Afriqiyah Airways places firm order for four more A350 XWBs

Libyan carrier also up-sizes its original order for six A350-800s to larger A350-900s

Blagnac,  12 November 2012

TransAsia Airways of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for another six A321neo aircraft. The new aircraft will be part of the airline's fleet expansion and will allow it to develop new routes to regional destinations. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt and Whitney PW1100G engines.

The latest contract takes TransAsia Airways' total orders for Airbus single aisle aircraft to 29, of which 11 have already been delivered. The carrier's single aisle backlog now comprises 12 A321neo and six Sharklet-equipped A321ceo. In addition, the airline also has two widebody A330-300s on order, with first delivery scheduled later this year.

"The A321neo is a perfect fit for our strategy to grow efficiently in both domestic and regional markets and is the ideal solution to our fleet needs" said Vincent Lin, Chairman of TransAsia Airways. "With its wide cabin and outstanding fuel performance, the A321neo will bring new levels of comfort to our passengers whilst minimising our environmental footprint."

"With the latest versions of the A321 TransAsia Airways will be operating the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft in the 185-200 seat category," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "The combination of low fuel burn and extended flying range from Taipei will position the airline well to meet its expansion plans across the fast-growing Asian market."

The A321neo is the largest model in the recently launched A320neo Family. Incorporating new engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, the A320neo Family will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo Family will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

With more than 8,600 aircraft ordered and over 5,200 aircraft delivered to over 374 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.

Airbus extends Radio-Frequency-Identification (RFID)part-marking across all its aircraft families

Efficient and error-proof identification of aircraft components

Blagnac,  12 November 2012

Airbus has become the first commercial aircraft manufacturer to deploy Radio-Frequency-Identification (RFID) part-marking to aircraft components on all its aircraft families. This innovation, which will bring value-chain visibility, error-proof identification and efficiency savings in component lifecycle management, will be progressively rolled-out in 2013 to all seats and life vests for the A320, A330 and A380 aircraft families.

The annual volume of this RFID part marking extension is estimated to reach 160,000 RFID tags, roughly split across 120,000 life vests and 40,000 seats for these aircraft families. This complements the existing RFID part marking initiative on the A350 XWB which is already underway.

Tom Williams, Airbus' Executive Vice President, Programmes says: "Permanent RFID part marking is an answer to the growing need for efficient and error-proof identification of aircraft components throughout their life." He adds: "The use of RFID part marking will enable the automation of multiple operational processes and is a benefit for all involved in managing the component during its lifecycle: vendor, integrator, airline and MRO."

The scope of efficiency savings with permanent RFID part marking is substantial. For example, in the past, each one of several hundred life-jackets and seats in the cabin would need to be manually checked and noted, necessitating lengthy manual data entry. But as each Airbus aircraft will soon come pre-equipped with RFID tags on these parts, just one person can read the RFID tags within a few minutes using a lightweight hand-held RFID reader.

The process automatically confirms the presence of each required item, verifies its location and looks-up the associated data about the part (e.g. maintenance history, expiration date etc.). This information can then be used to determine the aircraft configuration and prioritise maintenance planning for items due for inspection, overhaul or replacement.

Airbus is the world's leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern, innovative and efficient family of passenger airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

Conferencia SAE: "El programa Sesar:El futuro sistema de control de tráfico aéreo europeo"

CONFERENCIA SAE "EL PROGRAMA SESAR:EL FUTURO SISTEMA DE CONTROL DE TRÁFICO AÉREO EUROPEO. LA MAYOR OBRA DE INFRAESTRUCTURA EUROPEA"

Desde la Sociedad Aeronáutica Española y de la Astronáutica, SAE    Os invitamos a la Conferencia del próximo 13 de noviembre a las 18.00 horas en la Real Academia de Ingeniería Contará con la participación de: Elías Fereres, presidente Real Academia de Ingeniería Manuel Hita, académico de la RAI y presidente de la SAE Julián García Vargas, presidente de TEDAE M. Patrick KY, Comisión Europea, Director Ejecutivo JU SESAR Mª Luz de Mateo, Jefa de Desarrollo Internacional, AENA Rafael Gallego, director general Operaciones, INDRA M. Pierre Bachelier, jefe Programa CTA, AIRBUS Ricardo Génova, director de Operaciones, IBERIA Carmen Librero, Sec. Gral. de Transporte, Ministerio de Fomento   El martes 13 de noviembre a las 18.00 en la sede de la Real Academia de Ingeniería  (C/ Don Pedro 10, Madrid)   Para más información: http://www.sociedadaeronautica.org  para estar al tanto de la actualidad aeronáutica

Clean Sky Program Extended At ILA Berlin

Clean Sky Program Extended At ILA Berlin: Public-Private Partnerships Overwhelmingly Favored By Conference Participants During ILA Berlin on September 12th, the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking and the European Commission jointly held an Industry Consultation about the extension of Clean Sky under Horizon 2020. Gathering around 120 representatives and stakeholders from across the aerospace industry, it provided an excellent forum for discussion and attendees had the opportunity to get a better insight about the progress and current proposal on Clean Sky 2.

Airbus ATM Teams To Participate In SESAR JU Integrated Flight Trials

Airbus ATM Teams To Participate In SESAR JU Integrated Flight Trials: Paving The Way For Reduced Emissions, Optimizing Airspace Capacity Throughout The North Atlantic And Continental Europe Airbus and its air traffic management (ATM) subsidiaries – Airbus ProSky, Quovadis and Metron Aviation – together with the EADS division Cassidian, have all been selected to participate in the upcoming SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) Integrated Flight Trials.

Accidente de un C295 de la Fuerza Aérea de Argelia en Francia

Accidente de un C295 de la Fuerza Aérea de Argelia en Francia:

Hacia las 15:45 horas de ayer viernes, día 9 de noviembre, se produjo un accidente de un avión biturbohélice Airbus Military C295 de la Fuerza Aérea argelina en el Departamento de Lozère (Francia), cuando procedía de París con destino a su país con seis personas a bordo: cinco militares y un civil.

Remembrance/ Armstice/ Veteran’s Day, 2012

Remembrance/ Armstice/ Veteran’s Day, 2012:

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, in 1918, the guns ceased.

NASA using 3D laser printing to create complex rocket parts

NASA using 3D laser printing to create complex rocket parts:

NASA engineers are using a 3D laser printing system to produce intricate metal parts such as rocket engine components for its next-generation Space Launch System (SLS). The method called “selective laser melting “ (SLM) promises to streamline fabrication and significantly reduce production costs... Continue Reading NASA using 3D laser printing to create complex rocket parts

III Seminario Aero San Telmo: en busca de financiación para el sector

III Seminario Aero San Telmo: en busca de financiación para el sector: El pasado Jueves 8 de Noviembre tuvo lugar en la sede del Instituto Internacional San Telmo la tercera edición del Seminario de Negocio Aeronáutico que organiza la escuela de negocios.

Ryanair, condenada a pagar 40.000 euros a Atrápalo por competencia desleal

Ryanair, condenada a pagar 40.000 euros a Atrápalo por competencia desleal:

Según el contenido de la sentencia hecho público por el portal de viajes, “Ryanair ha incurrido en un acto de competencia desleal por denigración tipificado en el artículo 9 de la Ley de Competencia Desleal con la realización de declaraciones que califican de ilícita la actividad de Atrápalo S.L ”.

Iberia recortará su plantilla en 4.500 personas

Iberia recortará su plantilla en 4.500 personas:
Madrid.- La compañía aérea española Iberia recortará su plantilla en 4.500 personas, prescindirá de 25 de los aviones de su flota y reducirá su capacidad en un 15% en 2013, según el plan anunciado el pasado viernes para salvar la empresa “que está perdiendo 1,7 millones de euros diarios”, según anunció el pasado viernes su consejero delegado, Rafael Sánchez-Lozano.

¿Cuanto le queda a Iberia?

¿Cuanto le queda a Iberia?: No me cabe duda de que todos los lectores de este blog estan informados de la noticia aeronáutica del dia: el despido de 4500 trabajadores de la plantilla de Iberia (El Pais,El Mundo,Abc). Es algo que muchos veíamos venir desde la creación del grupo AIG con British Airways y que se ha comentado en mas de ocasión delante de unas cañas, mientras que los medios tradicionales se empeñaban en...

El Ejército de Israel contrata a las españolas Everis y SCR, para sus prácticas de artillería antiaérea

El Ejército de Israel contrata a las españolas Everis y SCR, para sus prácticas de artillería antiaérea:

 SCR participó en las maniobras con personal técnico cualificado y con sus aviones SCRAB II, blancos aéreos de 2,5 metros de envergadura y 90 Kg. de peso al despegue, destinados al adiestramiento de operadores de sistemas de armas tanto antiaéreas como aire-aire.

La Nasa fabrica un satélite para destruirlo y estudiar los efectos de una colisión satelital

La Nasa fabrica un satélite para destruirlo y estudiar los efectos de una colisión satelital:
Washington.- La Nasa y la Fuerza Aérea norteamericana junto con el Centro de Sistemas de Misiles patrocinan el proyecto DebriSat, coordinado por el Orbital Debris Program Office de la Nasa en el Centro Espacial Johnson en Houston y que tiene por objeto destruir ese ingenio espacial  para conocer el efecto que tendría una colisión de dos satélites a hipervelocidad.

Saphonian bladeless turbine boasts impressive efficiency, low cost

Saphonian bladeless turbine boasts impressive efficiency, low cost:

Tunisian green energy startup Saphon Energy has created a new bladeless wind turbine which draws inspiration from the design of a ship’s sails, and promises to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity at up to double the efficiency – and half the cost – of a typical wind turbine. .. Continue Reading Saphonian bladeless turbine boasts impressive efficiency, low cost

Boeing to Convert 767s to Freighters for Guggenheim Aviation Partners

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Guggenheim Aviation Partners today announced an agreement for Boeing to convert three 767-300ER passenger airplanes to freighters. The Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) will be delivered to Guggenheim Aviation Partners in 2013.

Boeing will manage and engineer the project with the actual conversion taking place at ST Aerospace's subsidiary, ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO) in Paya Lebar, Singapore.

"We believe the 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter, with performance characteristics similar to a 767 production freighter, provides a flexible, economic and attractive option for the medium haul freighter market and we look forward to delivering this to our clients in 2013,” said Steve Rimmer, CEO, Guggenheim Aviation Partners.

The conversions mark the first time that a 767 with Blended Winglets from Aviation Partners Boeing will be converted to a freighter. The 767-300BCF is the only 767 conversion that is compatible with performance-improving Blended Winglets.

The 767-300BCF with Blended Winglets has cargo capability of up to 52 tonnes at a range of approximately 3300 nautical miles (6115 kilometers) at 412,000 pounds (187,000 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight. The Blended Winglets provide about 5.5 percent fuel savings on a 3000 nautical mile mission. There are 24 pallet positions on the freighter’s main deck.

"Guggenheim has been a key Boeing customer for both converted and production freighters," said Dan da Silva, vice president, Freighter Conversions, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are excited to have Guggenheim as a new customer for the 767-300BCF and the first for a 767BCF certified with Blended Winglets."

A 767-300 passenger airplane undergoes major modifications for a conversion to freighter configuration. A side cargo door and surround structure are installed, the main deck floor is strengthened and the wall and ceiling liners are replaced. New floor panels and freighter tracks are added as provisions for a buyer-furnished cargo handling system.

Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing value and advantages to customers and the industry. The Fleet Services team helps airline customers get the most out of every air mile – from providing technical information and expertise to manage their fleet to delivering engineering and maintenance services to keep operations running smoothly. Aligned with customers’ engineering and maintenance functions, Fleet Services also provides aircraft-on-ground services, passenger-to-freighter conversions, modifications and performance upgrades, and management of airline fleets.



About Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC

Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC, is an investment manager in the acquisition of new and used commercial aircraft for leasing to domestic and international passenger airlines and cargo operators. The company launched its first commercial aviation fund in 2005 and shortly thereafter closed its second fund in 2007 with total capital commitments of $737 million. Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC now has in excess of $2.7 billion of commercial aviation assets under management, representing a broad range of Boeing and Airbus aircraft on lease to airlines and cargo operators around the world. Guggenheim Aviation Partners, LLC is an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, LLC.



About Guggenheim Partners

Guggenheim Partners, LLC is a privately held global financial services firm with more than $160 billion in assets under management. The firm provides asset management, investment banking and capital markets services, insurance, institutional finance and investment advisory solutions to institutions, governments and agencies, corporations, investment advisors, family offices and individuals. Guggenheim Partners is headquartered in New York and Chicago and serves clients around the world from more than 25 offices in eight countries. For more information about Guggenheim Partners, visit www.guggenheimpartners.com.

Boeing, Aeromexico Finalize Order for 60x 737 MAX 8s and 9s

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Aeromexico finalized an order for 60 737 MAX 8s and 9s, with reconfirmation rights for 30 additional 737 MAXs. The firm order by Mexico's largest airline, which was first announced as a commitment in July, is valued at more than $6 billion at published list prices.

Today's order brings the total 737 MAX firm orders to 938 airplanes.

"We are proud of the steps Aeromexico is taking to remain Mexico's leading airline and one of the world's most progressive airlines," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Latin America, Africa, & Caribbean, for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Aeromexico has a history of leading the way for Latin America's aviation industry and this order shows their dedication to continuous improvement in performance, customer satisfaction and efficiency."

The 737 MAX is a new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel-use improvement over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes and an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.

The 737 MAX also features the new Boeing Sky Interior. The sleek interior boasts modern lines, a spacious cabin with more headroom and LED lighting that offers vibrant color options.

Aeromexico operates an all-Boeing fleet for airplanes larger than 100 seats. Grupo Aeromexico, the parent company of Aeromexico, operates its main hub out of the Mexico City International Airport. In 2011 the Group transported more than 14 million passengers and offers more than 550 daily flights to different cities in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central and South America, as well as Europe and Asia.

Boeing Delivers 5th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft to US Navy

Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Nov. 2 delivered the fifth production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy. The P-8A is one of 24 low-rate initial production (LRIP) maritime patrol aircraft that Boeing is building for the Navy as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012.

"This is our final P-8A delivery of the year; we’ll ramp up to 12 deliveries, including P-8I aircraft for India, in 2013," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "Our in-line production approach, which draws on processes developed on the company's commercial and military programs, has been key to our ability to increase production rates while reducing costs."

"As we transition to the P-8A and prepare for Initial Operational Capability in 2013, the U.S. Navy is successfully flying the first production planes at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.," said Capt. Aaron Rondeau, U.S. Navy P-8A Integrated Product Team lead.

The next three Poseidon aircraft are undergoing mission systems installation and checkout in Seattle, and two more are in final assembly in Renton, Wash. Boeing will deliver its sixth production P-8A to the Navy in early 2013.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 of the Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet.

As part of the LRIP contracts, Boeing is also providing aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools.

Airbus to showcase latest products at Airshow China 2012

A320neo model on show for the first time in China

Airbus will highlight the 21st century’s flagship of A380 and its best selling single aisle aircraft the A320neo (New Engine Option) at the 9th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Zhuhai Airshow), from 13th to 18th November 2012 in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

A 1:20 scale cutaway A380 model and a 1:20 scale A320neo model will be displayed at the EADS stand located at Booth 10 in Hall 1. It is the first time for Airbus to showcase an A320neo model in China.

A press conference will be held at noon on Tuesday 13th November in the Press Centre, room 220, on the second floor.

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying over 29 million passengers further at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have also made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors and increased profitability on all routes where the aircraft is operated. With some 120 flights per day, the A380 is becoming a familiar sight at airports across the globe. The A380 fleet transports 1.25 million passengers each month with an A380 taking off or landing every six minutes. The total A380 order book is 257 aircraft from 20 customers worldwide and so far 89 have been delivered to nine customers.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family, which is to enter into service from 2015. The A320neo incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. This reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4m litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars. This saves 3,600 metric tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year, the amount absorbed by 240,000 mature trees. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6 and this aircraft also has considerably a smaller noise footprint.

The A320neo, with almost 1,500 firm orders from 30 customers since its launch, is the fastest selling commercial aircraft ever and is on track to enter service from 2015. For the A320 Family as a whole, over 8,600 aircraft have been ordered and almost 5,300 delivered to about 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets.

Airbus makes last call for entries in €30,000 Fly Your Ideas challenge

• Students still have chance to shape future of flight with one month to go

Students wanting to help shape the future of flight still have time to take part in the global Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge.

Airbus is asking students worldwide to develop ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry. The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000. Those wanting to get involved can register until 30 November and submit their initial proposal by 7 December.

Charles Champion, Executive Vice President Engineering at Airbus and Fly Your Ideas Patron, says: “Fly Your Ideas is a unique opportunity for students to be part of our vision for sustainable aviation. It’s now just one month to go before the competition takes-off and we’re asking anyone interested in helping to shape the future of flight – from any background and any discipline – to apply.”

This is the third edition of the biennial Fly Your Ideas challenge with more than 350 teams already active on the competition website, representing over 1,400 students and 78 nationalities. All have their sights on the top prize – which also includes an ‘innovation week’ on campus, run by Airbus experts – but they also stand to benefit in other ways.

The initiative is designed to inspire and better equip the next generation of talent in the aviation industry. It has this year gained the backing of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), which says Airbus is giving students a rare opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real world environment.

In 2013 students will not only have an Airbus mentor to support the overall direction of their project but will also be assigned an Airbus expert in their chosen field. It means valuable insight into the opportunities in an industry that today supports over 56 million jobs; 35% of world trade; and US$2.2 trillion in global GDP.

The international higher education community can benefit too, with the potential to identify opportunities for R&D development and/or interaction between Airbus and academic research teams. The intellectual property rights of the ideas will remain with the universities.



Fly Your Ideas 2013 competition timings

1. Registration Closes - 30 November 2012
2. Round One - 3 September 2012 - 7 December 2012 (One page proposal)
3. Round Two - January 2013 - April 2013 (up to 100 teams chosen to deliver a 5000 word report and a short video)
4. Round Three - May 2013 - June 2013 (5 teams chosen to present to a jury of Airbus and industry experts)
5. Final presentation and awards – June 2013

About Airbus Fly Your Ideas

Fly Your Ideas is part of the Future by Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer’s vision of sustainable air travel in 2050. University students of any nationality or discipline – from engineering to marketing; business to science; IT to design – are encouraged to apply. Proposals must address the key issues facing the industry: ‘Energy’; ‘Efficiency’; ‘Affordable Growth’; ‘Traffic Growth’; ‘Passenger Experience’; or ‘Community Friendliness’.

The biennial contest involves three progressively challenging rounds. The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000. Five teams will advance to the final in mid-2013. The winning team will be picked by a high-profile panel of judges (details to be announced shortly).

This is the third edition of the biennial Fly Your Ideas challenge. The previous contest (2011) drew entries from more than 2,600 students representing 287 universities and 75 countries.

Noise Abatement Society award recognises Airbus A380 for reduced noise.

The UK’s national noise reduction charity, the Noise Abatement Society, presented the Airbus A380 a top award at their annual award ceremony last night recognising the aircraft’s reduced noise around airport communities. 

There will be 10 daily A380 flights to Heathrow by the end of the year, which has the strictest noise regulations of any airport worldwide and is the benchmark on which noise measurement for aircraft is based.

At a special event held at the House of Commons in London, the Society presented Airbus with the John Connell Silent Approach Award for the A380 and its innovations in quiet technology.

Presented by Sir Bob Russell MP, the award recognises local authorities, industry, organisations and individuals judged to have been outstanding in their efforts to reduce the impact of noise nuisance or seeking to pioneer practical and innovative solutions to noise pollution and the enhancement and management of the soundscape.

Lisa Lavia, Managing Director of the Noise Abatement Society said: “The NAS was immensely impressed with the reduced external noise emissions of the A380 compared to typical equivalent aircraft and with its quiet and peaceful interior acoustics. This proves that with commitment and engineering excellence noise pollution need not be the inevitable by-product of progress. And that traditionally noisy operations and equipment can be made quieter for the benefit of all.”

John Roberts, Airbus in the UK A380 Chief Engineer said: "We are immensely proud to have received this award which recognises the tremendous work done by Airbus and our key stakeholders. The reduction in the environmental impacts of our aircraft is the result of constant investment and commitment over many years. Our industry is committed to greener aviation and in the last 50 years the aviation industry has cut noise by 75%.

He added: “The A380 has been in service with airlines for over five years and is the quietest long-haul aircraft for the foreseeable future - generating only half the noise on departure of some other large long haul aircraft and up to four times less noise on landing whilst carrying 40% more passengers. The A380 is also recognized as having made a step change in passenger comfort by the huge reduction of noise levels within the cabin, making long haul flying a more enjoyable experience."

Typically seating 525 passengers in three classes, the aircraft is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies. To date, Airbus has recorded 257 firm orders for the A380 from 20 customers.

The A380 fleet undertakes 120 commercial flights each day (takes off or lands approximately every 6 min) and carries 1.25 million passengers each month. To date over 29 million passengers have flown on the A380 fleet which has grown to 89 today.

For more information on the Noise Abatement Society visitwww.noiseabatementsociety.com

Employing more than 55,000 people worldwide, of over 100 nationalities, Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats.

Revenues and Profits Continue to Grow: EADS Reports Robust Nine-Month (9m) Results 2012

• EADS on track to achieve 2012 revenue, profit guidance
• Revenues increase by 14 percent to € 37.3 billion
• EBIT* before one-off up 82 percent: € 1.9 billion
• Net Income* before one-off(4) increases to € 1.1 billion; Net Income more than doubles to € 903 million
• Free Cash Flow before acquisitions of € -3.2 billion reflects back-loaded delivery pattern and government payment profile
• New hedging contracts of $ 27 billion enhance financial stability

full info: http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/press.20121108_eads_9m_results.html

Helitt ofrece acceso a la sala vip de El Prat

Helitt Líneas Aéreas ha comenzado a ofrecer a sus pasajeros que vuelen desde Barcelona la posibilidad de acceder a la sala vip-lounge del aeropuerto de El Prat. Al efectuar la reserva del vuelo, por un cargo de 25 euros, los usuarios podrán disfrutar de este espacio, disponible tanto en la terminal 1 como en la 2, desde su llegada al aeropuerto hasta el momento de embarcar.

La sala vip del aeropuerto de Barcelona cuenta más de 4.000 metros cuadrados de salas con diferentes propuestas de ocio. Dispone de un área de trabajo con salas de reuniones perfectamente equipadas, servicios de ofimática, mensajería, ordenadores, Internet y Wi-Fi, entre otros. También tiene un área de descanso equipado con sofás, televisión, y un centro wellness, además de servicio de información de vuelos, cuidado personal, sala de fumadores, prensa, y restauración.

Con esta nueva propuesta Helitt quiere ofrecer un servicio más completo con un valor añadido a sus clientes que vuelen a los diferentes destinos con origen Barcelona: Badajoz, Melilla y Vitoria.

Mission ready: Eurocopter's broad helicopter product line to be presented at the INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum

Jakarta, 6 November 2012

The capabilities of Eurocopter's helicopter product line to meet Indonesia's defense, law enforcement, and search and rescue mission needs will be displayed at this month's INDO DEFENCE 2012 Expo & Forum in Jakarta.

Eurocopter is to exhibit scale models of the EC725, EC145, AS550 C3 Fennec and AS565 MB Panther rotary-wing aircraft at INDO DEFENCE 2012, joining its EADS parent company during the event (Hall D, Stand D110).

"With its modern range of helicopters, Eurocopter is well positioned to respond to the diverse operational requirements of Indonesia for its Armed Forces, homeland security, law enforcement and parapublic missions," said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter's Senior Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific. "We are ready to expand the exemplary collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, which is supported by major investments and transfer of knowledge in manufacturing, integration and customization of helicopters, with the creation of additional training opportunities and the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions."


PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Eurocopter's long lasting relationship has successfully led to the choice by Indonesia Air Force to procure six EC725 for combat search and rescue earlier this year. This follows the licensed assembly in Indonesia of SA330 Pumas and AS332 Super Pumas, along with the in-country manufacture of EC225 and EC725 tail booms and airframe assemblies for Eurocopter since 2008.


The EC725 selected for Indonesia's combat search and rescue duties is the latest and most advanced member of Eurocopter's 11-ton military product line, and has become a rotorcraft of choice in the modernization of military forces' fleets worldwide. This twin-engine helicopter's capabilities in challenging operating conditions are being demonstrated during its current Afghanistan deployment by France, and were also proven in operations supporting France's role with NATO-led operations during the Libyan military campaign.

Eurocopter's EC145 family is recognized worldwide as a highly versatile medium twin-engine helicopter for law enforcement and security missions. In addition to its use by police departments, sheriff agencies and other organizations in many countries, the UH-72A version is being supplied to the U.S. Army as its new Light Utility Helicopter. This rotary-wing aircraft's performance has been further enhanced with the EC145 T2 version, which incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, the company's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an innovative new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot.

The Eurocopter Fennec helicopter product line – derived from the renowned Ecureuil rotorcraft family – is performing combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training duties around the globe today. This series of adaptable single- and twin-engine helicopters combine powerful light attack capabilities with highly cost-effective airframe and mission system solutions.

Also highlighted at INDO DEFENCE 2012 is the AS565 MB Panther, a member of the company's Dauphin family that is in operation with many military services for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, maritime counterterrorism, surveillance and control, casualty/medical evacuations and search and rescue. This helicopter series can be fitted with torpedoes and dipping sonar, and is demonstrating its capabilities daily with operators that include the United States Coast Guard – which flies some 100 MH-65 Dolphins for search and rescue, homeland security, drug interdiction, pollution control and other missions.

About Eurocopter (www.eurocopter.com)
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people.
In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.
Overall, the Group's helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter's strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter's worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries.
Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

Mónica Martínez, presidente de GMV, galardonada con el Master de Oro del Real Forum de Alta Dirección

• Entre las diferentes personalidades galardonadas en anteriores ediciones se encuentra la Reina Doña Sofía, Severo Ochoa, Mijail Gorvachov, el permio Nobel de Química Mario Molina o César Alierta, presidente de Telefónica

  
Madrid, 08  de noviembre de 2012.- La presidente de GMV, Mónica Martínez Walter, ha sido galardonada con el Master de Oro del Real Forum de Alta Dirección en reconocimiento a su labor como Presidente de la multinacional tecnológica GMV. El acto de entrega se realizó la pasada noche en el Palacio Duque de Pastrana, de Madrid, durante el acto de apertura del curso 2012/2013.

 
Mónica Martínez, licenciada y doctora en Ciencias Físicas por la Universidad de Heidelberg (Alemania) está ligada a GMV desde 1998, año en el que es nombrada Consejera Asesora de la Presidencia de GMV, participando e implicándose en la política del grupo tecnológico multinacional que fundó su padre, Juan José Martínez García. Con 31 años y tras el repentino fallecimiento del profesor Martínez, en 2001 asume la presidencia de GMV. En la actualidad compagina su trabajo científico en el Instituto Max-Planck de Química en Alemania con la presidencia de GMV.

 
Entre las diferentes personalidades que han resultado galardonadas en anteriores ediciones con el Master de Oro del Real Forum de Alta Dirección, se encuentra la Reina Doña Sofía, por su gran labor en la fundación que lleva su nombre y el apoyo al mundo de los mayores, Severo Ochoa, Mijail Gorvachov, el premio Nobel de Química Mario Molina, el presidente de Telefónica, César Alierta, además de presidentes de entidades financieras, altos cargos de la Administración de Justicia, responsables de los ministerios, embajadores, militares, rectores, periodistas, artistas, etc.
 

El Real Forum de Alta Dirección es un organismo creado en 1982, bajo la Presidencia de Honor del Rey Don Juan Carlos, que pretende ser una plataforma de encuentro de opiniones e ideas para la defensa de los derechos cívicos y profesionales de sus asociados. Está compuesto por más de mil miembros de alta dirección y ostenta su presidencia Don Carlos Escudero de Burón.
 

Sus premios Master de Oro, que cuentan con dos entregas anuales, están destinados a reconocer a aquellas personas de relevancia pública que han destacado en el ejercicio profesional del ámbito económico y empresarial, político y cultural, por su contribución a la modernización de la empresa, el fomento de las nuevas tecnologías, el avance en los distintos campos del saber humano o la reflexión sobre la situación de España ante la comunidad internacional, en especial, con la Unión Europea y con la Comunidad Iberoamericana.

 
El Master de Oro es una figura en bronce titulada "Metamorfosis del Esfuerzo", que representa a un hombre luchando por salir de una roca, en alusión a los valores de trabajo y esfuerzo. Mónica Martínez Walter ha señalado que "es un gran honor recibir este reconocimiento y ser identificada con estos valores. Me llena de orgullo recibir este galardón que ya han recibido personalidades de reconocidísimo prestigio".

 

GMV es un grupo tecnológico español fundado en 1984, de capital privado y con presencia internacional. Opera en los sectores: Aeroespacial, Defensa y Seguridad, Transporte, Sanidad, Telecomunicaciones y Tecnologías de la Información para AAPP y grandes empresas. Obtuvo unos ingresos en 2011 de más de 100 millones de euros, con una plantilla de más de 1.000 profesionales. La estrategia de crecimiento de la compañía está basada en la innovación continua, dedicando un 10% de su facturación a I+D+i. GMV ha alcanzado el nivel 5 de CMMI, el modelo más prestigioso del mundo en cuanto a la mejora de la capacidad de los procesos de una organización y cuenta con numerosas patentes internacionales. En la actualidad GMV es el primer proveedor independiente del mundo de Sistemas de Control en Tierra para operadores de satélites comerciales de telecomunicaciones; la tercera empresa europea por volumen de participación en Galileo; el principal proveedor de sistemas de mando y control C3I del Ejército de Tierra español. En el sector TIC ha llevado a cabo proyectos emblemáticos en el desarrollo e implantación de portales y plataformas de correo,  se ha constituido en referente nacional como proveedor de  soluciones y servicios avanzados de seguridad en redes IP, aplicaciones de movilidad y aplicaciones TICs para las Administraciones Públicas y el desarrollo de la e-Administración.

Made in Korea: Counterinsurgency Trainers for Peru

Made in Korea: Counterinsurgency Trainers for Peru:

KAI’s KA-1

(click to view full)

In November 2012, Peru signed a $200 million contract with South Korea for turboprop trainers and light attack aircraft. The deal involves 10 of its KT-1 trainers, which have also been exported to Turkey and Indonesia, and 10 KA-1 armed counterinsurgency variants.

Curso de Iniciación Online del Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell, Gratis

Vía Daniel Ventura, del ACBS:

Ya está colgado el curso de iniciación al PPL del ACBS, por si le queréis echar un vistazo. Se trata de lecciones narradas de temas como Sustentación, Mandos Primarios de Vuelo, Motor Alternativo, y Navegación.Curso de Iniciación a Piloto Privado Online

Varias aerolíneas cubren el hueco de Ryanair en el aeropuerto de Alicante

Varias aerolíneas cubren el hueco de Ryanair en el aeropuerto de Alicante:


Frente al descenso de Ryanair, Easyjet segunda compañía del aeropuerto ha decidido aumentar sus vuelos en un 5,5%, respecto al invierno pasado. Asimismo otras compañías han realizado importantes incrementos en su operativa para este invierno. Es el caso de Vueling, que crece el 46,6%; Norwegian, lo hace en un 69,1%; Transavia, el 20%, Air Berlín, el 13,2%; Jet2, el 18,8%; SAS Escandinavian, el 187,6%, y, Air Algerie, el 110%.

IAG estudia una opa sobre Vueling

IAG estudia una opa sobre Vueling:
Madrid.- El Grupo IAG, resultante de la fusión de las compañías Iberia y British, estudia una posible opa sobre Vueling, que cuenta ya con la aprobación de los accionistas mayoritarios.

TechJect’s Dragonfly micro UAV flies like a bird and hovers like an insect

TechJect’s Dragonfly micro UAV flies like a bird and hovers like an insect:

Given their impressive flight capabilities, it’s not surprising to see researchers turning to the world of flying insects for inspiration when developing new kinds of micro UAVs. With their ability to both fly at high speeds and hover, the dragonfly would seem an obvious candidate for biomimicry, but we hadn’t seen any attempts to model a micro UAV on the dragonfly’s four wing design – until now. A multi-disciplinary team from Georgia Tech has developed a robotic four-winged ornithopter called the TechJect Dragonfly that fits in the palm of a hand and combines the flight capabilities of a quadricopter, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft in one... Continue Reading TechJect’s Dragonfly micro UAV flies like a bird and hovers like an insect

El aeropuerto de Castellón recibe un 35% más de inversión pública que el Museo del Prado - ABC.es

El aeródromo recibirá 17 millones,
mientras que la pinacoteca verá
rebajados sus presupuestos hasta
los 11,2 millones, según denuncia
su director, Miguel Zugaza

http://www.abc.es/20121107/economia/abci-aeropuerto-castellon-recibe-inversion-201211061848.html

El clúster vasco HEGAN promueve la cantera de profesionales aeronáuticos | Aerotendencias

http://www.aerotendencias.com/laboral-aviacion/14020-el-cluster-vasco-hegan-promueve-la-cantera-de-profesionales-aeronauticos/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=el-cluster-vasco-hegan-promueve-la-cantera-de-profesionales-aeronauticos

La pesadilla de los jóvenes que soñaron con Alemania

No todos los jóvenes españoles con
estudios que emigran a Alemania
encuentran el trabajo que esperaban.
Muchos despiertan en medio de una
pesadilla precaria.

http://www.eldiario.es/economia/Pre-parados-hacer_0_66143786.html

Comac Likely To Miss First Flight Milestone For C919

http://www.aviationweek.com/awmobile/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/avd_11_07_2012_p06-01-514128.xml

Grupo Alcor busca salir de Alestis y vender su 42% en la compañía

El propietario de Alcor, Gaizka Grajales, ya fue apartado de la gestión tras el concurso de acreedores · Airbus tiene todas las papeletas para asumir esa parte del accionariado

http://www.diariodesevilla.es/article/economia/1392822/grupo/alcor/busca/salir/alestis/y/vender/su/la/compania.html#

World’s first 100 percent biofuel-powered flight of civil aircraft

World’s first 100 percent biofuel-powered flight of civil aircraft:

Earlier this year, Air Canada joined a growing number of airlines conducting flights using biofuels. Like similar flights by Boeing and Lufthansa, the aircraft was powered by a mix of petroleum and biofuel. Now the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has removed the fossil fuel component completely with the first flight of a civil jet powered by 100 percent unblended biofuel... Continue Reading World’s first 100 percent biofuel-powered flight of civil aircraft

Mortar fired from UAV

Mortar fired from UAV: The US Army has fired a guided mortar from an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), in cooperation with General Dynamics. An 81mm mortar, standard size, was...

Adventia presenta en Unitour su Grado Oficial de Piloto

Adventia presenta en Unitour su Grado Oficial de Piloto:
Salamanca.- La Escuela de Pilotos Adventia, a través de la Universidad de Salamanca, está presente por cuarto año consecutivo en la VII Feria Unitour, un salón de orientación universitaria organizado por el Círculo de Formación,  que se celebra en 24 ciudades españolas del 29 de octubre al 27 de febrero.

Aena, una empresa con beneficios y pérdidas

Bajo el título “Aena pacta con los sindicatos un Plan de Viabilidad que afecta a 1.600 trabajadores”, la nota de prensa del gestor aeroportuario colgada en su página web enfatizaba: “Es la primera compañía de España que aplicará el Real Decreto 1484/2012 de 29 de octubre sobre las aportaciones económicas a realizar por las empresas con beneficios que realicen despidos colectivos que afecten a trabajadores de 50 o más años. Pero inmediatamente añadía: “no se trata de un plan de prejubilaciones, sino de un ERE en una empresa en pérdidas”.

¿En qué quedamos?  Una de dos:   Aena  o es “una empresa con beneficios que realiza un despido colectivo que afecta a trabajadores de 50 ó más años” o se trata de “una empresa en pérdidas  que realiza un Expediente de Regulación de Empleo”. TEXTO COMPLETO EN: Aena, una empresa con beneficios y pérdidas:

Aeroflot may create Low Cost Carrier| ATWOnline

http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/aeroflot-may-create-lcc-1105?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AtwDailyNews+%28ATW+Daily+News%29

77º Aniversario del Primer Vuelo del Hawker Hurricane

http://blog.sandglasspatrol.com/index.php/noticias/52-historia/1169-77o-aniversario-del-primer-vuelo-del-hawker-hurricane

104ª Sesión del Foro Aeroespacial de Andalucía: “Tendencias y Retos para la Financiación del Sector Aeroespacial”

 La 104ª Sesión del Foro Aeroespacial de Andalucía, titulada“Tendencias y Retos para la Financiación del Sector Aeroespacial”se celebrará mañana Martes 6 de noviembre de 2012, a las 18h 30 min.El ponente es D.José Luis Galán González, Catedrático de Organización de Empresas de la Universidad de Sevilla, y miembro del Consejo de Administración deAlestis Aerospace. Leer articulo completo en Aergenium 104ª Sesión del Foro Aeroespacial de Andalucía: “Tendencias y Retos para la Financiación del Sector Aeroespacial”

Conferencia SAE: "El programa Sesar:El futuro sistema de control de tráfico aéreo europeo"

CONFERENCIA SAE "EL PROGRAMA SESAR:EL FUTURO SISTEMA DE CONTROL DE TRÁFICO AÉREO EUROPEO. LA MAYOR OBRA DE INFRAESTRUCTURA EUROPEA"

Desde la Sociedad Aeronáutica Española y de la Astronáutica, SAE    Os invitamos a la Conferencia del próximo 13 de noviembre a las 18.00 horas en la Real Academia de Inginiería Contará con la participación de: Elías Fereres, presidente Real Academia de Ingeniería Manuel Hita, académico de la RAI y presidente de la SAE Julián García Vargas, presidente de TEDAE M. Patrick KY, Comisión Europea, Director Ejecutivo JU SESAR Mª Luz de Mateo, Jefa de Desarrollo Internacional, AENA Rafael Gallego, director general Operaciones, INDRA M. Pierre Bachelier, jefe Programa CTA, AIRBUS Ricardo Génova, director de Operaciones, IBERIA Carmen Librero, Sec. Gral. de Transporte, Ministerio de Fomento   El martes 13 de noviembre a las 18.00 en la sede de la Real Academia de Ingeniería  (C/ Don Pedro 10, Madrid)   Para más información: http://www.sociedadaeronautica.org  para estar al tanto de la actualidad aeronáutica

Corjet Maintenance se adjudica por 23 millones el contrato de mantenimiento de los Falcon 900 y los A310 del Ejército del Aire

Corjet Maintenance se adjudica por 23 millones el contrato de mantenimiento de los Falcon 900 y los A310 del Ejército del Aire:

La española Corjet Maintenance, propiedad al 50 por ciento de grupo Gestair y de Iberia Mantenimiento, se ha adjudicado el contrato valorado en 23 millones de euros para el mantenimiento durante los próximos cuatro años de la flota de Falcon 900 y Airbus A310 del EdA

Israeli MoD test fires upgraded Iron Dome system

Israeli MoD test fires upgraded Iron Dome system: The Israeli Ministry of Defence (IMOD) has successfully test-fired an upgraded version of the Iron Dome anti-rocket defence system from an undisclosed location.

ROKAF's F-15K fighters to participate in 2013 Red Flag exercise

ROKAF's F-15K fighters to participate in 2013 Red Flag exercise: The Republic of Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) F-15K Slam Eagle fighter aircraft will participate in the US-led multinational aerial combat training exercise Red Flag in 2013, an unidentified senior military official has revealed.

Taking Off: Implications of China’s Second Stealth Fighter Test Flight

China's fighter aircraft development efforts appeared to take another leap forward after local media reported that Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC) had successfully tested its J-31 stealth fighter prototype this week. Following the test flight of a Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) J-20 prototype less than two years ago, the test of the J-31 suggests China could eventually become only the second country behind the U.S. to develop two stealth fighter programs – an important development with serious potential implications for the tactical aircraft export market and well as the U.S. military. http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2012/11/03/taking-off-implications-of-chinas-second-stealth-fighter-test-flight/

NASA examines hybrid solar-electric propulsion for manned space missions

NASA examines hybrid solar-electric propulsion for manned space missions:

A marriage of the tortoise and the hare may be the key to exploring the Solar System. At least, that’s the belief of Nathan Strange, a mission formulation systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who has outlined a plan to use hybrid chemical/solar-electric propulsion systems for the manned exploration of the Moon, Mars and the asteroids... Continue Reading NASA examines hybrid solar-electric propulsion for manned space missions

Hypergravity helps in development of light, aircraft-grade alloy

Hypergravity helps in development of light, aircraft-grade alloy:

In the quest for more efficient commercial aircraft to help reduce fuel consumption, weight reduction without compromising safety is one of the most obvious areas of focus. Researchers at the European Space Agency (ESA) working in the Intermetallic Materials Processing in Relation to Earth and Space Solidification (IMPRESS) Project have used hypergravity to help develop an aircraft-grade alloy they claim is twice as light as the nickel superalloys currently used in conventional jet engines, but boasts equally good properties... Continue Reading Hypergravity helps in development of light, aircraft-grade alloy

Air Mauritus y Air France KLM también unifican sus programas de fidelización

Air Mauritus y Air France KLM también unifican sus programas de fidelización:

Air Mauritius, la aerolínea nacional de Islas Mauricio, une su programa de fidelización al de Air France, profundizando la colaboración con la que ya cuentan ambas compañías

Air France KLM y Air Mauritius, aerolínea nacional de Isla Mauricio, ya socios desde hace unos años, han querido potenciar esta colaboración y han decidido brindar un beneficio adicional a sus clientes fieles

Cameron negocia en el Golfo Pérsico la venta de 100 aviones Eurofighter

Cameron negocia en el Golfo Pérsico la venta de 100 aviones Eurofighter:
Londres.- El primer ministro del Reino Unido, David Cameron, comenzó el periplo de tres días por países del Golfo Pérsico, en el marco del cual planea negociar contratos multimillonarios sobre el suministro de cazas polivalentes Eurofighter Typhoon a Arabia Saudita y Dubai, informó ayer la prensa británica.

Living concrete fixes its own cracks with built-in bacteria

Concrete is the most popular building material on the planet, probably because it's very strong, easy to work with and cheap, being made mostly of rocks. There are some durability issues with concrete, though, and to make it stronger, Dutch scientists have added self-healing capsules to help buildings heal cracks on their own.

Bacteria can fix cracks in concrete the same way that humans can, by filling them in with more concrete materials, or in this case, limestone: http://dvice.com/archives/2012/11/living-concrete.php

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Variants Declared 'Mission Capable' After U.S. Air Force Testing

MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 1, 2012 – The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] HC-130J Combat King II and the MC-130J Commando II aircraft have been certified as “Effective, Suitable and Mission Capable” by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. The U.S. Air Force is currently recapitalizing the HC, MC and AC-130 gunship fleets with new C 130J variants.

The HC-130J is the personnel recovery/combat search and rescue aircraft for Air Combat Command, and the MC-130J is the Special Operations tanker aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command. Currently Lockheed Martin is on contract for 27 MC 130Js and 15 HC-130Js. The certification was received in October.

“This further demonstrates the amazing flexibility of the C-130J. We took a KC-130J tanker and, through in-line production design changes and significant capability enhancements, produced the current HC and MC aircraft,” said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager for C-130 Programs. “The C 130J is without equal in terms of its multi-role, multi-mission flexibility and availability. No aircraft in production — or in development — can match the capabilities of the Super Hercules.”

From initial contract award in mid-2008 to the first ahead-of-schedule flight on July 29, 2010, the HC/MC program demonstrates the proven design, reliability and technology of the C-130J. The new AC-130Js will be converted to MC-130Js with the addition of a precision strike package.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 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 net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Boeing, ALAFCO Firm up Order for 20 Boeing 737 MAXs

KUWAIT, Nov. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Kuwait airplane leasing company ALAFCO finalized an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s valued at $2.0 billion at current list price. The order was first announced as a commitment at the Farnborough Airshow in July.

"This is the first order for the 737 MAX from the Middle East, which is one of the aviation industry's highest growth regions," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are proud of the confidence that ALAFCO has placed in the 737 MAX, and hope to continue this partnership well into the future."

The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The airplane will be powered by new CFM International LEAP-1B engines. Along with the engines, aerodynamic improvements to the tail and the new Advanced Technology winglet, the 737 MAX will reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13 percent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane, the Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment with an 8 percent advantage per seat over tomorrow's competition.

"Today, with rising fuel costs, the 737 MAX will provide operational cost savings to airlines in addition to being more environmentally friendly due to its latest quiet engine technology," stated ALAFCO's chairman and CEO Ahmad Alzabin during the Farnborough Airshow. "These are the advantages that airlines are looking for in the current competitive and demanding environment."

The order brings the total number of 737 MAX orders to date to 878.

Boeing Delivers the 7,370th 737

• -Lion Air to operate the Next-Generation 737-800 with Boeing Sky Interior
• -Popular single-aisle is the best-selling commercial airliner family in history

SEATTLE, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today delivered the 7,370th 737 to come off the production line to Indonesia-based Lion Air. The airplane is Lion Air's 75th Next-Generation 737. The Boeing 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time with total orders exceeding 10,100 airplanes, including orders for the new 737 MAX

Aeroflot takes delivery of its 100th Airbus aircraft, an A330

• Carrier benefits from Airbus’ unique fleet commonality

Aeroflot, the Russian national carrier, has taken delivery of another A330-300, which will become the 100th Airbus aircraft to enter service with the airline.


Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, Aeroflot’s A330-300 features a spacious and comfortable two-class cabin layout seating 296 passengers (28 in business and 268 in economy class). Aeroflot plans to deploy the aircraft on numerous routes on its medium and long-haul network.

Aeroflot was the first airline in Russia to operate the A310, with an entry into service in 1992, as well as the first to operate the A320 Family (in 2003) and the A330 Family (in 2008). Currently the airline operates a fleet of 79 A320 Family aircraft and with today’s delivery 21 A330 Family aircraft.

“We congratulate Aeroflot, a long-standing partner of Airbus, with this milestone delivery’’, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. ‘’We are convinced that the carrier will continue to benefit from the most efficient Airbus Family fleet, while its passengers will continue to enjoy the highest level of comfort on board Airbus aircraft .”

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with some 90 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class. The cabin is widely recognized as one of the quietest cabins in the sky offering a light spacious atmosphere, making flying less tiring and more pleasurable. The A330 family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

European Union project "ARUM" to provide flexibility for small-lot producers and production ramp-up of new, complex products

• 14 European partners from 7 countries
• € 11.5 million budget, € 8.5 million funding from EU FP7 programme, remainder from partners
• Operational between 2012 and 2015
• ICT Solution to identify mitigation strategies to respond faster to unexpected events

The growing competition, a high demand for individual and highly sophisticated products and a shorter innovation cycle are leading to a rising number of ramp-ups especially in small batch production. Daily challenges such as late changes and missing maturity of high technology products and processes create significant risks. The occurring risks are by no means comparable to large batch production. Consequently, a new ramp-up approach is required.

The ARUM (Adaptive Production Management; www.arum-project.eu) research project aims at improving planning and control systems for the manufacturing of complex products in small lot production, such as aircraft and aircraft interiors. ARUM will do this by decreasing the risks of product immaturity and production disruptions, ICT improvements for manufacturing systems and increasing the integration of engineering into production process. The ARUM team will identify mitigation strategies to respond faster to unexpected events and will provide ICT systems and tools to enable this.

Key requirements of modern manufacturing include support for complex products, scalability, integrated control of factory assets, production optimisation on factory and workshop levels, cost effective interoperation of information across legacy systems, and flexible service-oriented models. ARUM provides answers to this challenge through its novel techniques and unique partnership.

The approach is based on a new generation of service-oriented enterprise information platforms integrating service-based architecture and knowledge-based multi-agent systems (MAS). A MAS combined with a service architecture will improve performance and scalability. The solution integrates multiple layers of sensors, legacy systems and agent-based tools for beneficial services like learning, quality, risk and cost management. The outcome will be a software solution which serves as an early warning and risk mitigation system for the production ramp-up.

ARUM is strongly end-user driven and the results will be tested on industrial use cases with a focus on aircraft and aircraft interiors. The solution will be validated in a real industrial environment by industrial partners and benchmarked against today’s ICT

solutions. A test-bed will be established for the design and testing of ARUM systems and will be opened for dissemination and demonstration.

ARUM is a collaborative research project within the EU’s 7th Framework Programme and part of the European Research Initiative “Factory of the Future”. The overall budget contribution to the initiative amounts to €1.2 billion between 2010 and 2013, to be shared between the European Commission and the private sector. ARUM started in September 2012 and will last for 37 months involving 14 partners form seven EU countries plus Russia. The participants are technology providers (TIE, Certicon, Smart Solutions, Almende, P3 Ingénieurs), research organisations (Cologne University of Applied Sciences, University of Manchester, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems of the National Technical University of Athens, Czech Technical University of Prague, University of Hagen) and user organisations (EADS, Airbus and Modular Galley Systems), all led by the managing partner, EADS Innovation Works.

Iberia e Iberia Express: La Audiencia Nacional anula el laudo

La Sala de lo Social de la Audiencia Nacional ha anulado el laudo que ponía fin al conflicto entre Iberia y el sindicato de pilotos SEPLA y ordena que se vuelva a dictar tras escuchar las alegaciones de la filial de bajo coste Iberia Express.

http://www.extracrew.com/info/noticias/23613-la-audiencia-nacional-anula-el-laudo?lang=es

U.S. Navy investigates use of fuel-saving Rotating Detonation Engines

U.S. Navy investigates use of fuel-saving Rotating Detonation Engines:

With around 430 gas-turbine engines on 129 of its ships burning about US$2 billion worth of fuel every year, the U.S. Navy is examining the potential of using Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) to improve fuel consumption and cut costs. Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) estimate that retrofitting RDEs to its fleet could save the Navy approximately 300 to 400 million dollars a year. .. Continue Reading U.S. Navy investigates use of fuel-saving Rotating Detonation Engines

Curiosity takes self-portrait, sniffs Martian air

Curiosity takes self-portrait, sniffs Martian air:

NASA’s Curiosity rover has taken a whiff of Martian air at the "Rocknest" site in Gale Crater. The robot explorer's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instruments are now being used to measure the constituent elements of the atmosphere and their isotopes with the aim of providing insights into the history of the Red Planet and its chances of having once supported life... Continue Reading Curiosity takes self-portrait, sniffs Martian air

Sepla exige que se cuiden los tiempos de descanso de los pilotos

Sepla exige que se cuiden los tiempos de descanso de los pilotos: Hace pocos días, la Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación Civil (CIAIAC) ha presentado su informa sobre el accidente de helicóptero en Almería en el año 2010 -en el que perdieron la vida tres personas- y como se esperaba apunta a la fatiga de la tripulación, la “excesiva carga de trabajo del comandante”, a las “carencias de formación y entrenam

Air New Zealand informa sus medidas de seguridad de la mano de“El Señor de los Anillos”

Air New Zealand informa sus medidas de seguridad de la mano de“El Señor de los Anillos”:

Air New Zealand se suma a la promoción de ‘El Señor de los Anillos’ e incluye un video informativo sobre las medidas de seguridad a bordo con sus personajes como protagonistas.

Air New Zealand, que suele ofrecer vuelos Ámsterdam baratos, ha implementado una novedad curiosa para informar a sus pasajeros sobre las medidas de seguridad: ha sustituido la clásica demostración

Boeing’s Russian Titanium Deals

Boeing’s Russian Titanium Deals:

New planes need titanium. The metal’s exceptional strength and low weight help military aircraft offer better performance, and civilian aircraft offer better operating costs. Unsurprisingly, use of titanium and composite materials has skyrocketed in new military and civilian aircraft. It is a big opportunity for aircraft manufacturers, who want civil customers to recapitalize their existing fleets, in exchange for lower operating costs. It’s also a big headache, as they look to firm up key sources of supply, and build their engineering and manufacturing expertise with this difficult metal.

España mandará sus “Tigres” a Afganistán para reforzar la seguridad del repliegue

España mandará sus “Tigres” a Afganistán para reforzar la seguridad del repliegue:

Será el primer despliegue en una misión internacional de los helicópteros españoles fabricados por Eurocopter. La complejidad  y riesgos inherentes a la operación de repliegue progresivo de suelo afgano ha impulsado la decisión del envío de  tres helicópteros de ataque HA-28 «Tigre» españoles.

Iberia realizará el mantenimiento de los componentes de aviones de Garuda Indonesia

Iberia realizará el mantenimiento de los componentes de aviones de Garuda Indonesia:
Madrid.- Iberia Mantenimiento y GMF AeroAsia han firmado un contrato para el mantenimiento de los componentes de aviones de Garuda Indonesia durante los próximos cinco años. La compañía española mantendrá en exclusiva los componentes de la flota CRJ1000 de la aerolínea indonesia.

Retos para la financiación del sector aeroespacial en el Foro de Andalucía

Retos para la financiación del sector aeroespacial en el Foro de Andalucía:

La ponencia correrá a cargo de José Luis Galán González, catedrático de Organización de Empresas de la Universidad de Sevilla y miembro del Consejo de Administración de Alestis Aerospace.

Flexjet Secures FAA Authorization for iPad2 as Paperless Cockpit Solution

Dallas, Oct. 30, 2012 (www.flexjet.com) – Flexjet – one of the world’s most exclusive fractional jet ownership companies – has received conditional authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration for the use of Apple® iPads as Electronic Flight Bags for fractional flights conducted under 14 CFR 91, Subpart K. The Phase 5 authorization comes after six months of validation testing of the device across Flexjet’s fleet of aircraft and acceptance of its standard operating procedures.The company’s complete transition from paper to electronic navigational charts is planned for
January 2013.

“The FAA validation test was critical to the success of Flexjet’s Electronic Flight Bag program, and we are quite pleased with the results collected during the test period,” said Thomas Cantabene, Chief Pilot, Flexjet.

The Electronic Flight Bags’ mobile technology replaces paper-based reference materials – including navigational charts and aircraft operating manuals – with real-time data and increased situational awareness for those operating the aircraft. Each iPad device weighs approximately 1.35 pounds, significantly less than the more than 120 pounds in printed materials typically required per flight.Replacing paper with the device also results in more than half a gallon of fuel saved per flight hour, creating less of an impact on the environment.

“Flexjet’s interest in Electronic Flight Bags extends beyond the use of just navigational charts in flight,” added Deanna White, President, Flexjet. “Looking to the future, our ultimate goal is to integrate a number of aspects of our offering into the device to increase productivity and eliminate costs, while improving on the already stellar customer service for which we are known.”

For more information visit www.flexjet.com.

NASA Lunar Scientists Develop New Theory On Earth And Moon Formation

NASA Lunar Scientists Develop New Theory On Earth And Moon Formation: Challenges Theory That Giant Collision Of Two Planets May Have Produced Both Bodies New research, funded by the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI), theorizes that our early Earth and moon were both created together in a giant collision of two planetary bodies that were each five times the size of Mars. This new theory about how Earth’s moon formed is challenging the commonly believed “giant impact hypothesis.”

Flexjet Secures FAA Authorization For iPad2 As Paperless Cockpit Solution

Flexjet Secures FAA Authorization For iPad2 As Paperless Cockpit Solution: Authorization Will Remove 120 Pounds Of Paper From Each Flight Flexjet on Tuesday announced that it has received conditional authorization from the FAA for the use of Apple iPads as Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) for fractional flights conducted under Part 91 Subpart K. The Phase 5 authorization comes after six months of validation testing of the device across Flexjet’s fleet of aircraft and acceptance of its standard operating procedures.

Airbus Wins India’s Tanker Rebid

Airbus has been selected as the preferred vendor over Russia's Ilyushin to supply six aerial tankers for the Indian Air Force in a $1 billion tender, according to Indian Defence Ministry officials.

After the commercial bids were opened earlier this month, the base price of the Russian Il-78 tanker was quoted as lower than that of the A330, but when factoring in maintenance and fuel costs, the Airbus was the better value, said a Defence Ministry official. The official refused to provide the exact quotes of the bids, and said the Russian government-owned company had not yet been officially informed about the decision.

Russian diplomats confirmed they had not been informed of the Airbus selection.

Boeing withdrew from the competition in 2010, leaving only the A330 and Il-78 in competition.

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20121031/DEFREG03/310310007?goback=.gde_1857188_member_181113416

Fotos: Primer vuelo del caza furtivo chino J-31

En Septiembre nos preguntábamos si las fotos que estaban saliendo en los medios serían de una maqueta, algo de montaje fotográfico, o si sería de verdad un nuevo avión chino. Las últimas imágenes que se muestran en internet parecen demostrar que es un avión real, y que ya ha efectuado su primer vuelo.

El primer vuelo fue realizado el 31 de octubre de 2012, acompañado por dos J-11 "Flanker".

http://blog.sandglasspatrol.com/index.php/noticias/40-militar/1168-primer-vuelo-del-caza-furtivo-chino-j-31