Tag: tech (Page 2 of 3)

New Amtrak Acela Trains Stimulate Nationwide Economy

December 7, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

With parts from nearly 250 suppliers, Alstom trainset production creates 1,300 new jobs

HARVEY, Ill. – The Amtrak partnership with Alstom to produce the next generation of Acela trains to move customers at higher speeds and more comfort between Boston and Washington is also boosting businesses nationwide. Today, Amtrak and Alstom thanked workers at LB Steel in Illinois for building wheel assemblies (known as “bogies” or “trucks”) and other components.

“While these new trains will provide world-class accommodations for customers traveling in the Northeast, this production will benefit communities across the country by creating jobs and stimulating local economies,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President Roger Harris, who led the visit to the factory south of Chicago. “The fastest trains in the hemisphere – at speeds up to 160 mph – will ride on the work done here in Harvey at LB Steel.”

Alstom is using parts manufactured by nearly 250 suppliers in 27 states, with 95 percent of the components produced domestically. More than 1,300 new jobs will be generated in nearly 90 communities across the United States to support production, including the creation of new, sustainable, high-tech, engineering and manufacturing jobs in New York.

“We are proud to have been selected by Amtrak, not only to design and build the new Avelia Liberty high speed trainsets, but also to provide long-term technical support, and supply spare components and parts for the maintenance of the new trains.,” said Michael MacDonald, Site Managing Director for Alstom in Hornell, N.Y., who also participated in the news event south of Chicago. “Alstom is partnering with suppliers across the country for this project, and the emergence of a high-speed rail manufacturing industry here in the U.S. is becoming a reality.”

The trains are being produced at Alstom’s Hornell facility, which is undergoing a massive investment and transformation to build the 28 high-speed trainsets for Amtrak. One of three new structures has been built to accommodate fleet manufacturing and testing and a new bridge has been built to extend the site’s current test track to accommodate higher speeds.

The new trains are scheduled to enter service in the Northeast Corridor in 2021 and will accommodate nearly 25 percent more customers while continuing the spacious, high-end comfort of the current Acela service that customers enjoy today. Each train will feature modern amenities such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights.

The new Acela trains are part of an Amtrak plan to modernize and upgrade our fleet. Last year, Amtrak refreshed the interiors of the current Acela trains and Amfleet I railcars and announced plans to acquire 75 new locomotives for Amtrak’s long distance and state-sponsored services. This year, Amtrak performed similar work on Amfleet II railcars and announced plans to start next year to refresh Superliner cars used on long distance services. Refreshing of Horizon railcars in the Amtrak Midwest^SM network is also now underway with state partner support.

New high-speed Acela train sets for the Northeast Corridor when they enter service in 2021. Check out the first prototype (still under construction) being assembled at Alstom’s Hornell, New York facility.

Bombardier Announces Long-term Agreement with GTAA to Relocate its Global Aircraft Final Assembly

December 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Ultra-modern and high-tech manufacturing facility will be located at Toronto Pearson International Airport
Slated for completion in 2023, the one-million square-foot facility will be home to the most advanced aircraft manufacturing processes in the world
Strengthened commitment to Ontario’s aerospace industry, securing job growth and supporting economic development in the region for years to come

TORONTO, Dec. 04, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier is pleased to announce that it has signed a long-term lease agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to build its new state-of-the art Global Manufacturing Centre located at Toronto Pearson International Airport. With preliminary site work underway in Mississauga and first production activities set to begin in 2023, the cutting-edge facility will optimize final assembly operations for all Global business jets, including the industry flagship Global 7500 business jet.

The Global Manufacturing Centre at Toronto Pearson International Airport, approximately 20 km from the current Global aircraft final assembly site at Downsview, will reinforce Canada’s leading position in the business aviation market.

“Today, I’m very excited to announce the relocation of our Global aircraft family production activities to a new, cutting-edge manufacturing facility at Toronto Pearson. This is a strategic move for Bombardier and a strong commitment to Ontario’s aerospace industry. It will allow us to offer world-class career opportunities and continue fueling the economic development of the region for years to come,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.

The one-million square-foot facility will combine thousands of highly-skilled employees with 21st century production and tooling innovation. Bombardier employs the highest caliber technology throughout the manufacturing process of the Global 7500 business jets, including a state-of-the-art automated positioning system that uses laser-guided measuring to ensure major aircraft structures, such as the wing and fuselage, are joined consistently and perfectly each time. Combining human ingenuity with the most advanced machines, the Global 7500final assembly line in Toronto is a testament to the industry’s most advanced business jet.

This strengthened commitment to the Greater Toronto Area will also leverage significant recent R&D investments and a continued collaboration with Ontario’s colleges and universities for world class training, research and development.

Bombardier also confirmed it will continue to support the aerospace heritage of the Downsview site with a multi-million-dollar contribution to the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Consortium (DAIR) to develop a visionary aerospace hub for academic research and training activities. The contribution includes $2.5 million CAD in capital funding to refurbish the historic Moth Building, where wartime Mosquito fighter bombers and Tiger Moth trainers were produced.

NATO Gives Boeing $1 Billion Deal to Upgrade AWACS Reconnaissance Planes

November 27, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

– AWACS part of NATO investment in hi-tech surveillance

– Announcement comes days before NATO summit in London

BRUSSELS, Nov 27 (Reuters) – NATO on Wednesday awarded Boeing Co a $1 billion contract to upgrade its fleet of AWACS reconnaissance planes, a deal officials said showed the strength of transatlantic cooperation days before an alliance summit in London.

First flown in 1982 and repeatedly modernised, the Boeing-made planes, which can detect hostile aircraft, missiles, ships and other weaponry far beyond NATO borders, will be overhauled with more powerful computer processors, servers and equipment.

The 14 planes, based at an air base in Germany, can already exchange information via digital data links, with ground-based, sea-based and airborne commanders, but need a greater capacity to transmit data as technology develops.

The upgrade will keep one of the few military assets owned and operated by the Western alliance in service until 2035.

AWACS have been flown in support of the international coalition against Islamic State, gazing deep into Syria from Turkey, as well as along NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

“The modernisation will ensure that NATO remains at the leading edge of technology,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference alongside Boeing President Michael Arthur, standing in front of one of the planes.

“It will provide AWACS with sophisticated new communications and networking capabilities, so these aircraft can continue their vital missions,” he said.

One NATO official described AWACS, which have crews drawn from 18 different allies, as a symbol of NATO unity, at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned its value and French President Emmanuel Macron last month said NATO was dying.

The upgrade will be funded by 16 NATO allies, including the United States, Germany, Turkey, Italy and Spain, and some work will be subcontracted to European suppliers including Leonardo and Airbus.

The modernisation comes as NATO takes delivery of the first of five Global Hawk drones, which will be based in Italy.

After years of delays, the high-altitude drones made by Northrop Grumman give the alliance its own spy drones for the first time and will work with the AWACS to protect ground troops, as well as other tasks.

The drones will be able to fly for up to 30 hours at a time in all weather, providing near real-time surveillance data.

(Reporting by Robin Emmott Editing by Mark Heinrich)

Embraer Services & Support Expands U.S. Presence in South Florida for Executive Jets Customers

November 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Melbourne, Florida, November 25, 2019 – Embraer Services & Support announces the expansion of its Executive Jets Service Center at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL). As of November 1, Embraer has expanded its service capacity through a lease agreement with Jetscape Services for a dedicated hangar.

“We are thrilled with the added capacity to better serve our customers, whether they are based in the region or just traveling through Florida,” said Frank Stevens, Vice President, Global MRO Centers, Embraer Services & Support. “Our expansion in South Florida allows us to further elevate the customer experience for aircraft owners and fleet operators alike, in addition to creating 40 new high-tech jobs for the community.”

Embraer’s presence in Florida is strategic to its Executive Jets customers throughout the Southern United States, the Caribbean and Central America as well as to those whose travel frequently brings them through South Florida.

“We are proud to offer Embraer the infrastructure for their customer support expansion in Florida,” said Troy Menken, Jetscape President. “Since 2002 we have served customers from around the world with aircraft of all sizes, and we are confident that our ground support expertise will ensure that Embraer customers will enjoy a premium experience.”

Embraer’s owned service center in South Florida is also the base for the Embraer Airworthiness Management program, where customers can meet with the team to learn how the program can be customized to deliver peace of mind and drive aircraft value retention. The program provides customers with a dedicated Certified Airworthiness Manager to plan, coordinate, and monitor all maintenance and airworthiness requirements throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle.

The Embraer Airworthiness Management program ensures the full regulatory compliance of aircraft maintenance and records through MyEmbraer.com, in addition to providing negotiation and dispute resolution services with suppliers to maximize cost savings for the customer. Smoother operations are a key benefit of the program’s advanced planning service, especially for customers with a tight operational schedule.

About Jetscape

Jetscape is a full-service, boutique fixed based operator (FBO) at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL). We provide a private terminal for general aviation traffic, aircraft fueling services, and aircraft storage facilities. Founded in 2002, Jetscape has over 17 years of demonstrated success in providing customer service, aircraft ground support, and property management.

Jetscape operates on more than 21+ acres at FLL with more than 100,000+ square feet of combined hangar space. We serve a broad spectrum of aircraft ranging from small single-engine piston aircraft to the world’s largest cargo carriers and we are the exclusive U.S. Military and Federal Government contractor at FLL.

Our mission is to create an unforgettable customer experience that is second to none. We aim to provide a bespoke, state-of-the-art gateway for business and tourism, to be an employer of choice, and a model of efficiency. We are excited to be your provider of aviation services, to support your business needs, and to share in your vision for customer and employee experience. We look forward to your arrival.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has Skills to Build Airbus Wings

November 20, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd <MHVYF> is confident that it has the technical and production know-how to build high-tech wings for Airbus SE <EADSY> jetliners, the chief executive of the Japanese conglomerate said on Wednesday.

MHI developed sophisticated production processes at its facility in Nagoya in the process of building wings for the Boeing Co <BA> 787 Dreamliner, Chief Executive Seiji Izumisawa said in an interview.

“We have accumulated expertise in producing aerostructures as a tier 1 supplier, so if the opportunity does present itself we will certainly be willing to consider it,” he said.

It is not yet clear whether Airbus plans to outsource wings on future jets, such as its next-generation single-aisle aircraft, which could come out in about a decade.

Such future work would be important to MHI in part because of Boeing’s decision to bring wing production back in-house on its latest jet, the 777X.

“We do have the capability to produce some pretty complicated components,” said Izumisawa, who said he was involved in developing the 787 wings.

(Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is seen at the company’s Sagamihara plant in Sagamihara, Japan

Vodafone Extends Tech Partnership with Ryanair

November 19, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO: Different types of 4G, 5G and data radio relay antennas for mobile phone networks are pictured on a relay mast operated by Vodafone in Berlin

LONDON (Reuters) – Vodafone <VOD> has secured a seven-year technology partnership with Ryanair <RYAAY> to handle services including online booking, passenger boarding and in-flight transactions for the Irish airline in Europe.

The two companies said on Wednesday they had extended an existing partnership for Vodafone Business to support 300 Ryanair sites and some 153 million passengers across 40 countries.

As part of the agreement, the British mobile company will help Europe’s biggest budget airline to speed up the time it takes to connect a new airport or site for use. It should also lead to a faster turnaround of planes.

“Airline passengers will demand even more in the coming years, and we will work alongside Ryanair to help them prepare for the future using our full portfolio of products and services,” said Vinod Kumar, head of Vodafone Business.

Vodafone Business is the mobile operator’s enterprise arm that offers cloud IT services and the connection of unlimited devices on its Internet of Things network for small and multinational companies.

Vodafone Business accounted for 30% of group service revenue in its financial year ending March 31, 2019.

(Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Mark Potter)

Bangladesh Orders Leonardo High-Tech Air Surveillance Radar

November 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Leonardo’s KRONOS family of radar products are multi-functional, multi-mission solutions
The KRONOS LAND radar is highly mobile and quick to deploy: it can be brought into operation in the field in just 15 minutes

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has ordered Leonardo’s KRONOS LAND radar to provide air surveillance, allowing operators to detect and track targets in tactical environments. Leonardo has announced the contract at BIDEC (Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference) tri-service exhibition, which is taking place at Manama (Baharain) from 28 to 30 October.

Leonardo will also supply communications equipment, twelve months of technical support services, spare parts and a comprehensive training programme for Bangladeshi Air Force personnel with modules in Italy and Bangladesh. As a complete package, this contract will enable the BAF to develop a long-term maintenance capability and preserve the functionality of the system.

Completely designed and developed by Leonardo, the KRONOS LAND is a multi-functional, multi-mission 3D radar for air surveillance and defence, based on latest-generation Full Active-Electronically-Scanned-Array (AESA, also known as E-scan) technology. Leonardo has sold more than 40 KRONOS family systems worldwide.

The contract to supply KRONOS LAND to the Bangladesh Air Force bolsters Leonardo’s presence in Bangladesh. It follows the earlier provision of the RAT31 surveillance system to the BAF for early warning and air defence.

American Airlines to Add 165 Tech Ops Positions in Tulsa

October 31, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines has announced it is hiring an additional 165 aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) and support positions in 2019, resulting in more than 1,000 new Tech Ops positions added to the company in 2019. These new jobs underscore American’s commitment to operational excellence and performing more maintenance work in-house than any other airline.

The newest positions will be at the airline’s maintenance base in Tulsa, Oklahoma called Tech Ops — Tulsa. Tech Ops – Tulsa is the world’s largest commercial aviation base maintenance facility and American recently announced 400 new Tech Ops positions to assist with additional work coming to the base.

The new team members, primarily Federal Aviation Administration-licensed mechanics, will focus on interior modifications to Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321 aircraft to drive operational reliability and create a consistent product across American’s fleet.Previous

“The work we do in Tulsa is an important part of maintaining and delivering safe and reliable aircraft for American’s customers and team members,” said Erik Olund, Managing Director of Base Maintenance for American. “With these additional positions, we’ll be situated to provide the best operational performance and consistent experience that our customers expect and deserve.”

This year American has added more than 1,000 Tech Ops positions in both frontline team members and support staff, further demonstrating its commitment to ensuring its Tech Ops team is positioned to provide the best service and product for customers and team members. American employs more than 15,000 Tech Ops professionals around the world.

Working for American’s Tech Ops team is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to support the airline’s nearly 1,000 mainline aircraft, to be part of a team that values the safety of its customers and team members, and to ensure the reliability of American’s product. American offers competitive pay and benefits, including excellent health and flight benefits. Interested candidates can find the available positions and requirements at jobs.aa.com.

Delta TechOps and ORIX Aviation Systems Sign Major Engine Maintenance Contract

September 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

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.

Embraer Signs Heavy Maintenance Agreement with Horizon Air

September 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Nashville, Tennessee, USA, September 10, 2019 – Embraer announced today that Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, has selected Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS) in Nashville, Tennessee, as the exclusive heavy maintenance provider for the company’s fleet of 30 Embraer E175 aircraft.

The multi-year agreement includes airframe maintenance, modifications and repair services provided by Embraer’s portfolio of solutions TechCare. Fittingly, the deal was signed at the Regional Airline Association’s 44th Annual Convention that took place in EAMS’s hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.

“We are delighted to further expand our relationship with Horizon Air, and we are honored that our valued customer has selected EAMS as their home for Embraer heavy maintenance,” said Phil Bathurst, Managing Director, Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services.

“We introduced our first E175s in 2017. Now, with 30 E-Jets in operation, we are ready to expand our great partnership with Embraer, as they conveniently accommodate our heavy maintenance needs in Nashville, Tennessee,” said George Knobloch, Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering at Horizon Air.

About Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS)

With convenient locations in Nashville, TN and Macon, GA, EAMS is the world’s center of excellence for Embraer ERJ and E-Jet heavy maintenance and component repair. EAMS has performed maintenance on over 4,000 aircraft since 2008, of which more than 2,500 were heavy maintenance checks. The two facilities offer 15 hangar bays with more than 600 highly skilled technicians and have more than 3,500 components part numbers on their repair capabilities. EAMS is a Certified Repair Station under the following regulatory authorities: USA (FAA), Europe (EASA), Australia (CASA), Mexico (DGAC), Ecuador (DGAC), El Salvador (AAC), and Colombia (UAEAC).

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