AVIATION : View Posts

SEATTLE, – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Vietnam Airlines announced a five-year exclusive pilot-training agreement to support the Hanoi-based airline’s 787 Dreamliners.

Under the agreement, Boeing Flight Services, a business unit of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will provide flight training for the airline’s new 787 Dreamliner fleet at Boeing’s Singapore training campus. Nearly 90 Vietnam Airlines pilots are expected to undergo training this year.

“With Boeing’s experience and expertise, we are confident that we will have a smooth entry into service with the training and operational support they provide,” said Phan Xuan Duc, executive vice president, Vietnam Airlines. “This expanding cooperation will not only strengthen the relationship between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, but also provide Vietnam Airlines enough capability to master state-of-the-art technologies and enable Vietnamese pilots to directly operate the most modern aircraft in the world.”

“We are very pleased to provide pilot training to Vietnam Airlines with the industry’s best flight training as they take a very exciting step in expanding their Boeing fleet,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. “This is just one way we are giving airlines a competitive edge, by creating tailored training solutions so they can focus on what really matters – keeping pilots and airplanes flying revenue flights.”

The 2015 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, an industry forecast of aviation personnel demand closely tied to projections for new airplane deliveries around the globe, projects a requirement for 226,000 new commercial airline pilots and 238,000 new technicians in the Asia-Pacific region through 2034.

This regional demand is forecasted to be more than North America and Europe combined. As with personnel demand, the Asia region also leads the demand for new commercial airplane deliveries over the next 20 years, with 14,330 new airplanes needed by 2034 according to Boeing’s 2015 Current Market Outlook.

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier of Vietnam, operates more than 360 daily flights with its young fleet of modern aircraft.

About the Boeing Edge
Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing value and advantages to customers and the industry. Boeing Flight Services provides integrated offerings to drive optimized performance, efficiency and safety through advanced flight, maintenance and cabin safety training as well as simulator support and services through a global network of campuses on six continents. Boeing provides customers a competitive advantage by solving real operational problems, enabling better decisions, maximizing efficiency and improving environmental performance – intelligent information solutions across the entire aviation ecosystem.

The development of an air traffic system that fully enables the safe operations of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in civil airspace, particularly highly-automated vehicles operating beyond line of sight (BLOS), is essential for realizing the enormous benefits of this technology in a safe and responsible manner. A good place to start in creating such a system is to clarify the use of the airspace.

The majority of airspace integration efforts over the past decade have focused on integrating medium or large unmanned aircraft systems into non-segregated civil airspace, i.e. airspace above 500 feet where most civil and military aviation activities occur. However, given the rapidly growing small unmanned aircraft industry, Amazon believes the safest and most efficient environment for sUAS operations—from basic recreational users to sophisticated BLOS fleets—is in segregated civil airspace1 below 500 feet. Segregating the airspace will buffer sUAS operations from current aviation operations. It will also buffer lesser-equipped vehicles from highly-equipped vehicles able to safely perform BLOS missions.

In this proposed model:
 Airspace below 200 feet, or the ‘Low-Speed Localized Traffic’ area, will be reserved for
(1) terminal non-transit operations such as surveying, videography and inspection, and
(2) operations for lesser-equipped vehicles, e.g. ones without sophisticated sense-andavoid (SAA) technology. Those lesser-equipped vehicles will not have access to certain airspace in this zone, such as over heavily-populated areas.
 A ‘High-Speed Transit’ space, between 200 and 400 feet, will be designated for wellequipped vehicles as determined by the relevant performance standards and rules.
 The airspace between 400 and 500 feet will serve as a permanent ‘No Fly Zone’ in which sUAS operators will not be permitted to fly, except in emergencies.
 Finally, this airspace model will also encompass ‘Predefined Low Risk Locations.’

Altitude and equipage restrictions in these locations will be established in advance by aviation authorities. These Predefined Low Risk Locations will include areas like designated Academy of Model Aeronautics airfields, where members will meet preestablished parameters for altitude and equipage.

Amazon believes this segregated airspace model will enable safer overall operations by providing a framework where airspace access is tied to vehicle capability, and by buffering sUAS operations from current aviation operations.

Airspace Management & Operations
Revising the way airspace is managed is also a key factor in the development of a system that will meet future sUAS demands. Today, most of the world’s airspace systems and related training are designed for a single pilot or flight crew per-vehicle concept. More so, in the United States and Europe, air traffic controller workload is the single-greatest functional limitation on airspace capacity 2 3 4
. Workload is largely driven by airspace complexity, and controller workload increases linearly as the ratio of UAS to manned aircraft increases5
. In the United
States, for example, there are approximately 85,000 commercial, cargo, military, and general aviation flights every day. This number is likely to be dwarfed by low-altitude sUAS operations in the next 10 years.

As a result of these factors, Amazon believes the current model of airspace management will not meet future sUAS demands, particularly highly-automated, low-altitude commercial operations. A paradigm shift in airspace management and operations is necessary to safely accommodate the one-operator-to-many-vehicle model required by large-scale commercial fleets.

While more research is needed to identify exactly how an air navigation service provider (ANSP) will evolve to support high-volume sUAS operations, it is Amazon’s position that the projected industry growth also requires the delegation of responsibility for many traditional air navigation services, such as navigation and air traffic control and communication. There should be a controlling entity that serves a central, offline coordination and auditing function, however, many of these services will be handled in a more distributed and federated fashion where multiple operators cover overlapping areas, each managing their own fleet. Those operators
would coordinate by following established protocols, using vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-toservice and service-to-service data communication and automation, to safely and efficiently manage the shared airspace.

Highly-equipped sUAS will be capable of navigation, merging and sequencing, communication, maintaining safe self-separation, collision avoidance and deconfliction in congested airspace without operator assistance. Again, while many of the traditional ANSP responsibilities may be delegated, the underlying authority will still reside with the ANSP and/or the civil aviation authority. To help move this model forward, Amazon will collaborate with civil aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as NASA and others, on research related to delegation and federation.

Additionally, it is Amazon’s view that air traffic management operations should follow a ‘managed by exception’ approach. This means operators are always aware of what the fleet is doing, yet they only intervene in significant off-nominal cases, e.g. emergencies and national security directives. Automation on the vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-vehicle communications and SAA, and automation on the control structure, e.g. routing, separation management and optimization, will handle nominal and minor off-nominal cases. This approach will entail a distributed network comprised of local/regional air operations centers and remote vehicle operators. This new system is essential given the highly-automated nature of future sUAS, and it will result in a decrease in operator workload and an increase in both safety and capacity.

A Path Forward
Modifying the way airspace is used will require close collaboration with multiple stakeholders—aviation authorities, academia, the commercial and recreational sUAS industry, as well as the manned aviation industry. It will also require investment in advanced technologies, like the types of automation discussed above. Amazon believes NASA already has a solid understanding of these technologies through decades of experience in airspace automation, as well as a firm grasp on how they will be used for sUAS through its Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management, or UTM, program. Amazon applauds NASA’s efforts as the technological investment will result in a safer and more efficient use of the airspace, enabling innovation across a wide range of missions and scenarios. To help realize this new airspace model and bring the industry forward, Amazon will actively cooperate with other sUAS stakeholders—large and small, commercial and recreational—in developing equipage and performance
standards for sUAS.

In summary, Amazon believes the safest and most efficient model for sUAS with mixed equipage and capabilities is in segregated airspace with a defined structure for operations below 500 feet, alongside federated, highly-automated, highly-available and secure air navigation services. The public and private sUAS industry should work together to realize this new concept of airspace operations if we are to bring the remarkable innovations of sUAS to bear in a safe and responsible way.

CHICAGO, July 27, 2015 – United Airlines and Wyndham Worldwide are working together to reduce carbon emissions associated with corporate air travel. The hospitality company, which is one of the largest in the world, has agreed to become an official launch partner for United’s Eco-Skies CarbonChoice corporate carbon offset program. The Eco-Skies CarbonChoice program enables the airline’s corporate customers to track and offset the emissions stemming from their business travel and freight shipments on United at the enterprise level.

“As the only U.S. airline to offer a corporate carbon offset program, United’s CarbonChoice program represents another way for us to broaden and partner with our customers on environmental initiatives outside of our normal business relationship,” said Angela Foster-Rice, Managing Director of Environmental Affairs at United Airlines. “This program underscores United’s efforts to lead commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company and we are thrilled to help play a role in Wyndham Worldwide’s carbon footprint reduction efforts.”

Through the CarbonChoice program, participating corporate customers receive customized enterprise-level carbon emissions reports and can purchase offsets to counterbalance the emissions associated with their transport, effectively allowing them to ship and travel carbon neutral on United. United’s industry leading corporate offset program uses actual flight level data – recognizing aircraft type, routes, fuel consumption, payload, and customer-specific business travel and cargo shipments on United. The carbon offsets are available through United’s partnership with global NGO Sustainable Travel International and enable participants to support projects designed to help reduce greenhouse gases as well as provide social and economic benefits to communities where those projects are located.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends across all facets of the Company,” said Joanne McNellis Coelho, senior manager, Global Travel at Wyndham. “At Wyndham Worldwide, practicing sustainability doesn’t just mean turning off the lights or using low flow faucets, it’s about being innovative and working with colleagues across all functions of the Company and with key supply chain partners to make a difference. We are excited to be one of the first members of United’s CarbonChoice program.”

Wyndham Worldwide is a hospitality industry leader in sustainability and social responsible practices and has been named to both the Dow Jones North America and World Sustainability Indices; recognized by CDP, the world’s largest global environmental disclosure system; and rated among the 2015 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Magazine, Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens, and DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

Wyndham’s corporate offset purchase will be invested in the GreenTrees’ Advanced Carbon Restored Ecosystem (ACRE) project along the Mississippi River Valley. To date, GreenTrees and its landowners have planted over 36 million trees on nearly 100,000 acres along the Mississippi Alluvial.

United’s carbon offset projects have obtained independent third-party verification and are registered with long-standing, well-respected carbon offset programs. United customers can learn more by visiting united.com/carbonchoice.

United’s Eco-Skies Commitment to the Environment

United Airlines is committed to leading commercial aviation as an environmentally responsible company by taking actions today that shape an environmentally sustainable future. Through various fuel efficiency measures, in 2014 alone the company saved more than 100 million gallons of fuel, resulting in a reduction of more than one million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Since 1994, United has improved its fuel efficiency by 33 percent. United is also a leader in the advancement and use of alternative fuels, making history in commercial aviation with its partnership with AltAir Fuels to bring commercial-scale, cost-competitive renewable jet fuel to its Los Angeles hub later this year and its $30 million equity investment in Fulcrum BioEnergy, a pioneer in the development and commercialization of converting municipal solid waste into low-cost sustainable aviation biofuel.

For more information on United’s commitment to the environment, visit united.com/ecoskies.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

Today the Commission is publishing the report it received from a Task Force led by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525. Assembled in May 2015 at the request of EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc, the Task Force analysed the preliminary findings of the crash investigation to assess the adequacy of European air safety and security rules. In today’s report, the Task Force issues six recommendations, primarily calling for better checks on crew members. The Commission will now thoroughly examine these recommendations before deciding on future steps.

Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport said, “I am grateful for the swift and comprehensive work carried out by EASA’s Task Force. The safety of European citizens is at the heart of the Commission’s transport policy and today’s report is a valuable contribution. If improvements are to be made in the European safety and security rules or in their implementation, in order to help prevent future accidents or incidents, we will take the necessary action at EU-level.”

Patrick Ky, EASA Executive-Director added, “Key players in aviation and medical science worked closely together within the Task Force. This report is the result of a thorough analysis with practical recommendations, so that such a tragic event does not happen again. EASA is ready to take the next necessary steps, applying the lessons learned”.

The Task Force recommendations are:
The principle of ‘two persons in the cockpit at all time’ should be maintained.
Pilots should undergo a psychological evaluation before entering airline service.
Airlines should run a random drugs and alcohol programme.
Robust programme for oversight of aeromedical examiners should be established.
A European aeromedical data repository should be created.
Pilot support systems should be implemented within airlines.
Early in its evaluation, the Task Force concluded that improved medical checks on crews could bring a strong contribution to air safety. The evaluation focussed on medical and psychological assessments of pilots, including drugs and alcohol testing, for which screening tests are readily available. The Task Force also pointed at the need for a better oversight framework for aeromedical examiners. The report strives to reach a balance between medical secrecy and safety, and not to create additional red-tape for airlines.

Next steps:
The Commission will review the recommendations, taking into account advice received from other sources such as the independent accident investigation led by the French Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority (Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA)). Where legislative action is to be taken, EASA will be requested to develop concrete proposals, which will then be included in EU aviation safety regulations. EASA will also be asked to produce non-legislative deliverables such as guidance material and practical tools for information sharing, and to monitor actions taken by Member States and industry.

Background
Following the crash of Germanwings flight 9525 on 24 March, the French Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authority (Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA)) issued a preliminary investigation report on 6 May 2015.

The same day, Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc asked the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to set up a task force to look into the findings set out in the BEA report. These areas include the cockpit door locking system and cockpit access and exit procedures, as well as the criteria and procedures applied to the medical monitoring of pilots.

Chaired by Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director, the Task Force consisted of 14 senior representatives from airlines, flight crew associations, medical advisors and authorities. Additional contributions were provided by invited experts and representative bodies. Three formal Task Force meetings took place from May to July 2015. Additional sub-groups undertook reviews of specific issues.

FORT WORTH, Texas, – American Airlines plans to add eight new routes throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America later this year, further strengthening its position in these key regions and providing customers with increased options when traveling to these destinations. Expanded service includes new flights to Mexico City International Airport (MEX); General Rafael Buelna International Airport (MZT) in Mazatlan, Mexico; Curacao International Airport (CUR); Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ); Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador, pending regulatory approvals.

“As the premier carrier to Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America with flights to 85 destinations, these additions highlight our commitment to providing our customers with a network that is second to none,” said Art Torno, American’s senior vice president for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. “We are committed to each country we serve, and these new routes allow us to contribute to and further promote travel and tourism to and from the region.”

American also plans to reinstate its service between New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Simon Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas, Venezuela, on Dec. 17. Flights will operate five times per week with Boeing 757 aircraft. Those flights are now available for bookings.

Customers traveling to these destinations will have the ability to connect through American’s hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and New York from nearly 200 destinations worldwide. With these new routes, American will operate more than 1,750 weekly flights throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America –more service than any other airline.

In addition to the 85 destinations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, American has served Cuba since 1991 with charter flights from Miami and Tampa to five destinations in Cuba – Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Havana, Holguín and Santa Clara. For more information about American’s charter service to Cuba, please visit aa.com/visitcuba.

American is investing $2 billion in planned improvements to give customers a superior travel experience around the world. These capital investments include fully lie-flat seats; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets and a new, modern design for Admirals Club lounges worldwide.

American is taking delivery of more than 100 new aircraft this year, giving it the youngest fleet of any U.S.-based network carrier. Aircraft to be delivered in the coming years include the Airbus A320 and A320neo family, A350-900, Boeing 737, 737 MAX, 777-300ER and 787, which will make American’s fleet even younger, more modern and fuel efficient.

About American Airlines
American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. Together with regional partners, operating as American Eagle and US Airways Express, the airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. This year American topped Fortune Magazine’s list of best business turnarounds and its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

10 Jul 2015 – The Board of Ryanair Holdings PLC today (10 July) confirmed that it has voted unanimously to accept the IAG offer for Ryanair’s 29.8% shareholding in Aer Lingus Group plc. Ryanair’s stake in Aer Lingus has been available for sale since May 2012 (see attached) and the Board believes that the current IAG offer maximises Ryanair shareholder value.

In line with this decision, Ryanair will now vote in favour of the motion at the Aer Lingus EGM on the 16 July next (to give the Irish Government a golden share over Aer Lingus’s Heathrow slots) and Ryanair will also vote its 29.8% shareholding in favour of acceptance of the IAG offer, subject to this offer receiving regulatory approval from the European competition authorities.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:
“We believe the IAG offer for Aer Lingus is a reasonable one in the current market and we plan to accept it, in the best interests of Ryanair shareholders. The price means that Ryanair will make a small profit on its investment in Aer Lingus over the past 9 years.

This sale of our stake is timely given that our original strategy for Aer Lingus (to use it as a mid-priced brand to offer competition to flag carriers at primary airports) has been overtaken by the successful rollout – since Sept 2013 – of Ryanair’s “Always Getting Better” strategy, which has seen the Ryanair brand successfully enter many of Europe’s primary airports, being rewarded with strong growth in our network, traffic, load factor and profitability, while keeping our fares low and our punctuality high.

We wish IAG well with their takeover of Aer Lingus. When Ryanair first bid for Aer Lingus in late 2006, Ryanair (36m passengers) carried 4 times Aer Lingus traffic (9m). Today Ryanair (over 100m) carries more than 10 times Aer Lingus traffic (10m), and we will continue to deliver the vast majority of Ireland’s traffic and tourism growth in the coming months and years.”

– See more at: http://corporate.ryanair.com/news/news/150710-ryanair-board-votes-to-accept-iag-offer-for-aer-lingus-stake/?market=en#sthash.wWL65Oh3.dpuf

SAO PAULO and CHICAGO, – United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines today announced a new strategic partnership in which United will acquire an approximate 5 percent stake in Azul, Brazil’s third-largest airline, paving the way for the carriers to cooperate on a range of customer benefits including codesharing of flights (subject to government approval), expanded connection opportunities on routes between the United States and Brazil, in addition to other points in North and South America, and joint loyalty-program participation.

Through a wholly owned subsidiary, United will invest $100 million for its economic stake in Azul, which includes one seat on Azul’s board of directors.

More Choice and Convenience
Azul serves more destinations in Brazil than any other Brazilian carrier, including more than 50 daily flights from Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport. This new partnership will offer customers more flight choices and convenient connections for travel between the United States and destinations in Brazil. In addition, the partnership will enable United and Azul to provide an improved transfer process at Guarulhos for timely connections for customers and their baggage. The airlines announced plans for United to place its code on flights in Azul’s extensive network from Guarulhos to key destinations throughout Brazil, as well as on Azul’s flights to Florida; Azul plans to place its code on United routes throughout North America and the Caribbean, pending government approval.

“Brazil is an important market in United’s global route network and this partnership with Azul further strengthens our ties to the region,” said Jim Compton, United’s vice chairman and chief revenue officer. “Together we will offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience when traveling to and from destinations across Brazil.”

“This will be great for customers,” said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Azul. “Through this partnership, Brazilians will have access to destinations in United’s worldwide route network, while U.S. customers will be able to fly conveniently to famous destinations in Brazil such as Belo Horizonte, Iguazu Falls and the Amazon.”

Enhanced Loyalty Program Benefits

As a result of the partnership, United and Azul will expand their frequent flyer loyalty agreement.

MileagePlus and TudoAzul members will have reciprocal benefits to earn and redeem miles systemwide on both airlines. “It is important to highlight that customers will be able to use their TudoAzul points to fly to any destination served by United worldwide,” said David Neeleman.

As their partnership grows, the carriers will work to expand the offerings for loyalty program members.

Barclays served as exclusive financial advisor to United.

United In Brazil

United began serving Brazil in 1992, with flights to both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The airline currently operates five daily flights to Brazil from its Chicago, Houston, New York/Newark and Washington/Dulles hubs.

About Azul
Azul, the largest airline in Brazil by number of cities served, offers more than 900 daily flights to over 100 destinations. With a fleet of 145 aircraft and more than 10,000 crewmembers, the company operates approximately one third of the daily departures of the Brazilian aviation market. The quality of its services has been attested by many national and international awards. In 2015 Azul was named by Skytrax World Airline Awards, for the fifth time in a row, as the “Best low-cost airline in South America.” The company also received the FlightStats Award as the “Airline with best on-time performance in South America,” and was recognized as the most on-time airline in Brazil, in 2014, according to Infraero criteria. That same year, the company was named the “Best low-cost carrier in the world” by CAPA – Centre for Aviation. For more information visit www.voeazul.com.br.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

Airbus and its Chinese partners, namely the Tianjin Free Trade Zone Investment Company Ltd. (TJFTZ) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), have signed a framework agreement on setting up an A330 Completion and Delivery Centre (C&DC) in Tianjin, China, taking the partnership between Airbus and China a further step forward following the successful establishment of an A320 Family Final Assembly Line and Delivery Center in the Chinese city.

The agreement was signed by Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO, Yang Bing, President of the TJFTZ and Pang Zhen, Vice President, Commercial Aircraft, AVIC representing the Chinese parties, at the Airbus site in Toulouse, France. The signature was witnessed by visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. Premier Li has had a tour of the Airbus facility, accompanied by Prime Minister Valls after they have presided over a Europe-China Economic Forum held in Toulouse.

The framework agreement firms-up the Letter of Intent signed by the three parties last year.
“Building on our successful cooperation with China, highlighted by the A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin, our partnership keeps growing and expanding. The signature of this framework agreement on the A330 Completion and Delivery Centre will open a new chapter of strategic cooperation on wide-body aircraft with China. Together, we will develop new facilities and capabilities, and attract new suppliers and businesses in China,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.
The A330 C&DC Tianjin will be located near the site of the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line in Tianjin. The C&DC will cover the aircraft completion activities including reception, cabin installation, aircraft painting, engine run and flight test, as well as aircraft delivery and customer flight acceptance.

Under the project, the A330 Family aircraft to be completed at the A330 C&DC Tianjin will be assembled in Toulouse but will be painted and have their cabin furnished and installed in Tianjin.

On the same occasion, Airbus has also signed a Letter of Intent with AVIC on cabin development cooperation and procurement frame contract with Zhejiang Xizi Aerospace Fastener Co., Ltd for design, development, manufacturing, and supply of standard fastener parts.

At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises over 1,150 aircraft (over 150 A330 Family and over 980 A320 Family aircraft). In the 20 year period between 2014 to 2033 Airbus forecasts a demand in China for more than 5,300 new commercial aircraft over 100 seats plus freighters.

The Qantas Group will work with its fellow shareholders in Jetstar Hong Kong to review the enterprise, following the Air Transport Licensing Authority’s decision to reject the local carrier’s application to establish an operation in Hong Kong.

Jetstar Hong Kong – a joint venture between Shun Tak Holdings Limited, China Eastern Airlines and the Qantas Group – was announced in March 2012. Each partner holds a one-third economic share while the Hong Kong based Shun Tak Holdings has 51 per cent of the voting rights and ultimate control. Seventy per cent of the board is from Hong Kong.

At 31 December 2014, the Qantas Group investment in Jetstar Hong Kong was carried at $10 million.

The low cost carrier’s application for a licence to operate scheduled air services has been under consideration by the local licensing authority for over two years.

Expressing disappointment at the decision, CEO of the Qantas Group Alan Joyce said: “This is as disappointing for the shareholders as it is for the travellers that Jetstar Hong Kong planned to serve.

“It’s the travelling public who have lost out, because the message from this decision is that Hong Kong appears closed to fresh aviation investment even when it is majority locally owned and controlled.

“At a time when aviation markets across Asia are opening up, Hong Kong is going in the opposite direction. Given the importance of aviation to global commerce, shutting the door to new competition can only serve the vested interests already installed in that market.”

Southwest supports the City’s efforts to manage Love Field in accordance with its obligations under airline leases and the Wright Amendment Reform Act. Southwest disagrees with guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the use of Love Field gates by non-tenant airlines like Delta. That guidance not only violates Southwest’s legal and contractual rights but would also reduce competition, costing consumers millions of dollars in higher airfares.

Delta’s temporary license to use gate space at Dallas Love Field expires at midnight on July 6, 2015. Beginning August 9, Southwest will fully utilize its 18 Love Field gates by operating 180 flights a day to 50 nonstop destinations resulting in an industry-leading gate utilization of ten flights a day per gate. Southwest will therefore be unable to accommodate any other airline, including Delta, on its gates after that date. Tickets on these Southwest flights have been for sale to our Customers since February or earlier.

The lawsuit filed by the City of Dallas allows the City and Southwest to ask the court to properly interpret applicable law as well as the contractual agreements entered into by the City and Southwest relating to Love Field, which clearly give Southwest the right to expand upon and maximize the usage of its leased gates in the best interest of the citizens of Dallas. Every other air carrier serving North Texas, including Delta, can grow without restriction at DFW Intl. Airport, which Delta currently serves. Southwest is restricted from growing beyond its 18 Love Field gates, which is a small fraction of the total 185 gates in the Dallas Ft. Worth market.

HARTFORD, Conn., June 15, 2015 — United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) today announced that it will pursue the separation of the Sikorsky Aircraft business from United Technologies, subject to final Board approval. This announcement follows a review of strategic alternatives for Sikorsky announced earlier this year. A decision on whether Sikorsky will be spun off or sold is expected by the end of the third quarter.

“Our strategic review has confirmed that exiting the helicopter business is the best path forward for United Technologies,” said Gregory Hayes, UTC President and Chief Executive Officer. “Sikorsky is the world’s premier helicopter company and through a series of strategic wins is well positioned for long-term growth. However, separation of Sikorsky from the portfolio will allow both United Technologies and Sikorsky to better focus on their core businesses. Over the coming weeks, we’ll determine whether a spinoff or direct sale is the best way to enhance Sikorsky’s long-term success and create the most value for customers and shareholders.”

Excluding Sikorsky, UTC now expects 2015 earnings per share of $6.35 to $6.55 on sales of approximately $58 to $59 billion. The company continues to expect organic sales growth of 3 to 5 percent and cash flow from operations less capital expenditures in the range of 90 to 100 percent of net income attributable to common shareowners.

Including Sikorsky, the company now anticipates earnings per share of $6.55 to $6.85, down from the previous expectation of $6.85 to $7.05. This reduction in the earnings expectation range reflects approximately $0.10 to $0.20 of one-time separation costs along with a $0.10 decline in Sikorsky’s operational expectations for the year due to weakness in the oil and gas markets.

The company will discuss its intention to exit the helicopter business at its previously announced investor meeting to be held during the Paris Air Show. The meeting will be webcast via www.UTC.com beginning at 3 a.m. EDT, Monday, June 15, and the audio recording and presentation materials will be archived on the site afterward.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries.

The CMA has decided that there is no material change in circumstances or special reason for it not to require Ryanair to reduce its shareholding in Aer Lingus to 5%.
Plane
This follows the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) provisional decision in April 2015.

The CMA has also today published the final order requiring Ryanair Holdings plc (Ryanair) to sell its 29.8% stake in Aer Lingus Group plc (Aer Lingus) down to 5%.

In the light of IAG’s current bid for Aer Lingus, the CMA will ensure that implementation of this remedy interacts effectively with the bid process and the assessment of the bid by the European Commission.

Simon Polito, Chairman of the Ryanair/Aer Lingus inquiry group, said:

IAG’s bid for Aer Lingus is dependent on securing Ryanair’s agreement to sell its shareholding. This recent development illustrates that Ryanair can decide whether a bid for its major competitor on UK/Irish routes succeeds or fails.

This concern was an important part of our decision to require Ryanair to reduce its shareholding. It’s not good for competition when one company holds such an influence over the future of one of its major competitors.

Although at this point Ryanair has yet to decide whether to sell its shares to IAG, we need to ensure that, whatever happens in relation to this particular transaction, Ryanair’s ability to hold sway over Aer Lingus is removed.

It is clear that the timing of IAG’s bid has been influenced by the prospect of Ryanair being forced to sell the majority of its shareholding. IAG has said that it would not be interested in acquiring any airline with a significant minority investor. The conditional nature of IAG’s bid is consistent with this and our original assessment that Ryanair’s presence was likely to deter other airlines from entering into, pursuing or concluding combinations with Aer Lingus.

In our view the circumstances of the IAG bid and other issues raised by Ryanair do not amount to a material change in circumstances or special reason not to take action to remedy the substantial lessening of competition identified in our 2013 report.

We will liaise closely with other authorities to ensure that our requirement for Ryanair to reduce its stake in Aer Lingus works effectively alongside shareholders’ consideration of the IAG bid and assessment of the bid by the European Commission.

In February 2015, Ryanair had requested that the CMA re-examine its decision to require it to sell its 29.8% stake in Aer Lingus down to 5%. This followed a judgment from the Court of Appeal dismissing Ryanair’s legal challenge to this decision.

Ryanair argued in particular that IAG’s proposed bid for Aer Lingus and the period of time that has elapsed since the decision was originally made by the Competition Commission in its report in August 2013, constituted a material change of circumstances and that the CMA was no longer entitled to impose a divestment remedy on Ryanair.

After receiving that request, the CMA invited submissions from interested parties. After considering responses from Aer Lingus, IAG and the Irish government – and further submissions from Ryanair – the inquiry group of independent CMA panel members provisionally decided that there had been no material change in circumstances or special reason not to proceed to implement the remedies set out in the report. Following that provisional decision, which was published in April 2015, the CMA considered further submissions before coming to its final decision.

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines and Qantas Airways plan to significantly expand their joint business by adding new service between the U.S. and Australia. New routes between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Sydney Airport (SYD), operated by American Airlines, and between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and SYD, operated by Qantas, will provide customers with expanded options when traveling between the two regions.

Through this enhanced alliance, American will begin operating a daily, nonstop flight between LAX and SYD on Dec. 17, 2015, further strengthening its global network and its world-class LAX hub. Beginning Dec. 20, 2015 Qantas will begin operating service between SYD and SFO, expanding the airlines’ joint network to another key market for business and leisure customers. Services will initially operate on peak days and ramp up to six times per week in January 2016. Pending regulatory approvals, this expansion represents the natural evolution of the collaboration between American and Qantas, with revenue-sharing and other agreements that provide the airlines with a platform for closer commercial ties and an even more seamless customer experience on routes between North America and Australia/New Zealand. The closer and more integrated relationship also provides opportunities for future growth into trans-Pacific markets not currently served by either airline, such as New Zealand.

“Qantas has been a fantastic partner through oneworld and our joint business relationship, and strengthening those ties has provided us with a solid foundation to introduce American-operated flights into the Australian region,” said Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines. “Our customers have asked us to expand to important business destinations across the Pacific, and flying our flagship aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, to Sydney will provide another world-class travel experience from our key gateway at LAX.”

“For over 20 years, we’ve worked in partnership with American to give our customers the best network on both sides of the Pacific,” said Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Group. “We are excited to take the alliance to a new level and expand our services to new destinations including San Francisco – Australia’s biggest unserved direct corporate destination. We are seeing strong growth in numbers of visitors to Australia and look forward to carrying more travellers from the U.S. across our extensive domestic and international network in the South Pacific.”

Through their joint business, American and Qantas provide increased connectivity to destinations beyond their key gateways. Customers traveling from Australia can access more than 150 destinations throughout North America on American’s extensive network from Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and San Francisco. This includes transcontinental service to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) from LAX and SFO on the only true three-class aircraft flying those routes, the Airbus A321T. From LAX, customers can connect on to more than 50 destinations. American has added service to seven new destinations from its LAX hub over the past year, including Atlanta, Belize, Edmonton, Guadalajara, San Antonio, Tampa and Vancouver.

Customers traveling from North America have access to nearly 60 additional destinations throughout Australia and New Zealand when connecting from Qantas trans-Pacific routes from Sydney.

American’s new service between Los Angeles and Sydney will be operated with the state-of-the-art, three-class Boeing 777-300ER. The aircraft features all-aisle access, fully lie-flat seats and a walk-up bar in the premium cabins; Main Cabin Extra seating provides more legroom; and all seats feature personal, in-seat entertainment screens with up to 250 movies, over 180 TV programs and more than 350 audio selections, international Wi-Fi capability and universal AC power outlets and USB ports.

Qantas will operate its service between Sydney and San Francisco with a reconfigured Boeing 747-400 that has the same style interiors found on its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft. It features the award-winning, fully-flat Skybed designed by Marc Newson in Business Class, custom-designed seats with ergonomic cushioning in Economy Class and the latest inflight technology with large in-seat screens in every cabin offering more than 1,500 entertainment options. Qantas’ SYD-LAX route will continue to operate with the A380.

About American Airlines Group
American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. Together with regional partners, operating as American Eagle and US Airways Express, the airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. This year American topped Fortune Magazine’s list of best business turnarounds and its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

About Qantas Airways
Qantas is the world’s second-oldest airline. Founded in the Queensland outback in 1920, it is Australia’s largest domestic and international airline and is recognised as one of the world’s leading long-distance carriers, having pioneered services from Australia to North America and Europe. The Qantas Group today offers services across a network spanning more than 200 destinations in 53 countries, including Australia and those served by codeshare partner airlines. Renowned for its excellence in safety, customer service, operational efficiency and technical innovation, the flying kangaroo is a symbol of contemporary Australia. Customer benefits include a global network, up to four travel classes, a leading loyalty program in Qantas Frequent Flyer, award winning inflight meals and entertainment, airport lounges and strong relationships with partner airlines. Qantas was awarded Best Airline Australia-Pacific in this year’s Skytrax World Airline Awards and was also ranked in the top ten best airlines globally.

CHICAGO and BEIJING, – United Airlines and Air China, members of Star Alliance, today announced plans to expand their code-sharing cooperation, covering an additional 22 routes in the China and U.S. markets. With this expansion, United and Air China will codeshare together on more than 110 routes, offering customers the most comprehensive route network between the U.S. and China.

Air China will place its CA code on United-operated flights on 12 additional U.S. domestic routes: from Los Angeles to Dallas/DFW, Cleveland, Tucson, San Antonio, New York/Newark and Seattle; from San Francisco to Salt Lake City and Austin; from Washington, D.C./Dulles to Columbus and Tampa; and from Houston/Bush Intercontinental to Tampa and Nashville. United will place its UA code on Air China-operated flights on 10 additional domestic routes in China: from Beijing to Mianyang, Taiyuan, Sanya, Shanghai Hongqiao, Yinchuan, Xining, Liuzhou, Haikou and Lanzhou; and from Shanghai Pudong to Yinchuan.

These new code-sharing routes will be open for sale from today, June 2, 2015.

Air China and United have enjoyed a successful cooperative relationship since 2003.

Air China in the U.S.
Air China has six gateways in the U.S.: New York/JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston/Bush Intercontinental, Washington, D.C./Dulles and Honolulu.

United in China
United began nonstop service to China in 1986 and today serves Beijing with nonstop flights from Chicago, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington/Dulles; Shanghai with nonstop flights from Chicago, Guam, Los Angeles, New York/Newark and San Francisco; Chengdu with nonstop flights from San Francisco; and Hong Kong with nonstop flights from Chicago, Guam, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City.

United’s San Francisco hub is America’s leading trans-Pacific gateway.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

Subang: Christoph Mueller, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Airline System Berhad (MAS) and CEO-designate of the new airline, Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), assures customers that MAS operations continue as normal with the appointment of the Administrator.

Mueller states, “I assure you our operations are very much business as usual. All MAS flights, schedules, and reservations continue to operate as normal. We remain committed to serving you with our world-class Malaysian Hospitality, and look forward to welcoming you on board Malaysia Airlines.”

“This appointment does not affect our daily operations or existing reservations. You can continue to make reservations in full confidence that our flights and schedules are operating as normal, that tickets sold will be honoured, and that our Enrich frequent flyer programme continues with Miles and status preserved”, Mueller added.

Today, Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah) announced the voluntary appointment of an Administrator for MAS. This appointment reflects the continuing and considerable effort to 1 September 2015, when MAB becomes operational with a new business model and a new management team, led by Mueller.

The appointment by Khazanah, Malaysia’s sovereign fund and the sole shareholder of MAS, is backed by the Malaysian Airline System Berhad (Administration) Act 2015 (MAS Act) enacted by the Government of Malaysia. Under the MAS Act, the Administrator plays a critical role to facilitating the transfer of selected assets and liabilities to MAB, which will replace MAS as Malaysia’s new national carrier.

ATLANTA, May 29, 2015 — Delta Air Lines’ (NYSE: DAL) 2014 Corporate Responsibility Report details accomplishments initiated last year to improve sustainability, highlighting the airline’s environmental commitment, community involvement, supply chain management, employee relations, operational reliability and financial performance.

Delta Air Lines and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to nearly 370 destinations on six continents. For more information visit news.delta.com.
“We believe that reducing our impact on the environment is a business imperative,” said John Laughter, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance. “We remain committed to reporting on our performance and doing what we can to address climate change through ongoing fuel efficiency improvements.”

Delta’s 2014 Corporate Responsibility Report can be accessed online at delta.com/responsibility and features an introductory letter from Delta’s CEO Richard Anderson.

Significant accomplishments in the 2014 report include:

Achieving carbon-neutral growth based on 2012 emission levels through the purchase of more than 1.7 million carbon offsets
Reducinghazardous waste generation system-wide by 14 percent
Expanding Delta’s In-Flight Recycling program to 33 cities, which increased recycled material by 6.8 percent
Diverting 12,640 pounds of life vests, 65,000 pounds of carpet and 7,973 tons of leather seat covers through upcycling efforts
Continuing a tradition of support for a variety of charitable organizations both in the U.S. and internationally, including the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, CARE, the Ghana Red Cross Society, Habitat for Humanity International, KaBOOM!, The Prince’s Trust and the United Way
Exceeding minority and women-owned business enterprises and diverse supplier performance goals by 2.5 percent and 7 percent respectively
Reducing Delta’s employee injury rate by 4 percent relative to 2013 levels
Rewarding the efforts of Delta employees with more than $1 billion in profit sharing and $84 million in bonuses for meeting operational goals
Delivering best-in-class operational performance withon-time arrivals at 84 percent and a completion factor of 99 percent, excluding the impact of storms
Reporting a $4.5 billion profit for the year, excluding special items, an all-time record for the airline industry
The 2014 report also highlights the airline’s continued focus on the fuel efficiency of its aircraft and ground support equipment, providing commute options for employees and creating opportunities for customers to offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with their flights.

Additionally, Delta successfully verified its complete 2014 greenhouse gas emissions inventory under The Climate Registry and was again named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North American Index and has been since 2011.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 170 million customers each year. Delta was named to FORTUNE magazine’s top 50 World’s Most Admired Companies in addition to being named the most admired airline for the fourth time in five years. Additionally, Delta has ranked No.1 in the Business Travel News Annual Airline survey for four consecutive years, a first for any airline. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 327 destinations in 60 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs nearly 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a newly formed joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on delta.com, Twitter @Delta, Google.com/+Delta, Facebook.com/delta and Delta’s blog takingoff.delta.com.

HOUSTON, — United Airlines, in partnership with Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Airport System, will break ground today on the airline’s new Terminal C North concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

United Airlines is building an all-new Terminal C North concourse at its Houston hub that will feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering soaring tarmac views, expansive gate-lounge areas and 20 new dining and retail options near boarding gates.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the new concourse will offer soaring tarmac views, expansive gate-lounge areas will provide higher levels of comfort and 20 new dining and retail options near boarding gates will give Houstonians and travelers connecting through the airport more of the varied options they enjoy.

The $244 million project will create a 265,000-square-foot facility, more than 100,000 square feet larger than the existing Terminal C North, with 11 passenger boarding gates to accommodate a mix of United’s narrow-, mid- and wide-body aircraft.

When construction on the new concourse is completed, the Houston Airport System will demolish the existing Terminal C North facility at Bush Intercontinental to enable the reconstruction of the Mickey Leland International Terminal D. The international terminal is critical to Bush Intercontinental’s extensive connecting air traffic, particularly for those customers connecting between United flights and flights operated by United’s international airline partners.

High-resolution exterior renderings of United’s new Terminal C North are available in the airline’s newsroom at newsroom.united.com/IAH-NewTerminalCNorth.

“The partnership that exists between the City of Houston and United Airlines continues to grow stronger in a variety of important ways,” says Houston Mayor Annise Parker. “United continues to connect Houston on a global level through the launching of new nonstop flights and they continue to partner with the city’s airport system on vital infrastructure projects, which dramatically improve the overall travel experience for millions of people.”

“Through this next phase of our ongoing facilities expansion at Bush Intercontinental, United’s customers will enjoy more of the comforts and amenities they have come to expect, and that have made Houston a premier international gateway and a cornerstone of United’s global network,” says Jim Compton, United’s vice chairman and chief revenue officer.

United expects to complete the new Terminal C North concourse in early 2017.

United In Houston
From Houston, United and United Express offer nearly 560 daily flights to more than 180 destinations around the world, including top business and leisure travel markets in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The Houston hub is United’s premier gateway to Latin America, serving 51 nonstop destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

United is one of the city’s largest employers, with more than 15,000 Houston-based employees.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

About Houston Airport System
Houston Airports served more than 53 million passengers in 2014. Houston’s three airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) contribute more than $27.5 billion to the regional economy. IAH is the eighth-busiest airport in the nation and is one of the largest hubs for United Airlines

TUCSON, Ariz., – Boeing (NYSE: BA), elected and community leaders joined together today to celebrate the permanent display of one of the original 787-8 Dreamliner flight test airplanes at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

“Boeing has a strong presence in Arizona and is proud to share this important achievement in aviation history with the community, our employees and visitors,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The Pima Air & Space Museum is a world-class facility and has been a great partner throughout the years. It’s the perfect location to showcase this pioneering airplane.”

This particular 787, ZA002, is the second Boeing 787-8 to be produced. The airplane flew for the first time on Dec. 22, 2009, joining what would become a six-airplane flight test and certification program for the 787-8. The primary focus of ZA002 was testing systems performance.

“Aerospace is a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy, creating jobs and business opportunities across the state,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Boeing’s donation of this state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner is symbolic of Arizona’s rich history and bright future in aerospace, and a strong testament to our commitment to innovation and industry.”

The celebration at the Pima Air & Space Museum included the participation of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, Boeing VP of 787 Engineering Ron Hinderberger and museum Board Chairman Count Ferdinand von Galen.

Coinciding with the 787 induction, the Pima Air & Space Museum also unveiled its new ‘Women in Flight’ exhibit, commemorating the achievements of female aviators over the past century.

“This is an extremely exciting and monumental time for the museum, the Tucson community and Arizona in general,” said Scott Marchand, executive director, Pima Air & Space Museum. “We are honored to be selected by Boeing to be the custodian of such a significant historic next generation aircraft and to be able to display it to the public from the U.S. and around the world.”

ZA002 is the second of three flight test 787-8s Boeing plans to share with communities and future generations of employees and airplane enthusiasts.

About the Pima Air & Space Museum
The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world, and the largest non-government funded aviation museum in the United States. The museum maintains a collection of more than 300 aircraft and spacecraft from around the globe—including many rare and one-of-a-kind—and more than 125,000 artifacts. The museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Exit 267 off Interstate 10.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced a significant NextGen milestone with the completion of En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), a highly advanced computer system used by air traffic controllers to safely manage high-altitude traffic.

“Looking at the future of air travel, we know that there will be more planes in our skies and more people in our airports, and in order to meet this challenge we must integrate cutting-edge technology into our aviation system,” said Secretary Foxx. “ERAM is a major step forward in our relentless efforts to develop and implement NextGen. With this new technology, passengers will be able to get to their destinations, faster, safer, and have a smoother ride – all while burning less fuel to get there.”

ERAM is the backbone of operations at 20 of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) en route air traffic control centers. The system, a crucial foundation for NextGen, drives display screens used by air traffic controllers to safely manage and separate aircraft.

“ERAM gives us a big boost in technological horsepower over the system it replaces,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “This computer system enables each controller to handle more aircraft over a larger area, resulting in increased safety, capacity, and efficiency.”

The first ERAM system went online at Salt Lake City Center in March 2012. The final installation was completed last month at New York Center.
ERAM uses nearly two million lines of computer code to process critical data for controllers, including aircraft identity, altitude, speed, and flight path. The system almost doubles the number of flights that can be tracked and displayed to controllers. ERAM was designed to be the operating platform for other NextGen technologies, including:

Performance Based Navigation (PBN): Controllers are already using ERAM to make use of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures that enable controllers and flight crews to know exactly when to reduce the thrust on aircraft, allowing them to descend from cruising altitude to the runway with the engines set at idle power, saving on flying time and fuel consumption.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B): The FAA is moving steadily toward replacing the old system of ground-based radars to track aircraft with one that relies on satellite-based technologies. ERAM already receives information from aircraft equipped with ADS-B and displays that data on controllers’ screens. This technology has made it possible for controllers to provide radar-like separation to aircraft that previously operated in areas where no radar is available, such as the Gulf of Mexico and large parts of Alaska. ADS-B will replace radar as the primary means of tracking aircraft by 2020.

Data Comm: To reduce congestion on radio frequencies, the FAA and the aviation industry continue to develop Data Comm, which will allow controllers and pilots to communicate by direct digital link rather than voice, similar to text messaging. ERAM is already equipped to handle this technology.

Secretary Foxx and Administrator Huerta attributed the success of the development and installation of ERAM to the collaboration between FAA management and labor, including the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). This collaborative process is now a blueprint that will be applied to the rollout of future technologies.

CHICAGO, — United Airlines and The Trotter Project are joining together to boost travelers’ in-flight dining experience, with alumni chefs of Charlie Trotter’s legendary Chicago restaurant and their culinary peers working with the airline to design new premium-cabin and United Economy meals.

United will also be the official airline of The Trotter Project, a nonprofit organization committed to continuing Chef Trotter’s legacy through mentoring and internship programs for youth interested in the culinary arts.

“Our partnership with The Trotter Project is an excellent addition to the investment we are making in products and services for our customers, from booking until they reach their final destinations,” said Sandra Pineau-Boddison, United’s senior vice president of customers. “By pairing our team of chefs with those affiliated with The Trotter Project, we will continue to offer our customers innovative dining options.”

“Our relationship with United is a natural fit, given Chef Charlie Trotter’s history as one of its celebrity chefs,” said Derrek Hull, executive director of The Trotter Project. “Through this exciting, new partnership, his alumni and culinary supporters will continue that spirit of service and excellence. We look forward to further elevating the in-flight dining experience for United’s customers and providing more opportunities to the next generation of great culinary talent.”

United and The Trotter Project hosted their first menu-development workshop in March, with United’s team of chefs joining the following Trotter alumni and culinary supporters of the organization:

Richie Farina, former executive chef at Chicago’s Michelin-starred Moto Restaurant and contestant on reality show “Top Chef”;
Della Gossett of Spago Beverly Hills;
David LeFevre of Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing with Dynamite restaurants, in Manhattan Beach, California;
Mitchell Nordby, sous chef at Parallel 37 at The Ritz Carlton, San Francisco;
Christian Ramos of Virginia’s, a new restaurant in New York City’s East Village neighborhood, and formerly of New York’s Per Se restaurant;
Priscila Satkoff of Chicago’s Salpicon restaurant and a Chicago Chefs Hall of Fame inductee;
Michael Taus, vice president of The Trotter Project and owner of Chicago restaurant Taus Authentic; and
Guillermo Tellez-Cruz, Charlie Trotter’s chef de cuisine and executive chef at Flora’s Field Kitchen in Los Cabos, Mexico.
During the workshop, the chefs developed new menu ideas for United BusinessFirst customers on the airline’s p.s. Premium Service and for United’s economy-cabin Choice Menu Bistro on Board. Customers may get a taste of the new meals in the coming months.

United and Trotter-affiliated chefs plan to team up again later this year, as they continue to redesign customers’ onboard culinary experience. For more information, visit www.united.com/thetrotterproject.

The new collaboration between the airline and the nonprofit organization will receive advertising support from Conde Nast Traveler, the official media partner of The Trotter Project. Conde Nast Traveler is also producing a short film documenting the partnership from kitchen to cabin, which customers will be able to view on United flights worldwide.

United’s Airport and In-flight Investments
United’s partnership with The Trotter Project furthers the airline’s commitment to the travel experience, with improvements this year to food and beverage service in-flight and in airport clubs. United has:

Introduced delicious new premium-cabin meals and snacks on flights within North America, and expanded premium-cabin meal service to include flights of at least 800 miles;
Replaced snack boxes with freshly prepared entrées served on chinaware, in premium cabins on United Express regional-jet service of at least 800 miles; and
Debuted an all-new complimentary food menu for United Clubs worldwide, with customers currently enjoying the new fresh and healthy options at locations in Chicago, Houston, New York/Newark and Denver, and expanding the menu to other locations this year.
Also, beginning June 1, the airline will offer significantly upgraded food and beverage service – including multi-course meals, complimentary beer and wine and a new option to purchase premium snacks – for customers in United Economy on many long-haul international flights.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world’s most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

About The Trotter Project
The Trotter Project, an alumni-driven initiative, seeks to unite those interested in the culinary arts, along with the hospitality and service industries, through a variety of events and programs designed to educate and inspire. The Trotter Project engages youth in mentorship and internship programs that help open doors and inspire minds through the culinary arts. Learn more at www.thetrotterproject.org, and follow us on Twitter @TrotterProject, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.