Latest Business & GA News (page 1)

General aviation (GA) encompasses all aviation other than scheduled airline flights and military aviation and includes privately owned aircraft, charter services, business owned aircraft and many more types of working aircraft that are not, strictly speaking, for transportation. Although a large part of General Aviation consists of recreational flying, an equally large part involves important, commercial activities. These include flight training, shipping, surveying, air taxi, charter passenger service, corporate flying, emergency transport, police, fire fighting and more. This section of your international aviation news magazine provides news from that part of civil aviation, which encompasses many facets of the aeronautical world.

06/10/08: Dassault Falcon announced the launch of ‘EASy Phase II’ at NBAA

(Orlando, Florida, October 5, 2008) – Dassault Falcon announced the launch of ‘EASy Phase II’, a host of enhancements to the award-winning flight deck that will include synthetic vision technology. The synthetic vision system is being developed in conjunction with Honeywell Aerospace and will be offered as an option in new aircraft and as a retrofit in all EASy (Enhanced Avionics System) models. ”When EASy was introduced, it was a revolutionary advancement in cockpit technology and a giant step forward for business aviation,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “And today EASy continues its development with the addition of synthetic vision that will move today’s most advanced flight deck further ahead into the future.”

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03/10/08: Avianca takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-200

The Colombian flag carrier Avianca took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 today. This A330 is the first of ten aircraft of this type to be delivered to the prestigious airline. This aircraft is part of an Avianca order for 57 Airbus aircraft, which was signed in May 2007, and includes 47 Airbus A320 Family aircraft and ten A330-200s. Avianca also ordered another three A320s via leasing companies. Avianca’s main shareholder, the Synergy Group, has furthermore purchased ten A350XWBs. The airline will operate the A330 on its intercontinental network to Europe, and on routes in the Americas. The aircraft will be able to accommodate 280 passengers in a spacious two-class configuration, and will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent772B engines.

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02/10/08: Boeing Consolidates Aviation Training Organizations Under the Alteon Name

SEATTLE, Oct. 02, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today it is combining Alteon, a wholly owned subsidiary, and existing training groups within Boeing Commercial Airplanes to form a new, unified training organization. The new training organization retains the Alteon name as a business unit within Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. “The combined expertise of our Commercial Airplanes and Alteon teams will better serve our customers’ training needs by providing them with a more comprehensive suite of aviation training and flight services,” said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager of Commercial Aviation Services. “This is yet another way that Boeing is helping to ensure our airline customers operate more efficiently.”

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25/09/08: Boeing and AeroLogic Partner to Streamline Carrier’s Maintenance Operations

MADRID, Spain, Sept. 25, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today at MRO Europe that AeroLogic has adopted the airplane manufacturer’s Web-based solutions, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and Airplane Health Management, as foundations for the carrier’s 777 Freighter maintenance documentation platform when deliveries begin in 2009. Maintenance Performance Toolbox, including the Library and Authoring modules, will help AeroLogic, based in Leipzig/Halle, Germany, streamline an array of maintenance activities, including managing technical publications and training and customizing online maintenance manuals. A total of 14 European carriers now use this innovative maintenance tool. AeroLogic will use Boeing’s Airplane Health Management to monitor its 777 Freighters, giving the airline a real-time fault management tool to identify maintenance needs and communicate with ground teams to enable proactive, planned and timely maintenance operations and address potential issues.

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24/09/08: Boeing Appoints Dorange as Communications Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa

Madrid, Spain, Sept. 24, 2008 — Boeing [NYSA: BA] has appointed Chantal Dorange as director of corporate communications for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Dorange, 43, succeeds Charlie Miller, who was recently named vice president of International Corporate Communications. She will oversee a network of company and consultant communicators in more than a dozen markets across the region. “With her 20 years of national and regional experience, Chantal brings a strong strategic background and knowledge to the international communications function,” said Miller. “In this key role, she will work closely with the Boeing International regional and country leaders and the company’s business units to help shape markets, grow the business, and strengthen and leverage local presence.”

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24/09/08: Boeing Solution to Enable British Airways’ Efficiency, Environmental Gain

MADRID, Spain, Sept. 24, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] will provide a Performance Improvement Package for British Airways’ 777 fleet that will result in a one percent fuel efficiency gain, along with the emission reductions that come with reduced fuel usage. The package will be applied to the airline’s 42-airplane 777 fleet. The 777 Performance Improvement Package is expected to reduce fuel spending per aircraft by about $200,000 annually (assuming $100 per barrel crude oil prices), according to Boeing estimates. “Any cost-effective measures to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions are to be welcomed and we’re pleased to be working with Boeing on this initiative across our 777 fleet,” said Robert Boyle, commercial director, British Airways.

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24/09/08: Boeing Joins Aviation, Energy and Academic Leaders to Accelerate Development and Availability of Sustainable Biofuels: Environmental groups applaud effort to develop sustainable fuel alternatives

SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has, with leading air carriers and Honeywell’s UOP, a refining technology developer, established a group to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable new aviation fuels. With support and advice from the world’s leading environmental organizations, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group makes commercial aviation the first global transportation sector to voluntarily drive sustainability practices into its fuel supply chain. The group’s charter is to enable the commercial use of renewable fuel sources that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while lessening commercial aviation’s exposure to oil price volatility and dependence on fossil fuels. Airlines supporting the sustainable fuels initiative include Air France, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Cargolux, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, SAS and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Collectively, they account for approximately 15 percent of commercial jet fuel use.

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23/09/08: Eclipse Aviation and ETIRC Aviation Gain Approval and Financing for Russian Production Facility: Eclipse 500 jets to be assembled in state-of-the-art Ulyanovsk factory

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — September 23, 2008 — Today Eclipse Aviation®, manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), announced that the Russian State Bank Vnesheconombank (VEB) Supervisory Board, chaired by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, has approved the construction of a factory in Ulyanovsk, Russia to assemble the Eclipse 500 Jet®. VEB announced that it expects to finance the project in full, with a total value of $205 million. VEB and the Ulyanovsk region administration will be among the shareholders of the enterprise. “VEB’s decision to support the Eclipse 500® at this level, illustrates the strength of the global demand for this amazing jet,” said Roel Pieper, Eclipse Aviation CEO. “Obtaining this approval and financing is an enormous step forward in our efforts to globalize the Eclipse 500 and create a highly-competitive worldwide business model for Eclipse Aviation.”

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22/09/08: Embraer holds maintenance cost workshop: “Maintenance Benchmark” and “Increasing Flight Availability” will be in focus

São José dos Campos, September 22, 2008 – Embraer holds the eighth edition of its Maintenance Cost Workshop (MCW), in São José dos Campos, Brazil, September 22 to 26. This annual meeting works to reduce maintenance costs, through an exchange of experiences among operators, suppliers, service centers, and Embraer. The event will be dedicated to the ERJ 145 and E-Jets commercial aviation programs. “We expect to receive many operators of the ERJ 145 and E-Jets families,” said Acir Padilha, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support – Airline Market. “The MCW is a unique opportunity for our customers, Embraer and partners to share and learn good maintenance practices, enrich their knowledge, and apply it in the different operational conditions faced by each airline.”

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22/09/08: Boeing Appoints Fakher Daghestani as Middle East Communications Director

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 22, 2008 — Boeing [NYSA: BA] has appointed Fakher Daghestani as its director of corporate communications for the Middle East, with responsibility for developing the company’s communications strategies and engaging with key stakeholders across the region. For the past eight years Fakher was senior regional operations director with ASDA’A, the Middle East’s largest PR agency. Prior to that he worked at Intermarkets Public Relations and also spent time as a journalist with Al Khaleej and Sharjah Television in the UAE. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the College of Arts and Human Sciences, in Homs, Syria. “The Middle East contains critical markets for us and communications plays a key role in furthering positive relationships and brand presence,” said Paul Kinscherff, president of Boeing Middle East. “We are very pleased to add Fakher’s 18 years of local experience with numerous premier companies to benefit Boeing and its constituencies.”

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19/09/08: First Airbus A380 delivered to Qantas

Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, has received the first of 20 Airbus A380s on order, at a ceremony in Toulouse, France. The Rolls-Royce powered aircraft was handed over to Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Dixon and Qantas CEO-Designate, Alan Joyce by Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. Geoff Dixon said: “When we ordered our A380 in 2000, we said that in addition to giving us the opportunity to reinvent our product, this revolutionary new aircraft offered capacity and operating savings, as well as environmental improvements. Everything we have seen since our initial order has reinforced this view.” Qantas’ A380 cabin was created by internationally renowned designer Marc Newson. Typically the A380 seats 525 passengers in three-classes, however Qantas’ cabin is extra spacious with 450 seats (14 First, 72 Business, 32 Premium Economy and 332 Economy).

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19/09/08: Croatia Airlines Orders Two Bombardier Q400 Nextgen Airliners

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Croatia Airlines of Zagreb has signed a contract to acquire two Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The airline has also taken options for an additional four aircraft. The transaction represents the conversion of two options taken for Q400 aircraft which was announced on June 4, 2007 when Croatia Airlines also placed a firm order for four Q400 aircraft. Two of those aircraft have already been delivered. Based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the value of the order announced today is approximately $57 million US. The value could increase to $180 million US if all four options are exercised.

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18/09/08: Gulfstream adds authorized warranty repair facility in Madrid, Spain: CORJET Europe Is 10th Such Facility Worldwide

SAVANNAH, Ga., September 18, 2008 –Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has added CORJET Europe in Madrid, Spain, as a Gulfstream Authorized Warranty Repair Facility. This is the result of an agreement signed recently by Gulfstream and CORJET Europe. CORJET Europe is a joint venture between Iberia Group and Gestair Group, both of which are based in Spain. The Madrid-based CORJET Europe facility currently services the Gulfstream G550, G200, GV, GIV-SP and GIV aircraft. In addition to basic line maintenance, Gulfstream Authorized Warranty Repair Facilities provide detailed maintenance services, including scheduled maintenance checks and inspections. Maintenance on Gulfstream aircraft in fulfillment of Gulfstream’s manufacturer’s warranties is also performed.

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18/09/08: Gulfstream delivers 200th Gulfstream G200: Ceremony Held At Gulfstream Dallas Facility

SAVANNAH, Ga., September 18, 2008 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today delivered its 200th large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200 business jet. The company celebrated the milestone at the Gulfstream Completions Center of Excellence for mid-cabin aircraft in Dallas, Texas, where the business jet was outfitted and painted. It was manufactured at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) plant in Israel, where Gulfstream and IAI leaders marked the roll-out and Certificate of Airworthiness for the unfinished 200th G200 on June 4, 2008. The ceremony in Dallas recognized Gulfstream employees who help complete both the G200 and the G150 and concluded with Dennis Stuligross, senior vice president, Operations, Gulfstream, turning the aircraft over to its owner, ALATAU A.V.V. of Aruba.

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18/09/08: Bombardier Aerospace Assumes Complete Structural Development And Manufacturing Of Learjet 85 Business Jet

Learjet terminates development agreement with Grob Aerospace - Confirms commitment to the Learjet 85 program and schedule. Bombardier Aerospace today announced it is assuming complete responsibility for the detail design and manufacturing of all primary and secondary structures for the all-new Bombardier Learjet 85 midsize business jet. Learjet has terminated its development agreement with Grob Aerospace AG of Switzerland. “Given the uncertainty surrounding Grob’s insolvency, Learjet has decided to terminate its agreement with Grob Aerospace, effective Sept. 17, 2008. Bombardier Aerospace is taking decisive action and this decision reflects our strong commitment to both the Learjet 85 aircraft program and to a growing number of leading business jet customers worldwide who have selected this exciting, all-new midsize business jet,” stated Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

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17/09/08: Gulfstream marks entry-into-service anniversaries for the G550 and the GIV-SP: Aircraft Entered Service 10 Years Apart

SAVANNAH, Ga., September 17, 2008 –Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), recently marked milestone entry-into-service anniversaries for the Gulfstream G550 and the Gulfstream GIV-SP. The first G550 entered service five years ago, on Sept. 17, 2003. The first GIV-SP entered service 10 years earlier, on Sept. 15, 1993. Gulfstream introduced the large-cabin, ultra-long-range G550 in September 2002. The business jet received its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type and Production certificates on Aug. 14, 2003, making it the first time in Gulfstream history that both certificates were received on the same day. The G550 features twin Rolls-Royce BR710 engines, each of which provides 15,385 pounds of thrust. The G550 has a range of 6,750 nautical miles and a maximum speed of Mach 0.885. It has established almost 40 city-pair speed records and is the most technologically advanced in-service aircraft in the Gulfstream fleet. As of June 30, 2008, the 182 G550/G500 aircraft in service had a dispatch reliability rate of 99.86 percent.

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16/09/08: Embraer makes first E-Jets sale to Montenegro Airlines: The Eastern European airline already operates an EMBRAER 195 under a leasing contract

São José dos Campos, September 16, 2008 – Embraer announced the sale of the first EMBRAER 195 jet to Montenegro Airlines, today. The agreement with the airline from the Republic of Montenegro also includes purchase rights for two more aircraft of the same model. The value of the deal, at list price, is US$ 39.5 million, and could total US$ 118.5 million, if all of the purchase rights are exercised. The EMBRAER 195 for Montenegro Airlines will comfortably seat 116 passengers in a singleclass layout and delivery is expected in 2009. The company plans to use the new airplane for key markets on the European continent, including routes to cities like London and Moscow.

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16/09/08: Kansas City Hosts Bombardier Safety Standdown 2008

Bombardier’s industry leading safety seminar will boast exceptional knowledge-based training, as in previous years, but in a new location: The Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Held annually in Wichita, Kansas for the past 11 years, Safety Standdown 2008 will open the doors on its 12th edition to up to 600 attendees in Kansas City from October 20-23, 2008.

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16/09/08: Bombardier Aerospace Welcomes Prime Minister Brown

Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, today welcomed the UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, to its Queen’s Island facility. Mr Brown met senior management, trade unions, and employees representing all parts of the company which this year is marking a century of aircraft innovation. The Prime Minister was officially greeted by Sir George Quigley, Chairman of Short Brothers plc and Michael Watty, Vice President, Advanced composites and Industrial strategy, Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast. During a guided tour of a display which outlined the company’s pioneering developments in aircraft over the past 100 years, the Prime Minister met many employees including those engaged in engineering research and development, shop-floor operations, environmental management, customer support, as well as Bombardier apprentices and employees who have recently qualified under the Engineering Skills for Industry programme, a training scheme sponsored by Bombardier in an area of high unemployment in Belfast.

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15/09/08: Air Caraibes launches the Airbus A350-1000 in Europe

French Caribbean carrier Air Caraïbes has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for three A350-1000 aircraft, and is with this purchase decision becoming the European launch customer for the largest version of the A350 XWB. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s network from Paris to the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique and soon to French Guyana. They will be configured in three classes with a total of 440 seats. “The A350 XWB will continue the track record of spectacular efficiency and low operating costs we already experience with the A330”, said Jean-Paul Dubreuil, President of Air Caraïbes. “Aircraft commonality, which is unique to Airbus aircraft, will allow our pilots to transition efficiently to the A350 XWB. Most importantly, this aircraft assures lowest fuel burn, which perfectly matches our growth strategy,” he added. Air Caraïbes already operates a young all Airbus long haul fleet of two A330-200s and one A330-300, with three more aircraft of the same type (A330-300) on order. As the airline continues to add capacity on their popular long haul routes, the A350-1000 will become the backbone of the fleet.

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15/09/08: Airbus concluded nagotiations to sell its wing component and assemblies manufacturing uint at filton to GKN

Airbus and GKN have signed a contract under which GKN will purchase the wing component and assemblies manufacturing unit based at Airbus’ site at Filton, near Bristol, UK. This will result in all operational business, assets and activities, within the parameters agreed, being transferred to GKN. As a result of the transaction, GKN is fully supporting the Airbus Power8 initiative and making further investment in the unit in order that Filton will continue to play its important role in Airbus’ current and future programmes.

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15/09/08: London Executive Aviation (LEA) aircraft management expertise underlined through latest Citation Excel fleet addition

London, England, September 15, 2008 – London Executive Aviation’s (http://www.flylea.com/) standing as one of the UK’s foremost Cessna Citation Excel operators has been affirmed with the addition of a further Cessna Citation Excel to its AOC (Air Operator Certificate). LEA sourced the new aircraft, G-XLGB, from another operator, acting on behalf of a long-standing charter customer who has made the step up to full aircraft ownership. LEA, one of Europe’s largest private jet charter operators, is to provide full aircraft management services for the jet, which is available for immediate charter from its new base at Stansted. G-XLGB is configured to carry up to nine passengers, has a maximum range of 1,800 nautical miles and a top speed of 480 mph, making it an ideal aircraft for European business and leisure travel.

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15/09/08: Gulfstream G450 and G350 in-service fleet surpasses 100,000 flight hours: G450 and G350 Operators Also Top 50,000 Takeoffs and Landings

SAVANNAH, Ga., September 16, 2008 – The large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G450 and the large-cabin, mid-range G350 business-jet fleet recently surpassed 100,000 flight hours, achieving the milestone less than four years after the first G450 entered service on May 7, 2005. The fleet leader accounted for more than 2,600 of those hours, while more than 115 additional G450 and G350 aircraft in service around the world contributed the remainder. The in-service G450/G350 fleet has a 12-month dispatch reliability rate of 99.85 percent.

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15/09/08: Embraer to attend Russia’s prmeier business aviation event: Company will display the Legacy 600 executive aircraft at JetExpo 2008, in Moscow

São José dos Campos, September 15, 2008 – Embraer will participate in the third Russian international business aviation exhibition, JetExpo 2008 (www.JetExpo.ru), at the Crocus Expo complex, Pavilion 2, Hall 7, in Moscow, Russia, September 17-19. The Company agenda includes promoting its expanded family of executive jets at booth B130, and showcasing the Legacy 600 in the static display at the Avia Business Terminal in Vnukovo-3 Airport.

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15/09/08: Embraer opens Executive Jets Service Center in Mesa, Arizona: New facilities in the U.S. provide full-service care for Embraer executive jets

São José dos Campos, September 15, 2008 – Embraer celebrates the opening of its 47,700 square-foot (4,431 square-meter) hangar, today, at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, in Mesa, Arizona, United States. The new facility is dedicated to full-service care for the Company’s Phenom 100, Phenom 300, Legacy 450, Legacy 500 and Legacy 600 executive jets. “The grand opening of this service center reinforces Embraer’s long-term commitment to providing a full-service support network for its growing fleet of executive jets in North America and signals its readiness for the Phenom 100 to enter service,” said Edson Carlos Mallaco, Embraer Vice President, Customer Support and Services, Executive Jets. “The Mesa facility is part of the Company’s investment of over US$ 100 million in the infrastructure and organization needed to ensure convenient and efficient support and services to its executive jets customers. ”

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