Latest Business & GA News (page 1)

General aviation (GA) encompasses all aviation other than scheduled airline flights and military aviation and includes privately owned aircraft, charter services, business owned aircraft and many more types of working aircraft that are not, strictly speaking, for transportation. Although a large part of General Aviation consists of recreational flying, an equally large part involves important, commercial activities. These include flight training, shipping, surveying, air taxi, charter passenger service, corporate flying, emergency transport, police, fire fighting and more. This section of your international aviation news magazine provides news from that part of civil aviation, which encompasses many facets of the aeronautical world.

09/05/08: Boeing Begins Contract Talks with IA: MBoeing committed to excellent pay and benefits - Boeing seeks to reward employees for productivity gains - Company focused on resolving issues early in negotiations process

SEATTLE, May 09, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today began negotiating a new labor contract for more than 26,000 employees, largely in the Seattle area, Portland, Ore., and Wichita, Kan. “Boeing is committed to providing employees with outstanding pay and benefits, and we intend to reward employees for generating productivity improvements that help us meet our commitments to customers and win new business,” said Doug Kight, the Boeing vice president of Human Resources responsible for these negotiations. “Working with the union, we’ve agreed to start discussions much earlier than usual. This will allow us to spend more time listening, understanding each other’s positions, and resolving issues early.

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08/05/08: Boeing Names Keating to Lead Public Policy and Washington, D.C. Operations

CHICAGO, May 08, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney has named Timothy J. Keating senior vice president for Public Policy, effective June 2. He succeeds Tod R. Hullin, who earlier this year announced his plans to retire from Boeing by the end of 2008. Keating, 46, currently serves as senior vice president, Government Relations, for Honeywell. At Boeing, he will lead company-wide public policy efforts, including all U.S. federal, state and local government liaison operations. He will report to McNerney from Boeing’s Washington, D.C. office and join the company’s Executive Council.

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08/05/08: 1st Boeing P-8A Poseidon Gets Its Wings

ST. LOUIS, May 08, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] joined the wing assembly and fuselage of the first P-8A Poseidon for the U.S. Navy on May 1 in Renton, Wash. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) are working together to build the P-8A, a military derivative of the 737-800, on a new final assembly line. The factory’s third line takes advantage of the proven efficiencies, manufacturing processes and performance of the highly reliable Next-Generation 737.

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08/05/08: Boeing, Asiana Airlines Finalize Order for Two 777-200ER Jetliners

SEATTLE, May 08, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Asiana Airlines have completed an order for two 777-200ERs (Extended Range). The order is valued at $438 million at list prices. The South Korean airline holds rights to substitute the larger 777-300ER which features increased payload and range capability, if needed, in the future. Asiana currently operates 40 Boeing airplanes including nine Boeing 777s.

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08/05/08: Duncan Aviation Completes First Ever Honeywell AFGS Upgrade in a Falcon 900B

LINCON, NEB - Duncan Aviation’s Glass Box Project recently added to its extensive lineup with the installation and certification of the Honeywell Advanced File Graphics Server (AFGS) upgrade in a Falcon 900B. The AFGS is a computing platform bringing advanced graphics generation capabilities, such as electronic charts and uplinked weather, together with mass data storage to allow for the operation of flight display applications. Duncan Aviation had recently equipped this Falcon 900B with Honeywell’s Primus Epic CDS/R solution, a 4-display major panel retrofit. This aircraft is one of 14 CDS/R installations Duncan Aviation has recently completed or plans to complete this year. Duncan Aviation has installed the system in the following aircraft models: Hawker 800A, Hawker 1000, Gulfstream GIII, and Falcon 900B. Duncan Aviation also plans to complete the CDS/R installation with the AFGS upgrade in a Challenger 601-3A this year.

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07/05/08: Airbus and Latecoere discontinue negotiations on sites divestment

Amsterdam, 7 May 2008 - Airbus and Latecoere have terminated negotiations regarding the sale of the Airbus sites in Meaulte and Saint Nazaire Ville since a viable solution could not be finalised within the required time frame, in particular due to the current difficult financial environment. However, Airbus intends to keep Latecoere as a first tier partner for the development of the A350. This does not change the site divestment strategy and Airbus will proceed with the carve-out of these sites into a separate unit, as is being implemented for the sites of Augsburg, Nordenham and Varel. This will prepare the sites for a partnership and sale at a later stage. The negotiations concerning the divestment in Filton and in Laupheim are continuing with the view to conclude in the next few weeks.

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06/05/08: First Flight Successful for Cessna’s Citation CJ4

Wichita, Kan., May 5, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, completed first flight of its Citation CJ4 business jet prototype today. “It was an outstanding first flight,” said Cessna Senior Engineering Test Pilot Dan Morris, who flew the aircraft with Engineering Flight Test Manager Dave Bonifield as co-pilot. “We tested quite a number of the systems on the aircraft, including the autopilot, and all performed very well. The FADECs operated just as we expected, and along with the four displays of the Pro Line 21, this is a very pilot-friendly aircraft. Operators will transition easily into the CJ4.” The 2-hour, 22-minute flight departed McConnell Air Force Base just after 11:30 a.m. and consisted of flight maneuvers evaluating stability and control along with initial systems evaluations. While the pilots took the prototype on a sustained climb to 16,000 feet, engineers monitored the aircraft’s instrumentation and safety equipment via telemetry systems at Cessna’s engineering facility at Mid-Continent Airport, where the CJ4 landed.

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06/05/08: First Production Cessna SkyCatcher Completes First Flight

Wichita, Kan., May 5, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, completed the first flight of the first production model SkyCatcher May 1, about eight weeks after the first prototype SkyCatcher flew. The 30-minute SkyCatcher flight departed Cessna Aircraft Field Airport adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base and consisted of flight maneuvers evaluating the controllability and stability of the aircraft. The SkyCatcher, flown by Cessna Engineering Test Pilot Dale Bleakney, returned to Cessna Field (KCEA) as scheduled where it will continue development testing. In addition to having two aircraft in the test program, Cessna is set to begin static and fatigue testing on a separate airframe in mid-May.

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06/05/08: Boeing Delivers First 737-900ERs to GECAS for Lease to Futura International Airways: Futura becomes first European carrier to operate the newest 737 model

SEATTLE, May 06, 2008 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] last week delivered Europe’s first two Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplanes to GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) and its leasing customer, Spanish carrier Futura International Airways, based in Palma de Mallorca. “We are very satisfied to take delivery of the first Next-Generation 737-900ER for Europe through our lessor GECAS,” said Román Pané, CEO of Futura. “Our experience in operating the 737 will be expanded with this new aircraft model, allowing us the longest range possible for our international fleet.” Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005. The 737-900ER, the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family, increases the capability of the 737 by carrying more passengers and flying farther. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified the 737-900ER April 22.

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05/05/08: Boeing and Iraq Announce Airplane Order, Discuss Support for Aviation Modernization

BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 05, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Government of Iraq today announced an order for 30 Boeing 737-800 commercial airplanes, the first step in re-establishing that country’s scheduled commercial aviation operations. Iraq has also contracted options for 10 additional 737s. Valued at $2.2 billion at current list prices, the order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries Web site attributed to an unidentified customer. In addition, Iraq and Boeing are finalizing an agreement for 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will allow an Iraqi national airline to provide longer-range commercial service. The 787s will be added to Boeing’s order book when the contract is completed.

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05/05/08: In Step with Mother Nature: Boeing Makes Targeted Investment with $750,000 grant to the Cascade Land Conservancy

SEATTLE, May 05, 2008 — The Boeing Company’s [NYSE: BA] Global Corporate Citizenship function in the Northwest Region has made a targeted investment of $750,000 in a three-year grant to the Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC). The funds will support the Cascade Agenda, a visionary 100-year regional program launched in May 2005 that focuses on conserving 1.3 million acres of farmlands and working forests and revitalizing towns and cities throughout the region. Boeing’s grant will serve as a catalyst to speed up the implementation of the Cascade Agenda, a plan that links land conservation with the need for a strong economy, livable cities and housing choices.

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02/05/08: First Diamond D-JET fractional ownership solution launched with Smart Air

Smart Air S.A. today announced the first fractional ownership solution in Europe for the Diamond D-JET personal jet. For its fleet, Smart Air has made an initial purchase of eight aircraft and has secured options for more thereafter with deliveries to begin in the first quarter of 2010. “We have designed the D-JET to be an affordable personal light jet to make jet travel attainable to more people. Smart Air’s fractional ownership solution is a good complement to our product, as it leverages the D-JET’s strengths, including its roomy cabin and low operating cost, to further broaden access to jet travel,” said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft. “We are pleased that Smart Air has selected the D-JET as the aircraft for its fleet.”

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02/05/08: Cirrus France announce grand opening of second office in Cannes: International Airplane Manufacturer to Open Another Location in France

Cirrus Design Corp., a leading manufacturer of personal aircraft, announced today, during at Eur-Avia 2008, the launch of a second French office in Cannes, France. The new office will be located at the International Airport of Cannes-Mandelieu (LFMD) and will contain a reception area, a sales office and a training facility. Cirrus France will staff the new office from its headquarters in Le Plessis Belleville. With this new location, Cirrus looks to expand beyond the more than one hundred aircraft currently in France.

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02/05/08: Boeing Completes 737 Carbon Brakes Certification Testing: Next-Generation 737 Operators Benefit from Reduced Weight, Emissions

SEATTLE, May 02, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] recently completed certification testing of new carbon brakes designed for the Next-Generation 737 airplane family by French supplier Messier-Bugatti. A Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane is shown performing a high-speed rejected takeoff test, designed to verify that an airplane at maximum weight with greatly worn brakes can stop safely after a refused takeoff decision. Boeing will submit the test results to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for certification the second quarter this year. Entry into production is expected by third quarter. Boeing will offer a retrofit program for airplanes already in service.

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02/05/08: Boeing Delivers 50th 777 to Air France: Boeing 777 is “mainstay” of Air France long-haul operations - Launch customer Air France to receive 1st 777 Freighter later this year

EVERETT, Wash., May 02, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air France reached a historic milestone this week with the delivery of Air France’s 50th 777. The Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) is the carrier’s 25th of that model type and joins a fleet of another 25 777-200ERs that together comprise the core of the airline’s long-haul fleet. “This is truly a great day for Air France and Boeing,” said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning for Air France. “The 777 is the mainstay of our long-haul fleet and elemental to our success and future growth plans. We look forward to further integration of this exceptional airplane later this year, when Air France takes delivery of the world’s first 777 Freighter.”

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02/05/08: Boeing Names Genoese-Zerbi to lead IT Business Partners

CHICAGO, May 02, 2008 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has announced that Federico Genoese-Zerbi, 43, has been named vice president - IT Business Partners, reporting to Boeing Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer John Hinshaw. Genoese-Zerbi will be responsible for all information technology support to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Capital Corporation. “Federico’s impressive background and proven track record of delivering great results makes him well suited for this key position,” Hinshaw said.

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01/05/08: Flexjet Challenges Status Quo With New Ad Campaign Recognizing Private Jets As Tools, Not Toys

DALLAS, May 01, 2008 - Armed with new research and a new advertising agency, Flexjet hones its communications strategy to demystify fractional jet ownership for today’s “discerning affluents”. Challenging the stereotypical perceptions of private jet ownership as a frivolous extravagance of the wealthy, Flexjet, the fractional business jet ownership program of Bombardier Aerospace, is veering from the standard course of industry marketing and launching a new multi-million dollar advertising campaign identifying private jets as tools that enhance productivity and quality of life, not just glamorous toys for the wealthy. The new campaign, which launches May 1, 2008, is the first from Flexjet’s new advertising agency, Team One, a division of Saatchi & Saatchi. It speaks directly to discerning affluents—leaders and entrepreneurs with a strong work ethic and values rooted in the middle class. Discerning affluents appreciate good value, quality, authenticity, flexibility and productivity. Gone are the perfunctory category images of opulent settings, privileged jet-setters, blue skies and sunsets. In its place are incisive graphic images with copy that speaks candidly about private jet travel and leverages Flexjet’s unique aviation expertise with “straight talk from plane people.”

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01/05/08: Final Assembly Begins on Fifth Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Third Flight-Test Airplane Loaded into First Position

EVERETT, Wash., May 01, 2008 — Final assembly began today on the third flight-test airplane for the all-new Boeing [NYSE: BA] 787 Dreamliner. This is the fifth Dreamliner to be loaded into the first position of the 787 production system. The static test airframe moved April 25 from the Final Assembly to its test rig in another bay of the Everett, Wash.-based factory. Both the fatigue test airframe and the second flight-test airplane have advanced to the next position in production, where assembly and systems installation work continues.

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30/04/08: UK’s first charter Citation Mustang proves a hit for London Executive Aviation: Europe’s First Mustang Fleet Operator Says Aircraft Surpasses Expectations for Customers and Crew

London, England, April 30, 2008 – The first Cessna Citation Mustang on the UK charter market has proved an immediate success with customers, according to charter operator London Executive Aviation (‘LEA’). G-LEAI, which is the first of ten Mustangs joining the LEA fleet, began operations in mid February 2008 and quickly found favour with customers attracted to its value and suitability for European travel. The Mustang’s low acquisition and operating cost have enabled LEA to reduce its entry price for jet chartering by up to 30 percent.

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30/04/08: Eclipse Aviation Expands Global Reach with India and Australia Certifications: First foreign approvals for Eclipse 500 Jet(r)

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - May 1, 2008 - Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world’s first very light jet (VLJ), today announced that it has received certification to register and operate the Eclipse 500(r) in India and Australia. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India granted the first foreign country Eclipse 500 certification on April 7, 2008 and the Civil Aviation Safety Agency (CASA) in Australia approved the Eclipse 500 on April 22, 2008. These certifications expand Eclipse Aviation’s global reach and allow its customers to register and operate their Eclipse 500 jets in these two countries.

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30/04/08: Embraer shows Phenom 300 Jet mock-up in eur-Avia 2008 in France: The aircraft full-scale mock-up is shown for the first time in the French Riviera

São José dos Campos, April 30, 2008 – Embraer will showcase, for the first time, a full-scale mock-up of the Phenom 300 executive jet at Eur-Avia 2008 in Cannes, France, May 2-4. Eur-Avia, now in its second edition, is an annual international exhibition dedicated to general aviation in the south of France. The event will be staged at Cannes Mandelieu Airport (LFMD), a popular and prestigious airport for VIPs and business leaders flying in on their private aircraft. “We are delighted to be a part of this important event, showcasing the mock-up of the Phenom 300 jet to attendees in Cannes,” said Colin Steven, Embraer Vice President, Marketing and Sales – Europe, Africa and Middle East, Executive Jets. “The Phenom 300 jet, which has just performed its maiden flight, ahead of schedule, this week, offers great comfort combined with performance, ideal range, and operational advantages, such as single-point refueling and external lavatory service that is exceptional for an aircraft in this category, besides plenty of on-board technologies to fulfill the needs of our customers.”

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30/04/08: Gulfstream recognizes anniversary of first G450 flight

SAVANNAH, Ga., April 30, 2008 - Five years ago today, the first Gulfstream G450 made its maiden flight. Departing from Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, Gulfstream Chief Test Pilot John O’Meara and Senior Experimental Test Pilot Jake Howard put the large-cabin, long-range business jet through its preliminary paces. During the 2-hour, 30-minute test flight, the G450 reached an altitude of 41,000 feet and a speed of 0.80 Mach, or nearly 581 miles per hour. The aircraft was officially unveiled during the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) annual meeting on Oct. 6, 2003. Less than a year later, on Aug. 12, 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Type Certificate (TC) for the G450. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validated the FAA certification on Nov. 19, 2004.

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30/04/08: Next-Generation Bombardier Challenger 605 Jets To Join Flexjet Fleet

DALLAS, April 30, 2008 - Challenger 605 jets are among 24 new aircraft to enter service with Flexjet in 2008. Introduction of new jets every year gives Flexjet one of the youngest fractional jet ownership fleets. Bombardier Flexjet, the fractional business jet ownership program of Bombardier Aerospace, has announced the induction of Bombardier’s new Challenger 605 jets into the Flexjet fractional fleet. “We are pleased to offer our customers the ultimate fractional jet ownership experience with the introduction of the Challenger 605 business jet, which provides superior wide-cabin comfort, technology, flexibility and productivity,” said Mike McQuay, president, Bombardier Flexjet. “This newly redesigned jet is tailored for Flexjet owners. It seats more passengers, features a cutting-edge information, communication and entertainment system and offers enhanced safety systems.”

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30/04/08: Boeing Declines Swiss Request for Proposal for New Fighter Aircraft

ST. LOUIS, April 30, 2008 — After a thorough review of Switzerland’s requirements for partial replacement of its Tiger fighter aircraft, Boeing [NYSE: BA] has decided not to enter the competition due to the disparity between the requirements for an F-5 replacement aircraft and the next-generation capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet. Boeing values its long-standing partnership with Switzerland and looks forward to continuing its support and modernization of the F-18C/D as the Swiss Air Force moves into the future.

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30/04/08: First Boeing 777 Freighter Leaves Factory

SEATTLE, April 30, 2008 — Progress continues on the first Boeing 777 Freighter as the company’s newest cargo airplane was towed out of its factory in Everett, Wash. and onto the flight line Tuesday night. Work will continue on the 777 Freighter to prepare for flight test this summer and to paint the airplane in the Boeing livery.

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