Friday, November 04, 2011
AviTrader Daily Aviation News Alert
This is an overview of all articles linked within the selected daily newsletter.
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Rolls-Royce wins order from CIT to power 23 aircraft
May 22, 2013
Rolls-Royce has won an order from US leasing company CIT Aerospace for Trent XWB engines, to power ten Airbus A350 XWB aircraft and Trent 700 engines to power 13 Airbus A330 aircraft. The Trent XWB engines will power ten CIT A350 aircraft that were announced in January 2013 which were in addition to five A350 XWB aircraft already on order. The Trent XWB, specifically designed for the Airbus A350, is the fastest selling Trent engine ever, with more than 1,200 already sold. The engine variant that will power the A350-800 and -900 was awarded European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification in February. The engine will power the first flight of the Airbus A350 XWB this year and the aircraft’s first in-service flight in 2014.
GE Aviation signs additive manufacturing cooperative agreement with Sigma Labs
May 24, 2013
GE Aviation and Sigma Labs signed a Joint Technology Development Agreement (JTDA) to advance and implement in-process inspection technologies for additive manufactured jet engine components. The mutually-developed inspection technology will verify the quality and geometry of additive components during the additive build process, increasing additive production speeds up to 25 percent in support of GE Aviation’s growing production rates. “Today, post-build inspection procedures account for as much as 25 percent of the time required to produce an additively manufactured engine component,” said Greg Morris, GE Aviation’s business development leader for additive manufacturing. “By conducting those inspection procedures while the component is being built, GE Aviation and Sigma labs will expedite production rates for GE’s additive manufactured engine components like the LEAP fuel nozzle.”
FLY Leasing reports third quarter 2011 financial results
November 2, 2011
FLY Leasing, a global lessor of modern, fuel-efficient commercial jet aircraft, reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2011. FLY’s net income and basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2011 were $3.4m compared to $12.2m in the same period of 2010. The decrease in net income is primarily due gains realized on the sale of three aircraft in the 3rd quarter of 2010 and recognition of $2.9m of end of lease revenue also in the 3rd quarter of 2010, neither of which is present in the current period.
At September 30, 2011, FLY’s total assets were $2.0bn, including flight equipment with a net book value of $1.6bn. Restricted and unrestricted cash at September 30, 2011 totaled $392.4m, of which $230.3m was unrestricted. These amounts compare to total cash of $329.0m and unrestricted cash of $164.1m at December 31, 2010.
Rolls-Royce delivers first LiftFan from new advanced facility
November 2, 2011
Rolls-Royce has delivered the first Rolls-Royce LiftFan, for the F-35B Lightning II, to have been assembled at its new LiftFan Factory near Indianapolis, IN, US. The LiftFan is part of the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem that provides Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability for the first aircraft to combine the technology with stealth and supersonic speed. This fifth-generation fighter will provide the US Marine Corps and other future customers with increased capability and the option to deploy from forward bases.
Mubadala Aerospace announces formation of leadership team for global MRO network
November 2, 2011
Mubadala Aerospace reported the formation of a senior leadership team for its global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) network, encompassing ADAT in Abu Dhabi and SR Technics, based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Homaid Al Shemmari will be the Chairman of the Mubadala Aerospace MRO network; Jeremy Chan is appointed Executive Vice Chairman; and James Stewart is appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, leading a highly talented leadership team with long-standing industry experience. Other key members of the leadership team are: Abdul Khaliq Saeed: President, MENA , André Wall: President, Europe, Abdulla Mohamed Shadid: Chief Commercial Officer and Pierre Steffen: Chief Supply Chain Officer
Kaman to acquire Vermont Composites
November 2, 2011
Kaman Aerospace Group, has entered into an agreement to acquire Vermont Composites Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of composite aerostructures and advanced composite medical equipment based in Bennington, Vermont. The senior management team of Vermont Composites, including its President and CEO, Patrick J. Wheeler, have agreed to continue their employment with Kaman. Vermont Composites will become part of the Kaman Composites Division, led by President James C. Larwood.
Founded in 1979, Vermont Composites is expected to generate sales of $32m for 2011, and has approximately 230 employees. Vermont Composites has high profile positions on a number of major aerospace platforms including V-22 Osprey, P-8 Poseidon, C-130 Hercules, MH-60 BLACK HAWK and various UAVs.
PAS Technologies Miramar attains accreditation for AS9100C and AS9110A certifications
November 2, 2011
PAS Technologies has received dual registration by SAI Global for the International Standards ISO 9001:2008 +AS9110A and ISO 9001:2008 +AS9100C certifications for its Miramar, Florida facility. As a provider of plating services and component overhaul and repair services, these certifications validates PAS Technologies’ commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and provides the Company with performance based analysis aimed toward operational consistency and improved customer satisfaction.
JSC SCA and Aeroflot complete technical acceptance procedure for SSJ100 SN95011
November 2, 2011
On November 1st, the completion of the technical acceptance procedure, JSC SCA and Aeroflot signed the Acceptance Act for the third deliverable Sukhoi Superjet 100 SN 95011. The document states that the aircraft is technically sound, fully meets the performance criteria without any operational limitations. On November 7th the aircraft will arrive in Moscow and start commercial operation on Aeroflot’s route network.
Tail section for THAI’s first A380 rolls out of paint shop
November 2, 2011
The vertical tail section for the first A380 for Thai Airways International (THAI) has been painted with the airline’s orchid logo at Airbus facilities in Hamburg. The painting was completed at the weekend and the section is now being prepared for shipment to Toulouse, where assembly of the airline’s first aircraft is set to begin this month.
THAI will become the ninth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the third quarter of 2012. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its premier routes from Bangkok to Europe.
Porter Airlines October load factor up 11.4 points
November 3, 2011
Porter Airlines reported October load factor at 67.7%, 11.4 points higher than the previous year. Traffic for the month increased 44% while capacity increased 19.9%.
Airstream concludes sale of MD82
November 3, 2011
Airstream International Group has arranged the sale of an MD82 Aircraft on behalf of The UK Civil Aviation Authority. The aircraft, serial number 49215, has been sold to Thameside Aero Spares Limited for partout. The aircraft was previously operated by ItAli Airlines.
Emirates reports half year profits of US$225m
November 3, 2011
Emirates airline produced a net profit of Dhs 827m (US$ 225m), for the first six months of its current financial year ending 30th September 2011. Emirates revenue, including other operating income, of Dhs 30.3bn (US$ 8.3bn) was higher by 15% compared with Dhs 26.4bn (US$ 7.2bn) recorded last year, largely reflecting improved passenger and cargo yields based on increased fuel prices. Emirates’ cash position on 30th September remained strong with Dhs 13.8bn (US$ 3.8bn), compared to Dhs 14.0bn (US$ 3.8 bn) on 31 March 2011.
Air Lease Corporation takes delivery of first ATR 72-600
November 3, 2011
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) took delivery of their first ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. ALC has agreed in 2010 and 2011 to purchase 12 ATR 72-600s, with options for 8 additional ATR 72-600s. Brazil’s TRIP Linhas Aéreas will operate this and the next five ATR 72-600s delivered to ALC.
Embraer releases third quarter 2011 results
November 3, 2011
Embraer delivered 28 jets to the commercial aviation market and 18 to the executive aviation market (17 light jets and 1 large jet) in the third quarter of 2011. Revenues reached US$1,363.6m and Gross margin reached 21.2%, as a result of the mix in revenues and products; EBIT and EBITDA margin reached 9.1% and 13.8%, respectively, above the Company’s guidance, for an accumulated EBIT and EBITDA margin of 8.6% and 13.2%, respectively, for the first three quarters of 2011. Firm order backlog increased to US$16bn, as a result of sales activities in 3Q11, mainly in executive aviation. Net income totaled US$1.9m compared to US$126.1m in 3Q10, primarily as a result of deferred income taxes generated by the appreciation of the US Dollar during the period. Therefore, 3Q11 adjusted net income excluding deferred income taxes was US$125.7m. Net cash position totaled US$193.4m, mainly as a result of increased inventories.
AFI KLM E&M signs 5 year agreement with Tech-Log
November 3, 2011
AFI KLM E&M has awarded Tech-Log a 5 year contract allowing the promotion and distribution of KLM’s B737NG inventory. UK based Tech-Log, which is part of the AMP Group, already has a similar partnership with AFI KLM E&M covering Air France’s A320 fleet material. This new agreement will give Tech-Log access to KLM’s active stock valued at $20m, which will be available for exchange purpose to operators and MRO’s worldwide. Given its relationship with AFI KLM E&M, Tech Log will be hoping to strengthen its portfolio within the group.
WestJet reports October traffic up 6.7%
November 3, 2011
WestJet announced October 2011 traffic results with a load factor of 77.4% the same as in the previous year. Traffic increased 6.7% year over year, and capacity grew 6.7% over the same period.
Astronics Corporation’s net income improves 43%
November 3, 2011
Astronics Corporation released financial results for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2011. Sales in the third quarter of 2011 were $56.4m, up $6.5m, or 13.0%, from the prior year third quarter. Aerospace sales, which represented approximately 95% of total third quarter sales, increased 16.3% over the prior year period to $53.5m. Sales for the first nine months of 2011 were $167.0 million, up $23.1m, or 16.0%, from the same period last year. Aerospace sales, which represented approximately 93% of total year-to-date sales, increased 17.2% over the prior year period to $155.7m. Net income in the third quarter of 2011 was $6.7m compared with net income of $4.6m in the same period of last year. Year-to-date net income for the first nine months of 2011 was $16.4m compared with net income of $10.5m in the same period of last year.
Spirit AeroSystems reports 3rd quarter financial results
November 3, 2011
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings reported third quarter 2011 financial results reflecting solid core operating performance and strong demand for large commercial aircraft. Revenues were $1.130bn, up from $1.002bn for the same period of 2010 as the company benefited from higher production deliveries during the quarter. Operating income was $121m, compared to $82m for the same period in 2010, primarily driven by increased volume and model mix. In comparison, the third quarter of 2010 operating income included a $6m one-time expense and a $4m unfavorable cumulative catch-up adjustment associated with new program development. Net income for the quarter was $67m compared to $46m in the same period of 2010. Current quarter net income reflects higher interest expense associated with increased long-term debt, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate as compared to the third quarter of 2010.
US Airways reports record October load factor
November 3, 2011
US Airways Group’s mainline traffic for the month was down 1.5% versus October 2010, while mainline capacity was down 1.7% versus October 2010. Mainline passenger load factor was a record 83.7% for the month of October, up 0.1 points versus October 2010.
Alaska Air Group posts October operational results
November 3, 2011
Alaska reported a 6.0% increase in traffic on a 5.1% increase in capacity compared to October 2010. This resulted in a 0.8-point increase in load factor to an October record 82.6%.
Horizon reported a 16.3% decline in traffic on a 19.5% decline in capacity compared to October 2010. This resulted in a 2.9-point increase in load factor to 77.7%.
Boeing updates 737 MAX engine configuration status
November 3, 2011
Boeing announced that the 737 MAX program has selected a 68-inch fan diameter for the optimized engine design that will provide the lowest fuel burn and operating costs in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX continues to receive overwhelming acceptance from customers with more than 600 order commitments received to date from eight airlines, up from 496 airplanes from five airlines when the program launched in August. The program is on schedule with internal configuration milestones of the new jet, with a continued focus on engagement with customers and partners to optimize the engine core architecture. Firm configuration for the airplane is scheduled for 2013. First flight for the 737 MAX is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries to customers beginning in 2017.
The new 737 family will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines. The new-engine variant will have 10-12% lower fuel burn than current 737s and a 7% operating cost advantage over the competition. The airplane will have the capacity for increased range while providing better fuel efficiency than today’s already-efficient 737.
Section Seven Software chooses Pentagon 2000 Software
November 3, 2011
Section Seven Software, a leading provider of electronic government contract bidding systems, has integrated it’s software with Pentagon 2000SQL in order to combine leading functionality for government sector bidding with the secure and robust back-end ERP software infrastructure required for enterprise-class computing.
Lee Levinstein, CEO of Section Seven Software, said that “combining the business functionality of our solution with the Pentagon 2000SQL system allows us to focus on building and maintaining features that meet the unique requirements of our customers while leveraging the back-end ERP infrastructure provided by Pentagon. Database, Security, Forms, Reports & underlying Accounting functionality are all provided to customers in one seamless combined offering.”
Delta Air Lines reports October traffic
November 3, 2011
Delta Air Lines’ system load factor for October was 82.8%, 0.6 points lower than the prior year on a 3.1% decrease in capacity. System traffic decreased 3.8% percent year over year.
Lockheed Martin acquires Sim-Industries B.V.
November 3, 2011
Lockheed Martin Corporation announced the acquisition of Sim-Industries B.V., a commercial aviation simulation company located in the Netherlands. The acquisition is a demonstration of the Corporation’s strategy to expand into closely related markets that build on core capabilities and expand their customer base. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Sim-Industries develops and manufactures full-motion and fixed-based civil aviation flight simulators for a wide range of airline customers and independent pilot training centers worldwide. Since building its first simulator in 2006, Sim-Industries has become a leader in single-aisle commercial aircraft simulators for the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320, two of the fastest-selling aircraft worldwide. It is finalizing development and certification of its first twin-aisle simulator for the Airbus 330.
Singapore Airlines signs new Flight Hour Services contract with Airbus
November 3, 2011
Singapore Airlines has signed a new Flight Hour Services (FHS) Tailored Support Package contract with Airbus to integrate and provide full component support, line and base airframe maintenance, as well as fleet technical management services for its 15 additional A330 aircraft ordered in September this year. Under this long-term agreement, the airline will benefit from Airbus’ expertise in the areas of maintenance, engineering, reliability and supply chain management, partnering together with component manufacturers and with maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations.
This contract builds on the existing FHS agreement signed with the airline in 2008 for 19 A330 aircraft. In addition, Airbus is already committed to Singapore Airlines with a components support agreement signed in 2007 for its A380 fleet, as well as a contract signed in 2010 covering its five A340-500 aircraft.
Helmut Himmelreich takes over as new airberlin COO
November 3, 2011
Helmut Himmelreich is taking over as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Berlin PLC. Since March 2010 he has been airberlin’s Chief Maintenance Officer. That post will now be filled by his deputy, Marco Ciomperlik, who has already been a member of the Management Board at airberlin technik for some years. Christoph Debus, since June 2009 a member of the Executive Board of Air Berlin PLC, has decided to leave airberlin with effect from 31st December of this year to look for a different professional challenge by going abroad to take on new responsibilities within the industry.
