Aviation & Ships Spotting in Malta

Spanair stops flying after Qatar deal falls through

2012-01-27T23:45:00.003+01:00

Star Alliance airline Spanair has announced that it is halting all operations today, with the last flight expected to arrive at its base at 2200LT after talks with Qatar Airways over a stakeholding and capital injections collapsed. Shortly after the regional government made clear that the airline could expect no further government-backed loans, the Barcelona-based Spanair started to cancel flights during this afternoon. Only flights returning from remote destinations to its Barcelona and Madrid bases still took off. (Source: flightglobal.com)

AviancaTaca firms up order for 51 A320s

2012-01-26T16:06:00.001+01:00

AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a purchase agreement for 33 eco-efficient A320neo and 18 A320 Family aircraft. The order, which is the largest from a single airline in the region in terms of number of aircraft, follows a MoU signed during the Le Bourget Air Show in Paris in June 2011. (Source: Airbus)

Etihad Airways orders two more A332 freighters

2012-01-26T16:03:00.002+01:00

Etihad Airways has signed a firm order with Airbus for two additional A330-200F freighter aircraft to meet their growth plans in the cargo market. The airline was a launch customer and the launch operator of the A330-200F, having taken delivery of its first aircraft at the Farnborough Int'l Airshow in 2010. Today’s order will increase the fleet of the airline’s cargo business, Etihad Crystal Cargo, to four A330-200F freighters. (Source: Airbus)

Alitalia plans merger with Blue Panorama & Wind Jet

2012-01-25T23:45:00.002+01:00

Italian flag-carrier Alitalia has tentatively agreed to merge with fellow Italian operators Blue Panorama and Wind Jet. Alitalia has signed memoranda of understanding with both carriers and started processes "aimed at achieving integration" with them, it said. Alitalia said the planned integration of Blue Panorama and Wind Jet is "consistent with the process of continuing consolidation" in the air transport sector, both domestically and internationally. It said the carriers have "synergistic and complementary profiles" regarding their network and fleet, which could be exploited in a tie-up. (Source: flightglobal.com)

Boeing receives USN contract for 15 additional F/A-18E/F Super Hornets

2012-01-25T21:20:00.004+01:00

U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Boeing a US$687.5 million ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee multi-year procurement contract for 14 additional fiscal 2012, Lot 36, F/A-18E aircraft and one additional fiscal 2012, Lot 36, F/A-18F aircraft contained in the F/A-18 multi-year III production contract. Pursuant to the variation in quantity clause, this procurement will bring the number of F/A-18E aircraft on this contract from 55 to 69, and the F/A-18F from 20 to 21. Work is expected to be completed in October 2014. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)

Norwegian signs MoU for 100 A320neo aircraft

2012-01-25T16:10:00.002+01:00

Norwegian has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 100 A320neo aircraft. The agreement, which makes Norwegian the latest customer for the A320neo and also a new customer for Airbus, was signed by B. Kjos, CEO, Norwegian and J. Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. The new aircraft will feature a single class cabin layout, seating approximately 180 passengers. Norwegian’s engine decision will be announced at a later date. (Source: Airbus)

Norwegian orders 100 B737 MAXs and 22 B738s

2012-01-25T16:07:00.003+01:00

Boeing and Norwegian have announced a firm order for 100 B737 MAX airplanes and 22 Next-Generation B737-800s. The total order is valued at US$11.4 billion at list prices and represents the largest-ever Boeing order from a European airline. Oslo-based Norwegian is the first European carrier to finalize an order for the B737 MAX. (Source: Boeing)

Northrop Grumman receives USN contract for five E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes

2012-01-24T21:20:00.007+01:00

U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp a US$781.5 million modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture and delivery of five low rate initial production Lot 4 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work is expected to be completed by May 2015. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)

UTair signs lease agreement for seven Boeing aircraft

2012-01-24T21:16:00.002+01:00

Russian based UTair Aviation and CJSC Sberbank Leasing concluded a finance lease deal for seven Boeing aircraft comprising of two B737-800s and five B737-500s, for a total of more than US$100m. The term of the lease agreement is five years. The aircraft were introduced into service at the end of 2011. (Source: avitrader.com)

Sweden approves ten year extension of Hungary Gripen lease

2012-01-24T21:12:00.003+01:00

The government of Sweden has approved and ratified a ten-year extension of Hungary’s lease of Gripen fighter aircraft last week, daily Nepszabadsag said on Tuesday. S. Karlberg, an official of the Swedish Defence and Security Export Agency, declined to reveal any further details of the modified contract other than the ten-year extension when asked by the paper. Hungarian Defence Minister C. Hende said earlier that extending the lease until 2026 would save the state HUF 63bn. The lease was originally set to expire in 2015. (Source: Budapest Business Journal)

Eurocopter delivered 503 helicopters and booked net orders for 457 in 2011

2012-01-24T16:26:00.008+01:00

Eurocopter has delivered 503 rotary-wing aircraft in 2011, along with Eurocopter’s enhanced support and services activities, generated a turnover of €5.4 billion – representing a growth of 12.5% from the previous year, and marking the first time Eurocopter’s annual turnover has surpassed the €5 billion volume. New helicopter orders also picked up last year, with the 457 net bookings representing a value of €4.7 billion, compared with the 346 helicopters sold in 2010. The year’s business included initial firm orders for the new EC175. (Source: Eurocopter)

Saudi Arabian orders eight additional B773ERs

2012-01-24T16:23:00.002+01:00

Saudi Arabian Airlines has been identified as the buyer of eight Boeing 777-300ERs, with a list-price value of US$2.4 billion, that were previously carried on Boeing’s "unidentified customer" list. The announcement came Jan. 23rd as the airline accepted delivery of its first two B7773ERs in a ceremony in Everett, Wash. They are part of a 12-airplane order placed in April 2010. (Source: aviationweek.com)

Oman requests Typhoon buy from BAES

2012-01-23T19:17:00.003+01:00

Oman has issued a request for proposals to BAE Systems linked to the purchase of about 12 Eurofighter Typhoons, only one month after its plan to also buy a new batch of F-16s was revealed. In a statement issued on Jan. 23rd, the U.K. government said it "welcomes the government of Oman's request for a proposal from BAE Systems for the supply and support of Typhoon aircraft". The milestone represents "an important step towards the contract", it added. (Source: flightglobal.com)

Russia hands over Nerpa nuclear submarine to India

2012-01-23T19:13:00.002+01:00

Russia’s K152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine has been handed over to the Indian Navy today. In line with the contract, the Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula II) class submarine has been leased to India’s Navy for ten years. It will be renamed the INS Chakra. The ceremony took place in the Far Eastern Primorye Territory. The event was attended by Indian ambassador to Russia A. Malhotra, United Shipbuilding Corporation head R. Trotsenko, Eastern Military District commander Adm K. Sidenko and other officials. (Source: RAI Novosti)

Syria signs US$550 million deal for 36 Yak-130s

2012-01-23T19:11:00.002+01:00

Syria has signed a US$550 million contract to purchase 36 Yak-130 advanced training fighter planes from Russia, the Kommersant business daily reported Jan. 23rd. The deal was signed in December with Russia's Rosoboronexport state defense corporation, Kommersant cited a source close to the agency as saying, adding that production of the jets would begin once the advance payment was made. (Source: Agence France-Presse/defensenews.com)

USAF to get five additional C-17 Globemaster IIIs

2012-01-23T19:09:00.002+01:00

The Boeing Co. is being awarded a US$693.4 million firrm-fixed-price USAF contract for a modification to delivery order (DO) 0006 against the basic C-17 production indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for five additional C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Basic DO 0006 was awarded on May 13th, 2011 for the first five aircraft of the FY10 Air Force C-17 requirement. Work is expected to be completed by March 20, 2013. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense)

CFM reports $51.7bn in orders/commitments for 2011

2012-01-23T19:07:00.001+01:00

CFM International (CFM) had a record year in 2011, logging orders for 1,500 commercial, military and spare CFM56 engines and commitments for 3,056 LEAP engines for a combined value of US$51.7 billion at list price. CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran group) and GE, produces the highly popular CFM56 engine family. CFM is developing a new engine family, under the brand name LEAP, which will enter service in 2016. (Source: avitrader.com)

Bombardier delivered 245 aircraft and booked orders for 249 aircraft in 2011

2012-01-23T19:05:00.002+01:00

Bombardier Aerospace has announced today its deliveries and orders results for the 11-month fiscal year which ended Dec. 31st, 2011. For the 11-month period ended Dec. 31st, Bombardier has delivered 245 aircraft (163 business, 78 commercial & four amphibian) compared to 256 aircraft deliveries in the previous fiscal year (Feb. 1st, 2010 to Jan. 31st, 2011). For the 11-month period ended Dec. 31st, Bombardier received 249 aircraft net orders (191 business, 54 commercial & four amphibian), compared to 201 net orders for the previous fiscal year. (Source: Bombardier Aerospace)

ILFC concludes 296 lease transactions in 2011

2012-01-23T19:02:00.001+01:00

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) released that it completed a total of 296 lease transactions for 2011. These transactions include extensions and placements from ILFC’s existing fleet and sale-leasebacks of 20 aircraft with a value of more than $800m. ILFC currently has over 180 customers in more than 80 countries. (Source: avitrader.com)

U.S. DoD lifts probation order on the F-35B JSF

2012-01-23T18:59:00.001+01:00

The U.S. Secretary of Defense, L. Panetta, has lifted last Friday the probation hanging over the Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighter programme. The threat of cancellation was imposed in early 2011 by the former U.S. SoD R. Gates due to poor performance of the testing programme for the F-35B STOVL variant, designed primarily for the USMC. Gates said that if the programme was not turned around in two years, it would be cancelled. (Source: key.aero)

Airbus delivers A320 MSN5000 to Middle East Airlines

2012-01-20T21:17:00.002+01:00

Airbus has delivered the A320 (OD-MRL) with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 5000 to Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA). The aircraft was delivered from Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and is powered by IAE V2500 engines. It marks a significant milestone for Airbus and the A320 Family going into 2012, as production rises from 38 to 40 per month during the first quarter of the year, and orders for the new A320neo reaffirm Airbus’ single-aisle Family as the most modern, fuel efficient in their category. (Source: Airbus)

Russian AF gets first An-140 passenger plane

2012-01-20T21:15:00.001+01:00

The Russian Air Force took delivery of the first Antonov An-140-100 passenger/transport plane on Friday, Defense Ministry spokesman Col. V. Drik said. "The plane’s delivery is the first step toward the implementation of a program to expand the AF transport aviation fleet," he said, adding that another two aircraft will soon be delivered to the force. (Source: RAI Novosti / Photo: Dmitriy Korobeinikov)

USMC KC-130T Hercules at Malta IAP for touch & goes

2012-01-20T21:12:00.001+01:00

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register - update 20/1/2012

2012-01-20T16:05:00.002+01:00

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

New addition/s: none

Cancellation/s:

9H-AFM - Airbus ACJ318-112 (c/n. 2910) registered to Comlux Malta Ltd. (re-registered as 'HZ-A5' to Alpha Star Aviation)

View complete Malta Aircraft Register

Cathay Pacific inks deal for six more A350-900s

2012-01-20T16:02:00.001+01:00

Cathay Pacific has inked an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of six more A350-900 aircraft in a deal worth US$1.62 billion. It expects to take delivery of the aircraft between 2016 and 2017 and operate them on long-haul routes to destinations in Europe, said the airline in a stock exchange statement. It added that the six aircraft, which brings its order for the -900s to 36, will "replenish and expand" its fleet capacity. (Source: flightglobal.com)

Dassault Aviation unveils first European UCAV

2012-01-20T16:00:00.002+01:00

The first European technology demonstrator unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV) was unveiled at Istres in France on Jan. 19th by C. Edelstenne, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. Named the neuron, the UCAV is being put together by an industrial team called nEUROn incorporating Dassault (France), Saab (Sweden), Alenia Aermacchi (Italy), EADS-CASA (Spain), HAI (Greece) and RUAG (Switzerland).

The roll-out was the culmination of five years of design, development, manufacture, assembly and early static testing of the demonstrator, which will soon be prepared for its first flight in mid-2012. Subsequently, a two year flight test programme will be conducted in France, Sweden and Italy, including the firing of air-ground weapons from an internal bay. (Source: key.aero / Photo: Dassault Aviation)

Royal Air Force Tristar KC.1 at Malta IAP

2012-01-19T21:17:00.000+01:00

PrivatAir signs firm order for up to ten CSeries aircraft

2012-01-19T21:07:00.003+01:00

Bombardier Aerospace has announced that Geneva-based PrivatAir has placed a firm order for five CS100 airliners and has taken options on an additional five CS100 aircraft. Based on the list price for the CS100 aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately US$309 million US, and could increase to US$636 million if the five options are exercised. (Source: Bombardier Aerospace)

General Dynamics NASSCO marks keel laying of first Mobile Landing Platform Ship

2012-01-19T20:49:00.005+01:00

General Dynamics NASSCO has hosted a keel laying ceremony for the first Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ship for the U.S. Navy at the company’s shipyard in San Diego. Mrs. Pat Mills was the honoree for the ceremony. She is the wife of USMC Lt. Gen. R. P. Mills, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration. Delivery of the first MLP ship is scheduled for May 2013. (Source: General Dynamics NASSCO)

EASA demands A380 wing crack inspections

2012-01-19T20:46:00.001+01:00

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is ordering inspections of relatively high-cycle A380s to assess the extent to which a new set of wing cracks are affecting the Airbus fleet. The inspections and potential repairs could impact A380 operations, although so far the damage prompting the EASA airworthiness directive has been found only on two of nine aircraft inspected. The culprit is an L-shaped bracket that attaches the wing skin to the ribs.

An Airbus wing expert insists it is not a flight safety issue and that both a short-term fix has been identified in cases where cracking is detected, as well as a longer-term fix to avoid the stress cracks occurring in the future. The cracks have been found on the center section of the wing between the two engines. (Source: aviationweek.com)

ATR booked 157 firm orders and delivered 54 aircraft in 2011

2012-01-18T20:15:00.002+01:00

Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR has recorded its best commercial year in 2011, posting firm sales of 157 planes and options for an additional 79 aircraft with 18 clients worldwide, including ten new customers. These 157 firm sales (13 ATR 42-500/600s and 144 ATR 72-500/600s) round out the manufacturer’s order book for a record high of 224 aircraft, estimated at US$ 5 billion. ATR has delivered 54 aircraft in 2011: six ATR 42-500s, 38 ATR 72-500s and ten ATR 72-600s. (Source: ATR)

Russian Navy RFS Sergey Osipov in Valletta Port

2012-01-18T20:07:00.003+01:00

The Russian Federation naval vessel RFS Sergey Osipov - a Boris Chilikin class (Project 1559/1593) replenishment tanker - has sailed into Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.

This RFS Sergey Osipov's second visit in Valletta Port this month. Her first visit was between the 9th and 12th January.

The Russian tanker is presently berthing alongside at Parlatorio (North) Wharf (in French Creek) and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour this Saturday, January 21st, at 1600LT.

French Navy FS Cephee is Valletta Port

2012-01-18T20:05:00.006+01:00

French naval vessel FS Cephee (M 652) - an Eridan class minehunter - has sailed in Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning on a courtesy visit.

The French minehunter is presently berthing alongside at Pinto-3 Wharf, and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour this Sunday, January 22nd, at 0900LT.

Cessna Citation Ten prototype makes first flight

2012-01-17T20:45:00.000+01:00

Cessna Aircraft Company said that the Citation Ten prototype has made its first flight today. The flight lasted more than two hours and included tests of stability and control, handling qualities, functional operations including the autopilot and autothrottle system, engine operability and avionics before landing at Wichita, Kan. Mid-Continent Airport where Cessna's main manufacturing facility is located. (Source: Cessna Aircraft Company)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register - update 17/01/2012

2012-01-17T16:06:00.006+01:00

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

New addition/s:

9H-ALL - Cessna 525A Citation Jet 2 (c/n. 525A-0005) registered to Luxwing Ltd. (ex I-LALL)

Cancellation/s: none

Airbus delivered 534 commercial aircraft and booked 1,419 net orders in 2011

2012-01-17T16:02:00.004+01:00

Airbus has delivered 534 commercial aircraft to 88 customers (ten new) and booked 1,419 net orders in 2011, making it the most successful year in the company’s history, and the tenth in a row with a production increase.

The 534 deliveries beat the previous record set in 2010 by 24 aircraft. Deliveries include a new record for 421 single aisle aircraft (401 in 2010), 87 A330 Family (87 in 2010) and 26 A380s (18 in 2010). Airbus Military also delivered a record number of 29 aircraft (20 light and medium military and transport aircraft - C212, CN235 and C295, three P-3 conversion aircraft and 6 A330 MRTTs).

Airbus had a record order intake of 1,608 (1,419 net) commercial aircraft, worth US$169 billion gross (US$140 billion net) at list prices. The previous record was in 2007 (1,458 gross and 1,341 net orders). Despite challenging markets, Airbus Military won five new orders for its light and medium aircraft (CN235 and C295). (Source: Airbus)

Poland's MoD signs contracts for five W-3A Sokols and the upgrade of 14 helicopters

2012-01-16T21:48:00.002+01:00

PZL-Swidnik has announced it has signed contracts with the Polish MoD, valued at approximately PLN380 million net, for the supply of five W-3WA Sokol helicopters and the upgrade of 14 helicopters. The five new W-3WA Sokol helicopters will be configured for VIP transport and used by the Polish AF to provide transport services for senior military and government personnel. Deliveries of the five aircraft will be completed by the end of 2013. The upgrading of 14 helicopters consist of the upgrade of four W-3 Sokols to W-3PL Gluszec armed configuration, and the overhaul and upgrade of eight Mi-2 helicopters and the upgrade of two W-3VIP helicopters with a Full Authority Digital Engine Contro system. (Source: AgustaWestland)

Air Malta leases an A320 to Sky Airline of Chile

2012-01-16T21:44:00.004+01:00

Air Malta has leased an Airbus A320 aircraft to Sky Airline of Chile for two months. The plane will rejoin Air Malta’s fleet in early March in time for the airline’s busy summer season. The aircraft with registration 9H-AEF will be operated by Air Malta cockpit crew and maintained by Air Malta engineers. A number of Maltese training pursers have also been sent over to Chile to train Sky Airlines' cabin crew. Air Malta said this is the fourth wet lease agreement between both airlines since 2007. (Source: timesofmalta.com)

France DGA takes delivery of third Mistral Class BPC built for the French Navy

2012-01-16T21:31:00.003+01:00

BPC Dixmude, the third Mistral-class force projection and command vessel for the French Navy, has been delivered to the French defence procurement agency (DGA) three months ahead of the initial contract schedule. The DGA took formal delivery of the ship on Jan. 3rd, 2012. This success is the result of outstanding cooperation between industry partners DCNS and STX France. The design, construction and testing of the vessel was conducted in close partnership with DGA and French Navy teams. (Source: DCNS)

Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight BAe Avro RJ-70 at Malta IAP

2012-01-15T15:30:00.000+01:00

Big hike in Ryanair baggage fees

2012-01-15T09:28:00.003+01:00

Hard-up Maltese travellers hoping to take their summer or Christmas holidays abroad with Ryanair this year face paying up to €105 to check-in a single bag under the no-frills airline’s new fee structure. The new fees apply to flights from June to September and from Dec. 21st to Jan. 4th.

During these periods, passengers caught at the airport with hand luggage that weighs over the free 10kg allowance will have to pay €100 to check-in the bag if it weighs up to 15kg – an increase of over 50% from the old fee of €40. This rises to €105 for a bag up to 20kg.

Passengers who book online in advance to check-in a bag weighing up to 15kg during these peak periods will have to pay €50 per bag for a return journey, compared with €30 in the ‘low season’. A bag up to 20kg booked in advance will cost €70 for a return journey. (Source: timesofmalta.com)

Saudi, French jets collide during joint exercise

2012-01-15T08:00:00.001+01:00

A Mirage aircraft of the French Air Force had a collision with an F-15 aircraft of the Saudi Royal Air Force during a joint maneuver in Tabuk province on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Pilots of both planes parachuted safely to the ground, said the report, quoting a statement issued by the Defense Ministry. (Source: arabnews.com)

Fourth USN's LCS christined as 'Coronado'

2012-01-14T21:09:00.001+01:00

The U.S. Navy's fourth littoral combat ship (LCS) was christened Coronado during a ceremony at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 14th. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition, S. Stackley, delivered the principal address at the ceremony, and Susan Ring Keith served as the ship's sponsor. Designated LCS 4, Coronado is an innovative surface combatant designed to operate in littoral seas and shallow water to counter mines, submarines and fast surface craft threats in coastal regions. (Source: navy.mil / U.S. Navy photo courtesy Austal USA/Released)

RAF's 207 (Reserve) Squadron disbands

2012-01-14T21:07:00.000+01:00

A formal disbandment parade was held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire, on Jan. 13th to bid farewell to the Royal Air Force’s 207(R) Sqn, which had operated the Tucano T.1 at the base as part of 1 Flying Training School.

The squadron – which formerly used the Tucano train fast jet pilots – has been disbanded following the Strategic Defence and Security Review, which has led to a reduction in the numbers of fast-jet pilots being trained by the RAF. With the disbandment on May 12th, 2011, of another 1 FTS Tucano squadron, 76(R) Sqn, all of the School’s Tucano aircraft are now flown by 72(R) Sqn. (Source: key.aero)

USN accepts delivery of missile range instrumentation ship USNS Howard O. Lorenzen (T-AGM 25)

2012-01-13T21:04:00.002+01:00

The USN's Military Sealift Command has accepted delivery missile range instrumentation ship USNS Howard O. Lorenzen (T-AGM 25) on Jan. 10th. Constructed by VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., T-AGM 25 will be the replacement for the existing USNS Observation Island, which was launched in 1953. The ship will provide worldwide, high-quality, dual-band radar data in support of ballistic missile treaty verification. (Source: msc.navy.mil)

USN P-3C Orion at Malta IAP for touch & goes

2012-01-13T21:01:00.000+01:00

USN C-130T Hercules at Malta IAP for touch & goes

2012-01-13T13:30:00.002+01:00

U.S. Navy USS Whidbey Island in Valletta Port

2012-01-13T13:25:00.005+01:00

The United States naval vessel USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) - a Whidbey Island Class Amphibious Dock Landing Ship - has sailed into Valletta Port (the Grand Harbour) this morning at 0920LT on a courtesy visit.

USS Whidbey Island is presently berthing starboard alongside at Pinto-4/5 Wharf and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour on Monday, January 16th, at 0900LT.

Volaris signs purchase agreement for 44 A320s

2012-01-12T20:34:00.002+01:00

Mexican low cost carrier Volaris has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 44 eco-efficient Airbus A320s, comprised of 30 A320neo and 14 A320 aircraft. The order represents the largest single commercial aircraft order ever by an airline in Mexico. Volaris, also the first airline in Mexico to order the A320neo, will announce its engine selections for the aircraft at a later date. (Source: Airbus)

Austal launches second littoral combat ship for USN

2012-01-12T16:02:00.005+01:00

On January 10, 2012, Austal’s Mobile, Alabama SY has completed the launch of the second 127m Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship, "Coronado" (LCS 4). The roll-out marked Austal’s second use of an innovative self-propelled modular transporter system to transfer the ship from the yard’s final assembly bay onto a drydock for launch. Austal and the USN collaborated in the design of a new set of keel stands to support the ship during construction and facilitate the transition from the assembly bay. (Source: Austal)

Lufthansa Group airlines carried 106.3 million pax in 2011

2012-01-11T20:56:00.004+01:00

The airlines that make up the Lufthansa Group carried a record number of passengers in 2011. A total of 106.3 million passengers chose to fly with Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, bmi and Germanwings. This is equivalent to growth of 7.5% compared with the previous year. The Group increased its capacity by 9.8% overall in 2011, while its revenue seat kilometres rose by 7.0%. The average passenger load factor for the aircraft correspondingly fell by 2% to 77.2%.

In 2011, a total of 65.5 million pax flew with Lufthansa-brand planes - 11.1% more than in the previous year, SWISS carried approximately 16.4 million pax, at Austrian Airlines passenger numbers came to 11.3 million, around 5.7 million pax chose to fly with bmi, and Germanwings had approximately 7.5 million pax. (Source: Lufthansa Group)

Boeing receives U.S. Army contract for 14 additional CH-47F Chinooks

2012-01-11T20:35:00.005+01:00

Boeing has on Jan. 11th that it has received a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately US$370 million for 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, primarily to support Foreign Military Sales efforts. The aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Army commencing in 2014, with all but one being intended for export to Australia and the United Arab Emirates. (Source: Boeing)

USMC takes delivery of its first two F-35Bs

2012-01-11T20:30:00.003+01:00

The first two Lockheed Martin production model F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft were delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps today. The two jets are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 residing with the host 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla. The aircraft, known as BF-6 and BF-8, flew separately arriving at 3:13 p.m. and 4:39 p.m. CST respectively after their approximate 90-minute ferry flights from Fort Worth, Texas. Both F-35Bs will be used for pilot and maintainer training at the new F-35 Integrated Training Center. (Source: Lockheed Martin)

United States Air Force C-12C at Malta IAP

2012-01-11T16:00:00.000+01:00

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register - update 10/1/2012

2012-01-10T21:10:00.001+01:00

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

New addition/s:

9H-ZAT - Hawker Beechcraft Corp. Hawker 900XP (c/n. HA-0143) registered to Hangar 8 AOC Malta Ltd. (ex G-OZAT)

Cancellation/s: none

Fleet Watch: Orders December 2011

2012-01-10T21:05:00.001+01:00

Commercial aircraft net orders came in at 316 for December 2011. There were no cancellation during the month. In the highlight of the month, Southwest Airlines ordered 208 B737s. Federal Express ordered 27 B767s while China Aircraft Leasing Company ordered 20 C919d. Etihad Airways ordered ten B787s. Boeing totalled 284 new orders in December while COMAC received 20 and ATR 12. (Source: flightglobal.com)

EADS North America receives U.S. Army contract for 39 UH-72A Lakota LUHs

2012-01-10T21:02:00.004+01:00

The U.S. Army has awarded EADS North America a US$212.7 million contract to deliver 39 UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters as part of its total acquisition plan. Thirty-two of these Lakotas will be produced in the Army’s Security and Support Battalion configuration. EADS North America has already delivered 198 UH-72A Lakotas to the U.S. Army, on time and within budget, along with five H-72A versions to USN for test pilot training. (Source: EADS North America)

Air France-KLM finalizes an order for 25 B787-9s

2012-01-10T20:59:00.004+01:00

Air France-KLM Group has finalized an order with Boeing for 25 B787-9 Dreamliners, with options. The order was signed in late December 2011 and was recorded on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website, attributed to an unidentified customer. A preliminary agreement was first announced on Sep. 16th, 2011. (Source: Boeing)

Indonesia signs contract for six Su-30MK2s

2012-01-10T20:57:00.003+01:00

Indonesia has signed a US$470 million contract with Russia to buy six Sukhoi Su-30MK2 jet fighters for the Indonesian Air Force, The Jakarta Post daily has reported. The deal was confirmed by Russian defense-industry and diplomatic sources, but the Sukhoi aircraft maker and arms exporter Rosoboronexport declined to comment. Deliveries will start after 2013. (Source: RAI Novosti)

Ryanair adds more routes to Malta

2012-01-10T16:16:00.003+01:00

Low cost airline Ryanair has announced today seven new routes to Malta, including services to London-Stansted and Bournemouth in the U.K, Oslo in Norway, Turin in Italy, Malmo in Sweden, Kaunas in Lithuania and Wroclaw in Poland. The London-Stansted route will fly four flights a week while the others fly twice a week. The new routes will start operating from May 2012.

The new routes were announced today in Malta by chief operating officer M. Cawley. He said that Ryanair will thus operate 28 routes to/from Malta. He said they expected to attract a million passengers to Malta within a year. (Source: timesofmalta.com / maltatoday.com)

Ryanair to open its 50th base in Paphos, Cyprus

2012-01-10T16:11:00.005+01:00

Ryanair has today announced that it would open its 50th base (and first in Cyprus) at Paphos (Cyprus’s third largest city) in April 2012 with two based aircraft and 14 routes which will initially deliver over 600,000 passengers per year with over 80 weekly flights as Ryanair invests over US$140 million at Paphos airport. (Source: Ryanair)

Mexican Air Force orders six T-6C+ Trainers

2012-01-09T20:27:00.003+01:00

Hawker Beechcraft has achieved the first sale of its new, enhanced Beechcraft T-6C+ version of the Texan II military trainer with an order for six aircraft from the Mexican Air Force, which was announced by the manufacturer on Jan. 9th. The T-6C+ is capable of carrying external stores and delivering practice weapons for training purposes. The first two of six contracted T-6C+ aircraft will be delivered to an advanced training base in Mexico's northern region in early 2012. The new T-6C+ trainers will replace the aging PC-7 fleet. (Source: key.aero)

Hong Kong Airlines confirms order for ten A380s

2012-01-09T16:07:00.003+01:00

Hong Kong Airlines has confirmed an order for ten Airbus A380 aircraft at a list price of $3.8 billion. The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the aircraft at the Paris Air Show in June 2011, but the deal was only confirmed last month, said a spokeswoman. With the new aircraft, due to be delivered from 2015, the carrier will introduce long-haul services to destinations including Paris, London and Sydney, she added. (Source: flightglobal.com)

Ryanair's 2011 traffic grows 5% to 76 million pax

2012-01-09T16:02:00.001+01:00

Ryanair has announced a 5% traffic growth for 2011, with over 76 million passengers choosing Ryanair’s guaranteed lowest fares last year, up from 72 million in 2010. A new record of 8.1 million passengers in August (up 6% on Aug-10). The busiest day was Friday 12th August when over 280,000 flew on over 1,600 Ryanair flights. (Source: Ryanair)

Royal Air Force VC-10 C.1K at Malta IAP

2012-01-08T14:40:00.000+01:00

Air Malta aircraft struck by lightning

2012-01-06T23:58:00.001+01:00

An Air Malta aircraft was struck by lightning this evening as it was approaching Malta. Sources said the aircraft, 9H-AEH, was hit on the front part. Although the aircraft did not seem to have suffered any structural damage, fire crews deployed at the airport in line with procedure and stood down after the plane parked. Aircraft have lightning protection systems but engineers must assess whether any system suffered damage, the sources said. (Source: timesofmalta.com)

China's Aviacopter AC313 achieves type certification

2012-01-06T16:20:00.005+01:00

The Avicopter AC313 has achieved type certification in China, clearing the way for it to enter the commercial market. The helicopter underwent four years of research and development, and is China's largest domestic civilian helicopter to date, said an Avicopter spokesman. It foresees a number of missions for the AC313. These include search and rescue, fire fighting, offshore operations, cargo and medical evacuation. (Source: flightglobal.com / Photo: Avicopter)

Aster Air Cargo DC87 diverts to Atlanta,GA due to engine fire

2012-01-05T21:12:00.001+01:00

An Astar Air Cargo Douglas DC-8-70 on behalf of DHL, freight flight ER2801 from Cincinnati,KY to Orlando,FL (USA), was enroute at FL320 about 130nm southeast of Atlanta,GA (USA) when the crew reported the #3 engine (inboard right hand) on fire and diverted to Atlanta for a safe landing about 30 minutes later. (Source: avherald.com)

Boeing booked 805 net commercial airplanes and delivered 477 in 2011

2012-01-05T20:28:00.004+01:00

Boeing has booked 805 net commercial airplane orders in 2011, fueled by a late flurry of record-breaking deals. The company also delivered 477 airplanes, ending the year with a strong backlog of 3,771 unfilled orders.

Orders, deliveries and backlog at the end of 2011 by program were as follows:

	Gross Orders	Net Orders	Deliveries	Unfilled Orders
737	625	551	372	2,365
747	7	-1	9	97
767	42	42	20	72
777	202	200	73	380
787	45	13	3	857
Total	921	805	477	3,771

(Source: Boeing)

Technical problem forces Air Malta flight to London-Heathrow to return to Malta IAP

2012-01-04T20:37:00.007+01:00

Air Malta flight AMC102 to London-Heathrow was forced to return back to Malta IAP this evening because of a technical problem. The flight (operated by an Airbus A320, registration 9H-AEP) took-off from Malta IAP around 1705LT and the problem was soon detected by crew. The crew had no option but to turn the aircraft back to Malta. The aircraft landed safely at Malta IAP around 30-mins after departure. Following an aircraft change, flight AMC102 took-off again (opb A320, 9H-AEO) with a two hour delay.

South Korea places order with KAI for 20 FA-50s

2012-01-04T16:05:00.002+01:00

South Korea has placed a US$600 million order with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for 20 examples of the FA-50 attack variant of the T-50 advanced jet trainer. KAI said that under the deal it will deliver the aircraft from 2013 to 2014. Seoul could acquire a total of 60 to 150 FA-50s to replace its fleet of more than 150 Northrop F-5s. The FA-50 is the most advanced variant of the T-50. It will have the Link 16 tactical data link, as well as an Elta Systems EL/M-2032 pulse doppler radar. (Source: flightglobal.com / Photo: KAI)

MSoF C172 skids off RWY 23 at Malta IAP

2012-01-04T16:00:00.002+01:00

A Malta School of Flying (MSoF) light aircraft - a Cessna 172 with registration 9H-ACL - has skidded off RWY 23 at Malta IAP this morning, around 0700LT, ending in the grass next to the runway. The aircraft was performing touch and goes on RWY 23 when the incident occurred. The airport's emergency services were deployed to the scene for any eventuality. No one was injured.

Malta IAP achieves record 3.5 million pax in 2011

2012-01-03T19:58:00.003+01:00

Mr M. Klaushofer, new CEO at M.I.A. plc, today announced that the airport had achieved a record 3.5 million passenger movements in 2011. "In effect, this means an increase of 6.5% over 2010, which in itself was a record year which had then registered an increase of 12.8% over 2009." The CEO said that "this result was possible due to the hard work of our staff, the commitment of our airlines and all the ground work and efforts which our airline marketing department carries out in conjunction with the government and the Malta Tourism Authority." (Source: maltaiport.com)

GECAS signs order for two additional ATR 72-600s

2012-01-03T19:50:00.003+01:00

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric, has signed an order with ART for two additional ATR 72-600s, and two options. This is a follow-on to GECAS’ first-ever ATR order placed in June at the Paris Air Show and brings the total number of ATRs ordered by GECAS to 17 with 17 options. GECAS will begin to take delivery of the new aircraft in late 2012. (Source: ATR)

Elbit Systems awarded contract to supply Hermes 900 UAS to a undisclosed country in the Americas

2012-01-03T19:40:00.003+01:00

Elbit Systems Ltd. has announced today that it was awarded a contract, valued at approximately US$50 million, to supply Hermes 900 Unmanned Aircraft Systems to a governmental office of a country in the Americas. The UAS will be operated in a variety of perimeter security missions. The project will be performed over approximately one year. The UAS will also include systems such as the Universal Ground Control Stations, Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop's highly advanced DCoMPASS payload systems, as well as satellite communication systems. (Source: Elbit Systems)

Poland's 36th Special Air Transport Regiment official disbands

2012-01-03T19:35:00.003+01:00

Poland's 36th Special Air Transport Regiment was officially disbanded on Tuesday following the ceremonial lowering of the regiment's flag at the Warsaw-Okecie military airport. It was announced in August 2011, shortly after the appointment of T. Siemoniak as Poland's new Defense Minister, that the regiment would cease its activities.

This decision followed the release of the official Polish report into the Smolensk tragedy, which occurred when a Polish Air Force Tu-154M aircraft crashed in bad weather killing 96 people, including the country's then president L. Kaczyński. The report stated that the regiment's pilots were overworked, had been poorly trained and lacked the correct facilities and equipment. (Source: Warsaw Business Journal)

Allegiant MD82 slids off taxiway while taxiing after landing on Youngstown's RWY 32

2012-01-02T19:45:00.002+01:00

An Allegiant Air MD-82, performing flight AAY892 from Saint Petersburg,FL to Youngstown,OH (USA), had safely landed on Youngstown's RWY 32. When the aircraft attempted to turn off the runway onto TWY H-1 the aircraft slid off paved surface and came to a stop with the nose and left main gear on soft ground off the taxiway. The passenger were able to disembark onto the taxiway via mobile stairs about 50-mins later and were bussed to the terminal. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the apron. (Source: avherald.com)

Brazilian Navy signs contract for three OPVs

2012-01-02T19:29:00.008+01:00

The Brazilian Navy has signed a contract worth £133 million with BAE Systems for the supply of three OPVs and ancillary support services. The contract also contains a Manufacturing Licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be constructed in Brazil.

The three 90m offshore patrol vessels, originally constructed for the Government of Trinidad & Tobago, will provide the Brazilian Navy with enhanced maritime capability in the near term, pending the acquisition of future ships under its PROSUPER programme. The first two ships will be delivered in 2012 and the third will follow in early 2013. (Source: BAE Systems)

Mexico buys three Mi-17V-5 helicopters

2011-12-31T09:45:00.002+01:00

Mexico has bought three Russian Mi-17V-5 tactical transport helicopters, an informed source in the Mexican military circles told RIA Novosti on Saturday. The Mexican navy ministry, which along with defense ministry is charged with efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime, signed a contract with Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport on Dec.22nd. Under the contract the Mexican side will receive three Russian helicopters made at the Kazan Helicopter Factory next year. The contract value is not disclosed. (Source: RIA Novosti)

Air Europa B738 veers off the taxiway at Paris-Charles de Gaulle while taxiing after landing

2011-12-30T21:53:00.004+01:00

An Air Europa Boeing 737-800 (EC-JHL), performing flight UX1009 from Valencia (Spain) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (France) with 162 people on board, had landed safely on Charles de Gaulle's RWY 26L and was turning off the runway via taxiway V3 around 2100LT (2000z), when the aircraft veered right off the taxiway before coming to a stop just past the Category I hold short line (and short of the low visibility hold short line) however still penetrating the runway protected zone. Responding emergency services needed three hours due to difficulties with the soft ground until mobile stairs enabled the passengers to disembark the aircraft. (Source: avherald.com)

Indonesia inks deal for six Su-30Mk2s

2011-12-30T21:51:00.003+01:00

Indonesia Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that a contract for six Su-30MK2 fighters has been signed with Rosoboronexport on Dec. 29th. Sjafrie said the Indonesian Air Force now possesses ten Sukhoi jet fighters. "It is planned that the Indonesian Air Force will place one Sukhoi squadron at Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi," he said. (Source: vivanews.com)

Indian Navy floats out first indigenous aircraft carrier

2011-12-30T21:48:00.002+01:00

The first indigenous aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy was floated out at the Cochin Shipyard Limited, at a low-key event attended by senior shipping and naval officers on Thursday. The floating ceremony was followed by a meeting to review the progress in the work being done on the aircraft carrier, a 40,000-tonne fleet air defence platform of the Navy, which will be named after the legendary INS Vikrant. (Source: thehindu.com)

USAF selects the A-29 Super Tucano for LAS program

2011-12-30T21:45:00.001+01:00

The U.S. Air Force has today announced that it has selected Embaer's A-29 Super Tucano for the Light Air Support (LAS) program. The aircraft will be supplied in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) as the prime contractor, and will be used to conduct advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.

As specified by the Air Force, this is a firm-fixed price delivery order contract in the amount of US$355 million for the LAS aircraft and associated support. Twenty LAS aircraft will be provided, as well as ground training devices to support pilot training and support for all maintenance and supply requirements for the aircraft and associated support equipment. (Source: embraer.com)

Struggling Jade Cargo forced to ground B747 fleet

2011-12-30T14:43:00.002+01:00

Chinese-German joint-venture freight carrier Jade Cargo has effectively suspended operations after grounding its six Boeing 747-400ERFs because it can no longer afford to fuel them. The airline is co-owned by Air China, which holds 51%, and German shareholders including Lufthansa Cargo with 25%. But a source close to the situation said the six aircraft have been withdrawn from service because the carrier is using its funds to pay financing costs on the jets rather than fuel them. (Source: flightglobal.com)

TM/DCA: Malta Aircraft Register - update 30/12/2011

2011-12-30T14:30:00.004+01:00

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

New addition/s:

9H-RDG - Piaggio P180 Avanti (c/n. 1045) registered to Hermes Aviation Ltd. (ex N159PA)

Cancellation/s: none

Fire brokes out on Russian submarine Yekaterinburg

2011-12-29T20:44:00.002+01:00

A fire broke out on the Russian Navy K-84 Yekaterinburg nuclear submarine - one of seven Delta-IV class submarines in service - on Thursday during repairs at a shipyard in northern Russia, the local emergencies ministry department said. Fire safety violations during routine maintenance works are seen as the most likely cause of the blaze at a floating repair dock. "No deaths or injuries have been reported. There is no threat of nuclear pollution," the department said in a statement. Wooden scaffolding around the submarine caught fire, which spread to the submarine's light outer hull, Northern Fleet spokesman Capt. 1st Rank V. Serga said. (Source: rian.ru / Photo: TV 21)

Bombardier adds five Challenger 850s to its order book

2011-12-29T20:40:00.002+01:00

Bombardier Aerospace has announced that it received a firm order for five Challenger 850 jets from an undisclosed customer. The total value of the order is approximately US$156 million, based on the 2011 list price for typically equipped aircraft. The Challenger 850 jet combines outstanding dependability with an executive cabin and the superior level of support business jet customers demand. (Source: bombardier.com)

U.S. government finalises a deal to sell 84 F-15SAs to Saudi Arabia

2011-12-29T20:36:00.002+01:00

White House spokesman J. Earnest has announced in a statement on Dec. 29th that the U.S. State Department has finalised a US$29 billion deal under which Saudi Arabia will purchase 84 new Boeing F-15SA (Saudi Advanced) Strike Eagles. The government-to-government agreement under the Foreign Military Sales programme will also include upgrade to a similar F-15SA standard of the Royal Saudi Air Force's 70 existing F-15S Strike Eagles. (Source: key.aero)

Russian Navy RFS Sergey Osipov in Valletta Port

2011-12-29T16:02:00.008+01:00

The Russian Federation naval vessel RFS Sergey Osipov - a Boris Chilikin class (Project 1559/1593) replenishment tanker - has sailed into Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) this afternoon at 1415LT on a courtesy visit.

RFS Sergey Osipov is presently berthing starboard alongside at Parlatorio Wharf (in French Creek) and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour on Monday, January 2nd, at 1230LT.

Altyn Air T134 crashes on landing at Osh airport, Kyrgyzstan

2011-12-28T16:02:00.001+01:00

An Altyn Air (alias Kyrgyzstan Altyn) Tupolev 134A (EX-020), performing flight QH-3 from Bishkek to Osh (Kyrgyzstan) with 73 passengers and six crew, suffered a hard landing resulting in the right main gear collapse, right main wing separation and the airplane rolling on its back while landing on Osh's RWY 12 in fog and low visibility around 1215LT (0615z).

The aircraft came to a stop on soft ground about 10m off the right runway edge. A fire fed by a fuel leak off the left wing erupted which was quickly extinguished by airport emergency services. One passenger received serious injuries, 24 people received minor injuries, 16 of which were taken to local hospitals. (Source: avherald.com / Photo: AFP/AKIPRESS/STR)

Russian Navy RFS Ladnyy in Valletta Port

2011-12-28T16:00:00.008+01:00

The Russian Federation naval frigate RFS Ladnyy (801) - a Burevestnik class (Project 1135) - has sailed into Valletta Port (Grand Harbour) this morning at 0945LT on a courtesy visit.

This RFS Ladnyy's second visit in Valletta Port this year, her first visit was between the 9th and 11th December.

The Russian frigate is presently berthing starboard alongside at Pinto-4/5 Wharf, later to shift to Parlatorio Wharf, and she's expected to sail from the Grand Harbour on Monday, January 2nd, at 1030LT.

Transaero signs for four B787 Dreamliners

2011-12-27T20:56:00.002+01:00

Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest airline, signed an agreement with Boeing Commercial Airplanes for four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Transaero will operate the jetliner in three class layout with four seats in Imperial class, 14 in Business and 244 in Economy with total capacity of 262 passengers. (Source: Transaero)

Embraer rolls out Legacy 500 executive jet

2011-12-26T20:52:00.001+01:00

Embraer has rolled out its newest executive jet, the midsize Legacy 500, last Dec. 23rd, from the production hangar at the Sao Jose dos Campos headquarters, in Brazil. This milestone rollout will allow development and test engineers to perform important ground tests, prior to the aircraft’s first flight, which is scheduled for the third quarter of 2012.

The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, each one producing 6,540 pounds of thrust at take-off. They will allow the aircraft to fly at a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82, and to have a range of 5,600-km with four passengers. The jet features the advanced Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion Integrated Flight Deck, as well as a modern full fly-by-wire system with complete flight envelope protection. (Source: embraer.com)

AMC Airlines MD83 lands at Karachi airport without the nose gear

2011-12-25T20:34:00.002+01:00

An AMC Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (SU-BOZ), performing a charter flight from Tabuk (Saudi Arabia) to Quetta (Pakistan) with 74 passengers, has diverted to Karachi when the crew could not extend the nose gear prior to landing in Quetta. Following further troubleshooting, which could not release the nose gear, and two low approaches the crew finally performed a nose gear up landing on Karachi's RWY 25L and brought the aircraft to a stand still on the runway at about 1000LT (0500z). No injuries occurred, the aircraft remained disabled on the runway. (Source: avherald.com / Photo: Zain Maqsood)

Air Malta to increase flights to/from Tripoli

2011-12-23T16:03:00.001+01:00

Air Malta announced is increasing its flights to and from Tripoli to four frequency as from next Jan. 3rd. The flights will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Chief Commercial Officer P. Saunders said: "This decision was taken following the increase in demand registered since we resumed scheduled air services to Libya on Nov. 28th. The service has become very popular and passenger figures are growing steadily. With the additional frequency we are planning to carry approximately 1,000 passengers every month to/from Tripoli." (Source: di-ve.com)

Bolivian Army buys six Chinese helicopters

2011-12-22T21:38:00.002+01:00

Bolivia has signed a deal buy six Chinese H425 helicopters for its army, at a ceremony attended by Bolivian ministers and Beijing's ambassador, local media reported. Foreign minister C. Romero and planning minister V. Caro have signed the accord with China's diplomatic representative in La Paz, Shen Zhiliang, in the presence of army chiefs. The 12-seater aircraft will be delivered in 2012 and will also be used for civil defense, officials said. (Source: Agence France-Presse)

Lufthansa sells British Midland for €207m to IAG

2011-12-22T21:31:00.000+01:00

Deutsche Lufthansa AG and International Airlines Group (IAG) have signed a binding agreement for the sale of British Midland Limited (bmi) to IAG. The price is £172.5 million (approx. €207 million) in cash for bmi. The price is subject to certain reductions. Both parties aim for a closing of the transaction by the end of the first quarter 2012. (Source: avitrader.com)

Rolls-Royce to power 20 new aircraft for THAI

2011-12-22T21:26:00.003+01:00

Rolls-Royce is to power 20 new aircraft for THAI Airways International. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB and Trent 1000 engines will power 12 A350 XWB and eight Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which are part of THAI's fleet modernisation programme and will further improve the airline's operational and environmental performance. (Source: rolls-royce.com)

AgustaWestland’s AW189 completes its maiden flight

2011-12-22T21:19:00.003+01:00

AgustaWestland has announce that the first prototype of the AW189 twin-engine 8-tonne class helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight on Dec. 21st. AgustaWestland aims to achieve civil certification for the AW189 in 2013 and to start deliveries in early 2014. The AW189 was flown by AgustaWestland Chief Test Pilot G. Lo Coco at the company’s Cascina Costa plant in Italy. (Source: agustawestland.com)

AWAS purchases and leases back four A320s to IndiGo

2011-12-22T21:15:00.002+01:00

AWAS has entered into an agreement with IndiGo, India’s largest low cost airline, to purchase and leases back four A320 passenger aircraft that the airline had previously ordered from the manufacturer. These aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2012. AWAS has mandated KfW IPEX-Bank as arranger and sole lender to finance two of the four A320s. (Source: avitrader.com)