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AAR to Relocate Airlift Group to Melbourne, Florida

Named as one of ‘The Most Trustworthy Companies’ by Forbes Magazine, AAR Reaches Major Milestones with the Transformation of New Airlift and Modifications Businesses.

WOOD DALE, Ill., Nov. 8, 2010 — AAR announced today that it has selected Melbourne, Fla. as the new location for its airlift services and specialized aircraft modifications businesses, which the Company acquired in April 2010. Since completing the acquisition, AAR has installed a new leadership team and is rebranding the businesses as part of its overall integration strategy.

“When we acquired Aviation Worldwide Services and its subsidiaries earlier this year, we shared our plans to relocate the operations, transform the leadership team with our people to instill AAR values and rebrand the business,” said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AAR CORP. “I’m very pleased with the progress our team has made toward these goals and I look forward to being an important part of Melbourne’s business community and economy. I want to thank the State of Florida for their support and for working diligently to help make this move happen.”

The business will move to hangars, facilities and offices at and near Melbourne International Airport. The relocation will be conducted in phases and is expected to be completed by spring 2011. AAR will establish an on-site management team and begin hiring select positions immediately. The business is expected to create as many as 225 jobs by the end of 2012.

The business will operate as AAR Airlift Group, with airlift services provided by AAR Airlift and specialized aircraft modifications performed by AAR Aircraft Services – Melbourne. AAR Airlift Group is led by Jeffrey Schloesser, a former U.S. Army major general with more than 20 years of senior-level leadership and operations experience, which includes leading the Army’s modernization and transformation plan for a fleet of 4,000 aircraft and 76,000 personnel.

AAR collaborated with elected officials from the State, economic development groups and the city of Melbourne to identify locations that would support AAR’s requirement for world-class flight operations, warehousing and administrative facilities and to develop a partnership to ensure the future growth of the business.

“Aviation and aerospace is one of Florida’s targeted industries for stimulating economic growth and diversification; therefore, AAR’s entry is in line with our expansion strategy for this key sector,” said John Adams Jr., president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization. “This project has exemplified Florida’s competitiveness; our ability to attract progressive and innovative businesses as we compete in the global economy.”

Senate President–designate, Mike Haridopolos said, “We are pleased to welcome a company of AAR’s recognized quality and expertise to the Space Coast. Its relocation to Florida will create high-quality jobs, provide an instant economic boost, and solidify the leadership of the Space Coast in the defense and aerospace sectors.”

“This is fantastic news for the Space Coast,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who urged the company to relocate its airlift operations to Melbourne. “This move will bring much needed jobs to the area and provide a boost to the local economy. I applaud AAR’s decision to select Melbourne as the home for their airlift group.”

“Companies like AAR will create the types of jobs we need in Florida during this critical time of transition in the aerospace industry,” noted State Senator Thad Altman, who represents East Central Florida. “In addition, the technological expertise and capabilities of AAR could lead to a terrific partnership with the state of Florida in areas such as emergency management preparation and civil defense.”

“AAR is a highly respected, very successful company and we knew that this project would be extremely competitive,” said Lynda Weatherman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “We developed a creative package that showcased the Space Coast’s core capabilities, including the tax advantage benefits of a Florida location. We are delighted that AAR recognized our competitive advantages and look forward to the company’s success here at the Space Coast.”

“AAR is a great example of the type of company that will help Florida diversify its aerospace economy to position for success in the coming months and years,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “This company is well-established in the defense industry and will bring continued innovation to Florida’s aerospace industry. We are extremely pleased to welcome them to the Space Coast.”

AAR currently has facilities in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Medley and Miami, employing 1,200 highly-skilled workers and contributing approximately $150 million annually in economic impact to the state of Florida. At full employment, the new Melbourne location is projected to add an additional $42.3 million to the state’s economy.
“All over the country communities are working hard to land companies of AAR’s caliber. We’re fortunate Melbourne International Airport was chosen as the site for this significant expansion. It’s good for Melbourne. It’s good for the region,” said Harry Goode, Mayor of Melbourne and Chairman, Melbourne Airport Authority.

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  • Flight 447: Press release N° 8

    Paris, 02 June 2009 – 08:12 local time
    Press release N° 8
    How are Air France’s volunteers trained to assist relatives and friends of victims?
    Versão brasileira abaixo

    Overall, 4,000 Air France staff members are part of the voluntary programme to help in case of a crisis.

    These volunteers have four main tasks: contact with relatives and friends, logistical assistance, back-up at airports and telephone assistance.

    This programme was launched in November 1998 by the Chairman of Air France.

    Air France offers these volunteers three one-day training modules:

    – Theory (explaining what it means to be a volunteer and the commitments involved etc.) and practical training with a psychiatrist,

    – Theoretical and practical courses to train leaders whose role is to lead a group of volunteers and liaise with the Air France crisis centre,

    – Training on how to handle telephone calls when the Air France toll-free number is available.

    Yesterday, as soon as the news of flight AF 447 was announced, around one hundred volunteers were contacted to provide back-up to Air France teams in Paris and Rio. Others will be taking over later.
    Português

    Como os voluntários da Air France são treinados para acompanhar as famílias e parentes das vítimas?

    No total, 4 mil funcionários da Air France fazem parte de um programa de voluntariado da companhia para serem acionados em situações de crise.

    Estes voluntários têm quatro missões principais: acolher famílias e parentes de vítimas, dar apoio logístico, reforçar equipes de aeroporto e dar assistência pelo telefone.

    Este programa foi lançado em novembro de 1998 pelo presidente da companhia.

    A Air France oferece aos voluntários módulos de treinamento de um dia:

    – Teoria (explicação dos princípios do voluntariado e seus compromissos, entre outros) e prática, na presença de um psicólogo.

    – Teoria e prática para treinar líderes para guiar um grupo de voluntários e fazer ligação com a equipe de crise da Air France.

    – Treinamento de escuta telefônica para preparar voluntários a atender ligações a partir do momento que um número de contato é disponibilizado.

    Desde o anúncio do desaparecimento do voo AF 447, uma centena de voluntários foi mobilizada para reforçar as equipes da Air France em Paris e no Rio de Janeiro. Outros poderão ser convocados nas próximas horas a fim de que haja um rodízio de equipes.

    Números toll free disponíveis para atendimento às famílias:

    Para todo o Brasil: 0800 881 2020;
    Para a França: 0800 800 812;
    Para outros países: + 33 1 57 02 10 55

    NB : Solicitamos aos jornalistas que NÃO liguem para estes números, reservados às famílias.
    Paris, 02 June 2009 – 07:25 local time
    Memo to the press
    Air France asks all journalists, and in particular those from the audio visual media, to respect the privacy of the relatives currently staying in hotels at Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

    Thank you for your cooperation.

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    Sixth Boeing 787 Makes First Flight, Testing Program Making Good Progress

    EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 4 — The final Boeing 787 Dreamliner to join the flight test fleet made its first flight today from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The airplane, ZA006, is the second 787 equipped with General Electric GEnx engines to fly.

    Captains Christine Walsh and Bill Roberson were at the controls during the 1 hour and 4 minute flight. The airplane landed at Boeing Field at 12:45 p.m. (Pacific time).

    “It’s great to have our last flight test airplane join the fleet,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We have been focused on completing the testing required for certification of the 787 with Rolls-Royce engines, because that is the first model we deliver. A great deal of the testing that we’ve done also applies to the 787s with GE engines and won’t need to be repeated,” said Fancher.

    There is, however, a smaller portion of testing that is unique to the engine/airframe combination. In general, this portion includes noise testing, extreme weather operations, function and reliability, and extended operations. In addition, testing to verify the airplane handles the same regardless of engine type and that the systems work on both models is required.

    Some additional flight tests will be performed on one of the production airplanes, the ninth 787 to be built, but it is not considered a full-time member of the flight test fleet.
    787 Testing Progress Report

    In addition to achieving first flight of ZA006, the Boeing test team has completed a number of flight test milestones in recent weeks.

    Boeing wrapped up a series of natural and artificial icing tests, meeting all requirements with no changes required. Pilots reported that the airplane continues to handle well even in the presence of ice.
    Flight loads survey testing, which demonstrates the pressure distribution on the airplane structure throughout the phases of flight in a variety of configurations, also has been completed. The team conducted this testing on ZA004 primarily at the airport at Victorville, Calif. Analysis of this testing continues.

    A dramatic series of tests that stress the airplane’s brakes, called maximum brake energy testing, was completed in late September at Edwards Air Force Base, also in California. ZA001 conducted this testing as well as a series of extreme takeoff and landing conditions including minimum takeoff speed testing. Earlier in the month, ZA001 completed wet runway testing at Roswell, NM.
    ZA003 flew to Glasgow, Mont., to complete community noise testing. All results were within expectations.

    As a result of these tests and others, all takeoff performance and handling characteristics testing is complete for the initial version of the 787. Additional testing will be required for 787s equipped with GE engines.

    The 787 flight test program has logged more than 1,900 hours over 620 flights and completed more than 65 percent of the flight test conditions for 787s with Rolls-Royce engines.
    Equally important to the testing required in the air is the ground testing required to certify a new airplane. Boeing has completed well over 4,000 hours of ground testing on the same airplanes that are in the flight test program.

    In addition, fatigue testing has started at a test rig in Everett. Fifteen flights have been simulated. Federal regulations require Boeing to conduct twice as many flight cycles as any airplane in revenue service. Boeing plans to have completed 10,000 flight cycles prior to first delivery.
    “We continue to be extremely satisfied with the performance of the 787 in its testing operations,” said Fancher. “This airplane handles wonderfully and will be a valuable tool for our customers.”

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    Southwest Airlines Selected by G.I. Jobs as One of 2011 Top Military Friendly Employers

    GI Jobs magazine recognized Southwest Airlines today as one of the top military friendly companies in the nation, with its eighth annual list honoring corporate best practices. To see the list visit: www.gijobs.com/top100pr.

    “Southwest Airlines is built upon the core values and strengths our Employees bring to the Company. The heart and soul of these men and women give us a competitive advantage and enduring strength,” said Jeff Lamb, Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief People Officer at Southwest. “As with the US Armed Forces, our People are highly skilled and reliable Employees who have the dedication, and training needed to get any job done.”

    The G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Employers(R) list, in its eighth year, serves as the primary benchmark of corporate recruiting programs aimed at veterans. The annual survey conducted by G.I. Jobs magazine is one of the primary tools used to determine the nation’s most Military Friendly Employers(R). “This isn’t about charity or patriotism. It’s about good business. The companies on our list understand that,” said Rich McCormack, who heads G.I. Jobs’ list research.

    To honor the more than 750 Employees who currently serve in the National Guard and Reserves, along with thousands of Customers who served or are serving in the Armed Forces, Southwest Airlines is proud to call November its “Military Heroes Month.” The airline is working with select nonprofit organizations across the country throughout November to thank and give back to military service members and their families. To see more about Southwest military celebrations please visit: nutsaboutsouthwest.com

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  • Flight 447: Press release N° 2

    Paris, 01 June 2009 – 13:10 local time
    Press release N° 2
    Versão brasileira abaixo

    Air France regrets to confirm the disappearance of flight AF 447 flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, scheduled to arrive at 11:10am local time today, as announced to the press by Air France CEO, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon.

    The Airbus A330-200, registration F-GZCP, left Rio on 31 May at 7:03pm local time (12:03am in Paris).

    The aircraft hit a zone of stormy weather with strong turbulence at 2am this morning (universal time), i.e. 4am in Paris. An automatic message was received from the aircraft at 2:14am (4 :14am in Paris) indicating a failure in the electric circuit a long way from the coast.

    The Brazilian, African, Spanish and French air traffic control centres all tried to make contact with flight AF 447 but to no avail. The French military air traffic control centre tried to detect the aircraft but did not succeed.

    216 passengers were on board: 126 men, 82 women, 7 children and one infant.

    There were 12 flight crew members: 3 pilots and 9 flight attendants.

    The flight captain had a record of 11,000 flight hours and had already flown 1,700 hours on Airbus A330/A340s.

    Of the two first officers, one had flown 3,000 flight hours (800 of which on the Airbus A330/A340) and the other 6,600 (2,600 on the Airbus A330/A340).

    The aircraft was powered by General Electric CF6-80E engines.

    The aircraft had totalled 18,870 flight hours and went into service on 18 April 2005.
    Its last maintenance check in the hangar took place on 16 April 2009.

    Air France fully shares the anxiety and distress of the families concerned. The families are being taken care of in a specially reserved area of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Terminal 2.

    A toll-free number has been opened at 0800 800 812 for calls from France,
    and + 33 1 57 02 10 55 for calls from outside France.
    NB: We ask journalists not to call this number, which is reserved for families and close relatives.

    Português
    A Air France lamenta informar o desaparecimento do voo AF 447 que efetuava a ligação entre Rio de Janeiro e Paris-Charles de Gaulle, chegada prevista às 11h10 (hora local), acaba de anunciar o Diretor Geral da Air France, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon.

    A aeronave, do tipo Airbus A330-200, matrícula F-GZCP, deixou o Rio dia 31 de maio às 19h03 (hora local).

    A aeronave atravessou uma zona de tempestade com fortes turbulências às 2 horas da manhã (horário TU) – 23 horas horário do Brasil. Uma mensagem automática foi recebida às 2h14 da manhã (horário TU = 23h14 horário do Brasil) indicando uma pane do circuito elétrico numa zona afastada da costa.

    O conjunto dos controles aéreos civis brasileiro, africano, espanhol e francês tentaram em vão estabelecer contato com o voo AF 447. O controle aéreo militar francês tentou detectar o avião, sem sucesso.

    216 passageiros estão a bordo : 126 homens, 82 mulheres, 7 crianças e um bebê.

    A tripulação é composta por 12 pessoas : 3 tripulantes técnicos e 9 comissários.

    O comandante tem 11 mil horas de voo e já tinha efetuado 1700 horas no Airbus A330/A340.

    Os dois co-pilotos possuem: um 3000 horas de voo, sendo 800 horas em Airbus A330/A340 e o outro 6600, sendo 2 600 em Airbus A330/A340.

    A aeronave é equipada de motores General Electric CF6-80E.

    O avião tem um total de 18 870 heures de voo e começou a operar em 18 de abril de 2005.

    A última visita de manutenção em hangar foi feita em 16 de abril de 2009.

    A Air France divide a emoção e a inquietação das famílias envolvidas. Os familiares serão recebidos num local especialmente reservado no aeroporto de Paris Charles de Gaulle 2 assim como no do Galeão.

    Um toll free está disponível :
    0800 881 2020 para o Brasil
    0800 800 812 para a França,
    e + 33 1 57 02 10 55 para outros países
    NB : Solicitamos aos jornalistas que NÃO liguem para este número, reservado às famílias

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  • | |

    Press Release – FAA Revokes Phoenix Heliparts Certificate

    For Immediate Release
    September 9, 2010
    Contact: Ian Gregor
    Phone: (310) 725-3580

    LOS ANGELES — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revoked the air agency certificate of Phoenix Heliparts, Inc., (PHI) of Mesa, Ariz., for allegedly performing improper repairs and deliberately falsifying maintenance records. PHI must surrender its certificate to the FAA, as required under the terms of the emergency revocation.
    The FAA alleges that PHI mechanics failed to follow its repair station and/or quality control manuals when repairing aircraft, and used incorrect parts. The FAA also alleges that on at least four occasions, the company made intentionally false entries in the aircraft maintenance records.

    “Safety is not optional for aviation companies. Whether repairing airplanes or helicopters, repair stations are required to follow maintenance rules and procedures,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

    Inspectors from the FAA’s Scottsdale Flight Service District Office inspected PHI Aug. 27, 2008, and found a variety of violations of the Federal Aviation Regulations. They included unauthorized use of an electronic recordkeeping system, failure to operate the maintenance shop according to its approved repair station and quality control manuals, and using unqualified people to perform the work.

    FAA inspectors reinspected PHI’s facility on Sept. 15 and 16, 2008, and discovered hundreds of additional discrepancies. These included identifying unserviceable parts as serviceable and retaining them for reuse; failure to document maintenance work and inspections; and failure to have and use approved data to guide major repairs and alterations.

    PHI performed major restoration work on a damaged Hughes 369 helicopter for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the department retained another company to inspect the helicopter before it returned to service. That inspection turned up more than 30 airworthiness discrepancies. The FAA also alleges company employees deliberately falsified maintenance forms, including a return-to-service authorization, when more than 100 items had not been inspected according to the company’s quality control manual.

    The FAA offered PHI numerous opportunities to correct its problems after the Aug. 27, 2008 inspection, but PHI was unable to bring the company into compliance.
    PHI can appeal the emergency nature of the revocation to the National Transportation Safety Board.

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    Goodrich Receives Contract

    Goodrich Receives US Air Force Contract for C-130 Boltless Wheels and Carbon Brakes

    New equipment offers significant performance, cost, and maintenance advantages

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has received a follow-on contract from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation to supply over 1,600 carbon brakes and over 1,400 boltless wheels for the U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft fleet. Deliveries will begin in October, 2011.

    “With our successful development and qualification efforts behind us, we are pleased to have received this retrofit production order to begin delivery of our advanced wheels and carbon brakes to the U.S. Air Force. Upon installation, C-130 pilots and mechanics will see immediate performance improvements and maintenance savings over the current equipment, increasing reliability and reducing life-cycle costs for the U.S. Air Force,” said Jim Wharton, vice president of sales and program management of Goodrich’s Aircraft Wheels & Brakes business.

    Goodrich’s C-130 wheel and brake retrofit features DURACARB® carbon brakes which provide lighter weight, longer life, higher performance and lower cost of ownership compared to steel braking systems. The boltless aircraft wheels employ a lock-ring design, substantially lowering maintenance time and costs, in addition to reducing parts count, when compared to traditional bolted aircraft wheels. Goodrich aircraft wheels and brakes are in service on more than 20,000 military, commercial, regional and business aircraft produced by manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

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