LAN aumenta sus utilidades
January 31, 2011
La empresa chilena LAN aumentó sus utilidades en un 81% respecto al año anterior, reportando utilidades por U$ 420 millones, lo que es un antecedente concreto. Lo que me parece increible y digna de estudio es la “empresa”, como esta se ha posicionado en un mercado complejo, de difícil acceso, muy regulado en muchos países, de grandes requerimientos económicos tanto para la adquisición de aeronaves como para su mantenimiento, con el agravante de ser un mercado con presencia de grandes empresas transnacionales.
Lo anterior debiéramos atribuirlo a sus dueños y accionistas (que no son pilotos profesionales, vienen de otras áreas), quienes han demostrado osadía, atrevimiento y capacidad entre otros recursos, lo cual ha dado como resultado una empresa fuerte, capaz de sortear grandes problemas y sin duda al “ingenio” (inteligencia) para planificar y consolidar lo pensado.
Hoy, uno de sus ex accionistas mayoritarios (Sebastián Piñera) dirige los destinos de Chile, ocupando la Presidencia de dicho país en el confin de América del Sur, puede ser que sus ideas y capacidades relancen a este pequeño gigante sudamericano con deseos de jugar en las ligas mayores, querido por muchos de sus vecinos, pero también “envidiado” por otros tantos por decirlo elegantemente a nivel sudamericano.
El aire es un mercado difícil, aquí se ven las reales capacidades de los más preparados y sin duda que LAN cuenta con ellos y al parecer será por mucho tiempo.
Bell 429 Helicopter Awarded Brazilian Certification
January 28, 2011
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Jan. 28, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has announced that the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) has awarded the Bell 429 helicopter Brazilian certification. This approval follows certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Canada (TC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
“This certification clears the way for the Bell 429 to operate in Brazil, where we already have a significant established base of Bell Helicopter operators,” said Larry Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial Business, Bell Helicopter. “Brazil represents an important market for us and the 429, with its superior hot and high performance capability, power, speed, and flexible and expansive cabin, is ideally suited for the range of missions demanded by the Brazilian market. We look forward to delivering the first 429 into Brazil.”
Deliveries of the Bell 429 into Brazil will begin in early 2011. Orders for the new aircraft were placed following a highly successful regional tour that impressed customers throughout Latin America.
The Bell 429 already has a presence in Latin America with aircraft currently operating in Argentina.
Since its introduction, the aircraft has received strong acceptance from customers around the globe including Asia Pacific, India and Europe.
The Bell 429 was first certified in mid-2009 as a single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR), Category A helicopter under the latest requirements of Part 27 airworthiness rules by U.S., Canadian and European authorities. It is designed and built to more stringent airworthiness standards than any other light twin-engine helicopter.
¿Puntualidad, eficiencia y rentabilidad?
January 28, 2011
Un caso curioso por decir lo menos es el de la aerolínea que obtuvo el premio a la puntualidad 2010 por segundo año consecutivo, sin embargo, es una aerolínea quebrada económicamente y nos referimos a JAL Airlines.
Algunos antecedentes:
· Aerolíneas evaludas: 33 compañías internacionales
· Período considerado: año 2010 (12 meses)
· Puntualidad alcanzada por JAL (primer lugar): 89,9%
· Vuelos realizados por JAL: 180.383 vuelos (domésticos e internacionales)
· Fuente de información: Conductive Technology, Corporation Flight Stats
Sin duda que puntualidad, eficiencia y rentabilidad son parámetros que suelen ir de la mano, sin embargo, aquí no se cumplen. La puntualidad no sólo considera al pasajero, involucra a mantenimiento, proveedores, logística, planificación y operaciones por nombrar sólo algunos ítems y la falta de recursos económicos como es el caso, atenta contra la mayoría de ellos, pese a lo anterior, se es puntual en un 90%, cuesta entenderlo.
Lo que quizás hace a una aerolínea “quebrada” ser puntual pese a los problemas que existan, es el “Compromiso” que puedan tener sus empleados para con la empresa, el sacrificio que ella les pide pese a las dificultades y los deseos de mantener su fuente laboral. Sin duda, el caso anterior no se daría en otro país del mundo que no sea Japón y esa es una de las razones del porque se puede ser grande a pesar de tener muchos problemas. Una buena triada, Empresa – Compromiso – Eficiencia y un buen ejemplo para muchos países y aerolíneas.
Airbus Military demonstrates final A330 MRTT refuelling system
January 27, 2011
The Airbus Military A330 MRTT has successfully passed fuel to receiver aircraft using the Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) for the first time – meaning that all of the aircraft´s refuelling systems have now been demonstrated.
In a three hour 10 min sortie from Getafe near Madrid on 21st January, the Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA) variant for the UK Royal Air Force conducted a series of “wet contacts” with two F-18 fighters of the Spanish Air Force.
Contacts were successfully performed with both fighters at an altitude of around 15,000ft and at speeds from 250kt to 325kt.
The FRU is a hose and drogue similar to those fitted under the wings, but with a higher rate of fuel transfer, and which is also developed and supplied by Cobham of the UK.
The full complement of refuelling systems which can equip the A330 MRTT, and which have now all been demonstrated, consists of: the FRU, the underwing hose-and-drogue, and the Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), plus the Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) used to receive fuel from another tanker.
Head of Airbus Military Derivatives Antonio Caramazana said: “This demonstration of the last of the A330 MRTT´s refuelling systems clearly positions it as the most capable, flexible and proven transport/tanker available to the world´s air forces today. We now look forward to conducting the first contacts with Royal Air Force fighters in the coming months.”
Is the ‘feel good’ factor returning to the aircraft interiors industry?
January 27, 2011
An improving economic environment and rising passenger expectations are two of the factors expected to help fuel the aircraft interiors industry during 2011. Aircraft Interiors Expo, which is being held at the Hamburg Messe from 5 to 7 April this year, will once again provide the industry with the opportunity to showcase its latest products and services to the world’s largest gathering of airline procurement representatives. Examples of new business class seating and advanced inflight entertainment and connectivity systems are expected to be two of the trends that airlines are particularly interested in seeing this year.
In terms of passenger numbers, both of the major airframe manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing – are predicting passenger growth levels of around 4.8 percent over the next 18 years, which will help to boost travel demand. Added to this many airlines have been holding onto legacy fleets that are now not only less fuel efficient than modern aircraft but are also starting to look tired and dilapidated inside.
With airlines taking an ever more holistic approach to their customers, looking at all the points at which passengers interface with the airline – from the pre-flight experience to transitioning through the airport and the flight itself – yet the cabin interior remains key.
Vern Alg, Industry Consultant to Aircraft Interiors Expo says: “The recent economic downturn caused many airlines to drastically cut their spending on cabin interiors. This reduced investment is really starting to show in some areas including cabin maintenance and product upgrades. Now, these airlines are going to have to play catch up or they risk getting left behind as passenger expectations continue to increase.”
Vern points out that expectations – beyond the budget-only traveller – have continued to rise even in the downturn. These expectations are about more than just whether the inflight entertainment system is working during the flight. Tatty seat covers and dilapidated carpets, worn looking washrooms, and obsolete premium seats are noticed by passengers. These things do have an impact on their perceptions of an airline and drive their buying decisions.
Indeed, what Vern describes as “the whole airline product” is expected to become more segmented for passengers – in the same way that visitors to a restaurant chose their preferences from a menu of options. This trend is already underway in areas such as choosing to pay for food on flights or paying less if you have less baggage. It is going to be an educational process to promote these initiatives to passengers, but it will become more and more normal for passengers to pick and choose options they want as they create their own personal travel experience.
“We are going to see a resurgence in the industry over the next two or three years,” says Vern. “Even mature markets such as North America could see 3 to 4 per cent growth while younger markets in Asia for example could see growth rates of as high as 7 per cent. The business traveller will be back in force as we progress through this economic cycle. It’s a great time for companies to be ramping up their research and development as airlines are looking around for innovative ideas to enable their growth plans.”
Airbus delivers record number of corporate jets
January 27, 2011
Wins new business taking total orders to more than 170 aircraft
Airbus delivered 15 corporate jets in 2010, worth more than US$ 1.5 billion at list prices, setting a new record for this facet of its business. The aircraft comprised 13 A318 Elites, Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs) and A320 Prestiges, plus two VIP widebody A330/A340s.
Airbus also won eight orders for its corporate jets in 2010, taking total orders to date to more than 170 aircraft. The new orders comprised seven aircraft from the A318 Elite/Airbus ACJ/A320 Prestige Family, plus one widebody A330/A340.
The orders and the deliveries were both for customers and operators in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and were both for private customers and governments – most of which prefer to remain undisclosed.
“Corporate jets are a largely unseen enabler of company success and growth, as well as supporting the business of government, and Airbus’ modern aircraft family is a key contributor in both fields,” points out Airbus COO, Customers, John Leahy.
“Like our airliner business, the market for our corporate jets is worldwide and growing, as more and more customers recognise the greater capability, benefits and value that we offer, when compared with traditional business jets,” he adds.
The past year also saw more and more Airbus corporate jets being offered for VIP charter flights, with more than 15 A318 Elites, Airbus ACJs and A320 Prestiges now available through more than ten operators in America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
These Airbus corporate jets can carry more people than traditional business jets, as well as having cabins that are around twice as wide with unequalled comfort, space and freedom of movement, which makes them ideal for carrying business teams, extended families and government delegations.
The growing number of Airbus corporate jets available for VIP charter makes it easier than ever for potential customers to sample the extra benefits on offer, as well as highlighting their attraction as an alternative to airline travel, and for occasional use.
Despite their much larger cabins, Airbus corporate jets are similar in length and wingspan to traditional business jets, can land and take-off in similar distances, and represent a similar investment, delivering more value for money.
Airbus has the world’s most modern and comprehensive corporate jet family, which is flying on every continent, including Antarctica.
Gigante europeo ingresa en Bolsa
January 27, 2011
Las acciones del nuevo gigante europeo formado por Iberia y British Airways que esta semana vio la luz al final de su largo recorrido de fusión, comenzarán a transarse en las bolsas de valores de Madrid y Londres.
La nueva compañía será conocida como International Airlines Group (IAG) y constituye la segunda mayor línea aérea mas grande del viejo continente en lo referido a capitalización bursátil.
Ahora se dará el paso de real fusión, sinergías, optimización de rutas y de personal, lo que sin duda valorizará aún más a la nueva compañía.
LAN Perú, sede corporativa
January 26, 2011
Reflejando los tiempos que se viven en Latinoamérica en general, Lan Perú informó la próxima construcción de su edificio corporativo a un costo de U$ 20 millones. Asimismo, dicha aerolínea contempla una inversión de U$ 1.000 millones, lo que considera la incorporación de nuevas aeronaves y la apertura de nuevas rutas, entre ellas Isla de Pascua y Cuzco nocturno.
La empresa espera un crecimiento de un 20% en cuanto a pasajeros transportados para el presente período.
Embraer en cifras y próximos desarrollos FAB
January 26, 2011
Bien le ha ido para los tiempos que se viven al fabricante de aviones brasileño Embraer, quien esta semana informó que el año 2010 se construyeron en sus instalaciones 246 aeronaves, poco mas de los construidos el año 2009.
Para la empresa es gratificante el poder mantener operativas todas sus áreas y hoy con seguridad, se encuentran atentos a la próxima decisión del gobierno, el cual debe resolver la próxima adquisición del avión de combate de la Fuerza Aérea de dicho país, lo que traerá con seguridad, una importante transferencia de tecnología, en particular, si la decisión de compra se materializa en europa.
Dreamliner un sueño imposible
January 25, 2011
La empresa Boeing, nuevamente anunció su séptima postergación para entregar el 787 Dreamliner, la cual ahora se traslada para el tercer trimestre del 2011. Este “sueño” americano debió haber volado el 2008 y la empresa no ha logrado sacar nuevos modelos desde hace 15 años, siendo lo anterior un festín para Airbus, empresa que ha ocupado su lugar a nivel mundial con sus aeronaves eficientes, de bajo consumo, niveles de ruido aceptables y que año a año logran mejorar sus características, como es el caso del Airbus Neo.
Sin duda que norteamérica tiene una gran ventaja, su orgullo, y esto los hará salir adelante con un modelo seguro y eficiente que les permitirá nuevamente estar a la cabeza de la industria mundial. Agradecemos a esta aerolínea su capacidad para absorber las dificultades y poner a nuestra disposición sólo aeronaves seguras, aunque ello implique pérdidas considerables para ellos, eso es saber el valor de la vida, Boeing bien lo sabe y por ello todos esperamos que termine con éxito esta difícil tarea que enfrenta.
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