Tag: States (Page 6 of 16)

CSX Corporation Announces Increase to Quarterly Dividend

February 12, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – CSX Corp. (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized an 8 percent increase in its quarterly dividend, from $0.26 to $0.28 per share. The new $0.28 quarterly dividend is payable on March 15, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 2021.

About CSX and its Disclosures

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation’s population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike.

LGSTX Services Wins U.S. Postal Service Contract for Orlando, Florida Sort Center

February 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

WILMINGTON, Ohio – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATSG) said today that its subsidiary, LGSTX Services, Inc., was recently awarded a five-year contract with the U.S. Postal Service to install and operate a Surface Transfer Center (STC) in Orlando, Fla., where postal products are sorted and consolidated for further distribution.

LGSTX Services has hired approximately 150 full-time employees at the center, with further hiring possible as product volumes increase. The company manages a similar facility for the Postal Service in Aurora, Ill., and has managed several others over the last two decades.

“To be awarded this contract for a second STC is a testament to the level of service the LGSTX team has provided,” said Jim Pradetto, president of LGSTX Services. “Our extensive history of managing these centers for the Postal Service gives us a unique advantage in understanding and anticipating their needs, allowing us to continually deliver the speed and operational support they require.”

Sikorsky Continues Legacy With Latest Contract to Build Presidential Helicopters

February 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

STRATFORD, Conn. Feb. 10 – Continuing its 63-year legacy of providing safe and reliable transportation for the president of the United States, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), is under contract to manufacture a total of 23 VH-92A® Presidential Helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky is on schedule to deliver the next generation presidential helicopter later this year.

The award announced February 5, 2021 by the U.S. Navy for five aircraft is the final lot of VH-92A presidential helicopters set to deliver in 2023. Sikorsky’s highly skilled workforce is completing final modifications on 12 of the production aircraft at its manufacturing facility in Stratford, Connecticut and Owego, New York.

The VH-92A will transport the president and vice president of the United States and other officials. Sikorsky brings unmatched experience and a proven track record to this mission having flown every U.S. commander-in-chief since President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The VH-92A, also called a “White Top” due to its notable white and green livery, will continue this legacy for decades to come.

The VH-92A program ensures long-term affordability and maintainability by utilizing the FAA certified Sikorsky S-92 aircraft which has industry leading reliability and availability. The S-92 aircraft is modified for the VH-92A mission based on government-defined requirements. The S-92 fleet surpassed 1.7 million flight hours in 2020 and averages 14,400 hours of safe flight per month.

Leonardo Celebrates 20th Anniversary of AW139 Helicopter First Flight

February 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Leonardo celebrates today the 20th anniversary of the AW139 helicopter’s maiden flight. The first aircraft took to the skies from the Company’s facility in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy on 3 February 2001. The helicopter flew for 45 minutes checking initial airworthiness tests, hovering, lateral and forward flight, handling qualities and subsystems. This soon confirmed the impressive characteristics and the smoothness of the new model and its performance and capabilities were to become a new market benchmark, making it the most important helicopter programme in the last two decades at an international level.

The AW139 intermediate-twin engine 7 tonne boasts orders of almost 1,200 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with more than 3 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004. Data of use testifies the extreme versatility of the AW139 which satisfies any market need: approximately half the world’s fleet for public utility tasks such as search and rescue and air ambulance, law enforcement, fire-fighting, disaster relief and military duties. The rest account for a leading position in its class in the offshore transport sector, plus VIP, institutional and corporate transport as well as other civil missions. The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30% in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15% in the Americas, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia which has delivered around 30% of all units to date. The US Air Force will soon introduce the AW139-based Boeing MH-139 to replace the UH-1N fleet.

The AW139 has grown significantly over the years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to 7 tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all-weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by certification authorities. In 2020 new distinguished features for the avionics suite were introduced including synthetic vision, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System with offshore modes, improved 2D maps and wireless data loading, increasing crew situational awareness and reducing workload for operations at night or in marginal weather. Despite the experience and maturity achieved in almost 17 years of operational activity, the AW139 remains a young and modern programme, destined to play a leading role into the future. The AW139 truly embeds all areas of excellence and leadership in its field at Leonardo such as transmissions and dynamics, system integration and customization, best in class performance, mission versatility, latest safety standards and a comprehensive range of increasingly localised customer support and training services and solutions, developed and grown to allow customers worldwide to maximise the capabilities of the type.

The aircraft of choice in its class against which all existing and newcomers are measured, the AW139 also represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo “helicopter family”. The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189. Models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from 4 to 9 tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support.

Embraer Carries Out First Aircraft Financing Transaction With SkyWest Airlines

January 25, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) carried out its first aircraft non-payment insurance (ANPI) transaction financing the delivery of four Embraer E175 jets to SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW). The transaction, completed in December 2020, was supported by the Aircraft Finance Insurance Consortium (AFIC), designed by Marsh and was underwritten by AXIS Insurance and Sompo International. The lender for the transaction is the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES).

This transaction is a major achievement for the aircraft finance industry being the first AFIC-supported transaction for regional jets, the first AFIC-supported financing for an airline based in the United States, and the first AFIC-supported financing for commercial aircraft funded by an export credit agency (ECA).

AFIC´s insurance product provides additional flexibility in financing Embraer aircraft and could be used with ECA, bank, and capital markets funding, enhancing the possible financing structures available for Embraer customers. The AFIC product improves the credit quality of aircraft finance transactions through the use of a robust non-payment insurance policy underwritten by investment grade-rated insurance companies. It further reduces overall costs of financing while offering many other benefits to Embraer customers such as flexibility of terms and faster implementation.

Embraer’s relationship with SkyWest dates back to 1986, when SkyWest began operating the EMB 120 Brasilia turboprop. Since 2013, SkyWest has purchased more than 180 E175 jets.

Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged almost 1,800 orders and 1,600 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft.

Frontier Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights Between Orlando and Phoenix

January 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines today announces new daily nonstop flights between Orlando and Phoenix, plus the resumption of its popular San Diego route beginning in March 2021. To celebrate this new service, Frontier is offering fares as low as $69*, which are available now at FlyFrontier.com.

“Frontier is taking off in the new year with an unprecedented level of service at Orlando International Airport, which now includes daily flights to Phoenix, one of 60 destinations that Frontier will fly nonstop from Orlando in March,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines. “Orlando continues to be incredibly popular with travelers across the spectrum, from vacationing families to adventure seekers, and Frontier offers unparalleled affordability for flyers visiting the Theme Park Capital of the World.”

New route from Orlando International Airport (MCO):

SERVICE TO	SERVICE START	SERVICE FREQUENCY	INTRO FARE	APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)	March 11, 2021	Daily	$69*	Tuesday and Wednesday

Returning route from Orlando International Airport (MCO):

SERVICE TO	SERVICE START	SERVICE FREQUENCY	INTRO FARE	APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)	March 7, 2021	Daily	$69*	Tuesday and Wednesday

These two routes join new Frontier nonstop routes from Orlando that start in February to Cancun, Miami, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, St. Thomas, and Wilmington.

Frequency and times are subject to change, so please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule.

Allegiant Airlines Announces Major Service Expansion

January 15, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces 21 new nonstop routes, including nine routes to three new cities: Portland, Oregon; Key West, Florida, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Included as part of today’s announcement are eight routes that were delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today, travelers are seeking destinations that allow them the chance to recreate in a safe way, usually outdoors,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s vice president of revenue and planning. “The three cities we’re adding to our network – Key West, Portland and Jackson Hole – are gateways to some of the United States’ most scenic destinations, including national parks and other outdoor attractions that are in high demand.”

New service from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) includes:

Los Angeles, California via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – beginning June 2, 2021.
Phoenix, Arizona via Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) – beginning June 2, 2021.
Las Vegas, Nevada via McCarran International Airport (LAS) – beginning June 4, 2021.
Reno, Nevada via Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – beginning June 4, 2021.

New service from Key West International Airport (EYW) includes:

Nashville, Tennessee via Nashville International Airport (BNA) – beginning June 2, 2021.
Sanford, Florida via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) – beginning June 4, 2021.

New service from Portland International Airport (PDX) includes:

Santa Maria, California via Santa Maria Airport (SMX) – beginning April 15, 2021.
Monterey, California via Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – beginning May 28, 2021.
Idaho Falls, Idaho via Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) – beginning May 28, 2021.

New service from General Wayne A. Downing International Airport (PIA) includes:

Sarasota, Florida via Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – beginning May 27, 2021.
Denver, Colorado via Denver International Airport (DEN) – beginning May 28, 2021.

The new route to/from Charleston, South Carolina via Charleston International Airport (CHS) includes:

Belleville, Illinois/ St. Louis, Missouri via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – beginning May 28, 2021.

The new route to/from Baltimore, Maryland via Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) includes:

Punta Gorda, Florida via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) – beginning May 27, 2021.

In addition to these new routes, Allegiant is announcing new dates for eight routes that were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The rescheduled routes to Norfolk International Airport (ORF) include:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania via Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – beginning June 3, 2021.
Columbus, Ohio via Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) – beginning June 3, 2021.

The rescheduled route to Nashville, Tennessee via Nashville International Airport (BNA) includes:

Greensboro, North Carolina via Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) – beginning June 3, 2021.

The rescheduled route to/from Boston, Massachusetts via Boston Logan International Airport(BOS) includes:

Grand Rapids, Michigan via Gerald R. Ford Airport (GRR) – beginning March 5, 2021.

The rescheduled route to/from Louisville, Kentucky via Louisville International Airport (SDF)includes:

Charleston, South Carolina via Charleston International Airport (CHS) – beginning May 28, 2021.

The rescheduled route to/from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) includes:

Knoxville, Tennessee via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) – beginning June 2, 2021.

The rescheduled routes to/from Hudson Valley, New York via New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) include:

Destin, Florida via Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) – beginning June 13, 2021.
Savannah, Georgia via Savannah International Airport (SAV) – beginning May 26, 2021.

Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com

Air New Zealand Aircrew to Overnight in Honolulu, Hawaii

January 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce the COVID-19 risk to aircrew, Air New Zealand will re-route its North America flights to allow aircrew to overnight in Honolulu rather than Los Angeles or San Francisco.

From Monday 11 January, aircrew on all cargo flights between New Zealand and the United States will overnight in Honolulu. North America passenger services will be routed via Honolulu from 2 February.

The changes mean flights from New Zealand will make a brief stop in Honolulu to change crew before continuing onto Los Angeles or San Francisco. Aircrew operating into those ports will then remain airside and operate the return flight to Honolulu where there will be a further crew change to operate back to New Zealand.

Re-routing North American flights through Honolulu means aircrew can overnight in a lower risk destination while still maintaining vital connections into North America.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says operating in a pandemic means the airline is constantly assessing the risks to its people and operation.

“While it’s important to keep trade routes open and passenger services operating for our customers, looking after our people is our first priority.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us to move so quickly in re-routing our flights, from officials in New Zealand and the United States, to our ground partners and our teams who have worked through the holiday break to make this happen.”

Air New Zealand has worked closely with the unions representing aircrew to progress these operational changes rapidly for the safety and wellbeing of those aircrew operating into high risk destinations.

The airline also continues to work closely with the Government and Ministry of Health officials on safe travel protocols to protect employees, customers and the community.

Air New Zealand currently operates eight cargo and two passenger and cargo services per week between New Zealand and Los Angeles in addition to four cargo services between New Zealand and San Francisco and one cargo service from Australia to North America. Customers will not be able to end their journey in Honolulu. The airline will be contacting cargo customers and passengers affected by the changes in flights directly.

Union Pacific Names Craig Richardson Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary

December 8, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Union Pacific today named Craig Richardson executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Richardson is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s legal affairs, including commercial transactions and litigation, regulatory matters, labor and employment. Richardson also supervises the railroad’s compliance and ethics program, and risk management initiatives, including Union Pacific’s police department. He succeeds Rhonda Ferguson, who served as executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary.

Richardson most recently served as vice president of commercial and regulatory law. He’s also held the position of associate general counsel.

“Craig has provided critical leadership, guiding us through sensitive and complex legal matters with insight, sound judgment and clarity,” said Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz. “He is a superior partner and counselor and has the expertise we need during this time of unprecedented change within our nation and company.”

Richardson’s experience spans commercial and regulatory litigation, including oil and gas, environmental, and antitrust law, as well as all aspects of multi-jurisdictional permitting of global energy infrastructure. For nearly a decade, he served as the Chief Legal Officer of El Paso Corporation’s Pipeline Group, the largest network of interstate natural gas pipelines in North America, delivering over 30% of the natural gas consumed in the United States. He was responsible for all legal matters nationwide, waging successful litigation in executing El Paso’s $8 billion portfolio of crucial additions to national energy infrastructure from California to New York.

Happy 100th Birthday, Qantas Airlines!

November 15, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (QANTAS) today marks 100 years since it was founded in the Australian outback.

On 16 November 1920, two veterans of the Australian Flying Corps, Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness, together with local grazier Fergus McMaster, founded what would later become the national carrier.

This happened just 17 years after the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers, two years after the end of World War One and at the tail end of the last major global pandemic, the Spanish Flu.

The new airline focused on conquering the “tyranny of distance” that was a major barrier to the growth of modern Australia. Its early chances of success were uncertain, to the point early backers called their investment “a donation”.

Initially carrying mail between outback towns, the airline was flying passengers to Singapore by the 1930’s. By the end of the 1940’s its strategic importance saw it nationalised and in the 1960’s, it was an early adopter of the jet aircraft that mainstreamed global travel. Qantas invented business class in the 1970’s, switched to an all-747 fleet in the 1980’s, was privatised in the 1990’s, founded Jetstar in 2004, went through major restructuring in 2014 and, by 2020, had recently completed several important ‘firsts’ in non-stop travel to Europe and the US.

Qantas is the oldest continuously-operating airline in the world and the only one that (normally) flies to every single inhabited continent on earth.

Planned centenary celebrations have been significantly scaled back due to the impact of COVID-19, but Qantas will still mark the occasion with a low-level flyover of Sydney Harbour on the evening of its anniversary.

The flight path is expected to pass near Rose Bay where our Empire Flying Boats took off for Singapore between 1938 and 1942.

Qantas Chairman, Richard Goyder, said: “The history of Qantas shows it’s no stranger to a challenge or a crisis. That’s often when its role as the national carrier has really come to the fore.

“We want to use this moment to say thank you to all those who have supported Qantas over the years. And, in particular, to the many people who have dedicated some or all of their careers to this great company.”

Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, said: “Around the world, Qantas is probably best known for its safety record, endurance flying and long list of aviation firsts. But for Australians, there’s nothing quite like seeing the flying kangaroo at the airport, waiting to take you home. We hope to be doing a lot more of that in the months and years ahead.”

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