December 2008
Overwhelming participation in “Fly Your Ideas” Airbus competition
(December 26, 2008)The international competition "Fly Your Ideas" launched by Airbus on 14th October 2008 is proving to be a great success. The competition challenged student teams worldwide to come up with innovative ideas to shape the future of aviation and to develop eco-efficient ideas to bring further enhancements to our industry. The competition has seen an overwhelming response with over 2350 students registering to take part, and 225 teams from 130 universities completing round 1 of the competition. The geographical diversity of the entrants is remarkable, with students from 82 countries worldwide taking part* including established as well as emerging markets. In terms of the number of teams participating per country, the top 10 includes China, Singapore, UK, India, France, Italy, Germany, US, Canada and Hong Kong. Round 1 of the competition is now closed and 86 team proposals have been selected to go through to Round 2, by Airbus experts in various fields such as R&T, environment, engineering or marketing. The proposals look at a wide range of topics including new materials, products and/or processes as well as aircraft performance, design, manufacturing and organisational and operational performance. Details about the successful teams and their proposals will be posted on line on the "Fly Your Ideas" website after Round 2 begins on 1st January 2009. The next stage will involve Airbus employees working with the selected teams to further develop their proposals. "We are delighted with the response that we have received from the supporting universities and all the participating students. This confirms that, wherever you are in the world, the innovation that is at the heart of our industry can inspire the best in creative thinking" says Patrick Gavin, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Engineering and patron of the "Fly Your Ideas" competition. It also underlines the sincere interest that exists to tackle environmental issues within the younger generation. "Fly Your Ideas" challenge provides a rare opportunity for students to influence the future of sustainable aviation. The quality of the proposals has been exceptionally high and we are looking forward to working closely with the successful teams to further develop their innovative ideas". he adds. The competition was opened to college and university students from around the world, studying a degree, Masters or PhD in any academic discipline, from engineering to marketing, business to science and philosophy to design. The teams will advance through different competitive and challenging rounds, concluding with a live final at the Paris Air Show Le Bourget in June 2009. A top prize of €30,000 will be offered to the team whose idea demonstrates the greatest potential for eco-efficiency improvement.
Cessna sets record with 1000 European Citation deliveries
(December 18, 2008)This week, Textron-owned Cessna Aircraft Company set a new record by becoming the first business aircraft manufacturer to achieve a European fleet size of 1,000 jets. The 1000th took place when the aircraft manufacturer delivered a Citation XLS to Turkish charter BONAIR. BONAIR president Ates Hanibu was presented with the 1000th aircraft in a ceremony at Cessna’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, by Cessna’s president and CEO Jack J. Pelton along with other Cessna executives. BONAIR has been operating Cessna aircrafts for over two decades, and considers itself as part of the Cessna family. The operator’s last delivery was purchased to meet a growing demand for business aviation in Turkey. Hanibu explains, “BONAIR has enjoyed great success in meeting the air travel needs of Turkey’s business leaders. The Citation Bravo and Cessna Caravan have both performed well for us, and we are delighted to now offer the additional cabin space and range of the Citation XLS.” “This delivery marks a significant milestone both for Cessna and our industry,” asserts Pelton. “It underlines that European companies increasingly value business aviation as a tool when time is of the essence and further demonstrates how well suited the Citation product family is for the travel requirements of the region. We are proud of the strong relationships we enjoy with European customers and look forward to the continued growth of our fleet.” At a global scale, Cessna has delivered more than 5,400 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world.
Airbus tests Blended Winglet technology on the A320
(December 18, 2008)Airbus has begun flight-testing of Blended Winglet devices on the Airbus A320. The new Blended Winglet technology, which was developed by Aviation Partners Inc. (API), is specially engineered for the A320 Family for these tests. The flight tests aim to identify the performance and the economic benefits these devices offer for the Airbus aircraft. With the help of follow-up analyses, engineers will provide data on overall viability to help determine if the design can be integrated into the Airbus programme. The whole project is part of a wider program that aims to extend the company’s market-leading eco-efficient credentials. The new research track builds on previously performed tests of two different winglet designs by Airbus, which took place two years ago. “We continue to work on further improving the eco-efficiency of all our aircraft,” said Patrick Gavin, executive VP of engineering for Airbus. “These early evaluation tests are a milestone that need to be achieved long before implementation. The A320 Family is the most efficient in its class, and we continuously study potential improvements to keep it unmatched for the years to come.” The latest flight test will be conducted using the A320—the same plane that was used in previous Blended Winglet tests. Airbus continues to evaluate wing-tip designs to further innovate designs to reduce structural load.
Airbus tests Blended Winglet technology on the A320
(December 18, 2008)Airbus has begun flight-testing of Blended Winglet devices on the Airbus A320. The new Blended Winglet technology, which was developed by Aviation Partners Inc. (API), is specially engineered for the A320 Family for these tests. The flight tests aim to identify the performance and the economic benefits these devices offer for the Airbus aircraft. With the help of follow-up analyses, engineers will provide data on overall viability to help determine if the design can be integrated into the Airbus programme. The whole project is part of a wider program that aims to extend the company’s market-leading eco-efficient credentials. The new research track builds on previously performed tests of two different winglet designs by Airbus, which took place two years ago. “We continue to work on further improving the eco-efficiency of all our aircraft,” said Patrick Gavin, executive VP of engineering for Airbus. “These early evaluation tests are a milestone that need to be achieved long before implementation. The A320 Family is the most efficient in its class, and we continuously study potential improvements to keep it unmatched for the years to come.” The latest flight test will be conducted using the A320—the same plane that was used in previous Blended Winglet tests. Airbus continues to evaluate wing-tip designs to further innovate designs to reduce structural load.
Lucky Jets Private Jet Company Teams Up with Golf Adventures
(December 17, 2008)Lucky Jets, a leading provider of private jet travel services, recently announced a strategic partnership with Golf Adventures aimed at providing luxurious golf travel packages to some of the world’s most exclusive golf course destinations. The shared clientele of the two companies was the driving force behind the partnership. By combining our services, we are able to offer our customers the very best of both companies, said Reza Karamooz, founder and CEO of Lucky Jets. Already available to our discerning clients, the First Ultimate Golfer’s Dream Vacation package is now taking reservations at $24,999 per person for 7 Days, 6 Nights, 9 Rounds of Golf, 6 Fine Dinners, Limo Transportation, around the clock VIP Host, and Private Jet Service between the 3 cities of Las Vegas, Scottsdale, and Pebble Beach. This is typical of the all-inclusive travel packages to renowned golf destinations such as Las Vegas, Cabo, Scottsdale and Pebble Beach offered by Lucky Jets / Golf Adventures. "These private jet all-inclusive golf vacation packages are designed to give golfers an exquisitely perfect golf experience that they won’t find anywhere else," said Karamooz. Ultimate Golfer’s Dream Vacation Packages typically include private jet service to and from multiple top 100 golf courses around the world over a period of several days, overnight luxury resort accommodations, fine dining, limousine service, refreshments, caddy service and around-the-clock concierge service. Packages are fully customizable and range in cost from $3,999 to $29,999 per person. For more information on booking your Ultimate Golfer’s Dream Vacation call: 1-888-8LUCKYJETS (888-858-2595) or 1-877-777-9459.
Gulfstream hosts aviation program for kids
(December 16, 2008)Gulfstream Aerospace partnered with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) to host the “Look Up” event held in Savannah. The event sought to encourage elementary, middle school, and high school students to explore possible careers in aviation. Students were guided by GAMA communications director Katie Pribyl through an actual Cirrus SR22 aircraft. As the 30 students walked through the plane, Pribyl discussed possible careers in aviation. The group even proceeded to the cockpit to explore controls and avionics. Three students from the Gulfstream youth apprentice program received 30-minute flights in the SR22. “This is a great way to get students excited about aviation,” Pribyl commented. “A shortage of trained technical graduates is affecting every sector of the aerospace industry. Our mission is a nationwide campaign to encourage kids of all ages to explore careers in this great industry."
Embraers Phenom 100 executive jet receives US FAA type certificate
(December 12, 2008)Embraer’s Phenom 100 entry level executive jet was certified today by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All design goals were met or even surpassed. First deliveries begin next week. “We are thrilled to announce that the Phenom 100 is certified by the FAA, as planned, confirming all of the exceptional performance characteristics previously approved by ANAC,” said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice President, Executive Jets. “U.S. certification validates the jet’s design and its suitability for one of the most important business aviation markets.” The FAA granted U.S. Type Certificate based upon Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency’s (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil – ANAC) Type Certificate issued on December 9. EASA certification is expected for the second quarter of 2009.
Vietnam Airlines order six ATR72s
(December 12, 2008)Last Friday, national carrier Vietnam Airlines have signed an order to buy six turboprop ATR 72-500s from ATR. This deal was finalized, despite a struggling tourism industry in the country. The first plane is scheduled for delivery in June 2009 and the last delivery would be met by February 2010. “With today’s purchase of six further ATR 72-500s, we will satisfy the increasing demand for services on short-haul routes,” Pham Ngoc Minh—Vietnam Airlines chief executive—said in speech in Hanoi. Vietnam Airlines is under pressure to boost the country’s tourism decline. The Hanoi-based airline now has 20 aircrafts in its fleet, including three ATR 72-500s and seven ATR 72-200s. Minh also mentioned that they will gradually replace old models (ATR 72-200s) with newer models (ATR 72-500s) between July 2009 and May 2010.
Boeing C17 Aircrew Training System Goes Into Operation at Dover AFB
(December 11, 2008)The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force held a ceremony Dec. 5 to mark delivery of the new C-17 Aircrew Training System (ATS) to Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Del. The ATS began operation on Nov. 21 — more than four months ahead of schedule. It provides training to C-17 Globemaster III airlifter crews from Air Mobility Command and Air Force Reserve Command. "In the past, aircrews at Dover had to travel to McGuire AFB [N.J.] and the Air National Guard base at Jackson [Miss.] to meet their training requirements," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems and Services. "By delivering this capability to Dover, we are able to save the customer time, money and aircrew availability." "It’s great to just walk across the street to do the training. Finally, it feels like we are at a C-17 base," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jess Windsor, Evaluator Loadmaster, 326th Airlift Squadron. Boeing has developed, operates and supports 10 U.S. C-17 ATS sites and expects to expand to three more within and outside the United States by 2010. With a tradition of successfully delivering C-17 aircrew training to the U.S. Air Force since 1992, Boeing has also become the C-17 training provider of choice for customers from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. The key elements in the ATS are the Weapons Systems Trainer (WST) — a highly realistic, full-motion simulator used for pilot training — and the loadmaster station, which is a training device used by loadmaster students to perform preflight operations, operate aircraft systems and practice emergency procedures. The WST in Dover’s ATS is the 20th to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Boeing’s C-17 training contract with the Air Force also includes an option for an additional WST to be delivered to Charleston AFB, S.C. If that option is exercised, it will be the fourth WST Boeing has delivered to Charleston. "The Charleston WST will be the first Air Force trainer we deliver that has simulated avionics instead of physical aircraft avionics," said Tracy Mead, C-17 ATS program manager for Boeing. "We plan to upgrade all of the existing WSTs with this technology, which means that we will be able to return the physical avionics to the C-17 aircraft program, allowing it to increase its spares inventory."
China encourages postponement of aircraft orders
(December 10, 2008)The Chinese aviation regulator is encouraging domestic airlines to postpone or cancel aircraft deliveries, because of the poor economic prospects for 2009. The government believes that a slowing economy will curb the demand for air travel. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) encouraged carriers to retire old aircrafts, and they said they will not be approving new airlines before 2010. CACC also announced that they will not be raising take-off and landing fees in the first half of next year. And they will still continue to subsidize airlines that charter less profitable regional routes. The regulator is also taking steps to strengthen their alliance with local airlines to make them globally competitive. These developments can hurt major aircraft manufacturers that deal with Chinese airlines, particularly Boeing and Airbus. The rivals will surely be setting their sights on emerging markets to alleviate a lack of local economic growth from their home market.
