Preflight

“We are hugely excited knowing that in less than a year Air New Zealand will be the first airline to take the 787-9 into commercial service,” chief executive officer Christopher Luxon said.

“We look forward to welcoming the first of our 10 new 787-9s into our fleet mid next year. ” In all, 25 customers have ordered 388 787-9s, with the variant accounting for 40 per cent of all 787 orders received to date. Not included in that number is Qantas, which has options and purchase rights for up to 50 787-9s.

BAE goes civil with Tigerair maintenance contract

As Qantas conducts long-awaited review of Avalon heavy maintenance

BAE Systems is diversifying its Australian business portfolio with Tigerair awarding it a five-year contract to provide base maintenance services. It is the first non-military engineering support contract BAE has won in Australia.

BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director Steve Drury described the new contract as a strategic opportunity for the company to enter an adjacent market.

“This is our first major commercial aircraft maintenance contract and we are pleased to be providing capability for a major Australian domestic airline,” Drury said.

To support the Tigerair business, BAE Systems has attained CASA 145 accreditation to deliver line maintenance up to and including A-checks for the A319/A320/A321 family. BAE Systems’ commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul capability has been built on its longstanding aircraft sustainment support to the Australian Defence Force.

“BAE Systems is the first company in Australia to start an independent commercial aircraft maintenance operation from a greenfield site and our partnership with Tigerair is an important first step in establishing a long-term business in this area,” Drury added.

Tigerair Australia CEO, Rob Sharp, said the arrangement would support the airline’s planned growth over the coming years.

Meanwhile Qantas is reviewing the future of its heavy maintenance base in Avalon, Victoria. The continued retirement of 747s, which had been overhauled at Avalon, has significantly reduced workload there and spurred consideration of a significant downsizing or closure of the facility.

Qantas Domestic CEO Lyell Strambi said Avalon “was becoming sub-scale and inefficient because Qantas was gradually retiring its fleet of 747s and replacing them with new generation aircraft”.

“Over the next few years we will have periods of up to three months at a time when there will be no maintenance work in the hangars at Avalon. In fact, there will be no scheduled maintenance for the equivalent of five months each year for the next four years, starting in March 2014,” Strambi said.

In 2004, Qantas had 36 747s in its fleet, while today there are 15 and in three years 10.

This is our first major commercial aircraft maintenance contract.

First RAAF F-35 fuselage takes shape

The first F-35 for Australia, AU-1, has entered Lockheed Martin’s final assembly line, with the aircraft now undergoing the mate process where its fuselage and wings are joined.

After mate AU-1 will make its way down the Fort Worth assembly line and roll out of the factory for handover to the RAAF in 2014.

Northrop Grumman had earlier delivered the centre fuselage section for the first RAAF F-35A to Lockheed Martin on September 23.

“This centre fuselage will be incorporated into the first F-35 for the RAAF and will be delivered in 2014 for pilot training,” said Brian Chappel, vice president of the F-35 program for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “The first Australian centre fuselage was inducted into our Integrated Assembly Line at Palmdale last October and now we’ve delivered it, marking yet another milestone achievement for the F-35 program. ” The fuselage for the second jet, AU-2, is one of 35 centre fuselages “in flow” on the NG assembly line.

AU-1 and sistership AU-2 will be based in the US for pilot training.

Australia so far has contracted for two of a planned fleet of up to 100 F-35s. A decision on further F-35s is expected next year.

Meanwhile, the F-35 fleet has surpassed 10,000 flight hours

Netherlands confirms F-35 selection

The Netherlands government has formally selected the F-35 to replace its fleet of F-16s, agreeing to purchase 37 in what culminates a lengthy assessment, the decision based on creating a “a high-tech, future-oriented air force”.

In a statement announcing the selection, the government said: “From a military operational perspective the F-35 offers the greatest number of options. It is also the most future-proof option.

“The aircraft is best able to deal with the proliferation of mobile air defence systems and offers vastly improved observation capabilities, which are of great value in any type of mission. In addition, the aircraft offers great potential for follow-on development, particularly in the area of network-enabled operations. Also important are the possibilities for international cooperation in areas such as training, sustainment and deployment. ” The decision comes after a process of almost 15 years’ assessment by the Netherlands. Ultimately, a key aspect of the selection of the F-35 was the government’s ability to secure onshore work for the Dutch aerospace industry.

“The decision also consolidates the opportunities for the Dutch industry to gain contracts for high-quality work, both in the production of the F-35 and in the sustainment phase.

“The cutbacks in defence budgets which many NATO member states, including the Netherlands, are facing demand careful consideration and astute choices. Above all, opting for a modest number of the best aircraft attests to a sense of reality.

“The F-16 replacement will be conducted entirely within a previously agreed budget of €4. 5 billion and within the current F-16 operating budget of €270 million a year.

“As the cost per unit and the operating costs for the F-35 are as yet not definite, there will be a contingency reserve of ten per cent for the investments and the operating costs,” the government said.

It is anticipated the Dutch F-35s will be introduced from the beginning of 2019. The last F-16s would be decommissioned in the mid-2020s.

CASA Chief dispels part 61 concerns

Ahead of the introduction of new regulations in December, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is mounting a final communications campaign that the authority’s chief, John McCormick, said is to “dispel any concerns that may have developed within the aviation community”.

In a letter to pilots to describe the new licensing regulations that come into effect on December 4, McCormick outlined the impact the new regulations would have on Australian pilots.

“Unfortunately, there have been claims the new Part 61 rules may prevent people from continuing to hold a pilot licence,” McCormick continued. “This is most definitely not the case. Most pilots will not notice any change as a result of the introduction of Part 61 licences.

For other pilots there will be some changes, a number of which simplify requirements, and others which introduce new or alternative requirements. For the majority of Australian pilots, the introduction of Part 61 simply means you will at some stage over the next four years be issued with a new licence with a different format and slightly different terminology. ” CASA said the reforms will put in place a range of safety measures that “streamline the rules for aviation and benefit the aviation community by providing safety standards and regulations”, while emphasising the new regulations were aligned with international best practice and are “responsive to advances in global aviation”.

The authority also said the changes have been developed in close consultation with industry and provide long transition times to ensure industry is best placed to meet the new standards.

“Your current flying rights will continue under your Part 61 licence and you will be able to operate the same aircraft in the same way after your new licence is issued,” McCormick continued. “There are some changes to flight review requirements, although proficiency checks are broadly in line with current requirements. Your current licence continues to be a valid licence for the next four years or until you get your new Part 61 licence. ” Under the planned changes, CASA has said the new rules reduce red tape and devolve more licensing functions to the aviation industry. It added that many makes and models of aircraft will be covered by a more flexible class rating system that reduces paperwork and costs.

“There is a new recreational pilot licence which has less onerous requirements, including the option of a different medical standard.

Subject to the application of specific risk mitigations, this has the effect of permitting people meeting these new medical standards to continue flying whereas in the past this would not be the case. ” The changes to pilot licensing are part of a broader raft of new regulations that will also include engineering, flight training and operations, maintenance, fatigue risk management and standards for navigation, sport aviation and aerial work.

CASA said the reforms “enhance the Australian aviation industry’s interoperability with other countries around the world”. The majority of the new regulations have already been implemented.

“However the remainder of the new regulations include those which have a relatively high impact on industry – the operational and flightcrew licensing regulations and maintenance regulations for general aviation,” CASA admitted.

National awards recognise achievers

Canberra Airport has been awarded Capital City Airport of the Year at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards. The airport’s CEO Stephen Byron also received the Special Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Airport Industry.

Canberra won the award for its $480 million redevelopment of the terminal precinct in which “the largest private sector investment in Canberra’s history has delivered a world-class terminal for the national capital”.

Major Airport of the Year was won by Cairns International Airport for its T1 International Improvements Project “to transform the end-to-end journey for departing international passengers”.

The Regional Airport award for 50,000 to 499,999 passengers was won jointly by Mildura Airport and Wagga Wagga Regional Airport.

The Regional Airport award in the less than 50,000 passengers category was won by Portland Airport in Victoria.

Exmouth and Cohuna aerodromes won awards for their improvements to facilities, while Parafield Airport won for its Community Engagement Project.

A number of individuals’ efforts were recognised, including Neil Cooper of La Trobe Regional Airport, Peter Aird, District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula and Guy Thompson of Perth Airport.

Newcastle Airport expansion aspirations undeterred by federal obstacles

Enlists NSW government support for domestic and international growth plans

Newcastle Airport will double its existing terminal under an $80 million expansion program that it hopes will encourage more domestic and international services.

The airport, which is owned by local councils Port Stephens and Newcastle City, has received strong backing from the NSW government both in funding towards new developments and through policy support for the airport to expand its domestic and international reach, usefully acting as a relief valve for Sydney Airport.

The phased development of facilities will see in its initial stage changes to the existing layout of the terminal, incorporating a swing gate to allow “domestic flights one day and international the next”. It will also include expansion of the arrivals area and “infrastructure appropriate for international arrivals and departures, such as customs and quarantine rooms”.

Recent approval of an $11. 1 million grant from the NSW government will enable the first phase of expansion to begin.

At the completion of phase one, assessments will be made as to when the next stage will begin. The redevelopment will allow the Airport to seek services to other international destinations, such as New Zealand, for which there is significant demand.

When completed, Newcastle Airport will have capacity to increase domestic passenger flow from the current 1. 2 million to a potential five million annually, as well as provide permanent infrastructure to allow for international flights.

However, the Department of Defence, from which Newcastle Airport Limited (NAL) leases land and has approval for a tightly enforced limit on civil aircraft access at RAAF Base Williamtown, is likely to resist any substantial increase in scheduled services.

NAL has sought to bolster its own defences, enlisting the NSW state government, which has historically been strongly supportive of growth at Newcastle Airport, in part to relieve pressure on Sydney Airport.

In a policy decision late last year, the NSW government confirmed it would support Newcastle Airport’s efforts to call on the Commonwealth government to adjust slotNewcastle Airport will double its existing terminal under an $80 million expansion program that it hopes will encourage more domestic and international services.

The airport, which is owned by local councils Port Stephens and Newcastle City, has received strong backing from the NSW government both in funding towards new developments and through policy support for the airport to expand its domestic and international reach, usefully acting as a relief valve for Sydney Airport.

The phased development of facilities will see in its initial stage changes to the existing layout of the terminal, incorporating a swing gate to allow “domestic flights one day and international the next”. It will also include expansion of the arrivals area and “infrastructure appropriate for international arrivals and departures, such as customs and quarantine rooms”.

Recent approval of an $11. 1 million grant from the NSW government will enable the first phase of expansion to begin.

At the completion of phase one, assessments will be made as to when the next stage will begin. The redevelopment will allow the Airport to seek services to other international destinations, such as New Zealand, for which there is significant demand.

When completed, Newcastle Airport will have capacity to increase domestic passenger flow from the current 1. 2 million to a potential five million annually, as well as provide permanent infrastructure to allow for international flights.

However, the Department of Defence, from which Newcastle Airport Limited (NAL) leases land and has approval for a tightly enforced limit on civil aircraft access at RAAF Base Williamtown, is likely to resist any substantial increase in scheduled services.

NAL has sought to bolster its own defences, enlisting the NSW state government, which has historically been strongly supportive of growth at Newcastle Airport, in part to relieve pressure on Sydney Airport.

In a policy decision late last year, the NSW government confirmed it would support Newcastle Airport’s efforts to call on the Commonwealth government to adjust slotNewcastle Airport will double its existing terminal under an $80 million expansion program that it hopes will encourage more domestic and international services.

The airport, which is owned by local councils Port Stephens and Newcastle City, has received strong backing from the NSW government both in funding towards new developments and through policy support for the airport to expand its domestic and international reach, usefully acting as a relief valve for Sydney Airport.

The phased development of facilities will see in its initial stage changes to the existing layout of the terminal, incorporating a swing gate to allow “domestic flights one day and international the next”. It will also include expansion of the arrivals area and “infrastructure appropriate for international arrivals and departures, such as customs and quarantine rooms”.

Recent approval of an $11. 1 million grant from the NSW government will enable the first phase of expansion to begin.

At the completion of phase one, assessments will be made as to when the next stage will begin. The redevelopment will allow the Airport to seek services to other international destinations, such as New Zealand, for which there is significant demand.

When completed, Newcastle Airport will have capacity to increase domestic passenger flow from the current 1. 2 million to a potential five million annually, as well as provide permanent infrastructure to allow for international flights.

However, the Department of Defence, from which Newcastle Airport Limited (NAL) leases land and has approval for a tightly enforced limit on civil aircraft access at RAAF Base Williamtown, is likely to resist any substantial increase in scheduled services.

NAL has sought to bolster its own defences, enlisting the NSW state government, which has historically been strongly supportive of growth at Newcastle Airport, in part to relieve pressure on Sydney Airport.

In a policy decision late last year, the NSW government confirmed it would support Newcastle Airport’s efforts to call on the Commonwealth government to adjust slotmanagement at Newcastle Airport to allow for more flexible scheduling during peak periods.

“The overall response from government regarding the recommendations for aviation growth and the development of an aviation policy has been extremely positive,” commented Newcastle Airport’s manager of aviation business development, David Nye.

“For many years, NSW has been competing with other states for the country’s limited aircraft capacity.

“Our neighbouring state governments in Queensland and Victoria have government-based aviation strategy and development specialists who work hard to get airlines to fly into their state. And the proof is in the pudding. Victoria has successfully had Etihad and Emirates make major route development announcements, and Queensland has forged partnerships with key Chinese carriers,” Nye added.

Newcastle Airport’s first venture into international services was in 2003 when it developed temporary facilities to accommodate international services by Air New Zealand no-frills airline Freedom Air. The services were short-lived due to lower-than-expected demand and a change to Freedom Air’s fleet deployment plans.

The plans to develop air services and facilities have been given further impetus following a change to the airport company’s corporate structure in November last year.

Both councils elected in favour of scaling down their their respective interests to enable private equity.

While each would retain a majority share, something seen as important to retain guidance over the strategic economic and social interests of the region, each council has the ability to sell 24. 5 per cent of their current equity to a third party investor.

The move breaks a long period during which the Department of Defence had been nervous about granting such a provision under the terms of the head lease between the councils and the Department lest it created further pressure on tightly-controlled access for civilian aircraft. However, with the corporate structure now permitting outside investment, the ability to attract longer-term funding to assist with major capital works would ease the debt burden for the airport and allow it to create the infrastructure necessary to fulfil its ambitions, albeit within ongoing federallyimposed constraints.

Jetstar underpins MEL T4 development

Jetstar will become the anchor tenant of Melbourne Airport’s new Terminal 4 (T4) when it’s completed in 2015.

The $400 million development, which will be located at the southern end of the airport and fully integrated with the existing terminals, will see Jetstar vacate the facilities it currently shares with Qantas.

It is likely Jetstar will be a joint tenant with Tigerair, establishing the new terminal as a quasi low-cost facility.

The T4 development is a part of Melbourne Airport’s Southern Precinct Program incorporating landside and airside infrastructure which has the potential to service 17 new aircraft parking positions and more than 10 million passengers per annum once completed.

In the last financial year Jetstar carried more than 5. 5 million passengers through Melbourne Airport.

The deal for the new terminal further consolidates Jetstar’s base of operations in Melbourne, coming soon after the airline’s announcement it is establishing its 787 engineering and training base there.

Boeing delivers final C-17 to USAF – and closes the line

Boeing has delivered the 223rd and last C-17 for the US Air Force, representing the completion of a contract signed more than 20 years ago – and just days after it announced the closure of the C-17 line in 2015.

Boeing has blamed tightening global and US defence budgets for the decision. “Our customers around the world face very tough budget environments. While the desire for the C-17’s capabilities is high, budgets cannot support additional purchases in the timing required to keep the production line open,” said Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

He added: “What’s more, here in the United States the sequestration situation has created significant planning difficulties for our customers and the entire aerospace industry.

Such uncertainty forces difficult decisions like this C-17 line closure. We will continue to make tough but necessary decisions to drive affordability and preserve our ability to invest for the future. ” “Ending C-17 production was a very difficult Boeing delivers final C-17 to USAF – and closes the line A C-17 awaiting completion at Boeing’s Long Beach production line. julian green but necessary decision,” The 22 C-17s still on the production line will be completed before nearly 3,000 workers at the main Long Beach production facility and at other locations are made redundant. Thereafter Boeing will continue after-delivery support of the worldwide C-17 fleet as part of its integrated sustainment program.

Boeing has delivered 257 C-17s, including six to the RAAF.

As the final USAF C-17 arrived at its Charleston, South Carolina base, US Air Force General Paul Selva, commander, Air Mobility Command said: “Thank you for delivering to our nation combat airlift – that is the definition of the C-17 – the most versatile, most capable, most ready airlifter ever built. ”

RFDS centre of excellence for Adelaide

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is progressing its plans to build a new “Centre of Excellence” at Adelaide Airport to upgrade and consolidate its aeromedical services and administration.

The major project is part of a proposed $90 million capital expenditure program over the next 10 years. It includes the replacement of four older Pilatus PC-12 aircraft over the next four years in the fleet of 11 aircraft which serve South Australia and central Australia from bases in Adelaide, Port Augusta and Alice Springs.

The chief executive of Central Operations, John Lynch, said the plans for the new aeromedical base in Adelaide had been helped by the RFDS winning a nine-year service agreement with the South Australian Government to provide transfer services between country and major city hospitals for emergency and specialist treatment.

The contract would be managed by the SA Ambulance Service, in partnership with the RFDS, using aircraft and crews based in Adelaide and Port Augusta.

Lynch said the SA operation averaged 15 medical flights a day – transfers from rural and regional areas to Adelaide.

Boeing reports third quarter deliveries

787s pick up pace, while 737 continues to lead deliveries

Boeing delivered 170 aircraft during the third quarter on the back of the strong recovery of 787 production, with 23 of the type delivered of a total of 40 so far this year. So far this year 476 commercial aircraft have been delivered.

Boeing’s 737 family continues to lead deliveries, with 112 of the venerable aircraft delivered in the third quarter of this year, bringing total deliveries for the 737 to 330 so far this year.

Twenty-six 777s were accepted by customer airlines during the quarter, while five 767s and four 747s were delivered.

In defence programs, Boeing delivered 11 Apache helicopters, 15 Chinooks and two C-17s. Twelve F/A-18 variants were delivered together with two P-8s.

Meanwhile, Royal Brunei Airlines has become another recent customer to receive the 787, with its first undertaking a 6,540nm (12,110km) nonstop flight from Seattle to Brunei in October.

The airline’s 787 was to begin flying regionally to Singapore on October 18 with a long-haul service to London, via Dubai, due to begin on December 1. Royal Brunei will introduce the 787 on flights to Melbourne during the second quarter of next year.

Order momentum builds for 787-10

Aircraft leasing companies are steadily building momentum for sales of the recently launched 787-10, with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) completing an order for 10 787-10s and ALC finalising an order for 30 787- 10s. ALC has also confirmed three 787-9s.

The new 787-10, launched in June 2013, will extend and complement the 787 family, carrying 300 to 330 passengers up to 7,000nm (12,964 km).

The 787-10, which will be delivered from 2018, has 102 orders and commitments from five customers.

Airbus and Boeing gain long-haul Lufthansa order

Airbus and Boeing are gaining substantial orders from Lufthansa, with the German carrier selecting both the 777-9X and up to 55 A350s for long-haul fleet re-equipment. While not disclosing the number of 777-9Xs it plans to acquire, Lufthansa has committed to 25 A350s and holds options for 30 of the aircraft, the latter convertible to the larger A350-1000. The order is a significant boost for the A350 program and builds on the manufacturer’s relationship with Lufthansa, which is its largest customer. The airline and its group subsidiaries operate all types of Airbus aircraft from the A319 to the A380. Lufthansa today operates nearly 400 Airbus and 93 Boeing aircraft within its group fleets.

New Air New Zealand livery takes flight

Air New Zealand’s first aircraft bearing the company’s new livery is taking flight on domestic servides. The new livery features the distinctive New Zealand fern.

While most of the fleet will sport this white version of the livery the airline will also continue to have a small number of signature aircraft in an all-black version. Engine manufacturer GE has announced Australian Nic Adams as one of 10 global phase one finalists in its Open Innovation Jet Engine Bracket Design Quest.

Launched in June, the competition invited individuals, companies and institutions to redesign loading brackets found on jet engines using 3D printing. The Quest combines additive manufacturing with open innovation and seeks design solutions which will not only reduce the bracket weight but also improve its strength and performance capabilities.

Sydney-based Adams said he worked with his brother to keep his design organic in order to minimise sharp corners and used a hollow structure to best distribute material and stress. Adams predicts that his winning design will reduce the weight of the jet loading brackets by 80. 4 per cent.

“After getting the final shape right with my bulletproof model, I worked to further reduce weight by removing material with circular cutouts at strategic locations,” said Adams.

Australian finalist in GE global design quest

Mark Little, senior vice president and chief technology officer, GE Global Research Center said: “We have entered into a new era of manufacturing that is leveraging the proven power of open innovation.

Additive manufacturing is allowing GE, together with the maker community, to push the boundaries of traditional engineering. These finalists have demonstrated what can be achieved by embracing this more open, collaborative model. ” As a phase one finalist, Adams will receive $1,000 and move onto the second phase, in which the jet engine bracket designs will be manufactured and subjected to load testing by GE. The second phase of the Quest will run from September 17 to November 15 and the top eight designs will receive awards from a total prize pool of $20,000.

New Air New Zealand livery takes flight Air New Zealand’s first aircraft bearing the company’s new livery is taking flight on domestic servides. The new livery features the distinctive New Zealand fern.

While most of the fleet will sport this white version of the livery the airline will also continue to have a small number of signature aircraft in an all-black version.

Airways NZ commissions worldfirst ATM system

Airlines operating into and out of Auckland are set to save tens of millions of dollars in fuel following the implementation of an integrated flow management and arrival management system.

In what is said to be a world-first deployment, airlines are already benefiting from significantly reduced airborne delays and optimised flight profiles.

Airways New Zealand partnered with global air traffic management software expert Barco Orthogon to develop and deliver a Collaborative Flow Manager (CFM) solution to eliminate airborne air traffic bottlenecks and holding patterns at New Zealand’s busiest international airport.

The integration and deployment of Barco’s OSYRIS Arrival Manager (AMAN) into Airways’ Collaborative Flow Manager has resulted in a worldleading combined flow and queue management solution, where airlines interact directly with the system to prioritise their flights according to their own business needs, taking into account available slots, runway capacity and trajectory predictions updated by the system in real-time.

The CFM component of the system manages airline requirements prior to takeoff and then matches airlines’ scheduling needs with capacity at the destination, coordinating departure and arrival slots to minimise airborne delays. Prior to top of descent, the AMAN component calculates target landing times to ensure the most efficient speed and energy profiles for aircraft arriving into Auckland based on predicted trajectories and the available runway capacity.

A point of difference with the system deployed by Airways is that the integrated system allocates an optimum standard arrival and approach profile for each aircraft, matched to that aircraft’s performance.

As a result, airborne delays at Auckland have reduced from an average of 3. 5 minutes per flight in 2007 before CFM was introduced, to an average of 23 seconds per flight in 2013 – an 89 per cent reduction.

Airlines arriving into Auckland are experiencing an additional two to four per cent reduction in delays as a direct result of the AMAN deployment into the CFM system.

Performance is expected to improve further as the system is fine-tuned over the coming months.

Attesting to the results of the system, Air New Zealand chief flight operations and safety officer Captain David Morgan said: “With a high level of airline collaboration and compliance, CFM delivered a dramatic reduction in airborne delays. The new CFM/AMAN system, combined with the use of continuous descents and track shortening RNP AR arrivals, means Airways New Zealand is well on the journey to creating a truly optimum terminal arrival experience. ”Lockheed Martin Australia, Pilatus and Hawker Pacific have announced they will team to bid for the ADF’s AIR 5428 Pilot Training System tender.

The teaming will be led by Lockheed Martin and will be marketed under the ‘Team 21’ name. Pilatus will provide its PC-21 aircraft and ground-based training systems, while Hawker Pacific would provide maintenance and logistics support. The arrangement builds on

LM, Pilatus, HP team for AIR 5428

the three companies’ successful operation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Basic Wings Program, centred around the PC-21, which operates from RAAF Base Pearce north of Perth.

“Our team builds on an existing and highly successful relationship between Lockheed Martin and Pilatus Aircraft,” said Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive Raydon Gates.

The Team 21 teaming is the second publicly-announced teaming for AIR 5428, after BAE Systems, Beechcraft and CAE announced their intention to bid for the program last month.

Tenders for AIR 5428 are due to be lodged in mid- February 2014.

RSAF celebrates 20 years of flying training at RAAF Pearce

The RAAF and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have marked 20 years of Singapore flying training at RAAF Base Pearce.

To celebrate the anniversary, the RSAF and RAAF undertook a combined flypast over Perth on September 27, with the chiefs of the Australian and Singapore air forces, Air Marshal Geoff Brown and Major General Hoo Cher Mou, reviewing a parade of RSAF 130 Squadron and RAAF 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) personnel.

Some 1,080 RAAF pilots and aircrew have graduated from Pearce during the 20-year timeframe.

“On behalf of Air Force I congratulate the Republic of Singapore Air Force on this milestone of the 20th anniversary of RSAF’s successful flying training,” AVM Brown said, adding: “The close relationship we have with our RSAF colleagues through sharing facilities and training builds effective and successful training outcomes beneficial to both countries.

“We pride ourselves in the strength of our bond with the RSAF and look forward to further advancing our joint capabilities,” he said.

RSAF’s 130 Squadron uses the Pilatus PC-21 to train future pilots at Pearce under its Basic Wings Program, a contractor-supported model operated by Lockheed Martin, Pilatus and Hawker Pacific, the same teaming which has announced plans to bid for the RAAF’s AIR 5428 program – see next item.

To coincide with the International Fleet Review and the 2013 Pacific International Maritime Exposition in early October, Australian Aviation publisher Phantom Media, in partnership with Raytheon, have made available the October issue of sister magazine Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR) as a free download on the iPad. The ADBR app features unique content (both editorial and content that highlights Raytheon’s maritime capabilities) including features on a range of aviation subjects, including AIR 7000, AIR 5428 and DSTO aerospace capabilities with a design optimised for Apple’s famous tablet computer.

The ADBR app is available to download from Apple’s app store (search for ‘ADBR’) .

Readying Romeo

Australian MH-60R readies for delivery in December

Lockheed Martin has declared it is on track to deliver the first two Australian MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopters on December 10. As the first international customer for the multi-mission helicopter, Australia is acquiring 24 aircraft through the US government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

Jack McCreary, director of International Naval Helicopter Programs, stated all of the mission equipment has now been installed in one of the anti-submarine and antisurface warfare helicopters destined for the Royal Australian Navy.

During an MH-60 program briefing on September 19 at the company’s facility in Owego, New York, he said: “Tomorrow morning [Australia’s] first Romeo will move from the last bay [where] it gets its equipment into the test bay, where we will start powering everything on and checking it off. ” The first Australian aircraft completed its initial test flight at airframe manufacturer Sikorsky’s facility in Connecticut on June 26, about six months ahead of the original schedule. The helicopter was then prepared for transit to Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training to have its mission systems and sensors fitted.

In the course of delivering his project update, McCreary outlined Australian industry involvement in building the MH-60R.

Brisbane-based Ferra Engineering is producing three pieces of equipment: the helicopter’s pair of extended pylons and its ‘diving board’, which is the mechanical structure that holds the forwardlooking infrared (FLIR) sensor.

“Ferra Engineering is building 50 per cent of the inventory from here forward, including US domestic aircraft and international aircraft,” McCreary said.

The pylons are being acquired by Lockheed Martin under the auspices of the Australian government’s Global Supply Chain (GSC) program and installed on the aircraft after delivery from Sikorsky, he explained. “We continue working on where we can expand into other areas of Australian industry,” McCreary stated.

He said Lockheed Martin is proud of its delivery performance so far, as the company typically hands over Romeo helicopters earlier than contracted. McCreary stated Lockheed Martin also ensures it achieves a very high level of production quality.

When aircraft are delivered, the US Navy carries out full inspections and puts together reports on any defects that are identified. He said 68 per cent of the helicopters are cleared as being completely defect-free.

“The other thing we and Sikorsky are quite proud of is we have never had a repeat,” McCreary said. “So we may have had a scratch in the paint one time or we may have had something that the [US] Navy found.

We will go find the root cause of how did that escape. There will be a process change made and that one will never happen again. ” At the time of the visit to Owego, three Australian aircraft had already arrived at the facility ready to undergo mission package integration work in the MH-60 hangar. The third Romeo helicopter for Navy was delivered to Lockheed Martin on September 16.

Defence certainly seems to be pleased with progress so far.

“Delivery and first flight of an Australian MH-60R aircraft in late June occurred only two years after contract signature, some six months ahead of the original schedule approved by the Australian government in 2011,” Captain Scott Lockey, AIR 9000 Phase 8 project director, said at a ceremony marking the handover of the first Australian helicopter from Sikorsky to the US Navy. “This is a magnificent outcome for our program. ”

Women aviators being attracted to industry

The RAAF continues its support of encouraging the development of young female pilots, with the Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown announcing the opening of two sponsored scholarships.

“The scholarships are intended to encourage young women to pursue flying careers by helping with the training costs associated with flying,” Brown said.

The scholarships, available through the Australian Women Pilots’ Association (AWPA), are open to female pilots up to 24 years of age.

This is the third year the RAAF has sponsored the Formation or Aerobatic Endorsement Scholarship and the AWPA Navigation Component Scholarship.

Applications are now open and close on January 31 2014.

Separately the Aviation/Aerospace Australia has recently launched the initiative Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia as well as a publication Beyond the Glass Ceiling, profiling a selection of successful women in the aviation and aerospace industries.

The primary aim of the program is to promote the issue of gender diversity and the participation of women within the aviation and aerospace sector in Australia. The program will also provide a network for women to connect with industry peers, inspire future generations to join the industry, and excel in their chosen careers.

The inaugural Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia National Summit on November 18 will bring together a broad cross-section of aviation and aerospace industry professionals to discuss the issues affecting gender diversity in the sector and to begin the process of mapping a way forward to address these issues.

The summit will discuss specific issues around the challenges faced by both individuals pursuing career progression in the sector, and organisations in attracting and retaining women in the aviation and aerospace workforce.

38 Squadron marks 70th anniversary

whoNo 38 Squadron, the RAAF’s longest continuously serving operational squadron, has marked its 70th anniversary.

Formed at RAAF Base Richmond on September 15 1943, today the squadron operates a fleet of eight King Air 350 aircraft from RAAF Base Townsville providing airlift services within Australia and the immediate region.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown congratulated all those who have served with 38SQN for their achievements.

“Over the last 70 years, No 38 Squadron has worked continuously to support both peacetime and military operations, from supporting troops on the frontline to providing much-needed relief following disasters. ” Brown said.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate No 38 Squadron’s achievements, as well as remember thoseanniversarywho paid the ultimate price and lost their lives in the squadron’s service. ” Commanding Officer of 38SQN, Wing Commander Stewart Dowrie, explained the unit has come full circle since its establishment in 1943.

“On our formation, our role was to transport essential defence personnel and light cargo across Australia and into New Guinea, and this is effectively the role we perform today,” Dowrie said.

“No 38 Squadron was initially equipped with the Lockheed Hudson as a light transport, and later replaced these with Douglas Dakotas that were flown until 1973.

“In 1964, the squadron began a 45-year legacy of flying the Caribou, an aircraft renowned for its short takeoff and landing capability. ” 38SQN crews have supported defence operations around the globe, including airdropping supplies to Australian Diggers in New Guinea and contributing crews during the Berlin Airlift. It has also supported peacekeeping operations in East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and along the Indian/Pakistani border.

“The No 38 Squadron motto is ‘Equal to the Task’, which is an enduring theme of our 70 years of service,” Dowrie said.

Renewed push for a Wyong Airport

Cheap to build, cheap to operate. mayor doug eaton

Wyong Shire Council is undertaking the development of a greenfield RPT-capable airport between Sydney and Newcastle.

Located approximately 80km to the north of Sydney, Wyong Shire is an area on the NSW Central Coast that has a population of 160,000 residents, but taking account of nearby Gosford, 330,000 people form the catchment area. Population forecasts predict Wyong Shire and the neighboring area will have 400,000 people by 2030.

Thinking about the size of the population in and around Wyong and the travel needs of its residents, the shire has decided to pursue the development of a greenfield RPT airport. It is estimated that 80 per cent of Central Coast air travellers use Sydney Airport, although exact numbers are not known. Wyong is close to the midway point, involving a one hour drive to Newcastle and one hour 20 minute drive to Sydney.

At the moment residents need to travel to Sydney or Newcastle airports to collect their flights.

Mayor Doug Eaton explained: “The Wyong Shire and the surrounding area generate a large number of passengers for Sydney and Newcastle airports. We also have youth unemployment that is higher than the NSW state average.

A major driver in the development of a RPT airport is to generate employment for our area. ” The proposed site is at Wallalah, one of the five alternatives that were evaluated to be the second airport for Sydney. Eaton said: “The site at Wallalah was evaluated fourth of five airports under consideration for the second Sydney airport. This site was considered as being suitable for only Code 3 aircraft. We have identified a 500 hectare site, located north and west of the one considered as a second Sydney airport. The site is also to the west of the M1 and clear of the residential area. It also has a significant proportion of zoned commercial industrial land. ” Wyong Shire included the possible development of an airport in an environmental plan that was presented to the community in January 2013. A survey of residents found 84 per cent community support for the plan and by extension the proposed airport.

The proposed location of the airport is 100km from Sydney Airport, which is outside the exclusive area of the licence that protects the commercial interests of Macquarie Bank. The intention is to build an airport similar to Sunshine Coast airport and target low-cost carriers and foster routes similar to those out of Newcastle.

“Cheap to build, cheap to operate” is the goal for Doug Eaton.

“Amenities are likely to include basic food outlets and bar in the terminal plus an uncovered car park in the first stage of airport development” he says.

Preliminary discussions have taken place with Tigerair and Jetstar, both of which have expressed interest in the development since there are no other realistic options presently known for an airport development close to Sydney. In addition to these low-cost operators, regional airlines that are under pressure for slot assignments at Sydney Airportcould be attracted.

It is anticipated the new airport will have a similar impact on Sydney and Newcastle airports as the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast airports have on Brisbane. In these cases the airports, while probably not direct competitors to Brisbane Airport, still take some passengers from the major international airport.

Eaton does not consider Newcastle will be materially impacted.

“Newcastle Airport has an established passenger base. It is unlikely that the development of an airport in Wyong will result in significant reduction in passenger numbers. However, it could reduce their rate of passenger growth,” Eaton acknowledged.

The shire recognises it has the funds to build, but not the specialist skills to operate the airport.

“A $200 million investment to develop the airport equates to a bit over two years of the shire’s capex spend. Our shire also has a strong balance sheet with $3 billion in assets. Two options are likely to be considered. The first involves the shire funding the development then entering into a management contract with an organisation to operate the airport. Another involves the private development and operation of the airport. This might involve the shire meeting the upfront development costs, but being bought out by a private concern. We believe there will be considerable interest from private concerns to invest and operate this airport. ” The target commencement date for the commencement of operations is 2020. Preliminary estimates suggest the airport could serve around one million passengers annually 10 years after opening.

At present the Wyong Shire Local Environment Plan (LEP) is in front of the NSW state government for approval. The LEP includes the use of 450 hectares of land for the development of the airport. It is hoped acceptance of the LEP will be gazetted by the government in the third quarter. Once regulatory approval is received the shire will commission the preparation of a master plan. One of the major matters to be addressed is the need to relocate transmission lines, which currently run over the proposed airport site.

The proposed greenfield airport development at Wyong illustrates the recognition by a regional council of the benefits to their community from the development of an airport. A reasonably large population area can be served by an airport close to their homes.

It provides an opportunity to foster employment in the area.

Importantly, the shire is also considering the use of private means to fund and operate the airport, not to be an on-going local government concern.

Japan Airlines orders 31 A350s

Historic order departure signals stiffening competition between Airbus & Boeing

In a landmark deal that sees it loosen its historic ties with Boeing, Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 31 A350s. In its first ever order for Airbus aircraft, the deal comprises 18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s plus options for a further 25 aircraft, and is the first order for the A350 from Japan.

JAL is aiming to enter the A350s into service from 2019, with the A350s progressively replacing its older types over six years. The new aircraft will be powered by Rolls- Royce Trent XWB engines. The step away from Boeing is significant in many respects, since the commonality between JAL’s existing 777 fleet would have made the yet-to-be launched 777X a prime candidate for sales. Similarly, the airline’s current fleet of 787s would have positioned the larger variants of the type well to take advantage of the cost-efficiencies associated with operating a common aircraft fleet. At the end of June, JAL had 166 Boeing aircraft in service, representing 78 per cent of the 214 aircraft in its fleet With competitor ANA currently in the market seeking new longhaul airframes, the JAL order will give added impetus to Airbus to capitalise on this week’s historic order. It may also break the hiatus for A380 sales in Japan.

Virgin adds Cloncurry

Virgin Australia will begin direct flights between Brisbane and Cloncurry from November 27 using Embraer E190s.

Jetstar ADL-Denpasar

Jetstar will introduce direct services to Bali from Adelaide on December 18.

The flights will depart each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with a flight time of 5 hours and 20 minutes. The launch of Adelaide-Denpasar follows the introduction of Jetstar’s first international route from Adelaide to Auckland announced in September. Once these flights commence, Jetstar will offer six international return services from Adelaide each week.

Tigerair to start Sydney-Perth

Tigerair will begin direct services between Sydney and Perth from December 19, offering up to six weekly return flights between Sydney and Perth. The new service will become the airline’s sixth new route to be launched in 2013.

Scoot into Perth

Low-cost airline Scoot is to become the latest international airline to serve Perth. Becoming the airline’s third Australian destination, Scoot will begin its fiveweekly services on December 19.

New government promises to get on with the job

Truss reaffirms commitment to regional aviation

This year’s RAAA conference potentially marked the turning point in relations between the aviation industry and the federal government.

In his opening remarks, newly-appointed transport minister Warren Truss said: “Instead of just complaining about everything that’s wrong, or promising to do things if we get a chance in government, now we are in government I have the responsibility to get on with it and to make necessary changes. ” While political rhetoric has been heard every year the RAAA conferences have been held, the hoped-for sea-change may have finally arrived for the regional sector.

“I know aviation can be a pretty tough gig. But I asked for this job, and I intend to do what I possibly can to make changes, to make the reforms, to ensure that your industry works better in the future, that it is as profitable as it can possibly be, that it operates as seamlessly and effectively as it possibly can,” Truss said.

“The government cannot afford to continue to let those challenges go unattended, and we won’t. ” While there are signs of buoyancy in the regional sector, with the resource-led surge in FIFO trafficleading growth trends for some carriers, Truss was clear to point out those benefits the mining sector is currently bringing would – at some point – dry up.

“As we all know, this growth has been stimulated largely by the mining and resources sector, and the advent of fly-in/fly-out workers, and a number of major building projects in the mining sector are nearing completion. So there are challenges ahead. ” However, it is the more systemic issues that industry sees as fundamental to its future viability, something Truss appeared to appreciate.

“Since the 1980s, the number of regional airlines has fallen from 52 to 27 and the number of regional airports receiving scheduled services has fallen from 278 to around 138. So while overall passenger growth is strong, and particular routes are thriving, the overall network is becoming increasingly patchy.

“And indeed over the whole of the regional network, the number of passengers travelling on regional airlines Australia-wide actually declined by 3. 7 per cent last financial year.

“This underscores the importance of making sure that government policy and regulatory approach is on the right track. ” The review into safety and regulation, announced as part of the pre-election promises to the aviation sector, is a key area of interest for the regional sector.

In his opening remarks, RAAA chairman Jeff Boyd set the scene for industry’s frustrations with the regulatory reform process.

“I am not assigning blame to the fact (the reform) process has drifted on for so long. Or for what I consider to be an unworkable collage of regulations from around the world without Australian-specific set of rules thrown in for good measure. ” Truss explained plans were “well advanced” in setting up the review, adding “the government will make a formal announcement shortly” about terms of reference and the appointment of a person to undertake the review.

“The government has also announced its intention to make a range of improvements to CASA’s structure and governance arrangements to enhance the organisation and its role as Australia’s aviation safety regulator,” Truss said.

Among other topics, the new minister said the promised review of current aviation security policies will proceed, on the basis that “applying an enhanced risk-based approach to the airport classification model will allow a more efficient and targeted aviation security system for regional and remote airports. ” Of equal priority for the regional sector – indeed the whole of the aviation industry in recent years – has been the lack of consultation between government an-d industry.

Boyd said: “I note roughly half of the items in the Coalition policy relate directly to issues we highlighted in the RAAA’s aviation policy. . . that we launched earlier this year. I would like to thank the Minister for listening to us. ” In turn, and reaffirming his pre-election promises, Truss said: “We also acknowledge that governments need to do more listening. My department has started work to establish the formal Aviation Industry Consultative Council that we promised in our aviation policy. I will chair this group which will discuss matters of concern to the broader aviation industry.

“We’ll be wanting to engage with the people in this room to ensure that you believe that you have and genuinely do have access to key decision makers in government and with one another to help the industry work together constructively to try and achieve the best outcome for aviation across the nation,” Truss affirmed.

Meanwhile, confirmation the new government is reinstating the en route rebate scheme was roundly welcomed.

“I am pleased to affirm our election commitment that the Coalition will reintroduce a new and better targeted En-Route Rebate Scheme for regional commercial airline carriers. The new scheme will target operations to low volume and new routes, linking communities to their capital city or major regional centres. The new initiatives will add to the support provided under this scheme to aero-medical services. ” The minister and RAAA continue to finalise details of the scheme “so it can begin just as soon as possible. ” “With our recently-elected government and the promise of change, there has never been a better time in recent years to review where our industry is heading,” Boyd said.

Those attending this year’s RAAA conference will be keen to ensure the Minister keeps his word on some very encouraging signs thus far.