press release

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    Wyle Veteran Named New President of the Company’s Lexington Park, Md.-Based Aerospace Group

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2011 — A longtime Wyle veteran has been named president of the company’s Lexington Park, Maryland-based Aerospace Group. Peter Green replaces Brent Bennitt, who has been promoted to the position of executive vice president in the company’s corporate offices.

    Green has spent the last 25 years with Wyle and its heritage companies as a systems engineer, program manager, chief pilot, and, for the last six years, as the Aerospace Group’s vice president for business development and strategic planning. Most notably, he played a key role in expanding Wyle’s presence in the DoD services market.

    He is a 1977 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and served as a P-3 pilot and test pilot. He left active duty and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1985, retiring in 2001. Green completed his graduate studies at the University of Southern California and the executive management program of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

    Wyle’s Aerospace Group provides a wide range of capabilities and services to the Department of Defense, including program office support; systems engineering; systems integration and analysis; cost analysis; life cycle management; sustainment engineering; pilot and aircrew services; test and evaluation support; and information operations.

    “Under Brent Bennitt’s leadership, the Wyle Aerospace Group has doubled in revenue over the last five years,” said George Melton, Wyle CEO and president. “Based on that outstanding record, Brent will focus on a broad portfolio of initiatives to accelerate Wyle’s growth and customer outreach. He will oversee Wyle’s multi-business unit pursuits and lead Wyle’s company-wide efforts in exploiting indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contact vehicles.”

    Bennitt joined Wyle in January 2005 and served as group president of the Aerospace Group which was formed as a result of the acquisition of General Dynamic’s Aeronautics business, formerly a sector within the Veridian Corporation. He joined Veridian as vice president of the Lexington Park, Maryland-based Naval Aviation Programs Group in 1998, and was named president of Veridian Engineering’s newly formed Aeronautics Sector in 2000.

    “My tenure as a group president, through our Veridian, General Dynamics and Wyle phases, has been a tremendously fulfilling experience for me,” said Bennitt. “It has been my honor to watch the Aerospace Group build itself into an organization with a culture, commitment, capability and business ethic that we can all be proud of.”

    Prior to joining Veridian, Bennitt served as a U.S. Navy vice admiral and had served as the commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet from January 1996 until his retirement in 1998. He commanded the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz from 1987 to 1989. Bennitt graduated from the Naval Academy in 1964 and has flown more than 4,000 hours in more than 50 different aircraft types and models.

    Wyle, a privately held company, is a leading provider of high tech aerospace engineering and information technology services to the federal government on long-term support contracts. The company also provides test and evaluation of aircraft, weapon systems, networks, and other government assets; and other engineering services to the aerospace, defense, and nuclear power industries.

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    Delta Offers Winter Weather Travel Assistance to Customers in Atlanta

    Jan 7, 2011

    ATLANTA, Jan. 7, 2011 — Delta Air Lines is offering customers whose flight plans may be affected by winter weather expected in Atlanta beginning Sunday night 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 from expected flight delays.

    Customers booked on Delta-ticketed flights to, from or through Atlanta Jan. 9-11 may immediately rebook for travel with the same origin and destination before or after their original travel dates as long as new flights are ticketed and rescheduled with travel beginning by Jan. 13, 2011.

    Flight delays are expected at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 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, and 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.

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    SPACE STATION ASTRONAUTS TO CONNECT WITH CENTRAL FLORIDA STUDENTS

    WASHINGTON — International Space Station residents Scott Kelly, Cady Coleman and Paolo Nespoli will speak on Tuesday, Jan. 11, to 150 students from Kathleen High School’s Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) in Lakeland, Fla.

    The CFAA prepares students to go into advanced aerospace education or the aerospace industry. In 2009, the academy received an agency grant to develop a NASA-based science, technology, engineering and , or STEM, curriculum.

    The station astronauts will answer student questions on Jan. 11, from 11-11:20 a.m. EST. In preparation for the conversation with astronauts in space, the students have been participating in science activities, exploring careers in science with local scientists and engineers, studying a floor plan of the International Space Station and learning about experiments in microgravity.

    The event will air live on NASA Television and on the agency’s website. Media interested in attending this event should contact Obie Young at 407-341-3072 by 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10.

    The live downlink will be shared with other students through the Florida Aviation Network, the Federal Aviation Administration Training Network and the Government Educational Training Network. This will give approximately 93,000 students in Polk County’s K-12 classrooms the opportunity to watch the event.

    NASA astronauts Kelly and Coleman and Nespoli of the European Space Agency are conducting science experiments aboard the space station. Kelly serves as the Expedition 26 commander until March when he returns home. Coleman and Nespoli will complete their station mission in May.

    This live, in-flight education downlink is one in a series with educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad to improve teaching and learning in STEM subjects. It is an integral component of Teaching From Space, a NASA education program. Teaching From Space promotes learning opportunities and builds partnerships with the education community using the unique environment of space and NASA’s human spaceflight program.

    For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:

    http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

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    NTSB MEETS TO CONSIDER SAFETY STUDY ON THE USE OF AIRBAGS IN GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    January 6, 2011

    The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public
    Board meeting to consider a safety study on the
    effectiveness of airbags in general aviation (GA) aircraft.

    The NTSB initiated the safety study to 1) examine the
    effectiveness of airbags in mitigating occupant injury in a
    survivable GA accident, 2) identify any unintended
    consequences of airbag deployments, and 3) develop
    procedures to assist investigators in documenting airbag
    systems in future investigations.

    During the course of the study, investigators became aware
    of several potential issues that could compromise occupant
    safety associated with the use, adjustment and design of
    restraint systems. All of these findings will be presented
    to the five-Member Board for their consideration.

    The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 11, at 9:30
    a.m., in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant
    Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C.

    A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be
    available on the Board’s website at
    http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/Boardmeeting.htm. Technical
    support details are available under “Board Meetings.” To
    report any problems, please call 703-993-3100 and ask for
    Webcast Technical Support.

    A summary of the safety study, which will include its
    findings and safety recommendations, will appear on the
    website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting. The
    entire study will appear on the website several weeks later.

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    NASA SELECTS HIGH-PERFORMING INTERNS AS AGENCY AMBASSADORS

    WASHINGTON — NASA has selected 101 of its high-performing interns and
    fellows for the agency’s Student Ambassador Program. The students
    will represent NASA at a variety of education and outreach events at
    schools and universities to help inspire future students interested
    in science, engineering, mathematics and technology, or STEM,
    opportunities.

    The new ambassadors represent 31 states and 64 different universities.
    This third group of student ambassadors, known as Cohort III, joins
    189 other student ambassadors selected in 2009 and 2010. NASA
    managers and mentors nominated the ambassadors from hundreds of
    current interns and fellows who have participated in various NASA
    Education projects.

    “The ambassadors have demonstrated their ability to motivate students
    to enter the STEM workforce,” said Leland Melvin, associate
    administrator for education at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “They
    play an important role in our effort to develop the next generation
    of explorers, because they can engage fellow students in a meaningful
    peer-to-peer dialogue. That’s something that more traditional
    approaches cannot accomplish.”

    The new student ambassadors will join a virtual web-based community,
    which allows them to interact with NASA staff and other ambassadors
    to share information and make professional connections. Through the
    website, the ambassadors also will have access to the latest NASA
    news, cutting-edge research and career resources.

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    Lockheed Martin Awarded $15 Million Production Contract to Upgrade Military Helicopter Sensor System

    ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 6, 2011 — The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $15 million contract for production of a low-light-level TV capability, called VNsight, for the Apache’s combat-proven Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS), also known as Arrowhead®. The new VNsight visible/near infrared sensor is integrated into the Modernized PNVS, providing the Warfighter with significant tactical advantages, particularly in low-light-level conditions.

    The VNsight Lot 1 production contract for 65 sensors and spares will equip two Apache battalions. It will also provide an initial quantity of cameras and spares to outfit a Foreign Military Sales customer. The M-TADS/PNVS systems will be upgraded as a field retrofit. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will produce the VNsight lens and serve as the system integrator, while Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors in Akron, OH, will provide the sensor’s camera.

    “The VNsight completes a commitment to the Warfighter to deliver a blended image capability in the Apache to support both situational awareness for the pilot and improved air-to-ground coordination,” said U.S. Army Apache Sensors Product Manager Lt. Col. John Vannoy. “After thorough testing of this system with pilots experienced in both combat theaters, I’m confident that their appraisal of the system as a must-have capability will result in the Apache becoming even more lethal on the battlefield.”

    “The VNsight camera upgrade represents a mission enhancing capability improvement for the Lockheed Martin produced Apache sensor,” said Monty Watson, VNsight program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “VNsight provides an increase in pilot situational awareness, flight safety and mission flexibility.”

    By blending VNsight imagery with the M-PNVS forward looking infrared (FLIR) imagery, pilots can see cultural and military lighting (lasers, markers, beacons, tracer rounds, etc.) accurately registered within the thermal image over the full 30-by-40 degree field of view of the sensor. This ensures safer flying conditions and enhanced mission capability by improving situational awareness in low-light-level conditions and situations where existing light sources cannot be imaged by the FLIR.

    The capability to image light sources in-band with the VNsight sensor allows aviators to see some laser pointers, improving coordination with ground units. It also allows the aircrew to see their own laser spot while designating targets for laser-guided munitions engagements, providing an extra level of certainty that the correct target and aim-point are designated. Enhanced air-to-ground situational awareness reduces the potential for fratricide.

    Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.0 billion.

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    AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. Announces Chief Pilot Appointment

    HOUSTON, Jan. 6, 2011
    — AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc., appointed Arthur Stevenson to the position of Chief Pilot.

    Arthur Stevenson is an Airline Transport Pilot having flown over 142 different types of aircraft while accumulating over 11,000 flight hours. Arthur’s experience includes more than 11 years as point of contact with the FAA in the development and continuing operations of Part 135 Air Carriers. Positions previously held by Arthur include Line Pilot, Chief Pilot, Company Instructor, Company Check Airman, and Director of Operations with air carriers operating aircraft up to 19 passenger seats. Arthur also developed the “Operations”, “Maintenance”, “Training” and “First Responders” manuals for the Monroe County Florida Sheriff’s EMS helicopter operation based in the Florida Keys.

    “I am pleased to have someone with Art’s credentials join Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc. His experience with larger aircraft and commuter operations will make our transition into these areas quicker and more efficient. We will be able to develop the required manuals and procedures ‘in-house’ thereby making their implementation easier and more cost effective,” said Clayton Gamber, CEO of AvStar Aviation Group, Inc.

    In December 2010 AvStar announced a Letter of Intent (see http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/12/prweb4920324.htm for the full announcement) had been signed to purchase 35% of Aircraft Charters, LLC. Aircraft Charters, LLC is the owner of the aircraft currently leased to and operated by AvStar’s wholly owned subsidiary Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc. The purchase is expected to close in January of 2011.

    “The purchase of Aircraft Charters, LLC will improve the balance sheet of AvStar while the addition of Art will improve the Income Statement. With Art’s experience we will be able to expedite the transition to the ‘Commuter’ operator designation as given by the FAA. With the ‘Commuter’ designation Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc. will gain worldwide exposure through the airline industry’s established marketing services available only to ‘Commuter’ operators,” said Clayton Gamber, CEO of AvStar Aviation Group, Inc.

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    Boeing Delivers 4 More Super Hornets to Australia Ahead of Schedule

    Milestone Reached as RAAF F/A-18Fs Achieve Initial Operating Capability

    AMBERLEY, Queensland, Jan. 6, 2011 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered four new F/A-18F Super Hornets to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley in December, expanding the RAAF’s fleet of the advanced multirole fighters to 15. The delivery enabled the RAAF’s achievement of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) with its first Super Hornet squadron, the Amberley-based No. 1.

    Boeing has delivered all 15 Super Hornets to Australia ahead of schedule.

    “Early delivery of our new Super Hornets at Amberley has been a vital part of our path toward IOC for our first Super Hornet squadron, which we have now achieved ahead of schedule,” said RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing, which operates the Super Hornet. “As we’ve continued to hit our marks on time — or early, in many instances — with the Super Hornet program, we’ve enabled the RAAF to ensure Australia’s regional air superiority as we transition from the F-111 and classic Hornet.”

    The December arrival was the third Super Hornet delivery to the base during 2010. Three aircraft in the latest delivery were prewired for potential conversion to electronic attack capability during production at Boeing facilities in St. Louis; the remaining nine aircraft in the contract will be prewired in the same way before delivery to the RAAF’s No. 6 Squadron.

    “The Boeing Super Hornet team has surpassed expectations by delivering 15 aircraft to the RAAF in 2010 instead of the 12 originally scheduled,” said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet program manager for Boeing. “Additionally, each aircraft has been delivered within budget. We are fully committed to ensuring the same delivery success and budget excellence throughout 2011. We congratulate the men and women of the RAAF on the outstanding achievement of reaching No. 1 Squadron’s Super Hornet IOC ahead of schedule.”

    The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the advanced Block II versions of the Super Hornet, all of which are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

    The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 440 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.

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    Boeing Hits 2010 Airplane Delivery Target; Achieves Strong Order Bookings

    Company delivers 462 airplanes
    – 530 net orders booked as global economy shows recovery

    SEATTLE, Jan. 6, 2011 — Boeing recorded 462 commercial airplane deliveries in 2010, meeting company guidance of approximately 460 deliveries during the year. Boeing posted 530 net commercial orders for the year as air carriers transition from economic recovery to expansion. Boeing Commercial Airplanes maintains a strong order base of 3,443 unfilled orders.

    “With 376 deliveries in 2010, the Next-Generation 737 set a company delivery record for the second consecutive year,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 is the industry’s most in-demand airplane with 486 net orders as carriers continue to rely on its superior economics, versatility and continuous performance enhancements.”

    The 777 led Boeing’s twin-aisle programs with 74 deliveries and 46 net orders in 2010 as the airplane continues to rank at the top of operator, investor and frequent traveler polls for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

    Program orders, deliveries and backlog at the end of 2010 were as follows:

    Gross Orders

    Net Orders

    Deliveries

    Backlog Units

    737

    508

    486

    376

    2,186

    777

    76

    46

    74

    253

    747

    1

    (-1)

    0

    107

    767

    3

    3

    12

    50

    787

    37

    (-4)

    N/A

    847
  • Flight testing of six 787 Dreamliner airplanes passes 2,400 hours.
  • Pilots from ANA, the first 787 customer, fly the Dreamliner.
  • 747-8 Freighter surpasses 1,500 flight hours.
  • 900th 777 delivery.
  • 747-8 Intercontinental reaches final assembly and achieves power on.
  • 1,000th 767 prepares to enter Final Assembly.
  • First deliveries of Next-Generation 737s with the new Boeing Sky Interior.
  • Launching 787 GoldCare with TUI Travel – first of new comprehensive service offerings for customers.
  • On-time performance for urgent customer support requests of 99 percent through the Operations Center.
  • Boeing and China partner on sustainable aviation biofuel.
  • Last P-8A test airplane enters final assembly.
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    NTSB ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS DEALING WITH EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTERS IN GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT FOLLOWING CRASH INVOLVING SENATOR STEVENS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2011
    SB-11-02

    The National Transportation Safety Board today issued two safety recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration requiring a detailed inspection of all emergency locator transmitters (ELT) installed on general aviation aircraft to ensure that their mountings maintain their retention capabilities during an accident sequence.

    An ELT is designed to broadcast a signal through an externally mounted antenna that contains the aircraft’s registration information and the global positioning system coordinates of the original signal. Also, the “homing signal” can be detected locally by other aircraft, air traffic control facilities, or rescue personnel who use a compatible receiver.

    “In this case, the airplane was equipped with a functioning 406 megahertz ELT, which can be a tremendous aid to search and rescue operations,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “But this vital life-saving technology won’t do anyone any good if it doesn’t stay connected to the antenna.”

    On August 9, 2010, a de Havilland turbine Otter airplane crashed in mountainous tree-covered terrain approximately 10 miles from Aleknagik, Alaska. Nearly five hours after the crash, volunteer airborne search personnel located the aircraft approximately 19 miles from where the flight originated. The pilot and four passengers, including former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, sustained fatal injuries. The other four passengers were seriously injured.

    Aircraft involved in the search and rescue efforts and satellites did not detect any ELT signals. Following the discovery of the airplane, a pararescuer found the ELT loose on the floor of the airplane. The ELT had activated but had separated from its mounting bracket and antenna.

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    NTSB ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS DEALING WITH EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTERS IN GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT FOLLOWING CRASH INVOLVING SENATOR STEVENS

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2011

    Washington, DC – The National Transportation Safety Board
    today issued two safety recommendations to the Federal
    Aviation Administration requiring a detailed inspection of
    all emergency locator transmitters (ELT) installed on
    general aviation aircraft to ensure that their mountings
    maintain their retention capabilities during an accident
    sequence.

    An ELT is designed to broadcast a signal through an
    externally mounted antenna that contains the aircraft’s
    registration information and the global positioning system
    coordinates of the original signal. Also, the “homing
    signal” can be detected locally by other aircraft, air
    traffic control facilities, or rescue personnel who use a
    compatible receiver.

    “In this case, the airplane was equipped with a functioning
    406 megahertz ELT, which can be a tremendous aid to search
    and rescue operations,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P.
    Hersman. “But this vital life-saving technology won’t do
    anyone any good if it doesn’t stay connected to the
    antenna.”

    On August 9, 2010, a de Havilland turbine Otter airplane
    crashed in mountainous tree-covered terrain approximately 10
    miles from Aleknagik, Alaska. Nearly five hours after the
    crash, volunteer airborne search personnel located the
    aircraft approximately 19 miles from where the flight
    originated. The pilot and four passengers, including former
    U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, sustained fatal injuries. The
    other four passengers were seriously injured.

    Aircraft involved in the search and rescue efforts and
    satellites did not detect any ELT signals. Following the
    discovery of the airplane, a pararescuer found the ELT loose
    on the floor of the airplane. The ELT had activated but had
    separated from its mounting bracket and antenna.

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    United and Continental Offer Rebooking Options to Customers Affected by Northeast Weather

    CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

    United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today announced travel options for United and Continental customers whose flight plans may be affected by severe winter weather forecast for the Northeast U.S. this weekend. Weather conditions are expected to lead to the cancellation or delay of certain flights at United’s hub at Washington Dulles International Airport and at Continental’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. Operations at other airports throughout the Northeast may also be affected.

    Change Flights for No Fee at united.com or continental.com

    Customers scheduled on flights to, from or through the affected airports Jan. 7 through Jan. 9 may reschedule their itinerary with a one-time date or time change, and the change fees will be waived. If a flight has been canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested. Complete details and eligible travel dates are available at united.com and continental.com. The fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via united.com or continental.com. Customers should continue to manage their reservations on the respective company’s website from which their tickets were purchased. Customers may also book a new reservation, change an existing reservation or check flight status by calling United Reservations at 800-UNITED-1, Continental Reservations at 800-525-0280 or their travel agents. Another way to receive information about flight delays, cancellations and gate changes is with United’s EasyUpdate service or Continental’s TripAlert service, which provide customers notifications via phone, text or e-mail.

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    Continental Announces New Tentative Agreement With Flight Attendants

    CHICAGO, Jan. 4, 2011

    Continental Airlines today announced that it has reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) representing Continental flight attendants. The IAM is expected to hold a ratification vote in the coming weeks.

    “The negotiation teams were able to reach a fair agreement that is another positive step forward as we work to combine our companies,” said Sam Risoli, vice president of Inflight Service for the combined company.

    The agreement covers approximately 9,300 Continental flight attendants located throughout the United States.

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    Statement of American Airlines in Response to Sabre’s Actions

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 5, 2011 / — American Airlines today received notice from Sabre that it has taken a set of punitive actions against the airline and its customers, despite the fact that American has met all its obligations and continues to work in good faith with Sabre.

    The actions, which include biasing its shopping displays, are anti-consumer, anti-competitive and harmful to its subscribing agents.

    Sabre’s actions are discriminatory and patently inconsistent with both its contractual obligations and its professed goal of ensuring full transparency for the benefit of consumers and travel agents. In contrast, the actions only serve to protect Sabre’s market position and attempt to force airlines and travel agencies to rely exclusively on its legacy systems that only lead to higher fares and fewer choices for consumers.

    American is committed to working with all efficient distribution channels, including traditional travel agencies, online travel agencies and global distribution systems

    American Airlines and American Eagle fares and schedules – including all international and domestic classes of service – are widely available through a number of outlets, including American’s own website, AA.com, which features our Lowest Fare Guarantee, as well as through American’s reservations agents, thousands of travel agencies in locations worldwide, online travel agencies such as Priceline.com and metasearch engines such as Kayak.com.

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    Pet Airways Appoints Andrew Warner as President and Chief Financial Officer


    DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 4, 2011 — Pet Airways Inc. (PAWS.PK), the world’s first airline designed specifically for the comfortable, efficient and safe transportation of pets, today announced that Andrew Warner has been named President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Warner also serves as a member of the Pet Airways board of directors.

    Mr. Warner has more than 25 years of experience in financial and general management, with leadership positions in both public and private companies. He specializes in nurturing rapid growth in young consumer-oriented companies, particularly with respect to consumer technology.

    Prior to joining Pet Airways, Mr. Warner served as Chief Financial Officer of EnergyConnect Group, Inc., a leading provider of smart grid demand response services and technologies. Prior to that, Mr. Warner was the Chief Financial Officer of SmartDisk Corporation, which provided electronic storage solutions and was subsequently acquired by Verbatim. Mr. Warner was also the Chief Executive Officer of Zio Corporation, a private, digital consumer electronics company that was acquired by SmartDisk Corporation. Prior to Zio Corporation, Mr. Warner served as Chief Financial Officer, President of the U.S. Division and Executive Vice President of SCM Microsystems Inc., a global provider of digital security and identity management technology.

    “We are delighted that Andrew has agreed to join the Pet Airways team. With his strong financial and business experience, we believe that he will be instrumental in helping Pet Airways become a household name and solidify our leadership position in pet transportation,” said Dan Wiesel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pet Airways. “In particular, his experience growing successful companies, managing transactions and raising capital will be invaluable to us.”

    Andrew Warner commented, “Pet Airways is an exciting company that has the potential to fundamentally change the travel category. Pets are a very important part of the family, and by providing a safe and caring alternative to cargo, Pet Airways can transform the concept of family travel. I am thrilled to join the Pet Airways executive team, to work with Dan to broaden Pet Airways’ services and expand the company’s infrastructure.”

    Since Pet Airways’ launch in July 2009, flight capacity has nearly doubled with expansion from the original five destinations to the current nine. Revenue for the first nine months of 2010 more than tripled over the prior year, with over 3,000 pets flown through September 2010. The company continues to enjoy significant national and regional press coverage and recently announced a partnership with Petmate®, the leading provider of portable carriers.

    About Pet Airways, Inc.
    Pet Airways is the first airline specifically designed for the safe and comfortable transportation of pets. Pet Airways’ pawsengers™ travel in the specially equipped main cabin of its planes – where pets are continuously monitored by an In-Flight Pet Attendant and the climate is controlled for maximum pet comfort. With Pet Airways, pet parents can be assured their animals will be treated with tender, loving care throughout the journey. The airline launched flight operations in 2009 and currently serves coast-to-coast destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Omaha, Chicago, Baltimore, New York, Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale. For more information go to www.petairways.com.

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    Boeing, Qatar Airways, AmeriCares Partner for Relief Flight

    New Qatar Airways 777-300ER carries medical supplies to Pakistan
    EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) again has partnered with Qatar Airways and the non-profit global health and disaster relief organization AmeriCares to deliver a second consignment of relief supplies to areas in Pakistan that are still recovering from the massive floods that ravaged the country in August. The first shipment was delivered in September 2010.

    A consignment of about 35,000 pounds (15.8 metric tones) of medical supplies was loaded into the cargo hold of the new Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) delivered to Qatar Airways. The airline subsequently will ship the relief goods from Doha, Qatar to Pakistan.

    “This is the second time in four months that Boeing has partnered with Qatar Airways and AmeriCares to help the people in Pakistan where the need is still great,” said Liz Warman, director of Global Corporate Citizenship Northwest Region, Boeing. “Providing timely medical care is critical; though the floods have receded, the aftereffects such as sickness and disease continue to affect the people in these disaster zones.”

    Over the years, Boeing and airline partners as well as non-profit partners in the Humanitarian Delivery Flights (HDF) program have collaborated on many humanitarian missions and the Boeing 777-300ER was used on a number of those missions.

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    CIT, Boeing Announce Order for 38 Next-Generation 737 Airplanes

    Order Includes 737-800s and 737-900ERs

    NEW YORK and SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), and Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced that CIT Aerospace placed an order for 38 Next-Generation 737 airplanes and purchase rights for seven additional 737s.

    The order, with deliveries into 2017, includes 15 737-900ER (extended range) and 23 737-800 airplanes. It is the largest order placed by a leasing company for the 737-900ER, the largest and newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. This is also the largest order placed by CIT for Boeing airplanes.

    “This order of Next-Generation Boeing aircraft reflects our efforts to maintain one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in the industry,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, president of Transportation Finance at CIT. “As a leading aircraft lessor, it is important that we continue to maintain a portfolio of operationally dependable and fuel-efficient aircraft for our customers.”

    “CIT’s choice of the Next Generation 737 shows its confidence in the product family and especially in its newest member, the 737-900ER, which features incredible economics and operational capability,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “CIT is one of the leading companies in global transportation finance, and clearly recognizes the value that the Next Generation 737 will bring to its airline customers. CIT will be receiving its 737s with the innovative Boeing Sky Interior and other performance improvements that will keep its airplanes at the leading edge of passenger comfort, efficient operations and reduced fuel consumption.”

    CIT owns or finances a fleet of more than 300 commercial aircraft. As of Sept. 30, 2010, CIT had 140 Boeing airplanes in its portfolio. With this new order, the company now has a total order book of 111 aircraft, of which 58 are Boeing.

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    NTSB ISSUES UPDATE ON JACKSON HOLE B-757 RUNWAY OVERRUN INCIDENT

    NTSB Advisory
    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594
    December 31, 2010

    In its continuing investigation of the runway overrun of a jetliner in Jackson Hole, Wyo., the National Transportation Safety Board has developed the following factual information:

    At about 11:38 am MT on Wednesday, December 29, American Airlines flight 2253, a B-757-200 (N668AA) inbound from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, ran off the end of runway 19 in snowy conditions while landing at Jackson Hole Airport. No injuries were reported among the 181 passengers and crew on board.

    The aircraft came to rest in hard packed snow about 350 feet beyond the runway overrun area. An initial inspection did not reveal any structural damage to the aircraft. Shortly after the aircraft came to a stop, in accordance with American Airlines’ procedures, the pilots pulled the circuit breaker to the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) to preserve all of the recorded information for investigators.

    The CVR and DFDR (digital flight data recorder) arrived at the Safety Board’s recorder laboratory on Thursday evening, Dec. 30, where investigators were standing by to download the contents of both recorders. The CVR provided a two-hour recording of excellent quality audio; the voices of each of the pilots on the flight deck were clearly audible. The DFDR provided 1200 recorded parameters of flight data and captured the entire incident.

    The crew, who were interviewed on Thursday evening, indicated that they saw the runway prior to reaching the minimum descent altitude before touchdown. Both crewmembers characterized the flight and approach to landing as uneventful prior to the runway overrun. The first officer was the flying pilot.

    The accident docket, which will contain additional factual information, is expected to be opened in 60-90 days. It will be available on the docket section of the NTSB website at http://go.usa.gov/rjR

    PROTOCALS FOR TRANSPORTING AIRCRAFT RECORDERS IN INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

    The Safety Board has long-established protocols for the handling and transportation of CVRs and DFDRs that contain recorded information from a commercial aviation incident, which by definition is one where no serious injuries or substantial damage to the aircraft or other property has occurred.

    In such incident investigations, the Safety Board frequently asks the airline involved to transport the recorders on their own aircraft as such an arrangement often provides the most expeditious means of conveying the devices to Safety Board labs in Washington. The airline is instructed to transport the recorders without delay and without accessing the information contained within them by any means. This practice has worked efficiently and without complication for more than 40 years.

    During this incident investigation, the Safety Board learned that the recorders were flown to Tulsa, Okla., where American Airlines technicians downloaded information from the DFDR; the CVR was not accessed by American.

    “Although a thorough examination by our investigators determined that no information from the DFDR was missing or altered in any way, the breach of protocol by American Airlines personnel violates the Safety Board’s standards of conduct for any organization granted party status in an NTSB investigation,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “Because maintaining and enforcing strict investigative protocols and procedures is vital to the integrity of our investigative processes, we have revoked the party status of American Airlines and excused them from further participation in this incident investigation.”

    American Airlines has assured the Safety Board that a full review of proper procedures and internal controls would be undertaken to ensure that such an occurrence is not repeated.

    Despite their removal from party standing, the NTSB will provide American Airlines with any and all information needed to ensure a timely response to operational safety deficiencies identified in the course of the investigation.

  • GE’s 1000th Dowty Propeller System Makes First Flight on C-130J


    Cincinnati, Ohio– GE Aviation joins Lockheed Martin today to mark the 1000th Dowty advanced propeller system on a C-130J aircraft. The first flight took place December 20 at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The C-130J will be delivered to Dyess Air Force Base by year’s end.

    Performing the C-130J’s flight were Lockheed Martin test pilots Dick Shroeder and P R Helm.

    Oliver Towers, president of Dowty Propellers said: “We have provided the propeller system for the C-130J since 1994. The high integrity of the all-composite propeller system significantly contributes to the overall efficiency of the C-130J. Our Gloucester, UK propellers team is proud to help support successful missions for C-130J operators worldwide.”

    The six-bladed R391 propeller for the Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130J aircraft includes high-integrity all-composite blades with unmatched 25-year record of operational reliability. The propellers include a fail-safe electronic control system and low maintenance costs with a modular configuration and low parts count.

    GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC and GE Aviation Systems Ltd are subsidiaries of General Electric Company. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation.

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    NTSB Safety Recommendations A-10-159 through -168

    the National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the U.S. Forest Service:

    Develop mission-specific operating standards for firefighter transport operations that include procedures for completing load calculations and verifying that actual aircraft performance matches predicted performance, require adherence to aircraft operating limitations, and detail the specific 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 regulations that are to be complied with by its contractors. (A-10-159)

    Require its contractors to conduct firefighter transport operations in accordance with the mission-specific operating standards specified in Safety Recommendation A-10-159. (A-10-160)

    Create an oversight program that can reliably monitor and ensure that contractors comply with the mission-specific operating requirements specified in Safety Recommendation A-10-159. (A-10-161)

    Provide specific training to inspector pilots on performance calculations and operating procedures for the types of aircraft in which they give evaluations. (A-10-162)

    Require a hover-out-of-ground-effect power check to be performed before every takeoff carrying passengers from helispots in confined areas, pinnacles, and ridgelines. (A-10-163)

    Review and revise policies regarding the type and use of gloves by firefighting personnel during transport operations, including but not limited to, compatibility with passenger restraints and opening emergency exits. (A-10-164) Review and revise your contract requirements for passenger transport by aircraft so that the requirement to install shoulder harnesses on passenger seats provides improved occupant crashworthiness protection consistent with the seat design. (A-10-165)

    Require that helispots have basic weather instrumentation that has the capability to measure wind speed and direction, temperature, and pressure and provide training to helitack personnel in the proper use of this instrumentation. (A-10-166) Modify your standard manifest form to provide a place to record basic weather information and require that this information be recorded for each flight. (A-10-167)

    Require all contracted transport-category helicopters to be equipped with a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder or a cockpit image recorder with the capability of recording cockpit audio, crew communications, and aircraft parametric data. (A-10-168)

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    NTSB SAFETY RECOMMENDATION

    The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration:

    Require that the hover performance charts published by helicopter manufacturers reflect the true performance of the helicopter in all conditions for which the charts are applicable, including light and variable wind conditions. (A-10-148)

    Develop and implement a surveillance program specifically for 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 operators with aircraft that can operate both as public aircraft and as civil aircraft to maintain continual oversight ensuring compliance with 14 CFR Part 135 requirements. (A-10-149)

    Take appropriate actions to clarify Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authority over public aircraft, as well as identify and document where such oversight responsibilities reside in the absence of FAA authority. (A-10-150)

    Require the installation of fuel tanks that meet the requirements of 14 Code of Federal Regulations 29.952 on S-61 helicopters that are used for passenger transport. (A-10-151) Require that S-61 helicopters that are used for passenger transport be equipped with passenger seats and seat mounting structures that provide substantial improvement over the requirements of Civil Air Regulations 7.260, such as complying with portions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations 29.561 and 29.562. (A-10-152)

    Require operators of transport-category helicopters to equip all passenger seats with restraints that have an appropriate release mechanism that can be released with minimal difficulty under emergency conditions. (A-10-153)

    Require that Advisory Circular 21-34 be used to evaluate all shoulder harness retrofit installations and to determine that the installations reduce the risk of occupant injury. (A-10-154)

    Require operators of Sikorsky S-61 helicopters with General Electric model CT58-140 engines to install 10-micron airframe fuel filters. (A-10-155)

    Require Carson Helicopters, Inc., to put a conspicuous notification on the title page of the Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness that accompany its supplemental type certificate for installing side-mounted seats indicating that the installation does not provide enhanced occupant protection over that provided by the originally installed seats and meets Civil Air Regulations 7.260 standards. (A-10-156)

    Require all applicants for supplemental type certificate (STC) seat installations in any type of aircraft to put a conspicuous notification on the title page of the Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness that accompany the STC indicating whether the installation provides enhanced occupant protection over that provided by the originally installed seats and the certification standard level met by the seating system. (A-10-157)

    Require supplemental type certificate (STC) applicants to improve the crashworthiness design of the seating system, such as complying with portions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations 29.561 and 29.562, when granting STC approval for older transport-category rotorcraft certificated to Civil Air Regulations 7.260 standards. (A-10-158)

    Also, the National Transportation Safety Board reiterates the following previously issued recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration:

    Do not permit exemptions or exceptions to the flight recorder regulations that allow transport-category rotorcraft to operate without flight recorders, and withdraw the current exemptions and exceptions that allow transport-category rotorcraft to operate without flight recorders. (A-06-18)

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    American Airlines Provides Business Update Following Commercial Disputes With Orbitz and Expedia

    Company Thanks Customers For Continued Loyalty

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 29, 2010 — American Airlines today thanked customers for their continued loyalty in the wake of a commercial dispute with two online travel agencies, Expedia and Orbitz, that is preventing American Airlines fares from being featured on those sites.

    American Airlines said it has seen a year-over-year increase in its overall ticket sales since Dec. 21, when it removed its schedules and airfares for American Airlines and American Eagle flights from Orbitz.com and websites powered by Orbitz.com, and since Dec. 23, when Expedia.com began discriminating against American’s flights and schedules by listing them lower in the search display than those of other airlines.

    While the year-over-year increase in ticket sales is roughly comparable to that seen earlier in December, American has noted a shift in ticket sales to other channels, notably online travel agencies, such as Priceline.com, and referrals from metasearch engines, such as Kayak.com, as well as increased volume on its own website, AA.com.

    “Our results to date show that consumer choice is alive and well and that our customers continue to have thousands of options to purchase American’s competitive fares and convenient schedules,” said Derek DeCross, American’s Vice President and General Sales Manager. “It is also clear to us that other online travel sites and traditional travel agencies are capitalizing on this market opportunity to gain business. Beyond that, we want to thank our customers and travel partners for their continued loyalty and support. We appreciate your business.”

    DeCross reiterated that American is committed to working with all distribution channels, including traditional travel agencies, online travel agencies and global distribution systems, to benefit from adopting its direct connection model, powered by Farelogix, which delivers to travel agencies and their customers more customized travel choices and options. There is no cost to tap into American’s direct connection.

    “Our direct connection offers a path to a new era of buying and selling travel services,” DeCross added. “Traditionally, airline products have consisted of different flavors of airfares. In the future, however, we envision the world of travel evolving into a much wider variety of products and services beyond fares. Our direct connection will help travel agencies help their own customers by giving them access to customized choices and delivering the best value to travelers. We do not envision a future in which we only sell to our customers through our own branded website. Our goal is to have broad distribution channels and choices for our customers, with our products and services delivered efficiently and without unnecessary costs flowing through the process.”

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    Boeing Delivers First 737 Boeing Sky Interior to Continental Airlines


    Passengers now able to enjoy interior in four regions of the world

    SEATTLE, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Another new Boeing (NYSE: BA) Next-Generation 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior took to the skies over Seattle today, as Continental Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., became the first U.S.-based carrier to fly with the new interior. Continental’s jet features the new United Airlines livery.
    Wednesday’s flight marks completion of 13 deliveries to the first five launch customers for the innovative 737 Boeing Sky Interior. The airplane also marks a new record for 737 yearly deliveries of 376. The previous record was 372 deliveries in 2009.

    “We are proud to be the first carrier in North America to introduce the brand-new Boeing Sky Interior to our customers,” said Ron Baur, United fleet vice president. “The new lighting and sculpted side panels give the 737 a modern and more spacious look, while providing increased overhead storage space.”

    The 737 Boeing Sky Interior is part of Boeing’s strategy to continuously improve the 737 for both airlines and passengers by making it more efficient and economical to operate and maintain and more comfortable for passengers. Today’s Next-Generation 737 operators fly 737s that are 5 percent more fuel-efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered in 1998, and another 2 percent improvement is on the way.

    In mid-November, another 737-800, also in the new United Airlines livery, successfully completed an early flight test to begin certification of the aerodynamic and engine changes that will result in the 2 percent improvement. Testing and certification will continue through April 2011. Boeing is phasing into production the performance improvement package, beginning in mid-2011 through early 2012.

    One percent of the savings comes from reducing resistance as air flows around the airplane. The upper and lower anti-collision lights change from round to a more aerodynamic, elongated teardrop shape. Wheel-well fairings are re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing gear. A redesign of the environmental control system, exhaust vent and streamlined wing slat and spoiler trailing edges round out the aerodynamic changes.

    CFM is introducing the new CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program to coincide with Boeing’s airframe changes. Low- and high-pressure turbine modifications will result in a 1 percent reduction in fuel consumption. In addition, Boeing is optimizing the engine’s primary nozzle and plug. Together, the changes result in cooler-running engines that may provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs.

    The CFM56-7BE engine is currently undergoing a 10,000 cycle endurance test at Snecma facilities in Villaroche, France. The test should be complete in early 2011. These tests simulate conditions far more extreme than would be experienced in commercial service to validate the reliability and durability of the hardware.

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    NTSB INVESTIGATING TODAY’S JETLINER RUNWAY EXCURSION IN WYOMING

    The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into an incident in which a passenger jetliner departed the runway while landing at Jackson Hole Airport in Wyoming.

    At about 11:38 am MT today, American Airlines flight 2253, a B-757 (N668AA) inbound from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, ran off the end of runway 19 while landing at Jackson Hole Airport. No injuries were reported among the 181 passengers and crew on board.

    The aircraft came to rest in hard packed snow about 350 feet beyond the runway overrun area. The weather was reported to be snowing at the time of the incident. No damage to the aircraft has been reported.

    Senior NTSB Air Safety Investigator Joseph Sedor has been designated as the Investigator-In-Charge.

    At this time, parties to the investigation are American Airlines, Boeing, the Allied Pilots Association, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

    Improving runway safety has been on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List of Safety Improvements since its inception in 1990: http://go.usa.gov/rTn

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    Delta Offers Winter Weather Travel Assistance to Customers Across U.S. Southeast, East Coast

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

    ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2010 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is offering customers whose flight plans may be affected by winter weather expected this weekend across the U.S. Southeast and East Coast 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 from 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 travel begins by Dec. 29, 2010.

    • Atlanta (for travel originally booked for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 25-26)
    • Baltimore (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
    • Boston (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
    • Newark (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
    • New York City (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
    • Washington, D.C. (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)

    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.