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FAA Selects Rannoch for Additional LAAS Engineering Support
The FAA has awarded Rannoch Corporation a follow-on contract for additional work in developing its LAAS (local area augmentation system).

Spectralux and Accord Offering New WAAS Beta-3 Sensor
A recently-announced strategic alliance between Spectralux Corporation and Accord Software is offering a new custom form-factor GNSS (global navigation satellite system) sensor that meets WAAS (wide area augmentation system) Beta-3 requirements.

Apax Partners Acquiring Telenor Satellite Services
Apax Partners, a private equity investment group, is acquiring Norway's Telenor Satellite Services (TSS) for $400 million (U.S.).

AirTran Completes SITA VHF Datalink Implementation
AirTran Airways has completed its implementation of SITA's VHF (very high frequency) datalink system across this entire fleet.

Alakai Introducing Digital Flight Recording for Cirrus SR-20s and -22s
Alakai Technologies Corporation is introducing a DFDS (digital flight data system) for the Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22.

Germany's ATC Privatization Plans Halted, But Perhaps Only Temporarily
Germany's President Horst Kohler blocked the privatization of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the country's ANSP (air navigation service provider) on October 24^th, based on advice from his constitutional legal advisers.

Lockheed Martin Will Lead Team In Pursuit Of U.S. ADS-B Program
Lockheed Martin said it will pursue the FAA's ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) program, along with a team comprised of the Sensis Corporation, Harris Corporation and Honeywell International.

Rannoch Acquires ERA to Buttress Surveillance Presence
The Rannoch Corporation says it has acquired ERA a.s. of the Czech Republic,  in its quest to become a clear global leader in next-generation ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) and multilateration surveillance technologies.

SkyBus Selects Rockwell Collins' Information Management System
Columbus, Ohio-based SkyBus Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins eFlight information management system and other avionics for the 65 A319s it will start receiving next year.

FAA Approves ARINC and Jeppesen's EFB Document Viewer
The FAA's Aircraft Evaluation Group has approved a new EFB (electronic flight bag) document viewer from ARINC and Jeppesen.  Jeppesen's terminal chart applications have already been approved, and the Boeing subsidiary plans to gain approval for its entire suite of EFB applications.

Air India Selects Thales IFE for New B-777s
Air India will have Thales TopSeries IFE (in-flight entertainment) line fitted on its 23 new B-777s.

FAA Certifies Wireless Functionality for AirCell Satcom
The FAA has certified the wireless functionality of AirCell's Axxess satcom system.

Raytheon Selects AirCell Satcom for Hawker 4000
The Raytheon Aircraft Company has selected the AirCell ST 3100 Satcom system as standard equipment on its new Hawker 4000, and will be incorporated on the first retail deliveries of the aircraft.

General Dynamics and Sagem Developing Older BizJet Cockpit Retrofit
General Dynamics Aviation Services and Sagem Avionics have teamed to provide low-cost integrated cockpit display systems for Gulfstream IIs and IIIs, Falcon 20s and 50s, Hawker 700s and 800s, and Challenger 600s, 601s and 1As.

Raytheon to Demonstrate Ground-Based Aircraft Protection System
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Raytheon Company a $4.1 million contract, with a priced option for an additional $1.2 million, to demonstrate the suitability of its ground-based airport system to protect aircraft from shoulder-fired missiles.

ARI Launches Program to Ameliorate ATC Delay Problems for Clients
Air Routing International (ARI) has developed a new service that allows clients to obtain real-time, up-to-date information about airspace flow programs, ground delay programs and ground stops, weather restrictions and other restraints.

Two More FBOs Offering PASSUR Flight Following and Other Services
Business Jet Center and Landmark Aviation have implemented Megadata Corporation's PASSUR FBO (fixed base operator) software suite.

Gulfstream's Sonic Boom Mitigator Tested beyond Mach One
Gulfstream Aerospace's sonic-boom mitigator was flown supersonically for the first time on October 20, while mounted on a NASA F-15B fighter.

Gulfstream Will Use Rockwell Collins' Pedestal Assembly
Gulfstream Aerospace will use a Rockwell Collins' pedestal assembly that provides for advanced control-by-wire modular devices and other capabilities, on its G350, G450, G500, and G550 models.  Deliveries should begin in February 2007.

Gulfstream Accomplishes First Test Flight of Fly-By-Wire
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation recently completed its first fly-by-wire flight test on a modified Gulfstream GV equipped with Thales FBW (fly-by-wire) flight control technology.

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FAA Selects Rannoch for Additional LAAS Engineering Support

The FAA has awarded Rannoch Corporation a follow-on contract for additional work in developing its LAAS (local area augmentation system).

LAAS is intended to provide precise guidance to aircraft at some airports that will eventually include approaches to the runways even when visibility is near zero, along with other capability and efficiency improvements, including a source of navigation information used by ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast). The system performs its function by incorporating a GBAS (ground-based augmentation system) that improves the accuracy of GPS signals.

This contract is a follow on to a previous Rannoch LAAS engineering support contract and covers a three-year period.  The work is being done at the FAA's Hughes Technical Center, which is leading the FAA's LAAS test program, which includes the development of the Category-I LAAS ground facility, and defining Category-III LAAS requirements.

Rannoch's engineering support also includes participation in RTCA's Special Committee 159 on GPS, and ICAO's Navigation Systems Panel, which are developing LAAS standards.  10-29-2006.  (Top)

Spectralux and Accord Offering New WAAS Beta-3 Sensor

A recently-announced strategic alliance between Spectralux Corporation and Accord Software is offering a new custom form-factor GNSS (global navigation satellite system) sensor that meets WAAS (wide area augmentation system) Beta-3 requirements.

(WAAS Beta-3 is a GPS performance standard that allows for LPV (localizer performance with vertical guidance) approaches.)

The alliance's initial product, NexNav, is a 15-square inch circuit card assembly (CCA) weighing 150 grams, which is being offered to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).

The sensor meets the requirements of DO-229D, and should have a TSO C145b (technical standard order) authorization by early 2007.

According to Spectralux and Accord, the sensor can be fitted into an existing LRU (line replaceable unit) or provided as a standalone module.  It has 12 GPS and three SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system) channels with signal acquisition and tracking sensitivity of -136 dBm and 140 dBm, respectively. (DBm is an abbreviation for the power ratio in decibel of the measured power referenced to one milliwatt.)  The unit consumes 5 watts of power in a typical installation, and has an update rate of 5 Hz (hertz).  10-28-2006.  (Top)

Apax Partners Acquiring Telenor Satellite Services

Apax Partners, a private equity investment group, is acquiring Norway's Telenor Satellite Services (TSS) for $400 million (U.S.).

Apax Partners intends to actively develop the communications services company in Norway and abroad.  For its part, Telenor says it has considered its satellite services as a non-core business, since 2002.

Both companies say the transaction, which is subject to approval from regulatory authorities, will not impact the services provided by TSS and business relations with customers will remain unchanged.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

AirTran Completes SITA VHF Datalink Implementation

AirTran Airways has completed its implementation of SITA's VHF (very high frequency) datalink system across this entire fleet. 

Along with today's typical ACARS (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system) messages, AirTran's SITA AIRCOM also provides a link for real-time engine and aircraft performance monitoring, and the automated delivery of flight data to the cockpit.  Other services include SITA's intelligent message router, and its AIRCOM Server application that distributes downlink reports and transforms messages into human and/or machine-readable formats as needed, as well as centralizing and monitoring uplink requests.  The system also manages real-time delivery notification and automated message customization.

SITA says its AIRCOM service is now used by 120 airlines operating worldwide to provide datalink communications to over 5,000 aircraft.  10-29-2006.  (Top)

Alakai Introducing Digital Flight Recording for Cirrus SR-20s and -22s

Alakai Technologies Corporation is introducing a DFDS (digital flight data system) for the Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22.

(Alakai is pronounced "al-uh-ki" the Hawaiian word for leader or guide.)

The company's "always-on" digital recorder monitors engine and aircraft performance in real time and permanently records 61 aircraft, engine and flight parameters during every flight.

Alakai believes the system could enhance future safety and even possibly lower insurance rates for Cirrus owners and operators.  "The system's capabilities will go a long way towards helping the National Transportation Safety Board and manufacturers improve safety records and avoid critical malfunctions," said Brian Morrison, Alakai Technologies' president.  "Because flight data recorders previously have been cost-prohibitive, the FAA has not required them on smaller planes.  With an affordable solution finally available, even smaller, privately-owned and operated planes can be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and an important safety feature."

The Alakai Digital Flight Data System is an outgrowth of Alakai's earlier Engine Trend Monitoring System (ETMS).  The company developed ETMS for air taxi operators to collect, interpret and analyze piston-engine performance, reduce maintenance guesswork, and eliminate manual recordkeeping.

The FAA currently doesn't require general aviation aircraft with fewer than 10 seats to be equipped with flight data recorders, largely because of cost, notwithstanding their proven value in helping accident investigations.

The solid-state flight-data system weighs less than four pounds, and consumes less than eight watts of energy, according to Alakai, and its physically protected disk can "permanently store" 10,000 hours of flight time.

Alakai says it expects STC (supplemental type certification) approval in February 2007, and will license one or more Cirrus service facilities to install the system (about 12 hours of labor time) at a total cost of about $5,000.  10-30-2006.  (Top)

Germany's ATC Privatization Plans Halted, But Perhaps Only Temporarily

Germany's President Horst Kohler blocked the privatization of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the country's ANSP (air navigation service provider) on October 24^th, based on advice from his constitutional legal advisers.

According to press reports, the privatization process, which had been approved by German legislators, conflicts with a constitutional clause which says air traffic management within Germany must be carried out by a state organization.

The legislation enabled DFS to sell up to 74.9% of it equity to private investors, while the remaining 25.1% would have been retained by the state.

DFS sources are saying, however, that President Kohler's decision will only postpone, rather than stop, the privatization process, and say that further progress should be expected next year.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

Lockheed Martin Will Lead Team In Pursuit Of U.S. ADS-B Program

Lockheed Martin said it will pursue the FAA's ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) program, along with a team comprised of the Sensis Corporation, Harris Corporation and Honeywell International.

Lockheed Martin will be responsible for overall system design, integration, deployment, transition, and operations; Sensis will be responsible for the ground receiver technology, with support from the Rannoch Corporation; Harris will provide the necessary network capabilities to ensure that ADS-B information is interoperable between nodes, but with required level of security; and Honeywell will work to ensure that avionics from any supplier will integrate with the team's ground equipment.  Honeywell will also assist in ensuring that the views of key stakeholders are reflected in the system's design and service offerings.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

Rannoch Acquires ERA to Buttress Surveillance Presence

The Rannoch Corporation says it has acquired ERA a.s. of the Czech Republic,  in its quest to become a clear global leader in next-generation ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) and multilateration surveillance technologies.

Together, Rannoch and ERA provide air traffic control products and services solutions for over 120 commercial, ANSPs (air navigation service providers), and military customers throughout the world.

Rannoch already possesses advanced technology and a substantial strategic patent portfolio in technologies, such as ADS-B, and is a pioneer in developing cooperative ADS-B surveillance systems, such as multilateration.

ERA also implemented radar-like surveillance technology in a number of countries and is understood to be the only multilateration system currently operationally deployed and certified for three-nautical mile approach separation, according to Rannoch.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

SkyBus Selects Rockwell Collins' Information Management System

Columbus, Ohio-based SkyBus Airlines has selected Rockwell Collins eFlight information management system and other avionics for the 65 A319s it will start receiving next year.

The low-fare airline will initially manage only some of operational data using Rockwell Collins' eFlight and ACARS (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system) datalink, but plans to expand its use of the system later to manage the exchange, processing, storage and retrieval of information among its airplanes and various business, flight operations and maintenance systems.

As for avionics, the airline chose Rockwell Collins's WXR-2100 MultiScan weather radar and its GLU-925 multi-mode receiver, among other well-known units. The GLU-925 MMR is the first to include LAAS (local area augmentation system) functionality, and will support growth to the future FMS (flight management system) and GPS landing system capabilities Airbus is currently developing.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

FAA Approves ARINC and Jeppesen's EFB Document Viewer

The FAA's Aircraft Evaluation Group has approved a new EFB (electronic flight bag) document viewer from ARINC and Jeppesen.  Jeppesen's terminal chart applications have already been approved, and the Boeing subsidiary plans to gain approval for its entire suite of EFB applications.

The companies formed an alliance in 2005 to develop new EFB capabilities, based on the integration of ARINC's flight-deck hardware and communications technology with Jeppesen's EFB software suite.

They were seeking an EFB system that could seamlessly support electronic charts and documents with an optional integrated VHF ACARS (aircraft communications addressing and reporting system). The companies also wanted the system to be scalable and upgradeable, with an open platform to host more functionality in the future, while maintaining a common look and feel across all applications.

Their DocViewer is the first result of this collaboration, which the companies' expect will become an important part of Jeppesen's overall suite of EFB applications, including its airport and en-route moving maps, terminal charts, and Data Distribution and Management system.

Ron Hawkins, ARINC's vice president of commercial aviation solutions, noted that the companies are already planning more system enhancements, such as integration of gatelink communications for wireless content updates to the EFB. 10-29-2006.  (Top)

Air India Selects Thales IFE for New B-777s

Air India will have Thales TopSeries IFE (in-flight entertainment) line fitted on its 23 new B-777s.

The airline's Thales TopSeries i-5000 will feature digital audio and video on-demand with 23-inch displays in first class, 15-inch displays in business class and 10.6-inch displays in economy class seats.  All of the displays will be in a 16:9 widescreen format, and use touch screen controls.  Each seat will also have laptop power and a noise cancelling module for high fidelity sound.

Thales says its TopSeries i-5000 is ideal for large aircraft and includes a gigabit Ethernet network for increased bandwidth for data throughput.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

FAA Certifies Wireless Functionality for AirCell Satcom

The FAA has certified the wireless functionality of AirCell's Axxess satcom system.

Meanwhile, in a parallel activity, AirCell completed the necessary integration testing that will allow aircraft operators to choose an Inmarsat service provider to add data connections to their AirCell Axxess as well without changing any in-cabin hardware.

With its wireless function enabled, AirCell says Axxess will provide an 802.11b/g wireless hotspot aboard the aircraft, allowing a number of current and future communication capabilities.  For example, when a broadband connection - such as offered by Inmarsat or AirCell - is installed on the aircraft, passengers can use their Wi-Fi capable laptops and other devices to seamlessly access the Internet for surfing and emails, or log on to their corporate VPNs (virtual private networks).

AirCell said its wireless capabilities also will allow operators to use its new, certified Wi-Fi handsets that should become available in the spring of 2007.  The company says it's currently testing a variety of COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) smart phones for use with AirCell Axxess as well.  10-30-2006.  (Top)

Raytheon Selects AirCell Satcom for Hawker 4000

The Raytheon Aircraft Company has selected the AirCell ST 3100 Satcom system as standard equipment on its new Hawker 4000, and will be incorporated on the first retail deliveries of the aircraft.

The ST 3100 transceiver uses the Iridium Satellite constellation, which provides worldwide coverage, including over high-latitude Polar Regions.

The system is already offered on Raytheon Aircraft's Hawker 850XP and 400XP, as well as the Beechcraft Premier IA, King Air 350 and King Air B200.

Raytheon also said it will begin to deliver its next-generation ST 3100 handsets soon, which feature a new color display with graphical menus, and advanced noise reduction, among other improvements.  The new handsets will be included with all ST 3100 shipments for aftermarket installations, and also as a retrofit for existing installations on a plug-and-play basis.  10-30-2006.  (Top)

General Dynamics and Sagem Developing Older BizJet Cockpit Retrofit

General Dynamics Aviation Services and Sagem Avionics have teamed to provide low-cost integrated cockpit display systems for Gulfstream IIs and IIIs, Falcon 20s and 50s, Hawker 700s and 800s, and Challenger 600s, 601s and 1As.

The modification replaces older primary flight instruments, engine instruments, radar display, TCAS (traffic alert and collision avoidance system), navigational switching, and EICAS (engine indication and crew alerting system) annunciators, and replaces them with a SAGEM AMLCD (active matrix liquid crystal display) ICDS (integrated cockpit display system) with full reversion capabilities.  Also included are an optional fiber-optic gyro-based AHRS (attitude heading reference system) and digital radar.

The companies believe their new system can improve dispatch reliability, increase pilots situational awareness, and bring other modern-day operational benefits for these still excellent performing mid-life aircraft models. The team plans to have the first Gulfstream II flying by second quarter 2007, and its already taking orders.

General Dynamics Aviation Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics. 10-29-2006.  (Top)

Raytheon to Demonstrate Ground-Based Aircraft Protection System

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Raytheon Company a $4.1 million contract, with a priced option for an additional $1.2 million, to demonstrate the suitability of its ground-based airport system to protect aircraft from shoulder-fired missiles.

Raytheon's Vigilant Eagle is meant to provide an "invisible dome of protection" around airports to shield all aircraft operating there - from general aviation to international air transports - from terrorist surface-to-air missiles including MANPADS (man-portable air-defense system).

A ground-based system, such as Vigilant Eagle, seems attractive in certain situations, such as with high-use airports, since it can protect all aircraft flying there, rather than only those that have self-defense systems installed.

Vigilant Eagle works by aiming a focused, precisely steered beam of electromagnetic energy at the launched missile, to divert it away from a targeted aircraft.  It consists of three interconnected primary components: a distributed missile detect and track system, a command and control system and the active electronically scanned array, which is a billboard-size arrangement of highly efficient antennas linked to solid-state amplifiers that provide the beam that diverts the missile.

The DHS is also evaluating a Northrop Grumman ground-based system that uses a high-energy laser to fulfill a similar purpose.  10-30-2006.  (Top)

ARI Launches Program to Ameliorate ATC Delay Problems for Clients

Air Routing International (ARI) has developed a new service that allows clients to obtain real-time, up-to-date information about airspace flow programs, ground delay programs and ground stops, weather restrictions and other restraints.

The new service that ARI calls its Domestic Flight Watch or DFW program, works as a partnership between ARI, the NBAA's general aviation desk (GA Desk), and  the FAA's ATCSCC (air traffic control system command center).

ARI submits its client's flight schedules to the FAA and GA Desk, after which its staff continually monitors information on schedule disruptions, so possible options can be created, which are forwarded to appropriate parties. The objective is to allow its clients to obtain real-time, up-to-date information about airspace flow programs, ground delay programs and ground stops, weather restrictions and other restraints, and help develop optimal alternatives.  11-01-2006.  (Top)

Two More FBOs Offering PASSUR Flight Following and Other Services

Business Jet Center and Landmark Aviation have implemented Megadata Corporation's PASSUR FBO (fixed base operator) software suite.

Business Jet Center is using the FBO application, including its Portal, Pulse and inSight modules at both its Dallas and Oakland facilities, to manage operations and marketing.  Landmark Aviation has implemented the PASSUR FBO software suite across its fixed base operation (FBO) network in the U.S. and Canada.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

Gulfstream's Sonic Boom Mitigator Tested beyond Mach One

Gulfstream Aerospace's sonic-boom mitigator was flown supersonically for the first time on October 20, while mounted on a NASA F-15B fighter.

The mitigator, which Gulfstream calls its Quiet Spike, is a multi-segmented, articulating device that, when fully extended from the nose of an equipped aircraft, is expected to reduce the effects of sonic booms.  During the recent test, the Spike was extended to its maximum length of 24 feet and performed as expected at a speed of Mach 1.2 (20% faster than the speed of sound).

Gulfstream Quiet Spike on NASA F-15B

Gulfstream has been flight-testing the structural integrity of its Quiet Spike since mid-July in collaboration with NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center.  10-30-2006.  (Top)

Gulfstream Will Use Rockwell Collins' Pedestal Assembly

Gulfstream Aerospace will use a Rockwell Collins' pedestal assembly that provides for advanced control-by-wire modular devices and other capabilities, on its G350, G450, G500, and G550 models.  Deliveries should begin in February 2007.

Besides fly-by-wire, the assembly also includes a FADEC (full-authority digital electronic control)-interfacing throttle control with autothrottle servo backdrive, thrust reverse operation, and engine control switches.

Rockwell Collins will also supply Gulfstream with the flap-system control-lever module, speedbrake control-lever module, pitch-trim control wheels and gustlock assembly.

All the controls are designed to be drop-in replacements for the current G450, G550 and GV classic aircraft as well.  10-30-2006.  (Top)

Gulfstream Accomplishes First Test Flight of Fly-By-Wire

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation recently completed its first fly-by-wire flight test on a modified Gulfstream GV equipped with Thales FBW (fly-by-wire) flight control technology.

Thales is partnering with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on its AFC (advanced flight-controls) research program that is exploring the feasibility of using lighter and smaller electronically driven flight controls on its business aircraft.

On the GV test vehicle, electrical commands, controlled by Gulfstream control laws, and software within Thales' FCC (flight control computer), interfaced with the aircraft's sensors and electoral-mechanical flight-control actuators.

Thales says its FCC is based on a "unique" dual-channel design featuring a command/monitor architecture that is packaged in a single box to reduce the number of parts and their weight.

Gulfstream initiated the AFC research program in 2004, focusing on controlling an aircraft's spoiler and elevator systems.  In May of this year, Gulfstream installed the hardware and software components on an actual static aircraft and succeeded in controlling the plane's outboard, mid-board, and inboard spoilers electronically.

This current phase of flight testing began on September 26, using the special GV, with Smiths' supplied electro-mechanical actuators, which replaced the traditional hydro-mechanical spoiler components.  Later this year, Gulfstream plans a second phase of flight testing with electronically commanded elevators using a Parker-supplier EBHA (electrical backup hydraulic actuator) system.  10-29-2006.  (Top)

WestJet will lease four B-737-700s and one B-737-800 from Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) for delivery in 2009.  10-31-2006.

Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) took delivery of its first of 30 B-737-800s.  The new airplane will go into revenue service with Kenya Airways.  10-31-2006.

Libya's first private airline, Buraq Air took deliver of its first of three B-737-800s.  10-31-2006.

Qantas Airways ordered eight more A380s, to be delivered between August 2008 and 2015. The Australian carrier originally ordered 12 A380s with options for a further 12 aircraft in 2000.  Qantas also ordered an additional four A330-200s that will be delivered between December 2007 and December 2008, and five more B-737-800s aircraft for delivery starting in February 2008.  10-31-2006.

India's Kingfisher Airlines and Pegasus Aviation Finance closed a sale-and-lease-back transaction for two new IAE V2500-powered A321s that Kingfisher will operate.  10-31-2006.

Lufthansa selected the Rolls-Royce Trent 700 to power the five A330s it ordered recently.  10-31-2006.

Dragonair took delivery of its first of five B-747-400 Boeing Converted Freighters.  10-31-2006.

China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group Corporation (CASGC) agreed to purchase 150 A320 Family aircraft and a signed a letter of intent for 20 A350XWBs. 10-31-2006.

Columbus, Ohio-based Skybus ordered 65 A319s. The new low-cost airline didn't announce an engine selection.  10-31-2006.

CIT Aerospace ordered five B-787-8s with deliveries beginning in 2012 for its leasing customers.  10-31-2006.

ANA exercised options for two additional B-767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters. The airline still has five orders and two options for the BCF passenger-to-freighter conversion.  10-31-2006.

Delta Air Lines will be the U.S. launch customer of the B-777-200LR, and will take delivery of two of the type in early 2008. The 200LRs were converted from two dash 200ERs it had on order from Boeing, and will be powered by GE90 engines. 10-31-2006.

Rome-based Air One took delivery of its first of 30 A320s. 10-31-2006.

Moscow's Transaero Airlines leased a used CFM56-3C-1-powered B-737-500 from ILFC.  10-31-2006.  (Top)

A story in the Wall Street Journal ("Legacy' Airlines May Outfly Discount Rivals," October 30, 2006), suggested U.S. low-cost airlines may be losing their competitive advantage to so-called legacy carriers.  "The legacy airlines have been restraining their growth as the discounters rapidly add seats, and the bigger companies' stocks largely have improved due to increasing profits or sharply narrowed losses," according to the story. "The bigger airlines, by contrast, are in better shape than they've been in years, thanks to aggressive cost-cutting and streamlining – changes inspired by their discount rivals. If demand turns down, these carriers have older aircraft they can take out of service, and the ability to shed feeder flights operated by regional affiliates. The discounters have newer planes, which are too costly to simply retire."  10-31-2006.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) said shipments of general aviation (GA) airplanes for the first nine months of this year totaled 2,842 units, an increase of 18.9% over the same period last year, while industry-wide billings were $13.2 billion, up 28.6%.  Piston-engine aircraft shipments totaled 1,957 units compared to 1,653 units delivered in 2005, an 18.4% increase. Turboprop shipments increased from 228 units last year to 256 units this year. Business jet shipments were 629, a 23.3% increase over the 510 units delivered through the first nine months in 2005.  10-31-2006.

The Association of European Airlines reported its member's passenger kilometer miles increased 4.5% in September (year-over-year), compared with a first-nine-months increase just over 5%.  Far Eastern traffic increased 8.8% in September, slightly down from the double-digit increases which prevailed in the first half of the year. Intra-European cross-border traffic increased 6.8%, while North Atlantic traffic increased only 1.1% during the month.  Middle-Eastern traffic was down 2.7% compared to September 2005.  Overall capacity was up 4.7% in September. 10-31-2006.  (Top)

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