Tag: Florida (Page 6 of 12)

JetBlue to Add 4 Nonstop Routes from Hartford’s Bradley Airport

September 23, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

– Adding Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Cancún, Mexico to Schedule

– JetBlue Planning to be the Largest Carrier in Connecticut by 2021

JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced it is expanding service in Hartford, Conn., with four new nonstop routes between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS), San Francisco (SFO) and Cancún, Mexico (CUN)*. These routes are part of JetBlue’s strategy to add routes with high potential for leisure demand, and will set the airline up to be the largest carrier in Connecticut by 2021.

Last week, Connecticut simplified its travel advisory enabling all travelers visiting or returning to the state to provide a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within 72 hours prior to or upon arrival to avoid the state’s 14-day quarantine.

“We are excited to roll out these new routes connecting Hartford to some of our largest leisure destinations, bringing more low fares and great service to Connecticut residents,” said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. “We are proud to play our part in support of Gov. Lamont’s economic recovery plan. We see great long-term potential for our business in Connecticut, as it becomes an increasingly attractive place to live and work. Additionally, the simplified travel advisory gives clarity to everyone who needs or wants to travel through Bradley International Airport.”

“One of Connecticut’s best competitive assets is its international airport in such close proximity to so many of our communities and employers,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “This strengthening of the partnership with JetBlue shows once again how important Bradley International Airport is to our present and our future. More routes, and a strong international airport are key to Connecticut’s success.”

“We are thrilled that JetBlue has taken the step to strengthen their presence and route network at Bradley Airport with this impressive launch of four new cities,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director, Connecticut Airport Authority. “JetBlue is an important partner for us, and we are very pleased to see that the airline recognizes the potential of the Bradley Airport market. We are confident that our strengthened partnership will provide major benefits for Connecticut travelers, JetBlue, and Bradley Airport.”

JetBlue has built a sizeable presence in Hartford with up to 12 flights per day pre-pandemic and has been instrumental in adding new routes and lowering fares for state residents. When the routes launch in the coming months, JetBlue will have the most nonstop destinations from Bradley International Airport of any carrier.

Service between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and:

Cancún, Mexico (CUN)*Launching November 19, 2020

Los Angeles (LAX)Launching December 18, 2020

Las Vegas (LAS)Launching December 18, 2020

San Francisco (SFO)Launching December 18, 2020

The announcement for new Connecticut routes comes shortly after the airline revealed a lineup of two dozen all-new nonstop destinations, plus expanded Mint service in Newark and Los Angeles. Each route plays to JetBlue’s strengths in the airline’s focus cities, in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean or on cross-country – or transcontinental – flying. Every market has been identified as one in which JetBlue anticipates increasing demand for leisure travel.

In anticipation of these recent network additions, JetBlue is readying some aircraft that have been temporarily parked. The airline is dedicated to remaining flexible, continuing to assess the airline’s network and allowing market demand to determine how long a particular route continues to operate.

Boeing Licenses Ultraviolet Wand to Healthe to Counter COVID-19

September 22, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Boeing [NYSE: BA] entered into a patent and technology license with Florida-based Healthe® Inc. today under which Healthe will manufacture an ultraviolet (UV) wand designed to sanitize airplane interiors. Boeing designed and developed the UV wand as part of the company’s Confident Travel Initiative (CTI) to support customers and enhance the safety and well-being of passengers and crews during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The UV wand is designed to be more effective than similar devices. It quickly disinfects surfaces on an airplane and further strengthens other layers of protection for passengers and crew,” said Mike Delaney, who leads Boeing’s CTI efforts. “Boeing spent six months transforming an idea for the wand into a working model, and Healthe will now take that prototype and make it available to the world at large.”

Healthe will produce and distribute the commercial wand, helping airlines and potentially others combat the coronavirus pandemic. The technology could be available for airlines in late fall. The device is an addition to sanitizing and protective measures already in place, which include the use of high-efficiency particulate air filters that trap more than 99.9% of particulates and prevent them from re-circulating back to the cabin.

“We are proud to be assisting Boeing as they work with their partner airlines to enhance in-cabin plane sanitization efforts. This could also benefit schools, hospitals, offices, wherever pathogens go,” said Abe Morris, Healthe executive chairman. “As we ramp up deployment of our cutting-edge UVC and Far-UVC 222 light solutions across many sectors, this new commercial-grade wand will be another powerful tool in the sanitization arsenal to protect passengers against the spread of harmful viruses.”

The UV wand uses 222 nanometer UVC light. Research indicates 222 nanometer UVC inactivates pathogens effectively.

Using the self-contained apparatus that resembles a carry-on suitcase, crews can pass UV light over high-touch surfaces, sanitizing everywhere the light reaches. The UV wand is particularly effective in compact spaces and sanitizes a flight deck in less than 15 minutes.

As part of CTI, Boeing solicited feedback from multiple industry sources, which aided in quickly validating this technology. Etihad Airways was the first to evaluate the device, and the UV wand was demonstrated on the Etihad 787-10 ecoDemonstrator airplane on Aug. 21.

SpaceX Launches First South-Bound Rocket From Florida in Decades

August 31, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

This evening, SpaceX launched another rocket from Florida, but this vehicle took a very different kind of path than most flights from the East Coast. Rather than head eastward after launch as most Florida missions do, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket headed south after liftoff, skirting over Florida’s southeast coast and heading over Cuba.

That’s because this mission was headed to what is known as a polar orbit — a path that runs mostly north-to-south over the Earth’s poles. It’s a type of mission you don’t normally see taking place from Florida. In fact, this will be the first time since 1969 that a rocket taking off from Florida heads southward.

Up until now, most polar launches in the US have taken place from the southern coast of California. That way, the rockets fly over open ocean when they head southward and not over populated land. Rockets that launch from Florida head eastward toward the equator, so that they also fly over mostly open ocean before getting to space.

Click the link below for the full story and video!

https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/30/21407389/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-launch-polar-orbit-cape-canaveral-florida

Cargo Airline Cashing in on Junk-Bond Boom

August 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

At a little-known cargo airline that handles shipments for United Parcel Service Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., business is booming.

With passenger carriers forced to cut most of their freight capacity during the pandemic, seven-year-old Western Global Airlines LLC has picked up new orders amid a surge in online shopping.

Now, it’s benefiting from another big tailwind: the credit rally sparked by the Federal Reserve’s unprecedented backstop.

The Estero, Florida-based carrier is borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars from the junk-bond market to fund a stock program that will give it a sizable tax break, hand the founders a large payout and potentially keep its workforce union-free.

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cargo-airline-cashing-junk-bond-231010892.html

A QF-16 takes off from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 4, 2020. The QF-16 was regenerated to flying status after being stored at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group to Boeing to become a full-scale aerial target. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob T. Stephens)

Boeing’s Arizona Modification Line Yields First QF-16 Full-Scale Aerial Target

August 2, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

A team from Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force completed the first QF-16 Full-Scale Aerial Target to undergo conversion from a modification line in Arizona. The aircraft was flown last month to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where it will be used autonomously in future weapons training operations.

The 309^th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) located at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson teamed with Boeing under a public-private partnership to create a second modification line to supplement ongoing QF-16 work at Boeing’s Cecil Field site in Jacksonville, Florida.

“The delivery of this first AMARG modified QF-16 aerial target drone is a testimony of the cooperative, synergistic relationship we had hoped for when we created the private-public partnership with Boeing,” said Col. Jennifer Barnard, Commander of the 309^th AMARG. “Though the installation of the drone conversion package is a relatively new venture for us, our hope is to leverage cost efficiencies and proficiencies benefiting both partners.”

Conversion of the F-16 A/C aircraft to the unmanned QF-16 configuration requires modification of the airframe and installation of major components. The QF-16 performs both autonomous maneuvers through autopilot and controlled maneuvers through ground stations.

“The partnership between Boeing and AMARG is crucial to expediting capability to the warfighters,” said Craig DeMeester, Boeing QF-16 program manager. “It’s an example of great teamwork, and completing this first jet is just the beginning as we have more deliveries planned this year and well into next year.”

Boeing began converting retired F-16s into QF-16s in 2015. More than 120 aircraft are on contract to be modified, with over 40 percent delivered to date.

Upcoming SpaceX Anasis-II Mission Launch Scheduled for July 20th

July 20, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

SpaceX is targeting Monday, July 20 for Falcon 9’s launch of the ANASIS-II mission, which will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The primary launch window opens at 5:00 p.m. EDT, or 21:00 UTC, and closes at 8:55 p.m. EDT, or 00:55 UTC on July 21.Falcon 9’s first stage previously launched Crew Dragon to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on board.

Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The ANASIS-II spacecraft will deploy about 32 minutes after liftoff. Per the customer’s request, live coverage will end shortly after first stage landing.You can watch the launch webcast here, starting about 15 minutes before liftoff.

Embraer Delivers First Enhanced Phenom 300E on Schedule

June 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Embraer announced the first delivery of its new, enhanced Phenom 300E — the fastest and longest-ranged single-pilot business jet, capable of reaching Mach 0.80 ― to Texas law firm Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

The firm, which also owns a Phenom 100EV, took delivery of the enhanced Phenom 300E last week during a ceremony at Embraer’s Global Customer Center in Melbourne, Florida.

“This milestone delivery to our friends at Dunham & Jones is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the ultimate customer experience in business aviation,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “We are honored to help them grow their Embraer fleet with the world’s best-selling light jet for eight years straight, which has now been even further enhanced in terms of its technology, comfort and performance to ensure its market dominance in the industry.”

“Our clients rely on Dunham & Jones attorneys for personalized, one-on-one attention, and business aviation is the conduit to make that possible,” said Paul Dunham, Principal, Dunham & Jones, Attorneys at Law, P.C. “The speed, operating cost, and comfortable cabin pressurization of the new, enhanced Phenom 300E were certainly distinguishing factors in our selection process, as was our exceptional experience with the Phenom 100EV.”

With its unparalleled technology, exceptional comfort, and stunning performance, the Phenom 300E sets the standard for the light jet category. The aircraft received technology enhancements, including an avionics upgrade, which includes a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS) ― the first technology of its kind to be developed and certified in business aviation ― predictive windshear, Emergency Descent Mode, PERF, TOLD, and FAA Datacom, among others. The Phenom 300E also features 4G connectivity via Gogo AVANCE L5.

The new comfort-enhancing features on this jet include a quieter cabin, more legroom in the cockpit, and a new premium interior option — the Bossa Nova edition. In terms of performance, the new, enhanced Phenom 300E is even faster, capable of reaching Mach 0.80, and delivers high-speed cruise of 464 knots, and a five-occupant range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) with NBAA IFR reserves.

The Phenom 300 series is in operation in more than 30 countries and has accumulated more than one million flight hours. It has been the world’s most delivered light jet for eight consecutive years, having accrued more than 540 deliveries since entering the market in December 2009.

Boeing Delivers First Super Hornet Blue Angel Test Jet

June 5, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Super Hornet to become the fourth Boeing platform for the flight demonstration team.
Boeing has modified Blue Angels since 2008 and delivered 23 aircraft to date.

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Super Hornet test aircraft for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angel flight demonstration squadron. The unpainted aircraft now enters the flight test and evaluation phase at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. Boeing expects to deliver a total of 11 aircraft for the squadron in 2020.

“The Super Hornet is an iconic representation of excellence in naval aviation,” said ret. Admiral Pat Walsh, vice president of U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Services for Boeing. Walsh flew with the Blue Angels from 1985 to 1987 as the Left Wingman (#3) and Slot Pilot (#4). “As Boeing continues to support the operational fleet of Navy Super Hornets, we are excited to see this platform enter a critical phase of its journey to joining the team.”

The flight demonstration squadron has flown Boeing or Boeing-heritage aircraft for more than 50 years, starting with the F-4J Phantom II in 1969, and then moving to the A-4F Skyhawk. The team currently operates the F/A-18A-D Hornet.

Boeing converts F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets into Blue Angels at the company’s Cecil Field facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Major modifications include the addition of an oil tank for the smoke-generation system, fuel systems that enable the aircraft to fly inverted for extended periods of time, civilian-compatible navigation equipment, cameras and adjustments for the aircraft’s center of gravity.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. 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.

Boeing X-37B Launches in Second Mission for U.S. Space Force

May 18, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built X-37B autonomous spaceplane today launched on top of a uniquely configured United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

Boeing is the prime contractor for the X-37B spaceplane and facilitates the integration of all experiments into the vehicle ensuring they receive the correct power, thermal and data services required. Boeing also works to identify future reusable platform experiment opportunities on each mission.

The X-37B’s sixth mission is the first to use a service module with additional payload capability to support a variety of experiments for multiple government partners. The mission will deploy FalconSAT-8, a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory, to conduct experiments on orbit. Further, two NASA experiments will study the impact of radiation and other space effects on certain materials and seeds used to grow food. Another experiment by the Naval Research Laboratory will transform solar power into radio frequency microwave energy which could then be transmitted to the ground. In addition, the mission will test reusable space vehicle technologies.

The X-37B first launched in April 2010. Originally designed for missions of 270 days duration, the X-37B has set endurance records during each of its five previous flights. Most recently, X-37B spent 780 days on orbit before returning to Earth in October 2019.

“The X-37B has shifted the paradigm and redefined efficiency in space development, said Jim Chilton, Boeing Space and Launch senior vice president. “The rapid technology advancements enabled by the program will benefit the entire space community and influence the next generation of spacecraft design.”

The X-37B program is a partnership between the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the United States Space Force. Boeing program management, engineering, test and mission support functions for the Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) program are conducted at Boeing sites in Southern California and Florida.

First Nigerian A-29 Super Tucano Completes Inaugural Flight

April 18, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Jacksonville, EUA, April 17, 2020 – Embraer Defense & Security and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announced the first of 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack, combat and reconnaissance aircraft for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) successfully completed its inaugural flight at the production facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

The full fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the NAF are currently in production by SNC and Embraer at the Jacksonville facility with delivery to the NAF expected on schedule in 2021.

The NAF A-29 aircraft will now begin mission modification and final testing in Centennial, Colorado. Following final testing, before delivery, NAF pilots will train in the aircraft.

“This is an exciting milestone in the production of these A-29s for the Nigerian Air Force. The Jacksonville production line is active, and Embraer and SNC look forward to seeing these aircraft continue to roll off the line in the coming months,” says Jackson Schneider, president & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.

“The aircraft met or exceeded all the requirements and we are very pleased with the successful flight,” stated Ed Topps, vice president of Tactical Aircraft Systems and programs for SNC’s IAS business area. “SNC and our partner, Embraer, are certain the Nigerian Air Force will be pleased with these aircraft.”

The combat-proven A-29 Super Tucano is the gold standard of light attack combat and reconnaissance aircraft around the world and is designed and built for the mission in Nigeria.

The A-29 Super Tucano is the most reliable and cost-effective solution for basic and advanced flight and combat training, close air support operations, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), armed over-watch, counterinsurgency and irregular warfare scenarios.

The aircraft has already been selected by 15 air forces around the world to deliver cost-effective close air support and reconnaissance capabilities.

In December 2018, SNC and Embraer Defense & Security were awarded the contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force. The contract for the NAF includes ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment, alternate mission equipment, contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support and field service representatives for OCONUS support.

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