Pluna to launch service to Ezeiza from Montevideo
January 18, 2010
Uruguay’s “born again” airline will launch five-weekly flights between Montevideo’s Carrasco airport and Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza in March and will increase the frequencies to daily in April 2010. The new service will strengthen the airline’s Carrasco airport hub.
Copa Holdings looking to add 800 new employees in 2010
January 18, 2010
Panama’s “model airline’ group, which includes Colombia’s Aero Republica, reported 11% growth in 2009 in passengers carried and placed the third largest order in the world for new aircraft, which include eight Boeing models and 11 options with Embraer. The airline is forecasting 15% growth as it adds 54 new destinations while operating 260 daily flights in 2010. During 2010 the airline will add 81 new pilots and a total of 340 new pilots in the next four years. Overall the airline will be adding 800 employees.
GOL anuncia lançamento de voos regulares para Bauru
January 18, 2010
São Paulo, 18 de janeiro de 2010 - A GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL), a maior companhia aérea de baixo custo e baixa tarifa da América Latina, anuncia que iniciou a venda de bilhetes para um novo destino doméstico em sua malha aérea: a cidade de Bauru, no interior do Estado de São Paulo. A operação será regular a partir do Aeroporto de Congonhas (São Paulo), e será realizada cinco vezes por semana, com lançamento no dia 1 de fevereiro de 2010. "Lançamos operações regulares em Bauru na esteira do sucesso que verificamos em Presidente Prudente (SP), um destino que antes da entrada da GOL, gerava tráfego de 50 passageiros ao dia e hoje emite mais de 200 passagens.", destaca Constantino de Oliveira Junior, presidente da GOL. "Esperamos alcançar o mesmo efeito GOL nesse novo destino, o 50° em nossa malha doméstica." O novo voo parte do Aeroporto de Congonhas (São Paulo) às 11h30, chegando em Bauru às 12h25. No sentido contrário, a aeronave sai do Aeroporto Estadual Moussa Nakhl Tobias, na cidade do interior paulista, às 13h30, com chegada prevista na capital às 14h22. Bauru é o maior município do oeste do Estado e um dos maiores centros econômicos do interior paulista, com produto interno bruto (PIB) de R$ 5,3 bilhões. A cidade fica a 345 km da capital, e tem cerca de 359,5 mil habitantes. A nova rota aérea para Congonhas vai oferecer aos clientes de toda a região, a possibilidade de conexão imediata com os principais mercados de negócios do País, como Belo Horizonte (Confins), Brasília, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Navegantes, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, entre outros. A tabela abaixo contém mais informações sobre a nova operação: Voo Saída Origem Voo Saída Origem Destino Chegada Tarifa a partir de G3 1060 11h30 São Paulo Bauru 12h25 R$ 79* (Congonhas) G3 1061 13h30 Bauru São Paulo 14h22 R$ 79* (Congonhas) * O regulamento tarifário está disponível no site da GOL ( www.voegol.com.br ).
EX600 includes innovative new QuickPan™ Map Panning capability, CMax™ Approach Charts, and Worldwide Airport Diagrams Lincoln, MA. – January 18, 2010–– Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight decks, displays, and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced they have received FAA Approved Model List – Supplemental Type Certification (AML-STC) approval for their recently-introduced EX600 Multi-Function Display (MFD). This AML-STC, which comes on the heels of the Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval that was granted at the end of December, authorizes installation of the EX600 MFD in over 650 Part 23 Class I, II, and III aircraft makes and models. “Customer and dealer response to our recent EX600 introduction has been fantastic—especially for its Map Panning and QuickPan capabilities,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer. “This AML-STC provides the approval basis for our dealers to install our newest and best-ever MFD in a wide variety of general aviation airplanes and helicopters.” About the EX600 The EX600 is a full-function MFD that is designed to enhance situational awareness and safety for pilots of general aviation airplanes and now for helicopters as well.
January 18, 2010
STRATFORD, Conn., Jan. 18, 2010 – The first S-70i™ BLACK HAWK helicopter, an international variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter, is nearing completion on the assembly line at PZL Mielec, a Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. company in Poland. The progress of the first international BLACK HAWK variant signals the launch of a new helicopter in the Sikorsky product line. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
Aircraft 0001, the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter, was powered on for the first time a few weeks ago. Final assembly officially began on Aug. 17, 2009.
“We achieved this key program milestone through the dedication and teamwork of Sikorsky Aircraft employees and our global suppliers,” said Debra A. Zampano, S-70i Program Manager, International Military Programs, Sikorsky Military Systems. “This collaboration has illuminated our company’s commitment to this program and to extending the legacy of innovation in aviation. We are charting toward an historical event for Sikorsky Aircraft – the first international BLACK HAWK helicopter.”
To increase its presence in the international marketplace, Sikorsky designated PZL Mielec as a final assembly center for the S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter. A key competitive feature of the Polish-made S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter is that it will provide multi-mission, 10-ton utility lift capability at a price comparable to helicopters in the 6-ton to 8-ton class.
“As the first S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter becomes a completed aircraft, the employees of PZL Mielec will share in the excitement in witnessing the first S-70i BLACK HAWK aircraft come off the assembly line. It will be a moment that unites all employees in their pride in building and supporting the newest variant in a remarkable Sikorsky product line,” said Janusz Zakrecki, CEO of PZL Mielec.
AVIDYNE EX600 MFD AWARDED AML-STC APRROVAL FOR OVER 650 AIRCRAFT MODELS
January 18, 2010
EX600 includes innovative new QuickPan™ Map Panning capability,
CMax™ Approach Charts, and Worldwide Airport Diagrams
Lincoln, MA. – January 18, 2010–– Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated flight decks, displays, and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced they have received FAA Approved Model List – Supplemental Type Certification (AML-STC) approval for their recently-introduced EX600 Multi-Function Display (MFD). This AML-STC, which comes on the heels of the Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval that was granted at the end of December, authorizes installation of the EX600 MFD in over 650 Part 23 Class I, II, and III aircraft makes and models.
“Customer and dealer response to our recent EX600 introduction has been fantastic—especially for its Map Panning and QuickPan capabilities,” said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne’s Chief Operating Officer. “This AML-STC provides the approval basis for our dealers to install our newest and best-ever MFD in a wide variety of general aviation airplanes and helicopters.”
About the EX600
The EX600 is a full-function MFD that is designed to enhance situational awareness and safety for pilots of general aviation airplanes and now for helicopters as well.
Lockheed Martin Inducts Second C-5 Galaxy for RERP Modernization Program
January 15, 2010
MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently inducted its second C-5 Galaxy strategic transport into the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) production line at its Marietta, Ga., facility. The RERP modifications consist of more than 70 improvements and upgrades to the C-5 airframe and aircraft systems, and include the installation of new higher-thrust, more reliable turbofan engines.
“Each RERP aircraft induction is a major milestone for our program. We are making great strides with our first RERP induction and expect to keep up the same productive pace with this aircraft,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 vice president. “Every C-5M we produce gives added strength to the U.S. Air Force fleet and the warfighters who protect our country.”
The C-5M is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The first, the ongoing Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), provides the aircraft a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with modern avionics and flight instruments. Nearly half of the C-5 fleet has already undergone the AMP modifications. RERP is the second phase of the C-5 modernization effort.
The second aircraft to enter the RERP production line is a C-5B based at Dover AFB, Del. This aircraft, U.S. Air Force serial number 85-0002, was first delivered to Travis AFB, Calif., on Sept. 30, 1986, and was stationed there for much of its career, until it moved to Dover. This C-5 Galaxy currently has more than 19,000 flight hours.
Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 C-5Ms (modification of 49 C-5Bs, two C-5Cs, and one C-5A) by 2016. Three C-5Ms, the former Super Galaxy test fleet, have been redelivered to the U.S. Air Force at Dover AFB.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
GOL Completes Nine Years of Operations
January 15, 2010
Throughout 2009, the company increased its presence abroad through code-share agreements, expanded the SMILES, Gollog and Voe Facil programs and implemented several innovations in the Brazilian market
SAO PAULO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: GOLL4 and NYSE: GOL), Latin America’s largest low-cost and low-fare airline, completes nine years of regular commercial aviation operations today. During this period, the company increased its fleet from six to 109 operational aircraft and continued to popularize Brazilian air travel, revolutionizing the market by introducing fares capable of competing with the bus companies, attracting more first-time passengers and members of Brazil’s new middle-class.
Today, with its GOL and VARIG brands, the group offers the most extensive and convenient route network in South America with more than 800 flights per day to 59 destinations in 9 countries.
Certain decisions were vital for the company’s immediate success: operating a modern and standardized fleet of Boeing 737 New Generation aircraft, utilizing the internet as the company’s main sales channel (paperless tickets), focusing on innovation and technology to boost results and investing in a highly efficient and committed team to guarantee excellence in service quality.
“We are proud to have transported more than 130 million passengers since the company was launched in 2001. Thanks to GOL, more people can travel by plane, the fastest, safest and most convenient transportation. We believe there are many more who have the conditions to fly but have not done so yet. In other words, we have a long growth trajectory ahead of us,” declared Constantino de Oliveira Junior, CEO and co-founder of the company.
GOL’s ninth year was marked by a series of innovations and achievements, including:
– Buy on Board: in addition to regular services, clients can also buy various quality products on-board.
– Revitalization of the SMILES program: Latin America’s largest mileage program with 6.6 million participants. This year, the company announced partnerships with several important companies, including the Franco-Dutch Air France-KLM (Flying Blue), and the North-American American Airlines (AAdvantage), which has the highest number of flights to Brazil.
– Code-share agreements: we closed new agreements with American Airlines, Air France-KLM, Iberia and Aeromexico.
– Regular flights to Aruba, in the Caribbean: in addition to this route, the company also offers charter flights to Curacao and Punta Cana in association with tour operators and local governments.
– Expansion of Voe Facil: this program permits ticket payments in up to 36 installments and is now offered by travel agencies. The program launched its first Voe Facil store in one of the biggest middle-class shopping regions in Sao Paulo city.
– Launch of Gollog: the company’s cargo transportation service announced the launch of Gollog Express, which offers door-to-door cargo deliveries with previously established deadlines.
“We are studying opportunities for further expanding our operations, launching flights in both the domestic market and high-traffic international centers,” concluded Oliveira Junior.
To celebrate GOL’s ninth anniversary, the Company’s Documentation and History Center has launched a portal with detailed information on the company’s history. The website (www.voegol.com.br/memoria *) includes a detailed timeline, statistical data, information on awards granted to GOL, social responsibility and technological innovations launched by the company, as well as pictures of every aircraft operated by GOL and VARIG and a digitalized collection of on-board magazines.
TAM Signs Distribution Agreement with GDS
January 15, 2010
The airline will make its full rate content available through the Global Distribution Systems (GDS), extending the options available to its travel agents and corporate customers in Brazil for issuing TAM tickets
SAO PAULO, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TAM (BOVESPA: TAMM4, NYSE: TAM) signed agreements with Sabre and is negotiating with Amadeus and Travelport to make its entire content (rates and inventory) in the Brazilian market available through the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) operated by the three companies. With these new partnerships, the airline expands the options available to travel agents and corporate customers in order to issue tickets within Brazil. The expectation is that TAM’S full content shall be available in the three GDSs by the end of the first half of 2010.
The company will continue to use the e-TAM portal, its own distribution channel based on Amadeus’s technology platform, to make its content available in Brazil. e-TAM will offer the same information contained in the Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport GDSs. With it, travel agents and corporate customers may choose the most convenient tool for their day-to-day use.
Paulo Castello Branco, TAM’S Vice President of Commerce and Planning, states that the new partnerships will operate as an important tool to expand the company’s content distribution within the domestic market. “Today’s announcement is part of our strategy to be a global company and industry leader. Travel agents and corporate customers will have efficient access to our content, whether through e-TAM, Amadeus, Sabre or Travelport. In this way, the client wins.”
The agreements will not have any impact with the end user, who will still be able to purchase airline tickets through travel agencies and TAM stores, and also through the call center and the company’s website.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Achieves Initial Airworthiness Milestone
January 15, 2010
EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has completed initial airworthiness testing on the 787 Dreamliner. This milestone will enable more crew members to take part in flights and will allow more airplanes to join the flight test program.
“This is an important step forward,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are very pleased with the results we have achieved so far. The airplane has been performing as we expected.”
Since the first flight in mid-December, the program has conducted 15 flights, achieving several key accomplishments. Pilots have taken the airplane to an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) and a speed of Mach 0.65. Nearly 60 hours of flying have been completed. Initial stall tests and other dynamic maneuvers have been run, as well as an extensive check-out of the airplane’s systems. Six different pilots have been behind the controls of the 787.
In the weeks ahead, the team will continue to expand the flight envelope at which the 787 will operate to reach an altitude of more than 40,000 feet (12,192 meters) and a speed of Mach 0.85. Subsequent testing will push the airplane beyond expected operational conditions.
“The pilots have told me the results we are seeing in flight match their expectations and the simulations we’ve run. That’s a real tribute to Boeing’s expertise and the international team that helped develop and build the airplane,” said Fancher.
Flight testing will continue in the months ahead. First delivery is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
GOL completa nove anos de operações
January 15, 2010
15 de janeiro de 2010 11:00 HORALOCAL Ao longo de 2009, a empresa se internacionalizou ainda mais por meio de acordos de code-share, expandiu os programas SMILES, Gollog e Voe Fácil e implantou inovações no mercado brasileiro São Paulo, 15 de janeiro de 2010 – A GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL), a maior companhia aérea de baixo custo e baixa tarifa da América Latina, completa hoje nove anos de operações regulares na aviação comercial. Nesse período, a companhia expandiu sua frota de seis para 109 aeronaves operacionais e continuou popularizando o transporte aéreo brasileiro, revolucionando o mercado com tarifas competitivas em relação às cobradas pelas empresas de ônibus, atraindo mais clientes de primeira viagem e a nova classe média brasileira. Hoje, com suas marcas GOL e VARIG, o grupo oferece a mais extensa e conveniente malha de rotas na América do Sul: são mais de 800 voos diários para 59 destinos em nove países. Algumas decisões foram primordiais para o imediato sucesso da empresa: operar uma frota moderna e padronizada de aeronaves Boeing 737 New Generation, utilizar a Internet como principal canal de vendas (bilhetes paperless), focar em inovação e tecnologia como alavancas de resultado, e ter uma equipe altamente eficiente e comprometida, assegurando excelência na qualidade dos serviços. “Nós nos orgulhamos por termos transportado mais de 130 milhões de passageiros desde o lançamento da companhia, em 2001. Com a GOL, viajantes passaram a utilizar o avião, o meio de transporte mais rápido, conveniente e seguro que existe. Acreditamos que no Brasil ainda existe muitas pessoas em condições de usar o transporte aéreo, mas ainda não o fazem. Ou seja, temos uma longa avenida de crescimento pela frente”, diz Constantino de Oliveira Junior, presidente e co-fundador da companhia. Para a GOL, o nono ano de operações foi marcado por uma série de novidades e conquistas como: • Serviço de Venda a Bordo: onde além do serviço padrão, o cliente tem a opção adicional de comprar uma variedade de produtos de qualidade a bordo da aeronave. • Revitalização do SMILES: o maior programa de milhagem da América Latina que conta com 6,6 milhões de participantes. No ano, a companhia anunciou parcerias com grandes companhias como o grupo grupo franco-holandês Air France-KLM (Flying Blue), e a norte-americana American Airlines (AAdvantage), a qual possui o maior número de frequências para o Brasil. • Acordos de code-share: fechamos novos acordos com American Airlines, Air France-KLM, Iberia e Aeroméxico. • Voo regular para Aruba (Caribe): além deste, a empresa está operando fretamentos para Curaçao e Punta Cana, em parceria com operadores de turismo e os governos locais. • Expansão do Voe Fácil: o programa que permite o parcelamento das passagens aéreas em até 36 vezes, passou a ser oferecido via agências de viagem e inaugurou sua primeira loja física em um grande centro popular na cidade de São Paulo. • Lançamento no Gollog: o serviço de transporte de cargas da companhia, anunciou o lançamento do serviço Gollog Express, voltado para remessas cuja característica principal é de ser um serviço porta a porta, com prazos definidos de entrega.<