News Desk

Korean Has Indicated That the Five Aircraft, Which Have a List Value of Us$1. 5bn (a$1. 62bn), Will Slot in Between the Airline’s 777-300ers and A380s and Operate on Long Haul Routes to Europe and the Americas.

“the 747-8 Intercontinental Fills the Void Between the 300 and 550-seat Airplanes in Our Future Fleet,” Said Won Tae Cho, Managing Vice President of Korean Air Passenger Business Division. “the Technological Enhancements Boeing Has Made to This Airplane Will Deliver Exceptional Economics and a Flying Experience That Will Thrill Our Customers, Enabling Korean Air to Provide Excellence in Flight to Our Customers. ” the Order is a Much Needed Boost for the Passenger Variant of the 747-8, Which Was Launched With an Order for 20 Aircraft and 20 Options Placed by Lufthansa in December 2006. Despite a Commitment Made by Nigerian Carrier Arik Air at the 2008 Farnborough Airshow, No Other Carrier Has Placed Orders for the 747-8i Until Now.

Korean Air Also Has Arrangements to Operate Seven 747-8 Freighters.

The First 747-8f is Due to Make Its First Flight During Late December/early January, and the First Aircraft Successfully Completed First Runs of Its General Electric Genx-2b Engines on December 8.

The Tests, Which Began Just Before 10am Local Time on Tuesday, Saw the Engines Started and Then Operated at Various Power Settings to Verify Systems Performance. Apu Power Was Used to Start the First Engine, With the Remaining Three Engines Then Started Using Cross Bleed.

Air Nz Launches A320 ‘sharklet’ Winglets

Airbus Has Launched Its New ’sharklet’ Winglet Device for A320 Family Aircraft, Which Promise “at Least” a 3. 5 Per Cent Fuel Burn Improvement Over Longer Flights, With an Order Commitment From Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand Will Be the First Airline to Take Delivery of Sharklet Equipped A320s in Late 2012. A319 and A321 Models Will Be Delivered With the New Winglets, Which Are Now an Option for New Aircraft, From 2013 (Airbus is Still Considering Whether to Offer the Winglets on the A318).

The First of 14 A320s Recently Ordered by Air New Zealand Will Be the First Aircraft Delivered With the ’sharklet’ When Deliveries Begin in Late 2012. “the New ‘sharklets’ Will Enable Our Airbus Fleet to Benefit From Lower Fuel Burn and Carbon Emissions, Both Across Air New Zealand’s Domestic Network and Especially on the Longer Trans-tasman Sectors,” Said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Fyfe in a November 15 Statement.

Airbus Says the Winglets Will Deliver the 3. 5 Per Cent Fuel Burn Reduction “over Longer Sectors”, or Payload Range Benefits of a 500kg Increase in Revenue Payload or a 100nm Range Improvement. For Obstacle Limited Runways the ’sharklets’ Will Allow Higher Available Takeoff Weights, or From Where Runway Performance is Not Limiting, Allow a Reduction in Average Takeoff Thrust.

“sharklets Are Not Just Part of Airbus’s Response to Addressing Environmental Issues and Rising Fuel Costs, but They Also Enhance Aircraft Overall Performance,” Said Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy.

Air New Zealand’s Sharklet Equipped A320s Will Come From Its Recently Announced Order for 14 A320s, but as Deliveries Against That Order Begin in January 2011, Consequently, Not All the New Air Nz A320s Will Be Fitted With the New Winglets.

Air Austral Signs for All-economy A380s

Air Austral, Based on the French Indian Ocean Island Territory of La Reunion, Has Become the Latest Customer for the Airbus A380, With Confirmation of Its Firm Order for Two Announced on November 17 at the Dubai Airshow.

The Engine Alliance Gp7200 Powered A380s Will Be Configured in a Single Class 840-seat Configuration and Will Operate Between La Reunion and Paris When Delivered in 2014. Air Austral Had Previously Signed an Mou for the Two A380s in January.

“air Austral Opens a New Chapter for A380 Operations. It Will Operate the A380 With the Lowest Fuel Cost and Emissions Per Passenger of Any Aircraft Available Today,” Said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. Airbus Says That in the Air Austral High Density Configuration, “fuel Consumption Levels Below Two Litres Per Passenger Per 100 Kilometres Can Be Expected”.

Total A380 Firm Orders Now Stand at 202 From 17 Customers.

Reborn Do228 Flies Ruag Aerospace’s Development Dornier 228 Next Generation Made Its First Flight on November 12, Shortly After a Rollout Ceremony of the 19-seat Utility Aircraft.

The Aircraft, Which is Based on an Original Do228-212 Airframe but Has Been Modified With an Upgraded Avionics Suite, Engines and New Five Blade Propellers, Rolled Out in a Ceremony at Ruag’s Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, Facility in a Ceremony Attended by a Number of Local Dignitaries. The Aircraft Then Took to the Skies, Accompanied by Two Other Do228s Operated by the German Navy and German Aerospace Centre.

The Development Aircraft is Expected to Undergo Over 40 Hours of Flight Testing, While the First New Production Do228ng is Due to Roll Out in January. Ruag Currently Holds Orders for 10 Aircraft, With Orders Coming From Argentina, Mexico and Vietnam, While an Undisclosed Australian Operator Has Also Ordered the Aircraft.

An-124 Re-enters Production

United Aircraft Corporation Has Re-launched Production of the an-124 Transport at a Ceremony in Russia.

Attended by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the Occasion Brought Together Current and Prospective Operators of the Aircraft, Many of Whom Claimed the Economics of Carrying Oversized Cargo by Air Far Outweigh That of Sea Transport.

“bp Used Our 124s to Ship Oil Rigs to a Deposit in Colombia,” Aleksey Isaikin, President of Volga-dnepr, Told Media. “they Say It Worked Out Tens of Times Cheaper Than by Boat. But We Desperately Need New Planes to Fill Demand. ” Uac Has Been Backed by the Russian Government to Offer Up to 70 New Build an-124-100s From Late 2010. The New Aircraft Will Feature More Efficient Engines and Modern Digital Avionics.

Many Armed Forces, Including Australia, Also Wet Lease an-124s to Assist in Surge Deployments of Outsize Equipment.

Boeing Breaks Ground on Second 787 Line

Boeing Held a Ground Breaking Ceremony at Its North Charleston, South Carolina, Site on November 20 to Mark the Start of Construction on Its 787 Final Assembly and Delivery Facilities There.

“today’s Event Marks the Beginning of an Expansion Plan That Will Strengthen the 787 Program and Allow Us to Continue Building on the Footprint We Have Established in South Carolina With Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica,” Said Jim Albaugh, President and Ceo of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “locating the Second Line in North Charleston Will Allow Boeing to Successfully Compete in the Aerospace Market and Grow for the Long Term Benefit of Many Stakeholders. ” Interestingly, Albaugh Said in a Speech That While the Second Assembly Line for the 787 Would Be Key in Ramping Up Production, It Would Actually Create Jobs Back in Seattle as Well. “our Decision to Come to South Carolina Will Be Good for Our Competitiveness, for Our Customers, and for Our Country. And It Will Create Jobs in Both South Carolina and Puget Sound,” He Said.

Boeing Announced on October 28 That It Had Chosen Charleston as the Location for a Second 787 Final Assembly Line and Delivery Facility.

New Melbourne Research Centre

Launched Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr Helped to Officially Launch the New Australian Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Ausamrc) in Melbourne on November 13.

The Centre, Which is a Partnership Between Swinburne University of Technology and Boeing, is Aimed at Improving Australia’s Global Competitiveness in Aerospace Manufacturing. It is Initially Being Housed in Swinburne University’s Hawthorn Campus but is Expected to Move to Swinburne’s Advanced Technology Centre From Early 2011.

“the Ausamrc is an Open and Collaborative Industry Alliance,” Said Professor John Beynon, Head of the Ausamrc and Dean of Swinburne’s Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences. “we Will Involve Companies at the Beginning of Projects to Ensure That the Technology Developed is Optimised for Application Along the Whole Supply Chain. This Will Speed Up Adoption as Industry Will Know the Technology is Coming and Will Be Able to Easily Adapt and Prepare,” He Said.

“this Exciting New Venture to Boost Australian Knowledge and Capability is Exactly What We Had in Mind When We Launched Boeing Research & Technology-australia Last Year,” Said Ian Thomas, President of Boeing Australia and South Pacific Region. “ausamrc Will Blend the Best of Australia and the World to Produce New Competitive Advantage. ”

Commercial Briefs

* Malaysia Airlines’s First A380 Delivery Has Been Delayed by Eight Months, Apparently at the Request of Airbus, From January to August 2011. Mas Has Six A380s on Order, and Despite Constant Speculation About the Order, It Says That It is Still Planning to Take the Aircraft to Replace Boeing 747-400s on High Density Routes to Europe and Possibly Sydney. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Will Not Receive Its First A380 Until the Northern Summer, a Delay of Approximately Three Months.

* Bombardier Has Announced That It Will Slow Production on the Crj Line Due to a Lack of Incoming Orders, Resulting in the Loss of 715 Jobs at Its Facilities in the Montreal Area From January 2010.

* the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) Has Approved Both Airbus A330-200 and -300 Models for Etops (Extended-range Operations for Two-engined Aircraft) “beyond 180 Minutes”. The New Capability Will Be Available as a Customer-selectable Option Which Extends the Diversion Distance Potentially Up to 1700nm. This Distance Corresponds to a Maximum Etops Diversion Time for the A330 of Approximately 240 Minutes at One-engine-inoperative Speed Under Standard Conditions.

Sales

* Austrian Low Cost Carrier Niki Luftfahrt Has Exercised Options It Has on Two Embraer E-190s, With Delivery of the Aircraft to Take Place During the First Half of 2011.

* Tassili Airlines of Algeria Has Ordered Four Boeing 737-800s. Tassili is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Sonatrach Petroleum Corporation, and Will Use the Aircraft Primarily to Transport Employees and Cargo Within Algeria.

* Boeing Has Announced the Sale of Seven Boeing 737-800s to Air Algerie.

* Embraer Has Announced That Oman Air Has Ordered Five E-175s, and Taken Purchase Rights on a Further Five. Four of the Jets Will Be Used in Airline Service, While One Will Serve the Royal Omani Police.

Military

Rq-170 Revealed as Usaf Secret Uav

the Usaf Has Confirmed Reports That It is Operating a Previously Unknown Reconnaissance Uav Out of Kandahar in Afghanistan.

The Aircraft, Designated the Rq-170 Sentinel, Was Photographed Earlier This Year and Again in Early November, and is Believed to Have Been Designed and Built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. The Latest Photographs of the Aircraft Landing at Kandahar in Daylight Show the Unmarked Aircraft Has a Bat Like Shape With a Wing Span of About 19. 8m, an Upper Surface Single Engine Intake and Simple Single Exhaust at the Rear, and What Appear to Be Sensor or Communications Equipment Pods Somewhat Crudely Faired Into the Upper Surface of the Fuselage.

The Aircraft is Believed to Have Been Developed Under a Rapid Program to Enhance the Coalition’s Isr Effort Over Afghanistan and Has Been Deployed There Since 2007. “the Fielding of the Rq-170 Aligns With Secretary of Defense Robert M Gates’s Request for Increased Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (Isr) Support to the Combatant Commanders and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz’s Vision for an Increased Usaf Reliance on Unmanned Aircraft,” the Usaf Told Aviation Week.

The Aircraft is Based at the Secretive Tonopah Test Range, Deep Inside the Nellis Test and Training Range North of Las Vegas, and is Operated by the Previously Unknown 30th Reconnaissance Squadron, According to Reports. Tonopah, About 50km Northwest of the Even More Secretive Area 51, Was the Original Base of the F-117 Stealth Fighter Before It Was Revealed to the World in 1989, and is Believed to House Other Secret Operational or Developmental Manned and Uav Programs.

F-35 Af-1 Makes First Flight

the First Production Optimised F-35a Jsf, Vehicle Af-1, Took to the Air for the First Time on November 13 for a 96 Minute Flight.

Af-1 is an Instrumented Test Aircraft and is the First F-35a Ctol Jet to Be Built on the Fort Worth Moving Production Line to the Current Production Standard, and Was Originally Scheduled to Have Flown in the First Quarter of the Year. Two Other ‘optimised’ Test Aircraft, Both F-35bs, Are Currently Flying, With Vehicle Bf-1 Finally Departing Fort Worth on November 12 for Patuxent River to Commence Its Vertical Landing Flight Tests. The Other F-35a Flying, Aa-1, is a Non-production Standard Aircraft Having Been Largely Built Before a 2004 Redesign, and is Currently at Edwards Afb.

“the Initial Flight of the First Optimised Ctol Aircraft Represents a Significant Achievement for the Program and Sets the Stage for What’s Promising to Be a Successful Flight Test Program,” Said Maj Gen C D Moore, Deputy Program Executive Officer for the Jsf Program Office. “we Are Excited to See Af-1 Taking Flight, as It Portends a Bright Ctol Future for the Usaf and the Partner Nations. ” the F-35 Program Has Been Beset by Delays in Getting Aircraft From Production Into the Flight Test Program This Year, With Only About 30 Per Cent of the Previously Scheduled Flight Test Hours Expected to Be Flown by Year’s End.

Raaf C-130s Complete Meao Relocation

the Raaf’s Three-strong C-130j Detachment in the Middle East Area of Operations (Meao) Has Completed Its Relocation to Al Minhad Air Base Near Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The Final Sortie of a C-130j From Its Former Middle East Home Base of Al-udeid in Qatar Was Greeted by a Traditional Firetruck Water Canon Salute by Raaf and Coalition Fire Crews on November 5.

The Relocation of the 37sqn C-130s Will Allow Them to Better Support Operations in Afghanistan, and Came About Following a Defence Review of Middle East Basing Options. One Report Suggests the Relocation Could Save the Hercules Detachment 1000 Flying Hours Annually.

“the Review Determined Significant Efficiency Gains in Logistic Support as Well as Reducing Fatigue on Our Personnel and Equipment,” C-130 Detachment Commander Sqnldr Peter Cseh Said in a Statement.

Australia is Spending $87 Million on New Accommodation, Hangars and Maintenance Facilities at Al Minhad, Which is Already Home to the Australian National Headquarters, Which Has Relocated There From Baghdad, and the Raaf’s Ap-3c Orion Detachment (Which Has Been Based There Since 2003). Several Other Coalition Nations Operate From Al Minhad, Including the Us, Uk, Canada and New Zealand.

(It is Australian Government Policy Not to Disclose the Locations of Adf Bases in the Middle East Due to Host Nation “sensitivities”, but the Basing of Australian Forces at Al Minhad Has Been Widely Reported in the Media. ) Since 2003 Raaf C-130s (Both H and J Models) in the Meao Have Flown Nearly 11,000 Sorties, Carried 28,600 Tonnes of Cargo, 130,000 Passengers and Assisted Wounded Personnel During 2300 Ame Sorties, According to Defence.

Funding and Program Changes for Jsf?

The Pentagon is Looking at Increasing Funding for the Jsf Program to the Tune of Us$300m (a$324m), Delaying the Aircraft’s Development Program by as Much as 12 Months, and Offloading Some of the Program’s Financial Burden Onto Lockheed Martin in an Effort to Remove Risk to the Program, According to Reports.

Following a Series of Meetings With Key Lockheed Martin and Jsf Program Office (Jpo) Personnel in Late November, the Pentagon’s Chief Acquisition Officer, Ashton Carter, Proposed the Changes as Part of a Wholesale Assessment of the Program. Other Changes Would Include Using Low Rate Production Aircraft in the Aircraft’s Flight Test Program, and Bringing in Additional Software Engineers.

On Sharing the Burden With Lockheed Martin, Carter Was Reported as Saying “we Don’t Want to Be in a Situation Where the Government Bears the Cost of Schedule Slips All by Itself. It is Reasonable That Risk in a Program Be Shared. ” the Proposed Changes Come in the Wake of a September Report by the Pentagon’s Joint Estimating Team (Jet) Which Foresaw Development Delays of Up to Two Years and a Cost Blowout of Up to Us$16. 7bn (a$18bn) in the Development Program Which is Currently Scheduled to End in 2015.

Earlier, Lockheed Martin Officials Have Described 2009 as a “challenging Year” for the F-35 Jsf Program and Have Admitted the Company Has Fallen Well Behind the Program’s Development Schedule, but Remain Confident the Ground Can Be Made Up.

Speaking to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Lm Vice President and F-35 Program General Manager Dan Crowley Said 2009 “has Been the Most Challenging Year, but We Knew It Would Be,” Adding That: “everybody is Looking at the Schedule and Saying You’ve Had Past Delays, but They’re Coming Down. What I’m Encouraged by is, Each Jet That Goes Out is More Complete and It Takes Less Time. ” Aircraft Had Been Delivered to the Flight Test Line About Six Months Later Than Planned During 2009 Year, Resulting in Only Four of the Scheduled Nine Flight Test Aircraft Taking to the Air at the Time of Writing, and About One-third of the Planned Flight Test Hours Being Completed.

Meanwhile, the First F-35b Development Aircraft, Bf-1, Arrived at Nas Patuxent River Near Washington Dc on November 15 From Fort Worth to Prepare for Its Vertical Flight Test Program. The Aircraft Had Been Delayed in Fort Worth for Several Months After Completing Its Hover Pit Testing in April. The Tests Will Comprise a ‘step Down’ Approach to Vertical Flight Where the Aircraft Will Takeoff Conventionally and Be Gradually Slowed Down Over a Series of Flights Until It Achieves a Hover and Vertical Landing.

During Its Deployment to Pax River, Bf-1 Will Also Become the First of the Four F-35s Currently Flying to Be Supported by Lockheed Martin’s Autonomic Logistics Information Systems (Alis), a Program Designed to Monitor and Support the Health of All Us and Customer F-35s Worldwide When in Service.

Finally, Lockheed Martin Has Taken Delivery of the First Low Rate Initial Production (Lrip) Electro-optical Targeting System (Eots) for the Jsf Program. The Eots is an Integrated Forward Looking Infrared and Laser Targetting Designator Located in the Aircraft’s Lower Forward Fuselage.

First Raaf Heron Handed Over

the First Israeli Aerospace Industries Heron Medium Altitude Long Endurance (Male) Uav Was Delivered to the Raaf on December 10 Under Project Nankeen.

The Aircraft Wears the Raaf Serial A45-262, and is the First of an Unspecified Number of Herons to Be Operated on a Lease Arrangement From Canadian Firm Macdonald, Dettwiler and Associates Alongside Canadian Herons in Support of Australian and Coalition Security and Reconstruction Forces in Afghanistan.

The Raaf Has Had a Detachment of Personnel Embedded With the Canadian Military Operating the Heron Since July 2009, and Will Commence Operations With Its Own Aircraft in Early 2010.

Super Hornet Maintenance Trainer Delivered to Amberley the Raaf is Closer to Commencing Super Hornet Maintenance Training in Australia With the Delivery of a Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer to the Aircraft’s Home Base at Raaf Amberley.

The Trainer is a Super Hornet Cockpit Simulator Which Provides Maintenance Students With Touch Screens on Which to Perform Representative Diagnostics and Functional Checks, and Will Be One of a Number of High Fidelity Training Devices the Raaf Will Use for Super Hornet Maintenance Training.

“the Cockpit Simulator Provides Students With the Opportunity to Work on Complex Maintenance Issues Without Actually Being in a Real Aircraft,” Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet Said in a Statement. “this High Tech Problem Solving Can Be Monitored by an Instructor Who Can Bring Up Teaching Points as the Student Works Toward Finding a Fault. ” at Present, Raaf Maintenance Trainers From 78 and 82wgs Are Being Instructed at the Usn’s Main West Coast Base, Nas Lemoore in California, and Will Commence the Training of Squadron Maintenance Staff at Amberley in January in Preparation for the First Four of 24 Aircraft Arriving in Late March.

Kc-30 Simultaneous Fuel Transfer

Development of the Airbus Military Kc-30 (A330 Mrtt) for the Raaf Continues, With Airbus Military Successfully Conduct a Series of Wet Contacts From the Wingtip Hose and Drogue Refuelling Pods on the Raaf’s First Aircraft.

Initial Tests Were Conducted From the Tanker’s Cobham 905e Pods With a Spanish Air Force F/a-18a+ Hornet, and Six Contacts Were Made During Which 4000kg of Fuel Was Transferred. Then Little Over a Week Later Fuel Was Simultaneously Passed From the Two Pods to Two Spanish Air Force F/a-18s. During the Two Hour Sortie, 11,400kg of Fuel Was Passed to the Two Jets in 13 Contacts, 11 of Them Simultaneous. The Contacts Were Made at an Altitude of 15,000ft and a Speed of 250kt.

During the A330 Mrtt Program Airbus Military Says 47 Dry and Wet Contacts Have Been Completed So Far, With 23,000kg of Fuel Transferred.

The First of Five Kc-30s for the Raaf is Due to Be Handed Over in “mid” 2010.

More Jsf Work for Quickstep

Perth Based Quickstep Holdings Has Signed an Mou With Melbourne’s Marand Engineering to Supply Vertical Tail Skins for the F-35 Jsf.

The Mou Has the Potential to Be Converted Into a Long Term Agreement (Lta) to Supply Up to $50 Million Worth of the Composite Skins to Marand, Which Has a Deal With Lockheed Martin and Bae Systems to Provide Complete Vertical Tails to Non-us Partner Operators Worth Up to $700 Million Over the Life of the Program.

“creating a Critical Mass of Advanced Composite Manufacturing Know-how and Capability Greatly Strengthens Our Chances of Establishing a World Class Competitive Industry Here in Australia,” Quickstep Managing Director Philippe Odouard Said in a Statement.

Quickstep Also Signed an Mou With Lockheed Martin on November 4 to Provide Composite Doors and Panels for the F-35, a Deal It Hopes to Confirm as an Lta Early Next Year.

Pakistan to Buy Chinese J-10s Pakistan Has Agreed to a Deal With China for 36 Chengdu J-10b Fighters Worth Up to Us$1. 4bn (a$1. 5bn).

The J-10, Roughly the Equivalent in Performance and Capabilities to Late Model F-16s, is Entering Service in Large Numbers in China, and Pakistan is Known to Have Shown Some Interest in the Aircraft for Some Time. The Latest J-10b Has a Reprofiled Nose, Modified Chin Air Intake, and is Believed to Have a New Electronic Warfare Self Protection Suite and Other Enhanced Systems.

The Aircraft is Expected to Be Designated Fc-20 in Pakistani Service, With Deliveries Commencing From 2014.

Pakistan is Already Licence Building the Chinese Lightweight Fc-1/jf-17 Thunder, With the First Example to Roll Out Within Weeks, and Has a Large Fleet of F-16s, With More Now Being Delivered.

“the Agreement Should Not Simply Be Seen in the Narrow Context of Pakistan’s Relations With China,” Abdul Qayyum, a Retired Pakistani General Was Quoted as Saying. “there is a Wider Dimension. By Sharing Its Advanced Technology With Pakistan, China is … Also Saying to the World That Its Defence Capability is Growing Rapidly. ”

Military Briefs

* the Raaf Has Taken Delivery of a Full Motion Training Simulator for Its Four C-17 Transports at Raaf Amberley. The Simulator Will Allow Raaf C-17 Crews to Be Trained in Australia From January Rather Than Having to Go to Usaf Facilities in Hawaii or Oklahoma for Initial and Currency Simulator Training, as is Currently the Case. The Simulator Will Be Housed in a New Specially Built Facility Adjacent to 36sqn’s Headquarters at Amberley.

* Bae Systems Australia Has Been Awarded a Contract to Upgrade the Australian Army’s Advanced Air Defence Simulator (Aads). The $5 Million Contract Will See the Facility, Located at the 16th Air Defence Regiment’s Facility at Woodside Near Adelaide, Equipped With New Projectors, Upgraded Computers and Software, and Other Enhancements Under Project Land 19 Phase 2b. Bae Has Also Been Contracted to Operate the Facility Through to July 2013.

* Malaysia Has Officially Taken Delivery of Eight New Mb-339cm Advanced Jet Trainers at the Langkawi Airshow With the Arrival of the Final Two Aircraft in Country. The Aircraft Were Ordered in 2006 and Will Replace Older Mb-339as Which Have Been in Service for Nearly 20 Years. The Latest Generation Mb-339cd Features an Advanced Digital Avionics System With Three Mfds in Each Cockpit, a Digital Moving Map Display and a Hud.

* the Usaf’s 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing Has Taken Delivery of Its First Northrop Grumman Global Hawk Block 30 Uav at Beale Afb Near Sacramento in California Following the Type’s National Airspace Airworthiness Certification Being Granted by the Faa in Early November. Meanwhile, the Usaf Has Placed an Order for Five Further Rq-4bs Comprising Two Block 30 and Three Block 40 Airframes.

* Raaf Base Glenbrook in the Lower Blue Mountains Near Penrith, Home of the Raaf’s Headquarters Air Command, Will Close in 2015.

Originally Slated for Closure in 2010, the Base, Located in the Former 1920s Era Lapstone Hotel, Will Remain Operational Until Upgrade Works to Raaf Base Amberley Are Completed and the New Hq Joint Operations Command at Bungendore Near Canberra is Fully Operational. “i’ve …been Advised by Defence That … Requirements to Construct Facilities at Raaf Amberley Have Delayed the Planned Closure,” Senator Faulkner Told Parliament. “the Best Advice I Can Give the Senate at the Moment is Defence Are Now Planning to Close Raaf Glenbrook by Mid-2015. ” * First Flight of Northrop Grumman’s X-47b Ucas, Originally Scheduled for the End of 2009, Has Been Delayed Until the First Quarter of 2010 Following Reported Propulsion Acoustic and Engine-start Sequencing Issues. The Aircraft is Now Not Due to Commence Low Speed Taxi Tests Until Late December Before Building Up to First Flight Early in 2011 and Sea Trials in 2012. The Stealthy X-47b is About the Size of an F/a-18e/f Super Hornet and Will Have a Combat Radius of More Than 1500km.

* the Indian Ministry of Defence Has Approved in Principle a Decision to Acquire 10 Boeing C-17 Transports in a Deal Valued at More Than Us$2bn (a$2. 18bn). The Deal, Now Subject to Negotiations Between the Indian and Us Governments After a Formal Request Was Sent to the Us, Would See the C-17s Replace Ageing Il-76 Transports in Iaf Service. Sources Have Told Indian Media That Follow-on Orders Are Likely.

* Boeing and the Usaf Successfully Tested the Ability of a Laser Weapon to Defend Against Airborne Targets by Shooting Down Five Uavs During a Test Earlier This Year. The Test, Conducted at Nas China Lake in California Using a System Dubbed Mobile Active Targeting Resource for Integrated Experiments (Matrix), Saw the Mobile Trailer-mounted System Shoot Down Five Small Uavs at Various Ranges and Altitudes.

* Germany Has Said It Will Put the Final 37 Eurofighters It Has on Order Up for Export Sale. The Final Batch of Aircraft, Designated Tranche 3b, Are Part of the German Government’s Original 180 Eurofighter Order Commitment, but Its Requirement for the Jet Has Now Dropped to Just 143. Rather Than Incur Significant Cancellation Penalties, the Aircraft May Be Offered as Part of Current Competitions Underway in India, Switzerland and Greece, or May Be Offered to a New Customer.

Airlines

Jetstar Flags Domestic Expansion

Jetstar Has Announced That It Plans to Add Four New Aircraft and 77 New Weekly Services to Its Domestic Schedule During 2010 as It Continues Its Fight With the Rapidly Expanding Tiger Airways.

The Airline is Planning Major Increases in Frequency on a Number of Routes, Predominately Form Melbourne and Sydney to Destinations Including Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Tasmania Which Will Be Rolled Out From March to July 2010 as the Four Additional Airbus A320s Enter the Fleet. Collectively, the New Services Represent an Introduction of Approximately 700,000 Seats to the Domestic Market.

“jetstar’s Domestic Network Continues to Provide a Platform for This Success, With the Airline’s Australian Domestic Marketshare Continuing to Grow to Around 18 Per Cent, Maintaining Qantas Group Market Share at 65 Per Cent,” Said Ceo Bruce Buchanan.

The Increases Include Additional Frequencies on Routes Including Sydney-gold Coast, Melbourne-sunshine Coast and Melbourne-gold Coast Where Rival Tiger Airways Has Announced Plans to Add Capacity. In Addition, the Airline Appears to Be Preparing for New Route Announcements From Its Rival, Adding More Services on Other Routes Including Adelaide-cairns, Sydney-cairns and Brisbane-launceston.

United Splits Widebody Buy

United Airlines Has Split Its Much Anticipated Widebody Airliner Replacement Program Between the Boeing 787-8 and Airbus A350-900, Ordering 25 of Each and Taking Purchase Rights on a Further 50 of Each.

The Deal, Valued at Us$10 Billion, Will See the New Aircraft Delivered Between 2016 and 2019, Allowing United to Retires Its 767s and 747-400s (Which It Flies to Australia) During the Same Period.

“the Aircraft Order Follows a Rigorous, Six Month Request for Proposal Process, Which Resulted in Agreements With Both Manufacturers, Enabling the Company to Meet Its Financial and Operational Objectives and Respond to Changes in Future Market Conditions,” a December 8 Airline Statement Reads. “the Breadth in Size and Capabilities of the Different Aircraft Models Ensure the Company Has the Right Aircraft for the Right Market Throughout the Fleet Replacement Cycle. ” United Says the New Aircraft Will Reduce Its Fuel Costs and Carbon Emissions by Around a Third, With Average Per Seat Mile “lifetime Maintenance Costs” to Be 40 Per Cent Lower Than for the Aircraft They Replace

Jetstar to Get Half of Qantas Group 787s

Qantas Says That Its Jetstar Subsidiary Will Now Receive Half of the Boeing 787 the Airline Group Has Ordered, Raising the Prospect That the Budget Carrier Will Operate the Majority of the Qantas Group’s New International Routes Over Coming Years.

Qantas Made the Statement in Clarifying a Presentation Made by Group Executive Operations Qantas Airlines Lyell Strambi Which Showed That Qantas Will Operate 25 787s Over Coming Years. Given the Airline Has Ordered 50 Aircraft, Many Analysts Questioned Whether It Was an Indication That the Qantas Group Had Reduced Its Orders, but the Airline Has Since Clarified That Jetstar Will Operate 25 787-9s, Up From the 15 Originally Planned.

The Additional Aircraft Appear to Signal That Jetstar Will Take a Significant Role in the Qantas Group’s International Network. The Budget Carrier is Currently Due to Take Delivery of Its First 787-9s in 2013, Which Are Expected to See It Launch Services to Europe.

Accc Approves Delta-virgin Blue Tie Up

the Accc (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) Has Given Its Formal Approval to the Planned Delta Air Lines-virgin Blue Joint Venture, Citing That It Will Have Competition Benefits for the Travelling Public.

“the Accc Considers That the Joint Venture is Likely to Assist Virgin and Delta to Compete More Effectively Against the Incumbents on the Routes – Qantas and United Airlines,” Accc Chairman Graeme Samuel Said.

In Particular, the Accc Noted That the Joint Venture Will Allow Passengers Flying on Delta or V Australia Services Greater Connectivity Throughout Australia and the United States. It Also Expects That Cost Savings Will Be Passed on to Passengers Due to the Increased Competition on Pacific Routes.

Delta and Virgin Blue Are Expected to Start the Joint Venture During 2010, Subject to Granting Antitrust Immunity From the Us Department of Transport.

Qantas, Rex & Skystrans Pic Up Ex Macair Qld Routes

Qantas, Regional Express and Skytrans Have Been Awarded Long Term Contracts to Serve on a Number of Routes in Northern and Central Queensland Under the State Government’s Qconnect Program.

The New Awards Replace Emergency Contracts Which Have Been in Place Since March Following the Collapse of Macair. They Will See Qantaslink Retain Its Townsville-cloncurry-mount Isa Service, While Skytrans Retains Its Gulf, Western Route 1 and Western Route 2 Runs, Which Sees It Operate Services From Cairns to Mornington Island-burketown-doomadgee-mount Isa and Brisbane to Centres Including Quilpie, Thargomindah, Birdsville and St George.

Rex is the Only New Operator, Taking Over the Northern Routes 1 and 2 From West Wing Aviation, Which Will Operate From Townsville to Winton, Longreach, Hughendon, Richmond, Julia Creek and Mount Isa. The Services Will Be Operated by Saab 340s, in Addition to Its Townsville-mackay Services Which Started Earlier This Year, and Are Due to Commence on February 1.

“in 2009 We Have Established and Steadily Expanded Our Townsville Base and It Now Has Three Saab 340b Plus Aircraft Stationed There,” Said Rex General Manager Network Strategy and Sales, Warrick Lodge. “the Awarding of the Northern 1 & 2 Routes Will See a Fourth Saab Aircraft Deployed. In Addition to the 17 Ex-macair Staff We Already Employ, We Are Also Committed to Keeping as Many of the Staff and Agents Currently Involved in These Northern Routes as We Can. ” Meanwhile From January the Qantaslink Schedule Will Consist of Five Return Services Each Week Between Townsville and Mt Isa via Cloncurry, and Six Direct Townsville-mt Isa Return Services.

Qantas Takes Delivery of Upgraded A330

Qantas Has Taken Delivery of a New Airbus A330-200 for Domestic Operations Featuring New Seats and Individual in-flight Entertainment Across All Cabins.

The A330, Registered Vh-ebm and Named Tamar Valley, Features 36 Business and 265 Economy Seats, Which Have Been Designed in Collaboration With Marc Newson. The New Business Seats Feature a Width of 56cm, Cocktail Table, Ergonomic Cushions and Extendable Leg Rest With Fold Out Footrest, While the Economy Seats Are 46cm Wide With Ergonomic Cushioning and a Seat Base That Moves in Conjunction With the Seat Recline. All Seats Feature a Usb Port for Charging Portable Electronic Devices, as Well as Audio and Video on Demand.

“the on-demand Panasonic Ex2 System Has Over 500 Entertainment Options Including Movies, Tv Programs, a Cd Library, Games, a Dedicated Children’s Section, Plus Qantas Lonely Planet Guides as Seen on the A380,” Said Ceo Alan Joyce. “each Seat Offers Touch Screen Functionality to Enhance Interactive Capabilities. ” the A330 Will Go Onto Service on Transcontinental Sectors From Melbourne and Sydney to Perth, With a Second A330 in the Same Configuration to Arrive in February. The Same Ex2 Product Has Recently Been Introduced on Services Operated by Jetconnect’s New Fleet of Boeing 737-800s, and the Airline Says It Will Continue to Roll Out the New Inflight Entertainment System on All New Aircraft Entering the Domestic Network.

Jetstar Confirms Cairns-osaka

Jetstar Has Confirmed That It Will Now Launch Four Times Weekly Direct Services From Cairns to Osaka on April 1 After Earlier Plans to Start the Service in December Were Set Back by a Disagreement With Cairns Airport Over Charges.

“the Securing of a Long Term Partnership Agreement With Cairns International Airport Was a Clear Catalyst for These New Additional International Flights for Cairns and is Important for It Providing a Platform for Further Sustainable Growth Opportunities,” Said Jetstar Ceo Bruce Buchanan.

From April 1, the Airline Will Operate the Services With an A330-200 to Osaka, While on the Same Day It Will Add a Second Daily Service on the Melbourne-cairns Service Operated by an A320. Jetstar Has Also Confirmed That Its Gold Coast-cairns Service, Which Connects With Its Gold Coast-osaka Services, Will Remain, Operating on Alternate Days to the Direct Service.

V Australia Lands in Victoria, Flies to Phuket

V Australia’s Expansion Has Gather Pace With Its First Direct Service on the Melbourne-los Angeles Departing on December 1, the Flights From Brisbane and Melbourne to Phuket Launching on November 22 and December 3 Respectively.

“we Are Delighted to Welcome V Australia to Melbourne,” Melbourne Airport Ceo Chris Woodruff Said. “their Exciting Suite of New Services Will Provide Further Opportunities for Increased Corporate and Leisure Travel Between Victoria, Los Angeles, Thailand and South Africa. ” the Airline Now Flies Twice Weekly Direct Services From Melbourne to Los Angeles, With Services Offered on Other Days via Sydney and Brisbane, and Once Weekly to Phuket, in Addition to Twice Weekly Services From Brisbane.

“with Our First Flight Full to Overflowing It’s Obvious That Queenslanders Have Been Waiting Sometime for a Direct Service to Phuket and V Australia is Pleased to Be Filling That Gap,” Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey Said of the First Brisbane to Phuket Flight.

New International Access via Regional Ports

the Rudd Government Has Announced a New Policy Which Will Encourage International Airlines to Operate More Services Through Regional International Airports.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese Announced That International Airlines Which Make Stops Through Regional Airports, Such as Darwin, Cairns and Broome, Will Be Able to Operate Onward Services to the Main Gateway Cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth Without It Counting Towards Their Entitlement. Similarly, Foreign Airlines Will Be Free to Operate Services From Regional Airports to Nearby Countries Including New Zealand and Islands in the Pacific.

The Announcement Comes Ahead of the Release of the Government’s Aviation White Paper, Which is Due on December 16.

Acma Seeks Comment on Inflight Mobile

Phones the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma) Has Released a Discussion Paper About Licensing Arrangements for the Use of Mobile Phones on Board Aircraft.

“in 2007 the Acma Took the Regulatory Lead on This Initiative by Approving a Trial of Inflight Mobile Communications on a Single Qantas Aircraft on Domestic Routes,” Said Acma Chairman Chris Chapman. “in View of the Success of the Trial and Service Announcements by Qantas and V Australia, the Acma is Now Proposing Radiocommunications Licensing Arrangements That Would Allow Inflight Mobile Communications Services on Australian Aircraft. ” Acma is Proposing to Allow Inflight Communications on Aircraft by Third Party Agreements With Spectrum Licensees for Airspace Above Geographical Areas Where Frequencies Are Spectrum Licensed, and Apparatus and Class Licensing in Areas Where Frequencies Are Not Spectrum Licensed. It Says That This Approach Will Allow It to Protect Existing Terrestrial Mobile Services From Interference and Allow for the Use of New Technologies on Board Aircraft. The Discussion Paper is Available for Public Comment, With Submissions Due by January 2010.

Qantas and V Australia Have Announced That They Plan to Introduce Mobile Connectivity on Their Aircraft,  Limited to Data and Sms Use Only, Through Installing a Small ‘pico Cell’ on Board the Aircraft Which Would Route the Signals Over Satellite Communications Networks Back to a Ground Station.

Qantaslink’s Sa Expansion

Qantaslink Has Announced That It Will Launch Services on the Adelaide-port Lincoln Route From February 15, Placing It in Competition With Regional Express.

Subject to Regulatory and Local Council Approval, Qantaslink Will Operate 23 Return Services Each Week on the Route With a 74-seat Bombardier Q400, Making 3400 Seats Available Each Week.

“we Will Offer Four Return Flights Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, Three Return Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Double Daily Flights on Both Days of the Weekend,” Explained Qantaslink Executive Manager Narendra Kumar. “these Services Will Be Timed to Provide Business Travellers an Extensive Choice of Frequency That Will Enable Them to Return to Port Lincoln on the Same Day, or for Our Adelaide Customers to Easily Commute Between Port Lincoln and the City. ” the New Service Will See Qantaslink Establish a Crew Base in Adelaide, Which Could Allow the Qantas Subsidiary to Launch More Routes in South Australia, Possibly Further Competing Against Rex, Which Flies From Adelaide to Coober Pedy, Ceduna, Whyalla, Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier, as Well as to Broken Hill.

Meanwhile, Qantaslink Has Announced That It is Adding Capacity From Melbourne to Mildura, Launceston and Devonport  From February 1 as a Result of the Delivery of Its 17th Bombardier Q400, Which Will Be Based in Melbourne.

The New Aircraft Will See the Airline Add an Additional Weekly Service to Devonport, While 13 of 26 Return Services Will Be Operated by the 74-seat Q400, Adding 484 Additional Seats Each Week. Qantaslink Will Also Add Three Additional Melbourne-launceston Services. Lastly, 13 Return Services on the Melbourne-mildura Run Will Be Operated by Q400s, Adding 224 Seats to the Route Each Week.

Etihad Seeks Greater Access Eithad Airways Ceo James Hogan Has Met With Transport Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra to Press His Case to Increase the Number of Frequencies Available Between the Middle East and Australia.

Hogan Said That the Visit Was Timely Given Negotiations on a New Air Services Agreement Between the United Arab Emirates and Australian Governments Which Are Due to Take Place in February 2010. “we Are Positioning Our Interests [before] the Governments Go Into Bilateral Discussions in the New Year and We Will See What Comes From That,” He Was Reported as Saying in Fairfax Newspapers. ”it’s Really Just Planning Access So We Have the Flexibility to Move Capacity. ” Etihad Currently Uses 21 of 28 Weekly Frequencies Allocated to It and is Seeking Increases to Bring Its Sydney and Melbourne Services to Twice Daily and Its Brisbane Services to Daily, While It Has Also Flagged Plans to Start Services to Perth in the Future. Emirates is Also Understood to Be Seeking Additional Rights as It Continues to Grow Its Frequencies to a Number of Cities Around Australia.

Jetstar’s Pacific Blues

Jetstar Pacific May Be Forced to Rebrand After the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (Caav) Raised Objection to the Use of the ‘jetstar’ Name.

According to Vietnamese Media Reports, the Caav and Ministry of Transport Have Told the Airline That Its Use of the Jetstar Name Was Against Its Local Aviation Law, Particularly as It is the Name of a Foreign Carrier. A Jetstar Spokesman Said That the Airline is Working With the Vietnamese Government to Resolve the Issue, Which Could Potentially Derail Jestar’s Plans to Involve Jetstar Pacific in Its Pan Asian Strategy.

Reports Have Also Confirmed That Jetstar Pacific Ceo Luong Hoai Nam Has Resigned From the Carrier, and Has Been Replaced in the Interim by Le Song Lai, the Carrier’s Chairman.

Jetstar Pacific, Formerly Pacific Airlines, is 27 Per Cent Owned by Qantas, With the Remainder Owned by the State Capital Investment Corporation and Saigon Tourist Corporation. The Carrier Operates a Fleet of Five Boeing 737-400s and One A320 on Domestic Routes.

New Fokker 50 for Skywest Skywest Has Purchased an Additional Fokker 50 Turboprop to Add to Its Fleet, Which It Says Will Help Improve Its on-time Performance and Add Capacity.

“we Are Satisfied With the Terms We Achieved for This Plane and Are Pleased That We Will Be Further Able to Increase Reliability and on Time Performance and Add Additional Freight Capacity,” Said Executive Chairman Jeff Chatfield.

The Airline Says That the Aircraft, Which is Owned by European Interests, Has Been Inspected by Skywest Representatives and is Being Acquired at a Cost Us$2. 01m (a$2. 16m). Financing Will Come From the Airline’s Operating Cashflow Over the Next 19 Months.

The New Turborprop Will Take the Airline’s Fleet to 17 Units, Comprising Eight Fokker 50s and Nine Fokker 100s. Skywest Uses the Aircraft to Fly a Combination of Charter and Rpt Services to Regional Ports Around Wa and to Darwin and Denpasar.

Separately, Skywest Has Announced That It Will Add Two Additional Weekly Services From Perth to Exmouth (Learmonth), Effective December 1. Skywest Will Also Upgrade Its Sunday Service to Be Operated by a 100-seat Fokker 100 Jet, in Place of the 50-seat Fokker 50 Turboprops Usually Used on the Service.

Tiger’s Brisbane Expansion Tiger Airways Australia Has Announced That It Will Commence Brisbane-rockhampton and Brisbane-adelaide Services From March 28.

“tiger’s Arrival at Brisbane Airport Will Be Great for Passengers, Offering More Choice, and Generating Greater Competition and Ultimately Lower Airfares,” Said Brisbane Airport Corporation Ceo Julieanne Alroe.

As Reported in the Last Issue of Aa, Tiger Will Also Commence Brisbane-melbourne Services on March 28.

Cobham Signs Big Chevron Deal

Cobham Aviation Services Australia Expects to Put the First of Two Avro Rj100s Into Service Between Perth and Barrow Island in April After Successfully Completing Negotiations With Chevron to Support the International Oil and Gas Giant’s North-west Shelf Operations, Reports Chris Milne.

The Aviation Services Contract, Described as Australia’s Biggest for the Resources Industry, is Based on the $40 Billion Greater Gorgon Gas Project but the Head Contract for Chevron’s Operations in Australia’s Northwest Potentially Opens Up Services for Other Chevron Projects in the Region.

These Include the $20 Billion Wheatstone Domestic Gas and Export Lng Project, on Which a Final Investment Decision is Expected in 2011.

The Initial Deal, Which Extends to 2016 and Also Includes a Link Between Karratha and Barrow Island, is Worth About $170 Million but Could Generate Work Worth More Than $250 Million for Cobham Australia.

As First-tier Aviation Supplier to Chevron, the Australian Subsidiary of Aerospace Group Cobham Plc Will Sub-contract Some Local Services, Including a Likely Ferry Role for Karratha Flying Services.

As the Massive Gorgon Joint Venture of Chevron, Exxonmobil and Shell is Developed, Cobham Will Use Two, 100-seat Rj100s – With the Second Due to Come Into Service in 2011 – and Three Bae 146s, One of Which is Already Operating on the Route. The Other Two Will Come From Cobham’s Existing Fleet.

The First Rj100 is Due in Cobham Australia’s Adelaide Base on Lease From British Aerospace in the Uk in January for a Complete Fit-out, Including New Seating Described as “business Class Style” by a Spokesman.

Cobham Australia’s Chief Executive Peter Nottage Said the Contract Added to New Work Worth More Than $200 Million Secured During 2009, Including a Five Year Extension of Its Overnight Freight Services for Australian Air Express.

The Gorgon Deal Positioned the Company for Further Growth in the Resources Sector, He Said.

The Contract Involves Strict Environmental and Quarantine Provisions to Prevent Any Contamination on Barrow Island, Including Special Cabin Sealing and a Quarantine-compliant Terminal Facility to Be Built at Perth Airport.

Airline Briefs

* Emirates Started a Third Daily Dubai-sydney Service on December 2. The Additional Service Was Initially Flown Four Times Weekly With a Boeing 777-200lr, Rising to Daily Frequencies From January 2. Emirates Says That With the Flights Departing at Sydney at 6am That It Will Allow for Closer Connections to Its European Services From Dubai.

* Philippine Airlines Has Announced That It Will Start Twice Weekly Services From to Brisbane From March 16. The Flights Will Be Operated by an A330-300, and Will Operate on a Manila-melbourne-brisbane Routing.

Environment

Icao to Establish Alternative Fuels Framework

Icao Member Countries Have Agreed on a Global Framework and Implementation of Alternative Fuels for the Aviation Industry.

The Global Framework on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (Gfaaf), Which Was Adopted at a Conference Convened by Icao in Rio De Janeiro Between November 16-19, is a Dynamic Web-based Document That Will Serve as a Global Platform for the Sharing of Information, Best Practices and Future Initiatives by Icao Member States and the Air Transport Industry. It Will Be Located on the Icao Website and Updated Continually.

“within 10 Years, 10 Per Cent of the Fuel Used by International Aviation Could Come From Sustainable Alternative Sources. This Will Not Only Substantially Reduce the Impact of Aviation Emissions on the Environment but Will Also Help Address Issues of Economics and Supply Security,” Said Raymond Benjamin, Icao Secretary General.

The Gfaaf Forms Part of a Declaration and Related Recommendations Adopted by the Conference, Which Will Be Brought to the Un’s Climate Change Talks Scheduled in Copenhagen Next Month. The Declaration Will Subsequently Be Presented to the Icao’s Triennial Assembly in the Northern Autumn of 2010.

Qantas Launches Recycling on Domestic Flights Qantas Has Formed a New Partnership With Closed Loop Recycling Which Will See the Airline Introduce Onboard Recycling on Its Domestic Flights.

“under the New Initiative We Plan to Recycle Approximately Eight and a Half Million Bottles, Cups, Tumblers and Cans Per Year From Domestic Services,” Said Ceo Alan Joyce. “the Inflight Recycling Program Also Complements Established Recycling Programs in Selected Qantas Clubs in Australia for Paper, Cardboard and Glass. ” Joyce Added That the Program Adds to the Qantas Group’s Goal of Reducing Landfill by 25 Per Cent by 2011, and Reflects Its Commitment to Sustainability.

Environment Briefs

* Klm Has Become the First Carrier to Complete a Biofuel Flight With Passengers on Board After Undertaking a Special Test Flight on November 23. Klm Used a Camelina Derived Fuel in a 50/50 Mix to Power One Engine on a Boeing 747-400, Which Operated a One Hour Round Flight From Amsterdam/schiphol. The Flight Carried 40 Invited Guests as Passengers, Including a Number of Dutch Government Officials and Klm Ceo Peter Hartman.

* Embraer, General Electric and Amyris Signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 18 Which Will See the Companies Collaborate on the Development of Renewable Jet Fuels. Under the Partnership, Embraer is Planning to Conduct a Test Flight of a Biofuel Derived From Sugar Cane Developed by Amyris on an E-jet Belonging to Brazilian Airline Azul Linhas Aereas in 2012.

Airports

Mel Concourse Opens

a New Passenger Concourse at Melbourne Airport’s International Terminal Was Officially Opened on December 2, Marking the First Stage of the Airport’s Terminal Expansion Project.

The 7000m² Concourse Expansion Was Opened by Victorian Minister for Industry and Trade Martin Pakula and Allows Terminal Two to Handle a Further Three Aircraft Parking Bays Including Two Gates With Dual-level Aerobridges to Accommodate the A380. The Second Stage of the $330 Million Terminal Redevelopment Project Will Add More Than 5000m² of New Passenger Lounges, Cafes, Duty Free Shops and Other Retail Space in the Terminal, and is Due for Completion by the End of 2011.

Adelaide Work Set to Begin

Site Works for the First Stage of $310 Million Worth of Redevelopment at Adelaide Airport Are Expected to Start in July, Reports Chris Milne.

A Major Development Plan for the Airport Should Be Completed by the End of January and Made Available for Public Comment in February, Before Being Lodged With Infrastructure & Transport Minster Anthony Albanese.

Provided It is Approved, Work Would Begin in July on Building a Multi-storey Car Park, a Pedestrian Plaza With Retail Outlets at the Front of Terminal One, and a New Access Road Network, John Mcardle, Corporate Affairs Manager for Adelaide Airport Ltd, Said.

The New Car Park Will Accommodate 2000 Vehicles, Compared With the Present Open-air Capacity of 800.

Mcardle Said the First Stage Would Cost Between $90 Million and $100 Million.

The Board Had Approved Funding for Further Works Over the Next Five Years, Including Additional Bays for Jet Aircraft, With Two New Aerobridges Expected to Be Installed, and Relocation Within the Expanded Terminal of the Regional Passenger Facility Used by Regional Express.

Also in the Plans is a New Home for the Historic Vickers Vimy Aircraft, Flown From England to Australia by Local Aviators Sir Keith and Sir Ross Smith in 1919.

As Previously Foreshadowed in Australian Aviation, the Redevelopment Will Ban Private Vehicles From the Front of the Terminal, With New Set-down and Pick-up Areas for Passengers, Under New Security Requirements.

Total Costs for the Five Year Plan Are Estimated at $310 Million. The Original T1 Project  Cost $260 Million, With the Terminal Opening in 2005.

Airport Briefs

* Map Airports Limited (Formerly Macquarie Airports) Has Said That It Would Be Interested in Acquiring Qantas’s Terminal 3 at Sydney Airport if It Was Put Up for Sale. “sydney Airport, With the Right Parameters, Would Look at T3 if the Opportunity Arose,” Ceo Kerrie Mather Told the ‘australian Financial Review’. Map Holds a 74 Per Cent Stake in Sydney Airport, and Made a Previous Attempt in 2006 to Acquire the Terminal.

General Aviation

Victoria’s Big Bombers

the Victorian Government is Issuing a Tender to Lease a Boeing 747 or Dc-10 Water Bombing Aircraft for the Summer as Part of Plans to Head Off a Repeat of the Devastating Fires Experienced in the Previous Fire Season.

“large Aircraft That Can Carry Up to Eight Times the Water or Retardant of Smaller Firefighting Aircraft Are Untrialled in Australian Conditions and Victoria Will Lead the Way in Testing Their Ability to Help Fight Fires This Season,” Police and Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron Said on November 9.

“some Large Firefighting Aircraft Can Lay a Continuous Line of Retardant or Water 30 Metres Wide for 1. 2 Kilometres and We’d Trial How the Big Machines Can Be Used for Immediate Attack When a Fire is Small, Their Impact on a Developing Fire to Help Contain It, or for a Control Line on a Going Fire,” He Added.

According to Some Newspapers, the Aircraft Would Be Based at Avalon Airport From January to March, Could Reach Anywhere in Victoria Within 45 Minutes, and Be Able to Lay Down 10 Times More Liquid Than the Erickson Skycrane Heavy Helicopters Which Have Traditionally Been Used in the Worst Bushfires. The Aircraft Could Also Be Offered to Other States in the Event of a Major Bushfire Emergency.

Modified Dc-10s and 747s Have Been Used by Authorities in North America to Combat Forest Fires, but Have Generally Been Seen as Too Expensive and Inflexible for Operating in Australia. However, in December 2008 Casa Granted an Exemption to Super Spread Aviation to Operate Dc-10 N17085 to Operate the Aircraft on Aerial Firefighting Duties.

Turbo Airvan Certified in Us, Europe the Us Faa and European Aviation Safety Agency Have Certificated the Turbocharged Gippsland Aeronautics Ga8-tc 320 Airvan.

Several Ga8-tc 320 Airvans Have Already Been Delivered to Customers in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, While One is Already in Europe Where It Will Shortly Be Registered in France to Skydive Operator Chutextrem. Deliveries to North American Customers Will Begin in Early 2010.

The Tc 320 Airvan is Powered by a Turbocharged Lycoming Tio-540-ah1a 320hp (240kw) Engine Driving a Three-blade Hartzell Propeller, Which Increases the Aircraft’s Performance at Altitude Compared to the Normally-aspirated Airvan.

Meanwhile Both Models of the Ga8 Airvan Subsequently Received Type Certification in Argentina, as the Company Targets Potential Markets in South America. Gippsland Aeronautics Says That It Has Also Commenced Work on Certificating the Aircraft for Operations in Chile, Which is Expected to Be Completed in the Next Quarter.

Rfds Wins Nsw Air Ambulance Contract

the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Rfds) South Eastern Section Has Been Awarded a Contract to Continue Operating Fixed-wing Patient Retrievals on Behalf of the Ambulance Service of New South Wales.

Under the New Agreement Which Runs to 2021, the Rfds Will Provide Aircraft, Crew and Engineers for Nsw Ambulance. The Rfds Currently Operates Four Beechcraft King Air 200s as Air Ambulances, With Two Larger King Air 350s to Enter the Fleet From 2012.

“we Could Not Be Happier With Today’s Outcome, and We Look Forward to Continuing to Work in Partnership With the Ambulance Service of Nsw on the Delivery of This Vital Service to Rural, Regional and Remote Residents,” Said Rfds South Eastern Section Executive Director Clyde Thomson.

The Win is a Boost for the Rfds, Which Recently Lost Its Air Ambulance Contract With the Victorian Government to a Bid by Regional Express Subsidiary Pel-air. Pel-air is Understood to Have Also Placed a Bid for the Nsw Contract.

Airservices Scholarship Applications Open Airservices Australia Has Opened Applications for 11 $6000 Scholarships It is Offering Prospective Pilots During 2010 Which Will Assist in Covering Some Costs of Flight Training to Either Private or Commercial Pilot Licence Level.

Airservices Will Provide the Funds, Which Will Be Awarded Through a Number of Groups With Different Criteria. The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Will Award Four Scholarships, Which Will Require Candidates to Undertake a Trial Instruction Flight With a Member Flying School to Assess Their Suitability for Formal Training, With Applications Closing on February 23 2020. Four Scholarships Will Be Awarded by the Australian Women Pilots’ Association to Members Over 18 Years of Age Who Have Started Flying Training, With Entries Closing on January 31 2010. Finally, Three Scholarships Will Be Awarded by Aopa Australia.

Solar Powered Uav for Fire Tracking? Queensland University of Technology Engineers Are Creating a Solar Powered Uav Capable of Providing 24-hour Coverage to Emergency Services.

Designed by Phd Student Wessam Al Sabban and Aerospace Avionics Engineering Supervisor Dr Felipe Gonzalez, the Green Falcon Solar Uav Has Completed Its Preliminary Flight Testing and With Further Development and Funding Could Be Available for Use in the Next Year.

Dr Gonzalez Said That as the Aircraft is Fitted With Infrared Cameras, a Natural Application of the Uav Could Be Providing Remote Sensing and Visual Data Capability to Monitor Fires or Other Disasters. “unlike Manned Aircraft, Which Have Restricted Air Time, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Could Provide 24 Hours Surveillance and Coverage of Disaster Areas,” He Said.

“solar Energy Runs the Green Falcon by Day and Charges Its Battery for Night Power, Which Discharges Slowly Until Morning When a New Cycle Starts. ” the Team Designed the Solar Uav for the Rmit University 2009 Design Challenge – Fire, Which Challenged Researchers and Specialists to Generate Design Proposals in Response to Bushfire Events, Including Fire Prevention and Planning, Emergency Response, Mitigation of Fire Impact, and Post-fire Regeneration in Communities. The Green Falcon Was One of Only Six Finalists From More Than 75 Researchers, Industry and Community Experts, and 35 Projects.

Ga Briefs

* Brisbane Airport Corporation Has Announced a New Sponsorship Arrangement With the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Queensland Where the Airport Will Become Its Principal Sponsor.

Business Aviation.

* a 1930s Style Aircraft Control Tower Was Opened on November 7 at Luskintyre Airfield in Honour of the Late Pioneering Aviatrix Nancy-bird Walton. The 16m High Tower Features Three Viewing Levels, Including a 15sq M Viewing Area at the Base With a Garden Featuring Nancy-bird Camelias. Erected Beside the Memorial Tower is a 16m Flagpole, Featuring a Large Australian Flag.

G650 Flies

Gulfstream Aerospace’s New Flagship G650 Widebody Ultra Long Range Business Jet Made Its First Flight From Savannah, Georgia, on November 25.

Flown by Experimental Test Pilot Jake Howard and Senior Experimental Test Pilot Tom Horne, the G650 Took Off From Savannah/hilton Head International Airport at 1341 Local Time With Flight Engineer Bill Osborne on Board. However, the Flight Was Curtailed After a Vibration in the Landing Gear Door Curtailed the Testing Regimen as a Precautionary Measure and the Aircraft Landed 12 Minutes Later.

“we Are Pleased to Announce That the G650 Successfully Completed Its First Flight Today,” Said Pres Henne, Senior Vp Programs, Engineering and Test. “systems Were Fully Operational. The Aircraft Achieved an Altitude of 6600ft and a Speed of 170kt. Flight Controls and Characteristics Performed as Expected. We Consider This Flight a Success and Look Forward to Pursuing Our Full Flight Test Plan. ” the G650 Then Subsequently Passed a Series of Key Flight Tests After Its Maiden Flight Was Cut Short, With a One Hour and 45 Minute Flight Evaluating the Aircraft’s Handling Qualities, Engine Operability and Flaps, While a Number of Key Avionics, Hydraulics, Electrical Generation, Cabin Environmental and Flight Control Systems Were Also Tested.

The G650 is Scheduled to Achieve Type Certification in 2011, With Entry Into Service Due in 2012.

Phenom 300 Certified

Embraer’s Phenom 300 Light Business Jet Has Been Certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority.

“we Are Very Happy to Announce That the Phenom 300 Has Not Only Met All Original Specification Targets, but Has Also Surpassed Many Performance Goals,” Said Luís Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Jets Executive Vice President, in a December 3 Statement.

Us Faa and European Easa Cerification Was Expected “within Weeks”, Embraer Said at the Time of Brazilian Certification.

Embraer Says the Phenom 300’s Stick Price Will Be Us$8. 14m With Effect From February.

Emissions Reduction Strategy for Business Aviation the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (Gama) and the International Business Aviation Council (Ibac) Have Joined Forces to Establish an Emissions Reduction Strategy for the Business Aviation Sector.

The Strategy Sets Forth Three Goals for Reducing Emissions, Which Are to Achieve Carbon Neutral Growth by 2020, Improving Fuel Efficiency an Average of Two Per Cent Per Annum Up to 2020 and a 50 Per Cent Reduction in Total Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 2050, Compared to 2005 Levels.

“business Aviation Manufacturers and Operators Will Put Forth a Sustained Effort to Meet These Targets, but a Strong Partnership Between Industry and Government is Also Absolutely Necessary to Achieve These Goals,” Said Gama President and Ceo, Pete Bunce. “we Look Forward to Working Hand-in-hand With All Stakeholders to Meet This Critical Global Challenge of Emissions Reduction Even as We Grow to Meet Expanding Demand for Transportation. ”

Finance Tiger’s Big Loss

Tiger Aviation Holdings, the Parent Company of Tiger Airways Singapore and Australia, Has Recorded a Loss of S$50. 8m (a$40m) for the Financial Year to March 31, According to a Regulatory Filing by the Company.

According to the Herald Sun Newspaper, the Accounts Also Show That Tiger’s Australian Operations Stripped S$20m (a$15. 8m) From the Parent Company’s Cash Reserves, Leaving It With Only S$13. 2m (a$10. 4m) in Cash. It Also Claims That the Tiger Group’s Liabilities Increased to S$296m (a$233. 5m), While Assets Were Valued at Only S$187m (a$147. 5m).

The Result is a Major Turnaround From the S$9m (a$7. 1m) Profit Recorded by Tiger in the Previous Year, and is Much Higher Than Previously Expected. Costs in Ramping Up Its Australian Operations, as Well as the Competitive Marketplace Forcing Down Ticket Prices, Are Thought to Be the Main Drivers Behind the Large Loss.

Support

Qal Launches Training Partnership Queensland Airports Limited (Qal) Launched an Industry Partnership Aimed at Addressing Workforce Development Issues in the Aviation Industry on November 19.

Involving Qal, Wagga Wagga Airport, Northern Territory Airports and Nsw Tafe – Riverina Institute, the Consortium Will Develop an E-learning Multiple Year Program Aimed at Enhancing Skills Within the Aviation Sector in a Flexible Environment. Seed Funding of $75,000 for the First Year of the Project Has Been Provided by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, With Up to $200,000 Expected to Be Funded Over Three Years.

“the Program Has Been Developed as a Practical Way to Overcome the Common Occurrence of Issues Such as Time, Distance and the Operational Nature of the Aviation Industry,” Said Qal Managing Director Dennis Chant.

“regional and Remote Operators Who Historically Haven’t Had Access to the Resources Required for Skill Enhancement Will Be the Key Beneficiaries. ” the Consortium Will Showcase This Project at the Upcoming 2009 Industry E-learning Showcase and Exhibition, a National Event Held on November 24 in Melbourne.

Draft Maintenance Regs Published Casa Has Released New Draft Regulations on Maintenance of Aircraft Under Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Parts 42, 66, 145 and 147 for Public Comment.

Casa Originally Opened Public Comment on Its Proposed “maintenance Suite” or Regulations Across the Various Casrs in 2006, but the Draft Regulations Were Not Available. The Authority Has Now Made Them Available and is Seeking Further Comment on the Proposed Changes, Which Establish the Revised Regulatory Framework for Continuing Airworthiness, Maintenance Personnel Licensing, Maintenance Organisations and Maintenance Training Organisations.

Comment Was Open Until December 18, With the Proposed Changes Available on the Casa Website.

New Support Packages for Fokker Operators Fokker Services Launched a Range of New Support Packages Under the Flyfokker Brand for Current and Potential Operators of Fokker 50s and 100s at the Dubai Airshow.

The Flyfokker Package Comprises Four Separate Solutions. The Take Off Solution is Aimed at Startup Operators, and Helps Reduce Time to Operations From Six Months to Six Weeks, Including an Option to Use Acmi Aircraft Operated by Denim Air. The Take Care Package is for Mature Fokker Operators and Aims to Increase Dispatch Reliability and Reduce Direct Operating Costs. The Take Over Package is for Operators Moving on to Other Aircraft, While Take Next is Focused on Preparing Aircraft for the Next Operator.

Fokker Services Says That There Are Over 700 Fokker Aircraft Still in Service Around the World Which Are Still Economically Viable. Locally, Alliance Airlines, Skywest and Network Aviation Operate Fleets of Fokker 50 Turboprops and Fokker 100 Jets, Primarily on Mining Charter Services.

Air Safety

Casa to Audit Rex and Pel-air After Westwind Ditching

Casa is Conducting a Special Audit of Regional Express and Its Pel-air Subsidiary Following the Ditching of Pel-air Iai Westwind Vh-nga Into the Sea Off Norfolk Island on the Evening of November 18 After the Aircraft Ran Low on Fuel While Attempting to Land on the Island in Poor Weather.

“casa’s Special Audit is Being Carried Out in Addition to an Investigation of the Accident by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. The Casa Audit Will Not Pre-empt the Findings of This Investigation,” Casa Said in a Statement Issued on November 23.

“areas to Be Examined Include Fuel Policies and Practice, Flightplanning, Inflight Operations During Changing Weather Conditions, the Check and Training of Pilots, Safety Management Systems and the Inter-relationships Between Pel-air and Regional Express. ” Casa Says That It Has Written to Pel-air and Rex Requesting a Number of Documents Be Supplied, While It Has Also Requested an Interview With Captain Dominic James Who Was the Pilot in Command of the Aircraft When It Ditched.

Vh-nga Was Operating a Careflight International Aeromedical Evacuation Flight From Apia in Western Samoa to Melbourne When It Made a Successful Emergency Night Ditching Near Norfolk Island After Apparent Fuel Exhaustion After Encountering “deteriorating Weather Conditions”.

“after Several Unsuccessful Approaches and With Diminishing Fuel, the Pilot-in-command, Captain Dominic James, Made the Decision to Carry Out a Controlled Landing Onto the Water Off the Coast of Norfolk Island,” a Joint Pel-air/careflight Statement Read.

“the Aircraft, a Specially-equipped Medical Retrieval Westwind Jet, Carried Out a Successful Landing on the Water and the Patient, Accompanying Spouse and Two Medical Crew as Well as the Pilots Evacuated Safely. They Were Rescued by Boat and Brought to the Local Norfolk Island Hospital for Observation. The Captain Reported That All Passengers and Crew Did Not Have Any Apparent Injuries. ” According to Reports It Took Rescuers 90 Minutes to Find and Rescue the Passengers and Crew From the Water, With the Aircraft Sinking Soon After the Ditching. Three of the Six Were Wearing Lifejackets, While the Liferaft Was Not Deployed.

The Ditching Has Sparked Much Debate in the Pilot Community, Particularly Over the Apparent Lack of Fuel for an Alternate to Norfolk Island.

Faa to Review Casa Casa Has Announced That the Us Federal Aviation Administration (Faa) Has Accepted an Invitation to Conduct a Review of Australian Air Safety Systems.

Faa Staff Will Arrive in Australia During the Week Starting November 30 to Commence the Review, Which Will Examine Aspects of the Country’s Aviation Safety Regulation and Safety Oversight Framework, Particularly in Reference to Icao Standards and Recommended Practices. Casa Says That the Review is a Routine Part of the Faa’s International Audit Program for Nations Whose Airlines Fly to the Us. “australian Aviation Has a Proud Safety Record With One of the Most Rigorous Regulatory Frameworks in the World,” Said Casa Ceo John Mccormick. “i Am Pleased the Us Federal Aviation Administration Has Accepted Casa’s Invitation to Visit Australia During 2009. ”

Atc & Airspace

Qantas Trials Melbourne Rnp

Qantas Commenced Trials of Rnp (Required Navigation Performance) Procedures at Melbourne Airport on December 3, Which It Believes Will Help Cut the Environmental Impact of Its Flights.

“rnp Utilises Gps Technology That Allows Pilots to Optimise Flight Approach and Departure Tracks,” Explained Qantas Group Executive Government and Corporate Affairs David Epstein. “this Results in Shorter Flightpaths Which Reduces Impact on the Community as We Don’t Have Aircraft in the Air as Long, and of Course, Reduces Qantas’s Carbon Footprint by Limiting the Amount of Fuel Emissions We Are Generating. ” Melbourne is Now the 16th Australian Port Where Qantas Has Trialled Rnp Procedures With Its Fleet of Boeing 737-800s. Airservices Australia Has Committed to the of Rnp at 28 Airports Around Australia Over the Next Five Years, Making It the First National Pbn Network in the World.

Airspace Changes for Williamtown/newcastle

Casa Has Announced Changes to Airspace Arrangements in the Williamtown/newcastle Area Following a Review of a Number of Studies by the Organisation’s Office of Airspace Regulation.

From November 19, Class E Airspace Will Apply From 4500ft Up to 8500ft When Atc is Not Operating, and Class E Airspace Aircraft Operating to Instrument Flight Rules Will Be Provided With Separation by en Route Air Traffic Controllers From Brisbane Centre.

It is Expected the New Class E Regulations Will Only Operate on Weekends and During the Adf’s Christmas Stand Down Period When Military Atc Controllers Are Not on Duty.

Atc & Airspace Briefs

* Airservices Australia Has Completed Its 100th Upgraded Transmitter as Part of a Major Project to Upgrade Its Vhf Radio Communication Network Across Australia. The Latest Upgraded Transmitter Entered Service During November at Table Mountain, Rockhampton, and is Part of the $46 Million Vhf System Upgrade Project, Which is Due for Completion in Mid 2010. The System Upgrade Will Enhance Reliability and Allow Remote Monitoring and Defect Rectification by Airservices Technical Staff and Also Introduces Additional System Redundancy and Back-up Capability.

* Ge Aviation Has Announced That It Will Acquire Performance-based Navigation Services Provider Naverus, Which Develops Required Navigation Performance (Rnp) and Performance Based Navigation (Pbn) Procedures for a Number of Airports Around the World. Ge Says That It Expects to Gain Synergies From Being Able to Integrate Naverus’s Rnp Technology With Its Aviation’s Systems Business’s Suite of Avionics and Flight Management Systems.

Captions

747-8 Emerges the First 747-8 Freighter Was Towed Out of the Everett, Washington, Factory on November 12 in Preparation to Start Its Flight Test Program. (Boeing)

Go for Grizzly the Us Dod Has Approved the Ea-18g Growler, or ‘grizzly’ as It Will Be Known Colloquially in Us Navy Service, for Full Rate Production Following It Being Declared Operationally Effective and Suitable for Service Entry in Late July. The Usn Has to Date Taken Delivery of About 15 Growlers Out of an Initial Low Rate Production Order for 34 Aircraft, While a Full Rate Production Contract Should See an Additional 54 Aircraft Ordered Over a Multi-year Period.

Raaf Uav A45-262, the First of an Unspecified Number of Iai Heron Uavs to Be Operated in Support of Australian and Coalition Security and Reconstruction Forces in Afghanistan. Refer Text for Details. (Dept of Defence)

New Qantas A380s Qantas Was Due to Take Delivery of Two Further A380s, Msns 027 and 029 – Pictured Here at Hamburg, in December. Those Deliveries, Plus Two Others Planned for December, Were to Take Total A380 Deliveries for 2009 to 11, One Fewer Than in 2008.

G650 Flies Gulfstream New Flagship G650 Made Its First Flight From Savannah, Georgia, on November 25. Refer Text for Details. (Gulfstream)

Army Fixed Wing Flying Ceases the Army Has Formally Signed Over Its Three King Air 350s, Which Were Operated by 173 Squadron, to the Raaf.

16 Brigade (Aviation) Commander Brigadier Shayne Elder and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin Signed the Aircraft Handover Documents at Raaf Townsville on November 20. The Three Ex Army King Airs and Five New Build Aircraft Will Now Be Operated by 38 Squadron as an ‘interim Light Transport’, Replacing 38sqn’s Retiring Caribou Tactical Transports. Meanwhile 173 Squadron is to Re-equip With Kiowa Helicopters and Will Operate From Holsworthy Army Barracks, South of Sydney, Taking on an Operational Support and Training Role. See Rotor Torque This Issue for Details.

Singapore F-15 Sqn Established the Republic of Singapore Air Force (Rsaf) Has Established Its First F-15sg Squadron at Mountain Home Afb in the Us State of Idaho. The 428th Fighter Training Squadron, a Combined Usaf/rsaf Unit Whose Aircraft Wear Mountain Home (Mo) Tail Codes, Will Operate 10 F-15sgs, Which Are Advanced Derivatives of the Usaf’s F-15e Strike Eagle. Singapore Has Ordered 20 F-15sgs, and About 250 Singaporean Personnel and Their Families Will Rotate Through Mountain Home as Part of Their Training Regimes. (Usaf)

Af-1 Flies the First Production Optimised F-35a Jsf, Af-1, Takes to the Air for the First Time on November 13. (Lockheed Martin)

Mantis Flies in Sa the Bae Systems Mantis Uav Completed Its First Flight at the Woomera Range in South Australia Recently, Bae Announced on November 13. The Mantis is a Large Medium Altitude Long Endurance (Male) Uav With Twin Pusher Turboprop Engines Mounted on Rear Fuselage Sponsons, and Was Displayed in Mockup Form at the 2009 Avalon Airshow. Bae is Using the Woomera Range Due to Airspace Restrictions in the Uk and Europe. The Mantis is Designed to Be Quickly Broken Down and Air Transportable to a Forward Operating Location, and Will Be Able to Carry a Wide Range of Sensors.

New Colours Skytrans Revealed Its New Livery in December on Its Latest Dash 8 Acquisition, Vh-qqh, an Ex Us Airways Aircraft Delivered to Cairns in October. Separately, Skytrans Was One of Three Successful Tenderers for Ex Macair Queensland Government Subsidised Routes. Refer Text for More. (Paul Howard)

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