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President Trump Bans Cuban Flights, Except for Havana

WASHINGTON/HAVANA, Oct 25 (Reuters) – The U.S. government said on Friday it would bar U.S. airlines from flying to all destinations in Cuba besides Havana starting on Dec. 10 as the Trump administration boosts pressure on the Cuban government.

The U.S. Transportation Department said in a notice it was taking the action at the request of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to “further the administration’s policy of strengthening the economic consequences to the Cuban regime for its ongoing repression of the Cuban people and its support for Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.”

The move will bar U.S. air carrier flights to any of the nine international airports in Cuba other than Havana and impact about 8 flights a day.

The prohibition does not impact charter flights. There are no foreign air carriers providing direct scheduled flights between the United States and Cuba.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a tweet that his country strongly condemned the move and that it “strengthened restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba and its citizens’ freedoms.”

Rodriguez said sanctions would not force Cuba to make concessions to U.S. demands.

These flights carry almost exclusively Cuban Americans visiting home at a time when the Trump administration has drastically reduced visas for Cubans visiting the United States. Some 500,000 Cuban Americans traveled to Cuba last year.

The new measure takes effect soon before Christmas and New Year’s when Cuban Americans flock to the island for family reunions.

Further restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba would be aimed at squeezing the island economically and expanding Trump’s steady rollback of the historic opening to Cuba by Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama. The reversal, along with his pressure on Venezuela, has gone over well among Cuban Americans in South Florida, a key voting bloc in Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.

Under Obama, the United States reintroduced U.S. airline service to Cuba in 2016. Pompeo said on Twitter on Friday that “this action will prevent the Castro regime from profiting from U.S. air travel and using the revenues to repress the Cuban people.”

According to U.S. officials, JetBlue Airways Corp flies to three destinations in Cuba in addition to Havana from Fort Lauderdale — Camaguey, Holguin and Santa Clara — and American Airlines flies to five Cuban cities beyond Havana from Miami — Camaguey, Holguin, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba and Matanzas/Varadero.

American Airlines said it is “reviewing the announcement and “will continue to comply with federal law, work with the administration, and update our policies and procedures regarding travel to Cuba as necessary.”

Jet Blue said it will “operate in full compliance with the new policy concerning scheduled air service between the United States and Cuba. We are beginning to work with our various government and commercial partners to understand the full impact of this change on our customers and operations.”

(Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler)

First Royal Canadian Air Force C295 Shows Off its Final Livery

Seville, 8 October 2019 – The first Airbus C295, purchased by the Government of Canada for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement (FWSAR) programme, rolled out of the paint shop showing off its final livery at the Airbus facility in Seville, Spain. The aircraft will now go through the final preparation phase before its delivery to the customer, planned to take place in Spain before the end of the year.

The photo above shows the first Canadian C295, to be designated CC-295 by the RCAF, in its distinctive Search and Rescue colours.

The aircraft adopts the yellow paint scheme following the tradition defined in the 1970s for Search and Rescue aircraft, giving high visibility for those in the air and on the ground.

FWSAR program facts and figures

The contract, awarded in December 2016, includes 16 C295 aircraft and all In-Service Support elements including, training and engineering services, the construction of a new Training Centre in Comox, British Columbia, and maintenance and support services.

The aircraft will be based where search and rescue squadrons are currently located: Comox, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Trenton, Ontario; and Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

Considerable progress has been made since the FWSAR programme was announced two and a half years ago: the first aircraft is due to be delivered in Spain in the coming months; another six aircraft are either completing flight tests or in various stages of final assembly; and seven simulators and training devices are starting up preliminary acceptance tests.

The first RCAF crews started training in late summer 2019 at Airbus’ International Training Centre in Seville, Spain.

For more information about the FWSAR program click here

Cessna Citation Longitude Begins Production Deliveries

WICHITA, Kansas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the first deliveries of the company’s new flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet, signaling the start of a new dimension in business travel. The Longitude received FAA type certification on September 21, 2019.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191002005194/en/

“The newly certified Citation Longitude brings unrivaled technology to the business travel market, for both the passenger and the pilot, offering our customers the most efficient and productive super-midsize jet now in operation,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “We are thrilled to now transition this program into service.”

The Longitude features the longest maintenance intervals in its class – 800 hours or 18 months – and is the most cost-effective aircraft in its category.

“The Longitude was designed around maximizing reliability and operational availability for our customers,” said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The Longitude’s industry-leading on-board diagnostics system is backed by Textron Aviation’s team of 3,000 customer service employees. Our expert technicians trained alongside the development of the program and are ready to support our customers wherever they are in the world.”

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, including the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck. The comfortable, bespoke interior of the Longitude has class-leading legroom, cabin sound levels that are nearly twice as quiet as the nearest competitor, a low cabin altitude of 5,950 feet and more standard features than all other competitors in this segment.

About the Citation Longitude 
With a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers) and full fuel payload of 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms), the Citation Longitude is designed to elevate passenger expectations in the super-midsize class by delivering the quietest cabin, a low cabin altitude (5,950 feet/1,814 meters), more standard features and a comfortable, bespoke interior. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin. A standard double-club configuration delivers the most legroom in the super-midsize class. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house and a spacious walk-in baggage compartment is accessible throughout the entire flight. State-of-the-art cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device, while high-speed internet maximizes in-flight productivity.

The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest ownership cost in its class. It features the next evolution of the Garmin G5000 flight deck and is powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines with fully integrated autothrottles with envelope protection. The spacious cockpit incorporates easier access and an ergonomic design that fully focuses on crew comfort and efficiency.

No super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower expected total ownership cost.

Vistara Selects Airbus FHS-TSP Solution to Maintain A320 Fleet

Vistara, India’s full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has signed a long-term contract to partner with Airbus for their Flight Hour Services – Tailored Support Package (FHS-TSP). The contract will cover engineering and maintenance for 62 aircraft, including 23 existing ones.

The FHS-TSP contract provides integrated and guaranteed services ranging from the supply and repair of components to the manufacturer’s unique Fleet Technical Management service. An on-site Airbus team will support the daily maintenance activities, including spares, warehousing and engineering to ensure the highest standards of aircraft technical dispatch and operations.

Under the agreement, Airbus will offer its expertise in the areas of maintenance, engineering, reliability and supply chain management. Airbus will ensure a) timely availability of spare parts b) maintenance planning c) compliance with airworthiness advisories as well as technical records on all aircraft.

“We are delighted to announce the partnership with Airbus to avail the advantages of their TSP programme. Vistara is committed to the highest standards of operational efficiency and innovation and the adoption of this service is part of our continual efforts to maximise customer satisfaction,” said Sisira Kanta Dash, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Vistara.  

“Airbus Services’ combined aircraft engineering capabilities, expertise in maintenance operations and data analytics know-how will help Vistara to increase its competitiveness and secure its operations. This contract also reaffirms our commitment to expanding and deepening our Airbus Services footprint in India,” said Rémi Maillard, Head of Airbus Services.

Airbus provides a host of material and maintenance services, which go from initial provisioning and on-request solutions by Satair, Airbus’ 100% subsidiary, to ‘all-in-one’ solutions with material management, maintenance operations and engineering solutions through FHS-TSP. Leveraging Skywise’s digital platform capabilities, the latest applications optimizing aircraft availability include real- time health monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Delta TechOps and ORIX Aviation Systems Sign Major Engine Maintenance Contract

Delta TechOps, the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) division of Delta Air Lines, has signed a five-year Maintenance Services Agreement with top-tier aircraft leasing company ORIX Aviation Systems, Ltd. (ORIX Aviation). The agreement will cover the support of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B aircraft engines.

As both an operator of, and MRO for CFM56-5B and -7B engines, Delta TechOps is uniquely qualified to provide maintenance services to ORIX. Delta TechOps has been maintaining CFM56 engines for numerous years and will be able to pass along the same operational reliability and expertise to this globally-established lessor.

“We are proud that ORIX Aviation has selected Delta TechOps for their CFM56 engine maintenance needs,” said Mike Moore, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Maintenance Operations. “The agreement is a testament to our relationship and commitment to excellent customer service. We look forward to building on this partnership with this major aircraft lessor in the coming years.”

“We are pleased to have the expertise of Delta TechOps on board in support of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B technical requirements which the ORIX Aviation team may have going forward,” said James Meyler, CEO – ORIX Aviation Group.

Air Lease Announces Delivery of New Airbus A321neo LR Aircraft to Air Astana

LOS ANGELES, September 20, 2019 – Today Air Lease Corporation (“ALC”) (NYSE: AL) announced the delivery of one new Airbus A321-200neo LR aircraft on long-term lease to Air Astana.  Featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines, this aircraft is the first of seven A321-200neo aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline from ALC’s order book with Airbus. 

“We are delighted to announce this first of seven ALC A321-200neo LR aircraft delivery to Air Astana today,” said Alex Khatibi, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.  “The A321-200neo LR is instrumental to Air Astana’s fleet modernization program to support the airline’s extended range operations and expanding route network.”

Germany to Equip New Coastal Patrol Vessels with BAE Systems’ 57mm Guns

BAE Systems has been selected by the vessel contractor to provide the German federal police force, Bundespolizei, with three 57mm naval guns for its three new 86m Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) built by Fassmer shipyard.

The gun systems, known as the Bofors 57 Mk3, will support the maritime arm of the Bundespolizei that monitors the country’s North Sea and Baltic coastlines. The 57 Mk3 is a flexible, highly versatile gun system designed to react quickly for close-to-shore operations.

“The Bofors 57 Mk3 is a versatile naval gun with firepower and range that exceeds expectations when compared with similar, medium calibre naval gun systems. That’s how our 57 millimeter system has earned its reputation as the deck gun of choice for ships operating in coastal environments,” said Ulf Einefors, director of marketing and sales for BAE Systems’ weapons business in Sweden. “This contract expands the number of European nations deploying the 57 Mk3 and reflects the growing interest we’re seeing in the region, where we look forward to supporting new opportunities in the near future.”

The 57 Mk3 naval gun is also in use with the allied navies and coast guards of eight nations, including Canada, Finland, Mexico, and Sweden, as well as the United States, where it is known as the Mk110 naval gun.

This contract also includes accompanying fire control systems as well as systems integration support. Work is expected to begin immediately and will be performed at the BAE Systems facility in Karlskoga, Sweden. The first unit is scheduled for delivery in 2020.

MD Helicopters Awarded $50.4 Million Contract for Support of Afghan Air Force

EFFECTIVE THROUGH MAY 2020, CONTRACTED SERVICES WILL TAKE PLACE IN MESA, ARIZONA AND AFGHANISTAN

MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) announced today that the company has been awarded a $50.4 million Firm Fixed Price contract modification for logistics support of the MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopter fleet currently in service with the Afghan Air Force (AAF). MD Helicopters has provided comprehensive contractor logistics support (CLS) services to the Afghan Air Force since the first MD 530F training aircraft arrived in Afghanistan in 2011.

The current CLS contract extension provides for continuous CONUS and OCONUS maintenance, on-the-job training, and support services, including spares support, for all MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters operated by the Afghan Air Force. Effective September 1, 2019, the Period of Performance for the new contract, with all options exercised, runs through May 31, 2020.

The AAF began operating the MD 530F as a primary rotary wing training aircraft in 2011. In 2014, in response to an urgent and compelling need within the region, MDHI was contracted to arm and weaponize the proven single engine training aircraft, delivering expanded capabilities for armed escort, scout attack and close air attack operations. Nine months later, MDHI delivered the first of a robust fleet of 60 MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light scout attack helicopters.

Currently, MDHI supports all mission-ready MD 530F Cayuse Warrior aircraft in Afghanistan. The final 5 units associated with the 2017 30-unit Delivery Order issued against MDHI’s $1.4 Billion IDIQ contract are set for on-time delivery later this year.

Collins Aerospace and L3 Harris to Support New C-130H Aircraft Cockpit Capabilities

  • 1970s era aircraft to be updated with Flight 2 Avionics
  • Will support extension of life of the aircraft by 20 years
  • Provides pilots increased situational awareness and reduces workload

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Aug. 28, 2019) – Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), has been selected by L3Harris Technologies to play a key role in the U.S. Air Force’s C-130H Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2 (AMP INC 2) program. The fleet of 176 C-130H aircraft, operated by the Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve, will be equipped with Collins Aerospace’s Flight2™ integration avionics system and will expand the company’s position as a global leader in C-130 modifications.

Once on contract, Collins Aerospace’s Flight2 avionics will replace over 100 analog instruments in the current cockpit with seven multifunctional displays (MFD), three control display units (CDU), and a new digital autopilot. These new systems will reduce workload, improve the pilots’ situational awareness, and improve the safety and reliability of the aircraft. The new displays also make it easier for the pilots to overlay flight plans, see nearby points-of-interest and view radar and threat information.

“Prior to our selection for the AMP INC 2 program, 190 C-130 aircraft have already been modified, or are on contract to be modified, with our proven Flight2™ avionics. Our history of successful installations played a big role in our selection,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager for Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace. “These aircraft are important to national security, and by working with L3Harris, our integrated avionics system will support the extension of the life of the planes for another 20 years.”

The avionics contract adds to the suite of nose-to-tail solutions that Collins Aerospace provides for the C-130 aircraft. Other products include propellers, wheels, brakes, secure communications, Head-up Displays/Enhanced Vision Systems (HUD/EVS) and advanced cargo loading systems.

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