Boeing Adds Russia’s S7 Airlines to 787 Customer Team with Order for 15

SEATTLE, May 29, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Russia’s S7 Group today announced an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and purchase rights for 10 additional 787s. S7 Group subsidiary S7 Airlines will operate the Dreamliners. The 787s will replace S7’s fleet of aging twin-aisle airplanes and provide capacity for growth. The order is valued at $ 2.4 billion at catalog prices.

At a press conference today in Moscow, S7 Airlines said the new 787s will allow the airline to increase frequencies and add new destinations domestically and internationally.

“The 787’s size and superior range open up a wider choice of destinations that we can offer our customers,” said Vladislav Filev, General Director, S7 Group. “Our vision is to give passengers the best flying experience available. The Dreamliner’s innovative interior design and advanced comfort features embody that vision.”

With today’s announcement, S7 becomes the first Russian carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner. “We are very proud to launch the 787 today in the Russian market with a substantial order from this leading and fast-growing carrier,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “S7’s drive for innovation and new-technology products like the 787 will help it strengthen its key role in the Russian airline market.”

The 787 produces 20 percent fewer CO2 emissions and has a 60 percent smaller noise footprint on takeoff and landings than other airplanes in its size and range category.

Qatar Airways orders 80 Airbus A350XWBs

Qatar Airways has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to buy 80 of the all-new Airbus A350XWB aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Elysée Palace in Paris in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, by Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker and Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois. This will make the airline the largest customer for the A350XWB to date and the first one in the Middle East region.

This agreement supersedes an earlier one signed in 2005 for 60 of the original A350 aircraft.

The 80 aircraft include 20 A350-800s, 40 A350-900s and 20 of the largest in the family, the A350-1000. Deliveries will begin from 2013. Qatar Airways will use the A350XWBs to complement its A330s and A340s on regional and long haul routes.

“The A350XWB will equip Qatar Airways with the very latest generation and most modern fleet. In addition to unbeatable operating economics, the A350XWB shares the same cockpit commonality with other Airbus aircraft, especially the A380, so introducing the modernised fleet will be a simple and cost efficient step”, said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker.

The A350 XWB, is Airbus’ newest aircraft and will be the world’s most technologically advanced. It is designed to increase productivity, offer unparalleled levels of passenger comfort in its class whilst reducing operating costs. Addressing environmental concerns, the A350XWB will be one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft ever.

“We are very honoured by Qatar Airways’ decision to acquire the A350XWB. This is an outstanding endorsement of our newest product by a leading world carrier”, said Airbus President and C.E.O Louis Gallois. “Qatar Airways has been a long standing Airbus customer with orders straddling all our aircraft families, including the A380. I wish to thank Qatar Airways for their latest decision which is a further evidence of the confidence they are placing in all our products”, he added.

Qatar Airways is the largest all-Airbus operator in the Middle East and one of the world’s leading airlines, with a fleet that comprises aircraft from the A320, A300/A310 and A330/A340 families. It is also a customer for the 21st Century flagship jetliner, the A380.

With up to 60 per cent of weight-saving using the most advanced materials, in the form of carbon fibre wings and composites, the Airbus A350XWB will be lighter per seat – and hence more economical. This design, together with centralised maintenance and extended check intervals, will also help to give the Airbus A350XWB attractive maintenance costs.

70 Airbus aircraft for Avianca

Colombia’s national flag carrier Avianca is acquiring 70 Airbus aircraft, including 38 firm orders (33 A319s/A320s and five A330-200s) and 32 options (27 A319s/A320s and five A330-200s).

“With this order, Avianca will enter a new era in terms of advanced aircraft technology and passenger comfort”, said German Efromovich, President of the Synergy Group which owns Avianca. “The A319s, A320s and A330s will offer our passengers the highest levels of travel comfort whilst allowing us to benefit from their unbeatable economics. On top of that thanks to the high level of commonality between the Airbus products, our pilots will be able to simultaneously fly the different aircraft which will further contribute to our efficiency.”

Avianca is Colombia’s largest airline and is also the second oldest commercial airline in the world.

“We are extremely proud and honoured to have been selected by this historic and prestigious airline for its fleet renewal” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, “Airbus has come a long way in Latin America over the past decade and is now the leading aircraft supplier in the region. We are thankful for the endorsement by Avianca and we look forward to seeing our aircraft fly the skies in Avianca’s colors.”

Airbus currently has a fleet of 260 aircraft in operation in the Latin America. Since 1990 Airbus has taken 54 per cent of all Latin American orders for new aircraft. Furthermore, Airbus has tripled its presence in Latin America over the last seven years.

Eurocopter signs an agreement for Helicopter Maintenance Services with Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) in Abu Dhabi. FAS enlarges its fleet and orders 2 EC130 and 2 AS365 N3 Eurocopter helicopters

Eurocopter, the number 1 helicopter manufacturer in the world, is pleased to announce the launch of a Maintenance Centre with Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), a renowned provider of high level aviation services in the UAE and Gulf regions, specialising in helicopter charter and associated services. This centre will provide full maintenance and revision services for Eurocopter helicopters in the region in order to enhance the support provided to local and regional customers in their daily operations. A fleet of around 650 Eurocopter helicopters is in service throughout the Arabian Gulf region, with military and civil operators.

This agreement between Eurocopter and FAS is taking place following the successful Technical Audit performed last April in the FAS facilities, during which all requirements to provide operators with the highest level of maintenance services were fulfilled. This achievement reflects FAS high level of quality, technical know-how and experience, which perfectly meets the standards of Eurocopter. Both organisations are fully committed to guarantee flight safety, security and quality to their customers, as well as to keep the helicopters operating at their peak performance.

This Eurocopter Maintenance Centre will benefit from Eurocopter’s experience in this field of activity, since Eurocopter operates today alone or in partnership up to 100 Maintenance Centres around the world. Eurocopter audits on a regular basis the quality of its Maintenance Centres together with the monitoring of their performance levels.

To further strengthen this close cooperation between Eurocopter and FAS as well as to accompany the growing demand for helicopter services, FAS has decided to enlarge its fleet of Eurocopter helicopters. FAS, which is currently operating one EC130 and one EC135, has ordered an additional 2 EC130s and 2 AS365 N3s. The EC130 and AS365 N3 feature the latest generation of helicopter systems and structures. They offer exceptional performance through the use of the latest technologies whilst enhancing safety and comfort.

The EC130 is a light single-engine helicopter and the latest member of the Ecureuil family. This ultra-quiet helicopter integrates the latest technological advances of Eurocopter. Due to its enlarged cabin, offering 6 passenger seats with enhanced comfort, it plays an important role in the passenger transport, corporate and tourism market sector.

The AS365 N3, belonging to the legendary Dauphin family, is a powerful multi-role medium twin engine helicopter with long range capabilities. It can accommodate up to 12 passengers and 2 crew members in a very spacious cabin. For optimum passenger comfort and pleasure, the Dauphin offers large windows providing exceptional visibility.

LOCKHEED MARTIN SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATES HIGH ALTITUDE LAUNCH CAPABILITY FOR MK-54 TORPEDOES

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully demonstrated its High Altitude ASW Weapons Concept (HAAWC) from a P-3 aircraft recently.

HAAWC employs the Lockheed Martin LongShot^® Wing Adapter Kit to allow the launch of torpedoes from high altitudes and long standoff ranges, allowing P-3 aircrews to remain beyond the reach of enemy air defenses.  Additionally, the maneuverability of the concept allows for off-axis launch of torpedoes at potential undersea targets preventing the need for the aircraft to maneuver.

In this single point concept demonstration, conducted at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the Bahamas, the MK-54 torpedo was launched from the internal weapons bay of the P-3 aircraft flying above 8,000 feet.  After executing a turn at a pre-determined way point, the HAAWC-equipped torpedo navigated via GPS to its normal launch altitude close to the surface.  Once at the desired release point, the LongShot wings self-jettisoned, allowing water entry of the Mk-54.  The test torpedo was a fully functional MK-54 exercise torpedo, with an exercise section replacing the warhead. 

“The significance of this capability to the Navy is that it will enable the crew to launch from high altitudes, enhancing the survivability of both the aircrew and aircraft by providing safe standoff,” said Alan Jackson, director of the HAAWC program at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.  “Without HAAWC, P-3s must descend to a low altitude to deliver the torpedo.  The HAAWC concept improves the delivery accuracy and shortens the engagement time of the MK-54.”

In addition, HAAWC will reduce stress on the Maritime Patrol aircraft by allowing it to stay at altitude to launch HAAWC-equipped torpedoes.  This will assist in reducing fatigue on those aircraft currently in U.S. Navy service as well as future Navy aircraft.

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin the $3 million HAAWC contract in June 2006.  The successful test leads to a U.S. Navy decision on proceeding with System Design and Development of the HAAWC system.

The LongShot is a low-cost, self-contained wing adaptor kit that provides range extension and autonomous guidance to a family of existing air-to-surface munitions, including sea mines, gravity bombs, laser-guided bombs and tactical munitions dispensers.  No aircraft modification is required to deploy a LongShot equipped munition.  The system is completely self-contained, including a flight control computer, a GPS-based navigation system and power sources and does not require an electrical interface with the aircraft.

Boeing Awarded Contract to Test Advanced Helicopter Rotor System

ST. LOUIS, May 29, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $3 million Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency contract to test an innovative main rotor system that promises quieter operation, reduced vibration and potentially improved performance for military helicopters like the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Boeing will test the “Smart Rotor” over the next year at NASA Ames Research Center’s 40 by 80-foot wind tunnel in California to study the system’s forward flight characteristics and gather data to validate state-of-the-art aero-acoustic analysis codes. These codes are used to predict a variety of data that help identify the cause of rotor noise, allowing engineers to study and compare alternate designs. Boeing previously validated the robustness and authority of the modified commercial MD 900® rotor system on its whirl tower in Mesa, Ariz. “If the technology shows the predicted benefits of this advanced system, we may consider adding it to the Apache helicopter to significantly enhance its performance,” said Friedrich Straub, Smart Rotor project engineer. The system, which incorporates several new technologies that make it more capable and quieter than existing rotors, includes trailing edge blade flaps controlled by on-blade piezo electric actuators and control electronics that optimize flap motions. The system, Straub added, ultimately could be applied to other military and civil aircraft as well. The MD 900 rotor system, designed by Boeing engineers before the company sold the MD 900 production line to MD Helicopters, Inc., in 1999, provided an ideal test platform to study enhancements to the system.

Finnair Takes Delivery Of Its First Airbus A340-300E

Finnair took delivery from Airbus today of its first long-range A340-300E (E for Enhanced), the first of an initial order of three placed in December 2005. Since, Finnair has increased its order for Airbus long haul aircraft, adding seven A330/A340s and 11 A350XWBs. The A350XWB is Airbus’ latest medium capacity long range airliner and will join Finnair’s fleet in 2014.

The A340-300Es will replace Finnair’s MD11 fleet and will be put into service on its long-haul destinations to Asia. Finnair’s new A340-300E will accommodate 269 passengers in a very comfortable two-class cabin configuration (42 in Business, 227 in Economy).

Finnair started operating a pre-owned A340-300 in June 2006.

“With the new A340-300E in our fleet, we will be able to cope with our traffic growth and develop our Asian destinations while safeguarding a seamless transition towards the new generation A350s,” said Jukka Hienonen, CEO of Finnair.

“Finnair and Airbus’ partnership goes back a long time,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “It has been gratifying to witness Finnair’s development throughout the years and we thank them for their continued confidence in our products.”

Finnair already successfully operates a fleet of 30 Airbus Family aircraft, including 11 A319s, 12 A320s and six A321s and one pre-owned A340.

The A340-300E incorporates the newest technologies developed for the most recent Airbus long-range programmes: it features the latest flight deck equipment, provides increased passenger comfort and is equipped with four CFM International
CFM56-5C4 engines, significantly decreasing fuel burn and emissions.

Saab Gripen conducts high altitude firing with Meteor

Saab Gripen at Le Bourget Air Show 2003.

Yet another important milestone was reached today when Gripen successfully conducted the first Meteor firing in the UK and continued the testing of the six-nation Meteor air dominance missile.

“Gripen is the first and so far only fighter aircraft that has launched Meteor. With today´s firing Gripen once again proves to be a reliable platform for the integration and testing of complex future missile systems for the world´s new generation combat aircraft”, says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Saab Aerosystems.

At the same time as being an important achievement for Saab and Gripen, the firing also marks a significant milestone in the European multinational Meteor air-to-air missile project. The purpose of today´s High Altitude Control and Dispersion (C&D) firing was to test the performance of the missile´s integrated boost, ramjet sustain motor and control systems during high altitude supersonic launch, extended free flight and extensive manoeuvres.

“Meteor was rail-launched from Gripen flying supersonic at an altitude of 42,650ft. The missile followed a pre-programmed flight profile for several minutes and was then broken up in flight as intended”, says Magnus Ljungdahl, Gripen Test Pilot at Saab.

Today´s firing with Meteor at the UK´s Hebrides missile firing range follows a series of lower altitude Air Launched Demonstrator firings in 2006 and seeker data gathering trials in early 2007. Saab will continue the firing and radar tests with the missile up until 2010 in Vidsel in Sweden, the Hebrides in Scotland and at Aberporth in Wales.

Philippines’ Cebu Pacific orders up to 14 brandnew ATR 72-500’s

Philippine-based low-fare carrier Cebu Pacific and ATR today announced in Manila the signature of a contract for the purchase of 6 ATR 72-500s plus options for 8 additional aircraft. This major contract is valued at more than US $ 250 million.

These aircraft will be configured with 72 seats and will feature the newest technological innovations in the field of communications and navigation aid tools and passenger comfort.

Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific explained that “the move to further expand its fleet with ATRs is a continued manifestation of Cebu Pacific’s commitment to bring air travel closer to more Filipinos and to bring them to more destinations which we can not cannot operate to at the moment due to runway strength and length limitations”.

“We are buying up to 14 brand new ATR 72-500 aircraft for our continued expansion. The first 2 ATR 72-500s aircraft are expected to arrive in early 2008 and the complete delivery is expected by 2013”, Gokongwei added.

Filippo Bagnato, ATR CEO said, “We are extremely pleased that Cebu Pacific has chosen the ATR 72-500 aircraft, thus allowing ATR to enter the Philippine market for the first time. The ATR aircraft, with their unbeatable economics and superior comfort, is the optimal choice for Cebu Pacific. At present, there are 136 ATR aircraft operated by 30 airlines across the Asia Pacific region and we are excited to add such a high quality operator to this list.”

“We are looking forward to operating to more destinations and connecting more islands because we know that this is good not only for tourism but for our economy as a whole. It’s time we brought our trademark low fares to every Juan,” Gokongwei concluded.

From the beginning of the year, ATR has received orders for 27 new aircraft, some of them not yet unveiled, and has delivered 11 aircraft. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 864 aircraft (402 ATR 42s and 462 ATR 72s) and delivered 724 aircraft (393 ATR 42 and 331 ATR 72), thus posting a current backlog of 140 aircraft.
About Cebu Pacific
Now in its 12th year, Cebu Pacific is the leading domestic carrier in the Philippines and operates the most domestic destinations, flights and routes and has the youngest fleet in the Philippines. The airline operates 14 brand new Airbus aircraft to its 20 domestic and soon to 8 regional destinations

Avion Aircraft Trading signs for eight A330-200F – Icelandair Cargo to become new operator

Icelandic Avion Aircraft Trading has firmed up its deal with Airbus and has signed a contract for eight A330-200 Freighter aircraft, increasing its initial commitment (MOU) by two. This follows the finalisation of a first leasing arrangement with Icelandair Cargo for four A330-200Fs.

Deliveries to Avion Aircraft Trading will start in 2010. The engine choice has not yet been finalised.

“The A330-200F is the ideal complement to our portfolio of bigger cargo airplanes,” said Hafthor Hafsteinson, Executive Chairman of Avion Aircraft Trading. Its payload characteristics open up new possibilities for our airline customers combined with very attractive operating costs. We have decided to increase our initial order due to the very positive market response and we are looking forward to doing more business with Airbus.”

“The A330-200F is the right aircraft for our fleet as it enables us to offer increased cargo capacity to our customers,” Pétur Eiriksson, Managing Director of Icelandair Cargo said. “With more payload and range than any other freighter currently operated in the Icelandair Group, it will enable us to further expand our business by opening up new cargo routes.”

“We are extremely honoured by this strong endorsement from Avion Aircraft Trading and we are very pleased to welcome Icelandair Cargo amongst our operators”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. The A330-200F programme is definitely headed for a very good start and we are confident this aircraft will become a winner on the cargo market.”

The A330-200F is a derivative of the very popular A330 Family operated by more than 60 operators worldwide. This will greatly facilitate the entry into service of the new all-cargo variant into existing A330 fleets. As for all Airbus aircraft currently in production, the A330-200F will also benefit from full operational commonality unique to Airbus thanks to the now well recognised Airbus Fly-By-Wire technology which also enables faster pilot transitioning to and from other Airbus aircraft, both passenger and freighter.

The A330-200F can carry up to 64 metric tonnes over 4,000 nautical miles/7400 km in its standard version. When selecting the optional payload mode the aircraft can carry 69 metric tonnes up to 3,200 nautical miles/5930 km. These range and payload capabilities will enable operators to grow their business by opening up or extending cargo routes currently operated. Thanks to an optimized fuselage cross-section, it has the interior flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30 percent more volume than any freighter in its class.

First Eurocopter EC635 for Swiss Air Force takes to the Air

The first EC635 destined for the Swiss Air Force successfully performed its maiden flight at Eurocopter’s Donauwörth facility on May 23. The program, which foresees the delivery of a total of 18 EC635 for transport and training missions and two EC135 for Federal Air Transport Services and for which the contract was signed in April 2006, is fully on schedule. The EC635s/EC135s will successively replace the Swiss Air Force’s Alouette III helicopters.

The maiden flight was under the command of Eurocopter test pilot René Nater and lasted 35 minutes. All of the aircraft’s systems operated to full satisfaction. Following the first flight, the EC635 will return to the production facility for the qualification of customer-specific equipment and further tests.

Deliveries of the helicopters will take place between March/April 2008 and the end of 2009. The first four machines will be delivered from Eurocopter’s facility in Donauwörth, while the remaining 16 aircraft will be assembled and delivered by RUAG Aerospace in Alpnach, Switzerland. RUAG will also be responsible for the industry level maintenance of the Swiss Air Force’s EC635s/EC135s throughout their service life.

Certified in 2001, the EC635 is the military version of the highly successful light twin-engine EC135 helicopter. It is one of the most versatile helicopters on the market today. It is designed to carry out military/paramilitary and public security missions, also including search and rescue, troop transport, reconnaissance/observation, scout missions, training and vertical replenishment. The EC635 is also ideal for disaster relief and humanitarian aid missions, for medevac and for the transport of loads, medical supplies and food.

Its internal equipment can be easily interchanged. For instance, the user can select one of several seating layouts, or install medical apparatus. The roomy 4.6 cubic-meter cabin is free of obstacles. Cabin access is via two lateral sliding doors – plus via two large-size rear doors – a feature not offered by any of the competitors. Thanks to the two rear clamshell doors and the shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor, loading/unloading is performed in conditions of complete safety.

Among the exceptional qualities of the EC635 are its outstanding operational effectiveness, its day and night mission capability, including NVG missions, its high performance, and its modern maintenance concept which is particularly noteworthy. Most of the main components are subject to on-condition maintenance, which maximizes the operational availability. The first scheduled maintenance is due after 400 flight hours.

Boeing Business Jets, Ocean Sky Announce BBJ Order

GENEVA, May 23, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] Business Jets and Ocean Sky Aviation today announced an order for a BBJ. Based in London, Ocean Sky is Europe’s fastest growing private jet charter company.

The new order, worth $51 million at list price, brings the total number of Boeing business jets sold this year to nine. Earlier this week, Boeing Business Jets announced it had won new orders for six BBJs and two 787 VIP airplanes.

“I’m very excited about this order. With the BBJ we will be offering the world’s most popular aircraft type to complete our range of aircraft from midsize, ultra-long range to super luxury jet,” said Kurosh Tehranchian, chief executive officer of Ocean Sky.

The BBJ is the first Boeing business jet for the premier private jet charter company, and will be used to fly Ocean Sky’s select clientele to a wide range of worldwide destinations. Premium charter companies represent approximately 10 percent of the Boeing Business Jets customer base.

“We are convinced that the BBJ is the right tool to help Ocean Sky grow its business. The BBJ provides the ultimate in space and luxurious comfort and will undoubtedly delight Ocean Sky customers,” said Boeing Business Jets President Steven Hill during a contract signing ceremony held Tuesday in Geneva.

The BBJ is a high-performance derivative of the Next-Generation 737-700 that offers 93.27 square meters (807 square feet) of cabin space. Designed for VIP, government head-of-state and charter applications, the BBJ combines the size of the 737-700 fuselage (110 feet 4 inches, 33.6 meters) with the strengthened wings and landing gear from the larger 737-800. The tailored combination provides owners with a business jet platform having maximum range capability of 6,200 nautical miles (11,482 kilometers) while requiring less than 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) of runway.

Boeing Business Jets offers a wide variety of ultra-large cabin, long-range airplanes perfectly suited for the private jet market. The product line includes the BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 airplane family, and Boeing widebody VIP airplanes, including the 787, 747-8, 777 and 767. Nearly 300 Boeing airplanes are in service in the VIP market.

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