November 2008

Boeing engineers to vote on latest contract offer

(November 29, 2008)

This coming Monday, the second largest Boeing union will vote on the latest offer from the American airplane manufacturer. This vote, which consists of more than 20,000 members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), will determine whether the aircraft company will suffer another strike in its Seattle-based manufacturing plants. This development comes 58 days after the engineers went on strike. The two sides reached a temporary agreement a couple of weeks ago; however the contract must be approved by the simple majority for ratification through a postal ballot. “Two contracts are at stake,” according to a report from AirWiseNews.com. “The first covers 13,898 Boeing engineers and the second covers 6,576 technical workers. The vast majority work at Boeing’s Seattle-area plants, but some are also located in Oregon, Utah and California. Both contracts are set to expire on December 1.” In addition to that, the SPEEA members will also vote on strike authorization—which gives union organizers the go signal to call for another strike, as long as they’re backed by the simple majority. Sources claim that the outcome of the deal is unlikely to happen, since history say that Boeing workers have only gone on strike in a select few times.  

Boeing Advances Live Virtual and Constructive Training Capability

(November 27, 2008)

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has built on the success of Project Alpine, last year’s Integrated-Live, Virtual and Constructive (I-LVC) training proof-of-concept demonstration, with a second demonstration conducted last week in St. Louis. Boeing used existing technologies to network an F-15E aircraft (live) with an F-15E simulator (virtual), while integrating computer-generated threats (constructive) into both environments. "Spiral Two of Project Alpine builds on last year’s successful air-to-air training, bringing in a new, sophisticated, air-to-ground capability," said Mark McGraw, vice president for Boeing Training Systems and Services. "Through the use of I-LVC technology, we can improve the effectiveness of any training mission by increasing the intensity and responsiveness of threats that warfighters face during their exercises. This will help prepare them for the realities of a live-combat situation." "The Alpine Team demonstrated some tremendous capabilities for the warfighter. The ability of an aircrew to perceive synthetic and virtual systems in the same manner as they perceive live systems is vital for effective training," said U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel R. Walker, commander, Mesa Research Site, and chief, Warfighter Readiness Research Division. "Twenty-first century warfare demands we find cost-effective ways to improve the realism of our training. Capabilities like those demonstrated by the Project Alpine team represent a major step forward in that endeavor." During the demonstration, Boeing F-15E pilots completed a three-sortie, progressive mission designed to demonstrate several new training capabilities. In the first sortie, one live and one virtual F-15E aircraft targeted and destroyed computer-generated ground targets using simulated ordnance. In the second sortie, the pilots had to defeat computer-generated pop-up air and ground threats before completing the original mission. The last sortie featured virtual command-and-control resources using the live Link-16 datalink to assign the live and virtual F-15E pilots to time-sensitive targets, simulating real-world communications. "I-LVC eliminates the geographical constraints of having to train over existing ranges, allowing pilots to train virtually in almost any operating area," said McGraw. "By removing these constraints, pilots can be exposed to more scenarios in a shorter period of time, at an affordable cost." The technology behind the I-LVC demonstration significantly decreases the number of live assets needed to run a multiship training operation. With this capability, a training exercise that would have required six operational, crewed aircraft now requires only one, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits. "Boeing is continuing to follow its research plan and will conduct its third spiral of the proof-of-concept demonstration next year," said McGraw. "The focus of Spiral Three will be the integration of a live platform into a Distributed Mission Operations virtual and constructive multisite mission." 

Airbus seeks bailout from the government

(November 27, 2008)

Airbus recently pulled out from a market-based alternative to a system of government loans, which are central to a major trade row in the United States. Prior to this, the European aircraft manufacturer has never sought support from the European government to develop its aircrafts. However, with the economic crunch all financial alternatives have been dried up. “They had ideas three or four months ago for a more market-oriented approach, but now there is no money available,” said Germany’s State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Peter Hintze. He continued, “The financial crisis pushed everything back. Now we are looking again at government loans.” “Germany is willing to discuss Airbus’s next plane, the A350, using this model, if it is compatible with world trade rules,” Hintze said.  

Avio NG gets new avionics system

(November 25, 2008)

Last week, Eclipse Aviation announced that it has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an upgraded NG Total Aircraft Integration avionics system, which features a dual Garmin GPS 400W for the Eclipse 500. “The inclusion of Garmin units into Avio NG offers state-of-the-art GPS navigation and situational awareness features to Eclipse 500 operators,” commented Roel Pieper, CEO of Eclipse Aviation. “When coupled with FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) certification, receiving certification for the upgraded Avio NG suite paved the way to certifying the aircraft for European operations, which Eclipse also announced today.” According to the Eclipse press release, the dual Garmin GPS 400W provides “flight path depiction and navigational source selection on the avionics system’s primary and multi-function displays.” It also includes the following features: •    Point-to-point area navigation (RNAV) capability; •    Autopilot enhancements, including: •    Coupled GPS/RNAV lateral navigation (LNAV) capability; •    Coupled precision and non-precision instrument approach capability, including VOR, localizer, ILS, and GPS; •    Flight director only modes; •    Takeoff and go-around guidance, including dual-engine autopilot coupled go-around capability; and •    Improved minimum engagement and use heights. •    Upgraded electronic weight and balance tool; and •    Various additional software upgrades.  

Airbus plans to cut output in favor of financing

(November 25, 2008)

If the economy continues to plummet, Airbus is willing to cut output to boost company financing. This marks the first time the aircraft manufacturer has ever done so, since the 9/11 attacks in the United States. With the extra revenue, Airbus will help airlines with financing and purchases, as credit becomes scarce. This was mentioned by the aircraft manufacturer’s chief executive—Tom Enders—in a related press release. The financial crisis follows up a spike in oil prices—something Airbus barely recovered from. That’s why the company anticipated a decrease in orders for 2009. In October 2008, Airbus canned a plan to increase production by as much as 10 percent, which is designed to trim down pending order backlogs. However, an unpredictable credit crisis and decreased air travel threatened the company with deferrals and cancellations. “We are not in a bad position as we go into this (financial crisis) situation but we do not exclude further action if the situation deteriorates further,” Enders mentioned in a recent press meeting. “Much depends on how long credit squeeze lasts,” Enders continued. “In principle financing will remain lucrative as aircraft are mobile assets, especially modern, fuel efficient ones.”  

EADS to sell Airbus factories in Germany and France

(November 24, 2008)

Last Monday, an EADS spokesperson confirmed that the company is still planning to sell Airbus factories in Germany and France. Airbus had planned to cut 10,000 jobs and sell six factories as a part of its “Power 8” restructuring plan, which is aimed at cutting costs to alleviate losses from delays of aircraft production. One factory has already been sold to a consortium of Germany’s Diehl and France’s Thales. And earlier this month, Airbus confirmed that another plant has already been sold. The remaining plants will be acquired into two new companies: Premium Aerotec and Aerolia.  

NATO Moves Forward With Agreement to Acquire Boeing C-17s

(November 24, 2008)

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the NATO Airlift Management Agency (NAMA) general manager, on behalf of the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) nations, has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. government for the acquisition of two Boeing C-17 Globemaster III long-range cargo jets. The agreement follows NATO’s Oct. 1 announcement that the 12 SAC nations had formally agreed to move forward with the acquisition of C-17s, which will address national requirements for strategic airlift. "We’re pleased that SAC nations are moving quickly to meet their critical needs with the C-17 Globemaster III," said Tommy Dunehew, International C-17 program manager for Boeing. "The C-17 is well-suited to meet the requirements of NATO and each of the sovereign nations, and it continues to be regarded as the backbone of international airlift missions, supporting numerous contingency, humanitarian relief, and peacekeeping efforts around the world." Under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense and NAMA, two of the advanced airlifters would be purchased from Boeing, while a third would be provided by the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft would be assigned to SAC’s Heavy Airlift Wing and jointly operated by the nations from Pápa Air Base, Hungary. Each participating nation would pay for a portion of a C-17 rather than an entire aircraft, allowing them to share a pooled fleet. The 12 nations participating in the SAC Program are Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and the United States. "The agreement with Boeing is a significant step forward in the ability of NATO and partner nations to respond to a critical shortfall in Alliance and national capabilities," said Gunnar Borch, NAMA general manager. "It has been made possible by nations working together, pooling resources and sharing costs to develop a collective capability beyond the reach of, or not practical for, many nations individually." The C-17 fleet will allow each nation to meet its airlift requirements to support sovereign and multinational mission requirements. NATO does not currently own a heavy airlift capability and frequently contracts with nations such as the United States and Russia for assistance with its heavy airlift requirements. "We’re looking forward to delivering the first SAC C-17 as early as spring 2009," said Jean Chamberlin, vice president and general manager, Boeing Global Mobility Systems. "We’ll follow that with delivery of the other two aircraft in the summer." The SAC agreement calls for Boeing to establish a facility at Pápa Air Base to provide C-17 logistics support under the current C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP), a performance based logistics contract. Boeing is currently contracted to provide logistics support to the 194 operational C-17s worldwide — 180 with the U.S. Air Force; six with the Royal Air Force (UK); four with the Royal Australian Air Force, and four with the Canadian Forces. Boeing received a contract in July to provide the C-17 to Qatar, with deliveries starting in late summer 2009. GSP has provided the Air Force with the best mission-capable rate in military airlift history. A high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed aircraft with a rear-loading ramp, the C-17 can carry large combat equipment and troops or humanitarian aid across international distances directly to small austere airfields anywhere in the world. With a payload of up to 170,000 pounds, the C-17 can take off from a 7,600-foot airfield, fly 2,400 nautical miles and land in 3,000 feet or less. 

Embraer to hold operators conference in Australia

(November 24, 2008)

Last week, Embraer held the tenth edition of its Australian Operators Conference (EOC) for the EMB Brasilia aircraft, which took place in Darwin, Australia. The conference will be titled, “Embraer: Always Supporting your Airline.” “The tenth edition of the Embraer Operators Conference Australia marks 30 years of the Company’s presence in Asia Pacific, and is a confirmation of our continuous support to operators of the Brasilia in the region,” said Acir Padilha, VP of Customer Support – Airline Market. “The event is a remarkable opportunity for customers, suppliers, service providers, and civil aviation officials to share information and knowledge about the airline market.” The Conference was attended by five Australian airline operators that own a total of 23 EMB 120 Brasilia aircrafts. In addition to that, representatives from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) were also in attendance.  

Brit band Oasis plans to buy private jet

(November 21, 2008)

Renowned rock band ‘Oasis,’ is planning to order their own private jet to transport them during tours, as revealed by band member Noel Gallagher. On the band’s website, Gallagher wrote, “We’re making serious enquiries as to how much one of these private jets cost. We think with a bit of creative accounting we could probably afford one.” Gallagher even thought of a name for the band’s private jet, “We’ve christened ours ‘The Credit Crunch’. It’s the only way to fly.”  

Brit band ‘Oasis’ plans to buy private jet

(November 21, 2008)

Renowned rock band ‘Oasis,’ is planning to order their own private jet to transport them during tours, as revealed by band member Noel Gallagher. On the band’s website, Gallagher wrote, “We’re making serious enquiries as to how much one of these private jets cost. We think with a bit of creative accounting we could probably afford one.” Gallagher even thought of a name for the band’s private jet, “We’ve christened ours ‘The Credit Crunch’. It’s the only way to fly.”  

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