press release

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    Boeing, LAN Airlines Announce Order for Three 767s

    Additional 767-300ER airplanes part of the airline’s fleet expansion plans

    EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today that Chile’s LAN Airlines ordered three additional 767-300ER airplanes valued at $493 million at today’s list prices. Today’s order brings the total number of 767s ordered from LAN to 33.

    “This order for additional 767s builds on the long-standing relationship between Boeing and LAN,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “LAN is one of the world’s premier airlines and we are happy to help them expand and grow their long-haul fleet.”

    The 767 family of airplanes is sized between the single-aisle 737 Next-Generation and the twin-aisle 777. As one of the most fuel-efficient airplanes in operation today, the 767 offers improved environmental performance and operating economics over competing jetliners.

    “The versatility, comfort, range and increased payload capabilities continue to make the 767 a staple in the fleets of today’s leading airlines,” said Dailey. “The 767 has benefited from years of technological improvements for greater efficiency and passenger comfort.”

    LAN’s fleet currently consists of 28 767-300ERs and 11 767-300 freighters. The airline has used Boeing’s product advancements to drive operational efficiencies into their long-haul fleet and increase passenger comfort including the passenger-pleasing Boeing Signature Interior.

    The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models — the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER — and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.

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    Boeing to Engage Army Leaders with Adaptive, Versatile Capabilities at AUSA Winter Symposium

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 18, 2011 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will showcase a wide variety of capabilities and technology solutions used by U.S. Army soldiers and allied defense forces around the globe at next week’s Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium and Exposition, Feb. 23-25 in Fort Lauderdale.

    The capabilities to be featured at the Boeing exhibits and in presentations by company leaders include airlift and attack/reconnaissance platforms, Army modernization initiatives, unmanned systems, cybersecurity solutions, logistics support, and logistics command and control programs.

    “Like our Army customer, the defense industry is becoming more adaptive and versatile in meeting the demands of the warfighter,” said Leo Brooks, Boeing vice president, National Security & Space Group. “Boeing’s goal, as always, is to provide warfighters with the best capabilities, systems and services to complete their assigned missions effectively, efficiently and safely.”

    Boeing’s interactive indoor booth, 2223, will include a number of hands-on demonstrations and scale models. Featured solutions include Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization; the AH-64D Apache and AH-6 helicopters; C4ISR and cybersecurity solutions; the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system; and the Joint Tactical Radio System — Ground Mobile Radio.

    The company’s outdoor display, 3323, will feature aircraft such as the CH-47F Chinook, A160T Hummingbird, and S-100 unmanned system; the Airborne Ground Surveillance trailer; the Avenger Adaptive Force Protection Solutions system; and the Mobile Guardian — Tactical Surveillance and Observation System.

    “The outdoor display area at Winter AUSA is an excellent venue for our customers to see our products in person,” said Jamey Moran, Boeing vice president of Army Systems. “Whether it’s the Chinook, our unmanned systems, or new capabilities such as the Joint Recovery and Distribution System and the Avenger Adaptive Force Protection Solutions system, The Boeing Company’s commitment to the warfighter is paramount.”

    Boeing’s online press kit at www.boeing.com/bds/mediakit/2011/ausa/ will be updated throughout the show with briefing presentations and schedule changes, if any. The site also contains program backgrounders, executive biographies and a link to high-resolution photos. Reporters may contact the media relations representatives listed below to schedule interviews with Boeing executives at the show.

    The company will participate in a Ground Combat Vehicle media roundtable hosted by prime partner SAIC on Feb. 24 at 2:45 p.m. in the SAIC B2B suite (

  • ASPIRE Partnership Goes Green on Daily Basis

    The Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE), a partnership with the FAA’s counterparts and airlines in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore to reduce aviation’s impact on the environment, is moving beyond the demonstration stage with the launch of ASPIRE-Daily service in selected Pacific markets.

    Air New Zealand will begin ASPIRE-Daily service from Auckland to San Francisco on Feb. 21 using some of the flight procedures identified by the ASPIRE partners to help reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions.

    “This is another significant step in our rollout of the Next Generation Air Transportation System,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “We’re beginning to bring the green benefits of NextGen to the airlines and passengers in the Pacific on a daily basis.”
    Over the next four months, other carriers are expected to join Air New Zealand in flying ASPIRE-Daily routes between additional city pairs.

    Airlines flying ASPIRE-Daily routes must be equipped with advanced avionics that allow them to use at least four of the environmentally friendly procedures per flight outlined in the ASPIRE program. These include the satellite-based Required Navigation Performance avionics, which automatically update an aircraft’s precise position to air traffic controllers and provide an on-board system to monitor navigation performance. Another satellite-based system in use is the Future Air Navigation System, which transmits communications data directly from pilots to controllers.

    Five ASPIRE demonstration flights have taken place since the agreement was signed on Feb. 12, 2008. Air New Zealand flew the first demonstration flight from Auckland to San Francisco in September 2008. Qantas flew from Los Angeles to Melbourne in October 2008. United flew from Sydney to San Francisco on November 2008. Japan Airlines flew from Honolulu to Kansai in October 2009, and Singapore Airlines flew from Los Angeles to Singapore via Tokyo in January 2010.

    ASPIRE-DAILY PROGRAM PROCEDURES:
    User-Preferred Routes allow an airline to request a specific routing, regardless of projected winds, instead of flying along a fixed route. This procedure, made possible by advanced technologies used by air traffic controllers monitoring aircraft over oceanic airspace, results in a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

    Dynamic Airborne Reroute Procedures are the airborne equivalent of User-Preferred Routes. While User-Preferred Routes are approved prior to takeoff, Dynamic Airborne Reroute Procedures allow an aircraft to deviate from its flight path to take updated wind projections into account. This procedure also results in reduced fuel burn.

    30/30 Reduced Oceanic Separation is the safe reduction in the required separation between aircraft from 100 nautical miles to 30. This procedure improves capacity and efficiency over oceanic routes.

    Time-based Arrivals Management allows controllers to sequence aircraft more efficiently as they get closer to their arrival airports. This reduces low altitude vectoring and holding patterns, which burn fuel, while improving the merging and spacing of arriving aircraft to maximize efficiency.

    Arrival Optimization is the use of any one of several satellite-based procedures that allow aircraft to descend smoothly from cruising altitude to the arrival airport. These procedures – Continuous Descent Approaches, Optimized Profile Descents and Tailored Arrivals – allow aircraft to descend at idle thrust, rather than doing step-down descents that burn more fuel.

    Departure Optimization is the climb-out version of Arrival Optimization. This minimizes low altitude vectoring and the need to level off at interim altitudes.

    Surface Movement Optimization allows aircraft to move between gates and runways as efficiently as possible to save time and reduce fuel burn.

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    OIG: FAA Fulfilled AARA

    ACTION: FAA Fulfilled Most ARRA Requirements in Awarding Airport Grants Federal Aviation Administration Report Number AV-2011-053
    From: JeffreyB.Guzzetti Assistant Inspector General
    for Aviation and Special Program Audits

    February 17, 2011
    JA-10
    Memorandum
    On February 17, 2009, the President signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),1 designating $1.1 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to invest in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) projects. These funds were intended for airport projects that could achieve several key goals, including investing in transportation infrastructure to provide long-term economic benefits, create jobs, and promote economic recovery. ARRA established tight timeframes for distributing and expending funds and emphasized preference for projects that could be completed in 2 years.

    In August 2009, we issued an advisory to the Office of the Secretary outlining our concerns with FAA’s process for awarding ARRA grants.2 We questioned the economic merit of some lower scoring projects and highlighted several ARRA recipients with grant management problems identified in prior single audit reports.3 Based on these preliminary findings, we initiated this audit to determine the extent to which FAA’s process for awarding ARRA grants complied with ARRA requirements and other associated guidance.4 We conducted this audit from September 2009 through December 2010 in accordance with government

    American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. No. 111–5 (2009). OIG Advisory Number AA-2009-003, “FAA’s Process for Awarding ARRA Airport Improvement Program Grants,” August 6, 2009. OIG reports are available on our website: www.oig.dot.gov. Single audit is a mechanism relied upon by Executive Branch agencies to oversee financial compliance and grant 4 assurances. For the purpose of this report, we define “requirements” as a collective term to refer to ARRA statutory requirements, Presidential direction, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and FAA guidance related to ARRA implementation.

    Read the entire PDF here

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    NASA RESCHEDULES NEWS CONFERENCE ON STARDUST-NEXT COMET FLYBY

    PASADENA, Calif. — NASA has rescheduled the news conference about the Stardust-NExT comet flyby for 12:30 p.m. PST (3:30 p.m. EST) today.

    The briefing will release images and early data from the comet encounter and will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

    The participants are:

    -Ed Weiler, NASA’s associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, Washington
    -Joe Veverka, Stardust-NExT principal investigator, Cornell University

    -Tim Larson, Stardust-NExT project manager, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
    -Don Brownlee, Stardust-NExT co-investigator, University of Washington, Seattle
    -Pete Schultz, Stardust-NExT co-investigator, Brown University

    The news conference was originally scheduled for 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST). The additional time will allow scientists to process and analyze data and images gathered when the spacecraft flew past comet Tempel 1, with closest approach at a distance of 112 miles. The mission team had expected the closest-approach images to be sent first. Instead, the images were downlinked in chronological order, starting with the most distant approach views.

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    Northrop Grumman’s Joint STARS Re-Engining Program Completes Preliminary Design Review for Updated Bleed Air System

    MELBOURNE, Fla., Feb. 9, 2011 ( ) — Northrop Grumman Corporation recently completed the JT8D propulsion pod’s bleed air system’s preliminary design review (PDR) for the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS).

    “The successful completion of the PDR indicates that the design is extremely mature and will meet the Joint STARS mission requirements,” said Steve Pauly, Northrop Grumman program director for Joint STARS Development and Modernization. “This significant design effort has been a major focus of the Re-Engining development program.”

    The Northrop Grumman program team is re-designing the E-8C’s commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) bleed air system’s equipment in support of the Joint STARS Re-Engining program.

    The main function of the bleed air system is to extract high-pressured hot air generated from the JT8D’s engines and convert it into cool air. The resulting cool air pressurizes the Air Cycle Machines (ACM) which cools the aircraft’s environmental control system, cabin and prime mission equipment (PME), as well as pressurizes the utility hydraulic subsystem, engine starting capability and liquid cooling system.

    “The newly designed bleed air system will be installed and flight tested towards the middle of next year,” stated Pauly. “This is a major step toward clearing the way for full production and installation of the new JT8D propulsion pod system.”

    Today, the 17-aircraft Joint STARS fleet is the only all-weather, long-range, real-time, wide area surveillance and battle management and command and control weapons system in the world. It is flown by the 116th Air Control Wing based on Warner Robins, Ga. and since 2001, the crews have flown over 63,000 hours in 5,200 combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

    On Jan. 14, 2011, the weapons system marked the 20th anniversary of its first operational combat sortie in support of Operation Desert Storm. A developmental test aircraft system at that time, two E-8A aircraft were called into theatre in January 1991 by then General Norman Schwarzkopf.

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    Northrop Grumman Delivers Europe’s First Runway Status Light Control System at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris

    LONDON — Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Europe-based air traffic management subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, has been awarded a contract to provide a Runway Status Light (RWSL) Control System for Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, the first European airport to implement this safety feature.

    The RWSL Control System is an automated system that warns aircraft and vehicles if it is safe to enter or cross runways through a series of lights embedded in the pavement. The contract, awarded by Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne — Direction de la Technique et l’Innovation (DSNA-DTI) of France, is to be completed by end of 2011.

    “Winning this first European RWSL contract is a major achievement which confirms Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems’ position as the leading supplier of advanced air traffic control surveillance systems,” said Eldar Hauge, managing director for Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems in Norway. “We are already a leading European supplier of Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS) for some of the largest airports in Europe and Asia Pacific. RWSL can be offered as an upgrade to any A-SMGCS, regardless of make, and will give Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems a competitive edge in projects where RWSL is a requirement.”

    Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems is also supplying the A-SMGCS which connects to the RWSL Control System, offering the best technical solution and providing added safety to busy international airports.

    The A-SMGCS comprises the NOVA 9000 display processing system and surface movement radar. NOVA 9000 delivers enhanced air traffic control capabilities and ensures air traffic controllers have a clear view of ground movements under normal and low visibility operations.

    With a 50-year legacy in air traffic management systems ranging from individual airport installations to countrywide, multiple-site turnkey integrated system solutions, Northrop Grumman’s state-of-the-art air traffic management systems are operationally controlling air traffic in numerous countries around the world including recent major programmes in: Norway, Brazil, Qatar, Oman, Canada, India, Poland, UAE, U.S. and the U.K., in both civil and military applications.

    Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, based in Oslo and Horten, Norway, and in Peterborough, U.K., supplies air traffic management systems for air-space operations worldwide.

    Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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    Pinnacle, Mesaba, Colgan Pilots Approve ALPA Contract

    MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (Nasdaq: PNCL) has announced that its pilots have ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). The single contract covers pilots at all three of Pinnacle’s operating subsidiaries – Pinnacle Airlines, Inc.; Mesaba Aviation, Inc.; and Colgan Air, Inc.

    The single contract completes negotiations that were under way at Pinnacle and Colgan prior to Pinnacle’s acquisition of Mesaba on July 1, and provides a new contract for pilots at Mesaba that would supersede their present contract. Pinnacle has 1,305 pilots, Mesaba has 1,080 and Colgan has 541.

    “I am extremely pleased that our pilots ratified the agreement with ALPA for a strong contract that brings together the pilots of Pinnacle, Mesaba and Colgan,” said Philip H. Trenary, President and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. “The new contract provides for competitive compensation for our pilots and will help ensure that we maintain our place as a leader within the regional industry.”

    The five-year agreement provides improved salary and benefits, which will result in a substantial increase in compensation for the majority of the pilots. The majority of the new terms will go into effect March 1, 2011.

    About Pinnacle Airlines Corp.

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    Air Transport Association Congratulates Senate on FAA Bill Passage That Furthers NextGen and Creates Thousands of U.S. Jobs

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today congratulated Chairman Jay Rockefeller, Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison and the Senate for passage of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (S.223), which will help create jobs and modernize the air traffic control system. A modernized air traffic management system will improve operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and lower airline operating costs.

    “This bill moves the United States toward our goal of enabling a safe, sustainable and profitable airline industry that provides good value to customers and promotes global competitiveness,” said ATA President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “We applaud the leadership and significant work to pass a bill that reflects a continued commitment to safety and modernization of the air traffic control system by requiring that FAA establish and track performance metrics.”

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    Boeing Donates ‘Legends of Flight’ Proceeds to Washington State LASER

    Washington State Leadership & Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) assists school districts with research-based science programs

    SEATTLE, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) on Wednesday made a surprise donation of $26,000 to Washington State Leadership & Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER). Boeing’s donation comes from proceeds from its sponsorship of the IMAX film “Legends of Flight.” The presentation took place during the monthly executive board meeting at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash.
    “Boeing is delighted to be able to support this great organization in its effort to give teachers and principals the training and resources they need to improve science instruction statewide and beyond,” said Tim Copes, vice president of Manufacturing and Quality, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and board member at the Pacific Science Center. “We expect this to be the first of many donations to educate, engage and motivate children in science as the film continues to open at theaters around the world.”

    Additional financial donations will be made to support science-related initiatives as “Legends of Flight” continues to play at theaters around the world. Boeing receives 10 cents for each ticket sold.
    The film highlights legendary 20th century airplanes, as well as the manufacturing, testing, rollout and first flight of the 787 Dreamliner, the first all-new airplane of the 21st century.

    “The film is a tribute to all of the people who made the 787 possible,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “And through the great work of Washington LASER, the film is now assisting schools with research-based science programs. We see this donation as an investment in creating a future workforce that is inspired to launch the next generation of discoveries, innovations and inventions.”

    “Legends of Flight” opened on June 8, 2010, and is currently running in more than 30 theaters around the world. For a complete listing of theaters playing “Legends of Flight,” go to http://www.legendsofflightfilm.com/.

    Washington State LASER is a partnership program that started in 1999 with the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, Pacific Science Center and Educational Service Districts and lead school districts from across Washington state. For more information, go to http://www.wastatelaser.org/.

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    Boeing Announces $5M Donation to Air Force Museum Foundation

    Gift Will Enable New Exhibits and Educational Programs

    ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17, 2011 — The Boeing Company announced today that it will donate $5 million to the Air Force Museum Foundation in three installments over the next three years. The foundation will deliver the funds to the U.S. Air Force for the benefit of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

    “Boeing’s people and products have built enduring bonds with generations of airmen, so it is only fitting that we demonstrate our support for the Air Force Museum Foundation and the U.S. Air Force in this way,” said Chris Raymond, vice president of Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Boeing’s continuing commitment to this nationally important museum will help preserve the legacy of the Air Force’s contributions to freedom and ensure that its stories and lessons are shared with future generations.”

    The Air Force will use Boeing’s donation to help construct a fourth building at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The new, 200,000-square-foot building will house exhibits covering three areas: the history of America’s space program; the museum’s collection of presidential aircraft; and the story of Air Force global reach, featuring cargo and tanker aircraft.

    “We are extremely grateful for this major gift from The Boeing Company,” said retired Lt. Gen. Richard V. Reynolds, president of the Air Force Museum Foundation. “This extraordinary act of generosity is a huge step in the effort to fund construction of the new building, and will ultimately enable the museum to do an even more phenomenal job of educating visitors on the U.S. Air Force.”

    The new building will allow the museum to develop much broader educational content. The museum plans to collaborate with NASA and a variety of educational organizations and institutions to develop programming focused on history, science, technology, engineering and math.

    The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is the service’s national institution for preserving and presenting the Air Force story. Each year, more than 1 million visitors come to the museum to learn about the mission, history and evolving capabilities of America’s Air Force. For more information on the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

    The Air Force Museum Foundation was established in 1960 as a philanthropic, nonprofit organization to assist the museum when federal funds are not available. For more information on the Air Force Museum Foundation, visit www.afmuseum.com.

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    Press Release – FAA Proposes $585,725 Civil Penalty Against Corporate Air

    For Immediate Release
    SEATTLE – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $585,725 civil penalty against Corporate Air of Billings, Mont., for allegedly operating a Shorts SD-3-30 twin-turboprop cargo aircraft when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

    The FAA alleges Corporate Air failed to maintain the aircraft under the company’s general maintenance manual, which requires daily post-flight inspections that include examining the exterior skin for corrosion. In addition, the maintenance manual requires structural inspections on the basis of flight hours or flights.
    The FAA alleges that Corporate Air operated the aircraft in violation of regulations on at least 81 revenue flights between Dec. 21, 2009 and Feb. 4, 2010 with corrosion that had not been detected during the post-flight inspections. The FAA also alleges that structural inspections were not conducted at the required intervals, between Mar. 16, 2006 and Feb. 3, 2010, in violation of federal regulations.

    Corporate Air operates charter and air taxi service under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and makes daily feeder cargo flights under contract to a major next-day air package airline.

    “Keeping aircraft well-maintained and in good condition must be a top priority for any operator,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “All operators must comply with maintenance requirements.”

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

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    Adoption of Security Roadmap Key Step In Countering Terrorism

    MONTRÉAL, 15 February 2011 – The adoption of a roadmap by 14 ICAO Member States to further protect global air transport from terrorist and other security threats was praised today by the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Raymond Benjamin, at the conclusion of a two-day regional aviation security conference in New Delhi.

    Among the measures included in the roadmap are actions that States will take to strengthen security screening procedures by ensuring that professionals are appropriately trained and equipped. Air cargo security will be enhanced through working with Customs authorities on common goals. Capacity-building assistance to States in need in cooperation with ICAO, other States and the aviation industry is emphasized in the roadmap.

    The conference was the first in a series on implementing the ICAO Declaration on Aviation Security, unanimously adopted by the Organization’s Assembly last October to deal with known, new and emerging threats to civil aviation.

    “The challenge, OUR challenge, is to turn commitment into action. Terrorism is a global problem that requires global solutions,” Mr. Benjamin emphasized when urging participants to develop the roadmap during the opening of the conference.

    “This roadmap is a key step in addressing the security challenge and can serve as a model for other regional aviation security conferences, culminating in a global security conference planned for next year at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal,” Mr. Benjamin indicated.

    In support of the roadmap’s initiatives, Mr. Benjamin pointed to ICAO’s ongoing collaboration with the air transport industry on a security checkpoint of the future concept to improve the effectiveness of passenger and carry-on baggage screening at airports. ICAO is also working with the World Customs Organization to establish best practices for air cargo security.

    The Government of India, through the Minister of Civil Aviation, is to play a leading role in the implementation of the roadmap in the region through technical cooperation and other initiatives.
    Attachments
    EN.pdf

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    AeroTurbine Signs Three Year Exclusive Engine Management Agreement with Webjet Linhas Aereas

    AMSTERDAM and MIAMI, Feb. 14, 2011 — AerCap Holdings N.V. announced today that its subsidiary AeroTurbine Inc., Miami, has signed a three year exclusive agreement with Webjet Linhas Aereas S.A. Under this agreement, AeroTurbine will provide engine management services to Webjet.

    AeroTurbine will manage all “off-wing” engine maintenance events for Webjet’s growing CFM56-3 engine fleet which currently consists of 45 CFM56-3 engines. Webjet will be the launch customer for AeroTurbine’s newly introduced AeroTurbine Flexible Engine Care Solutions (AFECS), which provides customers with a tailored engine fleet maintenance product based on the individual operational and financial goals of the client.

    “We are excited that the marketplace has responded so quickly to our new AFECS service offering,” said Michael King, AeroTurbine President and Chief Executive Officer. “AeroTurbine is proud to have developed a first-in-industry approach to managing older power plants. We are a market leader in the CFM56-3 engine segment for material supply, engine leasing, and engine exchanges. I am pleased that we were able to successfully combine these products into a viable service solution that minimizes engine downtime and maintenance expense. We look forward to working with Webjet on this program and being part of their continued success in the coming years.”

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    Butler National Expands Presence in Brazil With Significant New Orders From OceanAir

    OLATHE, Kan., Feb. 15, 2011 — Butler National Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: BUKS), a leader in the growing global market for structural modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) has been retained by OceanAir, a Brazilian MRO company, to perform special mission modifications on three Learjet Model 35 airplanes. OceanAir is part of Synergy Group.

    “This is a highly specialized modification and electronics integration package,” said Jose Efromovich. “We would only entrust such technically sophisticated work to Butler’s Avcon Group. We have been working with Butler for three years and look forward to our continued relationship as we keep expanding in the rapidly growing Latin American market.”

    Christian Vila, Director of Latin & South American sales for Butler National added, “Avcon is the leading provider of Learjet modifications in Brazil. We believe we will see strong demand for this and other Avcon modifications in the future including commercial aircraft.” Synergy Group, which is the parent company of OceanAir, also owns 67% of AviancaTaca with approximately 150 aircraft.

    Butler National’s expanded presence in Brazil continues its effort to leverage a major global growth trend in aviation. According to recently published reports the global deliveries of new aircraft are projected to total 56,900 by 2029 and the total global fleet will approach 70,000 for commercial and business aircraft. This represents more than $3 trillion in value with most of the growth coming from Latin American, Asia and the Middle East.

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    Aerospace Industries Association Supports FAA Reauthorization Act

    ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — AIA supports the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (H.R. 658) as introduced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation Feb. 11.

    “We’re very pleased with the Committee’s decision to address environmental streamlining, third-party performance-based navigation procedure design and the establishment of NextGen performance metrics,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “These policies will make our air transportation system more efficient and also protect the investment of the American taxpayer.”

    Blakey’s testimony before the subcommittee Feb. 9, outlined a number of initiatives to improve FAA efficiency and capitalize on the experience of the private sector.
    “This is a good bill,” said Blakey. “It’s fiscally responsible to fully fund programs like NextGen, which have a strong economic and environmental return on investment and help the FAA carry out its fundamental safety mission.”

    AIA also commended the committee’s acknowledgement of the benefits of bilateral aviation safety agreements and a risk-based inspection regime when applied to repair station oversight. These carefully negotiated agreements make FAA more efficient, enhance the agency’s international safety oversight and help protect U.S. jobs.

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    Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.

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    U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin Highlight M-TADS/PNVS Performance as Production Reaches 1,000 Systems

    ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16, 2011 — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) marked the delivery of the 1,000th Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system to the U.S. Army at ceremonies held today at Lockheed Martin facilities in Ocala and Orlando, FL. M-TADS/PNVS, also known as Arrowhead®, is the advanced targeting and pilotage system for the U.S. Army’s AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.

    “The M-TADS/PNVS is a game-changer on the battlefield and has ensured Longbow Apaches remain dominant in support of our ground soldiers,” said Col. Shane Openshaw, U.S. Army project manager for Apache Attack Helicopter. “This combat-tested system has shown, through over five years of continuous combat operations since the first unit was fielded, that an Apache equipped with M-TADS/PNVS is the most lethal and survivable attack helicopter in the world.”

    M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache pilots with the most advanced long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities to ensure mission success and flight safety in day, night and adverse weather missions. It employs state-of-the-art forward-looking infrared sensors to provide Apache pilots with enhanced image resolution, giving them the complementary benefits of significant standoff range and unrivaled targeting capabilities. M-TADS/PNVS improves performance and reliability over legacy TADS/PNVS systems by more than 150 percent, reduces maintenance actions by nearly 60 percent, and will save the U.S. Army nearly $1 billion in operation and support costs over its 20-year system life.

    “Teamwork has been the secret to the success of this program,” said David Belvin, director of Apache programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin and its suppliers worked together as a team to achieve an unprecedented rapid development and production program to support the warfighter.”
    “U.S. Apaches are nearly completely equipped with this incredible system, and we will have retrofitted all of our Longbows in the field by the summer of 2011,” added Col. Openshaw. “In addition, many allied force Apaches around the world are M-TADS/PNVS-equipped, greatly enhancing their capability to conduct attack operations and to integrate with U.S. and NATO forces. This production milestone, the delivery of M-TADS/PNVS number 1,000, is another tremendous achievement for this outstanding program.”

    The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin the original M-TADS/PNVS contract in 2003. The first system was delivered to a U.S. Army Apache in theater in 2005. Previous milestones include the 250th system delivery in 2007 and the 500th delivery in 2008. During this period, M-TADS/PNVS was delivered at a rate of over 20 units per month. The 1,000th delivery ceremony signifies another important step in Lockheed Martin’s support of Army Aviation. Additional domestic and international deliveries will continue through 2014. Electronics assembly of M-TADS/PNVS is performed at the Lockheed Martin facility in Ocala, FL. Final assembly is performed at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Orlando, FL.

    Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 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 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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    Frustrated US Airways Flight Attendants to Picket Airports Across the Country This Thursday

    Nationwide Day of Action Highlights Management’s Failure to Negotiate a Merged Contract

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will conduct a nationwide protest over the failure of US Airways management to negotiate a merged Flight Attendant contract. After five years of protracted contract negotiations and the announcement of US Airways’ second biggest profit in the airline’s history, Flight Attendants are united in their effort to reach a fair contract that reflects the sacrifices they made for the success of the airline.

    Last week, the AFA Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) broke off talks after US Airways management presented a proposal that contained concessions in healthcare and sick benefits, gutted scope and merger protections for Flight Attendants, and contained no meaningful wage increases. AFA wants to reach a merged agreement but management has failed to provide the financial resources necessary to do so.

    LOCATIONS ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
    Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT)- 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST – Outside, Departures, Upper Level US Airways

    Washington National Airport (DCA) – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST – Outside, Departures, US Airways

    Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST – Outside Concourse A West

    Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MST – Level 2 North Curb West End

    In the first of a series of events, AFA is holding a system-wide Day of Action on February 17, in all Flight Attendant bases, to show management and the public that Flight Attendants are united in their effort to reach a fair merged contract. Tempe-based America West Airlines merged with US Airways in September 2005 and the Flight Attendants have been in merged contract negotiations since January 2006.

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    Delta Eliminates SkyMiles Expiration

    SkyMiles members gain new industry-leading benefit
    Feb 15, 2011

    ATLANTA, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it has eliminated the SkyMiles mileage expiration, creating a new industry-leading benefit for all members. This program change is effective for all accounts as of Jan. 1, 2011, and makes Delta the only major U.S. carrier without mileage expiration.

    Previously, miles expired 24 months after a member’s last qualifying mileage activity, which required a member to earn or redeem miles within that period.

    “Now that our massive frequent flyer program integration is complete, we are focused on smart ways to improve the SkyMiles program for all members,” said Jeff Robertson, Delta’s vice president – SkyMiles. “We know how much customers value their miles, so eliminating mileage expiration is a major win for them. This is yet another benefit that sets us apart from the pack, making Delta a clear leader in loyalty program benefits.”

    This change is the latest of several enhancements made to the SkyMiles program in the last year including the new Diamond Medallion tier with complimentary lounge access and Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles. These features complement other recent changes such as the elimination of all award redemption fees and a free first checked bag on Delta flights for Gold, Platinum and Reserve Delta SkyMiles credit card holders from American Express.

    Members can look forward to more in 2011, including significant improvements to delta.com such as an upgraded award travel calendar, improved booking process and better flight information displays. Additionally, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members can expect several new benefits when flying select alliance partner airlines – including Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Alaska Airlines.

    Now in its 30th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. Last year, frequent flyers redeemed more than 264 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for more than 12 million award redemptions. In 2010, 8.3 percent of revenue miles flown on Delta were for award travel. Delta offers more ways to redeem frequent flyer miles than any other airline, including airline tickets, mileage upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, Delta Sky Club memberships, merchandise and more than 30 types of gift cards. SkyMiles was named “Best Domestic Frequent Flyer program” for 2007 through 2010 by readers of Executive Travel magazine and “Best Frequent Flyer Program” for 2006 through 2010 by Business Traveler magazine. For more information on the SkyMiles program, Medallion status and mileage redemption options, visit delta.com/skymiles.

    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 66 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.

    All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. The rules are subject to change. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Taxes for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Alliance partner airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. Offers and benefits subject to change without notice.

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    Southwest Airlines and Its Stock Clerks Announce New Tentative Agreement

    Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier’s Stock Clerks, announced today that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act.

    “Hard work and persistence have definitely paid off during this mediation process,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The negotiation teams worked together to address several work rule changes in reaching this mutually beneficial, forward thinking tentative agreement, which delivers wage and benefit enhancements in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility.”
    In the upcoming weeks, the IBT membership will be given the full details of the agreement and have the opportunity to vote on ratification. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees.

    In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers–offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines serves Milwaukee with 12 daily departures and is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate service to Charleston and Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina, and on March 27, 2011, service will begin to Newark Liberty International Airport. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.

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    UPS Expands Boeing Airplane Health Management to MD-11 Fleet

    SEATTLE, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced that UPS will expand its Boeing’s Airplane Health Management (AHM) coverage to include its MD-11 Freighter fleet, in addition to the 747-400 Freighter fleet, which already utilizes AHM. AHM is an information-driven system that helps airlines better prepare and manage unscheduled maintenance events.

    The expanded agreement covers 38 MD-11 Freighters and 13 747-400 Freighter and Boeing Converted Freighter airplanes.

    “AHM allows aircraft maintenance personnel to be prepared to work unexpected aircraft exceptions when the aircraft arrives and will greatly streamline our operation,” said Warren Johnson, vice president, Maintenance and Engineering, UPS Airlines.
    “This will help increase the fleet’s on-time performance which is a great benefit to our customers,” said Mitch Nichols, UPS Airlines president.

    The large UPS freighters will feature the AHM Real Time Fault Management Module, which communicates in-flight information to ground stations for diagnosis and real-time operational decisions, using troubleshooting and historical fix success data. The airline uses this information to organize any needed maintenance operations and position the necessary people, parts and equipment.

    “Airlines need to have their aircraft generating revenue, so maintenance efficiency is an important initiative,” said Dennis Floyd, vice president of Fleet Services for Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “AHM delivers relevant information whenever and wherever it is needed while the airplane is still en route.”
    Airplane Health Management works through the MyBoeingFleet.com portal. Alerts and notifications are delivered to airline personnel through the Internet, fax, personal digital assistants, e-mail and pager services.

    Airplane Health Management is a key component in Boeing’s larger vision of the e-enabled airline, where information technology, connectivity and strategic integration promise greater efficiency and improved airline operations.

    UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and can be found on the Web at UPS.com.

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    Boeing and Fluor Team to Pursue Sandia National Laboratories Contract

    ST. LOUIS, Feb. 15, 2011 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Fluor Corp. [NYSE: FLR] have formed a team to pursue a contract to manage and operate the Sandia National Laboratories if the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) decides to hold a competition.

    Sandia is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility that is managed on behalf of the DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Sandia has major facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., and an annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 billion. The current contract expires in September 2012.

    “The Boeing Company has a long history of managing large-scale research and development programs,” said Greg Deiter, vice president of Boeing Defense & Government Services. “We will draw on that experience to offer innovative approaches to meet the NNSA’s objectives of strengthening performance on national security missions; reducing costs; and supporting operations as an integrated Nuclear Security Enterprise.

    “We also offer a unique capability to evolve our support to broader national security tasks in a way that will be complementary to the nuclear security mission,” Deiter added.
    Boeing has supported national nuclear programs at Sandia and elsewhere for more than five decades.

    Fluor, a longtime DOE contractor, applies its program management expertise to provide safe, dependable, and value-added operations services across the department’s complex at Savannah River in South Carolina, Hanford in Washington state, and Portsmouth in Piketon, Ohio. For more than six decades, Fluor has assisted the DOE and international government agencies in addressing their urgent national nuclear priorities.

    “We believe that the complementary resources and skill sets of two world-class companies like Fluor and Boeing offer the NNSA an extremely compelling value proposition,” said Greg Meyer, senior vice president of Fluor Government Group. “Fluor’s work as a preeminent DOE contractor positions our company well to be able to understand the needs of Sandia and the nuclear security enterprise. We look forward to bringing our experience from across the DOE complex along with our unmatched operations expertise to support the team.”

    Fluor Corporation designs, builds and maintains many of the world’s most challenging and complex projects. Through its global network of offices on six continents, the company provides comprehensive capabilities and world-class expertise in the fields of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance and project management. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Fluor is a FORTUNE 200 company and had revenues of $22 billion in 2009.

    A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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    Boeing-built LightSquared Space-Based Network Ready to Begin Service

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2011 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has completed the post-launch testing and on-orbit handover of the first LightSquared satellite and Space-Based Network (SBN). The satellite system has been accepted by LightSquared and is ready to begin service.

    “Boeing has delivered LightSquared’s SkyTerra 1 satellite after integrating the satellite’s communications with the ground segment to form the first integrated wireless broadband and satellite network,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. “The LightSquared SBN is an end-to-end satellite communications system that draws on Boeing’s proven performance on large-scale integration programs. It demonstrates again that Boeing is the first choice to provide next-generation satellite systems to customers seeking leading-edge communications solutions.”

    The LightSquared SBN will combine satellite and terrestrial technologies to enable high-capacity data use for standard cell phones, PDAs and other wireless devices. The SkyTerra 1 satellite carries a 22-meter L-band antenna — the largest commercial antenna reflector in space. The SkyTerra 1 satellite will relay high-data-rate radio frequency (RF) signals to four ground stations in the United States and Canada that use state-of-the-art beam-forming equipment to seamlessly direct transmissions to the complete wireless network.

    The SkyTerra 1 satellite was launched Nov. 14 on an International Launch Services Proton vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

    Boeing, the prime contractor for LightSquared’s satellites, built SkyTerra 1 at its integration and test complex in El Segundo. Harris Corp. of Melbourne, Fla., developed the satellite’s L-band reflector. ViaSat’s Comsat Laboratories in Germantown, Md., provided the ground-based beam-forming equipment, the uplink beacon stations and the ground stations’ control and monitoring system. SED Systems of Saskatoon, Canada, provided the antennas, RF elements and integration services at the gateway stations.

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    FAA Forecast Predicts Air Travel to Double in Two Decades

    “NextGen” Investments Necessary to Meet Airspace Demands

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its annual forecast today predicting that air travel will more than double in the next 20 years. This report underscores the need to keep the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) on track to accommodate future growth.

    “We need to invest in aviation today to make sure America’s economy remains competitive,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “Innovative NextGen technology will help meet the demands of the future by getting passengers to their destinations safely and more quickly.”

    Today’s release of the FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2011-2031 predicts that U.S. airlines will reach the one billion passengers-per-year mark by 2021, two years earlier than last year’s prediction of 2023.

    Through NextGen, the FAA is transforming the U.S. aviation system from radar- to satellite-based systems that will help passengers reach their destinations more quickly and will increase capacity and safety. New, more precise routes will also reduce fuel burn, carbon emissions and noise.

    “We are already seeing the tangible safety and efficiency benefits of NextGen,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Only a modernized air transportation system will be able to keep up with our forecasted demand.”

    The aviation standard to measure air travel volume is Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) or one paying passenger traveling one mile. According to the forecast, RPMs are projected to more than double over the next two decades, from 787 billion in 2010 to 1.7 trillion in 2031.

    The FAA 20-year forecast predicts the number of passengers traveling on U.S. airlines will increase by 3.5 percent from last year to 737.4 million passengers in 2011. That figure is projected to grow an average of 2.8 percent each year during the remaining forecast period to 1.3 billion by 2031.

    Total landings and takeoffs at FAA towered airports are forecast to slightly decrease in 2011, and then grow at an average annual rate of 1.6 percent each year, reaching 69.4 million in 2031.

    Additional details on the forecast, including a detailed breakdown on general or private aviation, cargo demand, and landing and takeoff operations at airports and FAA facilities can be found in the FAA Forecast Fact Sheet Fiscal Years 2011-31 .

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    CASA: Pilots urged to keep Hay skies safe; Pilots urged to keep Griffith skies safe

    Hay pilots are being urged to attend an important air safety workshop next week.

    The workshop will give local pilots special training to improve their flying and safety skills.

    The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is holding the workshop to help make the skies over Hay even safer.

    Safety issues to be covered at the workshop include recent changes to procedures at local aerodromes. There will also be the opportunity for pilots to ask questions and raise issues about local flying.

    CASA’s Peter Gibson says the workshop is part of a national regional air safety campaign.

    “Giving pilots from Hay extra training will lift their safety skills to even higher levels,” Mr Gibson says.

    “All pilots receive comprehensive training but this workshop means they will be even better equipped to fly safely at all times and deal with emergencies.

    “Hay has a good air safety record but accidents do happen and everyone in aviation must work hard to keep local skies safe.”

    The workshop is being held at the Hay Golf Club on Wednesday 23 February 2011, starting at 6:00pm.

    CASA is providing free refreshments for everyone on the night.
    —-
    Pilots urged to keep Griffith skies safe

    Griffith pilots are being urged to attend an important air safety workshop next week.

    The workshop will give local pilots special training to improve their flying and safety skills.

    The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is holding the workshop to help make the skies over Griffith even safer.

    Safety issues to be covered at the workshop include recent changes to procedures at local aerodromes. There will also be the opportunity for pilots to ask questions and raise issues about local flying.

    CASA’s Peter Gibson says the workshop is part of a national regional air safety campaign.

    “Giving pilots from Griffith extra training will lift their safety skills to even higher levels,” Mr Gibson says.

    “All pilots receive comprehensive training but this workshop means they will be even better equipped to fly safely at all times and deal with emergencies.

    “Griffith has a good air safety record but accidents do happen and everyone in aviation must work hard to keep local skies safe.”

    The workshop is being held at the Griffith Aero Club on Tuesday 22 February 2011, starting at 6:00pm.

    CASA is providing free refreshments for everyone on the night.