GOL Airlines selects Rockwell Collins to provide data link system and multi-mode receiver for its Boeing 737 fleet

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (February 08, 2010) - Brazil’s GOL Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins to provide CMU-900 Communications Management Unit (CMU) for its fleet of Boeing 737NG airplanes. In addition, the airplanes will also be equipped with the company’s advanced GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR). Deliveries will begin in early 2010.

“GOL’s standards of safety, comfort and affordability for their passengers, as well as the need to equip their fleet for an evolving future airspace were, key factors in selecting Rockwell Collins for data link and MMR capabilities,” said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager of Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “These are smart investments that will provide operators the advanced functionality and proven technology that will help GOL’s fleet perform at its best now and for years to come.”

The CMU-900 enables state-of-the-art digital communications between aircraft systems, pilots, airlines IT infrastructure, and various operations control functions. This enhances an airline’s ability to more effectively communicate and manage airline operations.

The CMU-900 also will be certified in January 2011 for the European Link 2000+ Protected Mode ATN CPDLC mandate which begins in January 2011. The CMU-900 was the first communications management unit to participate in the European Link 2000+ Controller to Pilot Data link Communications (CPDLC) trials, which validated the use of advanced digital communications for Air Traffic Control communications. 

The advanced GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver is the first MMR certified for precision landing using either Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) or Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). The GLU-925 is the primary navigation sensor for all phases of flight, including the stringent Required Navigation Performance (RNP) requirement of 0.1 n.m.

Source: Rockwell Collins

First Airbus A330 joins Sichuan Airlines’ all-Airbus fleet

Airbus today delivered to Sichuan Airlines the very first widebody aircraft, an A330-200, to add capacity to its existing all-Airbus Single Aisle fleet. The A330 is the first of three brand new Airbus A330-200s that Sichuan Airlines has leased from the Netherland’s-based AerCap Aviation Solutions.

While expanding its regional and international network, Sichuan Airlines intends to compete on high density routes with the most modern and cost-effective widebody aircraft on the market. The fleet of A330s will be deployed on domestic trunk routes from the airline’s home base of Chengdu to major cities such as Beijing and Shenzhen; on regional routes within Asia and on international long haul routes from Chengdu to Europe. The A330s will be configured in a comfortable two-class lay-out with 36 first class and 209 economy seats.

This delivery comes as a key milestone for Sichuan Airlines after successfully operating A320 Family aircraft for the last 15 years. Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings. Today, Sichuan Airlines operates 44 Airbus A320 Family aircraft (13 A319s, 21 A320s, 10 A321s).

“In the past decades, Sichuan Airlines has evolved from a regional airline to a national airline connecting Chengdu to all provinces across China as well as more than 20 popular tourist destinations. The reliable and efficient Airbus Single-Aisle aircraft were decisive in this success. It was then a natural choice for us to select the A330s to help us to become one of the top five Chinese airlines,” said Mr. Lan Xinguo, Chairman of Sichuan Airlines.

“We are delighted to support the rapid expansion of our old friends at Sichuan Airlines. We believe the low operating cost and excellent cabin comfort of the A330s will be key ingredients for the airline’s continuing success,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.

During its long standing relationship with Airbus, Sichuan Airlines has recorded a number of premieres in China. The airline was the first to introduce a fly-by-wire aircraft, an A320 in 1995, the first to operate an A321 and is flying the first A320 assembled at FALC in Tianjin. In order to operate the newly built A330 fleet in a more efficient and cost-effective way, Sichuan Airlines was also the first Chinese airline to sign for the Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS), a customized service with strong support from Airbus’ worldwide customer services system.

Hong Kong Airlines to order six A330-200s

Hong Kong Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for six A330-200 aircraft. The latest commitment will increase the number of A330s ordered by the airline to 23. Hong Kong Airlines intends to use the A330-200s to develop new services to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to the Middle East and Europe.

“The A330-200 offers the perfect range and size capability to enable us to expand into new medium and long haul markets,” said Yang Jian Hong, President, Hong Kong Airlines. “With these aircraft in our fleet we are aiming to create new standards in comfort and service and to establish our company as a premium brand in new international markets.”

“This latest commitment from Hong Kong Airlines underscores once again the popularity of the A330 as the right aircraft right now for quality airlines across the world,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A330 remains the most efficient aircraft in its size category flying today, providing airlines with the ability to maximise profit potential on a wide range of operations.”

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines currently operates a full service network linking Hong Kong with destinations in mainland China and the Asian region. In addition to A330s, the carrier also has 30 single aisle A320 aircraft on firm order for future delivery.

Rolls-Royce share of Turkish Airlines V2500 order worth up to $170 million

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has won a share of an order from Turkish Airlines (THY), the national carrier of Turkey, for V2500 engines to power 20 firm and 10 option Airbus A320 family aircraft. The order is worth up to $170 million to Rolls-Royce.

The V2500 is produced by the International Aero Engines consortium (IAE) in which Rolls-Royce is a senior shareholder. IAE’s other partners are Pratt & Whitney, the Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.

The aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2011 and 2013, will be used to facilitate growth in the THY network. The airline currently operates a fleet of 45 IAE-powered aircraft. The 20 firm aircraft comprise six A319s and 14 A321s.

The 22,000 – 33,000lb thrust V2500 powers the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft as well as the Airbus Corporate Jetliner. Nearly 6,000 V2500 engines are in service or on firm order worldwide.

Source: Rolls Royce

Asia-Pacific airlines to acquire 8,000 new aircraft over next 20 years

Airlines in Asia and the Pacific will acquire some 8,000 new passenger and cargo aircraft over the next 20 years, according to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Valued at US$1.2 trillion, the requirement represents one third of predicted global deliveries between now and 2028, with the region driving demand for larger aircraft types.

The manufacturer’s latest forecast for the region was presented today at the Singapore Airshow by John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

In the passenger market Airbus predicts that traffic in the region will grow at an average annual rate of 5.9 per cent, while cargo traffic will increase by 6.3 per cent per year. This compares with a global average of 4.7 per cent for passenger traffic and 5.2 per cent for air freight. As a result of this growth and continuous fleet replacement, the region is expected to take delivery of some 880 very large aircraft, 2,570 twin aisle widebodies and 4,560 single aisle aircraft.

The high proportion of larger aircraft types reflects the concentration of populations around main urban centres in the region, generating high density traffic on key intra-regional routes, as well as to capacity constrained international destinations in Europe and North America. Meanwhile, demand for single aisle aircraft in the region is expected to accelerate in the coming years, driven by the growth of low cost carriers and opening of new routes between secondary destinations, especially in China, India and South East Asia.

In the cargo sector, the region will continue to dominate the global air freight market, with the dedicated freighter fleet operated by Asia-Pacific airlines growing five times to 1,500 aircraft. While many of these will be converted from passenger models, Airbus predicts that around 340 new production freighters will be delivered to the region over the 20 year period. These will be predominantly widebody aircraft and will represent 40 per cent of expected global demand for new production freighters.

Presenting the details, John Leahy said that within 20 years the region would overtake the US and Europe as the world’s largest air transport market, with Asia-Pacific airlines carrying over 30 per cent of global passenger traffic and around 40 per cent of all air freight.

“To meet this demand larger aircraft will be needed to ease congestion and do more with less,” he said. “This will see airlines from the region account for over 40 per cent of twin aisle deliveries and more than 50 per cent of the demand for very large aircraft, such as the A380. With a modern, eco-efficient and comprehensive product line, including the only all-new aircraft in the very large segment, Airbus will be especially well placed to meet the needs of airlines in this region.”

The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus accounting for a quarter of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today there are some 1,430 Airbus aircraft in service with 66 operators across the region, with another 1,120 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents 32 per cent of the company’s total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft

Airbus’ forecast for the Asia-Pacific region is derived from the company’s Global Market Forecast, which foresees total demand for almost 25,000 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at US$3.1 trillion between 2009 and 2028. This includes foresees total demand for 1,700 very large aircraft, 6,250 twin aisle widebodies and almost 17,000 single aisle aircraft.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330/A340 and all-new A350 XWB in the twin aisle category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new mid-size A330-200F, set to enter service later this year.

Source: EADS

Singapore Airlines expands its A380 global reach from Changi airport

Changi Airport is not only home to this week’s Singapore Airshow, it also is the operating base for Singapore Airlines’ growing fleet of A380s – which will be serving another long-haul international destination beginning next month.

Service to Zurich, Switzerland will be inaugurated on 28 March as daily A380 service replaces Singapore Airlines’ existing 12-weekly frequencies that have linked the two cities with smaller Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Zurich will become the seventh city in Singapore Airlines’ network to receive the A380 and its third European destination served by the 21^st century Airbus flagship.

Singapore Airlines was the world’s first A380 operator, initiating revenue flights in October 2007 from Changi Airport to Sydney, Australia.  Since then it has added routes to London, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Melbourne.  The airline currently has a fleet of 10 A380s flying in its colours, with a further nine on firm order and options for six more.

In preparation for the new Zurich service, Airbus brought one of its A380 development aircraft to the Swiss airport in January for compatibility testing.  This fully validated the facility’s readiness to handle the A380 and further confirmed the double-deck jetliner’s capability to be accommodated at airports around the globe.

Hainan Airlines selects Rockwell Collins MultiScan and sensors for A330s

SINGAPORE (February 01, 2010) - Hainan Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins to provide its MultiScan™ Hazard Detection system and sensors for 13 of its Airbus A330 aircraft. The announcement was made at the 2010 Singapore Airshow. Deliveries will take place beginning in 2010.

“Rockwell Collins’ award-winning MultiScan Hazard Detection system supports Hainan’s efforts to maintain the highest standards of flight operations,” said Thud Chee (TC) Chan, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific for Rockwell Collins. “MultiScan’s ability to automatically detect and analyze weather hazards during all phases of flight will allow Hainan pilots to fly the most efficient routes to get passengers to their destinations on time.”

The MultiScan system is the first and only radar that analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content, to provide flight crews more accurate weather returns. The MultiScan system is derived from extensive operational experience and provides a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload and enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays.

In addition to MultiScan, Hainan Airlines also selected the following sensors from Rockwell Collins: ADF-900 Automatic Direction Finder, DME-900 Distance Measuring Equipment, HFS-900D High Speed Data Radio, CPL-920D Coupling Unit, VOR-900 Marker Beacon Receiver, and VHF-2100 Very High Frequency Transceiver.

Source: Rockwell Collins

Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 crashes into sea off Beirut

An Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane with 90 people on board has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut airport.

Eyewitnesses say they saw a ball of fire in the sky before Addis Ababa-bound Flight ET409 fell into the sea after taking off in stormy weather.

At least 21 bodies have been found, and the airline’s chief executive said there was no word of survivors.

Most of those on board were Lebanese or Ethiopian. There were also two Britons.

The plane, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 82 passengers. It disappeared from radar screens some five minutes after take-off in stormy weather at about 0200 local time, near the village of Naameh, about 3.5km (2 miles) from the coast.

Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines Announce Order for 10 737-800s

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at $767 million at list prices. The order previously was listed on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries Web site as unidentified.

Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the carrier is investing in the additional airplanes to expand its fleet and broaden its network.

“Since its founding in December 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has been a dedicated Boeing operator — from [the carrier's] first flights using DC-3 propeller-driven airplanes between Addis Ababa and Cairo, to recent orders for the long haul 787s and 777-200LRs, and continuing now with 737-800s. Ethiopian Airlines has been among the most profitable airlines in the region and one of our most valued partners,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

In 2009, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to order and operate the ultra-long-range 777-200LR model. Ethiopian also was the first African carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner, ordering 10 in 2005.

“The Boeing Next-Generation 737 has proven to be a reliable and profitable component of our fleet,” said Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake. “Boeing has been an important and valued partner to Ethiopian for many, many years. This order reinforces the deep ties between our two companies.”

Ethiopian Airlines is an all-Boeing operator. With the exception of the 747, it has operated every heritage Boeing commercial airplane since the 707. The airline operates five 737-700s and two 737-800s. Ethiopian also operates nine 757s, 10 767s and one MD-11BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), with a second MD-11BCF arriving in August.

Yemenia Airlines completes purchase of 10 A320s from Airbus

Yemenia, the official carrier of the state of Yemen, based in Sanaa, has signed a firm contract to buy 10 A320 Family aircraft from Airbus. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Dubai air show.

The aircraft, seating 12 passengers in Business and 138 in Economy class, will replace Yemenia’s existing fleet of Single Aisle and widebody aircraft, enhance and expand their regional services to Gulf States, Middle East, Africa, India and Southern European destinations, and help to stimulate economic growth in Yemen.

Captain Abdulkhalek Al-Kadi, Chairman and CEO of Yemenia said, “Our new A320s will share operational and maintenance commonality with our existing Airbus A330s and our future A350s. The increased efficiency of this integrated fleet will help us achieve our growth targets. The A320 will also enable us to redefine our services by offering our passengers the best cabin comfort in its class. Yemenia is taking this major decision to add a major Fleet modernisation leap. Very soon, we will have a total New Generation Fleet, which will strengthen our Competitiveness” Captain Alkadi added.

“The A320 is today’s standard in the Single-Aisle sector and with continuous improvements we are strengthening the aircraft’s leadership position. The A320 is already better by design and it keeps on getting better. Yemenia will benefit from Airbus’ aircraft family concept which maximises maintenance and operational efficiency,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Yemenia’s choice further re-enforces the A320 as the aircraft of choice in the Middle East.

Yemenia’s long haul fleet operate to destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. During the 2007 Dubai airshow, Yemenia placed an order with Airbus for ten Airbus A350 XWB.

Fokker Services signs a 130 Million Euro fleet lifetime agreement with Austrian Airlines

Amsterdam, January 20, 2010 –[ASDWire]– Today, at the 7th Fokker Operators Conference in Amsterdam, Fokker Services signed a FLYFokker Take Care agreement with Austrian Airlines. The agreement, with an estimated value of 130 Million Euro, is valid up to year 2020 and applicable for a fleet of nine Fokker 70 and fifteen Fokker 100 aircraft. It marks the introduction of the Take Care solution for mature operators as part of the complete FLYFokker program.

Since the introduction of the Fokker 70’s in 1995 and Fokker 100’s in 2004 with Austrian Airlines, Fokker Services has been providing logistical services and technical services. The new FLYFokker Take Care agreement marks the next phase in the relationship. It starts a continuous process with challenging cost reduction, technical performance improvement and the introduction of products to further increase passenger comfort.

FLYFokker
This fleet lifetime agreement fits within the innovative Life Cycle Support program for the Fokker fleet of aircraft, entitled FLYFokker, as launched at Dubai Airshow in November 2009. The agreement signed today is the third significant step in the development of the complete program, following the Take Off strategic alliance with Denim Air and a recently announced Take Over partnership with KLM Cityhopper.

The Take Care solution perfectly fits operators who have a Fokker fleet in full operation. It enables them to work with Fokker Services in a long-term partnership with key performance indicators as reduction of Direct Operating/Maintenance Cost, increased Technical Dispatch Reliability and passenger appeal.

As Martin Schmidt, Director Operations Procurement of Austrian Airlines explains: “This Take Care partnership with Fokker Services has mutually been developed over the past year and is crucial for the sustainable reliability and cost effectiveness of our Fokker operations. Part of the agreement is the implementation of new LED cabin lighting to even further increase the comfort of our valued customers, as our complete fleet has been equipped with the newest Fokker interior already. We expect to fly our Fokker fleet for many years to come, as the Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 are very cost effective, competitive and reliable aircraft in operation.”

Roland van Dijk, President of Fokker Services: ‘’After the recent FLYFokker program launch, this Take Care fleet lifetime agreement with Austrian Airlines as a mature operator of Fokker aircraft, is a major milestone in the program. Both parties worked hard on the development of the agreement, as a new way of working is required to achieve the challenging targets. We are proud to have Austrian Airlines as the first customer in the FLYFokker Take Care program and expect many more customers to join.’’

About Fokker Services
At present there are 700 operational Fokker aircraft across the world. The Fokker aircraft has earned a reputation for advanced technologies, comfort, operational reliability, low noise level and durability. Flying Fokker makes economic sense. Many consider the Fokker among the best mid size aircraft ever built. Besides the Fokker aircraft, Fokker Services is serving operators with the Bombardier Dash-8 and other Out of Production Aircraft, with it’s logistic flight hour program ABACUS.

FLYFokker, the full-service Life Cycle support program for Fokker aircraft, comprises four solutions (Take Off, Take Care, Take Over and Take Next) for the continued competitive operation of Fokker aircraft.

Source: Fokker Services

Oregon F-15s scramble to escort Hawaiian Airlines flight

1/7/2010 - SALEM, Ore. (AFNS) – Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagles, under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command, intercepted Hawaiian Air Flight 39 Jan. 6, in the vicinity of Portland, Ore.

The F-15s, stationed at Portland Air National Guard Base, escorted the aircraft until it landed at Portland International Airport without incident at about 1:15 p.m. PST, where the plane was met by law enforcement and Transportation Security Agency officials.

Hawaiian Air 39 departed Portland Airport enroute to Hawaii, but shortly after takeoff a passenger caused a disturbance on the plane and the pilot decided to return the aircraft to Portland.

The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing Airmen are assigned the air sovereignty alert mission and guard the Pacific Northwest sky from northern California to the Canadian border on 24-hour alert as part of the North American Air Defense system.

The F-15s become a federal asset once alerted, placing them under presidential authority.

Source and picture: USAF

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