Tag: Columbus

U.S. Army awards Airbus contract for helicopter modernization

August 21, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Arlington, Virginia – The U.S. Army awarded Airbus (OTC: EADSY) a $27.8 million contract to upgrade the Army National Guard Security & Support Battalion Mission Equipment Package (MEP).

Upgrades to the MEP expand the UH-72A Lakota’s capabilities to conduct day and night operations by providing an advanced moving map, enhanced digital interfaces, new monitors, an airborne mission management system and other system improvements.

MEP equipped UH-72As are specifically designed to execute National Guard operations across a range of missions including domestic operations, counter-drug and border security.

The Army contract will retrofit up to 50 Security & Support Battalion aircraft deployed throughout the United States. There are currently 107 in the fleet.

These aircraft will be modified at Airbus’ Columbus, Mississippi helicopter production facility, where more than 480 UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota, based on the H145, have been delivered to the US Army since 2006.

The contract will be managed by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. Operating under a Special Security Agreement, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. offers world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor, and fixed wing solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements.

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.

Airbus Delivers First UH-72B Lakota Helicopter to U.S. Army National Guard

September 7, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Columbus, Mississippi, 07 September 2021 – Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has delivered the first UH-72B, the latest variant of its Lakota helicopter, to the U.S. Army National Guard from its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi. This delivery is the first of 18 UH-72B Lakota helicopters currently on order to support the National Guard’s critical missions.

The UH-72B is the latest iteration of the proven commercial, off-the-shelf aircraft that has been the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter since the first Lakota contract award in 2006. The Army is leveraging the benefits of a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) program by receiving product improvements and enhancements through the evolution of the aircraft, without investing any government money into the development of those capabilities.

Based on the widely successful H145, the UH-72B incorporates technologies that increase both safety and flight performance, including the five-bladed main rotor, the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, Safran Arriel 2E engines, and the Airbus-designed Helionix avionics suite. The Helionix suite includes an advanced dual-duplex, four-axis autopilot to provide flight envelope and over-limit protection, automated takeoff, and fully-coupled approaches to hover.

With nearly 10 different configurations available, the Lakota delivers proven performance, outstanding operational reliability, and unmatched versatility for a broad spectrum of military missions. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. builds the Lakota at its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, which employs a workforce of nearly 250 employees that is made up of 40% U.S. veterans.

Garmin Honored with Consecutive On-Time Delivery Awards from Airbus Helicopters

January 20, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced it has received a 2020 On-Time Delivery Award from Airbus Helicopters, Inc. for its efficient performance related to product delivery. Garmin avionics are available as standard on select Airbus Helicopters, including the H125, H130, H135 and H145.

Each year, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. recognizes suppliers who stand out in performance, competitiveness and reliability. This is the second year in a row Garmin has won the On-Time Delivery Award for commitment and timeliness in delivering avionics to fulfill Airbus Helicopters Inc. production lines and customer orders.

“We are once again very proud to be recognized by Airbus with this prestigious award for our commitment to serve them and our mutual customers with the on-time delivery of our products,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president aviation sales and marketing. “To again receive this award is truly humbling and ultimately would not be possible without the dedication of our entire Garmin team, in addition to the gratifying strategic relationship with Airbus Helicopters.”

Garmin avionics are available as standard on the Airbus H125, including the G500H TXi flight display,
GTN^™ 650 touchscreen navigator, GNC 255 nav/comm, GMA^™ 350c audio panel and the GTX^™ 335R remote-mount ADS-B Out transponder. The GTN 750, GNC 255 and GTX 335R are also available as standard on the H130, while the H135/H145 feature the GTN 750 and Flight Stream 510 as standard equipment.

This marks the third consecutive year Garmin has received an award from Airbus Helicopters, Inc. In 2018, Garmin was also recognized by Airbus Helicopters, Inc. as the Supplier of Excellence for its unmatched responsiveness and competitiveness in its support of the UH-72A Lakota helicopter program, and for its overall support at the Airbus Helicopters Inc. final assembly and completion center in Columbus, Miss.

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

Delta Offers Seattle Customers More Options This Summer

March 2, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

New service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus, Ohio, on fuel-efficient Airbus A220s.
Expanded service to 12 U.S. cities.
Delta will operate daily service to London-Heathrow, Europe’s top international market, in 2021.
70% of flights on larger, mainline aircraft, enhancing customer comfort and experience with seat-back entertainment and WiFi.
Upgraded, next-generation aircraft in top business and leisure markets.

Delta is committed to offering Seattle customers more options for summer travel than ever before with the launch of new, three-times daily service to Dallas/Fort Worth, new nonstop service to Columbus, Ohio, and expanded service to 12 popular destinations: Anchorage; Atlanta; Austin; Boise, Idaho; Boston; Bozeman, Mont.; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Orlando; Spokane, Wash.; Tampa; and Washington-Dulles.

These additions mean Delta will offer 190 daily departures to 56 destinations this summer from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Dallas/Fort Worth marks Delta’s second Texas destination from Sea-Tac, building on the Austin service launched in 2017.

As Seattle’s global carrier, Delta plans to launch nonstop service to London-Heathrow in 2021. The route expands the airline’s lead of offering the most global destinations from Seattle than any other airline, with London joining Delta’s existing nine international markets. The service also complements partner Virgin Atlantic’s twice-daily service and offers customers the choice of three daily flights.

“Our customers’ demand for new destinations, award-winning service, commitment to seat-back entertainment and superior reliability are what drives Delta’s continued growth in Seattle,” said Tony Gonchar, Delta’s Vice President — Seattle. “With our extensive partner service from Seattle on Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Korean Air and Aeromexico, customers can expect a seamless journey across the globe.”

New summer destinations and expanded service for Seattleites

Delta’s overall domestic summer service from Seattle includes top leisure and business destinations.

Starting June 8, Delta will launch:

Three daily flights to Dallas/Fort Worth
New daily flight to Columbus, Ohio
A second flight to Austin
A second flight to Orlando

These flights to Dallas, Columbus and Austin will operate on Airbus A220 aircraft; the Orlando service will operate on a Boeing 737-900. The schedules will operate as follows:

Flight	Departs	Arrives
Dallas/Fort Worth-Seattle (new service)	7:15 a.m.	9:30 a.m.
Dallas/Fort Worth-Seattle (new service)	2 p.m.	4:15 p.m.
Dallas/Fort Worth-Seattle (new service)	5:30 p.m.	7:45 p.m.
Seattle-Dallas/Fort Worth (new service)	7:30 a.m.	1:30 p.m.
Seattle-Dallas/Fort Worth (new service)	10:45 a.m.	4:45 p.m.
Seattle-Dallas/Fort Worth (new service)	5:30 p.m.	11:30 p.m.

Columbus-Seattle (new service)	7:15 a.m.	9:25 a.m.
Seattle-Columbus (new service)	10:30 p.m.	6 a.m.

Austin-Seattle (existing flight)	6:30 a.m.	8:57 a.m.
Austin-Seattle (added frequency)	3:20 p.m.	5:45 p.m.
Seattle-Austin (added frequency)	8:30 a.m.	2:40 p.m.
Seattle-Austin (existing flight)	6:20 p.m.	0:24 a.m.

Orlando-Seattle (existing flight)	7 a.m.	10:27 a.m.
Orlando-Seattle (added frequency)	7 p.m.	10:10 p.m.
Seattle-Orlando (existing flight)	9:30 a.m.	5:49 p.m.
Seattle-Orlando (added frequency)	10:30 p.m.	6:55 a.m.

These new offerings join more service expansions previously announced, including:

Tampa service beginning in March
A fourth daily flight to Boston
A second flight to Kansas City and Washington, D.C. (IAD) beginning this summer
Twice daily flights to Bozeman, Mont.
More flights and seats to Anchorage, Atlanta, Boise, Las Vegas, and Spokane, Wash., including a convenient evening service for Atlanta business travelers

Delta Increases Service Between Atlanta and Key Regional Airports Throughout Georgia

November 4, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta is deepening its investment in communities throughout its hometown state of Georgia with more flying from Albany, Brunswick, Columbus and Valdosta to the airline’s Atlanta hub. Each market will see one additional daily frequency to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport beginning next spring, increasing seat capacity to and from these Georgia communities by 35 percent in 2020.

“With more than 200 destinations served from Hartsfield-Jackson, including recently added nonstop service to destinations including Havana, Seoul and Shanghai, these communities now have even more connections across the globe while supporting economic development here at home,” said Joe Esposito, Senior Vice President — Network Planning.

Delta will add a fourth peak-day round-trip from Albany, Brunswick and Valdosta and a fifth peak-day round-trip from Columbus.

The additional Brunswick flight will begin on May 22, 2020; while the increased flying to and from Albany, Columbus and Valdosta will start on June 8, 2020. Delta Connection carrier SkyWest will operate the Albany and Valdosta flights and three of the four Brunswick frequencies, all on Canadair regional jet aircraft. Delta Connection carrier Endeavor Air will operate the Columbus flights as well as the remaining Brunswick frequency, which will upgrade to a 2-class CRJ-900 aircraft.

“With roots in Georgia dating back to 1924, Delta Air Lines has helped put our state on the map as a gateway to the global economy,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp. “Delta serves 80 percent of key U.S. destinations within a two-hour flight from Atlanta, and as these new flights begin operating, they will open new doors for economic growth in every corner of our state. I am grateful for Delta’s partnership and their continued investment in Georgia.”

Delta has long called Atlanta home and today operates more than 1,000 peak-day departures from its ATL hub. The airline employs tens of thousands of Georgians – it’s among the state’s top private employers – and contributes millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to charities and organizations throughout the metro area.

Flight schedules are as follows:

Warren Buffett’s NetJets, Union Reach Pilot Labor Pact

January 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – NetJets, the luxury plane unit of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc, has extended its contract with its pilots union by three years, avoiding the type of bitter labor dispute that it had with the union earlier this decade.

The tentative contract with the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, which represents 2,500 pilots, boosts pay, changes the compensation structure, and expires in 2026.

NetJets and the union said in a joint statement on Thursday that the accord followed six weeks of talks, which the Columbus, Ohio-based company began though the pilots’ 2015 contract wasn’t scheduled to expire until 2023.

More than 81 percent of the pilots voted last month in favor of the changes.

“The NJASAP Executive Board is exceedingly pleased with the outcome of this negotiation — an ambitious undertaking characterized by honesty, goodwill and a genuine commitment to continuing collaboration,” said union president, Pedro Leroux.

The contract was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal. Berkshire did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

NetJets’ labor peace contrasts with more than two years of contentious relations with the union that ended in 2015, after Adam Johnson was installed as chief executive.

The union, then also led by Leroux, had accused NetJets of trying to slash jobs, obtain givebacks on health care and work rules, and bait pilots through bogus Twitter posts to conduct work slowdowns that could result in their being fired.

In contrast, Johnson said on Thursday the contract extension was “built on a foundation of trust and transparency.”

Berkshire employed more than 377,000 people at the end of 2017, and most are not unionized.

Buffett, who flies on NetJets planes, told shareholders at Berkshire’s 2015 annual meeting: “We have no anti-union agenda whatsoever, and we think we have sensational pilots.”

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum)

In other NetJet news, Just in time for the winter ski season, we are excited to announce a partnership with Caldera House. Through this partnership, NetJets Owners can take advantage of exclusive benefits at Jackson Hole’s newest luxury hotel.

Click the link below for the full story!

https://www.netjets.com/en-us/caldera-house-private-jet-travel-jackson-hole

Archives