Transaero Airlines commits to four A380s
October 28, 2011
First A380 customer in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe
Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest airline, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for four A380 aircraft. The agreement was signed by Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO and Christopher Buckley, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
Transaero will become the launch customer for the A380 in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The Russian carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on its long-range network of high density routes from Moscow. The aircraft will feature a three class cabin layout, seating about 700 passengers. Transaero will announce an engine selection for the new aircraft in the near future.
”Transaero is experienced in operating long-range wide-body aircraft, and is now ready to offer the A380. I am sure that the operation of this high capacity aircraft will stimulate the development of Russia’s aviation sector, in particular airports infrastructure while passengers will benefit from a completely new experience.” said Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO.
“We are very pleased to welcome Transaero as the launch customer for the A380 in Russia,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “We definitely see market potential for the A380 in Russia. Passenger traffic in this region is expected to increase at an average rate of 5.6 per cent per year over the next 20 years. We are convinced that the A380 is the best and most eco-efficient aircraft to meet those market requirements,” added John Leahy.
Transaero Airlines launched its services in November 1991, and currently serves more than 130 routes all over the world.
Since entering service in 2007 the eco-efficient A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost (some 16 million passengers up to date). The spacious, quiet cabin and the smooth ride have made the aircraft a favourite with passengers. This has resulted in higher than average load factors and increased profitability on A380 flights, providing airlines with a key competitive advantage wherever they operate the type.
Total orders for the aircraft stand at 236 from 18 customers worldwide and 59 aircraft have been delivered to seven customers.
Embraer Sells 11 More E-Jets to Azul
October 27, 2011
Delivery of the new aircraft to begin in 2013
São José dos Campos – SP, October 26, 2011 – Embraer and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras signed a contract today for the purchase of 11 EMBRAER 195 jets. The transaction increases the airline’s total orders for Embraer E-Jets to 52 aircraft. The value of this latest acquisition, at list price, is USD 497.2 million. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.
In addition to the 23 E195s it already flies in 118-seat single class configuration, Azul also operates ten 106-seat E190s. Both airplanes are the backbone of Azul’s fleet, which started operations in 2008 and in a couple of years expanded to achieve the respectable mark of 12 million transported passengers. With this new order, Azul will be the operator of the largest fleet of E-Jets in South America. All of the aircraft are equipped with individual in-flight entertainment system.
“The follow-on order from Azul is another example of the E195 success in the low-cost carrier business model,” said Paulo César de Souza e Silva, Embraer President of Commercial Aviation. “I’m particularly pleased to have a Brazilian customer showcasing the versatility of the E195 here in our home country.”
Azul CEO David Neeleman explained the need for increasing the size of the airline’s fleet: “This order underlines our belief that the E190 and E195 are the right aircraft for Azul’s growing network within Brazil. This additional capacity will support profitable growth, as well as our core mission of providing safe, comfortable and affordable air transportation in the country.”
The proven success of the E195 with low cost carriers is attributed to its outstanding dispatch reliability and high utilization. Today, each E190 and E195 in the Azul fleet is scheduled an average of 13 block hours per day, the highest of any E-Jets operator. The E195 and E190 are also in service with other low cost carriers, including Flybe, in the United Kingdom, JetBlue, in the USA, nasair, in Saudi Arabia, and Virgin Australia.
Bell Helicopter Delivers into Mexico
October 27, 2011
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 27, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has delivered four Bell aircraft into Mexico – three Bell 412s and the first Bell 429 into Mexico earlier this year.
The three Bell 412s were delivered to Heliservicio Campeche to support its oil & gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Bell Helicopter received the order at the 2011 Heli-Expo in Orlando earlier this year.
Heliservicio currently operates a fleet of 22 Bell 412’s, with a total of 31 Bell aircraft – all of which are maintained by Servicio Tecnico Aereo de Mexico, the Bell Helicopter platinum-level Certified Service Facility for Mexico.
“The Bell 412 is the workhorse in our fleet and meets the demands of our oil and gas operations with excellent dependability,” said Alfredo Miguel Bejos, CEO of Heliservicio Campeche.
Earlier this year, Bell Helicopter delivered a Bell 429 to the State of Chihuahua for corporate transport.
“Bell Helicopter has a strong presence in Mexico with many long-term partnerships in Latin America,” said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president for Bell Helicopter’s Commercial business.
“The Bell 412 has had tremendous success in the region especially in the oil & gas industry. It is well-known for its reliability and multi-mission capabilities.
“We are confident the Bell 429 will also be as widely accepted by our customers in Mexico,” he said.
JetBlue signs firm order for 40 A320neo aircraft
October 27, 2011
Deal formalizes commitment announced in June
JetBlue Airways has finalized its firm order for 40 A320neo (new engine option) aircraft previously announced at the Paris Air Show in June. The airline has not yet announced its engine selection for the A320neo order. With this contract, JetBlue also converts 30 of its pre-existing orders for A320s to the larger A321 model with enhanced wingtip devices called Sharklets. In total JetBlue currently has on order 40 A320neo aircraft, 30 A321s and 22 A320s.
“We commenced operations with Airbus aircraft nearly 12 years ago, and have since used the A320 family as the backbone of our fleet, receiving great feedback from our customers and crewmembers,” said Mark Powers, Chief Financial Officer of JetBlue Airways. “Our business model is focused on a sustainable growth strategy with emphasis on cost control, while providing the most comfortable experience to our customers. We believe the A320neo fleet with help us meet these goals.”
“Environmental obligations and higher oil prices demand that our industry continues to optimize its equipment and operations, and the A320neo will allow JetBlue to do just that,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “This new order for the A320neo demonstrates that the leadership of the airline knows a good thing when they see it and knows it will benefit their business and their customers.”
The A320neo family is the fastest selling airliner ever, with more than 1200 orders and commitments since its launch in late 2010. The new A319, A320 and A321 models feature a choice of two new engines – the PurePower PW1100G from Pratt & Whitney or the LEAP-X from CFM International. The aircraft also feature large wingtip device known as Sharklets. Together this results in a 15 percent fuel burn reduction, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 3,600 metric tons per aircraft.
Bell Helicopter’s 429 Earns Certification in China
October 24, 2011
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (October 24, 2011) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has received type certification for the Bell 429 from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
“This is an important milestone as Bell Helicopter continues to grow its presence within the Asia Pacific region,” said Larry D. Roberts, senior vice president for Bell Helicopter’s Commercial business.
“Our customers like the speed, power and the advanced cockpit technology that the Bell 429 delivers. Along with the largest cabin in its class, it offers a smooth, comfortable ride. The interior environment can be tailor-made to meet the most demanding requirements for style, comfort and individuality. The Bell 429 is reliable, conforming to the latest airworthiness standards, and is backed by Bell Helicopter’s award-winning and industry-leading customer service and support,” Roberts said.
The Bell 429 has conducted extensive flight demonstrations in every continent, except Antarctica, and has been certified in more than 40 countries.
With configuration options ranging from VIP to air-medical, law enforcement, utility and oil & gas, the Bell 429 offers superior mission capability and adaptability.
Piper Aircraft Indefinitely Suspends Light Jet Development
October 24, 2011
VERO BEACH, Fla., Oct. 24, 2011 – Piper Aircraft Inc. is indefinitely suspending further development of the Piper Altaire business jet following a review to align the company’s business goals with the light jet market outlook, investment strategies and overall economic forecasts.
“Following an evaluation of Altaire development and light jet forecasts we determined the best course of action for the company going forward is to indefinitely suspend the program, preserving intellectual property and progress to date,” said Piper Interim President and CEO Simon Caldecott. “Unfortunately and regrettably, this will have serious consequences for many talented Piper employees and for our Piper Altaire customers.”
Caldecott said that while the Altaire program was on schedule, on budget, and hitting aircraft performance targets, planned development costs had risen above the point that were recoverable under foreseeable light jet market projections. The company will not release the budget for the Altaire development program or expenditures to date. Piper will refund the deposits of Altaire position holders or their deposits can be applied towards other new Piper airplanes.
Light Jet Market Not Recovering
“Clearly, the market for light jets is not recovering sufficiently and quickly enough to allow us to continue developing the program under the economic circumstances we face,” Caldecott said.
“However, going forward as a company, we will step up product improvements for our turboprop and piston-powered product lines. As a result, Piper will increase the number of personnel dedicated to our sustaining engineering function,” he added. “In addition, the company is initiating third-party engineering and manufacturing services to preserve as much of our talent pool and as many jobs as possible.”
Among the enterprise initiatives underway is Design by Piper. This third-party service provider will perform proprietary engineering and technical functions for other companies to take advantage of the high level and wide range of some of the talent that had been assigned to the Altaire development program.
Additionally, Precision by Piper, another third-party service provider, will leverage the company’s precision manufacturing expertise and recent upgrades to its manufacturing capabilities which were completed in anticipation of Altaire production. Utilizing the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing model, Piper is also stepping up product improvements and investments in existing lines of its business and training aircraft.
Company Will Persevere
Caldecott said, “Without a doubt this event will impact the company, but Piper employees have demonstrated great resilience before to overcome such economic obstacles and I am confident we will once more persevere over the long-run.” Deliveries of Piper’s piston and turboprop powered aircraft have increased quarter over quarter and year over year as the company continues to outperform the marketplace, meeting or exceeding internal financial and delivery targets.
“Certainly, increased product improvements to the existing aircraft in production and creation of these engineering and manufacturing enterprises will not make up for the loss of many of our extremely talented colleagues that have been brought in for the Altaire program. But we will make every effort to preserve as many as possible,” Caldecott said. “Unquestionably, we will be losing some of the best and most professional talent in aviation to others in our industry and that is our loss and their gain.”
Eurocopter Chile entrega a Servicios Aéreos Kipreos el primer Ecureuil AS350 B3e en el continente americano
October 21, 2011
Marignane, 21 de octubre de 2011
Eurocopter, a través de su filial en el Cono Sur, entrega a Servicios Aéreos Kipreos un helicóptero AS350 B3e, siendo el primer operador de esta nueva versión del Ecureuil en América.
La empresa, que ya opera un Ecureuil AS350 B2 desde 2005, integra el nuevo modelo de este helicóptero a su flota, especializada en trabajos aéreos de alta precisión.
El Ecureuil AS350 B3e es una de las nuevas versiones de helicópteros que Eurocopter presentó en marzo de este año en el Salón Heli Expo. “Estoy muy contento de entregar esta nueva versión de uno de nuestros aparatos más célebres” dijo Alexandre Ceccacci, Consejero Delegado de Eurocopter Chile S.A. “Con la nueva generación de helicópteros, Eurocopter quiere responder a las crecientes necesidades de nuestros clientes, que como en Chile operan en un entorno cada vez más exigente”.
Dedicada desde sus inicios a realizar trabajos aéreos para el diseño y construcción de sistemas eléctricos, la compañía también efectúa trabajos en líneas de transmisión en la alta cordillera y otros servicios aéreos, siendo uno de los pocos operadores capacitados para la construcción y mantención de las líneas de alta tensión en Chile.
“Ante la creciente demanda de trabajos aéreos de precisión, se impone la necesidad de tener un helicóptero multi-misión que permita hacer frente a cualquier tipo de situación y a la alta exigencia de las operaciones”, declaró José de la Fuente, Gerente General de Servicios Aéreos Kipreos S.A., ante socios, clientes y empleados de la empresa, y representantes de la Asociación Chilena de Helicópteros.
El nuevo helicóptero, que tendrá su base en Santiago, no sólo se destinará a trabajos en líneas de transmisión, sino a todo un abanico de misiones tales como transporte de pasajeros, apoyo a la minería, topografía laser aerotransportada, heliski, transporte de cargas, filmaciones o extinción de incendios.
El AS350 B3 es un helicóptero de alto rendimiento, ideal para operaciones en condiciones extremas de altitud y temperatura. No es casual que fuera este modelo el que batiera el record mundial en 2005, al posarse y despegar de la cima del Everest a una altitud de 8.848 metros. Extremadamente versátil, potente y seguro, es también apto para el transporte de cargas pesadas. Cuenta además con una avanzada tecnología y goza de tener el coste de operación directo más económico del mercado en la categoría de los monomotores.
Su última versión AS350 B3e, incluye un motor más potente Turbomeca Arriel 2D con mayor ciclo de vida y menor costo de mantenimiento, una nueva generación de FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), un nuevo sistema de control incorporado con VEMD (Vehicle Engine Multifunction Display) para su turbina (Engine Data Recorder) y un nuevo diseño interior, junto con modificaciones en el rotor de cola para facilitar el pilotaje. Este helicóptero es ideal para el trabajo aéreo en condiciones difíciles.
Eurocopter Chile S.A. Delivers the First Ecureuil AS350 B3e for the Americas to Servicios Aéreos Kipreos S.A.
October 21, 2011
Marignane, France, October 21, 2011
The Eurocopter Chile subsidiary of Eurocopter delivered an AS350 B3e helicopter to Servicios Aéreos Kipreos today, making it the first operator to receive this new version of the Ecureuil rotary-wing aircraft in the Americas.
This new model joins the helicopter fleet at Servicios Aéreos Kipreos, which specializes in high-precision aerial work, and has included the Ecureuil AS350 B2 version since 2005.
Eurocopter’s AS350 B3e is one of the new and enhanced helicopter versions unveiled by the company in 2011. “I am delighted to deliver this latest version of one of our most renowned rotary-wing aircraft,” said Alexandre Ceccacci, CEO of Eurocopter Chile S.A. “Eurocopter has introduced this new generation of helicopters to meet our customers’ growing needs, such as those in Chile – who operate in an increasingly demanding environment.”
Servicios Aéreos Kipreos has carried out aerial operations for the design and construction of electrical systems since the company’s origins. Among other aerial services, it performs work on power transmission lines in high-altitude mountainous areas, and is one of the few operators able to carry out the construction and maintenance of high voltage lines in Chile.
“In light of the growing market for precision aerial work, we needed a multi-mission helicopter that can deal with all types of situations and the exacting demands of these operations,” said José de la Fuente, the CEO of Servicios Aéreos Kipreos S.A., in speaking to the company’s partners, customers and employees – as well as representatives of the Chilean Helicopter Association.
The company’s new AS350 B3e, to be based in Santiago, will be used for power line work, along with various other missions, such as passenger transport, mining support, airborne laser terrain mapping, heli-skiing, load transportation, filming and fire fighting activities.
The AS350 B3 is a high-performance helicopter perfectly suited for operations in “high and hot” conditions. It was the rotary-wing aircraft used to break the world record in 2005 by touching down and taking off from the summit of Everest at an altitude of 8,848 meters. This highly versatile, powerful and reliable helicopter also is suitable for transporting heavy loads. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology and has the most economic direct operating costs in the single-engine helicopter market.
Its latest version – the AS350 B3e – includes a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine with a longer life cycle and lower maintenance costs, next-generation FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), a new control system featuring VEMD (Vehicle Engine Multifunction Display) and an engine data recorder, along with improved interior design and tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting. This helicopter is ideal for aerial operations in extreme conditions.
FAdeA comienza a producir helicópteros en alianza con la corporación china CATIC
October 17, 2011
El anuncio se realizó en una conferencia de prensa en la cual estuvieron presentes el Ministro de Defensa, Arturo Puricelli, el Presidente de FAdeA Raúl Argañaraz, el Vicepresidente Julio César Lombardi y el vicepresidente de CATIC, Sr. Wu Jiajia.
En el marco de las celebraciones por el 84° Aniversario de su centro industrial, la Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brig. San Martín” (FAdeA) anunció la firma de un convenio de cooperación con la empresa CATIC, parte del mayor conglomerado de productos y servicios aeroespaciales de la República Popular China, el cual permitirá poner en marcha la producción de helicópteros livianos multipropósito, de uso militar y civil.
Se trata del segundo convenio celebrado durante este año por FAdeA con una compañía internacional productora de aeronaves. En abril pasado se firmó el convenio con la brasilera Embraer, tercera fabricante de aviones del mundo, por el cual se producirán en la Argentina aeropiezas para el carguero KC-390.
En esta oportunidad, se acordó un convenio marco de complementación productiva con el conglomerado chino que tiene como meta final la fabricación total en la planta cordobesa del helicóptero liviano Z-11. Así lo destacó hoy en conferencia de prensa el vicepresidente de CATIC, Wu Jiajia, al confirmar que “FAdeA es socio estratégico de CATIC en la región latinoamericana”.
El acuerdo “permitirá en una primera etapa iniciar un proceso de transferencia tecnológica para la producción conjunta de aeropartes. Luego se extenderá a la cooperación en el desarrollo logístico, comercial y financiero conjunto de CATIC y FAdeA para toda la región”, precisó el presidente de FAdeA, Raúl Argañaraz.
Luego de estos anuncios, con la presencia de invitados especiales en la pista Cap. Omar Gelardi del Aeródromo de FAdeA, el Sr. Ministro de Defensa de la Nación, Dr. Arturo Puricelli, realizó su viaje de bautismo a bordo de una aeronave IA-63 Pampa, de producción local. Tras sobrevolar la Central Nuclear de Embalse y la sede de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica en Falda del Carmen, el Ministro destacó en declaraciones a los medios presentes las características del vuelo y anticipó que el nuevo desarrollo de FAdeA, el entrenador básico IA-73, será ofrecido a todos los países de la Unasur como producto de desarrollo y uso conjunto continental.
Finalmente, autoridades y visitantes compartieron, junto a más de un millar de trabajadores de FAdeA, un almuerzo de camaradería en celebración de los 84 años del centro industrial ubicado sobre avenida Fuerza Aérea, en la ciudad de Córdoba.
The Brazilian C295 fleet reaches 25.000 flight hours
October 14, 2011
The Brazilian C295 fleet, consisting of twelve Airbus Military aircraft, has reached 25.000 flight hours after six years of successful operation in Amazonia and Mato Grosso, two big areas where these airplanes are vital for the local population. This achievement will be celebrated with a dedicated ceremony during the Brazilian Air Force event “Domingo Aereo” this upcoming Sunday 16 October in the PAMA maintenance centre in Sao Paulo.
These aircraft are working in particularly difficult environments, carrying out operations like the transport of basic necessities, medical evacuation and military missions, from the bases of Manaus –in Amazonia- and Campo Grande –in Mato Grosso- with the support of the maintenance center PAMA Sao Paulo.
“We are very proud to see the C295 operating so successfully with the Brazilian Air Force. Passing these 25.000 flight hours is a clear demonstration of the reliability and versatility the C295 offers to the Air Force, operating in difficult areas”, said Philippe Galland, Airbus Military Head of Customers Services.
“Since the C295 aircraft – called C-105 Amazonas by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) – entered service in 2007, more than a mere commercial relationship has developed between the Aeronautics Command (Comando da Aeronáutica) and Airbus Military, the company responsible for the fleet‟s logistic support. A real partnership has emerged which, over the years, has enabled a wide variety of missions, from search and rescue to humanitarian operations, to be performed throughout Brazil and abroad. Today, the Brazilian fleet of C295s has clocked up more than 25,000 flight hours and, to our great satisfaction, has reached 100% availability thanks to this partnership, hard work and the commitment of all the professionals involved, both from Airbus Military and the FAB”, explain Brigadier Jorge Luiz Alves de Barros Santos.
The contract between the Brazilian Air Force and Airbus Military was signed in 2005. The contract also included maintenance for five years, which was extended in 2010 for another five years.
In addition to this successful operation, in September Airbus Military also received the acceptance from the Brazilian Air Force of the Full Flight Simulator for the C295 in the Air Base of Manaus (BAMN facility), with only one administrative procedure left before full delivery. This Full flight Simulator is part of the contract for the purchase of the 12 C295 aircraft and will allow the Brazilian Air Force a full and complete autonomy in the training for its crew.
To date, Airbus Military has sold 83 C295 aircraft to 12 different operators.
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