Tag: milestone (Page 4 of 4)

Bane NOR and Siemens Mobility Celebrate Milestone in Digitalization of Norway’s Rail Network

November 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Campus Nyland test, training and signaling simulation center opens
European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) latest in intelligent infrastructure
Nordlandsbanen will open first digital signaling railway in October 2022

Bane NOR and Siemens Mobility celebrated the opening of Campus Nyland, a test, training and signaling simulation center which will help the rail network operator prepare for the digitalization of the entire system. Norway has committed to becoming the first country to operate with a single digital interlocking and ERTMS signifies one of the country’s largest digitalization projects. In 2022, the first digital line, Nordlandsbanen, will open. In advance, the Campus Nyland center will prepare workers for working within the digital system, ERTMS. The intelligent infrastructure behind ERTMS will reduce operating costs and increase capacity throughout the network. In addition, it will enhance safety, with real-time visibility of trains across the network. When complete in 2034, the system will include 4,200 km of track and more than 350 stations.

“Siemens Mobility is the main supplier to the Norwegian ERTMS program with their infrastructure, including interlockings and radio block centres (RBC). The Siemens Mobility solution is leading edge based upon an IP based architecture. With a strong technical roadmap and a proven ability to deliver, Siemens Mobility is the ideal partner for Bane NOR in this challenging program. We are thrilled to work together with Siemens Mobility to develop the digital rail,” said Sverre Kjenne, Executive Vice President Digitalisation and Technology, Bane NOR.

“Norway is on track to become the first country to operate in the “one country, one interlocking” architecture making it at the forefront of digitalization. Our intelligent infrastructure will ensure that the system operates efficiently. The digital interlocking, with IP controlled field components, and ERTMS are the backbone to greatly improving operations and maintenance. This architecture also opens the door for future developments such as implementing driverless technologies, moving the interlocking to the cloud, which would make proprietary hardware and spare parts a relic of the past, and would make data instantaneously available to transportation operators,” stated Michael Peter, Siemens Mobility CEO. “Campus Nyland is an important milestone in turning this vision into reality.”

Campus Nyland will be an industry center for digital education and will house more than 5,000 employees, who will learn the necessary digital skills needed to ensure ERTMS is successful when it goes operational. These will include individuals from Bane NOR, train companies, maintenance companies and contractors. Bane NOR will facilitate simulator training as well as physical training facilities. New technology, such as virtual reality, will be used to communicate how the tracks are built with ERTMS, as well as the design of trains and traffic control centers. More than 150 different scenarios are available for training within the highly digital training hub.

In the spring of 2020, the Roa – Hønefoss ERTMS test line opens. The new signaling technology will be monitored and tested from Campus Nyland.

The next important milestone in turning ERTMS into a reality will be the digitalization of the first Norwegian rail line. In October 2022, Nordlandsbanen, which operates from Grong to Bodø, and represents about 12 percent of the Norwegian railway will go operational.

Hilton Introduces Trio of New Hotel Brands to Spain’s Capital

October 27, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The trio includes:

Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, first for Spain;
El Metropol Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, first for Madrid;
Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, first for Spain and first outside Americas

MADRID and MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of three hotel franchise agreements with strategic investor partners, bringing three new brands to Madrid, of which two mark brand entries to the country. The addition of Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana; El Metropol Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton; and Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton represents a significant milestone for the global hospitality company, illustrating Hilton’s continued investment in Madrid as a premier tourist destination and its ambitions to further expand across Spain.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said: “Spain has seen a surge in popularity, and Madrid is a particularly strong tourist market that has so much to offer. In 2018 the city welcomed a record-breaking 10 million visitors, making Madrid one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations for both business and leisure travellers. Responding to the increasing demand for great hotels combined with opportunities from world-class infrastructure investment and regeneration programmes, Hilton has expanded its portfolio to bring some of our most popular brands to Spain. Our new Madrid hotels will offer fantastic guest experiences and enrich communities.”

Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana

In partnership with Hotel Investment Partners (HIP), Hilton introduces its upper-upscale lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton, to Spain. HIP, Blackstone’s hotel investment platform, own the property and intend to invest €34 million in the hotel’s transformation, which will offer 311 guest rooms and multiple dining outlets, including a terrace restaurant overlooking Carlos Trias Bertran Square and a signature lobby café, Canopy Central. Expected to open in 2021, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana is a perfect venue for guests looking to explore the capital. Situated close to the Paseo de la Castellana, one of the longest and widest avenues of Madrid, the hotel is near vibrant neighbourhood bars and restaurants, commercial buildings and international company headquarters, as well as Madrid’s world-famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid Football Club.

El Metropol Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton

Joining a global portfolio of more than 70 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts and located at the corner of Calle de la Montera and Gran Via, El Metropol Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton is in the heart of Madrid’s historical town centre and close to the lively Puerta del Sol neighbourhood. With many rooms facing Gran Via, one of the city’s bustling streets with theatres, cinemas, shopping, restaurants and bars, guests can enjoy a stunning view of Madrid city life. Guests at the 93-room upper-upscale hotel will enjoy a range of facilities and amenities, including a rooftop bar with unbeatable city views. Its central location means many tourist attractions are within walking distance with easy access to Madrid’s metro network and connections to its business district. In partnership with owning company Montera 47, El Metropol Madrid is slated to make its debut in January 2021, joining existing Curio Collection hotels in Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga and Ibiza.

Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton joins a portfolio of hotels that offer guests unique style and an authentic connection to their destination. Brought to market by hotel operator Panoram Hotel Management, the 46-room hotel on Calle Atocha is just metres from Madrid Atocha railway station, the busiest in Spain, and is within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, including the Museo Reina Sofia, Prado Museum and the El Reitro Park. The first Tapestry Collection hotel to open in Spain and the brand’s first outside the Americas, Atocha Hotel Madrid will introduce the Tapestry Collection experience to Madrid locals and visitors alike. Amongst the amenities available, guests can select to stay in one of four Five Feet to Fitness rooms, a revolutionary in-room wellness concept created by Hilton allowing guests to work out in their guest room, with more than 11 pieces of fitness equipment and accessory options to choose from. The hotel is anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2020.

Hilton opened its first hotel in Madrid in 1953 and has since continued its commitment to investing in the city and supporting its growth as a leading tourist destination. Other Madrid properties include Hilton Madrid Airport (284 rooms), DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Prado (61 rooms) and the 138-room Hampton by Hilton Madrid Alcobendas, located on Avenida de Fernando Alonso, which is set to open in January 2020.

Expansion on the Iberian Peninsula is a strategic focus for Hilton, and the company is growing faster in the region than ever before. It has signed a new Franchise or Management Agreement for a hotel in Spain every two months for the past two years, which represents more than 1,800 new keys. Hilton’s current Spanish portfolio of 12 hotels and resorts offers more than 2,000 hotel guest rooms and suites.

Milestone in Alstom’s First System Contract in Vietnam

October 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom on track to complete first train for Hanoi Metro Line 3

26 October 2019 – Alstom, which is manufacturing 10 trains for Hanoi Metro Line 3, today hosted Deputy General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Tran Quoc Vuong, and his delegation to a visit of its train assembly plant in Valenciennes (France). The plant is working to complete the first trainset by the end of October, marking an important milestone in Alstom’s first integrated metro system contract in Vietnam, signed with MRB (Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board) in 2017.

As part of the visit, Alstom’s Managing Director for China and East Asia, Olivier Loison, and Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee and Mayor of Hanoi, Nguyen Duc Chung, signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the existing contract of Alstom in Hanoi. The agreement aims to foster further collaborative opportunities between both parties for new systems within the Vietnamese capital.

“We are honoured to have Deputy General Secretary Vuong and his team witness the final assembly of our first train for Hanoi Metro Line 3 here in Valenciennes. This will be an important milestone for the bilateral project as we bring this train to fruition. We look forward to remaining a close and long-term partner of Vietnam, addressing its mobility needs and supporting it in its upcoming transport projects,” said Olivier Loison.

In 2017, Alstom, as leader of a consortium including Colas Rail and Thales, was awarded a contract to supply an integrated metro system for Hanoi Metro Line 3. Alstom’s share covered the supply and integration of the metro system, including the 10 trains and the Urbalis 400 signalling system[1], as well as the delivery of power supply and depot equipment together with a partner. The new line is 12.5 kilometres long with 12 stations. It is expected to carry over 23,900 passengers per hour and per direction at peak capacity.

Alstom puts the passenger at the heart of its train design process. The four-car Metropolis trains for Hanoi Metro Line 3 will feature wide doors to facilitate passenger flow, dedicated space for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as ergonomic and easy-to-grab bars. The trains will be fully electric, with lightweight aluminium car bodies. The train’s exterior and interior colour scheme takes local Vietnamese inspiration and includes motifs such as dragon fruit and the rice paddy field – a design that was well-received by the people at a public consultation held in September 2018.

When completed, the first train will undergo a series of static and dynamic tests at the Valenciennes Railway Testing Centre during the month of November. Tests will be carried out on the trains’ automatic control system and on-board audio-visual equipment, this time on Hanoi Metro Line 3 in the second half of 2020. Entry into service is expected in the first half of 2021.

Alstom has built up close to 30 years of presence in Vietnam. It has provided signalling and telecommunication system modernisation services for the Hanoi-Vinh regional line phase one and phase two and has offered signalling and telecommunication systems for Ninh Binh station.

[1] Alstom’s Communication Based Train Control (CBTC)-solution, which controls the movement of the trains and enables trains to run at higher frequencies and speeds in total safety

Boeing Delivers First 787-10 for Saudi Arabian Airlines

September 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, Sept 30, 2019 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] delivered to Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) its first 787-10 Dreamliner, which will play a key role in the airline’s fleet and network expansion. The largest member of the Dreamliner family sets the benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics and will complement SAUDIA’s fleet of 787-9.

“SAUDIA operates a state-of-the-art fleet equipped with the latest technology, and in addition to the airline’s existing Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, is now adding the 787-10 variant which will further support future network growth plans,” said His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Director General, SAUDIA. “The airplane’s onboard cabin features, long range capability and the latest in technological advancements are among the many aspects of what makes the Boeing 787 highly popular with our guests.”

In addition to the 787-10, SAUDIA operates 13 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes, and 33 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets.

“SAUDIA has been a valued partner with Boeing for nearly 75 years and this delivery marks another major milestone in our partnership. Our team takes great pride in building and delivering quality aircraft to SAUDIA and we are honored by the continuing confidence in the 787 Dreamliner and 777 families,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. “The addition of the 787-10 to SAUDIA’s fleet will continue the superior inflight experience that passengers have come to expect of the Dreamliner. Moreover, the unmatched fuel efficiency of the 787 will help SAUDIA open new routes and achieve significant fuel savings and emission reduction.”

With the delivery to SAUDIA, the 787-10 continues to expand its global presence. More than 30 of this Dreamliner model have been delivered to seven operators since the airplane entered commercial service last year. As a stretch of the 787-9, the 787-10 adds about 40 more seats in a 2-class configuration and cargo capacity, offering 25 percent better fuel per seat and fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces. With a range 6,345 nautical miles (11,750 kms), the 787-10 can fly more than 95 percent of the world’s twin-aisle routes.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled the opening of more than 235 new point-to-point routes and saved more than 40 billion pounds of fuel. Designed with the passenger in mind, the 787 family delivers an unparalleled experience with the largest windows of any commercial jet, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, comfortable cabin air that is cleaner and more humid, and includes soothing LED lighting.

To optimize the performance of its 787 fleet, SAUDIA uses Boeing Global Services digital solutions powered by Boeing AnalytX such as Airplane Health Management (AHM), Maintenance Performance Toolbox and Crew Rostering and Pairing to optimize performance, manage global crew schedules and maintain their fleet. Boeing AnalytX is a suite of software and consulting services that transform raw data into efficiency, resource and cost savings in every phase of flight.

Boeing [NYSE:BA] delivered to Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) its first 787-10 Dreamliner, which will play a key role in the airline’s fleet and network expansion.

Sikorsky Combat Rescue Helicopter To Enter Production

September 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

STRATFORD, Conn., Sept. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced the Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program achieved a Milestone C decision from the U.S. Air Force, which moves the program into low rate initial production. The Combat Rescue Helicopter will perform critical combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations for all U.S. military services. View the latest CRH video

The four instrumented test aircraft at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, demonstrated their production readiness during rigorous U.S. Air Force (USAF) performance and flight load survey testing. The joint Sikorsky and USAF flight test team has executed over 150 hours of envelope expansion flights, which provided USAF the data necessary to execute a Milestone C decision. This decision allows Sikorsky to begin production of the aircraft, which is based on the venerable BLACK HAWK helicopter.

“This affirmative Milestone C decision validates the modifications to Sikorsky’s most successful BLACK HAWK helicopter, making it capable of saving downed airmen anytime, anywhere around the world,” said Greg Hames, Sikorsky program director. “This establishes the Combat Rescue Helicopter as a production program.”

Prepared for Production

There are five CRH aircraft in various stages of production at Sikorsky’s Stratford facility. Sikorsky employees and our nationwide supply chain are ready to begin production and support delivering this all new aircraft to the warfighter.

The USAF program of record calls for 113 helicopters to replace its predecessor, the Sikorsky HH-60G PAVE HAWKs.

“We have just successfully gained approval to launch the production of a helicopter that will save the lives of our warfighters and our allies all over the world. This decision begins the transition to this more capable and reliable helicopter to fulfill the Air Force’s mission to leave no one behind. I could not be more proud of our government-contractor team for making this happen,” said Col. Dale R. White, Program Executive Officer, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces, USAF.

The CRH is significantly more capable and reliable than the HH-60G PAVE HAWK. The aircraft hosts a new fuel system that nearly doubles the capacity of the internal tank on a UH-60M BLACK HAWK, giving the USAF crew extended range and more capability to rescue those injured in the battle space. The CRH specification drives more capable defensive systems and enhances the vulnerability reductions, hover performance, electrical capacity, avionics, cooling, weapons, cyber-security, environmental, and net-centric capabilities beyond the current HH-60G.

The Sikorsky Combat Rescue Helicopter will perform critical combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations for all U.S. military services. “This decision begins the transition to this more capable and reliable helicopter to fulfill the Air Force’s mission to leave no one behind,” says Col. Dale R. White, Program Executive Officer, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces, USAF.

Collins Aerospace Celebrates Airbus Nacelle Delivery Milestone

May 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

— Delivery of the 1000th nacelle for A320neo program out of Foley, Alabama

— Delivery of the 9000th V2500 nacelle

— Continued support for the A220 nacelle program ramp-up

FOLEY, Ala., May 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today Collins Aerospace Systems celebrated its 45-year relationship with Airbus by delivering the 1,000th nacelle for the A320neo program, delivering the 9000th V2500 nacelle, and continuing to support the ramp-up of the A220 nacelle program. These milestones were commemorated at a ceremony hosted by Collins Aerospace at its Foley, Alabama facility. More than 900 employees at the facility were joined by leaders from Airbus in the U.S., as well as Alabama Congressman Bradley Byrne, to mark the milestones. Collins Aerospace is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX).

The relationship with Airbus dates back to the A300, the first Airbus aircraft. The milestones achieved are due to the strong collaboration and hard work from both companies.

“This celebration and the work we do with Airbus goes far beyond Foley today. Teams across our worldwide sites are working with pride and commitment to provide on-time delivery and quality, and ensure that our relationship with Airbus remains strong for years to come,” said Jim Pollock, Collins Aerospace Vice President of Airbus Programs. “We’re now integrating A320neo engines with our advanced nacelle systems on three continents and continuing to introduce new manufacturing innovations — such as robotic painting systems and advanced fastening tools — to meet the increasing global demand for air travel.”

In support of the Airbus A320neo program, Collins has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to expand manufacturing capacity at six global sites.

Collins Aerospace’s innovative nacelle system for the Airbus A320neo is performing with 99.99% percent dispatch reliability. There are currently more than 750 Collins nacelles operating on A320neo aircraft with 32 airlines.

“In more than a million fleet hours since the A320neo’s entry into service, there have been less than 10 delays and zero cancellations associated with the Collins nacelle,” said Pollock. “This type of reliability is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the program, engineering, and airline support teams.”

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com

After Successful 2018, Pilatus Prepares for the Future

May 9, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The business year 2018 was an exceptionally successful one for Pilatus, but also a challenging one. At around 1.1 billion Swiss francs, sales revenue was brought back to the billion mark again. The 128 aircraft delivered in total included the first PC-24 – a milestone in the company history. All in all, 18 PC-24s were handed over to customers in the past year.

Financial 2018 was better than the previous year. At 1,092 million Swiss francs, sales revenue surpassed the one billion mark for the first time since 2015. The operating result totals 157 million Swiss francs. And the future looks good: following incoming orders worth 1 billion Swiss francs, the current order volume stands at 2.1 billion Swiss francs – the equivalent of just under two years of sales revenue. A total of 128 aircraft were delivered to customers – 18 PC-24s, 80 PC-12 NGs, 27 PC-21s and three PC-6s.

PC-24 in focus

The delivery of the first PC-24 to the first customer in February 2018 marked a milestone in the development phase spanning over eleven years. The brand-new Super Versatile Jet was the focus of much work throughout 2018: besides bringing PC-24 series production operations up to speed, the customer service unit and entire service network also switched to “live” mode. Pilatus continued to make improvements to the PC-24 in parallel, pushing ahead with various post-certification test programmes aimed at delivering all aircraft capabilities promised to customers at the outset. The next milestone is just around the corner: the reopening of the PC-24 order book.

Customer service business grows in both pillars

Whilst the military sector is hugely important to Pilatus, the lack of new trainer fleet contracts in 2018 is not unduly worrying: Pilatus is focused on the necessary upstream work and has reinforced its sales efforts in this area. Constant growth in after-sales business is encouraging.

The Business Unit General Aviation also saw continued expansion of its customer service operations. The volume of PC-24s in operation grows with every week that passes, generating similar growth in the number of customers requiring support. The network of Authorised Pilatus Centres was further strengthened to offer customers around the world the level of service they are entitled to expect in the business aircraft league.

Preparing for success in the future

At the end of 2018 the Pilatus Group employed 2,283 people, including 127 apprentices. Over 150 new jobs were created. 93 percent of all employees work in Switzerland. At the headquarters in Stans work progresses on the construction of the new structure assembly hall: this new centre of competence for airframe construction operations will be commissioned in spring 2019 – a clear sign of commitment to the location in Switzerland.

The new completion centre run by the US subsidiary Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd in Broomfield, Colorado, opened in the autumn. In Adelaide, preparatory work continued for the construction of a new, company-owned building for the subsidiary, Pilatus Australia Pty Ltd.

Commenting on these results, Chairman Oscar J. Schwenk remarked: “I am pleased to note that financial 2018 was a very successful year for us. A year in which a great deal of energy went into performing much detailed work. Work which will take us forward throughout the coming year, creating added benefit for our customers. The good financial results of the past year will also benefit our employees under our profit-sharing programme. In addition to an extra month’s salary, they have also been paid a bonus of 1.5 salaries. Our next challenge is already in sight: the imminent re-opening of the PC-24 order book. This is the year in which the reputation of the PC-24 and all other related services will be established. We are consistent in our efforts towards that goal, thereby consolidating our success and our future.”