Boeing to Modernize Entire Spanish Chinook Helicopter Fleet

Will remanufacture 17 CH-47D Chinooks to the CH-47F configuration for Spain’s Army

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Jan. 3, 2019 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] will upgrade all 17 of Spain’s CH-47D Chinook helicopters to the F-model configuration, adding features such as the digital automatic flight control system, common avionics architecture system and advanced cargo handling to align that country’s fleet with those of other nations.

This is the first order from a non-U.S. customer placed through a contract Boeing and the U.S. Army signed in July. That contract covers six new F-models for the U.S. and options for up to 150 more Chinooks for U.S. and international customers. Deliveries to Spain begin in 2021.

“The Chinook is a versatile aircraft flown by eight NATO nations, including Spain,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Cargo and Utility Helicopters and H-47 program manager. “With this contract, Spain’s Chinook crews will enjoy the platform’s current technology and capability, while the country gets an affordable upgrade that builds on its existing H-47 investment.”

The CH-47F is a twin-engine, tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. In addition to the U.S. Army and Special Operations Forces, Chinooks are currently in service or under contract with 19 international defense forces. It can fly at speeds exceeding 175 mph and carry payloads greater than 21,000 lbs. In 2017, Boeing and the U.S. Army announced development of CH-47F Block II, which will incorporate a new rotor blade, redesigned fuel system, improved drivetrain and structural improvements to the fuselage.

For more information on Defense, Space & Security, visit www.boeing.com. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

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Contacts:
Marcia Costley
Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 310-364-8409
Mobile: +1 714-316-4267
marcia.b.costley@boeing.com

Andrew Africk
Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 610-591-2393
Mobile: +1 610-379-6208
andrew.africk@boeing.com

 

Source : Boeing Website

Sikorsky, Boeing Provide First Look at SB>1 DEFIANT™

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Dec. 26, 2018 – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company [NYSE: LMT], and Boeing [NYSE: BA] provided the first look at the SB>1 DEFIANT™ helicopter the companies have developed for the U.S. Army’s Joint Multi-Role technology demonstrator program. The SB>1 DEFIANT™ is designed to fly at twice the speed and range of today’s conventional helicopters and offers advanced agility and maneuverability. It will help inform the next generation of military helicopters as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program.

The helicopter is participating in the Army’s Joint Multi-Role-Medium Technology Demonstrator program. Data from SB>1 DEFIANT™ will help the Army develop requirements for new utility helicopters expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

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Contacts:
Jerry Drelling
Defense, Space & Security
Mobile: +1 714-318-7594
jerry.a.drelling@boeing.com

Melissa Chadwick
Lockheed Martin
Mobile: +1 202-740-5997
melissa.a.chadwick@lmco.com

 

Source : Boeing Website

U.S. start-up airline “Moxy” confirms order for 60 Airbus A220-300s

A220 reveal: first arrival in Airbus livery

Low-cost carrier selects new Airbus model for operational efficiencies and passenger comfort

The start-up U.S. airline code-named “Moxy” has signed a firm order with Airbus to purchase 60 A220-300 aircraft.

Moxy is the new airline venture led by David Neeleman, one of the industry’s most innovative entrepreneurs and founder of JetBlue Airways. In addition to JetBlue, Neeleman also founded Azul Brazilian Airlines and is the controlling investor in the revitalization of TAP Air Portugal.

Plans for Moxy, a low-cost airline, were unveiled at the Farnborough International Air Show in July. “The A220-300 is the right airplane for a new airline that will be focused on passenger service and satisfaction,” said Neeleman. “With a low cost of operation and spacious cabin, the A220 will allow us to provide passengers with lower fares and a high quality, comfortable flying experience. The A220’s ability to operate profitably in thin, underserved markets across a broad spectrum of ranges is unique.”

“Moxy has its sights set on the future, so I can’t think of a better aircraft to put into their fleet than the A220,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “We believe the A220 really is the future of this segment of the market, and the flying public will know from the minute they set foot onboard that they’re experiencing the best our industry has to offer.”

The order was completed the final week of December. Airbus will produce the A220-300 at a new U.S. assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama. Construction of that plant, to be located adjacent to the existing Airbus A320 assembly facility, will begin later this month.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and true widebody comfort in a single aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. With a range of up to 3,200 nm (5,020 km), the A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

With an order book of more than 500 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.

#A220 #Airbus

 

Source : Airbus Website

JetBlue Airways firms up order for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft

JetBlue commitment for 60 A220-300 jetliners

Order will add to JetBlue’s large fleet of Airbus planes

JetBlue Airways has firmed up an order for 60 A220-300 aircraft, the larger model of the new, industry-leading A220 series.

“As we approach our 20th anniversary, the impressive range and economics of the highly efficient A220, combined with the outstanding performance of our existing fleet of Airbus A321 and restyled A320 aircraft, will help ensure we deliver the best onboard experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future,” said Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue.

JetBlue’s existing Airbus fleet includes 193 A320 and A321ceo aircraft in operation, with an additional 85 A321neo aircraft on order.

“JetBlue has proven there is no contradiction between economic efficiency and a high quality product,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Their endorsement of the A220 proves this aircraft meets those two criteria better than any alternative in its segment. Thank you JetBlue and congratulations on this big milestone in your growth.”

The order was completed the last week of December. Airbus will produce the A220-300 aircraft at a new U.S. assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama. Construction of the plant, to be located adjacent to the existing Airbus A320 assembly facility, will begin later this month.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and true widebody comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. With a range of up to 3,200 nm (5,020 km), the A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

With an order book of more than 500 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.

@JetBlue #A220 #Airbus

 

Source : Airbus Website

Caltex Socceroos arrive in Al Ain ahead of AFC Asian Cup opener

AUS

Rhyan Grant says the start of the Caltex Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup campaign is starting to feel real after the Australian squad arrived in Al Ain ahead of Sunday’s tournament opener against Jordan.

Graham Arnold’s squad wrapped up their pre-tournament training camp in Dubai and arrived in Al Ain on Wednesday afternoon (local time) to a fantastic welcome.

Representatives from Al Ain Football Club, the Al Ain Government, and members of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) were on hand to greet the squad.

And with just a few days until their opening game against Jordan at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Grant admits excitement is building ahead of the opening match.

“Obviously it’s [the tournament] only a couple of days away now so to arrive in the place that our first game is exciting and it’s not far away, so everyone is pretty keen,” Grant told www.socceroos.com.au.

The right-back added: “It [the team’s welcome in Al Ain] was pretty cool.

We received a lovely greeting from representatives of the Al Ain Football Club, the Al Ain Government and from the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Local Organising Committee.

“I think everyone got a little flower each and got to shake the locals’ hands with the welcome.

“So that sort of adds to the excitement too that it’s finally here.”

Grant said the squad were feeling refreshed and relaxed after a “timely” day off from training on New Years’ Day.

The Sydney FC star, who along with the Western Sydney Wanderers’ Josh Risdon will be Arnold’s options at right-back for the tournament, made his second appearance in the green and gold in Sunday’s 5-0 win over Oman.

While delighted with the result and performance, Grant believes there is still more to give from the Caltex Socceroos heading into AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™.

“There is a lot to build on and ‘Arnie’ [Graham Arnold] let us know that we’ve got a lot more in our tank and a lot more to build on,” the 27-year-old said.

“So, it was a good start for us but we are keen to get back on the pitch and really work on things and make sure that we are in really good touch come the start of the tournament.”

Source : Socceroos Website