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News Corp’s private Boeing BBJ seen here landing in LAX’s 24R… clean looking plane!
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Air News On Partnerships, Navigation Aids, Business Jet Increasing Importance In International Markets & Sita Survey On Safety Traiining In Africa

Airbus Flies with UCT to Study “Flocking Formations”

Airbus has entered into a partnership with the University of Cape Town (UCT) to study the potential benefits and impact of formation flying and explore if this could be applied to passenger services to reduce fuel burn.

“Large birds benefit from co-operative flying to save energy, giving them increased range, “explained Professor Christiaan Redelinghuys, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which is undertaking the two-part study.

“When they fly in formation, the leading bird’s wings generate trailing vortices of air- just as fixed wing aircraft do. But the birds following behind get a free lift from these vortices, which mean they use less energy to fly. If we could safely harness those benefits, we could reduce the aviation industry’s consumption of fossil fuels,” he added.

“The first element of the work at UCT focuses on the effects of atmospheric turbulence on fuel saving while the second part will look at the impact of turbulence on the comfort and ergonomics for passengers, pilots and cabin crew,” outlined Dale King, senior manager for Research and Technology Partnerships at Airbus.

“Grouping together aircraft flying similar routes, for example from Europe to Africa, could in theory provide a reduction in fuel burn and emissions, but we have to take into account all other operational factors. We are delighted to be working with UCT to investigate this further,” added King.

UCT and Airbus are adopting a biomimicry approach in the exploration of formation flight. Nature’s lessons have the potential to yield enormous benefits, especially in helping to minimize mankind’s environmental impact.

As part of this overall project, Airbus is also supporting studies at Stanford and Bristol Universities.

Airbus partnership with UCT is the latest in a string of South African research and technology projects being sponsored by the aircraft manufacturer .In 2006 Airbus, together with South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry’s National Aerospace Centre of Excellence and the Department of Science and Technology ,launched a collaborative programme to identify and co-fund a range of studies into new materials and methods which had potential applications in the aerospace and air transport sectors.

Other South Africa partners in the programme include the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Airbus is also calling for African students to participate in biennial Fly Your Ideas contest.

Students worldwide are challenged to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry. Entrants stand to win over r 300000(Euros 30,000).

Airbus CEO Jumps from A400M

A ten-man team of parachutists who jumped from the new Airbus Military A400M airlifter recently included Airbus president and CEO, Tom Enders, and the A400M programme Manager at the OCCAR organization for the management of European defense programmes, Bruno Delannoy.The two men, both accomplished skydivers, were part of a highly experienced team of Airbus staff and other experienced sport parachutists with 35000 previous descents between them. They jumped from the ramp of development aircraft, Grizzly 3, over the La Juliana drop-zone near Seville, Spain, where the aircraft was assembled.

Cessna’s Expects International Markets to Assume Increasing Importance

International demand will make an important contribution to the business jet markets gradual recovery and account for an increased proportion of future sales, according to Trevor Esling, Cessnas vice president for international sales.

Speaking at the recent Future of Business jets conference in London, Esling said:”Cessna expects that increased customer demand will first become apparent in certain international markets, and that regions such as Eastern Europe and Russia, Latin America and the Middle East will become more significant markets alongside the United States and European Union.”

Esling also observed that China and India would grow in importance as business jet markets in the medium term, with the potential for increased demand for all categories of business aircraft.

Finding The Place

Aids to the navigation of aircraft improved enormously between 1945 and 1960 in Southern Africa. Radio beacons were installed on all the main routes and even at some of the most outlandish spots.

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Large aircraft, and many light ones, were equipped at least with a radio compass’ (automatic direction finder-ADF), in addition to the mandatory magnetic one.

But it was a very different story before World War 11.There were few, if any, radio beacons and the one or two aircraft which were equipped with a radio compass(ADF) could only tune into broadcast stations, which allowed the pilot to “home” on his destination.

Those of us whose aircraft were not blessed with radio luxuries had to find our way around the country with a magnetic compass and maps. The latter were not always reliable, so most of us had our own pet methods of finding our way around. Some of us learned some hard lessons.

Railways, rivers and roads were essential and elementary aids to navigation and, for the most part, they were reliable; but not always.

When I learned to fly my instructors impressed upon me how preferable it was, if caught in bad weather, to follow a railway line rather than a road, because the gradient of a road could be much steeper. And generally speaking this was true, but the first time I put this profound piece of advice to the test I received a sharp lesson.

Finding myself in misty conditions between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, I picked up the railway line near Alicedale and soon found it ascending into the hill at a gradient equal to the maximum rate of climb of my small, but heavily laden aircraft.

And if this wasn’t enough, the confounded railway suddenly disappeared into a tunnel through the highlands! I don’t recall exactly how I solved the problem, but it must have involved some rather heart-stopping man oeuvres through the cloudy trees!

But despite such incidents, railways were of enormous value to the inexperienced pilot and a copy of the railway guide was a “must” in every pilots well-equipped briefcase .If one was uncertain of ones position, one could always descend to a low altitude and read the name of the first siding or station that might appear.

Then you could work out where the devil you were from the guide and how far to the next station.

Rivers-they are generally safe to follow when flying downstream, but waterfalls can be a hazard when flying upstream. The bridges are usually sufficiently substantial to be seen in good time, even in poor visibility, but there are other snags along rivers. For example there are a couple of telephone wires strung across the Mazoe river near Tete, in Mozambique, which have been dismantled by low flying aircraft on at least three occasions to my certain knowledge.

And one would assume that once a river starts to flow in a given direction it would stay like that, but not so with the Botletle river, near Maun, in Botswana, which connects the Okavango Swamps with the Makarakari salt pans. Depending on the amount of water in these two areas, the river with either flow north-west or south-east .This was a sure trap for a pilot trying to find Maun before his fuel ran out.

Roads, generally, were not as reliable as railway lines and rivers, as new ones had a habit of appearing which were not marked on any but the most up-t-date maps. They did have the advantage, however, that if in reasonable repair, they could be relied upon as a landing ground if the engine stopped.

Most landmarks take the form of fixed geographical features, like mountains and lakes, from which to take a bearing. But not so with a herd of elephants that used to remain more or less stationary on the track between Salisbury (now Harare) and Bulawayo between the Umniati and Umsweswe rivers. A pilot who sighted them knew that he couldn’t be far off track.

Although a pilot always used his eyes for navigation, there are another sense that could greatly assist him. The whaling station at the Bluff, near Durban, could be smelled from many miles away when the wind was in the right quarter. And during the orange blossom season the delightful scent of the trees on the Zebedelia estate near Petersburg (Polk wane), or the Mazoe citrus estate, could be detected many thousands of feet above the ground.

Kasama (Zambia) was not the easiest place to find, but the public spirited inn-keeper of the hotel near the airport had been sufficiently co-operative to install an old farm house PK (toilet) . I’ve been told on unimpeachable authority that old-time pilots in conditions of poor visibility would open their cockpit window and home in’ on the aroma.

I have not had the pleasure of visiting Kasama for some 15years, but hopefully the plumbing has been modernized and a new radio beacon has been installed coding Papa Kilo!

Boeing Proposes Embraer Link In Bid For Brazilian Contract

Boeing is offering to partner with Brazils Embrear on a new fighter jet in an effort to strengthen its bid for a multi-billion-dollar Brazilian defense contract.

Joseph McAndrew, Boeings vice president for Europe, Israel and America, said that the firm proposed 10 partnership projects with Brazil’s aviation leader, including building a new plant in the country to build parts for Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

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Flight News On Aviation Sports and Showcasing Of Helicopters,Business Jets,Military Aircrafts in Cape Town ,South Africa

As the gates opened on the first day of the 2010 Africa Aerospace and Defence show at the Ysterplaat Air Force Base, in Cape Town, on September 21, the numerous trade visitors spreading out over the exhibition area were greeted by arguably the largest concentration of military and civilian fixed-and rotor-winged aircraft yet seen at a single venue in Africa.

Added on this were the numerous indoor and outdoor display stands featuring virtually every imaginable item of aeronautical hard- and software from fasteners, nuts and bolts through the whole spectrum to the latest state-of-the-art avionics, ordinance, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles-you name it and it is a pound to a penny bet that somewhere, perhaps in the many cavernous halls, you would have found it on display or being promoted in some way.

The more than 200 exhibitors came from 30 countries around the globe which also set a new record for the biennial series.

It was not long before the turnstiles began clicking over with the rapid tattoo of machinegun fire as AAD 2010 headed steadily towards being what will no doubt go down in the annals as the biggest aviation exhibition South Africa has ever seen, giving a clear signal that the industry was convinced that, at least as far as it was concerned anyway, the economic crisis appeared to be coming to an end, or at least easing.

Business Jets in Plenty

This show was the occasion for most of the top-of-the-range corporate jet manufacturers to display their best.

At Ysterplaat, they ranged from the “heavy iron” such the VIP-configured Boeing 727 displayed by paramount; a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 showcased by Elite Jet with AirQuarius showing off one of its Fokker F.28 Fellowships, to be followed by the equally luxurious, but slightly smaller, Gulfstream G550, Dassault Falcon 7X and the Embraer Legacy 650(which is making its public debut in Africa at the show).

Both Airbus and Boeing, although not having “in the flesh” examples on display, nevertheless had models and literature promoting their corporate jets based on the A320 and B737 families respectively.

Embraer, at AAD 2008, surprised both the organizers and the crowd by arriving with one of its regional jetliners half-way through the show and, at the time of writing, it was not beyond the bounds of possibility that it might do the same again this year.

The Brazilian manufacturer also had examples of both its phenom 100 and phenom 300 smaller jets on view.

Bombardier fielded a Learjet 45XR and a Canadian 300 with the possibility of a Learjet 60XR also on view later in the week.

Cessna had the new Citation CJ4 making its maiden appearance in South Africa showcased alongside a Citation Sovereign and its entry level Mustag on view, as well as turboprop Caravan.

National Airways Corporation, distributor of Hawker Beech craft Products did not want to be outdone and they showcased the flagship Hawker 4000 corporate jet, along with the new Beech King Air 350i turboprop, both making dramatic entrances having flown from Johannesburg using Sasol’s new 100% synthetic jet fuel announced at the show.

The PAC750 turboprop and a chartered Boeing 737 were involved in this fuel venture. National Airways Corporation also fielded a Beech 1900 Missionator.

Airbus versus Boeing

As is the norm at most air shows where the two giant airframe manufacturers are present, there were claims and counter-claims about their various aircraft types bandied about at AAD.Both Airbus and Boeing were heavily represented by their respective military and civilian divisions.

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On the civilian side, Airbus concentrated more on its new A350XWB and Boeing on its 787 Dreamliner.As far as flying examples of their respective aircraft were concerned, they had to rely on the good offices of the airlines which took part in the Public Day flying displays.

But the Russian pavilion had a trump card up its sleeve as far as the airliner side of the show was concerned .As it did at the recent Farnborough International Show in England, the Irkut Corporation heavily promoted what is dubbed as “Russia’s 21st Century Airliner”. Irkut is the prime contractor for this aircraft, the MC-21, which is already attracting sizeable orders.

Airbus and the University of Cape Town have agreed to launch a biomimicry-based research project which could prompt a mindset change to how large commercial jetliners are flown on long routes. The project forms part of Airbus’ global research and technology program me.

In conjunction with the South African Department of Trade and Industry’s National Aerospace Centre of Excellence, Airbus has also engaged the University of Stellenbosch, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Pretoria, WITS University and Industrial Research, which are involved in several research projects for Airbus.

Records Galore

Public turnout figures for the Friday and Saturday air show days will be made known in November” show wrap-up” feature, but here,too,record attendance figures were possible if the weather played ball.

Another record set by the first day was the concentration of helicopters of all shapes and sizes ranging from the locally manufactured A600 Talon light helicopter from Rotorway,through the EC-120,EC-130 B4 and AS350 B3 helicopters from Euro copter to the Bell 429 which was officially launched in South Africa at gala presentation at NAC headquarters at Lanseria International Airport five days before hand and then flown to AAD to make its first official public appearance.

Another helicopter which made its South African debut at AAD 2010 was the light Ansat Russian-built,multi-purpose helicopter, its unique performance and equipment allowing it to operate around-the clock in all weather conditions.

This was one of the many different types and sizes of helicopters heavily promoted in the Russian pavilion by the Russian Helicopters Conglomerate.

Added to these helicopters was the wide range of military “whirly birds” fielded by both the South African and United States air forces.

The USAF had on display a wide variety of attack and transport helicopters, all of which were flown to South Africa aboard two C-5 Galaxy heavy-lift transports and a C-17 Globe master 111.These helicopters were the Euro copter UH72A Lakota, the type only recently having joined the air force fleet; Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Knight, a combat cum-search and rescue version of the HH-60 PAVE Hawk; an MH-60 Night Hawk and a Bell OPH-58 Kiowa.

The SAAF DISPLAYED THREE Agust Westland A109 light utility models; at least one Oryx medium helicopter; three Euro copter BK.117s,four AgustaWestland SuperLynx 300 maritime helicopters and,one of the surprises of the show, two South African-manufactured Rooivalks fresh from having their grounding restriction lifted.

The SAAF helicopter line-up formed part of a 60-plus turnout of the forces aircraft both new and old as part of the SAAFs 90th anniversary celebrations.

Heading the list were the Griped fighters-both single- and two-seat versions; the Hawk Mk.120 lead-in fighter trainers, a large turn-out about 20-plus Pilatus Mk.7 Astra turboprop trainers, two C130BZ Hercules transports, anumber of CASA 212 and Cessna Caravan light transports/liaison aircraft and four Douglas C-47TP transports.

Topping off this array, were the unforgettable formation aerobatic displays by Silver Falcons.

This mass display by the SAAF is also considered to be something of a record, at least as far as a peacetime exhibition is concerned.

Meanwhile, Euro copter and ATE have begun local firing tests on their collaborative stand Alone Weapons System (SAWS), which is a low-cost self-defence weapons module designed to be installed on Euro copters light and medium products. A SAWS equipped AS-550″Fennec” was on exhibition at AAD 2010.

Euro copter also hosted the second Air bone Law Enforcement seminar at AAD 210 for Southern African Law enforcement and crime prevention agencies. This was a fitting curtain-raiser ahead of the delivery of a new AS350BE Squirrel to the Namibian Police which took place at the expo.

Heavy Lift Competition

The C-17 Globe master was joined by a Lockheed Martin C-130J to bolster the United States’ bid to capture the South Africa Air Forces requirement for long-range, heavy-lift transport aircraft now that the SA Governments order for the Airbus A400M turboprop airlifter has been withdrawn.

Airbus has not given up hope on the failed contract, and was operating “behind the scenes” at the show, as was Embraer no doubt with its still in-the-design-stage KC 390.

Another SAAF competition is designated “project Saucepan” which is the code name for the SAAFs requirement for a replacement maritime-cum-light transport aircraft and here Airbus Military will be punting its CASA 295 and the Italians their Alenia C27J Spartan, the latter on show “in the flesh”.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

AAD 2010 was also used extensively to promote unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV) with both SouthAfrican and United States much to the fore.

For example ,Boeing brought its Scan Eagle to the show which was displayed alongside the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator and the AAI RQ-7Shadow.Anumber of South African exhibits in this field were due to have been on show, but no specific announcement had been made by the time of going to press.

On the other hand, a very interesting exhibit was to be found on the African Astronautics stand where the company showcased its Flying Robots FR-102 soft-wing UAV.

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Aviation News on Business Jet Charter,Airlines,Airports and Aviation Forums Worldwide

With the turbulent changes in aviation industry it is essential for updates on matters affecting the industry to the stakeholders and travelers.

There are different sources of getting this information and the easiest and cheapest of all is through internet where one can spend less to be able to download the information.

Appointments Made By Major Aircraft Manufacturers.

For new ideas and innovation there is need for appointments to increase efficiency, reliability and effectiveness. This can only be achieved through competitive selection and promotions to those willing to widen their skills through refreshers courses and attending training courses to be able to cope up with the new technology in the industry.

Gulfstream appoints Rebecca Johnson their Regional Vice President in International Sales on 3rd May 2010 and she will report to Tarek Ragheb, who is vice president, International sales for the Europe, Middle East AND Africa (EMA) Division. Rebecca Johnson will be based in Switzerland and her territory is Central South Europe, which includes Albania,Austria,Bosnia,Bulgaria,Croatia,Czech,Greece,Hungary,Italy,Kosovo,Macedonia,Moldova,Romania,Serbia,Slovakia,Slovenia,Switzerland and Turkey. With over 6,300 flying hours ,most recently ,she served as an international captain on a Russian-based Gulfstream G550 for Farner Airwings.She has also worked for Hawker Beech craft for six years and she has holds a bachelors degree in aviation from San Jose State University and she also worked for Calif,charter company at Silicon Valley Express .She has a wealthy of experience in flying business executive jets and thus the knowledge of the know how of the customers taste and perception on the product and service quality on private charter flights. She will be able to ensure customer satisfaction and punctuality is observed and maintained.

Appointment of former U.S Army officer Chuck W Glass by Piper Aircraft to become Director International Flight Training and fleet programs. After retiring from his final Pentagon posting as Director of Military Attach Operations for South Asia he went on to pursue a career in General Aviation Flight Training. This announcement was made by Piper Executive Vice President Randy Groom during a news conference held at Sun n Fun fly-In. Chuck W before joining piper as worked for Diamonds chief representative for china in Beljing.He has extensive experience in flight training at Pan Am International Flight Academy in charge of career Pilot Division. With his experience he will be able to advice Piper on the components that usually breaks down in the aircraft and which needs its immediate attention. This will put Piper Aircraft on fore front and to ensure their aircrafts are reliable and safe for pilot training course and other air charter flights.

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The appointment of Cecile Vion-Lanctuit by Euro copter as the Vice President of Corporate Communication will enhance its relations with its customers as she was the Head of International Media Relations since 2007 and previously worked as the company’s press officers. She joined Euro copter from in April 2006 from parent company EADS,where she worked at the Munich Headquarters during four years as Senior Manager Media Monitoring and Impact Control in charge of EADS Groups image. She joined EADS in late1999 as Corporate Auditor and she has over 10 years experience in communications and marketing in real estate field in Canada. She is a graduate of Ecole Superior de Commerce de Lille in France and at Euro copter she succeeds Olivier Blain who will assume other duties within Euro copter Group. She will have to carry out a market research to ensure its customers are satisfied with the product and services provided and also on the comfort ability and reliability.

Plans for New Heathrow, Stansted Runaways Dropped By BAA

This was due to changes to government airports policy this is a directive by the Britain’s new ruling Conservative-Liberal Democrats coalition and it went a head to say it will even block additional runways as Stansted and Gatwick as well as cancelling plans for a third runway at Heathrow as part of a program me for low-carbon economy. Heathrow the Britain’s biggest airport as well as Stansted, its third largest is owned by BAA and late last year it sold Gatwick which also serves London. This has hardly come after BAA has already spent GB 190 million (USD 273 million) on the Stansted project and Heathrow Airport did not disclose the amount spent. This project was approved by the government in January last year for the third runway and another terminal at congested Heathrow airport as part of GBP 9 billion (USD $ 13 billion) expansion the then Labour leadership said was crucial to Britain’s prosperity. legal challenge from local residents and environmentalists concerned about noise and increased carbon emission opposed this project fiercelessly.Stansted has previously said new runway capacity was urgently required if the UK was to preserve its global economic competitiveness.Britol Airport in western England in a separate development has said its local authority had approved an expansion that would allow it to almost double the number of passengers it handles.

Inaugural European Aviation Forum In Exeter Hosted By Flybe

The UKs number one Domestic Airline and the worlds largest operator of Bombardier DASH-8 Q400 turboprop aircraft ,hosted the first ever European Q400 Flight Operations Conference at its Training Centre at Exeter International Airport at end of May 2010.This event was attended by dozens of Q400 Operators from across Europe head to the South West for the conference where, together with leading representatives of the Canadian based aircraft manufacturer, they discussed and addressed issues that are unique on the Q400 success.Flybes Aviation being the first in the world to be awarded Bombardier Recognized Service Facility status for DASH 8-Q400 aircraft demonstrated the comprehensive range of cost-efficient maintenance services to those in attendant. This is the new DASH 8 model in addition to DASH 8-100 series which is for cargo and passenger flights .It is cost effective both for maintenance, fuel consumption with a long fuel endurance.

Huge Increase In Aviation Tariffs

A significant 130% increase in ACSA tariffs has been proposed by the South Africa Regulating Committee-mostly as a result of the upgrades undertaken by ACSA in preparation for the world cup, including the new King Shaka International Airport in Durban, whose projected budget was R3.2 billion but which will eventually cost in the region of R6.8.Both Johannesburg and Cape Town airports have seen developments to a value of R1.7 billion at the two airports are on the cards by 2015,possibly leading to further large increases in the future.

Although less than the 241% boost over five year period requested by ACSA, the increase has nevertheless been branded as “totally unacceptable,” by Jeff Poole, IATA Director, Industry Charges, Fuel and Taxation.”IATA is very concerned that the inefficiencies and scope changes that ACSA has built in during recent years.”IATA has reported and pointed out that the increase are likely to affect international passenger numbers if passed onto ticket prices, this in turn will affect business, tourism and the wider economy. Airlines will need to decide on the viability of continued flights to a region that is not known to be a high-yield area in any case.

United States of America GPS Rule to Apply To Business Jets Aircrafts

All aircrafts (including business jets) operating at commercial airports or close to congested airspace in the USA will have to be equipped with GPS in order to work with the next generation air traffic control system effective from 1st January 2010.This new system-though expensive to install-is expected to provide significant savings for businesses as air traffic congestion and fuel consumption are reduced.The equipment would broadcast a planes exact position in the sky .Eventually, planes will be required to carry equipment that allows them to receive positioning signals from other aircraft, as well as from satellites and ground stations. This is a regulation that the passengers, aircraft owner and the crew of the business jet should be aware of and implement to be able to fly safe.

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Flight News On Business Jet Manufacturers Embraer Boost African Fleets,Dassault Evaluates Laminar Designs & Future Aircraft Trends

Two African airlines have either received or are about to receive,Embraer regional jets to boost their respective fleets, the first delivery going to Kenya Airways thus continuing the carriers drive to grow and modernize its aircraft fleet.

The aircraft is the very first E190 advanced Range (AR) aircraft to emerge from Embraers factory in San Jose Dos Campos, Brazil, and it has joined Kenya Airways existing fleet of Embraer 170s, bringing the total E-jet fleet size to six aircraft.

The new E190AR will service the Lusaka, Kigali, Bujumbura and Maputo routes.

Scheduled for delivery this month to Windhoek-based Air Namibia are three former Air France ERJ135 jets which will replace some of the national flag carrier’s turboprops and help develop its route network.

The aircraft have been leased from the ECC Leasing Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Embraer, which arranged the deal with the Air France subsdiary, Regional Compagnie Aerienne Europeenne.

The aircraft, configured in a 37-seat layout, will be operated from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport, as well as the downtown Eros Airport and will be used exclusively on domestic services.

Dassault Evaluates Laminar Designs

Dassault Aviation recently performed a successful flight test to evaluate potential applications of a laminar wing for large business jets. The flight was performed with a Falcon 7X at Dassaults Flight Test centre in Istres, France.

The tests are part of the “smart fixed wing aircraft” one of the integrated technology demonstrators of the European Clean Sky initiative .Clean Sky, one of Europe’s largest research initiatives ever, aims to develop technologies for cleaner and quieter next-generation aircraft which will enter service beyond 2020.

The flight evaluated a new infrared (IR) camera technology, developed by FLIR, which is capable of measuring temperature gradients in high altitude/low temperature and pressure environments. The camera measured differences in surface temperatures between laminar and turbulent areas of the horizontal tail plane on the Falcon 7X.

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Although the Falcon 7X is not based on a laminar design, at high altitudes a laminarity of up to 40% was predicted on the upper surface of the horizontal tail. Measurements from the IR camera placed at the top of the vertical tail were performed to provide experimental validation.

“The results, which are still under analysis by Dassault Aviation and ONERA, (the French national aerospace research centre) do show laminar extensions as expected,” said Philippe Rostand, future Flacon programmes project manager. “The tests also permitted us to qualify new measurements techniques and equipment that will be used in future test flights to be flown by Dassault,Airbus and the other European partners on an even larger scale, such as the smart laminar wing’ that will be flight tested in 2014 on a modified Airbus A340-300 test aircraft.”

Among other aerodynamic innovations, a laminar wing offers the largest potential for a dramatic decrease in drag. Laminar wings are wings are currently only used on sailplanes and small business jets. Initial studies indicates a potential 5-10% drag decrease and corresponding reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions with a laminar wing design on a large aircraft .Demonstration and analysis on a larger scale have yet to be performed to confirm possible efficient and safe application on larger aircraft.

Dassault Aviation previously performed a series of successful test flights with an experimental laminar airfoil from 1986-1989 on a modified Falcon 50. “Today, better measurement tools and production methods are in place to implement what we’ve learned so that we can someday bring these exciting findings into reality,” said Rostand.

Future Aircraft Trends

Cabin Comfort will take centre stage over the next few years with passenger expectations on the rise and it was predicted that the current standard 60-inch seat pitch in business class would soon be replaced with a fully flat bed.

This opinion was expressed by Andy Shank land, vice president marketing for Airbus, at a recent Thai Airways International conference.

Global health trends are also set to impact the aviation industry over the next few years and airlines will be expected to accommodate larger passengers, especially in its economy classes. This will happen sooner than expected with the World Health Organization predicting that more than, 5 billion people will be classified as overweight or obese by 2015.

Cabins allowing for wider seats will be well worth the investment, and could well translate into a competitive advantage in the near future.

“Passenger expectations are also driving change in terms of in-flight services and the seamless integration of mobile services will soon become the norm. Trends indicate that air travelers will deem trouble-free connection and mobile availability while in the air more important than in-flight entertainment.

“In the interim, more consumers will bring their own entertainment onboard, and will expect to see a wide spread convergence of TV,PC,Phone,MP3 player, video player and cameras in the near future,” said Shankland.

“Eco efficiency will further establish itself on the airline industry’s agenda and the aim is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions per passenger by lowering cabin weight and offering more efficient use of space.Theindustry is already exploring innovative seating configurations including staggered front-facing and toe-to-toe arrangements. Innovative gallery designs can save up to 1200kilograms and gain between three and 10 seats. In addition, lighter seats could save up to 2000 kilograms and de-centralized in-flight entertainment a further 600 kilograms.

“The aviation industry has never been a static one and it is clear that clear that passengers are becoming a major driving force behind airline trends. Its imperative that we respond accordingly to ensure that e remains relevant, successful and competitive,” he said.

“The presentation by Shank land was an insightful one, and highlighted the necessary steps airlines will be expected to take in the next few years,” commented Niruth Sripawatakul, general manager of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa for THAI.

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Flight News On Airlines & VIP Business Jets In Air Transport

Inside this air news article there are reports on airlines and business jets as follow,

Airline News

Qatar Airways has claimed yet further key international awards, winning three accolades at two glittering award ceremonies in Dubai.

The Doha-based five star carriers retained its leading Business Class Airline in the Middle East title as voted by travel industry professionals in the prestigious World Travel Awards an honour that the airline has now held for five consecutive years.

The airlines innovation exclusive Premium Terminal for First and Business Class Passengers at Doha International Airport was named Leading Airport Lounge in the Middle East .The two awards were presented at a ceremony held at The Address in Dubai Marina where acclaimed international singer Nancy Ajram was the star performer of the night.

At a separate ceremony organized by Business Traveler Middle East for travel industry professionals held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Qatar Airways took home the airline award for Best Economy Class in the Middle East for the second year running.

Readers of the monthly magazine based their voting on cabin comfort and in-flight service. The airline which offers superior space with an Economy seat pitch of up to 34 inches-above the industry norm-recently began introducing seat back entertainment across its cabins on the new Airbus A320 family of aircraft.

The British Embassy Consul General in Dubai, Guy Warrington, presented the evenings awards and the latest accolades demonstrate Qatar Airways commitment to offering the traveling public with unrivalled levels of in-flight service.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Most airlines invest heavily in developing their premium cabins and, while we continue to do this, Qatar Airways strives to innovate in Economy Class ensuring our high standards are maintained and passenger expectations are exceeded worldwide.”

The wards coincided with Arabian Travel Market-the Middle East s premier travel trade event taking place in Dubai where Qatar Airways is participating with a prominent exhibition stand.

More than 400 leading figures from across the regional and international travel and tourism industry attended both events.

Al Baker added:”Winning the Leading Business Class category five years in a row and Leading Airport Lounge once again proves that we have an outstanding product, which continues to convince travel industry professionals and our customer’s year on year.”

The World Travel Awards were conceived in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry. Now in their discerning travelers have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the very best endorsement that a travel product can hope to receive.

ANA Pilots First Customer Crew To Fly Boeing 787 Dream liner

On May 13 Boeing and two ANA (All Nippon Airways) pilots flew the Boeing 787 Dream liner for the first time .The airplane they flew is the first of six flight-test airplanes. The two-hour-and-40-minute flight took place over Washington State.

Flying the 787 for the first time were ANA pilots Capt. Masayuki Ishii, director of 787 pre-operations planning, and Capt. Masami Tsukamoto, manager of 787 pre-operations pilots. On board were Capt. Mike Carriker, Boeing 787 chief test pilot, apt. Christine Walsh and Scott Fancher, Vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“The flight was a customer demonstration for our launch customers lead pilots to evaluate the 787 ,” said Fancher.

“We are extremely proud to have ANA on the flight, and have the opportunity to show what a great airplane the men and women of Boeing have created.”

The flight was conducted under a special airworthiness certificate granted by the U.S Federal Aviation Administration.

The 787 program was launched in April 2004 with a record order of 50 787s from ANA. ANA, which plays an active role as launch customer, is scheduled to take the first 787 delivery in the fourth quarter 2010.

During the flight, both pilots performed multiple takeoffs and landings as well as other maneuvers that allowed them to feel the airplane s characteristics.

The pilots also gained experience with other 787 flight-deck features, including larger display screens, dual head-up displays and dual electronic flight bag.

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“It was fantastic and an incredible experience,” said Capt. Ishii.”ANA passengers are in for an incredible experience when they fly on the 787,”he said.

“The flight was fantastic,” said Capt.Tsukamoto.”I’ve been waiting for this day since we made the launch order, and today my dream came true.”

Air France To Use A380 On Paris-London Route

Air France, with three Airbus A380 aircraft serving the New York JFK and Johannesburg O.R Tambo airports, is considering using one of the aircraft on the busy route between Paris and London Heathrow.

A spokesman for the airline has said the Air France is looking at various options to maximize the carrying capacity of the 538 seat jet and although the Paris-London route is a short, other carriers have shown that the use of the superjumbo can be justified on a short, busy and high density route.

Wide body Business Jet

I’ m sitting in the jump sat of a Jumbo jet-for the aviators amongst us, a Boeing 747-400,the one with the little winglets. We’ve no more than 600 feet above the ground and unusually for this height, the wheels and flaps are stowed and we’ve moving along at a nice clip.

A jet fighter is sitting in perfect formation less than 100 metres in our ten o’clock; its pilot is gently nudging the L-39s stick and eyeing us over his shoulder to maintain his position slightly in front of us. I’m not only awed why what this might look like to the simple folk standing amongst their goats and chickens in their earthen gardens beneath us, I’m also wondering who might have the unpleasant task of wiping insect and bird spats from the Boeings ample airframe.

This is not the sort of thing you do with 747 and if it were close of the FIFA World Cup, Sepp Blatters Gripens and blue Pilatus porters would be after us. Behind and below us by about 30 metres, was a cabin full of exceedingly pretty girls but the real spectacle was up front in the Boeings lofty and leather-trimmed flight deck.

Business jet marketers recognize aviation journalists as a necessary evil but they are crafty enough to know that offering tidbits of advertising and the odd canap lunch is enough to keep them in line when it comes to critiquing their products. Only recently has there been, by industry standards, an explosion in sales of wide body airliners to private individuals. Giving uncontrolled access to a big private jet with no manufacturers’ supervision is an anathema to these builders and interior outfitters, terrified of losing a customer because of an aviation writer that’s actually having fun with their products.

As usual, I answered the telephone call from a friend who enjoys the magazine and at his mention of a flip in a 747, rather than immediately squirming for a way out, I went for broke “lets make this happen” I said .The routine was to join the Boeings crew at Pietersburg and fly, sans wealthy passengers, the Sun City, where the 747 would be parked up for a few days whilst the pax enjoyed a sybaritic few days hunting in the bush.

I made contact with the 747s Captain a South Africa and all round regular guy who’s not averse to sharing his experiences with aviations more humble quarters-the press.

As the captain was doing his professional and courteous thing by informing the CAA of his intention to alight at Sun City, I, with fewer constraints other than swallowing the price of a tank full of Avgas for our Cessna 182, made arrangements to fly up to Pietersburg. Once there, I would dispatch the 182 to Sun City and hop on the Boeing to arrive at the resort in grand style.However, even the best laid plans can change. I was due to carry out a micro light flight test about the same time.

The agent volunteered to fly with me from his small town base that happened to be on the way to Pietersburg. That saved me some Avgas as I could then have the 182 in Sun City without it flying all the way north to meet the 747.Meantime,I had jokingly suggested to the 747s Captain we do an air-to-air shoot; “send me a quote “,he said, thinking he was humoring me. A did just that.

I was astonished when he emailed me back within 24 hours with the instruction to set it up! This was getting better at every turn and I was beginning to take a liking to the Boeings owner-he was the sort of business jet bloke I could warm to. I laid on an L39 jet trainer, its pilot and photographer Frans Dely. With my captain friend arriving in his Jumbo jet, my buddy pitching up in the L39, I would arrive in a micro light.

I would then have the C182deployed at our Sun City destination in order to get me home in time for supper. The plan was coming together .Yes! What I hadn’t counted on stupidly was South African officialdoms propensity to invent rules to prevent the media from having fun. I am often reminded that civil aviation authorities are not generally partial to Part-91, non-revenue, private flights, in which the 747 was, by regulation, slotted. They see these operations as an unsavory category designed to make allowances for rich pilots and even wealthier aircraft owners. It attracts every kind of petty and jealous sentiment for government officials and hated Part-91 flights don’t come more obvious than a private Jumbo

Air News On Aerospace & Defense Air Show Held in Cape Town ,Displaying Of Business Jets & Boeing Aircraft

This Air Show was one of the biggest and successfully held in Cape Town, South Africa for aerospace and defense showcasing of different types of helicopters and fixed wing aircrafts. Below find the stories of companies that participated,

Ansat Promoted For African Market

The helicopter manufacturers from the Russian Federation have traditionally found many clients in Africa and demand remains strong for these rugged machines. To capitalize on this strong market demand, Russian Helicopters, through its subsidiary Kazan Helicopters JSC (Joint Stock Company), is promoting its latest product, the Kazan Ansat light utility helicopters, for the African market.

The Ansat is a new generation of Russian designed and manufactured civil helicopter with a maximum take-off weight of 3.3 tons and is designed for the transportation of one pilot and up to nine passengers. It can carry up to 1,073kg of cargo internally or 1,250kg eternally and is ideally suited, Russian Helicopters says. For the VIP/Corporate, EMS, SAR and training markets.

It adds, ease of piloting ,flight safety,eco-friendliness,and high fuel efficiency are the main competitive point of the Ansat,”and according to industry experts they make it stand out in the Russian helicopters line-up as one of the most suitable helicopters for the African Aviation Market.”

It is equipped with a cutting edge fly-by-wire system and powered by two Pratt& Whitney Canada PW-207K engines.

Russian Helicopters is also paying a lot of attention to global after-sale service of Russian-made rotorcrafts. In various regions of the world the holding and helicopters Service Company, which is apart of it, are creating and certifying service centres and repair plants. As planned this work will finish with the creation of a global service network.

Also on offer by Russian helicopters is the light Mi-34C1, Ka226T11bc, the new Mi38, and the heavy transport Mi-26T.

Gulfstream

Gulfstream had a low key participation at AAD with its flagship Ultra-long range GG550 model on display. Gulfstream was also promoting its new G650 ultra long range jet which it says will redefine ultra-long range corporate jet travel. In addition to its flagship models it also promoted the rest of its family of aircraft including the G150, new G250, G350 AND g450.

Embraer

Embraer continues it high profile marketing efforts in the region and showed off the Legacy 600 as well as the first African client phenom 100 that has been in service with a South African customer for a number of Months.The Company was unfortunately unable to debut their first customer phenom 300 due to an unforeseen delay.

A supplier of military training aircraft and jet and turboprop regional aircraft has identified the corporate jet market as a lucrative market to exploit and is systematically building up a comprehensive product portfolio based on clean sheet and existing regional aircraft designs. A number of the Legacy 600 jets are already in service with North and West African based clients and the manufacturer is confident that its new, improved Legacy 650 will be just as successful.

Alenia Punts the Spartan

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Italian aircraft manufacturer Alenia Aeronautical is another hopeful candidate for the SAAFs airlift renewal programs me. It brought along its C-27J Spartan which it feels is ideally suited to the SAAFs as-yet-to-be-determined airlift requirement.The type has already been ordered by Morocco, with the first of a four aircraft order aircraft having been delivered just before the show. Alenia is confident of securing more orders from Africa which it sees an important market going forward.

The Spartan flew a daily display that belied the aircrafts size, the pilots even rolling the aircraft while a knife-edge pass is hardly the domain of a cargo hauler! The aircraft also spent a week on demonstration to the SAAF and SA Army following AAD before returning to Italy.

Embraer Delivers First Phenom 300 to South Africa.

Embraer has delivered its first Phenom 300 light executive jet on the African Continent to a South African Customer, John McCormick, CEO of McCormick property Developments. This is the second of the family of Embrear bizjets to reach South Africa in the past few months with the first phenom 100 having been in operation for the past few months. Unfortunately .a last minute delay precluded the aircraft from making its debut at the recent Africa Aerospace & Defense show in Cape Town where the Phenom 100 and Legacy 600 were both on display.

“We are especially honored to see our entry level and light jets enter service in South Africa,” said Colin Steven, Embraer Vice President Marketing and Sales Europe, Africa and Middle East, Executive Jets. “With state-of-the-art technologies, spacious and luxurious cabin interiors, and a comprehensive support structure, the phenom 100 and phenom 300 are best in-class business jets. We anticipate that they will be an outstanding fit for the South African executive aviation market.”

The Phenom 300 was launched in 2005 and can seat up to 11 occupants in a cabin designed in partnership with BMW Group DesignworksUSA.The type is certified by both the FAA and EASA and, in July, it was approved by the South Africa Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

The Phenom 300 is fitted with winglet-equipped swept wings and modern onboard systems while a single refueling port, an externally services lavatory, short runway capability, and excellent cabin pressurization are some of the jets distinctive features.

This is one of the fastest aircraft in the light jet category, reaching 453 knots KTAS (839 km/h), and can fly at an altitude of up to 45,000 feet. Its range of 1,971 nautical miles(3,650km) , including NBAA IFR fuel reserves, means the aircraft is capable of flying nonstop from Cape Town to Luanda.

Boeing Aims At Airlifter Requirement

Boeing is hoping to capitalize on the cancellation by South African Air Force of its Airbus A400M airlifter order by offering its proven C-17 which it describes as the worlds most versatile and capable airlifter. A C-17 of the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) fleet based at Papa Airbase in Hungary was flown to the show to demonstrate its capabilities to the South African Air Force. It is also the biggest and most expensive aircraft to ever land at AFB Ysterplaat, the short runway at the base usually precluding operations by large aircraft.

Boeing argues that the C-17 offers the most capable and affordable option for the SAAFs airlift requirement using a combat proven design. It is especially in relief operations that the C-17s capability was highlighted, given the country’s involvement in peace keeping and humanitarian relief operations on the continent.

Boeing is also able to offer a number of finance options to the cash stapped air arm or even a lease option as used in the past by operators such the RAF. Production slots could also be available from 2011 to fulfil urgent operational requirements.

In addition Boeing sees a number of other military requirements for its products including the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft based on its popular B737-800 airframe, the Scan Eagle UAV and AH6i low cost armed combat helicopter based on the Boeing MD530 airframe.

Dassault

Dassault has been a long time participant at AAD and this year again showed off its flagship Falcon 7X large cabin business jet in addition to promoting its full range of corporate jets. The company already has two of these jets in operations with clients in the region with reports stating several more expected in the near future. A Falcon 2000EX EASy was also displayed alongside the 7X by corporate jet charter specialists Elite Jet who are managing this client aircraft on the charter market. Dassault, just six weeks before, delivered the first Falcon 2000LX to a South African based multi-national company-the first of its type on the Continent.

Thales

Thales announced as 26% Black Economic Empowerment transaction in relation to Thales South Africa (Pty) Ltd.Which is the holding company of its three South African operating subsidiaries. Thales Defense Systems, Thales ATM transaction has been entered into with a consortium led by Batsomi Investment Holdings. The consortium is 85% owned by Batsomi .A broad-based BEE trust having a 15% stake in the consortium will be formed, the beneficiaries of which will be South African military veterans.

Thales has awarded a contract by the Democratic Republic of Congos Ministry of Transport for the commissioning of an Air Traffic Management / Air Traffic Control Surveillance system. This will be the first such system to control one of Africa’s largest country’s airspace. The Thales turn-key solution will include the latest EUROCAT control centre, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast(ADS-B) stations in Kinshasa ,Lumbumbashi,Buta,Mbandaka and Ilebo, and a digital-Automatic terminal Information Station (D-ATIS) system.

Thales has also been awarded a contract by the ASECNA (Agency for the Security of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar) for the supply of navigation aid systems to 16 countries in Africa. The systems to be provided includes 27 VHF VOR, 13 DME and 1 Doppler VOR.

Thales has been contracted by South African Airways to supply its Top Series IFE seatback entertainment system for its fleet of six new Airbus A330-200S.The system provides a range or audio and video-on-demand entertainment using a 10.6″ (In Economy) and 12.1″ (in Business Class) touch screen

Aviation News On Demand For 26000 Airliners,Delayed Forecast For Business Jets& Airfield Directory For Southern Africa

Airbus foresees demand fore 2600 airliner but

Almost 26000 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at US$ 3, 2 trillion will be needed between 2010 and 2029, to satisfy demand according to Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF).

This demand is primarily driven by replacement of aircraft for newer more eco-efficient models in mature markets, dynamic growth in new emerging markets, low-cost carriers, particularly in Asia, further market liberalization and capacity growth on existing routes.

The 2010 GMF forecasts 900 additional new passenger aircraft deliveries over the 2009 GMF reflecting a slightly higher growth rate of 4,8% compared to 4,7% in 2009.These aircraft will mainly be in the single aisle sector in which the A320 Family competes.

Out of the almost 26000 additional passenger and freighter aircraft needed, around 25000 will be passenger aircraft valued at over US, 9-trillion.Of these additional passenger aircraft, 10000 will replace older less eco-efficient aircraft and some 15000 will be for growth.

Taking into account today’s passenger fleet of over 14000 aircraft, the world passenger fleet will rise to some 29000 aircraft by 2029.

The recovery is stronger than predicted and reinforces both the resilience of the sector to downturns and that people want and need to fly, “said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer customers.” The single aisle sector is particularly strong, and our A320neo meets this future demand by providing our customers with the latest innovations and technologies while maintaining maximum commonality.

“Our entire product range is very well positioned to meet the economic and environmental needs for sustainable growth for the decades ahead,” he added.

In passenger traffic growth terms, emerging economies are leading the recovery. Domestic Indian traffic growth (9,2%) is the fastest of any major market and the third fastest growth overall, after traffic between the Middle East and South America, and between North Africa and the peoples Republic of China(PRC) .Seven out of the top 20 fastest growth flows connect China (PRC) to the rest of the world.

“Airlines is Asia-Pacific including China and India will carry one third (33%) of the passenger traffic by 2029, making it the largest region, overtaking Europe (25%) and North America (20%) ,” SAID Chris Emerson, Airbus head of product strategy and market forecast.

Aircraft are getting bigger as airlines capitalize on the benefits of larger aircraft to absorb traffic growth, minimize airport congestion, and reduce costs and to increase eco-efficiency.

Demand for very large aircraft (VLA) passenger and freighter aircraft like A380 ,is more than 1700 valued at over US0-billion(this represents 18% by value and 7% by units). Of these, some 1320 will connect the worlds increasing number of “mega “cities.

In the twin-aisle aircraft segment (seating from 250 to 400 passengers), some 6240 new passenger and freighter aircraft will be delivered in the next 20 years, valued at some US$ 340-billion (representing 42% by value and 24% by units).Of these, 4330 aircraft will be small twin-aisle (250 to 300 seater) and about 1910 intermediate twin aisles (350 to 400 seats).

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These segments are covered by the A330/A340 FAMILY. From 2013, the A350XWB family will cover the entire spectrum of twin aisle requirements, forecasts the GMF.

In single-aisle segment, almost 17900 aircraft worth some US$ 1274-billion (40% by value, or 69% units), will be delivered in the next 20 years.

This is an increase over previous forecasts due to the accelerating demand for single aisle aircraft particularly in Asia Pacific, the emergence of low-cost carriers and increased route liberalization.

Delayed Recovery Forecast for Business Jets

Despite Airbus’ optimistic forecast for airliners, US-BASED Forecast International, in a new study released recently, projects that a total of 11437 business jets, worth an estimated $ 217,5-billion,will be produced from 2010 through 2019.

Called “The Market for Business Jet Aircraft,” the study also indicates that business jet production, which has dropped sharply since late 2008, will continue declining this year.

A recovery in overall business jet build rates will not occur until 2012, according to the Forecast International projections.

The study also examines in detail the various trends and factors that drive the business jet market, including the changing nature of the fractional ownership industry. Aircraft demand from fractional programmes helped spur the market to great heights in past years, but deliveries to fractional fell off substantially in 2009.

“The fractional are mainly concentrating on the operational side of their business in order to generate cost savings. New order activity by fractional has been sparse during the downturn, but is starting to pick up,” according to Forecast International senior aerospace analyst, Raymond Jaworowski, who added:” The focus of many fractional providers is on improving operations, reducing costs, and consolidating aircraft fleets.

“The business jet market is not yet in recovery, but the worst of the market downturn is over,” said Joworowski.”Order intake remains sluggish, but the massive wave of order cancellations and delivery deferrals experienced in the late 2008 and much of 2009 has receded. The market is no longer in freefall.”

Order backlogs were a shadow of what they were two years ago but, nevertheless, hundreds of business jet orders were still on the books, the study pointed out.

Meanwhile, the downturn has impacted the light and mid-size business jet sectors far more than it has the large-cabin and long-range segments of the market. While production rates of all types of business jets have been slashed since late 2008,the production cutbacks have been much deeper for light and medium jets than for the larger types. Demand is already starting to recover for larger, high-value business jets, but it remains moribund for small and medium models.

The Forecast International projections indicate that the top three manufacturers in unit production during the 2010-2019 forecast period will be Cessna, Embraer, and Bombardier. When the market is measured in terms of the monetary value of production, the top three are Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Dassault.

A number of new business jets are on the way, as manufacturers are hoping that new products will stimulate market demand and kick-start the recovery. The top end of the market in particular is drawing considerable attention, with Bombardier recently launching its new Global 7000 and Global 8000 models to battle the Gulfstream G650.

Start On First A350XWB Fuselage Barrel

Airbus has started making the first carbon fibre barrel for the A350 XWB fuselage at the company’s production plant in IIIescas, Spain.

The carbon fibre placement process used for producing the 5, 5 metre long, 56 square metre fuselage barrel, known as section 19, will be completed in the coming weeks.

The majority of the A350 XWB fuselage is made from long carbo fibre panels which are easier to manufacture and to assemble than barrel sections. However, for the rear part of the fuselage which is tapered, Airbus has selected a barrel as being the optimum structure.

Airbus claims that, designed and manufactured with the right material and the right technology at the right place, the A350 XWB will shape the efficiency of medium-to-long haul airline operations from 2013 onwards.

New Airfields Directory for Southern Africa Available

The latest edition of Airfields Directory for Southern Africa has been published and is now available for purchasing from the publisher, Aviation Direct, or pilot shops, flight schools and selected bookstores.

Printed in full colour, this “bumper” edition is a valuable tool for pilots, charter companies and tour operators-to name a few.

The database for the Airfields Directory has been updated and an order for the directory will include: a hard copy of the directory, a Jeppesen Chart of Aerodromes and an aviation frequency guide.

This updated edition of the directory has an additional 100 colour pages of revised/updated airfield information with many photographs/airfield diagrams of airfields in ten Southern African countries, namely: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namimbia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Airfield information includes all frequencies, runway information and important telephone numbers for ATC, Met, Customs and Immigration, maintenance, hotel and leisure information.

Entry requirements for each country are shown at the beginning of the section including some notes and information about which the should know. Various chapters deal with valuable tips on flying in Africa, flight rules and flight safety issues, as well as emergency procedures.

The publication also includes first aid tips and many survival tips, flight planning and weather information, license validation, conversion tables, sunset and a “yellow pages” section which includes a listing of flight schools, charter companies, AMOs etc.

The electronic version (E-Version) of the Airfields Directory, which is also now available, goes hand in hand with the hard copy of the directory.

Further information on the Airfields Directory of Southern Africa (hard copy as well as E-Version) can be found on Aviation Directs’ website.www.aviationdirect.co.za.

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Flight News On Stiff Competition By Business Jet Manufacturers Who Are Doing Their Best to Produce More Reliable & Cost Effective Jets In The Mark

Bombardier Challenger 300

The Challenger 300s first flight was in 2001 and the aircraft was initially called the Challenger Continental. The aircraft seats up to nine passengers and is powered by two Honeywell HTF7000 turbofans of 6826lbs thrust each. It has a maximum range of 3100 nautical miles with a typical cruise speed of MACH 0, 82.

Take off distance is 1466 miles and landing distance is 792 metres MTOW is 17622 kilograms and maximum landing weight is 15309 kilograms. Payload with maximum fuel is 612 kilograms.

Bombardier Challenger 605

Continuing the Challenger family of mid-size to large business jet aircraft, the 605 carries up to 12 passengers over a 4045 nautical miles range. At 2, 49 metres, it is said to feature the widest cabin of any large-size business jet available today and has stand-up room of 1, 85 metres.

It operates at a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0,82 .An increased payload capacity of 91 kilograms provides customers with additional flexibility to either add one more passenger or 91 kilograms of fuel.

The cabin has an Ethernet-based cabin electronic system, as featured in the Bombardier Global 5000 series. This system provides office environment and entertainment options, including 45,7cm bulkhead-mounted cabin monitors, LCD touch-screen passenger control units, dual DVD/CD player, high-speed Internet and on-board LAN that supports file sharing.

Powered by two General Electric CF-34-3B turbofans, of 8729 lbs thrust each, it has a maximum take off weight of 21909 kilograms, with a take off distance of 1780 miles. Maximum ceiling is 41000 feet.

Bombardier Challenger 850

Market interest in the performance characteristics of the 50-passenger CRJ Airliner led to its introduction into business jet environment. In 1995, the Canadair Special Edition and Corporate Jetliner were launched and renamed as the Challenger 850 aircraft in 2005.

The Challenger 850 offers ease of maintenance and low direct operating costs, thanks to its airliner heritage. Powered by the GE CF34-3B1 turbofan engine of 8729 lb thrust, it has a maximum take off weight of 24040 kilograms with a take off distance of 1922miles. It has a range of 3044 nautical miles with five passengers; 2905 nautical miles with eight passengers and 2584 nautical miles with 15 passengers at a typical cruise speed of Mach 0, 77 or 0, 74 for long range cruise.

The auxiliary fuel tanks can accommodate an additional 1814 kilograms of fuel for a maximum fuel weight of 8289 kilograms.

Bombardier Global 5000

With the introduction of the Global 5000, operators flying both the Global Express XRS and the Global 5000 business aircraft are now able to benefit from fleet commonality, particularly with enhanced crew flexibility thanks to a common type rating, pilot and maintenance training and spare parts.

The Global family marks the entrance of the super large to ultra long-range jets. Developed from global Express technologies the Bombardier Global 5000 jet offers more cabin space with faster and more short-field capability than any in its class. It was one of the first business jets to combine a liquid crystal display with a head up guidance system projector.

Bombardier claims that the Global 5000 flies trans-continental passengers faster than any competing super large business jet, at Mach 0, 89 .Cruising at Mach 0, 85; it can carry eight passengers and three crew non-stop, from continental Europe to Central North America, thanks to its 5200 nautical miles range. Two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans of 14750 lbs thrust propel it to a cruise altitude of 43000 feet in just23 minutes. Maximum ceiling is 51000 feet .Maximum tae off weight is 29780 kilograms with a payload of 508 kilograms with full fuel.

Bombardier Global Express XRS

Also powered by 14750 pound-thrust Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans, it has superior short-field performance charactestics, thanks to leading edge slats and Fowler trailing edge flaps.

The Global Express XRS can fly at altitudes of up to 51000 feet carrying eight passengers and a crew of four 5450 nautical miles non-stop at MACH 0, 87; 6150 NAUTICAL MILES NON-STOP AT mach 0, 85 and 6500 nautical miles non-stop at MACH 0,82.

Certificated to stringent regulations by both North American and European airworthiness authorities, the Global Express XRS flies faster, farther, than any other aircraft in its class and accesses the most challenging airfields. Its long-range, high altitude capability, large cabin and design features (wing slats and flaps) also make it ideal for specialized missions.

Global 700 & Global 8000

Bombardier recently announced growth in its flagship Global family with two new new-jets-the Global 7000 and Global 8000.

The Global 7000features a spacious four-zone cabin. This aircraft sets the benchmark for a new category of large business jets. With a volume of 74, 67 cu.m, passengers will enjoy 20% more living space than the cabin of the current industry leader.

The aircraft will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0,90 and arrange of 7300 nautical miles at Mach 0,85 .It will fly London-Singapore ,New York-Dubai or Beijing-Washington non-stop with 10 passengers. Entry into service is scheduled for 2016.

The Global 8000,which is claimed to be capable of flying further than any other business jet, will feature a superior three-zone 63,32-cum cabin and a range of 7900 nautical miles at Mach 0,85.It will connect Sydney-Los Angeles, Hong Kong-New York and Mumbai-New York non-stop with eight passengers.

The Global 8000 jet will reach a high-speed cruise of M0; 90.Entry into service is scheduled for 2017.

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Bombardier new Global aircraft will feature an all-new high-speed transonic wing, designed to significantly optimized aero-dynamic efficiency ,combined with next-generation GE TechX 16500 lb thrust engines to deliver significant efficiency and emissions advantages, including reduced NOx emissions,50% below the International Civil Aviation Organizations upcoming Civil Aircraft Emissions Protocol regulations and an eight percent better overall fuel-efficiency target when compared with the Global Express XRS.

Cabin features, common to both new aircraft, include: maximum natural light through new enlarged windows, that provide approximately 80% more surface per window than on current Global aircraft; a generous baggage suite that is accessible during flight; a crew rest area equipped with berthable seating; a spacious galley with optimized meal preparation and storage possibilities; an innovative approach to cabin zones, giving customers more flexibility and choice when defining their floor plan and innovative design options that bring the comforts of home to the aircraft environment.

Both aircraft will also feature the most up-t-date version of the Global vision flight deck and the advanced connectivity capability of a leading-edge cabin management system to ensure the highest levels of convenience, comfort and control ever presented in a business jet.

Cessna’s Citation Family

The Citation X, first flown in 1993 and certificated in 1996, received an upgrade in 2000 with an increase in weight and thrust. Perhaps it should be noted that the “X” in its name refers to the Roman numeral and not a letter.

The aircraft introduced a number of new design features, including a highly swept wing (37 degrees) and a supercritical airfoil, to give an impressive top speed.

In contrast with earlier Citation aircraft, the wing is mounted below the fuselage, rather than passing through it. This one piece wing offers greater cabin volume and engineering simplicity.

It can carry two crew and up to eight passengers. Powered by two Rolls-Royce AE3007C1 engines, it is said to be the worlds fastest civilian aircraft, with a top cruising speed of 525 knots/Mach 0, 92 .Maximum cruising altitude is 5100 feet, range is more than 3070 nautical miles.

During 2009, the first Citation X to be fitted with Elliptical Winglets was delivered .Cessna and Winglet Technology, LLC, collobarated to develop the latter’s patented Elliptical Winglet for retrofit on the Citation X.

Cessna has announced that it will feature the Honeywell Primus Elite avionics platform as well as an upgraded cabin management system on new Citation X business jets beginning this year. Honeywell’s Primus Elite will also be available as an optional service bulletin upgrade through the Cessna Citation Xs.Based on the Citation Xs current Honeywell Primus 2000 system, the five-panel Elite system features liquid crystal displays offering high-resolution graphics display capability for electronic approach charts with aircraft position worldwide as well as XM satellite weather in the United States and Southern Canada.

In addition, improved moving map capability will depict geographical and political boundaries as well as airspace and airways.

Improvements to the cabin management system also included as a standard feature for 2011 deliveries will be touch-screen control panels, MP3 player inputs, an improved stereo sound system optimized for the Citation X cabin, updated Air show display imagery and dual Blu-ray players with a high-definition display monitor mounted in the forward closet.

Citation Ten

Last October, Cessna announced the launch of the Citation Ten, alarger, and advanced version of the Citation X.It also marked the debut of the Garmin G5000 avionics suite and a Cessna-exclusive advanced management system. It features more powerful and

Flight News On Modernizing Used Business Jets As Stratos Heads For”Tunnel” & Superjet International Nets Mexican Order For The SSJ100

Modernizing Used Business Jets

Of course, not all executive jets are purchased as factory fresh, brand new machines. Some companies need to exercise fiscal prudence and seek better deals in the pre-owned arena and then modify or refurbish the aircraft to suit both application and budget.

A new paint job is a quick and effective improvement and specialized companies offer distinctive corporate identity solutions, while modern paint techniques and booths reduce rework and produce a very high quality product at a competitive price.

Internal refurbishment typically covers custom-designed cabinets, including galley, storage vanity and entertainment units.

LED lighting systems are increasingly popular together with high quality music and entertainment centres.Thermal insulation and soundproofing packages are common and provide a much more relaxing environment both for work and rest enroute.

Then there is the cockpit where state-of-the-art “glass cockpit” avionic suites are now being used in increasing numbers to replace out-of-date,”steam-driven “technology.

As a demonstration of being totally up to date in the technology stakes, US-based Duncan Aviation recently integrated an iPad application for wireless control of the cabin systems in a Falcon 900.

This installation uses an iPad app,an Aircell CTR Wi-Fi source and an interface unit to communicate instructions to the Honeywell MH cabin management system.

This is the first of many iPad control systems that Duncan Aviation plans to deliver in the near future. Now the company is exploring the possibility of integrating iPad control with other cabin systems in other aircraft models.

A major attraction for the executive traveler is in-flight connectivity and the ability to work in much the same way as in an office on the ground. This has already become established on larger aircraft, but technology is ever-evolving and Wi-Fi is now on offer in the smaller executive jet.

Thrane &Thrane has developed the Aviator 200, the company’s latest and smallest Switch Broadband solution. Through using a combination of proven avionics and antenna technologies the Aviator 200 offers reliable and affordable connectivity within an exceptionally compact and lightweight package, ensuring the systems suitability for the broadest range of aircraft possible. Aviator 200 simultaneously provides data speeds up to 200 kbps and a single AMBE two channel for voice calls, offering users aboard smaller aircraft a complete communications service where this was previously not achievable .Data and voice services can be accessed via wired or wireless connections built into the Aviator 200, alleviating the need for external wired and wireless routers.

“For the first time, small business aircraft will be able to stay connected via an extensive range of services including voice, Internet and email,” according to Kim Gram ,vice president, Aeronautical Business Unit, Thrane & Thrane .”At a time when passengers are demanding more from in-flight communications, the Aviator 200 enables the broadest range of aircraft possible to offer Swift Broadband, allowing passengers with their own Wi-Fi enabled PDA devices such as Blackberry’s and iPhones to use their own handsets aboard.”

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The Aviator 200 has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the systems installation aboard the Cessna Citation family of aircraft. The STC follows the successful installation and testing of the Aviator 200, which was carried out by Thrane & Thrane partner Banyan Air Service.

The technology offers considerable promise by purchasing an older pre-owned airframe and then upgrading it at a competitive price.

A simple case of “you pay your money and you make your choice.”

Stratos Heads For “The Tunnel”

Having received part of its external funding,Stratos Aircraft will conduct wind tunnel testing of the Stratos 714 very light personal jet market,durig April and May.

Design and construction of the wind tunnel 1/8 scale model has begun and tests will be conducted over a five to ten day period.

The purpose of the programme is to verify that extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies confirm aircraft performance projections.

Extensive engineering has defined the Stratos 714 as capable of carrying four/five people to FL 410 with cruise speeds of over 400 knots and having a range of 1500 nautical miles with NBAA reserves.

The 714 feature side-stick controls, a state of the art glass cockpit, and fully integrated autopilot designed to lighten the pilot’s workload. Landing speeds and distances are considerably less than competing twin jets, making many more airports accessible.

Stratos Aircraft is now accepting $ 10000 deposits on 714 delivery positions.

Super Jet International Nets Mexican Order For The SSJ100

Interjet, the second largest airline in the Mexican market, has signed a contract to the value of US$ 650-million for the purchase of 15 long-range Sukhoi Superjet 100s, as well as an additional five options.

The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2012.Along with the order, SuperJet International (SJI) , a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautical and Sukhoi Holding, revealed that interjet had signed a “Supercare” agreement, whereby SJI, will provide after-sales support for 10 years, from the date of entry into-service of the aircraft.

When addressing the media, the chief executive officer of Interjet, Jose Luis Garza, explained that the aircraft was selected after careful evaluation of every regional jet on the market. He added that the SSJ100 incorporated the best of western aeronautical technology.

On its part, Superjet International is confident the Interjet order will lead to others being inked, especially once EASA certification has been achieved in the near future.

ItAli Airlines which was supposed to have been the launch customer of the SSJ100 in the Western world, has found itself in huge financial difficulties after its owner, Giuseppe Spadaccini, was arrested and held in custody pending investigation into a tax evasion scheme, whereby money was invested, without ever being declared to the Italian Financial Police, affectionately known as “Fiamme Gialle”.

Press reports alleged that Spadacini had invested about 90-million Euros in banks in Portugal.

Late last year, rumours were rife that Alitalia was going to order the SSJ100. SJI released information that had initially indicated 20 super jets being ordered by Alitalia, but this information proved to be totally untrue, as the Italian flag carrier opted to put its weight instead behind the Embraer E-Jet series.

Reshuffles

Since the beginning of this year, Superjet International has been through some major reshuffles at management level. Chief executive, Alessandro Franzoni, was replaced by Carlo Logli.

Rumour has it that another European customer may be signed in the not too distant future. An undisclosed customer for 20 SSJ100s is expected .All indications point towards Icelandair, although, Superjet is tight-lipped as o who the customer is.

With this new contract in hand, the Sukhoi Superjet 100 will have garnered 170 firm orders. Carlo Logli is fully aware, that as things stand, the lions share of orders has come from lessors.He is determined to change this, and wants to make sure, the airlines are on board, too.

A stretched version of the SSJ100 that could seat between 115 and 120 passengers is currently on the drawing board. Various sources within SJI have confirmed the studies, but technical details are sketchy.

It is hoped more will emerge on the stretched version, once the certification process is completed.

Type Certification

In late news just released, IAC AR, the Russian certification authority, has granted Type Certification to the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The certificate is a result of an unprecedented vast certification campaign performed by ICA AR, Certification Centres, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft as the aircraft developer, and Alenia Aeronautica, which was involved in noise and HIRF testing.

The Type Certificate confirms the compliance of the aircraft with the IAC certification norms and airworthiness directives thus opening the way to start commercial operation.

Simultaneously the IAC AR, based on the audiut of the aircraft development quality system and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft performance, has taken the decision to grant Design Organization Approval certificate to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company.