Tag: continental (Page 1 of 4)

Embraer E195-E2 receives steep approach certification for London City Airport

November 11, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil, November 10, 2023 – The Embraer SA (NYSE: ERJ) most advanced jet aircraft the E195-E2, has received certification for Steep Approach into London City Airport from EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). This achievement is a significant development, allowing airlines to operate the E195-E2 at London City Airport (LCY), known for its challenging approach and short runway. Together with the E190-E2, which received Steep Approach certification in 2021, both members of the E2 family are now approved for operations from LCY.

The certification process highlighted the E195-E2’s impressive noise reduction among new generation single-aisle aircraft. It surpasses the requirements of ICAO’s strict Chapter 14 regulation, thereby offering a significantly quieter flying experience compared to the previous E195 model. The E195-E2’s noise footprint at take-off is around 60% smaller than current jet aircraft, such as the E190, and will bring benefits to local residents in terms of noise reductions. The E195-E2’s environmental performance extends beyond noise reduction. The aircraft delivers reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency compared to previous generation aircraft. In 2022, Embraer and Pratt & Whitney demonstrated a successful test flight of an E195-E2 aircraft using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which could push the emissions reduction up to 85% in future.

During a proving flight, the E195-E2 first landed at the airport in July 2022. LCY, London’s most central airport, caters to both business and leisure passengers, offering quick access to continental Europe, making it a preferred choice for short-haul flights. The airport is a vital component of London’s wider connectivity and Embraer aircraft are uniquely able to manage the challenges of LCY operations, with Embraer aircraft accounting for a large proportion of LCY operations on routes as diverse as Edinburgh and Mykonos. To serve LCY, aircraft must comply with the steep approach, short runway, and stringent noise regulations. The E195-E2 could replace the current E190 fleet that existing airlines currently operate at LCY.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Maersk launches rail offering from Barcelona, Spain to Southern France

October 8, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Barcelona, Spain – AP Moeller-Maersk AS (OTC: AMKBY) is launching a new rail product from the Port of Barcelona to Southern France especially designed to cut transit times of ocean cargo destined to the areas Toulouse, Bordeaux and Lyon by using Barcelona as an alternative gateway. Starting early November there will be three weekly direct block trains between Barcelona and Toulouse as well as one weekly connection between Barcelona and Lyon. Via Toulouse the solution also connects cargo to Bordeaux seamlessly by using a partner network. Furthermore, it is intended to extend the connectivity on the Spanish side by rail to the areas of Tarragona and Zaragoza.

This new offering can shorten transit times for import and export cargo in the areas Toulouse, Bordeaux and Lyon by up to 12 days (7 days on average) compared to traditional routings via French or North European ports. Thanks to shorter transport distances and the utilisation of electrified trains it can also be a more environmentally friendly routing. The block trains can also be booked for intra-continental cargo between Spain and France.

Maersk is operating this new end to end service via its own company APM Spain Railways and cooperates for the trains with the partners Captrain and Naviland.

Thanks to brand new interoperable locomotives, the block trains neither have to stop to change the locomotive or replace wheel-sets at the Spanish-French border for seamless operations and best-in-class reliability.

Canadian Government orders 4 new Airbus A330 MRTT’s

July 27, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Getafe, Spain / Ottawa, Canada – 25 July 2023 – The Government of Canada has awarded Airbus (OTC: EADSY) Defence and Space with a contract for four newly-built Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT) and for the conversion of five used A330-200s in a quest to strengthen Canada’s continental defence capabilities. The current contract has an order value of approximately CAD $3 billion or 2.1€ billion (excluding taxes).

Known as the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC), this new fleet of aircraft will replace the ageing CC-150 Polaris (A310 MRTT), operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The existing A310 fleet is being used to perform air-to-air refuelling operations, military and personnel and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, as well as strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.

The newly-built A330-200s will be assembled at the A330 aircraft Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, France. Scheduled to enter into conversion at A330 MRTT facilities in Getafe, Spain, in mid-2025, the first MRTT will be delivered to the RCAF in 2027.

Under the agreement, the A330 MRTTs will be equipped with both the hose and drogue and a boom as refuelling options, cybersecurity solutions and countermeasures. All of them could be installed with the also included Airbus Medical Evacuation kit solution, consisting of 2 Intensive Care Units and additional stretchers.

The contract covers a full suite of training services including the most advanced training devices such as the Full Flight Simulator to prepare and maintain crew readiness as part of the modernisation of the Canadian Armed Forces’ air operational training infrastructure.

Following an open procurement process, in April 2021, Airbus was selected as the only qualified supplier for the CC-150 tanker replacement. With 76 orders from 15 customers and able to carry up to 300 troops, the A330 MRTT accumulates 90 percent market share outside the U.S.A. and more than 270,000 flight hours. As a mature platform, the aircraft has been proven in combat in theatres of operations like the Middle East and the Eastern Flank in Europe, with interoperability, mission success and availability rates as highlights of its performance.

QANTAS Says Buongiorno with Direct Flights Between Australia and Italy

December 14, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas will reignite its love affair with Rome, adding direct flights from Australia to the eternal city from the middle of next year. From 22 June 2022, Qantas will operate the only direct service between Australia and continental Europe, flying three return Sydney-Perth-Rome flights per week to meet demand over the European holiday peak season.

The new flight will cut more than three hours off the current fastest travel time to Rome using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with cabins designed specifically for long haul travel.

Customers will be able to combine Qantas’ Rome flights with its double-daily direct flights between Australia and London, meaning they will be able to fly in and out of different cities on one return ticket through to October 2022.

The Rome service will also give customers another option for reaching onward destinations across the Mediterranean and southern Europe through Qantas’ network of partners.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said strong travel demand since borders re-opened had given the Flying Kangaroo confidence to explore new destinations as travelers look to make up for lost time.

The new route is expected to entice more visitors to Western Australia and Qantas will partner with Tourism Western Australia to boost inbound tourism from Europe into Perth and regional WA, as well as promote Perth as an ideal stopover for Australians travelling to Europe from the east coast.

Qantas recently started new flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi and re-started a number of existing routes from Sydney and Melbourne to destinations including Los Angeles, London and Singapore.

Fares for the new Sydney-Perth-Rome flights go on sale today starting from $1785 return. Qantas will operate two Points Planes (bookable until 21 December 2021) for Frequent Flyers with every seat in every cabin available to book as a reward seat on the inaugural flight to Rome on 22 June and on the first flight departing Rome on 23 June.

The seasonal route will operate from 22 June until 6 October. Qantas will offer connections to 16 destinations in Europe including Athens, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Nice, Madrid and Paris and 15 destinations within Italy including Milan and Venice.

Embraer Celebrates London City Airport Clearance for E190-E2

June 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

In an important milestone for the E2 programme, the first of Embraer’s E2 family, the E190-E2, has been certified for Steep Approach; a requirement to operate at London City Airport (LCY). EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification was granted on 11th May.

London City Airport sits on the doorstep of the city’s global financial district and is known as a premier business airport, but also as a key short-haul hub for destinations in continental Europe because of its convenience and speedy passenger experience. However, its location means operating aircraft must be compatible with the airport’s steep approach and short runway; meeting strict noise regulations for the surrounding communities.

In certification testing, EASA figures confirmed the E190-E2 has the lowest noise levels among all new generation single aisle aircraft and will be the only jet operating at LCY certified to ICAO’s strict Chapter 14 regulation. The new aircraft’s wings, engines, and systems make the aircraft significantly quieter than the previous E190; for communities around LCY this means the E190-E2 noise footprint at takeoff is 63% smaller than current E190s operating from LCY.

The E190-E2’s environmental credentials go much further than its quieter operation. The aircraft is 17% more efficient than its predecessor in fuel burn and emissions, while at the same time dramatically improving performance – range from LCY has nearly doubled with the E190-E2 to over 4000KM, bringing destinations such as Istanbul, Casablanca, and Moscow into range.

Steep approach certification, which enables increased descent angles of up to 5.5 degrees, reduces noise pollution for the surrounding communities. The system is enabled using a special software upgrade and the installation of a corresponding ‘Steep Approach’ switch on the cockpit control panel. Due to the cockpit commonality between the E190 and the E190-E2, pilots already cleared for LCY operation need no simulator based steep approach training.

Southwest Airlines Announces Winter Sale Fares as Low as $49 One-Way

December 8, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) launched a fare sale today through Dec. 10, 2020, 11:59 p.m., Central Time. Customers can coast their way to a winter getaway for continental U.S. travel Dec. 29, 2020, through April 11, 2021.

Fly to Chicago (Midway) or Chicago (O’Hare)—beginning Feb. 14, 2021—and grab some deep-dish pizza in the Windy City, or simply feel the warmth of the sun by heading to one of our warmer destinations in Florida or Hawaii. Take time this Valentine’s Day to enjoy our low fares, legendary Hospitality, and friendly policies and book now at Southwest.com.

Seats, days, and markets are limited. Blackout dates and 21-day advance purchase requirements apply. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below and at Southwest.com. Examples of one-way low fares include:

– As low as $49 one-way nonstop between Baltimore/Washington and Pittsburgh

– As low as $79 one-way nonstop between Charleston and Fort Lauderdale

– As low as $89 one-way nonstop between Nashville and Chicago (O’Hare)

– As low as $99 one-way nonstop between Memphis and Chicago (Midway)

– As low as $99 one-way nonstop between Oakland/San Jose and Honolulu (Oahu)

– As low as $128 one-way nonstop between San Diego and Honolulu (Oahu)

Ford GT Heritage Edition Celebrate Storied 1966 Daytona Win

August 20, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition inspired by the GT40 MK II’s 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental race victory!

– Ford Performance unveils new Ford GT Heritage Edition inspired by the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental, a stylish Frozen White with exposed carbon fiber and Race Red livery that pays homage to the 55th anniversary of the epic race where Ford achieved its first 24-hour endurance win

– Exclusive Ford GT Studio Collection offers even more exclusivity with unique and widely customizable design features in a limited-availability package for only 40 Ford GT supercars slated for production across the 2021 and 2022 model years

– New 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition and Studio Collection are the pinnacle of Petersen Car Week, which started airing Wednesday on the Petersen Museum’s YouTube channel, which includes highlights include several virtual events featuring 25 hours of original content from manufacturers and enthusiasts, plus automotive lifestyle and auction house activities

The Ford GT is America’s only Le Mans-winning supercar, and taking this pinnacle of Ford Performance even further for 2021, Ford is revealing two new enhancements today – the first-ever Heritage Edition inspired by the original model’s first endurance win at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental race, plus an all-new Studio Collection package offers even more exclusivity and design enhancements.

“For this Heritage Edition, the Ford Performance team went deeper into the Ford GT’s race history and crafted a limited-edition model that stylistically honors the 55th anniversary of the Daytona 24 Hour endurance race that would eventually lead to our successes at Le Mans,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “Plus, for customers who want to highlight the carbon-fiber body and functional cooling ducts that help deliver Le Mans-winning performance, the Ford GT Studio Collection offers another new way GT fans can personalize their supercars.”

The announcement of two new variants of the Ford GT were the highlights at the conclusion of 2020 Petersen Car Week, which started airing Wednesday on the museum’s YouTube channel. The virtual event featured 25 hours of original content from manufacturers and enthusiasts, along with automotive lifestyle and auction house activities.

Click the image below to watch the video!

Alstom Signs First Contract for Battery-Electric Regional Trains in Germany

February 6, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom will manufacture, deliver and maintain until 2032 eleven Coradia Continental battery-electric trains for regional traffic on the Leipzig-Chemnitz route on behalf of VMS (Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen) and with the support of ZVNL (Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig), the two authorities responsible for this line. The contract is worth approximately €100 million. Following this order, Alstom offers all types of traction systems on the market as well as the full range of emission-free drives, from efficient electric motors to hydrogen fuel cells and advanced battery traction.

In 2014, Alstom had previously signed a contract with VMS for the delivery of 29 Coradia Continental electric regional trains (EMU). In order to bridge the 80 kilometres of non-electrified line between the cities of Chemnitz and Leipzig, the authority requested a battery-electric version (BEMU). The new trains will enter service in 2023. They will be built at Alstom’s German site of Salzgitter, in Lower Saxony. The battery traction sub-system is designed and supplied by Alstom’s traction centre of excellence in Tarbes.

“We are immensely proud to be providing the responsible authorities with a sustainable and perfectly-suited solution. Today, Alstom stands apart in being able to offer any form of emission-free traction currently on the market built into a proven solution. As a responsible company, Alstom has an intense focus on sustainable mobility, offering the best-fitting solutions that make it not only possible, but also cost-effective and attractive,” says Gian Luca Erbacci, Senior Vice President of Alstom Europe.

The Coradia Continental BEMU trains will be similar to those already in service on the Dresden, Riesa and Zwickau routes. The main difference: they will also have high-performance batteries on the roof. The train, based on the proven Coradia Continental, builds on Alstom’s long experience in battery traction, gained with the Coradia iLint, Citadis trams and the Prima H3 locomotive.

The Coradia Continental BEMU has a range of up to 120 kilometres and can be operated under catenary as well as on non-electrified sections. The three-car-trains will be 56 metres long and equipped with 150 seats. They will have a top speed of 160 km/h in battery mode. The capacity of the batteries (high-power lithium-ion) is calculated to ensure catenary-free operation of the line Chemnitz-Leipzig without any sacrifice in performance or comfort.

Alstom’s Coradia range allows operators and transport authorities to offer their passengers regional trains that meet their needs and expectations, while demonstrating exemplary reliability and cost-effectiveness. Alstom has tailored the Coradia range to operate with all available emission-free power systems, from electric to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cells. The latter, the Coradia iLint, powered by fuel cells and offering performance comparable to a diesel train while emitting nothing but water, has been in passenger service in Germany for over a year.

Genesee & Wyoming Announces Completion of Sale to Brookfield Infrastructure and GIC

December 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) today announced the completion of its previously announced sale to affiliates of Brookfield Infrastructure and GIC.

Under the terms of the sale, each issued and outstanding share of G&W common stock converted into the right to receive $112 in cash. As a result of the completion of the sale, G&W’s common stock ceased trading on the NYSE prior to market open today and will no longer be listed for trading on the NYSE.

“This transaction is an excellent outcome for all G&W stakeholders,” said Jack Hellmann, Chief Executive Officer of G&W. “For our customers, employees, and Class I partners, the long-term investment horizon of Brookfield and GIC is perfectly aligned with the long lives of G&W railroad assets. We look forward to building on G&W’s track record of safety, service excellence and commercial growth as we become an important component of a portfolio of global infrastructure assets.”

About Genesee & Wyoming

G&W owns or leases 119 freight railroads organized in locally managed operating regions with 8,000 employees serving 3,000 customers.

G&W’s six North American regions serve 42 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces and include 113 short line and regional freight railroads with more than 13,000 track-miles.
G&W’s Australia Region serves New South Wales, the Northern Territory and South Australia and operates the 1,400-mile Tarcoola-to-Darwin rail line. The Australia Region is 51.1% owned by G&W and 48.9% owned by a consortium of funds and clients managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets.
G&W’s UK/Europe Region includes the U.K.’s largest rail maritime intermodal operator and second-largest freight rail provider, as well as regional rail services in Continental Europe.

G&W subsidiaries and joint ventures also provide rail service at more than 40 major ports, rail-ferry service between the U.S. Southeast and Mexico, transload services, contract coal loading, and industrial railcar switching and repair. For more information, please visit www.gwrr.com.

About Brookfield Infrastructure

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates high quality, long-life assets in the utilities, transport, energy and data infrastructure sectors across North and South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. We are focused on assets that generate stable cash flows and require minimal maintenance capital expenditures. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Further information is available at www.brookfieldinfrastructure.com.

Brookfield Infrastructure is the flagship listed infrastructure company of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with over $500 billion of assets under management. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com.

About GIC

GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to manage Singapore’s foreign reserves. As a disciplined long-term value investor, GIC is uniquely positioned for investments across a wide range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and infrastructure. In infrastructure, GIC’s primary strategy is to invest directly in operating assets with a high degree of cash flow visibility and which provide a hedge against inflation. GIC has investments in over 40 countries. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC employs over 1,500 people across 10 offices in key financial cities worldwide. For more information on GIC, please visit www.gic.com.sg.

Daimler to Ax at Least 10,000 Jobs in Latest Car Industry Cuts

November 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Daimler said on Friday it will cut at least 10,000 jobs worldwide over the next three years, following others in the industry as they cut costs to invest in electric vehicles while grappling with weakening sales.

It marks the third announcement on cost cuts this week by a major German car company as automakers seek to fund huge investments into cleaner and self-driving technologies while demand in China, their biggest market, is falling and a trade war between Washington and Beijing is curbing economic growth.

“The automotive industry is in the middle of the biggest transformation in its history,” Daimler said in a statement.

Daimler, the owner of Mercedes-Benz, revealed the 3% cut in its workforce after reaching an agreement on its plans with labor unions.

They have agreed on a variety of measures to cut costs and jobs, including expanding part-time retirement and a severance program to be offered in Germany. The company is also cutting 10% of worldwide management positions.

Staff reductions would be in the low five-digits, or at least 10,000 people, according to Wilfried Porth, a board member in charge of human resources. The company employed 304,680 staff at the end of the third quarter.

Plans laid out by Daimler in November showed the company aimed to cut staff costs by around 1.4 billion euros ($1.54 billion) by the end of 2022.

The announcement comes days after Volkswagen’s <VOWG_p.DE> luxury car unit Audi said it would cut up to 9,500 jobs or one in ten staff by 2025, freeing up billions of euros to fund its shift toward electric vehicle production.

Also this week, BMW said that its management and labor had reached an agreement on measures to reduce bonus and other pay schemes for staff to cut costs.

Car suppliers Continental and Osram have also announced staff and cost cuts.

Daimler has repeatedly cut its profit outlook over recent months, partly to cover a regulatory crackdown on diesel emissions but also because of a slowing auto market.

Group operating profit will be “significantly lower” than a year ago, the company said last month.

Other measures to reduce staffing costs include offering shorter working weeks.

Agreements in place to prevent forced redundancies in Germany until 2029 will remain in place, Daimler said.

The workforce needs a clear strategy for the future, said Michael Brecht, chairman of Daimler’s works council. “A reduction in capacity must not be carried out on the backs of the employees,” he said.

(Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)

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