Airbus renonce à concourir face à Boeing pour remplacer l'Air Force One

Source: Les Echos

"La maison mère d'Airbus, EADS, ne participera pas à l'appel d'offres pour le remplacement de l'avion présidentiel américain, Air Force One, a annoncé mercredi un porte-parole de sa filiale nord-américaine, laissant son rival Boeing seul en lice. "A l'issue d'un examen attentif, nous avons jugé que participer au programme AF-1 ne nous permettrait pas de remplir les objectifs de l'entreprise", consistant à "élargir notre présence industrielle aux Etats-Unis et y créer des emplois", a-t-il déclaré.

Differentiation in airport charges: France abolishes existing State aid

"The European Commission accepted yesterday the measures taken by France to put an end to the differentiation in passenger charges between domestic flights and flights from/to countries in the Schengen area. Following a complaint from a low-cost airline, the Commission examined the rules applicable in France for setting the level of airport charges. It concludes that the differentiation in the levels of charges between those two categories of flights constitutes existing State aid, which is incompatible with the internal market. Meanwhile, France has adopted the measures necessary to abolish that aid. The Commission took the view that the differentiation in passenger charges is financed by State resources and chargeable to the State. It gives an advantage to airlines operating domestic flights in France. It might distort competition and affect trade. The differentiation in passenger charges therefore constitutes State aid[1]. The legal basis of the differentiation in charges originates in orders adopted prior to the entry into force of the EC Treaty, and has not been called into question by the adoption of subsequent legislation. According to the Commission, this is therefore a question of existing aid. As regards operating aid for an indeterminate period, it cannot be authorised on the basis of the guidelines of either 1994 or 1995. The aid to French airlines is therefore incompatible with the common market. Following the Commission’s conclusions, the French authorities have informed the Commission of the measures which they have already adopted. Accordingly, from the first half of 2008, the tariff differentiation between passenger charges for domestic flights and those for flights to countries in the Schengen area was abolished for French airports, except for Paris airports. The rates for Paris airports will be brought into line with full effect from 1 April 2009. Concerning flights to destinations in Member States outside the Schengen area, airport operators may use differentiated tariffs only if it is justified on the grounds that the costs of infrastructure use vary according to type of flight. The Commission notes that the present proceedings are without prejudice to the infringement proceedings relating to the non-compliance of the measure in question with Regulation 2408/92. [1] In accordance with Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty." Source: Air Transport News

Lufthansa Italia launches 'small' but flexible

"Lufthansa Italia took to the skies yesterday with a panoramic flight over the Alps that followed a ceremony christening of its first two A319s. The aircraft were named "Milano" and "Varese," breaking with LH's tradition of naming planes after German cities and marking a new phase in its aggressive expansion strategy, which now includes the first establishment of a carrier outside its home market. Lufthansa Passenger Airlines Executive VP-Services and Human Resources Karl Ulrich Garnadt said Milan Malpensa-based LH Italia is a "clear sign of our commitment to the Italian market." Next.

Lufthansa Italia cleared for take-off

"The first scheduled service to be operated by the new Lufthansa Italia airline is scheduled for take-off at 6.15 hours on 2 February 2009. The maiden LH1790 flight is from Milan to Barcelona. A second flight, LH1770, will take off for Paris 35 minutes later. Customers from Milan and the Lombardy region will in future have a choice of eight new non-stop connections within Europe from Malpensa. The initial first two flights will be followed in early March by others to Brussels, Budapest, Bucharest and Madrid. London (Heathrow) and Lisbon will be added to the network in the 2009 summer flight schedules at the end of March.

Following the discontinuation of a number of flight connections in Milan-Malpensa, Lufthansa decided to lay on a range of new services ex Milan with its new Lufthansa Italia airline as soon as possible. All the requirements for the start of flight operations by the new carrier were met in very short time, allowing Lufthansa Italia to make a major contribution towards keeping the region on the air traffic map. Karl Ulrich Garnadt, Executive Vice President Services and Human Resources at Lufthansa Passenger Airlines: “Lufthansa is for the first time launching a new airline outside Germany. That underscores our confidence in the strength of the Italian market and shows how great our support and customer base is in this important market. Simultaneously, it demonstrates Lufthansa’s capability to stay on its successful course even in the present difficult operating conditions in the airline industry and further strengthen its position in the European home market“. The first two Airbus A319 aircraft in the fleet were today named Milan and Varese. They are configured to seat 138 passengers in Business and Economy Class. Awaiting passengers on board are in-flight services labelled “Sentirsi a casa“, which have been specially developed for Lufthansa Italia and designed to help customers feel at home. Cornetti filled with vanilla cream will be served for breakfast. During the day, tramezzini sandwiches with cheese and pesto will be offered as snacks. On lunch-time flights and in the evening, the menu in Business Class includes ravioli stuffed with gorgonzola with pumpkin sauce or veal cutlets with gnocchi and lemon sauce. Aside from the usual juices and wines, the Italian-speaking flight attendants will offer passengers in both Business and Economy Class typical Italian drinks like spumante, grappa or averna. A wide choice of free Italian newspapers and magazines will keep the news-hungry entertained. In the coming weeks, Lufthansa will in cooperation with the Milan SEA Airport company be successively improving the infrastructure at Malpensa to make the flight experience for passengers faster and more comfortable on the ground. The existing Lufthansa lounge will shortly re-appear in a splendid new and modern design, equipped with improved amenities. Dedicated check-in counters and more Quick Check-in terminals as well as refurbished gate and baggage reclaim areas in the Lufthansa design will be available from February. The passage from the multi-story car park to the gate will also be shortened to help passengers get more quickly to their departure gate. Flights with Lufthansa Italia can already be booked from 99 euros for the round-trip, including taxes and fees. Special inaugural fares are available to Lufthansa customers at lower cost to mark the start of the new connections. From now up to 10 February, passengers can book two tickets for the price of one from 99 euros to all Lufthansa Italia destinations. These flights, which are tied to a limited number of seats, can be taken on dates of a passenger’s choosing. The inaugural specials can be booked at www.lufthansa.com or at a travel agency."

Airbus : deuxième essai en vol réussi pour le moteur de l'A400M

Source : les echos
"Airbus a réussi le deuxième essai en vol du moteur de son futur avion de transport militaire A400M, qui a été testé à sa "puissance maximale", a annoncé mercredi à l'AFP une porte-parole d'Airbus, alors que le calendrier de ce programme majeur reste toujours dans l'inconnu.Un avion C-130 de..."

Commission Expands Probe Into Lufthansa Deal

"The European Commission is opening an “in-depth investigation” into Lufthansa’s planned takeover of SN Brussels Airlines, after early findings that the deal would impede competition.

The commission’s initial investigation identified monopoly or other competition concerns on six European routes. Remedies proposed by Lufthansa on Jan. 5 “were not sufficiently clear-cut to remove the serious doubts identified in [the] first-phase investigation,” the commission said. Lufthansa said it is examining the commission finding, but does not expect it to derail the takeover.

According to the commission, the decision to mount an in-depth inquiry “does not pre-judge the final result of the investigation.” The commission has until June 10 to make its final ruling. The routes under scrutiny are from Brussels to Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Zurich and Geneva." Next.

Irish Government Scuttles Aer Lingus Bid

Source: Aviation Week

"For the second time, Ryanair has failed in an attempt to take over Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus welcomed the move, and also announced plans to expand ties with United that could lead to a broad joint-venture type of arrangement. Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the “government took the view that the Ryanair offer greatly undervalues Aer Lingus. Ryanair had indicated it might up its bid, but the government noted price was only one consideration. The Irish government holds 25.12% of Aer Lingus shares, so its buy-in was critical. Ryanair repeatedly made the case that the government could use the money from the sale for priority programs." Next.

BA forecasts operating losses; Walsh issues merger warning

Source : ATW

"British Airways warned yesterday that it expects to report an operating loss of "around" £50 million ($69 million) in its third fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31 and a £150 million operating loss for the full year, largely owing to foreign exchange losses. "Further economic weakness in January and the outlook for February and March, combined with the fall in sterling, are impacting our outlook," BA said. It took a £56 million noncash charge in the December quarter related to its foreign currency obligations. In November, it claimed it was "on track and focused on achieving a small profit in the financial year" (ATWOnline, Nov. 10, 2008). The new guidance follows a similar profit warning by Air France KLM, which forecast a €200 million ($259.7 million) operating loss in its fiscal third quarter (ATWOnline, Jan. 23). " Next.

Sarkozy ready to do battle with his French champions

Source : FT

"From the beginning, two of President Nicolas Sarkozy's pet industrial projects have involved bolstering the French defence sector and the country's leadership in nuclear energy. Unlike his predecessors, who championed forging closer industrial links with Germany, Mr Sarkozy seems to have long concluded the best way forward was for France to go it alone - especially in defence and nuclear energy.

EADS, the Franco-German aerospace and defence group, was supposed to create a European champion to compete against Boeing. But if EADS has shown one thing, it is the difficulty for Paris and Berlin to co-operate in what both consider strategic industries. When EADS tried to acquire the French defence electronics group Thales, the Germans blocked the deal, fearing it would shift the group's centre of gravity too much in France's favour. Subsequent infighting and scandal in the French EADS camp enabled the Germans to gain an upper hand in Airbus, the EADS civil aircraft subsidiary." Next.

China Planning Engine Development

"China is planning to develop its own jet engines to power the commercial airliners and perhaps business jets it plans to build in coming years. Foreign investment in the $878 million venture is being capped at 30 percent, with state aircraft builder Aviation Industry Corp (AVIC) holding 40 percent and the remainder to be split between Shanghai Electric Group and an investment arm of the government. The announcement was made by the official Shanghai Securities News on Monday.

According to a Reuters report the first engine produced by the company will be aimed at the 150-seat airliner market, which is next on the aircraft company's development list. Engines for its developmental 70- to 100-seat ARJ21 regional jet, which is now in flight tests, are being supplied by General Electric. The Chinese report says AVIC is already working on larger airplanes, including a cargo version that can carry 220,000 pounds of freight. Design and testing of homegrown engines is expected to begin in 2010." next.

Airbus Builds A350 Assembly Line

"Airbus has begun construction of the final assembly line for the A350XWB in Toulouse, France." Article.

New Record for Embraer Deliveries

"Embraer deliveries were up 20 percent last year when it delivered 59 jets to the Commercial, Executive, and Defense and Government aviation segments during the fourth quarter of 2008 (4Q08), totaling 204 jets in the year. For the second consecutive year, the company set a new aircraft delivery record, besting 2007’s record of 169 jets. The last quarter of 2008 was also marked by the delivery of the first two Phenom 100 executive jets. The value of the firm order backlog came to US$20.9 billion on December 31, 2008." next.

Global crisis slows EADS expansion plans

article FT.

"Les bonnes raisons de sauver Mecachrome"

Source: Usine Nouvelle

"Lourdement endettée, Mecachrome, société franco-canadienne qui produit, entre autres, des composants de la voilure de l'A380, a frôlé la faillite. EADS-Airbus a participé au plan de sauvetage qui a mobilisé au total 30 millions d'euros. ACE Management, une filiale de la Caisse des dépôts, qui gère le fonds Aerofund, fait également partie du tour de table. "Pour nous, le business model de Mecachrome est bon, explique Thierry Letailleur, le patron d'ACE-Management. C'est le bilan qu'il faut apurer"."

DASSAULT AVIATION : Renforce sa présence en Inde

Source : La Vie Financière

Eurocopter anticipe une forte baisse de ses commandes

"La filiale d'EADS prévoit de vendre environ 450 hélicoptères cette année, contre 715 en 2008. Son carnet de commandes dépasse les 14 milliards d'euros. Pas de ralentissement de la production pour l'instant."

Eurocopter anticipe une forte baisse de ses commandes

"La filiale d'EADS prévoit de vendre environ 450 hélicoptères cette année, contre 715 en 2008. Son carnet de commandes dépasse les 14 milliards d'euros. Pas de ralentissement de la production pour l'instant."

China To Take Delivery of 241 Aircraft in 2009

"Chinese airlines expect to take delivery of 241 aircraft this year, including 16 delayed deliveries from last year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Although leases on 43 airplanes are expected to expire this year, available seats will increase by 16 percent with the addition of the new deliveries, CAAC said. According to CAAC deputy head Yang Guoqing, Chinese airlines received 120 aircraft last year, 14 fewer than planned, but increased the fleet to 1,254, up from 751 in 2005. Because of the global economic downturn, Yang has urged airlines to cancel or delay orders, return leased aircraft and ground or sell older airplanes. He said CAAC would be cautious about approving new orders, because last year carriers lost more than $1.1 billion. In 2008 Chinese airlines carried 192 million passengers and 4.03 million tons of cargo, respectively increases of 3.3 percent up and 0.2 percent. In previous years growth averaged 15 percent. “The environment for airlines is worsening and some have already fallen into insolvency,” Yang said. Although CAAC plans not to approve the establishment of any new airlines until next year, it will approve more commuter flights, like the Beijing-Shanghai express, to help airlines compete with high-speed rail services." Next.

Monarch CEO against Heathrow expansion

"Here's something you don't see very often - an airline chief executive speaking out against plans to build a third runway at London Heathrow. In an interview with UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph, Monarch Airlines managing director Tim Jeans says the decision to expand Heathrow "will affect countless people living under the flight path". He adds that "environmental concerns must be taken seriously and decisions that may seem unpalatable for business need to be taken" Next.

EasyJet's Harrison gets an environmental grilling

"EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison has bravely, or stupidly, gone head-to-head with UK newspaper The Guardian's environmental warrior George Monbiot in a web video interview. And by the look on Harrison's face by the end of the interview, I think he might have regretted it!

For those of you unfamiliar with Monbiot, he's a regular contributor to The Guardian website's "Comment is free" section and his focus is man's impact on climate change. Yesterday he was railing against the evil of Agas and today he is challenging Harrison about easyJet's environmental record - in particular the viability of the Ecojet design it unveiled last year and its carbon offset scheme.

I couldn't help thinking that Harrison looked more than a little uncomfortable with the line of questioning, and could perhaps have been better prepared. After all, you only have to read some of Monbiot's opinion pieces to see what his agenda is and what line his questioning will take.

But kudos to Harrison for going ahead with it anyway. I'd pay to see a similar interview between Monbiot and Ryanair's Michael O'Leary! And as for Monbiot, I admire his passion for a cause but can't help being turned off by his earnest pomposity. "

Greenpeace buys Heathrow land

"Interesting piece on the BBC's website today if you haven't already seen it - apparently a Greenpeace coalition has bought some of the land earmarked for the construction of London Heathrow's third runway.

The coalition, which includes UK actress Emma Thompson, is hoping that buying up the land will throw a "massive spanner" in the works, should the proposed third runway get the go-ahead.

This is a great example of the phrase "putting your money where your mouth is", and whatever your feelings about the controversial third runway, you have to respect the obvious strength of people's feelings towards this proposal.

It's going to be a hell of a battle!" Next.

ETIHAD LAUNCHES MELBOURNE PRIZE GOLF COMPETITION

"Etihad Airways is offering two return economy tickets to Melbourne in a competition on its new dedicated golf website www.etihad-golf.com following the success of its “shot from the yacht” challenge, held on the eve of last week’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Entrants to the competition to win tickets to Etihad’s next destination have to guess from a choice of five destinations the nearest one that Trevor Immelman’s first “shot from the yacht” landed on the global map green at Emirates Palace Hotel." Next.

QATAR AIRWAYS HOUSTON PROMOTIONAL ROADSHOW ARRIVES IN DOHA

Article.

ETIHAD APPOINTS IRAN MANAGER

"Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirate, has appointed Nabil Matarweh Hijazine as the airline’s country manager for Iran. Based in the capital city Tehran, Mr Hijazine will be responsible for managing the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s commercial operations throughout Iran. Etihad currently flies three times a week between Abu Dhabi and the Iranian capital of Tehran. Geert Boven, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president sales and services, said: “Nabil’s extensive commercial experience in the Middle East will be invaluable in his new role as our country manager in Iran. He understands the challenges faced by the aviation industry and the importance of the Iranian market in the global growth plans of Etihad Airways.” Etihad’s presence in the Iranian market could expand significantly following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Civil Aviation Organisation of Islamic Republic of Iran (CAOIRI)." Next.

Air Berlin enters into co-operation with Hainan Airlines

Article

TAP and Brasil strengthen Partnership

"During the BTL - Lisbon Tourism Fair, the leading fair in the sector in Portugal which took place last week, work meetings were scheduled between TAP and Brazilian authorities from the tourism sector, with the aim of following on with work that has been developed with good results both for Portugal and Brazil. To culminate the work carried out, Fernando Pinto and Luiz Mor met with the Brazilian Minister of Tourism and other important figures in the sector.

Within the scope of the TAP annual sales meeting with the presence of reps from all markets, a meeting was also held with Embratur during which those responsible at TAP and the Chairwoman of Embratur - Jeanine Pires and the Director of Tourism, Leisure & Incentives, had the opportunity to openly discuss, exchange mutual information and assess what the best joint actions and work initiatives to be developed are. This meeting represented an excellent opportunity to assess the results of the TAP/Embratur partnership and also to align future strategies and strengthen cooperation ties between the two. The synergies and benefits generated by this partnership are clearly visible both in terms of the increase in the number of Brazilian visitors that travel to Portugal or who choose our Country as a doorway to Europe, and also in the increase in the flow of tourists coming from some of the major tourist issuing markets from Europe to Brazil, benefitting from the advantages offered by the TAP network, the leading European airline company in flights in Brazil. During the presentation of the goals and priorities of Embratur’s action plan, Jeanine Pires spoke of the offer of integrated routes to Brazil with the purpose of winning over steadily more visitors and better corresponding to their different motivations, emphasizing within this context the importance of the TAP network. "TAP has eight different entrance ways to Brazil and this enables passengers for example to come in via Rio de Janeiro and leave via Recife, or arrive in Salvador and depart from Fortaleza or another city”, she said. "Let's create itineraries so that passengers can experiment the diversity of the Country, getting to know the Brazil beyond the sun and beaches”, she further added. Offering 67 flights a week from Lisbon and also from Porto and serving eight destinations in Brazil, TAP is hence a privileged partner in the intake and distribution of air traffic between Europe and South America, taking the maximum benefit from the advantages offered by the strategic geographic positioning of its hub in Lisbon at the crossroads between the two continents. With a total of eight million 738 thousand passengers transported in 2008, more than a million more than in the previous year, TAP thus witnessed the importance of Europe and Brazil - both strategic markets for national tourism reaffirmed within its operations' network as a whole, having registered transported traffic growth rates of the order of 20 percent on lines from Brazil and 13 percent in Europe."

Swissport and Lufthansa Cargo conclude major agreement for Amsterdam

"Swissport International, the world’s leading airport ground and cargo handling company, has signed a cooperation agreement with Lufthansa Cargo, one of the world’s leading Aircargo Carriers, to provide airfreight handling services for the partner airlines of the Lufthansa Cargo Group (incl. Jade Cargo) at Amsterdam Airport for the next three years. Swissport Cargo Services has been selected following an extensive tender process, and should commence its new operations on 1 March. Lufthansa Cargo began its search for the best possible provider of their airfreight handling services at Amsterdam last year. The invitation to tender attracted the interest of several major inter-national cargo handlers; and Swissport International has now emerged as the winner of the business concerned." Next.

Cargolux Gets IOSA Certificate

"After successfully concluding the required audits, Cargolux Airlines International S.A. has received its IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certificate. ‘Our IOSA registry underlines our strong commitment to the safety of our operations and the safety standards of the airline industry,’ says Uli Ogiermann, President and CEO of Cargolux. The internationally recognized IOSA certificate is awarded to airlines after an in-depth audit by independent bodies under the supervision of IATA. IATA member airlines are required to obtain IOSA registry and have to renew it every two years." Next.

ETIHAD TO CODESHARE WITH BANGKOK AIRWAYS

Article.

EU COMMISSION AUTHORISES IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL AID FOR AUSTRIAN AIRLINES

BABOO APPOINTS APG GA IN 15 COUNTRIES AS COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATIVE

CAAS AND RSAF SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO FORGE CAREER TRANSITION PARTNERSHIP FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

"The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to formalise a career transition partnership for retiring RSAF Air Traffic Controllers." Next.

GOL Celebrates Eighth Anniversary With More than 100 Million Passengers Transported

"GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A., Brazil’s low-cost airline, today celebrates its eighth anniversary of operations, transporting more than 100 million passengers. Since launching operations in January 2001, the Company has achieved over 40% market share and today serves 59 destinations with 104 airplanes, employs almost 16,000 people and owns five brands – GOL, VARIG, SMILES, Voe Fácil and Gollog.

In 2008, the Company completed the incorporation of VARIG. The operational synergies due to this acquisition have already benefitted the Company, as evidenced by a 3Q08 operational profit of R$ 61.2 million and a load factor of 68 percent in December 2008. To further streamline operations, the Company also upgraded its systems to New Skies on January 13." Next

Colgan Air, Inc. Orders 15 Q400 Nextgen Aircraft to Grow Its Fleet of Bombardier Turboprops

"Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Colgan Air, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corp., has signed a firm order to acquire 15 Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The transaction involves the conversion to firm orders of 10 conditional orders and the exercise of five options placed by Pinnacle in 2007. Colgan Air's operations are based in Manassas, Virginia." Next.

Dear Mr. President: Letters To Obama

Barack Obama was elected 44th president of the United States on a promise of "change." So in the weeks leading up to his inauguration, aerospace leaders have written open letters to Obama in Aviation Week & Space Technology on the kinds of changes they feel are vital to the nation's future security and prosperity.

The letters cover a wide range of topics, some unique to the aerospace and defense industry, others broader. In anticipation of Obama's inauguration today, we've presented the series here as letters to President Obama.

The most recent message, from Boeing Co. Chairman, President and CEO James McNerney, urges Obama not to let incipient reforms to cumbersome U.S. export control regulations wither on the vine. Raytheon Chairman and CEO William Swanson issued a plea to Obama to support education initiatives in science, engineering and math that are vital to producing the next generation of skilled aerospace workers. Steven Grundman, a defense official in the Clinton Administration, warns that broken managerial systems at the Pentagon could impair Obama's leadership if left unattended. Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Robert Stevens wrote about the importance of aeronautics research; Goodrich Chairman, President and CEO Marshall Larsen called for reshaping an outdated tax code that puts U.S. corporations at a disadvantage, Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO Clayton M. Jones issued a plea to make a Next Generation Air Transportation System a priority, and Pedro Rustan, a senior official a the National Reconnaissance Office, wrote about expanding the role of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency beyond defense technologies.

Aviation Week's initiative has caught the attention of the Obama transition team, which has asked to receive copies each week. The seven that have appeared so far are available below. Registered users of AviationWeek.com can weigh in with their own thoughts (and new visitors can register in the upper right corner of AviationWeek.com). We encourage your participation in this important dialogue on topics that are vital to the industry's future.

Fix The Outdated Tax Code -- Marshall O. Larsen; Chairman, President and CEO, Goodrich Corp.

The Key Role of Aeronautics Research -- Robert J. Stevens; Chairman, President and CEO, Lockheed Martin Corp.

The Other U.S. Defense Crises -- Steven C. Grundman; VP/Director, Aerospace & Defense Consulting, CRA International

Make NextGen a High Priority -- Clayton M. Jones; Chairman, President and CEO, Rockwell Collins Inc.

A Plea To Upgrade Education -- William H. Swanson; Chairman and CEO, Raytheon Co.

Use Darpa To Rebuild Economy -- Pedro L. Rustan; Director, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office's Ground Enterprise Directorate.

Export Control Reforms Are Vital -- Jim McNerney; Chairman, President and CEO, Boeing Co.

Boeing orders plummet by 53%

"Boeing commercial aircraft orders more than halved last year, as demand from airlines plunged from the record levels reached in the three previous years. Deliveries also dropped sharply as the leading US exporter was hit by an eight-week strike by its assembly workers during the autumn, allowing Airbus, the rival European aircraft maker, to re-establish its leadership of the global commercial aerospace industry.

Airbus, part of EADS, the leading European aerospace and defence group, will announce its full-year numbers next week, but already by the end of November it had surpassed both the orders and delivery totals reached by Boeing for the full year.The US group, led by Jim McNerney, chief executive, has suffered a year of serious setbacks in its commercial aircraft operations, as the long period of industrial strife added to the embarrassing and increasingly costly delays in two of its flagship new aircraft development programmes." Next.

Virgin Galactic Signs Deal To Build Spaceport In New Mexico

"$198M Facility To Be Completed In 2010

British billionaire Richard Branson signed a 20-year lease with the state of New Mexico last week to build the first US spaceport, and Virgin Galactic expects to break ground on the facility by April, with completion slated for sometime in 2010.

"The signing of this agreement is a momentous day for our state and has cemented New Mexico as the home of commercial space travel," Governor Bill Richardson said.

"I want to thank Virgin Galactic for partnering with us to create a whole new industry that is going to transform the economy of Southern New Mexico - creating thousands of jobs, generating money for education, boosting tourism and attracting other companies and economic opportunities to the area."

$140 million in state funds have been made available for the project, freed for use by the Federal Aviation Administration's grant of a launch license to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. The launch site has previously been used by Lockheed Martin, Armadillo Aerospace, UP Aerospace, Microgravity Enterprises, and Payload Specialties." Next.

BRESIL : De fructueux échanges avec le Brésil dans l’aéronautique militaire

"Au cours du mois de décembre 2008, environ 11 milliards de contrats ont été signés entre la France et le Brésil portant sur des contrats d’armement. La France a vendu les produits et services de certaines grandes entreprises nationales (Eurocopter, DCNS) tout en s’engageant dans une démarche de partenariat et de transfert de technologie avec les entreprises brésiliennes. Concernant les avions de combat, Dassault espère également tirer profit de ces bonnes relations en 2009."

Source : www.lemoci.com, « COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL Signature de plusieurs contrats d’armement entre la France et le Brésil », le 23/12/2008

Traffic To Fall For First Time Since 1991

Article ici.

India Orders Eight Boeing P-8Is

"The Indian Navy ordered eight Boeing P-8I multimission aircraft on Jan. 2 to replace its eight aging TU-142s, making for the first direct military sales by Boeing to India.

"Clearly, we are pleased that the government of India has selected the P-8Is. India has become the first international customer for P-8s. It is significant for us to partner with this market," said Vivek Lall, vice president and country head, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

There are 30 percent offsets that have been committed by Boeing on the deal. Boeing declined to comment on delivery schedules.

"The commonality inherent in our solution will greatly enhance the interoperability and supportability objectives publicly supported by both the U.S. and Indian navies," Lall told Aviation Week." Next

Air New Zealand Flight Leads Drive to Biofuels

Article ici

EADS/Airbus Completes Its Aerostructures Strategy

"With GKN Aerospace’s recent acquisition of the Airbus wing component and assemblies manufacturing unit at Filton, UK, EADS/Airbus has accomplished its aerostructures reorganisation strategy. This initiative combines the divestment of non-core activities and sites in order to establish a network of strong suppliers, allowing Airbus to concentrate on its core business as being an aircraft architect and integrator.Filton’s part site sell-off to GKN follows the successful transfer of the Laupheim site in Germany to Diehl/Thales on October 1st 2008. Prior to this, the carve-out process for the former German Airbus sites in Nordenham and Varel and the former EADS site in Augsburg to create the new Premium AEROTEC GmbH was also accomplished. A similar process was undertaken in France, where Meaulte and St. Nazaire Ville are now the foundation of Aerolia. Both Premium AEROTEC and Aerolia commenced full operations on January 1st under EADS ownership, and are well positioned to become major players on the global market, especially regarding Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) aerostructures. Not only will all companies be significantly involved in the A350 XWB programme, they will also commit to the EADS/Airbus Power 8 targets. Aerolia for example has already decided to extend its enterprise and invest in a new plant in Tunisia. " La suite.

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS AND AUSTRAL SUSPEND LANDINGS WITH DESTINATION TO USHUAIA CITY

Article ici.

Airbus Delivers 12 A380s In 2008

Article ici.

Biofuel flight a step towards carbon neutral growth

"In another example of the aviation industry’s commitment to a sustainable future, an Air New Zealand aircraft took off today, powered in part by a second-generation biofuel. The Boeing 747-400 test flight will investigate how the new fuel, made from the Jatropha plant, stands up to use at the high altitudes and extreme operating conditions required by aviation.

The flight, which will take two hours, is another in a series of trials taking place at airlines around the world, testing different types of biofuel to determine the viability of using the sustainable alternative to the fossil fuel-based Jet-A1 fuel currently used by commercial aviation. Paul Steele, the executive director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a representative of organisations from across the aviation industry, said that the flight was a significant step towards the industry vision of carbon neutral growth, “Earlier this year, the leaders of the aviation industry gathered in Geneva to sign a Declaration on Climate Change, committing the industry to a pathway towards carbon neutral growth. “The efforts taking place in New Zealand today and other projects across the aviation sector are designed to make progress towards that goal, providing the aviation industry with a reduced-carbon form of energy and allowing the sustainable future of air transport which is a key generator of economic growth.” " Next.

JET AIRWAYS USHERS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH ATTRACTIVE FARES ON DOMESTIC FLIGHTS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

"Jet Airways India’s premier international airline, announces attractive and substantially reduced basic fares on Economy class, on all its domestic flights with immediate effect. With the introduction of these special fares now lower by up to 40%, Jet Airways customers will have one more reason to fly and experience its world-class service, commencing with this holiday season. A Mumbai - Delhi economy class basic fare will now be available for as low as INR 2000; a Mumbai – Kolkata basic fare will be INR 4065; a Bengaluru - Mumbai at INR 1220; and Mumbai – Ahmedabad for an attractive INR 500." La suite.

Chinese carriers posted CNY7.7 billion net loss in first 11 months of 2008

Article ici

Vueling/Clickair merger expected to pass EC test

"The European Commission is expected to announce today the outcome of its first-stage review of the proposed merger of Clickair and Vueling Airlines.Shareholders of the two Barcelona-based LCCs agreed on the terms of a merger in July and an initial submission was filed to Spanish competition authority CNC, which in August referred the file to the EU's DG-Competition (ATWOnline, July 8, 2008). The EC has asked the carriers for remedies, mainly slot surrenders at BCN on certain routes (to Seville, for example), in order to address competition issues and possible market dominance, a source close to the discussions told ATWOnline.Insiders expect the EC to approve the merger based on the latest exchange of remedies, which took place Monday, although they noted that the opening of a more in-depth second-stage investigation is possible. The blocking of the merger is regarded as unlikely." La suite.

Air France nearing successful Alitalia bid

Source:
 http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=15187

BRESIL : De fructueux échanges avec le Brésil dans l'aéronautique militaire

"Au cours du mois de décembre 2008, environ 11 milliards de contrats ont été signés entre la France et le Brésil portant sur des contrats d'armement. La France a vendu les produits et services de certaines grandes entreprises nationales (Eurocopter, DCNS) tout en s'engageant dans une démarche de partenariat et de transfert de technologie avec les entreprises brésiliennes.
Concernant les avions de combat, Dassault espère également tirer profit de ces bonnes relations en 2009."
Source : www.lemoci.com, « COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL Signature de plusieurs contrats d'armement entre la France et le Brésil », le 23/12/2008

BAE to enter joint venture with Indian vehicle maker

Source : FT

"BAE Systems, Europe's largest defence contractor, is to expand its presence in the rapidly growing Indian market by setting up a joint venture focused on armoured vehicles. The company said yesterday that it had received approval from India's foreign investment regulator to set up a partnership with vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra. The decision is an important step in the British company's plans to build its defence business in India. Its ambitions are to position itself to participate in the modernisation of India's armed forces, among the world's largest, by entering partnerships with local companies. Ian King, chief executive of BAE Systems, described the decision as "the first step" in the group's "plans to [develop] long-term businesses in India in multiple sectors across the breadth and depth of the company's global capabilities in land, sea, air and security". Next.

BE Aerospace falls after analyst cuts estimate

Source: Forbes.com

"Aircraft-interior maker BE Aerospace Inc. shares fell Tuesday after an analyst trimmed his earnings estimate, citing a sharp drop in air-travel demand. Peter Arment of Broadpoint.AmTech also forecast a "significant de-stocking of airline spare part inventories" in the next four to six months. Assuming the global economy does not worsen, the potential trough in demand for products made by the Wellington, Fla., company could come in the middle of next year, he said in a client note." Next.

India buys $2.1bn Boeing surveillance aircraft

Source : FT

"The Indian government has agreed to buy eight long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft from Boeing, its largest acquisition of military hardware from the US, its cold war adversary.

New Delhi's $2.1bn (€1.5bn, £1.4bn) purchase of the P-8I Poseidon aircraft highlights India's rapidly deepening defence ties with the US, a process facilitated by a civil nuclear deal last year that buried the biggest bone of contention between the two countries.

The urgent need for India to enhance its maritime security was exposed during the November terror assault on Mumbai, which was mounted by attackers who commandeered a small fishing boat and landed on the waterfront in the heart of India's financial capital.

Boeing is vying with five other companies - including Lockheed Martin of the US, France's Dassault, a European consortium led by EADS, and Russia's Mikoyan Design Bureau - to supply 126 fighter jets in a $10bn deal that would modernise India's decrepit Soviet-era strike force.

The Boeing P-8Is, which will replace 25-year-old patrol aircraft, have the capacity to detect submarines moving deep into India's territorial waters and also possess advanced missile systems that could be used to destroy them. The first aircraft are to be delivered in four years and Indian defence analysts said the country might acquire up to 20." La suite.