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Australia Allowing GPS-Only Navigation
Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has approved the use of GPS as a primary means of navigation in Australian airspace.  For some types of aircraft and operations this allows GPS to be used as the only means of navigation.

Oceanic In-Trail Altitude Procedures with ADS-B Proposed
NASA will suggest to ICAO's upcoming ADS-B meeting in New Delhi, India, in early April that a new operational trial using ADS-B, to enable self-separated in-trail altitude changes in oceanic airspace, be conducted in the South Pacific Region.

Eurocontrol Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Flexible-Use Airspace
Eurocontrol notes that the flexible use of airspace (FUA) concept has now been applied throughout continental Europe for ten years, and is currently implemented in 30 European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) states.

Skyguide Postpones Cutover to New Single Upper Airspace Area
Switzerland's skyguide control says its planned cutover to the new Upper Area Control Center Switzerland (UAC-CH) has been postponed indefinitely, because the new system hasn't been approved yet by the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA).

Chile and SITA to Partner on FANS Datalink Services
Chile's DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Chile) has selected SITA as its datalink service provider for delivering future air navigation services such as ADS (automatic dependent surveillance) and CPDLC (controller pilot datalink communications).

Airbus Selects Rockwell Collins Satcom for A320 Family Models
Airbus has selected a Rockwell Collins high-speed-data satellite communication system as its supplier furnished equipment option for its A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.

Aeroflot to Use Teledyne's Wireless QAR to Automate Data Retrieval
Aeroflot Russian Airlines will install Teledyne Controls' WQAR (wireless quick access recorder) on its western fleet to supplement its existing flight data monitoring program.

Etihad Airways Will Add Boeing's EFB to New 777-300ERs
Etihad Airways has decided to install Boeing EFBs (electronic flight bags) on five new B-777-300ERs it will receive from Boeing during the first half of this year; the EFB installations will begin in 2007.

AD Aerospace Offering New Cockpit Door Monitoring System
Mango Aviation Partners (MAP) has chosen AD Aerospace's new low-weight, low-cost cockpit door monitoring system for Sama, a low-fare, start-up airline in Saudi Arabia.

TSA Expands EDS Capability at Green Bay
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented five new EDS (explosives detection systems) for screening checked baggage at Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Boeing Survey: Internet Access "Must Have" for Global Passengers
A Connexion by Boeing survey of global air travelers indicates that they prefer airlines that offer in-flight Internet connectivity and even adjust their travel plans accordingly.

ARINC Direct Installing SKYLink Satcom at Scottsdale and Colorado Springs
ARINC Direct is offering installation of its SKYLink satellite broadband equipment for business jets at its Colorado Springs and Scottsdale, Arizona, repair stations.

WSI International's New Flight Briefing Version Expands its Functionality
WSI (Weather Services International) has released a new version of its flight plan briefing application that eliminates the need for manual inputs and expands its functionality.

Blue Sky Network Integrates Its Flight Tracking with Google Earth
Blue Sky Network has integrated its interactive flight tracking Web portal with Google Earth to provide users with a detailed satellite image overlaid with a 3-D view of an aircraft's track.

SITA Partners With SAMART for IT at Thailand Airports
SITA signed a strategic reseller agreement with SAMART Comtech Co. to provide IT (information technology) services to airports in Southeast Asia.

Boingo Adds More North American and European Airports to Wi-Fi Network
Boingo Wireless says six North American airports have been added to its roaming network, increasing its Wi-Fi coverage to 125 North American airports and 225 airports worldwide.

FAA Certifies Noise Reduction System for JT8D-200-powered MD-80s
The FAA has certified a noise reduction system for JT8D-200-powered MD-80s meets the requirements of FAR Part 36 Stage 4 and ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 4 noise standards, which became effective on January 1 of this year. Hardware will be available in the second quarter of 2006.

Check Out Additional Fleet Changes

Eurocontrol Forecasts 26 Percent More Flights in 2012
A new medium-term forecast issued by Eurocontrol concludes that there will be over 11.4 million flights per year in Europe by 2012, 26% more than 2005, which represents an average annual growth of 3.3%.

Check Out Additional Industry Trends

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Australia Allowing GPS-Only Navigation

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has approved the use of GPS as a primary means of navigation in Australian airspace.  For some types of aircraft and operations this allows GPS to be used as the only means of navigation.

According to a paper prepared by Airservices Australia's Greg Dunstone that will be presented at an ICAO ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) meeting in New Delhi, India, in early April, CASA has published material in an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) that allows pilots of appropriately equipped aircraft, to plan and conduct IFR (instrument flight rule) flights without requiring any ground navigation aid, such as a NDB (non-directional radio beacon), VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) or ILS (instrument landing system).

Australia has been examining the comparative safety of GPS navigational equipment for non-precision approach purposes, compared to the use of a NDB, and concluded that the minimum navigation equipment required to fly IFR is now avionics that comply with TSO-(technical standard order) C145a/146a; there is no longer a requirement to carry a ground-based navigational system.

(TSO C-145 refers to airborne navigation sensors that use GPS augmented by WAAS (wide area augmentation system).  TSO C-146 refers to stand-alone airborne navigation equipment that uses GPS augmented by WAAS.)

The CASA approval, however, does require a prediction at the time of dispatch that RAIM (receiver autonomous integrity monitoring) FDE (fault detection and exclusion) will be available during the approach, taking into account GPS satellite availability and geometry.  Typically, RAIM outages for TSO146a receivers would occur infrequently and for a short duration, but if there is a predicated GPS service outage at the time of dispatch, the pilot can either delay departing, or carry extra fuel to hold during the no-service period.

Mr. Dunstone notes that since GPS supports both navigation and positional data for ADS-B, the availability of GPS-only navigation opens the possibility of equipping the general aviation fleet with GPS and ADS-B “out” in a single package, which could mean considerable acquisition cost savings.  And he notes that the availability of GPS-only navigation can mean that the scale of conventional navaid infrastructure also could be reduced.  In other words, one business case could be used to support both navigation and ADS-B because of the synergy between the two technologies.  03-31-2006.  (Top)

Oceanic In-Trail Altitude Procedures with ADS-B Proposed

NASA will suggest to ICAO's upcoming ADS-B meeting in New Delhi, India, in early April that a new operational trial using ADS-B, to enable self-separated in-trail altitude changes in oceanic airspace, be conducted in the South Pacific Region.

This is not the first time such a procedure has been attempted.  In 1996, a procedure for conducting in-trail climbs and descents using an ACAS (airborne collision avoidance system) or TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system) was tested in the Oakland and Anchorage FIRs (flight information regions).

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) participated in the first phase of 1996   program, but in late 1997 the union opposed proceeding to the second phase (in-trail descents) because of the transponder cycling procedure that was required, and the need for the leading aircraft to give its flight identification.  Other problems included the limited range of ACAS/TCAS (typically 40 nautical miles); the frequent inability to re-acquire the leading aircraft after the transponder cycling procedure; and the need for the leading aircraft crew to actively participate.

Because of these problems, the trials were officially terminated.

New Proposed Procedure with ADS-B

Now NASA is proposing new oceanic in-trail procedures (ITP) that would use the same criteria (minimum range and maximum closure rate) authorized by the FAA for the earlier trial, but would use ADS-B as the primary enabler. ACAS/TCAS would be retained as an independent safety system.

By using ADS-B, and an appropriate onboard decision support system, the maneuvering (trailing or leading) aircraft could obtain the flight identification, altitude, and ground speed of the non-maneuvering (leading or trailing) aircraft without the need for the non-maneuvering aircraft crew to participate in any way.  And because ADS-B has a much greater range than ACAS/TCAS, the procedure could be initiated at greater distances between the aircraft, which would significantly increase its practical usefulness.

NASA points out that a RTCA/EUROCAE-sponsored Requirements Focus Group (RFG) that included 40 international participants has developed a detailed concept of operations for the procedure that should enable international standards to be developed, including its required, and certified, equipment.  Such a document would be the first step in a process that leads to safety and performance requirements definition and interoperability determination.

Benefits

The primary benefit of the procedure comes from the ability to fly at more optimum altitudes more often, but the increased situational awareness that is associated with ADS-B equipage might create other improvements.

NASA says that detailed benefit analyses for the procedure have been performed for the North Atlantic Organized Track System, and on South Pacific routes between the west coast of the U.S. and Australia or New Zealand.  The analyses for South Pacific operations showed benefits ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 (U.S.) per aircraft per year.  03-31-2006.  (Top)

Eurocontrol Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Flexible-Use Airspace

Eurocontrol notes that the flexible use of airspace (FUA) concept has now been applied throughout continental Europe for ten years, and is currently implemented in 30 European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) states.

First introduced on 28 March 1996, the FUA concept was designed to increase the capacity of the overall air traffic system by applying military airspace restrictions only when they were actually needed, and restricted to a specific time period.

Because the use of FUA enables shorter routing, Eurocontrol estimates that it saves 15,000 tons of fuel per year, and reduces carbon emissions by 45,000 tons annually.  This in turn has contributed to an overall saving of around €11,000,000 every year since 1996, according to the air traffic service provider.

Eurocontrol wants to dynamically improve the use of European airspace in the next five years by allocating its use as closely as possible with the actual time and trajectory of proposed flights.  This would allow users to make better-informed decisions and have a larger choice of possible routing options, Eurocontrol believes.  03-31-2006.  (Top)

Skyguide Postpones Cutover to New Single Upper Airspace Area

Switzerland's skyguide control says its planned cutover to the new Upper Area Control Center Switzerland (UAC-CH) has been postponed indefinitely, because the new system hasn't been approved yet by the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA).

Skyguide says it deeply regrets this development.

A new date for the commencement of operations at the UAC-CH, which is located in Geneva, has not yet been fixed.  But the project's future timetable should be determined in the next few weeks, in consultation with FOCA, skyguide says.

The last of eight phases leading to the commencement of UAC-CH operations was scheduled to be completed in March.  Some 44 air traffic controllers have been relocated from Zurich to Geneva to staff the new center, and will continue to work in Zurich until further notice.

The effect of FOCA's decision on air traffic management capacity over Switzerland is currently unclear and will now be evaluated.

Switzerland's airspace above Flight Level 245 is currently divided into an eastern area controlled from Zurich and a western area controlled from Geneva. The plan was to combine these into a single upper area that would be monitored and managed by the new UAC-CH located in Geneva.

By amalgamating the two areas, skyguide expects to enhance the safety and the efficiency of its air traffic management operations. The creation of a single upper airspace area also concurs with the aims and endeavors of the European commission to create a "Single European Sky" that will harmonize international air traffic management operations, skyguide maintains.  03-28-2006.  (Top)

Chile and SITA to Partner on FANS Datalink Services

Chile's DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Chile) has selected SITA as its datalink service provider for delivering future air navigation services such as ADS (automatic dependent surveillance) and CPDLC (controller pilot datalink communications).

DGAC Chile believes this action will benefit its own national, as well as foreign carriers, operating in our airspace with FANS (future air navigation system) - equipped aircraft, and will allow it to gain experience with datalink communications and new ATM (air traffic management) operations and procedures.

Chile is introducing FANS services into its oceanic airspace this year as part of a transition plan developed by DGAC Chile in response to targets set by ICAO.

ADS and CPDLC are applications available in Boeing's FANS 1 and Airbus's FANS A packages and are currently used by over 1,200 aircraft worldwide.  04-01-2006.  (Top)

Airbus Selects Rockwell Collins Satcom for A320 Family Models

Airbus has selected a Rockwell Collins high-speed-data satellite communication system as its supplier furnished equipment option for its A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.

The SAT-2100 system, which is contained in a single 8 MCU (modular concept unit) package, can deliver three Inmarsat Aero-H and Aero H+ channels, and up to two simultaneous channels of Swift64 or Swift Broadband connectivity when using its HST-2110 companion transceiver, Rockwell says.

For safety purposes, the SAT-2100 has proprietary software that preempts lower priority channels in favor of higher priority communications from the flight deck, to ensure compliance with ICAO safety services. The software also validates Swift64 and Swift Broadband frequencies to ensure there is no interference with GPS navigation, according to Rockwell Collins.

The system should be certified in January 2007.  03-30-2006.  (Top)

Aeroflot to Use Teledyne's Wireless QAR to Automate Data Retrieval

Aeroflot Russian Airlines will install Teledyne Controls' WQAR (wireless quick access recorder) on its western fleet to supplement its existing flight data monitoring program.

Aeroflot wants to use Teledyne's Wireless GroundLink to automate the recording and transmission of their flight data, and reduce the risk of loosing information that is more likely when using manual procedures.

Wireless GroundLink uses a proprietary protocol to record raw data during flight, which is compressed, encrypted and then transmitted via cellular technology and the Internet to the airline's or Teledyne's ground-based data center for processing and analysis.  The system typically makes the data available within 10-15 minutes after an aircraft has landed, versus several days or weeks with manual data retrieval.  03-31-2006.  (Top)

Etihad Airways Will Add Boeing's EFB to New 777-300ERs

Etihad Airways has decided to install Boeing EFBs (electronic flight bags) on five new B-777-300ERs it will receive from Boeing during the first half of this year; the EFB installations will begin in 2007.

Etihad's EFB decision follows its earlier choice to use Boeing's Airplane Health Management (AHM) system that will monitor important operating conditions on the same airplanes while inflight, and downlink pertinent diagnostic and prognostic information to ground personnel for appropriate action.

Boeing's aircraft-integrated class-3 EFB uses software developed by its Jeppesen subsidiary, and hardware from Astronautics Corp. of America.  Besides providing digital navigation charts and aircraft manuals, Boeing's EFB also has an optional onboard performance tool that gives pilots optimal takeoff speeds and engine settings that take into account actual environmental conditions for the runway being used.  03-30-2006.  (Top)

AD Aerospace Offering New Cockpit Door Monitoring System

Mango Aviation Partners (MAP) has chosen AD Aerospace's new low-weight, low-cost cockpit door monitoring system for Sama, a low-fare, start-up airline in Saudi Arabia.

Sama will equip its fleet of B-737s with AD Aerospace's CabinVu-123 CDMS (cockpit door monitoring system), which provides pilots with a view of the area outside the cockpit door and in the surrounding galley areas, as recommended by ICAO (Annex 13.2.3b).

AD Aerospace of Manchester, U.K. and Aircraft Engineering & Installation Services Inc. (AEI) of Orlando, Florida, are providing the video security system and installation design respectively.

According to AD Aerospace, its 123 system has several improvements including a reduction in the number of LRU's (line replaceable units).  04-01-2006.  (Top)

TSA Expands EDS Capability at Green Bay

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented five new EDS (explosives detection systems) for screening checked baggage at Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The new Reveal Imaging Technologies CT-80 machines, which are located behind each airline ticket counter, replace earlier detection equipment, and will allow TSA employees to screen twice as many bags per hour than was previously possible.  03-30-2006.  (Top)

Boeing Survey: Internet Access "Must Have" for Global Passengers

A Connexion by Boeing survey of global air travelers indicates that they prefer airlines that offer in-flight Internet connectivity and even adjust their travel plans accordingly.

In an effort to track service trends, Connexion by Boeing teamed with Burke Research to conduct a global biannual study on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Their most recent study, which focuses on the second half of 2005 and includes responses from nearly 3,200 participants worldwide, shows that in-flight Internet is changing traveler behavior:

• 83% of those surveyed said that the availability of the Connexion by Boeing service will have an impact on future travel plans and their choice of airline carrier;

• 94% said they plan to use the service again on a future flight;

• 92% said they would recommend the service to others;

• 84% said the service is of good or fair value relative to the price they paid;

• 78% said that the service's speed met or exceeded their expectations.

ARINC Direct Installing SKYLink Satcom at Scottsdale and Colorado Springs

ARINC Direct is offering installation of its SKYLink satellite broadband equipment for business jets at its Colorado Springs and Scottsdale, Arizona, repair stations.

Both ARINC Direct facilities will provide full service including SKYLink sales, installation, STCs (supplemental type certificates), and kits for other qualified repair stations.  Currently they can install the system on the Bombardier Challenger and Global Express, the Cessna Citation X, the Gulfstream GIV, GIV-SP, G400, GV, G500, and G550, and the Dassault Falcon 50, 900 and 2000 series.

Interested operators can contact ARINC Direct at 719-491-0425 for scheduling information.

SKYLink is also distributed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Duncan Aviation, Jet Aviation Palm Beach, Landmark Aviation, and most recently by Midcoast Aviation.  04-01-2006.  (Top)

WSI International's New Flight Briefing Version Expands its Functionality

WSI (Weather Services International) has released a new version of its flight plan briefing application that eliminates the need for manual inputs and expands its functionality.

Version 7.7 of WSI Pilotbrief International enables crew members to access a flight plan, along with associated briefing materials and other documents from a single source.  By incorporating a new functionality called WSI Planupdate, Pilotbrief's latest version captures and reads an airline's flight plan and automatically generates and includes the appropriate weather, chart and NOTAM (notice to airmen) elements, customized for the specific route.  In addition, it can intelligently attach other electronic documents such as airport charts, internal memos, and manual updates.

Carrying these capabilities further, WSI's Dynamic Route Briefing generates a single briefing from the multiple flight plans that will be flown in a daily airline schedule, which allows crew members to self-brief for all the sectors they will fly during a duty period.

WSI's print function, PBI Print, has also been upgraded to print different file types including PDF, Word and Excel.

According to Dave Marks, who manages WSI aviation products, the company is in the process of implementing these functions with a leisure airline in the U.K. and will install the new version for another leisure carrier and two national airlines in the coming months.  03-30-2006.  (Top)

Blue Sky Network Integrates Its Flight Tracking with Google Earth

Blue Sky Network has integrated its interactive flight tracking Web portal with Google Earth to provide users with a detailed satellite image overlaid with a 3-D view of an aircraft's track.

Blue Sky says the integration of its SkyRouter and Google Earth will enable users such as pipe and power line controllers to track their flights in real time and to analyze past flights to see exact paths, altitudes, and speeds, in order to improve operational performance and efficiency.

Besides tracking, Blue Sky uses the Iridium satellite system to provide messaging and event reports, such as takeoffs and landings, to dispatchers and logistics managers via the Internet, to help manage various transportation assets (aircraft, vessels and trucks) around the world.

The Google Earth overlay is available to all SkyRouter customers free of charge.

The Google map integration was demonstrated for the first time recently during Steve Fossett's record-breaking flight around the world, and can be viewed at http://blueskynetwork.com/globalflyer/.   03-29-2006.  (Top)

SITA Partners With SAMART for IT at Thailand Airports

SITA signed a strategic reseller agreement with SAMART Comtech Co. to provide IT (information technology) services to airports in Southeast Asia.

The agreement gives SAMART the sole rights to resell SITA's airport products and services in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.  The company will become SITA's certified partner and will deal face-to-face with the airports in the region, to bring in local expertise and provide on-site support and maintenance.

SITA passenger and baggage processing applications such as AirportConnect CUTE and Kiosk, BagManager and BagMessage, are included in the deal, which SMART will offer on an ASP (applications service provider)-basis.  SITA will provide SAMART with training and remote support.

SAMART Comtech is a subsidiary of the SAMART Group, which specializes in IT system Integration.  04-01-2006.  (Top)

Boingo Adds More North American and European Airports to Wi-Fi Network

Boingo Wireless says six North American airports have been added to its roaming network, increasing its Wi-Fi coverage to 125 North American airports and 225 airports worldwide.

The expansion includes recently installed airport-wide networks at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway as well as Montreal's Trudeau.  The Chicago deployments came through Boingo's roaming relationship with Concourse Communications, and the Montreal system was enabled via a similar agreement with Opti-Fi Networks.

Boingo also added service at Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham and Indianapolis, when they were recently added to the AT&T Wi-Fi network, another Boingo roaming partner.

In Europe, Boingo agreed to a roaming arrangement with Telenet N.V., the largest cable operator in Belgium and one of continent’s largest wireless Internet service providers.

Telenet operates a Wi-Fi hot spot network with more than 1000 locations blanketing Belgium and Luxembourg, including airports in Brussels and Antwerp, and a number of train stations in Belgium, as well as conference centers, hotels, restaurants and stadiums.  03-30-2006.  (Top)

FAA Certifies Noise Reduction System for JT8D-200-powered MD-80s

The FAA has certified a noise reduction system for JT8D-200-powered MD-80s meets the requirements of FAR Part 36 Stage 4 and ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 4 noise standards, which became effective on January 1 of this year. Hardware will be available in the second quarter of 2006.

The system, dubbed QuietEagle, was developed by Pratt & Whitney together with Aviation Fleet Solutions (AFS), which claim it can reduce cumulative noise by up to six dB.

The system includes an improved front fan containment case, a 16-lobe mixer, a muffler, and a tabbed nozzle. Installation typically can be completed on-wing in 160 man-hours.

According to Kimberley Sullivan, who manages the JT8D program for Pratt & Whitney, the QuietEagle package should extend the useful life of the JT8D-200 fleet while maintaining thrust and performance levels.  More than 14,000 JT8D engines have been sold, and more than 8,000 are still in service today, powering more than 2,100 MD-80 aircraft.  04-01-2006.  (Top)

American Airlines will retrofit its entire fleet of B-737-800s with Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglets between May 2006 and September 2007. The airline currently operates five B-757-200s and a single B-737-800 with the winglets.  The new installations will be accomplished by its own employees at American's maintenance facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  04-01-2006.

Israel Aircraft Industries' Bedek Aviation Group will supply Qantas with four B-737-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion kits along with technical support.  Qantas will convert the aircraft in-house by Qantas using Bedek's STC supplemental type certificate.  04-01-2006.

Quartz Mountain Aerospace, formerly known as Luscombe Aircraft Corp is introducing its FAA type-certified four-seat, high-winged Model 11E single-engine trainer that will sell for about $200,000.  The aircraft is all metal, with a tricycle gear, and has a 185 horsepower engine.  04-01-2006.

Excel Airways will purchase and install Aviation Partners Boeing blended winglets on four B-737-800s leased from International Lease Finance Company (ILFC) and will operate six others that will be purchased by GE Capital (GECAS) and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).  04-01-2006.  (Top)

Eurocontrol Forecasts 26 Percent More Flights in 2012

A new medium-term forecast issued by Eurocontrol concludes that there will be over 11.4 million flights per year in Europe by 2012, 26% more than 2005, which represents an average annual growth of 3.3%.

The study finds, however, that growth will not be uniform across the region, with some countries such as Romania, Ukraine and Armenia seeing growth of over 50% in the seven-year period, while traffic in others, such as Switzerland or Norway, growing around 20%.

The study also finds that growth in traffic will have a varying impact on airports across the continent.  Madrid Barajas will become the third busiest airport in Europe by the end of 2012, overtaking London's Heathrow and Amsterdam's Schiphol in terms of IFR flights.  Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt Main will remain first and second.  Istanbul Ataturk is also scheduled to grow rapidly and could have constrained capacity by 2010.  After the opening of the new runway in Frankfurt in 2009-2010, the most constrained European airports will be London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Istanbul.

The development of high-speed trains will reduce growth by about 80,000 flights or 1% in total over the seven-year forecast period.  Spain and Italy will see the largest reductions in numbers of flights due to high speed trains - 4% and 2% respectively - with France likely to have a reduction of 1%.  In Spain, the reduction in flights will mainly affect the domestic Madrid-Barcelona route. Today this route is the busiest city pair in terms of air traffic with an average of 127 flights between the two cities each day.

The new medium-term forecast is available by going here.  04-01-2006.  (Top)

Gulfstream Aerospace says its Gulfstream aircraft fleet has doubled in Latin America and the Caribbean in just four years, from 34 Gulfstream business jets in 2002 to 71 today.  In 2002, 12 GIIs, five GIIIs, nine GIVs, and eight GVs were operating in six Latin American and two Caribbean countries.  By March 2006, that number grew to 71 Gulfstream business jets – 13 G100s, six G200s, 12 GIIs, six GIIIs, 16 GIVs, seven GVs, one G350, and 10 G550s.  In addition to the in-service fleet, Gulfstream sold a total of 11 aircraft – two G150s, three G200s, three G450s and three G550s – in the two regions in 2005.  04-01-2006.

American Airlines' parent, AMR Corp., forecasts its first-quarter consolidated unit revenue to increase 9.9%-10.9% over the year-ago quarter.  04-01-2006.

ANA Group increased its net profit forecast to ¥23 billion ($196.8 million) for the fiscal year ending March 31, which will mark its 11th consecutive profitable quarter.  ANA had said in January that it expected a consolidated operating profit of ¥78.5 billion on revenues of ¥1.35 trillion but it now expects an operating profit of ¥86 billion on revenues of ¥1.37 trillion for the fiscal year.  04-01-2006.

Bombardier Aerospace said that more than half of the 101 aircraft it delivered during the fourth fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006, were business jets, with regional aircraft accounting for 44 deliveries.  It delivered 108 aircraft in the same period last year.  The company received 38 net RJ (regional jet) orders in the fourth quarter and 90 for the year, compared to 12 and 133 respectively in the corresponding year-ago periods.  For the full fiscal year, Bombardier delivered 337 aircraft compared to 329 in 2005.  It expects to deliver about 337 aircraft again this year.  04-01-2006.

Bill Withycombe, the FAA's regional administrator for the Western-Pacific region, in testimony before Congress, said there were 327 runway incursions in the agency's 2005 fiscal year, of which 29 were serious Category A and B incidents.  Of these, 169 were pilot deviations, 105 were ATC operational deviations and 53 were vehicle/pedestrian deviations. "While pilot deviations are the most common type of runway incursion, they accounted for only 31 percent of serious incursions in the past fiscal year," Mr. Withycombe said.  Deviations and errors by air traffic controllers, on the other hand, "accounted for only 32 percent of total deviations, but 55 percent of serious deviations."  04-01-2006.  (Top)

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