Boeing Awarded $2 Billion A-10 Wing Contract

PLEASE ENTER LOCATION, June 29, 2007 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract worth up to $2 billion between 2007 and 2018 for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the Air Force’s A-10 fleet.

“We are pleased that the Air Force has recognized that Boeing has the skilled expertise, engineering know-how and the affordable solution to address the needs of the A-10 program,” said Charles T. Robertson, vice president of Boeing Support Systems’ Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades division.

The A-10 wing replacement program calls for the replacement wing sets to be delivered in parts and kits for easy installation. Boeing has teamed with key suppliers to meet all the requirements presented by the A-10 contract, Robertson said. He added that the Boeing solution will allow the nation’s A-10 fleet to fly at least 20 more years.

“This contract extends the life of a valuable platform that supports our warfighters in accomplishing their mission to defend freedom around the globe,” Robertson said. “Employing our integration expertise and lean manufacturing techniques, we are well-prepared to meet the challenges presented in this contract.”

The A-10, first introduced in 1976, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.

Brazilian carrier TAM to acquire 22 A350 XWBs and four additional A330-200s

Leading Brazilian carrier TAM Linhas Aéreas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 22 A350 XWBs, as well as for four additional A330-200s. TAM was the launch customer for the A350 in Latin America when it signed a contract for ten aircraft in December 2005. Since then, and after a thorough evaluation of the new A350 XWB programme, TAM has more than doubled its requirement for the aircraft.

TAM currently operates a fleet of 86 Airbus aircraft, including 15 A319s, 61 A320s and ten A330-200s, and is Airbus’ largest customer in Latin America.

“We thoroughly reviewed the A350 XWB programme, and we are very confident that this aircraft will set new standards of passenger comfort, operating economics and low emissions in our growing long-haul markets” said Marco Bologna, President of TAM, “The A330s in our fleet already provide us with an excellent level of economics combined with superior passenger appeal. The A350 XWB will further consolidate our successful growth into the future, and responds to our needs for our long-term development.”

“We are very proud to have a successful, well respected airline like TAM confirm its choice for the A350 XWB”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “We are very grateful for this strong endorsement of the A350 XWB programme, and with the additional four A330s we are also pleased to be playing a major role in TAM’s continued expansion of its long-haul network. We are delighted with our long-standing partnership with TAM, and look forward to continuing this relationship into the future.”

With TAM’s endorsement, total firm orders and commitments for the A350 XWB programme stand at 254 aircraft (154 firm orders and 100 commitments).

Boeing Invites the World to View the 787 Premiere

SEATTLE, June 28, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] will broadcast the Premiere of its newest technologically advanced passenger jet – the 787 Dreamliner – to viewers around the world.

The 787 Premiere will be carried live and in nine different languages on Sunday, July 8, at 3:30 p.m. PDT or 10:30 p.m. GMT via satellite and Webcast. To view the Webcast, viewers may log on to www.boeing.com or www.newairplane.com.

Boeing will broadcast the Premiere to more than 45 countries using 35 satellite TV networks. Satellite television subscribers may tune in the following channels, depending on their satellite service provider: Specific channel or frequency information can be found on the Premiere Web site.

U.S. and Canada

DirecTV satellite 4S/8, Channel 576
Dish Network satellite EchoStar #8, Channel 9601
IntelSat Galaxy 11 K15 Analog
IntelSat Galaxy 11 K20 Digital

Mexico and South America

Satmex 5 K19, Digital 9Mhz
IntelSat Galaxy 11, K20 Digital

Europe and the Middle East

Eutelsat, W2 Digital
Eutelsat Atlantic Bird, AB1F5BE Digital

Asia

AsiaSat Direct-to-Home (DTH) Service
AsiaSat 2 XP 2B, Channel 3 and 4, Digital

South Pacific

Optus, B3 Digital (Eastern Australia and New Zealand)
Intelsat 12 (Western Australia)

The 787 Premiere will be broadcast in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Leading up to the 787 Premiere, Boeing will debut a special series of videos to celebrate its 7-Series family of airplanes – the Boeing 707, 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787. The videos, along with fact sheets on each airplane, are historical perspectives of the 7-Series of commercial airplanes, showcasing the wonder and glamour of flight since the 707’s debut in 1958.

Matching airplane model numbers to the dates, Boeing will launch one video per day leading up to the 787 rollout – beginning June 30 with the 707 and continuing through July 8 with the 787. The videos will be available on the 787 Premiere Web site, which can be accessed via Boeing’s Internet home page at www.boeing.com.

Boeing Delivers 777-200ER in Asiana Airlines’ New Livery

SEATTLE, June 28, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] today delivered a 777-200ER (Extended Range) airplane to Asiana Airlines in the airline’s new livery.

The South Korean-based airline introduced its new livery during a celebration in November 2006, which features a tail design using traditional Korean colors on a gray background. The airline’s fleet will be converted to the new livery over the next five years.

Asiana operates a mixed fleet of more than 60 airplanes, including 737s, 747s and 767s, that connects more than 60 cities in 17 countries. The twin-engine 777 is the most fuel-efficient airplane in its category, a key element in its leading economic performance, and it releases fewer emissions into the environment than its four-engine competitor.

Uzbekistan Airways signs contract for six A320s

Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan’s national carrier, has signed a firm order for six Airbus A320 aircraft, further enlarging its Airbus fleet. The announcement was made at a signing ceremony in Tashkent.

The decision of the airline for Airbus follows a thorough evaluation process. The new A320s will replace older aircraft in the framework of Uzbekistan Airways’ fleet modernisation programme, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. The engines have yet to be chosen.

Uzbekistan Airways will place the aircraft on domestic as well as on international routes, including destinations such as Delhi, Amristar and Lahore, as part of a dynamic route expansion plan. The carrier currently operates scheduled flights to more than 40 cities around the world in the US, Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. Uzbekistan Airways plans to continuously increase the number of destinations in the coming years.

“We pride ourselves in offering our passengers a service which meets the requirements of the world’s highest standards to ensure optimal comfort to our passengers. We constantly aim at improving our service even further, to provide the youngest and most modern fleet and to expand our air transportation network. The Airbus A320 is the ideal aircraft for us to realise our strategy”, said Uzbekistan Airways General Director Valeriy Tyan.

“Uzbekistan Airways ranks among the leading carriers in Central Asia. By selecting the A320, they have chosen the world-leading single aisle aircraft, offering the most advanced technology and best operational cost. We look forward to being part of the promising expansion strategy of this successful and dynamic airline”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Germany won’t take direct stake in EADS-Merkel

BERLIN, June 28 (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday the German state would not take a direct stake in EADS and reiterated that restructuring of the European aerospace and defence firm must help make it more competitive.

Speaking after meeting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon in Berlin, Merkel said: “The German government does not plan to take a direct stake in EADS.”

A report by France’s upper house of parliament on Wednesday said the German state should have a stake in EADS in order to guarantee its interests.

The German chancellor said Paris and Berlin were not at odds but had the same hopes for EADS.

“I would not speak of areas of disagreement (with France) but of common goals,” Merkel. “A company like EADS can only exist if it has efficient structures.”

Merkel also noted that a stake in the company held by DaimlerChrysler had maintained the firm’s Franco-German balance.

The German leader is due to meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy next month in Toulouse, France, and they are expected to discuss the dual Franco-German management structure within EADS, the parent of planemaker Airbus.

Sarkozy wants the management structure streamlined, but Germany is keen to avoid any moves by France to take operational control.

Fillon said German and French views are converging on the need to restructure EADS along the lines of a “normal” company.

“Views on both sides of the Rhine are converging, that EADS must progressively go towards the structures of a normal company,” he said.

In the discussion in France about EADS’s future, “normal” means the appointment of a single chairman and chief executive for the company as opposed to its current structure under which it has both German and French co-chairmen and co-chief executives.

“I don’t think the fundamental issue is that of the company’s capital structure but of its organisation and management,” Fillon added.

American Airlines accelerates fleet renewal plan

CHICAGO, June 28 (Reuters) – AMR Corp , parent of American Airlines, on Thursday said it has moved up the delivery of six additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft into the first half of 2009.

The carrier said in March it pulled forward the delivery of 47 Boeing 737-800 aircraft under a previously existing purchase commitment with Boeing .

AMR intends eventually to replace its 300 aging, gas-guzzling MD-80s. The MD-80 is no longer manufactured and consumes more fuel than the 737 models.

The airline industry has been battered by soaring fuel costs in recent years, and fleet replacement is becoming a higher priority as newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft models emerge.

General Dynamics Awarded $8 Million for Foreign

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has received an $8 million modification to a previously awarded contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. for the production, assembly and testing of eight Aegis guided missile director and controller systems. The units are being sold to the governments of Australia and Spain through the Foreign Military Sales program. The June 13, 2007, modification to a contract initially awarded in January 2007 brings the total contract value to date to $ 15.4 million.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), produces the Aegis Illuminator gun and guided missile MK 82/200 director/controllers for the Aegis Weapon System, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced tactical radar defense system. General Dynamics has more than 20 years of experience in the design, production and technical support of the Aegis MK 82/200. Program management, assembly and testing will be performed at General Dynamics’ Vermont-based Burlington Technology Center.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, located in Charlotte, N.C., provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance armament systems; a full range of advanced composite-based products; biological and chemical detection systems; and mobile shelter systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the World Wide Web at www.gdatp.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 82,600 people worldwide and had 2006 revenues of $24.1 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies

Rockwell Collins to provide GPS receivers for GB-GRAM program

Uzbekistan Airways, Uzbekistan’s national carrier, has signed a firm order for six Airbus A320 aircraft, further enlarging its Airbus fleet. The announcement was made at a signing ceremony in Tashkent.

The decision of the airline for Airbus follows a thorough evaluation process. The new A320s will replace older aircraft in the framework of Uzbekistan Airways’ fleet modernisation programme, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. The engines have yet to be chosen.

Uzbekistan Airways will place the aircraft on domestic as well as on international routes, including destinations such as Delhi, Amristar and Lahore, as part of a dynamic route expansion plan. The carrier currently operates scheduled flights to more than 40 cities around the world in the US, Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. Uzbekistan Airways plans to continuously increase the number of destinations in the coming years.

“We pride ourselves in offering our passengers a service which meets the requirements of the world’s highest standards to ensure optimal comfort to our passengers. We constantly aim at improving our service even further, to provide the youngest and most modern fleet and to expand our air transportation network. The Airbus A320 is the ideal aircraft for us to realise our strategy”, said Uzbekistan Airways General Director Valeriy Tyan.

“Uzbekistan Airways ranks among the leading carriers in Central Asia. By selecting the A320, they have chosen the world-leading single aisle aircraft, offering the most advanced technology and best operational cost. We look forward to being part of the promising expansion strategy of this successful and dynamic airline”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Joint venture contract signed for the A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin

The joint venture contract for the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin was signed today in Beijing between the Chinese Consortium and Airbus in the Great Hall of the People. Visiting German Minister of Economics and Technology Michael Glos and Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Brégier attended the signature ceremony.

Upon the creation of the joint venture, Airbus will hold 51 per cent of the shares, while the Chinese Consortium will hold 49 per cent.

The Chinese Consortium comprises Tianjin Free Trade Zone (TJFTZ) holding a 60 per cent interest, China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) holding 20 per cent and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) holding 20 per cent of their 49 per cent.

Airbus also signed purchase agreements with China Aviation Suppliers Import and Export Group Corporation (CASGC) for 15 A320 family aircraft, with Shenzhen Airlines for 28 A320 family aircraft, with Sichuan Airlines for 18 A320 family aircraft, with Hainan Airlines for13 A320 family aircraft, with Spring Airline and Juneyao Airlines for six A320 family aircraft respectively, allocating 86 of the 150 aircraft purchased under the General Terms Agreement signed between CASGC and Airbus in October 2006. Nearly half of these 150 A320 family aircraft will be assembled and delivered in Tianjin.

Dai Xianglong, Mayor of Tianjin, said at the signature ceremony: “The Airbus A320 Final Assembly Line in Tianjin is a remarkable achievement of the Chinese-European cooperation in the field of civil aviation. It will play an important role in further promoting the development of the Chinese civil aviation industry and speeding up the opening up of Tianjin Binhai New Coastal District. Tianjin Municipal Government will fully support this important project and make it an excellent example of Chinese-European cooperation.”

“I am very proud to witness this historic contract signature today. We achieved remarkable progress with our Chinese partners in the past eight months since we signed the Framework Agreement last October. Once again, this event demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to further enhancing our industrial cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry. We are confident that this project will create win-win results and have an unprecedented impact on the already-close cooperation between the Chinese aviation industry and Airbus,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.

The construction on the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Tianjin was officially kicked off on 15th May 2007. The assembly of the first aircraft in China will start in August 2008 and it will be delivered in the first half of 2009. The ramp up production for the Final Assembly Line in Taijin will reach four aircraft a month in 2011.

The FAL in Tianjin will be based on the latest state-of-the-art Airbus single aisle final assembly line in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft will be assembled and delivered in China to the same standards as those assembled and delivered in Europe.

The A320 Family, recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family, also includes the A318, the A319 and A321 versions and features the newest and most modern design of any single-aisle airliner. An advanced fuel-saving aerodynamic design, including wingtip fences, centralized maintenance with extended servicing intervals, and proven reliability in day-to-day service help to give it the lowest operative costs.

Currently, ten operators on the Chinese Mainland operate over 270 A320 family aircraft. According to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast, Chinese Mainland will need more than 1,900 single aircraft in the next 20 years.

AviationNews.eu gets new ‘Look’ 1 year after it’s official kick-off.

A year after Aviationnews.eu ‘kicked off’ the sites layout has been changed and updated!

Just a week after the busy week of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, France we decided it was time to celebrate our first birthday with a complete new layout, giving us and our visitors a fresh start for another year. One of the new features is the flexible site with that enables visitors with a wide screen to automatically enjoy a wider view of the latest AviationNews. That also gives us the possibility to use slightly wider photographs in the posts and use sidebars left and right.

We hope you keep visiting our site.

The AviationNews Team.

Aviationnews.eu is part of ZAPP (Zijde Aviation Photo Publishing) more sites are:

www.zap16.com, www.air-races.com, www.aircraftposters.biz, www.civilaviation.eu, www.militaryaviation.eu, www.aviationmuseums.eu, www.flightsimulatorx.eu and www.parisairshow.eu

Qatar Airways to take two more Airbus ACJs

Qatar Airways has placed a commitment for two Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs), adding to the three Airbus ACJ Family aircraft that it already operates.

The new deal also takes this year’s sales of the Airbus ACJ Family (excluding widebodies) to 19 – almost as many as the 20 sold in the whole of last year – highlighting its leadership of the upper end of the top-of-the-line corporate jet market.

It has yet to announce which engines will power its latest Airbus ACJs.

“Having operated thee Airbus ACJs for a while, we are delighted to add two more aircraft in support of our VVIP operations,” says Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker. “We strive to achieve success in both our VVIP and airline operations, and having modern and attractive aircraft such as the Airbus ACJs helps us to achieve our goal.”

Qatar Airways was the first airline to order the Airbus ACJ. It is also a major customer for Airbus airliners, having recently placed a major order for 80 of the new A350XWB point-to-point aircraft and an additional order for three hub-to-hub A380s.

“To deliver an attractive, efficient and environmentally friendly service to your customers – whether they are VVIPs or ordinary passengers – you need a new aircraft family such as ours, which is the most modern that money can buy,” says Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois. “Qatar Airways was quick to recognise the benefits of a modern Airbus fleet, and we are glad to be a part of its success.”

All of the Airbus aircraft flown, and ordered, by Qatar Airways feature a common cockpit, saving costs by reducing training time, and making it easier and more intuitive for pilots to move from one aircraft to another during their career.

Every Airbus passenger aircraft in production today also features intrinsically modern designs, using the latest aerodynamic shapes, the newest materials, and the most up to date engines and systems to deliver widespread benefits in passenger comfort, airline economics and reliability and lower noise and emissions.

In addition to offering corporate and airline customers the most modern aircraft family, Airbus also offers the widest range of aircraft sizes, from 100 seaters all the way up to 525 seaters.

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