Tag: cockpit (Page 1 of 5)

Lufthansa City Airlines to start flight operations in Summer 2024

October 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

October 25, 2023 – Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) newly established City Airlines will start flight operations in the summer of 2024. The airline was founded last year and received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the German Federal Aviation Authority back in June. It will operate its flights from the Munich and Frankfurt hubs and thus also offer feeder flights for Lufthansa. City Airlines will operate alongside Lufthansa CityLine. Recruitment of operational staff will begin in November 2023, with pilots and cabin crew members needed for the launch.

The competitive strengthening of the short-haul network is essential for the market position of Lufthansa Group and for the planned growth of the long-haul segment in the German market.

In order to position City Airlines for the long term, English-speaking pilots are also being considered in the recruitment process for cockpit roles. Applicants with prior experience will be given preference during hiring. For Group employees interested in switching to City Airlines, offers with voluntary switching conditions can be negotiated. This includes Lufthansa CityLine staff in particular.

Talks with the social partners to agree on conditions for competitive and secure jobs have already begun.

Lufthansa customers and passengers can look forward to a Lufthansa customer experience on board City Airlines aircraft. While City Airlines will start operations with Airbus A319 aircraft, Lufthansa Group is currently also evaluating the possibility of using Airbus A220 or Embraer aircraft.

Beautiful scenic of mountain and cloudscape seen from above.

Boeing showcases F-15EX for Poland’s air defense

September 7, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Kielce, Poland, September 7, 2023 – Boeing (NYSE: BA) is showcasing the F‑15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft to Poland as a potential U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales program. The announcement was made at the annual MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition where Boeing is highlighting advanced defense systems, capabilities and services.

Boeing has made significant investments in the F-15EX making it the most capable multirole fighter aircraft in production today. The aircraft offers improved survivability and capability with:

fly-by-wire flight controls,
a new electronic warfare system,
an all-glass digital cockpit,
the latest mission systems and software capabilities,
as well as the ability to carry advanced hypersonic weapons.

The F-15EX is in production with two aircraft delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Indonesia recently became the 8th country to select the F-15 and will become the first export customer of the latest FX variant when the sale is finalized.

Boeing has been present in Poland for more than 30 years. With headquarters in Warsaw, Boeing Digital Solutions & Analytics operations in Gdańsk and Parts & Distribution Services in Rzeszow, Boeing employs more than 1,000 people in Poland and is currently establishing strong engineering capability in all of its three locations. In addition to its growing footprint in-country, Boeing is an important partner of the Polish aviation industry and has strong relationships with local communities, industry, airlines, Polish Government and the Polish Armed Forces.

Indonesia Ministry of Defense Visit, Republic of Indonesia; TNI Lieutenant General (Purn) Prabowo Subianto tours F-15EX Production in Building 101; F-15 Static Display in Building 75 and Ceremonial Statement Signing in Building 100 Prologue Room - St. Louis, MO. MSF23-036 Series.

Indonesia Announces Commitment to Acquire Boeing F-15EX

August 21, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, August 21, 2023 – The Republic of Indonesia and Boeing (NYSE: BA) shared their commitment to finalize the sale of 24 F-15EX aircraft to Indonesia, subject to U.S. government approval, during a visit of Indonesia’s Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto to the United States.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, Head of Defense Facilities Agency, Indonesia Ministry of Defense, and Mark Sears, Boeing Fighters vice president and program manager, took place today at the company’s St. Louis facility following a tour of the F-15EX production line.

The F-15EX is the most advanced version of the F-15 ever built, with digital fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system, an all-glass digital cockpit, and the latest mission systems and software capabilities, which will all be leveraged in delivering the new F-15IDN.

Boeing and Indonesia have worked in partnership for nearly 75 years to support the development of aerospace and defense capabilities in the country through training, supply chain development and collaborations. Today, Boeing’s presence in Indonesia covers commercial aviation, defense, space, supply chain, academia partnerships and talent development efforts across the local industry.

Currently the F-15 is operated by seven countries around the world.

The First Pilatus PC-12 NGX is Flying in Japan Now!

July 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

The first Pilatus PC-12 NGX has been handed over to OpenSky Inc., the Japanese “Private Jet Membership” company. From now on, the single-engine turboprop with its unique Asian-style design will carry passengers to destinations all over Japan.

It was already evening when the PC-12 NGX arrived at the airport in the Japanese megacity of Osaka after its ferry flight from Switzerland. Even though no information was published in advance, numerous plane spotters outside the airport were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the “Swiss Made” PC-12 NGX.

PC-12 NGX and PC-24

With the cutting-edge PC-12 NGX and one PC-24, OpenSky Inc. serves a discerning clientele, offering a unique travel experience which stands out from the competition in terms of both product and service. The Japanese operator additionally took delivery of a PC-24 Super Versatile Jet this year, which it will also use to offer business flights. In addition, the company has placed an order for a second PC-24 which will be delivered in fall 2024.

About the PC-12 NGX

The PC-12 NGX features an all-new interior by BMW Designworks, larger cabin windows inspired by the PC-24 and passenger seats which convert to a flat bed. The new PT6 E-Series engine by Pratt & Whitney Canada is equipped with an electronic propeller and engine control system. New avionics functions by Honeywell such as touchscreen control, tactile feedback and “propeller low speed” mode as well as fully integrated automatic thrust management (autothrottle) are just a few of the features in the new cockpit.

STARLUX Launches Widebody Fleet with First Airbus A330neo

February 21, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France February 21, 2022 – Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has taken delivery of its first widebody aircraft – an A330-900. It is the first of 26 Airbus (OTC: EADSY) widebodies set to join the airline’s fleet, comprising eight A330neo and 18 A350’s.

The A330neo aircraft and one A350 are being acquired on lease from ALC, while the airline has 17 A350s on direct order with Airbus. Benefiting from the A330neo’s unbeatable operating economics and award-winning Airspace cabin, the aircraft will feature a two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats.

The A330neo joins an existing fleet of seven single-aisle A321neo at the airline, and will complement the airline’s network by flying regional routes from Taiwan to the wider Asia-Pacific.

At the same time, STARLUX has also signed up for the computer-based ACE (Airbus Cockpit Experience) Suite training solution. Using a “learning by discovery” approach, STARLUX’s flying crew will be able to use the ACE Trainer that simulates a 3D Cockpit environment with guided lessons and free play.

ACE Suite offers an efficient learning process that also provides customers with significant time savings off high-level devices training. Users can enjoy better knowledge retention and continuous skills reinforcement. ACE Suite is approved by EASA and in line with ICAO regulations.

China Airlines Becomes New Operator of Airbus A321neo

November 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Taipei, 30 November 2021 – China Airlines (CAL) has become the latest operator of the A321neo, following the delivery of its first aircraft of the type, on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC, NYSE: AL).

The aircraft operated with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF provides a reduction of up to 80% in carbon emissions over its lifecycle, compared to traditional jet fuel.

The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and seats 180 passengers in a two-class layout. The A321neo incorporates the Airbus Cabin Flex, which enables optimal use of space by relocating various fixtures and fittings, providing the highest levels of passenger comfort.

CAL’s A321neo will be able to fly on routes of up to seven hours from Taipei.

CAL’s A321neos also come with a Cargo Loading System that enables container cargo operations, further reinforcing the airline and Taipei’s position as a global air freight hub.

Altogether CAL will acquire 25 A321neo aircraft, comprising 11 directly ordered from Airbus and 14 under lease agreements. The A321neo will form the core of CAL’s single-aisle fleet and offers cockpit commonality with CAL’s existing A330 and A350 aircraft.

The A321neo is a member of the A320neo Family, which offers the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky and incorporates the latest technologies, including new-generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat.

At the end of October 2021, the A320neo Family had won more than 7,500 firm orders from over 120 customers worldwide.

Phoenix Police Department to Upgrade Fleet with New Airbus H125 Helicopters

September 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Grand Prairie, Texas, 16 September 2021 – The Phoenix Police Department has signed a new order to upgrade its airborne law enforcement helicopter fleet with five new H125 helicopters. Deliveries are expected to begin next year.

Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. The H125 accounts for nearly half of all intermediate single engine helicopters delivered for airborne law enforcement missions in North America over the last decade. It is built at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s production and completion facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a team made up of 40% U.S. veterans.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a presence dating back more than 50 years. A team of more than 700 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional in-service fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters.

Air to Air photo_F-15QA FAM Flights, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), Mascoutah, IL. His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Qatar Minister of State for Defense Affairs.

Boeing Unveils F-15 Qatar Advanced Jets

August 25, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 25, 2021 – Boeing [NYSE: BA], in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), celebrated the naming and rollout of Qatar’s advanced F-15, the F-15QA.

The first set of F-15QA jets will ferry to Qatar later this year following the completion of pre-delivery pilot training.

Boeing has been providing maintenance and logistics support for the QEAF during pre-delivery pilot training, which began earlier this year. In addition, Boeing will establish and operate an aircrew and maintenance training center for the QEAF at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar through 2024 while also providing in-country spares and logistics support once aircraft are delivered.

Textron Launches Data Communications Program to Support Legacy Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign Aircraft

August 18, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 18, 2021) – Textron Aviation and Honeywell Aerospace are developing an exclusive program for Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft equipped with the Honeywell PRIMUS EPIC integrated cockpit to allow pilots to communicate more easily with air traffic controllers and utilize the most current Data Link services offered in North America and Europe. The aircraft upgrade is expected to be available in mid-2022.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

Future Air Navigation System (FANS) Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) Protected Mode CPDLC (PM-CPDLC) replace the traditional voice communications used by pilots and controllers with data/text messaging for many standard operating procedures, allowing pilots to communicate with air traffic control with the touch of a button. This increases pilot heads-up time, frees up VHF voice communication bandwidth for more critical communications, and significantly reduces voice readback errors. CPDLC is similar to SMS text messaging used on your personal cell phone but uses prescribed text messages that enable pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) to quickly and accurately request and authorize clearances and flight plan changes.

The FANS 1/A+ and Protected Mode CPDLC program features:

Ease of operation by quickly and accurately loading complex instructions into the aircraft flight management system with the push of a button
Support for future FAA Next Gen Data Com capabilities
Trajectory-based operations
Improved re-routing of aircraft around severe weather events and traffic congestion
Prioritized departure clearances that can save several minutes of wait time before takeoff

Aircraft operating in continental Europe will also be able to use PM-CPDLC to obtain equivalent benefits of ATC prioritization, delay avoidance, and optimal flight durations.

Textron Aviation’s collaboration with Honeywell on this project enables a cost-effective solution for customers for modernizing the Data Link capabilities of these important aircraft and reduces the certification and installation time. As the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft, Textron Aviation can offer the OEM-certified upgrade to the PRIMUS EPIC avionics suite that maintains the system integrity as originally certified. Installation can be completed at any domestic or international Textron Aviation service center.

Embraer Phenom 300 is World’s Best Selling Light Jet for Ninth Consecutive Year

February 24, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Melbourne, Florida, February 24, 2021 – For the ninth consecutive year, the Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) Phenom 300 series has become the world’s best-selling light jet according to numbers released today by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Embraer delivered 50 Phenom 300 series light jets in 2020, making it the most delivered light jet of the year. This is the ninth consecutive year that the Phenom 300 series has achieved this milestone, having accrued more than 590 deliveries since entering the market in December 2009. In 2020, the Phenom 300 series was also the most delivered jet model out of all twinjets in the market.

Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 series is in operation in more than 30 countries and has accumulated more than one million flight hours. Embraer is continuously investing in the competitiveness of the Phenom 300E with enhancements to its comfort, technology, performance, and operational efficiency resulting in the highest residual value in the market.

In January of 2020, Embraer announced the new and enhanced Phenom 300E, followed by its ANAC, EASA and FAA approval in March, achieving triple-certification. The first delivery of the new and enhanced Phenom 300E occurred in June of 2020.

With its unparalleled technology, exceptional comfort, and stunning performance, the Phenom 300E sets the highest standard of excellence in the light jet category. In terms of performance, the new, enhanced Phenom 300E is even faster, capable of reaching Mach 0.80, becoming the fastest single-pilot jet in production, and able to deliver high-speed cruise of 464 knots, and a five-occupant range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) with NBAA IFR reserves.

Additional technology enhancements include an avionics upgrade, featuring a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS) ― the first technology of its kind to be developed and certified in business aviation ― as well as 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. Named for the Brazilian style of jazz music, and Portuguese for “new trend,” the optional Bossa Nova edition encompasses a package of Embraer’s latest interior developments, with features such as carbon fiber accents and Embraer’s exclusive Ipanema sew style. It is also the first of the Phenom 300 series to feature piano black surfaces.

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