RIP Elenita…

The Spanish Air Force has taken delivery of its first Airbus A400M new generation airlifter – the most advanced aircraft to have been produced in Spain and one which will transform the nation’s air mobility fleet.

Today’s contractual handover of the first of 27 aircraft that it has ordered makes Spain the sixth nation to put the A400M into service.

Representatives of the Spanish Air Force and Ministry of Defence formally accepted the aircraft, known as MSN44, from Airbus Defence and Space in a brief ceremony at the A400M final assembly line (FAL) in Seville.

Airbus Defence and Space Head of Military Aircraft, Fernando Alonso, said: “Today is truly a special day for all of us who have been involved with the A400M programme over the years – but particularly for the Seville workforce that has worked so hard to make the aircraft a reality.

“Every delivery to every customer is of huge importance to us, but being able to hand over the first aircraft to Spain from our final assembly line in Seville is a source of particular pride. I would like to thank all our employees, as well as OCCAR and our Spanish customer for achieving this milestone.”

In Spanish service the A400M will replace the ageing C-130 aircraft type, carrying about twice the load over the same distance, or the same load twice as far. In addition it can serve as a tactical air-to-air tanker for other transport aircraft, including other A400Ms.

Uniquely it is able both to cruise at jet-like speeds and altitudes over intercontinental ranges due to its four extremely powerful engines and advanced aerodynamic design, as well as to operate repeatedly from short and unprepared airstrips close to the scene of military action or humanitarian crisis.

Under an agreement signed in September, 14 aircraft will be delivered at a steady pace between now and 2022, and the remaining 13 are scheduled for delivery from 2025 onwards.

The Spanish A400M fleet will be based at Zaragoza in North East Spain and will represent the heavylift element of a transport force that includes the medium C295 and CN235, and light C212 aircraft – all produced by Airbus Defence and Space. MSN44 will fly to Zaragoza in the coming days.

Altogether more than 1600 employees from Airbus Defence and Space work in Spain for the A400m program, including 1100 working directly at the Seville FAL and nearby Tablada Factory. To date eight nations have ordered 174 aircraft of which 34 have now been delivered.

Mexico City, November 15, 2016 – The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the South-American company Synergy Aerospace are pleased to announce an order for the purchase of 12 firm ATR 72-600s, plus 6 options. The aircraft are to be operated by the group’s new subsidiary in Argentina, Avian Líneas Aéreas, branded as Avianca Argentina under a license agreement.

The ATR 72-600s will be configured with 72 seats and feature the most modern standards of performance and passenger comfort. They are the most fuel and eco-efficient aircraft of their category. Launching its operations with the latest-generation ATR 72-600s, Avian Líneas Aéreas will provide an essential service across the Argentinian market, introducing new regional routes and connections to and from main hubs, first in Buenos Aires and then in Córdoba. The first delivery is expected before the end of the year, with entry into service planned for the first quarter of 2017.

Commenting on the deal, Germán Efromovich, Chairman of Synergy Aerospace, declared: “We are excited about the imminent launch of Avian Líneas Aéreas as an Avianca branded airline. We are looking forward to expanding services and linking under-served communities in Argentina thanks not only to a highly efficient and modern ATR 72-600 fleet but also the technical and logistic support of ATR/Airbus stemming from a traditional strong partnership, as well as to broaden and deepen Avianca’s network in South America.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, added: “The introduction of the ATR -600 series in Argentina is a major milestone in our expansion in Latin America. Argentina has great potential for the development of regional air connectivity, and we are pleased to bring the most cost-efficient, modern and comfortable solution to airlines and passengers alike.”

ATR and Synergy Aerospace have been working together closely over the last five years. Synergy Aerospace’s mainly owned subsidiary Avianca Holdings purchased 15 ATR 72-600s in 2012, currently operated by Avianca in Colombia and Central America.

Today’s news follows the announcement of Synergy Aerospace’s proposed strategic investment in the Mexican airline Aeromar, which also involves the acquisition of new ATR aircraft for near-term delivery.

ATR is well established in Latin America and the Caribbean region, with some 160 aircraft operating in the liveries of 30 airlines.

The Mexican carrier will progressively replace and upgrade its current ATR fleet

Mexico City, November 14, 2016 – The turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR and the Mexican carrier Aeromar today signed a contract for the purchase of 8 firm ATR -600 series aircraft (6 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-600s). The deal also includes options for 6 additional ATR 72-600s.

The ATR 42-600s will be configured with 48 seats and the ATR 72-600s will have a capacity of 72 passengers. With the introduction of these latest-generation turboprop aircraft, the airline will progressively replace and upgrade its current fleet, which today includes 9 ATR 42-500s, 4 ATR 42-300s and 2 ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will also enable Aeromar to add passenger capacity to boost a number of main routes and create new connections to its regional network across the country. The first of the new ATR -600s will arrive in December 2016. Aeromar is a long-standing partner of ATR, having been operating ATR aircraft for almost 30 years, since it was founded in 1987.

The cabin of the ATR -600s, designed by the Italian firm Giugiaro, features the most modern standards of passenger comfort, including thinner and lighter seats, LED lighting and new overhead bins with 30% additional storage capacity compared with previous ATR versions.

In terms of eco-efficiency, the ATR 72-600 has the lowest environmental footprint in its category, consuming 40% less fuel than similar sized regional jets, which means a saving of up to 5,000 tons of CO2 per year. The ATR -600s are equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127M engines

The new avionics of the ATR -600s, developed by Thales, use the same technologies as in the A380 aircraft, substantially decreasing pilot workload and increasing flight path and approach precision thanks to satellite navigation.

Commenting on the deal, Andrés Fabre, Chief Executive Officer of Aeromar, stated: “The ATR aircraft represent the most cost-effective solution for our short-haul network. With a renewed fleet based upon the ATR -600s, our passengers will experience the most modern standards of comfort and service. We are very pleased to further develop this longstanding and highly successful partnership with ATR. We both share a commitment to safety and the passion for technology with an environmental-friendly conscience”.

Tom Anderson, Senior Vice President Commercial and Customer Support of ATR, declared: “For almost 30 years Aeromar has been providing an essential service across Mexico, linking communities and contributing to the development of regional economies. We are proud that the progressive introduction of the new and eco-efficient ATR -600s will enable the airline to continue delivering its passengers the highest quality of service on each and every flight.”

As of today, some 160 ATR aircraft fly over Latin America and the Caribbean under the liveries of 30 airlines. The number of ATRs operating in the region has doubled over the last decade.

Tras recibir su primer A320neo, Volaris se ha convertido en el primer operador norteamericano de este modelo de avión. Con un pedido de 74 aviones de la Familia A320, que incluye 30 A320neo, la aerolínea de bajo coste es el principal cliente de Airbus en México. Volaris cuenta con una flota exclusiva de aviones Airbus que desde 2006 no ha dejado de crecer. La aerolínea es el mayor operador de la Familia A320 en México, 63 aviones en total: 17 A319, 42 A320 y cuatro A321.

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El A320neo de Volaris ‒arrendado a AerCap‒ está equipado con motores Pure Power PW1100-JM, de Pratt & Whitney. El avión presenta una configuración de 186 plazas, con asientos de 18 pulgadas de ancho y el innovador interior de cabina Space-Flex.

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La Familia A320neo incorpora la tecnología más avanzada, con motores de nueva generación y dispositivos Sharklet en las puntas de las alas, que en conjunto proporcionan una reducción en consumo de combustible de más del 15 por ciento desde el primer día, y del 20 por ciento a partir de 2020.

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“La llegada del nuevo A320neo representa un paso muy importante en nuestra ambiciosa estrategia de bajo coste”, destacó Enrique Beltranena, CEO de Volaris, y añadió que “Volaris se siente muy orgullosa de ser la primera aerolínea que ofrece toda esta innovación tecnológica a los pasajeros norteamericanos”.

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“Es un orgullo para Airbus realizar la entrega del primer A320neo en Norteamérica a Volaris, un cliente fiel de Airbus desde hace más de diez años”, dijo Rafael Alonso, presidente de Airbus para Latinoamérica y el Caribe. “La fuerte expansión económica de México ofrece una oportunidad única a las principales aerolíneas del país ‒como Volaris‒ para que puedan seguir creciendo garantizando, al mismo tiempo, la sostenibilidad medioambiental con el A320neo como protagonista clave para el éxito de Volaris”.

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“Pratt & Whitney extiende su felicitación a AerCap, Volaris y Airbus por la entrega del A320neo el día de hoy. Estamos orgullosos de formar parte del equipo que trajo el primer A320neo a Norteamérica” dijo Rick Deurloo, Vicepresidente Sr. De Ventas, Mercadotecnia y Servicio al Cliente para Pratt & Whitney.

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Con más de 4.800 pedidos por parte de 87 clientes desde su lanzamiento en 2010, y una cuota de mercado cercana al 60 por ciento, la familia A320neo es la línea de productos de pasillo único más vendida del mundo. Gracias a su cabina más ancha, todos los miembros de la familia A320neo de Airbus ofrecen un confort sin igual en todas las clases además de ofrecer el asiento de 18 pulgadas de ancho como elemento estándar en clase económica. Con la entrega del A320neo a Volaris, son ya 18 los A320neo entregados a siete clientes en todo el mundo.

Low-cost carrier Volaris took delivery of its first A320neo, making the airline the first operator of the A320neo in North America. Volaris is Mexico’s largest Airbus customer, having ordered 74 A320 Family aircraft, including 30 A320neo. The all-Airbus operator became a customer in 2006, and since then has become Mexico’s biggest A320 Family operator with 63 A320 Family aircraft in service, including 17 A319, 42 A320 and four A321.

The A320neo for Volaris is powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100-JM engines and leased through AerCap. Configured to seat up to 186 passengers in 18”-wide seats, Volaris’ A320neo will be equipped with the innovative Space-Flex cabin.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020.

“The arrival of the A320neo symbolizes an important step in our ambitious ultra low-cost strategy,” said Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris. “Volaris is delighted to be the first to bring this new technology to passengers in North America.”

“Airbus is honored to deliver the first A320neo in North America to Volaris, an all-Airbus operator for more than 10 years,” said Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and the Caribbean. “Mexico’s strong economic growth presents a key opportunity for the country’s top airlines such as Volaris to expand and remain environmentally efficient, and the A320neo will be exceptional in achieving this for Volaris.”

“Pratt & Whitney extends its congratulations to AerCap, Volaris and Airbus on the delivery of today’s A320neo. We are proud to be part of the team bringing the first A320neo to North America,” said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president, Sales, Marketing and Customer Service for Pratt & Whitney.

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with nearly 4,800 orders from 87 customers since its launch in 2010 capturing some 60 percent share of the market. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320neo Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard. Including Volaris’ A320neo delivered today, 18 A320neo aircraft have been delivered to seven customers.

– The Challenger 650 aircraft is well-suited for Mexican customers’ requirements, offering operational flexibility required to fly in country and elsewhere in Latin and North America

– The Challenger 650 aircraft is the market’s best value proposition for customers seeking the widest cabin and seats combined with the lowest direct operating costs(i)

MONTREAL, QUÉBEC–(Marketwired – Aug. 29, 2016) – Bombardier Business Aircraft announced today that the first Challenger 650 aircraft registered and operated in Mexico had entered service in the region earlier this year. This aircraft joins the Bombardier business jet fleet in Latin America composed of approximately 550 aircraft in service, including approximately 200 Bombardier business aircraft in Mexico.

“The Challenger 650 jet is an ideal aircraft to be operated from high altitude airports, such as Toluca near Mexico City,” said Stéphane Leroy, Regional Vice President, Latin America, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “It offers the perfect combination of cabin comfort, superior performance and the lowest direct operating costs in its category. The Challenger 650 aircraft is part of a proven and best-selling platform, flown by leading operators worldwide. We are proud that the Challenger 650 aircraft has joined Bombardier’s aircraft fleet in Mexico.”

The Challenger aircraft series, and the Challenger 650 jet in particular, are leaders in their category in Latin America with a market share of over 40 per cent. With the Synthetic Vision System (SVS) offered as baseline, a cabin almost six inches wider than the closest competitor, as well as the latest entertainment and productivity solutions, the Challenger 650 aircraft is the right choice for customers in Mexico seeking increased payload, runway capabilities and wanting to maximize cabin space.

The Bombardier Business Aircraft Market Forecast, published in May 2016, predicts business aviation industry deliveries of 790 aircraft in Latin America for the 10-year period covering 2016-2025.

In service since 2015, the Challenger 650 jet builds on the legacy of the Bombardier Challenger aircraft series, which set the business aviation standard for reliability, efficiency and productivity for time-pressed executives and VIPs for over 30 years. Featuring a completely new and innovative cabin redesign, new seats, a new galley and the Bombardier Vision flight deck technology and optimized engine thrust, the Challenger 650 aircraft delivers the industry’s best overall value, proven reliability and efficiency. It can fly up to eight passengers from Toluca to Miami in just two hours and fifty minutes*.

SAO PAULO, Brazil (August 30, 2016) – In a move that will provide Rockwell Collins’ customers and prospects with more aviation connectivity options, the company announced that it has been licensed to sell satellite services in Brazil.

The global license, authorized by Anatel, gives Rockwell Collins the ability to sign distribution and service agreements with any satellite entities and customers operating in Brazil.

“Passengers are demanding faster and more reliable in-flight internet service and this agreement provides our business, commercial and government aviation operators with access to new services from Rockwell Collins,” said David Stanley, vice president, ARINCDirect Cabin Services for Rockwell Collins. “Customers will have more options, freedom and flexibility as they fly in and through the Brazilian airspace market.”

“Brazil has been investing heavily in a growing network of airport and Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities and major events like the World Cup and 2016 Rio Games have also driven growth,” continued Stanley. “Rockwell Collins’ ability to provide satellite connectivity will help support that growth, particularly for business aviation customers, where Brazil ranks third in the world after the U.S. and Mexico.”

Rockwell Collins is a value-added reseller for Inmarsat and Iridium satellite services.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 25, 2016 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] has delivered one of the world’s most advanced satellite communications systems to Mexico, one that opens high-speed data and voice communications to the entire country including some previously unserved areas.

After successfully completing its final tests, the Mexsat system was today formally accepted by the Ministry of Communications and Transportation.

Mexsat provides 3G+ voice and data services to mobile terminals on land, air and sea, enhancing the country’s national security, civil and humanitarian programs. The system is operated by Telecomunicaciones de Mexico (Telecomm) on behalf of the government.

“Boeing, working closely with the Ministry, has developed a state-of the-art, turnkey satellite system providing critical communications services throughout the country,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. “With more than 30 years’ experience building satellites for Mexico, Mexsat enhances an already strong relationship with an important customer.”

Boeing designed, integrated and delivered the system, which includes two satellites, two network and satellite control stations, associated network operations procedures and prototype user terminals. The final field tests were completed within 10 months following the launch of the Morelos-3 satellite. The tests involved exercising the 3G+ services such as voice calls, push-to-talk, internet video sessions, asset tracking, voice mail and text messaging over secure links to prototype terminals on ships, planes, vehicles, handheld devices and fixed sites.

“We are pleased to sign for the Bell 505 and look forward to integrating the aircraft into our operations,” said Mr. Paul Hellmers, Co-Owner, Signature S.R.L.

The Bell 505 has accumulated more than 380 LOIs around the globe. The aircraft is on track for certification in 2016 and has completed more than 800 test hours.

“The Bell 505 continues to generate excitement throughout Latin America; as customers begin to experience the aircraft’s capabilities, they will see the value proposition of integrating this aircraft into their daily operations,” said Jay Ortiz, vice president of Latin American sales. “The Bell 505 is a value leader in the short light single market, and we look forward to delivering this high-performing aircraft to our customers.”

With a cruise speed of 125 knots (232 km/h), range of 360 nautical miles (667 km) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (608 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be safe and easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. The Garmin G1000H Integrated Avionics Suite provides pilots critical flight information at a glance to maximize situational awareness. Pilot workload is further reduced by the Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine with dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).