miamiair/forum/images/avatars/gallery/first/user54/1.pngoffline(netAirspace FAA) 09 Mar 11, 10:01
NEWS
"Important breakthrough" for Boeing as Air China orders 747-8 Boeing has logged its first orders in more than a year for the 747-8 jumbo jet, as Air China signed a deal for five of the planes at the Hong Kong air show. Air China became the third airline customer for the new model, following earlier deals with Lufthansa and Korean Air. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014. "It's an important breakthrough for Boeing in the context of the 747-8 program and its role in Asia, where A380 orders have been strong," said Derek Sadubin of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation. Link
Pentagon officials see brighter outlook for F-35 fighter programs Changes to the F-35 fighter jet program designed to trim costs beyond the 20% slashed from the last contract have given senior Pentagon officials renewed optimism about the fighter's outlook. The F-35 program chief, Air Force Maj. Gen. C.D. Moore, said last week that he sees a "positive future" for the program, adding that he has no doubt that flight tests will begin later this year. Link
EADS reportedly cuts last-minute deals to save A400M bailout In reportedly working out last-minute deals with Britain and Turkey, EADS has prevented a multibillion-euro European bailout plan for its A400M military airlifter from falling apart. The rescue package is from a group of seven buyer nations led by Germany and France, who had agreed more than a year ago to contribute $4.9 billion to the project in order to protect 10,000 jobs and the region's defense interests. Link
Pakistan negotiating to increase F-16 order from U.S. While working to reduce its dependence on the U.S., Pakistan is nevertheless in talks to increase its order of Lockheed Martin F-16s, according to Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman. The U.S. agreed to give Pakistan 28 F-16C/Ds under an excess defense articles initiative in 2006, and, following the recent delivery of 14 aircraft, talks are under way for the remaining 14. Link
Boeing sends 787s to Texas for final refurbishment Boeing plans to hire about 450 temporary workers at a San Antonio plant where 787s will be refurbished with new software and other upgrades before being delivered to customers. By shifting work to Texas, Boeing hopes to relieve pressure on its Everett, Wash., plant as production ramps up to 10 planes per month by 2013. Link
Bell debuts new instrument package for 407GX Bell Helicopter says a high-tech digital instrument package unveiled this week should boost safety and flexibility for pilots. Developed by Garmin, the system is available as a $125,000 option on the 407GX and features synthetic vision, a tail camera and a Terrain Avoidance Warning System specific to low-flying helicopters. "It's really a significant advancement in helicopter technology," says Larry Roberts, senior vice president of Bell's commercial helicopter division. Link
Cirrus buyout deal to get national security review A Chinese company's planned buyout of Cirrus Aviation will be vetted by the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment, an interagency body that reviews such deals for any potential impact on national security. AVIC, the proposed Cirrus buyer, builds a stealth fighter in China, and Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters says both companies requested the review because they did not want the review "to become a political football." Link
White House orders NASA to cancel two climate change missions The White House, under pressure to reduce federal spending, has ordered NASA to cancel two major climate change missions that were planned to launch by 2017. The Earth science missions included the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory and the Deformation, Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics of Ice, and their cancellation reportedly came prior to the failed launch of the Glory satellite last Friday due to rocket malfunctions. Link
ILFC signs MOU for 100 A320neos, chooses PW1100G engine; also orders 33 737-800s ILFC signed an MOU with Airbus covering orders for 100 A320neo family aircraft including 25 A321neos and became the first of four companies committing to the narrowbody to make an engine selection, choosing Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2016. Link
United Continental cuts 2011 capacity growth in face of rising fuel prices United Continental Holdings, citing rising fuel prices, announced Monday evening that full-year 2011 consolidated (mainline and regional) capacity for United Airlines and Continental Airlines will be flat compared to 2010, reduced from prior guidance of a 1%-2% rise. Link
Turkish Airlines orders 13 Airbus aircraft Turkish Airlines ordered 10 Airbus A321s and three A330-200 freighters to meet its growth plans in the passenger and cargo markets, Airbus said on Tuesday. Link
Cathay Pacific orders 27 widebodies Cathay Pacific Airways is to add 27 widebodies worth HK$51 billion ($6.55 billion) at list prices to its fleet under agreements inked with Airbus, Boeing and International Lease Finance (ILFC). The Hong Kong-based carrier announced today it is acquiring an additional 15 A330-300s and 10 more 777-300ERs direct from the manufacturers, and taking an extra pair of A350-900s under a deal with ILFC. The airline says it will take delivery of all of the aircraft before the end of 2015. Link
Dassault flies first EGNOS approach with Falcon 900LX Dassault has flown the first approaches using Europe's EGNOS safety-of-life service that was formally launched in early March Link
Mitsubishi MRJ 100-seater to wait Mitsubishi Aircraft is likely to start work on the 100-seat variant of its MRJ business jet only after the smaller types have had their first flight. The MRJ 90 is scheduled to have its first flight in mid-2012, while the MRJ 70 will take to the skies around a year later. All Nippon Airways, the MRJ's launch customer, has ordered 15 MRJ 90s while US regional carrier Trans States Airlines (TSA) has bought 50 that will include a combination of both variants. Link
Other News
US Dept. of Transportation said the nation’s largest carriers reported only one flight in January with a tarmac delay of more than 3 hr., down from 20 flights in January 2010. The airline was Delta, which reported a tarmac delay of 211 min. Data filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics showed there have been only 16 tarmac delays of more than 3 hr. at US airports since the tough tarmac delay rule went into effect in April 2010.
Three unions representing Spanish airport workers on Tuesday confirmed plans to call a series of strikes over the next several months on key travel dates, including the Easter holiday weekend, to protest government plans to privatize airport operator AENA, which they fear could lead to lay-offs and the closure of smaller airports.
SITA announced that it was selected by the air navigation service providers of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland to provide air/ground communication infrastructure (ATN and VDL Mode 2).
Jetstar reportedly is planning to enter the Japanese domestic market through a joint venture with local investors, according to the Yomiuri newspaper.
NavAero was selected by Condor Airlines to supply its tBag C22 Electronic Flight Bag system for the carrier's fleet of Boeing 757-300 and 767-300ER aircraft.
OAG Cargo reached a contract with Saudi Airlines Cargo to supply the carrier with its new Route Mapper product. OAG is the launch customer for the solution, which will begin roll-out from April 1, incorporating Arabic, customized branding, future schedules and full integration into the carrier's website.
Travelport announced a multi-year technology services agreement with TACA Airlines, to deploy the Travelport Rapid Reprice solution, which fully automates the process of repricing and reissuing airline tickets when passenger itineraries change. Separately, Travelport said it signed a GDS distributor agreement with Kenya Airways, continuing its 10-year partnership with the carrier for five more years.
AVIATION QUOTE
I could be president of Sikorsky for six months before they found me out, but the president would only have my job for six seconds before he'd kill himself.
— Walter R. 'Dick' Faull, test pilot.
ON THIS DATE
March 9th
• In 1918... The first American air casualty in World War I is Capt. James E. Miller who loses his life in a French Spad while flying a practice patrol across the German lines.
• In 1919... U.S. Navy Lt. Comdr. E. O. McDonnell makes the first successful flight from a gun turret platform on a U.S. navy battleship. The USS Texas is anchored in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the test.
• In 1928... The English aviatrix Lady Mary Bailey takes off from Croydon on what becomes the first round-trip flight between London and Cape Town, South Africa flown by a woman. She arrives back in England on May 12.
• In 1938... A new parachute descent record of 35,450ft. is achieved by the French parachutist James Williams when he jumps from the cockpit of an ANF Les Mureaux 113 high-wing monoplane after taking off from the airfield at Chartres. Dropping to a height above the ground of 650 ft. in 2 minutes 50 seconds before opening his parachute, Williams easily achieves a world free-fall record.
Scenario: Crystal clear CAVU moonless night, following the northern shore of Lake Ontario back from Hamilton to Toronto. The pilot wanted to get fairly high to get the carpet-of-lights effect for his passenger.
Pilot: Toronto Terminal, FQOZ is a Cherokee 140, Burlington skyway at 3500, VFR to Buttonville via the island, would like to get as high as possible.
ATC: QOZ, cleared to Flight Level 230.
Pilot: {sputter, gasp!} Say again! Did you say flight level 230 for QOZ?!
ATC: Just kidding; I can give you up to 6500.
TRIVIA
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And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
FlyingAce/forum/images/avatars/gallery/first/user293/2.pngoffline(netAirspace ATC & Founding Member) 09 Mar 11, 18:30
Travelport announced a multi-year technology services agreement with TACA Airlines, to deploy the Travelport Rapid Reprice solution, which fully automates the process of repricing and reissuing airline tickets when passenger itineraries change.
The announcement came just now? We've been using Rapid Reprice for months
Money can't buy happiness; but it can get you flying, which is pretty much the same.
Lucas/forum/images/avatars/gallery/first/user76/13.pngoffline(netAirspace ATC & Founding Member) 09 Mar 11, 20:03
FlyingAce wrote:
Travelport announced a multi-year technology services agreement with TACA Airlines, to deploy the Travelport Rapid Reprice solution, which fully automates the process of repricing and reissuing airline tickets when passenger itineraries change.
The announcement came just now? We've been using Rapid Reprice for months
Well quit being so secretive!
miamiair/forum/images/avatars/gallery/first/user54/1.pngoffline(netAirspace FAA) 10 Mar 11, 10:05
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
