Iraqi Airways signs letter of intent for up to 16 Bombardier CS300 aircraft

By BA Staff

Bombardier Aerospace announced that Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire five CS300 mainline jetliners. The LOI also includes options on 11 CS300 aircraft.

Based on CS300 airliner list price, a firm order would be valued at approximately $387 million US and could increase to $1.26 billion US if the 11 options are converted to firm orders.

Iraqi Airways operates six CRJ900 NextGen regional jets.

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Ethiopian Airlines authorised as service facility for Q400 turboprops

By BA Staff

Bombardier Aerospace celebrated its growing support network in Africa by agreeing with Ethiopian Airlines of Addis Ababa, as yet another Authorised Service Facility (ASF) for commercial aircraft on the continent.

The airline can now perform line and heavy maintenance on Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft under the Bombardier ASF banner.

Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of modern aircraft, and performs complete aircraft, as well as engine and component overhaul and repair services from facilities at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The facility employs an all-Ethiopian workforce of over 750 licensed technicians and support staff.

Éric Martel, President, Customer Services and Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace said:

“Ethiopian Airlines is one of Africa’s most respected airlines and a valued Bombardier customer. Their commitment to excellence both in operations and maintenance services will benefit our operator base in the region and beyond, as a part of our network. Through sustained investment and focus, we continue to expand our support services in Africa and are looking forward to this new chapter of our relationship with Ethiopian.”

Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines said:

“Ethiopian Airlines’ NextGen turboprops are proving their high value by delivering excellent passenger experience, operational flexibility and economics – confirming that they are excellent aircraft for operations in Africa. As a newly appointed Authorized Service Facility for Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft, we welcome the opportunity to expand our relationship with Bombardier, and to provide maintenance services to other carriers as an increasing number of these modern turboprops take to the skies in our geographically diverse continent.” 

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Bombardier and Air Côte d’Ivoire sign agreement for up to four Q400 NextGen aircraft

By BA Staff

Bombardier Aerospace announced that Abidjan-based Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of the Invory Coast, has signed a conditional purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen aircraft with options for an additional two Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Based on list price, the contract value for two firm-ordered Q400 NextGen aircraft would be approximately $69 million US. Should the two options be converted to firm orders, the contract value would increase to $141 million US.

René Decurey, Chief Executive Officer, Air Côte d’Ivoire said:

“The dual-class-configured Q400 NextGen aircraft is ideally suited for our market; it will support passengers’ requirements and integrate well into our fleet. We will capitalize on the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s outstanding performance -- including its high speed and long-range cruise capability – as we look to modernize our fleet and expand our domestic and regional route network. Additionally, in West Africa, where average fuel prices are among the highest in the world and the highest on the continent, the fast, fuel-efficient Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner is the most cost effective and flexible regional aircraft solution for our operations.”

Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said:

“We are proud that Bombardier is contributing to the growth strategy of Air Côte d’Ivoire, and that the carrier could potentially double the size of its current fleet with Q400 NextGen aircraft as it further develops its network of short- and medium-haul destinations. The Q400 NextGen aircraft is performing superbly in diverse environments around the world with some 50 customers and operators, and we are delighted to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire to our family. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft continues to perform well in Africa, where we have captured 100 per cent market share over more than two years in the large turboprop segment."

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Palma Holdings signs LOI for up to eight new Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprops

By BA Staff

Bombardier Aerospace announced that Palma Holding Limited (Palma) has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to eight dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft. The agreement would cover four firm-ordered aircraft and four options. Palma intends to lease four aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines.

Based on the list price, the potential contract value for Palma's transaction covering four Q400 NextGen aircraft and four options would be approximately $282 million US.

Moulay Omar Alaoui, President, Palma Holding Ltd said:

"We are very pleased to become the first Middle Eastern lessor for Bombardier's Q400 NextGen aircraft, and the first lessor worldwide for the aircraft's dual-class configuration. We are working to conclude lease structures with interested airlines including existing Q400 NextGen aircraft operator Ethiopian Airlines. We have already concluded commitments with Ethiopian Airlines that will provide the carrier with additional development opportunities."

Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said:

"Our customers' success with their Q400 NextGen aircraft in the Middle East and Africa is testament to the aircraft's unique ability to serve the diverse and challenging environment in the region. In addition, the Q400 NextGen aircraft's comfortable, quiet cabin provides an excellent experience for passengers; and the dual-class option allows flexible integration into carrier's network operations by providing seamless business class service to passengers,"

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes 13 Q400s.

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Boeing VP Jean Chamberlin receives lifetime achievement award from women in aerospace

By BA Staff

Jean Chamberlin, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) vice president of Program Management, has been honoured by Women in Aerospace for her “outstanding career and lifelong commitment to furthering the advancement of women’s opportunities in aerospace.”

Chamberlin said as she accepted the group’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 29:

“This speaks to the power of diversity as Boeing’s calling card to the world. Our success is defined by the respect and value we have for different perspectives and everyone’s contributions. Throughout my career, I have witnessed diversity fuel the innovation that drives us to do what others dream.”

Women in Aerospace annually recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the aerospace community.

Dennis Muilenburg, BDS president and CEO said:

“We are incredibly proud of Jean as she is honored by Women in Aerospace for her many contributions to our industry that span her entire career. As one of aerospace’s great leaders today, Jean is both a true champion of diversity and an inspiring role model throughout our company and our industry.”

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Mahindra Aerospace inaugurates new aerostructures facility in Bangalore

By BA Staff

Mahindra Aerospace inaugurated its state-of-the-art 25,000 sq.m. aerostructures manufacturing facility at the Narsapura Industrial Estate near Bangalore. This service-oriented facility has the ability to accurately craft large, complex sheet metal parts using CNC routing, stretch-forming, bladder press, heat treatment and other specialized equipment.


Mahindra Aerospace today also announced the signing of a technology partnership with the Aernnova Group, a leading aerostructures Tier 1 supplier that is headquartered in Spain with facilities around the globe. Aernnova specializes in the design and manufacture of major airframe assemblies and is a key supplier on numerous civil and military aircraft programs for several global aircraft OEMs. This technology partnership is Aernnova’s first with an Indian aerostructures manufacturer. Aernnova and Mahindra Aerospace will work together to develop capabilities and meet market demand for mutual benefit.

The new plant has been established at a total cost of approximately Rs. 150 crore and has the capacity to deliver about Rs. 250 crores in revenue per annum when operating at peak capacity. Initially the company plans to commence manufacturing activities with smaller parts and sub-assemblies, and then ramp up to larger, more complex assemblies.

Commenting on this initiative, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said:

“Our aerospace vision is to build a robust business encompassing both aircraft and component manufacture for Indian and global markets. With its unique capabilities and skilled teams, this new facility will accelerate Mahindra Aerospace on its mission to strengthen India’s place in the global Aerostructures supply chain.”

According to Hemant Luthra, President – Mahindra Systech:

“This facility demonstrates our commitment to aerospace and to strengthening our domestic eco-system. We will deliver complex, build-to-print parts and assemblies out of this facility and offer cost-competitive, world-class aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The plant will be a service provider that can service multiple OEMs and their supply chains. With our Group’s strength in aerospace engineering, we would like to progress from ‘build-to-print’ towards ‘design-to-delivery’ offerings in the future.”

According to Inaki Gandasegui, Chairman, Aernnova Group:

“This facility has been designed to be world-class, and is an excellent addition to India’s supply chain. We believe it will play a strong role in the regional eco-system and also help address capacity challenges for the OEMs as they ramp up production rates. We are proud to be associated with the Mahindra Group and look forward to a vibrant, mutually beneficial partnership.”

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Boeing, South African Airways launch sustainable aviation biofuel effort in Southern Africa

By BA Staff

Boeing and South African Airways (SAA) announced that they will work together to develop and implement a sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain in Southern Africa, a first for the continent.

Courtesy of Boeing

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding for sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain development at The Corporate Council on Africa's 9th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business, attended by executives from leading U.S. and African firms and government representatives from several countries.

This collaboration between Boeing and SAA is part of the companies' broader efforts to support environmental sustainability for the airline's operations and the commercial aviation industry overall, in addition to advancing South Africa's social and economic development.

Ian Cruickshank, SAA Head of Group Environmental Affairs said: 

 "South African Airways is taking the lead in Africa on sustainable aviation fuels and, by setting a best practice example, can positively shape aviation biofuel efforts in the region. By working with Boeing's sustainable aviation biofuel team, which has a history of successful partnerships to move lower-carbon biofuels closer to commercialization, we will apply the best global technology to meet the unique conditions of Southern Africa, diversify our energy sources and create new opportunities for the people of South Africa."

Boeing has collaborated extensively with airlines, research institutions, governments and other stakeholders to develop road maps for biofuel supply chains in several countries and regions, including the United States, China, Australia and Brazil. The aerospace company's plan to work with SAA is the first such project in Africa.

Julie Felgar, managing director of Environmental Strategy and Integration, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

 "Sustainable aviation biofuel will play a central role in reducing commercial aviation's carbon emissions over the long term, and we see tremendous potential for these fuels in Africa. Boeing and South African Airways are committed to investigating feedstocks and pathways that comply with strict sustainability guidelines and can have a positive impact on South Africa's development."

Flight tests show that biofuel, which is derived from organic sources such as plants or algae, performs as well as or better than petroleum-based jet fuel. When produced in sustainable ways, biofuel contributes far less to global climate change than traditional fuels because carbon dioxide (CO2) is pulled out of the atmosphere by a growing plant-based feedstock.

Boeing and SAA believe that new developments in technology will enable the conversion of biomass into jet fuel in a more sustainable manner without competing with other sectors for food and water resources. The World Wildlife Fund-South Africa will monitor and ensure compliance to sustainability principles that would ensure that fuel is sustainable and would lead to genuine carbon reductions.

Aviation biofuel refined to required standards has been approved for a blend of up to 50 percent with traditional jet fuel. Globally, more than 1,500 passenger flights using biofuel have been flown since the fuel was approved.

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Honeywell Technology Solutions trains its aerospace engineers as pilots. A first in India.

In a first of its kind in the Indian aerospace industry, Honeywell Aerospace and Honeywell Technology Solutions (HTS) trained 16 of its development engineers and graduated them with a private pilot's license (PPL). The PPL training was started in 2010 to train HTS engineers to think and act like pilots in real flight conditions.

There has always been a gap between pilots, and engineers developing aerospace and avionics solutions. With this training, Honeywell hopes to improve the engineers' understanding of the challenges pilots face, which leads to better determination of product requirements from a pilot’s perspective. Engineers also improve their technical communications skills in the language of pilots, improving Honeywell delivery of aerospace and avionics solutions.

Participants must attend 200 hours of classroom training and pass an exam, before completing in-air training. The program culminates with 20 hours of flying solo and 10 hours of flying cross-country.

Tim Mahoney, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace summarises the program

“By enabling our engineers to understand the cockpit from a pilot’s perspective is a new approach for India’s aerospace industry,” “Through their pilot training, these engineers can now truly understand what it’s like for a pilot flying an aircraft, and use the live interaction and experience to develop technologies that are even closer aligned with our customers’ needs.”

Honeywell’s avionics portfolio includes communication, navigation and surveillance systems, flight display systems, and flight control and management systems for general and business aviation, commercial air transport, military aircraft and space-based platforms.

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