US AIRWAYS LOOKING SOUTH AS IT APPLIES FOR BRAZIL SERVICE
February 10, 2009
The US legacy airline has applied to the DOT for authority to operate the first flight between Charlotte in North Carolina and Rio de Janeiro. The flights will originate in Philadelphia, providing one stop direct daily service. Brazil will be the first South American destination for the airline. If approved it will be the fifth US legacy airline serving Brazil, along with American, Continental, Delta and United. US Airways told the DOT it wants the requested service as the basis for its planned expansion into South America. It believes it can build a major hub/gateway in Charlotte.
TEXAS AVIATION SERVICES AWARDED MULTI-AIRCRAFT PROGRAM FROM ROTORCRAFT LEASING COMPANY
February 10, 2009
Ft. Worth, Texas, January 30, 2009 — Texas Aviation Services (TAS), an industry leader for 38 years in helicopter completions has expanded its capabilities to include MRO services (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul). With this new capability, TAS was able to land a multi-aircraft program from Gulf Coast Operator, Rotorcraft Leasing Co., L.L.C. (RLC). “TAS currently has eleven (11) of RLC’s 206 series helicopters in its hangar being assessed, evaluated and conformed to RLC’s requirements with a possibility of more within the next year,” said Project Manager, Tim Grissom. Their Bell 206 fleet will have an upgraded avionics package to include new wire harnesses, GPS, BlueSky Satcom, FM radios, comm #1 and #2 and TFM 135 or 138 transponders. The helicopters will be repainted and modified to include structural repair, Gulf Coast prep kits and Airframe kits. TAS is applying a new three color exterior paint scheme. Every aircraft will undergo corrosion inspection and new drive train installations. Michael Bashlor, President of TAS said: “RLC is growing rapidly through their aircraft acquisitions, from an 80 aircraft fleet to 150, and we at TAS are excited that we now have the resources and capabilities to help them get their aircraft online. I’m confident that RLC will be impressed with our attention to detail, quality and schedule.”
About Texas Aviation Services
Texas Aviation Services, part of Ranger’s 175,000 square feet of facilities at Meacham Field in Fort Worth, TX, is an independent helicopter technical services company with 38 years of successful history. TAS specializes in both civilian and military helicopter completions, retrofits, MRO, avionics systems integration, interiors, paint, component overhaul and engineering. Originally founded in 1971, TAS performs complex customizing projects on civilian Bell, Eurocopter, and Agusta helicopters, and extensive retrofits on military Blackhawks. The Meacham Airport operations are one of the largest of their type in the mid-South, with the capacity for scores of helicopter projects per year.
Thales celebrates key program milestone for U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter program
February 10, 2009
Irvine, CA, January XX, 2009 – Thales supported EADS North America in achieving a significant
milestone on the U.S. Army’s UH-72A light utility helicopter program. On December 16th 2008, the 50th
UH-72A aircraft was rolled off at the American Eurocopter production line in Columbus, Mississippi, for
delivery to the U.S. Army Aviation. This aircraft was officially handed over by CEO for American
Eurocopter, Marc Paganini to Lt. Colonel James Brashear, Product Manager for the U.S. Army Light
Utility Helicopter.
As a first tier partner to EADS North America, Thales is supplying the UH-72A with its market-leading
Meghas® avionics suite which is uniquely adapted to the requirements of today’s helicopter missions.
By design, MeghasÒ reduces crew workload and provides increased situational awareness, allowing
Army Aviation and Army National Guard pilots to appreciate the clean, easy-to-fly avionics for military
missions derived from the civilian world.
“Thales’s vast experience in developing and deploying sophisticated avionics systems such as
Meghas® continues to serve EADS North America well as we reach this important milestone,” stated
Brad Foreman, head of Thales’s aerospace activities in North America. “We are confident that this
versatile technology will continue to provide long-term value for the UH-72A program.”
Thales has stood up a full program team to support this important program in the U.S. covering both
the line-fit aspects and the in-service support in partnership with HSI, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation.
American Eurocopter expects to deliver a minimum of 352 aircraft to the U.S. Army by 2018.This utility
helicopter is dedicated to missions such as medical evacuation, surveillance, search and rescue,
disaster relief, and numerous other tasks.
About The Meghas suite
Thales’ Meghas solution provides primary flight display, navigation display, multifunction display and
vehicle and engine monitoring display within a modular and integrated architecture. Optimisation is
key: the innovative Vehicle & Engine Monitoring Display replaces 13 different instruments in more
conventional cockpits.
About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and
security markets worldwide. Thales’s leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers
who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical
information systems. To this end, the group’s civil and military businesses develop in parallel and
share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and
nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted
partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to
support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries
with 2007 revenues of €12.3 billion.
Customer cutbacks trigger layoffs at Avcorp Industries Inc.
February 6, 2009
VANCOUVER, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Avcorp Industries Inc. (AVP on the TSX) today announced that a continuing of the softening order book and rate reductions from its major customers have caused the Company to review operations and terminate approximately 100 management, staff and union employees, representing 12% of its current workforce. A $350,000 charge has been taken against last quarter numbers and a further $400,000 will be charged to this quarter for severance provisions. No bonuses will be paid for the years 2008 and 2009 and all management and staff salaries will be frozen at current levels for the year with all but necessary expenses being eliminated.
The Company has renewed it operating bank line with HSBC and is well positioned to meet the current downturn in the market. Avcorp is continuing with the introduction and investment of four major new programs which will begin to see revenue this year and in the following years.
About Avcorp
Avcorp designs and builds major airframe structures for some of the world’s leading aircraft companies, including Boeing, Bombardier, and Cessna. With more than 50 years of experience, 750 skilled employees and 385,000 square feet of facilities, Avcorp offers integrated composite and metallic aircraft structures to aircraft manufacturers, a distinct advantage in the pursuit of contracts for new aircraft designs, which require lower-cost, light-weight, strong, reliable structures. Avcorp is a Canadian public company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:AVP). More information is available at www.avcorp.com.
V Australia Takes Delivery of its First 777 Aircraft
February 6, 2009
– Australia’s New International Airline Takes off this Month
SEATTLE, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Australia’s newest international airline, V Australia, has taken delivery today of the first of seven brand new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at a formal handover ceremony at the Boeing factory in Seattle.
Virgin Blue co-founder and Virgin Group Chairman, Sir Richard Branson, flew in to witness the historic handover which was made to 15 V Australia and Virgin Blue team members who won a competition to fly to Seattle and collect the plane with Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive and co-founder, Brett Godfrey, and V Australia Executive General Manager, Scott Swift.
The V Australia and Virgin Blue team member prize winners are considered VIPs in the delivery team, participating in a trip which includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Boeing wide-body factory at Everett where the V Australia aircraft was manufactured, celebrations around the delivery and the opportunity to be among the first in the world to fly on V Australia on board the private ferry flight back to Australia.
The 360-seat aircraft named “Didgeree Blue” with the blessing of the Yolgnu people from the Northern Territory Australia, includes in-flight bars, state-of-the-art entertainment, mood lighting and offers Business, Premium International and International Economy classes.
It was officially delivered to the airline team who opened the aircraft doors to showcase the designer interior to team members; media and a contingent of USA-based Australian actors.
Present at the ceremony were Aussie-born celebrities; Julian McMahon, Jason Clarke, Holly Valance and Kimberley Joseph; who brought a touch of ‘Hollywood’ to the event and lent their support to Australia’s newest international airline by flying in from LA to join the V Australia team.
In the midst of Seattle’s chilly winter temperatures, the Boeing Aircraft company’s hangar was transformed into a surprise Aussie beach party for the team and guests, with both Boeing and V Australia senior executives donning board shorts and zinc cream against a backdrop of palm trees, deck chairs, tropical fruit drinks and beach tunes, to bring a touch of informal Australian inspiration to the aircraft delivery event.
V Australia’s first Boeing 777-300ER will touch down on Australian soil for the first time next Monday, 9 February, in Sydney.
En-route it will make a stopover in Los Angeles where 500 of LA’s top industry and corporate guests will have the opportunity to see the aircraft at an Australian-themed event at Los Angeles World Airport.
On arrival in Australia, after a low flyover of Sydney, V Australia will host an “open house” inspection of the aircraft for 400 guests and every available member of V Australia’s more than 300 team who will travel to Sydney to welcome their first aircraft. Representatives from the Yolgnu people, the traditional keepers of the Yirdaki (Didgeridoo) will travel all the way from the “top end” to Sydney to give a traditional welcome to “Didgeree Blue” when it arrives into Australia for the very first time.
“Didgeree Blue” will then be put to work carrying out proving flights to gain final operating approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, for V Australia’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
Speaking from Seattle, Sir Richard Branson said V Australia will follow in the footsteps of its parent airline, Virgin Blue in true Virgin tradition, by providing much needed competition, affordable air fares for consumers and a fresh choice of airline.
“This new airline and indeed, the actual aircraft itself, boasts a range of product features that are second to none, including the two in-flight ‘V Bars.’ I am confident that like all Virgin airlines worldwide, V Australia, its people, its product, its prices and in particular, its personality, will prove to be a great stimulus for travel and tourism when the airline takes off.
“I am delighted to be here in Seattle to witness the handover of V Australia’s first aircraft and look forward to being on the inaugural flight from Sydney to Los Angeles later this month.”
Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, “The delivery of this aircraft has been a much anticipated moment for the entire V Australia team as it represents a step towards our goal to launch a brand new contemporary international airline for Australia.”
“The combination of our Virgin service and the outstanding features and comfort levels on board the 777 will be a winner on the trans-Pacific route and we cannot wait to get the first aircraft home and into commercial service.”
“This is the first Australian-owned Boeing 777-300ER and the first aircraft of its type to operate on the trans-Pacific route. We’re especially pleased about that and to be flying the most fuel efficient aircraft in its class.”
V Australia’s inaugural flight is scheduled to take off from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles, USA on Friday, 27 February 2009, building to daily flights by 20 March, 2009. Brisbane-Los Angeles flights start from 8 April, 2009.
European Aviation Safety Agency Validates FAA Certification of Boeing 777 Freighter
February 6, 2009
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The newest member of the Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777 family, the 777 Freighter, today received its formal stamp of approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA validated the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Feb. 3 type certification of the 777 Freighter.
The certification formally recognizes that the 777 Freighter has passed the stringent design and testing requirements mandated by FAA and EASA, clearing the airplane for cargo service. The first 777 Freighter will deliver to launch customer Air France later in the quarter.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Engine Launches Meteorological Satellite into Orbit
February 6, 2009
CANOGA PARK, Calif., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne helped scientists track fast-breaking storms and monitor climate change by boosting a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base today. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, powered a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with an RS-27A engine. It was the 226th flight boosted by the RS-27 family of engines to lift a satellite.
NOAA-N Prime is the last in a series of Television Infrared Observation Satellites, and is equipped with search and rescue antennae that can relay information from emergency beacons to help people in distress aboard boats, aircraft and in remote areas. It is one of two polar-orbiting satellites that observe every part of the earth twice every 12 hours, gathering information on cloud formations, ozone concentrations, sea temperatures, and solar winds that could interrupt long-range communications.
“In a world where the weather can change from mild to severe in a moment’s notice, it’s imperative that communities be warned as early as possible to any potential dangers,” said Elizabeth Jones, RS-27 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “We’re proud to help scientists in their mission to monitor the planet, protect our natural resources and assist people across the globe.”
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
Dassault Falcon Announces 2009 Regional M&O Series
February 6, 2009
Eleven Seminars in Seven Countries to be Held
(Teterboro, NJ, February 6, 2009) – In an attempt to bring the company’s best service
specialists closer to Falcon operators around the world, Dassault Falcon is scheduled to
hold eleven Maintenance and Operating Seminars in seven different countries between
now and August, 2009. The Falcon Regional M&O Seminars focus both on operational
and technical issues and are designed to help aircraft operators improve the efficiency,
reliability and safety of their operations.
“Whether operating a brand new Falcon or one that has been flying for decades, Falcon’s
Regional M&O Seminars in 2009 promise to have something of value for all operators,”
said Jacques Chauvet, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Customer Service. “We’ve
worked very closely with our Operator Advisory Board (OAB) to ensure maximum value
for all attendees.”
Falcon’s Regional M&O Seminars occur on alternate years from its Worldwide M&O,
and gives Falcon operators an opportunity for closer interaction with model and support
specialists. Topics range from the latest customer service and engineering support
initiatives to enhancements in troubleshooting and product reliability.
Dassault Falcon M&O
Page Two
2009 Regional M&O Series Locations and Dates
Hong Kong – February 12
Seattle, Washington – February 24
Chicago (Northbrook) IL – February 26
Rome, Italy – March 4
Mahwah, New Jersey – March 10
Charlotte, North Carolina – March 12
Geneva, Switzerland – March 13
London, Great Britain – March 17
Dallas, TX – March 18
Toluca, Mexico – March 20
Sao Paulo, Brazil – August 12
Falcon’s Regional M&O Seminars in Hong Kong, Toluca and Sao Paulo are half-day
events, but the content remains very similar to the other Seminars in the series.
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the
world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70
countries across 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the renowned Mirage and Rafale
fighter jets as well as a complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and
production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on both continents. It
employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, over
1950 Falcon jets have been delivered to more than 65 countries worldwide.
The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets—the Falcon 900DX,
900EX, 900LX and the7X—as well as the twin-engine Falcon 2000DX and 2000LX.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico Reports Passenger Traffic Decrease of 15.0% for January 2009
February 5, 2009
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (“the Company” or “GAP”) announced preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for the month of January 2009 compared to traffic figures for January 2008.
During January 2009, total terminal passengers decreased 15.0% compared to the previous year; international passenger traffic decreased 6.9%, and domestic passenger traffic decreased 19.9% compared to January 2008.
During January 2009, VivaAerobus initiated the La Paz to Culiacan route with two weekly frequencies, as well as Puerto Vallarta to Austin and Los Cabos to Culiacan also operating two frequencies each week. In addition, Interjet began operating at the Los Mochis airport, operating the Los Mochis to Mexico City route.
On February 4, 2009, the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) granted Grupo Mexicana the concession rights to operate a low-cost carrier. The airline, called Mexicana Inter, announced that it would begin coverage of 24 routes, with a fleet of 13 CRJ-200 aircraft, with a capacity of 50 passengers, on March 15, 2009.
Per this announcement, Mexicana Inter is expected to cover some of the frequencies that were previously operated by Alma Airlines, from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, Torreon, Monterrey, Mazatlan, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Veracruz and Tampico.
Company Description:
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates twelve airports throughout Mexico’s Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAP’s shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PAC” and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GAP”.
EL AL Israel Airlines Guarantees Its New Lowest Economy & Business Summer Fares From the Philadelphia Area to Israel
February 5, 2009
Tickets Must be Purchased by March 3, 2009
**Plus 30% Savings Now Offered on Winter & Spring Airfares**
NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ — EL AL, Israel’s national airline, is guaranteeing its new lowest summer airfares from the Philadelphia area to Israel and the savings in economy and platinum business class are huge. While everyone is facing challenging financial times, EL AL is accommodating Philadelphia area travelers with convenient, affordable nonstop flights to Israel during the peak summer travel months of June through August. And, for the first time ever, EL AL is guaranteeing to refund any price difference between this exceptional promotional airfare and any future summer airfares the airline may offer.
Families from the Philadelphia area will travel roundtrip on EL AL state-of-the-art aircraft and fly nonstop from nearby Newark International Airport for just $1,099 in economy class and $3,699 in luxurious business class. (All fuel surcharges are included). These special guaranteed fares are available for departures from June 20 through August 19, 2009 and must be purchased before March 3rd. Passengers should visit www.elal.com/summer09 to learn about all the details/rules of the EL AL guaranteed summer fares.
This winter, through March 31st, EL AL is now offering passengers from the Philadelphia area newly reduced savings of one-third off the lowest published fares. Nonstop travel to Israel from Newark is $633 in economy class and $3,199 in business class. Spring fares are $803 in economy class and $3,599 in business class for travel from April 20 through June 19th. (Fuel surcharges are also included in these fares.)
From Newark, EL AL utilizes Boeing 777 and 747-400 aircraft and offers daily nonstop flights to Israel (except Friday when EL AL never flies). Every seat is equipped with a personal TV monitor offering a wide selection of in-flight entertainment. An electronic socket for laptops, a more sophisticated digital entertainment system and enhanced seats in economy class have been added to the entire 777 fleet. In first and platinum business classes on the 777’s, advanced new luxurious sleeper seats and a superior video on demand (VOD) entertainment system are also now offered. The same upgrades have already been added to most EL AL 747-400 jumbos and the remaining fleet will be completed by this April. An entirely fresh modern look will enhance the in-flight decor in every class of service.
Prior to departure, EL AL premium class passengers relax in the comfortable King David Lounge at Newark and Ben Gurion International Airports and can enjoy a choice of freshly prepared light snacks.
To book any of the above special fares, passengers should visit www.elal.com or contact EL AL directly at 800-223-6700 or any travel agent.
Above fares are based on availability. Guaranteed summer/winter fares must be ticketed within 24 hours of confirmed reservation and spring fares within 72 hours. $94.40 applicable taxes not included. (These taxes include the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per U.S. enplanement, up to $5 one-way and $10 roundtrip.) EL AL reserves the right to cancel promotion at any time. Cancellation/change penalties and other restrictions apply.
About EL AL
Celebrating more than 60 years of service, EL AL, Israel’s national airline, offers the most nonstop flights between New York (Newark/JFK) and Israel as well as the only nonstop service from Los Angeles. Worldwide, EL AL flies to more than 40 destinations from Israel and serves dozens of other destinations throughout the world via partnerships with many other carriers (including 22 additional cities in the U.S.A.). Only EL AL has First Class service on nonstop flights between the U.S.A. and Israel. The airline has annual revenues of about $1.93 billion and carries more than 1.8 million passengers annually.
EL AL embodies Israel’s values of innovation and caring and the promise of a genuine Israeli welcome. Your Israel experience begins with EL AL and warm Israeli hospitality. Israeli flight attendants will make you feel at home, the best trained Israeli pilots will take you to and from Israel and passengers enjoy enhanced in-flight dining with freshly prepared healthy meals.
EL AL. It’s not just an airline. It’s Israel.
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