AgustaWestland Awarded Apache Integrated Operational Support Contract – Delivering Cost and Capability Benefits
October 6, 2009
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company is pleased to announce the award of the Apache Integrated Operational Support (IOS) contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to meet the Apache Attack Helicopter Future Support Arrangements (FSA) requirement. The contract valued at £439 million (€480 million), for the initial period to March 2014, was announced today by the Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies MP during a visit to Wattisham Airfield, the British Army’s main Apache AH Mk.1 operating base.
The Apache IOS contract will deliver greater aircraft availability whilst reducing through life costs by more than £50 million in the initial period and builds on the success of similar IOS availability based contracts for the UK MoD’s AW101 Merlin and Sea King helicopter fleets. The contract is output-based, whereby AgustaWestland is incentivised to improve the levels of operational output whilst seeking continuous improvement to reduce through life costs.
Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies said, “I am delighted to announce the award of this contract to meet the Apache Attack Helicopter Future Support Arrangements requirement. It provides a more efficient way of doing business, representing excellent value for British taxpayers whilst sustaining and improving today’s level of service.”
Graham Cole, Managing Director, AgustaWestland said at the announcement “The Apache IOS contract is further evidence of our continuing commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Defence to deliver innovative industry leading support solutions in a cost effective manner. The Apache is proving its worth every day on operations in Afghanistan and we, along with our partners, are committed to ensure they and the entire Apache force in the UK get the absolute best possible support.”
Apache IOS prime contractor AgustaWestland has formed an industrial alliance with Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Longbow International to deliver logistical, engineering, depth maintenance and technical support for the UK MoD’s fleet of 67 Apache AH Mk1s. AgustaWestland and its industrial partners will deliver a complete spares provisioning service, enhanced technical support services including aircraft safety management, mission avionics systems rig support and training course material. At Wattisham AgustaWestland will continue to manage the Depth Support Unit and the associated workshops, ensuring the throughput of the facility matches the requirements of the Army. At Middle Wallop AgustaWestland will continue to be responsible for the provision of Apache aircraft on the flight line at the School of Army Aviation, delivering the required number of flight hours to match the Army’s training requirements.
The Apache IOS contract has now commenced and will be fully operational from 1st April 2010. The contract is expected to continue for at least 22 years when the Apache is currently scheduled to be taken out of service. At regular intervals there will be price and value for money reviews to ensure performance targets are being met. The contract represents another stage in the helicopter plans set out in the MoD-AgustaWestland Strategic Partnering Arrangement and strengthens the relationship between industry and the MoD.
The contract will sustain over 500 industry jobs mainly at three locations – Wattisham, where the Depth Support Unit and front line squadrons are located; Middle Wallop, the Main Operating Base for the Apache fleet assigned to the School of Army Aviation and at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil factory. A joint Apache IOS project office has now been established at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil facility staffed by MoD and AgustaWestland personnel
ATR enters the Libyan market with a contract for 2 ATR 42-500s
October 6, 2009
ATR and Libya’s flag carrier Libyan Airlines today signed a contract for the purchase of 2 ATR 42-500s, which will become the first ATR aircraft to be operated in the country. The deal, valued at some US $ 35 million, has been inked on the occasion of the LAVEX Air show, which is currently underway in Tripoli.
The aircraft are configured with 48 seats, and are equipped with new PW 127M engines, while featuring the very latest technological innovations in the field of navigation aid tools and passenger comfort. The aircraft are to be delivered later this year.
Commenting on the deal, Captain Mohamed Ibsem, Chief Executive Officer of Libyan Airlines, declared: “We have decided to purchase the ATR aircraft because of their flexibility to operate in challenging conditions and tough environments, like the ones that can be found at some destinations in the Libyan desert.” He added: “Thanks to our brand new ATR 42-500s, we will able to improve the quality of our regular air connectivity to several local communities, thus contributing to strengthen both human and business links in our country.” He concluded: “The operating costs of the ATRs, which are the lowest of the regional market, have also clearly contributed to our choice, as they will enable us to obtain an optimal exploitation, specially on low yield routes”.
Jacques Desbarats, Senior Vice-president Commercial of ATR, underlined “the satisfaction of entering a market which features a strong growth potential for the development of the domestic air connectivity. The ATRs represents the right choice for the type of regional operations of the Libyan flag carrier because of their unrivalled performance in hot environments, low maintenance costs and high dispatch reliability and standards of comfort.” He also added: “This order is a demonstration of the strong market for the 50-seat ATR 42-500 aircraft. Today, ATR is the only manufacturer that can offer a true family of both 50-seat and 70-seat aircraft and we believe this is an important feature for our customers.”
The –500 series ATRs:
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006.
Gulfstream Aerospace Rolls out All-New Super Mid-Size Gulfstream G250
October 6, 2009
Large-Cabin, Mid-Range Business Jet On Track For Customer Deliveries in 2011
SAVANNAH, Ga., October 6, 2009 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) today rolled out the all-new, super mid-size Gulfstream G250 at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel. First announced in October 2008, the large-cabin, mid-range G250 remains on schedule for customer deliveries in 2011.
The audience celebrating the aircraft’s debut included customers, certifying authorities, supplier representatives and members of the Gulfstream G250 development team, many of whom worked in Tel Aviv with IAI to oversee the building of the all-new Gulfstream G250 aircraft.
“The Gulfstream and IAI teams have done an outstanding job designing this all-new aircraft and overseeing its production,” said Joe Lombardo, executive vice president, General Dynamics Aerospace group. “I want to thank everyone involved for their continued cooperation and collaboration. As you can see, they have created a true Gulfstream, and we’re delighted to welcome it into the family.”
Itzhak Nissan, president and chief executive officer, IAI, said, “The G250 presents another example of what is possible when two great companies collaborate, combining their state-of-the-art engineering with cutting-edge production skills. The teams have produced the best mid-size aircraft of its kind, and I want to join Joe in thanking everyone who worked on the G250. They have proven that such collaboration leads to great success and achievement.”
The G250 offers the largest cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. It is capable of traveling 3,400 nautical miles at 0.80 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.85 Mach. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet, the G250 can climb to a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet.
“Our customers played a significant role in the design of this aircraft,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Because of their input, this aircraft features increased speed and range, excellent takeoff performance, an all-new Gulfstream wing, the signature Gulfstream T tail, best-in-class Honeywell engines and the PlaneView 250TM cockpit based on Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics. Together, these elements make the G250 a best-in-class aircraft and one its owners can appreciate and fly with pride.”
David Dagan, corporate vice president and general manager, Commercial Aircraft group, IAI, said, “The collaboration between the manufacturing and the design teams, using the
Integrated -Product-Teams approach, made one and one equal more than two. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this success.”
In terms of passenger comfort, the G250 features the largest cabin in its class, with 17 percent to 35 percent more floor area than any other super mid-size business jet. The additional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved galley and increased storage. The aircraft also features 19 panoramic windows, industry-leading sound levels, a vacuum toilet system and in-flight access to 120 cubic feet of usable volume in the baggage compartment.
Gulfstream announced the G250 on Oct. 5, 2008, at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Fla. The aircraft is on schedule for first flight later this year and is
AVIDYNE EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT PRESENCE WITH OPENING OF NEW AUSTRALASIA SUPPORT CENTER
October 6, 2009
Avidyne opens “Avidyne-Australasia” through partnership with Pacific Avionics to provide telephone technical support and in-region exchange depot assets for Australia, New Zealand, and SE Asia; Continues Avidyne’s on-going commitment to a customer-focused service model.
Lincoln, MA – October 6, 2009 — Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight deck and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced the opening of Avidyne Australasia™, a new International Customer Support Center for the Australasia region. In partnership with Pacific Avionics Pty. Ltd. of Bankstown, Australia (outside Sydney), Avidyne-Australasia will provide customer support and exchange depot services to Avidyne’s customers, distributors, and limited service centers throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. The opening of this office represents the latest in a series of strategic decisions by Avidyne to increase its customer-focused service model throughout the international marketplace.
Hours of operation are 08:00 to 17:00, Monday thru Friday, local Sydney time (AEST). Support staff members at the Sydney facility are fully capable of processing Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), verifying warranty status, and addressing general customer support questions and concerns.
“Avidyne is strategically focused on enhancing our position in the international arena and we are pleased to be partnered with Pacific Avionics to expand support services in the Pacific Rim region,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Office. “With the opening of Avidyne-Australasia and the previous opening of Avidyne-Europe, we continue to make significant investments in internationally-targeted support, which will lead to better service, faster turn times, and increased customer satisfaction.”
“We are quite excited to have been selected by Avidyne to run their Avidyne-Australasia Support Center,” said Brad Granger, Director of Pacific Avionics. “We have a terrific and long-standing relationship with Avidyne and we believe we are uniquely positioned to provide world-class telephone support and quick-turn exchange services for all of Avidyne’s customers operating throughout the region.”
VLJ European Conference September 2009
October 6, 2009
Upbeat VLJ conference anticipates a positive future for light jets in Europe
The mood was positive at the third annual European VLJ conference, arranged by MIU events, held during 24-25th September. The demise of the original VLJ OEM, Eclipse and maiden VLJ operator Dayjet were deemed lessons to learn from whilst consolidation, global economic downturn and a touch of realism now dominate the sector. Controversially, delegates were told to forget the term VLJ by Aoife O’ Sullivan of legal firm Gates and Partners who suggested the description is not well received by banks and insurance companies. Along with a presentation about taxation implications from Clive and Sarah Chapman of Forest Associates, the audience was left in no doubt about the importance of taking professional advice
when purchasing aircraft.
With economic growth widely predicted again in 2010, “now is the time to start preparing infrastructure, and planning diversification” stated Edwin Brenninkmeyer from Oriens Advisors, specialist VLJ consultants. Highlighting that the sector was in a state of “evolution not revolution,” he suggested that offering extra services such as flight training, maintenance, or expanded supplier relationships can support a cash generative business plan. Joe Leader from the Air Taxi Association commented that the VLJ is attractive to operators and customers, but that education and information was still lacking at many levels. Attracting and acquiring customers is still expensive, he added and suggested that operators maximise technology, online booking services and use social networking VLJ sites to support the education of the market.
Question marks still hover over the success of the air taxi business. However, Blink’s CEO Peter Leiman presented an example of how applying the low cost airline business model can support sustainability. Homogenous fleets, in this case Cessna Citation Mustangs, high utilisation, Blink’s aircraft aim for 600 hours per annum per aircraft on confined networks. Blink operates out of Farnborough, the Channel Islands and now, Geneva, and transparent pricing is key. Leiman also stressed strong direct relations with the client – 80% of Blink’s business comes direct from the client – was important.
Stefan Vilner, CEO of Cologne-based start up operator, JetBird, stated its main business driver was saving time for the client. Due to launch before year end, with an order for 59 Phenom 100s, JetBird’s strategy is to provide an efficient, flexible, and well priced offering. With arduous commercial airline experiences, JetBird anticipates an increasing number of passengers will be swayed towards the air taxi model through the simple need to work more efficiently. The Phenom 100, which flew in to London Oxford Airport for delegates’ viewing, is its aircraft of choice with a productive business working space, generous hold and high utilisation options.
Patrick Margetson Rushmore, CEO of London Executive Aviation (LEA) added a touch of realism to the meeting. Having been a charter operator for 15 years, and a Mustang operator for two, Margetson Rushmore questioned Blink’s high utilisation hours and argued a hybrid approach enabling a combination of owner/manager and charter usage was the way forward. His concern about the over optimism of the air taxi operators was reflected by other carriers including Wondair, from Valencia, Spain which is building an 11-strong fleet of Phenom 100s, and Phenom operator Jetquik from the USA. “The industry expectation several years ago that VLJs would bring low cost business aviation has not happened,” Patrick said. “The reality is that while operating VLJs costs less than operating larger business jets, it is by no means cheap.”
The idea of operator – collaboration received a mixed response from delegates, although newly formed Cambridge-based company Ambeo announced the formation of Jetworld Alliance, together with Swiss-based Privatair and Dutch company Sky Taxi. They are joining forces to ensure the customer has access to all types of aviation through one source, reflecting the general consensus that each customer’s requirements will be different. Joe Leader reported that while in London he met with the CEO and COO of British Airways and they were supportive of this new sector and could see a time when their transatlantic premium customers would require European air taxi operators. Some carriers such as Delta in the US, Swiss and Lufthansa have already adopted similar relationships.
Steve Jones, Managing Director of London Oxford Airport demonstrated how the airport is doing much to encourage smaller jets with ease of access, lower landing fees and improved opening hours. He said airports must work with operators to understand requirements. Arguing the sector is part of a larger context he said Eurocontrol needs to integrate light jets into existing air traffic. Flying academies need to understand crew requirements and operators, owners and purchasers must take the time to understand the complexity, the infrastructure around purchasing, operating and maintaining them.
If Cessna and Embraer are leading the way, next up is Hondajet and Sales Director Nicholas Newby confirmed that this distinctive-looking aircraft is set to start its certification flying in January. Letters of Intent have already been logged from European customers, the OEM says, but won’t divulge any more detail. Honda’s vision for creating an advanced light jet fits with its long term strategy of mobility. Set to come onto the market in early 2010, it is aimed at owner pilots rather than a mainstay fleet model.
Summing up the conference Matthijs de Haan of Aviation Result commented on the advancement of the VLJ sector in just one long and challenging year. The two-day conference concluded with a debate about the name of next year’s conference. Following on the Gates and Partners warning, delegates agreed there was merit in renaming the event to actually widen it to incorporate the existing light jets. It would also include the larger Embraer Phenom 300 and the Grob Spn, should that programme be revised. Next year’s event is thus likely to be called Light Jets Europe and will take a slightly different format and focus.
El accidente de Rafale
October 5, 2009
El accidente de dos aviones de combate Rafale, que se estrellaron en el mar Mediterráneo no tiene nada que ver, a priori, con el avión, afirmó el ministro francés de Defensa, Hervé Morin.
Necesitamos llevar adelante una investigación. Cualquier respuesta sería precipitada, declaró desde la prefectura marítima de Toulon, confirmando la hipótesis de una colisión al ser interrogado sobre un eventual desperfecto técnico del caza del constructor francés Dassault Aviation. se produce en momentos en que Brasil y Francia negocian 36 aviones de este tipo, reclamando Brasilia una amplia transferencia de tecnología de parte del fabricante aeronáutico francés. El percance se produjo durante un ejercicio de validación de los parámetros en el marco de pruebas efectuadas con la perspectiva de que el portaaviones Charles de Gaulle recupere su plena capacidad antes de fin de año. Estaban a unos 60 km. de este buque, al que regresaban, cuando cayeron al mar. Se rescató un piloto que contó lo que le sucedió y la hipótesis más probable es una colisión en pleno vuelo.
Paraguai pede explicações à Bolivia sobre compra de 06 caças chineses
October 5, 2009
O chanceler do Paraguai, Héctor Lacognata, informou nesta segunda-feira que seu país pediu informações sobre a compra feita pela Bolívia de seis caças, pois considera que a aquisição do país vizinho “muda o cenário” das relações bilaterais.
A Bolívia anunciou recentemente a compra de seis aeronaves de combate de fabricação chinesa, o que despertou a preocupação de setores políticos e sociais paraguaios. Tanto o presidente Fernando Lugo como o chanceler Lacognata disseram anteriormente que estavam satisfeitos com as explicações dadas pelo governo boliviano de que os gastos militares tinham o objetivo de intensificar o combate ao narcotráfico.
Apesar disso, o chefe da diplomacia paraguaia disse hoje que a compra boliviana dos caças “muda a conjuntura e o cenário” bilateral. Em seguida, o chanceler ressaltou que há um intenso intercâmbio de informações com a Bolívia. Como exemplo disso, ele mencionou a próxima viagem do vice-chanceler paraguaio, Jorge Lara Castro, à Bolívia e uma reunião bilateral de altos comandantes militares dos dois países.
Assunção e La Paz protagonizaram, entre 1932 e 1935, a chamada Guerra do Chaco, motivada por uma disputa territorial. O saldo da disputa armada foi a morte de quase 100 mil pessoas e a anexação de parte do território boliviano, rico em jazidas de petróleo, ao Paraguai.
Argentina e Chile fazem tráfego da Gol subir em Setembro
October 5, 2009
A Gol registrou alta da demanda em voos internacionais em setembro em relação ao mês anterior de 21%, principalmente por causa da recuperação do tráfego em rotas para o Chile e Argentina, “uma vez que com o fim do inverno houve uma significativa redução de casos da gripe”, explicou a empresa em comunicado à imprensa.
Na comparação com o mesmo período de 2008, porém, a queda foi de 22,4% no mercado internacional.
Considerando voos domésticos e internacionais, a Gol teve aumento de 26,6% no tráfego aéreo em setembro contra igual mês do ano passado. A ocupação em seus aviões subiu para 66,4%, ante 57% na mesma base de comparação.
A empresa atribuiu o crescimento da demanda à reorganização da malha para ampliar a oferta de assentos no mercado doméstico, com a consolidação das operações da subsidiária Varig no final de 2008, e a continuidade do projeto de revitalização do programa de milhagem Smiles.
EASA will address pilot fatigue worries
October 5, 2009
Europe’s pilots are unnecessarily concerned about the future of flight time limitations legislation, according to the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Pilot and cabin crew unions have been conducting a day of protest about alleged disregard of the recommendations of an EASA-commissioned independent scientific study on current regulations intended to reduce fatigue risk.
EASA says the unions, led by the European Cockpit Association, are trying to “set up a stall for a debate which is yet to happen”. At present, says EASA, it is at the stage of talking to crew representatives and airlines in an attempt to frame new flight time limitations to replace the existing rules known as EU Ops Sub-part Q.
The agency says that all input will be considered, including the scientific study that says Sub-part Q is dangerous at its extremes. When the proposed rules are drafted, they will be published for formal consultation at the end of 2010, with the intention of rulemaking in 2011.
EASA points out that the Moebus scientific report it commissioned concerns itself only with commercial operations, and the agency has a duty to frame rules that cover business aviation and other industry sectors.
Azul “fighting” with LiveTV technology.
October 5, 2009
Brazi’s Azul scheduled to solve next year challenges that have so far prevented the carrier from offering live television service.
Azul opted for LiveTV prior to launching services last December but has not yet been able to begin offering live television on board its fleet of E-Jets (E-190s and E-195s).
“We’re still wrestling with the satellite part of it. The technology is still not completely done,” said Azul founder and chairman David Neeleman.
He adds the technology issues should be resolved shortly and Azul now aims to begin offering a live television service sometime in 2010. Azul previously was hoping to begin offering the service by the end of 2009.
LiveTV is a subsidiary of JetBlue Airways, which Neeleman founded and served as CEO before establishing Azul. The Brazilian low-cost carrier now operates seven E-190 and five E-195s, including two ex-JetBlue E-190s which are already outfitted with LiveTV’s in-flight entertainment hardware.
<Comentarios de Elenita
 |
Estimados lectores:
La historia que sigue es sobre una carrera aérea que se realiza la semana entrante. O sea, que se enterarán del resultado después de leer este artículo. Todos... Read more » |
 |
|
 | ||
