Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ryanair announced today that Europe’s largest airline is placing a firm order for 75 additional 737 MAX airplanes, increasing its order book to 210 jets. Ryanair again selected the 737 8-200, a higher-capacity version of the 737-8, citing the airplane’s additional seats and improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
“Ryanair’s board and people are confident that our customers will love these new aircraft. Passengers will enjoy the new interiors, more generous leg room, lower fuel consumption and quieter noise performance. And, most of all, our customers will love the lower fares, which these aircraft will enable Ryanair to offer starting in 2021 and for the next decade, as Ryanair leads the recovery of Europe’s aviation and tourism industries,” said Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary.
O’Leary and Ryanair leaders joined the Boeing team for a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. Both companies acknowledged COVID-19’s impacts on air traffic in the near-term, but expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of the passenger demand over the long term.
“As soon as the COVID-19 virus recedes – and it likely will in 2021 with the rollout of multiple effective vaccines – Ryanair and our partner airports across Europe will – with these environmentally efficient aircraft – rapidly restore flights and schedules, recover lost traffic and help the nations of Europe recover their tourism industries, and get young people back to work across the cities, beaches and ski resorts of the European Union,” O’Leary said.
Ryanair is the launch customer for the high-capacity 737-8 variant, having placed its first order for 100 airplanes and 100 options in late 2014, followed by firm orders of 10 airplanes in 2017 and 25 in 2018. The 737 8-200 will enable Ryanair to configure its aircraft with 197 seats, increasing revenue potential, and reduce fuel consumption by 16 percent compared to the airline’s previous airplanes.
New agreement to focus on enhancing performance and unprecedented sustainability for world’s fastest commercial aircraft
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies (RTX), has signed a collaboration agreement with Boom Supersonic, the aerospace company building the world’s fastest airliner, to advance nacelle technology on Boom’s forthcoming flagship supersonic airliner, Overture. Overture will be the world’s fastest airliner and is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability.
Collins Aerospace engineers will work in concert with Boom to develop inlet, nacelle and exhaust system technologies that enable fuel-burn reduction and cutting-edge acoustics for cleaner and quieter supersonic flight. They will do this via lightweight aerostructures and variable nacelle geometry. Collins Aerospace has been providing innovative nacelle technology for more than 70 years, including development of the first commercial variable fan nozzle for high-bypass-ratio geared turbofan (GTF) engines.
“Through improved acoustics and lightweight materials systems, we can provide the next generation of supersonic propulsion systems with the nacelle technologies that not only enable higher performance and lower fuel burn, but also quieter operation,” said Marc Duvall, president, Aerostructures, Collins Aerospace. “Having completed 19 nacelle certification programs over the past decade, we’re uniquely positioned to collaborate with Boom Supersonic to create new propulsion-system solutions that will be key enablers of Overture’s success.”
The combined engineering team will be exploring the development of advanced acoustics and variable inlet and exhaust technologies required to minimize aircraft noise for passengers and airport communities while enhancing performance.
“Boom is taking an all-encompassing approach to sustainability — from our commitment to make Overture 100% carbon neutral to minimizing community noise and emissions, we’re dedicated to making mainstream supersonic travel environmentally and economically sustainable,” said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO. “We are leveraging Collins’ experience in developing more fuel efficient and noise attenuating technologies for nacelles to help us develop Overture as an environmentally responsible supersonic jet.”
Boom’s mission is to make the world dramatically more accessible by making supersonic travel mainstream. Overture is in its design phase with plans to finalize the configuration and begin building the first airliner while XB-1 is flying supersonic. Boom will roll out the first completed Overture aircraft in 2025, with entry into service planned for 2029.
Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, appointed Rheinland Air Service GmbH (RAS) the first German dealer for the Bell 505. Approaching 50 years of business aviation experience, RAS is a proven provider of expert aviation sales and service.
Located in Mönchengladbach, RAS will be home to the first ever Bell 505 dealership. It was established in 1972 and employs 280 staff in four locations in Germany.
The Bell 505 is ideal for private charters, corporate executives, medical evacuations, utilities, public safety, pilot training, and more. The light single-engine helicopter offers a rare combination of rugged high performance, superior fuel efficiency, and a low cost of acquisition and operation. With the only dual-channel FADEC engine in its class, the helicopter has plenty of power at high altitudes. Additionally, the high-tech G1000H all glass flight deck and panoramic windows provide great visibility, full situational awareness, and safety.
Mesa Air Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MESA) announced that it has finalized a new contract, which replaces the previous agreement with American Airlines, to operate 40 CRJ-900’s for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2025. Under the previous contract 30 CRJ-900 aircraft were set to expire in 2021 with an additional 17 expiring in 2022.
“I want to express my appreciation to the American Eagle team leaders who worked with us on this new contract,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mesa Air Group. “This new contract will help to position Mesa for long term stability and improved performance on our American operation. This year has been difficult for our entire industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but I’m thankful that despite the obstacles, American has chosen to continue its long-standing relationship with Mesa.”
“I want to thank everyone involved for making this deal happen, especially our employees, who have shown unmatched professionalism and dedication throughout this difficult year,” said Brad Rich, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Efficiency and flexibility have been the pillars of our operation and the key to our low-cost structure. We are optimistic about our relationship with American and believe this new contract will be beneficial to both parties.”
– New courses include helicopter specific eLearning courses for G1000H NXi
Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., is pleased to announce two new eLearning training courses for the G1000® NXi, as well as two separate eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck for helicopters. These training courses are available in a virtual eLearning format allowing pilots to learn at their own pace, with the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course providing a foundational understanding of the system, while the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is focused on systems installed in high-performance piston and turbine engine aircraft. The two comprehensive eLearning courses for the G1000H NXi integrated flight deck titled G1000H NXi Fundamentals, and G1000H NXi Advanced-IFR, use scenario-based training to highlight helicopter-specific operations and are tailored for pilots new to the G1000H NXi system, in addition to those with experience wanting a deeper understanding of the system.
Core training topics All four training courses build on a common core of training topics. These topics are common to all G1000 NXi and G1000H NXi systems but are tailored to the audience for each course. The topics include:
Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD) function
Audio Panel Features
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Safety Features
Abnormal Operations
Managing Databases
Operational Flight Scenario
Learn best-practices for G1000 NXi operational use
For those that are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want to refresh their understanding of the system, the G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course provides comprehensive training on the system designed for piston engine equipped aircraft. This course describes features of the system in detail and use a scenario to demonstrate how particular features function in different phases of flight in order to see this advanced system in action. In order to practice what you learned during this course, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online.
G1000 NXi for high-performance piston and turbine aircraft
For those operating high-performance piston or turbine-engine equipped aircraft, the G1000 NXi Essentials course presents best-practices for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck by providing detailed training for pilots wanting to get the most out of the system. In addition to describing features in detail and showing how they can be used effectively in flight, scenario-based training demonstrates typical high-performance piston and turbine-engine aircraft operations, providing an opportunity to see the G1000 NXi system in full effect. For your specific or similar aircraft, the Garmin G1000 NXi PC Trainer software is available for purchase online, and provides the opportunity to take what you learned throughout the course and apply it. In addition to the core training topics, the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course includes additional instruction on:
Vertical Navigation
Automatic Flight Control System
Advanced Features
User Waypoints
Managing Databases
Multiple Operational Flight Scenarios with different performance profiles
Build helicopter-specific system knowledge
The G1000H NXi Fundamentals course is designed for VFR helicopter pilots who are new to Garmin avionics, transitioning to advanced avionics, or perhaps want a refresher on the G1000H NXi. This allows the pilot to be comfortable with the avionics and maximize learning during valuable flight time. Learn how to take full advantage of the capabilities of the G1000H NXi system while gaining experience with operational use best practices. This virtual course allows pilots to learn at their own pace, details system features and provides a VFR flight scenario to show how these features are used in various phases of flight. Those that sign up for this course receive an additional scripted scenario for more practice through the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software, available for purchase online. The core training topics in the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course have been tailored to helicopter-specific features and functionality, including differences for:
PFD and MFD function
Audio Panel Features
Hazard Avoidance Features
Operational Flight Scenario
Scenario-Based Exercise
Enhance IFR helicopter skills with G1000H NXi
The G1000H Advanced-IFR course provides a detailed look at the G1000H NXi system and illustrates best practices for operational use of the flight deck, with a focus on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The course uses phase of flight scenarios to demonstrate typical IFR helicopter operation, and depicts common practices to maximize the benefits of system features and capabilities. For helicopter pilots who fly search-and-rescue missions, emphasis on user waypoints are included in the course scenarios. Pilots can further practice what they learned throughout the course with one of the additional scripted scenarios provided for use with the purchase of the Bell 407GXi G1000H NXi PC Trainer software. Some helicopter-tailored training topics covered in the Advanced IFR eLearning Course include:
PFD and MFD function
Automatic Flight Control System
Hazard Avoidance Features
Advanced Features
User waypoints
Operational Flight Scenarios
Proceed through the course at a pace that works best
Available immediately after purchase using a computer or tablet device with internet access, pilots can navigate through the virtual course at their own pace. Assessments throughout the course validate knowledge obtained of critical items while documenting the learning process. With the ability to pause lessons as needed to return to the lesson later, this is a convenient option for any pilot. Also, pilots can retake specific lessons or even the entire course during the subscription period.
The G1000 NXi Fundamentals eLearning course is available now for $94.95 USD, and the G1000 NXi Essentials eLearning Course is now available for $145.95 USD. Also available is the G1000H NXi Fundamentals eLearning Course for $74.95 USD, as well as the G1000H NXi Advanced IFR eLearning Course is available for $94.95 USD. For aviation training needs, including purchasing one of these eLearning courses, please visit www.fly.garmin.com/training.
Melbourne, Florida, November 5, 2020 — Two global companies at the forefront of technology and innovation, Embraer and Porsche, have collaborated to create Duet, a limited-edition, limited-quantity Embraer Phenom 300E aircraft and Porsche 911 Turbo S car pairing. Both known for world-class engineering, performance, and design, Embraer and Porsche will produce just ten pairs of business jets and sports cars, providing a truly seamless experience from road to sky, for the first time in history.
“Duet is an exclusive package developed in a unique design collaboration with Porsche. This rare, refined combination will only be available through this one-time-only pairing,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “In the spirit of delivering the ultimate customer experience, we are fusing two of the most notable brands in the aerospace and automotive industries, bringing together the pinnacle in production sports cars with the market benchmark in light jets, once again proving that we don’t simply follow trends — we create them.”
Duet brings the Phenom 300E and the 911 Turbo S into perfect harmony. As the world’s fastest and longest-ranged single-pilot business jet, the Phenom 300 series transformed the light jet category. From its revolutionary, award-winning interior design, with an abundance of cabin and baggage space to its highly intuitive avionics, this well-rounded machine delivers unmatched performance, exceptional comfort, and class-leading technology, at enviably low operating costs, with features previously available only on much larger jets. The 911 is the heart of the Porsche product portfolio and has one of the longest and most celebrated traditions in the automotive industry. The 911 Turbo S is the peak of the 911 models and stands for both performance and usability.
“Porsche and Embraer share a host of common values,” said Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic at Porsche AG. “As part of our cooperation, we used the know-how of both brands to work jointly on a unique pair of vehicles that are equally attractive for the customer group of jet and sports car owners.” Designed in tandem, Duet fuses speed and style, luxury and power — signatures of both the Phenom 300E and Porsche 911 Turbo S. The most successful business jet of the decade (2010-2019) meets the gold standard in production sports cars, resulting in a uniquely designed jet and car, both featuring a customized interior and paint scheme inspired by one another.
“This is the perfect marriage of car and jet, as personified by the exclusive collaboration logo. The logo brings together the aeronautical requirement of lift — depicted by the Phenom 300E winglet — with the automotive requirement of downforce — depicted by the rear wing of the flagship 911. To further solidify this symbiotic partnership, the aircraft registration number appears on both the car’s rear wing and the sides of its key,” said Jay Beever, Vice President of Embraer Design Operations.
The exclusive collaboration logo is embossed on the seat headrests of the aircraft (lift) and debossed on the seat headrests of the car (downforce), as well as featured on the aircraft sideledge, speaker grills, and mounted near the main door. Each pairing also features a special badge, representing one of only ten delivered. The customer will have the option to select the location of a blue chip, reflective of their position among the ten units, according to their preference.
To create a seamless transition from aircraft to car for this exclusive set of customers, design inspiration for the aircraft mirrors that of the car, and vice versa. Starting with seats, the sew style on the Phenom 300E seat was patterned after that of the 911 Turbo S. The seats in both vehicles feature red pull straps, a Speed Blue accent stitch, and carbon fiber shrouds to create a shared connection. The cockpit seats of the Phenom 300E were redesigned to match the car. In the 911 Turbo S, Porsche introduced a unique color combination for the steering wheel to match the aircraft’s yoke, with a Speed Blue accent at 12 o’clock, as well as the first Chalk Alcantara trim roof lining — an homage to the aircraft. To round out the interior, the stopwatch of the Sport Chrono package features an artificial horizon inspired by instrumentation in the aircraft cockpit.
The aircraft and car share the same exterior paint pallet and general scheme. For the first time, Porsche has combined gloss and satin-gloss paintwork. The upper part of the car is finished with Platinum Silver Metallic, transitioning to Jet Grey Metallic at the bottom. Dividing the two paint colors is a trim strip with lines in Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue. The car is entirely hand-painted, which is unique to this project and reflective of the Phenom 300E paint process. The alloy wheels of the 911 Turbo S are painted in Platinum Silver Metallic, using a revolutionary laser process to expose a Speed Blue underlay on the rim flange. The air intakes of the 911 Turbo S are painted in Brilliant Chrome to match the leading edge nacelles of the aircraft. The LED door projectors cast the Duet collaboration logo on the ground, and the door sill trims feature “No Step” lettering, like the messaging on an aircraft wing.
The exclusive Duet Porsche 911 Turbo S can only be purchased in tandem with its sibling Phenom 300E. To mark this first ever collaboration between Embraer, Porsche AG, and Porsche Design, Duet customers will also receive a custom Duet logo luggage set with a pilot’s bag and two weekenders, as well as a special edition Porsche Design 1919 Globe timer UTC titanium-case watch inspired by the aircraft’s cockpit.
Ten limited-edition pairs of the Duet are now available for order. Deliveries will begin in 2021.
– Single site to improve operational efficiency as company adapts to market downturn and positions for recovery and long-term growth
– 787 production to continue in Everett, Wash. until program begins building at the previously announced rate of six airplanes a month in 2021
As the airline industry continues to address the impact of COVID-19, The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] said today it will consolidate production of 787 jets at its facility in North Charleston, S.C., starting in mid-2021, according to the company’s best estimate. The decision comes as the company is strategically taking action to preserve liquidity and reposition certain lines of business in the current global environment to enhance efficiency and improve performance for the long-term.
While Boeing’s versatile 787 family has outperformed other widebody airplanes during the challenging market downturn, its production system has been adjusted to accommodate the current difficult market environment while positioning the 787 family to ramp up production as air travel increases.
“The Boeing 787 is the tremendous success it is today thanks to our great teammates in Everett. They helped give birth to an airplane that changed how airlines and passengers want to fly. As our customers manage through the unprecedented global pandemic, to ensure the long-term success of the 787 program, we are consolidating 787 production in South Carolina,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“Our team in Puget Sound will continue to focus on efficiently building our 737, 747, 767 and 777 airplane families, and both sites will drive Boeing initiatives to further enhance safety, quality, and operational excellence.”
The company began assembling 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes at its Everett site in 2007, and brought the North Charleston facility on line as a second final assembly line in 2010. However, only the North Charleston site is set up to build the larger 787-10 model. Production of the smaller 787 models will continue in Everett until the program transitions to the previously-announced production rate of six airplanes a month in 2021.
In July, Boeing announced an in-depth study into the feasibility of producing 787s at a single location. The review examined the impacts and benefits to Boeing customers, suppliers, employees and the overall health of the production system. The 787 study is part of an enterprise review underway to reassess all aspects of Boeing’s facility footprint, organizational structure, portfolio and investment mix, and supply chain health and stability.
This analysis confirmed the feasibility and efficiency gains created by consolidation, which enables the company to accelerate improvements and target investments to better support customers.
“We recognize that production decisions can impact our teammates, industry and our community partners,” said Deal. “We extensively evaluated every aspect of the program and engaged with our stakeholders on how we can best partner moving forward. These efforts will further refine 787 production and enhance the airplane’s value proposition.”
Boeing said it is assessing potential impacts to employment in Everett and North Charleston and will communicate any changes directly to its employees.
Two Embraer E195s have commenced operations in Vietnam with Bamboo Airways, offering the first jet service to Con Dao from Hanoi, Vinh and Hai Phong. Con Dao Island and the surrounding National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty 1400km (760nm) from the capital Hanoi, off the southern coast of Vietnam. The popular tourist destination, featuring an archipelago of 16 islands, is currently only served by turboprop aircraft due to its short runway, light pavement, and lack of fuel provision.
The Embraer E195s join Bamboo Airways’ fleet on a wet-lease agreement with Denmark based Great Dane Airlines, adding to the growing number of E-Jet operators in the Asia Pacific region.
“Bamboo Airways is proud to offer jet-operated flights to Con Dao with the E195s,” said Mr. Dang Tat Thang – Executive Vice Chairman of Bamboo Airways. “The aircraft’s short runway performance makes it an ideal aircraft for flights to and from Con Dao. The two by two seating will offer our passengers a high level of comfort in a modern, spacious aircraft, including the one-of-its-kind Business Class on the route to Con Dao.”
“Congratulations to Bamboo Airways on this strategic move. The E-Jets will give them great flexibility both in performance as well as in economics,” says Raul Villaron, Vice President, Asia Pacific for Embraer’s commercial aviation unit. “The E195’s fuel efficiency and economics enables Bamboo Airways to cost effectively manage fluctuating demand and operate lower density routes with the right sized aircraft. We welcome Bamboo Airways to the Embraer family and our global team are here to support them.”
Bamboo Airways is the first to operate direct flights to Con Dao from three cities; the capital Hanoi, Hai Phong city in the North and Vinh city in the central area. There will be two flights a day on the Hanoi – Con Dao route and daily flights from Hai Phong and Vinh to Con Dao in the initial phase. Bamboo Airways are operating the aircraft in a comfortable single class configuration with 118 seats.
Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft up to 150 seats with more than 100 customers from all over the world. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,600 aircraft have been delivered. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleet of more than 80 customers in some 50 countries. The versatile 70 to 150-seat family is flying with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline carriers.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] is teaming with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Aerojet Rocketdyne [NYSE: AJRD] in its bid to build the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The NGI is a key element of the MDA’s missile defense system, which is designed to intercept and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles.
“The Boeing-led team will deliver critical technology to enhance our homeland missile defense,” said Norm Tew, Boeing Missile and Weapon Systems vice president and general manager, and Huntsville site senior executive. “Combined, we bring decades of expertise in proven missile and weapon systems.”
On Aug. 12, the Boeing-General Atomics-Aerojet Rocketdyne team submitted an NGI offering that will improve performance and enhance the nation’s ability to defend against future threats.
GA-EMS has a long history of delivering missile technology and complex systems for critical national defense programs. “This partnership combines our legacies in innovation, bringing together new ideas to create an affordable and reliable solution to defend against emerging threats,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS.
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s propulsion systems have powered the nation’s missile defense for decades. “As the country’s premier hit-to-kill propulsion provider, we’re able to deliver low-cost, high-performance systems by leveraging our skilled workforce and strategic investments in innovative technology and materials,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president.
Northrop Grumman will serve as a component supplier on the Boeing-led team.
– The ATR 72-600F will provide cargo operators with advantages of the latest generation market-leading regional turboprop
ATR, the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today announces the successful first flight of its new purpose-built regional freighter aircraft. The flight took off at 14:00 from its Saint-Martin site and lasted two hours. During the flight, crew onboard performed a number of tests to measure the new aircraft’s flight envelope and flight performance. The first delivery of this aircraft will be to FedEx Express, the world’s largest cargo airline and express transportation company, who placed a firm order for 30 aircraft, plus 20 options, in November 2017. The arrival of this new freighter further cements ATR’s leadership position in the regional freighter market where ATR cargo aircraft already represent a third of the in-service regional freighter fleet.
The brand new straight-from-factory cargo aircraft will offer a number of unique advantages to operators. With a Large Cargo Door included as part of the original design and the same wide cross section as all ATR aircraft, the freighter will be able to accommodate bulk cargo and industry-standard pallets and containers. The aircraft will also provide operators with the very latest avionics suite, which can be continuously upgraded. This effectively futureproofs the -600F’s state-of-the-art cockpit by allowing cargo airlines to take benefit from future innovations, which will further enhance the aircraft’s efficiency.
