Indian Navy's second P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft arrives

by Devesh Agarwal

Manufacturer, Boeing has delivered the second P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian Navy. The first P-8I was delivered in May. The P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.

Indian Navy's second P-8I IN-320 departs for India

The two aircraft are currently stationed at INS Rajali, informally known as Arakkonam Naval Air Station, just west of Chennai. The second aircraft will begin flight trials in the coming months, while the first P-8I recently completed testing its weapons capabilities, including successfully firing a Boeing Harpoon missile at a target and dropping a torpedo.

The P-8I features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. P-8I aircraft are built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

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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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Boeing Begins Assembling 3rd KC-46A Tanker Aircraft

By BA Staff

Boeing is assembling a third KC-46A test aircraft for the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling tanker program at the company’s Everett factory, keeping the program on schedule to complete production of four test aircraft by the third quarter of 2014.

Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president and KC-46 Tanker program manager said:

“In addition to the three KC-46A tankers now in production, our System Integration Labs are operational and we’re assembling a second boom. We remain on track to deliver the initial 18 KC-46A tankers by 2017.”

The KC-46A is based on the Boeing 767 commercial jetliner, a proven airframe in service as an airliner, freighter and tanker. Boeing has delivered more than 1,050 767s worldwide.

 Scott Campbell, vice president and general manager of the 767 program said:

"Our teams are maintaining their focus on quality and productivity as we move the first tankers through production."

The first test aircraft will roll out early next year. The first test flight of a fully provisioned KC-46A tanker is projected for early 2015, and the first delivery of a production aircraft to the Air Force is planned for early 2016. Boeing expects to build 179 tankers by 2027 if all options under the contract are exercised.

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Boeing reports robust third quarter fiscal 2013 results. Raises full year earnings guidance

by Devesh Agarwal

Chicago based, US aerospace and defence giant The Boeing Company reported earnings of $1,160 million, a massive 12% jump in its third-quarter profit compared to $1,030 million from the same period a year ago. The company has also raised its 2013 financial performance outlook, based on an increase in commercial aircraft deliveries.

Key highlights of the quarter

• Core Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)* rose 16% to $1.80 on strong operating performance; GAAP EPS of $1.51
• Revenue increased 11% to $22.1 billion reflecting higher commercial deliveries
• Backlog grew to a record $415 billion, including $27 billion of net orders during the quarter
• Operating cash flow before pension contributions increased to $4.3 billion
• 2013 Core EPS guidance increased to between $6.50 and $6.65 (previously forecast of $6.20 to $6.40); GAAP EPS to between $5.40 and $5.5

Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney said

"Consistently strong operating performance is driving higher earnings, revenue and cash flow as we deliver on our record backlog and return increased value to shareholders,"  "During the quarter, Commercial Airplanes completed the first flight of the 787-9 and delivered 170 airplanes, while Defense, Space & Security maintained solid performance and captured $7 billion in new orders. Despite the uncertainty of the U.S. defense market, overall our customer-focused business strategies and disciplined execution on our programs are producing the results we expect, and our strong year-to-date performance and positive outlook allow us to increase our 2013 guidance for earnings and operating cash flow."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes was the star performer with third-quarter profits of $1,620 million, up 40%, on revenue of $14 billion, and operating margin improving to 11.6%. During the quarter, the 787-9 completed first flight. The company intends to increase the 787 production rate from 10 to 12 per month in 2016, and to 14 per month before the end of the decade. The division booked 200 net orders during the quarter with a backlog of nearly 4,800 airplanes valued at $345 billion.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security's third-quarter revenue was $8 billion ($8,000 million), while operating margin was 8.4%. Profits fell by 19%, mainly due to a profit fall of 48% in Boeing Military Aircraft (BMA) whose third-quarter revenue was $3.5 billion, primarily reflecting lower delivery volume. Operating margin at BMA decreased to 6.2%, impacted by mix and one-time charges on the F-15 and C-17 programs. During the quarter, BMA was awarded a low-rate initial production award for 13 P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Network & Space Systems (N&SS) third-quarter revenue was $2.2 billion, reflecting higher sales of Delta inventory and revenue in the Space Launch System program, and operating margin was 8.7%. During the quarter, N&SS was awarded a contract by Mexico's Satmex for an additional 702 small satellite.

Global Services & Support (GS&S) third-quarter revenue was $2.3 billion, due to higher volume in maintenance, modifications and upgrades. Operating margin was 11.4%. During the quarter, GS&S achieved first flight on the QF-16 unmanned aircraft and was also awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force for 56 additional replacement wings for the A-10 aircraft.

Backlog at Defense, Space & Security was $70 billion, of which 38% represents orders with international customers.

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Boeing delivers Royal Canadian Air Force's fifth CH-147F Chinook helicopter

by BA Staff

Boeing image

Boeing has delivered the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) fifth CH-147F Chinook helicopter.

Steve Parker, Boeing director of International Chinook Programs and Canada CH-147F program manager said

"The Canadian Chinook is one of the most advanced military cargo helicopters ever delivered to the global market, and Boeing has executed the program on or ahead of schedule for every major milestone since contract award," "These early deliveries are another example of the H-47 team’s dedication to providing this important capability to the RCAF."

Boeing is scheduled to deliver two more CH-147Fs this year and another eight by June 2014 to provide Canada with its full complement of 15 helicopters. Boeing is also providing in-service support to the CH-147F fleet for the next 20 years under a Performance-Based Logistics contract, with Canadian industry playing a key role.

The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission helicopter that features a modernized airframe with a long-range fuel system allowing it to fly twice as far as standard range models. An upgraded electrical system provides additional power and redundancy, while a fully integrated Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and Digital Automatic Flight Control System reduce pilot workload and provide greater situational awareness. The aircraft also has an advanced Aircraft Survivability Equipment suite that includes a Directional Infrared Countermeasures system that increases crew safety while allowing operations to be conducted in a wider range of threat environments.

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Advanced Super Hornet demonstrates significant stealth and range improvements

by BA Staff

During three weeks of flight testing the Advanced Super Hornet F/A-18F, Boeing and its partner Northrop Grumman demonstrated that the fighter can outperform threats for decades to come with improvements that make the jet much harder for radar to detect and give it significantly more combat range.

Through 21 flights in St. Louis and Patuxent River, MD., that began Aug. 5, the team tested conformal fuel tanks (CFT), an enclosed weapons pod (EWP), and signature enhancements, each of which can be retrofitted on an existing Block II Super Hornet aircraft or included on a new jet.

Improvements to the aircraft’s radar signature, including the enclosed pod, resulted in a 50 percent reduction compared with the U.S. Navy’s stealth requirement for the current Super Hornet variant. The tests also showed that the CFTs increase the jet’s combat radius by up to 130 nautical miles, for a total combat radius of more than 700 nautical miles.

Boeing and Northrop Grumman funded the testing. The companies, along with Hornet Industry Team partners GE Aviation and Raytheon, are investing in more advanced technologies for the Advanced Super Hornet, including internal Infrared Search and Track, an enhanced engine and a next-generation cockpit.

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Photos: Boeing delivers India's third C-17 Globemaster III

by Vinay Bhaskara

Boeing image

The third Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the Indian Air Force departed on 20th August from Boeing's Long Beach facility, after the first and second C-17s arrived in June and July.

India will take delivery of two more C-17s this year, and five in 2014. The Indian Air Force is the largest operator of the C-17 after the United States.

The C-17 is a large, versatile military transport aircraft able to carry heavy, oversize loads long distances and land on rough and unprepared surfaces. It has been used in humanitarian and military missions around the world and recently surpassed 2.6 million flight hours."

To date, Boeing has delivered 256 C-17s; 222 to the U.S. Air Force, and a total of 34 distributed between Australia,Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), and the Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO.

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Boeing Reaches 250,000-Kit Milestone for JDAM Weapon Program

Boeing's defense arm today reached a major milestone with the production of its 250,000th Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit. Find the details in the press release below.

20th August 2013

ST. CHARLES, Mo., Aug. 20, 2013 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] today marked its recent production of the 250,000th Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit, a major milestone for a program that, since 1998, has reliably and affordably converted unguided munitions into near-precision weapons.

The company facility in St. Charles produces more than 40 JDAM kits every day, on time and on budget.

“The JDAM remains a valuable asset to warfighters around the world,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott W. Jansson, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. “From the onset of the program, we saw the worth JDAM added to our mission portfolio, and we are still seeing the dividends through its advanced technologies.”

With a range of more than 15 nautical miles, JDAM can defeat high-value targets in any weather, day or night, with minimal risk to air crews. New variants such as Laser JDAM and JDAM Extended Range allow warfighters to prosecute moving targets and deploy the weapon from greater distances, capabilities that come with little to no development risk since they are based on proven technology.

“It’s been an honor to produce JDAM for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and America’s allies these past 15 years,” said Debbie Rub, Boeing vice president & general manager, Global Strike. “The JDAM continues to protect warfighters with its precision accuracy and unmatched mission reliability.”

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Indian Air Force's first C-17 en-route to India

by Devesh Agarwal

India's first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport airlift aircraft, CB-8001, is en-route to India after completing its almost six month long flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, California, USA, which began following the aircraft's delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on January 22. Boeing is expected to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and the balance five in 2014.

Curiously, while the C-17 a global distance airlifter, the delivery flight which took off Tuesday night India time, will stop at many places along the way and arrive at its base, Air Force Station, Hindon, outside the capital New Delhi only on Monday June 17th.

The arrival of the first C-17 is almost two years to the date, after the original $4+ billion procurement deal for 10 aircraft was signed in June 2011. With the 10 aircraft, the Indian Air Force will be the largest operator in the world after the US Air Force. Boeing has delivered 254 C-17s, including 222 to the U.S. Air Force and a total of 32 C-17s to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

India is expected to sign a follow-on order for more C-17's shortly.

Boeing will support the IAF C-17 fleet through the Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics contract. The GISP "virtual fleet" arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing C-17 customers access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale.

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Boeing deliveries for Q1 2013

US air-framer Boeing reported its deliveries for the first calendar quarter for the year 2013. The impact of the 787 Dreamliner grounding is noticeable in the figures.

Read more »

Boeing and Bharat Electronics expand partnership in India

Boeing and Navaratna public sector unit Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are expanding their partnership through a follow-on contract involving the manufacture of sub-assemblies for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet.

This contract, for Super Hornet subassemblies, expands work Boeing awarded to BEL in 2011. BEL delivers components for the Super Hornet and P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft; and is a partner with Boeing at the Analysis & Experimentation Centre in Babgalore that opened in 2009.

Through the new contract BEL will produce Super Hornet sub-assemblies including the Ground Power Panel, Helmet Vehicle Interface Stowage and Switch assembly and Cockpit Console Panels. For the F/A-18, BEL also produces a stowage panel for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System connector cable and an avionics cooling system fan test switch panel with a Night Vision Imaging System-compatible floodlight assembly. For the P-8I it provides the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogators and Data Link II communications systems.

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Indian Air Force's first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III enters flight testing

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter (tail number CB-8001) has been delivered by Boeing, on schedule, for flight testing.

Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. CB-8001

The first of the 10 airlifters ordered, now enters a U.S. Air Force (USAF) flight test program at the famous "The Right Stuff" Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, California, USA. This particular aircraft completed the 'major join' of its fuselage about six months ago.

These C-17's were ordered by the Indian government under the US government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. In effect it is the US government that is selling these planes to India, hence Boeing's delivery to the USAF. India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government on June 15, 2011, to acquire 10 C-17 airlifters, making India the largest foreign C-17 customer. The governments finalised the Foreign Military Sales contract for the airframe on June 6, 2012.

Air Commodore Sanjay Nimesh, Air Attaché at the Embassy of India said

"The C-17 met the stipulated airlift requirements of the Indian Air Force when it flew field evaluation trials in India during June 2010," "It was exciting to see the C-17 fly again, this time with Indian Air Force markings, as the airlifter completed its first-flight milestone on Jan. 11. We look forward to the day that the first IAF C-17 flies over India."

After completing its flight trials and IAF acceptance trials, the first C-17 will arrive in India in the late summer of this year.

Boeing confirms, it is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014. Boeing will support the IAF C-17 fleet through the Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics contract.

A Boeing spokesperson confirmed that a USAF C-17 would come for the AeroIndia 2013 show, but not the IAF aircraft.

Read more »

Indian Navy receives first Boeing P-8i maritime aircraft

The Indian Navy has taken on-site delivery of the first of its ordered eight Boeing P-8i long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The order was placed on January 1, 2009.

Indian Navy pilots are training on this aircraft in the USA, and expect to ferry this aircraft to India around May 2013.

The Boeing P-8I is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft first developed for the US Navy, as a replacement to the ageing P3C Orion, on the successful Boeing 737 airframe.

The P-8I has been customised for India, and the platform's electronics are crucially required in plugging the huge gaps in the Indian Navy's maritime monitoring and surveillance capabilities. The P-8I will also be armed with the deadly, anti-ship, Harpoon missiles, torpedoes and depth bombs to give them potent anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability.

The P-8I will replace the ageing and fuel-guzzling Russian Tupolev-142Ms of the Indian Navy. Presently, the Navy uses the TU-142Ms, IL-38SDs and Dorniers for surveillance operations in the Indian Ocean region.

Boeing is expected to deliver two more P-8Is during 2013.

Read more »

Press releases - December 18

Boeing Names Michael Kurth as VP/GM, Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs

David Pitchforth to lead Boeing Defence UK Ltd.

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 17, 2012 -- Company veteran Michael Kurth will oversee Boeing's [NYSE: BA] unmanned airborne systems as of Jan. 1. Kurth, currently managing director of Boeing Defence UK Ltd. (BDUK), will relocate to St. Louis as vice president and general manager, Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs, reporting to Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick.

David Pitchforth, managing director for UK Rotorcraft Support, a division of Boeing Global Services & Support, succeeds Kurth. In this position, Pitchforth will oversee BDUK's entire portfolio of products and services that support the Ministry of Defence and U.S. military programs.

"Mike Kurth has a sterling reputation for excellent performance within Boeing and in service to the United States," said Chadwick. "With his proven background in managing and executing diverse programs, developing strong customer relationships and opening new markets for Boeing products, there’s no one in the enterprise more suited for this role."

Most of the company's unmanned programs had been part of a Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems division. Effective Jan. 1, these programs will stand alone under Kurth to emphasize the strong potential of the unmanned market. In order to increase affordability, Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs will share functional support, such as Finance and Legal, with other elements of Boeing Military Aircraft.

Boeing wants to reduce its Defense, Space & Security business unit's costs by another $1.6 billion by the end of 2015, adding to the $2.2 billion it has identified since 2010.

Kurth, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and graduate of the University of Wisconsin, joined Boeing in 1997. Prior to his current position in the UK, he led Business Development for what is today known as the Boeing Phantom Works advanced technology organization.

Since joining Boeing in January 2009, Pitchforth has been responsible for coordinating rotorcraft support activities and business development in the United Kingdom. To harness the breadth, depth and strength of the entire Boeing enterprise, Pitchforth will continue to work closely with Boeing UK President Sir Roger Bone as part of the in-country team designed to bring the best of Boeing to its commercial and defense customers.

Prior to joining Boeing, Pitchforth was senior vice president, UK Government Business Unit, and Westland Helicopters transformation director for AgustaWestland. Until March 2005, he was managing director and chairman of the Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team, a role that he undertook at the request of the Ford Motor Company.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 60,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Boeing Raises Dividend 10 Percent and Resumes $3.6 Billion Share Repurchase Program

CHICAGO, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney announced a 10 percent increase in the company's regular quarterly dividend to 48.5 cents per share and the resumption of its stock repurchase program with repurchases currently expected to total between $1.5 billion and $2.0 billion in 2013.

"Strong cash generation, consistently solid core operating performance and a positive growth outlook enable us to take these steps to deliver value for our shareholders," McNerney said. "As returns accelerate on the investments we made in innovative new products, we plan to continue our balanced cash deployment strategy, increasing returns to shareholders, investing in our core businesses and our workforce, and maintaining a strong balance sheet with healthy credit ratings."

The repurchase program is expected to use the remaining $3.6 billion previously authorized by the Boeing board of directors in October 2007. Boeing plans to begin repurchasing shares following its fourth-quarter earnings announcement in late January 2013.

Boeing plans to make the share repurchases on the open market. The number and timing of shares to be purchased will be based on the level of cash balances, general business conditions and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities. The repurchase program also may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

The dividend is payable March 8, 2013, to shareholders of record as of Feb. 15, 2013.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relating to the company's intention to repurchase shares of its common stock under the stock repurchase program are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements. These include, among others, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the company's cash flows, general economic conditions and other factors identified in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contact: Boeing Communications (312) 544-2002

SOURCE Boeing


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IATA Premium Traffic Monitor - October 2012

We are pleased to send you herewith IATA's assessment of premium and economy travel in October.

Key points:

• Premium traffic was just 2.3% higher in October compared to a year ago, down on the September result of 3.8%;
• Economy class travel was up 4.4% in October year-on-year, slightly weaker than September’s 5.0% growth;
• Hurricane Sandy was not the cause of weaker international travel in October, accounting for less than half a % point of the fall;
• In fact premium travel has been slowing for some months, with annualized growth of just over 1% since Q2;
• Within Europe and the North Atlantic have been the weaker markets, with year-to-date growth a fraction of 2011 performance;
• By contrast, premium markets connecting the Far East, Africa and Middle East continue to expand robustly;
• Looking ahead, the weak business environment is showing some signs of stabilizing as previous declines in business confidence reverse;
• Consequently, downward pressure on growth in air travel, particularly in premium markets, is expected to stabilize over coming months.

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Enerjet optimizes flight operations with Lido/FMS and Lido/iRouteManual

The Canadian airline Enerjet has decided for the Lido/iRouteManual navigation charts for the iPad and Lido/FMS navigation database from Lufthansa Systems. Both companies recently signed a contract to this effect.

Enerjet will use the Lido/iRouteManual iPad solution as the primary navigation source during all phases of flight. The app delivers professional navigation charts for instrument flight rules (IFR charts) to the iPad. Lufthansa Systems’ dynamic worldwide enroute chart provides superior de-cluttering for best readability at any zoom level. Enerjet is the first Canadian airline to fly completely paperless with the iPad. The Lido/FMS (Flight Management System) navigation database allows optimization of the flight route and supports the autopilot onboard modern aircraft. The navigation data is based on worldwide aeronautical information which is updated every 28 days according to the AIRAC cycle.

Enerjet is a charter airline headquartered at Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The airline’s state of the art Boeing 737-700 Next-Generation Aircraft is available for charter to Canadian companies, organizations and groups, for domestic and International charter flights.


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oneworld News

oneworld wins two more 'best airline alliance' awards

18 December 2012
oneworld® has collected two more "best airline alliance" awards - named the World's Leading Airline Alliance in the World Travel Awards for the 10th year running and retaining the Best Airline Alliance title in the second annual awards presented by Australian Business Traveller.

After last week collecting the Best Airline Alliance awards for the third year running by Global Traveler in the leading business travel magazine's GT Tested Reader Survey 2012 Awards, it means that oneworld has retained all three of these leading "best alliance" accolades.

It also holds both alliance awards for the quality of wines served by member airlines - Global Traveler's Wines on the Wing and Business Traveller's Cellars in the Sky.
The World Travel Awards have been described by the Wall Street Journal as the "Oscars of the travel industry".  With this year's success, oneworld now has retained number one spot as its "leading airline alliance' for a full decade.

Among the individual airline winners, American Airlines was named the World's Leading Airline to North America and also North America's Leading Airline, while LAN was honoured as South America's Leading Airline.

For full details, see http://www.worldtravelawards.com/

Australian Business Traveller presented its debut industry awards in 2011.  oneworld was named its best airline alliance then - a title it retained in its 2012 honours, announced today.

The judges said: "oneworld partner airlines can take you almost everywhere a business traveller needs to go - a selection now bolstered through the inclusion of airberlin, with Malaysia Airlines and Qatar to follow.  It's easy to rack up oneworld frequent flyer points and status - and that status counts for plenty, with the oneworld Emerald tier opening the doors at some stunning First Class lounges even if you're flying Economy."

In the individual airline categories, British Airways and Qantas were judged first equal for Best International First Class Seats, while Qantas was honoured also for Best International Premium Economy and Best Australian Lounges.  Cathay Pacific took prizes for Best International Business Class and Best International Lounges.

For full details, see Australian Business Traveller

About oneworld
oneworld aims to be the first choice airline alliance for the world's frequent international travellers.   It brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business - airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines, and around 30 affiliates.  Malaysia Airlines is on track to join on 1 February 2013, followed later by SriLankan Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Between them, oneworld's active member airlines and members elect:
    •    Serve some 860 airports in almost 160 countries, with more than 9,300 daily departures.
    •    Offer some 550 airport lounges for premium customers.
    •    Carry almost a million passengers a day on a combined fleet of more than 2,500 aircraft.
    •    Generate nearly US$ 120 billion annual revenues in total.
oneworld enables its members to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own.  These include a broader route network, opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and points across the combined oneworld network and more airport lounges.   oneworld also offers one of the most extensive ranges of alliance fares.

For more news from oneworld, see www.oneworld.com/news-information/oneworldnews/

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JET AIRWAYS IMPLEMENTS PROACTIVE FOG PREPAREDNESS PLAN

MEASURES TO MINIMISE PASSENGER INCONVENIENCE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS


Mumbai, December 18, 2012: Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, and its low fare brand JetKonnect, have undertaken steps to minimize guest inconvenience in the likelihood of flight disruptions and cancellations on account of fog this winter season.

In case of anticipated flight delays/cancellations, guests are requested to check the status of their respective flights before leaving for the airport by calling the Jet Airways and JetKonnect call centres on 3989 3333, as also the airlines' toll-free numbers 1800-22-55-22 and 1800-22-30-20 respectively.

Flight status/updates can be retrieved via the airlines' Jet Mobile facility wherein guests may send an SMS: Jet (Flight number) to 56388. This service is also advertised on NDTV 24X7, India’s leading news channel.

In the event of flight disruptions due to fog, the airline plans to deploy additional aircraft for relief/additional flights, where possible. In case of flight diversions, operations out of alternate airports have been planned, while certain existing scheduled services will be re-routed or combined to ensure smooth operations during the fog period.

Consequent to the above, certain Jet Airways and JetKonnect flights have been re-scheduled, effective December 15, 2012 to January 15, 2013.

In terms of flight operations, all Jet Airways and JetKonnect aircraft are equipped and maintained to national and international standards for all weather operations (AWO), and our flight crew are trained and qualified to operate under these conditions.
The following flight has been cancelled with immediate effect until January 15, 2013: 9W 2647/2648 (Delhi-Gorakhpur-Delhi)

The airline will also provide the electronic media with regular flight updates throughout the day to ensure that passengers are constantly updated on the latest flight situations.

Jet Airways and JetKonnect will provide facilities to travellers affected due denied boarding, delays or cancellations in flights, as specified in the CAR issued by the regulator (DGCA).


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Pilot Workshop's Monthly Audio Lessons with Rod Machado

We are thrilled to introduce a unique, monthly audio program featuring one of our favorite flight instructors - Rod Machado.

Each month, Rod will deliver fresh audio content designed to renew and refresh your flying fundamentals. Learn new tips and techniques, or reinforce the good habits and skills you have developed over the years.

This program is appropriate for all pilots, from new students to Airline Transport Pilots and everyone in between.

Each lesson is approximately one hour in duration and can be played on your computer, smartphone or MP3 player (the files are formatted for easy import into iTunes or Android). As an option, we will also mail you an audio CD each month containing the lessons.

Listen to these audio programs in your car, at the gym or in your favorite chair. These fast-paced lessons are delivered with humor and a unique style that Rod is famous for.

We are offering special, introductory pricing for the "charter" subscribers. You'll receive a 50% discount off the regular subscription price and also get access to Rod's private online discussion forum.

More details here...

http://PilotWorkshop.com/t/Machado-Audio.php

This offer ends on December 23rd at midnight. Take advantage of this special, one-of-a-kind opportunity...you will have some fun and learn something really valuable in the process!

Respectfully,

Mark Robidoux

P.S. You can earn WINGS credits for each monthly audio program you complete!


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British Airways’ Pilots Switch To iPads

Posted on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

British Airways is equipping its 3,600 pilots with iPads to further improve customer service and operational efficiency levels.

The move, which follows the airline’s rollout of iPads across its cabin crew and ground operations teams, is part of the company’s £5bn investment in new products and technology to provide the best possible flying experience for British Airways’ customers.

By having access to additional real-time operational data, shared with ground colleagues, pilots will be able to plan the flight more efficiently using the most accurate information available pre-departure.

This means our flight crew can provide customers with faster and more accurate flight information than ever before. With the latest operational updates customers will be better informed and able to make plans if their flight time has changed for any reason.

Pilots will also be able to use historic and current data, supplied by the customer, to provide an even more personalised service during the flight.

British Airways’ director of flight operations, Captain Stephen Riley said: “As pilots we want to deliver a safe and memorable experience for each and every British Airways customer, on every single flight.

“The iPads will help us to achieve this goal by giving us the means to provide a more personalised service and share more timely flight information with our customers and colleagues.”


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Aircraft to Employee Ratio in Air India

As on 31.01.2012, the aircraft to employee ratio in Air India was 1:237. There is no benchmark for aircraft : employee ratio in the industry. It varies from airline to airline depending upon the nature and extent of functions performed in house as well as the operational network of that airline. Most of the airlines have outsourced majority of their non-core functions such as aircraft major maintenance activities, ground handling activities, vigilance, transport, medical, civil engineering, etc. and also do not maintain departments such as Raj Bhasha, Internal Audit, etc. where as Air India performs these functions in house. The Government has approved hiving off the MRO and Ground handling business by Air India to its subsidiary companies viz. Air India Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL) and Air India Air Transport Services Ltd. (AIATSL), which would bring down the number of employees in Air India and improve the Aircraft: Employee ratio to 1: 92.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri K.C. Venugopal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.


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Complaints of NRIs Regarding AI Flights

Ministry of Civil Aviation is receiving complaints from NRIs highlighting their difficulties faced during Air India flights. The complaints mainly correspond to Kerala-Gulf sector and relate to cancellation of flights, hike in air fare and flight timings etc.

Kerala-Gulf is a strategic market for Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express. Air India Express is trying to hire/recruit dedicated pilots for its fleet so that schedule integrity is maintained. It has chalked out a detailed time bound plan to recruit pilots so that scarcity of pilots can be addressed. Air India Express is a Low Cost Carrier, hence, fare is always kept at a lower level but it has to be commercially viable also. Air India Express also operates additional flights during festival season like Onam, Eid and school vacations to mitigate the difficulties faced by the passengers.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri K.C. Venugopal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Indian Air Force's first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III completes "major join"

The first of ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift transporters, ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF), came together at the airframer's Long Beach, California facility on July 31.

An IAF officer drives rivets in to the C-17 fuselage

Indian embassy officials, senior Indian Air Force officers and local elected officials including Rep. Dana Rohrabacher drove ceremonial rivets into the aircraft as they celebrated the "major join" ceremony, where sections of the fuselage are joined and the aircraft first starts looking like one.

India will be the largest C-17 operators outside the United States. These aircraft are being procured under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route of the US government. The contract worth US$ 4 billion, was signed last June. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered to the IAF in May or June 2013 and the tenth before the end of 2014. A special squadron is being created, based at Hindon Air Force Station just outside Delhi. Pilots and loadmasters from the IAF are already undergoing training in the United States.

At the ceremony Ambassador N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India, San Francisco said

"The defense relationship between India and the United States is an important dimension of our strategic partnership," "This momentous occasion, where we see India's first C-17 take shape, further strengthens our growing relationship. As India strives to become a global reservoir of highly skilled and technologically sophisticated manpower, we will witness an escalating technology transfer, collaborative joint research and development, and co-production of defense items between our two countries."

The Indian Air Force is contemplating an addition six to ten C-17's and will be facing enormous pressure from US lawmakers who would like to see those additional orders to keep the production facility open, along with its associated employment.

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Air India fleet plan calls for sale-leaseback of 787

Earlier this week, Air India, the beleaguered Indian national carrier, announced that it would be utilizing a sale-leaseback arrangement to evade the divisive lawsuit filed by the Air Transport Association (ATA), a US airline lobby group, over Us $ 3.4 billion worth of financing for the carrier's order of 27 Boeing 787 and 3 777-300ER widebody jets.

The lawsuit from ATA claims that because Air India is in dire financial straits (having lost more than Rs. 13,000 crore in the past four years), Air India might very easily default on its loans, leaving the US taxpayers on tab. Without getting too far into the politics of this lawsuit, it will suffice for us to say that the Maharaja will not be dying any time soon; as the imminent Rs.30,000 crore (plus) bailout proves, there are many in the government who are not yet willing to give up their "personal Netjets."

When we discussed the issue in our podcast last week, Devesh brought up the point that the ATA's suit could well affect employment at Boeing. However, the ATA has countered that export-import financing has given a direct edge to foreign competitors in adding international capacity to the US. Both of these are valid points (that will be hopefully explored in a later post), however Leeham Co., a respected aviation consultancy, implied that the dispute had more to do with a conflict between Delta Air Lines and the Indian government. In that case, any argument about there being an attempt to change the Ex-Im system is a bit overstated. Still, we will keep a close eye on the situation as more news becomes available.

Air India sale-leaseback is sound strategy; lease plans, not so much

As part of Air India's new fleet plan, the carrier will take delivery of all 27 aircraft on order, contradicting earlier reports that they would be halving the order. These 27 aircraft would be immediately sold to lessors such International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) and General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), who would then turn around and lease the plane back to Air India. IndiGo has used this strategy to great effect with its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft; a large chunk of its fiscal year 10-11 profit was derived from similar agreements. By selling these aircraft off immediately after purchase, Air India is able to generate cash to pay off some of its debts and avoid using Export-Import Bank funds. Given that the 787 is currently a very desirable aircraft, lessors will likely be quite willing to bring those aircraft onto their books as assets.

As part of this new fleet plan, Air India plans to lease out 5 Boeing 777-200LRs and 2 Boeing 747-400s once the 787s come on property. These leases are expected to raise Rs. 300 crore for the company. Boeing 747-400s are relatively un-economical, 4-engined aircraft, that beyond short term charters (such as Hajj), will be of little value to most airlines (save Iran Air and Air Koryo). Meanwhile the 777-200LR fleet, while newer, is not in high demand amongst world carriers. The only major operators of the type are the MEB3 (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar), Delta Airlines, along with a host of other niche carriers around the globe. Thus these aircraft are unlikely to be leased out at all, and if they were, the rates would most certainly be unprofitable for Air India.

I've gone on record as stating that Air India should cosider leasing out its larger 777-300ERs; which are highly desirable assets that would command premium lease rates. On many routes, the 777-200LR can have trip costs of up to 20% less than those of the 777-300ER. Thus for an airline of Air India's profitability; the additional revenue from leasing out the 777-300ERs would be topped off by a minimization of losses on Air India's route network.

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High price threatens to derail the Indian Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III deal

The acquisition of ten Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic heavy lift transporters by the Indian Air Force, which was one the cornerstone deals during the recent visit of US President Barack Obama to India, has hit a price hurdle.

The Indian Express newspaper is reporting that the Indian Air Force had estimated the 10 aircraft deal to be around $3 billion based on the $300 million Australia is paying for each C-17 they are purchasing. Now the deal is pegged at $4.1 million by the White House, and at a whopping $5.8 billion in the official notification made last month to the US Congress.

Apparently the Indian Air Force has been taken aback at this high cost, and with various scams and revelations repeatedly tainting the ManMohan Singh administration, and with upcoming elections in key states, the Indian government is on a defensive wicket.

The Indian Express reports the Indian Ministry of Defence has written to Washington to disclose the comparative prices at which the aircraft has been sold to other nations.

This must surely be unwelcome news for Boeing which has seen the contract to its final stages, having completed commercial negotiations with the India Government.

Read the related Indian Express articles.

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Boeing commences building Indian Navy's first P-8I maritime aircraft

Boeing has commenced fabrication of the P-8I the long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft destined for the Indian Navy. India is the first international customer of this variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy, which in turn is based on the popular Boeing 737 passenger aircraft.

This is part of of an eight aircraft order placed by the Indian Navy in January 2009. Earlier, in July this year, Boeing and the Indian Navy completed the final design review of the P-8I.

The P-8I's first part, a bonded aluminium panel that later will be installed on the fuselage's upper lobe to support an antenna, was cut at Spirit AeroSystems, where all Boeing Next-Generation 737 fuselages, nacelles and pylons are designed and built. The panel and other fuselage components will come together on Spirit's existing 737 production line.

Spirit will ship the P-8I fuselage to a Boeing Commercial Airplanes facility in Renton, Wash., in mid-2011 for final assembly. After that, Boeing Defense, Space & Security employees will install mission systems and complete testing prior to delivery to India, expected before January 2013.

Boeing, along with competitor Airbus, have significantly expanded their footprint in India both in the civil aviation, and Boeing is leading the charge in the defence market. Both Boeing and Airbus parent EADS are strong contenders in the Indian Air Force's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) tender.

Both companies are partnering with India companies to build a supply chain out of India, and both companies have opened R&D and engineering centres in Bangalore, long the technological and aviation capital of India.

Related articles

• Boeing Opens New P-8 Production Facility in Seattle. (planenews.com)
• BAE Systems to Provide Mission Computer Systems for Indian Navy Patrol Aircraft (eon.businesswire.com)
• Boeing sees no "compelling reason" for 737 upgrade - FT (reuters.com)
• "Indian Navy invites unmaried Men and Women to join Navy as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Officer as Observer in Aviation Cadre of Executive Branch Course Commencing - July 2011" and related posts (careers-india.com)

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Boeing and the Indian Navy complete P-8I final design review

Indian Navy officers along with Boeing have successfully completed the final design review (FDR) for the P-8I, India's long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.

Completion of the FDR locks in the design for the aircraft, radar, communications, navigation, mission computing, acoustics and sensors, as well as the ground and test support equipment.

India is the first customer for the P-8 outside the United States.

During the five-day FDR held in Renton, Washington state, USA, Indian Navy officers met with Boeing representatives from both the Defense, Space & Security and Commercial Airplanes divisions to review relevant design information and performance against specifications.

For the P-8I, since Boeing is incorporating not only India-unique design features, but also India-built subsystems, the FDR represents an agreement between the Indian Navy and Boeing, that the design addresses all customer requirements. This is a significant milestone which also paves the way for the program to begin assembling the first P-8I aircraft.

In a company statement, Vivek Lall, India country lead, Boeing Defense, Space & Security says

"The P-8I's unique capabilities are tailored to India's maritime-patrol requirements. It has the reach and capability to defend India's vast coastline and maritime waters,"

Lall's colleague, Leland Wight, Boeing's P-8I program manager indicates

"We are on track to start fabricating the P-8I's empennage section before the end of this year."

Boeing will deliver the first P-8I to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, i.e. by 2013.

Related articles

• UPDATE 1-Boeing says more India C-17 orders possible (reuters.com)
• "First Charleston-built 787 will go to Air India" and related posts (avindia.blogspot.com)
• Boeing's anti-sub craft has test flight (bizjournals.com)

Image via Wikipedia

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