Bell Helicopter Announces First Two HEMS Bell 429s in the Middle East

July 21, 2014

Fort Worth, TX (July 21, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today a signed purchase agreement for the first two Bell 429s configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the Middle East. The aircraft will be equipped with a fully customized EMS interior and state-of-the-art avionics. The aircraft will be delivered in 2015 and will support medical rescue missions throughout the region.

“We are excited to bring the Bell 429 to the Middle East for HEMS operations,” said Steve Suttles, Bell Helicopter’s managing director for the Middle East and Africa. “In the past few years, EMS operators throughout the world have seen firsthand that the Bell 429 is the most modern light-twin helicopter available. In fact, of the nearly 200 Bell 429s operating worldwide, nearly 20 percent of them operate HEMS and parapublic missions. In recent years, a range of key global customers, including the Swedish National Police, New York Police Department, Turkish National Police, Air Zermatt and Wiltshire Air Ambulance, have all chosen the Bell 429 as the best solution for their mission needs. We expect to continue to see strong growth as more and more customers see firsthand the amazing capabilities of this machine in action.”

The Bell 429 is the only light twin-engine helicopter on the market with true two-litter capability, featuring enough cabin space for two medical attendants and two crew members. The Bell 429 also offers exceptional flight performance with a fully integrated glass cockpit, advanced drive system and best-in-class WAAS navigation and IFR capability. Additional safety features include a collective mounted throttle, damage tolerant hub and rotor system, and energy attenuating seats. It is the first helicopter certified through the MSG-3 process, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for operators. The Bell 429 also features a spacious cabin and extra large 60 inch side doors, as well as Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability certified for single or dual pilot operations.

“The advanced situational awareness and performance of the Bell 429 will be key for operators in the region to complete missions in this region as safely and effectively as possible,” said David Sale, Middle East regional sales manager for Bell Helicopter. “The total cost of ownership of the Bell 429 provides operators with value not only upon purchase, but also throughout the entire lifecycle of the aircraft. We are looking forward to increasing our HEMS capabilities throughout the Gulf Coast countries in the years to come as we continue to build momentum.”

Cunde rechazo a idea de cambiar nombre a aeropuerto A. Merino B.

July 21, 2014

Diversos sectores del acontecer chileno han manifestado su abierto rechazo a una nueva moción parlamentaria en orden a cambiar el nombre de “Arturo Merino Benítez” del aeropuerto de Santiago, por el de; “Poeta Pablo Neruda”.
Moción que no es la primera vez que se presenta y que según los que la impugnan, es una verdadera ofensa a la memoria del Comodoro del Aire Arturo Merino Benítez, insigne creador de la aviación civil chilena (deportiva y comercial) y de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile y cuyo nombre se otorgara al entonces aeropuerto “Pudahuel” al cumplirse el cincuentenario de la FACh, en homenaje a aquel insigne precursor de la aviación chilena.
Se señala además que si se desea rendir un homenaje más a aquel premio nobel de literatura, modos de hacerlo hay muchos y lugares sobran, sin que para ello haya que dejar sin efecto lo que las autoridades de la época con justicia determinaron.

AJW Group and Thales form a global avionics support partnership

July 21, 2014

Farnborough, 21st July 2014: AJW Group (AJW) and Thales have signed a partnership agreement for the repair of avionics equipment on Airbus and Boeing Single Aisle/Long Range aircraft.

This industrial sharing partnership and related exclusivity will enable the two organisations to operate worldwide as true partners predefining repair activities for each company per equipment lines.  AJW Technique – the AJW Group’s component repair facility in Montreal – will be fully accredited with Authorised Repair Capability for Thales’ components.  AJW will have access to Thales’ repair facilities in France, USA and Singapore with a dedicated support team to deliver the high volumes of LRUs (line replaceable units) and SRUs (shop replaceable units) repairs flowing from AJW Aviation.

“This agreement demonstrates Thales’ willingness to secure a valuable MRO partnership. The agreement signed with AJW is a perfect example of a business model that will bring growth to both parties involved and important customer benefits” stated François Piolet, Vice President & General Manager EuMEA – Thales Avionics Services Worldwide.

Christopher Whiteside, President of AJW Group, said “As suppliers to the industry, our guiding principle is to help airlines run their businesses more profitably.  We believe the efficiencies and savings that will ensue, will demonstrate how a creative commercial collaboration between organisations that are pre-eminent in their field can lead the way to a new standard of service.”

Boeing to Design XS-1 Experimental Spaceplane

July 20, 2014

DARPA program seeks to lower satellite launch costs

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 15, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] plans to  design a reusable launch vehicle for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in support of the U.S. government’s efforts to reduce satellite launch costs.  DARPA’s XS-1 Experimental Spaceplane is conceived as a reusable, unmanned booster with costs, operation and reliability similar to modern aircraft.

“Developing a vehicle that launches small payloads more affordably is a priority for future U.S. Defense Department operations,” said Steve Johnston, director of Boeing’s Phantom Works Advanced Space Exploration division. “Boeing brings a combination of proven experience in developing launch systems and reusable space vehicles, along with unparalleled expertise in the development and fielding of highly operable and cost-effective transportation systems.”

Under the $4 million preliminary design contract, Boeing plans to work on a reusable first stage launch vehicle capable of carrying and deploying an upper stage to launch small satellite payloads of 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,361 kg to 2,268 kg) into low-Earth orbit.

“Our design would allow the autonomous booster to carry the second stage and payload to high altitude and deploy them into space. The booster would then return to Earth, where it could be quickly prepared for the next flight by applying operation and maintenance principles similar to modern aircraft.” said Will Hampton, Boeing XS-1 program manager. “Drawing on our other innovative technologies, Boeing intends to provide a concept that uses efficient, streamlined ground infrastructure and improves the turnaround time  to relaunch this spacecraft for subsequent missions.”

DARPA plans to hold a Phase II competition next year for the follow-on production order to build the vehicle and conduct demonstration flights.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Boeing Statement on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17

July 20, 2014

SEATTLE, July 17, 2014 – Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board the Malaysia Airlines airplane lost over Ukrainian airspace, as well as their families and loved ones.

Boeing stands ready to provide whatever assistance is requested by authorities.

Sky Airline is a New Member of ALTA

July 20, 2014

Miami (July 18, 2014) – The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) announced today that SKY Airline has joined the association as a Full Member, bringing the total number of its Members to 71, including airlines and affiliated aviation-related organizations. ALTA represents the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean emphasizing safety and cost-efficiency, as well as making aviation more environmentally friendly.

Sky Airline is a Chilean enterprise headquartered in Santiago, Chile, transporting passengers and cargo since 2002. It is the second largest Chilean airline, having carried 2.4 million passengers in 2013. SKY Airline currently operates a fleet of 16 Airbus aircraft A-319 and A-320 which fly to 14 regular destinations within Chile and to 4 international destinations (La Paz, Lima, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires).

Eduardo Iglesias, Executive Director of ALTA, commented, “ALTA welcomes the incorporation of SKY Airline into our Association. Today, the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the fastest growing in the world and expected to produce excellent results in the next two decades. It is vital that airlines in the region combine efforts to voice their priorities so that the success so far attained can be sustained. ALTA is the most effective platform to project that voice.”

Holger Paulmann, COO of Sky Airline pointed out that the re-entry of Sky as member of ALTA is “very important”. “Our company is in a stage of growth, which means that we need to be attentive to all topics that are discussed within the airline industry, in order to provide the best service to our passengers and encourage competition and safety in the region”.

Sky Airline Nuevo Miembro Titular de ALTA

July 20, 2014

Miami (Julio 18, 2014) – La Asociación Latinoamericana y del Caribe de Transporte Aéreo (ALTA) anunció hoy que Sky Airline se incorporó a la misma como Miembro Titular, alcanzando un número total de 71 miembros, incluyendo aerolíneas y organizaciones afiliadas relacionadas con la aviación. ALTA representa a la industria de la aviación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe con énfasis en la seguridad operacional, la eficiencia de costos y la consideración del medio ambiente.

Sky Airline es una línea aérea Chilena con base en Santiago de Chile, que ofrece transporte de pasajeros y carga desde el 2002. Es la segunda aerolínea Chilena de mayor tamaño y transportó 2,4 millones de pasajeros en 2013. Sky Airline actualmente opera una flota de 16 aviones Airbus A-319 y A320, con vuelos regulares a 14 destinos dentro de Chile y 4 destinos internacionales (La Paz, Lima, Sao Paulo y Buenos Aires).

Eduardo Iglesias, Director Ejecutivo de ALTA, comentó, “ALTA aprecia la incorporación de Sky Airline a nuestra asociación. Hoy la industria de la aviación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe es una de las de mayor crecimiento en el mundo y se espera que continúe produciendo excelentes resultados en las próximas dos décadas. Es esencial que las aerolíneas de la región combinen esfuerzos para expresar sus prioridades haciendo posible la sustentabilidad del éxito alcanzado. ALTA es la plataforma más efectiva para que esa voz se proyecte.”

Holger Paulmann, Director de Operaciones de Sky Airline calificó de “muy importante” el ingreso de Sky como miembro de ALTA. “Estamos en una etapa de crecimiento como compañía, lo que nos obliga a estar atentos a los temas que se debaten en la industria aerocomercial, para poder entregar el mejor servicio a nuestros pasajeros y fomentar la competencia y seguridad operacional en la región”.

Airbus Helicopters celebrates 40 years as the all-in-one solution for UK helicopter industry

July 20, 2014

Farnborough, UK, 15 July 2014 – Airbus Helicopters UK is celebrating 40 years of operations in the United Kingdom, supporting its rotorcraft industry as a vital element of the economy, security and infrastructure.
With headquarters in Oxford, a base at Hawarden/Wales, a dedicated Oil & Gas Service Center in Aberdeen and a presence at customer operating locations across the UK and Ireland, Airbus Helicopters UK offers highly reactive, state-of-the-art support services for rotorcraft supplied by the parent company, Airbus Helicopters, along with commercial sales activity.
“During four decades in the UK, we’ve become the one-stop-shop solution for the helicopter needs of our customers, be it governmental agencies, operators or private individuals,” explained Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd. “Our capabilities cover everything from design, development, customization, completion, flight testing and certification to technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares – for civil and military applications.”
More than 450 Airbus Helicopters aircraft operate in the UK today, forming the largest portion of the United Kingdom’s overall rotorcraft fleet – with these helicopters flown by law enforcement agencies and emergency medical service providers, companies offering utility and off-shore airlift to oil and gas platforms, businesses and corporations, as well as UK Armed Forces.
As part of Airbus Helicopters UK’s in-country resources, its Maintenance Mission Control Center at Oxford offers highly efficient around-the-clock services for users that range from individual helicopter owners to large fleet operators.
Airbus Helicopters UK also is prime contractor for the Royal Air Force’s Puma Mk2 upgrade program, which is extending the operating life and enhancing mission capabilities

Airbus A330 MRTT tanker aircraft refuels Airbus A400M

July 20, 2014

First “wet contacts” conducted in latest trials
Airbus Defence and Space has performed the first air-to-air refuelling of the Airbus A400M new generation airlifter from the A330 MRTT Multi Role Transport Tanker. In the course of four flights, by day and night, in southern Spain, the A400M received more than 80 tons of fuel in 100 “wet contacts” from a Royal Air Force Voyager version of the A330 MRTT using the tanker´s Fuselage Refuelling Unit. The trials follow dry contacts conducted in an earlier test-phase and support the A400M´s capability to conduct extremely long-range non-stop deployments. The photo shows the two aircraft framed by the wing of an F-18 chase aircraft.
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European Advanced Technology (EAT), an IAI Subsidiary, has Acquired Minority Holding in the Brazilian Company ‘Avionics Services’

July 20, 2014

July 16, 2014 – European Advanced Technology (EAT), an Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) subsidiary, has acquired minority holding in the Brazilian Company Avionics Services, located in Sao Paulo. This acquisition is part of IAI’s strategic expansion into the Brazilian defense market.

A cooperation agreement was also signed between IAI and Avionics Services to conduct the companies’ joint activities in the Brazilian Defense market. This includes the marketing and manufacture of aircraft systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), sensors and upgrades of aerial platforms. The cooperation agreement’s main target markets are defense and public security projects primarily for the Brazilian market, which may potentially be extended to international markets in the future.

Avionics Services provides solutions for projects involving equipment and avionics systems for civil and military fixed and rotary wing aircraft as well as simulators. The company is defined as a strategic defense company (EED-Empresa Estrategica de Defesa) – a unique status granted by the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, and is also active in the international market.

In recent years, IAI has expanded its activities in Brazil and established ‘IAI do Brasil’ and its marketing headquarters in Brasilia. IAI has also invested in IACIT, a Brazilian radar company based in San Jose dos Campos, and cooperates with other key companies in the Brazilian defense market.

Joseph Weiss, IAI’s President and CEO said: “We view Brazil as one of our strategic markets and intend to expand our activities in this important region; our investment and cooperation with ‘Avionics Services’ are an expression of our ongoing commitment to support the Brazilian customers.”

João B. Vernini, CEO of Avionics Services said: “We are very pleased and honored by IAI’s faith in us and the investment in this cooperation. We believe that this agreement will allow us access to high-level technologies and to a broader defense market and that together we will enjoy an enhanced access to the Brazilian market.”

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