Air France-KLM s'intéresse à la tchèque CSA

La compagnie franco-néerlandaise essaie actuellement de contrer les ambitions d'une de ses principales rivales, l'allemande Lufthansa, très active.

Air France-KLM a confirmé, mercredi 25 février, étudier la privatisation de Czech Airlines (CSA) décidée en janvier par Prague. "A ce stade, nous étudions le dossier mais n'avons pas pris position pour l'instant", a déclaré une porte-parole de la compagnie aérienne franco-néerlandaise, confirmant une information de La Tribune. Selon le quotidien économique, la décision du groupe "dépendra du prix". Le gouvernement tchèque espère céder les 92% détenus par l'Etat dans le capital de la compagnie d'ici à fin septembre.
Le directeur général d'Air France-KLM, Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, a déclaré le 16 janvier que ses équipes examineraient tous les dossiers d'acquisitions potentielles dans le cadre de la consolidation attendue dans le secteur, sans en dire davantage. Selon plusieurs médias, AF-KLM s'intéresserait également à la privatisation de la compagnie scandinave SAS.
Le groupe souhaite notamment contrer les ambitions de sa rivale Lufthansa, particulièrement active sur le terrain de la consolidation en Europe.

Source : Challenges

Embraer to cut 20% of its workforce

Source : ATW

"Embraer announced yesterday that it will cut an estimated 20% of its workforce of 21,362 employees in response to an "unprecedented crisis affecting the global economy." The more than 4,000 cuts will be concentrated in production and administration, with a layer of management structure eliminated. Most of the engineering workforce will remain onboard continuing with new product and technology development. The Brazilian manufacturer forecasts $5.5 billion in revenue this year and expects to deliver 242 commercial and executive aircraft. Earlier this month, rival Bombardier Aerospace said it will reduce the number of temporary or contract workers by 1,010 and cut 350 permanent employees, amounting to about 4.5% of the total workforce. The Canadian manufacturer has an estimated 30,000 workers worldwide."

Emirates plans big 2009 capacity boost despite economy

Source : ATW
"Emirates plans to expand 2009 passenger capacity by 14% year-over-year and cargo capacity by 17%, with a focus on adding new flights and larger aircraft to existing routes rather than adding a high number of new destinations. In its next fiscal year starting April 1 it plans to take delivery of seven A380s (bringing its total to 11), 10 777-300ERs, one 777-200LR and one 777 freighter. It will take delivery of a 777F before the end of the current fiscal year."

Boeing livre le premier exemplaire de son 777 cargo à Air France

"Le constructeur américain Boeing a livré le premier exemplaire de son long-courrier 777 cargo à la compagnie aérienne française Air France, ont annoncé vendredi les deux groupes dans des communiqués distincts.Le premier 777 cargo (ou 777-F) a été livré à Air France, la compagnie..."

Source : Les Echos

Embraer reduces number of employees

Source : Air Transport

"Embraer informs that as a consequence of the unprecedented crisis affecting the global economy, which also affects the air transportation industry, it has become inevitable to implement a revision to its cost structure and workforce, adjusting them to the new reality of demand for commercial and executive aircraft. Although Embraer has its headquarters in Brazil, the Company depends primarily on export markets and on global economic performance – over 90 percent of its revenues are generated abroad. Therefore, the resiliency that the Brazilian domestic market has been demonstrating through the crisis does not significantly alter this adverse scenario."

"Airbus révise ses cadences de production"

Source : Communiqué Airbus.

Airbus adapte actuellement les cadences de production de sa famille A320, qui passeront de 36 à 34 appareils par mois, à compter d'octobre 2009. La production de la famille A330/340 sera maintenue au niveau actuel de 8,5 appareils par mois. Cette décision reflète le point de vue actuel d'Airbus sur la demande du marché, à l'heure où les compagnies adaptent leurs capacités et où les incertitudes liées à la crise économique persistent. "Souplesse et capacité d'adaptation sont essentielles en temps de crise" a déclaré le patron d'Airbus Tom Enders en ajoutant : "je n'exclus pas de réduire encore davantage les cadences de production, le cas échéant". Airbus, qui a effectué 483 livraisons en 2008, a pour objectif de livrer le même nombre d'appareils en 2009.

EADS remplace le patron de sa division avions militaires

Source : Les Echos

"Pour la quatrième fois depuis sa création, EADS s'apprête à changer le patron de sa division avions de transport militaires. Opposé aux plans d'intégration de ses équipes dans Airbus, Carlos Suarez va laisser la place à un compatriote, Domingo Ureña, selon la presse locale."

Crise d'image pour les avions d'affaires : les constructeurs se rebiffent

Source : Les Echos
"Les fabricants d'avions d'affaires Cessna et Hawker Beechcraft ont lancé des campagnes de publicité pour riposter à la crise d'image qui fait s'effondrer le marché de ces appareils prisés par les PDG de grands groupes.Cessna s'est ainsi offert une pleine page de publicité dans le Wall Street."

Embraer compte sur l'Amérique latine pour traverser la crise

Source : Les Echos

"Face à l'accès de faiblesse de l'Amérique du nord, son principal marché, l'avionneur brésilien spécialisé dans les jets de 70 à 120 sièges mise sur la clientèle latine. Comme la crise pourrait durer jusqu'en 2011, des licenciements sont envisagés.

Le nouveau vice-président d'Embraer pour l'Amérique latine, Luiz hamilton Lima ne le cache pas : les mois à venir seront "difficiles" mais la croissance à long terme du marché de l'aviation commerciale semble solide, et l'expérience d'Embraer dans le segment des jets de 70 à 120 sièges devrait porter ses fruits, a-t-il expliqué depuis le siège du groupe à San Jose dos Campos, près de Sao Paulo,.

L'avionneur brésilien, troisième constructeur mondial d'appareils commerciaux derrière l'Européen Airbus et l'Américain Boeing, voit même cette crise "comme une grande opportunité pour Embraer", a-t-il déclaré, soulignant que les compagnies latino-américaines avaient besoin de remplacer leur flotte vieillissante et de répondre à la demande d'une classe moyenne en expansion. L'Argentine, le Mexique et la Colombie sont les marchés privilégiés par Embraer."

Safran anticipe une stabilité de ses ventes cette année

Source : Les Echos

"Safran publie un résultat opérationnel en baisse de 17% mais légèrement supérieur aux attentes et annonce un programme de réduction de coûts pour affronter la crise. Le spécialiste de l'aéronautique, de la défense et de la sécurité - qui compte parmi ses clients des groupes comme Airbus, Boeing ou Embraer - a dégagé un bénéfice opérationnel de 652 millions d'euros l'an dernier, ramenant sa marge à 6,3% contre 7,7% en 2007."

Eurocopter Gains New Orders from Brazil, Greece

Source : AIN
"Defense business accounts for nearly half the turnover of Eurocopter, and recent export orders should help the EADS subsidiary overcome a downturn in commercial orders. Over the past two months, a major deal to supply 50 EC 725 Cougars to Brazil has been announced, followed by 15 more to Greece for SAR duties.

Eurocopter subsidiary Helibras will assemble the Brazilian machines at Itajuba; they will go the country’s air force (18), army (16) and navy (16). Moreover, Eurocopter is pitching for some more big contracts in India and the U.S., where it will offer an armed version of the EC 145 to the U.S. Army as an OH-58 replacement, following the termination of Bell’s contract to supply Model 407s for armed reconnaissance.

Eurocopter’s U.S. subsidiary has already delivered to the U.S. Army more than 50 EC 145s, designated as UH-72A light utility helicopters. Eurocopter delivered a grand total of 588 helicopters last year, and expects to hand over a similar number this year."

Demand shrinks for private jets

Source : FT

"Makers of business jets and smaller private aircraft warned on Tuesday that orders were shrinking rapidly around the world and markets outside the US were no longer able to make up for the steep fall in North American demand. Mark Van Tine, chairman of Gama, the US general aviation manufacturers association, said the industry was “facing some of the most severe turbulence that we have seen in decades".

Finmeccanica : menaces sur le contrat des hélicoptères pour la Maison-Blanche

Source : Les Echos

"Finmeccanica était réservé à la baisse à l'ouverture de la séance à Milan après que le «New York Times» a annoncé que la Maison-Blanche pourrait remettre en cause la commande de 23hélicoptères présidentiels VH71 construits par Lockheed Martin en partenariat avec... ..."

L'intégration de Casa dans Airbus fait grincer des dents en Espagne

Source : Les Echos
Article ici.

Air Canada's 2008 loss tops C$1 billion

Source : ATW

"Air Canada reported a 2008 net loss of C$1.03 billion ($827.6 million), reversed from a profit of C$429 million in 2007, citing "unprecedented volatility on fuel prices, significant fluctuations in foreign exchange and a worsening global economy."

The Canadian dollar, which provided AC a boost when it was on par with the US dollar in 2007 and early 2008, dropped rapidly in the fourth quarter, driving a net loss on foreign exchange of C$655 million last year. AC posted a C$317 million net gain on foreign exchange in 2007. "Foreign exchange turned against us," President and CEO Montie Brewer told analysts Friday."

Dassault Aircraft Completes Little Rock Expansion Project

Source : Aero News

"Doubled Space Of MRO Facility"

"Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS) – Little Rock recently completed an expansion project that doubled the service space to 110,000 square feet at its Adams Field (LIT) facility. DAS-Little Rock can now service up to 15 Falcons simultaneously with over 100 experienced Dassault Falcon trained maintenance technicians on-site.

"Now more than ever our customers' airplanes need to be ready to go at a moment's notice. Being prepared to service any Falcon under any situation is paramount," said Jack Young, President of Dassault Aircraft Services. "Even in these difficult times, our factory owned service center network continues to grow so we can help our operators stay competitive in their marketplace."

DAS-Little Rock is a full Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility offering line maintenance up through heavy 'C' checks on all Falcon models. It also includes an AOG 'Go Team' to provide mobile response directly to an aircraft location anywhere in United States with the parts and tools necessary to get a Falcon flying with minimal delay. The $10 million project broke ground in the third quarter of 2007 and was completed at the end of December 2008.

In addition to the new hangar, 'back shop' capacity also increased. The back shops handle light refurbishments of aircraft interiors and structures, a task that was previously handled by the Completion Center. A new 65,000 square foot paint hangar to serve both aircraft completions and modifications was opened in September 2008.

Dassault noted its Factory Owned Service Center capacity has increased dramatically over the past six months. In August 2008, plans were revealed for a new service center at Sorocaba Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil and plans were revealed for a new service center in Reno, Nevada the following month. Dassault Aircraft Services – Le Bourget recently completed a 50,000 square foot expansion.

The Dassault Falcon service network consists of 28 worldwide maintenance centers including three company owned facilities in Little Rock, AR; Wilmington, DE and Le Bourget (Paris), France with two more under construction in Reno, NV and Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition, Dassault distributes Falcon spare parts from nine distribution centers strategically placed around the world."

Pratt & Whitney to lay off 1,000 in business-aviation division

Article ici.

Aviation Industry Under Attack

Source : Kake
"Wichita's business aviation industry is under attack on several fronts and now one company is fighting back. As the use of corporate jets comes under fire in Washington DC, Cessna Aircraft is out with a new campaign defending the industry. Cessna is hoping its new initiative will help change the minds of Americans' perceptions of private jets.

The business aircraft industry that employs so many in Wichita hasn't been able to catch a break lately. During Congressional hearings Wednesday on Capitol Hill, California Representative Brad Sherman questioned Wall Street CEO's about their corporate jets.

"I'd like you to provide a detailed statement about planes and perks," he said. "But for now I'd like you to raise your hands if your company currently owns or leases a private plane."

The only one not raising a hand is from Goldman Sachs, which is interesting considering its investment through G.S. Partners in Hawker Beechcraft locally.

"Gentlemen, we know that it is extremely expensive to operate these planes, that you could sell them and generate capital for your company and that capital could be used to repay taxpayers immediately."

Add this incident to the Detroit CEO's getting lambasted for flying corporate jets to Washington to ask for federal bailout money and many can understand why companies across the US and abroad are wondering about owning business aircraft.

"Business aviation has become kind of the whipping boy for the time being for those on Capitol Hill to shame the executives," says Brian Foley, aviation analyst with Brian Foley Associates.

This is why Cessna has launched an ad campaign to counter what the company calls misinformation.

Cessna CEO Jack Pelton says, "We think it's time the other side of the story be told. A business aircraft is a tool of the industry and one that should see its highest and best use during times of fiscal crisis."

Cessna's ads will target business newspapers, magazines and aviation trade publications. It won't get the thousands of laid off Wichita aviators back to work right away, but maybe it will remind some executives why they purchased planes in the first place.

"It's business aviation that makes those folks productive and allows them to travel to many cities in a day versus taking the airlines," says Pelton. "There are many benefits of business aviation that are just being overlooked."

Pinnacle Has Had 10 Crashes Since ’01, NTSB Data Show (Update1)

"The Pinnacle Airlines Corp. crash in upstate New York was at least the 10th for the regional carrier and its Colgan Air unit since 2001, government data show. It was the third accident with fatalities.

Colgan was operating Flight 3407 for Continental Airlines Inc. when the Bombardier Inc. Dash 8 Q400 turboprop fell to the ground short of the Buffalo airport late yesterday, bursting into flames and killing all 49 people on board and 1 on the ground.

An airline’s safety record is among the areas of inquiry in any crash probe, said Bill Waldock, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, who has taught aircraft-accident investigation for 25 years.

“It might provoke more of a focus” if a carrier has had recent crashes, said Waldock, who declined to comment specifically on Pinnacle. “One of the basic things regulators will review is trends and patterns.”

Aerolineas Argentinas airline even closer to home

"One of the worlds oldest airlines that is, currently in private hands and whose future has been the subject of much speculation looks set to return home. (See News 04 December)
Aerolineas Argentinas was purchased from Argentina by the Spanish group Marsans who, unfortunately were unable to operate the airline profitably. There were many too-ings and fro-ings between the Argentine govt and Marsans culminating with the former declaring they would seize the worthless airline back and re-nationalize it saying Aerolineas and subsidiary Austral Airlines were together a staggering $890 MILLION in debt. Naturally Marsans rejected this suggestion claiming the two airlines ware valued at $250-450 million-on the positive side!
Negotiations have continues and it looks like an end to the saga is in sight-at last. Various Spanish and Latin American sources have indicated an agreement between the two sides has been reached.
The sticking point relating to the value of the airlines and the seizure by the Argentinian govt has been overcome with the aforementioned government agreeing to take over the purchase of appx 40 aircraft. This purchase was subject to a previous contract between aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Marsans and if the proposals are accepted the move is reported to release $190 million for the Spanish company.
It is expected that the code-share agreement Aerolineas and Air Comet (another Marsans owned airline) would be maintained as part of the deal. The arrangement will allow Air Comet to operate from Spain to Argentina and from Argentina to other Latin countries." Next

Australian cargo investigation ensnares four more European airlines

Source : ATW

"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has expanded its investigation into cargo price-fixing and yesterday announced commencement of legal proceedings against Air France, KLM, Martinair and Cargolux Airlines International for colluding on fuel surcharges between 2003 and 2006.

The carriers "made a number of admissions and consented to the remedies sought including penalties, injunctions and costs," ACCC said. Air France and KLM have offered to pay a combined fine of A$6 million ($4 million), while Cargolux and Martinair have offered A$5 million each. The Federal Court will determine the final penalties and a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16.

"Cargolux has cooperated intensively with the ACCC and the other authorities throughout the investigation and the legal proceedings and will continue to do so," Chairman Marc Hoffmann said. The other airlines did not release statements."

Austrian Airlines: The Commission opens the formal investigation procedure regarding its sale to Lufthansa

Source : Air Transport News

"The European Commission has today decided to open the formal investigation procedure into the privatisation and restructuring of Austrian Airlines whereby it will be taken over by Lufthansa. The Commission expresses doubts that the price to be paid by Lufthansa reflects the market price for what is being sold, that the Austrian State has acted as private investor and whether the restructuring plan as notified is in accordance with the Community framework for rescue and restructuring of firms in difficulty.

Following a privatisation procedure Lufthansa has been selected to buy the Austrian State's stake (41.56%) in Austrian Airlines. The deal comprises three elements: * Lufthansa pays a purchase price of € 366.268,75 * the State receives a debtor warrant, which may lead to an additional payment * the State pays a grant of € 500 million, which Lufthansa shall use for a capital increase in Austrian Airlines The Commission has decided to open the investigative State aid procedure as it has doubts concerning existence of State aid and whether this State aid can be declared compatible with the common market. In particular, it doubts whether the price paid (including the debtor warrant) reflects the market price for Austrian Airlines at the time it was sold. And it has doubts also whether the sale was truly open, transparent and unconditional and whether the State really acted as a market economy investor. With regard to the compatibility of the aid the Commission has doubts on whether the amount of the aid has been kept to a minimum and whether the restructuring plan submitted by Austria will restore the long-term viability of the company in the shortest possible time and without the need for additional aid in the future. Therefore, having examined this restructuring plan, the Commission questions certain elements of this plan and whether these meet the criteria for authorisation of restructuring aid as set out in the Commissions guidelines for rescue and restructuring of firms in difficulty. Furthermore, the Commission has doubts if the compensatory measures proposed are sufficient to remedy the market distortion of the aid vis-à-vis the competing airlines and whether Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa will contribute sufficiently to the restructuring. Today's decision follows a separate but related Commission decision of 19 January 2009 whereby the Commission authorised a guarantee on a loan worth € 200 million of rescue aid for Austrian Airlines."

EU Concern Over Lufthansa/Austrian Deal

Source : Aviation Week

"The European Commission today expressed doubts about the proposed takeover of Austrian Airlines by its partner Lufthansa. The Commission stated it has doubts "whether this state aid (as part of the deal) can be declared compatible with the common market" and "whether the price paid reflects the market price for Austrian Airlines at the time it was sold." The Commission also questions whether "the sale was truly open, transparent and unconditional." Air France-KLM and Ryanair have filed complaints. claiming that it was not." La suite.

India faces fares controversy

Source : ATW

"India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation wrote to domestic airlines asking for an explanation for recent fare hikes across the industry, prompting several rollbacks and a stern warning from Minister of Civil Aviation Praful Patel. He said authorities are "against any cartelization amongst airlines" and that they "will keep watch and take strict action in any such case." On Tuesday, several airlines scrapped promotional fares and increased their other fare groups nearly simultaneously, often to the same level, according to widespread press reports."

United Airlines Appoints Tony Cervone Chief Communications Officer

Article

Aeroflot confirms its interest in buying a stake in Czech Airlines

Source : Air Transport News

"The Czech government has today launched the tender for the sale of the Czech Republic’s ownership interest in Czech Airlines (CSA). As a result OJSC Aeroflot - Russian Airlines officially announces its interest to follow up on the long-standing partnership of the both companies and take part in the privatisation of CSA.

“According to European rules, Aeroflot, not being an EC resident, cannot seek more than a 49 per cent stake in CSA. In the CSA privatization deal, we aim to have a partner who would be a Czech resident. Aeroflot is talking to prospective partners and will be able to declare its choice shortly,” says Aeroflot’s CEO Valery Okulov. Aeroflot is one of the fastest growing European carriers and through such partnership will strengthen the synergy effect with CSA and make both companies more profitable. “The experience on such routes as Prague – Moscow and Karlovy Vary – Moscow proved beneficial for both companies. CSA is the largest and most stable airline in Central Europe in economic and market terms. By joining and mutually expanding their route networks, Aeroflot and CSA will be able to become more profitable. The synergy is certainly there. We started our co-operation long before any global alliances appeared. We have even more in common now that both belong to the same global alliance, SkyTeam,” adds Okulov. Aeroflot plans with CSAIn case of winning the CSA tender Aeroflot will keep the company as the Czech flag carrier. CSA will retain its brand, identity and traditions. It will get an ability to operate on a much wider scale, a better access to transit in Russia and other former Soviet republics. CSA is supposed to fly far beyond Moscow. At the same time, Aeroflot expects a better access to a number of destinations in Europe. Aeroflot and Ruzyne airportAeroflot intends to privatise only CSA. There are no such plans for Prague’s Ruzyne International Airport . Although it may expect significant progress in business. Aeroflot will stick to its business which is to run air transportation, not airports. Russian Government’s role in AeroflotBoard of Directors: Out of its 11 members, just three represent the Russian government. The rest eight are independent directors and representatives of minority stakeholders. Thus, the Russian state is represented by less than 30 per cent directors on Aeroflot?s Board while possessing a 51 per cent stake of the company. This is a result of intentional policy of attracting independent directors, so that the commercial interests of the company would not be overshadowed by the political interests of the government. This is a principle of Aeroflot?s corporate policy and culture based on internationally recognised rules of corporate governance.. According to the European rules, Aeroflot, not being an EU-based company, can not seek more than a 49 per cent stake in CSA. The same thing pertains to CSA’s executive bodies. Safety and quality in Aeroflot The company has undergone necessary audits according to the most stringent international standards. Aeroflot is included into the IOSA (IATA’s Operational Safety Audit) Registry. It has an up-to-date quality management system. Our flight personnel school is well known and recognized in the world. No major incident with loss of life has been recorded for the last 15 years. Aeroflot?s financial situation Aeroflot is in good financial health. Aeroflot started September with a zero credit portfolio, and it finished the year 2008 with good results which are expected to be at the level of 2007."

Air Berlin: Continued double-digit revenue growth

Source : Air Transport

"Air Berlin, the second largest German airline company, got off to a good start in the new year. In January 2009, Air Berlin realized a double-digit increase in its revenue per available seat kilometer ("Yield per ASK"). Compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, revenue per available seat kilometer increased from 4.06 to 4.99 Eurocents, i.e. an increase of 23 percent. Fleet capacity utilization improved by 0.3 percentage points to reach 69.4 percent (2008: 69.1 percent). Although capacity for the month of January was reduced by 4.9 percent, the number of passengers decreased by only 4.5 percent, reaching 1,701,780 passengers (2008: 1,781,556)."

Bank of China va accorder une ligne de crédit de 60 milliards de yuans à Aviation Industry Corp.

Source : Les Echos

"Bank of China (BoC) va accorder une ligne de crédit de 60 milliards de yuans (près de 9 milliards de dollars) au principal constructeur aéronautique chinois Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AICC), a indiqué vendredi l'agence Chine Nouvelle."...

L'US Air Force commande 15 C-17 à Boeing pour 2,9 milliards de dollars

Article

Airbus Sells 200th A380

Article

EADS va devoir s'adapter à la crise, selon Louis Gallois

Source : Les Echos

"Le groupe aéronautique européen EADS va devoir adapter ses programmes de production, en particulier civils, à la crise économique, mais n'envisage pas pour le moment de réduction d'effectifs, a déclaré à Reuters son président exécutif.
"Nous sommes impactés sur nos activités commerciales, pas sur nos activités défense, pour le moment", a dit Louis Gallois en marge de la 45e conférence de Munich sur la Sécurité.
Sont ainsi touchés les activités d'Airbus et les hélicoptères commerciaux. Ces derniers ne représentent cependant que 30% de l'activité d'Eurocopter .
Selon EADS, deux éléments jouent sur les ventes d'Airbus : des compagnies peuvent avoir des difficultés à financer le dernier paiement des appareils à la livraison ; d'autres peuvent se retrouver en surcapacité en raison d'un trafic aérien moins important que prévu et souhaiter reporter ces livraisons .
Ces deux phénomènes n'ont pas encore actuellement pris une très grande ampleur mais il y a toujours un décalage dans le temps des effets d'une crise économique sur l'aéronautique, ajoute-t-on de même source.
EADS s'attend donc à ce que l'année 2009 soit marquée par des annulations et des reports et examine compagnie par compagnie et avion par avion quels sont les risques.
"Ce qui caractérise la situation c'est qu'il n'y a pas de visibilité", souligne Louis Gallois. "Nous aurons à adapter nos programmes de production."
"A ce stade, nous ne prévoyons pas d'effet sur les effectifs", a-t-il cependant ajouté.
A la direction d'EADS, on souligne qu'il existe, notamment à Airbus, des "amortisseurs" - possibilité de chômage technique, grand nombre d'intérimaires, de contrats temporaires et de sous-traitants, etc.
AIRBUS MIEUX PLACÉ QUE BOEING GRÂCE À POWER 8
EADS estime en outre être en meilleure position que Boeing, de ce point de vue, grâce au programme de réduction d'effectifs lancé en 2007 à Airbus sous le nom de Power 8. Cette suppression de 10.000 emplois au total est en cours de réalisation.
Ce programme, décidé à l'époque pour répondre notamment aux contraintes imposées par la chute du dollar, a finalement permis à EADS d'anticiper les conséquences de la crise actuelle.
En ce qui concerne le très gros porteur A380, Louis Gallois confirme qu'Airbus prévoit d'en sortir 18 de ses chaînes de montage en 2009 après 12 en 2008, sauf éventuels reports de livraison demandés par les compagnies clientes.
Encore aujourd'hui, le programme A380 consomme plus de ressources que prévu, explique EADS.
En outre, ces ressources supplémentaires utilisées pour sortir un avion ne sont pas disponibles pour l'avion suivant, ajoute-t-on de même source.
"Ça ne facilite pas la croissance de la production mais ce processus est en train progressivement de se remettre en ordre", fait cependant valoir Louis Gallois.
En ce qui concerne l'avion de transport militaire A400M, EADS admet avoir surestimé ses capacités et sous-estimé les difficultés.
"Nous avons signé un contrat dans lequel nous disions que allions livrer en six ans et demi cet avion. Or, dans le monde, aucun programme de ce type n'a été livré en moins de 12 ans", souligne le président exécutif du groupe. "Nous nous trouvons maintenant face à des pays qui ont des besoins urgents et qu'il faut être capable de satisfaire."
"Donc, dès lors que nous sommes en retard, il faut voir s'il y a des solutions de transition qui peuvent être proposées et il faut que nous donnions à nos clients un nouveau calendrier sur lequel on puisse s'engager", ajoute-t-il.
EADS dit être en mesure de livrer l'A400M environ trois ans après le premier vol. Le groupe n'est cependant pas en mesure de préciser quelle sera la date de ce premier vol, qui dépend de la disponibilité du système de propulsion et des motoristes."

Aviation lobby groups urge: include NextGen in stimulus

Source : AIN

"In a rare show of unanimity, the Air Transport Association has joined with general aviation and others in lobbying Congress for a $4 billion stimulus package that could jumpstart NextGen and provide many of its benefits during President Barack Obama’s first term.

A coalition of 11 aviation-related organizations said that under the FAA’s current plan, NextGen will not achieve significant investment return for the aviation transportation system until 2025. Included in the group are NBAA, the National Air Transportation Association, AOPA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

“This is due, in large part, to the challenge of aligning investments in air and ground infrastructure and across the stakeholders–the ‘chicken and egg’ syndrome,” the groups said. “An infusion of stimulus funding would jumpstart this process, dramatically advancing the schedule and resulting in job creation, a reduction in carbon emissions and an air transportation system supporting economic growth.”

Under the stimulus proposal, the $4 billion would be used to make grants for 100 percent of the costs to retrofit general aviation and commercial aircraft with NextGen equipment such as on-board avionics, electronic flight bags, cockpit displays, surface moving maps and software upgrades.

The groups explained that combining the FAA’s infrastructure modernization with enhanced aircraft equipage and new procedures will create jobs; improve airline environmental performance and reduce CO2; enhance system capacity/operational performance, leading to reduced delays for consumers; reduce FAA operating costs; and establish all-weather access to general aviation airports.

Using the FAA’s own methodology for calculating jobs created, the coalition estimated that a $4 billion funding infusion for NextGen would generate 77,000 jobs.
Experts estimate that total NextGen implementation will cost $20 billion for FAA program development, deployment and technology acquisition and $20 billion for operators for avionics equipage, training and related costs.

“In fact, we anticipate that the FAA will be requesting stimulus funding to accelerate its NextGen infrastructure needs as well as funds to accelerate the needed standards, procedures and criteria that will be required for aircraft to take advantage of the full benefits from equipage,” the coalition said. “Thus, our proposal for stimulus funding should dovetail well with FAA’s NextGen request.”

The components of the request total $4.048 billion. Of that, $2.2 billion is for ADS-B, $500 million for RNP equipage, $20 million for FAA Rnav/RNP procedure development, $500 million for LPV procedures development, $458 million for electronic display upgrades and $370 million for ground-based augmentation systems to support precision landings.

The coalition is making the request on behalf of the commercial and GA communities. Although $4 billion is only a fraction of the estimated total of $20 billion in required equipage costs, it will provide a sufficient jumpstart to “significantly accelerate these programs and their benefits,” the group added.

In early December, many of the same associations sent a joint letter to the House and Senate leadership recommending six priorities for Congress to consider when assembling an economic stimulus package, including funding for airports, investment in NextGen, an emphasis on research and development, legislation to extend accelerated depreciation on aircraft purchases and other initiatives.

That 12-member coalition strongly recommended that the following proposals be included in the economic stimulus package: include at least $1 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP); fund $3 billion for NextGen equipage; eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax penalty on airport private activity bonds; extend the current bonus depreciation provision for aircraft purchases through Dec. 31, 2009, and the placed-in-service date through Dec. 31, 2011; accelerate the increases in the domestic manufacturing deduction; and make the R&D tax credit permanent.

In the letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), they proposed that the current AIP program receive an additional $1 billion in funding over the current $3.3 billion. There are more than 5,000 public-use airports in the U.S., but only about 500 have commercial service.
“These are improvement projects that would increase the utility and safety of these vital airports that could go to contract within 30 days if the money were available,” said AOPA. The aviation groups predicted that this proposed infrastructure funding could create some 35,000 jobs."

Lufthansa raises full-year operating profit forecast

Source : ATW

"The market conditions that forced European heavyweights Air France KLM and British Airways to warn of steep operating losses appear to have bypassed Germany, where Lufthansa yesterday raised its full-year operating profit projection to €1.3 billion ($1.66 billion) from the previous €1.1 billion. The carrier reported a €1.38 billion operating profit in 2007. Last month, BA said it expected to suffer a £150 million ($214.4 million) operating loss in its fiscal year ending March 31 and AF KLM projected a €200 million deficit in its fiscal third quarter ended Dec. 31 (ATWOnline, Jan. 27).

Yesterday, LH said the increase in its forecast is "substantially attributable to a more stable result development in the fourth quarter than was previously expected." It cited falling fuel prices and "favorable valuation effects" without elaborating. It warned, however, that the "market environment has evolved poorly" and that "further business development now is afflicted by significantly higher-than-usual risks." It is scheduled to release its full-year results on March 11."

Air France, KLM, WestJet sign codeshare MOU

Source : ATW

"WestJet, Air France and KLM yesterday announced their intention to codeshare by late 2009 or early 2010. An MOU signed by the three airlines also covers the possibility of interline e-ticketing, through check-in and loyalty program cooperation. WestJet said the codeshare would include flights to/from Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver." Next.

Mexicana to launch regional subsidiary

Article.

Capital injection imminent for Shanghai Airlines

"Shanghai Airlines suspended trading in its shares yesterday as it anticipated a capital injection from the government. SAL noted in a statement that it is discussing with stakeholders an effort to reduce its debt ratio, which Board Secretary Xu Junming confirmed will occur through a capital injection. Its debt ratio was 91.4% on Sept. 31, 2008. Chairman Zhou Chi previously revealed that the airline requested approximately CNY3 billion ($438.5 million) from the Shanghai municipal government, SAL's controlling shareholder at 35.7%."

Cathay to maintain job levels, cut cargo as it negotiates downturn

Source : ATW

"Cathay Pacific Airways CEO Tony Tyler confirmed to ATWOnline at this week's oneworld anniversary event in Madrid that the carrier has no plans to lay off employees despite the current downturn and repeated profit warnings. It is, however, making small changes in order to weather the storm (ATWOnline, Jan. 8). "We have already parked two freighter aircraft. If necessary more will follow," Tyler said, ruling out the grounding of any passenger planes. Last month, the Hong Kong Airport Authority agreed to let CX delay completion of its new cargo terminal by two years until mid-2013 (ATWOnline, Jan. 16). It also has been trying to sell five 777-200s, but that effort has hit a snag. "We found a buyer, but it is not able to finance the aircraft anymore," Tyler said."


Aussi : http://www.flyintelligence.com

BA suffers £85 million third-quarter loss

Source : ATW

"British Airways was £127 million ($286 million) in the red through the first nine months of its fiscal year, compared to a £642 million surplus in the year-ago period, implying a net loss of £85 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008. CEO Willie Walsh cited "further economic weakness and the fall in sterling" for the result, while the airline repeated its forecast of a £150 million operating loss for the full year (ATWOnline, Jan. 27). Fiscal third-quarter operating loss was £51 million but BA remained in the black through the nine months at £89 million. Its operating profit through the first nine months of the 2007-08 fiscal year was a robust £744 million. Nine-month FY09 revenue rose 6.2% to £7.05 billion while costs climbed around 17% to £7 billion on a 48.4% surge in fuel expenses to £2.24 billion."

Pratt & Whitney veut à nouveau faire la course en tête.

Source : Aeromorning

"Etonnante industrie aéronautique américaine ! Non contente de déployer des efforts technologiques et financiers considérables pour rester la plus puissante du monde, elle soigne plus que jamais son image. Et, dans cet esprit, il lui arrive même de repousser des limites du savoir-faire publicitaire.

Ainsi, voici que prend forme le PW1000G, geared turbofan (GTF), turbosoufflante à réducteur en français, pour autant que cette appellation parvienne à s’imposer. De toute manière, chez Pratt, tout le monde dit «GTF» par amour des acronymes qui sonnent bien. Ledit GTF est surnommé PurePower, en un mot et avec deux majuscules, nom très écolo accompagné de l’incontournable «TM», Trade Mark. Le nom est déposé en bonne et due forme."

BAE wins £100m aircraft contract

Article

Business aircraft makers face 'most severe test'

Source : FT

"Business jet makers, reeling from the US political attack on some of their highest profile corporate high fliers, are being forced to make increasingly drastic cuts in production and jobs in the face of the deepening global recession. Jim Schuster, chief executive of Hawker Beechcraft, one of the leading US corporate jet suppliers, said: "We are undoubtedly facing one of the most severe tests in our company's history." The group said last week it would remove 2,300 jobs on top of an initial 500 it eliminated late last year, a combined reduction of close to 30 per cent of the workforce of about 10,000."

Aussi :
http://www.flyintelligence.com

SAS perd la majorité au sein de Spanair

Source : Les Echos

"Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) a cédé la majorité de sa filiale Spanair pour un euro symbolique à un groupe d'investisseurs catalans, réunis à l'initiative du gouvernement régional. Ensemble, ils vont prendre 80% de Spanair à l'occasion d'une augmentation de capital de 100 millions d'euros. Avec le statut de partenaire industriel, SAS conserve la dette de Spanair (500 millions d'euros) et 20% du capital. Spanair est le deuxième transporteur espagnol derrière Iberia avec 9 millions de passagers."

Ryanair in order talks for 400 jets with Boeing and Airbus

Source : FT

"Ryanair, Europe's biggest low-cost airline, is in early talks with Boeing and Airbus about an order for 300-400 short-haul jets, one of the biggest purchases of new aircraft.

Michael Cawley, deputy chief executive and chief operating officer for Ryanair, said he expected the group to place the order within 24 months to take advantage of the weakening commercial aerospace market.

The Irish carrier is seeking to repeat its coup of six years ago, when it ordered 100 aircraft and another 50 options in January 2002, close to the bottom of the last aviation recession.

It was the biggest order Boeing had received for its 737 jets. Ryan-air secured one of the largest discounts agreed by the US aircraft maker, which was desperate for orders.

Both Boeing and Airbus have said they expect orders to plunge this year to about a quarter of the peak combined industry level of more than 2,800 orders in 2007.

Ryanair has a single type fleet of 181 Boeing 737-800s. That is due to rise to 292 by March 2012 based on existing firm orders. It recently exercised options for 13 more jets for delivery in 2011 and has 10 options remaining." Next

Iberia's largest shareholder: BA merger 'close'

Source : ATW
"Iberia shareholder Caja Madrid Chairman Miguel Blesa told reporters that a merger agreement with British Airways is "close," Reuters reported from Madrid. The bank is IB's largest shareholder at 23%. "The perception now I think is that the share exchange will not be 60-40," he said. "Iberia is now worth more. It will be closer to 55-45." IB's increased valuation has been a source of concern at BA (ATWOnline, Feb. 2)."

EADS Astrium : contrat de 4 milliards d'euros avec Arianespace

Source : Les Echos

"EADS Astrium a conclu avec Arianespace un contrat portant sur la fourniture de 35lanceurs Ariane5, pour lequel une lettre d'intention avait été signée lors du dernier Salon du Bourget en 2007. Montant estimé de la commande: 4milliards d'euros."