lunes, 28 de mayo de 2018

British Army flags potential interest in US FVL helicopter programme



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British Army flags potential interest in US FVL helicopter programme // Military news
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/british-army-flags-potential-interest-in-us-fvl-heli-448867/

A senior army officer says the UK military is still evaluating how to replace its combined medium-category transport helicopters, but has warned European industry that unless it develops a future rotorcraft that offers a step-change in speed and range capability, then it may instead select US-built products.
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Boeing Business Jets Grows Order Book With New Sales



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Boeing Business Jets Grows Order Book With New Sales // MediaRoom
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-05-28-Boeing-Business-Jets-Grows-Order-Book-With-New-Sales

Four new orders in 2018 continue sales momentum for industry-leading business jet family
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University of Washington creates first insect drones



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University of Washington creates first insect drones // The UAS Magazine
http://uasmagazine.com/articles/1860/university-of-washington-creates-first-insect-drones

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed wireless robotic drones the size of insects that can easily access areas in which even a small UAS could not fit. A swarm of insect drones might one day detect methane leaks.
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New project to create drone software to understand human movement



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New project to create drone software to understand human movement // The UAS Magazine
http://uasmagazine.com/articles/1862/new-project-to-create-drone-software-to-understand-human-movement

University of Nebraska–Lincoln computer scientist Brittany Duncan wants to ease people's discomfort by enabling drones to communicate with the humans around them. Communication could also make drones valuable coworkers in numerous settings.
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Italy power plant deploys automated drone full-time



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Italy power plant deploys automated drone full-time // The UAS Magazine
http://uasmagazine.com/articles/1864/italy-power-plant-deploys-automated-drone-full-time

In Italy, a multinational power company had deployed a drone full-time. Enel, an integrated power company in the global, power, gas and renewables markets has acquired a multi rotor unmanned aircraft system to support operations and maintenance.
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Britain Prioritizing Space-Based Infrastructure



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Britain Prioritizing Space-Based Infrastructure // AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
http://aviationweek.com/defense/britain-prioritizing-space-based-infrastructure

Britain exploring development of Galileo alternative because of Brexit concerns.

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Embraer X Wants Input On Initial eVTOL Concept Design



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Embraer X Wants Input On Initial eVTOL Concept Design // AviationWeek.com Commercial Aviation Channel
http://aviationweek.com/awinbizav/embraer-x-wants-input-initial-evtol-concept-design

Embraer will refine its eVTOL urban air mobility design based on industry and public feedback after unveiling its initial concept at the Uber Elevate summit.

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Bombardier lifts veil on details of secret Global project

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ebace-embargoed-until-8pm-bombardier-lifts-veil-on-448924/


Bombardier s dramatic unveiling of the Global 5500 and 6500 at EBACE profoundly reshapes what had seemed like a frozen competitive landscape in the market for super-large and long-range business jets.

Pilatus Attends EBACE with its PC-24 and Series Production is Underway



Press Release




Pilatus will present its latest flagship at this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) from 29 to 31 May in Geneva. Five customers have already received a brand-new PC-24 since deliveries started in February 2018. Series production work on the 84 PC-24s ordered in 2014 is now in full swing at the Pilatus headquarters in Stans.

The positive feedback from the first PC-24 owners is very promising: PlaneSense, the very first customer, took delivery of its PC-24 with serial number 101 in early February 2018 and has already flown over 300 hours. This American fractional ownership company has used its PC-24 at various North American airports, including some at high altitude and with short runways. The PlaneSense experience validates the capability of the PC-24 for tough daily operational use.

Pilatus has planned a total of 23 PC-24 deliveries in 2018. They include an executive version for Jetfly and the Swiss government, and a medevac version for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. The first of the Rio Tinto LifeFlight PC-24 jet aircraft for the RFDS recently took off on its maiden flight.

Post-certification tests underway

The PC-24 prototypes are currently undergoing various post-certification tests. The main focus is on steep approaches and landing-takeoff operations on unmade runways, which require various individual tests. The post-certification test programme is scheduled for completion within the year.

Oscar Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors, comments: “Many aviation experts have already told us that the PC-24 is an exceptional aircraft with excellent flight characteristics. We are now receiving initial feedback from our customers, and we are pleased to report it is extremely positive, too. We have good reason to feel confident! The PC-24 has potential, technical and otherwise, and I can guarantee that we will make our 'darling' even better yet! We intend to re-open the PC-24 order book in the near future, as soon as we are absolutely certain that everything is going as expected.”

About the Super Versatile Jet

The PC-24 is the world’s first ever business jet to come equipped with a cargo door as standard, with the capability to operate in and out of very short runways and unmade strips. It also has an exceptionally spacious cabin with options for configuring the interior to personal requirements. The superb flexibility of the PC-24 opens up an incredible range of possibilities – as a business jet, a medevac aircraft or for other special missions. All of which makes it a truly Super Versatile Jet, an aircraft designed for a multitude of mission profiles and individual needs.

Visitors to EBACE in Geneva will be able to view a series configuration of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet on show at the Pilatus outdoor static display.

Video: Business Aviation Committed to Adoption of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuels



https://youtu.be/FtWLgbT6Po4


The business aviation community has long been dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft, and that commitment is on display during the 2018 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2018) with the introduction of the Business Aviation Guide to the Use of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuels (SAJF). The guide focuses on raising awareness and adoption of available and emerging alternative jet fuel options.




Citation Latitude thrives in Europe, achieves NetJets milestones

press release

GENEVA (May 28, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is today celebrating two milestones during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) 2018 — the success of the NetJets European Citation Latitude fleet, which has recently surpassed 5,000 flight hours, and the delivery of the ninth NetJets Citation Latitude in Europe. The Citation Latitude has quickly become one of the world’s best-selling business jets since entering the market in August 2015, and is the leader in the midsize segment with more than 124 aircraft flying globally.

“We are thrilled to celebrate these milestones with such a valued customer and fierce advocate for the Citation Latitude,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “The Citation Latitude continues to achieve success across Europe and has rapidly become the most sought after aircraft in the NetJets fleet due to its low operating costs and superior cabin comfort — key attributes for operators and customers alike.”

Since taking its first delivery in 2016, NetJets has amassed more than 50,000 flight hours on its worldwide Latitude fleet.

“The Latitude is one of the most outstanding midsize cabin jets in the industry. It meets our Owners’ and our own high standards for performance and safety,” said Adam Johnson, Chairman and CEO, NetJets. “We are proud to have Latitudes in our global fleet, as the aircraft’s short-field performance enables us to access many small general aviation airports, resulting in time savings that allows our Owners to do more and miss less.”

Textron Aviation delivered 54 Citation Latitude business jets in 2017, securing the aircraft’s ranking as the most delivered midsize jet in the world for the second consecutive year, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). The aircraft’s mission flexibility has also ensured its global popularity across a broad spectrum of fleet operators, corporate owners and special missions operators. With certification in 43 countries, the global fleet has surpassed 80,000 flight hours.

The Latitude, with a maximum range of 2,850 nautical miles (5,278 km) and a best-in-class four-passenger range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) at high-speed cruise, is set apart from the competition by its combination of comfort and efficiency. The aircraft delivers an unrivaled passenger experience featuring an industry-leading cabin environment distinguished by its open, spacious and refined design. With a flat floor and six feet of cabin height, innovation abounds with exceptional features integrated throughout the aircraft.

Textron Aviation’s wireless cabin management system equips each passenger with productive connectivity and entertainment through their personal electronic devices. Optimizing cabin comfort for passengers and crew alike, the Latitude features a new cabin cooling system and a new pressurization system that delivers a 5,950-foot cabin altitude at the aircraft’s maximum operating altitude of 45,000 feet. Standard seating configurations comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers. Extended maintenance intervals yield the lowest direct operating costs in the midsize segment.

Citation Longitude returns to EBACE, nears FAA certification

press release

GENEVA (May 28, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, is showcasing the company’s new super-midsize Citation Longitude business jet this week at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) 2018. Fresh from its circumnavigation of the globe in March and now nearing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification, Textron Aviation’s flagship Citation Longitude will be on the vanguard of the FAA's latest certification requirements.

“We’re in the home stretch now and eager to move one step closer to delivering this new Citation flagship jet to our excited inaugural customers around the globe,” said Brad Thress, senior vice president of Engineering. “This is the most robust certification process we’ve ever been required to conduct for a Citation, which means we will deliver an exceptionally verified, clean-sheet aircraft that will thrill pilots and passengers alike. We’re introducing one of the most thoroughly-researched passenger experiences — one that will revolutionize the super-midsize category with its low cabin altitude, class-leading legroom and low decibel cabin sound levels that are half of its nearest competitor.”

Based upon the FAA's newest certification requirements, the number of the ground and flight test conditions to be met by the Longitude program is nearly double the amount completed on past certification programs. The team used five aircraft and nearly 50 ground test articles to expedite testing, whereas previous certification programs featured three aircraft and fewer than 30 ground assets. This innovative approach enabled the program to move swiftly through the development and certification process, while affording agility for enhancements driven by customer feedback.

Structural testing as well as component qualification testing is complete, while flight testing is wrapping up with nearly 3,000 total hours. The Longitude is built at Textron Aviation’s headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, where the assembly line is at full-rate production.

Earlier this year, the aircraft completed a 31,000-nautical mile world tour, demonstrating its performance and reliability throughout a broad array of environments across 12 countries. During the tour, the Longitude made various stops throughout Europe, including customer visits in Sweden, France, Italy, Switzerland and the U.K.

“Textron Aviation has more than 1,700 jets and turboprops based in Europe, so a key element of the Longitude’s development and certification process has been to seek out and incorporate feedback from our European operators,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “They are showing great interest in the Longitude’s class-leading amenities as well as its low operating costs, short field performance, cabin comfort and range.”

About the Citation Longitude
With a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers) and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms), the Citation Longitude is designed to elevate passenger expectations in the super-midsize class by delivering a quiet cabin, a low cabin altitude (5,950 feet/1,814 meters), more standard features and a comfortable, bespoke interior. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin. A standard double-club configuration delivers the most legroom in the super-midsize class. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house and a class-leading walk-in baggage compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight. State-of-the-art cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while high-speed internet maximizes in-flight productivity.

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, delivering what is anticipated to be the lowest ownership cost in its class. It features the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines featuring fully integrated autothrottles with envelope protection. With Garmin’s new Head-up Display (GHD 2100) and enhanced vision capability, the Longitude facilitates eyes-up flying. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.

No super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower expected total ownership cost. The Longitude is designed to feature the longest maintenance intervals in its class — 800 hours or 18 months — expected to make it the most cost effective aircraft to operate in its category.

Textron Aviation’s Cessna Denali enters new phase of development; company builds first flight test articles



press release




GENEVA (May 28, 2018) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today updated the development status of its new high-performance Cessna Denali single-engine turboprop during the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) 2018. Fabrication of the nose section, fuselage, wings and tail cone of the first three flying prototypes is underway, paving the way for the aircraft to enter the market with best-in-class performance.



Program engineers are busy building and testing initial flight test articles using production assembly tools manufactured in-house, and continue to conduct static and fatigue tests on ground test articles.



“The clean-sheet Denali is unlike any other aircraft in its class in terms of advanced technology and performance. For that reason, we’re seeing great interest throughout Europe from piston owners looking to step up to more performance, as well as from turboprop operators,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. “In the development of this aircraft, we’re combining proven processes used to design and develop our newest Citation jets with the innovative technology of GE’s new Catalyst engine to deliver customers a best-in-class aircraft.”



Throughout the program’s development, Textron Aviation has integrated new automation and robotic technologies into production, increasing product quality and efficiency throughout the assembly line. The company looks forward to achieving the first wing mate and completing the prototype airframes as the program nears first flight targeted for early 2019.



The Denali will be equipped with the first clean-sheet turboprop engine to hit the business and general aviation market in more than 30 years – the GE Catalyst. GE Aviation announced first engine runs of its all-new advanced turboprop engine in late 2017.



About the Denali

Engineered to achieve cruise speeds of 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, the Denali will have a range of 1,600 nautical miles at high-speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers and will be able to fly nonstop from London to Moscow, Los Angeles to Chicago or New York to Miami. From Geneva, the Denali will be able to fly nonstop to nearly any major European city, including Athens and Moscow.



A first for aircraft in this class, the FADEC-equipped, 1,240 shaft horse-power GE Catalyst engine will ease pilot workload with its single-lever power and propeller control. The airplane will be equipped with McCauley’s new 105-inch diameter composite, 5-blade, constant speed propeller, which features full feathering with reversible pitch and ice protection. The engine is designed to deliver an initial 4,000-hour time between overhaul and offer class-leading performance retention for an outstanding hot/high capability.



The Denali will feature the Garmin G3000 intuitive touchscreen avionics suite and will include three large high-resolution displays with split-screen capability. The G3000 flight deck will include a solid-state weather radar, advanced Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS) and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities, ensuring compliance with the FAA’s NexGen air traffic control requirements.



The Denali’s flat floor cabin is the largest in its segment and is designed to easily convert between passenger and cargo configurations. The Denali’s cabin will feature an executive seating configuration of six individual reclining seats, club-configuration tables and refreshment unit or a commuter style seating layout with nine individual forward facing seats. The aircraft will boast a digital pressurization system maintaining a class-leading 6,130-foot cabin altitude at a service ceiling of 31,000 feet.



First in this class of aircraft, the Denali equips customers with an optional, externally serviceable belted lavatory with pocket door enclosure located in the back of the cabin. Denali customers will also enjoy very large cabin windows, interior LED lighting, a forward refreshment cabinet and an in-flight accessible baggage compartment.



Denali customers will have access to Textron Aviation’s unmatched global support network. Dedicated to complete life-cycle support, the company’s factory-direct service centers are staffed with expert service engineers offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services. Textron Aviation also offers a mobile support program featuring more than 60 mobile service units, a fleet of rapid-response support aircraft, and on-site service technicians and support.

Embraer certifies and delivers first Phenom 300E - new model of most-delivered light business jet for past 6 years

press release

Melbourne, Florida, March 29, 2018 – Embraer has delivered the first new Phenom 300E business jet, having received its type certificate in the first quarter from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC – Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil). The new light jet model was launched—and debuted—at the 2017 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), in October 2017. The new aircraft is designated “E” for “Enhanced” in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of the industry-leading nice® HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik. The Phenom 300, the new model’s successful predecessor, has been the best-selling and most delivered light business jet for the last six years.


“We are thrilled to deliver the first Phenom 300E on schedule, only five months after its launch, with overwhelming positive reviews from customers and the market,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “I want to congratulate our teams, who have so passionately worked to bring to market yet another best-seller, delivering true value to customers. I am also elated for our first Phenom 300E owner, a return customer who will enjoy an even more elevated customer experience with all the truly innovative value in this amazing new aircraft.”


“The Phenom 300E is an elegant and comfortable aircraft that is the best match for our travel needs throughout Africa,” said Mr. John McCormick, a South Africa businessman. “The interior architecture and design are modern and all the customization options allowed us to make the aircraft perfect for us. The Phenom 300 has served us quite well and we’re even more excited to fly the Phenom 300E home.”


The Phenom 300E inherits the Embraer DNA Design, first introduced in its larger siblings, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 midsize jets. The application of this design in the Phenom 300E rendered a more spacious cabin with more customization options and ease of maintainability. Starting with the new Embraer-designed and manufactured seats, the aircraft offers unmatched comfort and personalization in its class. The seat profile, with enhanced headrest, retractable armrest, along with the new table, side ledge, side wall, and valance designs, optimize passenger mobility in the cabin with expanded aisle clearance and increased cabin space. The new seats in the Phenom 300E feature broader backs for greater support, extendable headrests with bolsters, and extendable leg rests for improved ergonomics. The aircraft’s seats were designed and engineered by Embraer and are being manufactured at Embraer Aero Seating Technologies, in Titusville, Florida.


The Phenom 300E features an industry-exclusive upper technology panel (upper tech panel) along the centerline of the aircraft’s ceiling, significantly improving passenger ergonomics. The innovative upper tech panel presents passengers with pertinent inflight information, while allowing for convenient interaction with cabin management controls, as well as the option of inflight entertainment with audio and video on demand via two slender swing-down seven-inch displays. The unit also offers an enhanced cabin lighting scheme, with a broad range of ambient mood selections, as well as integrates sleek, silent gaspers enhancing acoustic comfort.


Bluetooth connectivity also allows passengers to view inflight information on their personal devices. About the Phenom 300E The Phenom 300E performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a six-occupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300E costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,200 pounds of thrust each. The Phenom 300E offers a spacious cabin with the Embraer DNA Design and the largest baggage compartment in its category.


The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300E features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment center, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system. The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck, based on the acclaimed Garmin 3000 avionics suite. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.


About Embraer Executive Jets
 Embraer is one of the world’s leading executive jet manufacturers, having entered the business aviation market in 2000 with the Legacy jet, which led to the launch of Embraer Executive Jets in 2005. Its portfolio, the broadest in the market, consists of the entry-level Phenom 100EV and the light Phenom 300E jet, the medium cabin Legacy 450 and Legacy 450, the large Legacy 650E, and the ultra-large Lineage 1000E. Embraer Executive Jets’ global fleet exceeds 1,100 aircraft, which are in operation in more than 70 countries and are supported by the Company’s global Customer Support and Services network of over 70 owned and authorized service centers, complemented by a 24/7 Contact Center, at its headquarters, in Brazil.

 About Embraer Embraer is a global company headquartered in Brazil with businesses in commercial and executive aviation, defense & security. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing customer support and services. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. About every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

airBaltic Orders up to 60 Bombardier CS300 Aircraft



Press Release



ll-C Series fleet is the backbone of airBaltic’s new business plan – Destination 2025
Order brings the C Series firm order book to over 400 aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Air Baltic Corporation AS (airBaltic) announced today that the parties have executed a firm purchase agreement for the sale and purchase of 30 CS300 aircraft with options and purchase rights for an additional 30 aircraft of the same type.

Based on the list price of the CS300 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US$ 2.9 billion. This amount would increase to nearly US$5.9 billion should all 15 options and 15 purchase rights be exercised.

“As the C Series aircraft program continues to gain market acceptance, this significant reorder from our CS300 launch operator is a strong testimony to the aircraft’s exceptional in-service performance,”said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Furthermore, we are proud that the CS300 has helped airBaltic maintain its position as one of the world’s most punctual airlines. The C Series aircraft is at the forefront of the small single-aisle market, and airBaltic played a key role in demonstrating its value. In the last 18 months, we have witnessed airBaltic’s growing leadership in the market, and we wish the airline further success with its expanded CS300 fleet.”

With this order, airBaltic becomes the largest European C Series customer and the second largest customer worldwide with 50 aircraft on firm order. The airline’s new business plan relies on significant expansion of routes from all three Baltic countries – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

“As an early adopter of the C Series, we took a forward-looking decision on advanced technology to support our turnaround plan leading to sustainable profitability, and today we are benefiting from the most fuel-efficient small single-aisle aircraft. With demonstrated fuel savings of more than 22 percent, the CS300 aircraft plays a vital role in maintaining our operating cost at a low level. In 2017, we experienced outstanding growth and showed the world the unique capabilities and comfort of this innovative aircraft. We successfully executed our fleet modernization strategy, and are excited to further grow our fleet up to 80 CS300 aircraft while phasing out our other aircraft types in the next three years,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic.

“We are now commencing the implementation of our next business strategy – Destination 2025, which foresees airBaltic expanding the map of its operations. A critical part of this new strategy is the introduction of a larger and exclusive fleet of all-CS300 aircraft, which are the most suitable aircraft for the markets in which we operate,” he added.

“2017 was the most successful year in the history of airBaltic during which the company achieved exceptional operational and financial results. This serves as solid proof of the success of the airline’s business strategy and operating model,” said Uldis Augulis, Minister of Transport, Republic of Latvia. “The new order is the largest investment in Latvia’s history and plays an important role in the development of the air infrastructure of the Baltic region with wide-ranging effects on exports, economy and jobs.”

Deliveries pertaining to this new order are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019. Prior to this order, airBaltic had ordered 20 CS300 aircraft. The airline is currently operating revenue service with eight CS300 aircraft.

Lufthansa Group firms up order for six more A320neo and three A320ceo



Press Release




Takes Group’s order to 122 A320neo family aircraft and 273 A320ceo family

Lufthansa Group has firmed-up a previous option for six further Airbus A320neo, following a decision by the company’s supervisory board at the beginning of May. The latest agreement brings Lufthansa Group’s total order for the A320neo to 122 (77 A320neo and 45 A321neo). In addition, the airline signed an order for three more A320ceo, bringing the Group’s A320ceo orders to 273. With a total of 395 A320 Family aircraft on order, the Lufthansa Group is also Airbus’ biggest A320 operator with nearly 400 A320 Family aircraft in service. Lufthansa was the launch operator of the A320neo.


“We are delighted to see this additional order from our biggest A320 operator Lufthansa Group”, says Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Benefitting from the Airbus commonality and the A320 Family’s efficiency and environmental credentials such as reduced noise, lower fuel-burn and emissions, we are pleased the airline has decided to come back for more.”
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 more than 6,000 orders received from 100 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Airbus teams up to develop Space CARBon Observatory (SCARBO)



press release




Delivering miniaturised payloads for smallsat constellations

Improved frequency and lower costs to monitor anthropogenic greenhouse gases from Space



Toulouse, 25/05/2018 – The SCARBO (Space CARBon Observatory) project for improved measurement of greenhouse gases has been officially kicked off. It is funded by the European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 Programme and will be implemented by a consortium of seven European organisations led by Airbus.




The project aims at solving a key challenge of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) monitoring from Space: improvement of the temporal revisit over the various sites of interest while increasing the accuracy and resolution of measurements. This is envisaged by implementing a novel miniaturised static spectrometer concept on a constellation of small satellites coupled with aerosol sensors and high end reference instruments.



A few days ago the consortium held its first User Advisory Board at Airbus in Toulouse, France, to ensure all key users’ needs (international, national and local institutions, European Commission, downstream industry and Space Agencies) are considered in the solution definition.



“The emerging policy needs for anthropogenic greenhouse gases monitoring from Space call for frequent observations, high accuracy and spatial resolution. To this end the Commission is currently considering to possibly expand its constellation of Copernicus satellites. With SCARBO, we could go beyond what Copernicus can do and complement the tremendous data provided by the Sentinels,” said Hugo Zunker, Copernicus Policy officer at the European Commission.



“Airbus is thrilled to lead this initiative, which is part of our continuous drive to bring disruptive technology to the space business by seeking new flexible and affordable solutions. We are strongly committed to the world’s effort to combat climate change and its impacts to our planet: with SCARBO we are proud to contribute to the United Nations’ “17 Sustainable Development Goals” adopted at the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our long experience in environmental missions, and especially our strong involvement in the Copernicus programme, will be a great asset for SCARBO,” said Mathilde Royer-Germain, Head of Earth Observation, Navigation and Science in Airbus Space Systems.



The overall measurement concept will be experimentally validated through a dedicated airborne campaign with instrument prototypes in 2020. SCARBO is expected to be ready to work as a complementary system with the second generation of Copernicus satellites within a decade.

The consortium will assess commercial perspectives beyond institutional use of its data products at global, regional and local scales.



This project has received funding from the European Union’s H2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 769032.

Airbus Appoints Eduardo Dominguez Puerta Head of Urban Air Mobility

Press Release



Integrates various UAM activities with new Munich-based unit



Toulouse, 28 May 2018 – Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has appointed Eduardo Dominguez Puerta, 40, Head of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a new Airbus unit, effective 1 June 2018. In his new function, he will report to Patrick de Castelbajac, Executive Vice President Strategy and International.

With this appointment, Airbus is integrating all its UAM activities – except its current air vehicle projects – through the set-up of a new unit to foster coordination both vis-à-vis internal as well as external parties such as Certification Authorities, Customers, Partners and Suppliers. Based in Munich, the UAM unit will be operating in proximity of the company’s Corporate Technology Office and Unmanned Aerial Systems in Ottobrunn as well as the company’s helicopter plant in Donauwörth.

Currently ongoing vehicle projects will remain in their respective business units and will now be coordinated by the UAM unit. These include
·         CityAirbus, an electrically-powered Vertical Take-off and Landing air vehicle demonstrator (eVTOL), developed by Airbus Helicopters;
·         Vahana, a self-piloted eVTOL small passenger aircraft, developed by A3, the company’s US-based Innovation Centre in Silicon Valley;
·         VOOM, the world’s premier on-demand helicopter booking platform.



“After a two-year exploratory phase we now need to gear up, build partnerships with various stakeholders, including air safety agencies, and define and conduct pilot projects. While we continue our vehicle projects, the new unit will be platform-agnostic and open for cooperation with other vehicle manufacturers,” said Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus. “Eduardo with his broad experience is the right person to lead us into the new phase.”

Eduardo Dominguez Puerta joined Airbus in 2002 and has held various operational management positions including overseeing Supplier Development and Lean Management. Before heading New Business Strategy at Airbus, Eduardo Dominguez Puerta was instrumental in setting up operations of A3 where he served as Chief Operating Officer. He received a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Spain in 2002.

[España] Los vehículos terrestres no tripulados también se desplegarán en UNVEX S&D 2018

Nota de Prensa

  • Se presentará el Remote-Drive, el primer vehículo militar no tripulado que se ha desarrollado en España.
  • La Nueva Era del Transporte será uno de los temas relevantes que supone un cambio en la forma de entender los desplazamientos.

En UNVEX S&D 2018, la primera cumbre europea de sistemas autónomos no tripulados, también se podrán conocer las últimas novedades dentro del sector de los vehículos terrestres no tripulados y que también se enmarcan dentro de lo que ya se conoce como NERTRA (Nueva Era del Transporte).

En la cumbre se presentará el proyecto Remote-Drive el primer vehículo militar no tripulado realizado en España. Este UGV (Vehículo Terrestre No Tripulado por sus siglas en inglés) ha sido desarrollado por el Instituto de Investigación del Automóvil (INSIA) de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) y ha sido financiado por la Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM) por medio del programa COINCIDENTE.

El hito que va a tener lugar en la cumbre europea es la integración de dos elementos, el UGV y la torre remota de armas ‘Guardian 2’, como “carga de pago”, lo que supone el primer UGV armado (Combat UGV). Escribano ha desarrollado esta estación estabilizada remotamente tripulada y el vehículo sobre el que se ha realizado el proyecto Remote-Drive es un URO VAMTAC, en servicio en el Ejército de Tierra español.

En el transporte se ha instalado el correspondiente kit que le otorga la capacidad de “drive-by-wire” y que ejerce control sobre el acelerador y el freno, la dirección y la palanca de cambio de marchas. De esta forma este vehículo se podrá controlar de manera remota a través de un puesto de conducción fuera del vehículo o de forma autónoma siguiendo una ruta preprogramada. Adicionalmente, dispone del sensor LIDAR para detectar obstáculos que se encuentren delante del vehículo, en el momento en el que se encuentra con uno de ellos procede a la detención automática y se traspasa el control al operador externo, que será el encargado de decidir si continúa o toma el control para esquivar el obstáculo.

Transición a la NERTRA

Uno de los temas que se tratará dentro de UNVEX S&D 2018 será la Nueva Era del Transporte (NERTRA) que supone todo un cambio en la forma que tenemos de comprender los desplazamientos. A nivel económico supondrá un impulso para el nacimiento de nuevos sectores industriales y dará un nuevo valor al tejido empresarial que esté implicado en ello.Los vehículos autónomos, ya sean terrestres, aéreos o marítimos están comenzando a ser una realidad, todavía es una tecnología joven pero en un breve espacio de tiempo le llegará la madurez y con ella un gran impacto económico, tecnológico e industrial.

[España] El Secretario de Estado de Defensa inaugura mañana UNVEX 2018 para presentar las últimas novedades en vehículos remotamente tripulados

Nota de Prensa

El Secretario de Estado de Defensa inaugura UNVEX 2018 para presentar las últimas novedades en vehículos remotamente tripulados



Esta cumbre contará con la presencia de representantes de la Comisión Europea, la Agencia Europea de Defensa, OTAN y las principales empresas del sector.

Por la tarde tendrán lugar las demostraciones de vuelo de los RPAS en la Base Aérea “Virgen del Camino”

León 28 de mayo de 2018.- El martes 29 de mayo dará comienzo UNVEX S&D 2018, la Primera cumbre europea de Sistemas Autónomos o Remotamente Tripulados (RPAS), que tendrá lugar en León en el nuevo Palacio de Exposiciones y en las bases ‘Virgen del Camino’ y ‘Conde de Gazola’.

Este evento será inaugurado por el Secretario de Estado de Defensa (SEDEF) D. Agustín Conde y por el alcalde de León D. Antonio Silván. A este respecto el alcalde comentó: “Estamos encantados de que UNVEX S&D 2018 haya elegido a León para celebrar su quinta edición en nuestro nuevo centro de Exposiciones que ofrece unas modernas instalaciones en las que se podrán llevar a cabo todas las exposiciones y conferencias”.

A ellos se les unirán representantes de la Comisión Europea, la Organización Conjunta de Cooperación en Materia de Armamento (OCCAR), la Agencia Europea de Armamento (EDA) o la OTAN (MARCOM, NSPA Y AGS) entre otros. Además, UNVEX S&D 2018 cuenta con el apoyo del Ministerio de Defensa y del Interior que colaborarán con este evento, tanto es así que María Dolores Cospedal, la Ministra de Defensa, ha aceptado ser Presidenta de Honor.

Tras los actos de inauguración comenzarán las diferentes conferencias que tendrán como hilo conductor el análisis del panorama internacional actual de estas nuevas tecnologías, así como los programas que existen para llevar a cabo la colaboración a escala global de los principales actores de este sector, la doctrina para el empleo de estos sistemas no tripulados y las iniciativas que se van a desarrollar con este tipo de tecnología dedicada a la Defensa y Seguridad.

Este evento contará con la participación de grandes empresas, tanto nacionales como internacionales, que cuentan con un alto reconocimiento a nivel europeo, así los asistentes podrán conocer de primera mano el trabajo que realizan compañías como Indra, Thales, General Atomics, Sener, Aertec, Everis, Expal o Aeronautics entre otras. Estas firmas mostrarán lo último en tecnología aplicada a vehículos no tripulados, se podrán contemplar desde drones de pequeño tamaño como el Black Hornet, el pequeño helicóptero Alpha 800, hasta drones de ala fija con mayor tamaño como el Fulmar X, el Atlantic o el Tarsis e incluso el MALE (Altitud media, larga autonomía) Reaper que próximamente estará operativo en Ejército del ASire español.

A este programa de conferencias se le añaden las demostraciones que tendrán lugar en la Base Aérea ‘Virgen del Camino por la tarde. Donde los asistentes podrán asistir al primer vuelo de un Reaper entre dos países europeos.También por la tarde se realizarán una serie de conferencias abiertas al público, ya sea en formato de Mesa Redonda o de Ponencias individuales que tendrán a estos vehículos controlados remotamente como eje central.

[España] ADM SEVILLA 2018 fue el centro del negocio aeroespacial de España, con importantes anuncios de las compañías del cluster andaluz



Nota de prensa






Cerró su cuarta edición con un balance de 8.788 reuniones de negocios celebradas entre 1.221 profesionales de la industria aeroespacial y un 66% de contratistas extranjeros

Aerospace & Defense Meetings-ADM Sevilla 2018 cerró su cuarta edición reforzando su carácter de evento de negocio del sector aeronáutico, al convertirse en el marco privilegiado para la concreción de nuevos acuerdos comerciales de la industria andaluza y española, que han sido dados a conocer durante su celebración, con la consecución de importantes negocios que reforzarán su posición en los mercados internacionales.

Cuando ya se conocen las cifras finales de participación, en ADM Sevilla 2018 participaron un total de 1.221 profesionales de 375 empresas procedentes de 28 países. Un 10% más de profesionales y una presencia más cualificada de contratistas internacionales, hasta el punto de que dos de cada tres de las empresas asistentes en esta categoría eran extranjeras, consolidando así su carácter de feria internacional y la consideración de evento de referencia del sector aeroespacial de España.

La cita, organizada por la Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento a través de Extenda-Agencia Andaluza de Promoción Exterior y la firma BCI Aerospace (Grupo ABE), contó con el máximo apoyo institucional del Gobierno andaluz, de la mano de su presidenta, Susana Díaz, que abrió la jornada de conferencias.



ADM Sevilla cuenta con el patrocinio especial de Airbus Group, el mayor fabricante europeo del sector, así como de Alestis, Aernnova y Aciturri, los tres únicos fabricantes de aeroestructuras de primer nivel de España (Tier 1); de Sofitec y Carbures, empresas andaluzas fabricantes de aeroestructuras, componentes metálicos y composite; y de Stratasys, multinacional estadounidense de impresión 3D para la industria.



Foro de negocios de éxito



De esta forma, entre los acuerdos comerciales dados a conocer en el seno de ADM destaca el de la empresa sevillana Aercal, dedicada a la chapistería y tecnologías aeronáuticas, que ha anunciado un acuerdo con Aciturri, proveedor de primer nivel (Tier 1), para la fabricación de 70 piezas para el nuevo prototipo del avión de transporte militar de Airbus.



Por otro lado, Ayesa Air Control, empresa aeronáutica 'joint venture' entre Ayesa y Sevilla Control, anunció también en ADM la apertura de una filial en Múnich (Alemania) para crecer en el sector aeroespacial europeo en una apuesta por continuar su proceso de internacionalización y posicionarse como una ingeniería y consultoría de referencia en el campo de la fabricación de aeronaves civiles, de defensa, satélites y lanzadores.



Por su parte, Elimco Aerospace, compañía sevillana especializada en soluciones tecnológicas para los sectores aeroespacial, defensa, ferroviario y naval, ha conseguido importantes hitos en ADM con los que la compañía prevé un incremento de 1,2 millones de euros en la facturación para 2019. Además, en términos de posicionamiento internacional, destaca la alianza con la consultora de RRHH Job Impulse, lo que le permitirá ofrecer soluciones integrales en los mercados exteriores.



De otro lado, AERTEC Solutions, la ingeniería y consultoría de Málaga especializada en aeropuertos, industria aeronáutica y defensa, no faltó a la cita de ADM y presentó en esta edición su cartera de soluciones en el ámbito de vehículos aéreos no tripulados, entre las que se encuentra la plataforma aérea de ala fija TARSIS, un avión no tripulado (UAV/RPAS) táctico ligero de alta tecnología, con altas prestaciones, diseñado para aplicaciones de observación y vigilancia.



Además, Grabysur, una de las pocas empresas líderes en Europa en la fabricación de paneles iluminados y equipos de visión nocturna para cabinas de aeronaves y helicópteros, participó en el Aerospace & Defense Meetings Sevilla 2018, en la que además de esta tecnología, de la que la compañía andaluza es Tier 1 de Airbus, presentó su importante gama de soluciones y en todo tipo de interfaces hombre–máquina (HMIs).



Por último, en el marco de ADM también se ha dado a conocer la noticia de que la firma madrileña con factoría en Sevilla GAZC (Grupo Aeronáutico Zona Centro) ha sellado un acuerdo con la compañía francesa We Are para unirse en un futuro a corto plazo y ampliar su actividad relacionada con la fabricación 3D.



Apoyo del sector



Se trata, por tanto, de una cita de máximo interés para la industria, que ha contado además con el apoyo institucional del sector tanto a nivel nacional, con la presencia de Tedae, Asociación Española de Empresas Tecnológicas, de Defensa, Aeronáuticas y Espacio, y regional, con el respaldo de Hélice, Cluster Aeroespacial Andaluz, ambas entidades colaboradoras. ADM Sevilla 2018 está cofinanciado en un 80% con fondos procedentes de la Unión Europea, a través del Programa Operativo FEDER de Andalucía 2014-2020.



En sus cuatro jornadas, ADM Sevilla ha abordado los principales retos del sector en España, a través de su jornada inicial de conferencias; se han conocido importante novedades de la industria andaluza y española; y se ha desarrollado una intensa actividad de negocio enfocada hacia la internacionalización del cluster aeroespacial andaluz y del nacional al completo. Por tanto, esta cita también ha alcanzado el objetivo de reforzar el papel de Andalucía como capital del negocio aeronáutico del sur de Europa.



Conferencias, reuniones y visitas

Este evento bienal es clave para un sector estratégico del que Andalucía es la comunidad líder en exportaciones, con 3.293 millones de euros en 2017. Suponen el 57% de las ventas de toda España, que aportan un saldo positivo a la balanza comercial de la comunidad con el exterior de 1.613 millones, y lo sitúan como el primer capítulo exportador de Andalucía, con el 10,7% del total de las ventas.

La sesión de apertura del evento, el día 15 de mayo, estuvo dedicada a conferencias profesionales y mesas redondas, y fue protagonizada por la presidenta de la Junta de Andalucía, Susana Díaz, que avanzó la puesta en marcha del Plan Estratégico del Sector Aeroespacial Andaluz, en colaboración con los representantes del sector, apostando por la internacionalización, el incremento del valor añadido y la formación de los profesionales.

El día 16, el consejero de Economía y Conocimiento, Antonio Ramírez de Arellano, inauguró oficialmente el evento, en el que los más de 1.200 profesionales asistentes desarrollaron, en sus dos días centrales, más de 8.700 reuniones de negocio b2b previamente concertadas y organizadas a través de un sistema de cruce de agendas e intereses, estableciéndose contactos privilegiados entre los agentes de contratación de las compañías internacionales y las nacionales y andaluzas.



En la última jornada, el 18 de mayo, los profesionales foráneos tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer de primera mano la FAL del A400M y otras instalaciones de Airbus Defense & Space en Sevilla, así como de visitar en el Parque Tecnológico Aeroespacial de Andalucía, Aerópolis, la sede de Alestis, uno de los principales Tier 1 de aeroestructuras de España, así como de la compañía sevillana Sofitec, fabricante integral de aeroestructuras.

Peso internacional

ADM ocupó el Hall 2 de FIBES, donde se ubicaron 226 stands. Correspondieron a algunas de las 262 grandes contratistas y expositores participantes de 28 países, entre las que se encuentran 10 clusters aeroespaciales de diferentes regiones y países, que entidades que en conjunto agruparon a más de medio millar de empresas.

En su cuarta edición, ADM Sevilla vio reforzada su capacidad para servir de palanca de negocio para la cadena de suministros de esta industria, al contar con los cuatro grandes fabricantes mundiales, Airbus, Boeing, Embraer y Bombardier, así como otros 47 grandes contratistas, de los que dos de cada tres fueron extranjeros (31) y el resto, españoles (20). También por ello reforzó su carácter internacional, estando además certificada como “Feria con concesión de Internacionalidad completa” por el Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.

En este sentido, por primera vez contó con contratistas de Estados Unidos, como Strastasys, multinacional de impresión 3D para la industria; Industrial Metal International, el mayor proveedor de tubos 17-4PH para aeronáutica, o Titanium Industries, líder mundial en soluciones de suministro de metales especiales.



También se estrenaron Japón, con Aero Group, con más de 200 años de trayectoria en aeroespacial y defensa; Corea del Sur, con AT Corporation, y Bélgica, con CMI Defence, líder en sistemas para vehículos ligeros y medianos blindados, todos ellos mercados de gran interés.



Además ADM incrementó en un 50% la participación de los contratistas de Asia-Oriente Medio, con empresas como Strata, de Emiratos Árabes Unidos, que trabaja en componentes para aviones de Airbus y Boeing; Aero Mobility Support, una de las principales ingenierías de Pakistán; o Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), que lidera los programas de aviación civil en el mercado chino. En total, dos de cada tres grandes contratistas y hasta un 39% de la participación empresarial (103) procedieron de otros países.



Entre los 103 participantes extranjeros, Francia fue el país que más aportó, con 29, seguido de Italia, con 21; Austria, con 7, y Estados Unidos, con 7; Reino Unido, con 6; y Marruecos y Alemania, con 5, respectivamente.



También acudieron compañías de Argelia, Argentina, Bélgica, Canadá, China, Corea del Sur, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Filipinas, Israel, Japón, Malasia, Nepal, Pakistán, Portugal, Polonia, República Checa, Suiza, Suecia, Taiwán y Turquía.



Evento de referencia en España

En su cuarta edición, ADM Sevilla 2018 consolidó también su significación como mayor evento de negocios del sector en España, llegando dos de cada tres empresas españolas de fuera de Andalucía. En total fueron 159 compañías procedentes de 12 comunidades autónomas, de las que 58 eran andaluzas (37%) y 101 (63%) de otras comunidades.



Por comunidades, la de Madrid fue la que más empresas aportó después de Andalucía, con 47 compañías; seguida de País Vasco y Cataluña, con 18, cada una; Comunidad Valenciana, y Castilla y León, con cinco, respectivamente; Aragón y Galicia, con dos empresas cada una; y por último Murcia y Canarias, con una cada una.