VivaAerobus selects Rockwell Collins’ advanced avionics for 52 new Airbus aircraft

July 15, 2014

FARNBOROUGH, England (July 14, 2014) – Rockwell Collins today announced that Mexico-based VivaAerobus has selected a comprehensive Rockwell Collins avionics package, including its MultiScan ThreatTrack™ weather radar and GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR), for 52 new Airbus A320 aircraft. Deliveries will begin in 2015.

“VivaAerobus pilots will operate with the most advanced technology for avoiding damaging weather threats and be better equipped to precisely navigate challenging approaches,” said Alan Prowse, vice president and managing director, the Americas for Rockwell Collins.  “The airline also is well-positioned for any future airspace mandates that may emerge in Latin America.”

MultiScan ThreatTrack goes beyond hail and lighting prediction within a thunderstorm and alerts pilots to these significant threats adjacent to or above the cell. In addition, the new radar is the first in the industry to feature two levels of turbulence detection – severe and ride-quality – which more accurately informs flight crews of the type of turbulence in their path.

Rockwell Collins’ MMR, the first ever GPS Landing System receiver, enables airlines to take advantage of evolving Required Navigation Performance (RNP)/Area Navigation (RNAV) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities. Other Rockwell Collins avionics systems selected by VivaAerobus include the ADF-900 Automatic Direct Finder, DME-2100 Distance Measuring Equipment, VHF-2100 Transceiver and VOR-900 Omnidirectional Radio.

“We are very pleased to partner with Rockwell Collins, whose technology, without a doubt, provides advanced operational experience to our pilots and a smooth and safe flight experience to our customers, which enhances our operations while reducing costs,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, VivaAerobus CEO. “Rockwell Collins has provided, through its many years of experience, a reliable service; we look forward to working closely with this key aviation supplier”.

Monarch Airlines Selects Boeing as Preferred Bidder for Fleet Replacement

July 15, 2014

Commitment for 30 737 MAX 8s marks fleet transition for U.K.-based carrier to Boeing airplanes

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Monarch Airlines today announced that the two companies are finalizing terms and working towards a Purchase Agreement for 30 737 MAX 8s, marking the start of a fleet transition for Monarch to Boeing single-aisle airplanes.

The order, valued at $3.1 billion at current list prices, will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website when finalized.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone in an exhaustive three year evaluation process, and a key part of The Monarch Group’s transformation and renewal,” said Iain Rawlinson, Executive Chairman, The Monarch Group. “Boeing truly understood our business and put together a complete package that fits extremely well with our ambitions for the Group. With this announcement, we begin another chapter in our long and fruitful relationship with Boeing, something which now stretches over 40 years.”

“Having reviewed all of the options in the marketplace, we concluded that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft that best fits our future route network strategy, enabling us to tightly control our unit costs whilst offering a superior service to our customers,” said Andrew Swaffield, Managing Director, Monarch Airlines.

“We are delighted that Monarch intends to structure its future fleet around the 737 MAX,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “We look forward to finalizing the order and can’t wait to see the Monarch livery on 737s once again. Today is a proud moment for everyone at Boeing, as we welcome back a prestigious U.K. operator. We are confident that the 737 MAX will play a significant role in Monarch’s continued success.”

The 737 MAX has surpassed 2,000 orders from 42 customers worldwide, the most successful launch in Boeing history. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX 8 provides customers with more flexibility and cost efficiency than the competition in the heart of the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX 8 will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over the A320neo. In addition to lower fuel use, the 737 MAX reduces the operational noise footprint by 40 percent compared to today’s airplane.

Headquartered at London Luton Airport, but also operating from five other U.K. bases, Monarch predominantly serves holiday destinations around the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands as well as European ski resorts. Founded in 1968, the British carrier’s passenger numbers reached nearly 7 million in 2013, a record for the airline, with a fleet made up of more than 40 airplanes.

Air Lease Corporation signs for 25 A330neo and 60 A321neo

July 15, 2014

Leading lessor announces first commitment for A330neo

Air Lease Corporation (ALC), the Los Angeles based aircraft leasing company, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 25 A330-900neo aircraft, becoming the first launch customer for the new Airbus Widebody. ALC simultaneously announced a firm order for 60 A321neo aircraft. The contact was signed today at the Farnborough International Airshow by Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

“The recently launched A330neo is a well-suited addition to ALC’s fleet as we continue to provide our customers with the most modern, fuel efficient aircraft on the market,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The A330neo, like the A320neo Family, will have success in the medium range segment due to its combination of high reliability, exceptional comfort and low operating costs. We see a significant market opportunity for the A330neo and we’re pleased that the first order bears ALC’s name. The A321neo credentials, such as its lower fuel-burn, high reliability and wider, more comfortable cabin, also fit well in our product portfolio of innovative, profitable aircraft.”

“When a leading lessor, ALC, is the first to sign up for a new aircraft, it’s a loud and clear signal that you’ve got it right. This significant order is a strong endorsement of both our A330neo and A320neo, confirming they fully meet the needs of the world’s most demanding airlines,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “The continuing success of the A320neo, paves the way for the A330neo and proves that our incremental innovation strategy to deliver reliable, innovative and efficient products at the right time, is what the market wants.”

Including today’s order, ALC’s total orders and commitments for Airbus aircraft reaches 225, of which 200 are firm orders (50 A320ceo Family, 110 A320neo Family, 15 A330 Family, 25 A350 XWB Family) plus the MoU for 25 A330neo’s. ALC will announce engine selections for the 60 A321neo aircraft at a later date.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of around 400 nautical miles and of course all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,500 orders to date and over 6,100 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its wide cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.  The newest member of the A320 Family, the A320neo, incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets (wing tip devices) which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of June 2014, firm orders for the NEO reached over 2,800 aircraft from 55 customers, representing a 60 per cent market share in its category.

Nordic Aviation Capital adds 75 ATR 42-600s to its portfolio

July 15, 2014

Denmark’s lessor continues to expand its regional aircraft fleet with 50-seat ATRs, surpassing the landmark figure of 200 ATRs

Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the largest regional aircraft trading and leasing company with the world’s biggest ATR fleet, has signed a total order for 75 ATR 42-600 aircraft, in a deal valued at over US$1.55 billion.  Deliveries will commence in 2015 through to 2020.  By confirming this order for new ATR 42-600s – which includes 25 firm orders and 50 options for the type – NAC is once again demonstrating its full confidence in ATR – and this time, the smaller 50-seater ATR 42-600 series, in response to operator demand and recognizing that the replacement market for sub 50-seat turboprops is very under-served. The order builds on NAC’s long relationship with ATR and its ongoing success with regional airline operators worldwide.

With this new order, totaling 75 aircraft, signed today at a special ceremony at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow, NAC solidifies its position as ATR’s largest customer.

This landmark ATR order comes just one year after NAC signed an order for up to 90 ATR aircraft, a contract worth a total US$2.1 billion at the Paris Air Show. This was followed by an add on order worth a total of US$ 820 million of up to 35 ATR 600 series aircraft, announced during the ERA General Assembly in October 2013.  Taking all NAC’s commitments (firm and options) into account the figure now rises to well over 200 new aircraft, as this major European lessor continues to  expand its fleet to meet the need for short-haul turboprops, servicing the world’s growing regional aircraft fleet.

Martin Møller, Chairman of NAC, commented on the deal: “The ATR-600 series aircraft is firmly established as a long-term cornerstone of NAC’s portfolio of modern, fuel efficient regional aircraft. Now we are seeing a renaissance for the ATR 42 too with the state of the art -600 Series as operators seek a replacement for their ageing sub 50-seat fleets.  We are duly pleased to be the first leasing company to sign a significant order for the ATR 42-600. The ATRs allow us to offer our customers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and one of the most comfortable cabins in its class, through our tailored leasing solutions”.

Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, declared: “We are delighted to see NAC placing another very important order for the world’s best-selling regional aircraft. Today at the Farnborough Airshow, where ATR and NAC finalized a contract covering 75 new ATR-600s, we have confirmed once again the growing trend for our customers to have a balance between purchasing and leasing their ATR aircraft and that the ATR represents a solid investment for the leasing companies. The ATR-600 series aircraft is unrivalled in terms of its economic performance and product offering, and the aircraft’s family of 50 and 70 seat capacity is the best solution to respond to the regional market requirements around the world.”

ATR: 144 firm orders, new sales record for the first half of the year

July 15, 2014

The aircraft manufacturer has also taken options for 112 additional aircraft

At the Farnborough Airshow, the turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR this morning announced that it has taken firm orders for 144 aircraft (119 ATR 72-600 and 25 ATR 42-600), with options for 112 additional aircraft, since the beginning of the year. This year’s contracts, of which many will be revealed during the week of the show, represent a total value of over US$3.45 billion (US$6 billion including options). These sales represent 150% compared to the total sales for the year 2013. They will allow ATR to further strengthen its leading position on the market for regional aviation, and thus confirm the predominance of turboprop aircraft, and particularly those of ATR, over short distances.

Sales for the first half of the year highlight the appeal of the ATR ‘-600’s for regional companies and the leasing company community, attracted by the economic and environmental performance of the aircraft, their technical reliability and their high standard of comfort. This year, the ATR ‘-600’s have also passed the symbolic mark of 500 firm orders since their launch at the end of 2007.

ATR’s backlog currently stands at 325 aircraft to be delivered in the coming years, a new record, representing a value of US$8 billion. On the back of this sales performance in the first half the year, ATR has increased its end of 2013 backlog by around 45%, seeing production ensured for almost 4 years.

Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, was “very satisfied with ATR’s performance over the first six months of 2014, which confirms the strong demand from regional operators for ATR aircraft. Among the contracts signed this year, we have new customers, but also several orders from existing customers satisfied with the operational performances of our aircraft.” He added: “Over the last two years we have increased our production capacity by almost 40%, an unequaled growth in the industry. This, in order to meet the increasing market demand for our aircraft. We must continue to increase our production rates and to develop our range of products in order to reinforce our leadership.”

ATR, which currently has over 180 operators, 50% more than ten years ago, plans to expand its production to reach a new record, with more than 80 aircraft delivered by the end of the year. Based on the principle of continuous improvement, the aircraft manufacturer is continuing with the development of new navigation tools with the aim of anticipating the future needs of its operators. In addition, ATR will continue to expand its range of support services for its clients with the opening of a new pilot training center in Bangkok before the end of the year.

Air Lease Corporation orders 7 additional ATR 72-600s

July 15, 2014

Farnborough, 15th July 2014

The U.S. leasing company has placed orders for new ATR 72-600s every year since 2010, for a total of 28 aircraft

On the occasion of the Farnborough Airshow, the European turboprop manufacturer ATR and the leasing company Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) today signed an agreement for the purchase of seven additional ATR 72-600s. Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has purchased ATRs every year since its first contract at Farnborough in 2010. With today’s agreement, ALC now
has 28 ATR 72-600s in its portfolio.

ATRs are currently operated by over 180 carriers worldwide thanks to their high reliability,
comfort, and low operating costs for airlines. Steven Udvar-Házy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Lease Corporation, stated, “We are experiencing success placing our ATR 72-600s with operators expanding regional air connectivity and short segment routes all over the world. With its compelling operating costs and modern cabin interior designs, we believe demand for this aircraft will continue to increase.”

Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Office of ATR, said: “Today’s deal further underlines the appeal of the newest ATR ‘-600s’ for the leasing firm community.” He added: “We are honored that such a successful company as Air Lease and the main trend-setter of the aviation industry, Mr. Udvar-Házy, are renewing their confidence in ATR as the most efficient aircraft in regional aviation”.

About the ATR 72-600:
Passenger capacity: 68 to 74 seats
Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
Maximum take-off power: 2,750 horsepower per engine
Maximum take-off weight: 23,000 kg
Maximum load: 7,500 kg
Maximum flight range when fully loaded: 900 nautical miles (1,665 km)

Cirrus Aircraft Brings Parts Business In-House with Cirrus Direct™

July 15, 2014

Duluth, Minn. (July 14, 2014) – Cirrus Aircraft today announced the launch of Cirrus Direct™, its new parts and aftermarket service that the company expects to enhance Cirrus customers’ ownership and operating experience. Cirrus Direct replaces Cirrus Parts by API beginning July 14, 2014.

“Global parts availability and efficient distribution are a key part of the experience aircraft owners have with Cirrus Aircraft and its Authorized Service Center Network. Our investment in Cirrus Direct™ will provide increased inventory availability, direct communication and greater convenience,” said Carrie Oakland, Executive Director of Service and Support for Cirrus Aircraft. It’s one more example of our commitment to a world-class ownership experience for Cirrus owners.”

Cirrus owners and operators will continue to order parts, upgrades and request maintenance through Cirrus Aircraft Authorized Service Centers (ASCs). This network (listed at cirrusaircraft.com) offers complete Cirrus aircraft, engine and avionics service and support. Specialized services include…read more.

Beechcraft T-6 sets industry standard for military training offering

July 15, 2014

Beechcraft Defense Company highlights military offerings at Farnborough International Airshow

FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 15, 2014 – Beechcraft Defense Company is highlighting its portfolio of military and defense products and services at the Farnborough International Airshow this week, emphasizing recent program milestones and orders. The company is displaying its T-6C trainer and AT-6 light attack aircraft at the Textron Aviation chalet in Farnborough, United Kingdom.

In addition to delivering a variety of aircraft platforms for military operations, Beechcraft also supports fielded military aircraft through its Global Mission Support division, offering logistics support, customized maintenance training, spare parts support and aircraft modification/upgrade programs.

Beechcraft prepared to deliver New Zealand T-6 aircraft on-time

Beechcraft Defense Company today announced that the first two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Beechcraft T-6C aircraft have been completed ahead of schedule and will depart for New Zealand from its headquarters in Wichita, Kan., later this month. The company announced the contract award in January, which includes 11 T-6C trainer aircraft, spare parts, training, logistics and maintenance support.

In preparation for introduction into service activities to begin on schedule later this year, the maintenance training will begin after the first two aircraft arrive in country in August. Formal acceptance of the aircraft will occur in November, with full capability in January 2016.

“Our relationship with the customer and the status of the contract are evidence of Beechcraft’s industry-setting standard for aircraft production, sustainment and training,” said Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defense Company. “We are slated to deliver the certified aircraft on time and just seven months after contract award, backed by a fully integrated aircraft, logistics and training system.”

The remaining RNZAF aircraft have started on the production line ahead of schedule and all 11 T-6C aircraft will be delivered by the second quarter of 2015, just 17 months after contract signature.

In addition to the aircraft, the contract includes spare parts, logistics, training and maintenance support. The contract includes two CAE operational flight training simulators, computer-based training courseware and a customized RNZAF pilot training syllabi – all of which are integrated to create a comprehensive leading edge learning management system. A 30-year logistics support agreement provides turnkey support for the RNZAF flight training operations. The logistics agreement consists of aircraft material support, full flight line and operational maintenance, as well as support and operation of the synthetic training devices.

T-6 contract with U.S. Government

Beechcraft Defense Company announced that it signed a contract in May with the U.S. Air Force for production of 29 Beechcraft T-6 training aircraft. Valued at $171 million, this represents the 20th production lot of T-6 aircraft ordered by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Navy (USN) and U.S. Army as part of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) procurement program.

“Throughout the past 14 years, we have worked closely with the U.S. Government to provide every T-6 aircraft in the program on time or ahead of schedule and on budget,” Bartlett said. “These aircraft, which are used to train every USAF and USN pilot, are a symbol of our commitment to the U.S. armed forces and the missions they carry out.”

Production of the Lot 20 aircraft will begin in 2015 with deliveries to the USN scheduled for mid-2016. The entire JPATS program represents 751 T-6 aircraft.

“We’ve had great wins for the Beechcraft T-6 training program recently that further solidify the longevity of the program and reinforce the relevance and proven capabilities of the platform around the world,” Bartlett said. “Since deliveries began some 14 years ago, these 850 aircraft have been used to train pilots, navigators and weapon systems operators from more than 25 countries worldwide.”

T-6 10,000 flight hour milestone

Further demonstrating the proven capability of the T-6 platform, three of the 23 T-6A aircraft operated at the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program recently reached the 10,000 flight hour milestone.

“We are proud to support the NFTC Program and congratulate them on reaching this milestone,” Bartlett said. “While its T-6A fleet has already been a proven workhorse for many years, we know the aircraft will last for generations to come training new military pilots around the globe.”

The Beechcraft T-6 military training fleet has surpassed 850 aircraft worldwide with more than 2.5 million flight hours. The T-6 military trainer offers military operators worldwide the most proven and cost-effective primary aviation training system available today. Aircraft deliveries began in 2000 after the T-6 was selected to fill the JPATS role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military customers worldwide have selected the T-6, including the NFTC Program, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Mexican Air Force and the Mexican Navy.

Beechcraft_T-6C_runway

Mexican Navy takes delivery of first of four Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft

July 15, 2014

FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 15, 2014 – Beechcraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today at the Farnborough International Airshow that it has delivered the first of four Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft ordered by the Mexican Navy Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR). In addition to the aircraft, Beechcraft will support SEMAR with on-the-ground service, support and training through its Global Mission Support organization.

Rear Admiral Jose Marie Macedo, Director General of Naval Aviation Operations, visited company headquarters in Wichita, Kan., to accept delivery of the aircraft, which will be stationed at the naval base in Veracruz. The remaining three aircraft will be delivered by the second quarter of 2015.

“SEMAR recognizes the Beechcraft King Air as a cost-effective and reliable partner for special missions work within the country,” said Dan Keady, vice president, Special Missions. “The Mexican Navy operated a King Air C90 in the past and it’s great to see the King Air family return to its fleet. The delivery of the King Air 350ER further expands the Beechcraft relationship with SEMAR, which earlier this year placed an initial order for two T-6C+ military trainers.”

This week at Farnborough, the Textron Aviation display includes a specially modified Beechcraft King Air 350ER, which is operated out of Northern Europe and fitted with a unique and flexible mission package that supports search and rescue, fishery inspection, pollution monitoring and seaway/shipping lane surveillance missions. The King Air 350ER was selected for these missions due to its high dash speeds, long endurance, high reliability and low operating cost.
SEMAR-King-Air

Bell Helicopter Introduces New Bell 407GX Autopilot

July 15, 2014

Integrates Seamlessly with Garmin G1000H Avionics
Farnborough, England (July 15, 2014) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), has announced a new autopilot kit designed specifically to integrate with the Garmin G1000H avionics suite in the Bell 407GX. The option is currently available as a kit for the Bell 407GX in the U.S. and Canadian markets directly through Bell Helicopter and has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for VFR (visual flight rule) operations. It features two-axis functionality with cyclic force trim and a Stability and Command Augmentation System (SCAS) available at all speeds with altitude and heading preselects. It can also be commanded to maintain either heading and altitude or navigation course and altitude. Additionally, a Go-Around mode can be activated by a single switch to provide automatic attitude leveling and transition to climb.

“The autopilot option is a logical extension of the fully-integrated glass cockpit offered in the Bell 407GX,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of commercial sales and marketing. “We wanted to provide a product that is not only compatible with the Garmin system, but also make sure that operators could easily integrate and continue to get the best safety, performance and reliability out of their aircraft.”

The autopilot system, which is derived from the Bell 429 digital automatic flight control system, integrates with the Garmin G-1000H’s navigation modes and display and also integrates audio for caution alerts and mode annunciations. It is also compatible with a night vision imaging system (NVIS) and automatically disengages during heavy turbulence or extreme flight altitudes.

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