANDO (Oct. 19, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) and FlightSafety International will launch a full schedule of technical training courses at FlightSafety’s new 44,000 square foot Maintenance Training Center beginning Nov. 9, 2009. The specially developed curriculum represents the latest collaboration between the two companies and their commitment to provide a new industry standard in maintenance training. The first course to be offered, MxPro, is an innovative maintenance training program that leverages HBC’s knowledge of aircraft design, manufacturing and support with FlightSafety’s expertise and experience as the world’s leading aviation training provider.
“The MxPro curriculum draws extensively from Hawker Beechcraft’s intimate knowledge of our aircraft and systems,” said Christi Tannahill, vice president, Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Service and Support. “It provides technicians with expert instruction that will enhance their ability to troubleshoot and repair aircraft quickly and immerses them in a training environment that will give them opportunities just like those they will experience on the job.”
The basic course in MxPro, which will be taught by both HBC and FlightSafety instructors, incorporates two weeks of classroom and one week of hands-on instruction. It utilizes a variety of methods and training devices, combining high-tech visualization and interactive computer 3D modeling. Additionally, hands-on aircraft training replicates real-life experiences, offers in-depth operational and maintenance tasks, and supplements extensive classroom instruction. Initially, MxPro training is being offered on the Hawker 900XP with additional platforms to follow.
MxPro Regulatory and MxPro Plus are two additional courses being offered by HBC and FlightSafety. MxPro Regulatory supplements the basic course with one additional week of hands-on training and is designed to provide foreign certifications for the various regulatory agencies around the world. MxPro Plus provides structured on-the-job training at the technician’s home base. It is the new exclusive training for Hawker Beechcraft factory-owned service centers, furthering the company’s commitment to provide the most highly trained technicians in the industry.
Located east of the approach end of HBC’s Runway 18, the new FlightSafety Maintenance Training Center features 10 advanced technology classrooms, Graphical Flight-Deck simulators, composites and cabin systems labs, and direct runway access to a 10,000 square foot hangar.
“FlightSafety’s new facility adds to the effectiveness of the training by providing combined classroom and hangar-based instruction,” Tannahill said. “Its proximity to the HBC factory also translates into readily available expertise and physical resources.”
Further information on the training curriculum and schedule may be obtained by contacting the FlightSafety Maintenance Training Center at 316.612.5400.
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.
Bombardier Launches Learjet 60 XR Aircraft Signature Series Interiors
October 23, 2009
Orlando, Oct. 19, 2009 – Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it is now offering two
new cabin configurations on its Learjet 60 XR aircraft, the Signature Series Red and Signature
Series Black.
The Signature Series interiors combine bold design elements with increased functionality to
bring the large cabin concept to a midsize jet. Both cabins feature soft color schemes, dark
wood veneers and a larger galley. New cabin options such as swift broadband capability and an
espresso machine also make their debut in the new interiors.
“Bombardier is committed to investing in both its new and current product platforms to ensure
that our business aircraft portfolio reflects the evolving needs of our customers,” said
Steven Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The Learjet 60 XR now combines
unparalleled performance and low operating costs with exciting new cabin configurations.”
Both new Learjet 60 XR Signature Series aircraft are open for viewing at the Bombardier static
pavilion at the Orlando Executive Airport from October 19 through 22.
In addition to launching the Signature Series interiors, Bombardier will be extending its parts
and labor warranty coverage for all newly purchased Learjet 60 XR aircraft models from two
years to five years for vendor-supplied parts (excluding engines, APU and completion work).
This warranty extension will lead to an estimated 50 percent overall savings in flight hour
payments during the warranty term for customers enrolling their new aircraft in the Learjet Smart
Parts Plus program.
Signature Series Red
This floorplan offers spacious seating for six passengers. The stand-up cabin’s unique crosssection
and 15-inch (38 cm) aisle provides exceptional shoulder room and additional space
between seats. The redesigned cabin seats feature berthing capability, removable armrest caps
and panels, as well as larger storage drawers. Streamlined side ledges allow for better
ergonomics and a harmonious design throughout the cabin. This configuration also includes new functional elements, such as a larger galley with multiple storage units, an optional built-in
espresso machine and work surface for complete meal preparation on board.
The cabin entertainment system features swift broadband, supporting simultaneous Wi-Fi
connectivity for laptops and personal electronic devices and Satcom cabin phone. The private
aft lavatory includes an unveiled window for increased natural light, as well as a larger and more
functional vanity cabinet.
Signature Series Black
This six-passenger configuration combines the cabin design and features of the Signature
Series Red with an enhanced entertainment center. A media credenza with a 24 in. (61 cm) flat
screen monitor opposite a two-seat divan creates a defined multimedia space at the entrance of
the cabin. Entertainment options include swift broadband capability and powered portable
electronic devices interface units compatible with audio and video outputs.
In service since July 2007, the Learjet 60 XR aircraft is a proven model of performance, comfort,
value and versatility in the midsize jet market segment. The aircraft delivers a high cruise speed
of Mach 0.81 (861 km/hr), superior climb capabilities, proven fuel efficiency and low direct
operating costs per nautical mile*. The jet’s higher operating altitudes – certified to 51,000 ft
(15,545 m) – translate to time savings due to better winds, less traffic and less turbulence.
Hawker Beechcraft Business Jets to Feature Aircell Connectivity
October 23, 2009
Aircell High Speed Internet, SwiftBroadband Solutions chosen for installation on new jets
ORLANDO (Oct. 19, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced it has selected two new Aircell connectivity systems for its line of midsize Hawker business jets. HBC is the first business jet manufacturer to offer its customers a choice in connectivity solutions – one that operates via satellites and the other that uses air-to-ground technology. Beginning in 2010, customers taking delivery of new Hawker 750 and 900XP aircraft can select either Aircell® High Speed Internet or Aircell’s SwiftBroadband systems to provide passengers with on-board e-mail and Internet access.
“The availability of high speed Internet on-board our Hawker 900XP and 750 makes the aircraft an even more powerful business tool,” said HBC executive vice president Shawn Vick. “Our customers will benefit from the Aircell systems, which provide lightweight, affordable and exceptional performance and speed.”
Either installation will permit passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and laptop computers to send and receive e-mails, surf the Web, watch streaming video, or access a corporate Virtual Private Network (VPN) to download files, just like they would in an office or Internet site on the ground. Both are available to Hawker customers as modular add-ons to the Aircell’s Axxess cabin system. Monthly data usage charges are applicable.
A Hawker 750 demonstrator is currently flying with Aircell High Speed Internet and another Hawker 750 demonstrator with Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution will enter service in November. Production systems for the various Hawker models will be available after the first of the year. HBC and Aircell have a longstanding relationship with Aircell products being offered on HBC’s entire family of turbine-powered business aircraft, from the King Air C90GTx through the Hawker 4000.
Hawker Beechcraft Services will also have the capability to install Aircell equipment on current Hawker 900, 850, 800XP and 750 business jets. The installation will be identical to the standards for the new aircraft.
Samsung Takes Delivery Of Its First AW139 Helicopter
October 14, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Samsung Techwin Co. of South Korea has taken delivery of the first of two AW139 medium twin engine helicopters. The aircraft was accepted by Samsung Techwin Vice President Wook Cho during a ceremony held at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. This aircraft will be used to perform corporate transport missions. The second helicopter is expected to be delivered in 2010 and the two AW139s will replace ageing helicopters in the same category.
This handover adds another leading operator to the list of customers who are operating the AW139 for corporate/VIP transport as well as other purposes. Samsung’s order was also the first one in the commercial market in South Korea, further expanding the rapidly growing success of the best selling medium twin in the country, following orders in the government market placed by the Korean Coast Guard and the Gangwon Fire Fighting Department.
Samsung Techwin’s aviation department is a leading commercial helicopter operator in South Korea providing passenger, cargo and VIP transportation services and EMS services with an outstanding safety record. The selection of the AW139 by Samsung confirms its ability to satisfy the most stringent requirements in terms of performance, safety, payload and comfort.
A new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards against which all new medium twin are measured, the AW139 has been designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, offering unmatched performance and safety levels as well as the largest and the most comfortable cabin in its class. State-of-the-art mission-dedicated technology and equipment and outstanding performance features enable the AW139 to accomplish its mission in demanding conditions.
Orders for more than 440 AW139s have been placed by over 120 customers from almost 50 countries for many applications including VIP/corporate transport, EMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles.
Embraer CAE Training Services Receives Phenom 100 Full-Flight Simulator Certification from FAA and EASA
October 14, 2009
DALLAS, TEXAS–(Marketwire – Oct. 14, 2009) – Two Phenom 100 full-flight simulators (FFSs), both CAE 5000 Series simulators designed and manufactured by CAE for Embraer CAE Training Services (ECTS), have received certification recently from international regulatory authorities.
This is a key milestone for the joint venture between Embraer and CAE that provides comprehensive pilot and technical training to Embraer customers of the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 aircraft. The first Phenom 100 FFS is located at the CAE training centre in Dallas, the world’s largest corporate aviation training centre, and recently received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The second Phenom 100 FFS is located at the CAE training centre in Burgess Hill, United Kingdom, and was certified recently by EASA.
“A very comprehensive training program has been built around these state-of-the-art full-flight simulators so we are delighted with the certification news,” said Simon Newitt, Embraer’s Director of Customer Training. “Our Phenom customers can be sure of having access to a training suite that is second to none.”
“We are pleased with this achievement, as it further demonstrates our commitment to expand our coverage of today’s corporate aircraft fleet and to meet the industry’s unique training needs,” said Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. “We are committed to providing our Phenom clients with a one-of-a-kind training experience adhering to the industry’s highest standards and requirements.”
ECTS is a joint venture between Embraer and CAE established in November 2007, to provide pilot and ground crew training to Embraer customers of the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets.
“The archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon receives its first ATR 42-500”
October 14, 2009
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Air Saint Pierre took delivery today of the first ATR 42-500 that will be operated in the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The aircraft, ordered in 2008 by SAEMAI (Société Anonyme d’Economie Mixte Aéronautique des Iles/Mixed Business Aeronautical Company of the Islands) is equipped with new PW 127M engines and will replace the ATR 42-320 which has been operated by the company for the last 15 years.
Due to the special operating conditions of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the ATR 42-500 had to be tested and certified to be able to operate in cross winds reaching up to 45 knots at takeoff and landing (instead of the 30 knots already certified).
The aircraft delivered today has a basic configuration for 46 passengers but may also be used exclusively for cargo or for mixed operations. In the latter case, two supplementary cargo containers installed at the front of the aircraft authorize an additional load of 4.4 m3 together with 30 passengers at the rear.
Stéphane Artano, President of SAEMAI and President of the Territorial Council of Saint Pierre and Miquelon is very satisfied as “the archipelago has purchased its first ATR 42-500 to improve the service offered by Air Saint Pierre to the inhabitants of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The Territorial Council is particularly pleased to have supported this major business case for our islands”.
Rémy Briand, Chief Executive Officer of Air Saint Pierre, said that he was “very pleased to receive the first ATR 42-500 of the company, as it will enable us to offer our passengers a much higher level of comfort as well as a larger load capacity”. And he added: “We operate our fleet within a public service delegation convention with the State to serve the archipelago by air, and for many years ATR has been acknowledged as the right choice to respond in an optimal manner to our public service mission”.
Stéphane Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, underlined “the performance of the ATR 42-500, is now certified to operate under even more extreme meteorological conditions. We offer a very reliable family of aircraft, which have been tried and tested in the most hostile environments. Thanks to their
operational flexibility, our aircraft adapt perfectly to very variable conditions, both in terms of temperature and in terms of runway layout, notably short and unprepared runways”. And to conclude: “This flexibility is also characterized by the possibility of converting these aircraft very quickly, changing them from “all passenger” to “all cargo”, or to a “mixed” configuration, in less than two hours”.
PIPER AIRCRAFT BUILDS MOMENTUM AND EXPERTISE WITH NEW BOARD AND EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
October 13, 2009
Two New Appointments to the Board of Directors
And a New Chief Financial Officer Add Depth and Expertise
VERO BEACH, Fla., October, 8, 2009 — As part of Piper Aircraft’s continuing expansion and development of the company’s recently announced strategic growth plan, Imprimis Managing Partner Stephen W. Berger and Piper Chief Executive Officer Kevin J. Gould today announced the appointment of three new and experienced executives with wide ranging expertise in several key areas.
Berger and Gould announced that W. David Wilson, a senior executive with more than 30 years of experience with major U.S. companies and in Asia, is Piper’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. At the same time, John Borghetti, a former 36-year executive with Qantas Airlines, and Michael Kolowich, a recognized pioneer and innovator with 35 years of experience in internet content, high-technology marketing, and application of digital video technology, are Piper’s two new additions to the five-person Board of Directors.
“We acquired Piper with an extensive plan to grow the company both in its existing domestic and international markets,” said Imprimis Managing Partner and Chairman of Piper‘s Board of Directors, Stephen W. Berger. “At the same time, our plan has been to expand Piper’s position in newly emerging and existing General Aviation markets where it has been underrepresented, especially in Asia and the Pacific Rim. The addition of these very capable and knowledgeable executives to the Piper team provides us with a depth of experience that will enable us to move forward quickly and effectively.”
Imprimis, a corporate finance and investment management firm that operates from offices in, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, purchased Piper on May 1, 2009. Since its acquisition, Imprimis has injected considerable resources into the company, enabling Piper to move forward significantly in several key areas, including market expansion, research and development and ramping up PiperJet development.
“We have been conducting a comprehensive search for the talent and expertise that will prove critical to our development and in taking Piper to the next level,” said Piper CEO Kevin J. Gould. “With these appointments, we have positioned the company with the financial expertise to prosper in what is one of the world’s most competitive businesses and with sales, marketing and operational experience vital to our interests and strategic growth.
“Dave Wilson’s track record both in the U.S. and Australia, as well as in leading initiatives in Europe and Asia, will provide us with the fiscal proficiency necessary to achieve success across international boundaries as well as in our existing markets. At the same time, John Borghetti’s impressive experience with Qantas, which included commercial operational responsibilities for the airline throughout all its markets – including Asia – will provide us with the advice and acumen we need to grow in those markets. In tandem, Michael Kolowich’s vast experience in sales and marketing, and especially in pioneering use of the internet to take products to market, will give us invaluable insight in what we need to propel Piper to new levels of performance and vitality.”
Wilson joins Piper after serving most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for PolyOne Corporation, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. PolyOne, a $2.7 billion leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, was formed in September 2000 as a merger between The Geon Company and M.A. Hanna Company. The Geon Company, spun out of The BF Goodrich Company in 1993 through an initial public offering, was a leading vinyl polymer services and technology provider with operations in North America, England and Australia. Wilson was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Geon, after serving in positions of increasing executive responsibility at both Geon and B.F. Goodrich in the U.S and Australia and leading marketing initiatives in Europe and Asia.
A graduate of DePauw University, with a bachelor’s degree in history, Wilson earned a Masters of International Management from the American (Thunderbird) Graduate School of International Management. His appointment follows an extensive search for a CFO to provide leadership for Piper as it continues to grow in global markets. Wilson will direct Piper’s financial strategy as well as lead the company’s financial processes and will report directly to Gould.
Newly appointed board members, Borghetti and Kolowich, offer extensive executive expertise and diverse backgrounds that run the gamut from sales and marketing to internet capabilities and commercial aviation
Borghetti, former Executive General Manager for Qantas Airlines, currently serves as a Board Director for CARE Australia. Borghetti resides in Australia and joined Qantas in 1973. As Executive General Manager at Qantas, with revenue responsibilities of approximately $12 billion and staff of approximately 16,000 globally, Borghetti reported to the Group Chief Executive. In that capacity, Borghetti had control of all commercial and major operational aspects of Qantas Airlines and QantasLink regional operations, including pilot and cabin crew staffing, sales, marketing, global brand management, customer service, product development, yield management, pricing, scheduling, capacity management and airline alliances. Borghetti’s educational background includes studies at Mitchell College in New South Wales, Manila University, the Australian Graduate School of Management (University of Sydney) and IMS Lausanne, Switzerland.
Kolowich, President and Executive Producer of DigiNovations, which he founded in 2001, was most recently the architect and producer of the video website for the Mitt Romney Presidential Campaign. During the 1990s Kolowich founded and/or led several important online content ventures, and was a visible force in the evolution of publishing on the internet as we know it today. In 1991, he founded Ziff-Davis Interactive, the first new media company born of a major publishing company. Kolowich was also the founding publisher of PC/Computing, the Ziff-Davis magazine that in five years became the largest-circulation monthly computer magazine in America. A graduate of Harvard College, with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Applied Physics, Kolowich also earned a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. A resident of Boston, Mass., he is a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.
Aerion brings THE ONE SOLUTION message to NBAA
October 13, 2009
“We are moving forward with proven technology,” says Bass.
Orlando, NBAA (October 19, 2009) Aerion Chairman Robert Bass took the occasion of NBAA to reiterate the company’s commitment to forging a partnership with one or more OEM partners and to being first to market with a supersonic business jet. Other senior executives explained why the Aerion program was the one feasible path to supersonic capability by the middle of the next decade.
“I said at EBACE earlier this year that I am committed to the Aerion program as long as we see progress in our discussions with OEMs,” said Bass. “We are seeing progress. In fact, we are quite encouraged by our discussions. There is no question that the economic impact on the industry has slowed their decision-making progress, but it has not lessened interest in this program.
“While some companies are committed to quiet supersonic designs requiring regulatory changes, others understand that Aerion technology is the most practical—and financially rewarding—path back to supersonic flight,” he added. “We are not waiting around for rules to change, which could be a very long wait; we are moving forward with proven technology.”
Aerion Senior Advisor John Holding explained why Aerion represented the one feasible solution for reintroducing supersonic flight.
“Supersonic natural laminar flow (SNLF)—Aerion’s key enabling technology—is well proven at this point. There are no barriers to success. Technical risks are low, and the development of the jet is well within the capability of several manufacturers,” he noted.
“The Aerion jet’s operational flexibility sets it apart from other proposed designs, and makes it practical in the short term. It does not require a rules change to provide efficient transportation. The aircraft flies with efficiency equivalent to today’s long-range business jets when flying just below the speed of sound. It saves almost an hour when flying U.S. coast to coast. It can cruise between Mach 1.1 and Mach 1.2 in ICAO countries, which is to say everywhere but the U.S. Over oceans and some land masses it can operate efficiently at speeds up to Mach 1.6.
“The Aerion jet is compliant with Stage 4 regulations and the latest emissions standards. Its fuel consumption and emissions are far below any other proposed supersonic jet, making it the most environmentally responsible choice. It can operate from the same general aviation airports as long-range business jets do today and for a comparable operating cost.
“It is therefore clear to us and to the OEMs with whom we are in meaningful and constructive discussions that the Aerion jet is the only practical path to supersonic flight by the middle of the next decade.”
Aerion Vice Chairman Brian Barents reinforced the ONE SOLUTION case by noting the strong market support for the program. “We have seen an interesting phenomenon these last several months while the industry has suffered so many order cancellations. Two LOI holders requested returns of their deposits, but others have stepped up to replace those orders. Our backlog has held steady at $4 billion, and others are following the program closely with an eye to ordering as we take the next step with an OEM.
“It is quite clear to us, as our previous market research has shown, that the market is ready to embrace a supersonic jet, even if it cannot use its full supersonic capability all of the time due to regulatory restrictions.”
Aerion, which is an advanced aeronautical research organization, requires the participation of a large OEM skilled in bringing new aircraft to market. It is in discussions aimed at entering into a 9-12 month technical assessment phase, during which Aerion and its partner or partners will jointly study all aspects of taking Aerion’s aerodynamic design through a successful certification effort. Aerion expects that this phase will culminate with the launch of a five-year development and certification program.
“We’ve had the ability to fly supersonically for 60 percent of the history of powered flight,” said Holding. “Now we have the opportunity to do it in a commercially feasible, environmentally responsible way. As the industry returns to financial stability and as optimism returns, we will see the Aerion program progress rapidly.”
Barents added, “That is why we are here at NBAA—to spread this message. Even when some of the major industry players are hunkering down, we have come to tell the industry that they will soon be able to embrace a faster future.”
Copa Airlines to fly to Canada
October 13, 2009
Panama’s “model airline” has received authority from the Canadian Department of Transportation to serve Toronto from Panama. The airline is currently negotiating with the airport authority in Toronto which will be crucial to the launch of the service.
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