SeaWaves Aviation News July 21, 2006

 

 

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Air Canada to offer non-stop seasonal service between St. John's, NL and London, U. K., with daily flights during summer peak travel

Montreal PQ July 20, 2006 - Air Canada announced today seasonal non-stop service between St. John's, NL and London, U.K. beginning April 6, 2007.

Air Canada's service to London will operate three times weekly on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in April 2007, increasing to five times a week in May 2007, and to daily service from mid-June to September 2007. Air Canada flight AC830 will leave St. John's at 12:55, arriving in London at 21:25, and flight AC831 will leave London at 22:40 arriving in St. John's at 00:40.

"The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have told us loudly and clearly that they value a non-stop link to the U.K. and we believe we have found a creative solution that meets demand," said Ben Smith, Vice President, Network Planning, Air Canada. "With this service we will be able to offer the convenience of daily non-stop service to London for summer peak travel."

The carrier will operate the route using newly refurbished 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft in a two-cabin configuration offering a choice of Executive Class and Economy service. The A319 jets to be deployed on this route feature Air Canada's new personal entertainment system currently being introduced fleet-wide with 8.9-inch wide digital in-seat monitors and touch-screen controls offering audio and video on demand programming at every seat.

Other features include Air Canada's new seating and cabin design with in-seat power within reach of every customer.

Lockheed Martin to Install Second WindTracer at Hong Kong Int’l Airport

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - Lockheed Martin announced the Hong Kong Observatory has purchased a second WindTracer(R) Doppler lidar system which will be used at the Hong Kong International Airport. Developed and produced by Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, WindTracer provides air traffic control personnel with advanced warning of wind hazards such as wind shear, microbursts, gust fronts, turbulence and crosswinds which enables them to offer precise, timely direction to pilots during takeoff and landing.

The lidar system uses an eye-safe laser with precision pointing and scanning capabilities to reflect off aerosols 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair, collecting wind data over a broad volumetric area. The first WindTracer at Hong Kong International Airport was installed in 2002.

Using the WindTracer, the Hong Kong Observatory has developed the world's first Lidar Windshear Alerting System (LIWAS). This system has been operating at the Hong Kong International Airport since end of 2005, continuously scanning approach and departure corridors, providing minute-to-minute warnings to aircraft landing and taking off at the airport.

"The Observatory is a pioneer in the deployment of laser-based remote sensing technology for airport wind shear alerting systems," said Wai Hon-gor, assistant director of the Hong Kong Observatory. "WindTracer combined with a Terminal Doppler Weather Radar gives the airport a comprehensive picture of wind hazards. Adding the lidar to our program has increased the detection rate of wind shear to more than 90 percent."

"The Hong Kong Observatory is well respected for making aviation safety a priority," said Dr. Stephen Hannon, Products Group director for Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies. "The first WindTracer we installed has truly proven itself and has become an integral part of its meteorological monitoring program. This second system will further enhance a robust system. Terminal Doppler Weather Radar is an effective technology for detecting wind events during a storm, but in clear weather its detection rate drops substantially. Laser radar, on the other hand, is ideal for clear air. And combining the two gives you the best of both worlds."

The Hong Kong Observatory is a department of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and is one of the world's leading meteorological organizations. It forecasts weather and issues warnings on weather-related hazards at the airport and within a designated airspace over the northern part of the South China Sea.

Airbus and QinetiQ sign MOU

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - The value of technology innovation in the UK aerospace industry has been recognised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Airbus S.A.S. and QinetiQ at Farnborough International.

The two companies have worked together for many years, producing leading edge developments in such critical areas as advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD), composite material based structural design and development, and the development of a creep age forming process that has helped to make the Airbus A380's huge wings a reality.

The agreement promises to further advance the relationship with research and technology development (R&T) in such areas as fluid mechanics, chemical fuel modelling, health monitoring systems and advanced landing gear developments. The results of these activities would find natural application into the whole aircraft.

Speaking about his company’s relationship with QinetiQ, Alain Garcia, co-signatory of the agreement and Airbus executive vice president engineering, said: "QinetiQ and Airbus have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship over the years and I am very pleased to formalise it with the signing of an MOU."

Graham Love, QinetiQ CEO, signed on behalf his company. He said: "The aerospace industry contributes significantly to wealth creation and quality of life in the UK, both directly and indirectly, in terms of technology spin-off to other sectors. QinetiQ has played a central role, since the inception of the aerospace industry in the UK, offering an unparalleled understanding of aerospace technology and of how best to deliver and sustain technological capability."

Commenting on the agreement between Airbus S.A.S. and QinetiQ, Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, said: "I welcome this agreement which means that both parties will work even more closely together. Airbus UK's role as prime wing integrator for the wings on all Airbus aircraft means that it needs to maintain a high level of proven technology for future projects. QinetiQ has expertise over a wide spectrum of technologies. I am sure that the strengthening of this relationship will bring great benefit to the UK."

Wizz Air orders 20 additional A320s


Farnborough July 20, 2006 - Wizz Air of Hungary has signed a firm contract with Airbus for 20 additional A320s. This rapidly expanding Central and Eastern European low-fare, low-cost airline is herewith increasing its all-Airbus fleet, following its initial order of 12 A320 aircraft a year ago.

All the aircraft will be powered by International Aero Engines V2500 and be configured in a comfortable single-class layout, seating up to 180 passengers.

"We are committed to IAE powered Airbus aircraft, that has been a significant pillar of our success to date. Our all common A320 fleet allows us to achieve the lowest unit cost in the region while maintaining operational reliability and customer service excellence. This new aircraft order keeps Wizz Air on track to be the single largest airline in Central and Eastern Europe, both in terms of fleet size and carried passengers. By 2012, Wizz Air will operate up to 53 A320 aircraft," said József Váradi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air.

The new order facilitates the airline's robust growth plan in Central and Eastern Europe to meet the ever increasing demand for air travel in the region in the next years. Wizz Air is Central & Eastern Europe's largest low-fare, low-cost airline. Wizz Air flies a young fleet of 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline operates flights from Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania to 40 destinations on 70 routes this summer. Wizz Air has carried 4 million passengers since its start of operations in 2004.

Christian Streiff, Airbus President and CEO, added: "We are very pleased to see that Wizz Air is putting its trust once again in Airbus for the expansion of its fleet. We are confident that the economics and excellent passenger appeal of our airliners will help Wizz Air to even further strengthen its position in Central and Eastern Europe."

The A320 Family, recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family, includes the A318, the A319, the A320 and the A321 versions and features the newest and most modern design of any single-aisle airliner, with a passenger-pleasing cabin. By the end of June 2006, more than 4,300 Airbus A320 family aircraft had been ordered worldwide, making it the most successful and the best-selling aircraft. Almost 2,800 A320 Family aircraft have been delivered to around 180 operators worldwide so far.

Leasing company CIT orders more Airbus long-range and single-aisle aircraft

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - CIT Group Inc., a leading provider of commercial and consumer financing solutions, has signed a firm contract with Airbus for five medium capacity long range A330-200 widebodies, as well as four A320 Family aircraft. The transaction underlines the continuing success of both the Airbus long-range aircraft Family, consisting of the A330, A340 and A350, and the leading role of the A320 Family in the marketplace.

Including the aircraft announced today, CIT has placed firm orders for a total of 117 Airbus products, including 97 A320 Family aircraft, 15 A330s and five A350s. Of these, 65 have been delivered so far. This repeat order by CIT is the result of the anticipated high demand for Airbus A330s and A320 Family aircraft on the leasing market.

Frederick E. Wolfert, CIT Group Inc. Vice Chairman Commercial Finance, said: "We are pleased to expand our relationship with Airbus and increase our A320 and A330 Family of airplanes in our fleet. This new order of Airbus aircraft allows CIT to meet the needs of our global customers, and significantly enhances the value of the CIT Aerospace portfolio."

Christian Streiff, Airbus President and CEO said: "We are pleased to see a leading leasing company and valued Airbus customer placing repeat orders both for our current long-range aircraft and for the A320 Family. This is a further proof of the confidence of the financial sector in Airbus products."

Spirit AeroSystems Completes First Test Pylon for Boeing 787

Wichita July 20, 2006 - Spirit AeroSystems Inc. today marked the completion of the first test pylon for the Boeing 787 airplane with a ceremony attended by Boeing officials and hundreds of employees.

"This is an important milestone for our company," said John Pilla, Spirit Vice President/General Manager - 787. "Today we get to see the result of everyone's hard work and contribution to getting the 787 program underway."

Spirit is part of an international team of aerospace companies led by Boeing that is developing the airplane. Boeing has selected General Electric and Rolls-Royce to develop engines for the new airplane. In addition to the pylons, Spirit's Wichita facility is developing the forward section of the airplane. Its Tulsa operation is responsible for the fixed and movable leading edges of the wings.

"The Spirit team faced a challenge in bringing this piece to reality because it is a new architecture and new work statement, created with new tools and processes," said Ron Hinderberger, leader of the Boeing 787 Propulsion team. "We knew this would be a difficult challenge, but your success has shown that our confidence in you is well placed."

Spirit AeroSystems also supplies engine pylons and nacelles, vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer, inboard and outboard flaps, and front and rear wing spars for the Next-Generation 737 family of airplanes.

In addition, Spirit builds nose sections, nacelles and pylons for the 747, 767 and 777 aircraft. It also designs and produces slats and floor beams for the 777 airplane, and wing and fuselage components for the 747. The company also designs and builds aircraft production tooling.

Spirit's European operation in Prestwick, Scotland and Samlesbury, England, produces structural components, chiefly on wings, for Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It also provides assemblies for the Raytheon Hawker 800XP.

JetBlue Begins Four Daily Nonstop Flights From Raleigh-Durham Airport to JFK

Raleigh-Durham NC July 20, 2006 - JetBlue Airways today begins new service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to its home base at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport with four daily nonstop flights. Regular one-way fares between New York and Raleigh-Durham range between $84(a) and $199(a). In addition, the low-fare carrier today announces it will introduce one daily roundtrip flight between Raleigh-Durham Airport and Boston's Logan International Airport beginning October 18, with introductory fares of $74(a) each way. Regular one-way fares to Boston will range between $94(a) and $209(a), up to 70 percent lower than current market rates. Introductory fares, which are based on availability, must be purchased by August 3 with all travel completed by November 15.

"Our customers continue to ask for more destinations, and we're delivering," said David Neeleman, CEO and Founder of JetBlue. "As JetBlue grows, it makes sense for us to serve the Research Triangle area, one of the fastest growing communities in the country. And with Boston service from Raleigh-Durham Airport planned, we're already delivering on our promise to bring low-fare destinations to the region."

"We are very pleased to welcome JetBlue to RDU. The carrier offers a great product for our market -- roomy jets with high-tech amenities and competitive air fares. We are certain JetBlue will be successful and encourage them to grow their service here," said John Brantley, RDU Airport Director.

WestJet Finalizes Term Sheet for Additional Aircraft

Calgary July 20, 2006 - WestJet today announced that it has finalized a term sheet with Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) for four Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft to be delivered in late 2007 and early 2008.

Details of the agreement include one 700-series aircraft scheduled for delivery in November, 2007, in addition to one 800-series aircraft and two 700-series aircraft scheduled for delivery in the first and second quarter of 2008 respectively. The agreement also provides WestJet with the ability to secure three 700-series and one 800-series aircraft for delivery in 2009. The 700-series may be converted to 800-series at WestJet's option. Finalization of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions.

"As WestJet successfully executes its strategic plan, the delivery of these aircraft is key to our growth in the coming years. The foreseeable future indicates many opportunities for increasing frequency and expansion into new routes and new destinations," said Sean Durfy, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Marketing, Sales and Airports.

WestJet currently has a registered fleet of 57 aircraft, with committed deliveries scheduled for the remainder of 2006 and throughout 2007 and 2008. By the end of 2008, these additional aircraft will bring WestJet's fleet size to 76.

CAE wins order for two A380 simulators and associated training devices from FedEx

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - CAE has won a contract from Federal Express (FedEx) to provide two Airbus A380 full-flight simulators and a suite of CAE Simfinity(R) training devices. The contractbrings the total full-flight simulator sales that CAE has announced in fiscal 2007 to ten.

Along with the two A380 full-flight simulators, FedEx will receive a suite of CAE Simfinity(R) A380 Virtual Simulators (VSIMs) for use in classroom and deployable training. In addition, CAE will provide a hardware-based A380 Window and Door training device to be used for training the flight crew on how to handle emergency evacuation procedures in the double-decker aircraft.

"FedEx employs a rigorous training program that demands the very latest simulation technology and superior quality," said Marc Parent, CAE's Group President, Simulation Products and Military Training & Services. "CAE has a well-earned reputation as the simulation industry's technology and innovation leader, which is demonstrated in our A380 product offerings. FedEx has been a

CAE customer for more than twenty years and we are proud that they have once again selected CAE as their simulation equipment provider."

Farnborough Figures Looking Good

Farnborough July 19, 2006 - Farnborough International Limited, organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow 2006 has announced business and visitor figures for the first three days of the show 17-19th July 2006.

Visitor numbers have reached nearly 90,000 over the first three days of the show. Farnborough International Airshow 2004 achieved 133,000 over the five trade days and with International Youth Day still to come on Friday 21st July, organisers are hopeful of matching this figure.

Business orders at the show by close of play Wednesday had reached $18bn. Previously, $9bn and $21bn orders were achieved throughout the trade week in 2002 and 2004 respectively.

Prime Minister Tony Blair Makes a Flying Visit to Farnborough International Airshow 2006

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - Farnborough International Limited, organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow 2006 were pleased to welcome Prime Minister Tony Blair to the Airshow today.

The Prime Minister visited companies throughout the exhibition before meeting groups of Youth Ambassadors as part of a launch for the International Youth Day due to take place tomorrow, Friday 21st July. The 40 young people met by the Prime Minister will be leading up to 1,250 youths through a programme of events encouraging them to take up careers in the aerospace industry.

After witnessing a flypast by the new double-decker aircraft Airbus A380 and the Red Arrows, the RAF’s aerobatic display team, Prime Minister Blair said, "The flypast was absolutely stunning, the most spectacular thing I have ever seen. The Farnborough show is a magnificent showcase for the British aerospace industry. I am pleased to see that the airshow is back on its feet."

Farnborough International Limited was able to announce that business orders announced at the show had reached nearly $28bn, by close of play today. This beats the total for the last show in 2004 of $21bn with one business day still remaining. The organisers of the show have announced show dates for the next five shows out to 2016.

TAP Portugal Selects GE Engines and Services for Fleet of Airbus A330s

Farnborough July 19, 2006 - TAP Portugal has selected General Electric Company's CF6 engines to power five Airbus A330-200 aircraft in an engine deal valued at approximately $150 million (US).

In addition, TAP has signed with GE for a nine-year OnPointSM Solutions service agreement for the maintenance, overhaul, and repair of the 11 CF6-80E1 engines powering this A330 fleet. The potential value over the life of the services agreement is valued at approximately $45 million (US).

"GE has developed a strong working relationship with TAP, which operates a fleet of CF6-powered A310s and a fleet of CFM-powered A320s and A340s," said Scott Donnelly, president and CEO of GE-Aviation. "We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand on our efforts together."

The GE's CF6 engine family is one of the workhorse jet engines of the airline industry. For 30 years, it has been among the most utilized and reliable jet engines powering more than 10 models of wide-body aircraft and has flown more hours than any other high-bypass engine family. The CF6-80E1 engine was developed specifically for the A330.

TAP Portugal will use the new A330 aircraft on routes between Portugal and Brazil. In addition to augmenting its current fleet, the new aircraft will support the airline's continued growth in the long-haul sector.

DFW International Airport Salutes American Airlines' Request for Non-Stop Service to Beijing

DFW International Airport July 20, 2006 - In a historic announcement that could bring two of the world's most prolific high-tech economies together in a single airplane flight, American Airlines announced today that it will seek permission from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin non-stop service from DFW International Airport to Beijing, China.

The flight is estimated to bring more than $120 million to the North Texas economy every year if approved by the DOT this fall. The announcement was made in DFW's International Terminal D, which celebrates its first anniversary this weekend. Community and chamber leaders from Dallas and Fort Worth as well as international business representatives and airport employees attended the announcement in the terminal's North Ticket Hall, complete with a stirring performance by the Chin Woo Dance Team and its 75-foot dragon. Airport Ambassadors distributed fortune cookies that read "AA to Beijing From DFW Brings Good Fortune to All," at the conclusion of the rousing ceremony.

"This flight would be one of the most historic flights and most high- profile routes in the 100-year history of aviation in North Texas," said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. "This flight would mean a new era in trade and business relationships and an unprecedented new wave of artistic and cultural exchange between Texas and China. It would create thousands of new jobs in our area and bolster the already robust cargo and manufacturing activities we have seen grow at DFW as a direct result of increased business with China. Imagine a Super Bowl, Stanley Cup or World Series in North Texas every year. That's how big this flight would be to our region and our economy."

China is the number one trading partner with the North Texas region, with total trade reaching more than $13 billion in 2005. And China is second only to Mexico as the largest trading partner with the State of Texas, with more than $22 billion in imports and exports last year.

DFW's relationship with Asia and China in particular has been one of the highlights of the Airport's business recovery post 9/11. DFW's Asian cargo has grown almost 160 percent since 2001, and the Airport was recently named the Best Cargo Airport in the World by Air Cargo World Magazine and Cargo Airport of the Year by Air Cargo News. More than 75,000 metric tonnes of cargo will move between DFW and China this year alone. As a result, DFW has added two new cargo airlines that fly directly to China. China Cargo Airlines serves the Shanghai market and Air China Cargo serves the Beijing market.

"A non-stop, 777 passenger flight on American Airlines from DFW to Beijing is a natural progression of DFW's strength, experience and expertise in connecting North Texas to China," said Kevin Cox, DFW's Chief Operating Officer. "We believe this new service would also stimulate even more new international service for business and leisure travelers wanting to visit China and for Chinese business and leisure travelers coming here. And of course, the 2008 Olympics are in Beijing."

DFW currently has more than 60 daily international flights to 36 destinations, with its international traffic growing 29 percent since 2003. In fact, DFW set an all-time record for international passengers in 2005 with 5.6 million travelers, and that record is expected to be surpassed this year. Beijing is among the top global markets currently not served from DFW with non-stop flights.

"North Texas is home to 22 Fortune 500 corporations and this will be a huge boost to their access and business," said Dan Petty, CEO of the North Texas Commission, which promotes economic growth and regional cooperation. "We are going to urge every major business, every chamber, every citizen out there to demonstrate their support for this incredible opportunity. It's vital for our region and the entire state."

The proposed new route would also make DFW the first gateway from the middle and southern United States to China. Currently, San Francisco International, Chicago O'Hare and Newark Liberty are the only U.S. airports with direct service. DFW's Air Service Development team has worked closely with American Airlines planners to add the new service to the Airport's impressive and growing international portfolio.

"This is the kind of global connectivity the visionaries of Dallas and Fort Worth dreamed of when they conceived DFW almost 40 years ago," said Jan Collmer, Chairman of the DFW Board of Directors. "Texas needs direct service to China and there is no better place for it than DFW. Our brand new international terminal was built for just this type of flight. And with the strength of our hub, we can connect passengers from around the world and fly our own citizens to this incredible destination."

American Airlines Applies to Fly to Beijing, China, From DFW

Fort Worth July 20, 2006 - American Airlines today announced it has filed an application with the United States Department of Transportation to operate daily nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Beijing, China, starting March 25, 2007. American plans to serve the route with its 245-seat Boeing 777 aircraft in three-class configuration.

"We're acting on our longstanding desire to increase American's presence in the burgeoning China market. We believe we can best serve travelers by flying from DFW, our largest hub, to Beijing -- China's governmental center," said Gerard J. Arpey, American's Chairman and CEO. "If American is awarded this new Beijing service, it will provide substantial benefits by deepening the important cultural and economic ties between China and the North Texas region, as well as much of the U.S. that is conveniently served through our DFW hub. This service to Beijing will complement our existing flights to Shanghai from our Chicago hub.

"I should also note that the proposed resolution of the Wright Amendment debate is a distinct and key element in our decision to apply for the route from DFW," Arpey added. "Dallas/Fort Worth is a vital part of American's network. With both local and connecting passengers into and from a vibrant hub, it helps ensure we will succeed in opening up DFW as a new gateway to China."

Beijing would be the 32nd international destination served by American from its Dallas/Fort Worth hub. From DFW, American and American Eagle operate approximately 800 daily departures to more than 155 destinations. Among American's nonstop international destinations from DFW are cities in Argentina, the Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Guatemala, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

"One year ago this weekend, we opened International Terminal D, and it is so fitting today that we join American Airlines in this historic announcement," said Jeff Fegan, DFW International Airport CEO. "International Terminal D was built for the communities of North Texas to reach out to the world -- and to bring the world closer to us. And I can think of no more fitting tribute to the success of our region, our citizens and our economy than for the very first passenger flight to China from the State of Texas to be right here at DFW. There is tremendous corporate and community support for this new service, and the time is now here to bring our two great business and cultural centers together."

American, a founding member of the global oneworld(R) Alliance, currently serves China with daily nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare and Shanghai. From there, American's customers can also access other areas of China through a codeshare relationship with China Eastern Airlines, one of China's leading carriers. The introduction of nonstop service to Beijing from DFW would provide passengers with opportunities to connect to 24 points in China's interior region served by China Eastern from Beijing.

Lockheed Martin to Install Second WindTracer Lidar System at Hong Kong International Airport

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - Lockheed Martin announced the Hong Kong Observatory has purchased a second WindTracer(R) Doppler lidar system which will be used at the Hong Kong International Airport. Developed and produced by Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, WindTracer provides air traffic control personnel with advanced warning of wind hazards such as wind shear, microbursts, gust fronts, turbulence and crosswinds which enables them to offer precise, timely direction to pilots during takeoff and landing.

The lidar system uses an eye-safe laser with precision pointing and scanning capabilities to reflect off aerosols 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair, collecting wind data over a broad volumetric area. The first WindTracer at Hong Kong International Airport was installed in 2002.

Using the WindTracer, the Hong Kong Observatory has developed the world's first Lidar Windshear Alerting System (LIWAS). This system has been operating at the Hong Kong International Airport since end of 2005, continuously scanning approach and departure corridors, providing minute-to-minute warnings to aircraft landing and taking off at the airport.

"The Observatory is a pioneer in the deployment of laser-based remote sensing technology for airport wind shear alerting systems," said Wai Hon-gor, assistant director of the Hong Kong Observatory. "WindTracer combined with a Terminal Doppler Weather Radar gives the airport a comprehensive picture of wind hazards. Adding the lidar to our program has increased the detection rate of wind shear to more than 90 percent."

"The Hong Kong Observatory is well respected for making aviation safety a priority," said Dr. Stephen Hannon, Products Group director for Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies. "The first WindTracer we installed has truly proven itself and has become an integral part of its meteorological monitoring program. This second system will further enhance a robust system.

Terminal Doppler Weather Radar is an effective technology for detecting wind events during a storm, but in clear weather its detection rate drops substantially. Laser radar, on the other hand, is ideal for clear air. And combining the two gives you the best of both worlds."

The Hong Kong Observatory is a department of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and is one of the world's leading meteorological organizations. It forecasts weather and issues warnings on weather-related hazards at the airport and within a designated airspace over the northern part of the South China Sea.

Hainan selection of Trent 700 maintains 100 per cent record for Rolls-Royce on the A330 in China

Farnborough July 20, 2006 - Rolls-Royce announced today at the Farnborough International Airshow that the Hainan Airlines Group has selected the Trent 700 to power a new fleet of five Airbus A330s in a deal worth $250 millon, including a long-term TotalCare® services agreement.

Hainan, a new customer for Rolls-Royce, will lease the aircraft from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), in an agreement which is incremental business for Rolls-Royce. The selection of the Trent 700 ensures that Rolls-Royce maintains its 100 per cent record of powering all A330s in mainland China and Hong Kong with a fifth campaign win in a row.

Deliveries will begin in November 2007.

Wang Jian, Vice Chairman of Hainan Airlines Group, said: "It was clear from our evaluation that the Trent 700 will deliver outstanding levels of performance and reliability on our A330s. We welcome this as the start of a broad, long-term relationship with Rolls-Royce which will cover all aspects of our Trent operation."

Mick Forey, Senior Vice President, Customer Business for Rolls-Royce, added: "Hainan is the fastest growing airline in the world’s fastest growing aviation market. We’re proud to welcome Hainan to the Rolls-Royce family of customers - and at the same time preserve our record of having the Trent 700 on all the 100-plus A330s operating, or on order, in China."

 

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