FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines has announced it is hiring an additional 165 aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) and support positions in 2019, resulting in more than 1,000 new Tech Ops positions added to the company in 2019. These new jobs underscore American’s commitment to operational excellence and performing more maintenance work in-house than any other airline.
The newest positions will be at the airline’s maintenance base in Tulsa, Oklahoma called Tech Ops — Tulsa. Tech Ops – Tulsa is the world’s largest commercial aviation base maintenance facility and American recently announced 400 new Tech Ops positions to assist with additional work coming to the base.
The new team members, primarily Federal Aviation Administration-licensed mechanics, will focus on interior modifications to Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321 aircraft to drive operational reliability and create a consistent product across American’s fleet.Previous
A Boeing 737 undergoing maintenance at Tech Ops — TulsaA Boeing 787 enters the hangar at Tech Ops — Tulsa.An aviation maintenance technician (AMT) works on a CFM56-7B engine at Tech Ops — Tulsa.Aviation maintenance technicians at Tech Ops — Tulsa.An AMT working on aircraft components at Tech Ops — TulsaA hangar at American’s maintenance base in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as Tech Ops — TulsaThe Airbus A321 for American’s Stand Up to Cancer campaign received final wrap work at Tech Ops — Tulsa.
“The work we do in Tulsa is an important part of maintaining and delivering safe and reliable aircraft for American’s customers and team members,” said Erik Olund, Managing Director of Base Maintenance for American. “With these additional positions, we’ll be situated to provide the best operational performance and consistent experience that our customers expect and deserve.”
This year American has added more than 1,000 Tech Ops positions in both frontline team members and support staff, further demonstrating its commitment to ensuring its Tech Ops team is positioned to provide the best service and product for customers and team members. American employs more than 15,000 Tech Ops professionals around the world.
Working for American’s Tech Ops team is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to support the airline’s nearly 1,000 mainline aircraft, to be part of a team that values the safety of its customers and team members, and to ensure the reliability of American’s product. American offers competitive pay and benefits, including excellent health and flight benefits. Interested candidates can find the available positions and requirements at jobs.aa.com.
FILE PHOTO: Supercar Hongqi S9 is unveiled next to FAW Group Chairman Xu Liuping at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. September 10, 2019. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/File Photo
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Chinese suppliers and manufacturers have stepped up their presence at the Frankfurt auto show, capitalizing on a strong position in electric technologies forced on European carmakers by regulators seeking to curb pollution.
Though the number of exhibitors has fallen to 800 in 2019 from 994 in 2017, Chinese automakers and suppliers now make up the biggest foreign contingent, with 79 companies, up from 73.
Several European and Japanese carmakers including Fiat , Alfa Romeo, Nissan and Toyota have skipped the show as the industry cuts costs.
Europe’s automakers face multibillion-euro investments to develop electric and autonomous cars, forcing them to rely on Chinese companies for key technologies such as lithium ion battery cell production, an area where Asian suppliers dominate.
German firms are striking major deals with Chinese suppliers to help them meet stringent EU anti-pollution rules, which were introduced in the wake of Volkswagen’s 2015 emissions cheating scandal.
“All carmakers face the challenge that they will have to fulfill fleet consumption targets,” Matthias Zentgraf, regional president for Europe at China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology, told Reuters.
Zentgraf said he expected further supply deals to be struck in Europe this year following agreements with BMW and Volkswagen.
Daimler on Wednesday said it had chosen China-backed Farasis Energy to supply battery cells for its Mercedes-Benz electrification push.
Farasis is building a 600 million euro ($663 million) factory in east Germany, close to where Chinese rival CATL is erecting a 1.8 billion euro battery plant.
SVOLT Energy Technology, which was carved out of China’s Great Wall Motor Co, told Reuters it would start building battery cells in Europe at a new 2 billion euro plant in 2023.
TIPPING POINT
Chinese companies are also giving Europe more attention since the United States and China embarked on a global trade war, which has resulted in tariffs.
“We put Europe up in priority,” said Daniel Kirchert, chief executive of Chinese electric car maker Byton.
“We are at a tipping point” for acceptance of electric vehicles in Europe, Kirchert, a former BMW executive, added.
Byton has taken its prototype vehicles on road shows in Europe, and received expressions of interest from 20,000 customers, he said. In electric vehicle hot spots, such as Norway and the Netherlands, “we see a very positive response.”
Byton plans to export vehicles from its factory in Nanjing, to Europe in 2021, Kirchert said, adding that exporting to the United States would be a challenge if Washington and Beijing did not resolve their trade war.
He said Byton still hoped to launch in the United States in 2021, but tariffs would threaten the company’s goal of selling vehicles at a starting price of about $45,000.
“We decided no matter what” Byton will launch in the United States, even at a higher price, he said.
China’s Great Wall Motor may consider building car manufacturing facilities in the European Union once its sales there hit 50,000 units a year, its chairman told Reuters at the show.
German carmakers have been forced to accelerate electrification plans after the EU imposed a 37.5% cut in carbon dioxide emissions between 2021 and 2030 in addition to a 40% cut in emissions between 2007 and 2021.
PSA Group Chief Executive Carlos Tavares used the show to step up criticism of Europe’s aggressive approach toward emissions limits.
“The word dialogue has become meaningless in Europe,” he said, referring to the requirements placed on the auto industry.
“Politicians can decide rules without any discussion with industry,” he told journalists on the sidelines of the show.
Electric cars made up only 1.5% of global sales last year, or 1.26 million of the 86 million passenger vehicles sold, JATO Dynamics said.
If carmakers fail to meet the 2021 targets they could face a combined 33 billion euros in fines, analysts at Evercore ISI have estimated.
They also estimate it will cost the auto industry an aggregate 15.3 billion euros to comply, assuming a 60 euro cost per gram to reduce CO2 emissions for premium carmakers and 40 euros per gram of CO2 reduction for volume manufacturers.
(Writing by Edward Taylor; Editing by Mark Potter)
A woman cleans the prototype of a Chinese car at the IAA Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, Sept. 9, 2019. The IAA officially starts with media days on Tuesday and Wednesday. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
A rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments
Olathe, KS / August 13, 2019 — Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the Instinct Tactical Edition, a rugged, outdoor GPS smartwatch with tactical functionality. Building on the proven reliability of the Instinct series, the Instinct Tactical Edition adds enhanced features of Garmin’s tactix® series including night-vision compatibility mode, Jumpmaster, dual-position GPS formatting, preloaded tactical activity, and waypoint projection. The Instinct Tactical Edition also includes a new stealth mode for off-grid functionality. “Incorporating tactical features from the Garmin tactix series, the Instinct Tactical Edition combines the best of both product lines to provide tactical and multisport features for people who spend their time outdoors and demand a watch they can depend on in even the most challenging terrains.”
“The Instinct series has quickly proven itself to be the watch for individuals who need a piece of equipment as tough as the conditions they face,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice-president of global consumer sales. “Incorporating tactical features from the Garmin tactix series, the Instinct Tactical Edition combines the best of both product lines to provide tactical and multisport features for people who spend their time outdoors and demand a watch they can depend on in even the most challenging terrains.”
Packed with features for navigation and training, the Instinct Tactical Edition includes multiple features specific to tactical operations including Jumpmaster and tactical preloaded activities, projected waypoints, dual-position GPS formatting, and night-vision compatibility. For airborne operations, use Jumpmaster for three jump types: HAHO, HALO, and Static. Set the watch to dual-positioning mode, and the watch will simultaneously display two sets of coordinate systems, such as MGRS and latitude/longitude, on a single data screen. When night vision mode is activated, the backlight settings of the screen will reduce to a level that won’t interfere with the function of night vision goggles.
Enabling stealth mode prevents storage and sharing of GPS position and disables wireless comms. When operating in stealth mode, GPS location position is visible on device; however, locations are not saved to device memory or shared. This allows for training functionality in areas with location security concerns without revealing the location in the event a device is physically captured or if the recorded activities are shared. Stealth mode also quickly disables all wireless communication to and from the device.
The Instinct Tactical Edition is constructed to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters) with a fiber-reinforced polymer case. It’s built with a chemically strengthened and scratch-resistant display that’s easy-to-read, especially in direct sunlight. Plus, the fully vented silicone bands include two independent, removable keeper loops to ensure a secure fit.
While in the field, feel confident exploring new paths thanks to the Instinct Tactical, which features multiple GNSS satellite networks to help track a user’s location in more challenging environments than with just GPS alone. Before venturing out, use the Garmin Explore™ app to plan the trip in advance and when it’s time to head back to camp, the TracBack® feature on the watch can navigate the same route back to the original starting point.
Whether camping, training or in day-to-day activities, the Instinct Tactical Edition keeps track of heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and more1. Hiking, running, biking, swimming, kayaking, and skiing are just a few of the activities supported on the device. When paired with a compatible smartphone, Instinct Tactical Edition users can leave their phone packed away and protected while they receive smart notifications like texts, emails, and other alerts right on the wrist. The Instinct Tactical Edition is also compatible with other Garmin devices including inReach Mini and dog devices.
The Instinct Tactical Edition features a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac™ battery saver mode. It is available now for a suggested retail price of $349.99.
The Instinct Tactical Edition is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, hunting, trail running, mountain biking, golfing, diving or training dogs, Garmin outdoor devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, visit www.garmin.com/outdoors
Håkan Buskhe has informed Saab’s Board of Directors that he is leaving the position of President and CEO. The Board will now begin the recruitment of a successor.
Håkan Buskhe has according to his contract a six-month notice period and will continue in his current role for the time being, but will leave Saab by February 2020. The exact date will be determined by the recruitment process that Saab’s Board now is initiating.
“With his great commitment and several strategically important decisions, Håkan Buskhe has laid a strong foundation for the continued positive progress of Saab. The development of Gripen E, Saab’s part in the US T-X project and a sharp increase in capability within the important sensor technological area with i.a. GlobalEye, are some examples of this. Under Håkan Buskhe’s leadership, Saab has also expanded internationally and started collaborations with a number of other leading defence industries. All in all, this means that Saab stands on a solid foundation, which is necessary with the extremely rapid technological developments that affect all industries,” says Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of the Board.
Håkan Buskhe assumed the role of President and CEO of Saab on September 1, 2010. Håkan Buskhe is 55 years old.
“Saab has grown to a new level and is today a strong international defence and security company. We have achieved this through strategic partnerships, global presence and a continuous focus on investments in the product portfolio. It has been fantastic to lead this work”, says Saab’s President and CEO Håkan Buskhe.
“The reason I choose to leave Saab is that I would like to face another operational challenge in my career. Until a new CEO is in place, I will continue to have full focus on Saab to ensure a smooth arrival for my successor, with the priorities being the implementation of the major projects together with our customers and the continued work to achieve Saab’s financial goals”, concludes Saab’s President and CEO Håkan Buskhe.
BOGOTA, Colombia, July 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Avianca Holdings S.A. (NYSE: AVH) today announced that, in connection with its previously announced re-profiling plan for its capital structure, the company has temporarily deferred payments on certain long-term leases and on payment of principal on certain loan obligations. Avianca Holdings has engaged in discussions with its main strategic lenders and other creditors to establish terms that will preserve current liquidity levels and enable Avianca Holdings to advance its re-profiling plan, which is aimed at strengthening the company’s financial position. Over the last two weeks, members of Avianca Holdings’ senior management team have met with more than 50 of Avianca Holdings’ strategic lenders and other creditors with the objective of reaching an agreement on the terms and conditions of the proposed deferrals. Importantly, obligations related to Avianca Holdings’ day-to-day operations remain current, and such operations, including flight schedules and other ordinary course operations, will remain unaffected.
Avianca Holdings affirms that it is current on all existing interest obligations and that Avianca Holdings actively seeks to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement with its strategic lenders and other creditors for a short-term deferral of principal amortization payments, as well as extensions of its credit facilities. Avianca Holdings intends to resume scheduled principal payments once these agreements have been successfully reached, as Avianca Holdings’ proposal is for all creditors to be paid in full, including principal and interest.
In connection with its re-profiling program, Avianca Holdings today made a separate announcement regarding an exchange offer for its outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2020. Avianca Holdings is current on its interest obligations with respect to its outstanding senior notes and is not otherwise in default on its outstanding 2020 Senior Notes.
Avianca Holdings has the full support in this decision of its Board of Directors. Since May 24, 2019, Kingsland Holdings, through its ownership of ordinary shares of Avianca Holdings and authority to vote the ordinary shares of Avianca Holdings owned by BRW Aviation LLC, has effective control of Avianca Holdings. As previously announced, United Airlines and Kingsland Holdings have indicated that they would be willing to offer new financing to Avianca, if required and requested, of up to $250 million, provided that certain commitments are assumed by other interested parties.
With the announced temporary suspension of principal payments, as well as the previously announced proposed financing by United Airlines and Kingsland Holdings, and the continued implementation of Avianca Holdings’ 2021 transformation plan, Avianca Holdings expects to strengthen its cash balances in the near future, at which time, Avianca Holdings will resume normal payment of its obligations. Furthermore, Avianca Holdings has stated that the outstanding 2019 Colombian Peso-denominated corporate bond issued by Aerovías del Continente Americano – Avianca S.A. is not part of the deferral program and that such bond will be paid in accordance with its terms.
About Avianca Holdings Avianca is the commercial brand that identifies the passenger, cargo transportation airlines and on ground services integrated in the Company with a team of more than 21,000 employees. The terms “Avianca Holdings” or “the Company” refer to the consolidated entity. The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version, Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
Korean Air joint venture provides a strong platform for Delta growth, world-class customer benefits and revenue generation across one of the most comprehensive route networks in the trans-Pacific.
Delta has acquired a 4.3 percent equity stake in Hanjin-KAL.
Delta has acquired a 4.3 percent equity stake in Hanjin-KAL, the largest shareholder of Korean Air. The investment demonstrates Delta’s commitment to the success of its joint venture with Korean Air and the customer benefits, market positioning and growth opportunities the partnership enables. Delta intends to increase its equity stake to 10 percent over time, after receiving regulatory approval.
“Together with the team at Korean Air, we have a vision to deliver the world’s leading trans-Pacific joint venture for our shared customers, offering the strongest network, the best service and the finest experience connecting the U.S. with Asia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “This is already one of our fastest-integrating and most successful partnerships, and experience tells us this investment will further strengthen our relationship as we continue to build on the value of the joint venture.”
Delta and Korean Air operate the industry’s most robust trans-Pacific joint venture, providing customers with seamless access to more than 290 destinations in the U.S. and over 80 destinations in Asia, including the partnership’s award-winning hub at Seoul-Incheon (ICN).
Since launching in May 2018, Delta and Korean Air have strengthened cooperation by expanding joint operations in the trans-Pacific to include more than 1,400 codeshare flights, including connections throughout Asia and the U.S. Teams at both airlines have also worked closely together to provide the best travel experience for customers between the U.S. and Asia, integrate sales and marketing activities, and enhance loyalty program benefits, such as the ability to earn more miles on both loyalty programs and redeem them on a wider range of flights. Additionally, Korean Air and Delta have launched cargo cooperation across one of the most comprehensive route networks in the trans-Pacific market.
The partnership is contributing to Delta’s first year-over-year growth in the Asia Pacific region since 2012, with new service launched earlier this year between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Seoul, as well as Seattle and Osaka, operated in partnership with Korean Air. Additionally, Korean Air has launched new service linking Boston with Seoul.
The joint venture builds on nearly two decades of close partnership between Korean Air and Delta, both founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance.
Delta is growing its international footprint and leveraging partnerships with key airlines in regions around the world, including through joint ventures and equity investments. These investments improve alignment between Delta and its partners, creating a more stable environment for growth amid an increasingly dynamic global landscape.
