Aircraft is first of 20 CH-47F Chinooks to be delivered to RNLAF
Netherlands is one of eight NATO nations to operate the heavy-lift helicopter
Boeing [NYSE: BA] recently delivered the first CH-47F Chinook with an upgraded cockpit to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), continuing a track record of on-time deliveries to customers. The RNLAF will operate a fleet of 20 CH-47F Chinooks, the newest configuration in use by countries around the world.
“The RNLAF made it clear to us that they need the advanced, proven capability of the CH-47F now,” said Andy Builta, vice president of Cargo & Utility Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “I want to thank our phenomenal team for working hard during a difficult situation to safely deliver these aircraft. This is a reminder to all of us of how important Chinooks are to our customers.”
The 20 CH-47F Chinooks will be a fleet equipped with the same state-of-the-art technology as the U.S. Army, including digital automatic flight controls, a fully-integrated Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) glass cockpit, and advanced cargo handling capabilities. The common configuration leads to lower overall life cycle costs.
The RNLAF currently flies a mix of F-model Chinooks with the Advanced Cockpit Management System (ACMS) and CH-47D Chinooks.
“It has been a pleasure to work closely together with the U.S. Army and Boeing teams to achieve this milestone,” said Col. Koen van Gogh, Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation. “The Chinook helicopter is a vital asset for our missions and the in-time delivery certainly supports our operational planning. I salute the Boeing workforce for their continued efforts to make this happen in these troubling times, as well as the U.S. Army officials that helped keep us on track.”
Deliveries to the RNLAF are expected to continue into 2021. Chinooks are currently in service or under contract with 20 international defense forces, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Forces and eight NATO member nations.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Gogo AVANCE L5 provides the fastest and most reliable 4G air-to-ground high-speed internet coverage over North America for business aircraft today
Retrofit available for Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft throughout Bombardier’s growing service network, which has unparalleled OEM expertise to enhance the ownership experience for customers
This high-speed connectivity is already available on new Learjet aircraft, and will be an option on the new Learjet 75 Liberty business jet
Bombardier Aviation is bringing faster connectivity to its in-service Learjet fleet as part of a continuing commitment to this legendary platform. Gogo Business Aviation’s next-generation, 4G air-to-ground (ATG) internet system, Gogo AVANCE L5, has been an available option on new Learjet aircraft since last year.
Bombardier is now offering customers the high-performance 4G in-cabin Wi-Fi system as a retrofit for in-service Learjet 40, Learjet 45, Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft. Customers can have the system installed at all Bombardier Service Centres and Authorized Service Facilities throughout the United States.
“Learjet aircraft are renowned productivity tools, and this enhancement ensures that our customers have the connectivity they need to maximize their time in the air,” said Michael Anckner, Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Learjet Aircraft and Corporate Fleets, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With various upgrades available for our large fleet of in-service aircraft and the recent unveiling of our value-added Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft, there’s never been a better time to own a Learjet.”
The new and significantly faster 4G service uses Gogo AVANCE L5, which is lightweight and compact, accesses the Gogo Biz 4G ground network of more than 250 towers and delivers seamless connectivity over the continental U.S. and large parts of Canada and Alaska. Designed specifically for business aircraft, the system offers audio and video streaming as well as faster web surfing for a vastly improved user experience over previous-generation technology.
The iconic Learjet brand is synonymous with excellence in aviation, with more than 2,000 Learjet aircraft in service around the world. This fleet is a testament to the longevity and reliability of this platform, while the upcoming Learjet 75 Liberty signals a strong future for the world’s best light jet.
Bombardier is growing its worldwide support network, including a new service centre at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and the recent addition of two U.S. line maintenance stations in Teterboro and Van Nuys. In addition to providing this 4G connectivity upgrade to the Learjet fleet, Bombardier is also offering the latest update to the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite aboard Learjet aircraft, which was recently certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and brings many workload-reducing improvements to the cockpit.
The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is on track to enter service in mid-2020. Its spacious cabin features a six-seat configuration that gives light jet passengers unprecedented freedom to stretch out. A standard pocket door delivers a quiet, productive flight coupled with the comfort of Bombardier’s signature smooth ride.
The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft has a range of 2,080 nautical miles, able to connect Las Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco, nonstop.* This aircraft has the same operating costs as its competitors in the light jet category while offering the most spacious cabin, the fastest speed, the longest range and the smoothest ride. It is also a step up from other light jets in terms of safety standards, certified to the FAA’s more stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to commercial airliners, unlike other light jets certified to Part 23 regulations.
Agile, purpose-built and designed for the Army’s evolving missions
Boeing [NYSE: BA] is offering the U.S. Army an agile, fully integrated, purpose-built system for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype competition.
Boeing FARA is designed to meet the Army’s current mission needs while evolving as technologies and missions change. The thrust compounded single-main rotor helicopter boasts a six-bladed rotor system, a single engine, tandem seating and a modular, state-of-the-art cockpit with a reconfigurable large area display and autonomous capabilities.
“We’re offering more than a helicopter – we’re offering an affordable and fully integrated system for the Army, the mission and the future. We’ve blended innovation, ingenuity and proven rotorcraft experience with extensive testing and advanced analysis to offer a very compelling solution,” said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Phantom Works.
The fly-by-wire design leverages more than 65 years of rotorcraft experience, proven advanced and additive manufacturing technology, and product commonality driving down risk and costs. The system will provide seamless capability within the Army ecosystem to include Long-Range Precision Fires and air-launched effects.
“We listened to the Army, assessed all alternatives, and optimized our design to provide the right aircraft to meet the requirements,” said Shane Openshaw, Boeing FARA program manager. “We are offering a very reliable, sustainable and flexible aircraft with a focus on safety and the future fight.”
FARA will fill a critical gap in Army aviation for an advanced light attack and reconnaissance capability, previously held by the now-retired Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
For more information about Boeing FARA and its features, visit www.boeing.com/FARA.
The BelugaXL has entered into service, providing Airbus with 30% extra transport capacity in order to support the on-going production ramp-up of commercial aircraft programmes.
The aircraft, which is an integral part of Airbus’ industrial system, made its first operational flight on 9 January. This is the first of six BelugaXL to begin work alongside the BelugaST predecessors, with the additional aircraft being introduced between 2020 and 2023.
Launched just over five years ago, in November 2014, the entry into service milestone marks yet another successful achievement for the internal aircraft programme that was awarded Type Certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November 2019, following an intensive flight test campaign that saw the BelugaXL complete more than 200 flight tests, clocking over 700 flight hours.
At 63 metres long and 8 metres wide, the BelugaXL has the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide. The BelugaXL can carry two A350 XWB wings compared to the BelugaST, which can only carry one. With a maximum payload of 51 tonnes, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km. (2200nm).
The BelugaXL is based on an A330-200 Freighter, enabling the re-use of existing components and equipment, and is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The lowered cockpit, the cargo bay structure and the rear-end and tail were newly developed jointly with partners, giving the aircraft its distinctive look.
The BelugaXL is the latest addition to Airbus’ transportation portfolio. While air transport remains the primary method for transporting large aircraft components, Airbus also uses road, rail and sea transport to move parts between its production sites. Like the BelugaST, the aircraft will operate from 11 destinations in Europe, continuing to strengthen industrial capabilities and enabling Airbus to deliver on its commitments.
GTN 650Xi & GTN 750Xi modernize cockpit navigation and are available immediately
OLATHE, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the GTN™ 650Xi and GTN 750Xi, the next generation of in-flight navigation technology. Designed as a direct slide-in upgrade to the previous generation GTN 650/750, pilots can preserve their panel and modernize the cockpit with the new GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi. The all-in-one GPS/NAV/COMM boasts a feature-rich multifunction display and can integrate with new or existing remote-mount equipment such as a transponder or audio panel. Dual-core processors and modern hardware also prepare the GTN Xi series for advanced capabilities in the future. The GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi have received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and are available immediately for fixed-wing single-engine and multi-engine piston, turbine and experimental aircraft, with helicopter and business aircraft approvals soon to follow.
GTN 750Xi and GTN 650Xi in the panel of a Bonanza (Photo: Business Wire)
“After decades of innovation and pioneering the GPS/NAV/COMM, we’re excited to bring the fourth generation GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi to the market,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Garmin was the first to introduce the all-in-one navigator with the iconic GNS 430/530. Over time the GNS WAAS and the industry-first GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigators were added to the line-up along with state-of-the-art features such as voice control, wireless connectivity and more. As the leader in GPS cockpit navigation, we have brought the most widely adopted navigators to the industry and with the GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi, we’re excited to add one more to the family.”
Modern processing power and state-of-the-art hardware within the GTN 650Xi/750Xi supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the touchscreen navigator. It boasts a large, ultra-high-resolution display and wide viewing angle that offers superior readability in the cockpit. The displays initialize within seconds of start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies and flight plan information, saving valuable time in the aircraft. Preserving the same form factor as the previous generation GTN 650/750, the 6-inch-tall GTN 750Xi and the 2.65-inch-tall GTN 650Xi offer an intuitive touchscreen design with a dedicated direct-to button and dual concentric knob that provide added convenience when interfacing with the display.
Retaining all the features of the GTN 650/750, the GTN Xi series adds a vibrant display and vivid colors that enhance the contemporary look of the new navigators. When installed alongside a G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display, the GTN Xi series brings a new level of modernization to the cockpit. Highly complementary, the GTN Xi and the TXi flight displays share similarities in display, appearance and hardware qualities. For example, both products feature an angular bezel so the pilot has a near-seamless experience when transitioning between the touchscreen flight display and the navigator.
The GTN 650Xi/750Xi offer advanced navigation functions, including ILS and LPV instrument approach procedures, as well as visual approach guidance. Based on a published glide path angle or a three-degree glideslope from the threshold of the runway, visual approaches also take into account terrain and obstacle clearance to assist pilots in flying a stabilized approach to the runway in visual flight conditions. Approach types that incorporate radius-to-fix (RF) leg types are also supported by the GTN Xi series. Additional capabilities include the option to add a published or custom holding procedure, vertical navigation (VNAV), graphical flight plan editing on the moving map and more.
The colorful, multifunction display-like map allows pilots to better visualize their dynamic position relative to potential hazards, such as terrain, weather and traffic. Geo-referenced instrument approach procedures can be overlaid on the map page, offering superior situational awareness when transitioning from the enroute to approach phase of flight. Terrain alerting is included within the GTN Xi series and further enhances situational awareness by using its internal terrain and obstacle database to provide audible and visual terrain proximity alerts, including, “terrain ahead, pull up” and “obstacle ahead, pull up.” Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), TAWS-A and TAWS-B are available as options.
Superior integration with an array of avionics on the market make the GTN 650Xi/750Xi a simple and straightforward solution to incorporate into any cockpit. Options for remote audio panel or transponder display and control allow aircraft owners to simplify their panel. When paired with a Garmin autopilot, such as the GFC™ 500 or GFC 600, pilots can fly fully coupled VNAV profiles and instrument approach procedures. Pilot workload-reducing features such as Telligence™ voice control are also available within the GTN Xi when paired with the optional GMA™ 35c. When paired with a GSR 56 Iridium datalink, global text and voice calling can be completed through the touchscreen display on the navigator.
Wireless connectivity is available with the optional Flight Stream 510, allowing pilots to connect their mobile devices running the Garmin Pilot™ and FltPlan Go applications to the GTN 650Xi/750Xi. When connected to the navigator, pilots can save time in the cockpit by wirelessly transferring aviation databases and flight plans from their mobile device to the navigator. Flight Stream 510 also supports the sharing of traffic, weather, GPS position information and more. The GTN Xi series is also compatible with the cost-effective Garmin navigation database.
The GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi have received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) and are available immediately through Garmin Authorized Dealers for a suggested retail price of $12,495 and $17,995 respectively. A free GTN Xi trainer app is also available for download on Apple mobile devices, which allows customers to experience the feature set of these navigators. A new GTN Essentials 2.0 eLearning Course provides instruction on best practices for operational use of the new GTN Xi series and can be accessed via this website: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/712644. The GTN Xi series come with a two-year warranty and are supported by Garmin’s award-winning aviation support team, which provides 24/7 worldwide technical and warranty support. Garmin was awarded top honors last year in avionics product support for the 16th straight year by Aviation International News,and earned the top spot in the annual avionics product support survey conducted by Professional Pilot magazinethis year, also for the 16th consecutive year.
São José dos Campos, Brazil, December 30th, 2019 – Air Kiribati, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kiribati, received today its first E190-E2 jet. Embraer announced the contract with the Government of Kiribati, in partnership with its national airline, Air Kiribati, in December 2018. The airline ordered two E190-E2s and has purchase rights for two more.
“Aviation is critical for any island nation and Kiribati is no exception. Our Government has made the conscious decision to take into our hands the opportunity to unlock economic prosperity for our people and our nation through the purchase of these two aircraft,” said Hon. Willie Tokataake, Minister for Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development of the Kiribati Government. “The arrival of our first jet today is the culmination of three years of vision, strategic thought, government focus, research, evaluation, hard work, commitment, partnership and a good measure of problem solving.”
Air Kiribati is the launch operator for the E190-E2 in Asia Pacific. The aircraft will be configured in a dual class layout seating 92 passengers in total, with 12 seats in business class and 80 seats in economy class. Located in the central Pacific, Air Kiribati can now fly longer domestic and international routes than it currently does with its turboprop fleet.
“This is first E190-E2 delivered in the Pacific region,” said Cesar Pereira, Asia Pacific Vice President, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We’re are honored that Air Kiribati selected the E190-E2 as the best fit for the airline’s challenging flying environment. The E190-E2 has cutting-edge technology and is the most fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly single aisle jet in the world. These attributes are extremely important for Kiribati.”
With a maximum range of up to 2,850 nautical miles, the E190-E2 can serve destinations throughout the vast expanse of Kiribati, including nonstop from Tarawa to Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, one of the most challenging routes in the Pacific. The current domestic flight from Tarawa to Kiritimati requires an international stopover in Fiji.
Spanning four time zones and comprised of more than 30 islands, Kiribati is the only country in the world to be in all four hemispheres. Embraer has been present in the Pacific since the first Bandeirante was delivered to a customer in Australia in 1978. The company continues to support operators across Oceania more than 40 years later.
The E190-E2 is the first of three new aircraft types in the E-Jets E2 family, developed to succeed the first-generation E-Jets. Compared to the first-generation E190, the E190-E2 burns 17.3% less fuel and nearly 10% less than its direct competitor. This makes it the most efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market. The E190-E2 generates significant savings for airlines in terms of maintenance costs. It has the longest maintenance intervals – 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit in typical E-Jets utilization. This means an additional 15 days of aircraft utilization over a period of ten years.
The E2 cockpit features advanced Honeywell Primus Epic 2 integrated avionics. Combined with closed-loop fly-by-wire controls, the systems work together to improve aircraft performance, decrease pilot workload and enhance flight safety. From a passenger perspective, the E2 cabin features a comfortable two-by-two layout. The absence of a middle seat enables passengers to have an enjoyable flight experience with more legroom and additional luggage storage space.
Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft up to 150 seats with more than 100 customers across the world. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,500 aircraft have been delivered. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleets of 80 customers from 50 countries. The versatile 70 to 150-seat family is flying with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline network carriers.
MD Helicopters, Inc. announces a strategic teaming agreement with Elbit Systems Ltd (ESL) to deliver next-generation weapons and mission management capabilities to its MD 530G Block II (BII) Scout Attack Helicopter. The proven, pilot-centric Integrated Weapons System (IWS) is comprised of a Helmet Display and Tracking System (HDTS), Weapons Management System (WMS) and Mission Management System (MMS).
“Design and disruption are the cornerstone of all product development efforts,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “This partnership with Elbit Systems, Ltd. will allow us to rapidly expand the capabilities of the MD 530G, resulting in a next-generation, advanced light scout attack helicopter solution that will set a new standard in this highly competitive class.”
In line with MD Helicopters’ commitment to delivering excellence and innovation in design, the integrated, advanced avionics suite utilizes an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI), multi-functional smart displays and next-generation applications to deliver a fully compatible multi-mission cockpit that reduces pilot workload, increases efficiency of crew operations, and delivers increased lethality for a range of operational parameters.
Helmet Display & Tracking System (HDTS)
The HDTS configuration supports both daytime and nighttime operation, allowing the pilot to intuitively maneuver the aircraft into attack positions and engage targets heads-up and eyes out.
Weapons Management System (WMS)
The advanced digital WMS will allow the MD 530G BII Scout Attack Helicopter to support a comprehensive array of suppressive firepower options as well as unguided and guided munitions, including Hellfire Missile and, with authorized customer demand, APKWS. Standard configuration includes support for M260 Rocket Pods, HMP 400 Digital Gun Pods, RMP Digital Gun/Rocket Pods, and the M134D-H Mini-Guns. Critical weapons management functions, such as weapon activation and HDTS operation, will be integrated into the cyclic grip and collective for both pilots.
Mission Management System (MMS)
The main component in the MD 530G BII Scout Attack Helicopter MMS is the Digital Mapping application (DMAP) managed by a touch screen graphical user interface (GUI). This moving map display will give pilots greater situational awareness with aircraft positions, known threats, and friendly locations plotted. The aircraft’s EO/IR solution will integrate directly with the new MMS to enable detect and store intelligence. Detect and store intelligence ensures that once a target has been acquired, the crew can choose to attack with guided weapons from a distance, or unguided munitions using the ballistics Continuously Calculated Impact Point (CCIP) displayed over the HDTS.
The enhanced Integrated Weapons System, certified and in use on fixed and rotary wing medium and heavy attack platforms already in service with U.S. and Allied forces around the world, will deliver greater mission flexibility and improved operational performance, making the already multi-mission-capable MD 530G perfectly suited for Close Support operations including attack, forward air control, armed reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and observation.
“These are exciting times at MDHI,” said Stephen Suttles, Vice President of Commercial and Military Sales and Marketing for MD Helicopters, Inc. “Competition is a good thing in our business. We believe that the limited market penetration by others in this space is an incredible advantage for us, and we are confident in our ability to deliver equitable precision capabilities backed by an unmatched history of safety and survivability sooner than our competitors, and at a much better price point.”
“A proven and iconic light scout attack helicopter platform, the addition of this elegant, technically superior solution elevates the MD 530G BII to best-in-class status,” Tilton concludes. “My team has delivered industry-leading rotorcraft solutions for decades. Now partnered with the Elbit Systems team, we are poised to bring a new level of customizable, operator-focused solutions to U.S. and Partner Nation aviation forces.”
MD Helicopters anticipates live fire events with a production-quality test asset in 2020.
Airline prioritises passenger experience and connectivity with fleet upgrade
Toulouse, 19 November, 2019 – World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, just delivered the first of three ATR 72-600 aircraft to Tunisair Express. The Tunisian airline will use these aircraft to renew its regional fleet providing passengers with essential connectivity both domestically and internationally. The latest generation ATR 72-600 burns 40% less fuel and emits 40% less CO2 compared to a similarly sized regional jet.
By upgrading to the ATR -600 series, the airline has also chosen to prioritise the comfort of its passengers, introducing the latest generation 18” wide seats and the Cabinstream In-Flight Experience, allowing passengers to access a variety of content on their personal electronic devices.
Tunisair Express Director General, Yosr Chouari, said: “We are looking forward to introducing this new ATR aircraft with the latest comfort and technology to our passengers, with this first delivery marking an important step in our fleet renewal. Regional aviation provides essential connectivity for Tunisia and the unbeatable economics of the ATR 72-600, together with the best cabin, make it perfect for both our domestic and international operations.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli, commented: “As the leading regional aviation manufacturer, we understand how tough it can be for regional airlines. That is why we do everything that we can to support our clients and operators, ensuring that each innovation we introduce adds value in either the cockpit or the cabin and their bottom line. It is a clear recognition that when an airline wants to put its passengers first, the ATR is selected as the best aircraft for the job.”
ATR’s Market Forecast sees a demand for 350 new turboprops over the next 20 years for the Africa and Middle-East region. Regional aviation provides essential connectivity around the world. A 10% increase in regional flights generates additional increases of 5% in tourism, 6% in regional GDP and 8% foreign direct investment. Turboprops are key in connecting communities around the world: 36% of all commercial airports rely exclusively on turboprops and 50% rely, also exclusively, on regional aircraft.
DUBLIN (Reuters) – The European Cockpit Association (ECA) pilot group has urged regulators to take action over what it described as a “safety hazard” caused by Ryanair’s <RYAAY> approach to flight crews’ sick leave, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
Europe’s largest budget carrier has spent the last two years negotiating improved pay and conditions with its pilots and cabin crew after a revolt by some staff forced it to recognize trade unions for the first time.
The ECA, which represents pilots’ associations in 33 European countries, said Ryanair adopts a practice of systematically questioning absences due to certified sickness, leading to investigative and disciplinary meetings where staff are threatened with potential dismissal.
Asked about the ECA’s concerns, a Ryanair spokeswoman said the airline operates “a standard sick pay scheme, and like all employers, manages absenteeisms”.
The airline, which has never had a fatal crash and has one of the youngest fleets in Europe, regularly cites safety as its top priority.
The ECA said it raised the issue with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) a year ago but that Ryanair’s “problematic approach” to flight crew’s sickness has not substantially changed.
“In fact, we are concerned that the safety hazard created by this approach remains fully in place, must be considered endemic, and quite evidently is not adequately addressed by the competent national authority: the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA),” the letter dated Nov. 5 said.
A spokeswoman for the ECA confirmed it had sent such a letter to the regulator, the second in a year, and that it was concerned that the safety hazard related to Ryanair’s policy remains unaddressed.
In the letter, the ECA said it was aware that the EASA raised the matter with the IAA following the initial complaint but that the Irish regulator told one of the ECA’s member groups that it was satisfied there was not a systematic issue of crews flying while unfit due to fear of sanction at Ryanair.
The IAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Citing letters sent to staff, the ECA said Ryanair or broker agencies overseeing agency workers used by the airline have gone as far as threatening to halt pilots’ career progression, due to their sickness rate.
The pilot group called on the European regulator to ensure the IAA adequately fulfils its safety oversight role by summoning Ryanair to stop the practice of intimidating letters and investigative proceedings and also carry out an independent confidential survey among Ryanair crew.
(Story by Conor Humphries and Padraic Halpin, editing by Giles Elgood)
FILE PHOTO: A Ryanair commercial passenger jet takes off in Blagnac near Toulouse
Zurich, Switzerland, October 31st, 2019 – In ceremony held at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, Helvetic Airways officially received its first E190-E2 jet from Embraer. The airline has a contract for a firm order of 12 jets of this model, and purchase rights for a further 12 E190-E2, with conversion rights to the E195-E2, bringing the total potential order up to 24 E-Jets E2s.
“As the only Swiss airline to operate Embraer aircraft, Helvetic Airways already stands out from the competition,” said Martyn Holmes, Vice President Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “And, with our state-of-the-art E190-E2, it now has the perfect aircraft, in terms of environmental sustainability and to maximize the profitability of its flight operations.”
Helvetic Airways CEO Tobias Pogorevc is pleased to have achieved this milestone. “After more than eighteen intensive months,” he commented, “it’s a sense of accomplishment that we feel most today. With the E190-E2, Helvetic Airways is entering a truly new era. Our state-of-the-art twinjet will make us one of Embraer’s leading European operators. And it gives us just the modern and environmentally friendly aircraft we need to continue our development.”
This E190-E2 aircraft marks the start of Helvetic’s fleet renewal program. The purchase rights for a further 12 aircraft (E190-E2 or E195-E2) will enable Helvetic Airways to grow according to market opportunities. Helvetic Airways is configuring the E190-E2 in a single class layout with 110 seats and will deploy the aircraft on several domestic and international routes.
The E190-E2 is the first of three new aircraft types that make up the Embraer E2 family of aircraft, developed to succeed the first-generation E-Jets. Compared to the first-generation E190, the E190-E2 burns 17.3% less fuel and nearly 10% less than its direct competitor. This makes it the most efficient single-aisle aircraft on the market. The E190-E2 brings more flexibility with maximum range of up to 3,293 miles (5,300 km), about 621 miles (1,000 km) more than the first-generation E190.
The E190-E2 also generates significant savings for airlines in terms of maintenance costs. It has the longest maintenance intervals with 10,000 flight hours for basic checks and no calendar limit in typical E-Jets utilization. This means an additional 15 days of aircraft utilization over a period of ten years.
Pilots of the first-generation E-Jets require only two-and-a-half days of training without the need for a full flight simulator in order to fly the E2, which decreases the training burden and saves both time and money for the airlines. The E2 cockpit features advanced Honeywell Primus Epic 2 integrated avionics. Combined with the closed-loop fly-by-wire controls, the systems work together to improve aircraft performance, decrease pilot workload and enhance flight safety.
From the passenger’s perspective, the E2 cabin features a comfortable two-by-two layout. The absence of a middle seat enables passengers to have an enjoyable flight experience with more legroom and additional luggage storage space.
Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft up to 150 seats with more than 100 customers across the world. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,500 aircraft have been delivered. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleets of 80 customers in 50 countries. The versatile 70 to 150-seat family is flying with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline network carriers.
