IAG, a través de Iberia, incorpora a Air Europa a su grupo de aerolíneas

 

 

IAG, A TRAVÉS DE IBERIA, INCORPORA A AIR EUROPA A SU GRUPO DE AEROLINEAS

 

 
 

• Una operación beneficiosa para el hub de Madrid, que será más eficiente para competir con el resto de aeropuertos, para la conectividad de España y para la economía española

 

• La operación requiere la aprobación de las autoridades de competencia

 

• Las aerolíneas de IAG y Air Europa seguirán compitiendo como hasta ahora hasta que la operación no esté aprobada y cerrada

 

 

Madrid, 4 de noviembre de 2019

 

 

El grupo IAG ha anunciado hoy el acuerdo con Globalia para la compra del cien por cien del capital de Air Europa, a través de IBERIA, una operación valorada en torno a los 1.000 millones de euros, que se abonará en efectivo al finalizar el proceso de compra.

 

Este acuerdo permite que Air Europa se incorpore a un grupo sólido de aerolíneas que han crecido y mejorado su rendimiento dentro de IAG, y que se han beneficiado de todas las oportunidades que el grupo les ofrece, de las que también se beneficiará Air Europa, que mantendrá su marca.

 

Esta operación contribuirá a hacer de Madrid un hub más eficiente, que podrá competir mejor y con mejores herramientas con los principales hubs de Europa. Además de contribuir a la red de rutas entre Europa y América Latina, permitirá disponer de más conectividad y masa crítica para abrir nuevas rutas y crecer en otros mercados donde ahora no está o su presencia es muy pequeña y ofrecer mejores servicios a los clientes.

 

Se espera que la operación de compra se complete en el segundo semestre de 2020, una vez recibidas todas las aprobaciones necesarias.

Mientras tanto, Air Europa y las aerolíneas de IAG seguirán compitiendo como hasta ahora.

 

 

Willie Walsh, Consejero Delegado de IAG, ha comentado: "la adquisición de Air Europa supone añadir a IAG una nueva aerolínea competitiva y rentable, haciendo de Madrid un hub europeo líder y permitiendo que IAG logre el liderazgo del Atlántico Sur, generando así un valor financiero adicional para nuestros accionistas.

 

IAG tiene una sólida trayectoria de adquisiciones exitosas, la más reciente con la adquisición de Aer Lingus en 2015, y estamos convencidos de que Air Europa representa un gran encaje estratégico para el grupo".

 

 

Javier Hidalgo, Consejero Delegado de Globalia, ha declarado: "Para Globalia, la incorporación de Air Europa al Grupo IAG supone un fortalecimiento del presente y futuro de la compañía, que mantendrá la línea seguida por Air Europa durante los últimos años. Estamos convencidos de que será un éxito que Air Europa se incorpore a un Grupo como IAG, que ha demostrado durante todos estos años su apuesta por el desarrollo de las aerolíneas que los conforman y por el hub de Madrid".

 

 

Luis Gallego, Consejero Delegado de Iberia, considera que "Esta operación es de una gran importancia estratégica para el hub de Madrid que, durante los últimos años, se había quedado por detrás de otros hubs europeos. Tras este acuerdo, Madrid podrá competir con otros hubs europeos en igualdad de condiciones, con una mejor posición en las rutas desde Europa a América Latina y la posibilidad de convertirse en una puerta de enlace entre Asia y América Latina".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Una operación muy positiva para la conectividad aérea de España, el hub de Madrid, el turismo, la economía española, y para los clientes

 

Hub de Madrid

 

·        Madrid es un hub con mucho potencial pero ha ido perdiendo posiciones con respecto de los grandes hubs europeos, tanto en tamaño, como en número de vuelos, destinos y pasajeros.

De los 20 aeropuertos más grandes de Europa, Madrid ocupa el número 19 en cuanto al número de destinos ofrecidos.

De los 10 principales aeropuertos, Madrid es el 9º en cuanto a países servidos.

 

·        Para competir con el resto de hubs europeos, Madrid necesita ser más eficiente, porque en aviación, más que las aerolíneas individuales, compiten los hubs y los grandes grupos

 

·        Madrid está bien situado geográficamente para el tráfico entre Europa y América Latina, pero su peso en otros grandes mercados, como Asia o África es mínimo.

 
 

·        En Madrid, IBERIA tiene un peso menor que otras aerolíneas similares en sus hubs. De hecho, la cuota conjunta de IAG con Air Europa es del 39 por ciento, menor que la que tienen los competidores en París Charles de Gaulle, Fránkfurt o Ámsterdam.

 

·        Iberia ha demostrado su apuesta por el crecimiento del hub de Madrid. Como ejemplo, en los datos acumulados a septiembre, el aeropuerto de Madrid ha crecido al 6.9%, dos puntos por encima de la media del resto de la red de AENA que ha crecido al 4.8%. En este mismo periodo Iberia ha crecido 7.3%.

 

·        En los primeros 8 meses del año, Air Europa ha crecido un 12.4% sus pasajeros.

 

·        Desde la adquisición de Air Europa en 1991 por un grupo de inversores encabezado por Juan José Hidalgo, la aerolínea se ha expandido tanto en el mercado doméstico como en el mercado internacional y transatlántico. Air Europa actualmente opera a 69 destinos con una flota de 66 aviones y transporta anualmente 11,8 millones de clientes.

 

·        Air Europa ha demostrado en los últimos años ser una compañía aérea capaz de competir en el hub de Madrid, con un importante crecimiento y desarrollo continuado, apertura de rutas y nuevos destinos (fundamentalmente en América Latina y el Caribe) y ha contribuido de manera sólida y sostenible en el tiempo al desarrollo de la conectividad de Madrid y de España.

 

·        Air Europa ha realizado una gran apuesta para renovar su flota de largo radio reflejada en la compra de 29 Boeing 787-8 y B787-9.

 

·        La incorporación de Air Europa a IAG, a través de IBERIA, permitirá generar más tráfico y por lo tanto más destinos y más aviones:

 

 

 

• La operación mejorará la posición del hub de Madrid para atraer tráfico adicional de conexión y competir con éxito con otros hubs mundiales. Además, la red combinada de corto radio de IBERIA y Air Europa proporcionará a los clientes flexibilidad de horarios y la posibilidad de operar con eficacia en el mercado de corto radio altamente competitivo.

 

• La combinación de Iberia y Air Europa creará la quinta aerolínea más grande de Europa en número de aviones de largo radio con 63 aviones, justo por detrás de KLM con 65.

 

• Esta operación además es muy importante en la medida en que se alinea con la inversión de €1.571 millones anunciada por el Gobierno de España a través de AENA para el desarrollo y el crecimiento del aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, que podría convertirse en la puerta de conexión entre Asia y América Latina y entre Europa y África.

 

 

 

 

 

La aportación  a la economía española

 

 

·        En España, según un reciento informe de IATA, la aviación es vital para la economía del país. Está detrás de 1,7 millones de empleos y contribuye al 9,2 por ciento del producto interior bruto (últimas cifras del Banco Mundial, 2016)

 

·        Según el modelo de IATA, por cada 1.000 pasajeros adicionales que se consigan, se crean unos 9 empleos y se añaden 850.000 euros a la economía española.

 
 

·        Según el WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), 1 de cada 10 empleos en el mundo son del sector turístico; en la actualidad 1 de cada 5 empleos que se crean nuevos son turísticos; y entre 2020-2029 lo serán 1 de cada 4. Esta operación hará a España mucho más competitiva en turismo de largo radio gracias a la conectividad que se pueda desarrollar con los países emergentes en turismo que en su mayoría gozan de escasas conexiones con Madrid, comparadas además con otros hubs europeos.

 

·        La incorporación de Air Europa al grupo permitiría, en las actuales condiciones de mercado, sumar hasta 12 millones de pasajeros más y añadir hasta 10 nuevos destinos de largo radio y una aportación al PIB de más de 280 millones de euros.

 

 

Para los clientes

 

·        Posibilidad de abrir más rutas o hacer más sostenibles las existentes. Tras la incorporación de Vueling a IAG, por ejemplo, la aerolínea ha sumado 70 aviones (de 55 en el 2012 a 125 actualmente) y ha reforzado el aeropuerto de Barcelona con 11 millones de asientos y 50 destinos más.

 

·        La alimentación de vuelos de las aerolíneas del grupo mejora la ocupación y por lo tanto permite hacer rentables rutas que sin esa alimentación no lo serían.  Sería una gran oportunidad, por ejemplo, para crecer en Asia, África y Norte América

 

·        La creación de Iberia Express, por ejemplo, ha permitido abrir unos 20 nuevos destinos desde Madrid a los que no volaba Iberia, al tiempo que ha mejorado la alimentación de los vuelos de Iberia al largo radio, que también se ha traducido en poder abrir o reabrir vuelos a destinos nuevos.

 

·        Las sinergias que se consiguen perteneciendo a un gran grupo permiten competir con precios más bajos y mejores servicios.  Así se ha visto en la unión de Iberia y British Airways, o en los acuerdos de negocio conjunto del Atlántico Norte o de Japón. 

 

·        La coordinación del programa de vuelos permite mejorar horarios, frecuencias, etc, como ha sucedido en el Puente Aéreo entre Iberia y Vueling, o en el Madrid-Londres entre Iberia y British Airways.

 

·        Los clientes dispondrán de más oferta y flexibilidad en términos de horarios.

 

·        Los clientes tendrán más oportunidades para ganar puntos para sus programas de viajeros frecuentes. Los miembros de Suma no perderán su estatus al unirse a Avios

 

·        Más posibilidades de invertir en los clientes: salas VIP, aviones, producto…

 

Sostenibilidad

 

• Una mayor alimentación de los vuelos mejora la ocupación y eso se traduce en menores emisiones netas por pasajero.

 

 

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Pratt turbines on IndiGo jets suffered four faults in one week 

US Air Force Hopes to Leverage Commercial Progress on ‘Air Taxi’ Vehicles - Avionics

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Bombardier Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Aerostructures Business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc.

press release

October 31, 2019 - Montréal

 

• Sale of aerostructures business supports Aviation transformation, refocuses on business aviation and strengthens liquidity
• Expected cash proceeds of $500 million (1)plus the assumptions of liabilities
• Transaction implies enterprise value to 2019E EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x

All amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) today announced a definitive agreement to sell its aerostructures business to Spirit AeroSystems Holding, Inc. (Spirit), supporting Bombardier’s strategic decision to focus on its two strong growth pillars, trains and business aircraft.

With this transaction, Spirit will acquire Bombardier’s aerostructures activities and aftermarket services operations in Belfast, U.K.; Casablanca, Morocco; and its aerostructures maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Dallas, U.S. for a cash consideration of $500 million and the assumption of liabilities with a total carrying value in excess of $700(2) million, including government refundable advances and pension obligations. Following the transaction, Spirit will continue to supply structural aircraft components and spare parts to support the production and in-service fleet of Bombardier Aviation’s Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft.

2019 revenues for these activities are expected to be approximately $1.0 billion(3) , while generating adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 12%. On this basis, the transaction implies an enterprise value to EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.

The transaction follows the formation of Bombardier Aviation earlier this year and streamlines Bombardier’s aerostructures footprint to focus on core capabilities in Montreal, Mexico and its Global 7500 wing operations in Texas. The transaction also further strengthens Bombardier’s liquidity as it moves toward the deleveraging phase of the turnaround. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2020 and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

“This transaction represents another strategic milestone in the reshaping of our portfolio to focus on our strong business aircraft and rail franchises,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “We are confident that Spirit’s acquisition of these aerostructures assets is the best outcome for customers, employees and shareholders, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.”

About Bombardier

With over 68,000 employees, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries as well as a broad portfolio of products and services for the business aviation, commercial aviation and rail transportation markets. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. The company is recognized on the 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Challenger, Global, Global 7500, and Learjet are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Bombardier Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results

• Consolidated revenues of $3.7 billion, representing 8% organic growth(1)
• Consolidated adjusted EBITDA(2)and adjusted EBIT(2)of $255 million and $159 million, respectively; $143 million of reported EBIT
• Free cash flow usage(2)of $682 million, supporting Global 7500 and Transportation ramp-up; $557 million operating cash flow usage
• Clear roadmap to full year revenues, earnings(4)and free cash flow guidance supported by planned fourth quarter delivery schedules at Aviation and Transportation(3)

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https://ir.bombardier.com/en/press-releases/press-releases/85107-bombardier-reports-third-quarter-2019-results

Airbus partners with Amprius, leader in high energy density battery technology

 

 

press release

 

 

 

 

 

• Strategic investment by Airbus Defence and Space in Amprius, Inc.
• A new generation of Silicon Nanowire Anode-based Lithium Ion Batteries.
• Expanding production capability to match near term needs of the Zephyr program.

 

 

 

Munich, 31 October 2019 – Airbus Defence and Space has partnered with U.S. based Amprius Inc’s current equity funding. This financing will further boost the development of new generation batteries based on Silicon Nanowire Anode technology.

 

 

 

Airbus Defence and Space’s investment will help drive the development of higher volume production capacity along with higher energy density cells for Airbus Defence and Space aerospace programmes, including the Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo Satellite and Urban Air Mobility innovation initiatives.

 

 

 

“This partnership re-inforces the link between two market leaders, the newest generation batteries of the market matched with the most advanced HAPS programme. Zephyr is currently the only one operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 and running exclusively on solar power, providing persistent local satellite-like services and supporting a wide range of applications and tasks.” said Jana Rosenmann, Head of Airbus Unmanned Aerial Systems.

 

 

 

The first to introduce 100% silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries to the market in 2013, Amprius manufactures the highest energy density commercial batteries in the industry. The company’s products and technology platforms include a 100% silicon nanowire anode, silicon-graphite composite anodes, lithium-rich cathodes, and high voltage electrolytes tailored for silicon.

 

 

 

“We are extremely pleased to be working with Airbus and supplying batteries for the Zephyr program,” said Jon Bornstein, COO of Amprius. “The incorporation of Amprius’ 100% silicon nanowire anode-based lithium ion batteries into the Zephyr platform represents an important validation of this technology. Likewise, our development of high energy power cells for Urban Air Mobility will enable exciting opportunities in new aviation markets.”

 

 

 

Amprius Inc.’s high energy density batteries are used for smartphones, wearables, drones, robotics, aerospace vehicles, electrical transportation, and military equipment.

 

 

 

Zephyr is the world’s leading, solar–electric, stratospheric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It will bring new see, sense and connect capabilities to both commercial and military customers. Zephyr will provide the potential to revolutionise disaster management, including monitoring the spread of wildfires or oil spills. It provides persistent surveillance, tracing the world’s changing environmental landscape and will be able to provide communications to the most unconnected parts of the world.

 

 

 

Zephyr is enabled by the latest in battery technology. Both the increase in production volumes of the new generation batteries and research for future development will be used to further the Zephyr programme and build on its market leading position.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

About Airbus

 

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

 

 

 

About Amprius

 

Amprius, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high energy and high capacity lithium-ion batteries producing the industry’s highest energy density cells. The company’s corporate headquarters is in Fremont, California where it maintains an R&D lab and pilot manufacturing facility for the fabrication of silicon nanowire anodes and cells. Amprius, Inc. has a materials R&D lab in Nanjing, China; and a high volume battery manufacturing facility in Wuxi, China.

 

 

 

About the Airbus Zephyr Programme

 

The original target mission of the Zephyr is to provide local persistence at an affordable price with a re-usable solar-powered aircraft, providing a wide scope of applications, ranging for example from maritime surveillance and services, border patrol missions, communications, forest fire detection and monitoring, or navigation. Operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 feet / 21 kilometers, the ultra-lightweight Zephyr has a wingspan of 25 meters and a weigh of less than 75kg, and flies above weather (clouds, jet streams) and above regular air traffic, covering local or regional footprints.

 

Ideally suited for "local persistence" (ISR/Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), the Zephyr has the ability to stay focused on a specific area of interest (which can be hundreds of miles wide) while providing it with satellite-like communications and Earth observation services (with greater imagery granularity) over long periods of time without interruption. Not quite an aircraft and not quite a satellite, but incorporating aspects of both, the Zephyr has the persistence of a satellite with the flexibility of a UAV. The only civil aircraft that used to fly at this altitude was Concorde and only the famous military U2 and SR-71 Blackbird could operate at similar levels. The Zephyr successfully achieved several world records, including the longest flight duration without refuelling when in 2018, on its maiden flight, the Zephyr S, the first production model of the aircraft, flew for over 25 days and achieved very high altitude records of 71, 140 feet (over 21 kilometers).

Airbus reports Nine-Month (9m) 2019 results; delivery and FCF outlook updated, EBIT Adjusted guidance maintained

• Solid commercial aircraft environment
• 9m financials mainly reflect A320neo ramp-up and A350 progress
• Revenues € 46.2 billion, +14% YoY; EBIT Adjusted € 4.1 billion, +51% YoY
• EBIT (reported) € 3.4 billion; EPS (reported) € 2.81
• 2019 guidance updated for delivery outlook of around 860 commercial aircraft: FCF before M&A and Customer Financing now approximately € 3 billion, EBIT Adjusted guidance maintained

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https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/10/airbus-reports-nine-month-9m-2019-results-delivery-and-fcf-outlook-updated-ebit-adjusted-guidance-maintained.html

AVX Aircraft's Morgan & L3Harris' Steenman on New Joint FARA Proposal

Lynn Morgan, the chief test pilot at AVX Aircraft, and Matthew Steenman, the chief engineer at the aviation services sector at L3Harris, discuss their joint proposal to win the US Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft contract and a walkaround of the model of the new helicopter with Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian at the Association of the United States Army's 2019 conference and tradeshow in Washington, DC. Our coverage was sponsored by GM Defense, Bell, L3Harris and Leonardo DRS.

https://youtu.be/46kp2OwFqQI

EASA Annual Safety Conference 2019 | EASA

This year's EASA Annual Safety Conference will take place on the 4th and 5th of November 2019 in Helsinki. For the first time, it will focus on operational safety in the context of commercial air transport.

The Conference is jointly organised by the Finnish Aviation authority Traficom and EASA. It will take place in the context of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

https://www.easa.europa.eu/newsroom-and-events/events/easa-annual-safety-conference-2019

Qantas grounds Boeing 737 plane with structural crack. union calls on Qantas to ground entire 737 fleet for investigation

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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/oct/31/qantas-checks-boeing-737-fleet-after-crack-discovered-in-one-plane

ARJ21 completed its 1st international flight

COMAC America Corp. (@COMACAmerica) twitteó a las 8:05 p. m. on mié., oct. 30, 2019:
On 10/26/19, a Chengdu Airlines #ARJ21 completed its 1st international flight! Departing Harbin Taiping Int Airport & landing smoothly at Vladivostok Int Airport in Russia, this marked the successful opening of the 1st international ARJ21 route, expected to operate twice a week! https://t.co/UgGrQAZshM
(https://twitter.com/COMACAmerica/status/1189619255764910080?s=03)

Obtén la aplicación oficial de Twitter en https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Boeing CEO Muilenburg resists multiple calls for resignation - Reuters

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Airbus-owned Stelia Aerospace to build Portugal assembly plant | Euronews

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Garmin launches emergency Autoland - FLYER

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https://youtu.be/d-ruFmgTpqA

Uber Eats Hopes Drones Can Lift It to Profitability

Come next summer, the most remarkable thing about your home-delivered late night "California burrito" won't be the french fries inside. It'll be that the San Diego speciality made part of its journey by drone, as part of a scheme to pull Uber's food delivery business financials out of a nosedive....

View the article.
http://flip.it/GnqQsu

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General Atomics, NASA partner to showcase large UAV in NAS p

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Piper Announces New M600 SLS. First GA Aircraft to be Standard Equipped with HALO™ Safety System and Autoland Capability. Available Q4 2019. | Piper Aircraft

https://www.piper.com/press-releases/piper-announces-new-m600-sls/

https://youtu.be/R1pfS576B8I

VERO BEACH, FL., October 30, 2019 – Piper Aircraft announced today, the next generation M Series aircraft – the M600 SLS, standard equipped with the new HALO™ Safety System – enhancing Safety, Luxury, and Support for one of the world's leading personal use, Basic Med compliant aircraft. It will now also be the first general aviation aircraft in the world to be certified with Autoland capability.

SAFETY
The HALO™ Safety System is a compilation of innovative technologies unique to the M600 SLS and the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. The system includes Auto-throttle, Emergency Descent Mode, Enhanced Stability and Protection, Surface Watch, Safe Taxi, Flight Stream connectivity and more. However, of greatest significance is the addition of Garmin Autoland – digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated.

The Halo system, once engaged either automatically or by a passenger, gains immediate situational awareness and assumes control of all systems necessary to bring you and your passengers safely to the best suited runway. During all phases of flight it communicates with passengers and appropriate air traffic control facilities regarding the new flight plan route and estimated time until landing. Halo continually monitors all aircraft system parameters and real-time external inputs as if the pilot were at the controls. It takes into account runway size and orientation, wind, time, fuel range, glide path and considers weather conditions and terrain en route to the nearest suitable runway. Once Halo has landed the aircraft, the braking system will activate and will bring the aircraft to a full and complete stop. Finally, the engine will shut down and instructions will be provided on how to exit the aircraft.

LUXURY
The M600 SLS raises the bar in Luxury with the addition of the EXP interior package as standard equipment. The interior package was designed with a focus on the personal travel experience and enables the customer to select from sophisticated interior color palettes with custom materials, stitching patterns and contrasting threads. Veneer and trim finishes further enhance the sense of unmatched refinement. Additionally, thoughtfully designed interior options, like two toned leather seats and Alcantara fabric have been added to elevate the passenger experience.

SUPPORT
Ownership of a M600 SLS is backed by an exclusive service program for the first five years of ownership. The Ultimate Care Program includes all scheduled maintenance, as well as hourly and calendar-based inspections.

"The M600 SLS and its HALO™ Safety System with Autoland is the result of an unwavering commitment to safety as well as the desire to evolve our products based on market input, said President and CEO, Simon Caldecott. "The HALO System greatly enhances situational awareness and operational safety through the use of advanced technology and is one the most significant advancements in General Aviation history. The team at Piper Aircraft is proud that we will be first to market with Garmin Autoland, which will ultimately help pave the way for others."

Certification of the M600 SLS is imminent with deliveries beginning this quarter through the global Piper Dealer network at a price point of $2.994M.

 

How The Military Will Spark The Death Of Fossil Fuels

http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2019/10/how-the-military-will-spark-the-death-of-fossil-fuels/

Air Force’s mysterious X-37B space plane lands after spending 780 days in orbit

http://aviationnews.eu/avnews16/news/2019/10/air-forces-mysterious-x-37b-space-plane-lands-after-spending-780-days-in-orbit/

What It Was Like to Become the First Woman to Pilot and Command a Space Shuttle | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/what-it-was-become-first-woman-pilot-and-command-space-shuttle-180973343/

Canadian authorities restrict A220 engine thrust after incidents

https://www.aerotime.aero/clement.charpentreau/24128-canadian-authorities-restrict-a220-engine-thrust-after-incidents




https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/AwD-CN/documents/CF-2019-37-E.PDF

Learjet — once the epitome of luxury travel — is gasping for breath, and Bombardier is making a last-ditch attempt to revitalize the brand.

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/sinatras-ride-pink-floyds-muse-learjet-goes-on-life-support/

Boeing CEO Accused of Telling 'Half-truths' in 737 MAX Hearing

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Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg met with family members of 737 Max crash victims on Tuesday. The meeting came after Muilenburg testified in ...

Boeing CEO Knew About Pilot's Warnings Before Second Crash
The New York Times-Hace

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International-CNN International-

Boeing CEO tells Congress company knew of test pilot's 737 ...
CBS News-

Boeing CEO is told his 737 MAX planes are 'flying COFFINS'
Completo-Daily Mail-

Boeing CEO Accused of Telling 'Half-truths' in 737 MAX Hearing
International-Voice of America-

Boeing CEO names mistake with 737 MAX, denies coziness with FAA

La Chine travaille sur un drone furtif de transport de 22 tonnes – Meta-Defense.fr

https://www.meta-defense.fr/2019/10/28/la-chine-travaille-sur-un-drone-furtif-de-transport-de-22-tonnes/

NBAA-BACE 2019 event review: A confident show for the future

NBAA-BACE 2019 event review: A confident show for the ...
Business Airport International (press release) (blog)-28 oct. 2019
The return trip from this year's NBAA-BACE event in Las Vegas was a bleary-eyed affair for most attendees, while offering a chance to reflect on ...


Reflections On NBAA-BACE 2019
AVweb-24 oct. 2019
Almost lost in the noise of launching even bigger, faster and more luxurious business jets at NBAA-BACE was a progress report on a reheated ...

New products on display at NBAA
Skies Magazine (press release)-24 oct. 2019



NBAA-BACE attendees raise thousands for Corporate Angel ...
Skies Magazine (press release)-25 oct. 2019
Over 600 business aviation leaders in town for the 2019 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), gathered at the Wynn

Tecnam: 11 Sales within two days for the P2012 Traveller debut at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas

press release




Great sales success for the first public appearance of the P2012 Traveller – the industry’s most advanced and versatile twin engine piston – at the National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, NV.

Las Vegas, NV. Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Global Sales and Marketing Director reported he signed contracts at NBAA-BACE with, Naseer Ismail, CEO of TAMIFIELD (Pty) – a member of the AMRHO Group- from South Africa who ordered six P2012’s with the option of an additional twelve. Along with Capt. Alfredo Andres Ortiz Osoria, CEO of Charter Express – SAS – from Columbia who ordered five P2012’s with the option of an additional five.

Tecnam Global Sales and Marketing Director, Walter Da Costa, stated: “We are thrilled to present the new P2012 Traveller in Vegas. The impressive number of sales signed here at NBAA confirms the P2012’s leadership in the general aviation marketplace.”

The first few P2012 Travellers left Tecnam’s Headquarters in Capua, Italy and arrived at Cape Air’s base in Hyannis, MA the end of September. This delivery was led by Giovanni Pascale, grandson of the two founders, Luigi and Giovanni Pascale. They arrived in time to celebrate the company’s 30-year anniversary.

The Tecnam P2012 is powered by two 375 HP turbo-charged Lycoming engines and features a modern design with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing single-pilot operations depending on individual country regulations. This aircraft offers high efficiency and low maintenance costs by design with its simple and easily accessed airframe and systems. Such as- fixed landing gear, robust interiors and easy-to-replace parts. These attributes and many more, make it the ideal aircraft for regional airlines.

The arrival of the next-generation 11-seat, twin-engine P2012 Traveller is highly anticipated by a large number of airlines around the world who have been demanding a replacement for the many hundreds of ‘heritage’ aeroplanes in the FAR23/CS23 category. This aircraft is set to open many profitable opportunities in Short Haul transportation and is revolutionising the Piston Engines sector. Already established as a leader in both the Flight Training and Private General Aviation sectors, Tecnam’s P2012 Traveller will undoubtedly herald very similar success for Tecnam in the very competitive commuter airline market.

To ensure maximum customer service, Tecnam signed an agreement with Boeing that will assume the P2012 Traveller replacement parts distribution responsibilities. This will include forecasting, ordering and delivering of all original equipment manufacturer (OEM) genuine parts through their Aviall distribution network.

“High-frequency is where this aircraft really shines. The P2012 would excel at transporting executives on short flights or routes involving multiple stops”, says Tecnam Managing Director, Giovanni Pascale.

Base price of the P2012 in 2020 is € 2.35 million ($ 2.6 million), for standard airline configuration. VIP, Cargo, passenger-cargo combination, Medevac and Special Mission are also immediately available as optional configurations. The P2012 is already EASA and FAA certified.

The Tecnam P2012 Traveller, S/N 003 N1133CA with Cape Air’s emblem, was at the NBAA-BACE static display in Las Vegas, NV from October 22nd to 24th. Cape Air already received three P2012’s and is planning to put them in service for revenue flights starting December, 2019. They have an additional 20 on order with options for another 90.

The Boeing 777X’s First Flight Could Be Nearer Now That GE Has Delivered Flight Compliant Engines

In a pleasant surprise, it seems Boeing might bring forward the Boeing 777X’s first flight. General Electric, the builder of the Boeing 777X’s engines, has delivered a new GE9X engine ready to be installed on the airframe. Continue reading https://simpleflying.com/boeing-777x-first-flight-update/






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A Boeing 767-X Would Be a Huge Boon to General Electric

For the past several years, Boeing (NYSE:BA) has been studying the possibility of building an all-new jet, most likely called the 797, or "middle of the market" segment. Unfortunately, the Boeing 737 MAX safety debacle has stopped it. As a result, Boeing is now considering a far more modest undertaking: revamping the 767 with new GEnx engines… continue reading A Boeing 767-X Would Be a Huge Boon to General Electric

Building China's Comac C919 airplane involved a lot of hacking, report says

One of China's most brazen hacking sprees involved intelligence officers, hackers, security researchers, and company insiders. Continue reading: https://www.zdnet.com/article/building-chinas-comac-c919-airplane-involved-a-lot-of-hacking-report-says/







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Fifth C919 prototype completes test flight | COMAC wins multiple awards including Enterprise Creation award

press release
http://english.comac.cc/news/latest/201910/28/t20191028_6906725.shtml




C919 AC105 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 10 o'clock on October 24th, 2019, and returned and landed at 11:37 after completing a number of test points and initial control inspections of various aircraft systems during a flight of 1 hour and 37 minutes, successfully completing its first flight test. The crew performing this flight test consists of Test Pilots Cai Jun, Nie Fei and Zou Lixue, and Flight Test Engineers Mi Yi and Wang Jiayi.

AC105 is the fifth C919 flight test aircraft, which mainly undertakes the flight tests in special weather conditions such as high temperature and extreme cold, and the flight tests related to environment control, electrical power and whole-aircraft drainage.

So far, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) has put five aircraft into flight test, among which AC101, AC102, AC103 and AC104 have carried out flight test in Yanliang of Xi'an, Dongying of Shandong and Nanchang of Jiangxi, and the static tests and other ground verification tests are in steady progress.




COMAC wins multiple awards including Enterprise Creation award


press release

Awarding Ceremony of the 1st Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award was held on October 21st, 2019, the opening day of the 16th Shanghai International Intellectual Property Forum. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) won the Enterprise Creation award of Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award and multiple other important awards such as Trademark award and Patent award. This is a full recognition of COMAC's achievements in the creation, protection, application and comprehensive management of intellectual property.

Mr. Shen Changyu, Director of China National Intellectual Property Administration, Mr. Ying Yong, Mayor of Shanghai, and Mr. Francis Gurry, Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), made a speech respectively at the forum and gave awards to the winning enterprises. Mr. He Dongfeng, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of COMAC, attended the awarding ceremony and receive the awards on behalf of the company.

Shanghai Intellectual Property Innovation Award is jointly awarded for the first time by Shanghai and WIPO, and aims to commend and reward the innovation entities that have outstanding achievements in the creation, protection and application of intellectual property in Shanghai, and provide strong support for creating a sound business and innovation environment and achieving high-quality development. There are 9 winners of this year's Innovation Award, covering the cutting-edge industries such as civil aviation, high-end equipment, integrated circuit and cultural creativity, which are the leaders in the creation, protection and application of intellectual property in Shanghai. The Innovation Award consists of two kinds of awards, i.e. enterprise awards and achievement awards. In addition to an enterprise award, COMAC also won achievement awards, such as the first prize of patent trademark award with its "ARJ21" trademark and an exterior design award with its "Cabin Overhead Stowage Bin of Civil Aircraft".

As the main vehicle in implementing large passenger aircraft programs in China, COMAC has attached great importance to the management of intellectual property. Since its establishment, COMAC has carried out intellectual property related work in line with international standards and taken the important principle of abiding by international rules in order to establish and improve the organizational structure, institutional norm and management system of intellectual property, create a good intellectual property cultural atmosphere, and ensure that the intellectual property management requirements are integrated into aircraft product design & development, system integration, assembly manufacturing, marketing, customer service and other areas.

COMAC has always adhered to the path of technological progress and independent innovation, and realized management innovation, technological innovation and product innovation. While respecting others' intellectual property, COMAC has fully protected its own intellectual property achievements and striven to become an intellectual property innovation-oriented enterprise. In the future, COMAC will continue to explore and advance on the way of improving its intellectual property innovation and creation ability, and make positive contributions to promoting the scientific & technological innovation and development of Shanghai as well as the development of the world civil aviation industry and modern cutting-edge technology.

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall Plan Construction of CH-53K Helicopter Logistics and Fleet Management Center at Leipzig/Halle Airport

press release







LEIPZIG, Germany, Oct. 29, 2019 -- To support Germany’s "Schwerer Transporthubschrauber" (STH) heavy lift helicopter program, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Rheinmetall announced today that they intend to set up a logistics and fleet management center at Leipzig/Halle Airport if the Bundeswehr selects the CH-53K as its next heavy-lift transport helicopter. This would establish numerous high-tech jobs and strengthen Leipzig and the local airport as a prime business location in the long term.

Rheinmetall and Sikorsky are working with the airport operator in Leipzig to establish the center, which is necessary for the operation of the helicopter fleet. Both companies have also informed lawmakers and the Economic Development Corporation of the State of Saxony.

“We are in advanced talks on a logistics and maintenance hub at Leipzig Airport,” said Mike Schmidt, managing director of Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH. “We are delighted with the very positive response so far. If the application is successful, the maintenance and supply of the new Bundeswehr transport helicopter could be carried out centrally and efficiently in Leipzig. For the region, the project would mean the settlement of important industry and associated jobs.”

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall have assembled a team of leading German technology companies including MTU Aero Engines, ZF Luftfahrttechnik GmbH, Autoflug, HYDRO Systems KG, Collins Aerospace, Vincorion, Hensoldt and Rohde & Schwarz.

“We have built up a strong industrial team in Germany that will ensure the availability of the CH-53K fleet for the German Air Force,” said Christian Albrecht, business development manager at Sikorsky in Berlin, and a former Chief Operating Officer for maintenance management with the 64th Helicopter Wing of the German Air Force at Holzdorf Air Base. “With our plans for a hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport, we are laying the foundation to provide the Bundeswehr with a helicopter that will be reliable for several decades to come.”

In addition to using existing hangars and storage areas at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the team will establish a fleet management center where technical helicopter data can be evaluated. The multi-mission CH-53K is the most modern, intelligent and capable heavy transport helicopter ever built. As such, the helicopter has an Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring System (IVHMS) that monitors the operation of the entire aircraft, recognizes the maintenance requirements of important components and simplifies their maintenance. This will result in much higher readiness rates compared to today´s legacy fleets. In addition, members the project team will be located directly at the airport.

The Bundeswehr is expected to award a contract for its new heavy-lift helicopter in 2021. With the CH-53K, the Bundeswehr will receive a proven helicopter with low life-cycle costs, unparalleled growth potential and no need for costly and time-consuming retrofits in the coming decades.

For more information, visit our webpage: www.lockheedmartin.com/STH.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, Rheinmetall AG is a publicly traded, globally operating technology group serving the twin modern imperatives of security and mobility. Last year, the 23,000-strong workforce of its two components – Defence and Automotive – generated total sales of over €6 billion. Rheinmetall is present worldwide, with over 120 locations and production facilities. Europe’s foremost supplier of defense and security technology, Rheinmetall Defence stands for longstanding experience and innovation in armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition, air defense, electronic warfare and simulation. As an aviation sector-certified company, Rheinmetall Aviation Services is eager to take part in Germany’s heavy lift helicopter program by providing important services such as maintenance, training and program support, thus serving as the prime point of contact for the Bundeswehr.

Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Reach Agreement Reducing F-35A Cost by 12.8 Percent | Lockheed Martin GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) System to be Integrated in F-35 Modernization

press release







FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) finalized a $34 billion agreement for the production and delivery of 478 F-35s at the lowest aircraft price during the history of the Program. This contract includes all U.S., International Partners and Foreign Military Sales aircraft in Lots 12, 13 and 14.




In the agreement, the F-35 Enterprise meets and exceeds its long-stated cost reduction targets for each variant – and the F-35A unit price, including aircraft and engine, is now below $80 million in both Lot 13 and Lot 14, the F-35A unit cost represents an estimated overall 12.8 percent reduction from Lot 11 costs for the conventional landing variant, and an average of 12.7 percent savings across all three variants from Lot 11 to 14.








"Driving down cost is critical to the success of this program. I am excited that the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin have agreed on this landmark three-lot deal. This agreement achieves an average 12.7 percent cost reduction across all three variants and gets us below $80 million for a USAF F-35A by Lot 13 - one lot earlier than planned," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "This $34 billion agreement is a truly historic milestone for the F-35 Enterprise."

The agreement includes 291 aircraft for the U.S. Services, 127 for F-35 International Partners, and 60 for F-35 Foreign Military Sales customers. Price details include:

Variant	Lot 12	Lot 13	Lot 14	% Reduction from Lot 11*
F-35A	$82.4M	$79.2M	$77.9M	12.8%
F-35B	$108.0M	$104.8M	$101.3M	12.3%
F-35C	$103.1M	$98.1M	$94.4M	13.2%
*Please note: Final prices for F-35 variants following adjustments for Congressional plus-ups and other contractual settlements are as follows: F-35A - $89.3M; F-35B - $115.5M; and F-35C - $108.8M.

"With smart acquisition strategies, strong government-industry partnership and a relentless focus on quality and cost reduction, the F-35 Enterprise has successfully reduced procurement costs of the 5th Generation F-35 to equal or less than 4th Generation legacy aircraft," said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin, F-35 Program vice president and general manager. "With the F-35A unit cost now below $80 million in Lot 13, we were able to exceed our long-standing cost reduction commitment one year earlier than planned."

The sub $80 million unit recurring flyaway cost for an F-35 represents an integrated acquisition price for the 5th Generation Weapon System. With embedded sensors and targeting pods, this F-35 unit price includes items that add additional procurement and sustainment costs to legacy 4th Generation aircraft.

Program Progress

With more than 450 aircraft operating from 19 bases around the globe, the F-35 is playing a critical role in today's global security environment. More than 910 pilots and 8,350 maintainers have been trained, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 220,000 cumulative flight hours. Eight nations have F-35s operating from a base on their home soil and seven Services have declared Initial Operating Capability.

In addition to strengthening global security and partnerships, the F-35 provides economic stability to the U.S. and International Partners by creating jobs, commerce and security, and contributing to the global trade balance. The F-35 is built by thousands of men and women in America and around the world. With more than 1,400 suppliers in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the F-35 Program supports more than 220,000 direct and indirect jobs in the U.S. alone. The Program also includes more than 100 international suppliers, creating or sustaining thousands of jobs.

For additional information, visit our website: https://www.f35.com/.

Lockheed Martin GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) System to be Integrated in F-35 Modernization

OWEGO, N.Y., Oct. 29, 2019 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $25 million initial contract award for engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) for the GPS Spatial Temporal Anti-Jam Receiver (GSTAR) system that will be integrated into the F-35 as part of its modernization phase, also known as Block 4. The GSTAR system will replace the current Antenna Electronics Unit (AEU) and will provide enhanced capabilities including the next-generation, anti-jam solution and provide a significant weight and cost reduction to the aircraft.

The F-35 today is the most technologically advanced fighter ever built. As threats advance and technology evolves, the joint government and industry team is modernizing the system to ensure it remains a step ahead. GSTAR is one of several key enhancements planned across the F-35’s sensors, data links, engine, mission systems, weapons and more.

“We are proud to be the supplier of choice for the F-35 upgrade program and look forward to providing the GSTAR system for years to come,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Advanced Product Solutions at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “This award is a testament to our Lockheed Martin-wide focus on innovation and advanced technology for the F-35 and our warfighters.”

The GSTAR is a fully digital system that provides the greatest protection against adversarial jamming and spoofing by utilizing critical GPS capabilities that can quickly adapt to meet specific platform requirements. The GSTAR system includes a dynamic range Radio Frequency (RF) front-end, digital beamformer and receiver that has been tested and proven against a variety of threat scenarios.

Lockheed Martin is a leader in the development of anti-jam GPS (AJ-GPS) technology for 20 years and has fielded more than 2,500 GSTAR systems. The GSTAR system provides highly effective digital Electronic Protection (EP) for any platform that relies on GPS for navigation.

With stealth technology, advanced sensors, supersonic speed, weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected aircraft in the world. More than a fighter jet, the F-35's ability to collect, analyze and share data, is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and ground-based assets in the battlespace enabling men and women in uniform to execute their mission and return home safely.

For additional information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/ew

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg to Testify Before U.S. Congress [press release]

Boeing President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and Chief Engineer John Hamilton to address the Boeing 737 MAX and aviation safety

Boeing [NYSE: BA] President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg will testify tomorrow, October 29, before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation regarding aviation safety and the 737 MAX airplane. He will be joined by Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and Chief Engineer John Hamilton. Muilenburg and Hamilton will also appear Wednesday, October 30, before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss the design and development of the 737 MAX.

In prepared remarks released today, Muilenburg first and foremost expressed his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who were lost in the Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accidents.

"As we observe today the solemn anniversary of the loss of Lion Air Flight 610, we carry the memory of these accidents, and the lives lost, with us every day. They will never be forgotten, and those memories drive us every day to make our airplanes and our industry safer," Muilenburg said.

Boeing has made robust improvements to the 737 MAX flight control software. "We have brought the very best of Boeing to this effort," said Muilenburg. "We've dedicated all resources necessary to ensure that the improvements to the 737 MAX are comprehensive and thoroughly tested. When the 737 MAX returns to service, it will be one of the safest airplanes ever to fly."

The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight control software function has been updated to provide additional layers of protection, including:

• - MCAS now compares information from both angle of attack sensors before activating and will only respond if data from both sensors agree;
• - MCAS will only activate a single time; and
• - MCAS will never provide more input than the pilot can counteract using the control column alone.

These changes will prevent the flight control conditions that occurred on the Lion Air 610 and Ethiopian Airlines 302 flights from ever happening again. Boeing has dedicated more than 100,000 engineering and test hours on the development of these improvements, flown more than 814 test flights with the updated software and conducted numerous simulator sessions with 545 participants from 99 customers and 41 global regulators.

"We have learned and are still learning from these accidents. We know we made mistakes and got some things wrong," continued Muilenburg.

In his testimony, Muilenburg outlined key actions Boeing is taking to improve as a company, including:

• - Establishing a permanent Aerospace Safety Committee of the company's Board of Directors;
• - Creating a new Product and Services Safety organization that will review all aspects of product safety and provide streamlined reporting and elevation of safety concerns;
• - Strengthening the company's Engineering organization, with all engineers reporting up through Boeing's chief engineer;
• - Investing in advanced research and development in new safety technologies; and
• - Exploring ways to strengthen safety not just for Boeing products and services, but the aviation industry as a whole.

Muilenburg's written testimony is available here.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

The Electric Aviation Pioneer Who Aims To Crack The Pilot Shortage

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeremybogaisky/2019/10/24/bye-electric-pilot-shortage/#64faaefb53ea

Orders for a New All-Electric Airplane Now Top 150

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-24/eviation-lands-more-customers-as-electric-plane-orders-top-150

Boeing CEO to face tough questions from U.S. lawmakers | Article [AMP] | Reuters

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1X810Y

Trailblazers in electric air racing to unveil technology at Dubai Airshow

press release






The world’s first electric air racing series, Air Race E, is set to unveil specialised technology at the Dubai Airshow on Sunday 17th November, in association with its Official Founding Partner, Airbus.







The prototype technology will be the first of its kind on display to the public, showcasing the type of electric engines that will be used in the inaugural Air Race E race in the fall of 2020. Electric air race planes like the one on display are hoped to help commercial aircraft manufacturers in accelerating the development of their own hybrid and electric aircraft and reducing carbon emissions as a result of air travel.







The first eight international racing teams to line-up on the tarmac next year will also be announced at the airshow, with strong representation from across Europe and North America.







Air Race E CEO and Founder, Jeff Zaltman, said, “This is the first time we have let anyone outside of our teams and partners under the hood of a race airplane to showcase some of the cutting-edge electric technology that will be in use during the series. We’re excited to give people a preview and hope to spur on even more interest in the series from partners, engineers and manufacturers who might like to get involved.”







Air Race E will be a series of head-to-head international air races, showcasing the skills, expertise and ingenuity of the best pilots and engineers from around the world. Unlike similar racing events which operate on a time trial basis, Air Race E events will see eight planes fly simultaneously around a tight 5km circuit at just 10m above the ground and at speeds of up to 450kph – faster than any land-based motorsport.







A tender for the first host city is underway, with the successful bid to be announced by December this year. Air Race E remains open for parties to register their interest in entering or sponsoring a team or hosting a future race.







For more information visit https://airracee.com/


















About Air Race E



Air Race E will become the world’s first all-electric airplane race when it launches its inaugural series of international races in 2020. Run by Air Race Events and led by world-leading air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, the man behind the globally successful Air Race 1 World Cup, the race is set to revolutionise air racing and pioneer innovations in electric aviation. Air Race E will see electric airplanes race directly against each other on a tight 5km circuit just 10m above the ground and at speeds faster than any land-based motorsport. The demand for speed, performance and power management under the rigors of a competitive race environment provide the perfect platform for the development and promotion of cleaner, faster and more technologically-advanced electric engines. The Light Aircraft Association (LAA), has committed its support in developing the technical regulations and providing design oversight for the sport, soon to be sanctioned by the Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and its counterpart in France, the Association des Pilotes D'Avions de Formules (APAF).







About Airbus



Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.