Colombian Air Force Increases Mission Capability with Acceptance of Seventh Bell Helicopter Huey II Kit
March 30, 2016
FIDAE – Santiago, Chile (March 30, 2016) – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that the Colombian Air Force (COLAF) had accepted their seventh Huey II Kit – continuing to improve their fleet performance and mission readiness.
The delivery of the Huey II Kit is a part of an ongoing upgrade program designed to revitalize the Colombian Air Force’s UH-1H fleet. The upgrade allows for multiple configurations and increased overall mission capability.
“The Huey II upgrade reduces direct maintenance costs (DMCs), improves performance and enhances safety,” said Bob Poindexter, Huey II Customer Support and Services Program Manager for Bell Helicopter. “With more than 270 aircraft built, the Huey II is the only OEM approved UH-1H upgrade currently available.”
In addition to improved aircraft performance, the Huey II upgrade program has allowed for increased capabilities of COLAF maintenance personnel. COLAF’s ability to work directly with Bell Helicopter’s onsite support throughout the initial conversion process has allowed maintenance personnel to develop a broader understanding of the Huey II structural and maintenance differences from the UH-1H.
“The program began with an onsite full-time Bell Helicopter technical representative supporting the in-country upgrade program for the initial Huey II conversion,” added Poindexter. “Following the initial upgrade, COLAF has been completing all conversions. The program overall allows for the increased fleet longevity and better cost oversight and forecasting.”
Bell Helicopter provides its customers with local support in every corner of the world and has the largest support network in the industry with more than 100 Authorized Customer Service Facilities in 34 countries. Ranked number one in customer support by Professional Pilot magazine for 22 consecutive years, Bell Helicopter is committed to having resources where customers operate to speed up delivery of service and support, and give customers access to service professionals that are easy to reach, know the operating environment and understand their needs.
Fleet in Latin America to more than double by 2034
March 30, 2016
Long-term forecast sees resilience, sound growth potential for aviation in the region
According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Latin America will need 2,540
new passenger and freighter aircraft between 2015 and 2034, to meet long term growth in the
region. This demand includes 1,990 single-aisle and 550 widebody like the A330, A3350 XWB
and A380, worth an estimated US$330 billion. This demand will mean that the passenger and
freighter fleet operated by the regions airlines will more than double to nearly 3,000 aircraft in
the next 20 years. Today, 53 percent of Latin America’s in-service fleet are Airbus aircraft
operated by the region’s leading carriers. This includes the Americas’ first A350 XWB, delivered
to LATAM Airlines Group in January, operated by TAM.
Latin America’s traffic will grow at an average of 4.7 percent annually in the next 20 years,
above the world average of 4.6 percent. Driving this growth are airlines domiciled in the region
growing at 5.0 percent annually, placing them among the world’s top three fastest-growing
group of airlines.
The region’s urbanization is a factor propelling this growth, as Latin America is one of the most
urbanized in the world second only to North America, with some 80 percent of its population
living in cities. A consistent economic growth will also prompt traffic growth in the region;
according to the GMF, in the next 20 years, Latin America’s annual GDP is forecast to grow at a
rate of 3.6 percent, above the world’s 3.2 percent. Furthermore, Latin American passengers will
play a part in fueling traffic growth, taking on average over twice as many flights by 2034 as
they do now.
“Latin America’s long-haul route expansion is imminent, and we are already seeing airlines
respond by opting for larger, longer-range and more efficient aircraft such as the A350 XWB
and the A380, which both began operating in the region in 2016,” said Rafael Alonso, President
of Airbus for Latin American and the Caribbean. “We are also seeing the region’s top airlines
modernizing their fleets with the A320neo Family, allowing them to achieve efficiency gains
even in a less-than-favorable economic environment.”
While presenting the Airbus Global Market Forecast for Latin America during a press
conference at Chile’s FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio) Air Show, Alonso
added, “By 2034 we will see nine of the world’s 91 megacities located in Latin America,
including Santiago, making it a world-leading emerging aviation market. In the long-term, we are
optimistic about the outlook for Latin America as it expands its aviation footprint on the world’s
stage.”
Presently, the long-haul market space presents a solid opportunity for Latin American carriers to
claim back market share. Today, the top European and North American airlines carry the
majority of long-haul traffic into and out of the region, at 83 percent and 75 percent respectively.
In fact, according to the GMF, the traffic flows between South America and Western Europe and
between South America and the United States are forecast to be two of the world’s largest
international traffic flows by 2034.
Similarly, the intra-regional and domestic market within Latin America also holds tremendous
growth potential given that traffic is expected to nearly triple in the next 20 years, growing at a
favorable rate of 5.3 percent. Passengers in North America and Europe can count on at least
one flight per day to connect them to the 20 largest cities in their regions, but in Latin America this figure is smaller. Only 43 percent of the region’s top 20 cities are connected by one daily
flight, leaving the rest of the region’s cities with less-than-weekly connections or none at all.
The region’s low cost carriers (LCC) have grown tremendously in the past 15 years, accounting
for only 10 percent of air traffic in Latin America in 2003 to almost 40 percent today. Previously
concentrated exclusively in Brazil and Mexico, the LCC model has emerged in other key
markets like Colombia and Chile.
With nearly 1,000 aircraft sold and a backlog of more than 400, over 600 Airbus aircraft are in
operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 1990, Airbus has secured 63
percent of net orders in the region and in the past 10 years alone, Airbus has tripled its inservice
fleet.
Scorpion Jet makes FIDAE International Air and Space Fair debut
March 29, 2016
SANTIAGO, Chile (March 29, 2016) – Textron AirLand, LLC, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the Scorpion Jet is making its show debut this week at the FIDAE International Air and Space Fair.
“Textron AirLand’s Scorpion is a bold new direction for tactical aircraft and its debut at FIDAE gives us the opportunity to showcase the Scorpion’s flexible multi-mission capabilities to a diverse set of international militaries,” said Bill Anderson, president, Textron AirLand. “The Scorpion is a tactical aircraft that delivers high-end capabilities and performance at a price that completely reverses the rising cost curve that challenges even the most affluent nations to build and sustain their air forces.”
In two years of flight operations, the Scorpion has self-deployed to ten countries, participated in military training exercises and operations, flown numerous U.S. and international military pilots and amassed nearly 600 flight hours. The Scorpion has accomplished all of this with an exceptional availability rating of over 98 percent and a comprehensive cost per flight hour below $3,000, including consumables, system/engine reserves and labor. Using commercial practices, leading edge design technologies and world-class workforce and facilities of Textron Aviation, the Scorpion progressed from a clean-sheet design to first flight in less than 24 months, making it one of the fastest developments of a U.S.-built tactical jet. The first production aircraft is expected to make its first flight this summer, and will be available for prospective customer flights and evaluations soon after.
The Scorpion’s modular architecture provides the capability to rapidly reconfigure mission payloads, including sensors and weapons, enabling one aircraft to master diverse missions yielding significant acquisition cost savings, operation flexibility, reduced logistics footprint and training benefits. The Scorpion excels in many roles, including armed reconnaissance, maritime control, close air support, intermediate and advanced jet training, strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Cessna Citation Latitude makes FIDAE International Air and Space Fair debut
March 29, 2016
SANTIAGO, Chile (March 29, 2016) – Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced that the Cessna Citation Latitude is making its FIDAE International Air and Space Fair debut at the Santiago International Airport March 29-April 3. The Latitude, Textron Aviation’s most recently certified business jet, has been on a wordwide tour demonstrating its performance capabilities and class-leading cabin experience.
“The Latitude is already garnering strong interest from the Latin American market, offering customers our most spacious cabin environment and best-in-class operating costs,” said Bob Gibbs, regional vice president of Sales for Latin America and Caribbean. “We are the clear leaders in the Latin American jet market, with over 800 Citations and growing. The addition of the Latititude will only strengthen the Textron Aviation fleet and support the business aviation needs in this region.”
Textron Aviation expands sales relationship with Chilean representative Aviasur
March 29, 2016
SANTIAGO, Chile (March 29, 2016) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced it has expanded its sales relationship with Aviasur NZ Limited Partnership (Aviasur) to include Cessna products. With this appointment, Santiago based Aviasur now offers the complete Beechcraft and Cessna product lines to the Chilean market.
“Aviasur has proven to be a strong partner for Textron Aviation,” said Bob Gibbs, regional vice president of Sales, Latin America and Caribbean. “Their reputation for providing excellent customer support will bring added value to our customers in the region as Aviasur’s offerings now represent both the Beechcraft and Cessna product lines.”
Aviasur has supported Beechcraft products as an authorized sales representative for over five years and an authorized service facility since 2012, providing quality customer support and service to the growing number of Textron Aviation customers in Chile.
Textron Aviation continues to lead in the Latin America jet market with over 800 Citation products in the region. As Aviasur continues to grow and strengthen the Textron Aviation fleet they can now offer the Cessna Citation Latitude, which offers customers a spacious and refined cabin environment, as well as the Cessna Citation M2, the perfect fit for owner pilots. Both aircraft are on display at the FIDAE International Air and Space Fair this week.
Russian Helicopters fulfills first contract with the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy
March 29, 2016
Russian Helicopters fulfills first contract with the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy
Moscow / March 29, 2016
Russian Helicopters, part of State Corporation Rostec, has fulfilled its first contract for after-sale maintenance of multirole Mi-17-1V helicopters operated by the Mexican Navy.
“This is our first contract with the Naval Secretariat of Mexico. It was fulfilled in full and on time,” said Igor Chechikov, Russian Helicopter’s deputy CEO. “Mexico is one of our key partners in Latin America; it has quite an extensive fleet of Russian-made helicopters. In 2016, we will expand cooperation with our Mexican partners in terms of after-sale service. The parties are already involved in negotiations on these issues.”
One of the main priorities for Russian Helicopters is active development of a comprehensive system of after-sales service for Russian-made helicopters all around the world including a number of Latin American countries.
In 2014-2015, the company successfully collaborated with the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense by performing extensive repairs of 19 Mi-17/Mi-17-1V helicopters. Currently, Russian Helicopters are actively involved in warranty and post-warranty maintenance of helicopters belonging to the Mexican Ministry of Defense.
The multirole Mi-171V helicopter is one of the modifications of the Mi-17 series that were developed by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, part of Russian Helicopters. Strong flight performance, simplicity of operation and reliability made these helicopters popular all around the world. The multirole Mi-171V helicopter is capable of moving at a speed of 250 km per hour and its flying range is 610 km. The helicopter is capable of transporting up to 37 troopers.
FIDAE is the most important aerospace industry exhibition in Latin America, it is held biennially in Santiago (Chile).
Russian Helicopters, (part of State Corporation Rostec), is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. In 2014 its IFRS revenues increased 22,8% to RUB 169,8 billion. Deliveries reached 271 helicopters.
State Corporation Rostec is a Russian corporation founded in 2007 for the purpose of promoting the development, production and export of hi-tech civilian and military industry products. It comprises 700 organisations, nine of which have now been formed as holding companies of the military-industrial complex, five of them are involved in civil industries and 22 are directly controlled. Rostec’s portfolio includes recognised brands such as Avtovaz, Kamaz, Russian Helicopters, and VSMPO-AVISMA. Rostec’s organisations are located in 60 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and supply their products to the markets of more than 70 countries. The revenue of Rostec in 2014 amounted to RUB 964.5 billion. The tax deductions into the treasuries at all levels exceeded RUB 147.8 billion.
Bell Helicopter Delivers 15th Bell 407GXP to Mexican Air Force
March 29, 2016
Santiago, Chile (March 28, 2016) Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the final delivery of the 15th Bell 407GXP to the Mexican Air Force (FAM). The contract was awarded in March 2015, and the Bell 407GXP fleet is currently supporting the FAM’s parapublic missions across the region.
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 the Bell 412EP, 212 and 206. The 15 Bell 407GXPs are operated by the 111th Air Squadron based at the Military Airbase in Zapopan, Jalisco.
“The Bell 407GXP is truly a multi-mission capable platform that can perform various missions at superior standards,” said Jay Ortiz, vice president of Latin American sales. “We are honored by the Mexican Air Force’s trust in Bell Helicopter and our aircraft, and we are proud to have delivered the final Bell 407GXP to join their fleet.”
With more than 1,300 Bell 407 aircraft operating worldwide, there are more than 200 in parapublic configuration. The Bell 407 platform remains a popular aircraft among Bell Helicopter’s parapublic agencies operating Bell aircraft.
Bell Helicopter has a rich history in Mexico, which started more than 50 years ago with the delivery of the first aircraft to the region. Bell Helicopter’s footprint spans two Customer Service facilities, in addition to the manufacturing facility based in Chihuahua and the new addition of the sales office in Mexico City. Bell Helicopter’s parent company, Textron, also maintains six additional service and manufacturing facilities throughout the country.
The Bell 407GXP is another example of Bell Helicopter’s continued investment in its current products to enhance customer value and increase mission capability. The Bell 407GXP is an upgrade to Bell Helicopter’s best-selling platform, the Bell 407, with added value through industry leading performance, payload capability and operating economics.
LATAM Airlines Group strengthens relationships with oneworld partners via two new joint business agreements, one with American Airlines and another with IAG (British Airways and Iberia)
January 19, 2016
The LATAM Airlines Group network will grow to include over 420 destinations worldwide
LATAM Airlines Group strengthens relationships with oneworld partners via two new joint business agreements, one with American Airlines and another with IAG (British Airways and Iberia)
· These agreements will bring benefits for LATAM passengers include access to a network over 420 destinations, more flight options with better connection times, more competitive fares to destinations not served by LATAM, increased potential to developing new routes and adding more direct flights to new destinations as well as to destinations already served by LATAM.
· The agreements will benefit South America, improving the continent’s connectivity and boosting tourism as well as business travel.
· Both agreements are subject to regulatory approval in different countries which could take approximately 12-18 months.
Santiago, Chile – January 14, 2016 – LATAM Airlines Group (“LATAM”) announced today that it has applied for two separate joint business agreements: one with American Airlines (NASDAQ AAL) and another with International Airlines Group (IAG) for its airlines British Airways and Iberia. These agreements strengthen relationship of LATAM Airlines Group and other oneworld members, which respond to a global industry tendency.
The agreements will be gradually implemented and will include important benefits for clients of LATAM and its affiliates including:
1. Access to a network of over 420 destinations for LATAM (Europe, United States and Canada, and South America):
· More than 200 destinations served by American Airlines will connect to South America through more than 90 flights between North American and South America operated by American Airlines and LATAM.
· 87 destinations served by IAG (British Airways and Iberia) will connect to South America through 45 daily flights between South America and Europe operated by IAG and LATAM.
2. More flights and better connections with:
· 2,500 daily American Airlines flights within the United States and Canada
· More than 900 daily British Airways and Iberia flights within Europe
3. Increased seat availability and more competitive prices to destinations not operated by LATAM :
· More flight options and better connections to destinations that are not served by LATAM and its affiliates and more competitive fares.
4. Increased potential of adding new routes and direct flights to new destinations as well as flights already operated by LATAM and affiliates in the future.
5. Clients will have better options to change flights in all the routes included in the agreement
· All flights included in the 2 agreements will be available to attend clients’ needs, such as reservation changes.
All these new services and options will be also available for LATAM frequent flyer programs (LANPASS and TAM Fidelidade) members.
Enrique Cueto, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group said: “This is excellent news for Latin America. Through these two agreements, we seek to significantly improve the benefits to our clients by providing them with greater connectivity between South America and the United States/Canada and also between South America and Europe. This step is necessary to offer the best network of connections for everyone in Latin America and increases the possibility of adding new routes and direct flights to new destinations as well as flights already operated by LATAM and affiliates in the future”.
“When great airlines can work together, customers win with more choices for when and how they travel,” said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines “Customers will benefit from more frequent and convenient schedule options than the carriers could offer individually. Travelers headed to Latin America will soon have more seamless access to more than 100 additional destinations with LATAM beyond American’s already extensive network”.
Both agreements with oneworld members will allow LATAM and its affiliates’ to expand the network to more than 420 destinations worldwide, operating routes from South America to the United States and Canada with American Airlines and routes from South America to Europe with IAG. The South American countries considered in the joint business agreement with American Airlines are Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay; and as for the other joint business agreement with IAG, the South American countries included are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
LATAM and its affiliates’ passengers will have access to better connections to destinations that currently are not viable to operate with the fleet of LATAM and its affiliates.
The number of flights offered to destinations in the LATAM network should also increase as a result of incentivizing demand for flights that connect to destinations in the United States/Canada and Europe, which will offer passengers more itinerary options to choose from.
Willie Walsh, CEO de IAG, shared: “We already have a close commercial relationship with LATAM Airlines Group as part of oneworld and we look forward to enhancing the relationship further. This joint business would benefit customers by providing them with easier journeys to more destinations with better aligned schedules and increased frequencies. This would boost both tourism and business travel between South America and Europe”.
American Airlines and IAG passengers will have access to a broad network of destinations in South America with more than 100 destinations and more than 1,000 flights a day operated by LATAM and its affiliates and reciprocal benefits, which will increase the number of North American, Canadian and European visitors and contribute to the development and growth of the economies in the region through tourism and business travel.
The joint business agreements will also assist in strengthening the proposed strategically located LATAM hub in northeastern Brazil which would benefit from the participation of American Airlines and IAG.
Both agreements are subject to regulatory approval in different countries. Throughout the implementation of the agreements, each airline will continue to operate independently and maintain control of their respective operations. These agreements will not cause any changes to the ownership or administration of the airlines.
These agreements strengthen LATAM Airlines Group’s relationships with oneworld members and correspond to a global industry trend towards commercial cooperation.
· Over 80% of the main airlines in the world have already implemented at least one of these type of agreements.
· More than 30% of the long-haul air traffic in the world is operated via one of these agreements.
· South America is the region that is the least developed in terms of these agreements.
LATAM Airlines Group reports preliminary monthly statistics for December 2015
January 19, 2016
Santiago, Chile, January 11, 2016– LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries, (“LATAM Airlines Group” or “the Company”) (NYSE: LFL / IPSA: LAN / Bovespa: LATM33), the leading airline group in Latin America, today reported its preliminary monthly traffic statistics for December 2015 compared to December 2014.
System passenger traffic increased by 2.1% while capacity increased by 2.3%. As a result, the Company’s load factor for the month decreased 0.2 points to 82.6%. International passenger traffic accounted for approximately 53% of the month’s total passenger traffic.
Domestic passenger traffic in LATAM Airlines Group’s Spanish speaking operations (Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia) rose 4.3%, while capacity increased by 3.6%. As a consequence, the domestic passenger load factor increased 0.6 points to 81.7%
Domestic passenger traffic in Brazil decreased 10.6%, while capacity decreased by 10.1%. As a consequence, the domestic Brazil passenger load factor decreased by 0.4 points to 81.9%.
International passenger traffic increased by 10.1%, while capacity increased by 10.6%. Accordingly, the international passenger load factor for the month decreased 0.4 points to 83.3%. International traffic includes international operations of both LAN and TAM on regional and long haul routes.
Cargo traffic continues to be weak during the month of December especially in Brazil domestic and international markets. Additionally, weaker seasonal exports from Latin America contributed to the softness in demand. As a result, cargo traffic for LATAM Airlines Group decreased 11.2% in December, and the cargo load factor decreased 6.1 points to 54.1%. We continue to adjust cargo capacity through a reduced freighter operation, which resulted in a decline of 1.3% of cargo ATKs in December.
ATR welcomes ICAO officials
January 6, 2016
ATR fully supports the ICAO’s “No country left behind” initiative
Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, ICAO Council President, and Dr. Fang Liu, ICAO Secretary General, were welcomed on December 4th and December 7th by Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, Thierry Casale, Senior Vice-President Programs, and Christopher McGregor, Flight Safety Officer, to ATR facilities.
Focus of discussion was ICAO’s strategic objectives in relation to the regional aircraft market. The visit of the ICAO officials provided an insight to ATR’s leadership position in the regional aircraft market and its commitment to an environmental-oriented product policy.
ATR has a long standing commitment to greener aviation. This year, an ATR 72 took to the skies on the first flight test campaign of a “Clean Sky” program, to test and validate the use of new materials. This enables further CO2 emission reduction and contribute to an overall greener aviation in the future. This commitment to sustainable operations now and in the future, is fully aligned with ICAO objectives to reduce air transport CO2 emissions by 50% in 2050.
ATR also fully supports the principle of “No country left behind”, the ICAO initiative to improve safety and operational standards at a global level. ATR highlighted for example the benefits of Performance Based Navigation (PBN), demonstrated on an ATR simulator. The newest navigation aid tools certified onboard the ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft also enable more accurate approaches, optimizing flight times and fuel emissions.
ATR became in 2011 the very first regional aircraft manufacturer to obtain an ISO14001 certification for the entire life-cycle of the aircraft, -from design to dismantling-, consolidating its position as the green reference in aviation.
On the occasion of their visit to Toulouse, the ICAO officials also met with senior representatives of Airbus and ENAC, France’s Civil Aviation College.
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