Tag: government (Page 4 of 22)

Boeing Breaks Ground on New Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Facility in Jacksonville

October 28, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 28, 2021 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today broke ground to begin construction of a new 370,000 square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility located at Cecil Airport that, once complete, will support Boeing’s ability to deliver readiness outcomes for U.S. government customers.

The facility will include eight new hangars, additional work space and offices where Boeing maintainers, engineers and data analysts will support U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft. The facility’s close proximity to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Boeing’s Training Systems Center of Excellence in west Jacksonville, and local academic institutions make it a leading location for the development and delivery of innovative product support, underpinned by collaborative research and engineering.

The groundbreaking ceremony celebrates a 25-year lease agreement between Boeing and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA). Under the agreement, the JAA will construct and lease to Boeing new facilities on approximately 30 acres located on the northeast side of Cecil Airport, near Boeing’s existing MRO site. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2023.

Since opening its existing MRO facilities at Cecil Airport in 1999, Boeing teammates have maintained, modified and upgraded 1,030 aircraft for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, including the F/A-18 A-D Hornet, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. The Boeing team at the site also converts F/A-18 Super Hornets into flight demonstration aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angel squadron as well as modifies retired F-16s into the next generation of autonomous aerial targets for the U.S. Air Force. The facility is also home to a Flight Control Repair Center that provides structural repairs to F/A-18 A-F and EA-18G flight control surfaces.

Eve’s Urban Air Mobility Simulation in Rio de Janeiro Starts in November

October 26, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Story from embraer.com

São José dos Campos – Brazil, October 26, 2021 – Embraer’s (NYSE: ERJ) Eve Air Mobility will begin an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) simulation on November 8th, connecting Barra da Tijuca to the Tom Jobim International Airport – RIOgaleão. The initiative, which will use a helicopter, will be carried out in cooperation with strategic partners and government entities.

The evaluation of the entire UAM ecosystem and the main concepts related to future operations will last a month, with six daily flights at a more affordable cost than a conventional helicopter service. The simulation applies prices close to those expected in the future for an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), also known in the market as an Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA).

Tickets went on sale today on Flapper, an independent platform for on-demand flights. The service is available on www.flyflapper.com.br or in the Flapper app. The aircraft will be operated on the route by Helisul Aviação, one of the largest helicopter operators in Latin America. Universal Aviation, a global airport services company, will run ground operations. The concessionaire, RIOgaleão, and the Mario Henrique Simonsen Business Center (CEMHS) complete the partnership as the points of origin and destination, related to the experience.

The UAM industry intends to democratize access to the new air transport system using disruptive innovations and more affordable prices. Eve’s aircraft, scheduled to reach the market in 2026, will be all-electric and designed with a focus on users, to provide efficient and comfortable transport with low noise levels and zero carbon emissions.

The simulation is part of a concept of operation (CONOPS), started in August 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, aiming to integrate Urban Air Mobility into Brazilian airspace. More than 50 specialists from 12 institutions are collaborating on the innovative initiative, mapping the operation and service processes to identify the needs of users, the community, and other stakeholders.

The simulation, which will be monitored by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA), has the support of Skyports, focused on the design, construction, and operation of vertiports; EDP, one of the largest companies in the energy sector; Beacon, the platform from EmbraerX, designed to connect industry resources, the aftermarket supply chain and aviation professionals in a more agile way; and Atech, the company responsible for the development, implementation, and support of the Embraer Group’s air traffic flow control and management systems (civil and military).

Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Agree To F-35 Sustainment Contracts

September 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The F-35 Joint Program Office awarded the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) industry team annualized contracts covering fiscal years 2021-2023 to support operations and sustainment of the global F-35 fleet, supporting mission readiness and further reducing costs.

The annual contracts fund critical sustainment activities for aircraft currently in the fleet and build enterprise capacity to support the future fleet of more than 3,000 F-35 aircraft. This includes industry sustainment experts supporting base and depot maintenance, pilot and maintainer training, and sustaining engineering for the U.S. and our allies across the globe. It also covers fleet-wide data analytics and supply chain management for part repair and replenishment to enhance overall supply availability for the fleet.

The FY2021-2023 contracts represent a planned next step in further reducing overall operations and support costs for the F-35 program, which are shared between government and industry. Lockheed Martin has reduced our cost per flight hour by 44% in the past five years, with a forecasted reduction of an additional 40% in the next five years. The cost savings in the FY21-23 annualized sustainment contracts support Lockheed Martin’s efforts to realize these goals. The savings will be achieved through improved cost and velocity in our supply chain, continued reliability improvements, and greater manpower efficiencies to provide product support solutions across the growing, global fleet. We remain committed to partnering with our customers and teammates to drive F-35 sustainment costs down.

The contracts also pave the way for a longer-term, Performance Based Logistics (PBL) agreement for the F-35 program. PBLs are an industry best practice, facilitating agile sustainment solutions for the fleet and incentivizing even further affordability and performance results.

The F-35 Joint Program Office, together with each U.S. service, international operators and the F-35 industry team, leads F-35 sustainment and the Global Support Solution. The 2021 annualized sustainment contract will cover industry sustainment activities through Dec. 31, 2021.

Airbus Delivers First UH-72B Lakota Helicopter to U.S. Army National Guard

September 7, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Columbus, Mississippi, 07 September 2021 – Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has delivered the first UH-72B, the latest variant of its Lakota helicopter, to the U.S. Army National Guard from its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi. This delivery is the first of 18 UH-72B Lakota helicopters currently on order to support the National Guard’s critical missions.

The UH-72B is the latest iteration of the proven commercial, off-the-shelf aircraft that has been the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter since the first Lakota contract award in 2006. The Army is leveraging the benefits of a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) program by receiving product improvements and enhancements through the evolution of the aircraft, without investing any government money into the development of those capabilities.

Based on the widely successful H145, the UH-72B incorporates technologies that increase both safety and flight performance, including the five-bladed main rotor, the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, Safran Arriel 2E engines, and the Airbus-designed Helionix avionics suite. The Helionix suite includes an advanced dual-duplex, four-axis autopilot to provide flight envelope and over-limit protection, automated takeoff, and fully-coupled approaches to hover.

With nearly 10 different configurations available, the Lakota delivers proven performance, outstanding operational reliability, and unmatched versatility for a broad spectrum of military missions. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. builds the Lakota at its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, which employs a workforce of nearly 250 employees that is made up of 40% U.S. veterans.

JAL Group Adjusts Domestic Network Plan Between September 3 and September 30

September 2, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The JAL Group (OTC: JAPSY) today announced further reductions on its domestic network between September 3rd and September 30th. In accordance with the conditions of carriage, customers affected by the cancellations during this period will be re-accommodated on an alternative flight. The “JAL Domestic PCR Inspection Service” for JAL Group customers, we will be expanding the program to include all JAL Group domestic customers and all fares offering better price. To date, the carrier has received more than 57,000 applications to conduct pre-travel testing for COVID-19. We will create a hygienic and clean environment at airports and on board to provide our customers with a safe and secure travel experience.

In addition, the Japanese government is also offering free PCR and antigen quantification tests for passengers departing from Haneda, Narita, Nagoya(Chubu),Osaka(Itami), Osaka(Kansai) and Fukuoka to airports in Hokkaido, Okinawa, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Kagoshima from July 20 to September 30, in order to ensure the safety of people in Hokkaido, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures as well as those who have no choice but to travel there.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, this may cause to customers who have booked flights on the reduced schedule, but would like to ask for our customer`s understanding during this unprecedented time.

Reductions Added Today

Summary by Month

Note – Figures Include JAL Group Operated Flights (JAL, J-AIR, JAC, HAC, JTA, RAC) Select routes may be operated by a different aircraft configuration and customers may receive a new seat assignment. Also, First Class/Class J may not be offered when a change in aircraft configuration occurs.

For the full list of flights, c lick here.

Spirit AeroSystems Europe Delivers First Set of A320 Family RTM Spoilers

August 31, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Prestwick, Scotland, Business Wire, Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Limited (UK), a subsidiary of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: SPR], has successfully delivered the first set of new advanced composite spoilers to Airbus for the A320 Family. The spoilers are produced using Spirit’s pioneering Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) technology and are the first to feature on a flying aircraft.

The redesigned spoiler is produced using a highly-automated advanced manufacturing, out-of-autoclave process, resulting in significantly improved manufacturing efficiencies, and reduced energy and costs compared to the original, more traditional design. Spirit is the first to industrialize this innovative composite technology in the UK aerospace sector.

The spoilers are produced in Spirit’s world-class manufacturing facility in Prestwick, Scotland, using the latest automation and robotics, which included investment from the Scottish Government in the development of the technology. Such cost-effective technologies and manufacturing processes will play a central role in the development of the next generation of aircraft programs, and help Spirit increase its competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing.

SpiceJet to Trial IATA Travel Pass

August 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

GURUGRAM, August 19, 2021: In a step towards building passenger confidence as international travel picks up, SpiceJet will begin trial of IATA (International Air Transport Association) Travel Pass mobile app for digital health verification. The trial will be conducted on flights out of Mumbai to Male effective August 23, 2021.

The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile application that helps travellers to store and manage their verified certifications for Covid-19 tests or vaccinations. The Travel Pass will manage and verify the traveller’s COVID-19 status in line with governments’ health and border requirements.

In another significant development, SpiceHealth has been on-boarded by IATA as a lab partner for the Travel Pass trial. SpiceHealth is a healthcare company founded by the promoters of SpiceJet.

SpiceHealth has emerged as the fastest-growing diagnostic lab in the country – having conducted more than 3.5 million RT-PCR tests since its launch in November 2020. SpiceHealth laboratories are accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and Indian Council of Medical Research. SpiceHealth currently operates 21 labs and collection centers for RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing spread across eleven cities in India. Besides, the Company also operates seven vaccination centers across five states.

As international travel restarts, passengers will need accurate Covid-19 information and the IATA Travel Pass provides governments with the means to verify the authenticity of tests or vaccinations, airlines with the ability to provide accurate information to their passengers on test requirements and verify that a passenger meets the requirements for travel and travellers with accurate information on test requirements, where they can get tested, and the means to securely convey their travel health credentials to airlines and border authorities.

SpiceJet has been innovating constantly to enhance customer experience while offering a safe and comfortable journey. SpiceJet was the first airline to introduce Zero Change Fee in March 2021. The airline had earlier introduced a COVID insurance cover including tests, medication and consultations upon testing positive for COVID-19. The airline also introduced SpiceJet Extra seat which allows passengers the option to book two or more seats to make their travel more comfortable and hassle-free.

QANTAS Group Stands Down 2,500 Crew in Response to Domestic Border Closures

August 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Around 2,500 frontline Qantas and Jetstar employees will be stood down for an estimated two months in response to ongoing COVID outbreaks.

The stand down is a temporary measure to deal with a significant drop in flying caused by COVID restrictions in Greater Sydney, in particular, and the knock-on border closures in all other states and territories. No permanent job losses are expected.

Today’s decision will directly impact domestic pilots, cabin crew and airport workers, mostly in New South Wales but also in other states given the nature of airline networks. Employees will be given two weeks’ notice before the stand down takes effect, with pay continuing until mid-August.

Income support in the form of government disaster payments will be key to helping eligible employees get through this challenging period and the Qantas Group welcomes the targeted Federal Government support offered for those stood down outside of declared hotspots and to retain domestic aviation capability.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the difficult decision to trigger stand downs reflected the reality confronting many businesses operating in New South Wales.

Federal Government Green Hydrogen Innovation Officer Visits Rolls-Royce

July 13, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Rolls-Royce sees hydrogen as one of the key elements in a climate-neutral future. Its Power Systems division is already working hard on fuel cell technology, on a hydrogen engine, and on using renewably produced fuels that will soon be able to power existing internal combustion engines more cleanly. Building the hydrogen ecosystem quickly is a challenge – making interdisciplinary, cross-industry dialog a vital component. Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems Division hosted a visit by Dr. Stefan Kaufmann, Green Hydrogen Innovation Officer at Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education & Research, and explained its leading-edge research and development projects.

From Hydrogen to synthetic fuels

Together with industrial companies and universities, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is researching tomorrow’s propulsion and drive solutions in the MethQuest research project. Here, Rolls-Royce engineers are working on gas engine designs aimed at reducing methane emissions harmful to the climate, and on methanol and hydrogen combustion. The knowledge gained can be used in the development of new engines.

Fuel cell demonstrator soon to go into operation

One of these new drive-power technologies is the fuel cell in which hydrogen and oxygen react chemically to produce electricity which powers an electric motor with zero emissions. As early as this autumn/fall, Rolls-Royce will commission an emergency power supply system at its Friedrichshafen facility powered by fuel cells – thereby demonstrating how fuel cells can be used as part of stationary power supply infrastructure.

Rolls-Royce will then take the fuel cell to market in 2025 – initially for power generation applications, and later also as a marine propulsion system.

The photo was taken from right window of commercial airplane, Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Osaka International Airport Itami (ITM) in the daytime. The center and bottom island is Enoshima Island in Fujisawa city. The bottom sea is Sagami Bay, Northern Pacific Ocean.

Germany Signs Up for Five Boeing P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

June 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

BERLIN, Germany June 30, 2021 — The German Ministry of Defense today signed a letter of offer and acceptance for five Boeing (NYSE: BA) P-8A Poseidon aircraft under the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. With this order, Germany becomes the eighth customer of the multimission maritime surveillance aircraft, joining the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Norway, Korea and New Zealand.

The P-8A Poseidon offers unique multimission capability and is the only aircraft in service and in production that meets the full range of maritime challenges faced by European nations. Deployed around the world with more than 130 aircraft in service, and over 300,000 collective flight hours, the P-8A is vital for global anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search-and-rescue operations.

German companies that already supply parts for the P-8A include Aljo Aluminum-Bau Jonischeit GmbH and Nord-Micro GmbH. Recently, Boeing signed agreements with ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH and Lufthansa Technik to collaborate in systems integration, training, support and sustainment work. By working with local suppliers, Boeing will provide support, training and maintenance solutions that will bring the highest operational availability to fulfill the German Navy’s missions.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

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