Embraer Launches KC-390 Military Transport Jet Program
April 14, 2009
Company signs a partnership for the new program with the Brazilian Air Force
SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, April 14 — In a ceremony held, today, during the seventh edition of the Latin America Aero and Defence (LAAD) trade fair, which takes place from April 14 to 17, at Riocentro, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Embraer signed a contract with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) for the KC-390 military transport aircraft program. The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Nelson Jobim, the Head of the Navy, Admiral Julio Soares de Moura Neto, the Brazilian Aeronautics Commander, General Juniti Saito, and Embraer President & CEO Frederico Fleury Curado.
“The launch of the KC-390 program is a new landmark in the historical strategic partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. “We are convinced that the development of the KC-390 will result in an effective cargo and tanker aircraft for the FAB and shall also become another successful export platform for both Embraer and Brazil.”
The FAB established the requirements for this aircraft, just as has occurred with other successful products manufactured by Embraer, like the Bandeirante, the Tucano, the aerial surveillance and remote sensoring versions of the ERJ 145, which are used in the Amazon Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilancia da Amazonia — SIVAM), and the Super Tucano.
The new jet will meet the needs of the FAB, in full compliance with the new National Defense Strategy. The participation of other countries in this program will be evaluated, in conjunction with the FAB, and the aircraft is expected to enter service in 2015. The KC-390 Program will contribute, in the short term, to maintaining highly qualified jobs, and, longer-term, it has the potential for generating significant export volumes with important aggregate value.
The existence of a study regarding this military transport aircraft was presented two years ago, at LAAD 2007. The jet will have a cargo bay equipped with an aft ramp, to transport a wide variety of types of cargo, including armored vehicles, and will be outfitted with the most modern systems for handling and launching cargos.
The new jet can be refueled in flight and can be used for in-flight or on- ground refueling of other aircraft. The cargo bay will allow configurations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. The technical advances of the KC-390 include fly-by-wire technology, which lessens pilot work load by optimizing mission results and increasing safety and the capability for operating on short and rustic runways.
The FAB already operates other transport aircraft manufactured by Embraer, like the EMB 120 Brasilia, the ERJ 145, and the Legacy 600. Besides these, the fleet of military aircraft designed and manufactured in Brazil, like the Tucano, the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) airplanes operated within the SIVAM, and the Super Tucano, as well as the AMX, which was developed in a partnership with Italian companies. In June 2008, Embraer signed a contract for the sale of two EMBRAER 190 jets to the FAB, which will be configured especially for carrying authorities.
Air Tahiti takes delivery of its 25th ATR
April 10, 2009
French Polynesia-based Air Tahiti today took delivery of its 25th ATR aircraft, an ATR 72-500, in a ceremony held at the Final Assembly Line of the European turboprop manufacturer in Toulouse. With this delivery the airline, which operates ATR aircraft since 1986, counts today a fleet of 3 ATR 42-500s and 7 ATR 72-500s.
Air Tahiti is also one of the launch customers of the new ATR ‘-600 series’ aircraft, with an order for 3 ATR 42-600s and 2 ATR 72-600s which will start to be delivered in spring 2011. Air Tahiti will become at the same time the first operator of ATR ‘-600s’ in the South Pacific.
The ATR 72-500 delivered today, configured with 66 seats, is equipped with ETOPS (Extended Range Twin-engine Operations) 120 minutes and with the ‘Elegance’ cabin. The aircraft is powered by PW 127M engines and features state-of-the-art technological innovations in passenger comfort, communications and navigation aid tools.
Thanks to the ETOPS 120 capability of the ‘-500 series’, an exclusive feature in the regional aviation, Air Tahiti is able to operate its ATR fleet over a network of islands as vast as Europe. ATR aircraft are thus paramount to the development of Air Tahiti’s network, and offer essential air transport services across French Polynesia. The airline counts today one of the largest and youngest fleet of ATR aircraft in the Pacific zone.
Maté Galenon, Managing Director of Air Tahiti, declared: “We are very satisfied of maintaining such a long partnership with ATR, reinforced by the delivery of this 25th aircraft. For more than 20 years, the ATR have proven to be the right choice for our interisland operations. The high commonality between the ATR 42s and ATR 72s represents a clear advantage for us, as it allows us to operate our fleet optimally in some forty destinations, while minimizing our operating costs.” He added: “We have a total confidence in the ATR aircraft family and we are very proud of further developing our partnership with the introduction of the first ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s that will fly in the Pacific region. These aircraft, because of their very low fuel consumption, will enable us to enhance our operational capabilities, while reducing our environmental footprint, which is a major value in Polynesia.”
Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, said : “With the delivery of this 25th aircraft, ATR is writing a very important page of its history, which talks about mutual confidence, fidelity in our product and suitability of our aircraft for the particularities of the routes operated by Air Tahiti. This airline has clearly contributed to consolidate, worldwide, the image of the ATRs as the right choice for interisland operations, especially with the ATR ‘-500 series’ like the one we deliver today”. He added: “The ATRs provide solutions which are environmental-friendly, while proposing state-of-the art comfort and unbeatable performances, especially on short runways such as the ones used regularly by Air Tahiti”. He concluded: “We are really proud of counting with Air Tahiti among our list of operators, and we will be glad to welcome them again in 2011 for the delivery of their first ATR ‘-600 series’.”
Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 985 aircraft (422 ATR 42s and 563 ATR 72s).
The ATR –500 series:
With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) regulations. The ‘-500 series’ feature the lowest fuel consumption per passenger and CO2 emissions of the regional aviation, thus contributing to make ATR the “Green Player” of the regional aviation.
About Air Tahiti:
With an average annual traffic of 860,000 passengers, Papeete-based Air Tahiti is the principle domestic airline of the French Polynesia. Since 1980, air traffic in the Polynesian archipelago has been increasing at an annual average from 4 to 7% as a result of hotel development on the islands as well as a boost in the local economy. The airline’s network includes 42 islands scattered over the full dimension of French Polynesia.
About ATR
Toulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. In 2008, ATR posted an annual turnover record, with US $ 1.3 billion. ATR is certified ISO 14001, the worldwide standard in the field of environmental respect.
FB Heliservices Takes Delivery of Its First AW139 Helicopter
April 8, 2009
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that FB Heliservices has recently taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. This aircraft will be used to provide search and rescue training for AgustaWestland export customers and it will be operated from RAF Valley in Wales where FB Heliservices already perform SAR training for the UK military services. FB Heliservices signed a contract for two AW139 helicopters in 2008 and the second unit is expected to be delivered next month.
The AW139 is equipped for over land and over water SAR operations and includes a rescue hoist, search radar, FLIR camera, cabin mission console, emergency flotation system, life-rafts, comprehensive communications system and a NVG compatible cockpit.
The AW139 has rapidly become the medium twin helicopter of choice for SAR duties and has been ordered by or is already in service with operators in Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. AW139 SAR customers include the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, Spanish Marine Safety Agency (Sesamar), Japanese Coast Guard, Australian Queensland Government, Italian company Airgreen, Italian Civil Protection Agency and Coast Guard, Irish Air Corps, Korean Coast Guard, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and government agencies in the UAE, Oman, Estonia and Cyprus.
The AW139 has also become the benchmark medium-twin helicopter on the world market and orders for over 430 helicopters have been placed by more than 100 commercial and government customers in over 40 countries to carry out a number of roles including search and rescue, emergency medical services, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement, homeland security and military utility transport.
FB Heliservices is a joint venture company between Cobham Air Services and Bristow Helicopters Ltd that specialise in the provision of helicopters and associated services to military and government markets. FB Heliservices operate over 60 helicopters and have operations in the UK, Belize, Brunei, Cyprus and the Middle East.
Dassault Aircraft Services Appoints Robert Candler GM of the Reno Service Center
April 7, 2009
(Teterboro, NJ, April 2, 2009) – Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS) recently named Robert Candler as Vice President/General Manager of its new Reno Service Center, set to open shortly. DAS – Reno will provide OEM quality service and support to Falcon operators in the western area of the United States. Candler will oversee operations and lead the development of the new service center’s business, which is one of five in the Dassault company-owned service center network. Dassault’s fifth Service Center located in Sao Paulo, Brazil will also open shortly.
Houston Welcomes Qatar Airways to Bush Intercontinental Airport
March 31, 2009
Qatar Airways launched new daily non-stop flights between Houston and Doha on March 30, 2009.
HOUSTON, March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Houston gave Qatar Airways a big Texas welcome as the inaugural flight of the Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft touched down at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The special airport celebration began with a classic water cannon salute as the jet pulled up to the terminal.
A crowd of Houston business professionals, government officials, city employees and economic development leaders gathered in a lounge at Houston’s hub airport as Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker addressed everyone who gathered for the festive celebration of the new international air service.
“Passenger demand prompted this new route and I am absolutely thrilled we are able to bring our award-winning Five Star service to this wonderful gateway,” says Al Baker. “Houston is the first new route for Qatar Airways in a robust year of growth.”
To celebrate the occasion, Houston City Controller Annise Parker presented Al Baker with an official proclamation declaring it as “Qatar Airways Day.”
Air passengers who travel frequently between the United States and the Middle East will benefit from the new route. The catalyst for the new international air service is the connection of two important energy capitals. As Houston’s sixth largest trading partner in the Middle East, Qatar was considered one of the top underserved international markets.
“Houston is honored to become the newest U.S. destination for Qatar Airways,” says Rob Wigington, Houston Airport System deputy director of Marketing, Communications and Community Affairs. “This new route is not only great for business and leisure travel between Houston and Doha, but it is going to generate more traffic for our global gateway.”
Qatar Airways serves more than 80 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, the Far East and North America. Besides Houston, Qatar Airways also serves New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (Dulles) in the U.S.
The flight schedule for the Houston to Doha route is below:
- Depart Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport — QR078 daily at 20:30 hrs, arrive Doha at 19:40 hrs the following day
- Depart Doha International Airport — QR077 daily at 09:50 hrs, arrive Houston at 18:10 hrs.
Elisra Showcases Advanced EW Solutions at Upcoming LAAD 2009 Show in Brazil
March 31, 2009
The company’s presented solutions will include its EW design upgrade for Brazil’s AMX fighter plane
Bene Brak, Israel, March 31st…Elisra, recognized worldwide as a leader in EW – RF and IR solutions, will showcase its latest EW and intelligence solutions, including its design for upgrading the Electronic Warfare systems on Brazil’s AMX fighter plane, at the upcoming LAAD 2009 show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 14-17, in Elbit’s booth H-39 and in Brazil’s AEL booth F-48.
Elisra maintains its position as a world leader in advanced integrated EW and Intelligence solutions by an ongoing application of cutting edge technology, enabling the company to offer the most updated responses to changing needs and circumstances. The company’s systems are operated by air forces around the world, including the Israel Air Force where they are repeatedly proven operationally on aircraft including the F-15I, F-16I, and the Apache Longbow helicopter.
Elisra’s solutions include a family of tailored Self Protection Suites – from Warning Systems – RWR, LWS or MWS through Active Systems assuring mission completion.
Elisra’s PAWS family underscores its unique position in offering operational missile warning systems for both airborne and ground based IR platforms. With its integrated countermeasures capability, PAWS is the cornerstone of the first and only family of operationally deployed and combat proven EO self protection suites using Staring IR Missile Approach Warning Systems for protecting attack and support helicopters, fighter and transport aircraft, and civilian cargo and passenger planes. The company’s integrated electro-optical IR self protection suites provide powerful and optimal protection aimed at missiles, rockets, and small arms fire, while seamlessly integrating countermeasures and providing situational awareness, collision alert, and shooter locator.
Recently, Elisra was awarded a contract to upgrade the EW suite on Brazil’s AMX fighter plane as part of a $187 million contract awarded to Elbit Systems, Elisra’s parent company, for a full avionics upgrade to Embraer’s AMX. Elisra has been working with Brazil’s military for years, having already installed EW suites on Brazil’s F-5 fighter planes. Elisra’s current EW suite Showcased at this year’s LAAD is the advanced generation of Elisra’s airborne self-protection family of systems and includes the unique IR Solutions (PAWS) for which Elisra is famous.
Elisra’s CEO Itzhak Gat points out that, “Elisra takes pride in having been selected by Embraer, to be yet again the EW source for the Brazilian Military Forces.” He goes on to say that, “This reflects and demonstrates the trust of both Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force in Elisra’s systems, and their recognition of the company’s capabilities.”
About Elisra:
Elisra, a world leader for over 4 decades in the field of Electronic and Information Warfare as well as Intelligence and C3 systems has been the source of these solutions deployed in modern defense forces of over 40 countries world wide.
The company develops, designs, manufactures, integrates and supports advanced EW, Intelligence (RF and IR based technologies) and Communication solutions, for air, sea and land applications.
Elisra, 70% owned by Elbit Systems Ltd., and 30% by Elta Systems Ltd. (an IAI subsidiary), comprises of Elisra Electronic Systems, Tadiran Electronic Systems and Tadiran Spectralink.
Embraer Participates in AERO Friedrichshafen 2009 in Germany
March 25, 2009
The Company will highlight the Legacy 600 executive jet in the static display
São José dos Campos, March 25, 2009 – Embraer is participating in the fourth AERO
Friedrichshafen Trade Exhibition for General Aviation (www.aero-friedrichshafen.de),
April 2-5, in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany. The Company will promote its entire
range of executive jets and exhibit the Legacy 600 in the static display area SD-07.
“We are delighted to participate in this major general aviation trade show in Europe,” said
Colin Steven, Embraer Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Europe, Africa and the Middle
East – Executive Jets. “Germany is one of Europe’s most responsive business aviation
markets. The excellent reception given to our Executive Jets family by this country and
Central Europe is testimony to their superior performance and comfort.”
The Legacy 600 super midsize jet entered service in 2002, marking the debut of Embraer in the business jet market. Since then, the Company has reinforced its
commitment to offering customers a full range of executive jet solutions by
expanding its portfolio, which, today, includes the entry level Phenom 100, the
light Phenom 300, the midlight Legacy 450, the midsize Legacy 500, and the ultralarge Lineage 1000 jets, besides the Legacy 600.
Embraer Delivers Phenom 100 Jet to Pakistan’s Air Force
March 25, 2009
Phenom 100 in the colors of Pakistan’s Air Force
Pakistan Government has ordered four airplanes for transporting officials
São José dos Campos, March 25, 2009 –Embraer delivered the first Phenom 100
jet, yesterday, at its Headquarters, in São José dos Campos, Brazil, to Pakistan’s Air
Force. The Pakistan government has acquired four of this aircraft model, which
will be used to transport government officials of that country. This transaction
is already included in Embraer’s fourth quarter firm order backlog.
“Embraer is honored to enjoy the confidence of Pakistan’s Government for operating our
products,” said Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense and
Government Market. “The Phenom 100 is an excellent aircraft that meets a broad range of
transportation demands and, with the way opened by the Pakistan Air Force on the
international market, we are seeing a growing interest in this model in several other regions.”
This is the first Embraer aircraft delivered to a customer in Pakistan, and it is also the first
Phenom 100 to be operated by a government. The country’s Air Force chose this model after
carrying out a detailed analysis of such aspects as performance, comfort, technology,
acquisition price, and operating costs, among others.
The Phenom 100 jet can accommodate up to eight occupants. Its range of 1,178 nautical miles
(2,182 km), including NBAA IFR fuel reserves, means the aircraft is capable of flying
nonstop from Islamabad (Pakistan) to Karachi (Pakistan) or Katmandu (Nepal), from New
York to Miami, in the U.S., or from London to Rome, in Europe. The jet was certified in
December 2008, and proved to be the fastest and to have the largest baggage capacity in its
category. The Phenom 100 has the latest in cockpit design and a private aft lavatory as one of
its most competitive features.
CIRRUS AIRCRAFT NAMES IAN BENTLEY VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL SALES
March 24, 2009
Cirrus Aircraft today named Ian Bentley to the post of Vice President and Managing Director of International Sales. Cirrus currently delivers aircraft in more than 50 countries around the world and Bentley brings key experience and market knowledge to Cirrus’ corporate strategy of additional penetration into incumbent international markets and expansion into new ones. Prior to Cirrus, Ian has held a variety of technical, sales, marketing and management positions in entrepreneurial computer software companies, and holds a degree in mathematics from London University. Ian is an active pilot with several thousand hours of general aviation flight time both in the U.S. and abroad. He holds commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings.
Ian joined Cirrus Aircraft in 1997 as Director of Sales Support, was later Vice President of Customer Relations and most recently was Vice President of Products and Services. Bentley played a key role in the development of the customer delivery and training process still used today as an integral part of the Cirrus ownership experience. While Vice President of Customer Relations, Ian was instrumental in the development of the Cirrus Authorized Service Center Network (CASC), Cirrus Training Center (CTC) and Cirrus Standardized Flight Instructor networks (CSIP), and the Air Safety Department. Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™, Known Ice Protection, and X-Edition, all part of the SR20 and SR22 that we know today, are the direct result of strategies developed by Bentley during his time as Vice President, Products and Services.
In accepting the appointment to his newest role Bentley commented, “I am proud to have the opportunity to work with our established network of International Sales Centers. I am pleased to be a part of the professional and highly capable network of international partners representing Cirrus Aircraft, from our mature operations in Europe to the evolving markets in Latin America, China, and India.”
Brent Wouters, Cirrus Aircraft President and CEO added, “Ian represents the original Cirrus vision of developing a new personal aviation. That’s still the Cirrus mission today that we are sharing and growing around the world. I know that our current international customers and partners join me in looking very forward to Ian’s leadership in his newest role.”
Hawker Beechcraft Announces New Chairman and CEO W.W. (Bill) Boisture Jr.
March 24, 2009
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is the world’s leading business, special-mission and trainer aircraft manufacturer – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company reported sales of nearly $3 billion in 2006 and employs more than 8,000 people worldwide. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation has major operations in Salina, Kansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. (PRNewsFoto/HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORPORATION)
WICHITA, KS UNITED STATES
Former Gulfstream and NetJets president brings wealth of industry experience to company
WICHITA, Kan., March 23 /PRNewswire/ — Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced its new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer W.W. (Bill) Boisture Jr. The former president of industry-leading companies NetJets and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation brings more than 30 years of aviation experience to HBC.
“Bill is the right person at exactly the right time,” said Sanjeev Mehra, Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hawker Beechcraft Inc. “His proven ability to drive customer satisfaction and value has never been more important than in this challenging economic environment. I am delighted to welcome Bill to HBC.”
Boisture is the former President of NetJets, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and British Aerospace Corporate Jets (a forerunner to Hawker), and the former Chairman and CEO of Butler Aviation. Most recently, he was the President of Intrepid Aviation, a privately held commercial aircraft lessor, and a senior advisor for aerospace at The Carlyle Group.
“As a former leader of NetJets, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and British Aerospace Corporate Jets, Bill has the unique experience of having been an HBC customer, competitor and leader,” said Nigel Wright, managing director of ONEX Corporation and a member of the Board of Directors of Hawker Beechcraft Inc. “In addition, as a graduate of the Air Force Academy and a decorated Air Force veteran, he brings expertise and insight to the government business aspect of our company.”
“This is an outstanding opportunity,” said Boisture. “Hawker Beechcraft has the broadest product line-up in the industry, is a leader in advanced technology with its composite aircraft and is well-positioned to succeed coming out of this downturn. Further, I have already seen incredible support from our owners, Goldman Sachs and Onex, and am confident this will be a wonderful partnership.”
Boisture was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and graduated from the USAF Fighter Weapons School and the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (“Topgun” school). He was honorably discharged as a major after 11 years of service. Boisture also has a commercial instrument rating and continues to be an active pilot logging more than 500 hours in the past two years.
Boisture earned his bachelor’s in engineering management from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his master’s in business administration from the University of New Haven. He was on the board of directors for the Association of Graduates of the Air Force Academy for eight years and continues as a trustee of the Falcon Foundation and a member of World Presidents’ Organization.
Boisture succeeds Jim Schuster, who announced his retirement in November.
“We thank Jim for his service and contributions to HBC during his nearly eight years as CEO,” said Mehra. “During his tenure, the company achieved a record order backlog, certified more new models than any other general aviation company and delivered the first Hawker 4000 – HBC’s flagship aircraft and the world’s first composite super-midsize business jet. We wish Jim all the best in his retirement.”
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with the largest number of factory-owned service centers and has a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.
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