LATAM Airlines Group inaugurates route to Barcelona and expands operations to Madrid
March 17, 2015
· The Barcelona connection – via São Paulo – will begin operations on October 1 and is available through all LAN and TAM service channels
· For the next high season, the company will reinforce its Madrid service with three additional flights via São Paulo
São Paulo, March 16, 2015 – In line with its strategy to reinforce connections to international markets, LATAM Airlines Group has reached a new milestone as a company, launching its new route to Barcelona, the sixth port of entry into Europe, together with Madrid, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt and London.
As of October 1, LATAM Group will begin offering its first flight to the city of Barcelona via São Paulo. Airfares for the new service are already available through TAM and LAN sales channels.
The service will offer three weekly flights, departing from Guarulhos International Airport and arriving at Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The route will operate with Airbus A330s, configured with 183 seats in Economy Class and 32 in Premium Business.
“This is excellent news for our passengers. We are inaugurating our sixth port of entry into Europe and our second destination in Spain, further expanding our connections with the continent and increasing products for customers that travel for tourism or business,” said Nicolas Goldstein, CEO of Long Haul Business at LATAM Airlines Group.
The executive also touched on the renovation of the new terminal 3 at the Guarulhos Airport, mentioning its “first-class infrastructure, allowing for shorter connection times in flights via São Paulo and providing passengers with an improved travel experience.”
New Flights to Madrid
Between June 25 and September 30, LATAM Group will increase its service to Madrid, with three new weekly flights via São Paulo, to meet demand during the high season in Europe.
Four Bell 412EPs Delivered to Heliservicio Campeche
March 16, 2015
Fort Worth, TX (March 16, 2015) Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the final delivery of four Bell 412EPs to Heliservicio Campeche to support their oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
“Heliservicio has been an operator of the Bell 412 for nearly 25 years, so we know it has the superior performance capabilities that fit our mission needs,” said Alejandro Jasso, managing director for Heliservicio Campeche. “Over the course of our relationship, Bell Helicopter has provided us with the world-class customer support and services needed to fulfill our mission requirements, and we look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”
Heliservicio took delivery of their first Bell helicopter in 1991, and has since expanded their fleet to more than 35 Bell helicopters. All of their aircraft are maintained by Servicio Técnico Aéreo de México, Bell Helicopter’s platinum-level Certified Service Facility for Mexico. Based at Ciudad Del Carmen, Heliservicio has accumulated over a half-million flight hours since their founding in 1978.
“The Bell 412 has had tremendous success in Mexico. It is well-known for its reliability and multi-mission capabilities,” said Jay Ortiz, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of Latin American sales. “We look forward to strengthening our partnerships in Mexico and supporting our customer’s missions.”
Heliservicio Campeche took delivery of the aircraft in December 2014.
The Bell 412EP is the cornerstone of mission critical helicopter operations throughout the world, able to reliably perform in some of the most extreme climates on the planet. The Bell 412EP offers dual digital automatic flight control system with available IFR option and excellent Category A/JAR OPS 3 capability. With a cruise speed of 140 knots (161 mph), range of 358 nautical miles (412 miles) and an expansive cabin able to comfortably accommodate 14 passengers and one crew member, the Bell 412EP easily fits multiple mission criteria.
GULFSTREAM G280 EARNS BRAZILIAN TYPE CERTIFICATE
March 11, 2015
Authorization Streamlines Registration Process For Capable And Efficient Aircraft
SAVANNAH, Georgia, March 10, 2015 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced that the Gulfstream G280 has been certified by Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC). This approval validates the airworthiness of the aircraft’s design and clears the way for in-country deliveries to begin.
“We have delivered more than 50 G280s since the aircraft first went into service in November 2012,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “It has proven to be popular with owners around the world, and we now have aircraft in the U.S., Canada, China, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Mexico and South America.
“Of all the South American countries, this aircraft is particularly well-suited for Brazil. Departing from São Paulo, the G280 can reach the entire continent without refueling and can fly to the U.S. and Europe with one stop.”
Specifically, the G280 has a range of 3,600 nautical miles/6,667 kilometers at Mach 0.80. It is equipped with two Honeywell HTF7250G engines, each of which provides 7,624 pounds of thrust. The engines can propel the G280 to a flight level of 43,000 feet/13,106 meters in approximately 20 minutes and feature reduced emissions, longer maintenance intervals and decreased noise levels. The aircraft also has the best cabin in its class, with high-definition entertainment systems, Gulfstream-designed cabin management system, industry-leading cabin sound levels, 19 super-sized windows and access to the baggage compartment.
Bell Helicopter Introduces the new Bell 407GXP
March 5, 2015
Upgrades to the Bell 407GX further enhance capability
Orlando, FL (March 3, 2015) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), introduced today at Heli-Expo 2015 the new Bell 407GXP. The new aircraft incorporates the reliability and advanced technology of the Bell 407GX platform, and introduces performance improvement, payload increase and pilot workload reduction.
For photos of the new Bell 407GXP, please click here.
“The Bell 407GXP enhances customer value with improvements in mission capability,” said Matt Hasik, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of commercial business. “We are constantly communicating with our customers to find out what they are looking for in an aircraft, and we have invested in this upgrade to demonstrate our commitment to changing the way the world flies.”
Derived from the Bell 407GX platform, the Bell 407GXP has an additional 50 lbs (22.5 kg) of payload capability, coupled with the new M250 Rolls-Royce engine that improves performance and fuel efficiency delivering class leading hot and high performance. The aircraft is also equipped with new avionics features such as a hover performance calculator improvement, as well as a transmission TBO extension of +500 hours that will lower maintenance costs.
“The Bell 407 has proven to be a very popular aircraft with over 1,200 flying worldwide today,” added Hasik. “We designed this aircraft to enable our customers to perform their missions safe and efficiently, and the Bell 407GXP will only continue to improve those qualities.”
The Bell 407GXP is featured in the Bell Helicopter booth this year at Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida, where attendees have the opportunity to see the unveiling of the aircraft. Deliveries for the Bell 407GXP are expected to begin this year.
First Flight of the Enstrom TH180
March 5, 2015
HeliExpo, March 2015—Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is pleased to announce that the newest member of its family, the TH180, successfully completed ground run and first flight on February 6, 2015 at its facilities in Menominee, Michigan. “This is a milestone achievement for Enstrom and we look forward to continuing our flight test program as move toward the certification program” said Tracy Biegler, Enstrom President & CEO. The flight plan included a tied-down ground run followed by a flight plan that included hover and a series of first flight maneuvers such as sideward, forward and rearward flight maneuvers. “Its rugged frame, robust landing gear, and very forgiving handling qualities are a great combination for hands-on learning,” said Bill Taylor, Director of Engineering and Chief Test Pilot. “They provide wide margins of safety for student confidence.” As Bill said after completing first flight of the TH180, “It flies just like an Enstrom!”
Enstrom also showcased the TH180 flight test helicopter at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida, March 3, 2015. “Enstrom unveiled the TH180 mockup at last year’s Heli-Expo, and one year later we are showcasing the actual flight test helicopter,” said Orlando Alaniz, Director of Sales & Marketing. “If all goes as planned, production deliveries should begin early next year.” Designed as a training helicopter, the TH180 is based on Enstrom’s solid reputation for safety and customer support with additional focus on and ease of learning with the student in mind. With few life-limited parts and superb customer and technical support, the TH180 boasts ease of maintenance and low operating costs. Rotor gearboxes are exchanged on an overhaul basis, and over ninety percent of parts are shipped within 24 hours, meaning less time spent on the ground. In addition, the TH180 is powered by a Lycoming HIO-390, providing engine reliability for this helicopter’s training applications.
“In the first few months of 2015, Longhorn Helicopters successfully incorporated two F28F/F280FX model helicopters into our training fleet. We could not be more pleased with the results,” said Justin Munroe, Director of Operations for Longhorn Helicopters, a 141/135 operation based in Denton, Texas. “Enstrom’s product support has been unparalleled and our customer responses have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Enstrom’s existing product line has exceeded our expectations and we are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to put the new TH180 into service.”
“The flight instructor will experience quality training and comfort with the student pilot and the TH180 will be an economical addition to any training fleet,” said Orlando Alaniz, Director of Sales and Marketing. In addition, the TH180 is on the radar of various domestic and international training schools, and inquiries continue to pour in for the new model.
Bell Helicopter Announces Purchase Agreement with National Operations Centre, Air Division in Trinidad and Tobago for Bell 429 and Bell 412EPI
March 5, 2015
Orlando, FL (March 4, 2015) Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the sale of four Bell 429s configured for Airborne Law Enforcement (ALE) and one Bell 412EPI configured for Search and Rescue (SAR) to the National Operations Centre, Air Division (NOCAD) in Trinidad and Tobago.
The contract was signed by NOCAD Executive Director Mr. Garvin Heerah in a formal signing ceremony at HAI.
“These two aircraft have continued to impress our customers in Latin America with their smooth performance and multi-mission capabilities and we’re pleased that more and more parapublic agencies are taking notice,” said Jay Ortiz, vice president of Latin American sales. “We’re honored that the NOCAD chose these reliable aircraft to support their missions in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The aircraft will be used throughout Trinidad and Tobago to provide 24/7 air support for national security and a variety of parapublic missions including disaster relief aid, SAR and medical transportation.
“We needed an aircraft that would meet current mission performance requirements with minimal downtime for changing to various mission roles, yet powerful and reliable to maximize performance capabilities,” said Major Paul Brown, deputy director of NOCAD. “The acquisitions of these state-of-the-art aircraft will offer this increased level of performance and safety that will help us better protect our citizens.”
“When we made the decision to purchase these aircraft, we were all in agreement the Bell 429 and 412EPI were absolutely the right fit for our operations,” continued Major Brown.
The Bell 429 offers the latest technology by providing the best combination of speed, payload, range, and cabin size, coupled with the latest safety improvements. 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. 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.
First introduced in March 2013, the Bell 412EPI improves the Bell 412EP platform with the Bell BasiX Pro™ fully integrated glass flight deck, providing critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness and safety. The Bell BasiX Pro™ system is specifically designed to meet the requirements of twin-engine helicopters and is optimized for IFR, Category A and JAR OPS3 compliant operations. The avionics suite also includes high resolution digital maps, electronic charts and approach plates, ADS-B transponder and optional HTAWS and XM satellite links. The new Bell 412EPI also incorporates the power of Pratt & Whitney’s PT6T-9 Twin Pac® engines, providing 15 percent more horsepower than the standard Bell 412. The Bell 412EPI features the BLR Strake and FastFin® system, which modifies the tailboom to optimize airflow and improve handling, safety and lift.
CEO John Garrison, Vice President of Latin American Sales Jay Ortiz
Vector Aerospace Partners with Turbomeca to offer AS350 BA to B2 Conversions Worldwide
March 5, 2015
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Corporation (Vector Aerospace), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce that Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) has partnered with Turbomeca (Safran) to provide Airbus Helicopters AS350BA to AS350B2 conversions to customers across the globe.
As part of this approval and partnership with Turbomeca, Vector Aerospace provides the AS350 airframe modification and the installation of the Arriel 1D1 engine, while Turbomeca supplies the engine directly to the customer with a discount and New Manufacturer Warranty.
“Adding the BA to B2 conversion capability to our already extensive AS350 series capabilities really does make Vector Aerospace a one-stop-shop for MRO services on this series of aircraft,” said Chris McDowell, vice president, sales and marketing at HS-NA. “At Vector Aerospace we are all about providing solutions for our customers’ unique needs, and it is because of our close relationship with both Turbomeca and Airbus Helicopters that we can offer a BA to B2 conversion solution for customers worldwide.”
Benefits of the BA to B2 conversion program include higher operational performance for aerial work through increased power margins, reduced fuel emissions index through installation of the Arriel 1D1 engine, enhanced operational capability, increased profitability and a higher resale value.
“At Turbomeca, we are very excited by this new opportunity to bring value to our customers and to further our long standing partnership with Vector Aerospace,” said Franck Saudo, executive vice president, support and services at Turbomeca. The Arriel 1D1 brings outstanding reliability, power and performances to older airframes increasing both the potential revenue and residual value for operators making this investment. The initial market reaction has been very positive and we look forward to a successful program.”
Vector Aerospace holds approvals from some of the world’s leading turbine engine, airframe and avionics OEMs. Powerplants supported include a wide range of turboshafts, turboprops and turbofans from General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca. Vector Aerospace also provides support for a wide range of airframes from Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Boeing and Sikorsky, its capabilities including major inspections and dynamic component overhaul, and offers full-service avionics capability, including aircraft rewiring, mission equipment installation and glass cockpit upgrades.
Vector Aerospace and Colombian Air Force Sign Contract for PT6T & JT15D Engine Overhauls
March 5, 2015
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Corporation (Vector Aerospace), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services – North America (HS-NA) with the assistance of their local representatives, Naher Trading, has signed a contract to provide the Colombian Air Force with Pratt & Whitney PT6T and JT15D engine MRO support over the next three and a half years.
“We are pleased to sign this MRO agreement and look forward to supporting the Colombian Air Force with high quality MRO services through our best in class customer service team for both fixed-wing and rotor-wing fleet requirements,” says Chris McDowell, vp sales and marketing at Vector HS-NA. “This agreement is another example of Vector Aerospace’s broad range of engine MRO capabilities with the ability to support not only our commercial operators but that of military operators which require dependable and reliable MRO services.”
Vector Aerospace is a fully-authorized Pratt & Whitney Canada Distributor & Designated Overhaul Facility (DDOF) for the complete range of PT6A, PT6T and JT15D series engines and Designated Overhaul Facility (DOF) for PW305A, PW305B, PW306A, PW306C, PW307A, PW308A, PW308C and PW100 series engines, including the PW150A.
“We are pleased with our decision to select Vector Aerospace as our Pratt & Whitney engine MRO provider for both our fixed and rotor-wing Pratt & Whitney PT6T & JT15D engine requirements,” said Chief of Logistics Brigadier General Jose Francisco Forero Montealegre. “The Colombian Air Force requires prompt, efficient and high quality service and we are confident that Vector Aerospace will provide this service for us over the next three and a half years.”
Vector Aerospace holds approvals from some of the world’s leading turbine engine, airframe and avionics OEMs. Powerplants supported include a wide range of turboshafts, turboprops and turbofans from General Electric, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca. Vector Aerospace also provides support for a wide range of airframes from Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Boeing and Sikorsky. Its capabilities include major inspections and dynamic component overhaul, full-service avionics capability including aircraft rewiring, as well as mission equipment installation and glass cockpit upgrades.
Bell Helicopter and Air Methods Corporation Reach Agreement for 200 Bell 407GXP Helicopters
March 5, 2015
Bell Helicopter Achieves Largest Bell 407 Sale in Company History
Orlando, FL (March 3, 2015) Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today an agreement for the sale of 200 Bell 407GXPs configured for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) to Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the largest provider of air medical transport services in the world. This order marks one of the largest commercial sales in Bell Helicopter’s history and one of the largest orders in the industry’s history. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2016 with a 10 year contract.
“Bell Helicopter has been a long term supporter of our operations, and we could not be more pleased to continue our partnership,” said Aaron Todd, chief executive officer, Air Methods. “We rely heavily on our aircraft to support our promise of giving more tomorrows, and given the capabilities and performance of the Bell 407GX, it is the right fit for our needs.”
Established in 1980 in Colorado, Air Methods is the most experienced air medical operator in the industry. The company began with a single Bell 206 helicopter and has since grown to have more than 300 bases of operations that serve 48 states. Air Methods provides air medical transportation for hospitals and communities nationwide and operates eight maintenance centers.
“We take great pride in our collaboration with Air Methods and our support of their life-saving services for more than 30 years with our state-of-the-art helicopters,” said John Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “This order demonstrates their ongoing trust in Bell Helicopter, and we are absolutely thrilled to have them as our launch customer for the Bell 407GXP.”
All of the Bell 407GXPs will be equipped with United Rotorcraft emergency medical services interior, designed with air critical care operators in mind. The adaptable interior can accommodate a single patient or specialty transport, and includes the Articulating Loading System for easy patient loading. The United Rotorcraft interior also provides integrated medical systems such as medical oxygen, suction, air, storage, electrical power, and approved provisions for securing medical support equipment during all aspects of flight.
“In highly critical situations, you have to be able to rely on your aircraft to perform, and that’s what the Bell 407GXP offers by integrating reliability, speed, performance and advanced technology,” said Anthony Moreland, vice president of North American sales. “The Bell 407 is our most popular platform for HEMS missions, and the newly-upgraded Bell 407GXP variant will only further increase customer demand for this aircraft.”
Bell Helicopter has been a trustworthy partner with the HEMS industry since its inception and continues to support the world’s growing need for time-sensitive medical transportation services and access to critical care by providing safe and reliable aircraft. It is for that reason emergency medical service agencies around the world rely on Bell Helicopter products.
Derived from the Bell 407GX platform, the Bell 407GXP has an additional 50 lbs (22.5 kg) of payload capability, coupled with the new M250 Rolls-Royce engine that improves performance and fuel efficiency delivering class leading hot and high performance. The aircraft is also equipped with new avionics features such as a hover performance calculator improvement, as well as a transmission TBO extension of +500 hours that will lower maintenance costs.
From Left to Right: Anthony Moreland, Matt Hasik, John Garrison, Aaron Todd, Roy Morgan, Mike Allen, Danny Maldonado, Greg Maitlen, Archie Gray
Bell Helicopter Seals Deal for 15 Bell 407GXs to the Mexican Air Force
March 5, 2015
Fort Worth, TX (March 2, 2015) Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced the sale of 15 Bell 407GXs to the Mexican Air Force (FAM) with deliveries to begin this year. The aircraft will be configured for a variety of parapublic missions.
“We are extremely pleased to provide the Mexican Air Force with such a high performing and reliable aircraft,” said Jay Ortiz, Bell Helicopter’s vice president for Latin American sales. “The Bell 407GX continues to receive a positive response around the world across multiple segments, but particularly from parapublic agencies for offering the most advanced technology to help better serve and protect their citizens.”
As the primary aircraft operating branch of the Mexican Armed Forces, the FAM covers the entire country, with 18 military air bases located across Mexico. The FAM have been operating Bell helicopters since 1973 with the delivery of a Bell 206-B, and their fleet currently includes a Bell 412EP, Bell 212 and Bell 206.
The Bell 407GXs will be operated by the 111th Air Squadron based at the Military Airbase in Zapopan, Jalisco.
“Bell Helicopter has close to 1,400 commercial aircraft flying in Latin America and more than 340 in Mexico alone, so the region continues to be an important market for us,” added Ortiz.
The Bell 407GX delivers power and speed with a smooth, quiet ride and a spacious cabin that accommodates six passengers. The aircraft also features the fully-integrated Garmin G1000H™ flight deck, providing critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness and increased safety. The Bell 407GX flight deck’s high resolution LCD screens host primary flight and multi-function display information, including Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System, Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology™, Traffic Information Systems and more. The Bell 407GX also features a tail rotor camera, allowing the pilot a clear view of the tail during take-offs and landings.
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