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Stunning A320neo sales success continues in 2012

25 January 2012 Press Release

Norwegian, one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, 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 Bjørn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The new aircraft will support Norwegian’s growth and modernisation strategy.  Norwegian (the brand name of Norwegian Air Shuttle AS) operates a network across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, and is rapidly expanding its low cost operations. 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.

“The A320neo will enable us increasing capacity while decreasing our operating costs,” said Bjørn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian. “With this aircraft we will continue to boost our reputation for offering high quality, low fares service with the most modern and eco-efficient fleet of aircraft in Scandinavia”.

“We are very pleased to welcome Norwegian as an all-new Airbus customer. Their A320neo commitment is a further demonstration of the undisputable success of the A320neo’s record-setting credentials. The A320neo sets new industry standards for eco-efficiency and passenger appeal.” said John Leahy.

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

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January 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.

Filed Under: Airbus  Aircraft  Aviation  Commercial Aviation  Press Release
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Teaching Kids Math and Science Through Flying

Last week I posted a speech given by the FAA acting administrator, Michael Huerta.  In that speech he made the following remark:

To continue our transformation, the FAA is working with many partners to develop and foster a workforce that is schooled in the STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering and math.

This is not a matter of focusing on high schools or junior colleges. To do this, we must reach down into middle school and start fostering the kind of attention on STEM disciplines early on.

There’s both a huge demand and a huge shortage for these kinds of skills in the United States.

—

To promote STEM education, we are mentoring teachers and working with others to hold boot camps for educators. We encourage teachers to give their lessons with an aeronautical twist. For example, when we teach the laws of Sir Isaac Newton, we ask them to consider using the four forces of flight as an example – lift, weight, thrust and drag.

If they are going to talk about navigation, we ask, why not use a visual flight rules sectional chart to teach the lesson rather than the typical road atlas?

There’s a myth that aeronautics is so difficult that the average teacher can’t handle it, and we want to bust that myth.

The Aspen School District is answering this call, and taking it one step farther.  They are proposing a program that would teach students to fly as part of the math and science curriculum.  I wish my school had offered something like this, then I would have enjoyed it a lot more.

It is based on a program in Albuquerque, NM that was started in 2005.  The program allows students in grades 4-12 to take flying lessons towards their pilot’s license along with classroom work in aerodynamics and applied mathematics.

The program even has an initial investment from a local couple, Lawrence and Joan Altman, in the form of a $50,000 donation.  They made the donation because of their concern with the declining level of education in America.  According to the National Academy of Sciences over half of the engineering degrees awarded by American universities are given to foreign-born students.

With further cuts on the horizon for the Aspen School District, the Altman’s are hoping other concerned residents will follow their lead and help raise the level of education in the area.  If this program is to really take off it will require a good amount of outside funding.

In 2009 the Albuquerque schools spent about $70,000 on the program, and students were required to pay about $50 per hour of flight training.  That is a fraction of the price that normal flight training costs, which could help inspire more kids to pursue flying which is a very good thing.

Throughout all of my years of education I continually asked how I would use information in the real world.  By teaching math and science in a setting where it is actually applied, students are more likely to enjoy it, as well as continue to pursue it.

We can only hope that programs like this will continue to pop up throughout the country in all the industries that rely on math and science.

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

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C. R. Smith Museum Sends Area Kids ‘From Here To There’ With Special Transportation Exhibition

Get ‘Hands-on’ With the Fun and Physics of Transportation

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The American Airlines C. R. Smith Museum presents “From Here To There,” a fun, hands-on experience with the science behind everyday transportation. Experience physics by doing it: Launch a hot air balloon and float on a “kid-size” hovercraft! Send balls whooshing through air tubes to a friend across the room! Use working locks to move a boat upstream through a canal! Feel the friction on railroad tracks and waterways, or feel the absence of friction as you guide a model “MagLev” train levitating over its magnetic track!

“From Here To There” is designed to spark a child’s curiosity and creativity to reinforce their interest and understanding of science and technology. “From Here to There” is made possible through the generous support of local sponsors: The Airpower Foundation, BNSF Railway and KERA Television and Radio.

The exhibition runs through Saturday, May 12. The C. R. Smith Museum is located on State Highway 360 at FAA Road and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “From Here To There” is free with museum admission: adults $5; military, seniors and children 2-18 $3. Museum members can participate free of charge.

About the C.R. Smith Museum

The C.R. Smith Museum takes visitors on a flight through American Airlines history, with interactive exhibits that entice participation by all age groups. The museum features hundreds of historical artifacts, photographs, full-scale aircraft engines and a rare Douglas DC-3 airliner. In addition, the museum’s state of the art digital theater features The Spirit of American, a film, featuring the history of commercial aviation as well as breathtaking aerial photography

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January 24, 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.

Filed Under: American Airlines  Aviation  Aviation Education/Training  Press Release
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United and Houston Airport System Begin Redevelopment Project at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport

GROUNDBREAKING STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TERMINAL B SOUTH CONCOURSE

HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Airport System, in partnership with United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), today broke ground on the first phase of a three-phase redevelopment project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Phase one of the project, to be completed in 2013, will create a new Terminal B south concourse dedicated to regional jet operations.

The $160 million south concourse project will replace the existing south side flight stations with a new 225,000 square-foot facility to accommodate United’s regional aircraft. At nearly four times the size of the existing space, the new concourse will provide a better customer experience, as it will feature modern and expanded gate lounge areas, concessions and restroom facilities.

Travelers will access the new concourse from the terminal via a 95-foot-wide bridge with 13,000 square feet of food, beverage and retail concessions – a 500-percent increase in concession space over the current facility. The concourse will feature 28-foot-high floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering expansive tarmac views from spacious central passenger lounge areas with durable and modern interior finishes.

“As I noted in my inaugural address, creating jobs for Houstonians is my number-one job for the next two years,” said Mayor Parker. “Phase one of this billion-dollar investment with United is the first delivery on that promise. We celebrate the boost to our local economy that will result from this investment. Houston will thrive as our global gateway expands to include more flights and greater access to business connections around the world.”

“Houston is our largest hub and a vital international gateway in United’s network,” said Pete McDonald, United’s executive vice president and chief operations officer. “This investment in the Houston hub will allow us to accommodate more customers and more aircraft types, provide new amenities for travelers and improve efficiencies for the new United.”

Plans for future phases of the $1 billion redevelopment project include redevelopment of the central Terminal B lobby and baggage claim areas, a new international-capable north concourse for mainline and regional jets, a new Terminal B Federal Inspections Services (FIS) facility and infrastructure improvements.

The entire three-phase redevelopment project is planned over the next seven to 10 years, based on demand.

The project’s design incorporates energy-efficient techniques using Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria.

The Houston Airport System is partnering with United on the project and the new construction will be a significant investment in the local economy by creating many jobs.

“Bush Intercontinental is the first impression many people have of Houston,” said Mario C. Diaz, director of the Houston Airport System. “We exist to connect people, businesses and economies around the world, and this project will allow for an enhanced customer experience and a stronger gateway for our air service needs.”

About George Bush Intercontinental Airport

The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 49.5 million passengers in 2010. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the 7th busiest airport in the nation and more than 40.4 million passengers traveled through the five-runway, five terminal airport. Seventeen airlines offer nonstop flights from IAH to more than 170 destinations worldwide including nonstop flights and connections to more destinations in Mexico than any other airport in the nation. For more information, visit fly2houston.com or follow us on Twitter @ IAH.

About United Continental Holdings, Inc.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) is the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Together with United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection, these airlines operate an average of 5,717 flights a day to 376 airports on six continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United and Continental are members of Star Alliance, which offers more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,185 airports in 185 countries. United and Continental’s more than 80,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. For more information about United Continental Holdings, Inc., go to UnitedContinentalHoldings.com. For more information about the airlines, see united.com and continental.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook.

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January 23, 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.

Filed Under: Aviation  Press Release
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Boeing Delivers Two 777-300ERs to Saudi Arabian Airlines

“The new order reiterates our confidence in the 777 which has justifiably earned a reputation for its improved fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort,” said H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. “With the ongoing growth of business and industry in Saudi Arabia, demand in domestic, regional and international travel is also increasing rapidly and the 777-300ER will play a significant role in our long-term strategy growth to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes.”
Airline announces order for eight 777-300ERs

EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) reached a major milestone with Saudi Arabian Airlines when it delivered the airline’s first two 777-300ERs (extended range), marking another step forward in Boeing’s historic and enduring relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the delivery ceremony, Saudi Arabian Airlines also announced an order for eight 777-300ERs valued at $2.4 billion at current list prices. This order was previously accounted for on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website in 2011.

“The new order reiterates our confidence in the 777 which has justifiably earned a reputation for its improved fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort,” said H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. “With the ongoing growth of business and industry in Saudi Arabia, demand in domestic, regional and international travel is also increasing rapidly and the 777-300ER will play a significant role in our long-term strategy growth to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes.”

The partnership between Boeing and Saudi Arabia dates back to 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a DC-3 Dakota airplane to King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the founder of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabian Airlines took delivery of its first 777, a 777-200ER, in December 1997 and currently owns and operates 23 Boeing 777-200ERs.

“We are grateful for the confidence Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed in the 777 and in Boeing,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We will continue working closely with the airline to provide the best commercial aircraft and services to support its plans for growth, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Saudi Arabia by supporting the Kingdom’s goals for technology development and education.”

The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).The 777-300ER offers airlines additional flexibility in serving the nonstop routes that passengers demand. Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.

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

Filed Under: Aircraft  Aviation  Boeing  Commercial Aviation  Press Release
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Delta Named Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline

Airline highlighted by PCWorld for airport recharging stations, in-flight Wi-Fi, mobile apps, use of social media

ATLANTA, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has been named “Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline” by PCWorld magazine for its airport recharging stations, in-flight Wi-Fi on more domestic flights than any other carrier and smartphone apps with innovative features including baggage tracking and airport check-in. The publication also highlighted Delta’s 24-hour customer service via Twitter from @DeltaAssist, as well as the ability to book tickets directly from Facebook.

“We’re providing customers with technology tools to keep them connected during their travel experience on the ground and in the air,” said Bob Kupbens, Delta’s vice president – eCommerce. “When you literally have the tools in the palm of your hand to track your bag at 30,000 feet or check the status of your connecting flight, it helps eliminate the stress of travel and puts customers in control.”

Delta’s tech-friendly offerings are part of the airline’s previously announced plan to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013.

Installation of branded recharging stations in Delta’s top 19 airports, including all of its domestic hubs, was complete in 2010. Wi-Fi is available on all of Delta’s domestic mainline aircraft, and installation on all of its two-class regional jets will be complete by the end of March 2012. When completed, customers will have access to in-flight Wi-Fi on more than 800 aircraft flying 3,000 daily domestic flights every day.

The popular Fly Delta app was launched on the iPhone in the fall of 2010. BlackBerry, Android and Windows versions followed soon after.  The apps provide eBoarding check-in options in 79 cities worldwide, the ability to track and pay for bags, alerts for updated travel information, airport and aircraft details, and a parking reminder.

Delta’s Ticket Counter allows Facebook users to book travel or check-in for their upcoming flight using a dedicated “tab” at facebook.com/delta without navigating to delta.com. Innovative tools like the Delta Away We Go app lets customers share and plan their travel with family and friends. Delta has continued to expand its social interaction with customers on twitter.com/delta, blog.delta.com and also provides real-time travel assistance at twitter.com/deltaassist in English and twitter.com/deltaassist_ES in Spanish.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 341 destinations in 61 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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

Filed Under: Aviation  Aviation Technology  Delta Airlines  Press Release
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Boeing Begins NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Study

Boeing is one of five contractors selected to develop a mission concept to demonstrate solar electric propulsion technologies, capabilities and the infrastructure required to affordably sustain a human presence in space. Phantom Works will conduct the study in Huntington Beach with support from Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems electric power and propulsion experts in El Segundo, Calif.
Advanced solar array and electric thruster technologies to be tested in future demonstrations
Boeing Begins NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Study

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Jan. 11, 2012 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has begun work on a four-month NASA contract to develop a mission concept study for solar electric propulsion technologies. Under the $600,000 firm, fixed-price contract, Boeing will evaluate concepts that combine high-power solar arrays with advanced electric thrusters to power spacecraft and payloads to high Earth orbit and deep space destinations.

“Boeing pioneered the use of electric propulsion, and has developed an approach to integrate compact, lightweight, and highly efficient solar arrays with next-generation electric thrusters in future spacecraft,” said Steve Johnston, director of Boeing Phantom Works’ Advanced Space Exploration division. “This technology offers weight and cost advantages while enabling increased on-orbit maneuverability for satellites in Earth orbit, and efficient deep space transportation for human exploration and robotic science missions.”

Boeing is one of five contractors selected to develop a mission concept to demonstrate solar electric propulsion technologies, capabilities and the infrastructure required to affordably sustain a human presence in space. Phantom Works will conduct the study in Huntington Beach with support from Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems electric power and propulsion experts in El Segundo, Calif.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 63,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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January 22, 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.

Filed Under: Boeing  Press Release
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American Airlines Applauds the Obama Administration’s Actions to Promote Travel and Tourism

“We have long advocated for enhancements to the distribution of non-immigrant visas in such important emerging markets as Brazil and China and have told the Administration that improving the process will not only allow more tourists to visit but create travel and tourism jobs in the United States. Increasing non-immigrant visa capacity in China and Brazil by 40 percent and ensuring that 80 percent of those applicants interviewed receive their visas within three weeks is a laudable goal,” said Horton.

Global Entry Aids Frequent U.S. Travelers and New Visa Initiatives Will Promote Increased Numbers of Tourists from China and Brazil

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — American Airlines today applauded the Obama Administration’s initiatives to increase travel and tourism to the United States and within our nation’s borders.

“The initiatives set forth and outlined today by the Obama Administration will definitely benefit all who work in the nation’s travel and tourism industry, which can only add jobs and strengthen the economy,” said Tom Horton, American’s Chairman and CEO. “President Obama is to be commended for his leadership in this effort.

“We have long advocated for enhancements to the distribution of non-immigrant visas in such important emerging markets as Brazil and China and have told the Administration that improving the process will not only allow more tourists to visit but create travel and tourism jobs in the United States. Increasing non-immigrant visa capacity in China and Brazil by 40 percent and ensuring that 80 percent of those applicants interviewed receive their visas within three weeks is a laudable goal,” said Horton.

“Additionally, the new pilot program that was announced to simplify and expedite the non-immigrant visa process for certain applicants and the opportunity for low-risk applicants to have visa interviews waived is exciting news.

“We also applaud the Administration for its initiative to expand the Visa Waiver Program to include more participants and assist more travelers through an expansion of trusted traveler programs such as the Global Entry program, which truly enhances the customer experience when passengers are able to expedite customs and immigration processing,” Horton added.

“Creating a task force to recommend ways to promote domestic and international travel opportunities for U.S. citizens and promoting visits to our nation’s parks, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites also will have a positive effect on the transportation industry,” said Horton.

American operates a daily flight to Beijing and Shanghai from its cornerstone hub in Chicago and a daily flight to Shanghai from Los Angeles. American also operates flights from Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and New York JFK each day to Brazil. American serves Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Salvador Bahia, Recife and Belo Horizonte in Brazil.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American’s award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.

AMR Corporation, and certain of its United States-based subsidiaries, including American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation, on Nov. 29 filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. More information about the Chapter 11 filing is available on the Internet at http://aa.com/restructuring.

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

Filed Under: American Airlines  Aviation  Commercial Aviation  Press Release
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Major Production Achievement for Airbus’ Modern, Single-aisle Aircraft Family

20 January 2012 Press Release

Airbus delivered the A320 with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 5000 to Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). The aircraft was delivered from Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 engines.

MSN5000 completes the deliveries of MEA’s total order for seven A320s. 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. MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the region with four A330-200s, six A321 and including MSN5000, now seven A320 aircraft.

“We are honoured to become the operator of this brand new A320 with its distinctive serial number 5000 during the 25th anniversary year of the first flight of the A320 said MEA Chairman- Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “Since we first acquired an A320 Family aircraft in 2003, we have not only benefited from the outstanding operational efficiency of the aircraft but were also the first airline in the Middle East to introduce our wide-body cabin product on a single-aisle aircraft, thus offering our customers state of the art on-board entertainment with Audio/Video On Demand as well as a superbly comfortable and spacious cabin experience that has greatly contributed to MEA’s success.”

“Handing MSN5000 over to MEA is a real pleasure for Airbus. The Lebanese flag carrier has shown great courage maintaining its operations in the face of difficulty,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “It’s only natural that we pay tribute to MEA’s outstanding determination and recognise their unfailing loyalty with this landmark delivery. We look forward to seeing MEA continue to thrive and grow their network with our modern, fuel efficient Airbus family.”

Close to 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,900 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the current A320, making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

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

Filed Under: Airbus  Aircraft  Aviation  Commercial Aviation  Press Release
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Lawmakers Reach Deal on Labor to Clear FAA Funding for Takeoff – The Hill’s Transportation Report

Lawmakers reach deal on labor to clear FAA funding for takeoff – The Hill’s Transportation Report.

Apparently Congress finally heard something that people were saying.  This to me was a no brainer, and the shocker is that it took so long.  I am glad they were able to get past their differences and make something happen.

Obviously the bill is not passed yet, and they specifically said there are still some other issues to work out, but it should be able to go through now.

At this point only Harry Reid has released the news, but that is at the very least a good sign because he is the vocal leader of the senate.

I think it is great that the bill is expected to last four years.  That should give the FAA some time to really get things done.  With all of the stuff that needs to get done they really needed some time to make it happen.

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January 20, 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.

Filed Under: Aviation  Aviation Regulation  Government Aviation
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