Tag: cost (Page 8 of 16)

LATAM to Reduce Operations 70% and Offer Reschedule Flexibility

March 17, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

70% corresponds to a 90% reduction in international flights and 40% in domestic operations. All customers with affected international and national flights from today can reschedule their journeys until December 31, 2020, at no additional cost

Following new border closures of various countries and the subsequent drop in demand, LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries will reduce their capacity by 70%, equivalent to a 90% decrease in international operations and 40% in national flights.

“We made this difficult decision following border closures that have made operating to a large part of our network impossible. If these unprecedented travel restrictions are extended over the next few days, we cannot rule out further reductions to our operation,” said Roberto Alvo, Chief Commercial Officer and CEO-elect of LATAM Airlines Group.

All passengers with affected national or international flights from today (March 16, 2020), will be able to reschedule their flights until December 31, 2020, at no additional cost.

LATAM’s customer service channels are currently receiving high numbers of enquiries, impeding the ability to attend customers. To be able to focus on passengers with the most pressing requirements, LATAM requests that customers do not call more than 72 hours prior to their flight.

Saab to Provide Mid-Life Extension for UK’s Arthur Systems

March 15, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Saab has received an order from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence for a mid-life extension and support for the Arthur weapon locating system. The order value is 482 million SEK, and was booked in Q4, 2019.

Arthur protects forces and civilians by providing warning of incoming fire and is also used for tasks including counterbattery missions and fire control. The mid-life extension will represent a major programme of obsolescence management by the insertion of modern technology, ensuring that this critical operational counter-fire capability can be sustained on a cost-effective basis through to its extended out-of-service date.

“Our Arthur systems have contributed to protecting UK forces for more than 15 years. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the UK’s weapon locating capability for years to come,” says Anders Carp, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

Deliveries of the mid-life extension will take place between 2022 and 2023. The support contract covers 2020-2026. Saab will carry out the work in Gothenburg, Sweden, with support also taking place at 5^th Regiment Royal Artillery’s Marne Barracks in Catterick, UK. Arthur is known in the UK as the Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield (MAMBA) radar.

“MAMBA has long proven itself as a battle-winning capability, protecting civilians and troops on operations for many years. Our troops in Catterick will work alongside our counterparts at Saab to ensure this life-saving piece of equipment remains in service for the next six years”, says Jeremy Quin MP, the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement.

The UK received the first Arthur systems from Saab in 2003, and the systems have supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Boeing Reveals its U.S. Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft Design

March 3, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Agile, purpose-built and designed for the Army’s evolving missions

Boeing [NYSE: BA] is offering the U.S. Army an agile, fully integrated, purpose-built system for the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype competition.

Boeing FARA is designed to meet the Army’s current mission needs while evolving as technologies and missions change. The thrust compounded single-main rotor helicopter boasts a six-bladed rotor system, a single engine, tandem seating and a modular, state-of-the-art cockpit with a reconfigurable large area display and autonomous capabilities.

“We’re offering more than a helicopter – we’re offering an affordable and fully integrated system for the Army, the mission and the future. We’ve blended innovation, ingenuity and proven rotorcraft experience with extensive testing and advanced analysis to offer a very compelling solution,” said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Phantom Works.

The fly-by-wire design leverages more than 65 years of rotorcraft experience, proven advanced and additive manufacturing technology, and product commonality driving down risk and costs. The system will provide seamless capability within the Army ecosystem to include Long-Range Precision Fires and air-launched effects.

“We listened to the Army, assessed all alternatives, and optimized our design to provide the right aircraft to meet the requirements,” said Shane Openshaw, Boeing FARA program manager. “We are offering a very reliable, sustainable and flexible aircraft with a focus on safety and the future fight.”

FARA will fill a critical gap in Army aviation for an advanced light attack and reconnaissance capability, previously held by the now-retired Bell OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.

For more information about Boeing FARA and its features, visit www.boeing.com/FARA.

TAROM Takes Delivery of First of Nine ATR 72-600

February 19, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

TAROM, Romania’s national flag carrier, today took delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft, the market-leading product of the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer. With a brand new livery, this aircraft is the first of a leasing contract with leading regional aircraft lessor NAC, for nine ATR 72-600.

TAROM has been very successful in its domestic market operations by using ATR aircraft – both ATR 42‑500 and ATR 72-500 – to compete with low cost carriers. When this major fleet upgrade is completed, by the end of 2020, the Romanian carrier will offer an additional 330,000 seats every year, at the same operating cost as its previous seat level, improving short haul connectivity in Romania. With ATR 72-600 burning 40% less fuel and emitting 40% less CO2 than similar-sized regional jets, TAROM will support the development of local and more isolated communities in a responsible way, while further consolidating their position in the market.

TAROM Chief Executive Officer George Barbu said: “We are looking forward to starting operations with our brand new ATR 72-600, the only aircraft on the regional market to meet our ambitious targets in terms of efficiency, modern technology and environmental performance. We are going to be able to develop new routes and increase frequency and seat availability, whilst offering the highest levels of comfort and technology.”

NAC Chairman, Martin Møller added: “The economics of the ATR 72-600, its modernity, passenger comfort and flexibility, along with proven environmental credentials make it an attractive asset, for both lessors and airlines. We thank TAROM for the confidence they have placed in NAC and we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the future.”

Stefano Bortoli, Chief Executive Officer of ATR commented: “Renewed confidence from a loyal customer is the best possible endorsement for an aircraft manufacturer. Especially when the decision is made after a vigorous evaluation of the existing solutions on the market – we know that our product is working for our customers. All regions deserve the same opportunity to be part of a connected world and ATR aircraft show unrivalled performance in connecting people and businesses responsibly.”

TAROM and ATR have been working together for 20 years. This major fleet upgrade will also enable the airline to benefit from state-of-the-art avionics, including glass cockpit, LPV and V-NAV capabilities, for safe, flexible and efficient operations.

Airbus Posts Strong January Orders, Delivers 31 Jets

February 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

PARIS (Reuters) – Airbus <EADSY> posted its biggest January order haul in at least 15 years on Thursday as it booked a major leasing order that has been in the pipeline for several months, and carried out 31 aircraft deliveries.

The European planemaker said it had taken orders for 296 aircraft in January, including the recently finalised order for 102 planes from Air Lease Corp <AL> as well as 100 jets from U.S. low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines <SAVE>. After cancellations, it started the year with 274 net orders.

Cancellations included 20 single-aisle jets from Colombia’s Avianca, balanced by 20 orders for broadly similar aircraft from leasing company BOC Aviation in what some industry sources have described as a swap to ease their financing. Neither firm was available for comment.

Lufthansa <LHA.DE> canceled two A350 wide-body jets.

Rival Boeing, whose sales and deliveries have been affected by the grounding of its 737 MAX, has yet to post January data.

Airbus said on Thursday its deliveries from an overseas assembly plant in China had been halted amid the coronavirus outbreak. Airbus has joined other local companies in extending a routine shutdown planned for Chinese New Year, due to the impact of the health scare on its supply chains and logistics.

Airbus is expected to give targets next week and barring a worsening of the coronavirus crisis could shoot for record deliveries of at least 900 jets in 2020 as Boeing remains on a backfoot due to the MAX grounding, industry analysts say.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)

FILE PHOTO: Logo of Airbus is pictured at the aircraft builder’s headquarters of Airbus in Colomiers near Toulouse

Airliner Skids, Breaks Open in Istanbul; 3 Dead, 179 Injured

February 5, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

ISTANBUL (AP) — A Turkish airliner skidded off a runway, crashed into a ditch and broke apart while landing in bad weather in Istanbul Wednesday, killing three people and injuring dozens more. Passengers had to scramble through the split fuselage to escape.

The aircraft, operated by low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines, was arriving at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen airport from the western Turkish city of Izmir with 183 passengers and crew on board when it had what the Transportation Ministry described as a “rough landing.”

Istanbul Gov. Ali Yerlikaya said the plane failed to “hold onto the runway” and skidded some 50-60 meters (yards) before it dropped into the ditch from a height of about 30 meters (98 feet.)

“We are deeply saddened … (But) we are very happy that we escaped a greater accident,” Yerlikaya said, adding that the plane could have burst into flames.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca reported early Thursday that three people had died and 179 required care at multiple hospitals.

Emergency workers, assisted by an excavator, recovered one body from beneath the wreckage before the rescue mission ended.

The airport was shut down after the incident, which occurred at around 6:30 p.m. local time (1530 GMT), and flights were diverted to Istanbul’s main airport.

Click the link for the full story! https://apnews.com/f7a089322c96a26dfde4bb5c0ac30b1f

India Renews Plan to Sell Off Air India

January 27, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

The Indian government is in the market to sell its stake of Air India – and on Monday set a March 17 deadline for initial expressions of interest.

Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group and US-based fund Interups are already reported to be submitting theirs.

It’s not the first attempt at a sale: in 2018 the government failed to divest 76 per cent of the airline, and with it over five billion dollars of debt.

Air India workers protested ….

And potential bidders opted out because of stringent conditions attached – such as retaining all employees.

This time, the government has indicated, it’s open to revising some provisions.

Though bidders must assume liabilities, including debt at just under 3.3 billion dollars.

And substantial ownership and control must remain with an Indian entity.

The sale might face opposition from within prime minister Narendra Modi’s ruling BJP Party – one lawmaker describes the deal as quote ‘anti-national’.

But if successful, the buyer gets over 7,000 landing slots in India and overseas …

Together with the carrier’s low-cost arm and a stake in its cargo and ground-handling operations.

As for staff, Air India currently has around 13,000 permanent and contract personnel on its books …

Including 1,850 pilots.

Brazil’s GOL Sees 737 MAX Flying by April, Compensation Talks Ongoing

January 21, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

DUBLIN (Reuters) – Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL, which has 130 of Boeing’s grounded 737 MAX jets on order, expects to be flying the jet by April and hopes to secure a compensation deal within months, chief financial officer Richard Lark said on Monday.

“We at GOL are planning April” for the jet’s return to service, Lark told journalists. He said he expected to finalize a deal with Boeing within months that would “make investors whole” for losses associated with the delivery delays.

(Reporting by Conor Humphries; editing by David Evans)

FILE PHOTO: An employee works near a Boeing 737 Max aircraft at Boeing’s 737 Max production facility in Renton

JetBlue to Become Carbon Neutral in 2020

January 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – JetBlue Airways Corp on Monday said it plans to become carbon neutral on all domestic flights by July 2020 and would use an alternative fuel source for flights leaving from San Francisco amid rising pressure to cut greenhouse emissions.

The aviation industry has been trying to combat climate change by trying to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050 compared with 2005 levels and sees the emergence of lower-carbon biofuels as a vital step towards meeting this goal.

The industry’s plan rests on a mix of alternative fuel, improved operations such as direct flight paths, new planes and other technologies.

JetBlue in its attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will favor renewable sources and will start using sustainable aviation fuel in mid-2020 on flights from San Francisco International Airport.

“By offsetting all of our domestic flying, we’re preparing our business for the lower-carbon economy that aviation – and all sectors – must plan for,” Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes said in a statement.

JetBlue declined to give details about the cost of the exercise. It did not disclose if any other airports will be a part of the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable-fuel, derived from sustainable oil crops or from wood and waste biomass, would have the single largest impact in reducing emissions from each flight by around 80%, but is in short supply, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

(Reporting by Sanjana Shivdas in Bengaluru; Editing by Amy Caren Daniel and Aditya Soni)

A JetBlue aircraft comes in to land at Long Beach Airport in Long Beach

Toyota to Build Prototype City of the Future in Japan

January 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, speaks at a news conference, where he announced Toyota’s plans to build a prototype city of the future on a 175-acre site at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, during the 2020 CES in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp <TM> said on Monday it plans to build a prototype “city of the future” at the base of Japan’s Mt. Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and functioning as a laboratory for autonomous cars, “smart homes,” artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Toyota unveiled the plan at CES, the big technology industry show. The development, to be built at the site of a factory that is planned to be closed, will be called “Woven City” – a reference to Toyota’s start as a loom manufacturing company – and will serve as a home to full-time residents and researchers.

Toyota did not disclose costs for the project.

Executives at many major automakers have talked about how cities of the future could be designed to cut climate-changing emissions from vehicles and buildings, reduce congestion and apply internet technology to everyday life. But Toyota’s plan to build a futuristic community on 175 acres (71 hectares)near Mt. Fuji is a big step beyond what rivals have proposed.

The proposal highlights not only Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda’s ambition, but also the financial and political resources Toyota can bring to bear, especially in its home country.

Toyota expects 2,000 people will live at the city initially, with construction slated to start next year. Toyoda called the project “my personal ‘field of dreams.’

“You know if you build it, they will come.”

Toyota said it has commissioned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the community. Ingels’ firm designed the 2 World Trade Center building in New York and Google’s offices in Silicon Valley and London.

Toyota said it is open to partnerships with other companies that want to use the project as a testing ground for technology.

(Reporting by Jane Lanhee Lee and David Shepardson; Writing by Joe White; Editing by Dan Grebler)

Watch the 30 second Woven City YouTube video by clicking HERE!

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