Rolls-Royce (London: RR.L) has been awarded funding by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to further develop and demonstrate the Artificial Chief Engineer® technology – an autonomous machinery control system which allows Naval vessels to undertake long endurance missions with less human interaction.
Developed by Rolls-Royce, Artificial Chief Engineer® is a critical enabler for autonomous missions by acting as the equivalent of the engineering department responsible for the health and the operation of an unmanned vessel’s machinery. Navies intend to increase their use of optionally-manned and unmanned vessels to project power further for less cost by reducing reliance on manpower, allowing higher-risk or longer-endurance missions, and by lowering the procurement and operating costs of future platforms.
The funding to continue the development, has been awarded under the UK MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator Intelligent Ship Phase Two programme, which is used to de-risk and evaluate technologies and approaches to enhance the armed forces’ technical advantage.
Rapid growth in automation, autonomy, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) has prompted the need to investigate how human-machine teaming can effectively take place. This 16-month programme aims to investigate how effective human-AI collaboration can be best exploited to improve decision-making and planning within complex operating environments.
Artificial Chief Engineer is an on-board, secure, decision-making control system designed to intelligently operate the machinery of lean-manned and unmanned naval vessels. The technology makes condition-based decisions about how best to operate the machinery – including the engines, propulsion system, electrical network and fuel system – using algorithms to optimise the ship for maximum efficiency, lowest noise, top speed or to preserve damaged equipment as required by the ship’s mission. This reduces the workload of remote operators and allows increased mission and system complexity in future unmanned ship designs.
Intelligent Ship is a Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) project to develop novel and innovative technologies and concepts to facilitate the use of intelligent systems within future platforms, with potential for utilisation across defence. The aim is to de-risk and evaluate technologies and approaches to enable revolutionary future platform, fleet, and cross-domain concepts to enhance UK military advantage.
Wrapping around the Artificial Chief Engineer project will be Rolls-Royce’s Aletheia FrameworkTM. This is a ground-breaking standard it has developed to ensure that before artificial intelligence is used all ethical considerations have been fully assessed, and that once an AI is deployed, its decisions are trustworthy. The Aletheia Framework is as part of a campaign led by Rolls-Royce to improve public trust in artificial intelligence so that its full potential can be realized for good across the world.
Mexico City, February 22, 2020. – Grupo Viva Aerobus today reported operating and financial results for 4Q20 and full year 2020, reflecting a recovery trend, amid the challenges of the pandemic, which began in the third quarter. This performance is the result of an adequate financial management, a strict expense control protecting the company’s liquidity and a responsible operational recovery which prioritizes health and safety for all passengers and staff.
During the 4Q, Viva Aerobus led the industry’s recovery, being the first airline in the Americas to resume 100% of its operational capacity, in November. Furthermore, Viva also consolidated as the first Mexican airline to grow its service at the end of the year by increasing its offer (available seats per kilometer) an 11% during December 2020 vs December 2019. In addition, the airline closed the year with 131 routes (103 domestic and 28 international), 12 more routes than the ones recorded at the end of 2019.
As a result of this recovery, added to an enhanced flexibility by permanently getting rid of charges for flight changes, Viva registered higher demand, closing 4Q20 with more than 2.9 million passengers, a 59% increase compared to 3Q2020. Moreover, the airline closed December with over one million of passengers registered, a similar figure reported in December 2019, before the pandemic.
This operational and passengers increase boosted the operating revenue to reach 3,237 million pesos in 4Q20, representing a 76.8% growth compared to 3Q20. Total operating revenue was composed 49% by fare revenue (1,589 million pesos) and 51% of ancillary revenue (1,647 million pesos). This revenue scheme represents the possibility that Viva Aerobus gives passengers to personalize their flights. Therefore, Viva takes care of their economy by offering low prices and giving the opportunity to pay only for what they need.
Due to this sequential increase in revenues, a positive EBITDAR was obtained for the second consecutive quarter, totaling 531 million pesos; this represented a sequential increase of 95% compared to 3Q20. Additionally, liquidity preservation stands out as attested in the cash and cash equivalents balance, recording 2,967 million pesos, a similar figure to the one reported in 3Q20. This reflects an assertive use of cash, taking advantage of an agile operational resumption, the support of the airline’s suppliers and the decisions to eliminate non-essential expenses.
These quarterly results softened the effects of the pandemic in the full year, considering that it was in the first half of 2020 when demand was most affected by the health emergency. Viva Aerobus registered more than 8.1 million annual passengers, a decrease of 32.4% compared to 2019. Consequently, total operating revenues reached 8,221 million pesos and EBITDAR totaled 946 million pesos, a 36.1% and 75.6% decrease, respectively.
To consult the full earnings report, please visit Viva Aerobus investor relations site: https://ri.vivaaerobus.com/en
Financial Indicators (MXN Million)
4Q20
4Q19
Ch. %
2020
2019
Ch. %
Total Revenue
3,237
3,728
(13.2%)
8,221
12,874
(36.1%)
EBITDAR*
531
1,122
(52.7%)
946
3,875
(75.6%)
EBITDAR Margin*
16.4%
30.1%
(13.7 p.p.)
11.5%
30.1%
(18.6 p.p.)
Operation (loss) income [EBIT]*
(427)
315
(>100.0%)
(2,619)
935
(>100.0%)
EBIT Margin*
(13.2%)
8.4%
(21.6 p.p.)
(31.9%)
7.3%
(39.1 p.p.)
Earnings Before Taxes (EBT)*
(791)
658
(>100.0%)
(3,881)
579
(>100.0%)
EBT Margin*
(24.4%)
17.7%
(42.1 p.p.)
(47.2%)
4.5%
(51.7 p.p.)
Net (loss) income*
(558)
420
(>100.0%)
(2,727)
469
(>100.0%)
Net Margin*
(17.2%)
11.3%
(28.5 p.p.)
(33.2%)
3.6%
(36.8 p.p.)
*Items not comparable with 2019 due to change in the functional currency conducted in 2020.
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) delivered 71 jets in the fourth quarter of 2020, of which 28 were commercial aircraft and 43 were executive jets (23 light and 20 large), which represents a decrease of 10 aircraft in the quarter in comparison with 4Q19.The Company delivered a total of 130 jets in 2020, comprised of 44 commercial aircraft and 86 executive jets (56 light and 30 large), which represents a decrease of almost 35% compared to 2019, when 198 jets were delivered.
Although deliveries accelerated during the fourth quarter of 2020 relative to the three previous quarters, they were heavily impacted, mostly in commercial aviation, due to COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 31, the firm order backlog totaled USD 14.4 billion.
During 4Q20, Embraer Executive Jets delivered the first of the Praetor 600 fleet to Flexjet, the Praetor fleet launch customer. The business unit also announced a collaboration with Porsche to create Duet, a limited-edition Embraer Phenom 300E aircraft and Porsche 911 TurboS car pairing.
In commercial aviation, the Belarusian national air carrier Belavia took delivery of its first E195-E2 jet. Congo Airways placed a firm order for two E195-E2 jets, in addition to their existing two aircraft order for the smaller E190-E2. This new firm order was included in Embraer’s 2020 fourth quarter backlog.
Embraer Defense & Security delivered the fourth C-390 Millennium multi-mission medium airlifter to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in the fourth quarter. All 28 units of the aircraft ordered by FAB are equipped to perform aerial refueling missions, with the designation KC-390 Millennium. Embraer also delivered the first two modernized EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, designated E-99, to FAB. Three additional E-99 aircraft will be modernized as part of the contract.
Embraer announced the completion and delivery of the first European conversion of a Legacy 450 to a Praetor 500 for an undisclosed customer. The conversion was performed at the Embraer Executive Jets Service Center at Le Bourget International Airport, in Paris, France.
Delta will resume flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo beginning Feb. 12, 2021. The route will operate four times per week with Boeing 767-400 aircraft featuring the latest Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service. Flights will depart from Terminal 4 at JFK and Terminal 3 in São Paulo, where Delta and its partners offer easy and convenient access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner lounges. The route also complements Delta’s daily service between its Atlanta hub and São Paulo, providing significant connection opportunities through two of Delta’s major hubs.
Delta has added more than 100 layers of protection through its Delta CareStandard, and has extended middle seat blocking through April 30, 2021 – the only U.S. airline to do so. To make the travel planning experience easier, Delta has created an interactive travel map to help customers understand where Delta flies and the latest travel requirements or restrictions at their destination, including more information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control requirement that customers entering or transiting the U.S. present a negative COVID-19 test result.
Even as Delta has doubled down on its investment in safety and cleanliness, it also continues to invest in offering a superior customer experience and award-winning hospitality, including refreshing more than 300 new in-flight entertainment options and recently announced plans to bring high-speed Wi-Fi on board this year.
Transport of essential goods and services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta Cargo kept the supply chain flowing with cargo-only flights. With the return of service more widely to the Brazilian market, the company’s flights will also offer larger cargo capacity – allowing Delta Cargo’s customers to transport essential goods, perishable products and supplies between Brazil and the U.S.
The cargo division also supports the delivery of vaccines in the U.S. and, since December, has been distributing shipments of COVID-19 vaccines as part of the global effort to combat the pandemic.
Detailed information on how to book a vaccine shipment is obtained from Delta Cargo’s Pharma Desk, which can be contacted by e-mail at DeltaCargoPharma@delta.com or by phone at +1 (800) 352-2746 (valid for calls originating in the U.S.). In addition, the Cargo Charters team can help with this Charter request form or by email at DeltaCargoCharters@delta.com. Additional information about Delta Cargo is available at deltacargo.com.
Delta’s flight schedule remains subject to change due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, customer demand and government travel regulations. For more information on Delta’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit delta.com.
Delta schedule for New York (JFK) – São Paulo (GRU) flights*
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, has signed a contract for the sale of 12 Rafale aircraft with Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces. These aircraft will replace the 12 Rafales of the French Air and Space Force (FASF) sold to the Hellenic Air Force.
The contract was signed during a visit by the French Minister of the Armed Forces to the Argonay plant in Haute-Savoie which has produced the flight control systems for all Dassault aircraft since 1963.
Dassault Aviation and its industrial partners would like to thank the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, the French defense procurement agency DGA and the Armed Forces for their renewed confidence.
“This contract for 12 new aircraft will enable our Air and Space Force to continue the Rafale build-up while awaiting the fifth tranche, which is scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2030. The contract is a great satisfaction for Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran and the 500 French companies involved in the program, in the particularly difficult conditions facing our aeronautics sector in the context of the Covid crisis“, said Eric Trappier.
Eric Trappier, Florence Parly, General Philippe Lavigne (Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force) and Guilhem Reboul (representing the French Defense Procurement Agency).
On behalf of EVA Air, we offer our sincere apology to frontline epidemic prevention teams, health-care workers and the general public for the impact on public epidemic prevention efforts our dismissed pilot’s regulation violations have caused.
We treat all our employees equally and apply the same standard to each and everyone who works at EVA, no matter what rank or title. If anyone is found to have violated epidemic prevention rules, we will immediately investigate and take disciplinary action if it’s warranted.
On December 23, 2020, after a thorough evaluation of facts and evidence, EVA’s Disciplinary Committee dismissed a Captain for violating epidemic prevention rules and filing an untruthful report. He disregarded Taiwan Civil Aeronautics Administration and Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) Operational Principles, requiring Air Crew Members of Taiwan-based airlines to comply with health controls in addition to Article 43, Paragraph 2 of the Communicable Disease Control Act, stating “relevant personnel shall not refuse, evade or obstruct the laboratory testing, diagnosis, investigation…, jeopardizing the good name and reputation of the company.”
The dismissed pilot’s irresponsible disregard for the well-being of First Officers in the cockpit with him, ground crew and others he came in contact with also meets criteria for disciplinary termination under Article 12, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 4 of Taiwan’s Labor Standards Law. Following Articles 13.3.6 and 14.3 of its Pilot Administration Manual, EVA’s Disciplinary Committee made a unanimous decision to terminate the pilot, effective immediately.
The dismissed pilot failed to mention his own noncompliance or epidemic prevention rule violations by any other crew member in reports he submitted for the cargo flights he commanded. On the evening of December 17, a female First Officer who had flown with the dismissed pilot notified EVA that she had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and mentioned that the dismissed pilot had not worn a mask when they were on duty in the cabin. Following Central Epidemic Command Center guidelines, we began investigating the dismissed pilot on December 18. Another First Officer who had flown with the dismissed pilot tested positive for COVID-19 on December 19. EVA contacted both First Officers to ensure their wellbeing and verify details of the situation. The First Officers confirmed that the dismissed pilot had not worn masks when he was on duty in the cockpit with them though he was asked to do so. The EVA Disciplinary Committee considered this information within the evidence they reviewed.
The dismissed pilot is from New Zealand, the female First Officer is Taiwanese and the other First Officer, Japanese.
We also immediately began improving our epidemic prevention practices and management procedures. For example, we established more rigorous rules for crew members when they collect food during overseas layovers in hotels. We now require everyone to wear masks, goggles and gloves when they receive food. During flights, only one pilot at a time can remove his or her mask to eat or drink. We equipped our dormitories with new door locks that record all entries and exits. We also created a new reporting mechanism to make it easy for employees to report violations they may witness, regardless of the offender’s position in the company. EVA will investigate all reports of violations and take disciplinary action whenever it is warranted.
EVA strictly complies with all government epidemic prevention policies and requires all crew members and staff to follow applicable rules. Unfortunately, one irresponsible employee’s thoughtless behavior spoiled the hard-earned success that other EVA pilots, crew members and staff have worked so hard to achieve. While EVA does not ever cut corners in practices or procedures, this situation exposed vulnerabilities in our epidemic prevention efforts. We met with Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center and Civil Aeronautics Administration to discuss additional measures we can take to make our operations more secure. And we will use what we learned from this situation as we continue to do our best to strengthen and improve our epidemic prevention practices and management procedures.
A crowd that included Air Force leadership, congressional representatives and senators, executives and plant personnel from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corporation attended a ceremony dedicating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor in Marietta, Ga., May 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)
From Reuters News – Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington, D.C., Editing by Greg Roumeliotis
Dec 20 (Reuters) – Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE: LMT) said on Sunday that it has agreed acquire U.S. rocket engine manufacturer Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc (NYSE: AJRD) for $4.4 billion, including debt and net cash.
The deal is Lockheed’s biggest acquisition since Jim Taiclet took over as chief executive in June. He is seeking to beef up the company’s propulsion capabilities amid competition from new entrants such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, for space contracts with the U.S. government.
“Acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne will preserve and strengthen an essential component of the domestic defense industrial base and reduce costs for our customers and the American taxpayer,” Taiclet said in a statement.
Lockheed said it will pay $56 per share for Aerojet Rocketdyne, a 33 percent premium to Friday’s closing price. The purchase price will be reduced to $51 per share after the payment of a pre-closing special dividend, Lockheed added.
The Bethesda, Maryland-based company already uses Aerojet Rocketdyne’s propulsion systems in its aeronautics, missiles and fire control offerings.
Lockheed said the transaction, which is set to be scrutinized by regulators given the company’s leading position in the defense sector, is expected to close in the second half of 2021.
A crowd that included Air Force leadership, congressional representatives and senators, executives and plant personnel from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corporation attended a ceremony dedicating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor in Marietta, Ga., May 2. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)
In a ceremony held today at the Embraer facility in Gavião Peixoto (São Paulo, Brazil), Embraer delivered the first modernized EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control), designated E-99, to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Four additional E-99 aircraft will be modernized as part of the contract.
The mission systems and related subsystems, including electronic warfare, command and control, electronic countermeasures, and aerial surveillance radar were updated as part of the modernization process, expanding FAB’s capacity to carry out Flight Control and Alarm missions and Electronic Reconnaissance, among others.
The E-99M project is conducted by COPAC with support from Embraer and various international suppliers, such as SAAB, Aeroelectronica International (AELI), and Rohde & Schwarz. In addition to modernization, the project entails technology transfer agreements that will enable technological advancements for the Brazilian defense industry.
Atech, an Embraer Defense and Security company, participates in the development of the command and control system. Six mission planning and analysis stations were also acquired, which will be used for the training and improvement of crews.
Built on the successful ERJ 145 regional jet platform, with more than 1,200 units delivered and 30 million flight hours, the FAB E-99 aircraft can detect, track, and identify targets in their patrol area and transmit this information to allied forces. The aircraft can also perform airspace management, fighter positioning and interception control, signals intelligence, and surveillance missions.
– New courses include helicopter specific eLearning courses for G1000H NXi
Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., is pleased to announce two new eLearning training courses for the G1000® NXi, as well as two separate eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck for helicopters. These training courses are available in a virtual eLearning format allowing pilots to learn at their own pace, with the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course providing a foundational understanding of the system, while the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is focused on systems installed in high-performance piston and turbine engine aircraft. The two comprehensive eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck titled G1000H NXi Fundamentals, and G1000H NXi Advanced-IFR, use scenario-based training to highlight helicopter-specific operations and are tailored for pilots new to the G1000H NXi system, in addition to those with experience wanting a deeper understanding of the system.
Core training topics All four training courses build on a common core of training topics. These topics are common to all G1000 NXi and G1000H NXi systems but are tailored to the audience for each course. The topics include:
Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) function
Audio Panel Features
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Safety Features
Abnormal Operations
Managing Databases
Operational Flight Scenario
Learn best-practices for G1000 NXi operational use
For those that are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want to refresh their understanding of the system, the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course provides comprehensive training on the system designed for piston engine equipped aircraft. This course describes features of the system in detail and use a scenario to demonstrate how particular features function in different phases of flight in order to see this advanced system in action. In order to practice what you learned during this course, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online.
G1000 NXi for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft
For those operating high-performance piston or turbine-engine equipped aircraft, the G1000 NXi Essentials course presents best-practices for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck by providing detailed training for pilots wanting to get the most out of the system. In addition to describing features in detail and showing how they can be used effectively in flight, scenario-based training demonstrates typical high-performance piston and turbine-engine aircraft operations, providing an opportunity to see the G1000 NXi system in full effect. For your specific or similar aircraft, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online, and provides the opportunity to take what you learned throughout the course and apply it. In addition to the core training topics, the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course includes additional instruction on:
Vertical Navigation
Automatic Flight Control System
Advanced Features
User Waypoints
Managing Databases
Multiple Operational Flight Scenarios with different performance profiles
Build helicopter-specific system knowledge
The G1000H NXi Fundamentals course is designed for VFR helicopter pilots who are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want a refresher on the G1000H NXi. This allows the pilot to be comfortable with the avionics and maximize learning during valuable flight time. Learn how to take full advantage of the capabilities of the G1000H NXi system while gaining experience with operational use best practices. This virtual course allows pilots to learn at their own pace, details system features and provides a VFR flight scenario to show how these features are used in various phases of flight. Those that sign up for this course receive an additional scripted scenario for more practice through the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software, available for purchase online. The core training topics in the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course have been tailored to helicopter-specific features and functionality, including differences for:
PFD and MFD function
Audio Panel Features
Hazard Avoidance Features
Operational Flight Scenario
Scenario-Based Exercise
Enhance IFR helicopter skills with G1000H NXi
The G1000H Advanced-IFR course provides a detailed look at the G1000H NXi system and illustrates best practices for operational use of the flight deck, with a focus on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The course uses phase of flight scenarios to demonstrate typical IFR helicopter operation, and depicts common practices to maximize the benefits of system features and capabilities. For helicopter pilots who fly search-and-rescue missions, emphasis on user waypoints are included in the course scenarios. Pilots can further practice what they learned throughout the course with one of the additional scripted scenarios provided for use with the purchase of the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software. Some helicopter-tailored training topics covered in the Advanced IFR eLearning Course include:
PFD and MFD function
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Advanced Features
User waypoints
Operational Flight Scenarios
Proceed through the course at a pace that works best
Available immediately after purchase using a computer or tablet device with internet access, pilots can navigate through the virtual course at their own pace. Assessments throughout the course validate knowledge obtained of critical items while documenting the learning process. With the ability to pause lessons as needed to return to the lesson later, this is a convenient option for any pilot. Also, pilots can retake specific lessons or even the entire course during the subscription period.
The G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning course is available now for $94.95 USD, and the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is now available for $145.95 USD. Also available is the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course for $74.95 USD, as well as the G1000H NXi Advanced IFR eLearning Course is available for $94.95 USD. For aviation training needs, including purchasing one of these eLearning courses, please visit www.fly.garmin.com/training.
– The highest anti-jamming and anti-spoofing PNT technology providing access and trusted data for success of critical missions
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX), has been selected to provide Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing System (MAPS Gen II) for manned and unmanned ground vehicles to combat Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) threats.
MAPS II provides a high-assurance, accurate navigation solution across GPS threat environments with industry-leading NavFusion of multiple sensors and is interoperable with the Collins Aerospace PRC-162 manpack radio to ensure mission success in the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) battlespace.
Its advanced anti-spoofing and anti-jamming technology addresses evolving enemy threats and technologies. The warfighter can navigate through high threat environments with the confidence of knowing where they are, where they need to go, at the precise time with weapons on target.
Leveraging Collins Aerospace’s NavHub™-100 navigation system and Multi-Sensor Antenna System (MSAS-100), this navigation capability distributes Assured Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT) information to all systems onboard the platform through one device. The MAPS Gen II system includes Military Code (M-Code) capability and improved levels of reliability through patented Modernized Signal Tracking (MST) that enhances GPS integrity. Additionally, the open architecture, modular, and scalable technology lets the Army add additional sensors and capability with a much lower life-cycle cost, such as alternative Radio Frequency (RF) and Line of Bearing (LOB).
“Building upon our expertise in open architecture and NavFusion, this modular, and scalable system helps the warfighter keep pace with evolving threats and technologies. They can confidently know their location and destination at the precise time with weapons on target,” said Ryan Bunge, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Guidance Solutions for Collins Aerospace.
