Newsdesk – Commercial

Including Nigeria Airways’ order The total number of aircraft ordered by the 40 Airbus Industrie customer airlines is 469 (315 firm and 154 options)

New Name New Plane:

From July 1 MMA will be known as Airlines of Western Australia, a bold new image to coincide with the new-look Ansett theme. The airline, originally formed some 54 years ago, will also take delivery of its seventh Fokker F-28 jet in July marking the continued growth of aviation in the west. Airlines of Western Australia currently fly more than 30,000km daily, serving 15 ports and carried 380,000 passengers during 1980.

 Major Ansett Freight Moves:

Ansett are investing more than six million dollars in a new air freight terminal at Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney. To be officially opened next March, the new facility will be able . to accommodate up to 130 local delivery vehicles at one Time and be able to process 7,000 parcels an hour at peak load. This further indicates the importance Ansett are placing upon air freight Operations. The airline 1s planning to sell its existing Electra freighter fleet in f;1vour of two cargo Boeing 727-100 jets. The 727s are being modified in the US and will be fitted with engine hush kits and modified JT8 engines. Major savings will be reaped through the 727s high payload capability and faster cruise speed in addition to being able to use the existing 727 maintenance facilities and aircrew instead of having to operate a dedicated Electra flight and Service facility.

748 For Setair?:

Howard Bull, famed for his Echuca-based Murray River paddle steamer and Seta1r DC-3 operations is hoping to import two BAe 748 freighters later this year. Following the signing of contracts the first aircraft could be in local operation within two months, the only delay at time of going to press was the formal approval of Transport Australia. The Freight-configured 748 can uplift five tonnes of cargo as compared with three tonnes for the Current DC-3s which are used on a nightly (ex-Sunday) Melbourne/Canberra/Sydney run Carrying general cargo and newspapers. Once the 748s are operational, the DC-3s will revert to passenger charters for special interest groups.

Farnborough ’82:

The Society of British Aerospace Companies has announced that the 1982 Farnborough Air Show will be held from September 5th to the 12th. If the 1980 show can be used as a yardstick then the next Farnborough will certainly be something to look forward to

What Price Fuel Economy?:

Just how precious fuel economy is to an airline is mirrored by the recent Eastern Air Lines decision to invest $130m in retrofit kits for the JT8D-15 engines that power its 727s. Eastern will acquire 192 kits for fitment to 57 727 trijects which will result in savings of 14 million gallons of fuel per annum It is calculated by Pratt & Whitney, manufacturer of both the kit and the JT8, that the total fuel saving over a period of ten years will amount to more than $330m taking into account the rising price of avtur. The basics of the kit itself are being incorporated in new built JT8 engines which power the new Ansell 737s Pratt & Whitney are confident of a favourable operator response to its JT8 kits as more than 3,500 aircraft are operated worldwide with this engine and many large-scale operators will be attracted to the long term savings to be had by retrofitting.

Heavy Rain More Dangerous Than Windshear:

Continuing studies by NASA into the effects of weather upon aircraft performance have indicated that heavy rain may be as potentially dangerous as windshear. In retrospect, NASA point out that with this new knowledge it is possible to cite many instances where crashes have occurred largely with the help of torrential rain coupled with known windshear conditions. The report indicates that heavy ram affects boundary layer aerodynamics to the point where upwards of 30% of lift is lost In the final stages of approach this can prove critical to a slow-flying airliner which is then subjected to windshear. To avoid this the airliner has to increase approach speed to provide a higher coefficient of lift, obviously this is impractical in most cases and so when wind shear does hit the aircraft it has insufficient aerodynamic lift to effect a pullout NASA also report that the very nature of heavy rain produces an ideal environment for wind shear. Studies are continuing.

Boeing Posts Record 1980 Sales, Earnings:

Boeing has announced record sales of $US9. 4 billion for 1980.

This compares with 1979 sales of $US8. 1 billion.

1980 had been a year of transition with military business re-emerging as a growth element, highlighted by the company’s selection as prime contractor for the US Air Force’s Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) program and by important new assignments on the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS).

In commercial markets, conflicting trends brought on by the airlines’ need to buy new fuel-efficient airplanes at a time when they were adversely affected by recession, inflation and an extremely competitive environment saw order gains for the 757 and 767, but a fall-off in orders for the 747 and 727.

During 1980, Boeing delivered 3 707s, 131 727s, 92 737s and 73 747s. Current schedules call for the delivery during 1981 of 2 707s, 99 727s, 109 737s and 58 747s.

New jet transport orders valued at approximately $US10. 3 billion were announced during the year by 66 customers. The orders totalled 361 aircraft, 55 more than in 1979.

 Clean Sweep For Redifon In Australia:

The sale of visual display systems to Ansett and Qantas mean every major airline simulator in Australia is or will be equipped with Redifon visual displays.

Seven systems are involved – two each with Qantas and Ansell and three for the TAA Airbus simulator.

During the development of the wide-angle display system, it was found that increasing the pilots’ field of view in the simulator provides a more realistic training environment. It allows instructors to simulate such manoeuvers as circling approaches.

Another factor accelerating the development of the world’s first wide-angle system was the increased window area designed for new generation wide-bodied aircraft.

The Qantas system gives the pilot a 110. 5-degree field of view to the left and 22 degree field to the right-the widest field incorporated in any simulator in the world.

Less Water On Lufthansa Flights:

In an effort to save weight airlines these days will try everything from reducing painted surface area (though Ansett has gone to an allover paint scheme) to replacing original seating and cabin furnishings, etc. Lufthansa has even gone so far as to remove one of three water tanks on its long-haul 747s. Lufthansa are also installing special water use monitoring systems to better manage available water resources during the course of a long flight. Reduction in water capacity will result in an 8001b weight saving which roughly translates to a saving of several thousand dollars per annum in fuel savings.

Rolls To Develop Dart Replacement:

Rolls Royce, in collaboration with Turbomeca of France are to develop a successor to the Dart Turboprop. Power output will range from 2,500shp to 5,000shp which takes the most powerful versions into the current Tyne class The Tyne itself is manufactured under licence and Europe and powers the Transall the freighter, Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft and more recently the Libyan order of Aentalia G. 222s. Though the Tyne is the most fuel-efficient and reliable engine the new powerplant will benefit by being smaller and lighter. The Dart itself is one of the most successful of aircraft engines ever conceived and provided a a major portion of the Viscount, Friendship and 748 success stories of civil aviation. The new Engine will be designated RB506 and is aimed Initially at Fokker’s planned 80/90 seat turboprop short-haul airliner which Fokker hope to Launch for service introduction in the late eighties.

Eastern Confirms Additional A300s:

Eastern Airlines have converted options on nine A30084 aircraft to firm orders Bringing to 34 the total number of A300 transports on firm order for the carrier. This makes Eastern the second biggest Airbus customer, Lufthansa, with 50 firm A300 and A310 orders is the biggest to date. In addition to the firming of options Eastern secured 26 additional A300 Options, 21 of which are for the new -600 version. This is the second order for the extended. range -600 version, the first being placed by Saudia for 11 Pratt & Whitney JT9D powered Aircraft. The Eastern -600s will be powered by General Electric CF6-80C1 which opens up an interesting marketing race between the two powerplant manufacturers for future Airbus engine orders. Trans Australia receives its first Airbus in July, with the following deliveries being made in October ’81, November ’81, June ’82 and December 1982.

US Commuters Open Up New Aircraft Market:

Just when it seemed that F-28 production could fade away, sales of the established Fellowship are receiving a boost via the US regionals. Philadelphia-based commuter operator, Altair already operates three F-28s and has now announced an order for a further three. Good news for Fokker who is also meeting with strong sales interest in the venerable F-27 Friendship on the rich North American market. Total F-28 sales now stand at 171 aircraft for 45 operators in 30 countries

Boeing Study Twin-engined 727 Retrofit:

Boeing are investigating the possibility of offering a retrofit of existing 727-200 jets to a twin-engined configuration. American Airlines, who have ordered the 757 and also operate a substantial fleet of 727 trijets have been pressing Boeing for more than a year to Undertake feasibility studies regarding the conversion. Needless to say Boeing is less than enthusiastic due to the potential impact of an Economical retrofit might have on long-term 757 sales. Al the time of writing retrofit plans revolved around the use of two CFM-56 or PW2000 engines in the 25,000lb thrust class. Options revolved around completely removing. the current triJet empennage in favour of a 757 type section, removal of the JT8s, plugging the dorsal inlet with a bullet fairing and mounting engines on the rear fuselage as on the DC-9 or Simply placing the engines beneath the wings. Boeing however don’t hold a big future for the Programme, even if it got off the ground due to the high cost involved with what is basically an old airframe.

Casa/Nurtanio Team For Commuter Project:

Nurtanio of Indonesia and Casa of Spain have teamed to produce a 35 seat commuter aircraft to be designated the CN-235. Powered by twin General Electric CT7-7 turboprops of 1,700shp each, the new commuter is scheduled for service in 1986. This makes yet another aircraft in what is rapidly becoming an overcrowded market. Shorts, Saab-Fairchild, Embraer, DeHavilland Canada, a European consortium and now the combined efforts of Casa and Nurtanio, trading as Air Tech, are all embroiled in the 30/36 seat commuter market. Nurtanio is currently building under licence the Casa-designed C222 utility aircraft in addition to the MBB 80-105 twin-engined light helo.

 The Bottom Line:

Lockheed reported an operating profit of $28m from earnings of $5,400m during the FY just completed. New And follow-on orders totalled $5,500m while Number of employees had grown by 10% during the year to 74,600, Tristar production has been cut from 25 a year to 18 while major Source of revenue is derived from the Orion, C-130 and missiles and space contracts.

McDonnell Douglas earned a profit of $145 on sales valued at $6,066 with a firm order backlog of $8,815m. Almost three-quarters of MDC work now is from government contracts as against 50% just two years ago. If, and when the AV-8B, F-18A, Strike Eagle and KC-1″0 programmes reach full steam then this imbalance in favour of military work will increase further. MDC currently employ more than 82,500 people.

Northrop, who by now must hate the sight of their F-18L, earned profits of $87m on sales of $1,650m. Backlog was stated as $2,230m which includes subcontract work on MDC F-18A airframe and Boeing 747 fuselage contracts.

Boeing had yet another unbelievable year as only Boeing know how. Would you believe a profit of $600m on total sales of $9,426m? Boeing produced 299 jetliners in 1980, took orders for a further 361 and plan to deliver 268 passenger jets this year. Backlog at year-end was more than $20,000m while Boeing budgeted $768m in 1980FY alone on R&D!

D4 Certificated:

The most fuel efficient and powerful version of the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine for Boeing 747 Airliners has received its airworthiness certification on schedule from the British Civil Aviation Authority.

The RB211-524D4 engine has a specific fuel consumption five per cent better than the RB211 engines now in service in Boeing 747 Airliners. These have already demonstrated lower installed specific fuel consumption than any of the competing US engines currently in service.

The RB211-524D4 is rated at 53,000 LB take-off thrust. Following a flight certification programme at Boeing the first 747 with these engines will be delivered later this year to Qantas.

McDonnell Douglas And Fokker Tie The Knot:

In what was generally felt to be A surprise move, McDonnell Douglas and Fokker have agreed to develop, build and market a 150-seat twin-jet. The surprise factor stems from the fact that little was known regarding MDC and Fokker being involved in any serious discussion on this project, which in effect is a broad-based F-29. Fokker, in firstly the Super F-28 (1978) and later the F-29 designs was Firmly committed to the lucrative 150-seat market, the only question was would the long-established Netherlands company opt to undertake the project on its own or team up with a Japanese Aerospace Industry Consortium or even undertake the project with either Airbus or Boeing. The proposed F-29 was for a long time going to utilise Boeing 737 fuselage sections while eventual partner teaming would duly influence final engine choice. A European or US partner would almost certainly mean a home for the GE/Snecma CFM56 while collaboration with the Japanese would have meant the RJ500, an oriental derivative of the RollsRoyce RB432.

The tie-up between the two major aerospace firms is significant, and certainly good news for MDC which looked to be rapidly getting out of the traditional airliner market. This would have been a tragedy as Douglas boasts a civil transport heritage even greater than all-conquering Boeing. The Long Beach company had toyed with the idea of its ATMA for some time as a direct competitor to the Boeing 757. Delays in a go-ahead with the twin-aisle project however meant that Boeing has scooped the pool (after a very slow start) of most of the cream in the 180-seat market. With no significant launch orders remaining MDC were forced to look to the 150-seat market where competition will prove to be severe yet no manufacturer (at time of writing) has yet played his cards. Airbus stand to run the A320, Boeing have the hybrid 737-300 and will either develop this, de-stretch the 757 or go for an all new design. Fokker stood alone with the F-29 but was looking for a partner with industry fingers pointing to Boeing, the Japanese or Airbus Industries of which Fokker is a member. Hence the mild surprise when McDonnell Douglas was announced as the successful suitor.

TAA Orders Another Airbus:

TAA has ordered its fifth Airbus-which will arrive in Australia five months earlier than originally scheduled.

The Airbus will arrive in December 1982, just six months after the fourth Airbus which is expected to arrive in Australia in June. Originally it was planned to take delivery in May 1983. This means the airline will have five of the 269-seat, wide-bodied aircraft in Australia by the end of 1982.

TAA’s first Airbus, VH-TAA James Cook is expected to arrive in Australia in July this year.

South American Airline Selects Shorts 360:

The Colombian Airline Tavina has placed an order with Short Brothers of Belfast for one of the company’s new 36-seat wide-body 360 commuter airliners The Airline thus becomes the fourth customer for the 360, which is scheduled to make its first flight in June, the contract brings total orders and options for the new airliner to eleven.

The first 360 will enter service with Suburban Airlines of Reading, Pennsylvania late 1982, at least two years ahead of its closest competitor.

British Aerospace Reports Big Profit:

British Aerospace has reported a 1980 pre-tax profit of $US124m, slightly up from the $US118m recorded in 1979 Order backlog also increased from $US7. 7 billion to $US8. 2 billion reflecting the strong marketposition of BAe. News of the high level of profitability sent BAe shares soaring by more than 70% in value indicating that the government shouldn’t have too much trouble selling a portion of BAe’s holdings off to the public.

Japan/China Air Link Booms:

Air transport between Tokyo and Peking is booming with an annual passenger growth rate in excess of 50%. In addition to this, load factors are generally above 90% on the current sixteen flights a week service operated by JAL and CAAC. About two-thirds of the traffic is tourist while both carriers will be introducing wide-bodied airliners later this year to cope with traffic demand.

 Rolls To Develop More Powerful RB211:

Rolls Royce are developing more powerful versions of the RB211 high-bypass turbofan for introduction into airline service later this decade. A version is targeted in the 56,000lb to 60,000lb range offering a further improvement in Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) of a further 8 to 10% over current versions. Rolls executives claim that the market is well catered for by the current 53,000lb class of engines till the mid-eighties, at that time Pratt & Whitney and General Electric will both have on offer engines in the 56,000lb class, ideal for the coming generation of stretched twin-jets and higher gross weight 747s.

Air Transport Statistics:

Overall usage of air transport on the major domestic trunk routes increased 4. 4 per cent in the year ended March, 1980.

But while passengers increased, there was a decrease in freight.

The statistics are based on a ‘total tonne kilometre’ figure, the aggregate of passenger tonne-kilometres, freight tonne kilometres and mail tonne-kilometres. This was introduced in

December to provide better indicators of the aviation industry’s performance.

For the year ended 31 March 1981, the total tonne kilometre figure was 1,008 million, a rise of 4. 4 per cent over the year ended March 1980.

The figure for the quarter ended March 1981, was 251 million, a rise of 4. 2 per cent.

Comparing the years ending March 1980, with March 1981, passenger kilometres increased by 5. 6 per cent to 9. 858 million and passengers carried by 1. 7 per cent to 11. 584 million. But freight tonne kilometres was down by 6. 3 per cent to 104. 7 million and freight carried by 6. 4 per cent to 123,700 tonnes.

Passenger kilometres increased from 2. 36 million in the March quarter 1980, to 2. 48 million in the March quarter 1981, an increase of 5. 3 per cent. The number of passengers carried decreased 4. 5 per cent during the same period from 2. 854 million to 2. 725 million.