HII receives contract for the detail design and construction of the future USS Tripoli

U.S. Navy has awarded Huntingston Ingalls Industries (HHI), Pascagoula, Miss., a US$2.4 billion modification to previously awarded fixed-price incentive contract for detail design and construction of the Navy’s next large-deck amphibious assault ship LHA 7 (USS Tripoli), including crew familiarization, technical manuals, and engineering and post-delivery industrial services. Work is expected to be completed by June 2018. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)

Severnaya Verf SY floats new stealth corvette for the Russian Navy

St. Petersburg's Severnaya Verf shipyard floated out a new stealth corvette for the Russian Navy at an official ceremony on Wednesday. The Stoyky is the fourth Project 20380 or Steregushchy class corvette designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau. The ship is expected to join Russia’s Baltic Fleet in November 2013 after a series of sea trials.

The first Project 20380 corvette, the Steregushchy, was put into service with the Baltic Fleet in October 2008 and the second, the Soobrazitelny, joined the Russian Navy in October 2011. The third ship of the same series, the Boyky, is undergoing sea trials to be commissioned in November 2012. (Source: RIA Novosti)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register - update 29/5/2012

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation has published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s:  

• 9H-VJB - Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 (c/n. 9440) registered to VistaJet Ltd. (ex C-GJFD)

Cancellation/s: none

Air Malta re-starts flights to Benghazi

Air Malta touched down in Benghazi this morning in an inaugural flight which will see the airline resume a twice-weekly service after an absence of four years. The airline's CEO, P. Davies, was on the flight and officially launched the service at a press conference in Benina airport. 

The service to Libya's second city, comes after the airline started flying to the capital Tripoli in November, initially three times a week, before switching to a daily flight earlier this month.

Mr Davies stressed that the Malta connection offers Libyans a gateway to Europe, and the flights were timed to facilitate such connections. The flight leaves Malta at 4:40 a.m. arrives at 6.05 a.m. leaves Benghazi at 7:05 a.m. and touches down in Malta at 8.25 a.m. (Source:timesofmalta.com)

Indian Navy INS Teg in Valletta Port

The Indian Navy Talwar class frigate INS Teg (F 45) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.

INS Teg, the fourth frigate in the Talwar class, is presently on her delivery voyage to India.  She was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral KN Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, on Apr. 27th, 2012, at the Yantar SY at Kaliningrad in Russia. Her first commanding officer is Captain R. Kumar Dahiya

The Indian frigate is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-2 Wharf, and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour on Wednesday, May 30th, at 0600LT.

Indian Air Force selects PC-7

Pilatus has announced that the Indian Air Force has signed a contract for 75 PC-7 MkII turboprop training aircraft. The 500 Million Swiss Francs contract will also provide an integrated ground based training system and a comprehensive logistics support package and also contains an option clause for extending the scope within three years. Delivery of the aircraft and the complete training system is scheduled to commence in Q4 2012. (Source: key.aero)

BAE, Saudi Arabia strike US$2.5b training package deal

Saudi Arabia has awarded BAE Systems a 1.6 billion pound ($2.5 billion) deal to supply Hawk jet trainers, Pilatus PC-21 turboprop and other training devices, the British company announced on May 23rd.

The centerpiece of the deal is the provision of 22 BAE Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers starting in 2016 and the supply of 55 PC-21 machines built by the Swiss manufacturer Pilatus. Deliveries of the advanced turboprop trainer are scheduled to commence in 2014.

The training package also includes 25 primary trainers, although no selection has yet been made. A BAE spokesman said the company was still in discussions with the Saudi Arabia about the purchase of an aircraft at a later date. (Source: defensenews.com)

Australia is seeking modifications kits to convert 12 F/A-18Fs to Growler configuration

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified U.S. Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for 12 EA-18G Modification Kits to convert F/A-18F aircrafts to the G (Growler) configuration and associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of US$1.7 billion. (Source: dsca.mil)

Bangladesh to buy surplus USAF C-130Es

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified U.S. Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Bangladesh to provide regeneration, overhaul, modifications, and logistics support for four Lockheed C-130E Hercules and associated parts, equipment, and training for an estimated cost of US$180 million. (Source: dsca.mil)

Sweden's Skyways to file for bankruptcy after investor pulls out

Sweden's Skyways Express and its subsidiary City Airline have ceased operations with immediate effect, and will file for bankruptcy on May 22nd. "The owners of the company have decided not to fund the company any longer and therefore the board of directors was forced to decide to stop all payments and to stop all flights," says the airline in a statement on its website. Cyprus-based Mansvell Enterprises, which owns Skyways, is also the owner of Danish carrier Cimber Sterling which filed for bankruptcy in early May. (Source: flightglobal)

RAFO signs order for eight C295s

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) today signed a contract with Airbus Military for the acquisition of eight C295 aircraft, five of them configured as tactical transports and three as maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). They will be delivered from next year. 

Oman becomes the first country of the Gulf Cooperation Council to order the C295. It is also the fourth customer to order the C295 in the MENA region and the first in the area to orderthe C295 for maritime patrol operations. (Source: Airbus Military)

NATO launches AGS, orders five Global Hawks

Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced it has signed a US$1.7 billion contract for NATO's Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system. Operating under NATO command, AGS is expected to be the major data source for NATO's system for Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

The contract is intended to provide for the purchase and initial operation and maintenance of five Block 40 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft equipped with an advanced ground surveillance radar sensor -the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program. (Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation)

Italian Coast Guard Saettia in Valletta Port

The Italian Coast Guard offshore-patrol vessel Saettia (CP 901) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a five-day courtesy visit. 

Guardia Costiera Saetta is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 Wharf (to shift to Wine Wharf on May 21st), and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour on Thursday, May 24th, at 2100LT.

USN commissions LPD USS San Diego

The U.S. Navy has commissioned the newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship San Diego (LPD 22) during a ceremony today in San Diego, Calif. The ship is named for the city of San Diego, principal homeport of the Pacific fleet, and honors the people of "America's Finest City" and its leaders for their continuous support of the military. 

Adm. Mark Ferguson, vice chief of naval operations, delivered the ceremony's principal address. Ms L. Winter, wife of former Secretary of the Navy D. C. Winter, served as the ship's sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!" (Source: U.S. Navy)

Yantar SY floats out large landing ship Ivan Gren

The Yantar shipyard in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad has floated out on Friday a new large landing ship for the Russian Navy. The construction of the Ivan Gren landing ship started in 2004, but has been delayed due to the lack of financing and skilled workers. The ship's completion is expected by 2013. Plans to build three more ships of the same class are under consideration.

The $160-million vessel has a displacement of about 6,000 tons and will be able to carry up to 13 main battle tanks or 36 armored personnel carriers or 300 naval infantry troops. (Source: RIA Novosti / Photo: Viktor Guseynov)

GSL signs contract for construction of six OPVs for Indian Coast Guard

Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) has signed a contract for the construction of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard on May 9th, 2012. The vessels are based on in-house design of Goa Shipyard Ltd, which has considerable expertise in designing and constructing a range of Patrol Vessels for the Indian Defence Forces. GSL expects to cut steel for the first of the vessels within fifteen days. (Source: navaltoday.com)

Orion (Malta) Ltd. orders a Hawker 4000 business jet

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation has announced today that Malta-based Orion (Malta) Ltd. has ordered a Hawker 4000 jet to meet the growing demand for charter services from business owners across the EMEA region. 

Orion-Malta will be adding the Hawker 4000 – the world’s most advanced super-midsize jet – to its Luqa-based Air Operators Certificate; the aircraft will complement Orion-Malta’s current fleet that includes a Hawker 900XP. (Source: Hawker Beechcraft Corporation)

Thomas Cook agrees sale and leaseback aircraft deal

Thomas Cook has agreed to the sale and leaseback of 17 of its aircraft. The deal will raise as much as £183 million as the struggling U.K.-based tour operator battles to improve its balance sheet. Thomas Cook chief executive S.Weihagen said the deal, which was signed on May 5th, demonstrated the progress the company was making in strengthen its financial position. (Source: breakingtravelnews.com)

USN lays keel for PCU North Dakota

The U.S. Navy celebrated the keel-laying of Pre-Commissioning Unit North Dakota (SSN 784) at General Dynamics Electric Boat-Quonset Point division in North Kingstown, May 11th. In a time-honored Navy tradition, ship's sponsor K. Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm. J. Fowler, had her initials welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to North Dakota's hull. (Source: navy.mil)

IAG signs agreement to sell bmi Regional

International Airlines Group (IAG) has signed a binding agreement to sell bmi Regional, based in Aberdeen, to Sector Aviation Holdings Ltd (SAH) for a total consideration of £8m in cash. The sale includes all bmi Regional’s fixed assets and long-term liabilities, including owned and operating lease aircraft. 

bmi Regional operates a fleet of 18 Embraer regional jets on scheduled services throughout the UK and Northern Europe. The sale is conditional upon CAA approval and it is anticipated that ownership will be transferred to SAH within two weeks. (Source: avitrader.com)

AW169 helicopter completes its maiden flight

AgustaWestland has announce that the first prototype of the AW169, a new generation 4.5 ton light intermediate helicopter, has successfully completed its maiden flight yesterday. The AW169 programme is on schedule to achieve basic civil certification in 2014. The AW169 was flown by AgustaWestland’s Chief Test Pilot, Giuseppe Lo Coco, Test Pilot Giuseppe Afruni, and Flight Test Engineers Massimo Longo and Stefano Rognoni at the company’s Cascina Costa plant in Italy. (Source: Augusta Westland)

Kazakhstan government to acquire 20 EC725s

Kazakhstan has signed a letter of intent to acquire 20 multi-role Eurocopter EC725 helicopters, marking a major new commitment for this medium-lift rotorcraft. These aircraft, which will be assembled in Kazakhstan, will be used by the country’s Ministry of Defense in a full range of mission applications. (Source: Eurocopter)

Australia to purchase ten C-27 Spartans

Australia's Minister for Defence S. Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel J. Clare have announced today that the Government had agreed to purchase ten Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of US$1.4 billion. The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems. (Source: Australian Department of Defence)

Sukhoi's SSJ-100 demo crashes on the slopes of Mount Salak in Indonesia

Yesterday, a Sukhoi Sukhoi Superjet 100-95 (RA-97004) performing a demonstration flight, from Jakarta Halim Perdanakusuma Airport to Jakarta Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (Indonesia), with 40 passengers, six crew and two Sukhoi officials, was enroute near Mount Salak and Bogor about 36nm south of Jakarta about 30 minutes into the flight when the radio contact with the aircraft was lost. The aircraft did not turn up at Jakarta or any other airport in the area.

The aircraft wreckage was found by a helicopter on Thursday morning at about 0915LT (0215z) on the slopes of Mount Salak at an elevation of about 5300 feet MSL. (Source: avherald.com / Photo: Alexandr Kolvalev)

Estonian Air to add two E190 aircraft to its fleet

The national flag carrier of Estonia and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) have signed a contract for the lease of two new E190 aircraft, which will be delivered to Estonia during the first quarter of 2013. Estonian Air is estimating a requirement for up to 12 Embraer E-Jets. The first four 76-seater E170s were delivered to Estonia in February 2012 under a lease agreement with Finnair (Source: Estonian Air)

USN awards contract for three Fire Scouts UAVs

U.S. Naval Air Systems Command  has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector a US$25.7 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to purchase three Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicles Lot 5 low rate initial production and one ground control station. Work is expected to be completed in December 2013. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)

EVA Air orders three B773ERs from Boeing and leases four from GECAS

Taipei-based EVA Air and Boeing finalized an order for three 777-300ERs (Extended Range) airplanes. The order also includes purchase rights for an additional four airplanes. In addition to the Boeing order for three 777-300ERs, EVA Air will also lease four 777-300ERs from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), adding a total of seven new 777-300ER airplanes to its long-haul twin-aisle fleet. (Source: avitrader.com)

SECNAV announces DDG 116 to be named Thomas Hudner

U.S. Secretary of the Navy R. Mabus has announced on May 7th that the next Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer will be named the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator who retired as a captain, received the Medal of Honor from President H. S. Truman for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his wingman, the first African American naval aviator to fly in combat, Ensign J. L. Brown. (Source: navy.mil)

Etihad cuts A350-1000 order again

Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways has slashed another seven Airbus A350-1000s from the airframer's books, more than halving its original order for 25. Etihad had previously cancelled six A350-1000s and the new cuts mean that its order for the twinjet drops to just 12. It also means the overall backlog for the type, the largest member of the A350 family, falls to 62. (Source: flightglobal.com)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register - update 7/5/2012

Transport Malta/Directorate of Civil Aviation has published today the latest update of the Maltese Aircraft Register.

New addition/s: none

Cancellation/s:

• 9H-AFA - DeHavilland Canada DHC-3T Turbo Otter (c/n. 406) registered to Harbour Air (Malta) Ltd.

NASSCO launches USNS Cesar Chavez

General Dynamics NASSCO today has launched the U.S. Navy's newest resupply ship, USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14). The ship is named in honor of Cesar Estrada Chavez, the labor leader who founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA).

The Saturday evening ceremony took place at the NASSCO shipyard. J. M. Garcia III, assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs, was the ceremony's principal speaker. Mrs. H. Chavez, widow of Cesar Chavez and the ship's sponsor, christened the ship by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against its bow. (Source: sacbee.com / Photo: PRNews Photo/GD NASSCO)

Boeing awarded LRIP contract for Block III Apaches

The US Army has awarded Boeing a US$486.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for the low rate initial production (LRIP) of the AH-64D Apache Block III attack helicopter. At the same time, the company also received a US$171.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of Foreign Military Sales Apache Block III aircraft.

Boeing says the LRIP contract for the Block III helicopters consists of 51 remanufactured production aircraft for the US Army. The first of those aircraft was delivered in October 2011. Delivery of LRIP aircraft will continue through December 2013. (Source: flightglobal.com)

SECNAV announces LHA 7 will be named USS Tripoli

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced May 4th the selection of USS Tripoli as the name for the Navy's second large-deck amphibious assault ship (LHA 7).

The USS Tripoli will be the third ship to bear the name Tripoli. The name commemorates the capture of Derna in 1805 by a small force of U.S. Marines and approximately 370 soldiers from 11 other nationalities. The battle, later memorialized in the Marines' Hymn with the line "to the shores of Tripoli", brought about a successful conclusion to the combined operations of the First Barbary War. The first USS Tripoli, an escort carrier, fought in the battle of the Atlantic during World War II. The second, an amphibious assault ship, earned nine battle stars, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Navy Unit Commendation for service in Vietnam. (Source: navy.mil)

M.I.A. plc release traffic results for April 2012

Passenger movements at Malta IAP grew by 1.4% during the month of April reaching 304,198, i.e. the highest number ever registered in April. This was brought about notwithstanding a decrease of 3.3% in the seat capacity for the month, which reached 397,773.

The average seat load factor was on the increase when compared to April 2011, reaching 76.5% - an increase of 3.5%, whilst aircraft movements for the month were 2.9% less than those in the corresponding period last year. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) was 0.6% higher, whilst cargo and mail was 22.9% higher than that recorded during the same month in 2011.

The French, Spanish, German and Italian markets all registered increases in April, with 4.1%, 3.3%, 2.2% and 0.5% respectively, whereas the U.K. market registered a negligible decrease of 0.8%.

January – April 2012: Between January and April, passenger movements decreased by 2.6%, with aircraft movements registering a decrease of 7% over the same first four months of 2011. The seat capacity decreased by 7.9% whereas the average seat load factor increased by 3.9% over the first four months of 2011. In the same period, the MTOW decreased by 5.4% whereas Cargo and Mail increased by 5% over the same period of 2011. (Source: maltairport.com)

French Navy FS Laperouse in Valletta Port

The French Navy Laperouse class hydro-oceangraphic survey vessel FS Laperouse (A 791) has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a five-day courtesy visit.

The is FS Laperouse's second visit in Valletta Port this year. Her first visit was between 23rd and 26th March.

The French naval vessel is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 Wharf, and she's scheduled to sail from Malta on Tuesday, May 8th, at 0900LT.

Austal lays the keel of the third JHSV for the USN

On May 3rd, Austal held a keel-laying ceremony for the third Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), one of nine Austal-designed 103me U.S. Navy Joint High Speed Vessels under contract with the U.S. Navy. Austal invited Representative J. Bonner authenticated the keel. He was assisted by Jeff Cellon who is an “A” Class welder that has been part of the Austal team since May of 2010.

A traditional keel-laying ceremony marks the first significant milestone in the construction of the ship. Due to Austal’s modular approach to ship manufacture, 32 of the 43 modules used to form this 103-metre aluminum catamaran design are already being assembled. For Austal, keel-laying marks the beginning of final assembly. Five modules have been moved from Austal’s Module Manufacturing Facility and erected in the final assembly bay in their pre-launch position. The rest will follow over the coming months. (Source: Austal)

Kazakhstan government orders an additional eight EC145s

The Kazakhstan government has placed additional orders for eight EC145 helicopters in terms of a framework agreement covering 45 of these multi-role rotorcrafts, which are to be assembled in-country by the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering joint venture.

These latest bookings – announced today at the KADEX-2012 military exposition in Astana – consist of six EC145s in a medical evacuation configuration for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, along with two to be operated by the Ministry of Defense for search and rescue missions. (Source: Eurocopter)

A400M receives initial type certificate from EASA

Airbus Military has received the initial type certification for the A400M new generation airlifter, marking a key milestone on the road to first delivery around the turn of the year. This first approval, known as a Restricted Type Certificate (RTC), was presented by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Executive Director P. Goudou at an internal ceremony today in Toulouse, France.

The RTC is a critical step towards the award of full civil type certification which is expected in mid-2012 following the completion of 300 hours of function and reliability flight tests, and towards military Initial Operating Clearance later in the year. (Source: Airbus Military)

Danish airline Cimber Sterling files for bankruptcy

Danish airline Cimber Sterling said on Thursday it has declared bankruptcy after its owners decided not to continue their financial support of the company. "Because of this the board of directors has decided to declare the company bankrupt," the company said in a statement. (Source: reuters.com)

Electric Boat delivers submarine Mississippi to USN

General Dynamics Electric Boat has today delivered the nuclear-powered attack submarine Mississippi (SSN 782) to the U.S. Navy 363 days ahead of contract schedule and more than US$60 million below target cost. Mississippi is the ninth ship of the Virginia Class, the most advanced submarines in the world. Mississippi will join the fleet in a commissioning ceremony Jun. 2nd in Pascagoula, Miss. (Source: General Dynamics Electric Boat)