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The United Arab Emirates Selects Airbus ProSky for Airspace Restructuring Study

Airspace utilization is becoming increasingly more important all over the world as flying becomes more popular.  One of the fastest growing areas is the Middle East where there is a lot of money from oil, and a continued effort to diversify their economy, especially in areas like tourism.

As part of their efforts to more efficiently use their airspace, United Arab Emirates'(UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority has hired Airbus ProSky. (Full details in the press release below.)  Airbus ProSky will create a report to make suggestions to enhance UAE airspace.

In what is a very wise move, they will base their findings on what they learn from current airport and airspace users, navigation service providers, as well as historical data.  It is all well and good to make changes to the system, but if they aren’t providing the improvements that are wanted, and needed, then it is just a waste of money.

The report will be released this summer, but it will obviously take much longer to implement any changes.  Hopefully, it will be more efficient than the US efforts to implement NextGen.

That has always been one of my biggest gripes about reports like this.  Studies are done to determine needs, but then not enough is done to implement those changes.  An old leader of mine always used to say, “After everything is said and done, a whole lot more is said than done.”

We have been talking about implementing NextGen for at least a decade, but we are still creeping along in the process.  Everyone knows what the benefits are, and what it will take to make it happen, but the politics of it all makes it take forever to implement.

Maybe someday we will be able to get past the politics of life to actually make things happen, and maybe it will take some of these other developing countries advancing ahead of us to make it happen.

Press Release

Airbus ProSky will take an important role in wide-ranging enhancements to United Arab Emirates airspace with its selection by the nation’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for a restructuring study – which will lead the way for improved air traffic management, navigation procedures, aircraft technologies and more.

28 January 2013 The agreement was signed today at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Center. Under terms of this contract, Airbus ProSky – which is Airbus’ air traffic management subsidiary – will provide a comprehensive report based on its interaction with all airspace users, navigation service provides and United Arab Emirates airports, as well as on historical data.
Working in close coordination with the GCAA, Airbus ProSky will deliver the study and its proposed airspace enhancements this summer.

“It is very important to seek continuous enhancement of [United Arab Emirates’] airspace to better serve the increasing air traffic movement and to be at the forefront of air navigation services providers internationally,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA.

“We are pleased to announce this partnership with Airbus ProSky, known for its expertise in providing solutions to improve and accelerate ATM performance and providing a comprehensive look into the future,” added GCAA Executive Director of Air Navigation Services Ahmed Al Jallaf. “Their experience in flow management, Performance-Based Navigation, innovation and aircraft technologies make them a true partner to the GCAA for our future development.”

The Airbus ProSky subsidiary – which includes the Metron Aviation, Quovadis and ATRiCs companies – is committed to working side-by-side with air navigation service providers, aircraft operators and airport authorities to build a truly collaborative system with greater capacity, better performance and environmental sustainability for all stakeholders.

January 29, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

American Airlines to Begin Flying Large Regional Jets

Outside of the 787 Dreamliner mess, American Airlines has been the biggest media hog in aviation recently.  For months now their bankruptcy and possible merger with US Airways have been discussed ad nauseam.  Then last week American revealed their new logo and livery to extremely mixed reviews.  (I for one like it more and more every time I see it.)

This week American signed an agreement with Republic Airways Holdings to provide large regional jet service.  This service will be provided for the first time in the company’s history.  While this may not be ground-breaking news I do find it interesting with the aforementioned bankruptcy/merger still hanging out there.

No one expects American to just sit there and do nothing, but the actions of the airline at this point make the whole merger option appear less likely every day.  Maybe that is exactly what the people at American are shooting for.  Maybe they want to end the debate and just carry on as the carrier they have been.  Then again, maybe it is one of those things where a company does everything they possibly can to make people think one thing, and then comes out of nowhere and acts completely contrary to what they were leading up to.

Either way this is a valuable change that American will be making as it gives their regional fleet more diversity.  The aircraft will have a first class section to cater to the business people who are one of the most valuable assets to the airline, while also providing increased scheduling options for markets where the demand may not be as consistent.

More details can be found in the press release below.

Press Release

American Airlines Signs New Agreement To Begin Large Regional Jet Flying

Large 76 Seat Regional Jets Will Join the American Fleet for the First Time in its History

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines announced today that it has signed a 12-year capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airways Holdings to provide large regional jet flying for the first time in the company’s history. This agreement, which is subject to court approval, was enabled by the new pilot contract. It is designed to offer customers more choices with the right-size aircraft to match market demand, strengthen service from American’s hubs and diversify its partnership with regional carriers.

“This is a significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s Vice President – Network Planning. “Establishing a large regional jet fleet has long been part of our business plan and this agreement is another example of how we are executing on that plan in a way that benefits our business and our customers. We will offer more flights at the right intervals throughout the day in key markets while providing more opportunities for customers to travel in the First Class cabin to key business markets.”

Through the agreement, Republic Airways will acquire 53 Embraer E-175 jets featuring a two-class cabin with 12 First Class seats and 64 seats in the Main Cabin.

The aircraft, which will be branded with the newly revealed American Eagle livery and operated by the Republic Airlines subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, will phase into operation at approximately two to three aircraft per month beginning in mid-2013. All 53 aircraft are expected to be in operation by the first quarter of 2015.

The new agreement will further enhance and strengthen American’s relationship with Republic Airways, a longtime partner of American Airlines and the largest operator of large Embraer jets. Republic’s Chautauqua Airlines subsidiary operates regional jet service for American from its hub at Chicago O’Hare with 15 Embraer E-140 aircraft.

About American Airlines

American Airlines focuses on providing an exceptional travel experience across the globe, serving more than 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories. American’s fleet of nearly 900 aircraft fly more than 3,500 daily flights worldwide from hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. American flies to nearly 100 international locations including important markets such as London, Madrid, Sao Paulo and Tokyo. With more than 500 new planes scheduled to join the fleet, including continued deliveries of the Boeing 737 family of aircraft and new additions such as the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft, American is building toward the youngest and most modern fleet among major U.S. carriers. American’s website, AA.com®, provides customers with easy access to check and book fares, and personalized news, information and travel offers. American’s AAdvantage® program, one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the world, lets members redeem miles for flights to almost 950 destinations worldwide, as well as flight upgrades, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other retail products. The airline also offers nearly 40 Admirals Club® locations worldwide providing comfort, convenience, and an environment with a full range of services making it easy for customers to stay productive without interruption. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest airlines in the world, including global brands like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Japan Airlines, LAN and Qantas. Together, its members serve more than 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 150 countries and territories. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir or Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

January 24, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Qatar Airways Flies New Navigational Approach into Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal

Aviation is a very interesting industry.  Aircraft contain some of the most advanced technology in the world.  Most of the new planes could quite literally land themselves in many cases.  Many aircraft now use fly-by-wire technology where the pilot uses a joystick that sends electronic commands to manipulate the plane’s control surfaces.

It is all absolutely amazing stuff, and a far cry from the wood and canvas Wright Flyer that started it all.  Yet with all of this new technology, most of the airways in the world are directed using decades old equipment.

VORs, TACANs, VORTACs, and even NDBs in some cases, are still used all over the world as radio navigation aids for these multi-million dollar jets.  Despite their age they still do an amazing job keeping the airways safe.  In tandem with air traffic controllers, they keep flying as the safest way to travel period.

Safety is of course at the top of the priority list, but creeping increasingly closer is money, and these old navigational aids don’t offer a whole lot to make flying more efficient.

Enter GPS.

GPS has been around for quite a while, and is already used in diverse ways in aviation.  However, it is not being used to its full capacity, and it is costing everyone money.

GPS has the ability to improve aircraft navigation in ways that will not only make flying more efficient, but make it safer for everyone involved.  Qatar Airways recently flew the first approach into Kathmandu’s airport in Nepal using a RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required) approach in an Airbus A320.  (Airbus’s press release of the occasion can be found below.)

The unique mountainous terrain of the region has always required complex, difficult approaches that can challenge even the most seasoned pilot.  Using this new approach pilots are able to reduce their workload leading to a much safer, and more efficient approach.  The increased efficiency is what makes this approach so valuable for every single airport out there.

The airports in the New York/New Jersey region are not exactly troubled with terrain issues, but it is some of the busiest airspace in the world.  By using the increased accuracy that GPS provides, these airports can utilize their airspace more efficiently, and in turn more safely.

Implementing these procedures is not as simple as having everyone turn on their GPS, but it is imperative that the newly confirmed FAA Administrator, Michael Huerta, do everything in his power to get these procedures in place immediately in order to further improve the safety of the industry, while at the same time providing some financial relief to the airlines.

Press Release
21 January 2013 A Qatar Airways-flown A320 has made this carrier the world’s first to operate an aircraft into the Nepalese capital’s Tribhuvan International Airport within the Himalayan mountain range using a new navigation approach.

The milestone flight took place with the Doha-based airline’s A320 performing an RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required) approach to landing.  RNP-AR enables an aircraft to automatically fly accurate trajectories without relying on ground-based navigation aids, while also optimising airspace utilisation and reducing diversions in difficult weather conditions.

Located in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport has one of the world’s most complicated landing approaches due to surrounding challenging terrain at its location in the Himalayas.  Flying an RNP-AR approach considerably reduces pilots’ workload and allows them to take full benefit of the advanced navigation equipment installed in the Airbus A320 to easily circumnavigate difficult terrain.

Qatar Airways partnered with Quovadis, the Airbus-owned flight operations services company, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to design and implement the Kathmandu RNP-AR procedure.

Yannick Malinge, Airbus’ Senior Vice President and Chief Product Safety Officer, recognised Qatar Airways on the achievement.

“Airbus always promotes and supports initiatives contributing to improving safety. New technological capabilities like RNP allow aircraft to improve descent trajectory and reduce non-stabilized approaches,” Malinge explained. “Airbus would like to congratulate Qatar Airways and Nepal Authorities for the outstanding results achieved for this RNP-AR project in Kathmandu and we are delighted to have contributed to this major milestone.”

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said safety was the top priority for the airline. “We pride ourselves on adopting the latest technology across our fleet and operation to ensure we maintain our high standards, vital for any business of our nature,” he added.

January 21, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

United Airlines Launches Satellite Based Wi-Fi Service

I have been on a few very long flights over the years, and I always find myself with the same problem, what on earth am I going to do for eight hours in one seat?  The first couple of times was before iPods were invented and laptops were something that everyone had.  Once I was able to have those the flights were better, but there was still something missing: the internet.

Inflight Wi-Fi is becoming relatively commonplace these days using air-to-ground technology that provides varying levels of service.  Unfortunately, that technology is not really practical when it comes to flying over the oceans.  United Airlines has the answer to that problem by providing satellite-based Wi-Fi internet connectivity.  The full press release can be found below.

It will be interesting to see how successful this is, and how many other carriers follow suit in the never ending battle of “keeping up with the Jones’s” that is the airline industry.  United is certainly going all-in with this move as they plan to have the technology installed on 300 of their mainline aircraft by the end of the year.

I for one think this is great, and with a starting price of only $3.99 I think it will be wildly popular.  The price can go as high as $20 for long haul flights using their Accelerated speed option, but even that isn’t terrible for a long flight.

As much as I hate how you have to pay for everything on flights these days I really think this is quite reasonable.  The airline is having to invest quite substantially to make this happen, and is asking a very reasonable price for customers to use it.  This is also a new service, as opposed to all of the things that we were used to getting for free that we now have to pay for.

Press Release

CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines has introduced onboard satellite-based Wi-Fi internet connectivity on the first of its international widebody aircraft, becoming the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer customers the ability to stay connected while traveling on long-haul overseas routes.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747 outfitted with Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s Ku-band satellite technology, serves trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes.

Additionally, United has outfitted Ku-band satellite Wi-Fi on two Airbus 319 aircraft serving domestic routes, offering customers faster inflight Internet service than air-to-ground technology (ATG). The company expects to complete installation of satellite-based Wi-Fi on 300 mainline aircraft by the end of this year.

“Satellite-based Wi-Fi service enables us to better serve our customers and offer them more of what they want in a global airline,” said Jim Compton, vice chairman and chief revenue officer at United. “With this new service, we continue to build the airline that customers want to fly.”

Customers have the choice of two speeds: Standard, priced initially between $3.99 and $14.99 depending on the duration of flight, and Accelerated, priced initially between $5.99 and $19.99 and offering faster download speeds than Standard.

United will install satellite-based Wi-Fi on Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft, and on Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Customers will be able to use their wireless devices such as laptops, smart phones and tablets onboard those aircraft to connect with internet service using the in-flight hotspot.

United is upgrading its fleet with more than $550 million in additional onboard improvements, including:

  • Offering the world’s largest fleet of aircraft with flat-bed seats, with more than 175 aircraft with 180-degree flat beds in premium cabins once the airline completes the installation in the second quarter.
  • Expanding extra-legroom Economy Plus seating to provide the most such seating of any U.S. carrier.
  • Revamping the transcontinental “p.s.” fleet of airplanes that fly between New York Kennedy and Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering an improved premium cabin with fully flat beds, Wi-Fi Internet service, and personal on-demand entertainment at every seat.
  • Improving inflight entertainment options with streaming video content on the Boeing 747-400 fleet.
  • Retrofitting overhead bins on 152 Airbus aircraft, allowing for significantly greater storage of carry-on baggage.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,557 flights a day to 378 airports on six continents from the airline’s hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United is upgrading its cabins with more flat-bed seats in first and business class and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any other airline in North America. United now has 180 airplanes featuring DIRECTV®, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has orders for more than 270 new aircraft deliveries through 2022. In 2012, United was the first North American airline to take delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. United was rated the world’s most admired airline on FORTUNE magazine’s 2012 airline-industry list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United’s MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

January 19, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

United Airlines Launches New Baggage Delivery Service

The airline industry is constantly looking for ways to increase revenue.  As gas prices go up they are forced to look at every avenue possible to bring in more cash.  We have seen pretty much everything that used to be free now only be available at a cost.  Meals, snacks, drinks, and baggage charges are common place on most carriers these days.

United is now offering a service that is new to the industry but that could save you some time once you arrive at your destination.

BagsVIP is their new offering to deliver your bags to your house or hotel so you don’t have to wait around at baggage claim.  I could see this being incredibly valuable for all kinds of different travelers.

People with kids can help to alleviate their stress a little but walking off the plane and heading straight to their hotel.  Business travelers who may be in a rush to get to a meeting can save crucial minutes.  While many business travelers don’t usually check bags, this may allow them to do so and not have to be so frugal with their travel amenities.

This is one of the more reasonable options that I have seen an airline offer that really provides a nice service.  I would not be surprised to see more of the airlines, if not all of them provide a similar service in the very near future.

The full press release can be found below.

OFFERS CUSTOMERS THE OPTION TO HAVE CHECKED BAGS DELIVERED TO THEIR FINAL DESTINATIONS

CHICAGO, Jan. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today launched a new baggage delivery option, enabling customers to have their checked bags delivered directly to their final destinations – within 100 miles of their arrival airports – and skip baggage claim upon arrival. Baggage delivery by BagsVIP will initially be available to customers departing from any domestic airport and arriving in Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles and Orlando. The airline plans to expand the service to more than 190 domestic airports in the coming months.

“United’s new baggage delivery service offers an alternative for travelers who prefer the convenience of having their checked bags delivered directly to their homes, offices or hotels,” said Tom O’Toole, United’s senior vice president of marketing and loyalty. “Our customers have told us this type of option adds value to their travel experience.”

Standard rates for bag delivery within a 40-mile radius are as follows:

1 bag $29.95
2 bags $39.95
3-8 bags $49.95

Delivery is available up to a 100-mile radius for an additional charge that varies by distance. Delivery pricing is in addition to any standard checked-bag charges that might otherwise apply.

Customers can order the service directly from BagsVIP online, or by calling 1-877-847-0045.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,557 flights a day to 378 airports on six continents from the airline’s hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United is upgrading its cabins with more flat-bed seats in first and business class and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any other airline in North America. United now has 180 airplanes featuring DIRECTV®, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has orders for more than 270 new aircraft deliveries through 2022. In 2012, United was the first North American airline to take delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. United was rated the world’s most admired airline on FORTUNE magazine’s 2012 airline-industry list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United’s MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for eight consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

January 14, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Boeing Grows Composite Manufacturing Capability in Utah

bslc_medWEST JORDAN, Utah, Jan. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced the purchase of a new building in Salt Lake County, Utah. Employees at the new site, located in West Jordan, will focus on fabrication of composite horizontal stabilizer components for the 787-9.

“The site we’ve chosen is an ideal location to add composite manufacturing capability focused on Boeing’s key business strategies,” said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager of Boeing Fabrication. “This new facility will provide a real competitive advantage in our supply chain by expanding our internal composite capabilities.”

The new site, located 20 miles from Boeing’s fabrication and assembly site in Salt Lake City, was purchased from Masco (NYSE: MAS). Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The close proximity of the two facilities will help improve the efficiency from component fabrication to assembly of the 787-9 horizontal stabilizer.

The composite component fabrication facility is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs. “Hiring will begin immediately,” said Craig Trewet, director of Boeing Salt Lake. “We’ll begin by hiring project managers and engineers and will then be filling production positions over the next several quarters.”

Boeing expects to refurbish the 850,000 square foot building to complement the company’s current operations in Salt Lake County. Sitts & Hill will design the space inside the building’s factory area. Design and construction are expected to take two years.

When finalized, the facility will provide the Boeing Salt Lake team with the flexibility to meet the demands of the highly competitive markets that Boeing serves. This further demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to the state of Utah and to the company’s current and future workforce.

“Boeing appreciates its continued relationship with the state of Utah and we are looking forward to creating a new partnership with the city of West Jordan,” Trewet said.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.

I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

United Airlines Launches First International Dreamliner Service

United 787BOEING 787 DEBUTS ON LOS ANGELES-TOKYO ROUTE

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines will introduce daily nonstop 787 Dreamliner service between its hub at Los Angeles International Airport and its hub at Tokyo Narita International Airport beginning Thursday, Jan. 3. The service – previously operated with a 777 aircraft – is the first regularly-scheduled international route operated using United’s 787 Dreamliner.

“We are delighted to offer our customers in Los Angeles and Tokyo the comfort and spectacular flying experience of our new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft,” said Jim Mueller, United’s vice president of Atlantic and Pacific Sales. “We look forward to offering our customers the opportunity to experience the Dreamliner on additional international flights in the future.”

The flight, UA32, will depart Los Angeles at 11:15 a.m., arriving in Tokyo Narita at 4:10 p.m. the next day. The return flight, UA33, will depart Tokyo Narita daily at 5:55 p.m., arriving in Los Angeles at 10:35 a.m. the same day.

United’s 787 Dreamliner is configured with 36 seats in United BusinessFirst, 70 seats in United Economy Plus and 113 seats in United Economy. The aircraft will revolutionize the flying experience for United customers and crews while delivering unprecedented operating efficiency, comfort and lower emissions. Customers on the flights will experience greater comfort with improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other passenger-friendly features.

Recent photos and video and a virtual tour of United’s first 787 aircraft are also available for download in the media center on unitedcontinentalholdings.com.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,557 flights a day to 378 airports on six continents from the airline’s hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United is upgrading its cabins with more flat-bed seats in first and business class and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any other airline in North America. United now has 180 airplanes featuring DIRECTV®, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has orders for more than 270 new aircraft deliveries through 2022. In 2012, United was the first North American airline to take delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. United was rated the world’s most admired airline on FORTUNE magazine’s 2012 airline-industry list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United’s MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for eight consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

January 2, 2013 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes Executives to Speak on RBC Capital Markets Investor Conference Call Nov. 26

CHICAGO, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) Commercial Airplanes Executives Pat Shanahan and Larry Loftis will participate in an investor event hosted by RBC Capital Markets on Monday, Nov. 26 at 12:00 p.m. E.T.

Shanahan, senior vice president and general manager, Airplane Programs, and Loftis, vice president and general manager, 787 Program, will provide status on production of the 787 Dreamliner.

Individuals in the U.S. who wish to listen to the conference call should dial 1-800 602-4090. International listeners should dial +1-212-231-0008. The reservation number for the call is 21601995. The presentation will be available simultaneously online at https://cc.callinfo.com/r/1a1fsabnwdq02 during the call.

A replay of the call will be available through Monday, Dec. 3 by dialing 1-800 558-5253 in the U.S. and +1-416-626-4100 from international locations.

November 25, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Inaugural AAAE Airport Diversity Summit ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ Coming To Little Rock

Alexandria, Va. –  Creating and enhancing diversity in airports and their communities will be the focus of the inaugural Pathway to Prosperity Summit, November 14-16, 2012, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The summit, hosted by Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, will bring together airport and community leaders along with executives from minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). Airports that receive federal funding are required to participate in the Department of Transportation’s DBE program. The program is a key driver in both airport and local economic development plans, giving opportunities to businesses that, because of their size or status, may not otherwise be able to participate in airport projects.

“A successful airport must serve the entire community including all the diverse members of the business community,” said Ron Mathieu, C.M., executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. “The goal of this summit is to educate airports on how to run a robust DBE program as well as identify the right opportunities for qualified businesses to engage in the program.”

The event will commence with a Wednesday night welcome reception at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum and continue with one and a half days of panels and educational sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders. The summit will take place at the Double Tree by Hilton Little Rock Hotel.

For more information on the summit, visit the official event website at http://ow.ly/dRLlx or contact AAAE Director, Training & Business Development Starla Bryant, CCA, at (703) 824-0500, Ext. 173 or starla.bryant@aaae.org.

ABOUT AAAE

Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world’s largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

October 8, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Demand spurs need for over 28,000 aircraft in the next 20 years

Over 10,000 passenger jets to be replaced by newer fuel efficient models

4 September 2012

Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF) identifies a need for some 28,200 passenger and freighter aircraft (of 100 seats or more) between 2012 and 2031 worth nearly US$4.0 trillion, reconfirming an upward trend in the pace of new aircraft deliveries. Of these over 27,350 will be passenger aircraft valued at US$ 3.7 trillion.

Passenger traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 4.7 percent in the next 20 years, during which some 10,350 aircraft will be replaced by new efficient models. By 2031 the world’s passenger fleet will have expanded by 110 percent from slightly over 15,550 today to over 32,550. In the same period, the world’s freighter fleet will almost double from 1,600 to 3,000 aircraft.

Emerging economic regions will represent more than half of all traffic growth in the next 20 years. Increasing urbanisation and the doubling of the world’s middle classes to five billion people is also driving growth. By 2031 mega cities will more than double to 92 and over 90 percent of the world’s traffic will be between or through these points.

“Aside from growth in international traffic, by 2031 four of the world’s biggest traffic flows will all be domestic – US, China, Intra Western Europe and India – and these account for a third of world traffic,” says John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “In 20 years from now, China’s domestic passenger traffic will overtake the US domestic traffic to become the number one traffic flow in our forecast. Aviation is not just essential for international commerce, but also for domestic economies too.”

Asia Pacific will account for 35 percent of all new aircraft deliveries, followed by Europe and North America with 21 percent each. In value terms, the single biggest market is China followed by the US, UAE and India.

Over 1,700 Very Large Aircraft (VLA – 400 seats and above) like the A380 will have been delivered by 2031, valued at US$600 billion. Of these over 1,330 are passenger aircraft valued at some US$500 billion (13 percent by value of passenger deliveries, 5 percent of units). Asia Pacific leads demand (46 percent) for these high capacity aircraft, followed by the Middle East (23 percent) and Europe (19 percent).

Demand for twin-aisle aircraft (250 to 400 seats), like the A330 and the A350 XWB, some 6,970 new passenger and freighter aircraft will be delivered valued at some US$1.7 trillion. Of these, 6,500 are passenger aircraft valued at US$1.6 trillion (44 percent by value of passenger deliveries, 24 percent of units). Leading demand is Asia Pacific (46 percent), Europe (17 percent) and the North America (13 percent)

In the next 20 years, over 19,500 single-aisle aircraft worth over US$1,6 trillion will be delivered (43 percent of passenger deliveries by value, 71 percent by units). A third of deliveries will be in Asia Pacific followed by North America (25 percent) and Europe (22 percent). Some 30 percent of all deliveries in this category will be for Low Cost Carriers.

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September 9, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.