Tag: Components (Page 3 of 3)

Alstom Begins Delivery of Prima M4 Locomotives to ONCF

December 31, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom has delivered in Morocco the first Prima M4 locomotive in the frame of the contract signed in 2018 with ONCF to supply 30 electrical Prima locomotives. While the 30 locomotives will be manufactured in Alstom’s Belfort plant, the Alstom team in Morocco will ensure the testing, the warranty service and maintenance.

The 30 Prima M4 locomotives have a nominal power of 5.5 MW, a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and operate under 3 KV DC voltage. They are equipped with ETCS level 1, require minimum maintenance and provide a high reliability level with low lifecycle cost thanks to the modular design.

“Over the past 10 years, 20 Alstom electrical locomotives have been put into commercial service by ONCF. We are proud, today, to contribute to grow up the fleet and to support ONCF in this major project to develop the railway infrastructure solutions throughout the country,” said Nourddine Rhalmi, Managing Director of Alstom Morocco.

Alstom has been manufacturing locomotives for more than 100 years with the first electric locomotive produced in 1926. To date, the company has sold more than 3,000 locomotives from its Prima range.

Six French sites are participating in the production of the locomotives: Belfort (assembling), Le Creusot (bogies), Ornans (motors), Petit-Quevilly (transformers), Tarbes (traction chain components) and Villeurbanne (on board electronics). The ETCS components are produced in Madrid.

Present in Morocco with 580 employees, Alstom has contributed to several major railway projects, such as the delivery of first Citadis trams to the cities of Rabat and Casablanca, and 12 Euroduplex VSHT for the High Speed Line which is linking Tangier to Casablanca. In its plant in Fez, Alstom produces cable bundles for rail applications and electrical switchboxes that are supplied to its European plants and mounted on trains exported around the world.

EgyptAir Adds More Boeing 787s to Fleet as Dreamliners Deliver 23% Fuel Boost

November 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Egyptian flag carrier to lease two more 787-9 jets from leading lessor AerCap
Airline joins other operators in growing their Dreamliner fleet after achieving eye-opening fuel efficiency improvement

EGYPTAIR is growing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with an agreement to lease two more airplanes from AerCap, the airline announced today at the Dubai Airshow. The Egyptian flag carrier unveiled it had selected the super-efficient airplane to modernize its fleet during the last Dubai Airshow in 2017.

The carrier began operating the 787-9 this year, deploying the Dreamliner on new direct flights from its hub in Cairo to Washington, D.C., and other cities. EGYPTAIR says the 787s have delivered on the Dreamliner’s promise of unmatched efficiency, providing a 23-percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the airplanes they replaced.

“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has outperformed our expectations, helping us significantly reduce our fuel use and emissions, while bringing comfort to our passengers,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. “We look forward to growing our network with additional 787-9 airplanes and flying more passengers to their destinations at an affordable cost.”

To maintain its fleet of 787’s, the carrier also announced agreements with Boeing this week that would provide EGYPTAIR with global access to critical aircraft components, including a Landing Gear Exchange and Quick Engine Change kit solutions.

EGYPTAIR joins other 787 operators in expanding its commitment to the Dreamliner program after experiencing the airplane in revenue service. More than half of all 787 customers have placed repeat orders for the airplane, helping the Dreamliner become the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history. The biggest 787 customer is Dublin-based AerCap with 117 airplanes owned and on order. AerCap will lease a total of eight 787’s to EGYPTAIR.

Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said, “AerCap is very proud to continue to support EGYPTAIR’s widebody fleet renewal program and sustainable growth ambitions. We thank our friends and partners at EGYPTAIR for their continued confidence in AerCap and we look forward to working with the EGYPTAIR and Boeing teams as these aircraft deliver.”

“EGYPTAIR has shown a strong commitment to growing its business in a sustainable and profitable manner and we are thrilled that the 787 Dreamliner is helping the airline realize their vision. There is no better endorsement of the 787’s efficiency, range and passenger comfort than an operator returning for more aircraft,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing, The Boeing Company. “Of course, this would not be possible without AerCap and its market-leading portfolio that gives carriers great flexibility in operating an optimized fleet.”

At 63 meters (206 feet) long, the 787-9 can fly 296 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kilometers). The airplane is 6 meters longer than the original Dreamliner and is capable of carrying 48 more passengers with increased range. The 787 Dreamliner family has won more than 1450 orders from over 80 customers on six continents.

Boeing, Etihad Airways Select 787 Dreamliner for Strategic Partnership, Environmental Collaboration, Services Agreements

November 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Etihad’s ‘Greenliner’ to serve as platform for testing ways to reduce fuel use and emissions
Multiple services agreements would support even more efficient 787 operations at Etihad

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Etihad Airways announced today that one of the airline’s 787 Dreamliner airplanes will serve as a flying laboratory for testing procedures and initiatives that could further reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as a part of a growing partnership to advance the sustainable growth of aviation.

“Innovation, productivity and sustainability are core values and objectives of Etihad Airways and of Abu Dhabi said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive of Etihad Aviation Group, at the 2019 Dubai Airshow. “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a key enabler of all three.”

The specially-themed 787 will enter service early next year and operate regular flights in Etihad Airways’ network, while periodically serving as a test bed for assessing environmental sustainability initiatives. The project builds on Etihad’s ample experience with the super-efficient airplane.

“The 787 Dreamliner and its track record of environmental performance makes it the perfect platform to advance our industry’s commitment to sustainable growth,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Etihad Airways to identify more opportunities to improve efficiency across commercial aviation.”

Beyond the environmental testing on the airplane, the two companies will build on the technical capabilities that Etihad Airways has developed while maintaining its own Dreamliner fleet and that of other operators. As part of the strategic partnership, the companies are discussing several areas where they can work together to improve operational efficiency.

Boeing and Etihad Airways also announced that Boeing will provide multiple services for the airline’s Dreamliner fleet, including the Component Services Program, Landing Gear Exchange, and High-Value Components Exchange, programs that help an airline simplify asset and maintenance management, reduce spare parts costs while improving parts availability. The agreements also include a customized material parts package and three Quick Engine Change (QEC) kits that enable Etihad to quickly return an airplane to service if an engine needs to be repaired or replaced.

“Boeing’s global supply chain footprint will allow ready access to parts, support and services, when and where it’s needed,” said Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services. “We are proud to partner with Etihad Airways to increase maintenance efficiency and maintain aircraft operability.”

These agreements build upon a history of partnership between the two companies. Both are members of a research consortium to encourage the development of sustainable aviation fuels in the region.

Boeing and EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Sign MRO Service Agreement

November 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Supply chain deals include Landing Gear Exchange and Quick Engine Change kit solutions
Companies also establish agreement to add regional MRO provider to Boeing’s growing global network

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2019 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING (EGME) today announced agreements that will approve the Cairo-based MRO as Boeing’s first maintenance supplier in Africa and the Middle East region. The agreement enables EGME to provide aircraft, engines and component maintenance services and solutions to Boeing customers.

EGME will also receive landing gear exchange and overhaul support through the Boeing Landing Gear Exchange Program. The program provides flexible exchange solutions that allow customers to quickly repair and replace serviceable landing gear in hours.

Boeing will also supply parts for a Quick Engine Change kit. The kit includes hardware and components used to efficiently build up a spare engine to service-ready condition, lowering the maintenance time required to replace an engine and return aircraft to service.

“EGYPTAIR is optimizing operations for our growing fleet, which includes a sixth 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, to always deliver a better experience for our customers,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. “We are able to leverage the strength of a global supply chain network and increase efficiency by continuing to partner with Boeing.”

EGYPTAIR’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) subsidiary, EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering (EGME), also signed a supplier agreement that will allow EGME to support Boeing’s customers with parts provisioning, engineering support and line maintenance.

“EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering brings strong technical expertise with locations across the Middle East and Africa that enable us to better serve our customers in the region,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “Our customers rely on us to keep their airplanes in revenue service. With our global supplier network, which now includes EGME, we help make sure that our customers and their passengers fly Boeing airplanes with confidence every single day.”

“It’s another milestone in EGME’s strategy of growth in the global market as a leading MRO in Africa and the Middle East region,” said Mostafa Ali El-Din, chairman and CEO of EGME. “We are pleased to be part of Boeing’s global network, which reflects a great trust in our capabilities and personnel experience. EGME will utilize its wide-scope capabilities to provide the best technical services to customers who aspire for well-maintained fleet in service.”

In Boeing’s Services Market Outlook, the company forecasts rapid growth in the Middle East region’s commercial and government aviation services market, doubling the growth rate in North America.

Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Fleet Surpasses 20,000 Flight Hours

August 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Fort Worth, TX (28 August 2019) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X has surpassed more than 20,000 flight hours. Bell has delivered 200 aircraft to customers operating the aircraft spanning six continents.

Since the first delivery in 2017, the global fleet has logged more than 20,000 hours, marking one of Bell’s fastest growing accumulation of flight hours of any current commercial platform.

“Our Bell 505 operators rely on the aircraft to perform from the beginning of each day to when their mission is complete,” said LaShan Bonaparte, program director, Bell 505 and Bell 429. “Logging more than 20,000 flight hours is very impressive for an aircraft in service less than three years. This achievement is a testament to the Bell 505’s performance and our customer’s confidence in the aircraft.”

With a speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is Bell’s new five-seat aircraft designed for safety, efficiency and reliability using advanced avionics technology. It incorporates proven dynamic components, advanced aerodynamic design, a dual channel FADEC Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine and best-in-class value.

For more information, visit the Bell website.

Textron Reviewing Strategic Alternatives for Kautex

August 5, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that it is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Kautex business unit, which produces fuel systems and other functional components. Textron plans to consider a range of options, including a sale, tax-free spin-off or other transaction. Kautex operates over 30 plants in 14 countries and generated over $2.3 billion in revenue in 2018.

Kautex, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a leading developer and manufacturer of blow-molded plastic fuel systems and advanced fuel systems for cars and light trucks, including pressurized fuel tanks for hybrid applications. The unit also develops and manufactures camera/sensor cleaning solutions for automobiles, selective catalytic reduction systems used to reduce emissions from diesel engines as well as produces cast iron engine camshafts, crankshafts and other engine components.

“Kautex is a leading Tier One supplier to global OEMs. It has a long history of product innovation, world-class operations and strong financial performance,” said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are exploring strategic alternatives to see how we can position Kautex to best serve its customers for ongoing success while simultaneously unlocking potential value for our shareholders.”

No decision has been made and there can be no assurance that the process will result in any transaction being announced or completed in the future. The Company has not set a definitive timetable for completion of its review of strategic alternatives and does not intend to make any further announcements related to its review unless and until its Board of Directors has approved a specific transaction or the Company otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate.

Textron has retained Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as financial advisor to assist in its review.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com

Airbus Announces Flight Services Contract with Japan Airlines

February 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Tokyo, 18 February 2019 – Airbus confirms the growing success of its Flight Hour Services (FHS) business in Japan with a new contract from soon-to-be A350 XWB operator Japan Airlines (JAL).

Airbus is welcoming JAL into its FHS Components Services programme for its new fleet of 31 A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft.

JAL will become the first Airbus FHS A350 operator in Japan to benefit from the increased operational reliability provided by Airbus FHS, world leader for this service in the A350 market. The Japanese carrier plans to introduce the highly anticipated A350-900 on its Haneda – Fukuoka route from September. This FHS contract will make JAL’s A350 entry-into-service even smoother on one of Japan’s busiest routes.

Airbus FHS will provide fully integrated component services including spare pool access, on-site-stock replenishment at the main base and components repair.

Through FHS, Airbus offers airlines its extensive and proven expertise in fully integrated maintenance services, and the advantage of its OEM expertise as well as one single interface to manage their whole fleets and associated component support operations.

About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

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