Aerospace Diary

Posted By- Neelam Mathews June 30, 2011 Preparations for the launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C17) targeted for July 15, carrying India's communication satellite GSAT-12 are progressing at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, says ISRO. GSAT-12 Communication satellite with a mass of 1410 kg at lift-off, has 12  Extended  C-band transponders. PSLV-C17 will inject GSAT-12 into an  elliptical Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO) of 284 km perigee and 21,000 km apogee. Subsequently, the Liquid Apogee Motor of the satellite will be  used to raise both apogee and perigee of the Satellite to place it in a  circular orbit of 36,000 km altitude. All the four stages of the launch vehicle have been fully assembled at the  Vehicle Assembly Building at Shriharikota. Presently, the vehicle is going  through various levels of electrical checkout operations and reviews. GSAT-12 satellite has already undergone necessary testing at Shriharikota  befo...

By Neelam Mathews June 30, 2011 U.S Aerospace Industries Association has taken objection to r emarks about business aviation made by President Barack Obama during a June 29 White House press conference concerning tax policies for general aviation planes as part of deficit cutting efforts.  “We're disturbed by President Obama's remarks on business aviation today. It seems odd that he would undermine the aviation industry one day after visiting Alcoa's factory and praising the workers who make parts and materials that are critical to producing business jets,” said President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “General aviation plays an important role in our economy and took a substantial hit in the recent recession. We feel that disparaging comments from the president regarding business jet users are not conducive to promoting jobs, investment and economic growth,” Blakey added. National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen too made a statement. "...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews June 30, 2011 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with editors of five newspapers on June 29 answering queries on various subjects. This what he had to say about India’s neighbors, on Naxalism, US withdrawal from Afghanistan, China defense buildup, India’s defense budget…… On Sri Lanka…. You have a situation in Sri Lanka. The decimation of the LTTE was something which is good. But the Tamil problem does not disappear, with the defeat of the LTTE. The Tamil population has legitimate grievances. They feel they are reduced to second-class citizens. And our emphasis has been to persuade the Sri Lankan government that we must move towards a new system of institutional reforms, where the Tamil people will have a feeling that they are equal citizens of Sri Lanka, and they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect. It is not easy. Within Sri Lanka's population, there are hotheads, the Sinhala chauvinism is a reality. But we have to find a difficult balance...

Neelam Mathews June 29, 2011 Flights were delayed by around 15-30 minutes following the back-office system  of check-ins defaulted with airlines having to check-in manually.     “We are working at getting things stabilized, after which we will have inquiry into the reason this occurred,” an official of the Delhi International Airport told Aerospace Diary. Last year, DIAL delayed the opening of Terminal 3 in part due to information technology (IT) problems.  It is not clear whether power problems led to the shutdown. ARINC installed passenger systems in 2010 at T3 and completed a similar project in 2009, for IGIA’s domestic Terminal 1D.  The T3 project is massive, involving deployment of more than 550 ARINC passenger check-ins and ARINC’s Baggage Messaging. ARINC also worked in partnership with Quantum Aviation Solutions to install 90 hand-held scanners for the automated baggage reconciliation system (BRS) to handle 12,800 pieces of baggage...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews June 29, 2011 Defense and security company Saab announced a definitive agreement to acquire the U.S. company Sensis Corporation (Sensis), a leading provider of air traffic management (ATM) solutions and surveillance technologies, for approximately MUSD 155 (about MSEK 1,008).  In addition, the parties have agreed on a potential earn out payment of maximum MUSD 40 (about MSEK 260) by 2014. The acquisition advances Saab’s strategy to increase its North American presence. It also strengthens the product portfolio within radar, sensors, ATM, and defence systems development. Sensis is a leading provider of air traffic management (ATM) solutions and surveillance technologies serving the global civil aviation and defence industries. The acquisition provides a growth platform from which Saab can build on the combined installed base and skills in systems engineering, design and integration. Sensis customers and partners will benefit from Saab’s pr...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews June 29, 2011 Demand for the mid-size widebody just doesn't go away. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has finalised an agreement with Airbus to acquire 15 more A330-300s.  The aircraft will join an existing fleet of 19 A330-300s at the carrier, flying from Singapore to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region and to the Middle East. As with the carrier's existing A330 fleet, the new aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. "We are extremely pleased that Singapore Airlines will acquire more A330s," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus said in a statemen. The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won over 1,100 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and more than 750 A330s are currently flying with over 80 airlines worldwide. In addition to passenger and freighter models, the A330 is also offered in VIP and Military Transpo...

Posted by Neelam Mathews June 29, 2011 Airbus predicts that the aircraft in 2050 will have a bionic structure that mimics bird bones to allow for lighter weight structure and open panoramic views. (Airbus) . It says that the aircraft in 2050 will have a bionic structure that mimics bird bones to allow for lighter weight structure and open panoramic views.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-ds2UjeKuA&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSEl8bF6xOk&NR=1    

Neelam Mathews June 29, 2011 Majority Air China owned – Shenzhen Airlines  is to announce its decision to enter Star Alliance in Shenzhen in early July, Aerospace Diary learns. Shenzhen is China’s fourth largest carrier. Air China formally joined Star the same time as Shanghai Airlines at the end of 2007, but terminated its membership last October following its merger with China Eastern Airlines that formally joined the SkyTeam airline alliance last week. “After the departure of Shanghai Airlines, Shenzen was a natural choice,” a Star Alliance official tells Aerospace Diary. China Eastern Airlines is the country's second-largest airline company by passenger traffic. China Southern Airlines is already a member of SkyTeam.

Posted by- Neelam Mathews June 28, 2011 The U.S. Embassy says it has welcomed news that U.S. Congress has been officially notified of the potential sale of Mk-54 Lightweight Torpedoes to the Indian Navy.  The Mk-54 is an advanced lightweight torpedo in the U.S. Navy inventory and is intended to be employed with the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, eight of which are currently under construction for India by the Boeing Corporation. The P-8I, equipped with Mk-54 torpedoes, will provide highly effective long-range anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the Indian Navy.  The final content and price for the deal will be determined during discussions with the Government of India.   "This sale reflects the mutual benefits of the U.S.-India security partnership. For India, the combined sale of the P-8I aircraft with the Mk-54 torpedoes will add to India’s anti-submarine capability as it expands its ability to protect India and the critical sea lanes of the In...

Neelam Mathews July 28, 2011 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced its new list of the most critical transportation issues that need to be addressed to improve safety and save lives. The new "Most Wanted List" highlights 10 safety issues that impact transportation nationwide. Aviation concerns feature heavily on the organisation’s ‘Most Wanted List’. These include promote pilot and air traffic controller professionalism; address human fatigue; require safety management systems; improve runway safety; require image and onboard data recorders; and improve general aviation safety. "The NTSB's ability to influence transportation safety depends on our ability to communicate and advocate for changes," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "The Most Wanted List is the most powerful tool we have to highlight our priorities." NTSB began issuing an annual Most Wanted List in 1990. The list released is the first one produced ...

Neelam Mathews June 27, 2011 Eurocopter has received a letter of intent from Malaysia’s Aerotree Defence & Services for the supply of three EC135s in a training and light utility role for its business expansion in Malaysia and the region – with options to purchase more of these light, multipurpose twin-engine helicopters. Aerotree will now be positioned to diversify its activities, as well as developing services in the larger markets within the commercial and enterprise sector. Aerotree’s EC135s are scheduled to be delivered beginning in the first quarter of 2012, enabling the company to become one of the major lightweight helicopter operators within the region. Aerotree specializes in various aviation-related services, defense-related training and services, as well as aerial target products. Aerotree was awarded a major long-term contract to provide the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Navy and Malaysian Army with services for its training requirement – which i...

Neelam Mathews June 27, 2011   Eight Indian community associations in Ras Al Khaimah say they will boycott Air India, during the summer holiday season, if their demands for more daily flights to India are not met, a local daily reports.   There are over 450,000 Indians living in Ras Al Khaimah and the limited number of flights to Indian cities. leads them to travel by road to Sharjah, Dubai or Abu Dhabi , they say.   Presently, only one daily flight operates from Ras Al Khaimah to India.It is not clear how the boycott will take place. Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi, they say, has promised to look into the matter. Over 1,000 Indian companies operate out of Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone with  majority investors from Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad,” M M Nooruddin, President, Indian Overseas Congress said.

Posted by-Neelam Mathews June 27, 2011 A number of Air Tahiti Nui pilots have filed a notice of strike against the airline, and industrial action is expected to commence today. The airline says it plans to operate as close as possible to the published schedule. However it is anticipated there will be disruption to some flights over coming days. The carrier says updates are being provided at www.airtahitinui.com.au Air Tahiti Nui, the international flag-carrier of Tahiti and Her Islands, flies A340-300 aircraft from Auckland to Tahiti with a Qantas code-share operating between Sydney and Auckland. In addition Air Tahiti Nui offers flights to Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.

Posted by- Neelam Mathews June 26, 2011 Alenia Aermacchi – a company of Finmeccanica’s Aeronautics Sector led by Alenia Aeronautica – has finalised with Singapore's ST Aerospace, the logistics support contracts for the 12 M-346 trainers sold at the end of September 2010 for the Singapore Air Force. The two contracts are expected to generate total sales of around EUR 170 million. The first contract (Supply Chain Management) envisages the joint management of the M-346 suppliers by Alenia Aermacchi and ST Aerospace (after-sales support, including spare parts provisioning, repair and overhaul services) with sharing of risks, sales and profits between the two companies. The other contract (Operations and Support) concerns instead the supply by Alenia Aermacchi of engineering support, program/contract management and field support services. “The two contracts for Singapore confirm the success of the high-technology Italian industry and the primacy at international level of this ai...

Posted by Neelam Mathews June 26, 2011 Northrop Grumman Corporation'sEurope-based air traffic management subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, is providing Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS) for Muscat International and Salalah International airports in the Sultanate of Oman. The contract awarded by the Spanish information technology company Indra Sistemas forms part of the nationwide air traffic management modernisation and upgrade program for the Directorate General of Meteorology and Air Navigation Services in Oman and is expected to be completed in April 2015. "This was an extremely competitive tender involving several strong international companies. Winning this contract confirms our position as the leading provider of surface movement systems in the Gulf region," said Eldar Hauge, managing director of Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems in Norway.  "The collaboration with Indra will result in a world-c...

Neelam Mathews June 26, 2011 CAE Flight Training (India) and InterGlobe Enterprises are forming a joint venture training center to provide pilot and maintenance training solutions for the Indian aviation market. The center, expected to be ready for operation by the end of 2012, will be located in the National Capital Region, Delhi. It is CAEs fifth aviation training facility in India. AirAsia has also signed with CAE , a joint venture agreement to set up an aviation training center, called the Asian Aviation Academy to be located at what is now the AirAsia Academy, a short distance from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang, Selangor in Malaysia.   “Our goal is to make the center a prominent ‘aviation university’ and to make it the largest training center in Asia, said Tony Fernandes Group CEO of AirAsia. “By training personnel from other airlines, it will allow us to convert our training program into a profit generator, in line with our aim to boost revenue via ancil...

Neelam Mathews June 26, 2011 As Air India looks to starting flights to Sydney or Melbourne and increase its flights from five to dailies to Paris, the carrier’s image worldwide has taken a beating with only 20% of management salaries paid since April. (The rest is paid as performance-linked incentives (PLI). Insiders say policies in the past three years have led to this dire situation with some political interests acting against the carrier’s interests. “Twenty eight lucrative routes were withdrawn in the past year adversely impacting airline's revenues, and given to private carriers. Air India is good at starting routes that are new and then pulling out when they start making money,” an analyst tells Aerospace Diary. Around 80% of the routes withdrawn were on the international sector with a load factor over 80%. Routes that were doing well and withdrawn included Amritsar-London-Toronto, Chennai-Colombo, Kolkata-London. Presently, Jet Airways flights to Toronto are running a...

Neelam Mathews June 21, 2011 British carrier bmi - the second largest airline at London Heathrow- may soon start services to Amritsar via Almaty, Kazakhsthan, Aerospace Diary learns from an official in Europe. bmi is part of the Lufthansa family of airlines and also member of the Star Alliance. It had withdrawn flights from Mumbai a few years ago citing lack of passengers. The flight from Amritsar to Heathrow via Almaty will be under 12 hours without any change of aircraft. It is   the shortest time taken by any other carrier including Air India. The introduction of bmi will make it Lufthansa Group's fourth airline into India till the winter schedule when Lufthansa withdraws from Hyderabad.

Posted by- Neelam Mathews June 21, 2011 Tony Fernandes CBE, CEO of and founder of budget AirAsia, was awarded the 2nd Asian Corporate Director Recognition Award by Corporate Governance Asia in a ceremony held in Hong Kong last night. The 2nd Asian Corporate Director Recognition Award recognizes his contributions in enhancing business ethics, transparency and corporate social responsibility on the foundation of his success in running the airline business. In addition,  the award also recognizes Fernandes' efforts in helping to raise the standards of corporate governance practice in Malaysia. “We put a great deal of emphasis in ensuring utmost transparency and efficiency in AirAsia because this will help us to continue in offering our low fares for all our guests. It is an award not just for myself but also my team, the “AirAsia AllStars” ........., " said Fernandes

Posted by- Neelam Mathews Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has selected International Aero Engines AG to power six A321 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for IAE’s new V2500 SelectTwo engine.  The extended-range Airbus platforms will be delivered in 2012, marking Gulf Air’s initial application of V2500 engines into its fleet. “We are pleased to be selected to provide Gulf Air with not only their first V2500 power-plants, but as the first customer to order our new SelectTwo offering,” said Ian Aitken, president of IAE.  “I am confident they made the right decision based on performance, reliability and  maintainability that the V2500 SelectTwo will provide for their fleet.” The value of the contract is approximately $180million. “The competitive fleet hourly offering from IAE and fuel burn advantage were key characteristics that assured us that the V2500 was the right engine for us,” said Samer Majali, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air.  “Super...