Boeing, Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce Announce Biofuel Flight Demo

SEATTLE, Sept. 28, 2007 — Boeing [NYSE: BA], Air New Zealand and Rolls-Royce today announced a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a biofuel demonstration flight designed to help accelerate the development of viable and sustainable alternative fuels for commercial aviation uses. Boeing is exploring second-generation biofuel feed stocks and processes that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases throughout their entire lifecycle.

The demonstration flight is planned for the second half of 2008 using an Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 equipped with Rolls-Royce engines. Boeing is in discussions with fuel-source providers around the globe to identify potential biofuels that are available in suitable quantities for laboratory and jet-engine performance testing and in compliance with stringent aviation requirements. Additional details will be announced closer to the actual demonstration flight date.

“Our near-term goal in this pioneering effort is to identify sustainable alternative bio-jet fuel sources for the planes that are flying today,” said Craig Saddler, president of Boeing Australia. A significant first step is identifying progressive fuel sources that will provide better economic and environmental performance for air carriers, without any change to aircraft engines or the aviation fuel infrastructure.”

The Air New Zealand bio-jet fuel demo flight will highlight the suitability of environmentally progressive fuel solutions (bio-jet fuels) that differ from traditional biofuel development. Bio-jet fuels will incorporate second-generation methodologies relative to sustainable feedstock source selection and fuel processing, which are uniquely suited for aerospace applications. These bio-jet fuels can potentially be blended with traditional kerosene fuel (Jet-A) to reduce dependency on petroleum-based fuels. Additionally, sustainable bio-jet feedstock sources avoid deforestation practices and potential competition with global food resources, while helping to lower aviation carbon dioxide outputs.

“This test flight is another step in our plan to lead the globe in development of the most environmentally responsible airline,” said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe. “We have already taken large steps toward this goal by introducing fuel-efficient Boeing 777s and we eagerly await the first of our 787-9 Dreamliners which will burn 20 percent less fuel than the planes they replace.”

Air New Zealand, one of the world’s most progressive airlines, is a launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for entry into service in 2008. Air New Zealand will receive its first 787-9 in 2010. In addition to providing passengers with a better flying experience, it also will provide operators with a more environmentally efficient jetliner including lower carbon emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings.

British Airways to buy 12 Airbus A380 aircraft for long haul fleet

British Airways will buy 12 Airbus A380 aircraft as part of the airlines’ long term fleet modernisation. The announcement marks the first time British Airways has selected to introduce Airbus aircraft for the company’s long haul fleet. The decision vindicates Airbus’ product strategy. The A380 is a key part of the solution for sustainable growth and eco efficiency in air transportation.

The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines.

“The Airbus A380 will provide a great solution for our high density markets and get the most out of scarce London Heathrow slots. We said that environmental considerations would feature highly in our choice and our decision to buy these aircraft is consistent with this”, said Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive.

“British Airways’ decision is another breakthrough for our flagship Airbus A380. After an intensive year-long competitive evaluation British Airways’ choice is proof our product is the right aircraft to tackle growth, airport capacity constraints as well as environmental concerns. We are delighted British Airways will be flying Airbus aircraft for the first time on their long haul routes”, said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO.

Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is already setting new standards for transport and the environment. The aircraft is the most fuel efficient aircraft flying today. The combination of extra passenger capacity without increasing the number of flights, excellent environmental performance and lower operating costs is an ideal solution for the airports and the airlines that serve them.

For passengers, the A380 offers wider, more comfortable seats in all classes and the quietest cabins in the sky. Its unique double-deck wide body architecture also gives airlines flexibility to economically offer improved comfort standards without reducing fleet capacity. To current standards for larger premium class products, the A380 can typically carry 525 passengers in three classes in unprecedented comfort on flights of over 8000 nm (15 000km).

British Airways first became an Airbus operator in 1988, when it began flying A320s. The airline added the A319s to its fleet in 1999 and the A321 in 2004. British Airways currently operate a total of 68 A320 family aircraft.

Source: Airbus

Green light for aircraft orders

British Airways  has today placed an order for 12 Airbus A380 and 24 Boeing 787 aircraft with options for a further seven Airbus A380s and18 Boeing 787s.  Both aircraft types will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines.

The new aircraft will replace 34 of the airline’s longhaul fleet and will be delivered between 2010 and 2014. The order, including options, will give the airline the ability to grow its capacity by up to four per cent per year and the flexibility to tailor its future capacity growth in line with market conditions.

The aircraft will be greener, quieter and more fuel efficient with significantly lower carbon dioxide  emissions and reduced impact on local air quality.  This was a key consideration in the order.

Willie Walsh, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “This is an exciting day for British Airways with our largest fleet order since 1998. It’s great news for our business, our customers and the environment.

“These aircraft set the gold standard when it comes to environmental performance in the key areas of CO2  emissions, local air quality and noise. They will contribute significantly to our target of improving fuel efficiency by 25 per cent between 2005 and 2025.

“They are also much quieter than their predecessors, which is of vital importance at Heathrow. Both the A380 and B787 are rated as producing a quarter of the noise level of the B747-400.

“These new aircraft will continue our commitment to deliver the best travel experience to our customers. This order builds upon our recent investment in improving the customer experience through Terminal 5, the new Club World cabin, inflight entertainment system and ba.com.”

The new aircraft types will enable the airline to strengthen further its network strategy, complementing each other in the longhaul fleet. The A380 will be used to provide more capacity for the airline’s key high-density markets and maximise use of scarce Heathrow slots. The B787 will be used to start new routes and increase frequencies in existing markets.
 

Both aircraft bring significant economic benefits with lower costs per seat.  They are both long range aircraft and bring more flexibility in to the fleet as, unlike the B767 that they replace, they can be flown across the airline’s network.
    
British Airways will continue to consider the most suitable aircraft to replace its remaining B747-400 aircraft and is examining the B787-10, B777-300 ER and A350XWB.

The airline has arranged for a group of banks to provide $1.5 billion of debt financing to cover all of the airline’s firm orders to the end of 2011.

Source: British Airways

Related video feed of Sukhoi SuperJet 100 Rollout.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/AOJ7cpZTgeI" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Boeing and U.S. Navy Win Performance-Based Logistics Award for F/A-18 FIRST Program

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 27, 2007 — A key partnership between The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy was honored Wednesday at the Third Annual Secretary of Defense Performance-Based Logistics Awards in Washington, D.C.

The F/A-18 Integrated Readiness Support Teaming (FIRST) program received the system-level award for excellence in the field of performance-based logistics. Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia also were honored as part of the industry/government partnership. Two other defense programs received similar awards at the sub-system and component levels. The awards were jointly developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Aerospace Industries Association.

Through FIRST, Boeing asset managers oversee inventories, forecast demand and procure spare parts for U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets. Boeing also provides technical information, on-site engineering services and field service representatives.

Under performance-based logistics contracts, the customer pays for a set level of readiness, not individual spare parts or services. Industry has the incentive to make parts and systems more reliable while the customer enjoys increased readiness at a lower cost of ownership. FIRST has increased the Super Hornet’s mission capable rate from 57 percent in 2000 to 73 percent thus far in 2007.

In its nomination, the Navy recognized FIRST for exceeding fleet readiness expectations and requirements while significantly reducing costs.

“The Navy has projected savings and cost avoidances of approximately $430 million on a $20 million investment for a return on investment of 22-to-1,” the nomination reads. “FIRST delivers the best possible product to the dedicated men and women flying the Super Hornet during wartime operations. The warfighter and the taxpayer are the ultimate winners.”

Larry Sellman, Boeing program manager for FIRST, said the program’s success can be attributed to the company’s close partnership with the Navy.

“FIRST is an ongoing success story for the U.S. Navy and Boeing,” said Sellman. “We continue to prove that streamlining the support for a major weapons system through a public/private partnership is the best solution for everyone.”

Rollout of the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 ready to fly

September 26, 2007, Komsomolsk-on-Amur (Far East) – Today, Sukhoi Superjet 100 was officially unveiled to the international aerospace community at the roll out ceremony. This ceremony for the first time ever assembled all contributors of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Program – company’s employees, partners and suppliers, who made this event possible. Thanks to all of them here is the first ever Russian aviation project embracing not only Sukhoi’s experience in integrating large programs, but also utilizing the best world aerospace industry resources. Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company together with partners, suppliers and airlines display today the first regional jet born in the 21st century, the most efficient and environmentally friendly jet available on the market. Regional jet offering its passengers an unsurpassed level of comfort, and its owners – the airlines – unrivalled operational efficiency and reliability.

Sergey Ivanov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Federation, being at the ceremony, welcomed the audience of many hundreds attending the rollout. He underlined the importance of the event – Sukhoi Superjet 100 being the first aircraft designed and produced in the new Russia. Today’s ceremony would not have happened without the support of all three states participating in the project – Russia, France and Italy. The rollout was attended by representatives of the ministries and state authorities of these countries.

Mikhail Pogosyan, Sukhoi Company’s CEO, said: “Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a child of thousands of people around the globe, committed to the project success with their hearts and souls. It took us all six and a half years to get here, overcoming skepticism and finding our way in translation of international rules of play to Russian aerospace industry and incorporating world industry standards in it. Have a look at the aircraft – I’m sure, it was worth it.” The revealed aircraft airframe is ready for the flight tests – the fuselage had been joined, as well as the wings, control surfaces, and the attached engines. The aircraft is equipped with the major systems, for instance, auxiliary power unit and landing gear. Avionics blocks installation is under completion and pilot cockpit holds all panels, indicators, side-sticks, thrust levers and pedals.

Speaking about the program status, Victor Soubbotin, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company’s President, said: “It’s a special day for us. A day when we can once again say – it’s just a beginning. We are on the way towards flight tests, entry into service in the fleet of our launch customer and a long life for the aircraft in the sky.” In the coming two months the aircraft is due to be ready for flight tests. For instance the static tests, being performed in TsAGI (Zhukovsky) should be completed. The same relates to system tests at suppliers’ test benches and their integration tests at Electronic Bird at SCAC.

After that Sukhoi Superjet 100 will take off for its first flight. Today would be nothing special without the Program partners and suppliers. Strategic partner Alenia Aeronautica, a Fimeccanica company, who will soon become a SCAC shareholder (25%+1 share) and who with Sukhoi Company had already established the Superjet International joint venture for sales at mature markets and worldwide aftersales support. Boeing, who was a consultant to the project from its very launch. Risk-sharing partner Snecma, who together with Russian NPO Saturn (through their joint venture PowerJet) is responsible for the SaM146 engine.

Project suppliers contributed beyond estimation to the aircraft and developing Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company competences: Avionics – THALES Flight control system – LIEBHERR (with Russian partner – Teploobmennik) Environmental control system – LIEBHERR Landing gear – MESSIER DOWTY Fuel system – INTERTECHNIQUE (ZODIAC) Interior – B/E AEROSPACE Fire protection system – AUTRONICS (CURTISS WRIGHT) Oxygen system – B/E AEROSPACE Auxiliary power unit – HONEYWELL Crew seats – IPECO Hydraulic system – PARKER Electrical system – HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND Engine vibration sensors – VIBRO-METER Wheels, brakes – GOODRICH Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) is a Sukhoi Company subsidiary.

Founded in 2000, SCAC primarily aims to produce new models of civil aircraft. The Company’s pilot project is production of Sukhoi Superjet 100, a new family of Russian regional aircraft. SCAC is focused upon the following scope of activity: design and development, marketing and sales, production, certification of the aircraft. Worldwide aftersales support and sales at mature markets is handled by Superjet International, a joint venture founded by Sukhoi Company and Alenia Aeronautica. SCAC has several branches at the production sites located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and Novosibirsk altogether employing 1,500+ people. Sukhoi Superjet 100 firm order portfolio totals 73 aircraft.

Source: Sukhoi Superjet 100

Bristow clocks up new record on Eurocopter EC 225 helicopters

BRISTOW Helicopters has soared ahead clocking up a record-breaking 10,000 flying hours on its fleet of new helicopters.

The flying time is the result of its six new Eurocopter EC 225 helicopters. They are the successor to the AS 332L Super Puma and are being deployed across the North Sea and beyond.

The distance they have flown so far is an amazing 1.7million miles, the equivalent of flying to the moon seven times or almost 70 round-the-world trips.

Bristow European Operations, based in Aberdeen, were the lead commercial customer for the EC 225 and began operations with the aircraft in September 2005. One of its most notable early flights was to an installation in the Dragon field, off Swansea, in South Wales, carrying 19 passengers and back without refuelling.

Within the first 18 months the aircraft chalked up 5000 hours ferrying workers to and from oil and gas platforms. But, in the six months since May 2007, Bristow’s fleet of six EC 225s have raced ahead to 10,000 flight hours.

This has been achieved due to the EC 225’s ability to travel consistently with a full fuel and payload of 19 passengers and baggage, the excellent performance of the engineering team maintaining the helicopters’ availability and the dedication of the highly-skilled flight operations team.

John Cloggie, Bristow’s Director of European Operations said: “The EC 225 is the only aircraft in the North Sea that guarantees a full 19-seat payload and that is very significant for Bristow customers who need this reliability of payload. To be able to offer our customers the consistency of planning for 19 passengers is key to the helicopter’s success and very important in the maintenance of the Bristow reputation for safety and reliability.

“As well as the state-of-the-art aircraft, the other vital feature of Bristow’s service is the dedicated team of professional crew and operations staff who have made this achievement possible.”

He added: “Bristow has a highly-trained and committed workforce across all disciplines – from engineers and pilots to ramp and apron staff along with those in our passenger terminal – who ensure our service runs smoothly and at the highest standard. “Bristow is delighted to have achieved this milestone so quickly and looks forward to flying our customers for the next 10,000 hours.”

Bernard Fujarski, Eurocopter’s EC 225 programme director, said: “The EC 225 brings a step change in respect of safety enhancements, performance characteristics and comfort features compared with the previous generation of helicopters in the passenger transport role.

“We are very proud to see the EC 225 attain the 10,000 flight hour mark so quickly. Bringing a new aircraft type into service so successfully says much, not only for the qualities of the EC 225, but also for the professionalism of the Bristow flight and ground crews whom we warmly congratulate on this achievement.”

Source: Eurocopter

EMBRAER SIGNS EXECUTIVE AIRSHARE TO EXPANDED FLEET ORDER

São José dos Campos, September 25, 2007

Embraer has signed Executive AirShare, of Kansas City, Mo., to a fleet expansion order of three Phenom 100 and two Phenom 300 aircraft, with options for an additional three Phenom 100 and two Phenom 300 jets. Last May, the U.S. fractional aircraft ownership company placed an order for seven Phenom 100 jets, plus seven options for additional
aircraft of the same model. The total value of the new agreement is US$ 22.24 million, and could double, if all options are exercised.

“We are honored by this additional order from Executive AirShare, which we understand as recognition that the Phenom
jets are the ideal choice for their business,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive jets.

“We are confident that the comfort, style and capabilities of both the Phenom 100 and the Phenom 300 will be very pleasing to Executive AirShare’s customers and passengers.”

With the new order, the U.S. operator now reinforces its confidence in the Phenom jets by expanding its original order, and will operate both the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300. The first Phenom 100 delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2010, and deliveries of the Phenom 300 are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2011.

“The Phenom 100 is the largest and most capable very light jet, and the Phenom 300 has the best payload and range capabilities in its class,” said Robert D. Taylor, President and CEO of Executive AirShare. “Our owners will appreciate the range, speed, comfort and luggagecarrying capabilities of both these aircraft.”

Source: Embraer

New Mexican Airline Leases Four BAe 146s from BAE Systems

Hatfield, UK – Quest Mexicana SA de CV  - a new start-up airline based in Cancun, Mexico – has signed leases with BAE Systems Regional Aircraft for four BAe 146-200 regional jetliners.

The airline will concentrate its operations primarily in the south-eastern region of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula and will operate under the name of Ka’an Beel Air (KBA), which means ‘skywalker’ in the Mayan language.

Quest Mexicana is part of the Lomas Travel group of companies founded in 1982, which owns hotel resorts, water and land sports marinas, tour operators and vehicle hire operations. It has a 40% market share of incoming travellers, equivalent to over five million passengers a year and the airline is seen as an important growth tool.

The airline’s management team are experienced industry professionals with more than 20 years background in similar or equivalent positions in the airline industry or regulatory authorities. 

Mr Eduardo Alfaro, Chief Executive Officer of the new airline said today: “ We are looking forward to giving the south-eastern part of Mexico the much-needed air services that it requires, as well as to provide a further growth opportunity for our parent company and to help develop the travel trade industry in the region.”

Paul Stirling, Senior Vice President Asset Management for Regional Aircraft added: “This lease into Mexico represents a new market for Regional Aircraft’s BAe 146 portfolio and we are very excited about the prospects for Quest Mexicana and wish them well in their new airline operation. This new lease has the potential to be the catalyst for further business in the region and in Latin America generally.”

Delivery of the four aircraft (msns E2130, E2133, E2139 and E2140) will take place between October this year and February 2008, and the aircraft are to be configured in an 85 seat, five-abreast configuration.

Quest’s goal is to satisfy the lack of air transport services between Mexican south-east cities, the Caribbean and Central America with both charter and scheduled flights to serve Lomas’ own captive market.

Initially the airline plans to serve local destinations such as the ‘air bridge’ between Cancun and Cozumel, which used to receive 100,000 passengers a year the last time it was operated. Secondly, scheduled charter routes will be established to serve cruisers and tour operators’ customers with ‘one-day tours’ between Mahahual and Chichenitza and Cozumel and Chichenitza.

Under a second stage of development, international operations will start into Central America and the Caribbean, principally to destinations that share the Mayan culture in the region, who number between them over five million people.

Also planned under a third stage (subject to US FAA licensing) are flights to medium sized cities on the coast of Florida, such as Orlando and Fort Meyers, mainly to satisfy tour operators’ demands. Both of these second and third stages of operation would require additional aircraft.

Source: BAe Systems

ATR on Demo Tour in the US and to unveil further developments

The European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR will show its new generation ATR 72-500 aircraft to the main North American airlines and leading US regional carriers during a two-week demonstration flight tour starting at the beginning of October.

This demo tour, entitled “Unveiling the Talent”, will provide the opportunity for many of the North American carriers to see first-hand the latest developments from ATR in communications, navigation tools and passenger comfort available on ATR regional turboprop aircraft. The ATR aircraft being featured is equipped with the new “Elegance” cabin, In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system, and Light Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting.

“The North American market represents a large potential for the latest generation ATRs given their superior economics on the regional routes, their environmental friendliness and the high level of comfort offered to the passengers”, declared Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO.

John Moore, ATR Head of Sales, who will lead the tour, added: “This tour will emphasize the ‘-500 series’ ATRs as the optimal solution for replacement of smaller RJs that are uneconomic on shorter regional routes as well as the renewal of aging turboprop fleets”.

In addition to this demonstration tour, Stéphane Mayer will unveil the further developments of the ATR aircraft family at a  

                                            Press Conference
                                        On Tuesday 2nd October 2007, 10 am
                                        At EADS North America in Arlington, VA

The 500 series: New Generation aircraft

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. Low fuel burn and gaseous emissions contribute to make the ATR environment friendly. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006.

Airbus ACJ Family reaches milestone of 100 sales

The Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) Family has reached the milestone of 100 sales, worth $5.5 billion based on list prices, just ten years after programme launch in 1997.

Initially comprising just one model, the Airbus ACJ, which evolved into a corporate jet from the A319, the family first expanded to include an A320 Prestige and, more recently, an A318 Elite.

Widely recognised as being the top-end of top-of-the-line corporate jets, the Airbus ACJ Family set new standards in comfort and spaciousness, introducing cabins that are still almost twice as wide and three times as voluminous as traditional business jets.

Featuring the most modern designs in its class, the Airbus ACJ Family also introduced new features to business aviation, such as the fly-by-wire controls that are now the industry standard, advanced fuel-saving aerodynamics and extensive use of weight-saving materials such as carbonfibre.

“Our initial forecast was for annual sales in this top-end category of just twelve aircraft a year, of which we expected to win a half,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “We’ve done rather better than that and, with corporate jet customers increasingly recognising that they get a lot more for their money with our aircraft, we expect to do even better in the future,” he added.

Airbus has won more than 30 corporate jet orders this year, including no less than five VIP widebodies, setting a new record for the company. This compares with sales of 20 Airbus ACJ Family aircraft and one VIP widebody in 2006.

The five VIP widebodies include four Airbus A340s, whose four engines give customers attractive extra capability on long-haul flights – including the ability to keep going to their destination, even in the unlikely event of an engine failure.

Airbus’ corporate jet offerings also include the A380 which, with 551 sq metres/5,930 ft² of floorspace on its two decks, is surely the ultimate private aircraft.

Airbus evolved its popular ACJ Family from the youthful designs of the A320 Family, adding extra fuel-tanks in the cargo hold to provide intercontinental range – as well as a VIP cabin. It also added other features – such as built-in airstairs for autonomy at remote airports, high-thrust engines for excellent take-off performance, and a higher, more efficient, cruise altitude.

Airbus’ A318 Elite typically flies 8 passengers 4,100 nm/7,600 km,  the ACJ 8 passengers up to 6,000 nm/11,100 km, and the A320 Prestige 30 passengers up to 4,100 nm/7,600 km.

Source: Airbus

Dawn spacecraft to launch on Thursday

NASA will launch the Dawn spacecraft on Thursday on a mission to explore an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter in a search for clues to the birth of the solar system. Dawn will be the first robotic probe to put itself into orbit around two different bodies, using an extremely efficient electric engine powered by xenon gas.

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