Public Statement

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    Delta Kicks Off 70th Anniversary Year as Atlanta’s Hometown Airline

    Celebration includes christening of Delta Boeing 777 as the “Spirit of Atlanta”

    Jan 21, 2011

    ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 2011 — When Lynda Lloyd boarded her first Delta Air Lines flight in Atlanta as a flight attendant in 1964, the airline had recently become the first commercial carrier to fly across the country in less than three hours and had just launched the industry’s most sophisticated electronic reservations system, all under the watchful eye of company founder and then-chief executive C.E. Woolman.

    Today, Lloyd, Delta’s most senior employee who lives and works in Atlanta, will join hundreds of her fellow Atlanta-based employees as well as elected, community and business leaders from across Georgia to mark the airline’s 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline.

    A Delta Boeing 777-200LR aircraft used to connect Atlanta nonstop to cities such as Tokyo, Dubai, Johannesburg and Tel Aviv, will be christened as the “Spirit of Atlanta” during a celebration at Delta’s massive Technical Operations Center, adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and in the shadow of the $1.4 billion Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal currently under construction.

    Delta (NYSE: DAL), today among the largest airlines in the world, was a small carrier focused on the Southeast when it moved its headquarters from Monroe, La., to Atlanta in 1941. In the decades that followed, Delta built the world’s largest connecting hub in Atlanta, and for more than two decades has remained Georgia’s largest private employer and a major economic force in the region.

    With 25,000 employees based in Atlanta, Delta is estimated to pump more than $25 billion into the local economy, and is a major contributor to key community organizations, including the Grady Health Foundation, the Woodruff Arts Center, AID Atlanta, Hands On Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, CARE, the Carter Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

    “Delta Air Lines and Atlanta have a unique partnership that has been inextricably linked to the success and prosperity of our city and our airport for nearly three quarters of a century,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “The strong relationships among companies such as Delta, state and local elected officials and civic organizations are what make Atlanta not only a global, dynamic city, but a great place to live and do business. Congratulations to Delta Air Lines, Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson and all employees on the company’s 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline.”

    “Delta is truly an economic force for Georgia,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “It is our biggest employer and its presence here plays a key role in helping us attract new investment and jobs. I look forward to partnering with Delta as it sets out on the next 70 years.”

    “The success of Delta and the city of Atlanta have been intertwined for seven decades, and it’s hard to argue with the results,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive. “Atlanta has grown into a major international city while Delta built the world’s largest hub at the city’s airport. Central to this success has been the historic partnership between Delta, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and our thousands of Atlanta-based employees and customers.”

    Recognizing one of Atlanta’s longest and most successful business partnerships, the “Spirit of Atlanta” will be christened at the celebration with a bottle of Coke. Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive of the Coca-Cola Company, will be honored and make remarks at the celebration.

    In addition, Lloyd will be honored as the Delta employee who has lived and worked in Atlanta the longest. The airline also will recognize its most frequent Atlanta flyer, Ed Robinette, who has flown nearly 7 million miles on Delta over the past 30 years, and Cheryll Davis, Delta’s most active Atlanta-based community volunteer, who has dedicated thousands of hours during her 20-year Delta career to the airline’s preferred local charities.

    “As a longtime Atlanta resident it’s been so exciting to be part of this airline, which is such a positive force for the community,” Lloyd said. “It was the very best decision of my life, to come to Atlanta, remain here, and be a Delta Flight Attendant. I am still enjoying the very best job in the world. It always makes me proud when I tell people I work for Delta.”

    “Two years ago, I moved my business to Atlanta because of the great flights and service offered by Delta, and I’m not the only one, we have so many businesses based in Atlanta solely because of Delta,” said Robinette, who has been a member of the Delta SkyMiles frequent flier program since its inception in 1981. “I’ve flown 7 million miles on Delta, and I can honestly say I don’t remember a single bad experience.”

    “Delta has always encouraged its employees to become involved in our communities, and service is a big part of being a member of the Delta family,” said Davis. “As an Atlanta resident, it’s great that Delta is so supportive of our community, and it’s one of the benefits of being Delta’s hometown.”

    “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Delta on its 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline,” said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. “Delta Air Lines has come a long way since its beginnings in Monroe, La., to the international commercial airline it is today. For seven decades, Delta has thrived, employing thousands of Georgians and becoming an integral part of our communities. Delta has established itself as an economic engine not only for Georgia, but for the entire Southeast. I am grateful that such a company calls Atlanta its home.”

    “As Georgians, we are all proud to be recognizing Delta’s 70th anniversary as our hometown airline,” said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “Over the past seven decades, Delta has become an integral part of the community, bringing jobs, businesses and great opportunities to the state of Georgia by connecting us to cities across the country and the world.”

    Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 357 destinations in 67 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world’s largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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    American Airlines Assists Customers Affected By Weather in Northeast

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 20, 2011 — Due to the anticipated weather impact on the Northeastern United States, American Airlines offers customers the convenience to change their plans. Customers ticketed to travel on American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection flights to, from, or through the airports listed below may change flights as shown without penalty.

    If you are traveling to/from/through those cities on Jan. 20-21 and your ticket was issued no later than Jan. 19, you may begin travel as late as Jan. 24.

    • Allentown/Bethlehem, Penn. (ABE)
    • Boston (BOS)
    • Harrisburg, Pa. (MDT)
    • Hartford, Conn. (BDL)
    • Newark (EWR)
    • New York Kennedy (JFK)
    • New York LaGuardia (LGA)
    • Philadelphia (PHL)
    • Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa.(AVP)
    • White Plains, N.Y. (HPN)
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    GE Aviation’s 2011 M601 Line Maintenance Training Schedule

    GE Aviation is offering M601 Line Maintenance Training at its Customer Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. There are two sessions available – March 7 to 8 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

    The first two M601E Line Maintenance courses were held at CTEC last year. The Air Transport Authority (ATA) level III course includes classroom and hands-on training for line maintenance mechanics and aircraft operators. Instructors will provide training on inspections, layout and operation, engine airflow, oil systems and components, fuel systems and components, exhaust systems, reduction gearboxes, air inlet, compressor section, power turbine section, combustion chambers, engine maintenance practices and general troubleshooting.

    To reserve your slot, contact Jennifer. For any questions regarding the course, contact Andrew Pierson. For more information about CTEC, visit http://geaviation.com/services/ctec.

    GE Aviation’s Business & General Aviation Turboprops has more than 1,600 M601 engines in service that have accumulated more than 17 million flight hours on 30 applications. The M601E-11 engine is the workhorse version of the proven M601 series engines for use in agriculture and utility aircraft applications. With no hot section inspection requirement and an internal fuel slinger free of recurrent fuel nozzle maintenance, the M601E engine provides distinct cost-of-ownership advantages.

    Flight testing on the H80 engine continues on the Thrush 510G aircraft. The H80 engine is undergoing certification testing and will power business and general aviation, utility and agriculture aircraft. The H80 engine combines the elegant, robust design of the M601 engine with GE’s 3-D aerodynamic design techniques and advanced materials to create a more powerful, fuel-efficient, durable engine compared with the M601 engine, with no recurrent fuel nozzle inspections and no hot section inspection. The H80 engine will also feature an extended service life of 3,600 flight-hours or 6,600 cycles between overhauls, significantly enhanced hot-day takeoff performance and high-altitude cruise speeds. The H80 will provide the option of a single- or dual-acting governor, allowing customers flexibility in propeller selection.

    GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation. Learn more about GE Business & General Aviation at http://facebook.com/GEBGA. Follow GE Aviation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GEAviation and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/GEAviation.

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    GE and AVIC Sign Agreement for Integrated Avionics Joint Venture

    GE Aviation of the United States and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) today announced the signing of the agreement to form their new joint venture company. Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming and the U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke witnessed the public signing by David Joyce, president and CEO of GE Aviation and Zhang Xinguo, vice president of AVIC today in Chicago.

    The new AVIC and GE joint venture company will develop and market integrated, open architecture avionics systems to the global commercial aerospace industry for new aircraft platforms. This system will be the central information system and backbone of the airplane’s networks and electronics and will host the airplane’s avionics, maintenance and utility functions. GE and AVIC will continue to service their legacy programs and existing contracts with customers. The agreement is subject to government approvals and the issuance of an operating license.

    This 50/50 joint venture represents a significant milestone in the growing aerospace relationship between Chinese aviation industry and GE Aviation since the mid-1980s. Chinese airlines now operate more than 2,500 jet engines produced by GE and CFM International (joint company of GE and Snecma), with an additional 1,000 engines on back order. GE Aviation’s collaboration in China also involves investment in a network of facilities for technical training, manufacturing, spare parts distribution, and engine maintenance and overhaul. Additionally, GE is powering China’s new ARJ21 regional aircraft and CFMI was selected to power the new Chinese C919 aircraft.

    The new GE-AVIC joint venture extends the relationship beyond engines into commercial avionics. It will enable GE and AVIC to grow a business together that will create jobs globally, including hundreds of new jobs in the US, the UK and China.

    “GE is extremely pleased and excited to be a part of this unique aviation business. The JV will build on the extensive avionics capabilities of both companies and create a technology center of excellence to serve the commercial aviation market,” said David Joyce. “GE’s aviation business in China results in 1,800 high-technology jobs in the U.S. The jobs are involved in producing and supporting jet engines for China, as well as developing the new engine and avionics system for the C919.”

    The joint venture company will be headquartered in China and will be the single route-to-market for integrated avionics systems for both GE and AVIC for new commercial aircraft. Also, GE and AVIC will each provide avionics products to the joint venture company as a customer and distributor.

    “The combination of AVIC and GE’s aviation experience, technical know-how and people skills will lead to the development of highly competitive commercial avionics products,” said Zhang Xinguo. “AVIC is looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”

    The name of the joint venture is GE-AVIC Civil Avionics Systems Company Limited. The joint venture will have its Chairman and General Manager nominated by AVIC and GE respectively with final approval from its board of directors. The company will be initially located at Zizhu Digital Hub Science Park in Shanghai until a permanent location is secured.

    “The joint venture will work to secure systems and other avionics products on future aircraft adding to the overall economic value and jobs created,” said Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO of GE Aviation Systems. “The JV and C919 program will support and maintain at least 300 high-tech jobs locally in each the US and China. This venture will challenge our team to come up with break-through technology. GE and AVIC will together develop a world-class engineering organization and the JV itself will be creating new IP and new technology. This is a 50/50 partnership; you have to be all in and be very committed.”

    The initial focus for the joint venture is integrated avionics systems for the C919 aircraft. This selection was formalized in a Letter of Intent with COMAC memorialized in a public signing on July 12, 2010. COMAC anticipates delivering more than 2300 C919 aircraft over the 20-year life of the program. This market potential provides an estimated value for the AVIC GE avionics systems of approximately $2 billion.

    Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of GE and Lin Zuoming, president of AVIC, originally signed the framework agreement on November 15, 2009 regarding the formation of the visionary joint venture and the intention of jointly creating a market-leading integrated avionics system supplier.

    Since a major restructuring in November 2008, the AVIC Group has been ranked in the Fortune’s Global 500 list with a diversified aviation business portfolio ranging from helicopter-making to plane manufacturing. The company has also developed strong capabilities to supply avionics products to various models of aircrafts, both for military and civil use. AVIC has also been active in extensive international exchange and cooperation, viewing all industrial players in the aviation space globally as potential partners.

    China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) is an ultra large state-owned enterprise and an investment institution, authorized and managed by the Central People’s Government. It is reorganized from AVIC I and AVIC II. The AVIC group oversees a wide range of business units, including defense, transport aircraft, aviation engine, helicopters, avionics, electromechanical systems, general aviation aircraft, aviation research and development, flight test, trade & logistics and asset management. It has nearly 200 subsidiaries (branches) and over 20 listed companies with a total of 400,000 employees. AVIC was ranked 330th in the Global Fortune 500 for 2010. It was the first Chinese aviation industrial company to make it into the rarified league. For more information, please visitwww.avic.com.cn.

    GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE has a global service network to support these offerings.

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    Boeing and SAIC Submit Revised Ground Combat Vehicle Proposal to US Army

    The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has teamed with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] to submit a revised proposal for the technology development phase of the U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) program. The team originally submitted a proposal in May, but the initial Request for Proposal was rescinded and a second request was issued in November.

    The SAIC-led GCV team, known as Team Full Spectrum, remains intact from its original proposal effort. SAIC will be the prime contractor, with Boeing, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Defence as subcontractors. The team’s offering draws on experience gained from the Puma and Manned Ground Vehicle programs and will be built in the United States with a team of experienced American small- and mid-tier supplier businesses.

    “Team Full Spectrum has again put together an exceptional proposal to answer the Army’s requirement for a modern infantry fighting vehicle,” said Charles Toups, vice president and general manager of Boeing Network and Tactical Systems. “We have focused on the four key elements the Army has emphasized – capacity for a nine-soldier dismounted squad; a schedule that will allow production in seven years; force protection; and full-spectrum operations from civil relief through full combat operations. Our proposal offers mature technology for unequaled capability at the lowest possible risk.”

    The team’s focus is to provide a solution that balances the technology the customer requires with the speed it needs to meet operational goals.

    “Our offering is designed to protect soldiers by decreasing their burden of mechanical tasks so they can concentrate on accomplishing their mission,” said Deb Alderson, SAIC group president. “In addition, our team’s high technical readiness levels will help us meet the Army’s timeline.”

    The GCV program will replace aging fighting vehicles currently in the Army’s inventory with a single platform capable of carrying an entire squad and protecting that squad from improvised explosive devices and other threats of modern warfare. The Army will award up to three technology demonstration contracts worth approximately $450 million each, with a 24-month time frame for development. The contract awards are expected in the second quarter of this year.

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    FAA Proposes $170,000 Civil Penalty For Pemco World Air Services

    For Immediate Release
    January 21, 2011

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $170,000 civil penalty against Pemco World Air Services of Dothan, Ala., for allegedly failing to administer pre-employment drug tests to two individuals the company hired for safety-sensitive positions.

    The FAA also cited Pemco for failing to carry out required follow-up drug or alcohol testing on eight individuals reinstated after completing return-to-duty training during 2008. In all, the company failed to carry out 24 required follow-up tests. Failing to administer the pre-employment and reinstatement tests are violations of Federal Aviation Regulations.

    The FAA inspected Pemco’s pre-employment test program three times, and each time the FAA determined it had not complied with the requirements. These findings resulted in proposed civil penalties.

    Pemco has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

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    FAA Dedicates New Airport Traffic Control Tower for LaGuardia Airport

    For Immediate Release
    January 21, 2011

    NEW YORK–The Federal Aviation Administration today dedicated a new airport traffic control tower for LaGuardia Airport (LGA) that will replace the one that has served the airport since 1964. In 2010, air traffic controllers at LGA handled nearly 400,000 takeoffs and landings.

    “LaGuardia Airport plays an important role in our country’s aviation infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This modern tower will help enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel in and out of the New York metropolitan area.”

    The tower will be equipped with the latest aviation technology, including the Airport Surface Detection System Model X (ASDE-X), which allows controllers to track surface movement of aircraft and vehicles. Controllers will also be using the Integrated Control and Monitoring System (ICMS), which consolidates information including navigational aid displays into one screen.

    “Today marks a culmination of years of hard work by many people both inside and outside the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “This tower symbolizes the direction the FAA is taking by transforming the future of aviation with new technology.”

    The new 233-foot high tower is 82 feet higher than the previous tower and has an 850 square foot tower cab. The total cost to design, equip, and construct the new tower was approximately $100 million.

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    Press Release – FAA Mandates Crew Resource Management Training for On-Demand Charters

    For Immediate Release
    January 20, 2011

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finalized a rule that requires non-scheduled charter airlines and air taxis to train pilots and flight attendants in Crew Resource Management (CRM), a well-established concept that helps reduce human error in commercial aviation by teaching pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers to act as a team.

    Air carriers affected by the final rule must establish initial and recurrent CRM training for crewmembers within two years of the effective date of the rule. The training must address the captain’s authority; intra-crew communications; teamwork; managing workload, time, fatigue and stress; and decision-making skills.

    “This type of training is critical for the safety of flight crews and passengers,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.
    The FAA has required CRM training for air carriers operating larger airplanes since December 1995.

    “I know the value of making Crew Resource Management part of the safety culture from my days as an airline pilot,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “A crew that works as a team is a better crew, regardless of the size of the plane or the size of the airline.”

    CRM training focuses on the interactions among personnel including pilots, flight attendants, operations personnel, mechanics, air traffic controllers and flight service stations. This training in communications and teamwork can help prevent errors such as runway incursions, misinterpreting information from air traffic controllers, crewmembers’ loss of situational awareness, and failure to fully prepare for takeoff or landing.

    This final rule responds to a 2003 National Transportation Safety Board recommendation that is currently on the Board’s “Most Wanted” list of safety improvements.

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    NEXT INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CREW HOLDS NEWS CONFERENCE

    HOUSTON — The next three crew members to live and work aboard the International Space Station will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The news conference will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency’s website. Questions will be taken from participating NASA centers.

    NASA astronaut Ron Garan and crewmates, Russian cosmonauts Alexander Samokutyaev and Andrey Borisenko, will participate in individual round-robin interviews, in person or by phone, following the news conference. The crew also will participate in a photo opportunity for reporters at Johnson.

    U.S. and foreign media representatives planning to attend the briefing or participate in the round-robin interviews must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 by 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24.

    Garan, Samokutyaev and Borisenko are three of the six crew members for Expedition 27 and 28. The trio is scheduled to launch to the station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 29 (March 30 Kazakhstan time). They will join Expedition 27 NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli and Russian cosmonaut Dmitry Kondratyev who will stay aboard the station until mid-May.

    On June 1, NASA’s Mike Fossum, Japan’s Satoshi Furukawa and Russia’s Sergei Volkov will join Garan, Samokutyaev and Borisenko to complete the Expedition 28 crew.

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    Goodrich Introduces New Lighter-Weight Wheels and Brakes for the Boeing 777 Fleet

    New main wheels and brakes will provide weight and cost savings for airline operators

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has introduced new lighter-weight main wheel and brake assemblies for Boeing 777-200LR, 777 Freighter, and 777-300ER airplane models. The new configuration wheels and brakes provide a weight savings of 260 pounds (118 kg) per airplane, resulting in reduced fuel costs for 777 operators. The new equipment is now standard on 777 airplanes delivered with Goodrich equipment, and will be available in the aftermarket starting in January 2011.

    The new assemblies are approved by Boeing, and are intermixable with existing Goodrich wheel and brake assemblies for the 777-200LR, 777 Freighter, and 777-300ER. In addition, the new brake will continue to provide a 35% brake life advantage over competitive products through the use of Goodrich’s latest DURACARB(R) carbon brake disk material.

    Jim Wharton, vice president of sales and program management for Goodrich Aircraft Wheels and Brakes, said, “This is another example of our commitment to continuously improve the products and services we provide to our airline customers. The introduction of these new Boeing 777 wheels and brakes will allow our existing and future customers to realize weight and fuel savings and reduce their cost of operation.”

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    NASA UPDATES BROADCAST PLANS FOR JAPANESE CARGO FLIGHT TO STATION

    Jan. 20, 2011
    MEDIA ADVISORY

    HOUSTON — The launch of the H-II Transfer Vehicle “Kounotori2” (HTV2)
    planned for Thursday, Jan. 20, was rescheduled due to a forecast for
    weather conditions that would exceed launch restrictions. The Japan
    Aerospace Exploration Agency reset the launch for 11:37 p.m. CST on
    Friday, Jan. 21.

    NASA still plans live television coverage of the launch from
    Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. With an adjusted
    rendezvous plan, the grapple and attachment of the cargo ship to the
    International Space Station remain planned for Thursday, Jan. 27, and
    also will be covered live on NASA Television.

    NASA TV’s updated programming schedule for HTV2 events includes (all
    times CST):

    Friday, Jan. 21:
    11 p.m. — Launch coverage, anchored from NASA’s Johnson Space Center
    in Houston, begins. Launch is scheduled at 11:37 p.m.

    Thursday, Jan. 27:
    5 a.m. — Grapple coverage, anchored from Johnson, begins. The grapple
    of HTV2 is scheduled at 5:44 a.m.
    8 a.m. — Berthing coverage, anchored from Johnson, begins. The
    attachment should be complete at approximately 10 a.m.

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    Lufthansa and UFO union agree pay settlement for around 16,000 flight attendants

    Successful arbitration under Heide Simonis / Agreement on 22-month pay freeze and significant improvements in working conditions

    Deutsche Lufthansa AG and the independent UFO flight attendants’ trade union have reached agreement at their protracted pay talks. Both sides today accepted a mediated settlement put forward by former Schleswig-Holstein Premier Heide Simonis, ending months of negotiations stretching back to March 2010. Under the terms of the arbitration settlement, the pay accord for some 16,000 Lufthansa flight attendants is to be extended and the collective wage agreement re-defined.

    At the talks on remuneration, the two sides agreed on a pay freeze. The existing pay settlement is to be re-concluded unchanged for a period of 22-months, lasting up to 31 December 2011. The new collective bargaining agreement is to last up to 28 February 2014. It envisages further improvements in working conditions: Among others, it reduces changes to duty rosters, giving cabin crews greater planning security, as well as defining and extending rest and break periods. Furthermore, in compensation for the staggered implementation of improved working conditions, cabin crews are to receive a structural, compensatory payment amounting to 1,000 euros in March.

    On conclusion of the pay accord, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board Finance & Human Resources, Dr. Roland Busch, said a fair compromise has been reached after long and difficult negotiations. It takes account of the need of flight attendants for planning stability and the special pressures they encounter in air traffic as well as the Company’s need for flexible and cost-efficient operations. “With this pay settlement, we are investing in significantly better working conditions for cabin crews. That was highly important to our staff, which is why we have made material concessions where their need for change was greatest. Now is the time to look ahead and face the challenges from competition in the industry together,“ Dr. Busch emphasised

  • Nation’s Largest Travel Companies Call on Airlines to Disclose Fares/Fees in Current Systems, Protect Comparison Shopping

    More than 115 Founding Members of Open Allies for Airfare Transparency Include Largest U.S. Travel Sellers, Major Trade Organizations, Corporate Travel Departments from Companies Including Dell, Oracle, News Corp.

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2011 -USNewswire/ — More than 115 of the nation’s largest travel companies and organizations today launched Open Allies for Airfare Transparency, an industry-wide effort to urge major airlines to share all of their fare and ancillary fee information through the distribution systems they currently use and not to circumvent those systems through new, untested, and potentially costly “direct connect” approaches.
    Founding members of the Open Allies coalition include many of the nation’s largest travel agencies, travel management companies, corporate travel departments, online travel agencies, global distribution systems, and travel trade organizations. Among the founding members are:

    • Many of the nation’s largest travel sellers, including 20 of the 53 companies with annual sales of more than $100 million on Travel Weekly’s 2010 “Power List.”
    • Corporate travel departments for many of the world’s largest companies, including Oracle (#13 on the Corporate Travel 100 list compiled by Business Travel News), Dell (#35), News Corp. (#70), Logitech, Sapient, Sodexo, and Textron, among others.
    • Trade associations representing broad segments of the travel industry, including the American Society of Travel Agents, Business Travel Coalition, European Technology and Travel Services Association, Interactive Travel Services Association, and the Scottish Passenger Agents Association.

    Hidden fees and closed airline systems are forcing millions of consumers to ‘fly blind’ when making their travel arrangements,” said Andrew Weinstein, director of the Open Allies coalition. “When you can’t see the full price of tickets or compare them among airlines, you lose the greatest benefit of our modern travel system and the benefits of price competition among the airlines. Some airlines want to turn back the clock to the days of proprietary reservation systems, silos of closed data, and one-off displays without price comparisons. Consumers deserve the ability to compare prices across airlines, and Open Allies will work to ensure they continue to have it.”

    The coalition plans to work with stakeholders across the travel industry to advocate on behalf of price transparency and full access to airline pricing and fee information.

    “Untested, incomplete and costly direct connect systems are not a good idea,” said Kevin Mitchell, Chairman of the Business Travel Coalition. “Through Open Allies, travel industry organizations, individual distribution system participants and corporate travel managers are providing the leadership and analysis that indicates direct connect will not usher in better, cheaper, faster travel solutions, but rather will reduce price competition and reintroduce to the industry and consumers the inefficiencies and opaqueness of the 1970s air ticket purchasing environment.”
    As part of its educational efforts, Open Allies released the first in a series of “white papers” on the technological, financial, and policy issues involved. That analysis, “Customized Services and Comparison Shopping: Preserving Price Transparency in the Age of ‘Unbundled’ Airline Services,” is available on the Open Allies website.

    “Travel agents are the front-line advocates for travelers, and those agents – from mom-and-pop travel agencies to the largest travel companies in the world – are overwhelmingly opposed to hidden fares or any system that reduces price transparency,” said Paul Ruden, Senior Vice President of the American Society of Travel Agents. “Our members are some of the airlines’ closest partners. We hope the airlines reconsider the more fragmented direct connect approach and work with us to make all of their fares and fees available to all travelers through the systems the travelers themselves choose to use.”

  • Reportlinker Adds World Commercial Avionics Markets

    NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

    World Commercial Avionics Markets
    http://www.reportlinker.com/p0236790/World-Commercial-Avionics-Markets.html

    This research service examines the commercial air transport and general aviation avionics markets. Included in this research service is a detailed avionics market forecast from 2009 to 2014. The service also includes market share and revenues for avionics manufacturers, including the overall share and shares for both the air transport and general aviation markets. Within the individual markets it contains a segment-specific analysis for each of the individual technology segments, and an analysis of the retrofit and post sales service markets segments.

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    Delta Allows Customers to Change Travel Plans in Anticipation of Winter Weather in the Northeast

    Customers encouraged to make changes, check flights at delta.com
    Jan 19, 2011

    ATLANTA, Jan. 19, 2011 — Delta Air Lines is offering customers whose flight plans may be affected by winter weather across the Northeast tomorrow and Friday the ability to make one-time changes to their travel schedules without fees. Delta’s weather advisory encourages customers to consider postponing or re-routing their travel to avoid possible inconvenience due to expected flight delays.

    Customers booked on Delta-ticketed flights to, from or through the following cities may immediately rebook for travel before or after their original travel dates as long as new flights are ticketed and rescheduled with travel beginning by Jan. 24, 2011.

    • Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National)
    • Baltimore
    • Boston
    • New York (JFK and LaGuardia)
    • Albany, N.Y.
    • Newburgh, N.Y.
    • White Plains, N.Y.
    • Newark, N.J.
    • Philadelphia
    • Allentown, Pa.
    • Harrisburg, Pa.
    • Wilkes Barre/Scranton, Pa.
    • Hartford, Conn.
    • Providence, R.I.
    • Bangor, Maine
    • Portland, Maine
    • Manchester, N.H.

    Flight delays are possible at these airports as a result of winter weather, and Delta will proactively reduce flight schedules to minimize delays.

    Delta encourages customers to make changes and manage their travel at delta.com. All customers traveling in impacted markets should check their flight status at delta.com before arriving at the airport.

    Changes to origin or destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds.

    Delta will continue to monitor the weather and provide the latest updates at delta.com and twitter.com/DeltaNewsroom.

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    American Airlines Orders Two New Boeing 777-300ER Widebody Jets to Support Network Strategy and International Growth

    American Continues to Invest in Products to Enhance the Customer Experience

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMR Corp., today announced it has entered into a purchase agreement with the Boeing Company under which American will acquire two Boeing 777-300ERs to support its global network strategy and to capitalize on international growth opportunities. The two aircraft are expected to be delivered in late 2012.

    “These additional widebody aircraft will bolster our network strategy, particularly the international growth opportunities we expect from our joint businesses with oneworld® partners in the trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific markets,” said Tom Horton, President, AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle. “We value the combination of size, range and performance of the 777-300ER, as well as the extensive customer amenities it offers. The seating capability of the aircraft will give us growth flexibility in slot-constrained airports and provide us with greater ability to serve new long-haul markets.”

    “American Airlines is an industry leader whose vision and disciplined approach to growth has made it one of the largest airlines in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. “American is the first carrier in the United States to order the 777-300ER. These new airplanes will complement their large fleet of 777-200ERs by offering additional flexibility in serving nonstop routes while providing increased efficiency and reliability.”

    Additional terms of the commitment were not disclosed.

    “We hope that this positive step for our airline signals the beginning of a period of domestic and global expansion which will allow our airline to aggressively compete and prosper in the years to come,” said Captain David Bates, President of the Allied Pilots Association, the union that represents American’s 8,600 pilots.

    From 2007 through 2010, American has invested $4.2 billion in aircraft, cabin, and facility improvements to enhance the customer experience.

    International Growth Opportunities

    The 777-300ERS will expand international service, either incremental frequencies in markets American serves today, or new routes largely resulting from its alliance initiatives.

    As part of their recently launched trans-Atlantic business, oneworld members American, British Airways and Iberia announced service on five additional international routes, beginning in spring 2011. They are: New York JFK-Budapest and Chicago-Helsinki (operated by American Airlines), London Heathrow-San Diego (operated by British Airways), plus Madrid-Los Angeles and Barcelona-Miami (operated by Iberia). Also in spring 2011, American will add additional frequencies from New York JFK to Barcelona and Miami to Madrid.

    On Jan. 11, American Airlines and Japan Airlines announced the launch of their trans-Pacific joint business. Customers can expect to benefit from better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services, and greater access to a wider variety of fares. Additional consumer benefits over the coming months are anticipated as the cooperation level deepens between the two airlines. Additionally, American plans to start its new nonstop daily service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport next month, and to launch service from Los Angeles to Shanghai, China, in April. Japan Airlines began service from Haneda to San Francisco in late October. The carriers have already begun, or plan, to codeshare on these flights.

    The trans-Atlantic joint business opportunity, initially representing approximately $7 billion in combined revenue between the carriers, will offer seamless service to 430 destinations in 105 countries, with nearly 5,200 daily departures worldwide. The trans-Pacific joint business, which represents more than $1.5 billion in combined revenue between the two airlines, represents significant growth opportunities for American long term as the Pacific region currently accounts for only about 4 percent of American’s total system capacity.

    American also continued to grow its service in Latin America in 2010. Last year, it began service from New York’s JFK to San Jose, Costa Rica, and to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Dallas/Fort Worth to San Salvador, El Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It also began service from Miami to Brazil’s capital, Brasilia. American is Latin America and Mexico’s premier airline with 43 destinations to 17 countries.

    “We believe it is important to grow but to do so sensibly, in the right places and, importantly, under the right economic circumstances,” Horton said. “Our purchase of additional 777s, our first growth aircraft since 2001, further demonstrates that philosophy and we will continue to look for growth opportunities that make the most sense for our customers, shareholders and employees.”

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    Statement on Chinese Approval of 200 Boeing Aircraft

    SEATTLE, Jan. 19, 2011 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) is pleased to have received final approval today from the Chinese Government confirming a $19 billion aircraft agreement.

    China’s approval of airline contracts for 200 orders covers aircraft to be delivered over a three-year period, 2011-2013. The approval helps Boeing maintain and expand its market share in the world’s fastest growing commercial aircraft market. Comprised of 737s and 777s, the agreement positively impacts more than 100,000 jobs including those at Boeing and with its thousands of suppliers throughout the U.S.

    “We value China’s support for our products and its confidence in Boeing,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the outstanding support provided by the United States Government, this deal is a win-win for the Boeing-China partnership, which is approaching its 40th anniversary.”

    Today, Boeing jets are a mainstay in China’s air travel and cargo system, representing more than 50 percent of all commercial jetliners operating in China. Over the next 20 years, Boeing projects that China will need 4,330 new airplanes, worth more than $480 billion, and will be Boeing’s largest commercial airplane customer.

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    Boeing, American Airlines Complete Contract for Two 777-300ERs

    American Airlines becomes the first U.S. airline to order the 777-300ER

    SEATTLE, Jan. 19, 2011 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and American Airlines today announced the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier has exercised options for two 777-300ERs (extended range).

    “American Airlines is an industry leader whose vision and disciplined approach to growth has made it one of the largest airlines in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. “American is the first carrier in the United States to order the 777-300ER. These new airplanes will complement their large fleet of 777-200ERs offering additional flexibility in serving the nonstop routes, while providing increased efficiency and reliability.”

    The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.
    “These additional wide-body aircraft will bolster our network strategy, particularly the international growth opportunities we expect from our joint businesses with oneworld® partners in the transatlantic and transpacific markets,” said Tom Horton, President, AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle. “We value the combination of size, range and performance of the 777-300ER, as well as the extensive customer amenities it offers. The seating capability of the aircraft will give us growth flexibility in slot-constrained airports and provide us with greater ability to serve new long-haul markets.”

    The Boeing 777-300ER is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor. It produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The airplane can seat up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777 family is the world’s most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane.

    Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.

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    Robert E. Verbeck Named New CFO for Boeing Defense, Space & Security

    ST. LOUIS, Jan. 19, 2011 — The Boeing Company today announced that it has named Robert E. Verbeck, 51, chief financial officer of its $34 billion (2009 revenues) Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business. He succeeds Randy Simons, who is retiring.

    “In our business, we have to keep building momentum around our strong performance culture to best serve our customers and earn the opportunity to grow,” said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of BDS. “Bob’s practical know-how in all disciplines of business finance will help us compete and innovate more effectively. His experience will have a direct impact on our ability to drive performance in all dimensions for our stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, employees and local communities.”

    Verbeck most recently served as CFO for the Boeing Military Aircraft business unit of BDS. He previously held posts as BDS controller, program manager for the United Kingdom tanker program, and general manager of BDS Finance.
    Verbeck reports to Muilenburg and James Bell, Boeing executive vice president and chief financial officer. As BDS CFO, he is responsible for reporting on the financial performance of BDS and its three business segments — Boeing Military Aircraft, Network & Space Systems, and Global Services & Support. Verbeck leads more than 6,000 global finance employees making up teams in financial planning and analysis, accounting, estimating, contracts and pricing, procurement financial analysis, integrated scheduling, rate forecasting, earned value management compliance, and productivity improvement.

    Verbeck joined McDonnell Douglas, a Boeing heritage company, in 1986 in the Finance organization after working as a steelworker. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in international business from Saint Louis University (SLU). He has served as the Boeing executive focal for SLU and is currently a member of the advisory council for the university’s Boeing Institute of International Business.

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    Press Release – FAA Announces Record Number of Laser Events in 2010

    For Immediate Release
    January 19, 2011

    Pointing Lasers at Aircraft Poses a Serious Safety Issue

    WASHINGTON – The FAA announced today that in 2010, nationwide reports of lasers pointed at aircraft almost doubled from the previous year to more than 2,800. This is the highest number of laser events recorded since the FAA began keeping track in 2005.

    Los Angeles International Airport recorded the highest number of laser events in the country for an individual airport in 2010, with 102 reports, and the greater Los Angeles area tallied nearly twice that number, with 201 reports. Chicago O’Hare International Airport was a close second, with 98 reports, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport tied for the third highest number of laser events for the year with 80 each.

    “This is a serious safety issue,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Lasers can distract and harm pilots who are working to get passengers safely to their destinations.”

    Nationwide, laser event reports have steadily increased since the FAA created a formal reporting system in 2005 to collect information from pilots. Reports rose from nearly 300 in 2005 to 1,527 in 2009 and 2,836 in 2010.

    “The FAA is actively warning people not to point high-powered lasers at aircraft because they can damage a pilot’s eyes or cause temporary blindness,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We continue to ask pilots to immediately report laser events to air traffic controllers so we can contact local law enforcement officials.”

    Some cities and states have laws making it illegal to shine lasers at aircraft and, in many cases, people can face federal charges.

    The increase in reports is likely due to a number of factors, including the availability of inexpensive laser devices on the Internet; higher power levels that enable lasers to hit aircraft at higher altitudes; increased pilot reporting of laser strikes; and the introduction of green lasers, which are more easily seen than red lasers.

    Top 20 Laser Event Reports by Airport in 2010
    Airport No. of events
    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 102
    Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 98
    Phoenix/Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 80
    San Jose International Airport (SJC) 80
    McCarran International Airport (LAS) 72
    Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) 66
    Oakland International Airport (OAK) 55
    Honolulu International Airport (HNL) 47
    San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 39
    Denver International Airport (DEN) 38
    Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 38
    Tucson International Airport (TUS) 37
    Miami International Airport (MIA) 36
    Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) 36
    Portland International Airport (PDX) 32
    LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) 32
    Bob Hope Airport (BUR) 31
    Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) 31
    John Wayne Airport (SNA) 31
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) 26
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    AerCap Opens Representative Office in Abu Dhabi

    AMSTERDAM, Jan. 19, 2011 – AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE: AER) today announced the opening of a representative office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    AerCap’s new Abu Dhabi office will be managed by a team of highly skilled aviation industry professionals with extensive experience in the region and will be led by Simon McLean, previously Chief Operating Officer of Waha Leasing PJSC.

    The Abu Dhabi team will help expand AerCap’s activities in the Middle East/North Africa region, which is one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets. AerCap has a total fleet of 350 aircraft including fourteen aircraft on lease to seven airlines in the Middle East/North Africa region.

    About AerCap
    AerCap is the world’s leading independent aircraft leasing company. AerCap also provides engine leasing, aircraft management services, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services and aircraft disassemblies. The company has over $10 billion of total assets including committed purchases and focuses on new, fuel-efficient narrowbody and small widebody aircraft. AerCap is headquartered in The Netherlands and has offices in Ireland, the United States, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom and in The United Arab Emirates.

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    IndiGo Orders 180 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft

    Toulouse, France, January 11, 2011– India’s largest low cost carrier, IndiGo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 180 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft of which 150 will be the neo option and 30 will be standard A320s. It is the largest single firm order number for large jets in commercial aviation history, and also makes IndiGo a launch customer for the A320neo. The airplanes are expected to be delivered between 2016 and 2025. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

    The A320neo, available from 2016, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called Sharklets delivering significant fuel savings of up to 15 percent, which represents savings of over 400,000 USgal of fuel and up to up to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

    “This order for industry leading fuel efficient aircraft will allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares” said Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe Enterprises and Rakesh Gangwal, co-founders of IndiGo. “Ordering more A320s was the natural choice to meet India’s growing flying needs. The opportunity to reduce costs and to further improve our environmental performance through the A320neo were key to our decision.”

    “The A320 Family is the recognised market leader. The A320neo, offering maximum benefit for minimum change, will ensure that this continues to be the case for many years to come.” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers. “This order positions IndiGo to take full advantage of the predicted growth in Indian air travel and we are delighted that they continue to build their future with Airbus.”

    Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo said, “This order of 180 aircraft reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term future of aviation in India. The additional aircraft will enable us to take our low fares and courteous, hassle free service to more customers and destinations and will create more job opportunities and growth for several other aviation related businesses.” Ghosh added, “Our environmentally friendly fleet of the A320neo will set a benchmark by significantly reducing the impact on the environment and lead the way to a more sustainable mode of flying.”

    The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Over 6,800 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and over 4,500 delivered to more than 310 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the standard A320 Family whilst offering up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload.

    Aditya Ghosh said, “We are delighted at extending our long term partnership with Airbus.”

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    Pratt & Whitney Purchases Patented Technology for EcoPower® Engine Wash

    EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Pratt & Whitney closed on an agreement with Gas Turbine Efficiency to purchase the assets of the company’s aviation business, which provides patented technology for Pratt & Whitney’s EcoPower engine wash service. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.
    Pratt & Whitney had exclusive rights to use Gas Turbine Efficiency’s technology to wash aircraft engines since it launched its EcoPower engine wash service in 2004. With this agreement, Pratt & Whitney will own the intellectual property for the technology as well as other assets associated with Gas Turbine Efficiency’s aviation business.
    “As an original equipment manufacturer, we are committed to helping our customers reduce operating costs and provide quantifiable environmental benefits,” said Andrew Tanner, vice president, Product Line Management, Pratt & Whitney. “The acquisition of Gas Turbine Efficiency’s aviation business supports this goal as we continue to offer the EcoPower engine wash service to customers around the world at competitive prices.”
    Gas Turbine Efficiency designs, manufactures and supplies proprietary cleantech energy saving and performance enhancing solutions to the power generation, as well as oil and gas industries.
    Pratt & Whitney’s patented EcoPower engine wash system reduces fuel burn by as much as 1.2 percent, eliminating three pounds of carbon dioxide emissions for every pound of fuel saved, while also decreasing engine gas temperature thus increasing the amount of time an engine can stay on wing. 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 commercial building industrie

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    Elbit Systems’ Brazilian Subsidiary, Aeroeletronica, Awarded a Contract to Supply Hermes(R) 450 Unmanned Aircraft Systems to the Brazilian Air Force

    – Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT) (“Elbit Systems”) announced today that its Brazilian subsidiary, Aeroeletronica Ltda. (“AEL”), was awarded a contract to supply Hermes(R) 450 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to the Brazilian Air Force. The contract is not in an amount that is material to Elbit Systems.

    This project is a part of the Brazilian Air Forces’ objective to establish independent UAS capabilities, allowing for self-reliant operation and development of UAS in Brazil. Located in Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, AEL performs a variety of projects for the Brazilian Air Force, as well as other branches of the Brazilian Armed Forces.

    Hermes(R) 450 is an experienced and mature UAS that has, to date, accumulated over 200,000 operational flight hours in various arenas worldwide. Its capabilities are suitable both for homeland security and anti-terror missions, and it can be equipped with a variety of advanced sensors, according to customers’ requirements. As part of the development of the Brazilian Air Forces’ future UAS, AEL will utilize technological capabilities of its parent company, Elbit Systems, and will also work with local Brazilian industries.

    Joseph Ackerman, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, commented: “We are extremely proud of the Brazilian Air Force’s selection of Elbit Systems UAS, a decision that marks yet another significant milestone in AEL’s long-time collaboration with the Air Force. The Brazilian Air Force is considered a global leader, and the selection attests to the quality and maturity of our UAS, currently operational with more than 20 customers worldwide.” Ackerman added: “We hope this new project will further strengthen the cooperation between AEL and the Brazilian Air Force, as well as other Brazilian customers, and will be an incentive for future collaborations.”
    About Aeroeletronica – Elbit Systems’ subsidiary in Porto Alegre
    Located in Porto Alegre (the largest state in South Brazil), Aeroeletronica’s workforce currently includes more than 180 employees – with plans for expanding the workforce in the near future. Based on technological investments, know-how transfer and extensive training of its employees at Elbit Systems’ headquarters, Aeroeletronica is a center of excellence for development, production and logistic support of advanced systems serving Brazilian as well as other South American customers.

    About Elbit Systems
    Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”), unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services.

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    Delta Air Lines Announces $158 Million Quarterly Profit and $1.4 Billion Annual Profit, Excluding Special Items

    Reports GAAP quarterly profit of $19 million and annual profit of $593 million
    an 18, 2011

    ATLANTA, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today reported financial results for the December 2010 quarter. Key points include:

    • Delta’s net income for the December 2010 quarter was $158 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, excluding special items(1). This is a $383 million improvement year over year.
    • Delta’s GAAP net income was $19 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the December 2010 quarter.
    • Delta’s net income for 2010 was $1.4 billion, excluding special items. Including $851 million in special items, Delta’s net income for 2010 was $593 million.
    • 2010 results include $313 million in profit sharing expense, including $38 million in the December quarter, in recognition of Delta employees’ achievements toward meeting the company’s financial targets.
    • Delta’s adjusted net debt at the end of 2010 was $15.0 billion, a $2.0 billion reduction from prior year.
    • Delta ended 2010 with $5.2 billion in unrestricted liquidity.

    “Our 2010 results are among the best in Delta’s history. They would not have been possible without the dedication and determination of Delta employees worldwide and we are pleased we will pay more than $300 million in profit sharing for 2010,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer. “These results are a direct reflection of the success of our merger, cost discipline and debt reduction strategy and give us momentum to deal with the rising fuel prices we face in 2011.”

    Revenue Environment

    Total operating revenue for the December 2010 quarter was $7.8 billion, an increase of $1.0 billion, or 14%, compared to the same period last year.

    • Passenger revenue increased 15%, or $889 million, compared to the prior year period on 7% higher capacity. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) increased 8%, driven by a 9% improvement in yield.
    • Cargo revenue decreased 7%, or $17 million, due to the elimination of freighter operations, partially offset by higher volume and yield.
    • Other, net revenue increased 14%, or $112 million, primarily due to higher SkyMiles revenue and revenues from ancillary products and services.

    “Through the momentum we built in 2010, we expect to maintain our March quarter margins year over year despite more than $350 million in higher costs from the recent steep run-up in fuel prices,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s president. “Industry-wide fare increases, combined with growth in Delta’s ancillary products and services, will provide a more long-term, revenue-based solution to addressing the high fuel environment.”

    Cost Performance

    In the December 2010 quarter, operating expense increased $644 million year over year due to higher fuel price, volume- and revenue-related expenses, and profit sharing expense, which were partially offset by incremental merger cost synergies.

    Consolidated unit cost (CASM[2]), excluding fuel, profit sharing and special items, decreased 2% in the December 2010 quarter on a year-over-year basis, on 7% higher capacity. Consolidated CASM, including fuel, profit sharing and special items, increased 2%.

    Non-operating expense excluding special items decreased $67 million due to benefits from Delta’s debt reduction initiatives. Including special items, non-operating expense was $36 million lower than in the December 2009 quarter.