Finnish Border Guard Orders An AW119Ke Helicopter

January 25, 2010

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AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Finnish Border Guard has ordered a fourth AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The Finnish Border Guard chose the AW119Ke in 2008 to sustain its fleet modernization and enhancement programme. All four helicopters will be used to perform various tasks including border patrol, special operations and fire fighting. The first three helicopters ordered will enter service during the 3rd quarter of 2010 and will operate from Helsinki and Rovaniemi (Arctic Circle) bases, flying in the harshest environmental and weather conditions and covering the entire Finnish/Russian border.

The Finnish Border Guard will also be provided with a tailored training and support package as part of the contract. The original order for three aircraft marked the entrance of AgustaWestland’s AW119Ke helicopter into the European law enforcement and homeland security helicopter market.

This purchase continues and strengthens the longstanding relationship between AgustaWestland and the Finnish Border Guard who has been supplied with AB206 JetRanger and AB412 helicopters.

The Finnish Border Guard’s AW119Ke helicopters will be fitted with dedicated tactical equipment and certified to perform missions using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). The AW119Ke’s law enforcement and homeland security variant has a patrol time of approximately 5 hours and also has the largest cabin in its class which can be quickly reconfigured for different missions. The AW119Ke also delivers outstanding performance whilst having low operating costs.

The Finnish Border Guard adds to a large number of leading customers who are operating or have chosen this helicopter type for homeland security and public service applications in several countries including the United States, Mexico, China, Republic of Korea, Spain and Uganda. Approximately 190 helicopters have been ordered to date by over 90 customers in 30 countries to perform roles such as law enforcement, EMS, VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport and fire fighting.

The Finnish Border Guard is responsible for Finland’s internal security, reporting to the Ministry of the Interior. The main functions of the Border Guard are guarding Finland’s land borders and territorial waters, carrying out passport control at border crossing points, ports and airports, as well as law enforcement, maritime safety and performing search and rescue operations, especially at sea.

SIA Engineering Invests in Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1000G Engine

January 20, 2010

SINGAPORE, Jan. 18, 2010 – SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) has signed a definitive agreement to participate in Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1000G engine Risk-Revenue Sharing Program (RRSP).  Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

SIAEC will participate in the PW1000G engine RRSP with a 3 percent stake in the Bombardier CSeries engine RRSP and a 1 percent stake in the Mitsubishi Regional Jet engine RRSP.  As part of the agreement, Pratt & Whitney will designate Eagle Services Asia (ESA), a joint venture between SIAEC and P&W, as the first engine center in the global RRSP MRO network for the PW1500G engine, the PurePower variant that will power the Bombardier CSeries aircraft.

“By scaling up the MRO value chain through our investments in the development of the PW1000G engine, our P&W joint ventures will benefit from the downstream MRO work,” said Chief Executive Officer of SIAEC, Mr. William Tan.  “The acquisition of new engine capabilities will also enable SIAEC to access the markets of next-generation aircraft powered by the new engines.”

”We are pleased that SIAEC has committed to participate in our Risk Revenue Sharing Program for the PurePower PW1000G engine,” said Todd Kallman, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines & Global Services.  “By investing in the PW1000G, SIAEC is investing in the future of aviation technology for next generation aircraft.”

The PurePower PW1000G engine is an all-new centerline engine that includes flight proven, next generation technology.  The PurePower PW1000G engine features an advanced gear system that allows the engine’s fan to operate at a slower speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine.  The combination of the gear system and all-new advanced core delivers double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental emissions and a 50 percent reduction in noise.

SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) is a major provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in Asia Pacific. The Company has a client base of more than 80 international carriers and aerospace equipment manufacturers.   SIAEC has approvals from 25 national aviation regulatory authorities to provide MRO services for aircraft registered in the U.S., Europe and Japan, among others.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

SIAEC’s CEO Mr William Tan and Mr Todd Kallman, President, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines & Global Services in Singapore today after signing the agreement.

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GOL anuncia lançamento de voos regulares para Bauru

January 18, 2010

 São Paulo, 18 de janeiro de 2010 - A GOL Linhas Aéreas
Inteligentes S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL), a maior companhia
aérea de baixo custo e baixa tarifa da América Latina, anuncia que
iniciou a venda de bilhetes para um novo destino doméstico em sua
malha aérea: a cidade de Bauru, no interior do Estado de São Paulo. A
operação será regular a partir do Aeroporto de Congonhas (São Paulo),
e será realizada cinco vezes por semana, com lançamento no dia 1 de
fevereiro de 2010.

    "Lançamos operações regulares em Bauru na esteira do sucesso que
verificamos em Presidente Prudente (SP), um destino que antes da
entrada da GOL, gerava tráfego de 50 passageiros ao dia e hoje emite
mais de 200 passagens.", destaca Constantino de Oliveira Junior,
presidente da GOL. 

    "Esperamos alcançar o mesmo efeito GOL nesse novo destino, o 50° em
nossa malha doméstica." O novo voo parte do Aeroporto de Congonhas
(São Paulo) às 11h30, chegando em Bauru às 12h25. No sentido
contrário, a aeronave sai do Aeroporto Estadual Moussa Nakhl Tobias,
na cidade do interior paulista, às 13h30, com chegada prevista na
capital às 14h22. 

    Bauru é o maior município do oeste do Estado e um dos maiores centros
econômicos do interior paulista, com produto interno bruto (PIB) de
R$ 5,3 bilhões. A cidade fica a 345 km da capital, e tem cerca de
359,5 mil habitantes. A nova rota aérea para Congonhas vai oferecer
aos clientes de toda a região, a possibilidade de conexão imediata com
os principais mercados de negócios do País, como Belo Horizonte
(Confins), Brasília, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Navegantes, Porto
Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, entre outros. 

A tabela abaixo contém mais informações sobre a nova operação: Voo
Saída Origem 

Voo       Saída    Origem      Destino      Chegada   Tarifa a partir
de
G3 1060   11h30    São Paulo   Bauru        12h25      R$ 79*
                  (Congonhas)
G3 1061   13h30    Bauru       São Paulo    14h22      R$ 79*
                              (Congonhas)

    * O regulamento tarifário está disponível no site da GOL
( www.voegol.com.br ).

Al Jaber Aviation (AJA) took delivery in December of its first Airbus aircraft

January 15, 2010

Al Jaber Aviation (AJA) took delivery in December of its first Airbus aircraft, an A318 Elite, which will now undergo cabin outfitting by Lufthansa Technik subsidiary BizJet International at its Tulsa, Oklahoma facility. AJA will receive the outfitted A318 Elite in mid-2010, when it will become the first Middle East company to offer Airbus aircraft for VVIP charters. AJA has ordered four A318 Elites and two Airbus ACJs. The Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family has the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet, offering unmatched comfort, space and freedom of movement.

AJA-Airbus-A318-Elite

VIH Cougar Helicopters Inc. Takes Delivery Of An AW139

January 12, 2010

AW751-VIH-AW139

AgustaWestland , a Finmeccanica company,  is pleased to announce that the VIH Cougar Helicopters Inc. of USA has taken delivery of an AW139 medium twin helicopter during an official ceremony recently held at Vergiate plant (Italy). This 12 seat-configured helicopter will be operated for offshore transport missions in the Gulf of Mexico.

Emilio Dalmasso, Senior Vice President Commercial Business Unit, AgustaWestland said, “We are delighted that such a leading customer is taking delivery of this helicopter. This handover marks the addition of a fourth offshore operator for the AW139 helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico, further strengthening the already impressive success achieved by this model in the oil & gas support industry. The AW139 will enable the operator to deliver enhanced levels of service.”

The AW139 has quickly become the aircraft of choice in its class for offshore oil and gas support operations offering unparalleled features in terms of performance, capacity and safety. The AW139 is ideally suited for the offshore role, with its large cabin and baggage compartments allowing it to transport 12 to 15 passengers, offering ease of access and egress with its large sliding doors. The superior power of the two engines ensures the AW139 has the best performance in its weight class in all operating conditions. With its power reserve, the AW139 assures Category A (Class 1) superior performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight with a superior one engine inoperative capability. Excellent payload and performance ensure unmatched productivity for offshore operations. Energy-absorbing landing gear, fuselage and seats as well as high main and tail rotor ground clearance provide added safety for the passengers and maintenance teams whilst on the ground. More than 440 AW139 helicopters have been ordered so far by over 120 customers in almost 50 countries to perform various roles including offshore transport, EMS/SAR, VIP/Corporate transport, law enforcement, utility.

With over 50 consecutive years of helicopter management experience, the VIH Aviation Group is well positioned to provide quality helicopter services throughout the world. The VIH Aviation Group services many helicopter charter markets including forestry, oil and gas, air ambulance services, offshore oil personnel transport, mining exploration and aerial construction. The VIH Aviation Group includes a variety of unique aviation companies and divisions comprising Cougar Helicopters Inc., providing leading offshore oil and gas helicopter services with permanent facilities supporting the oil and gas fields off the East coast of the USA.

DART Helicopter Services and Flight Management Systems Partner To Provide Digital Moving Maps

January 6, 2010

Fire2

Oceanside, Calif., Jan. 4, 2010  — DART Helicopter Services (DHS) today announced a new distribution agreement with the Flight Management Systems (FMS). The relationship will allow DHS customers access to another useful helicopter accessory: digital moving maps.

“FMS is a leader in digital moving map technology,” said Jeff Shapiro, DHS President. “The relationship is a valuable addition for us. We are excited to be able to work with FMS to offer their map system to our customers.”

The moving map software utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) to offer more information than conventional scanned paper maps. In addition to being current, the technology enables a user to add as many layers of information as needed. Being able to view the location of potential hazards like cell phone towers and electrical wires, as well as helpful information like underground pipelines, and reverse 911 information, the map can enable the team to quickly and accurately identify a target address. Also, data gathered during a mission can be transferred to another system via USB, making information sharing simple.

“The entire FMS team is excited about the opportunities our relationship with DHS will bring.” FMS president Greg Taylor added “Although we have a presence in several global locations, we will be able to reach those in Europe, an area we haven’t serviced yet.”

FMS leadership has over 32 years of helicopter maintenance, police and aerial fire fighting experience and the company has been flying with the moving map technology since 1996, giving them the experience they need to make recommendations appropriate for any situation.

Korea Coast Guard Orders Another AW139 Helicopter

December 22, 2009

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that the Korean Government has signed a contract for one more AW139 medium-twin helicopter in Maritime Patrol configuration for the Korea Coast Guard. The order represents the third helicopter to be sold to the Korea Coast Guard and the sixth AW139 helicopter to be sold to the Republic of Korea. Earlier in the year the first AW139 was delivered to the Gangwon Fire Fighting Department and recently Samsung Corporation took delivery of its first of two AW139 corporate helicopters.

On the 10th December 2009 the first two Korea Coast Guard AW139 Maritime Patrol Helicopters were handed over to the Coast Guard during a ceremony held at Gimpo Airport in Seoul. Speaking after the ceremony Andrew Symonds, Vice President NE Asia, AgustaWestland, said “The delivery of the first two AW139 helicopters represents a significant stepping stone in developing the market in Korea and we are proud to be ale to achieve this by working closely with such a professional organization as the Korea Coast Guard. The contract for a third AW139 helicopter order not only demonstrates the expansion of the AW139 into the demanding and rigorous role of offshore search and rescue but indicates how the AW139 is highly considered by organizations such as the Korea Coast Guard.”

The Korea Coast Guard AW139 will be used for Maritime Patrol, SAR and EMS missions and will be equipped with Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), search/weather radar, rescue hoist, emergency flotation system and a four-axis autopilot with SAR modes.

AW749

DART Helicopter Services teams with Red Box International to distribute power units

December 15, 2009

Oceanside, Calif., Dec. 14, 2009  — DART Helicopter Services (DHS) today announced a new distribution agreement with Red Box International. DHS customers now have a source to all Red Box ground power and start units currently sold in North America.

“We are pleased to add Red Box units to our product catalog,” said DHS President Jeff Shapiro. ”This enables us to offer our customers a high quality, reliable range of ground support equipment.”

Some of the new products include the Red Box RBSC, which provides continuous power compatible with 28V aircraft systems, high-quality, highly portable engine starting systems, and combination start and continuous portable ground power units specially designed for heavy duty starting aircraft.

This affiliation further establishes the goal of Red Box International to provide customers with competitively priced, high quality, and technically advanced products,” said Adrian Jackson, special projects director for Red Box. “This is a great opportunity for both DHS and Red Box.”

Red Box ground power start units are capable of operating in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40˚F to +140˚F. Tough and compact, they are air transportable and maintenance free. Continuous power units provide stable 50,
100, 150 or 200 amp output at 28.5V DC. They are non-hazardous for air transport and can operate in temperatures ranging from -4˚F to +122˚F. Finally, the combination start and continuous power units offer a high charge retention and long storage life with a fast recharge and no cycling.

“By adding products like the Red Box ground power units, DHS is able to further strengthen its position as a company able to offer a complete range of high quality products that enhance rotorcraft operations,” Shapiro stated. Red Box joins over 20 other aftermarket product manufacturers DHS represents.

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Tom Enders visits A400M facility in Sevilla

November 22, 2009

enders_picture

Airbus CEO met with flight test crew and engineers.
Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, visited yesterday the A400M Final Assembly Line at San Pablo in
Seville and met with engineers conducting the ground tests of the new A400M military airlifter,
as well as with some of the flight crew preparing the aircraft for its first flight.
During a visit that lasted the whole afternoon he briefed on the progress of the programme,
which is expected to have its first flight before the end of this year. During the meeting with the
employees, he expressed his full support and thanked all those involved for their continued
effort and consistent contribution to the success of the project.
Mr Enders went on board the first A400M aircraft while it was being prepared for further tests
and inspected the cockpit and test equipment. He said he was extremely impressed with the
work that was being done.
“We have a great team working extremely hard, thanks to which we have made tremendous
progress over the past months. The excitement grows every day as we get closer to the first
flight of this fantastic aircraft,” said Tom Enders during the visit of the facility.
Later, the CEO was witness of an initial engine test.

First engine runs performed on A400M

November 22, 2009

Airbus Military achieved a key milestone in the A400M military airlifter programme when all four
Europrop International (EPI) TP400 turboprops on the aircraft were run simultaneously for the
first time on 18 November.
The event was the culmination of a series of tests in the previous 72 hours in which the engines
and propellers were first turned using ground power with no fuel in the fuel-lines, in a process
known as dry-cranking. Then they were turned with fuel in the lines but without starting the
engines, known as wet-cranking.
All four of the engines on aircraft msn 01 were successfully run for four hours beginning in the
early evening during an operation that lasted for 6.5 hours including preparation.
The engines ran at low power settings in ground-idle and flight-idle modes and will be run up to
maximum take-off power in further runs planned to take place shortly.
The operation at Airbus Military’s Seville, Spain facility was part of the procedure known as
destorage of the engines following the handover to the flight-test team at the end of the
previous week.
After the first full run, during which the engines performed flawlessly, the engine cowls were
opened and inspections showed that there had been no hot-air or fluid leaks.
On the subsequent runs the test team will continue exploring the behaviour of the engine itself
and also that of the aircraft systems that are powered by the engine.
Additionally the auxiliary power unit (APU), a separate small engine mounted on the aircraft
itself and designed to provide electrical power to the aircraft systems, was tested. It was used
to start the engines for the main engine run.
Airbus CEO Tom Enders, who personally witnessed the first full engine run-up, said: “I wish to
thank and congratulate the teams who worked extremely hard to reach this very important
milestone which paves the way to the A400M First Flight in the weeks to come.”
Fernando Alonso, Head of Flight Operations, added: “This is the first time we completely
powered up the aircraft using the engine power and the first time that the aircraft has been
operated completely autonomously.”

A400M

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