Tag: leader (Page 5 of 6)

Boeing Names New Communications Leader for Commercial Airplanes Business

November 13, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

– Conrad Chun, a nine-year Boeing employee, named vice president of Communications for Boeing Commercial Airplanes

CHICAGO, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced the appointment of Conrad Chun as vice president of Communications for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, effective immediately.

Chun most recently served as vice president of Communications for Boeing Global Services where he was responsible for media relations, employee and executive communications, digital communications, government and customer relations, and product and services marketing communications in support of Boeing’s fastest-growing business unit.

Previously, Chun served as director of Communications for Global Services & Support and Boeing Military Aircraft, both of which were divisions of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

In his new role, Chun will continue reporting to Anne Toulouse, senior vice president of Communications, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Stan and I are confident in Conrad’s abilities to help us prepare to safely return the 737 MAX to service and continue to drive progress across our commercial airplanes business,” Toulouse said.

Chun joined Boeing in 2010 after retiring from the U.S. Navy as a captain with 24 years of service. Chun is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in information systems from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chun currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN), a nonprofit organization that focuses on job-placement solutions for military-affiliated spouses and caregivers to war-wounded veterans.

Chun succeeds Linda Mills, who announced she will be leaving the company.

“We thank Linda for her many contributions and wish her all the best in the future,” Toulouse said.

Alexa Marrero, current director of Communications Operations for Boeing Global Services, will serve as interim head of Communications for Boeing Global Services until a permanent replacement is selected.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Cirrus Aircraft Revolutionizes Passenger Safety through Autonomous Flight with Safe Return Emergency Autoland

November 2, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Duluth, Minn. and Knoxville, Tenn. (30 October 2019) – Cirrus Aircraft, the global leader in personal aviation, ushered in a new era of innovation today with the introduction of Safe Return^TM – a revolutionary emergency autoland system that enables passengers to land the Vision Jet^TM with just the touch of a single button. Once activated when available, Safe Return assumes control of the aircraft and transforms the Vision Jet into an autonomous vehicle that navigates to the nearest suitable airport for landing, communicates with air traffic control, lands and brings the aircraft safely to a complete stop. The Vision Jet, with both Safe Return and the award-winning Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), provides a comprehensive, must-have total safety solution unique to G2 Vision Jet operators.

“Our mission is to make personal aviation more accessible by continuing to improve passenger comfort and safety,” said Zean Nielsen, Cirrus Aircraft Chief Executive Officer. “Safe Return delivers the next step towards autonomous flight, bringing a new level of confidence to the overall flying experience by providing the ultimate level of safety and control to passengers. Together, with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), we have once again set a new standard for safety in personal air travel.”

Easily accessible by passengers in the Vision Jet cabin, Safe Return is activated by the touch of a button when available. Once pressed, the autonomous system analyzes terrain and datalink weather to determine the optimal airport for landing, and simultaneously begins communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Powered by the Perspective Touch+^TM by Garmin® flight deck, Safe Return utilizes all available aircraft data streams, including available fuel, to safely navigate the Vision Jet to the identified airport and transition on to final approach for the appropriate runway based on ground winds. Autothrottle – launched earlier this year on the new G2 Vision Jet –and the automatic flight control system manage the aircraft’s speed, altitude and path, while the system automatically lowers the flaps and landing gear on final approach. Safe Return culminates in the aircraft making a fully autonomous landing on the intended runway and coming to a complete stop, allowing passengers to exit the aircraft.

Included during this entire process is constant communication with ATC – another layer of autonomy that provides assurance to passengers experiencing a critical situation. Upon activation, Safe Return immediately transmits an emergency message to ATC. Using text and speech technology, the system communicates the aircraft’s intentions over the appropriate ATC frequency, the 121.5 emergency voice frequency, and also switches to the universal emergency transponder code. ATC is automatically updated at regular intervals of the aircraft’s location, emergency situation and intended airport landing location. These communications begin the process of activating emergency services at the airport of intended landing to assist the passenger and pilot upon arrival. Safe Return can be easily disengaged by the pilot with a simple press of the Autopilot disconnect button on the yoke if a passenger inadvertently activates the system.

In 2016, Cirrus Aircraft ushered in a new era in personal transportation with the FAA certification of the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet – the Vision Jet. The turbine aircraft defined a new category in aviation – the Personal Jet^TM – with its spacious pilot and passenger-friendly cabin featuring panoramic windows, reclining seats, comfortable legroom for five adults and two children and the only turbine aircraft with a whole airframe parachute system as standard equipment. Earlier this year, Cirrus Aircraft unveiled and began delivery of the G2 Vision Jet, offering enhanced performance, comfort and safety with increased cruise altitude, speed and range, and a newly-upgraded Perspective Touch+^TM by Garmin® flight deck. The company expects to begin delivery of Vision Jets equipped with Safe Return in early 2020.

More information on Safe Return and the G2 Vision Jet can be found at www.cirrusaircraft.com/visionjet.

ATR appoints Eric Segura as SVP Procurement & Supply Chain

October 31, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, 29 October 2019 – Eric Segura, 55, has been nominated SVP Procurement and Supply Chain of ATR, the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer. Starting 1 November 2019, Eric will be reporting to the CEO, Stefano Bortoli and joins the ATR Executive Committee. Eric will be succeeding David Brigante, who was nominated SVP Programmes and Customer Services earlier in the year.

With more than 30 years in key positions within the Airbus group, Eric brings additional, comprehensive knowledge of the global aviation ecosystem to ATR.

Stefano Bortoli, ATR CEO stated: “We are very proud to have Eric joining the ATR team. His in-depth industry knowledge and strong expertise in procurement and the supply chain combined with a leadership style that fits the agile ATR culture and values, will help us put in place ATR’s strategy of continuous product improvement and innovation and contribute to preparing the future”.

Eric commented: “I am excited to have joined a company which is both a global leader and “into life”, connecting millions of people in all places around the world in a responsible and efficient way. In my new role I look forward to extend the purpose of ATR to the wider partner network and build an exciting future for the ATR turboprop.”

Embraer Signs USD 1.4 Billion Business Jet Deal with Flexjet, Becoming Praetor Fleet Launch Customer

October 23, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Las Vegas, Nevada, October 21, 2019 – Embraer announced today a purchase agreement with Flexjet, a global leader in private jet travel. The deal comprises a fleet of Embraer business jets, which includes the recently certified Praetor jets and the Phenom 300. The announcement was made during a press conference at the 2019 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which is being held through October 24, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Valued at up to USD 1.4 billion, at current list prices, this deal was included in the 2019 second quarter backlog, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2019. With this purchase agreement, Flexjet becomes Embraer’s Praetor Fleet Launch Customer.

“We are very grateful for Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this new agreement, which reflects the growth and the strength of our partnership over the past 16 years and symbolizes our ongoing support for their journey ahead,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “Flexjet Owners will appreciate and enjoy a truly elevated customer experience in industry-leading aircraft, including the recently certified Praetor jets, which are different by design and disruptive by choice.”

The partnership between Embraer and Flexjet dates back to 2003, when Flight Options, which merged with Flexjet in 2015, became the first fractional ownership program to introduce the Legacy Executive jet into its fleet. Offering customers a large cabin experience at super-midsize economics allowed Flight Options to serve more customers even better than before, while also supporting the company’s growth via Embraer’s high utilization, reliable aircraft design.

“We are proud to introduce the Praetor jets to the fractional marketplace and make technologically advanced midsize and super-midsize aircraft available to Flexjet Owners,” said Michael Silvestro, Flexjet CEO. “This order also represents the longstanding trust we have in Embraer and in their enhanced commitment to support the growth of our programs and of our partnership with industry-leading business jets.”

Flight Options introduced the Phenom 300 into its fractional program in 2010, receiving Embraer’s 100th milestone Phenom 300 in 2012, the first year in which the aircraft became the best-selling light jet. For the seventh consecutive year, the Phenom 300 has been the most delivered light business jet, according to GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association). Also according to GAMA data, the Phenom 300 was the only business jet to reach the mark of 500 deliveries in the last decade.

Flexjet became the first fractional provider to offer the Legacy 500, in September 2015. In fact, Flexjet took delivery of Embraer’s 1,000th executive jet, a Legacy 500, in April 2016. The Legacy 450 joined the Legacy 500 in Flexjet’s Red Label fleet in August of that year, and both models became the first fly-by-wire Flexjet aircraft, offering performance and capabilities of larger aircraft with midsize economics.

Airbus Delivers 1,000th Super Puma Helicopter

September 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus’ 1,000th Super Puma helicopter – A civil H215 to be operated by the German Federal Police

Marignane – Airbus Helicopters has delivered its 1,000th Super Puma helicopter: a twin-engine multi-role H215 assembled in Marignane, France, and handed over to the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) to support the German Havarie Command, which manages maritime emergencies off of Germany’s coast.

This delivery completes the German Federal Police’s order for four H215s, the first three of which were delivered in December 2018, and increases the German Federal Police’s Super Puma fleet to 23, including 19 AS332 L1s, making the police force one of the largest operators of Super Pumas in the world today.

“The Super Puma family of civil and military helicopters has consistently performed well thanks to its ability to appeal to many different mission segments, whether you’re fighting fires, building power lines, transporting troops, or saving lives in extreme environments,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Thanks to our close partnerships with long-standing customers like the German Federal Police, who we are honoured will operate our 1000th Super Puma, we are able to continuously improve so that this important product continues to meet the evolving market needs for decades to come.”

Today, the Super Puma is operated by nearly 100 customers in 59 countries representing all regions of the world. The Super Puma family is composed of the H215 and H225 for the civil market, produced by Airbus Helicopters for law enforcement, aerial work, search and rescue, offshore transport and governmental missions, and appreciated for their versatility and ability to operate in extreme environmental conditions. In the military sector, Airbus Helicopters offers the H215M and H225M for search and rescue, troop transport, special ops and utility missions, among others.

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018, it generated revenues of €64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

AirAsia Inks Major Deals with Airbus

August 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

AirAsia X orders 12 more A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft

AirAsia X, the long-haul unit of the AirAsia Group, has finalised a firm order with Airbus for an additional 12 A330-900 and 30 A321XLR aircraft. The contract was signed by Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman, AirAsia X Berhad and Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus in Kuala Lumpur today, in the presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Group, who was present at the signing, said: “This order reaffirms our selection of the A330neo as the most efficient choice for our future wide-body fleet. In addition, the A321XLR offers the longest flying range of any single-aisle aircraft and will enable us to introduce services to new destinations. Together, these aircraft are perfect partners for long-haul low-cost operations and will allow us to build further on our market leading position in this fast-growing sector.”

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X Berhad, said: “Today’s announcement is testament to our confidence and commitment to longer haul air travel. This is the future of our long-haul operations. The A330neo’s revolutionary new features and modifications will move our long-haul service sectors up to a higher level and allow AirAsia X to look at expanding beyond the eight-hour flight radius, such as to Europe, for example.”

Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus commented: “AirAsia X has been the pioneer of the long-haul low-cost model in the Asia-Pacific region. This new order for the A330neo and A321XLR is a true endorsement of the Airbus solution to meet mid-market demand with a combination of single-aisle and wide-body products. This powerful solution will provide AirAsia X with the lowest possible operating costs to expand its network and enable even more people to fly further than ever before.”

The new contract increases the number of A330neo aircraft ordered by AirAsia X to 78, reaffirming the carrier’s status as the largest airline customer for the type. Meanwhile, the A321XLR order sees the wider AirAsia Group strengthen its position as the world’s largest airline customer for the A320 Family, having now ordered a total of 622 aircraft.

AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of 36 A330-300s on services to points within the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. In addition, in August, the first A330neo joined the fleet of AirAsia’s Bangkok-based long haul affiliate, AirAsia X Thailand. The aircraft is the first of two leased A330neos joining the airline’s Thai affiliate by the end of the year.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700 nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft.

The A330neo is a true new generation aircraft building on the A330’s success and leveraging on A350 XWB technology. It incorporates the highly efficient new generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and a new higher span 3D optimised wing with new Sharklets. Together these advances bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 25% compared with older generation competitor aircraft of a similar size. The A330 is one of the most popular wide-body families ever, having received over 1,700 orders from more than 120 customers.

New Macau Leader Backed by Beijing

August 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

HONG KONG, Aug 25 (Reuters) – The Chinese territory of Macau elected former legislature head Ho Iat Seng as its leader on Sunday – the sole approved candidate.

Ho, who has deep ties to China, is expected to cement Beijing’s control over the special administrative region and distance it from protests in neighbouring Hong Kong.

He secured 392 votes from a 400-member pro-Beijing committee to lead the world’s largest gambling hub for at least the next five years, public broadcaster TDM reported.

The 62-year-old’s highly scripted appointment comes as the former Portuguese colony tries to position itself as a beacon of stability and model for the Chinese government’s “one country, two systems” formula through which Beijing administers Macau and Hong Kong.

Although anti-government protests have roiled the former British colony of Hong Kong for nearly three months, Macau has seen little dissent to Beijing’s rule.

Ho said local youth could resist the influence of Hong Kong’s protesters and support measures to boost patriotism in Macau.

(Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Bombardier Confirms 3 Year East Midlands Railway Contract

August 22, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

New contract reaffirms long-standing relationships with Abellio and with Eversholt Rail
Derby Etches Park depot to maintain Bombardier Class 222s for East Midlands Railway mainline services until 2022

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation has announced today that it has signed a new Train Services Agreement (TSA) with Abellio and Eversholt Rail for the new East Midlands Railway franchise in the United Kingdom. Under the new agreement which lasts from today until December 31, 2022, Bombardier will maintain Bombardier class 222 diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU) trains at Derby Etches Park depot for use on East Midlands Railway mainline services. The new agreement follows Bombardier’s previous role in maintaining the 125 miles per hour trains for the former East Midlands Trains franchise. The contract is valued at approximately £133 million GBP ($161 million US, €145 million euro).

Phil Hufton, President, Bombardier Transportation UK said, “We are delighted that we have reached agreement with Abellio to maintain the Class 222 fleet for East Midlands Railway’s mainline services. This important contract win is testament to our team at Derby Etches Park and their hard work and professionalism in continually delivering one of the highest performing and most reliable Intercity fleets.”

Steve Timothy, Client Relations Director, Eversholt Rail said, “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Bombardier Transportation to support the delivery of our Class 222 trains for the Sheffield – London mainline service to Abellio East Midlands Railway from 19th August”.

Under the Train Services Agreement, maintenance of the 27-strong fleet of Class 222 trains will take place at Derby Etches Park depot, where 130 staff are employed, with heavy component maintenance taking place at Bombardier Crewe.

Bombardier Wins Ten-Year APM Contract in California

June 27, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

New agreement continues long-standing relationship with San Francisco International Airport
Latest contract highlights Bombardier’s position as industry-leading services provider for automated transit systems

Mobility technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced today that it has signed a new contract with the City and County of San Francisco to provide ten years of operations and maintenance services for the BOMBARDIER INNOVIA APM 100 automated people mover (APM) system at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The contract is valued at $220 million US (193 million euro) and includes an option for an additional five years.

“With this new contract, we will continue to provide San Francisco International Airport with the operations and maintenance services as well as the INNOVIA APM vehicles and signalling technology that bring safe and reliable service to the over seven million passengers who ride the AirTrain system every year,” said Elliot G. (Lee) Sander, President, Americas Division, Bombardier Transportation. “We look forward to supporting the airport as it extends and modernizes the AirTrain system to meet its future mobility requirements.”

Bombardier delivered the airport’s transit system, known as SFO AirTrain, and has been providing operations and maintenance services since it opened in 2003. The AirTrain fleet of 38 INNOVIA APM 100 vehicles serves nine stations along six miles of elevated guideway and connects the airport’s terminals, parking garages, rental car center, and a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station. Under a contract awarded in 2016, Bombardier is providing three additional INNOVIA APM 100 vehicles, a 2,000-foot guideway extension, a new station, and a signalling upgrade.

Bombardier has nearly 50 years of experience in designing, building, operating and maintaining automated transit systems for airports and cities in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Nine of the ten busiest airports in the United States, including SFO, have chosen Bombardier for their automated transit systems.

SFO AirTrain was the world’s first automated transit system to feature the state-of-the-art BOMBARDIER CITYFLO 650 communications-based train control technology. Among other features, this technology allows a high degree of operating flexibility to accommodate peak passenger demands.

Bombardier Signs Contract to Upgrade Trains for Queensland

April 5, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Bombardier to lead a $361 million AUD design change programme requested by the Queensland Government
Bombardier to leverage local supply chain to improve fleet’s accessibility and passenger experience

Mobility technology leader Bombardier Transportation announced today an order from the Queensland Government to deliver modifications to the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains currently being introduced to the South-East Queensland rail network. The order has been signed on March 29^th. The total value of the contract is approximately $361 million AUD ($255 million US, 228 million euro) which includes design and delivery, as well as ongoing maintenance, over the remaining term of the public-private partnership.

“Bombardier is proud to partner with Queensland Government to deliver the new generation trains to the passenger rail network. This variation order is an important request from our customer, and we will continue to work closely with them to deliver the NGR project in line with the enhanced specifications set out by the Queensland Government,” said Paul Brown, Bombardier Transportation’s Project Director for the Queensland New Generation Rollingstock project.

Bombardier is leading the Qtectic consortium contracted to deliver the NGR project and will undertake the work to modify the trains in line with the government’s revised design specifications with industry partner Downer EDI. The agreement between Bombardier and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will see the previously approved toilet modules upgraded for improved disability access. The changes will also include an additional module added to each six-car train to provide improved access for passengers with limited mobility.

“The significance of the NGR project in Queensland cannot be understated,” affirmed Wendy McMillan, President, Southeast Asia and Australia at Bombardier Transportation. “With 70 percent of Queensland’s future population growth targeted in the South-East region, the NGR fleet will bring a significant 26 percent capacity increase to the South-East Queensland rail network to meet the growing demand for rail services. It’s a game-changing project for Queensland and Bombardier is proud to be delivering it.”

Features of the new trains include capacity for 964 passengers in each six-car train, onboard WiFi, CCTV throughout the train, LCD infotainment displays, toilet modules, 12 allocated spaces for mobility aids and more enhancements to the passenger experience.

Bombardier has created more than 2,000 local jobs across the industry and supply chain throughout this project. The design and toilet modification activities will support a further 100 local jobs at Downer’s Maryborough facility in addition to the 145 current Bombardier employees at the Wulkuraka Maintenance Facility.

The $4.4 billion AUD NGR project is being delivered under a public-private partnership with the Queensland Government and was awarded to Qtectic, comprising Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, Itochu and Aberdeen Standard Investments. The project includes the design and delivery of 75 new passenger trains, construction of a new maintenance centre at Wulkuraka, Ipswich and 32-years of fleet maintenance.

About Bombardier

With over 68,000 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

AirAsia X orders 12 more A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft

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