Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) today announces five new nonstop routes via McCarran International Airport (LAS): Bentonville, Arkansas; Bloomington, Illinois; Memphis; Madison, Wisconsin and Tucson, Arizona beginning this August. Frontier now offers 48 nonstop Las Vegas routes and, to celebrate the new service, is offering introductory fares starting at $19*.
New Routes via McCarran International Airport (LAS):
SERVICE TO/FROM:
START DATE:
SERVICE FREQUENCY:
INTRO FARE:
APPLICABLE DAYS FOR INTRO FARE:
Bentonville, Arkansas (XNA)
Aug. 13, 2021
2x Weekly
$39*
From LAS: Friday To LAS: Monday
Bloomington, Illinois (BMI)
Aug. 12, 2021
2x Weekly
$49*
From LAS: Thursday To LAS: Sunday
Memphis (MEM)
Aug. 12, 2021
2x Weekly
$39*
From LAS: Thursday To LAS: Sunday
Madison, Wisconsin (MSN)
Aug. 13, 2021
2x Weekly
$39*
From LAS: Friday To LAS: Monday
Tucson, Arizona (TUS)
Aug. 13, 2021
2x Weekly
$19*
From LAS: Friday To LAS: Monday
Frequency and times are subject to change, so please check FlyFrontier.com for the most updated schedule.
Seville, 25 May 2021 – Airbus has reached 100 deliveries of its A400M aircraft with MSN111, the tenth for the Spanish Air Force. The aircraft performed its ferry flight on 24th May from Seville to Zaragoza, where the Spanish A400M fleet is based. In the same week, the A400M global fleet also achieved the 100,000 flight-hours landmark performing missions worldwide for all eight customer nations.
All A400M operators have been able to operate the aircraft intensively for Covid-19 emergency response missions, as well as conduct joint, collaborative operations. These milestones clearly demonstrate the maturity of the A400M programme on all fronts.
New capabilities
Recently the A400M successfully conducted a major helicopter air-to-air refuelling certification flight test campaign in coordination with the DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments), completing the majority of its certification objectives, including the first simultaneous refueling of two helicopters.
The A400M is already able to drop up to 116 paratroopers, via simultaneous dispatch from the side doors with automatic parachute opening, or from the ramp with automatic parachute opening or in freefall, day and night. Recent tests were completed in Spain, in collaboration with the UK Royal Air Force parachute test team, to expand up to 25,000 feet (7,600 metres) for automatic parachute opening – and up to 38,000ft (11,582 metres) for free fall.
The A400M also completed additional tests to expand its air drop capability, including multiple platforms with parachute extraction (23 tonnes). France and Spain participated in these flights. Another way to deliver cargo on austere airstrips without handling equipment was also certified: Combat offload of up to 19 tonnes of pallets (one pass) or 25 tonnes (two passes) on paved or unpaved airstrips.
The A400M also achieved a new decisive milestone after the certification flights of its Automatic Low Level Flight capability for Instrumental Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Using navigation systems and terrain databases, without the need of a terrain-following radar, this is a first for a military transport aircraft. This makes the aircraft less detectable in hostile areas and less susceptible to threats while conducting operations in hostile environments.
In operation
In terms of collaborative missions, the Spanish Air Force supported the French Armée de l´Air in the transport of a Caracal helicopter from Cazaux (France) to Tucson (USA), using a Spanish A400M. The flight was used by CLAEX (Spanish Logistics Center for Armament and Experimentation) and CECTA (Air Transport Cargo Evaluation Cell) to validate the loading process on Spanish A400Ms.
Key military missions last year included the delivery of almost 40 tonnes of food, water, fuel and ammunition by a single French A400M to troops based in the Sahel region of Africa, the first A400M to airdrop supplies in a country outside of Europe.
In addition, Germany became the first A400M customer to use the A400M as a tanker in real missions providing support in the “Counter Daesh” operation in Jordan.
Life-saving medevac missions during COVID-19
2020 and 2021 also saw the use of the A400M in civil emergency response roles during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, not least for civil medical evacuation (medevac) duties – with Airbus providing critical support for air force operators – as well as for transporting key medical relief supplies. The versatility of the aircraft also allowed a rapid conversion to medevac configuration, where installed critical care modules provided airborne intensive care units.
With the maturity, versatility and unique capabilities proven in operations all around the world, A400M is proving to be a game changer for military airlift and humanitarian missions in the 21st century.
“Universal Avionics is proud to be selected as the Enhanced Flight Vision System provider for the AS2 supersonic business jet,” said Dror Yahav, UA Chief Executive Officer. “By using the SkyLens as a wearable Head-Up Display, the ClearVision EFVS brings unprecedented capabilities to the airplane and demonstrates a compelling roadmap to the future, on top of the proven operational landing credit and all-weather operation.”
ClearVision provides an innovative Combined Vision System (CVS) displayed on the pilot and copilot SkyLens HWD, the only display of its kind certified today for commercial aviation. The intuitive avionics suite includes UA’s high-resolution EVS-5000 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) camera, composed of six sensors for a comprehensive and unprecedented multispectral coverage, and 3D Synthetic Vision System (SVS). ClearVision greatly improves crew resource management in the cockpit of the AS2, supporting Aerion’s ongoing mission of faster point-to-point travel. In addition, ClearVision offers pilots the ability to overcome degraded visibility situations day and night to move in and out of airports faster, saving time and increasing operational efficiency. With SkyLens, pilots continuously operate head-up and are able to monitor flight information while retaining 3D situational awareness of terrain, and eventually aircraft traffic, through the system’s unlimited 360-degree Field of Regard.
“We are truly excited to bring ClearVision to the highest levels of the business aviation market,” commented Marc Bouliane, UA Vice President of Business Development, Marketing and Services. “For the past year, we have worked diligently with Aerion’s engineering, flight operations and supply chain teams to refine a solution that fits the vision set forth by Aerion. We are honored to have been selected for this ground-breaking project and look forward to the production launch of the AS2 in 2023.”
ClearVision is a trusted and certified solution, flying today on a number of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Nearly 3,000 ClearVision EVS cameras have been fielded to date. Pilots have a discernable Visual Advantage against incandescent and LED airport lighting systems, and the compact size of SkyLens is critical for profiled cockpits such as in the AS2.
“With a proven track record of innovation, Universal Avionics has become the market leader in Head-Wearable Display systems and EVS sensors. This industry-leading technology will offer pilots of the AS2 unparalleled vision and enhanced situational awareness capabilities,” said Steve Berroth, Aerion’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Aircraft Development. “We look forward to our continued collaboration as we seek to change the future of aviation together.”
Aerion’s pursuit of faster point-to-point travel begins with the launch of the AS2 supersonic business jet. Designed to be inherently environmentally responsible from first flight, the AS2 is the first supersonic aircraft designed to be powered by 100% engineered synthetic fuel and reach supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner.
The manufacture of 300 AS2 aircraft is planned for the first decade of production. The AS2 will be the first aircraft to be assembled at the company’s new global headquarters in Melbourne, Florida – Aerion Park. The state-of-the-art development – powered by sustainable technology – will incorporate headquarters operations plus an integrated campus for research, design, build, and maintenance of the company’s supersonic aircraft.
A QF-16 takes off from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 4, 2020. The QF-16 was regenerated to flying status after being stored at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group to Boeing to become a full-scale aerial target. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob T. Stephens)
A team from Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force completed the first QF-16 Full-Scale Aerial Target to undergo conversion from a modification line in Arizona. The aircraft was flown last month to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where it will be used autonomously in future weapons training operations.
The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) located at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson teamed with Boeing under a public-private partnership to create a second modification line to supplement ongoing QF-16 work at Boeing’s Cecil Field site in Jacksonville, Florida.
“The delivery of this first AMARG modified QF-16 aerial target drone is a testimony of the cooperative, synergistic relationship we had hoped for when we created the private-public partnership with Boeing,” said Col. Jennifer Barnard, Commander of the 309th AMARG. “Though the installation of the drone conversion package is a relatively new venture for us, our hope is to leverage cost efficiencies and proficiencies benefiting both partners.”
Conversion of the F-16 A/C aircraft to the unmanned QF-16 configuration requires modification of the airframe and installation of major components. The QF-16 performs both autonomous maneuvers through autopilot and controlled maneuvers through ground stations.
“The partnership between Boeing and AMARG is crucial to expediting capability to the warfighters,” said Craig DeMeester, Boeing QF-16 program manager. “It’s an example of great teamwork, and completing this first jet is just the beginning as we have more deliveries planned this year and well into next year.”
Boeing began converting retired F-16s into QF-16s in 2015. More than 120 aircraft are on contract to be modified, with over 40 percent delivered to date.
A QF-16 takes off from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 4, 2020. The QF-16 was regenerated to flying status after being stored at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group to Boeing to become a full-scale aerial target. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jacob T. Stephens)
MHI now positioned to transform and lead the underserved regional jet business, with bolstered customer support services
Key step in MHI’s strategy of expanding its aircraft business globally, with a mid-term focus on North America
Completes Bombardier’s aerospace transformation and refocus on business aviation
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) (TOKYO:7011) and Bombardier Inc (TSX: BBD.B) announced today they have entered into a definitive agreement, whereby MHI will acquire Bombardier’s regional jet program for a cash consideration of $550 million USD, payable to Bombardier upon closing, and the assumption by MHI of liabilities amounting to approximately $200 million USD. Under the agreement, Bombardier’s net beneficial interest in the Regional Aircraft Securitization Program (RASPRO), which is valued at approximately $180 million USD, will be transferred to MHI.
Pursuant to the agreement, MHI will acquire the maintenance, support, refurbishment, marketing, and sales activities for the CRJ Series aircraft, including the related services and support network located in Montréal, Québec, and Toronto, Ontario, and its service centres located in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Tucson, Arizona, as well as the type certificates.
This acquisition is complementary to MHI’s existing commercial aircraft business, in particular the development, production, sales and support of the Mitsubishi SpaceJet commercial aircraft family. The maintenance and engineering capabilities of the CRJ program will further enhance critical customer support functions, a strategic business area for MHI in the pursuit of future growth.
Seiji Izumisawa, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., commented: “As we outlined during the recent Paris Air Show, we are working hard to ensure that we provide new profit potential for airlines and set a new standard for passenger experience. This transaction represents one of the most important steps in our strategic journey to build a strong, global aviation capability. It augments these efforts by securing a world-class and complementary set of aviation-related functions including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering and customer support.”
Izumisawa concluded, “The CRJ program has been supported by tremendously talented individuals. In combination with our existing infrastructure and resources in Japan, Canada and elsewhere, we are confident that this represents one effective strategy that will contribute to the future success of the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family. MHI has a decades-long history in Canada, and I hope this transaction will result in the expansion of our presence in the country, and will represent a significant step in our growth strategy.”
“We are very pleased to announce this agreement, which represents the completion of Bombardier’s aerospace transformation,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “We are confident that MHI’s acquisition of the program is the best solution for airline customers, employees and shareholders. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.”
Bellemare continued: “With our aerospace transformation now behind us, we have a clear path forward and a powerful vision for the future. Our focus is on two strong growth pillars: Bombardier Transportation, our global rail business, and Bombardier Aviation, a world-class business jet franchise with market-defining products and an unmatched customer experience.”
The CRJ production facility in Mirabel, Québec will remain with Bombardier. Bombardier will continue to supply components and spare parts and will assemble the current CRJ backlog on behalf of MHI. CRJ production is expected to conclude in the second half of 2020, following the delivery of the current backlog of aircraft.
Bombardier will also retain certain liabilities representing a
portion of the credit and residual value guarantees totaling
approximately $400 million USD. This amount is fixed and not subject to
future changes in aircraft value, and payable by Bombardier over the
next four years.
The transaction is currently expected to close during the first half of 2020 and remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The agreement contemplates a reverse break fee payable by MHI under certain circumstances.
About MHI
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world’s leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around US$38 billion. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.
With over 68,000 employees, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries as well as a broad portfolio of products and services for the business aviation, commercial aviation and rail transportation markets. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. The company is recognized on the 2019 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Index. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Bombardier and CRJ are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
– Global 7500 jet’s extraordinary 8,152 nm flight is the longest mission ever flown by a purpose-built business jet – Flight also sets record for highest speed over longest distance in business aviation history, connecting Singapore to Tucson, AZ* – Aircraft landed with fuel reserves well above NBAA requirements; 4,300 lb of remaining fuel represents nearly 1,5 hours of additional flight – Aircraft provides the industry’s largest cabin and best cabin experience, perfectly suited for trans-oceanic journeys and an exceptionally smooth ride
Bombardier is proud to announce that its Global 7500 aircraft, has once again demonstrated its ability to go the distance by completing the longest range business jet flight in history**, successfully completing an 8,152-nautical-mile flight non-stop, pushing the boundaries of business travel.
The award-winning business jet departed from Singapore Changi Airport at 7:12 a.m. local time and arrived at Tucson International Airport at 8:19 a.m. local time, completing the long-range speed record flight for the city-pair.
“The Global 7500 aircraft was built to break all the records,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “It achieved the industry’s longest mission ever in business aviation after only two months in service. We’ve demonstrated its unequaled long-range and high speed capabilities, but also its ability to break records confidently with healthy fuel reserves remaining, once again, confirming its unsurpassed performance to customers.”
Since its entry-into-service, the Global 7500 jet has emphatically proven itself to be the highest-performing aircraft in the industry and this record showcases the real-world capabilities of this impressive aircraft. With a top speed of Mach 0.925, the aircraft has unquestionably shown its ability to fly even further than any other business jet with its advertised range of 7,700 nautical miles. The achievement of a flight that reaches 8,152 nautical miles clearly demonstrates that the aircraft is the only business jet with the high-performance capabilities required for long flights. Providing access to these demanding, long-range routes is an invaluable resource for customers.
Over the last two months, the Global 7500 jet has demonstrated exceptional performance and reliability, this first aircraft has completed more than 170 hours of flight around the world.
The Global 7500 aircraft offers spaciousness that is unique among business jets, with its award-winning interior featuring a full-size kitchen and four true living spaces. The Global 7500 aircraft also debuts Bombardier’s patented Nuage seat, which was meticulously designed for maximum comfort and will be exclusive to the new Global family of aircraft.
About Bombardier
With over 68,000 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.
Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion.
TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) – Aviation history was made Tuesday morning when the very first Boeing 777 ever flown made its final landing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
The former Cathay Pacific airliner was donated by the company to the Pima Air & Space Museum. Built in 1994, the massive aircraft was a test plane before becoming a part of Cathay Pacific’s commercial fleet in 2000, operating more than 20,000 flights across the globe over 18 years.
I’ll have to go check it out this Saturday!
Click the link below for the full story and video!
Allegiant, on August 21, announced it will start serving Tucson International Airport (TUS) in mid-November with nonstop flights to Bellingham, Washington, just across the border from Vancouver, and to Provo, Utah.
To celebrate the new service, Allegiant is offering introductory fares as low as $49 one way to Provo and $69 to Bellingham. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, August 22, 2018*.
“We’re thrilled to add another sunny Southwestern destination to our network,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “We are sure that travelers in Utah and Washington will take advantage of our convenient, friendly service to enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer.”
Flights to both destinations will operate twice weekly on new Airbus jets.
The initial planned schedule (times approximate and subject to change):
Bellingham International Airport (BLI), effective November 15, 2018:
Provo Municipal Airport (PVU), effective November 16, 2018:
Exact schedules and fares can be found online at Allegiant.com.
“When our air service team is out in the community, I cannot tell you how many times they have been asked when Allegiant would serve TUS, and now we have the answer,” said Bonnie Allin, President and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Allegiant and its new destinations, our first-ever service to Provo and Bellingham, which gives us the opportunity to welcome our Canadian friends to sunny southern Arizona on a nonstop flight.”
Earlier this month Frontier Airlines announced it would also begin serving Tucson in November with nonstop flights to Denver. Both Allegiant and Frontier are known as ultra low cost carriers offering low basic fares and then offering an array of options at additional cost.
In addition to the basic flight, Allegiant also provides a range of travel options including rental cars and hotels.
Allegiant’s arrival means southern Arizonans can fly nonstop from their home airport to 22 destinations on nine airlines – Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, United and Via Air.
*Allegiant introductory one-way fares: Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Aug. 22, 2018 for travel by Feb. 28, 2018. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.
A Lockheed C-130H Hercules (65-0968) operated by the Puerto Rican Air National Guard crashed shortly after take-off from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia on May 2, 2018. The aircraft came down on Highway 21 in Port Wentworth, about 1.5 miles northeast of the airport. It appears that the aircraft was in a steep, descending left bank when it went into a near vertical dive prior to impact. All 9 crew members on board were killed in the accident.
The aircraft was assigned to the 156th Air Wing, and took part in the rescue of U.S. citizens stranded in the British Virgin Islands following Hurricane Irma, and to transport supplies to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit the island last year. The aircraft was more than 60 years old at the time of the crash.
It’s always sad when an aircraft crashes, even more so when there are lives lost in the incident. What makes this accident so tragic is that the specific aircraft was operating its last flight ever. It was on its final flight to Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona to be decommissioned and retired from service.
