VistaJet Thinks Global with $7.8 Billion Bombardier Business Aircraft Order

November 27, 2012

Firm order for 56 Global jets and options for an additional 86 Global jets
MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – Nov. 27, 2012) –

Bombardier announced today the largest business aircraft sale in its history. VistaJet, a world-leading luxury aviation company and exclusive operator of Bombardier business aircraft, has signed a deal for up to 142 Global business jets which includes firm orders for 56 Global jets and options for a further 86 Global jets at a 2012 U.S. list price value of more than $7.8 billion if all options are exercised. The value of the firm order is approximately $3.1 billion at 2012 list prices.

The firm order comprises 25 Global 5000, 25 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets. Deliveries of these aircraft will begin in 2014. The agreement also includes options for 40 Global 5000, 40 Global 6000 and six Global 8000 jets.

“By any standard, this is a historic order for Bombardier. It goes without saying that we are thrilled VistaJet has again chosen to grow their fleet with the industry-leading Global family,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“We welcome VistaJet’s ongoing commitment to global coverage within existing and developing new markets. Our Global aircraft are perfect for VistaJet’s business strategy to deliver the ultimate business jet family to all corners of the world,” he added.

For VistaJet, the order signifies a key part of its expansion plans and ambitions to make business aviation more accessible to the emerging markets. Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman, VistaJet explained: “This order is the most significant milestone for VistaJet and is a testimony to our successful strategy that focuses on global coverage. Our customers need to fly point-to-point across the globe, and in many instances at short notice. Whether it’s a direct flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai, from London to Luanda or from Kinshasa to Ulan Bator, we are seamlessly connecting our customers to every corner of the world in unrivalled levels of style and safety.

“Such customer success allows us to place this historic order and will enable us to base even more brand new aircraft in these dynamic growth markets. I am excited to serve these markets with an unparalleled product both locally and globally.

“The Bombardier Global aircraft are ideally suited to meet the demanding needs of both jet owner and customer alike,” added Flohr.

Global 5000 aircraft: The Global 5000 jet combines superior transcontinental speed with the largest cabin in its class. It offers ultimate comfort to those on board and with the Bombardier Vision Flight Deck combines design and technology from nose to tail. On board, passengers can be whisked across the world with high-speed Internet and unmatched entertainment and productivity options. This jet can fly 5,200 nm (9,630 km) and connect London with San Francisco or London with Seoul(i).

Global 6000 aircraft: The Global 6000 jet’s unrivalled cabin size and levels of comfort combined with an optional stand-up shower and the Bombardier Vision Flight Deck means no other purpose built business jet comes close in terms of high-speed range capability and traveller comfort. Offering the ultimate in technology, this intrepid jet can link London with Tokyo or London with Mexico City non-stop, with eight passengers and three to four crew(i).

Global 7000 aircraft: The Global 7000(ii) aircraft will set the standard for a new category of large business jets with its spacious four-zone cabin. Passengers flying on the Global 7000 jet will experience 20 per cent more living space than the already impressive cabin of the industry-leading Global 6000 jet. This aircraft will offer an astounding passenger cabin length – 59 ft 7 in (18.17 m) and coupled with a superior high-speed cruise of M 0.90(i) it is set to expand the Global family to new levels when it enters service in 2016. With 10 passengers this aircraft will boast an incredible 7,300-nm (13,520-km)(i) range and will connect cities such as London and Singapore, Beijing and Washington non-stop or Moscow and Perth(i).

Global 8000 aircraft: The Global 8000(ii) will be the world’s farthest-range business jet with an incredible 7,900 nm (14,631 km)(i). With its superior three-zone cabin offering a 50 ft 7 in (15.42 m) passenger compartment and an unsurpassed M 0.90(i) high-speed cruise ability, it will fly eight passengers in ultimate comfort between cities such as London and Adelaide, Hong Kong and New York, and Mumbai and Toronto(i).

The “Iron Dome” radar, developed and manufactured by ELTA protects Israel’s citizens

November 21, 2012

“The “Iron Dome” radar, developed and manufactured by ELTA Systems Ltd., an Israel Aerospace Industries’ Group and subsidiary, is a dependable protector of Israel’s citizens. The radar scans a designated sector around the clock, in all visibility and weather conditions, detecting any threat launched towards Israel. Outstanding success rates have been achieved so far in intercepting enemy rockets. The radar has unique characteristics compared with other radars throughout the world.” So says Avi Leshem, Deputy Manager of IAI/ELTA’s Detection & Interception Directorate, in his session at the International Aerospace Conference & Exhibition, which opens this week at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem

Upon initially detecting a threat (whether rocket or mortar round.) the radar estimates the location of the impact area, so as to be able to warn the relevant population in that area in good time, and provide the necessary data to the system to support decision-taking regarding the launching of an interceptor (for example, an interceptor is not launched if the impact area is defined by the system as uninhabited.)

AVIANCATACA HOLDING S.A. EARNS NET PROFIT OF USD 56.3 MILLION

November 21, 2012

This figure is 14.8% higher in comparison to the same period for the previous year

During the third quarter of 2012, AviancaTaca Holding S.A, (BVC: PFAVTA) reported operating income of US$1.1075 billion. This is equivalent to an increase of 8.1% with respect to the same period of 2011, removing the non-recurring revenue for expired tickets recorded in the third period of 2011.

Operating profit reached US$116.6 million. On the other hand, the EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and airplane rental) recorded for the period was US$226.4 million.

Net profits for the third quarter of 2012 rose to USD 56.3 MILLION, 14.8% higher than the profit recorded for the same period in 2011.

Capacity measured in ASK (Available Seats per Kilometer) increased by 10.3% in the third quarter as a result of the growth and consolidation strategy of the four (4) connecting hubs (Bogotá, Lima, San Salvador and San José in Costa Rica). The company opened five (5) new routes during this period, along with additional flights to existing routes in South America.

Passenger traffic measured in RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometer) rose 9.1% in the third quarter, whereas the load factor reached 81.8%. Cost per available seat kilometer, excluding fuel costs (CASK ex Fuel), declined by 6.0%.

During the third quarter, the company announced that it will be adopting the Avianca brand name for all of the group’s airlines, which will take effect during 2013. In the same manner, in compliance with its fleet renovation and modernization plan, five aircraft were incorporated into the fleet during the quarter: one (1) Airbus A330, two (2) Airbus A319, and two (2) Airbus A320.

ALTA Honra la Excelencia y Liderazgo en la Industria de la Aviación Latinoamericana

November 16, 2012

Ciudad de Panamá (Noviembre 15, 2012) – La noche de ayer ALTA reconoció la Excelencia y Liderazgo en la industria, entregando los premios Federico Bloch y Rolim Amaro a Andrés Conesa, CEO de Aeroméxico y a la Dirección de Aeronáutica Civil en Chile, respectivamente, durante la gala celebrada anualmente como parte del Foro ALTA de Líderes de Aerolíneas.  Ambos premios se han entregado a los líderes y organizaciones merecedoras durante los últimos 7 años.  El Foro de este año se está llevando a cabo en el Hotel Hard Rock Panama Megapolis en Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá.

El Premio Federico Bloch
Andrés Conesa, CEO de Aeroméxico, recibió el Premio Federico Bloch este año, por la reestructuración exitosa de la aerolínea, reduciendo costos y elevando la productividad al tiempo que la posicionaba para un cambio radical.  En medio de una variedad de fuerzas, incluyendo la desaceleración de la economía y el brote del virus H1N1, que redujeron el tráfico y los yields, Aeroméxico, lejos de sucumbir, ahora está registrando ganancias récord al tiempo que se embarca en el crecimiento en los mercados pujantes en Latinoamérica.

El Sr. Conesa, que recibió el premio de manos de la Sra. Jacqueline Laffite de Bloch, viuda de Federico Bloch, manifestó “Estoy recibiendo este reconocimiento en nombre de todo el grupo de Aeroméxico, sus empleados, directores y accionistas, con la firme convicción de continuar nuestro trabajo con pasión, día tras día, para ofrecer el mejor servicio de transporte aéreo posible para nuestros clientes, y para asegurar que cada una de las organizaciones de nuestro grupo sea la mejor en su categoría.   Me complace estar en el campo de la Aviación, que es uno de los más dinámicos y fascinantes en el mundo, y donde cada desafío debe verse como una oportunidad para innovar.  Con esto en mente, el   Grupo Aeroméxico ha transformado la compañía consolidándola como una de las mejores en México y una de las líderes de la región.  Hemos invertido en una flota de próxima generación, rutas nuevas y más frecuentes, y tecnología para el beneficio de nuestros pasajeros, apoyando así el desarrollo de nuestra nación y la conectividad en la región.”

El Premio Federico Bloch es administrado por la firma de consultoría líder especializada en la búsqueda de ejecutivos, Spencer Stuart, y el ganador es seleccionado mediante voto por un panel de cinco jurados, incluyendo:

Fernando Pinto, Presidente de TAP Air Portugal y ex-Presidente de Varig
Alfonso Pasquel, Director Ejecutivo de DESC S.A. y ex-Presidente of AeroMéxico
Enrique Borgo Bustamante, ex-Presidente de TACA y ex-Vice Presidente de El Salvador.
Bobby Booth, Presidente de AvGroup
Mark Pilling, Editor de Flight Global Publications
Emilio Romano, Presidente de Telemundo Media

El premio Federico Bloch   reconoce el liderazgo sobresaliente en el desarrollo e integración de la aviación comercial en Latinoamérica. Se otorga a quien promueva con éxito nuevos negocios; fomente la cooperación en la región; adopte prácticas comerciales de avanzada; apoye el crecimiento de la industria creando condiciones para el éxito, o que se exceda en su afán por impulsar los intereses de la industria de la aviación en América Latina y el Caribe. El premio honra la memoria del fallecido Federico Bloch, un pionero de la aviación en América Latina y gestor de la creación del Grupo TACA, que aúna cinco aerolíneas en Centroamérica.

El Premio Rolim Amaro
Este año el ganador del Premio Rolim Amaro fue la Dirección de Aeronáutica Civil de Chile, representada por su Director General, General Jaime Alarcón Pérez. Esta organización fue seleccionada como ganadora este año por sus continuos esfuerzos en la implementación de iniciativas y estándares para mejorar la seguridad operacional, resultantes en los más altos niveles de cumplimiento con las organizaciones de aviación civil globales y regionales. La Administración de Aeronáutica Civil de Chile también ha sido instrumental en mantener una estructura eficiente en costos para brindar un servicio excepcional a todos sus usuarios.

El General Alarcón Pérez comentó, “El reconocimiento de   ALTA a la DGAC de Chile es un gran honor para nosotros y para nuestro país. Nos motiva a continuar en el sendero de la seguridad operacional y servicio de calidad con convicción. Además, para nosotros es un orgullo que esta distinción sea entregada durante el Foro ALTA de Líderes de Aerolíneas, el sitio de encuentro más importante para el diálogo internacional conducente al desarrollo de una industria más segura y eficiente. Este premio representa un incentivo aún más grande pare perseverar dentro del contexto de la mejora continua, alineada con las demandas de los usuarios.” El General Alarcón Pérez recibió este premio de manos del Sr. Marco Antonio Bologna, CEO de TAM Airlines y antiguo colega y amigo del Capitán Rolim Amaro.
El Premio Anual Rolim Amaro honra la excelencia del servicio al cliente desde el punto de vista de una aerolínea. Seleccionado por votación del Comité Ejecutivo de ALTA, este premio se otorga a la organización de aviación de Latinoamérica o el Caribe que exhiba el mejor servicio al cliente en general desde la perspectiva de las aerolíneas, como usuarias o clientes de dichas organizaciones. En el pasado,   el premio se entregaba únicamente a aeropuertos.   Sin embargo, a partir de 2009, se amplió el criterio de selección para incluir a otros actores de la industria tales como proveedores de servicios de navegación aérea, autoridades de aviación civil y reguladores independientes. El criterio de selección también se amplió para incluir no solamente el servicio al cliente excepcional, sino también iniciativas o proyectos cuyo que hayan resultado en una industria de la aviación más eficiente y/o segura.

Interjet signs purchase agreement for 40 A320neo

November 13, 2012

Mexican airline latest in Latin America to select world’s best selling aircraft

Mexican low-cost carrier and all-Airbus operator Interjet signed a purchase agreement for 40 A320neo aircraft. Interjet will announce the aircraft’s engine selection at a later date. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit for Interjet’s fleet of 36 A320s. Later this month, Interjet will receive an additional A320 aircraft.

In only seven years of operations, Interjet has become a leading domestic airline in Mexico, having quickly expanded their network throughout the country and into the United States, Central America and the Caribbean. The new A320neo will support their continued network expansion and fleet renewal plans. Interjet has a backlog of 45 A320 Family aircraft, including today’s order.

“Adding the newest aircraft technology to our already young and efficient A320 fleet will allow us to operate some of the most cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly equipment available in aviation,” said Interjet Chairman Miguel Aleman Velasco.

“The A320neo will help Interjet maintain our leading position in Mexico’s airline business,” said Interjet President Miguel Alemán Magnani.

“This order solidifies an already strong partnership with one of Mexico’s leading airlines. It also reinforces Latin America’s growing trend of operating some of the world’s youngest and most efficient aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Interjet will be one of the first airlines in the region to operate the A320neo and to benefit from the 15 percent reduction in fuel burn it delivers.”

To date, more than 8,600 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than  5,300 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo, with almost 1,500 firm orders from more than 30 customers since its launch, is the fastest selling commercial aircraft ever and is on track to enter service from 2015.

With more than 700 aircraft sold and a backlog of almost 350, over 450 Airbus aircraft operate throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

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