(Reuters) – Eleven passengers and crew were killed on Friday evening when their plane crashed near an airfield in Hawaii, authorities said, during what broadcasters said was a skydiving trip.
The twin-engine King Air plane, with eleven people onboard, went down soon after takeoff from Dillingham Airfield and there were no survivors, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) said.
The fire service said the aircraft was engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived. “We are still gathering information as to the intent of the flight and what they were doing,” Honolulu Fire Department Chief Manuel Neves told a news conference.
The news report said the plane was on a skydiving excursion and the Federal Aviation Administration would investigate the crash.
The HDOT said Federal inspectors are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Dillingham is a joint-use airfield operated by the HDOT under a 25-year lease from the U.S. army, according to its website.
STRATFORD, Conn., May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) will build 12 production CH-53K King Stallion helicopters under a new $1.13 billion contract from the U.S. Navy. These advanced helicopters are part of the 200 program of record aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps.
Under the terms of the contract, known as Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 2 and 3, Sikorsky will begin deliveries of 12 CH-53K helicopters in 2022, and also provide spares and logistical support. Sikorsky remains committed to continuing to reduce costs over the life of the program.
“I’m proud of the joint government and industry team in achieving this award,” said Col. Jack Perrin, U.S. Marine Corps program manager for the Naval Air Systems Command’s Heavy Lift Helicopters program, PMA-261.
The CH-53K is the only sea-based, long range, heavy-lift helicopter in production and will immediately provide three times the lift capability of its predecessor. The CH-53K will conduct expeditionary heavy-lift transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations. The new CH-53K will have heavy-lift capabilities that exceed all other DoD rotary wing-platforms and it is the only heavy lifter that will remain in production through 2032 and beyond.
“Sikorsky employees and our nationwide supply chain are ready to ramp up CH-53K production to support deployment of this modern, safe and reliable aircraft in 2023-2024,” said Sikorsky Program Director Bill Falk. “This contract demonstrates the U.S. Marine Corps’ confidence in Sikorsky to expand production of this technologically advanced heavy lift helicopter.”
Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, and its suppliers have made significant investments in facilities, machinery, tooling, and workforce training to ramp-up production required for the CH-53K program. For example, we have installed more than eight new titanium machining centers, designed and implemented a new final assembly test facility with multi-floor ergonomic work platforms, installed 10-ton cranes, and now have 3D work instructions on the factory floor.
“We have transformed our factory for the future and implemented a model for all future helicopter programs,” Falk said. “Additionally, our engineers have implemented the latest technologies such as manufacturing simulation and 3D laser inspection technology. These investments in systems, personnel, and our facilities have elevated Sikorsky’s manufacturing technology and capabilities to meet production requirements of the CH-53K for domestic and international customers.”
King Stallion Progress Update
The all-new CH-53K, designed to be intelligent, reliable, low maintenance and survivable in the most difficult conditions, has flown more than 1,400 test hours and has met all the outer reaches of the test envelope. The King Stallion is in the midst of a rigorous test program to ensure militaries can safely move troops and equipment at higher altitudes, quicker and more effectively than ever.
The CH-53K, which has proven it can lift more than 36,000 pounds, is the most powerful heavy lift helicopter ever built in the United States. The King Stallion’s technologically advanced design will meet the future warfighting requirements for decades to come, enabling missions like humanitarian aid, troop and equipment transport, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), support of special operations forces, and combat search and rescue (CSAR).
Accomplishments to date include: high altitude, hot temperature, and degraded visual environment flights, maximum weight single-point cargo hook sling load of 36,000 pounds (16,329 kilograms); forward flight speed of over 200 knots; 60 degrees angle of bank turns; altitude of 18,500 feet mean sea level (MSL); 12-degree slope landings and takeoffs; external load auto-jettison; and gunfire testing.
For additional information, visit www.ch-53k.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The CH-53K is a modern, marinized, fly-by-wire aircraft that can move more cargo, farther and at longer distances that any other aircraft in production. For example, the CH-53K can lift an up-armored 22,600 lb. JLTV and carry it 110 nautical miles, in high and hot conditions and still have capacity for an additional 4,400 pounds of payload. There is no other helicopter that comes close to the performance of the CH-53K or that can meet Marine Corps requirements. Photo courtesy U.S. Navy.
SEATTLE, May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — About 18,000 pounds of fresh Copper River salmon arrived on a fish-filled Alaska Airlines plane touching down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly after 6:30 a.m. Today officially marks the start of the salmon season that is anticipated by seafood lovers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. By noon, Alaska Air Cargo is expected to deliver a total of 50,000 pounds of Copper River salmon to the Lower 48 with more scheduled on later flights.
Alaska Airlines pilots hold up the first Copper River Salmon upon arrival in Seattle
(Reuters) – Herb Kelleher, who co-founded pioneering low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines Co and built it into an industry powerhouse stamped with his colorful, unconventional personality, died on Thursday at age 87, the U.S. carrier said.
Kelleher set up Southwest with Rollin King more than 50 years ago, with the airline making its first flight in June 1971. King died in 2014, aged 83.
Dallas-based Southwest is known for its quirky culture, closely connected with Kelleher’s maverick image, as well as its fast growth from a regional carrier into one of the biggest in the United States.
The airline flew short flights known as point-to-point, rather than the hub-and-spoke model of its bigger rivals, and used a single model of aircraft, Boeing Co’s 737, to cut complexity and cost.
Kelleher was “Grand Master Yoda of low fares airlines,” the chief executive of Europe’s largest low-cost carrier Ryanair said in a Twitter post on Friday.
“He was the leader, the visionary and the teacher: without Herb there would be no Ryanair and no low fares airlines anywhere,” said Michael O’Leary, who spearheaded the transformation of European air travel after a visit to Southwest in 1992.
Southwest’s cabin crews have become known for their good humor – a legacy of Kelleher, memorialized in a “laugh button” that visitors could press inside the company’s headquarters to hear his famous cackle.
Kelleher won the affection of customers and employees with low fares, good wages and his own high spirits. He sought to instill a sense of fun among employees, sometimes showing up in costume or helping unload baggage.
“A company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear,” he was once quoted as saying.
Kelleher was also known for his fondness for smoking and bourbon.
John Plueger, chief executive of Air Lease Corp, said on Thursday that when he first met Kelleher more than 30 years ago, Kelleher was about to deliver a speech at a New York hotel. “The manager asked that he refrain from smoking. Herb looked up, smiled, and said: ‘No smokey, No talkey.’”
Kelleher was a formidable industry competitor as well.
“There aren’t a whole lot of individuals who you can point to that single-handedly contributed to building a demonstrable portion of the modern economy. Herb Kelleher was one,” tweeted Jon Ostrower, an independent aviation commentator and editor of TheAirCurrent.com.
“His model spawned the global democratization of the affordable movement of humanity by air.”
‘I LIKE TO WIN’
The New Jersey-born Kelleher served as Southwest’s executive chairman for 30 years until 2008 and was chief executive from September 1981 to June 2001.
Kelleher was long a towering figure in the U.S. airline industry along with Bob Crandall, his rival at American Airlines and polar opposite in style. The two built different business models and competed fiercely but with mutual respect.
“It was very hot competition and I like to win,” Kelleher told NPR in a 2016 podcast. Crandall, captured in a YouTube video, once serenaded Kelleher with a version of “My Way,” the song popularized by Frank Sinatra.
Steven Udvar-Hazy, executive chairman of Air Lease and a pioneer of the aircraft leasing industry, whose expansion coincided with the rise of budget carriers, paid tribute to Kelleher as “the builder of the world’s most successful low fare airline.””Herb: a final Wild Turkey Bourbon toast from all of your closest friends,” he added.
(Reporting by Manogna Maddipatla and Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru, Tim Hepher in Paris, Conor Humphries in Dublin and Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Peter Cooney)
CHICAGO (December 12, 2018) Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today Hotel SOFIA Barcelona is joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, becoming the first Hyatt hotel in Barcelona and third property in Spain. The 465-room hotel is located on the Avenida Diagonal, one of Barcelona’s main avenues in the heart of the city.
Originally named after Princess Sofia, wife to the former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Hotel SOFIA Barcelona has been known to host many dignitaries and heads of state. With the hotel’s rich history paired with its contemporary and luxurious design, Hotel SOFIA Barcelona perfectly meets the brand’s promise of creating story-worthy and unforgettable experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to the first Hyatt hotel in Barcelona,” said Felipe Espinoza, general manager of the hotel. “Hotel SOFIA Barcelona has long been a symbol of glamour and luxury in the area. Its rich history and stunning architecture will deliver an unforgettable stay for the modern traveler.”
The hotel is home to luxurious suites, five distinct dining options and a live dinner experience where actors, dancers and singers perform nightly. For relaxation, guests can enjoy several leisure facilities including an elegant Mediterranean-inspired spa, the SOFIA Oasis Wellness & Spa, and a tropical garden pool.
Guestrooms
The hotel’s 465 sophisticated and completely renovated rooms are designed for those looking for a space they can call their own, tastefully designed and all with access to SOFIA Oasis Wellness & Spa. There are 18 luxurious suites guests can choose from including So Suite, which offers a large, open space featuring a living room, in addition to a spectacular bathroom with a bathtub and modern touches. All suites feature impressive views of Barcelona and access to the privileged “As You Wish” services, which include amenities such as a 24-hour butler, welcome gifts, access to the Wish Lounge serving daily cocktails and delicacies, and other personalized offerings.
Dining and Drinking
The hotel boasts five distinct gastronomic spaces with unique personalities, all of which have been carefully designed by interior designer Jaime Beriestain. IMPAR delivers Mediterranean fusion cuisine, while Sofia Be So is a more intimate luxury restaurant serving traditional local dishes with premium ingredients. For coffee or cocktails, the Sofia Bar offers the perfect spot to rendezvous. And, for a sweet treat, Philosofia is the hotel’s own bakery, where everything is made fresh daily. The hotel also has its own live dining experience, Zuu, where guests can enjoy evening entertainment.
Wellness
Hotel SOFIA Barcelona serves as a luxury oasis, with an abundance of wellness offerings. Guests have the option to relax, be pampered, and stay fit within the elegant Mediterranean-inspired spa, the SOFIA Oasis Wellness & Spa, a tropical garden pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Meetings and Events
Hotel SOFIA Barcelona features one of the largest meeting spaces in the city, including a convention hall that seats more than 1,000 attendees, as well as 22 multi-purpose meeting rooms distributed over two floors. Featuring natural light and equipped with cutting edge technology, the venue caters to every request, be that business or pleasure.
Hotel SOFIA Barcelona is the third property to open in Europe as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It joins Hôtel Martinez in Cannes, France and Nish Palas in Istanbul, Turkey.
