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Tag: 2018 (Page 2 of 2)

FAA Mandates Changes to Boeing 787 Dreamliner

SEATTLE (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday said it was mandating new flight control software and parts to Boeing Co’s 787 Dreamliner to address what it called an unsafe operating condition of certain products on the plane.

The FAA’s airworthiness directive to plane operators makes compulsory changes Boeing outlined in service bulletins in 2017 and early 2018 for certain areas in 787’s tire and wheel “threat zones” that may be susceptible to damage, the company said.

Boeing, which works closely with the FAA to monitor its fleet for potential safety issues, said: “This issue has been long since resolved with system improvements that have been incorporated into production for all 787 models.”

The FAA said damage to the 787’s tire and wheel “threat zones” could result in the loss of braking and steering power on the ground at certain speeds.

The FAA said it requires installing hydraulic tubing, a pressure-operated check valve and new flight control software.

(Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; editing by James Dalgleish and Cynthia Osterman)

Phenom 300 is World’s Most Delivered Light Business Jet

Melbourne, Florida, February 21, 2019 – Embraer Executive Jets delivered 53 Phenom 300 and Phenom 300E light jets in 2018, according to a report issued by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). This is the seventh consecutive year that the Phenom 300 achieves this mark, having accrued more than 490 deliveries since entering the market in December 2009.

“The Phenom 300’s continued success in the market is a reflection of our commitment to fascinate customers and deliver the ultimate customer experience in business aviation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The revolutionary interior design of the Phenom 300E adds even more value to this already popular model, reaffirming our commitment to continue to invest in true innovation.”

Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 has sustained more than half of the light jet market share since 2012. The aircraft is in operation in more than 30 countries and has accumulated more than 780,000 flight hours. Embraer is continuously investing in the competitiveness of the Phenom 300 with enhancements to its comfort, technology and operational efficiency.

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In October 2017, the new Phenom 300E was announced and entered service just five months later, in March 2018, and it is the only Phenom 300 model available to be acquired. The new aircraft is designated “E” for “Enhanced” in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of the industry-leading nice® HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik.

The Phenom 300E inherits the Embraer DNA Design, first introduced in its larger siblings, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 midsize jets. The application of this design in the Phenom 300E rendered an even more spacious cabin with more personalization options and greater ease of maintainability.

The revolutionary new interior design of the Phenom 300E starts with the all-new Embraer DNA seats, both designed and manufactured by Embraer. The new seats in the Phenom 300E feature an extendable headrest with bolsters, retractable armrest, broader backs for greater support, and extendable leg rests for improved ergonomics. The new table, side ledge, side wall, and valance design optimizes passenger mobility in the cabin with expanded aisle clearance and increased cabin space, rendering unmatched comfort and personalization in the light jet class.

The Phenom 300E features an industry-exclusive upper technology panel (upper tech panel) along the centerline of the aircraft’s ceiling, significantly improving passenger ergonomics. The innovative upper tech panel presents passengers with pertinent inflight information, while allowing for convenient interaction with cabin management controls, as well as the option of inflight entertainment with audio and video on demand via two slender swing-down seven-inch displays. The unit also offers an enhanced cabin lighting scheme, with a broad range of ambient mood selections, as well as integrates sleek, silent gaspers enhancing acoustic comfort. Bluetooth connectivity also allows passengers to view inflight information on their personal devices.

The Phenom 300E is also the fastest light jet, having established several speed records with the National Aeronautic Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale

About the Phenom 300E

The Phenom 300E performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a six-occupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300E costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,360 pounds of thrust each.

The Phenom 300E offers a spacious cabin with the Embraer DNA Design and its baggage compartment is among the largest in its category. The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300E features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment center, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system.

The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck, based on the acclaimed Garmin 3000 avionics suite. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair.

Bombardier Reports 4th Quarter and Full Year 2018 Results

-EBIT before special items(1) up 42% year-over-year to more than $1.0B on revenues of $16.2B for the year; EBIT increased 235% year-over-year to $1.0B

-2018 EBIT margin before special items(1) up 180 bps year-over-year to 6.3%; EBIT margin of 6.2%

-Full year free cash flow(1) of $182M, comprising proceeds from certain transactions, including $1.0B of cash generation in the fourth quarter; full year cash flows from operating activities of $597M

-Strong backlog growth at Business Aircraft and Transportation, with full year book-to-bill ratios(2) of 1.1 at both segments, and a consolidated backlog of $53.1B

-2019 guidance affirmed, clear path to achieve 2020 objectives

Bombardier (TSX: BBD.B) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2018 results, highlighting solid margin growth, improved cash flows and continued progress executing its turnaround plan. The successful entry-into-service of the Global 7500 business jet in the fourth quarter also marked the completion of Bombardier’s heavy investment cycle, a key milestone in the company’s turnaround plan.

“2018 was a year of solid progress,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “We continued to strengthen our business and set a strong foundation for growth. A foundation that includes a refreshed portfolio of best-in-class products, industry-leading backlogs and a more streamlined cost structure, all of which gives us a clear path to achieve our 2020 objectives.”

“As we begin the fourth year of our turnaround journey, Bombardier is a much stronger company,” continued Bellemare. “Our major program risks are retired, our heavy investment cycle is behind us and our franchises are well positioned for growth. For 2019, we are focused on flawless execution of our rail projects, the ramp-up of the Global 7500 and entry-into-service of the Global 5500 and Global 6500. We will also continue to drive financial performance through disciplined capital allocation and improved productivity and efficiency across the organization.”

Bombardier’s 2018 consolidated revenues reached $16.2 billion, reflecting 3% average year-over-year growth across Transportation, Business Aircraft and Aerostructures, excluding currency impact. Book-to-bill ratios(2) at Transportation and Business Aircraft both equaled 1.1 for the year, demonstrating strong demand for Bombardier’s products and services. Bombardier’s consolidated backlog reached $53.1 billion at the end of 2018, supporting future growth targets.

EBIT before special items continued to improve in 2018, increasing 42% year-over-year from $725 million to more than $1.0 billion, the top-end of the company’s guidance. The 6.3% EBIT margin before special items in 2018 represents a strong 330 bps increase since the start of the turnaround plan in 2015, well above the 5-6% range originally targeted. On a reported basis, EBIT increased 235% year-over-year to $1.0 billion, representing a margin of 6.2%.

Bombardier generated $1.0 billion of free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2018. Full year free cash flow generation equaled $182 million, at the high end of the company’s revised guidance. This amount includes aggregate net proceeds of approximately $750 million from the sale of the Downsview property and the monetization of royalties associated with the previously announced CAE transaction. Cash flows from operating activities amounted to $597 million for the full year, and to $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter. Bombardier ended the year in a solid cash position, with $3.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

Selected results

SEGMENTED RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Business Aircraft

Business Aircraft achieved a historical milestone in December 2018 with the on plan service entry of the largest and longest range industry flagship Global 7500 aircraft. With a strong backlog and unsurpassed performance in its category, the Global 7500 is expected to be Business Aircraft’s key growth driver for years to come.

Revenues, EBIT before special items and deliveries were in line with guidance for 2018.

The segment achieved industry leading deliveries at 137 aircraft for 2018, including 42 Global, 83 Challenger and 12 Learjet.

Continued progress on the aftermarket strategy drove a 14.3% revenue increase year-over-year. Further expansion of our service network was also announced with the groundbreaking for a new centre in Miami, Florida to service U.S. and Latin American customers.

During the year, Business Aircraft unveiled the new Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft featuring an all-new Rolls-Royce engine and a newly optimized wing, increasing the aircraft range and fuel burn performance. With flight testing at advanced stages, these performance-leading aircraft are expected to enter into service at the end of 2019.

Commercial Aircraft

In 2018, Commercial Aircraft significantly reshaped its portfolio, focusing on the CRJ Series program and its aftermarket business, while also participating in the growth of the A220 through its partnership with Airbus:

The C Series Partnership (CSALP) with Airbus closed on July 1, 2018, bringing together two complementary product lines and the benefit of Airbus’ global reach, creating significant value potential for the newly rebranded A220.

A definitive agreement was reached with Longview Aircraft Company of Canada Limited for the sale of the Q Series aircraft program assets, including aftermarket operations and assets, for gross proceeds of approximately $300 million, on November 7, 2018. The transaction is expected to close by the second half of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Net proceeds for this transaction are expected at approximately $250 million net of fees, liabilities and normal closing adjustments.

Revenues and aircraft deliveries for 2018 were in line with guidance on the basis of the deconsolidation of CSALP results from Commercial Aircraft since July 1, 2018.

EBIT loss before special items(11) was $157 million reflecting for the most part losses on the C Series program in the first half of the year and the post-closing CSALP equity pickup. EBIT loss of $755 million includes a $616 million pre-tax accounting charge related to the closing of the CSALP transaction.

Commercial Aircraft continues to actively participate in the regional aircraft market with the established scope-compliant CRJ Series aircraft, with a focus on reducing costs and increasing volumes while optimizing the aftermarket for the large installed base in service around the world today. As the focus is to return the program to profitability, Bombardier also announced in 2018 it is exploring strategic options for the program.

Aerostructures and Engineering Services

Aerostructures and Engineering Services is positioned as a key supplier on early life cycle growth programs, including the new A220 and Global 7500 aircraft, expected to drive sustainable growth.

In 2018, the segment revenues grew 21% year-over-year to $2.0 billion in line with guidance.

Focused execution during the ramp-up of these programs and a one-time favorable item (approximately 50 bps) associated with the closing of the C Series Partnership have enabled to deliver 9.6% EBIT before special items, above its guidance. EBIT margin for the segment was 7.5%.

On February 6, 2019, the Corporation acquired the Global 7500 aircraft wing program operations and assets from Triumph Group Inc., for a nominal cash consideration. This transaction is expected to strengthen Bombardier’s position as a leading aerostructures manufacturer, to enable the company to leverage its extensive technical expertise to support the ramp-up of the Global 7500 aircraft, and to enhance its long-term success. Bombardier will continue to operate the production line and integrate the employees currently supporting the program at Triumph’s Red Oak, Texas facility.

On February 7, 2019, Paul Sislian was appointed President, Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Paul brings more than 20 years of aerospace and industrial experience, including serving most recently as Chief Operating Officer for Bombardier Business Aircraft.

Transportation

On February 7, 2019, Danny Di Perna was appointed President, Bombardier Transportation. Danny brings more than 30 years of industrial experience to this new role. He has a proven record of success leading complex industrial projects and organizations, driving operational efficiency and improving quality. Most recently, Danny led Bombardier’s Aerostructures and Engineering Services segment.

In 2018, Transportation recorded orders totaling $9.9 billion, fueled by a $3.3 billion order intake in the fourth quarter. Book-to-bill(2) reached 1.5 for the fourth quarter, resulting in a 1.1 ratio for the full year, continuing to position the segment for growth in revenues and profitability, supported by strong industry fundamentals.

Order intake for the year reflects project wins across geographies, with notable contract awards in Europe, led by SNCF’s repeat order in France, in Asia led by the Singapore Metro contract, and North America with Airport and Mass transit mobility solutions for Phoenix and Los Angeles.

The backlog reached $34.5 billion as at December 31, 2018. The backlog growth (excluding currency fluctuations) was supported by a stronger mix of platform projects and increasing signalling and service contract orders, consistent with Transportation’s strategy to increase speed-to-market; provide customers with end-to-end solutions; de-risk project execution while also growing margins.

Subsequent to the fourth quarter, in January 2019, Transportation was awarded a contract to supply 113 new generation passenger rail cars valued at $669 million with options for up to 886 additional cars, by the New Jersey Transit Corporation.

Financial performance for 2018 positions Transportation to reach 2019 guidance:

Revenues grew 4% year-over-year to $8.9 billion, in line with guidance, supported by a favourable currency impact in the first half of the year (2% growth excluding currency impact). Services and signalling grew to over 34% of revenues for the year, as increasing focus turns to integrated customer solutions.

EBIT before special items grew to $750 million for the year, representing an 8.4% margin (EBIT of $774 million, or 8.7% margin). Fourth quarter margins before special items were 7.7% (10.9% EBIT margin), as a result of contract estimate adjustments largely associated with a legacy project, resulting in full year margins before special items, slightly below the 8.5% guidance.

As discussed at the Company’s December 2018 Investor Day, Transportation continues to advance a number of legacy projects. The Company has plans in place and is taking actions to finalize system integration, obtain homologation and align delivery schedules with customers. Bombardier expects to substantially complete deliveries on most of these projects and significantly recover working capital through 2019.

As the portfolio continues to improve, Transportation anticipates growing EBIT margins before special items to approximately 9% for 2019, in line with guidance.

CDPQ Investment in BT Holdco

The Company also announced that Transportation’s results in 2018 did not reach the performance targets underlying Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec’s (CDPQ) investment in BT Holdco. Accordingly, for the 12-month period starting on February 12, 2019, Bombardier’s percentage of ownership on conversion of CDPQ’s shares will decrease by 2.5%, returning to the original 70%; and the preference return entitlement rate on liquidation of its shares will increase from 7.5% to 9.5% for this period. Any dividends paid by BT Holdco to its shareholders during this period will be distributed on the basis of each shareholder’s percentage of ownership upon conversion, being 70% for Bombardier and 30% for CDPQ. These adjustments will become effective once the audited consolidated financial statements of BT Holdco are duly approved by its board of directors.

Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Story and images from http://www.bombardier.com

United Airlines Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2018 Performance


PR Newswire – January 15, 2019

Q4 unit revenue up 5.0% year-over-year; full-year diluted 2018 EPS of $7.70; adjusted diluted EPS of $9.13

CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — In a departure from industry trends, United (UAL) announced today that its fourth-quarter unit revenue came in at the high end of its guidance range and also exceeded its full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share target laid out last January. UAL reported full-year net income of $2.1 billion, diluted earnings per share of $7.70 (a 9.1 percent increase year-over-year), pre-tax earnings of $2.7 billion and pre-tax margin of 6.4 percent. UAL reported adjusted full-year net income of $2.5 billion, adjusted pre-tax earnings of $3.2 billion and adjusted pre-tax margin of 7.7 percent.UAL increased its full-year 2018 adjusted diluted earnings per share outlook three times during the year despite a $2.4 billion year-over-year headwind from fuel. Full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 33.5 percent year-over-year to $9.13, above the high end of the company’s most recent guidance range.

“United’s financial performance is a testament to the successful implementation of the first year of our strategic plan and to the record-setting operational performance powered by the more than 90,000 airline professionals who work at United,” said Oscar Munoz, chief executive officer of United Airlines. “United delivered proof, not just promises in 2018 – even in the face of significant headwinds from higher than expected fuel costs. It’s why I couldn’t be more proud of our winning culture and customer-focused team and continue to be enthusiastic about United’s bright future.”

For 2019, UAL expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to again grow year-over-year to between $10.00 to $12.00.2

  • UAL reported fourth-quarter net income of $462 million, diluted earnings per share of $1.70, pre-tax earnings of $556 million and pre-tax margin of 5.3 percent.
  • UAL reported fourth-quarter adjusted net income of $657 million, adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.41 and adjusted pre-tax earnings of $814 million.
  • UAL reported fourth-quarter adjusted pre-tax margin of 7.8 percent,1 expanding margin on an adjusted basis of 0.9 points versus the fourth-quarter of 2017.
  • UAL recovered 98% percent of the year-over-year increase in fuel prices in 2018.
  • Consolidated fourth-quarter passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 5 percent year-over-year, at the high end of the company’s fourth-quarter 2018 guidance range.
  • Consolidated fourth-quarter unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) increased 7.0 percent year-over-year.
  • Consolidated fourth-quarter CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, decreased 0.7 percent year-over-year.
  • Employees earned $334 million in profit sharing for 2018.

For more information on UAL’s first-quarter and full-year 2019 guidance, please visit ir.united.com for the company’s investor update.

2018 Highlights

Record-Setting Operational Performance3

  • Set new UAL records by flying the most revenue passengers ever, operating the most mainline departures and achieving the fewest cancellations ever in a year, resulting in more UAL customers departing on-time in 2018 than ever before.
  • For the year, achieved the best completion rate in company history with more than 1.7 million flights.
  • In 2018, achieved the best ever company STAR performance (first departures of the day), with nearly 250,000 flights leaving on time.
  • In the fourth quarter, the company achieved top-tier performance in on-time departures among its largest competitors. For the December holiday season, UAL had its best-ever on-time departure performance while flying the most revenue customers it had ever flown during the holiday period.

Customer Experience

  • Opened three new United Polaris lounges located in San Francisco International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
  • Announced UAL’s newest premium seating, United® Premium Plus, which will provide more space, comfort and amenities on select international flights starting later this year.
  • Introduced a new boarding process designed to reduce customers’ stress by reducing time spent waiting in line and providing them with improved boarding information.
  • Expanded personal device entertainment option to all aircraft, providing at least one free entertainment option on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft.
  • MileagePlus loyalty program voted Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program in the world for the 15th consecutive year by readers of Global Traveler, and voted Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program in the Trazee Awards.

Employees

  • Employees earned incentive payments totaling approximately $14 million for achieving operational performance goals in the quarter, marking a full year of earned incentive payments totaling $55 million.
  • Introduced and trained over 90,000 team members on UAL’s new customer service decision framework, the core4, which focuses on the principles of safe, caring, dependable and efficient.
  • Deployed 6,000 iPads to maintenance employees, improving reliability and efficiency.
  • Unveiled a state-of-the-art flight training center in Denver, Colorado – the largest in the world and home to the company’s more than 30 full flight simulators representing all of UAL’s fleet types.
  • Successfully completed the full implementation of the flight attendant joint collective bargaining agreement, allowing the company to operate more efficiently and reliably.
  • Achieved the top score of 100 percent on the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a prominent benchmarking metric that rates U.S. companies on their disability inclusion policies and practices, also earning UAL a place on DEI’s 2018 “Best Places to Work” list.
  • Received “Best-of-the-Best” Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and National Business Inclusion Consortium for commitment to diversity and inclusion across all communities.

Network

  • Introduced 93 new routes, adding more flights in 2018 than any other U.S. airline.
  • Announced new international service including Washington-Dulles to Tel Aviv, Israel; San Francisco to Amsterdam, Netherlands; Newark/New York to Naples, Italy; as well as Newark/New York to Prague, Czech Republic and Denver to Frankfurt, Germany, all subject to government approval.
  • Launched several exciting new international routes including Houston to Sydney, San Francisco to Tahiti and Denver to London.
  • Announced schedule expansion at East Coast hubs in Newark/New York and Washington-Dulles to offer more nonstop flights to destinations popular with New York-area customers while reallocating largely connecting passenger flights to Washington-Dulles.
  • Announced a joint business agreement with Compañía Panameña de Aviación S.A. (Copa), Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. (Avianca) and many of Avianca’s affiliates, pending government approval.

Fleet

  • Took delivery of 21 new Boeing aircraft, including four 777-300ER, four 787-9, three 787-10 and ten 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
  • In December 2018, ordered an additional four Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and 24 737 MAX aircraft.

Community and Environment

  • Pledged to reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050, the only U.S. airline to commit to emissions reductions, further strengthening UAL’s ambition to be the world’s most environmentally conscious airline.
  • Announced a total of $8 million in grants to benefit organizations in each of UAL’s domestic hub communities.
  • Announced new global partnership with the Special Olympics and flew hundreds of Team USA Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2018 athletes, coaches and family members to PyeongChang, South Korea, continuing the 38-year relationship between UAL and the United States Olympic Committee.
  • Ranked No. 1 among global carriers in Newsweek’s 2017 Global 500 Green Rankings, one of the most recognized environmental performance assessments of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
  • Launched a Crowdrise fundraising campaign to support those affected by Hurricane Florence, Typhoon Mangkhut, flooding in Western Japan, wildfires in California and other disasters.

Earnings Call

UAL will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 financial results and its financial and operational outlook for the first quarter and full year of 2019 on Wednesday, January 16, at 9:30 a.m. Central time /10:30 a.m. Eastern time. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available at ir.united.com. The webcast will be available for replay within 24 hours of the conference call and then archived on the website for three months.

ATR and Aurigny Confirm Order for 3 ATR 72-600’s

Guernsey-based airline will be launch customer for ClearVision™ 

Toulouse, 8 January 2019 – ATR and Aurigny today confirm the acquisition of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, following approval from the States of Guernsey and after the initial signature of a Letter of Intention at the Farnborough Airshow, in July 2018. The first aircraft will be delivered in August 2019 and all three will be equipped with the new ClearVision™ Enhanced Vision System (EVS), with Aurigny the launch customer for this cutting-edge technology.

ClearVision™ uses an external camera to display an augmented outside-view in real-time to a head-mounted visor, worn by the pilot with the EVS improving significantly the pilot’s vision. This is a major change for Aurigny’s crew as Guernsey’s location in the English Channel, see its flight operations regularly affected by fog, leading to disruptions for passengers. A study showed that an ATR equipped with the ClearVision™ EVS could have saved 50% of the disrupted landings in Guernsey, over the period of a year. ClearVision™ will also enhance operations into other destinations served by Aurigny.

ClearVision™ is an option on ATR’s latest avionics suite, Standard 3, which delivers important operational improvements and a first in commercial aviation. In addition to the EVS selected by Aurigny, ClearVision™ also offers a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) that provides the pilot’s Head-Up Display with digital images of terrain and obstacles, from an extensive database. Operators can also opt for a Combined Vision System (CVS), combining the EVS and SVS, and offering pilots the best possible vision and situational awareness.

Mark Darby CEO of Aurigny said: “The opportunity to modernise our fleet, allowing us to offer our customers the very latest standards of comfort whilst introducing technology that will minimise disruption to their travel, makes perfect sense. Aurigny plays a key role in assuring vital connectivity between Guernsey and the UK and Europe. These new aircraft are going to make a significant difference both to our flight operations and to the people of Guernsey.”

Stefano Bortoli CEO of ATR said: “ATR’s aim is always to develop solutions that will have genuine impact for our operators and also on the travel experience of their passengers. Aurigny’s new ATRs, equipped with ClearVision™ will reduce delays and cancellations for its passengers. To have Aurigny as the launch customer for this technology is the perfect seal of approval for its effectiveness. We are proud that our latest-generation ATRs equipped with this cutting-edge solution will provide improved connectivity for the people of Guernsey.”

Regional connectivity supports local economies, with a 10% increase in flights generating a 5% rise in tourism, an increase of 6% in local GDP and 8% more Foreign Direct Investment. With a fuel burn advantage of 80% compared to regional jets, ATR -600 series aircraft represent the most efficient way of supplying these essential links.

About Aurigny: 
As Guernsey’s airline, Aurigny is proud to offer a wide range of services and lifeline links to the Bailiwick and its visitors. Established 50 years ago, Aurigny have had the privilege of serving more than 16 million customers over this time, and currently operate more than 15,000 flights a year, to 14 destinations. Aurigny is owned by the States of Guernsey and their network includes services to Guernsey, Alderney, and destinations across the UK and in Europe.

ABOUT ATR:

European turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category. With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20% on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com. Follow us on Twitter – #ATRLeads

Story and image from http://www.atraircraft.com

Airbus Loses 2018 Jet Order Race to Boeing

PARIS (Reuters) – Europe’s Airbus lost out to Boeing in 2018, breaking a five-year winning streak against its U.S. rival for the number of jet orders, slumping to its lowest share of the $150 billion jet market in six years, data showed on Wednesday.

Airbus posted 747 net 2018 orders, down 33 percent from the previous year, including 135 for the A220 jetliner which it took over from Canada’s Bombardier in July. Boeing beat Airbus for the first time since 2012 with 893 net orders.

Airbus delivered 800 jets, up 11 percent, including 20 of the small A220 model, leaving Boeing as the world’s largest planemaker by manufacturing volume for a seventh straight year.

Although Boeing missed its delivery target and Airbus had previously lowered its target due to strains on the industry’s global supply chain, strong demand for passenger jets expanded total deliveries by 8 percent, the fastest pace in six years.

Planemaking chief Guillaume Faury welcomed the deliveries, which set a company record, and a “healthy order intake,” with waiting lists for many new jets stretching for up to 7 years.

Insiders say the quest for new business has, however, been overshadowed in the past year by industrial problems, management changes and morale problems coinciding with a corruption probe.

A resurgent Boeing has been cashing in on greater availability and declining costs for its 787 Dreamliner, while struggling to contain its European rival in the lucrative segment for large narrowbody jets just above 200 seats.

The order figures underscore Airbus’s decision to take over the lightweight but loss-making Bombardier CSeries aircraft, generating 135 orders worth $12 billion at list prices.

Without that boost, Airbus took just 41 percent of the core market in which it competes with Boeing, the lowest since 2009.

Highlighting the pressure Airbus has been facing recently in the market for large, high-margin wide-body jets, the European company was outsold three to one by Boeing for a second year.

However it reached a targeted production rate of 10 aircraft a month for its wide-body A350, which competes with the 787 and larger 777, at the end of the year, company officials said.

Airbus also trimmed the order list for its slow-selling A380 superjumbo, officially cancelling an order for 10 from Hong Kong Airlines four years after Reuters first reported that the airline had axed the deal, triggering financial negotiations.

The world’s largest airliner is mostly dependent on Dubai’s Emirates as Airbus slows production to a trickle in the hope of a future upturn, though many airlines are for now backing smaller jets.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Editing by Dominique Vidalon and Elaine Hardcastle)

Image from http://www.boeing.com

Dezeen’s top 10 skyscrapers of 2018

In keeping with todays architecture theme, reporter India Block picks 10 of the year’s best skyscrapers for our review of 2018, from one sporting a 100-metre-high waterfall to the northernmost tower block in the world.

Towering 170 metres over Milan, the Generali Tower expresses Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature curves in a helical twist that runs through the tower.

No two floors are aligned inside the 44-storey skyscraper, hence the nickname “the twisted one”. Now the city’s third-tallest building, it stands together with Arata Isozaki’s 202-metre high Allianz Tower and the incomplete 175-metre tall PwC tower by Studio Libeskind on Milan’s former expo site.

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https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/11/top-10-skyscrapers-2018/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Dezeen&utm_content=Daily%20Dezeen+CID_3d991e789379574a3e1c77cfd48c90eb&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=Dezeens%20top%2010%20skyscrapers%20of%202018

Tencent Headquarters, Shenzhen, China by NBBJ

Wynn Resorts Shares Plunge 15% On Macau News

Shares of Wynn resorts (WYNN) dove more than 15 percent Thursday after the casino operator’s chief executive said the company is seeing a “slowdown” at its Macau location.

Though CEO Matthew Maddox said results were strong during China’s seven-day Golden Week holiday, attendance since then has been “choppy” during the week and “sporadic” on the weekends.

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Wynn Resorts shares plunge 15% on Macau news

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