EBACE 2011: Bombardier Aerospace Releases Annual Aircraft Market Forecasts

May 18, 2011

– 20-year Business Aircraft Market Forecast predicts 24,000 deliveries from 2011 to 2030, representing market-wide revenues of $626 billion

– 20-year Commercial Aircraft Market Forecast from 2011 to 2030 calls for 13,100 deliveries in 20- to 149-seat market, worth close to $639 billion

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND–(Marketwire – May 18, 2011) – Today, Bombardier Aerospace released its annual aircraft market forecasts for the business and commercial aircraft markets.

While both business and commercial aircraft were affected by the recession, business aircraft industry indicators are trending upwards, and the commercial aircraft market is seeing the beginning of a market recovery. China, India and other developing regions are leading the global industry recovery and are expected to capture an increasingly important share of industry orders in both the business and commercial aircraft markets.

Airbus single aisle production to increase to 42 per month in Q4 2012

May 18, 2011

Reflects strong order backlog and continued stable growth

Airbus will increase the production rate of its popular A320 Family of eco-efficient single-aisle aircraft to 42 aircraft per month in the fourth quarter of 2012. Currently Airbus produces 36 A320 Family aircraft each month, a production rate that will steadily rise to 38 in August 2011 and to 40 in the first quarter of 2012. Currently the production rate for Airbus’ long-range A330 Family is 8.5 per month, increasing to nine in early 2012 and ten in the second quarter of 2013.

IAI/Tamam delivred new MiniPOP Systems mounted on Rafael’s RCWS installed in Czech’w Army KBVP PANDUR operating in Afghanistan

May 18, 2011

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced that it has delivered the new MiniPOP lightweight EO/IR sights for Rafael’s Samson 30 RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapons Station) in a deal worth several millions of dollars.

The new systems are installed on the GDELS-Steyr KBVP PANDUR 88 CZ infantry fighting vehicles, which are currently operated by the Czech Army in Afghanistan.
The MiniPOP features a thermal imager, a CCD camera, a laser rangefinder and a laser pointer. Two MiniPOP systems are installed on each turret; one is used as the commander sight, and the other as the gunner sight.

Bombardier Learjet 85 Aircraft Program Progressing on All Fronts

May 18, 2011

continues to forge ahead. Development and production teams in Wichita, Kansas; Montréal,
Québec; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Querétaro, Mexico, are actively engaged as work has
transitioned from the detail design phase to the build, test and validate phase. The Learjet 85
aircraft program is moving towards its scheduled entry-into-service in 2013.
“The Learjet 85 aircraft program has entered a new phase and is progressing towards entryinto-
service with great strength,” said Ralph Acs, Vice President, Learjet 85,
Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The synergies achieved by working with people from across our
Bombardier Aerospace sites have proven extremely successful in the advancement of the
program.”
In April 2011, the Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT) completed the aircraft level
critical design review, a major product development milestone. The supply base is fully engaged
in the preparation and commissioning of systems test rigs, enabling the various suppliers to
exercise their respective systems, identify and implement corrective action prior to supplying
parts to the final assembly line in Wichita. Methods and logistics teams are now coordinating
production tooling, as well as sourcing and expediting parts to be shipped to the Querétaro site.
In Montréal, the IPDT is focused on completing the last production drawings for the test aircraft
and, in Wichita, the construction of the Learjet 85 aircraft final assembly line building, the first of
four phases of the site expansion, has begun.
The Belfast team successfully manufactured the first production wing spars using its innovative
Resin Transfer Infusion (RTI) technology, and wing skins are currently in production. Both the
spars and skins will be shipped to the Querétaro facility for final wing assembly.
Production of parts has begun at the Mexico Manufacturing Centre in Querétaro, and the
production of the majority of composite parts for the first aircraft is underway.
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There are currently 1,300 employees working on the Learjet 85 aircraft program across
Bombardier’s sites in Belfast, Mexico, Montréal and Wichita.
The new Learjet 85 aircraft – Redefining the midsize segment
Launched on October 30, 2007, with a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85
aircraft is positioned between the midsize Learjet 60 XR and the super midsize Challenger 300
jets.
True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary
performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect. The jet
is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of
take-off thrust at sea level 86ºF (30ºC) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx
emission combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The aircraft targets a high-speed
cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.
The Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology with superior design elements
for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements
and superior design aesthetics from Bombardier’s Global Vision flight deck are carried over in
order to create the ultimate Learjet aircraft flight control environment.
The aircraft’s customized version Cabin Management System, developed by Lufthansa Technik,
will feature a high-capacity Ethernet network with a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity
speaker system and an interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and
temperature control. The system’s open architecture also allows for easy integration of thirdparty
equipment and new applications, such as high-definition features.
Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier
Aerospace has carried forward the brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance
and fuel-efficient Learjet aircraft.

VIP A320 CONVERSION FOR MASTERJET, GENEVA

May 16, 2011

This April, Fokker Aircraft Services (FAS) celebrated the handover of an Airbus A320 conversion from airliner to VIP configuration, to Geneva based operator MasterJet.

When the A320 airliner arrived at the FAS facility in Woensdrecht, Netherlands for the conversion, the interior had to be completely stripped down and everything from wiring, isolation, monuments, partitions and seats were designed and fitted according to the customer’s own personal requirements, right down to the installation of 24-carat gold door knobs. In total, five cabins were installed, including a private suite with bedroom, bathroom and office; a conference and dining area, separate executive lounge and special first class seating area.

Throughout the design process Fokker used CATIA 3D graphics extensively in order to allow the customer to “experience” the aircraft throughout all phases of the design process.

“Other completions centers use CATIA as well, but not to the same extent as Fokker ,” says Eric Cuppen Director, Aircraft Completions and Conversions, “We find that it’s an excellent tool for allowing customers to fully understand what their aircraft cabin will ultimately look like.”

Another personalized feature included an AVOD Rack with a self-contained In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system: a separate power source and cooling system, meant the equipment didn’t need extra certification.
For acoustic comfort, Fokker soundproofing reduced cabin noise to 52-53 dB in the main private and lounge areas.

Additional Centre Tanks (ACT’s), which supplement the main fuel tank, were also fitted, increasing the aircraft’s range to nearly 4000nm. Although such a fit out is common for commercial aircraft, only a handful of VIP A320s have successfully undergone such a procedure.

Fokker Aircraft Service is an EASA, GCAA and FAA Part 145 approved maintenance facility. Located in in the Netherlands, it boasts five hangars spanning 16,000m2. At any one time, the facility is able to accommodate up to four positions for Boeing 737-series and Airbus A320-family aircraft.
FAS’ capabilities are increasingly being used for Boeing 737 series aircraft and the Airbus A320 family, along with other regional aircraft types such as Embraer and Bombardier.

Masterjet CEO Philip G. Queffelec (left) shakes hands with Edwin Schilling, President of Fokker Aircraft Services (right) after signing the hand-over agreement.

FLIR Systems Introduces Next Generation Explosives Detection

May 16, 2011

Fido NXT Expands Explosives Detection Capabilities

PORTLAND, OR, May 16, 2011 – FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced the introduction of the next generation of its industry leading handheld, explosives detector – Fido® NXT.  The completely redesigned Fido NXT provides expanded explosives detection capabilities in a smaller, more compact, rugged device.

The Fido NXT was designed and developed based on the lessons learned from more than 3,000 Fido detectors currently fielded around the world.  The light weight system delivers fast, accurate and consistent explosives detection through a simplified user interface suitable for users of any experience level.  The multi-modal design allows operators to use the device with confidence, even after long periods of inactivity, while also enabling expanded capabilities and additional response data for advanced users and subject matter experts.  With all-weather and day/night capabilities, the Fido NXT is ideally suited to covert operations or screening in high risk, high threat environments.

“Explosives and IEDs continue to provide a detection challenge for our forward deployed military as well as law enforcement agencies,” said Bill Sundermeier, president of FLIR Detection & Protection.  “With the introduction of the Fido NXT, FLIR continues the tradition of providing cutting edge solutions for the emerging challenges of our time.”

Revista Aerea Fevereiro Marco 2011

May 15, 2011

PIPER AIRCRAFT MOMENTUM BUILDS IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2011

May 9, 2011

Vero Beach, Fla., May 9, 2011 – Piper Aircraft Inc. continued the company’s upward performance trend in the first quarter of 2011 by significantly growing new aircraft billings and delivering substantially more of its flagship single-engine Meridian turboprops during the three months ended March 31.

First quarter 2011 new aircraft billings were $26,159,703, more than 40 percent higher than the company’s first quarter performance in the preceding year of $18,458,531. Meridian turboprop deliveries increased from only two aircraft in the first quarter of 2010 to seven of the $2 million-plus Meridians during the first three months of 2011.

Targets Met, Altaire Jet on Pace
The company achieved its internal first quarter financial and delivery targets. Total new aircraft deliveries during the reporting period declined slightly to 26 airplanes from 30 in the same period last year, offset by revenue from higher-priced models. The better performance was achieved during a period when the company also invested heavily in the single-engine Altaire business jet under development.

“Strenuous efforts to rationalize cost structure against the delivery pace, coupled with excellent individual and team performances as we continue to broaden our international reach, contributed to maintaining the company’s momentum so far in 2011,” said Piper President & CEO Geoffrey Berger. “Simultaneous with meeting our production and financial goals, Piper is on schedule with development of the new Altaire business jet, which represents the future of the company.”

The first quarter 2011 performance sustained a positive trend established during 2010 when Piper significantly increased new aircraft market share, billings and deliveries.

Tráfico de Pasajeros de las Aerolíneas ALTA Crece un 7,0% en Marzo

May 9, 2011

Miami, 9 de mayo, 2011 – ALTA, la Asociación Latinoamericana de Transporte Aéreo, informa que el número de pasajeros transportados por sus aerolíneas miembros durante el mes de marzo se incrementó un 7,0%, alcanzando los 11,6 millones.

Adicionalmente al crecimiento de los pasajeros, el trafico (RPK) se incrementó un 9,9% y la capacidad (ASK) creció un 3,1%. El factor de ocupación alcanzó el 74,6%, 4,6 puntos porcentuales más que en marzo de 2010.

La cantidad de pasajeros transportados acumulada a marzo (enero-marzo 2011) aumentó un 3,6% con respecto al mismo período del año anterior, alcanzando los 34,4 millones de pasajeros. Durante el período mencionado el tráfico (RPK) se incrementó un 4,6%, la capacidad (ASK) creció un 1,8%, y el factor de ocupación alcanzó el 76,0%, 2,0 puntos porcentuales por arriba del período anterior.
Las toneladas-kilómetros de carga se incrementaron un 8,3% en marzo y un 7,5% en 2011.

Aeronautical Accessories Named Exclusive Distributor for Bell 429 Barrier Filter Spares

May 2, 2011

PINEY FLATS, TENN. (May 2, 2011) – Aeronautical Accessories is pleased to announce that it has exclusive distributor rights on the Bell 429 Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) spares and replacement parts.  Manufactured by Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. the barrier filters are installed on the aircraft at Bell Helicopter’s Mirabel, Quebec commercial assembly facility.

The 429 IBF, part number 116020-103/104, has a maximum life of 6,000 hours (15 cycles every 4,000 hours).  Benefits of the filter include:

Reduced engine maintenance
Longer engine life due to the elimination of erosion
Meeting established engine time between overhaul requirements

“We are pleased that the 429 barrier filtration system Donaldson developed for Bell Helicopter is available on the production line. We are even more pleased that spares will now be available as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts direct from Aeronautical Accessories,” said Michael Scimone, President of Donaldson’s St. Louis operation. “Purchasing the IBF from Bell Helicopter for the 429 and spare components from Aeronautical ensures the most effective way to shield the engine against dust and dirt, maximize performance, and extend the aircraft’s engine life.”

“Aeronautical Accessories is proud of our long-standing relationship with Donaldson and are thrilled to be teaming with them on the 429 Inlet Barrier Filter,” said Jennifer Lunceford, Aeronautical Accessories Manager. “By supplying our customers with quality barrier filter parts that match original specifications, Aeronautical Accessories now provides Bell 429 owners the ability to protect their investment and reduce their direct operating costs.”

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