Air Belgium’s Ownership Structure Detailed

lunes, 2 de abril de 2018



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Air Belgium's Ownership Structure Detailed // AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel


New carrier Air Belgium is 49.995% owned by a company called Aviation Investment Holding NV., which is likely held by Chinese and Russian interests previously known to be involved in the project.

read more http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/air-belgium-s-ownership-structure-detailed


http://atwonline.com/airlines/air-belgium-launch-first-service-april-16
http://www.brusselstimes.com/business/10871/air-belgium-maiden-flight-to-hong-kong-set-for-april-30 


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Russian Anti Drone Guns [photos]

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Russian Postal Drones Start First Delivery, Crashes [photos, video]

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FAA forecasts phenomenal growth for UAS industry

http://www.uasmagazine.com/articles/1833/faa-forecasts-phenomenal-growth-for-uas-industry

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Roscosmos, NASA to set common standards for first lunar orbit station

http://www.moondaily.com/reports/Roscosmos_NASA_to_Set_Common_Standards_for_Moons_First_Orbit_Station___Source_999.html

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Pontifications: The Airbus-Boeing chess game

https://leehamnews.com/2018/04/02/pontifications-the-airbus-boeing-chess-game/

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Siemens invests in new 3D-printing facility in UK



Press Release




Additive Manufacturing: Siemens uses innovative technology to produce gas turbines
Extreme conditions for the 3D-printed blades

Additive manufacturing has the potential to become a new key technology. For example it opens up new attractive prospects in the manufacture of gas turbines. This is why Siemens has been investing in this innovative technology right from its inception, and is now driving the industrialization and commercialization of these processes. Additive Manufacturing is a process that builds parts layer-by-layer from sliced CAD models to form solid objects. This enables highly precise solutions to be formed from powdered high-performance materials. Siemens is a pioneer in Additive Manufacturing and already uses the technology for rapid prototyping. Furthermore the company is now developing solutions ready for series-production for manufacturing gas turbine burner nozzles and repairing burner heads. Just recently Siemens achieved yet another breakthrough: the first gas turbine blades ever to be produced using Additive Manufacturing have successfully finished performance testing under full-load conditions.

  • Investment of €30 million in state-of-the-art 3D-printing factory
  • Creation of more than 50 new advanced manufacturing jobs at Materials Solutions in Worcester
  • Part of Siemens' strategy to build a global AM services business
  • New AM factory will be fully powered by Siemens Digital Enterprise solutions


Siemens is to make a €30 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Materials Solutions Ltd., its Additive Manufacturing, or 3D-printing specialist. The new building in Worcester, UK, set to open in September 2018, will more than double the company's current footprint, enabling it to increase its fleet of 3D-printing machines to 50. The expansion is also expected to support the creation of more than 50 high quality new jobs in Worcester. This major investment is part of Siemens' plans to build and grow a global business with Additive Manufacturing services for the aerospace industry, the automotive industry and other industries. The new factory will be fully powered by Siemens Digital Enterprise solutions, an end-to-end portfolio comprising software-based systems and automation components which cover every conceivable requirement arising along the industrial value chain. It will therefore harness the potential of digitalisation.



"Additive Manufacturing is a major pillar in our digitization strategy," said Willi Meixner, CEO of Siemens Power and Gas Division. "This significant investment underlines our belief that there is huge potential for innovation and growth within the Additive Manufacturing sector. It is also the next step towards achieving our ambition of pioneering the industrialisation of this exciting new technology and demonstrates how we are leading the way for the fourth industrial revolution," he added. Siemens is leading not only as a user of 3D-printing but also as a supplier of software and solutions for the automation of this technology. Moreover, with Materials Solutions, the company also offers comprehensive services for engineering and printing up to the complete manufacturing of parts for external customers for example in the aviation industry, the automotive industry and motor sports. Siemens acquired a majority stake in Materials Solutions Ltd. in 2016. The business is a pioneer in the use of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology for the manufacture of high-performance metal parts, with a focus on high-temperature super alloys. Materials Solutions has grown its business considerably over the last two years. It has developed proven applications, know-how and a supply chain for some of the world's most advanced engineering companies operating in a broad range of industries. The company also works closely with Siemens' Power & Gas Division and it is anticipated that, thanks to its expanded footprint, it will manufacture thousands of parts for use in Siemens power generation equipment over the coming years.

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Reconfigurable Printed Liquids



Video
https://youtu.be/vrbNBiTZk5c




Paper
Abstract
 Liquids lack the spatial order required for advanced functionality. Interfacial assemblies of colloids, however, can be used to shape liquids into complex, 3D objects, simultaneously forming 2D layers with novel magnetic, plasmonic, or structural properties. Fully exploiting all‐liquid systems that are structured by their interfaces would create a new class of biomimetic, reconfigurable, and responsive materials. Here, printed constructs of water in oil are presented. Both form and function are given to the system by the assembly and jamming of nanoparticle surfactants, formed from the interfacial interaction of nanoparticles and amphiphilic polymers that bear complementary functional groups. These yield dissipative constructs that exhibit a compartmentalized response to chemical cues. Potential applications include biphasic reaction vessels, liquid electronics, novel media for the encapsulation of cells and active matter, and dynamic constructs that both alter, and are altered by, their external environment.
Continue reading: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adma.201707603


Press Release

  •  Berkeley Lab Scientists Print All-Liquid 3-D Structures
  • Reconfigurable material could be used for liquid electronics and chemical synthesis, among other applications


Scientists from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have developed a way to print 3-D structures composed entirely of liquids. Using a modified 3-D printer, they injected threads of water into silicone oil — sculpting tubes made of one liquid within another liquid.

They envision their all-liquid material could be used to construct liquid electronics that power flexible, stretchable devices. The scientists also foresee chemically tuning the tubes and flowing molecules through them, leading to new ways to separate molecules or precisely deliver nanoscale building blocks to under-construction compounds.

The researchers have printed threads of water between 10 microns and 1 millimeter in diameter, and in a variety of spiraling and branching shapes up to several meters in length. What’s more, the material can conform to its surroundings and repeatedly change shape.

“It’s a new class of material that can reconfigure itself, and it has the potential to be customized into liquid reaction vessels for many uses, from chemical synthesis to ion transport to catalysis,” said Tom Russell, a visiting faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Materials Sciences Division. He developed the material with Joe Forth, a postdoctoral researcher in the Materials Sciences Division, as well as other scientists from Berkeley Lab and several other institutions. They report their research March 24 in the journal Advanced Materials.

The material owes its origins to two advances: learning how to create liquid tubes inside another liquid, and then automating the process.




For the first step, the scientists developed a way to sheathe tubes of water in a special nanoparticle-derived surfactant that locks the water in place. The surfactant, essentially soap, prevents the tubes from breaking up into droplets. Their surfactant is so good at its job, the scientists call it a nanoparticle supersoap.

The supersoap was achieved by dispersing gold nanoparticles into water and polymer ligands into oil. The gold nanoparticles and polymer ligands want to attach to each other, but they also want to remain in their respective water and oil mediums. The ligands were developed with help from Brett Helms at the Molecular Foundry, a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at Berkeley Lab.

In practice, soon after the water is injected into the oil, dozens of ligands in the oil attach to individual nanoparticles in the water, forming a nanoparticle supersoap. These supersoaps jam together and vitrify, like glass, which stabilizes the interface between oil and water and locks the liquid structures in position.

“This stability means we can stretch water into a tube, and it remains a tube. Or we can shape water into an ellipsoid, and it remains an ellipsoid,” said Russell. “We’ve used these nanoparticle supersoaps to print tubes of water that last for several months.”

Next came automation. Forth modified an off-the-shelf 3-D printer by removing the components designed to print plastic and replacing them with a syringe pump and needle that extrudes liquid. He then programmed the printer to insert the needle into the oil substrate and inject water in a predetermined pattern.

“We can squeeze liquid from a needle, and place threads of water anywhere we want in three dimensions,” said Forth. “We can also ping the material with an external force, which momentarily breaks the supersoap’s stability and changes the shape of the water threads. The structures are endlessly reconfigurable.”

The research was funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

###

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. For more, visit www.lbl.gov.

DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.

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Tiangong-1 space station burns up over the Pacific


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US Navy remotely lands F/A-18 Super Hornet on carrier deck



https://youtu.be/25oyAdbyW9E

In flight global
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-remotely-lands-fa-18-super-hornet-on-carrie-447225/

In National Interest
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/us-navy-aircraft-carrier-can-now-remotely-control-land-25136

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Has Boeing Been Neglecting KC-46?



After years of delays and technical setbacks for Boeing’s KC-46A tanker program, the U.S. Air Force is running out of patience with the aerospace giant.

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson ripped Boeing in front of the House Armed Services Committee during a March 20 hearing, complaining that the manufacturer is more focused on its commercial business than “on getting this right for the Air Force.” Continue reading: aviationweek.com/defense/has-boeing-been-neglecting-kc-46

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A321LR conducts longest flight on route from Seychelles



Airbus's A321LR test aircraft has arrived back in Toulouse after conducting its longest-distance flight so far in the certification campaign, operating from the Seychelles. continue reading https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a321lr-conducts-longest-flight-on-route-from-seychel-447220/

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TsAGI scientists develop a new method to measure aircraft noise



Press Release




Aircraft noise reduction is a priority task for the international aviation community. All the world’s leading research centers work on problems of noise source localization and resolution. Scientists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI, a member of the National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute”) conduct similar research.

For the last two years Institute specialists have been developing their own algorithms for noise source localization (Beamforming methods). The term “Beamforming” refers to localization methods of noise source and its acoustic power by means of special postprocessing of acoustic pressure data synchronously recorded by an array of microphones. As applied to aeroacoustics, localization of the noisiest flow domains should help in the development of purposive noise reduction methods.

Georgy Faranosov, TsAGI research officer and Candidate of Physics and Mathematics spoke about the latest developments in this field. He delivered his report, prepared jointly with colleagues from MIPT, at the international acoustic conference “Berlin Beamforming Conference.” It was held in early March in Berlin.

“To apply the techniques of localization of noise, you need to know the characteristics of its sources,” explained Georgy Faranosov. “But this is not always possible in reality. Our development is valuable because we have managed to reformulate existing standard algorithms and improve the accuracy of noise source localization typical of solids flow (wing devices, landing gear). In the future, the results of this work will be used in laboratory studies on models and new aircraft flight testing.”

The Berlin Beamforming Conference has been held every two years since 2006. The main report topic is the development and application of methods for localization of noise sources using multimicrophone arrays — the Beamforming method. Scientists from Germany, France, Great Britain, China and other countries delivered more than 40 reports at the Conference this year.

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China’s first aircraft carrier prepares for sea trials | Poland to exercise option for more M-346 trainers | USAF orders Cessnas for allied COIN operations

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/chinas-first-aircraft-carrier-prepares-for-sea-trials-poland-exercises-option-for-more-m-346-trainers-usaf-orders-cessnas-for-allied-coin-operations-039499/

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Leonardo to enter Eurofighter into Poland’s Harpia tender | Israel plans old F-16 sale to Croatia | Afghans to receive four Indian Mi-24s

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/leonardo-to-enter-eurofighter-into-polands-harpia-tender-israel-plans-old-f-16-sake-to-croatia-afghans-to-receive-four-indian-mi-24s-039507/

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USAF order more Reapers from GA | E/F Super Hornets bound for Kuwait in $1.6 billion FMS | China & Russia collaborate on rocket launched recon drone

https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/usaf-order-more-reapers-from-ga-ef-super-hornets-bound-for-kuwait-in-1-6-billion-fms-china-russia-collaborate-on-rocket-launched-recon-drone-039532/

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Supersonic Business Jet s Speeding Up


Analyst Bryan Foley Feels Many Of The Risks Have Been Positively Mitigated

continue reading http://www.brifo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Foley-Private-Jet-Market-Equilibrium.pdf

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Thales Signs Agreement With NASA For Unmanned Systems Control Technologies






"NASA, the FAA, and its partners including Thales, are working to extend the beneficial and innovative applications of small UAS, while respecting long-standing traditions of safety. Thales supports technology innovation and this agreement enables us to further leverage our strengths in air traffic management to advance a UTM concept for NASA and bring high-technology jobs to central New York," said Alan Pellegrini, CEO of Thales USA. Continue reading http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=e6fd76a1-586a-4c3c-b5a4-fe9b00865dd4

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Bombardier Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation at its Global Completion Centre with Ramp-up of Global 7000 Jet Activities

Press Release



Business Aircraft, Press Release

  • Half of the 1,000 jobs announced in Montreal for the completion of the highly anticipated Global 7000 business aircraft already filled
  • The world-class Global Completion Centre comprises a group of manufacturing facilities in the Montreal area, including the Centre of Excellence, dedicated to defining, engineering and manufacturing customized interior installations for
  • Global aircraft
  • Recently inaugurated Centre of Excellence houses a state-of-the-art atelier dedicated to high-precision completion work for the Global 7000 business jet, as well as the Premier Cabin on board the Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft



This year, Bombardier Business Aircraft is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Global Completion Centre in Montreal. The facility continues to ramp up activities surrounding the highly anticipated Global 7000 business jet, and is at the halfway point in its large-scale hiring objective to add 1,000 new positions to its local workforce.

“This exciting milestone represents 20 years of contributing to Montreal’s aerospace industry and the immense success of Bombardier’s flagship Global aircraft,” said Paul Simard, Vice-President, Operations, Global Completion Centre. “This anniversary also highlights the superior quality, workmanship and expertise delivered at the Global Completion Centre, demonstrating Bombardier’s position as a leader in the business aircraft industry.”

The Global Completion Centre is a testament to Bombardier’s commitment to innovation and to its flagship Global family of aircraft. The facility combines 21st century forward-looking production methodology and tools with a highly skilled local workforce comprised of craftspeople, artisans and engineers.

With its Global 7000 aircraft, Bombardier is setting a new benchmark for the world’s finest business jet. Featuring the industry’s largest in-class kitchen, four distinct living spaces and an advanced wing design for an exceptionally smooth ride, the Global 7000 aircraft redefines the business aircraft experience. The highly anticipated aircraft program has all five test vehicles in flight, and is on track for entry-into-service during the second half of 2018.

Bombardier is actively recruiting to support the interior completions activities for its newest business jet, the Global 7000 aircraft. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit Bombardier’s careers website.

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Boeing HorizonX Invests in Australia-based Nanosatellite Communications Startup Myriota

Press release


  • First non-U.S. investment by Boeing HorizonX Ventures; 10th investment since its launch in April 2017
  • Direct-to-orbit connectivity enables IoT accessibility for remote locations
  • Myriota joins Boeing's growing technology ecosystem in Australia



Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced its investment in Adelaide, Australia-based Myriota, an Internet of Things (IoT) startup seeking to revolutionize satellite communications by providing low-cost access to high-value data in remote locations.

Myriota developed technology enabling two-way communications between ground-based micro-transmitters and low Earth orbit (LEO) nanosatellites to securely share data over narrow bandwidths. This direct-to-orbit platform enables applications across the logistics, defense, utilities, agricultural, environmental and maritime industries, where IoT connectivity via traditional means is extremely challenging and expensive.

Boeing HorizonX Ventures' investment in Myriota is its first in a company outside of the U.S. and its 10th since Boeing HorizonX was launched in April 2017.

"Part of the mission of Boeing HorizonX is to pursue and accelerate innovations coming out of startups around the world. By investing in Myriota, we are proud to support Australia's startup ecosystem and growing space industry," said Steve Nordlund, vice president of Boeing HorizonX. "Myriota's technology influences how we think about space-based communications and connectivity in remote locations."

Founded in 2015, Myriota builds on the work of its founders with the University of South Australia's Institute for Telecommunications Research. The company's direct-to-orbit technology enables massive-scale, low-cost communications for IoT devices anywhere on Earth.

"We formed Myriota to solve a major connectivity problem: hundreds of millions of devices that need to communicate but don't have cost-effective, battery-friendly networks to do so," said Myriota CEO Alex Grant. "The scale of this investment, with strong domestic venture capital leadership and strategic participation by global investors is significant for Myriota, and our vision to deliver IoT connectivity for everyone, everywhere."

Boeing HorizonX Ventures participated in this US$15 million Series A funding round led by Australian firms Blue Sky Venture Capital and Main Sequence Ventures, which manages the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Innovation Fund. Other investors include Right Click Capital and Singtel Innov8.

For Boeing in Australia, Myriota is the latest example of the company's continued investment in Australian technology that spans internal R&D, suppliers and partners, and universities. So far this year, Boeing announced a set of space-related R&D projects with CSIRO and the launch in Queensland of the company's largest autonomous systems development program outside of the U.S. In South Australia, Myriota joins Boeing's expanding presence in Adelaide, which Boeing announced last year in addition to an AU$500,000 (US$383,000) investment over five years in the Adelaide-based Techstars global accelerator program to support local startups.

The Boeing HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio is made up of companies specializing in technologies for aerospace and manufacturing innovations, including autonomous systems, energy storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning and hybrid-electric propulsion. Boeing HorizonX also seeks unique business opportunities and non-traditional partnerships for the company's aerospace technology using disruptive innovations and business strategies.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries.

With more than 3,000 employees, Boeing in Australia has a broad portfolio of aerospace capabilities across the country, including advanced manufacturing of commercial aircraft components, complex defence systems design and production, research and development, training and sustainment services, and unmanned systems.

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Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Boeing Form Joint Venture Partnership Targeting 55% Localization



Press Release



  • With revenues to exceed $22 billion and 6,000 jobs by 2030
  • Partnership to provide sustainment services for fixed- and rotary-wing military aircraft of KSA military fleet
  • New partnership will support local content in a move to achieve the National Transformation Program goals and embrace Vision 2030
  • Investment value to reach $450 million in facilities and equipment inside the Kingdom



SEATTLE, March 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and following the announcement of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crowne Prince, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minster of Defense, to localize 50% of the total military spending by 2030, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to develop a new joint venture (JV) aiming to localize more than 55% of the MRO services for fixed and rotary-wing military aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The agreement will also transfer technology to install weaponry on these aircraft as well as localize the supply chain for spare parts in the Kingdom.

The signing ceremony came in conjunction with HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Seattle, which included an official visit and tour of Boeing's aircraft manufacturing facilities. The agreement was signed by H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, and Dennis Muilenburg, Chairman, President, and CEO of Boeing, at Boeing's commercial manufacturing facility in Everett, Wash. The ceremony also included a comprehensive visit to the manufacturing facilities of Boeing, featuring a detailed explanation of the company's operations.

Commenting on this important milestone, H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, said, "Boeing has a long-standing commitment to Saudi Arabia, and is extremely keen on expanding its footprint in the country. Inspired by the vision of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, SAMI, on the other hand, is exploring all collaborative opportunities to build a strong autonomous military industries ecosystem in the Kingdom."

The joint venture agreement will provide sustainment services for fixed- and rotary-wing military aircraft of the KSA ‎military fleet and will be the sole provider of these ‎services for all military aviation platforms of ‎the KSA military fleet, strengthening the Kingdom's defense capabilities and enhancing its deterrent potential.

"We deeply appreciate the trust that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally, are placing in Boeing to help deliver Vision 2030 with this new joint venture," said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing Chairman, President, and CEO. "Our relationship with the Kingdom dates back more than 70 years, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership in support of the Kingdom's national security and aerospace industry needs."

The MoA will further solidify the enduring relationship between Boeing and Saudi Arabia and result in the development of local research, design, engineering, manufacturing, and MRO abilities. The JV will continuously improve performance and growth, upgrade the readiness of and increase confidence in the Saudi military fleet, enhance maintenance capabilities, and reduce support costs throughout the fleet's life. In addition, the agreement will create 6,000 jobs and training opportunities for Saudi youth, support local content, improve Saudization levels in the industry, and assist towards achieving the ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

Dr. Andreas Schwer, CEO of SAMI, added, "The significance of the MoA, which is signed today, will enable SAMI and Boeing to play a key role in leading and laying the foundational framework for Saudi's defense sector industrialization, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's National Transformation Program and Vision 2030. In addition to local sustainment capabilities, the inevitable partnership between the two companies could explore the creation of intellectual property as well."

Once the MoA is operational, the joint venture will provide a foundation for future platform sales and for expanding Boeing's presence in the Kingdom to support market growth for both commercial and defense programs.

Leanne Caret, President and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space and Security added, "With this local capability dedicated to sustaining all U.S.-made defense platforms, we can better serve our customers and support the Kingdom's goals of localization and economic growth."

Boeing's partnership with Saudi Arabia dates back to more than 70 years and is growing from strength to strength. It began on February 14, 1945, when U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a twin-engine Dakota DC-3 airplane (manufactured by Boeing's heritage company Douglas Aircraft) to King Abdulaziz Al Saud. This event marked both the beginning of the Boeing relationship with Saudi Arabia and the birth of commercial air travel in the Kingdom.

SOURCE Boeing

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First high capacity space-to-ground laser communications system for the new European external ISS Platform Bartolomeo



Press Release




The first high capacity space-to-ground laser communication system is to be installed on the Bartolomeo platform of the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space, the Institute of Communications and Navigation of DLR (German Aerospace Center) and Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG. The system called OSIRIS will provide direct to earth (DTE) technology with a data rate of 10 Gbps over range of about 1.500 km.

Small size and lightweight, OSIRIS will directly link to several ground stations providing unparalleled data downlink capacity to Bartolomeo and its experimental payloads. The goal is to make OSIRIS an operational system embedded in the ISS infrastructure. This new European capability will enhance the utilization opportunities on the European Columbus module and make Bartolomeo the go-to platform for data-intensive payloads on the ISS.

”Laser communications using Bartolomeo will pave the way for digitalisation of ISS operations enabling direct access to huge volumes of data to benefit customers,” said Oliver Juckenhöfel, Head of On-Orbit Services and Exploration at Airbus.

Airbus is developing “Bartolomeo”, the new European external payload platform on the ISS, a commercial partnership between ESA and Airbus. The platform hardware is in development at Airbus' Bremen site and is currently undergoing a design review with the European Space Agency and NASA. Bartolomeo will be operated by Airbus and attached to the outside of the Columbus European module ready for commercial operations from 2019. Bartolomeo will be able to host a wide range of different payloads e.g. for Earth Observation or in-orbit validation and demonstration.

DLR and Tesat-Spacecom have entered into a long-term cooperation regarding research, development and industrialization of systems for optical space-to-ground links.

DLR’s novel design, optimized for high performance, small size and low complexity, combined with Tesat’s long-term in orbit experience of laser communications, have resulted in OSIRIS having very high data rates and an affordable price point.

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Airbus to be largest exhibitor at FIDAE

Press Release



Latest products, services to be showcased at Latin America’s leading airshow

Airbus will have a major presence at the 20th FIDAE air show, showcasing the latest products, services and innovations in the commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter markets. Since 1994, Airbus has participated in the biennial show, which will takes place at Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport on 3 - 8 April.

After making its debut at FIDAE in 2016, the Airbus A350-900 is back and will be on static display and take part in flying demonstrations on 2 - 5 April. The A350-900 is the cornerstone of the A350 XWB Family, an all-new family of mid-size widebody long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel, and since its launch, Airbus has captured nearly 50 percent market share of net orders of widebody aircraft in Latin America.

The highlight of Airbus Defence and Space’s presence at FIDAE includes an A400M from the Spanish Air Force. This new-generation military airlifter has proven its capabilities in the most demanding theatres, also playing a critical role in humanitarian operations around the world. The highly-versatile C295 military transport and mission aircraft from the Mexican Air Force (SEDENA) will also be on static display. Airbus is the preferred partner of all three of Chile’s armed forces, with 12 light and medium military transport aircraft – C212, CN235 and C295 – in operation. In the space field, Airbus will exhibit its satellite offering. Visitors will see a mockup of the AstroBus-S, a compact satellite with high performance that was the basis of the Perú SAT-1, the Peruvian satellite built in a timeframe of less than two years and successfully launched in September 2016.

Leading the region’s helicopter market with 39 percent of deliveries in the past five years, Airbus’ helicopter division will showcase a wide range of products already in service. From the light single-engine H125 and H130 to the medium H155, to the light twin-engine H135 and H145, visitors will discover that Airbus has the right product for every helicopter mission.

Making its debut at FIDAE will be the Airbus H145 helicopter, which will be delivered to Chilean operator Ecocopter, becoming the first of its type in service in the country. With more than 100 helicopters in service, the Super Puma family will be represented by the nine-ton H215M that combines mission-proven ruggedness with a full glass cockpit, modern avionics, and very competitive operating and maintenance costs. Operated by both Chile’s army and navy, the H215M will be part of their display.

Key Airbus activities at FIDAE include:
  • Airbus will host a series of media briefings covering the commercial, helicopter, military aircraft and space systems markets
  • Airbus will sponsor a variety of events running in parallel with FIDAE or organized by FIDAE, such as the IATA Wings of Change Conference, Aviation Leaders Forum and the IV Space Conference and the LARS 2018 Conference
  • Airbus will also kick off the 2018 edition of InPlaneSight, a A400M global photo competition launched to celebrate the A400M entering into service with air forces around the world


Latin America is one of the first markets and sourcing partner regions for Airbus, with an order backlog of $50 billion and a legacy business that goes back more than 40 years. As one of Airbus’ key markets, Latin America is home to over 1,200 Airbus employees, at 21 sites across six countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay).

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Aegean commits to 30 A320neo Family aircraft



Press Release




New fleet will ensure airline's growth and market-leading position ‎far into the future

Aegean ‎Airlines, the biggest airline in Greece, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus to purchase 30 A320neo Family aircraft, comprising 20 A320neos and 10 A321neos. The airline will also acquire a significant number of new A320neo family aircraft from leasing companies.

Aegean currently operates a fleet of 46 Airbus aircraft (37 A320s, 8 A321s and 1 A319).

Eftichios Vassilakis, Vice-Chairman of Aegean Airlines stated: “Aegean’s decision to select the latest generation Airbus A320neo Family follows an intense and exhaustive evaluation to determine the best aircraft for Aegean's growth and long-term success. These aircraft will be key for us to pursue our mission of providing services of high standards for our passengers on short and medium haul services.”

“We are delighted that Aegean, an all Airbus customer, has chosen the bestselling single-aisle Family, becoming a new operator of the type. The commonality these aircraft offer along with lowest operating costs, longest range and a more spacious cabin make the A320neo Family the best choice for growing airlines such as Aegean,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With some 6,000 orders received from nearly 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market. The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family and seats between 185 and 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances and cabin innovations, the A321neo can fly up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 kilometres) non-stop – further than any other single-aisle airliner.

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