British Airways achète 11 Embraer pour 376 millions de dollars

Source : Les Echos

"La compagnie aérienne britannique British Airways a annoncé lundi l'achat de 11 avions Embraer, outre une option sur trois autres, d'un prix de 376 millions de dollars au prix catalogue, pour sa filiale de vols intérieurs et européens BA..."

Lufthansa targets European network

Source : ATW

"Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber told ATWOnline recently that acquisition of Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines is a "logical step" toward creating a pan-European network. Speaking at Star Alliance's annual board meeting in Chicago, Mayrhuber said LH is targeting further consolidation. "From the LH management perspective, we can do more," he told this website. "What we have already done is no surprise." He declined to say whether LH will bid for either SAS Group (ATWOnline, Nov. 13) or LOT Polish Airlines (ATWOnline, Dec. 15), but said the company's goal is to "create our own Star Alliance network" with a "modular" concept comprising the amalgamation of several airlines. He called it LH's "European answer" to the need for consolidation." Next.

Singapore Airlines set to increase frequency to Abu Dhabi Airport by 133%

Source : Air Transport News

"Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the operator of Abu Dhabi International Airport, has welcomed today’s announcement by Singapore Airlines that from 15 March 2009, daily flights will link the UAE capital and the Asian city-state of Singapore. The carrier’s existing three-times a week service between Singapore and Abu Dhabi will go daily as part of plans that will also see Singapore Airlines extend its network, through Abu Dhabi, by offering flights to Kuwait City four-times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.While the aviation business in other regions of the world are experiencing slowing growth, the Middle East region, and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in particular, continues to outperform global trends as its aviation infrastructure provides the platform for the sustained and robust growth. This is reflected in Abu Dhabi International Airport’s consistent 30 percentile average growth of passenger traffic over the last two years." La suite.

French Unveil Spending Boost for Defense

Source : Aviation Week

"The French government is eyeing part of a multibillion dollar bailout plan to accelerate deployment of urgently needed weapon systems and to keep beleaguered sectors of France's defense industry afloat. Unveiled this week, the plan calls for injecting 1.4 billion euros in 2009-10 to augment the production of systems in production and move up qualification of some new programs that could help meet urgent requirements in Afghanistan. Another 500 million euros will be earmarked to accelerate payments due to small businesses, which are under struggling under severe cash flow problems, and 110 million euros to beef up research efforts, notably for export." Next.

Etihad Airlines Considers Takeover of Air Berlin

Source : Aviation Week

"Etihad Airways could acquire Europe's third largest low-fare airline, Air Berlin, a move that would lead to an entirely new business model of airline combinations. Industry sources note that Etihad has been exploring the merits of the idea for weeks, looking at how such a takeover could be implemented and how networks would have to be realigned for the deal to make commercial sense. Those sources indicate that Etihad isn't at a decision-making stage and that the in-depth studies haven't been presented to its board of directors. CEO James Hogan declined to comment, though the company posted a boilerplate response: "As a matter of principle we don't comment on rumors and speculation." An Air Berlin representative said he was unaware of any such plans." Next.

Chinese Airline Gets A Head Start On One-Month Service Suspension

Article ici.

Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways grew capacity by 15% in 2008; Almaty and Los Angeles are newest routes

Article ici.

Envoyer par mailImprimer Thales : la cession des parts de Dassault à Alcatel scellée

Source: Capital.fr

"La recomposition du capital Thales est bouclée. Alcatel-Lucent (ALU) et Dassault Aviation (AM) ont signé aujourd’hui l’accord qui entérine la cession des 21% détenu par le premier à l’avionneur. Les conditions sont celles annoncées par les deux parties en novembre : les 41,26 millions d’euros détenues par Alcatel sont transférées à l’avionneur au prix de 38 euros par action, soit un montant de la transaction de 1,57 milliard d’euros." La suite.

Air France s'en prend au rachat d'Austrian Airlines

Source:

"La compagnie française a porté plainte auprès de Bruxelles sur les conditions de rachat de la compagnie autrichienne par Lufthansa, considérant que le dossier contient des "éléments d'aides d'Etat". Air France-KLM a annoncé, jeudi 11 décembre, avoir porté plainte auprès de la Commission européenne sur les conditions de rachat de la compagnie autrichienne Austrian Airlines par l'allemande Lufthansa." La suite.

Aer Lingus cherche à contrer Ryanair, Air France-KLM évoqué

Source: L'expansion

"Le président Aer Lingus va chercher un investisseur pour prendre une participation majoritaire à l'amiable dans la compagnie aérienne irlandaise et éviter ainsi une offre de rachat de la part de Ryanair." La suite.

EADS' A400M Engine Completes First Flight

Source: Marketwire -

"The TP400 power-plant developed for the A400M by EuroProp International (EPI) took to the air for the first time on Dec. 17, 2008 on a C-130K flight test bed. The TP400 is installed on the inner left engine mount of the C-130K which is otherwise powered by three of the usually four Allison T56 turbopropellers. The aircraft took off at 10:44 a.m. local time from Cambridge airfield in the United Kingdom where Marshall Aerospace, which is conducting the flight test-bed trials, is based, and touched down at 11:59 a.m. local time. The flight lasted one hour and 15 minutes.

"

Australian government assures Essendon airport future

Source : Flight Global

" The immediate future of Melbourne's Essendon airport has been assured with the Australian government approving a masterplan for the general aviation facility and stating that it has "no current plans" to close the airport or relax its existing curfew. Essendon, which is just 13km (8 miles) from Melbourne's central business district, is home to Victoria's Air Ambulance fleet, police air wing, firefighting aircraft and supports more than 3,400 flights by the Royal Flying Doctor Service."

SAS agrees to sell Spanair and Air Baltic shareholdings

Source: Flight Global

"SAS Group has agreed to sell a majority of Spanish operation Spanair to a group of Catalonian investors, and its minority stake in Air Baltic to the Latvian carrier's management. Details of both agreements have been released today by the Scandinavian company. It plans to remain a core shareholder of Spanair, but is completely divesting its 47.2% Air Baltic share." Next.

BA, Qantas End Merger Talks

Source : WSJ

"SYDNEY -- Qantas Airways Ltd. and British Airways PLC Thursday said they have ended merger discussions after failing to agree on key terms of a deal worth more than US$6 billion that would have created a global airline. Qantas wouldn't elaborate further on why the talks had ended but the move isn't a major surprise as analysts had questioned the rationale of the potential deal and Qantas's new..." Next.

Minneapolis to be 'Delta North' headquarters

Article ici.

MAS confirms Qantas talks

Source: ATW

"Malaysia Airlines is in talks with Qantas regarding some kind of partnership and intends to "pursue strategic partnerships to create additional value," CEO Idris Jala confirmed in a statement cited by widespread press reports. "We are in talks with a number of airlines, including Qantas. This ranges from joint ventures and codeshares to interlining partnerships. More details will be announced as and when we have finalized the terms of any of these partnerships," Jala said." Next.

Russian far east to get $270 million in airfare subsidies

Source : ATW

"Russia's Ministry of Transport is working out a mechanism for distributing over the next two years RUB7.5 billion ($270.1 million) in subsidies to airlines serving the country's far east. "Our goal is to introduce a uniform system of subsidizing economy-class fares on long-haul routes to and from these regions," Transport Minister Igor Levitin explained. At present, the state provides subsidies only to particular categories of passengers, such as those in the military, pensioners or students. "We'll reimburse the difference between actual costs borne by carriers and the basic tariff to be paid by economy-class travelers regardless of their status," said Levitin, who expected subsidies on domestic flights from the far east to European Russia to average RUB5,000 per passenger." Next.

Norway Confirms Choice of F-35, to Saab's Displeasure

Article ici.

India and Russia Agree on Helo Deal, Review Joint Defense Projects

Source: AIN

"India agreed to buy 80 Mil Mi-17V-5 helicopters worth $1.2 billion during a visit to Delhi by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev early this month. These will replace 35-year old Mi-8 choppers the Indian Air Force currently flies. The deal includes weapons options and an offset obligation worth $405 million. Accompanying Medvedev were Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdukov and United Aircraft Corp. chief Alexei Fedorov. " Next

Malaysia Abandons Eurocopter EC725 Purchase

Source : AIN

"Malaysia announced it would buy 12 Eurocopter EC725 Cougar medium-lift helicopters, then changed its mind two weeks later. Opposition politicians demanded that the controversial deal be referred to the country’s anti-corruption agency." Next.

European Parliament OKs Arms Export

Source: Aviation Week

"Transferring defense articles between European Union member states will become easier after the European Parliament today approved a reform package. The legislation is designed to lead to a European system of export licenses to supplant the 27 separate export licensing regimes now responsible within the EU." Next.

EADS to merge military transport into Airbus

Source : FT

"EADS is reorganising its military transport aircraft operations by integrating the Spain-based business into Airbus, its commercial aircraft division. The restructuring is one of the most important industrial moves to rationalise EADS since the Franco-German group overcame its complex corporate governance challenges last year and abandoned the complicated system of having joint French and German chairmen and chief executives." Next.

Réorganisation chez Boeing

Source : GIFAS

"La société Boeing a entrepris de réorganiser sa "supply chain" pour améliorer le pilotage de sa structure d'approvisionnement et l'exécution des programmes. L'entité en charge de la gestion des fournisseurs, de la fabrication et de la qualité sera réorganisée. Tous les programmes en cours, y compris le B787 et le B747-8, seront réunis au sein de cette entité."

Brussels Airlines to join Star Alliance

Source: Air Transport

"At their annual Board Meeting, the CEOs of the Star Alliance member airlines have today voted to accept the application of Brussels Airlines to become a future member of the alliance. Brussels Airlines is the Belgian airline offering the widest choice of flights to and from the "capital" of Europe. With a fleet of 45 aircraft the airline operates some 300 daily flights to 55 European airports and 15 African destinations. Through its membership in Star Alliance, Brussels Airlines will be able to offer its passengers a variety of benefits. On the network side for instance, the airline will be able to offer its passengers seamless travel across the Star Alliance network which will expand to cover 1,074 destinations in 174 countries. In order to provide all the alliance benefits, the specialized teams at Brussels Airlines, Star Alliance and its member carriers will now be working on the integration process, which once completed, will make Brussels Airlines a part of the Star Alliance network, currently consisting of 21 members." Next.

Alitalia Expects Mid-January Relaunch

Source : Aviation Week

"A group of Italian investors have finally taken possession of Alitalia’s assets, a major step in the carrier’s transformation that could culminate in a relaunch as soon as Jan. 12. The investor group, known as the CAI consortium, paid about EUR1 billion (roughly US$1.4 billion) for the carrier’s operations. Under a restructuring plan, Alitalia will now be merged with Air One, Italy’s second-largest operator. According to reports from a Dec. 12 press conference, CAI Chairman Roberto Colaninno said the company is still talking with Air France-KLM and Lufthansa about selling a 20% to 25% stake in the new airline." Next.

Russian government to extend $1.1 billion aid to selected airlines

Source : ATW
"Russia's treasury is set to provide RUB30 billion ($1.08 billion) in soft loans to the air transport industry to help it through the current credit squeeze. Last month the government established a state-backed dedicated relief facility to finance the working capital needs of a few major airlines. According to sources, the five carriers that transport more than 1 million passengers per year, with at least half on scheduled flights, are eligible to receive funds. The recipients identified to date by First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov are Aeroflot, newly formed Rosavia (ATWOnline, Nov. 18) and Transaero, a private operator of Russia's largest long-haul fleet. KD avia Director-Business Development Mikhail Baskov told ATWOnline that his airline also is on the list given its role in serving the Kaliningrad exclave. "We firmly count on receiving up to RUB4 billion at an affordable interest rate," he said." Next.

China moving to merge China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines

Source : ATW

"China Southern Airlines Group Chairman Liu Shaoyong was appointed as the new chairman of China Eastern Airlines parent China Eastern Air Holding Co. Friday, appearing to pave the way for the merger of CEA and Shanghai Airlines. In an effort to boost Shanghai's status as an international aviation hub, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, CEA's controlling shareholder, reached agreement with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the Shanghai Municipal Government, SAL's controlling shareholder, on the merger of the two Shanghai-based airlines, an industry insider told ATWOnline Friday. Key details on how the combination will move forward remain undecided, but Liu is expected to be chairman of the merged carrier. The government's plan to revive CEA includes a change in leadership in advance of any consolidation." Next.

Aeroflot looking to expand as Airbus 330 goes through paces

Source : Rusia Today

"Aeroflot has taken delivery of its first Airbus 330 airliner, with nine more to come by 2010. With new aircraft on the way, and potential for mergers ahead, Russia's biggest airline looks set to ride out a turbulent year for air transport." Next.

Iran designs stealth aircraft

Source: Russiatoday

"Iran has announced it has designed a radar-evading, or ‘stealth’, aircraft capable of taking out high-value targets without being detected by hostile radar systems, Press TV reports. Chief Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shah-Safi is quoted as saying the “stealth’ aircraft was designed by Iranian aerospace experts, and military researchers are now working on building a small prototype." Next.

Medvedev says Russia, India must finalize Admiral Gorshkov terms

Source : RIA Novosti

"Russia and India must finally agree on the revised terms of a contract to deliver a modernized aircraft carrier to the Indian navy and ensure the implementation of the project, the Russian president said on Thursday." Next.

Russia to deliver up to 30 Superjet 100 planes to Indonesia

Source: RIA Novosti

"Russia's Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and the Indonesian regional air carrier Kartika have signed an agreement on the delivery of up to 30 Superjet 100 passenger aircraft worth $448 mln, the company said on Friday. (Sukhoi SuperJet 100 - Image Galleries). The Superjet 100 project is a family of medium-haul passenger aircraft developed by a leading Russian manufacturer, Sukhoi, in cooperation with U.S. and European aviation corporations, including Boeing, Snecma, Thales, Messier Dowty, Liebherr Aerospace and Honeywell." La suite.

La filière aéronautique espère une réduction des délais de paiement

Source: Les Echos

"Alors que les donneurs d'ordre comme EADS avaient tendance à payer leurs fournisseurs de plus en plus tardivement, la loi de modernisation de l'économie va les obliger à changer de comportement. Engagée depuis deux ans dans le sillage de la restructuration d'Airbus, la transformation des relations entre les équipementiers aéronautiques et les avionneurs devrait connaître une nette accélération en 2009. Avec pour ligne directrice, la poursuite de la consolidation d'un secteur aujourd'hui très morcelé."
La suite.

Ryanair Warns of Airline Bankruptcies

Source: Air Transport news

"Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, today (4th Dec) warned passengers against booking their summer holidays with flaky charter airlines or shoddy holiday companies as it predicted that the spate of airline bankruptcies, which disrupted the summer holiday plans of millions of passengers this year, looks set to continue into next year. Ryanair advised passengers to protect their summer holiday plans by booking with Ryanair - Europe’s most financially secure airline. Launching its 2009 Summer Schedule, Ryanair warned that the high profile bankruptcies of Futura Gael, XL Holidays (UK), Zoom, Sterling and LTE, which left millions of people stranded this year, highlighted the need for passengers to travel with secure airlines which can survive the global economic downturn." Next.

UPS Opens Major Hub in Shanghai, China

Source :Air Transport News

"UPS (NYSE:UPS) today placed in service a new international hub here, improving access to China and speeding the movement of express packages and heavy freight around the world.

The facility is strategically located at the Pudong International Airport, right in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta area, and now becomes the key gateway linking China to UPS's global network. It features the largest on-site 24/7 customs inspection area in Shanghai and was built to a unique design that facilitates rapid handling of express packages in addition to heavy freight. "Everything about this facility was built for speed and reliability," said Dan Brutto, president of UPS International. "Linked now to our vast integrated transportation network, it opens wider the doors of commerce with China. We believe Shanghai will become an even more attractive business location because our customers will recognize the importance of a world-class UPS facility that provides rapid access to the world." Unveil moment by Wu Nian Zu, Chairman of Shanghai Airport Authority and Dan Brutto, President of UPS International" Next.

CAAC calls for Chinese airlines to 'cancel or delay' aircraft orders

Source : ATW Daily

"CAAC yesterday "urged state-owned airlines to cancel or delay orders for new aircraft next year," according to China's official state news agency Xinhua, which estimated that Airbus and Boeing are slated to deliver a combined 180 aircraft to the nation's carriers in 2009. CAAC also pushed for airlines to return leased aircraft and ground or sell older planes "in an effort to keep carriers out of financial trouble during the current global economic crisis." It further stated that it would be "very cautious" regarding the approval of new aircraft orders next year and would not sanction the launch of any new airlines before 2012."Next.

"La Chine suspend les achats d'avions pour 2009"

"Le gouvernement chinois a suspendu tout achat d'avions étrangers afin de réduire les dépenses des compagnies aériennes en proie à de sérieuses difficultés financières, a-t-on appris mercredi.

Dans un communiqué publié mardi sur son site internet, l'Administration de l'aviation civile (CAAC) indique "encourager" les transporteurs aériens à annuler ou retarder les prises de livraison d'appareils prévues l'an prochain, a affirmé le quotidien en anglais China Daily." La suite.

China Eastern to get CNY3 billion injection

Source : ATW Daily News

"China Eastern Airlines, whose stock has been suspended from trading since Nov. 27, said yesterday that it will receive a CNY3 billion ($435.8 million) cash injection from the government, according to press reports. China Southern Airlines received a similar payout late last month.." Next.

Virgin sees 'logic' in closer relationship with Lufthansa

Source : ATW Daily

"Virgin Atlantic Airways President Richard Branson yesterday said that "talks will take place with Lufthansa, maybe are taking place, to see whether it makes sense for the two companies to work together," the Associated Press reported. "There is some logic in the two companies getting together," Branson said. Virgin has maintained interest in either a stake or cooperation with UK rival bmi (ATWOnline, Nov. 27), which Lufthansa will take over early next year (ATWOnline, Oct. 30). It also has been working to derail British Airways' tie-up with American Airlines and Iberia (ATWOnline, Nov. 27). "I would urge governments to beware of companies who use what is going to be a temporary financial crisis to try to bring about mergers that would be against the public interest," Branson said."


"Virgin, Lufthansa confirm talks"
"Virgin Atlantic Airways and Lufthansa confirmed discussions regarding future cooperation and the latter's impending takeover of bmi" Next.

Le Maroc veut se doter de ses propres compétences en aéronautique

Source: www.aujourdhui.ma, « 70 millions de dirhams pour le nouvel institut de Casablanca », le 02/12/2008

"Le Royaume du Maroc annonce la création de l’Institut d’Industrie Aéronautique, qui accueillera ses premiers étudiants à partir de la rentrée scolaire 2009 sur la zone de Nouaceur (Casablanca).

Il aura pour rôle de former des étudiants aux métiers de l’aéronautique afin de fournir les entreprises locales et étrangères implantées au Maroc en main-d’œuvre qualifiée. Il prendra également en charge la formation continue des salariés actuels du secteur. Sa construction nécessitera un budget de 70 millions de dirhams et sa capacité sera de plus de 400 stagiaires par an. Sa mise en place se fait sous le pilotage de l’Office de la formation professionnelle et de la promotion du travail (OFPPT) ainsi sous celui du Groupement des industriels marocains aéronautique et spatial (GIMAS). "

EADS et le CNRC

Source: Market news
EADS a ouvert un nouveau bureau sur le site du Conseil national de recherches Canada (CNRC), afin de renforcer sa coopération avec la communauté canadienne de recherche et développement technologique (R&TD) dans le domaine aérospatial.

Deliveries of Boeing 787 likely to be two years late

Source: FT

"Boeing is likely to make first deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner at least two years later than originally planned, costing the aircraft maker billions of dollars in compensation payments and forcing it to take at least a short-term loss on the programme. The Chicago-based company has delayed the 787 programme three times because of problems such as the need to redesign the aircraft, shortages of parts and incomplete work by suppliers. It is currently at least 14 months behind schedule, but customers and analysts now expect Boeing to deliver the first aircraft in the second quarter of 2010 - a full two years late." Next.

AirAsia's going private plans on hold

Source : ATW Daily

" AirAsia said Friday that majority shareholder Tune Air is "unable to secure financing" for its bid to acquire the remaining shares of the carrier and take it private owing to "tight credit market conditions." Tune Air, which holds a 30.9% stake in AirAsia, said in October it was "considering" the step (ATWOnline, Oct. 10). But the global credit crunch means that it "is unable to form a firm intention to proceed," AirAsia said in an announcement to the Bursa Malaysia" Next.

Mayrhuber on Austrian: 'We are here to make money'

Source : ATW daily

"Austrian state holding company OIAG's supervisory board approved the sale of its 41.56% stake in Austrian Airlines Group to Lufthansa for €366,268.75 ($464,865) on Friday, continuing the German airline's aggressive European shopping spree. Lufthansa approved the transaction the day before and will receive a €500 million paymen next week to cover a portion of AAG debt in exchange for a debtor warrant worth up to €162 million that will depend on Austrian's "economic development" and LH's share price relative to competitors after three years, the companies confirmed (ATWOnline, Dec. 4). Next spring, LH will submit a takeover offer to all AAG remaining shareholders of €4.44 per share. OIAG CEO Peter Michaelis called the sale "the right decision" that will "consolidate" Austrian's status "as a leading carrier in Central and Eastern Europe" while allowing it to "remain a legally independent company" with its own brand, crew, fleet and Austrian identity. "Only by combining our powers can we hope to find an answer to the global challenges currently facing our industry," LH Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber said, calling the AAG acquisition "another step along this path." LH said it expects approximately €80 million in annual synergies to result from the merger and that Austrian will return to profit in around three years." Next.

Air France-KLM: élargit son offre vers la Suisse.

Source: Abc bourse - CercleFinance.com
"Air France-KLM annonce qu'à partir du 19 janvier 2009, Air France élargira son offre en Suisse et proposera une nouvelle liaison vers Berne à raison de 2 vols quotidiens du lundi au vendredi et de 1 vol le samedi et le dimanche au départ de Paris-Orly." La suite.

EADS: devrait recapitaliser Airbus à hauteur de 2 MdsE.

Source: Cercle Finance

"La direction d'EADS serait selon Les Echos de ce matin dans l'obligation de réaliser une recapitalisation de plus de 2 milliards d'euros qui pourrait s'accompagner d'une simplification des structures. " la suite.

Ryanair propose 748ME pour racheter Aer Lingus

Source: Easybourse.com

"La compagnie aérienne irlandaise Ryanair a formulé une proposition d'offre d'achat auprès d'une autre compagnie irlandaise, Aer Lingus, à hauteur de 748 millions d'euros. Ryanair détient actuellement une participation de 29,82% dans le capital d'Aer Lingus et avait déjà tenté de faire l'acquisition de sa compatriote l'année dernière." La suite.

Aéroports de Paris : L'Etat en, baisse dans le capital à 60,38%

Source: ici.

EADS: Arik Air réceptionne son premier Airbus A340-500.

Source : ici.

Thales: 1er vol du futur avion CN235 pour la Turquie.

Source: Cercle Finance

"Thales annonce aujourd'hui que le 1er vol du futur avion CN235 de Patrouille Maritime de la Turkish Navy a été effectué cette semaine." La suite.

AMR Corp: baisse de 14,5% du trafic en novembre.

Source: ici.

US Airways: trafic passagers en baisse de 6,9% en novembre.

Source: ici.

Raytheon Electronic Warfare Suite Selected for Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16s

Source: Aviation News

"Raytheon Company’s (NYSE: RTN) newest integrated electronic warfare suite has been selected in a competition to provide self-protection capability for Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 aircraft. The RMAF recently agreed to purchase 24 Block 52 F-16s from Lockheed Martin." La suite.

IAI’s Bedek wins a new B762 freighter conversions contract

Source: Aviationnews

"Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Bedek Aviation Group recently won a new contract for B762 freighter conversions during the recent Cargo Facts Conference in Florida, according to impactpub.com. As part of the contract, Israel Aerospace Industries’ Bedek wil convert 14 ABX aircraft to BDSF configuration." La suite.

EADS North America to Expand Its Mobile, Alabama Facility

"EADS North America will further expand the company's U.S. industrial presence with the construction of a new 27,000-sq. ft. aircraft maintenance delivery center at the Mobile, Alabama facility of its EADS CASA North America business unit. This $5.6 million facility expansion, located at the Mobile Regional Airport, will provide a modern support, overhaul and modification center for the growing number of EADS CASA multi-role transport aircraft operated by government and civilian customers in North, Central and South America -- including the U.S. Coast Guard." La suite.

New Australian aviation policy raises foreign ownership cap

Source: ATW Daily

"Qantas and Virgin Blue welcomed the Australian government's draft National Aviation Policy Statement or "Green Paper" as "forward-looking and balanced." The new policy allows a single overseas interest to take up to a 49% stake in Qantas, up from 25%. The government also said it will relaunch its effort to select a site for a new Sydney airport well away from the so-called "Sydney basin." La suite.

China Aviation Guide Available

Source: Avweb

"There's been a lot of buzz about China's emerging importance as both a market and producer of aviation-related products but those who have ventured there from western countries often find a perplexing system of bureaucracy and business practices. A new publication by Business Data International attempts to make sense of it in 220 pages in the China Aviation Directory. According to the company, the hard cover volume covers "an overview of China's aviation industry and all leading enterprises." La suite.

NASA signs modification to contract with Russian space agency

Source: RIA Novosti

" NASA has signed a $141 million modification to the current International Space Station (ISS) contract with the Russian space agency for crew transportation services planned through the spring of 2012. In a statement posted on its official website, NASA said that "the firm-fixed price extension covers comprehensive Soyuz support, including all necessary training and preparation for launch, crew rescue, and landing of a long-duration mission for three station crew members." La suite.

Bulgarian Police Orders An AW109 Power

Source: Jets.ru

"AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Bulgarian Police has signed a contract for one AW109 Power light twin helicopter which will be delivered in 2010. This aircraft will be used for law enforcement and border patrol missions. This contract marks the entrance of the AW109 Power in the Bulgarian helicopter market and adds to the large number of operator who have selected the AW109 Power for law enforcement, homeland security and public service duties worldwide." La suite.

GRUPO MEXICANA UPDATES ITS CORPORATE IMAGE TO CONSOLIDATE ITS LEADING MARKET POSITION

Source: Air Transport News

"As part of a strategy to bring its actions into line with its new corporate philosophy and address the challenges posed by the airline industry, Grupo Mexicana has unveiled a new corporate image that seeks to make the brand more competitive and differentiate it in terms of service, innovation, dynamism and flexibility. The new corporate image was launched at the airline’s maintenance base in Mexico City, where an A320 and an F100 bearing the new logo and brand colors were unveiled." La suite.

Delta Airlines plans to expand aircraft order from Boeing

Source: Private Jet Daily

"Delta Airlines, which recently acquired Northwest Airlines, is planning to change aircraft orders both airlines recently placed from Boeing. Most likely, Delta Airlines will scale back Boeing 787 orders initiated by Northwest, while planning to expand Delta orders for the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The 777-200LR is a long-range aircraft that has a seating capacity of at least 50 more passengers. This aircraft will help Delta’s strategy to shift a greater percentage of flights to longer overseas routes. " La suite.

Boeing Teams With Creative Technologies Incorporated on Training Solutions

Source: Private Jet Daily

"The Boeing Company today announced a teaming arrangement with Creative Technologies Inc. (CTI) of Hollywood, Calif., to explore new training solutions for the military and law enforcement. The agreement brings together Boeing's expertise in aviation training systems and CTI's experience in game-based simulations for ground forces training. "This agreement allows us to take what we do well and translate it into new possibilities for Boeing in the ground training and simulation arena," said Mark McGraw, vice president for Training Systems and Services, a division of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Global Services and Support. "We are committed to finding new ways to use the talents of both companies to expand the services we're able to offer the military." la suite.

BA, Qantas reveal merger discussions

Source : ATW Daily

" British Airways and Qantas are exploring a potential merger "via a dual-listed company structure," both carriers confirmed yesterday in a brief statement responding to recent speculation. The oneworld partners warned that there is "no guarantee that any transaction will be forthcoming" and did not offer any timeline for a possible transaction. Revelation of the merger discussions coincided with the publication of a proposal by the Australian government to relax the rules of foreign ownership in Qantas (see story below). The plans will not permit a full takeover of the flag carrier but will allow a single foreign entity to own up to 49%. Currently, a single foreign entity can own only 25% and a group of foreign entities or airlines can hold up to 35%." La suite.

Delta/Northwest to cut 2009 capacity 6%-8%, cites 'economic hurdles'

Source: ATW Daily

" Delta Air Lines said yesterday that systemwide capacity for both it and new subsidiary Northwest Airlines will be down 6%-8% in 2009, comprising a 3%-5% international cut and an 8%-10% domestic reduction. The capacity down-gauging from 2007 to 2009 collectively will total around 20%, equaling the capacity slashed by United Airlines over the two-year period. It likely will necessitate further job cuts, DL CEO Richard Anderson and President Ed Bastian told employees in a memo. "We are analyzing the impact on staffing as it pertains to these capacity reductions and, as in the past, we will offer voluntary programs to adjust staffing needs," they wrote. "We will continue to make decisions that are in the long-term interest." DL's 2008 voluntary severance offer was accepted by 4,000 employees (ATWOnline, June 16)." La suite.

Lufthansa approves minimum €215.4 million takeover of Austrian

Source: ATW Daily

"Lufthansa's supervisory board yesterday approved the acquisition of Austrian Airlines Group, starting with the purchase of state holding company OIAG's 41.56% share for €366,000 ($463,000). LH said it also will issue a debtor warrant potentially worth up to €163 million, "depending on Austrian Airlines' economic performance and the Lufthansa share outperforming its competitors." The German company then will make a €215 million bid for Austrian's remaining shares at €4.44 per share, subject to approval from Austrian competition authorities. The per-share price equals the average weighted market price over the past six months." La suite.

Eurocopter Sells 15 Aircraft

Source: AIN Online

"Eurocopter has received orders for 10 EC 155 Dauphins and five AS 350B3 Ecureuils from two Chinese companies. Citic Offshore Helicopter will operate the EC 155s, the deliveries of which will start next year. Meanwhile, the AS 350B3s will be delivered over the next two years to Allyway and leased to various Chinese operators. This is the first order for the B3 variant in China." La suite.

INDE : La France au premier rang des partenaires aéronautiques de l’Inde

Source: Region Aquitaine

"L’Inde est l’un des marchés montants de l’aéronautique civile. L’Europe, en particulier la France, l’ont bien compris et ont signé il y a quelques dizaines de jours à Marseille un accord de coopération à ce sujet. Ce partenariat va porter d’une part sur le développement et la modernisation de la flotte aérienne indienne. Déjà assez bien équipée, l’Inde a commandé ces derniers mois plus de 350 appareils à Airbus. Elle est également en relation avec Eurocopter pour les hélicoptères et avec Dassault pour les jets." La suite.

VOL PLANE - Ingénierie spatiale et Aéronautique - La combinaison de Superman des étudiants du Technion.

Source : Israel Valley

"N’est pas Superman qui veut certes, mais les étudiants de l’institut israélien Technion à Haïfa, rendent ce rêve plus accessible. Ils dévoilent en septembre leur combinaison conçue pour le vol plané. Des combinaisons de vol plané existent déjà. Mais elles ne satisfaisaient pas les cinq étudiants du Technion qui se sont attelés au design de ce nouveau modèle. “Nous avions l’intention de démontrer qu’il était possible de concevoir une telle combinaison, sans risques pour l’utilisateur, et qui obtiendrait de meilleurs résultats que les modèles existants”, explique Yair Segev, un des cinq créateurs ayant travaillé sous la direction du professeur Gil Yossilbesky, expert en ingénierie spatiale et aéronautique." La suite.

Le Groupe israélien Elbit Systems (Elisra Group) signe un contrat de $ 60 millions en Europe et $10 millions en Asie.

Source: Israel Valley

"Elbit Systems (Elisra Group) signe un contrat de 60 millions de dollars en Europe et de 10 millions de dollars en Asie. Elisra Group, détenue en grande partie par Elbit Systems, vient d’annoncer la signature d’un contrat de 60 millions de dollars portant sur la vente de système de surveillance aérienne à un pays Européen." La suite.

Ryanair lance une nouvelle offensive sur Aer Lingus

Source: Capital.fr

"Un an après avoir lancé une première offre, Ryanair repart à l'offensive. La compagnie à bas coûts annonce aujourd’hui un projet de fusion-acquisition avec la compagnie historique irlandaise, Aer Lingus." La suite.

Safran: satisfait de la poursuite du programme Vinci.

Source: Cercle Finance

"Safran s'est félicité vendredi de la décision prise par les ministres européens de l'Espace quant à la poursuite du développement du moteur réallumable Vinci." La suite.

China's ARJ21 completes first flight

Source: Flight Global
"China's new regional jet aircraft, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China's ARJ21-700, has successfully completed its first flight." La suite.

TACA and Copa line up to join Star Alliance

Source: Flight Global
"Both of Central America's leading carriers, Copa and TACA, are poised to join Brazil's TAM as new members in the Star Alliance." La suite.

Swiss keeps independence under Lufthansa

Source: Flight Global

"Swiss International Air Lines, one of acquisition-hungry Lufthansa's first takeovers, says it has remained largely independent and is pleased with its recovery under the watchful eye of its German parent." La suite.

China Halts Aircraft Orders Due To Overcapacity

Source : AV Web
"The booming aviation market in China -- expected by some manufacturers to support nearly 15 percent of worldwide demand for mid-sized commuter and airline jets over the next two decades -- has gone bust, at least for now, upon news that the Civil Aviation Authority of China has halted all future aircraft orders until overcapacity within the country can be resolved." La suite.

Sikorsky Says China Sales Continue To Grow

Source: Aero News Net
"China Southern Airlines' Zhuhai Helicopter Company this week accepted two Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopters to support offshore oil projects in the South China Sea and Bohai Bay." La suite.

Virgin Atlantic Tells EC To Reject 'Virtual Merger' Between BA, American

Source: Aero News Net

"Virgin Atlantic Airways urged the European Commission this week to reject the planned alliance between two of the world's largest airlines, British Airways and American Airlines. As ANN reported, the EC is examining a transatlantic alliance which would allow American Airlines, British Airways and Spain's Iberia SA to coordinate their loyalty programs, schedules and fares on flights between North America and Europe. In addition to avoiding all the usual hassles of a formal merger, the deal would also give American Airlines increased access to profitable European routes... without technically violating US laws prohibiting foreign ownership of a US carrier." La suite.

Bangkok Airports Remain Closed By Protesters

Source: Aero News Net

"An anti-government protest group, the People's Alliance for Democracy, has occupied the terminal at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport since last Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of all flights. Service into Bangkok's second airport, Don Meuang, has also been curtailed by the PAD. Stranding thousands of passengers, the occupation of an estimated 2,000 protesters has crippled air transportation in and out of the city during the four-day siege. Officials expect both airports to remain closed until at least 6 pm Monday." La suite.

Russia test-fires new ballistic missile

Source: Moscow News

"A spokesman for Russia's Strategic Missile Forces says the military has test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile. Col. Alexander Vovk says the RS-24 missile lifted off from a mobile launcher at the Plesetsk launch pad in northern Russia. He says the missile's multiple warheads successfully hit the designated targets at the Kura testing range in the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. " La suite.

US carriers still growing internationally; Canada still #1 destination, JFK #1 airport

Source: Anna Aero

"America’s airlines may have removed over 10% of domestic capacity from their networks this winter but as far as international capacity is concerned, the ‘big6′ US legacy airlines have between them actually increased their offer to passengers by just over 1%. An analysis of international routes being offered from US airports this winter reveals that overall international capacity provided by both US and foreign carriers is down around 1%." La suite.

Indian domestic traffic down 20% in September; international demand up 6%

Source: Anna Aero

"India’s domestic traffic has continued to fall in recent months with passenger numbers down 20% in September following falls of 15% and 17% in July and August respectively. However, given the extraordinary growth rates achieved in 2007 what this means is that domestic demand in 2008 has returned to the same levels as in 2006." La suite.

Lufthansa stakes Italian claim with Malpensa subsidiary

Source: ATW Daily News

"Lufthansa opted not to wait for a decision on a foreign partner for the restructured Alitalia and will be launching its own subsidiary at Milan Malpensa, called Lufthansa Italia, in February. Six former Germanwings A319s will comprise the venture, designed to take advantage of AZ's cutbacks in Lombardy. LH originally had planned to base Air Dolomiti E-195s at MXP but instead has decided to pursue its own Italian Air Operator Certificate (ATWOnline, April 29). An LH spokesperson told ATWOnline that securing the AOC could take as long as 12 months but that the company believes it will be in hand by early next year. Air Dolomiti, based in Verona, will continue to provide regional lift for LH." La suite.

ATELLITE - L’Association Israel Nanosatellite projette de lancer deux petits satellites à partir d’une base de lancement située en Inde.

Source : Israel Valley

"La technologie israélienne va une fois de plus s’affirmer grâce à l’Association Israel Nanosatellite (INSA) qui va lancer deux satellites de petite taille entre Juillet et Septembre 2009, à partir du centre spatial Satish Dhawan en Inde. Comme leur nom l’indique, les nanosatellites sont des petits satellites d’une masse comprise entre 1 et 10 kg. Peu coûteux à produire et à lancer, une constellation de 60 LEO nanosatellites (systèmes de satellite de communication situés au-dessus du globe à basse altitude) peuvent couvrir la planète." La suite.

Joint Venture Airbus-China Aviation à Tianjin en Chine. Le casse-tête chinois de la « coopétition »

Source: Usine Nouvelle

"Les partenariats améliorent les chances de décrocher des commandes. En Chine, le partenaire d'Airbus est un consortium constitué de la China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) et de la Tianjin Free Trade Zone. Airbus inaugurait le 28 septembre 2008 la première ligne d'assemblage final (FAL) des Airbus en Chine, la première hors d'Europe. La Joint Venture (dont Airbus détient 51%) produira des appareils A320 pour le marché chinois à Tianjin, ville portuaire de dix millions d'habitants à 115 km de Pékin." La suite.

Thales: contrat pour un simulateur en Tunisie.

Source: CercleFinance.com

"Thales annonce la signature d'un nouveau contrat en Tunisie pour un simulateur d'Airbus A320, avec la société ATCT (Aviation Training Center of Tunisia) qui assure la formation des pilotes de l'A320 pour les compagnies aériennes tunisiennes et de nombreuses compagnies en Europe, au Moyen-Orient et en Asie." La suite.

Airbus: la Chine reporte la finalisation d'une commande

Source: France Bourse

"L'avionneur européen Airbus a indiqué jeudi que la finalisation d'une commande de 150 avions signée en novembre l'an passé avait été reportée, à la suite de l'annulation des déplacements en France du Premier ministre chinois, Wen Jiabao. "L'accord signé avec la centrale d'achat chinoise CASGC l'an passé portait sur un engagement d'achat pour 110 moyen-courriers A320 et 40 long-courriers A330. La finalisation de ce contrat, c'est-à-dire la ventilation (distribution des avions, ndlr) aux différentes compagnies aériennes chinoise a été reportée", a dit un porte-parole d'Airbus." La suite.

EADS: le président exécutif Louis Gallois étudie une réorganisation du groupe

Source: France Bourse

"Le président exécutif d'EADS Louis Gallois envisage une réorganisation du groupe européen de défense et d'aéronautique, visant à réduire le nombre de divisions du groupe, qui seraient ramenées au nombre de trois, écrit le quotidien Les Echos vendredi. Le schéma envisagé prévoit d'abord la création d'un pôle avions unique qui marierait Airbus et MTA, l'entité en charge des avions de transport militaire, explique le quotidien sans citer ses sources. Un deuxième pôle regrouperait les divisions défense et espace. Eurocopter, dont les activités sont à la fois civiles et militaires resterait dans une troisième entité. Cette restructuration pourrait cependant engendrer des dissensions entre capitales européennes, ajoutent Les Echos, puisqu'elle ramènerait de cinq à trois le nombre de divisions, et donc de responsables." La suite.

Nouvelle Alitalia : pas de lancement le 1er décembre

Source: Easybourse.com

"Dans un communiqué, l'autorité de l'aviation civile italienne (Enac) a annoncé ce jeudi que la nouvelle Alitalia ne pourrait être lancée le 1er décembre prochain comme prévu auparavant. Cependant, l'Enac n'a pas indiqué de nouvelle date quant au lancement de la compagnie aérienne italienne. D'autre part, le dossier de la nouvelle Alitalia est en cours d'examen au sein de l'autorité italienne de la concurrence qui devrait rendre son avis 'au cours des premiers jours de la semaine prochaine'." La suite.

Dassault Aviation : pas d’offre obligatoire sur Thalès.

Source : Boursier.com
Article ici

EADS : Vers une offre sur un groupe de Défense US ?

Boursier.com .
Article ici.