Vol 03 Issue 11 JULY 2017 ` 100 www.aviationmagazine.

in Indias premier aviation monthly magazine

AviatioN UPDATE
review

Russia will india seeks to

limit puRchases shaRe cheap aiR
of impoRted tRavel scheme
business jets with neighboRs
 Contents

17
STELIA Aerospace delivers first
BelugaXL nose section
07 Pilots to be affected by Jet Airways
05 launches cadet pilot
retirement age increase in
China training programme
in partnership with
CAE
11 IAGs budget airline starts
operations
American to invest
08 $1.6B in LAX
13 New cargo airline joins Chinese
market

16 AAR signs agreement with COTESA

VivaColombia and Viva Air 24 awarded Chinook
Peru components
manufacturing
18 Boeing and Etihad signs multi- contract
year agreement
DHL Express tags
27 on more orders
29 WFS scores three-year
for EFW A330-300
Stockholm ground handling
deal with Qatar Airways conversions

AVIATION UPDATE 2017 JULY 3

 EDITORIAL BOARD

AviatioN UPDATE
Beware of false
knowledge; it is more
dangerous than
Vol : 03 Issue : 11 JULY - 2017
ignorance
Editor-in-Chief : B. Kartikeya
EdItoRIAL
Associate Editor : Ipsit Roy
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4 JULY 2017 AVIATION UPDATE


IndIGo
announces
Monsoon
specIal offer
startInG at Inr
745
Bookings for monsoon special offer will be
effective from June 28 to July 04, 2017, at all-
inclusive fares starting at INR 745
Under this offer,over 3 lakhs seats are
available; Passengers can avail this offer for
travel between July 14, 2017 March 24,
2018
Continuing its commitment to offer most
affordable fares, countrys most loved low-
cost carrier IndiGo, announced a week long
Monsoon Special Sale across key domestic
destinations. The week-long Monsoon
special sale will start effective June 28 till July
04, 2017. 6E passengers can avail this offer
at compelling all-inclusive prices starting
at INR 745 on select destinations including
Delhi-Goa, Madurai-Chennai, DelhiGuwahati,
Kochi-Hyderabad, Mangalore-Mumbai,
Chandigarh-Srinagar amongst many more.
The special fares offer will be available
on first-come-first serve basis and are
nonrefundable.
Jet aIrways
launches cadet
pIlot traInInG
proGraMMe
In partnershIp
wIth cae
AVIATION UPDATE
J et Airways, Indias full-service, premiere
international airline, in collaboration
with CAE, a world leader in providing
training solutions to commercial airlines,
today announced the launch of a new
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) cadet pilot
training programme aimed at creating
more than 380 professional pilots over
the next five years, in line with the airlines
growth strategy. Candidates can apply at
www.jetairways.com/careers on Jet Airways
website or at www.caeoaa.com/jetairways
As part of the agreement, the first set of
60 cadets will begin training in the second
half of 2017, with ground school and flight
training at CAEs flight academies in Phoenix,
Arizona, USA, and Gondia (NFTI), India.
Thereafter, cadets will continue with Boeing
737 type-rating training at CAEs training
centre in Bengaluru, India. Upon successful
completion of their training programme, the
selected candidates will be employed by Jet
Airways.
At Jet Airways, we pride ourselves for
leveraging best-in-class technology and
innovation in all aspects of our business. That
extends as much to our advanced cadet pilot
training programme. With the introduction
of this training programme, were creating
fresh batches of highly skilled cockpit crew
to augment our in-house talent pool. We
are delighted to launch a new ab-initio pilot
training programme with the worlds leading
training organisation, our longstanding
partner in training CAE. The training module
is designed to provide meaningful training
in a consistent manner with similar level of
content engagement to all pilots. said Amit
Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (Acting), Jet
Airways.
CAE has been providing world-class
training to our pilots for more than 10
years; we are confident that they will play
a fundamental role in the creation of our
future pilots, helping us recruit and select
top talent., he further added. As the
demand for professional pilots is on the rise
globally, we are proud to support our long-
standing airline partners initiative to create
future competent pilots. CAE is honoured to
partner with Jet Airways through the launch
of this new pilot training programme and
remains committed to continue delivering
high-quality training. said Nick Leontidis,
Group President, Civil Aviation Training
Solutions, CAE.
QUICK UPDATE
CAE and Jet Airways share a relationship
that spans over a decade, including the
provision of maintenance support services at
CAEs Bengaluru training centre. Jet Airways
currently owns four CAE-built full-flight
simulators, including one Airbus A330 FFS,
two Boeing 737NG and one Boeing 777-
300ER FFS. The six-bay CAE training centre
is located near the Bengaluru International
Airport at Devanahalli. Operational since late
2008, it is the first non-airline training centre
to earn approval as a fixed-wing Type Rating
Training Organisation (TRTO) by Indias
DGCA.
IndIa seeks to
share cheap aIr
travel scheMe
wIth neIGhbors
I
ndia has proposed an air connectivity
scheme linking towns in Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and
Nepal, which are part of the Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) with India.
The proposed scheme will be based on
Indias UDAN scheme which provides a ticket
for an hours flight for approximately US$ 38.
UDAN is considered one of the cheapest air
connectivity schemes aimed to bring smaller
cities on aviation route for the economic
uplift of a region.
It is worth considering whether we
can work with countries that are in the
BIMSTEC to see whether we can create a
policy package that will enable us to connect
smaller towns across the entire BIMSTEC
region, Jayant Sinha, Indias Minister of State
for Civil Aviation, said in New Delhi.
The proposal has not been formally
offered to BIMSTEC but Sinha suggested an
agreement with various countries to provide
financial aid to roll out the scheme. We can
sign a MoU with different countries to be
able to provide support for an UDAN-type
scheme across the BIMSTEC community.
Of course, we will have to couple that with
something like an Open Sky Agreement so
that airlines can fly freely.
India expects such air connectivity
will encourage high-value travelers and
allow free movement for businesspersons.
2017 JULY 5
 QUICK UPDATE
Over the last two years, India has started
favoring BIMSTEC in place of the South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) in a bid to isolate Pakistan.
India will conduct the first-ever
international conclave on BIMSTEC from
November 2 to 4, 2017, in Guwahati
under the overarching theme of BIMSTEC:
An Enabling Architecture for Growth,
Prosperity and Partnerships. India is already
developing railways and roadways network
to reach out to countries in Southeast Asia.
India has already planned a Southeast Asian
connectivity project connecting Moreh in
India to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar in
2002, years ahead of Chinas One Belt, One
Road.
BIMSTEC had identified 14 keys sectors
for cooperation and India would lead the
group in transportation & communication,
tourism, environment and disaster
management, and counter-terrorism and
transnational crime.
vIstara
celebrates the
2nd annIversary
of Its delhI
benGaluru
route
V istara, Indias finest full service carrier
introduces two additional daily return
flights between Delhi and Bengaluru on
celebration of the second anniversary of
its service on the route. With the addition,
Vistara now flies five times return daily (four
times on Sundays) between the two cities,
taking the count of weekly flights on the
route (both ways) to 68.
Often referred to as Indias Silicon
Valley, Bengaluru presents an enormous
opportunity for business travel, and given
6 JULY 2017
the popularity that Vistara enjoys among
corporate travellers, the addition of
frequency is aligned well with the airlines
customer and network strategy.
Elaborating on this, Mr. Sanjiv Kapoor,
Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, Vistara,
said, In a short time Vistara has emerged as
the airline of choice for corporate customers,
and the increase in frequency from 3 to 5
flights daily each way between Delhi and
Bengaluru is in response to their request for
more Vistara flights between these cities.
Not only will these flights help us meet
the needs of our frequent flyers, it will also
attract those wanting to fly us more often.
Bengaluru is a key market for Vistara, and we
intend to add more flights there over time,
slots permitting.
In two and a half years, Vistara has
rapidly grown its fleet and expanded its
network across India. Catering to the
growing demand, the airline now serves 19
destinations with close to 600 weekly flights
and 14 aircraft, having flown more than 5
million happy customers already. Vistara
continues to grow and gain accolades as it
redefines air travel in India, and makes flying
something to look forward to once again.
IndIGo Is best
reGIonal & low
cost aIrlInes -
asIa pacIfIc at
trIpadvIsors
2017 travellers
choIce awards
I T
ndiGo, countrys youngest and largest
growing low cost carrier received the best
Regional & Low Cost Airlines - Asia Pacific
award at Travellers Choice Awards 2017
for Airlines by TripAdvisor. The award was
received by Mr. Aditya Ghosh, President and
Whole-Time Director, IndiGo at the Global
Business Park in Gurgaon. The award has
been bestowed upon leading airlines across
Asia Pacific for their services and operational
excellence. IndiGo is also the only Indian
carrier from the Asia Pacific region to receive
an award in this category.
Presenting this award to the IndiGo
leadership, Mr Jami Counter, Vice President,
Business Development, TripAdvisor said,
It is our debut year announcing awards
for airlines based on the airline reviews
we began collecting last year and is based
entirely on reviews collected from IndiGo
passengers on TripAdvisor. Its indeed our
honor to present this award to Indias most
loved and trusted airline, IndiGo.
Receiving this award, Mr. Aditya Ghosh,
President and Whole-Time Director, IndiGo
said, We are delighted to receive this
recognition. The award is a testimony to the
continued support and trust of our flyers.
Its such a great feeling that our customers
reviewing their experience with IndiGo have
rated us to be the best in the Asia Pacific
region. Its once again a proud feeling to put
India on the world map. We are grateful to
our customers and travel partners for their
constant support and encouragement. I owe
this award to the thousands of my colleagues
to create that unique and consistent IndiGo
experience that our customers love!
thaI wIns three
fIrst place
skytrax awards
2017
hai Airways International Public
Company Limited (THAI) was proud
to have received three prestigious awards
at the Skytrax 2017 World Airline Awards
Ceremony as the Worlds Best Economy
Class, Worlds Best Airline Lounge Spa, and
AVIATION UPDATE

Best Economy Class Onboard Catering. THAI
received these three awards at an award
ceremony that was held at the Musee de lAir
de lEspace, Paris Air Show, Paris-Le Bourget
Airport.
Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo, THAI Acting
President, said that It is with pride that I
announce THAIs latest achievements, winning
the top place in three categories at the
Skytrax 2017 World Airline Awards eremony:
Worlds Best Economy Class, Worlds Best
Airline Lounge Spa, and Best Economy Class
Onboard Catering and vows to continue to
make advancements in product and service
developments. THAI is also exceptionally
happy to be awarded the Worlds Best Airline
Lounge Spa for the third consecutive year. In
addition, THAI also gained recognition under
the categories: one of three airlines with the
Worlds Best Airport Services 2017 and one
of three airlines with the Best Economy Class
Airline Seats. THAI and its employees have
worked exceptionally hard to make continual
developments on THAI products and services,
for the utmost comfort and convenience of its
passengers. THAI is honored to receive these
three top Skytrax awards in recognition for
excellent products and services as a premium,
full service carrier, which shows that THAIs
standards are amongst the best airlines in the
world.
World Airline Awards are the results of
the Skytrax survey that was first launched
in 1999 as the first worldwide, annual
airline customer satisfaction survey, which
is 100 percent independent, impartial,
and global. This years Skytrax survey was
conducted during August 2016 to May 2017
amongst more than 19.87 million travelers,
surveying products and services of over 320
airlines. Skytrax World Airline Awards are
a global benchmark of airline excellence,
and described as the Oscars of the aviation
industry.
baa traInInG
launches pIlots
and crews Job
preparatIon
traInInG
B AA Training, European standard
aviation training centre, introduces a
AVIATION UPDATE
new service Job Preparation training for
pilots and cabin crew in partnership with
consultancy company Pinstripe Solutions
from Australia. The training helps maximize
crews preparation for a job interview in the
aviation marketplace.
The newly launched program focuses
on one-on-one training that includes
documentation review, presentation skills
assessment, airline assessment process analysis,
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) example
analysis and group exercises to gear pilots and
crew members for aviation recruitment.
We have a terrific relationship with our
students. For nearly 20 years our candidates
have progressed to chief pilot positions,
check and training positions, wide-body
jet captains and are on various recruitment
teams for over 44 airlines. This has developed
a network of pilots around the world, that
provides us with a specific insight into
what a particular airline is planning for the
future, comments Kirsty Ferguson, Pinstripe
Solutions Founder.
The role of BAA Training along with
Pinstripe Solutions is to provide a one-stop-
shop service to ensure pilots and cabin
crew are ready to succeed during the airline
assessment process. Video interviews are
updated, inside airline knowledge is updated
and base for training is reviewed every Friday
so that all coaches of Pinstripe Solutions
are 100% acquainted with the most recent
developments.
The airline assessment process is
endurance, determination and courage
consuming process. Emotions can cause
problems even for the best. We are always
searching for new and more efficient ways to
improve aviation training programmes. I am
sure that the new project will be beneficial for
many pilots and crew members, summarizes
Egle Vaitkeviciute, CEO at BAA Training.
pIlots to be
affected by
retIreMent
aGe Increase In
chIna
C hinas gradual retirement age increase,
scheduled to be announced in 2017,
QUICK UPDATE
will affect pilots as well, due to an estimated
pilot shortage, with there being 50% less
pilots than demanded for, according to AIN.
The Civil Aviation Administration of
China plans to increase the pilot retirement
age from the current 60 years old. It is
estimated that Chinas flying schools can
produce 1250-1300 pilots annually, while
the estimated demand in the following three
years is more than double: 2,800 to 3,000
pilots per year.
China is currently undergoing a gradual
retirement age raise, due to the worsening
demographic situation. The proportion
of over 60-years-old population is rising
from 15% to 39%, creating pension funds
shortage, which is predicted to reach almost
$11 trillion by 2040.
As a contra-measure, in February,
2016 China announced plans to gradually
increase the retirement age from 50 and 60
for women and men respectively, with the
exception of white-collar women employees,
whose retirement age is 55.
According to Boeings 2016 Pilot and
Technician Outlook projects a need for
617,000 new pilots in the next 20 years. That
equates to a need for nearly 31,000 new
commercial airline pilots globally every year.
aIrbaltIc
exhIbIts cs300
T he Latvian airline airBaltic from June
19 till June 21, 2017 participated in the
worlds largest and oldest aviation exhibition
Paris Air Show by presenting the CS300
aircraft in Bombardier exhibition pavilion.
During the Paris Air Show the chief executive
officer of airBaltic Martin Gauss met and
presented the CS300 aircraft to Canadian
government representatives.
Martin Gauss met with The President of
the Treasury Board of Canada Scott Brison,
2017 JULY 7
 QUICK UPDATE
The Minister of Innovation, Science and
Economic Development of Canada Navdeep
Bains, The Minister of International Trade of
Canada Franois-Philippe Champagne and
The Minister of Transport of Canada Marc
Garneau.
This year the Paris Air Show is taking
place for the 52nd time and is held from
June 19 to June 25, 2017 in Le Bourget
Airport. From June 19 till June 21, 2017
the exhibition was dedicated for trade
visitors. During these days, the Bombardier
exhibition pavilion was mainly visited by
international media representatives, aviation
industry professionals and enthusiasts
from all over the world. The Paris Air Show
is a unique event in terms of its size and
diversity as it brings together all players of
the world aerospace industry, offers many
flying displays with great visibility and gives
an opportunity to trade professionals to
present their products and expertise in the
best conditions.
As informed previously, the Latvian
airline airBaltic on June 16, 2017 welcomed
the fifth of its 20 Bombardier CS300 jets
on firm order. By the end of 2017, airBaltic
is planning to have eight CS300 aircraft.
airBaltic was the worlds first airline that
launched commercial operations with
Bombardier CS300 on December 14, 2016.
The new Bombardier CS300 aircraft, with
a total of 145 seats, offers excellent flying
experience with such benefits for passengers
as wider seats, larger windows, more hand
luggage space in the cabin, improved
lavatories and more. New aircraft is also
much quieter with four times smaller noise
footprint. Moreover, at the moment, it is the
greenest commercial aircraft in the world,
as it is the first aircraft to have a transparent
declaration of the life-cycle environmental
impact, helping to reduce CO2 and NOX
emissions by 20% and 50% respectively.
airBaltic serves over 60 destinations from
its home base in Riga, Latvia. From every one
of these locations, airBaltic offers convenient
connections via Riga to its network spanning
Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle
East. In addition, airBaltic also offers direct
flights from Tallinn and Vilnius.
8 JULY 2017
Gulf aIrlInes russIa wIll
suspend flIGhts lIMIt purchases
to Qatar over of IMported
terrorIsM busIness Jets
claIMs
R ussian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev
F
our Arab countries Saudi Arabia, UAE, said that the government will limit the
Egypt and Bahrain have cut diplomatic purchases of imported business aircraft by
ties with Qatar and announced a land, sea state-owned companies, as soon as this type
and airspace blockade over the terrorism of aircraft will be manufactured in Russia,
support claims. Saudi Arabia has also called according to Russian media. At a recent
off Qatari troops from the ongoing war in meeting regarding the support of the aircraft
Yemen. industry, he stated that priority to Russian-
built planes must be given by companies co-
According to Emirates247, following the
owned by the state.
blockade announcement, all UAE carriers
Business aviation is an exception
will suspend flights to and from Qatar from
because such planes are not produced
June 6, 2017. It is questioned how the crisis
in our country yet, Medvedev added.
will affect Qatar Airways that frequently flies
When we start producing such aircraft, we
through Saudi airspace.
will accordingly introduce limitations on
According to local media reports, the
purchase by governmental bodies.
airlines have provided all customers who
were supposed to fly from and to Doha Medvedev noted that the relevant
directives were issued by the government
(Qatar) with alternative options ranging from
in April this year. According to the PM,
full refunds to free rebooking to the nearest
Russia plans to spend more than RUB40
available location.
billion ($700 million) to support its aircraft
Another airspace-connected problem
manufacturers in 2017.
the diplomatic crisis proposes is the question
of al-Udeid, a US military airbase with 10,000 The head of the Russian government
American troops. It is not yet clear how noted that during the past several years
the political situation will affect US military Russia is doing all it can to overcome the
crisis that struck the countrys aviation
operations.
industry in the end of the last century. In
The conflict is already labeled the
May 2017, the MC-21 Russias answer to
regions most serious diplomatic crisis in
Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX had
years, although it is not an odd incident. A
its maiden flight.
similar situation occurred in 2014 when the
Arab countries called off their diplomats
from Qatar for backing Mohammed Morsi,
Egyptian president at the time, who was
known to be a member of the Muslim
aMerIcan to
Brotherhood an organization labeled as Invest $1.6b In
extremist by some governments. The crisis lax
lasted for eight months and diplomatic
relations were restored after Qatar forced
some Brotherhood members to leave the
country. However, the 2014 conflict did not
include a blockade.
Qatar is often accused of backing,
providing financial support and hosting
exiled members of various Sunni extremist
and terrorist groups like al-Qaidas branch
in Syria (also known as Nusra Front), the
Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, etc.
A merican Airlines and the Los Angeles
World Airports (LAWA) announced that
American would continue its investment at
AVIATION UPDATE

LAX, committing more than $1.6 billion over
the next 15 years. The investment will go
toward improvements of Terminals 4 and 5.
Americans letter of intent sets the
framework for negotiation of a new 15-
year lease agreement and features airport
improvement projects that would be made
possible by the investment. The agreement
also paves the way for American to receive
additional gates as they continue to grow
their operation and add destinations.
This investment will not only improve
the customer experience, but it will also
give our employees a better place to work
every day while allowing us to continue to
grow in the marketplace, said Doug Parker,
Chairman and CEO of American Airlines. Its
an exciting time for the U.S. airline industry
and for American in particular. Today, U.S.
airlines are healthy and investing back into
their businesses and the communities they
serve. What we are doing here today is a
great example of that.
19 aIrlInes JoIn
forces In re-
branded aIre
assocIatIon
L OT Polish Airlines, Turkish Airlines,
Ukraine International Airlines and the
16 members of the International Air Carrier
Association (IACA) have officially transformed
the association into the Airlines International
Representation in Europe (AIRE) that will
offer airlines a more effective representation,
information and access to the European
institutions.
AIRE is set to urge the European
institutions to speed up the delivery of a far
more cost-effective business environment
for airlines.
The Associations focus remains the
implementation of an efficient economic
AVIATION UPDATE
regulation of monopolistic service providers,
as well as ensuring good rule-making in
Europe, said Gunther Hofman, President
of AIRE and Managing Director of TUIfly
Benelux. AIRE will bring its recognised
expertise into the decision-making process.
We are creating AIRE as a new power
to be a link to the European institutions for
all airlines developing their business to the
economic benefits of the European Union,
added Rafal Milczarski, CEO of LOT Polish
Airlines and newly appointed Vice-President
of AIRE. All Members of AIRE share our
vision concerning market access, efficiency
of operations as well as the relationship
between airlines and their monopolistic
service providers. We want to assure, that
all airlines from Europe have a level playing
field.
Rafal Milczarski, CEO of LOT Polish
Airlines will succeed Gunther Hofman as
President of AIRE at the end of this year.
thaI recruIts
214 new flIGht
attendants
T hai Airways International Public
Company Limited (THAI) is recruiting
214 new flight attendants to provide services
on board THAI flights, accommodating
future route expansion.
Flight Lieutenant Werasak Wiroonpetch,
THAI Executive Vice President, Operations
Department, said that as the Company
is currently in the third phase of its
Transformation Plan and is in the process
of strength building. It is prepared to
be a leading carrier or to go beyond the
capabilities of competitors. The Company
is in the process of recruiting 214 new
flight attendants to serve THAI flights in
preparation for future route expansion.
up the award for Best First Class Comfort
THAIs new flight attendants will hold a three
QUICK UPDATE
year contract that may be renewed one time,
whereby the contractual period will end
on 30 September 2023. Applications were
submitted online through www.thaiairways.
com during 2-26 May 2017, resulting in
2,003 applicants, which shows that the flight
attendant career remains highly popular.
Currently, applications are being reviewed
for qualified applicants, submission of
required application materials, measure of
body weight and height, and consideration
of personality and image. The list of qualified
applicants will be announced on 24 June
2017, those of whom may take the written
exam before proceeding with the selection
process that includes overall interview, third
language interview, swimming test, and
physical examination.
This group of flight attendants will be
employed for a contractual period that will
terminate at the end of contract, which is an
employment policy used by other leading
air carriers worldwide. It is an opportunity
to take pride in working for the national
carrier with exceptionally high standards of
premium class service.
eMIrates
wIns 13th
consecutIve
worlds best
InflIGht
entertaInMent
award at
skytrax awards
2017
E
mirates has won Worlds Best Inflight
Entertainment award for a record
13th year at the prestigious Skytrax World
Airline Awards 2017. The airline also picked
Amenities. The Skytrax World Airline Awards
2017 JULY 9
 QUICK UPDATE
are considered a global benchmark of
airline excellence. This years results were
decided by 19.8 million customers across
105 countries. The survey reviewed over 320
airlines from August 2016 to May 2017.
Worlds Best Inflight Entertainment since
launch
Emirates inflight entertainment system,
ice, was launched in 2003 and has continually
led the industry since, winning best in class
for 13 years running.Today, ice features
over 2,500 channels of entertainment,
including the latest blockbuster movies,
award-winning television box sets, live
TV, music and computer games. Emirates
commitment to providing a superior inflight
experience is anchored in continued product
enhancement. In the last year, 28% more
entertainment has been added including
more varied content giving customers more
choices than ever.
New content on ice includes free
expert-led LinkedIn Learning courses that
cover topics such as Leadership, General
Management, Marketing, and Creative
Lifestyle. Emirates has also added uTalk
language courses to its learning zone on ice.
The series of videos offer beginner lessons
for travellers to pick up Arabic, German,
French, Spanish or Italian during their flight.
Emirates has invested heavily in
connectivity and Live TV on board today
129 aircraft offer Live TV, including 16 A380s.
Wi-Fi connectivity is available on 86% of the
fleet with more being upgraded each month.
Emirates offers customers across all classes
20MB of free Wi-Fi and each month about
800,000 passengers connect while inflight.
Best First Class Comfort Amenities
Emirates clinched the Best First Class
Comfort Amenities at this years Skytrax
awards following a recent product overhaul
across all cabins aimed at enhancing
comfort in the air. Among the new products
introduced last year is a luxury spa range
from award-winning Irish brand VOYA. The
skincare line was created exclusively for
Emirates and is available in the signature
A380 shower spa on board and in the First
and Business Class washrooms.
Emirates has also partnered with luxury
Italian brand Bulgari for its latest designs of
the airlines exclusive kit bags. The new set
of amenity kits for both First and Business
Class feature Bulgaris woody floral fragrance
10 JULY 2017
Eau Parfume au th noir - and contain overall customer experience. This unique
skincare essentials to keep customers feeling
fresh and pampered throughout the flight.
In December, Emirates also introduced
the worlds first moisturising lounge wear
in its First Class cabins. The suits use Hydra
Active Microcapsule Technology which is
designed to keep skin hydrated during the
flight. They are accompanied by a plush,
faux sheep-skin blanket in First Class for a
comfortable nights sleep.
Emirates is the worlds largest
international airline, with an extensive
network that has grown to offer its customers
a choice of 156 destinations in 83 countries
across six continents, with convenient
connections through its hub in Dubai.
two InItIatIves
to IMprove
passenGer
experIence
at eMIrates
terMInal 3
wIll soon be
Introduced
T
ravellers departing from Dubai
International Airport Terminal 3
can look forward to a smoother airport
experience with the implementation of two
new initiatives that will streamline the check-
in and immigration checks at departure.
Involving biometric technology and new
automated border control gates, these two
projects will be launched immediately, with
completion expected within the next 12 -18
months.
These are the first projects signed off
by the joint team currently reviewing all
traveller touch points at Dubai International
airport, with the aim of enhancing the
collaborative approach involving Emirates
airline, Dubai Customs, Dubai General
Directorate of Residency and Foreigners
Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Police and Dubai
Airports, was launched in May and has
quickly borne fruit. The two new initiatives
announced will help expedite the processing
of travellers, and facilitate a smoother
traveller flow through various check-points
at the airport.
Biometric technology: Using a facial
recognition solution integrated with the UAE
Wallet, travellers will be able to register and
store their biometric data through multiple
means including by taking a selfie on their
mobile phones, as well as using biometric
registration kiosks placed at check-in areas
and Emirates Lounges. They can then utilise
this biometric data to ease their journey
through immigration at T3 Departures,
and later, other touch-points throughout
DXB airport, including automated access to
Emirates First and Business Class lounges.
One Gate: new generation smart
immigration gates will be installed at T3
Departures, supplementing the existing
e-gates, and manned immigration counters.
These new smart gates offer an automated
border control system that utilises travellers
biometrics. It will also enable travellers to
forgo the additional step of getting their
passports and boarding passes manually
checked by a security officer before they go
through immigration, as these checks will be
automatically integrated within the biometric
validation as travellers pass through the new
smart gates.
Major General Mohammed Ahmed
Almarri, Dubai General Directorate of
Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA)
said: In line with the governments vision
to be a world leader in providing public
services, we have been evaluating the use
of biometrics to enhance traveller flow
through immigration. We are pleased to
roll-out these new initiatives at Terminal 3
Departures in collaboration with Emirates
and our airport stakeholders. We believe this
will make our operations more efficient, free
up our valuable manpower to focus on other
responsibilities, and ultimately improve
traveller experience.
AVIATION UPDATE

aIrbus unveIls
a380 plus
A
irbus pesented a development study
for the A380plus at the Paris Air
Show. The study includes aerodynamic
improvements in new, large winglets and
other wing refinements that allow for up to
4% fuel burn savings, optimized maintenance
program, cabin features, a 13% cost per seat
reduction versus todays A380.
The A380plus is an efficient way to
offer even better economics and improved
operational performance at the same time,
said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers. It
is a new step for our iconic aircraft to best
serve worldwide fast-growing traffic and
the evolving needs of the A380 customers.
The A380 is well-proven as the solution to
increasing congestion at large airports, and
in offering a unique, passenger-preferred
experience.
The new winglets measure approximately
4,7 metres in height (an uplet of 3.5m, and a
downlet of 1,2m). It is designed to improve
aerodynamics and reduce drag.
The cabin layout based on the cabin
enablers presented at Aircraft Interiors Expo,
allows up to 80 additional seats: redesigned
stairs, a combined crew-rest compartment,
sidewall stowage removal, a 9-abreast seat
configuration in premium economy and
11-abreast in economy.
The A380plus will have an increased
maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 578
tonnes providing the flexibility of carrying up
to 80 more passengers (from todays average
497 to 575b in four classes) over 8,200nm
range (300nm further than before).
The A380plus features longer
maintenance check intervals, a reduced
six-year check downtime, and systems
improvements, which will reduce
maintenance costs and increase aircraft
availability.
AVIATION UPDATE
The A380 is the worlds largest, most
spacious airliner that offers passengers the
smoothest, quietest and most comfortable
ride. With two full widebody decks, offering
widest seats, wide aisles and more floor
space, the A380 has the unique capability
to generate revenue, stimulate traffic and
attract the flying public.
497 passengers is the airlines average
capacity of the A380s currently in operation
today which are consistently attracting
above-average passenger load factors. With
all A380 cabin enablers, the A380 average
seat count would move from 497 to 575 in
four classes, and generate significantly more
revenue for airlines.
new carGo
aIrlIne JoIns
chInese Market
J oint Venture Equity Contract was signed
on June 12, 2017, establishing a cargo
airline which should operate under the
auspices of a Chinese AOC.
75% of the shares in this airline will be
held by HNCA, the Henan Airport Group
and the Xinggang Investment Group
Company., Ltd (which company represents
the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone).
Cargolux will hold the remaining 25%.
The new Chinese cargo airline will be
called Henan Cargo Airlines and it will operate
out of Zhenzhou. The first revenue flight is
planned for the fourth quarter of 2018.
IaGs budGet
aIrlIne starts
operatIons
L
ong-haul low-cost airline LEVEL IAGs
latest addition started its operations
on the first day of summer, taking passengers
from Barcelona, Spain to Los Angeles, USA.
QUICK UPDATE
Flights to LA will operate twice per week,
with the carrier operating the service to San
Francisco (Oakland) three times a week.
This is Spains first long-haul low-cost
operation. According to IAGs official press
release, it is also the first step towards LEVELs
expansion from other European cities.
LEVEL is the fifth airline brand under IAGs
umbrella, the other four being Aer Lingus,
British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. Barcelona
being the latters home base means that
flyers will be able to connect from Vuelings
established European network.
This is the start of a fantastic new
adventure for IAG. LEVELs sales are well
ahead of our expectations in all markets,
Willie Walsh, IAGs chief executive, said at
Barcelona airport. The brand has resonated
with a new audience, many of whom are
flying long-haul for the first time.
Walsh also added that in 2018 LEVEL
will increase its fleet to five aircraft and
will consider other European bases for the
operation. The airline currently operates two
new Airbus A330 aircraft.
In the middle of June, LEVEL is going to
commence flights to Buenos Aires, marking
the first direct budget route to South
America.
aIrbus sales
chIef John leahy
to retIre soon
E
uropean aircraft manufacturer Airbus
is about to end an era marked by the
work of John Leahy who has amassed deals
for more than $1 trillion during his career.
During a briefing at the IATA conference in
Cancun, Mexico, Leah announced leaving
the company sooner rather than later
and confirmed the rumor that Kiran Rao,
executive VP of strategy and marketing, is
2017 JULY 11
 QUICK UPDATE
going to take over his position.
Sixty-six-year-old Leahy, an American
businessman, has been with Airbus since
1985. In 1994 he was appointed as the
companys chief commercial officer. At his
position, Leahy outlasted five Airbus CEOs
and seven sales chiefs from rival Boeing.
Often called one of the industrys most
prolific salespeople, Leahy significantly
contributed to the increase of the companys
market share. When appointed as the sales
chief, he set the goal of 50% market sales,
which the company achieved in 2000. In the
beginning of his term in 1994, Airbus market
share was 18%.
Leahy was also a key player in the launch
of the A320neo (New Engine Option) family,
which has become the fastest selling aircraft
program in aviation history. He was also
instrumental in the launch of the A350 XWB
family as well as the A330neo.
John Leahy has an MBA from Syracuse
University with a concentration in both
Finance and Transportation Management
and a BA from Fordham University with
a dual major in Communications and
Philosophy. He is also a licensed multi-
engine commercial pilot and a former flight
instructor. In March 2012, he received one of
Frances top civilian awards by being named
an Officer of the Lgion dHonneur, for his
services to European aviation.
skycop.coM
reveals ways
aIrlInes trIck
passenGers
E ven though air transportation is
without a doubt the no. 1 choice for
business and leisure travellers world-wide,
flight disruptions are still a huge headache.
Thousands of delayed, cancelled flights,
lost or damaged baggage all of it should
cost airlines an arm and a leg. However, as
experts at SKYCOP explain, passengers are
the ones left to pay for their own trouble due
to airlines wiggling about and using dirty
play to avoid paying a proper compensation.
According to Marius Stonkus, CEO of
Skycop.com, a company, standing up for
passengers and their rights in a fight against
airline misbehaviour towards flight refunds,
12 JULY 2017
due to every imaginable and even ridiculous It is important to keep your cool and
reasons created by carriers, only 5% of all restrain yourself from taking the first available
passengers whose flights were disturbed option evaluate the situation does it fit
receive appropriate compensation. the EU regulation criteria. Fill in the claim and
We see even the most determined decide on whether you are going the hard way
passengers that know how and where to find and will try to get through the airline barriers
all of the information about claim processes yourself or you will trust a claim management
giving up after few months of fruitless fight company to take care of everything, suggests
with airline legal department. It is with good the CEO of SKYCOP, Marius Stonkus.
reason that carriers invest heavily in their
legal teams EU airlines alone owe travellers
3,2 billion for delayed, cancelled and
otherwise disrupted flights. Knowing the slim
unIted aIrlInes
profit margin this business, they are willing to to cease flIGhts
go the extra mile to close the claim cases are to venezuela on
soon as possible, explains M. Stonkus.
July 1
SKYCOP reveals the most common ways
airlines try to avoid paying the compensation:
TIME LINGERING
o The claim is investigated for a
preposterous amount of time
o Airline forgets to send you an answer
BUREAUCRACY
o Travellers are blamed for incomplete
claim forms, wrongly placed
signatures, etc.
U
o Airline ignores requests from the nited Airlines has announced stopping
CAA flights to Venezuela starting July 1,
o Carrier tries to exploit different laws according to a statement from the carrier.
in different countries Currently, the company operates daily flights
on the Houston-Caracas route.
DECEPTION
o States deadlines that are nowhere to Flights to Caracas are quite popular
be found or heard about among managers of Texas oil companies and
o Claims that rules dont allow
Venezuelan-Americans, but the load remains
relatively low due to the small number of
revealing information about the
tourists among the travelers.
flight
Many airlines have already left Venezuela
o Offers the deceived passengers
ridiculous compensations food
because of problems carriers face in
reimbursing ticket costs (similar concerns
coupons, flight coupons, etc.
exist in many African economies as well).
Every correction (necessary or not) A the moment, the country has two official
takes 30 days to process. SKYCOP urges exchange rates, both of which heavily
every traveller that has experienced delay, overvalue the national currency.
cancellation, overbooking or any other
However, United does not name
disturbance to not accept any of the coupon-
this dispute as a reason for leaving the
based compensations and to keep in mind
Venezuelan market. Another factor that
that according to EU regulation you are
frightens airlines is safety concerns. During
entitled to up to 600 compensation.
the political unrest, since April at least 42
If a flight is delayed for more than 3 people have lost their lives.
hours
In recent years, airlines like Lufthansa
If a flight is cancelled less than 14 days and Air Canada have withdrawn from the
before flight Venezuelan market altogether. In 2014,
If a passenger is denied boarding due to American Airlines reduced the number of
overbooking
AVIATION UPDATE

flights to the Latin American by 80%. In 2016,
the carrier wrote off $592 million because of
Venezuelan operations.
In 2016, the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) estimated the Venezuelan
authorities debt to international airlines
at $3.78 billion. Air France, Iberia, Copa,
Avianca are among the major international
airlines still operating in Venezuela.
boeInG,
aseMan reach
aGreeMent on
the sale of 60
aIrcraft
T he American aircraft manufacturer
Boeing has reached a final agreement
on the sale of 60 narrow-body 737 MAX
aircraft, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The deal is estimated at $3 billion. At the
time of signing the memorandum earlier,
the parties evaluated the transaction at up
to $6 billion without taking into account the
discounts. The delivery of aircraft should
begin no later than 2022. The success of
the deal depends on the decision of the
US authorities, due to which the American
manufacturer applied to the Office of
Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US
Treasury Department to obtain a permission
to conduct such a transaction.
Boeing also expects approval from the
US Treasury Department to conduct a deal
to sell 80 aircraft to Iran Air carrier for $16.6
billion (without accounting for discounts).
Boeing and its European competitor, Airbus,
have signed agreements on the sale of
aircraft to Iranian airlines after Iran has lifted
sanctions imposed due to the countrys
nuclear program.
AVIATION UPDATE
new carGo
aIrlIne JoIns
chInese Market
J oint Venture Equity Contract was signed
on June 12, 2017, establishing a cargo
airline which should operate under the
auspices of a Chinese AOC.
75% of the shares in this airline will be
held by HNCA, the Henan Airport Group
and the Xinggang Investment Group
Company., Ltd (which company represents
the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone).
Cargolux will hold the remaining 25%.
The new Chinese cargo airline will be
called Henan Cargo Airlines and it will
operate out of Zhenzhou. The first revenue
flight is planned for the fourth quarter of
2018.
boeInG launches
737 Max 10
B
oeing announced the launch of the
737 MAX 10 at the 2017 Paris Air Show.
The 737 MAX 10 will have the lowest seat-
mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever
produced. The airplane has gained wide
market acceptance with more than 240
orders and commitments secured from more
than 10 customers worldwide. Customers
will be announcing order details throughout
the week.
The 737 MAX 10 extends the competitive
advantage of the 737 MAX family and were
honored that so many customers across
the world have embraced the outstanding
value it will bring to their fleets, said Boeing
Commercial Airplanes President and CEO
Kevin McAllister. Airlines wanted a larger,
better option in the large single-aisle
segment with the operating advantages of
the 737 MAX family. Adding the 737 MAX 10
gives our customers the most flexibility in
the market, providing their fleets the range
QUICK UPDATE
capability, fuel efficiency and unsurpassed
reliability that the 737 MAX family is widely
known for.
The 737 MAX 10 continues the MAX
familys range advantage over competing
models and will deliver five percent lower
trip costs and five percent lower seat-mile
costs.
Design changes for the 737 MAX 10
include a fuselage stretch of 66 inches
compared to the 737 MAX 9 and levered
main landing gear. The airplane has the
capacity to carry up to 230 passengers. Other
changes include a variable exit limit rating
mid-exit door, a lighter flat aft pressure
bulkhead and a modified wing for low speed
drag reduction.
Like Boeings other 737 MAX models,
the 737 MAX 10 incorporates the latest
technology CFM International LEAP-1B
engines, Advanced Technology winglets,
Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays,
and other improvements to deliver the
highest efficiency, reliability and passenger
comfort in the single-aisle market.
The 737 MAX continues to be the
fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history,
accumulating more than 3,700 orders to
date.
aIrbus
helIcopters
presents
hIGh-speed
deMonstrator
A
irbus Helicopters has unveiled the
aerodynamic configuration of the
high speed demonstrator it is developing
as part of the Clean Sky 2 European
research programme. Codenamed Racer,
for Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft,
2017 JULY 13
 QUICK UPDATE
this demonstrator will incorporate a host of
innovative features and will be optimised for
a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h.
Today we unveil our bold vision for
the future of high-speed rotorcraft, said
Guillaume Faury, Airbus Helicopters CEO
at the Paris Air Show on June 20. This
new project, pulling together the skills and
know-how of dozens of European partners
through the Clean Sky 2 initiative, aims to
bring increased speed and range at the right
cost, thanks to a simple, safe and proven
aerodynamic formula. It will pave the way
for new time-sensitive services for 2030 and
beyond, setting new benchmarks for high-
speed helicopter transportation.
The Racer demonstrator will be built
around a simple architecture, ensuring safety
and cost-efficiency. An innovative box-
wing design, optimised for aerodynamic
efficiency, will provide lift in cruise mode
while isolating passengers during ground
operations from the pusher lateral rotors
designed to generate thrust in forward flight.
It will aim at achieving the best trade-off
between speed, cost-efficiency, sustainability
and mission performance. Final assembly
of the demonstrator is expected to start in
2019, with a first flight the next year.
Optimised for performance and low
acoustic signature, these lateral rotors as
well as the main rotor will be driven by
two RTM322 engines. An eco mode will
be tested by the engine manufacturer to
demonstrate an electrically-powered start
and stop of one engine in flight, thus
generating fuel savings and increasing
range. The Racer demonstrator will also
benefit from a hybrid metallic-composite
airframe, specifically designed for low
weight and low recurring costs. It will also
be equipped with a new high voltage direct
current electrical generation, which will
significantly contribute to weight reduction.
Building upon the success of the self-
funded X3 demonstrator, which validated
the compound aerodynamic configuration
a combination of a traditional main rotor
and innovative lateral rotors the Racer
project will bring this concept closer to an
operational design and demonstrate its
suitability for a wide spectrum of missions
where increased speed and efficiency will
bring significant added value for citizens
and operators. This is especially the case
14 JULY 2017
for emergency medical services and search
and rescue operations, as well as for public
services, commercial air transport and
private and business aviation.
struGGlInG aIr
berlIn refuses
to apply for
GovernMent
Guarantee
D espite all the financial problems, which
the second largest Germanys airline
has faced in the previous years, as well as
consideration to apply for a government
guarantee, Air Berlin decided that such
measure is not needed.
We had made a preliminary application
for a surety as part of managements
pre-emptive strategy of investigating
all restructuring options for Air Berlin.
However, we have at no point made a
binding application for a surety, and will
not do so, said the companys CEO Thomas
Winkelmann.
Air Berlin asserts that such actions
were motivated by a successfully ongoing
progress of the companys reconstruction.
Thanks to lowering of operating expenses
as well as favorable renegotiations like those
for aircraft leasing contracts, the company
has already achieved cost savings for 2018
ranging in double-digit amount of millions
of Euros. There is quite simply no longer any
need for a government guarantee to secure
any loans, claimed Winkelmann.
In 2016 Air Berlins financial loss was
estimated to be $877 million and, since
then continuing to deepen, it might now be
around $1.34 billion. The financial situation
is worsened by recent flight cancelations and
delays in the beginning of June. Now that
the government guarantee is rejected, either
a spectacular reconstruction or new partners
could help Air Berlin get back on feet.
Another possible helping-hand was
seen in Lufthansa. Air Berlins rival and the
largest German carrier was naturally seen
as a possible partner, especially as it had
bought 38 aircraft in 2016. But after having
talks about salvaging the remaining Air
Berlins business with Abu Dhabi authorities,
even Lufthansa had to admit the debt is
just too big.
As one of Europes largest network
airlines, Air Berlin focuses on domestic
flights and on services between a number
of major European cities and its Berlin-
Tegel and Dusseldorf hubs, from where
the airline also operates long-haul flights
to the US, Caribbean and Middle East. The
company carried approximately 28.9 million
passengers in 2016.
Qatar aIrways
Intends to
buy aMerIcan
aIrlInes 10%
stake
A merican Airlines have confirmed Qatar
Airways, the Gulf countrys state-
owned airline, had expressed interest in
buying a 10 percent stake worth at least
$808 million in the US giant airline. Shares of
American Airlines rose 5.5 percent to $51.08
in premarket trading.
The news comes just weeks after Qatar
was engulfed in a diplomatic row with
neighbor Saudi Arabia, which led other
nations including Egypt, the United Arab
Emirates and Bahrain in cutting ties with
Doha. Qatar Airways indicated that it would
buy the stake on the open market, American
Airlines said in a regulatory filing.
American said its certificate of
incorporation prohibits anyone from
acquiring 4.75 percent or more of the
companys outstanding stock without
advance approval from the board following
a written request. The companys board did
not receive any written request from Qatar
Airways, American added.
American Airlines also noted that foreign
ownership laws limited the total percentage
of foreign voting interest in a U.S. company
to 24.9 percent.
AVIATION UPDATE

FEAM extends
maintenance
support agreement
with Boeing
F
EAM Maintenance / Engineering
announced that it will expand the
agreement with Boeing to provide full
handling line maintenance support at
Seattle International Airport and Denver
International Airport for the GoldCare
clients.
The GoldCare agreement will now call
for FEAMs support at a total of five line
maintenance locations and adds the 787
Dreamliner along with the 737 MAX. FEAM
technicians recently concluded Boeing led
737 MAX systems training and is in the final
stages of opening three new GoldCare line
maintenance bases in the New England area.
FEAM currently has a substantial
presence at both DEN and SEA providing
comprehensive line maintenance services
up to A- Check level support to over 10
International and domestic airline operators.
FEAM will provide its GoldCare MRO services
at DEN and SEA under its EASA 145 rating
approval.
We are very fortunate to be able to
continue to grow our relationship with
Boeing through the GoldCare program,
said Dan Allawat, COO, FEAM Maintenance
/ Engineering. To be a partner in Boeings
growing aftermarket services sector
positions FEAM to be at the forefront of
the latest technologically advanced aircraft,
systems, and business processes, thus
further enhancing FEAMs capabilities for
existing and new customers.
AVIATION UPDATE
ENGINES SECTOIN
Rolls-Royce
begins Trent
XWB engines
production at
Dahlewitz site
R olls-Royce officially opened a
new assembly line for its Trent XWB engines in Dahlewitz, Germany on June 14, 2017,
complementing its main production line in Derby, UK, and marking the first time that
complete large civil engines have been assembled in Germany.
The new assembly line will help meet the exceptional demand for Rolls-Royces Trent
XWB engines by delivering up to two engines per week by the end of the year. Combining
this with the capacity to deliver up to five Trent XWB engines from its main production
line in Derby means that Rolls-Royce will be able to deliver one Trent XWB engine per day
at peak.
The Trent XWB is large civil aero engine and exclusively powers the Airbus A350
aircraft. With over 1,600 orders to date, it also holds the record of being the fastest selling
widebody engine ever.
The Trent XWB is the cornerstone of an outstanding order book which should see us
having Rolls-Royce engines installed on over 50% of wide-bodied passenger aircraft by
the mid-2020s, said Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce, President - Civil Aerospace. Having a strong
and resilient supply chain built around world-class operations is essential to delivering the
growth in production required over the next few years. Our investment in Dahlewitz will
play an important role in ensuring we reach our goals.
The Dahlewitz site, south of Berlin, was opened in 1993, and today employs around
2,500 employees. Aside from the assembly of Trent XWB engines, the BR700 engine family
is also assembled on site, providing propulsion for large business aircraft, as well as the
V2500 engine for the Airbus A320 family. Since opening, more than 7,000 engines have
been shipped from the site.
FL Technics becomes approved supplier
for 6 Asian companies
A
sias leading airlines, including Asiana Airlines, AirAsia X, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways,
Tway Airlines, and Indonesias GMF AeroAsia have awarded FL Technics, a global
provider of one-stop-shop aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, with a
status of an approved supplier of aircraft spare parts.
With own warehouses in London, UK, as well as other locations across Europe and
Asia, FL Technics will support the carriers and the MRO provider with various spare parts
for Airbus A320 Family, Boeing 737 and other aircraft types. Having a local spare parts
support team in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as an AOG desk in Vilnius, Lithuania, FL
Technics is able to provide 24/7 spare parts support to its Asian customers.
In just two years, our spare part sales in the Asian Pacific region grew by over 10 times.
We have a local support team and several locally-based stocks with the support from our
London warehouse. This allowed us to win the trust of Asias leading airlines, become their
approved supplier. We certainly aim at eventually becoming more than just a spare parts
supplier for them, but MRO, training and engineering partner as well, commented Zilvinas
Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics.
2017 JULY 15
 ENGINES SECTOIN
AAR signs
agreement with
VivaColombia and
Viva Air Peru
A AR has signed a multi-year component
support agreement with Viva Colombia
and Viva Air Peru. AAR will be providing
pool support to affiliate airlines within the
Viva Latin America group including Viva
Colombia, Colombias first low-cost carrier,
and the newly established low-cost carrier
Viva Air in Peru. AAR will make inventory
available from its facilities in Miami and
Chicago, as well as positioning stock in
Bogota, Medellin and Lima.
Our individualized cost-per-flight-hour
programs are providing real-time support
for our growing clientele all over the world,
said Deepak Sharma, President, International
Supply Chain, AAR. We are excited to add
South American airlines to our portfolio of
more than 1,300 aircraft under contract.
We are proud to allow millions of Latin
Americans to take their first airline flight or
travel by air more frequently, said William
Shaw, founder and CEO of VivaColombia
and Viva Air Peru. We are excited to begin
working with AAR to help continue to
provide affordable air travel in the region.
This contract is the latest example of
how AARs flight-hour support programs
are a perfect fit for fast-growing airlines in
emerging markets, in addition to established
carriers in major markets, said John Holmes,
President and Chief Operating Officer, AAR.
We use our capital, buying power and
experience in component support on behalf
of our partners, so they can focus on cost-
effective operations and expansion.
VivaColombia and Air Peru are part of
the Irelandia Aviation group, the worlds
premier low-cost airline developer, led by
Declan Ryan, one of the founders of Ryanair.
Irelandia has successfully developed 6 LCCs
around the world, namely Ryanair, Allegiant,
Tigerair, Viva Aerobus, Viva Colombia and
Viva Air Peru, which combined have a fleet
of over 420 aircraft and have carried more
than 1 billion passengers to date.
16 JULY 2017
Safran and KLM to launch a joint
venture
T
he joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and AFI KLM E&M, announced
a year ago, now has an official name: Airfoils Advanced Solutions. Located at the
Sars-et-Rosires business park in north of France, near Valenciennes, the new companys
plant will be completed in early 2018, with operations due to kick off late 2018. By the
time the Airfoils Advanced Solutions plant reaches cruise speed in 2020, it will have
from 200 to 250 employees.
Airfoils Advanced Solutions will repair high-pressure compressor blades and variable
stator vanes, focusing on the CFM International CFM56 engines powering the Airbus
A320 and Boeing 737, GEs GE90 engines powering the Boeing 777, and the Engine
Alliance GP7200 for the Airbus A380 super-jumbo. The new facility will span nearly
15,000 square meters (162,000 sq ft) and will incorporate state-of-the-art equipment
while implementing hi-tech metallurgical processes. Airfoils Advanced Solutions will
also be active in repair solutions development, including cutting-edge repairs for fleets
serviced by parent companies Safran Aircraft Engines and AFI KLM E&M.
The founding of this joint venture is a major step forward in our repair capabilities
for the high-pressure sections of engines serviced by Safran Aircraft Engines and AFI
KLM E&M, said Franois Planaud, Executive Vice President, Services & MRO, Safran
Aircraft Engines. Its also a tremendous opportunity for Safran Aircraft Engines to
strengthen our position as a major supplier of engine MRO services. We are also very
proud to see that this strategic business line, requiring highly qualified personnel, will
be located in our local communities.
Airfoils Advanced Solutions is jointly owned by Safran Aircraft Engines (51%) and
AIR FRANCE KLM (49%), who will invest over 20 million euros in the new company. This
new joint venture will help the two parent companies bolster their competitiveness,
and also reflects the role they play in the global aircraft maintenance market, and in
supporting job creation and industry development in their home bases.
Safran is an international high-technology group and tier-1 supplier of systems
and equipment in the Aerospace and Defense markets. Operating worldwide, Safran
has nearly 58,000 employees and generated sales of 15.8 billion euros in 2016. Safran
is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange, and its share is part of the CAC 40 and
Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is an MRO provider with a
workforce of over 14,000.
AVIATION UPDATE
 ENGINES SECTOIN

Pratt & Whitney certifies be certified, is scheduled to enter into customer service on the
E190-E2 in 2018, with the 195-E2 scheduled to enter service in
Embraer E-Jet E2 engine 2019.
The E-Jet E2 program is one of two programs that Pratt &

P ratt & Whitneys PurePower Geared Turbofan PW1900G

engine received certification from the Federal Aviation
Administration. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United
Whitney and Embraer are working together on. Pratt & Whitney
is part of the collaboration which supplies the V2500-E5 engine
for the Embraer KC-390, which is under certification campaign.
Technologies Corp. Pratt & Whitney also supplies the auxiliary power unit for the
The PW1900G engine powers the two largest aircraft in E-Jet E2 program.
Embraers second generation of the E-Jets family of commercial
aircraft. The E190-E2 took its first flight in May 2016 and the
E195-E2s first flight was on March 29, 2017.
The FAA validation of the PW1900G engine type certificate
is a key program milestone, said Chris Calio, Pratt & Whitney
president, commercial engines. The engine provides 23,000
pounds of thrust and is currently powering five flight test vehicles
with more than 900 hours of flight testing completed.
The certification test program spanned nearly 18 months and
included sea level as well as operability and performance testing
among the rigorous protocol the engine underwent.
The PW1900G engine, the fourth in the PurePower family to

STELIA Aerospace
delivers first
BelugaXL nose
section

S TELIA Aerospaces plant in Maulte,

France, delivered the fully equipped nose
section of the first BelugaXL, to its customer
Airbus. Transferred from Maulte to the
Beluga Final Assembly Line in Toulouse by
BelugaST, this section boasts impressive
dimensions: 12m long, 6m large, 4m high and
a total weight of 8.2 tonnes. The installation
of the aircrafts systems represents some
1,200 m of electric harnesses (60 km of
cables) and 400 m of metallic and composite
pipes. The teams of four STELIA Aerospace sites BelugaXL, derived from its polyvalent long
We are proud of delivering, on time, (Maulte, Saint-Nazaire, Tunis and Toulouse) range aircraft, the A330.
the first nose section of the future BelugaXL. have worked on this project with the Airbus After the design by STELIA Aerospace
STELIA Aerospace teams worked hard for teams since January 2015. engineers in the Toulouse design office, the
30 months in order to deliver, at the exact The BelugaXL, a last generation aircraft, Saint-Nazaire site manufactured the pipes
required date, this iconic section, with is the successor of the current BelugaST. and managed the stretching and forming of
oversized dimensions and a state-of-the-art The programme was launched in November the panels, as well as the manufacturing of
design, said Cdric Gautier, CEO of STELIA 2014, to address the increasing transport several complex mechanical parts, while the
Aerospace. Moreover, this delivery of a fully needs due to the production ramp-up. In Tunis site produced several metallic parts,
equipped Plug-and-Fly nose section is a this context, Airbus has decided to increase and the Maulte site managed the assembly
first for our Maulte site. the capacity of its existing BelugaST fleet and equipment of the section.
and to develop and manufacture five new

AVIATION UPDATE 2017 JULY 17

 ENGINES SECTOIN

FL Technics and Future

Metals to launch a joint stock

F L Technics, a global provider of one-stop-shop aircraft

maintenance, repair and overhaul services, has expanded
its cooperation with a leading supplier of aerospace metals and
other materials Future Metals by agreeing to set up a stock
of metal products in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Back in 2015, the US-headquartered Future Metals
appointed FL Technics as its exclusive representative in 12
countries across Central Europe and Central Asia. Over the two-
year long cooperation with FL Technics, Future Metals doubled
its sales in the region.
In order to further expand the availability of quality metal
products for airlines and MROs in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine
and other target countries, the parties agreed to establish a joint
stock of aircraft metals and other specialty items such as seat
tracks, seat track covers, welding rod, safety wire, flight control
cables and more. The stock will be established at and managed
by FL Technics in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Boeing and Etihad

signs multi-year
agreement
B oeing announced, through its subsidiary
Aviall, a multi-year consumables and
expendables aircraft parts supply chain
program agreement with Etihad Airways
Engineering. The agreement expands
Avialls offerings to include full supply chain
spectrum support, including forecasting,
planning, advanced provisioning and supply East, Etihad Airways Engineering sees subsidiary of The Boeing Company,
chain administration. partnerships with leading suppliers as an supporting both commercial and defense
Parts associated with this agreement integral part of our development. This business units within Boeing. Aviall is a
include Boeing proprietary and Aviall- contract with Aviall is part of a strategy to leading solutions provider of aftermarket
sourced parts used on Boeing and Airbus continue to drive the company forward as supply-chain management services for the
commercial aircraft. a leading global maintenance provider, aerospace and defense industries.
said Jeff Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer Headquartered in Dallas, Aviall is the
Aviall is excited to work closely with
of Etihad Airways Engineering. It facilitates worlds largest provider of new aviation
Etihad through this supply chain program
the planned growth of Etihad Airways parts and related aftermarket services. The
agreement, said Aviall President and CEO
Engineerings airframe and component company markets and distributes products
Eric Strafel. Customer-inspired innovation
services maintenance capabilities, and is an for more than 240 manufacturers and offers
is at the forefront of our companys service
extension to our growing cooperation with approximately 2 million catalog items
strategy. Developing key value-adding
Boeing. The contract is intended to grow from 40 customer service centers in North
solutions, such as this program, will create
further with the inclusion of more Boeing America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
greater supply chain connectivity and
proprietary parts and the maturing Boeing
increase operational optimization for From July 1, Aviall will be part of Boeing
777 and 787 maintenance business in Abu
our customers and original equipment Global Services, a new dedicated services
Dhabi.
manufacturer (OEM) partners. business focused on the needs of global
Aviall operates as a wholly owned defense, space and commercial customers.
As the leading MRO in the Middle

18 JULY 2017 AVIATION UPDATE

 COVER STORY

T
here are many different airshows that can be found at small
and large airports around the world. Some of them feature
local aircraft and perhaps some stunt flying but there
are others that introduce flying to the world. One of the
premier, if not the top airshow worldwide is the Paris Air Show that
took place in 2017 from June 19-25. As was the case with many other
Paris Air Shows in the past, it certainly did not disappoint those who
took the time to visit.
The Paris Air Show takes place every two years and in 2017, it
was the 52nd of such shows to thrill the crowds who attended. It
wasn't simply people who were in the area and happened to stop
by; people came from around the world in order to see what was
taking place overhead. This included many politicians from around
the world, along with military professionals and executives. In fact,
there may just have been as many interesting things happening on
the ground as there were happening in the skies above the Paris-Le
Bourget Airport.
When the airshow took place in 2015, there were over 350,000
individuals who made the trip to attend. They represented almost

review
100 different countries from around the world. In 2017, the numbers
are very similar but the political atmosphere was somewhat different
than what was seen in 2015. Thanks to a blockade of Qatar, the
airspace has been somewhat disrupted but it still promised to be a
fantastic show, and it certainly did not disappoint.

An Issue with Security

Prior to the time that the airshow started, there were many issues
with security that were being considered. Although security was a
very important part of previous airshows, including the one in 2015,
it was even more important in 2017. As a result, there were many
different prohibited items that were listed on the Paris air show
website.
Among those prohibited items include objects that could be used
as a weapon or projectile or that could endanger others. It included
glass bottles, knives, metal bars, sharp objects and similar items.

AVIATION UPDATE 2017 JULY 19

 COVER STORY
Gases are aerosols that can also be used
to incapacitate were also not permitted. Of
course, there was a complete ban on any type
of weapons and any baggage or briefcases
that were larger than cabin luggage were not
permitted as well.
20 JULY 2017
As you can imagine, drones have also
become a rather serious issue, especially
when it comes to airspace. Any type of remote
control device or drone was not permitted in
or around the Paris air show in 2017. They
also stopped people from bringing in hand
tools, bottles of compressed gas or liquid
and alcoholic beverages were not permitted.
These are just a few of the many different
items that were prohibited.
In addition, security was at very high
levels. They wanted the event to go off
without a hitch and aside from a few smaller
problems that were localized; there were not
any big issues that hampered the event. In
fact, people were able to enjoy the entire
airshow and to do so in the way that it was
originally intended.
The Big Story at the Airshow
The Paris air show, known as the "flying
Circus" has had some events that have made
their way into the mainstream and people
look forward to them occurring when the
airshow takes place. One of those is a battle
that takes place between aviation giants
and it is rather interesting to see the new
innovations that take place as a result of the
airshow and are introduced to the world,
sometimes for the first time.
One of those battles that took place at
AVIATION UPDATE

the Paris Air Show was between America's
Boeing and Europe's Airbus. New aircraft
were introduced by both, and it was a sight
to be seen on the airstrip and in the skies
above it. The newest member of the Boeing
family, the 737 Max 10, was introduced to
the show and they are expected to sign
additional deals that will really help push it
to the fore. It was an attempt to slow down
the success of the Airbus A321Neo.
Another airline that was introduced in
the 2017 airshow is from Boeing. It eventually
will be dubbed as the 797, and although it is
not planned to be ready for flying for about
another decade, it was interesting to see the
details unfolded at the airshow. This is one of
the reasons why many of us appreciate the
Paris air show, because there is so innovation
to be seen.
Airbus was not to be denied there time
for introducing new aircraft as well. One of
the most anticipated of all the new planes
from Airbus is the A350-1000 and it could be
seen on display at the Paris Air Show for the
first time. This long range, twin Axel Airbus is
certain to be an aircraft that is seen regularly
at some point in the future.
There are also many other airliners from
different parts of the world, including China
and Russia, and they were being introduced
at the Paris Air Show as well. This included the
C-Series airliner from Canada's Bombardier
and a 140 seats commercial airliner from
AVIATION UPDATE
Brazil's Embraer. Although that may not be
the largest airliner that was at the Paris air
show, it is the largest one that is available
from that company as of yet.
Of course, the commercial aircraft were
not the only to be seen at the airshow and
there were also some military aircraft that
were being unveiled for the world to see
as well. Some of them were amazing to see
on the ground and others took to the air to
really thrill the crowds as they showed what
was possible in pushing the envelope for
flight.
COVER STORY
A Look at Military and Government
Aircraft
Lockheed Martin got involved with a
joint strike fighter, the F-35A. This was an
expensive program from the Pentagon and
they were looking to get international buyers
interested in the program by stunning them
with what they saw on the ground and what
they saw in the sky above. It was amazing to
see this joint strike fighter take off from the
ground and go almost immediately vertical.
It was one of the defining moments of the
entire airshow for most of us.
Most people look to Lockheed Martin as
a defense company but the fact of the matter
is, they are also a commercial manufacture
of aircraft as well. For example, the C-130J
aircraft is one that most of us equate with
military transport but today, it is primarily
used for the hauling of commercial cargo. In
addition, the LM-100J is a propeller driven
aircraft that is used for both military and
commercial purposes. Since it is driven
by propellers and can take off practically
vertically, it is able to land in areas where
many other aircraft are unable to get in.
In recent years, commercial aircraft have
really seen a boom in purchasing. Lower
airfares and cheaper oil prices have made
it possible for people to fly rather than take
other forms of traveling and to do so in a
very economical way. Since manufacturing
and purchasing of aircraft has been up in
recent years, there was not quite as much
dealmaking at the Paris Air Show but it
certainly still was happening on the ground
as the aircraft were flying overhead.
2017 JULY 21
 COVER STORY

Shows Overhead Were Amazing

Although much of the focus was on
commercial aircraft and trying to woo those
who were there to see what was available,
there was also much for even the casual
observer to see in the skies overhead. The
following are some features of the show that
amazed the crowd on the ground.
The Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike
Fighter performed at the airshow and it was
really a sight to see. The event included what
was known as a "Blue Riband" maneuver in
an aerial display that was truly amazing. It
is certainly one that the crowd is not going
to forget.
As was mentioned previously, the
Lockheed Martin F-35A was also a visitor
to the Paris air show as well. It is a stealth
aircraft and considered to be the most
expensive weapon that has ever been
developed in history. As a frequent visitor to
the Paris air show, Lockheed Martin has been
at more than 10 shows and the F-35A could
be seen flying overhead for the three days
of the show. Many people were watching
for this particular flyby and they were not
disappointed.
There were also some personal
innovations that were on hand at the in traffic on his daily commute. He plans to This new, drone-like flying taxi is supposed
airshow as well. One of those is known as have it available and in the sky by 2019 and to help reduce congestion in busy cities. It
the "personal flying machine" and it may just if things go as planned, the flying license for flies with the use of propellers and it is still
be what makes it possible for individuals to this personal vehicle may be somewhat easy in development, but offers promise for those
take to the skies for personal transportation. to obtain. who are interested in getting around town
It is able to fly up to 70 miles and has the faster.
Another item that didn't necessarily
capacity to carry 2 people. It is priced at
make it into the sky but certainly did make
under $200,000 and it was designed by a
a splash at the airshow was the CityAirbus. The Return of Supersonic Flight
man named Steve Burns after being stuck
In 2003, supersonic flight seemed to come
to an end when the Concorde stopped its
regular flights. Being able to travel faster
than the speed of sound was something that
was of interest to many people who had to
make a long flight from the United States
overseas to Europe. It seems as if supersonic
flight is about to return again, and Boom
Supersonic was on hand at the Paris Air
Show to take orders.
It's interesting that the plane was not yet
ready for flight at the time that the airshow
took place, but that didn't stop them from
taking 76 different orders from 5 different
major airlines. One of airlines, Virgin, was
the first to be unveiled as a purchaser. The
plane from Boom Supersonic has 30 first

22 JULY 2017 AVIATION UPDATE


class seats and 55 business class seats. It can
substantially reduce the time that it takes to
fly from New York to London but a business
class seat will set you back approximately
$5000. These planes are expected to be
available and in the air by 2023.
What Was Taking Place on the
Ground?
Although there certainly were many
interesting things that were taking place
overhead, there was also much that was to
be seen on the ground underneath as well.
This included the release of information that
is of interest to many people who are in the
airline industry or just appreciate flying on a
regular basis.
One of those innovations was a floating
black box that would be installed on Airbus
planes that were designed to fly long
distance. The black box is ejectable and will
be much easier for people to find in the
event of any serious problems that occur.
With the possibility of supersonic flight
taking off in the near future, there was
AVIATION UPDATE
also some information from Honeywell
and NASA. They claim to be able to reduce
sonic booms that take place over land. If it
was possible for them to do so, they could
reduce one of the primary problems that
are associated with supersonic flight over
American soil.
Many of the innovations that were
unveiled at the Paris air show took place at
Concorde Hall. The Paris Air Lab was found in
Concorde Hall and the 3000 square meters
COVER STORY
of the lab were dedicated to innovation and
research.
22 different booths were on hand in
the Paris Air Lab and they really had a lot
to offer for those who took the time to
visit. It was not only space agencies and
industrial associations that were on hand
at this airshow, there were also more than
100 different startups and those who were
interested in everything from jet propulsion
to artificial intelligence.
Many of the people who walked through
the Paris Air Lab were there for casual
observation but there were also many on
hand who were interested from a commercial
standpoint and what those startups have
the offer. With so many people interested in
aircraft at one single gathering, it really gave
the opportunity for them to pitch what they
had to offer and to take this opportunity to
build their potential brand.
Of course, what was taking place on the
ground in no way limited what was taking
place overhead. Many of the hundreds of
thousands of people who attended the Paris
air show in 2017 had their eyes fixed on
the skies and they were not disappointed.
Regardless of whether they were looking at
some of the newest innovation in commercial
and military aircraft or if they were just
enjoying a flight show that was designed to
thrill, they were not disappointed.
It will be another two years until the
Paris Air Show is slated to take to the skies
again. More than likely, there will be new
innovation that is introduced to the world as
well as some old favorites that will continue
to make the trip to Paris for the benefits of
the crowd. Why not make it your aim to visit
the Paris Air Show in 2019? You will not be
disappointed.
2017 JULY 23
 DEFENCE & MILITARY
Boeing wins
$58.6M missile
interception
technology
contract
B oeing recently received a $58.6 million,
35-month contract from the U.S. Missile
Defense Agency to demonstrate its evolved
Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV) technology,
which increases interceptors ability to locate
and destroy missiles headed toward the
United States.
COTESA awarded Chinook
components manufacturing
contract
B oeing has awarded Germany-based
COTESA a five-year contract to
manufacture key components for the H-47
Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. This is the first
Boeing contract award to COTESA.
We are committed to bringing
opportunities to German companies from
24 JULY 2017
Our MOKV concept gives the Missile
Defense Agency flexibility in eliminating
threats more efficiently and affordably, said
Paul Geery, vice president, Mission Solutions,
Phantom Works. Weve created a robust,
resilient design that benefits from our
extensive experience in advanced seekers.
In 2015, Boeing received an initial study
across the Boeing enterprise and will
continue to strive to bring the best of Boeing
to industry and the best of industry back into
Boeing, said Michael Hostetter, Defense,
Space & Security director of Vertical Lift
Programs, Germany. As a leading production
facility for specialty composite parts,
COTESAs expertise will support our efforts
contract from the Missile Defense Agency to
design and develop the MOKV concept. As
part of that contract, Boeing recommended
technology risk reduction efforts for this
next phase.
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded
this contract on May 12. Work will occur in
Huntsville, Ala., and Huntington Beach, Calif.
to enhance the Chinook helicopter and
deliver top-quality, cost-effective solutions
to our customers.
With this agreement, COTESA is joining
Boeings already established supply chain
in Germany, in addition to its global supply
chain of more than 20,000 suppliers and
partners around the globe. The contract
award to COTESA is a testament to the
technology potential we see in Germany
and another important milestone in our
partnership with German industry, said Sir
Michael Arthur, president, Boeing Europe.
We are excited to join the Boeing
supplier team. This contract award provides
an opportunity for COTESA and our
employees to demonstrate our expertise
in high-performance composite parts,
said Jrg Hsken, chief executive officer of
COTESA.
COTESA will manufacture portions
of the Chinook tunnel cover section a
honeycomb-like core that makes up parts of
the helicopters external skin for the global
Chinook fleet.
To date, Boeing has delivered more
than 900 H-47 Chinook helicopters that
are in operation in 19 countries, including
eight NATO nations: Canada, Greece,
Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, United
Kingdom and the U.S., allowing for increased
interoperability between NATO nations
during joint training and deployment
operations worldwide.
AVIATION UPDATE

Lockheed Martin
announces C-130J-SOF
Super Hercules
L ockheed Martin introduced the C-130J-SOF, the newest Super
Hercules aircraft configured for international military special
operations requirements, at the Paris Air Show.
The C-130J-SOF is the 10th production variant of the Super
Hercules. This multi-mission aircraft is specifically intended to
meet the unique demands associated with executing operations
of strategic importance in support of international Special
Operations Forces (SOF).
The C-130Js inherent versatility is capable of supporting
missions across a broad spectrum of military operations, and
this is amplified once again with the C-130J-SOF, said Orlando
Carvalho, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
As our global partners face increasing and evolving threats that
transcend borders, they want a proven solution. The C-130J-SOF,
is in fact, the solution that will ensure security is preserved around
the world.
The C-130J-SOF provides the capability to execute Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and psychological
operations, airdrop resupply, personnel recovery, humanitarian
relief, as well as infiltration, exfiltration and re-supply of SOF
personnel.
Leonardo presents the
M-346FA aircraft
T he new fighter attack version of the M-346 showcased by
Leonardo a day ahead of International Paris Air show is
a further evolution of a family concept designed to create a
common baseline, able to rapidly meet the different requirements
of the air forces.
The M-346 Fighter Attack will be equipped with a dedicated
variant of the Grifo multi-mode fire control radar, designed and
manufactured by Leonardo.
This new version of the M-346 will take its place next to the
two existing variants of the aircraft: the Advanced Jet Trainer and
the multi-role M-346FT (Fighter Trainer). Leonardo has already
carried out the studies for the FAs radar installation and its
mechanical integration with the aircraft.
The M-346FAs characteristics make it not only an excellent
advanced trainer, but also a light fighter aircraft capable of
carrying out operational missions at far lower costs than those
AVIATION UPDATE
DEFENCE & MILITARY
With added special mission equipment options, the C-130J-
SOF may also be configured for armed overwatch that includes
a 30mm gun and Hellfire missiles, helicopter/fighter/vertical
lift aerial refueling, and Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP)
operations.
Our global partners said they need to support their SOF
teams with a solution that is reliable, affordable, effective and
integrated. They must support their teams in the sky, on the
sea and on the ground, said George Shultz, vice president and
general manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed
Martin. International operators want a special missions Super
Hercules thats proven and a true force multiplier. Today, we offer
that solution to the world in the form of the C-130J-SOF.
The C-130J Super Hercules is the airlifter of choice for 17
nations, offering superior performance and capabilities, with the
range and versatility for every theater of operations. To date, the
global Super Hercules fleet has surpassed more than 1.5 million
flight hours.
of front-line fighters. Several air forces have already expressed
their interest in it.
With seven pylons for external loads, the M-346FA will retain
the excellent capabilities of the M-346 family in the advanced and
pre-operational training roles, but will also be able to operate
very effectively as multi-role tactical aircraft, capable of air-to-
surface, air-to-air and tactical reconnaissance missions.
The integration of the worldwide successful multi-mode Grifo
radar will provide the M-346FA with unparalleled versatility and
effectiveness, thanks to the availability of many specialized radar
modes both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface.
2017 JULY 25
 DEFENCE & MILITARY

New M-40 target drone at

Paris Air Show
N ew aerial target drone was introduced to the market by Leonardo
at the 2017 Paris Air Show. Based on the companys experience
with Mirach 100/5 target drone which has earned a place as the
standard threat simulator of international Armed Forces including
for Navy and Air Force training. Leonardo will also continue to
France, Italy and the UK, the new Mirach 40 (M-40) is designed to
offer the Mirach 100/5 alongside the M-40 to simulate the highest-
provide medium-to-high performance at a price comparable with
performance threats facing modern Air Forces. The M-40 uses the
competitors entry-level drones.
same ground control station as the Mirach 100/5, meaning that pilots
The M-40 is a remotely-piloted aerial system (RPAS) that supports need very little training to switch to the new drone and armed forces
Armed Forces training by simulating a range of airborne threat targets. can operate mixed fleets of M-40 and Mirach 100/5 drones.
Able to convincingly mimic a variety of aircraft and missiles, the
Because the new M-40 inherits the flight characteristics of
target drone can simulate radar, infrared (IR) and visual threats. This
the proven Mirach 100/5, it comes with a versatile range of high-
allows Armed Forces to shoot down the reusable M-40 in realistic
performance features including a low-altitude sea skimming
scenarios, allowing them to train with and qualify a wide variety of
capability and the ability to execute high-G maneuvers, both
weapon systems. Developed in-house by Leonardo using commercial
uncommon in comparatively-priced competing systems. The refined
components, the M-40 is readily exportable around the world.
aerodynamics of the M-40 also allows it to exceed the speed of most
Responding to the fact that customers worldwide increasingly twin-engine systems, despite employing a single commercial, multi-
need to do more with less, the M-40 builds on Leonardos experience fuel engine. The use of a single engine also reduces maintenance
with the Mirach 100/5 to offer a majority of the performance of such requirements and allows for easier deployment even at very remote
a model at a significantly reduced cost. The M-40 is suitable for a training ranges. To ensure that M-40 is easy to store and transport,
range of training purposes, from Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) it is designed to operate without pyrotechnics, even for launch and
artillery training to the simulation of high-performance aerial threats parachute deployment.

Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean and the

Boeings first successful test interceptor was launched from Vandenberg
Air Force Base in California. Boeing has been
against ICBM target the prime contractor for GMD since 2001 and
works with an industry team to incorporate
improvements.
This successful test keeps the United
States on track for a significant increase in
interceptor inventory of 44 in 2017, said
Norm Tew, vice president and GMD program
director. In addition, the GMD program
remains on track to evolve and modernize
this crucial national defense asset in the
face of an evolving threat environment, with
system upgrades and future technology
including the Boeing-led Redesigned Kill
Vehicle (RKV).
GMD is an integral element of the United
States layered ballistic missile defense
architecture, with interceptors at Vandenberg
Air Force Base and Fort Greely, Alaska. The

T he Ground-based Midcourse missile (ICBM), demonstrating the systems program comprises command-and-control
Defense (GMD) system built by ability to detect, engage and destroy targets facilities, communications terminals and
Boeing successfully intercepted a threat and validating its technological advances. a 20,000-mile fiber-optic communications
representative of an intercontinental ballistic network that interfaces with ballistic missile
The target was launched from Kwajalein
defense radars and other sensors.

26 JULY 2017 AVIATION UPDATE

 CARGO SECTION

GECAS doubles its stake in the 737-

800 freighter conversions

DHL Express tags on more orders

G E Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) demonstrated its
confidence in the 737-800 freighter today by announcing plans
to convert 30 more if its passenger Boeing 737-800s into freighters.
The order, announced during the Paris Air Show, more than doubles
GECAS current investment into the freighter type, which includes the
25 aircraft GECAS already has on order from Aeronautical Engineers,
Inc. (AEI), and Boeing. The aircraft leasing firm has not yet announced
where the conversions will take place.
The Next-Generation 737-800 freighter will be equipped with
CFM56-7B engines and will be able to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of
cargo.GECAS launched the 737-800 freighter program with AEI in
2015, and with Boeing in 2016. The aircraft will come from GECAS
existing portfolio, and head to conversion at the end of their
passenger leases, starting in 2018.
GECAS currently owns approximately 220 passenger 737-800s,
meaning that, at 55 conversions, its putting about 25 percent of
the fleet into the freighter market.The carriers ASL Group and West
Atlantic Group have already become GECAS customers for the 737-
800 freighter, with deliveries set for 2018 through 2019.
We believe the 737-800 freighter will become an important
express freighter for the 20- to25-tonne air cargo market, said
Richard Greener, senior vice president and manager for cargo at
GECAS.
for EFW A330-300 conversions
D
HL Express expanded its A330-300 conversion deal with
ST Aerospace, contracting an additional four A330-300
conversion slots, with options for an additional 10 conversions.
The conversions will be undertaken by ST Aerospaces subsidiary,
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), which is jointly owned with Airbus
Group.
The first two A330-300 conversion freighters are scheduled
to enter DHLs fleet by the end of 2017. The deal, announced
today at this years Paris Air Show, expands on a contract for four
A330-300 conversions awarded by DHL Express in July last year.
Geoff Kehr, DHL Express senior vice president for global
air fleet management, explained that the A330-300 conversion
made sense due to its favorable payload and range metrics.
Kehr added that the aircraft addressed, an important demand
segment within the air cargo market that is not currently served
by any other aircraft type.
The A330 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion program,
launched in 2012, is a collaboration between ST Aerospace,
Airbus and EFW. The A330P2F program includes two versions:
the A330-200 conversion and the larger A330-300 conversion.

Hong Kong sees double-digit cargo growth in May

H ong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continued its strong 2017 cargo growth, seeing in May a sharp year-on-year increase
of 12.9% to 409,000 tonnes handled. The worlds number one cargo hub by volumes in 2016 also saw passenger volume and
flight movements increase in May, by 2.5% to 6m and 3% to 35,415 respectively when compared to the same month last year.
Exports continued to be the main driver behind strong cargo growth, said HKIA in a statement: In May, exports recorded
robust year-on-year growth of 21%. Amongst the key trading regions, Europe and North America increased most significantly.
During the first five months of 2017, cargo volume at HKIA registered 11.3% year-on-year growth to 1.9m tonnes. On a rolling
12-month basis, HKIA handled 4.7m tonnes of cargo, recording a year-on-year increase of 8.5%.

AVIATION UPDATE 2017 JULY 27

 CARGO SECTION

DHL Supply Chain to take over

MRO logistics for Etihad Airways
Engineering
A ircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm Etihad
Airways Engineering said it plans to outsource all its logistics
functions to DHL Supply Chain, the Abu Dhabi-based engineering arm
expensive. Transforming the MRO logistics and warehousing solution
will help them to remain competitive today and build capability for
of Etihad Airways announced yesterday. In a letter of intent signed by
tomorrow, said Christmas.
the two companies, DHL Supply Chain will assume management of
the MROs stores, local transport movements and associated supply DHL said that the supply chain will be scalable, in order to respond
chain planning at the Etihad Airways Engineering hub at Abu Dhabi to MRO sector growth, and will be able to adapt to future operational
International Airport. David Christmas, CEO of DHL Supply Chain requirements. Apart from process optimization, DHL also plans
Middle East, Russia and Turkey, said that the new partnership would to introduce changes to the layout of Etihads current warehouse,
build on the two companies long-standing relationship. making more efficient use of the space already available, and setting
up an off-airport warehouse to accommodate extra inventory and
Supply chain effectiveness is critical to MRO functions, with parts
part storage.
sometimes needing to be on site on short notice, making delays very

Ameriflight, UPS Airlines launch

joint training program for pilots
I n response to a looming pilot shortage in the airfreight
industry, Ameriflight and UPS Airlines have launched the
UPS/Ameriflight Gateway Program to get pilots the hours and
skills required to operated UPS Airlines larger aircraft.
Two trainees are already in the program, and Ameriflight
plans to add two more in July. Further ahead, Ameriflight
hopes to scale up the program as well. The collaboration offers
outlined paths for UPS Airlines Intern Program participants to
gain Part 135 flying experience at Ameriflight, with the ultimate
goal of proceeding to UPS Airlines, a Part 121-certificated air
carrier.
The program benefits from a waiver from the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration that allows Ameriflight pilots to
operate as captains after 1,000 flight hours, with certain
IAG Cargo restores full services
following epic IT failure
restrictions and increased oversight. The program launches
in a market where a pilot shortage is already forcing regional
passenger carriers and feeder freight operators to cut routes

and limit expansion.
In addition to mentoring the pilots-in-training, the
program allows the students to participate in UPS programs.
The program also qualifies graduates for employment with
Ameriflight and UPS Airlines, upon completion of outlined
experience and training requirements. Ameriflight chief
operating officer Bill Poerstel said that the joint agreement
would allow Ameriflight to turn UPS interns into Ameriflight
pilots, ultimately helping to support UPS for years to come.
Promoting pilot careers is important for the long-term
health of the aviation industry, said Capt. Roger Quinn, UPS
Airlines director of training. This program is a unique strategy
to help ensure highly skilled pilot staffing into the future.
I
AG Cargos IT outage, which snarled operations last weekend,
appears to be resolved. A statement from the cargo carrier said
that Following the significant operational disruption we encountered
on May 27, our IT systems are now back up and running and today
we are operating a full flight schedule at Heathrow and Gatwick.
The IT outage struck British Airways on Saturday, at the start of the
spring bank holiday weekend, with higher-than-normal passenger
volumes. Flights were grounded into Sunday, and the full schedule
was not resumed until today. In addition to stranding thousands of
passengers, freight customers were unable to collect freight from
Heathrow over the long weekend.
IAG Cargo now said that it has now addressed all customer
bookings affected by the IT outage over the weekend, and ensured
that outstanding freight is being prioritized.

28 JULY 2017 AVIATION UPDATE

 CARGO SECTION

WFS scores three-year Stockholm ground

handling deal with Qatar Airways UPS opens
76,000-square-foot
healthcare-logistics
facility near Bogota,
Colombia
U PS opened a 76,000-square-foot
healthcare-dedicated facility near
Bogota, Colombia, as the U.S.-based
integrator ramps up investment in
healthcare logistics in Latin America. The
multi-client facility features temperature-

Q atar Airways chose Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) for a three-year contract to
provide cargo handling in Stockholm, where the airline flies 13 times per week
from its hub in Doha.
sensitive storage and technology that
Francisco Ricaurte, UPS Colombia country
manager said would, lower costs, streamline
Under the deal, WFS will handle some 12,000 tonnes of cargo per year for Qatar inventory and meet increasing demands
Airways at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. WFS already provides cargo-handling services across Latin America and the world.
for the airline in Madrid, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Paris. The facility is Current Good
The air cargo handler noted that the contract bolstered its presence in Scandinavian Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliant,
countries, since the increased volumes and efficiencies would help WFS build growing and regulated by the Colombian Drug
relationships with major airlines, said Marc Claesen, WFS regional vice president. Regulatory Authority (Instituto Nacional de
Vigilancia del Medicamento INVIMA) and
Qatar has made a concerted push into European markets recently, building its
the Colombian Ministry of Health.
connectivity with Asia through its Doha hub. Despite a general cooling of airfreight
markets in the Gulf region, Qatar Cargo flew 24.8 percent more cargo in FY 2016, Located near El Dorado International
carrying 954,191 tonnes between April 2015 and March 2016. Airport and the Capital, Bogota, the facility
is in a vital region for the global healthcare
industry, said Romaine Seguin, UPS Americas
region president. This facility offers greater
access to UPSs first-class logistics solutions
for pharmaceutical products and medical

Emirates, Cargolux launch first flight of cargo

devices, providing healthcare customers in
the region with the confidence and support

agreement
they need to achieve their business goals.
This is UPSs second healthcare-
dedicated facility in the country, and the

T he arrival of an Emirates SkyCargo 777 freighter into Luxembourg yesterday, June

12, kicked off a dedicated freighter and combo-carrier agreement with Cargolux
Airlines, setting the stage for block and interline agreements that will allow the two
ninth in the region. The opening follows the
release of a study by UPS that 47 percent
of SME importers were looking to expand
carriers to use each others capacity for routes and capabilities beyond their own fleets. international supply chains, suggesting
With the arrival of SkyCargos first freighter here, we open a new chapter in our billions in untapped cross-border commerce.
history and lay the foundation for a fruitful cooperation for the benefit of our customers, Colombias oil exports are down, but on
said Richard Forson, Cargolux President & CEO. Our supplementary capabilities allow the import side, values have increased at
us to develop service offerings that both of us could not provide on our own. an annualized rate of 5.4 percent between
The additional SkyCargo freighter adds 100 tonnes of cargo capacity to the thrice- 2010-2015.
weekly freighter service that Cargolux operates to Dubai World Central (DWC).
The DWC-LUX freighter service is one of the first steps towards full implementation
of the operational partnership between Emirates and Cargolux, announced last month
at the Munich Transport Logistics fair.
At Luxembourg, Emirates has access to Cargolux ground handling facilities, and in
Dubai, Cargolux freighters will be handled by Emirates SkyCargo, allowing for seamless
transit of cargo between the two air cargo operators.

AVIATION UPDATE 2017 JULY 29

 CARGO SECTION
flydubai renews air cargo
management contract with
Mercator
G overnment-owned low-cost carrier flydubai and logistic
software provider Mercator inked a seven-year extension to their
air cargo management contract. The renewal means that flydubai
will continue using Mercators technology platform, providing cargo
management and cargo revenue accounting services.
Mercator said it will provide the expertise and technology
to upgrade flydubais Intelligent Cargo Ecosystem, an open-API
portfolio of air cargo and ground handling applications with end-to-
end visibility of cargo movements, designed to determine the most
efficient delivery of goods to their destination.
Brendan McKittrick, CTO at Mercator, noted that it was important
to, meet the expanding expectations of air cargo with the
UPS, Boeing confirm three passenger-
to-freighter 767-300 conversion deal
A t the 2017 Paris Air Show , UPS and Boeing officially announced a
passenger-to-freighter conversion deal involving three 767-300
aircraft. The agreement underscored the demand for P-to-F conversions,
with FedEx and the U.S. Airforce having booked out production freighter
slots well into the future.
In its annual forecast, Boeing said worldwide demand for maindeck lift
will lead to 400 widebody conversions, like the 767FC, over the next two
decades, due to a rise in e-commerce and growth in the express market.
The purchase and conversion of these 767s is a perfect example of how
UPS is making smart investments to fuel profitable growth, said UPS
Airlines president Brendan Canavan.
Two months ago, Air Cargo Worlds sister publication, Cargo Facts,
noted UPS purchase of a 767-300ERfrom Japan Airlines, and predicted
that, after a maintenance stop at Goodyear Airport (GYR), it would fly off
to whichever conversion center Boeing decided to use to convert it to BCF
freighter configuration. The airfreight newsletter also predicted that this
would be the first of many 767s that UPS planned to acquire for freighter
conversion.
With 400 conversions predicted to come, this deal could mark the
start of a trend.
30 JULY 2017
technologies that provide greater transparency, predictability and,
above all, the ability to simplify complex processes.
flydubai doesnt release its cargo volumes to IATA, however the
carriers cargo and inflight sales contributed 13.8 percent of revenue
in 2016, dropping from 15.1 percent from the previous year. flydubai
also seems to be expanding its cargo capabilities, and Dubai World
Central (DWC) is well positioned geographically and in terms of
infrastructure for cargo. The carrier operates out of DXB, home to
Emirates SkyCargos freight hub. The two carriers are both owned by
the Dubai government.
Teknowlogi launches AI
decision-making platform for
logistics industry
L ogistics technology provider Teknowlogi launched its
Logistics Expert System (LES), a logistics supply chain
analytics platform, that uses artificial intelligence (AI) decision-
making technology that has already been deployed in medical
diagnosis and stock trading.
The U.S.-based companys LES is a software as a service
(SaaS) that combines transportation management systems
(TMS), mobile intelligence, integration intelligence, business
intelligence, consulting intelligence and AI in one platform.
Thats a lot of intel to process, but it allows LES to access,
analyze, provide recommendations and execute change for
numerous logistical and business situations that occur in the
shipping industry.
The platform accounts for the business processes of
shippers, 3PLs, freight forwarders, less-than-truckload (LTL)
brokers, truckload brokers, LTL carriers, truckload carriers,
drayage carriers, cartage agents, couriers and parcel carriers.
At last weeks launch, Spencer Askew, founder and CEO of
Teknowlogi, warned that, Companies that continue to manage
their logistics with outdated systems will be unable to compete.
While Askews words may sound hyperbolic to some,
carriers and forwarders are in a race to cut costs in order to push
up margins, which have lagged well behind a rise in volumes.
Airfreights growing role in e-commerce is also incentivizing
adoption of technological solutions such as Teknowlogis.
Technology platforms that incorporate artificial intelligence
are already being used to successfully emulate human decision-
making in such complex areas as medical diagnosis and stock
exchange trading, said Askew. The logistics industry has a
long-running and unmet need for this type of solution.
AVIATION UPDATE
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31 JULY 2017 AVIATION UPDATE

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AVIATION UPDATE 2017 JULY 32