TOMORROWS TRANSPORTATION NEWS TODAY!
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) reports after the severe storms that hit the La Chaux-de-Fonds region on Monday, July 24, 2023, the repair work is still ongoing. Since Saturday morning, July 29, 2023, the trains between La Chaux-de-Fonds and St-Imier have been running according to the timetable again.
The forecast for traffic to be restored between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle is now set for Saturday morning 19 August.
New York, July 24, 2023, (BUSINESS WIRE) – JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced the appointment of Susan Pfingstler to vice president, JetBlue University. In this role, Pfingstler will oversee the carrier’s award-winning training programs and facilities. She will report to Warren Christie, JetBlue’s head of safety, security, fleet operations and JetBlue University.
From locations in Orlando, New York and Salt Lake City, JetBlue University offers new hire and recurrent training for JetBlue’s airports, customer support (reservations), flight operations, inflight, system operations, and technical operations (maintenance) crewmembers, as well as pilot training services for a variety of other airlines around the world.
Pfingstler comes to JetBlue from United Airlines where she served as the managing director, network operations, air traffic control strategy. Previously, she held positions with the Federal Aviation Administration, the International Air Transport Association, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. She spent the first decade of her career as a New York City-based pilot in both the corporate and Part 121 airline arenas.
Pfingstler holds a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is a Board Member of NASA’s Advisory Council Aeronautics Committee and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) has awarded Stadler (Swiss: SRAIL) a framework agreement for up to 120 battery- powered trains. The FLIRT Akku vehicles are designed to replace the current diesel fleet and will enable sustainable operation on lines that are only partially electrified. The signing of the framework agreement and the initial order for 16 FLIRT battery is expected to take place in autumn 2023. This contract and the recent successes in the USA, Germany and Italy once again confirm Stadler’s leading position in battery and hydrogen green propulsion technology.
The new trains are FLIRT Akku vehicles – the battery-powered version of Stadler’s best-selling FLIRT model, which has already sold over 2,500 units worldwide. They are intended for use in the eastern region in Austria, where they will replace the current diesel fleet. The FLIRT Akku model allows sustainable rail operation on non-electrified line sections by charging the traction batteries while travelling under an overhead contact line.
Rail transport is the most sustainable mobility solution of all. Shifting passenger and freight transport to rail therefore plays a central role in combating climate change. However, the rail networks in many countries are only partially electrified or not electrified at all – as is the case in Austria. Stadler has consistently expanded its alternative propulsion portfolio in recent years and is currently assisting rail operators worldwide with the decarbonisation of rail transport. Depending on the area of application, Stadler offers its customers tailor-made solutions with battery, hydrogen or even hybrid propulsion.
Wichita, Kansas (July, 11, 2023) – Textron Aviation (NYSE: TXT) today announced it has been awarded a contract by AvMet International LLC (AvMet), based in Fargo, North Dakota, for one Beechcraft King Air 360CHW (cargo door, heavy weight) and four Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft. The Beechcraft King Air fleet will support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology program for cloud seeding.
AvMet and its partners Weather Modification International (WMI) and Fargo Jet Center (FJC) will work collaboratively to equip the four King Air 260 aircraft with a Cloud Water Inertial Probe (CWIP), Data Logger with aircraft tracking, and cloud seeding equipment. The King Air 360CHW will be rigged with Cloud Seeding equipment, a research laboratory and an instrument package for studying cloud physics and aerosols.
The aircraft will be modified at WMI’s headquarters in Fargo with sister company Fargo Jet Center LLC (FJC). FJC’s Part 145 Repair Station, which is an authorized service facility for the family of Beechcraft King Air aircraft, teamed with WMI to certify the Federal Aviation Administration approved Supplemental Type Certificate modifications for cloud seeding and atmospheric research equipment. Together, Textron Aviation, WMI and FJC will provide the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology with the newest technologies in cloud seeding and atmospheric sciences instrumentation.
Endless Special Mission Possibilities
When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special mission operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are preferred for air ambulance, ISR, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.
Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) is once again ordering 35 new KISS double-decker multiple units from Stadler Rail AG (SWISS: SRIAF). In addition to 14 trains for long-distance services, Stadler is also supplying 21 KISS vehicles for local transport. The order is part of the framework agreement signed in 2022 for up to 186 double-decker multiple units. Including the first call-off, 76 vehicles were thus ordered. Thanks to its high degree of innovation and generous space, the KISS has impressed customers in 14 countries.
ÖBB and Stadler are continuing the joint replacement of the Austrian local and long-distance transport fleet. Last year, OBB called off 41 KISS double-decker multiple units from a framework agreement for 186 trains. OBB and Stadler have signed the contract for exercising the next option with a volume of around 600 million euros. This comprises a total of 35 new double-decker multiple units, 14 of which are six-car trains for long- distance services and 21 are four-car KISS vehicles for local transport. The deployment of the new trains is planned in stages from mid-2026.
The KISS double-deck multiple units ordered as part of the first call-off in April 2022 will go into assembly on schedule and are scheduled for service in the eastern region as of 2026. For Stadler, it is a great vote of confidence and proof of the good cooperation that OBB is already calling off such a high number of further trains in this project phase.
Maximum capacity for tomorrow’s rail transport
Since 2010, the KISS has been successfully operating as a local or long-distance train with a high passenger capacity from Western Europe to the Caspian Sea – and soon also in the USA. Since the first delivery, 620 double-deck trains have been sold in 14 countries. Under a wide range of climatic conditions, in climates from Silicon Valley to Azerbaijan, from suburban trains to long-distance transport, the KISS cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers every day. Hardly any other double-decker vehicle concept demonstrates such flexibility.
July 10, 2023 – Alstom (OTC: ALSMY), global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has completed the delivery of the first train of the Tren Maya project to the Federal Government and Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (FONATUR). The cars are a depiction of Mexico’s art culture, reflecting the varied colours and textures of the region’s art. These first 4 cars will form the first of the 31 Xiinbal type of trains that Alstom will deliver to the project in different configurations, featuring large panoramic windows to allow passengers to enjoy scenic views.
The first cars departed Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo, on July 3rd. The four cars were wrapped and transported on special platforms, travelling 1,943 kilometres over five days until they reached the workshop and depot in Cancún. A team of experts has already started the meticulous unloading of the cars, after which they will assemble the cars to form the first train. Once assembled, the trains will undergo exhaustive testing to validate the functionality and safety of the different train components, prior to integration and testing with the rail infrastructure.
The Tren Maya project stands out not only for the latest mobility technologies included in the project but also for its representation of the history and culture of Mexico through the three different train designs. Each car is equipped with air conditioning, ergonomic and reclining seats, video surveillance systems and passenger information screens, with dedicated spaces for luggage storage. Since the floor is flat throughout, passengers with reduced mobility will have full liberty of movement. With these design features, combined with an ability to operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, the trains will deliver an efficient means of transport and excellent passenger experience.
These first cars also feature advanced digital technologies such as an automatic train control system (ERTMS) to provide optimal efficiency and high levels of safety and security, Further, Alstom will deploy HealthHub and TrainScanner, its digital solutions for condition-based and predictive maintenance, enabling continuous health and condition monitoring of different train components, signalling and infrastructure to guarantee the maximum reliability and availability of the trains, while optimising the lifecycle costs of each train.
Alstom is expected to complete the full deliver of all 42 X’trapolis trains (219 cars) in the last quarter of 2024.
WICHITA, Kansas (BUSINESS WIRE) – Textron (NYSE: TXT) Aviation today announced that it has delivered the first flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet registered in Mexico to a customer who plans to utilize the aircraft for business travel throughout Mexico and North America. The Longitude received certification from the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) in 2022.
The Citation Longitude incorporates the latest technologies throughout the aircraft like integrated autopilot, autothrottles, and emergency descent mode (EDM). The aircraft is equally designed around the pilot experience, passenger comfort and overall performance, delivering an aircraft that lives up to its designation as the flagship of the Citation family of business jets. No other super-midsize business jet offers more range, greater payload or higher cruise speed at a lower direct operating cost. Longitude owners and operators in Mexico can appreciate city pairs such as Monterrey, Mexico to Asuncion, Paraguay; Toluca, Mexico to Belem, Brazil; and with only one stop, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Tokyo, Japan.
The company recently announced that the 100th production unit of the Citation Longitude rolled out of the factory and is expected to deliver later this year.
About the Cessna Citation Longitude
The clean-sheet design of the Longitude integrates the latest technology throughout the aircraft, bringing customers the lowest direct operating cost in its class. Powered by FADEC-equipped Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines, the Longitude combines on-condition engine overhaul periods to best-in-class airframe intervals of 18 months / 800 hours, whichever occurs first. Textron Aviation’s full time diagnostics recording system (AReS) and 3D Technical Publications combine advanced technology to reduce maintenance downtime and overall costs to operation.
Mexico City, July 8th, 2023.- Viva Aerobus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 90 Airbus (OTC: EADSY) A321neo aircraft. This is the third order Viva has completed with the European manufacturer, thus maintaining a single fleet of A320 family aircraft. The airline’s order book has now reached 170 Airbus aircraft which provides flexibility to continue growing and renewing its fleet, upholding it as one of the youngest in the Americas.
The A321neo offers unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50 percent noise reduction, and more than 20 percent fuel savings compared to previous single-aisle generation aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort with the widest single-aisle cabin and large overhead stowage space.
The GTF engine uses a revolutionary geared fan technology that allows each part of the engine to spin at optimum speed, delivering the highest fuel efficiency and lowest greenhouse gas emissions.
These 90 Airbus A321neo aircraft powered by GTF engines will drive Viva’s domestic and international growth plans. This is particularly important since Mexico is expected to recover the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Category 1 rating in the coming months. It is also very relevant given the commercial alliance Viva signed with US carrier Allegiant back in December 2021, which will give more people access to new non-stop air transport between Mexico and the US.
The Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 with the registration D-ABPA and the future name “Berlin” will be delivered to Lufthansa following certification by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) this summer.
The ultra-modern long-haul “Dreamliner” aircraft will consume an average of around 2.5 liters of kerosene per passenger and 100 kilometers flown. That is around 25 percent less than their predecessor aircraft. The CO2 emissions are also improved accordingly.
The Boeing 787-9 “Berlin” will have an improved cabin product – including direct aisle access for all guests in Business Class. Following several weeks of planned cabin refurbishments at Lufthansa’s maintenance in Frankfurt, the aircraft will be deployed initially on domestic German routes for training purposes. The first intercontinental scheduled destination of the Lufthansa “Dreamliner” will be Toronto.
In total, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 32 Boeing “Dreamliner” with delivery between 2022 and 2027.
In October of 2021, Stadler was awarded the contract for 286 single-deck multiple units. The Federal Administrative Court confirms the award of the contract to Stadler, and has dismissed Alstom’s appeal.
Together with its subsidiaries Thurbo and RegionAlps, SBB is procuring 286 single-deck multiple-unit trains for regional transport. Stadler was awarded the contract for this order. The unsuccessful bidder, Alstom, appealed against this decision to the Federal Administrative Court. The court has now dismissed the appeal. This court decision confirms that SBB complied with the requirements of procurement law and the equal treatment of bidders during the tendering procedure. After signing the contract, Stadler can start building the 286 multiple units for regional transport.
The legal proceedings initiated by Alstom have an impact on the delivery of the vehicles. The first trains will now not enter service until 2026 instead of December 2025 as originally planned. The new trains will gradually replace the following rolling stock until 2034:
The newly procured vehicles will help all three railway companies to implement their planned improvements to services as well as the service expansion projects planned by the Confederation and the Cantons.
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