Trade court rejects nearly 80% of EU claim of improper support for Boeing; finds no U.S. equivalent for billions in illegal European launch aid provided to Airbus
- Final rulings in U.S. and EU cases now public; findings show Airbus received more than $20 billion in impermissible funding versus $2.7 billion for Boeing.
- Boeing reiterates call for Airbus to fund A350 and other new programs on commercial terms, and remedy prohibited export subsidies on the A380
CHICAGO, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A World Trade Organization final case ruling published today confirms the massive market advantage Airbus has enjoyed from billions in illegal government subsidies provided to fund the company's commercial airplane product line since its inception more than 40 years ago.
"This WTO ruling shatters the convenient myth that European governments must illegally subsidize Airbus to counter U.S. government assistance to Boeing," said J. Michael Luttig, Boeing (NYSE:BA) executive vice president and general counsel. "The ruling rejects 80 percent of the EU's claims against the U.S., finding no more than $2.7 billion of impermissible subsidies to Boeing not previously remedied. That amount includes $2.6 billion in NASA R&D funding, which is but a small fraction of the total amount challenged," Luttig said.
Today's ruling resulted from the European Union's attempt to counter a U.S. case that successfully challenged illegal subsidies to Airbus. Last June, the WTO upheld approximately 80% of the U.S. claim, finding Airbus had received more than $20 billion in illegal government subsidies, which harmed the U.S. aerospace industry and resulted in the loss of billions in exports and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs.
Illegal government subsidies to Airbus included:
* $1.5 billion in R&D subsidies,
* $1.7 billion in infrastructure subsidies,
* $2.2 billion in equity infusions, and
* $15 billion in launch aid (including $4 billion for the A380) – a subsidy that is unique to Airbus and is the most pernicious and market-distorting subsidy under the law.
"Comparing today's decision with the decision last June reveals a market distorted by Airbus' practices, with illegal launch aid being the key discriminator," Luttig said. "The WTO ruling on launch aid goes to the heart of the Airbus business model, which now must change. In contrast, there are no comparable findings or consequences to the U.S. or Boeing from today's decision, as the WTO has now fully and finally rejected most of the EU's claims."
Both sides may appeal today's ruling. Once any appeal concludes, Boeing will support whatever steps the U.S. government deems necessary to fulfill its WTO obligations, and expects the same commitment to compliance from Airbus and its sponsor governments.
"Illegal launch aid must end. Airbus must take immediate steps to withdraw the outstanding prohibited subsidies provided to the A380, and it must finance the A350 and all other future programs on commercial terms," Luttig said.
"With $16.6 billion of cash on hand, EADS/Airbus can, and now must, develop its products without illegal government subsidies," he added.
Luttig said the WTO had done an outstanding job adjudicating the subsidy dispute.
"An impartial arbiter has spoken, and has set important precedents for all nations with ambitions to grow their aerospace industries. Compliance with WTO rules is essential to fair play and to the public's confidence in the global trading system," he said.
Editor's Note: More information can be found at www.boeing.com/WTO
Boeing
jueves, 31 de marzo de 2011
Truth goes public: WTO condemns massive illegal Boeing subsidies
Boeing received “at least $5.3 billion” in “pervasive” and “distortive” subsidies causing $45 billion in harm
31 March 2011 Press Release
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) today publicly condemned the United States for giving Boeing massive illegal subsidies that caused Airbus to lose $45 billion in sales. This follows years of unfounded accusations and attempts to demonise Airbus, especially during the protracted campaign to win the US Air Force contract for Tanker aircraft.
“Finally the truth emerges: Boeing has received and continues to receive subsidies which have a significantly greater distortive effect than the Reimbursable Loans to Airbus, “ said Rainer Ohler, Airbus’ Head of Public Affairs and Communications. “Taking the cases together, the WTO has now specifically green-lighted the continued use of government loans in Europe and ordered Boeing to end its illegal cash support from US taxpayers. It’s time for Boeing to stop denying or minimizing the massive illegal subsidies it gets”.
The WTO-report published today confirms Airbus’s earlier predictions:
1 - Boeing would not have been able to launch the 787 without illegal subsidies.
“What is clear to us is that, absent the aeronautics R&D subsidies, Boeing would not have been able to launch an aircraft incorporating all of the technologies that are incorporated on the 787...” (para. 7.1775)
“[T]he R&D subsidies ... contributed in a genuine and substantial way to Boeing’s development of technologies for the 787.” (paras. 7.1754, 7.1773 and 7.1794).
2 - Boeing has received “at least $5.3 billion” of US taxpayer dollars which has been determined illegal.
“[W]e have estimated that the amount of these subsidies to Boeing’s LCA division was at least $5.3 billion.” (para. 7.1433).
3 - An additional over $2 billion in state and local subsidies that Boeing will receive in the future are illegal.
“[T]he Panel finds that the Washington [tax credits] are specific subsidies to Boeing.” “[W]e recommend that ... the United States ‘take appropriate measures to ... withdraw the subsidy’.” (Paras. 7.302, 8.9).
4 - The effect of the subsidies is significantly larger than the face value of the subsidies in light of their particularly pervasive nature.
“Precisely because the nature of this kind of subsidy is that it is intended to multiply the benefit from a given expenditure, the Panel considers it unlikely that the effects of such expenditure ... would be reducible to its face amount.” (para. 7.1760)
5 - The pervasive subsidies have thoroughly distorted competition within the aviation industry, directly resulting in significant harm to the European aerospace industry.
“[W]e would characterize the NASA R&D subsidies as strategically-focused R&D programmes with a significant and pervasive commercial dimension.” (para. 7.1764)
“[The subsidies] enabled Boeing to lower its prices beyond the level that would otherwise have been economically justifiable.... [T]his led to it securing sales that it would not otherwise have made, while in other cases, it led to Airbus being able to secure the sale only at a reduced price. (para. 7.1818)
6 - The effect of these subsidies will continue in the future, putting Airbus at a significant disadvantage.
“We note further that, to the extent that these subsidies have enabled Boeing to win sales from Airbus in the past, they have served to entrench Boeing as the incumbent supplier, thereby putting it at an important switching cost advantage over Airbus in future sales.” (para. 7.1818)
“Boeing has shot themselves in the foot with the WTO proceedings,” indicates Rainer Ohler. “The company has achieved a massive condemnation of its U.S. funding mechanisms – provided the U.S. is willing to implement the ruling - while the European mechanism has been approved as a legal instrument. The only result of this anachronistic battle is that it limits America’s and Europe’s ability to compete with emerging competitors that have access to unlimited government funding.”
Airbus is pleased with the findings of the WTO report, but understands that the European Commission may appeal a number of issues relating to legal interpretation. Airbus fully supports the European Commission in this respect.
Full version of the report: www.wto.org (search item DS353)
PR
31 March 2011 Press Release
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) today publicly condemned the United States for giving Boeing massive illegal subsidies that caused Airbus to lose $45 billion in sales. This follows years of unfounded accusations and attempts to demonise Airbus, especially during the protracted campaign to win the US Air Force contract for Tanker aircraft.
“Finally the truth emerges: Boeing has received and continues to receive subsidies which have a significantly greater distortive effect than the Reimbursable Loans to Airbus, “ said Rainer Ohler, Airbus’ Head of Public Affairs and Communications. “Taking the cases together, the WTO has now specifically green-lighted the continued use of government loans in Europe and ordered Boeing to end its illegal cash support from US taxpayers. It’s time for Boeing to stop denying or minimizing the massive illegal subsidies it gets”.
The WTO-report published today confirms Airbus’s earlier predictions:
1 - Boeing would not have been able to launch the 787 without illegal subsidies.
“What is clear to us is that, absent the aeronautics R&D subsidies, Boeing would not have been able to launch an aircraft incorporating all of the technologies that are incorporated on the 787...” (para. 7.1775)
“[T]he R&D subsidies ... contributed in a genuine and substantial way to Boeing’s development of technologies for the 787.” (paras. 7.1754, 7.1773 and 7.1794).
2 - Boeing has received “at least $5.3 billion” of US taxpayer dollars which has been determined illegal.
“[W]e have estimated that the amount of these subsidies to Boeing’s LCA division was at least $5.3 billion.” (para. 7.1433).
3 - An additional over $2 billion in state and local subsidies that Boeing will receive in the future are illegal.
“[T]he Panel finds that the Washington [tax credits] are specific subsidies to Boeing.” “[W]e recommend that ... the United States ‘take appropriate measures to ... withdraw the subsidy’.” (Paras. 7.302, 8.9).
4 - The effect of the subsidies is significantly larger than the face value of the subsidies in light of their particularly pervasive nature.
“Precisely because the nature of this kind of subsidy is that it is intended to multiply the benefit from a given expenditure, the Panel considers it unlikely that the effects of such expenditure ... would be reducible to its face amount.” (para. 7.1760)
5 - The pervasive subsidies have thoroughly distorted competition within the aviation industry, directly resulting in significant harm to the European aerospace industry.
“[W]e would characterize the NASA R&D subsidies as strategically-focused R&D programmes with a significant and pervasive commercial dimension.” (para. 7.1764)
“[The subsidies] enabled Boeing to lower its prices beyond the level that would otherwise have been economically justifiable.... [T]his led to it securing sales that it would not otherwise have made, while in other cases, it led to Airbus being able to secure the sale only at a reduced price. (para. 7.1818)
6 - The effect of these subsidies will continue in the future, putting Airbus at a significant disadvantage.
“We note further that, to the extent that these subsidies have enabled Boeing to win sales from Airbus in the past, they have served to entrench Boeing as the incumbent supplier, thereby putting it at an important switching cost advantage over Airbus in future sales.” (para. 7.1818)
“Boeing has shot themselves in the foot with the WTO proceedings,” indicates Rainer Ohler. “The company has achieved a massive condemnation of its U.S. funding mechanisms – provided the U.S. is willing to implement the ruling - while the European mechanism has been approved as a legal instrument. The only result of this anachronistic battle is that it limits America’s and Europe’s ability to compete with emerging competitors that have access to unlimited government funding.”
Airbus is pleased with the findings of the WTO report, but understands that the European Commission may appeal a number of issues relating to legal interpretation. Airbus fully supports the European Commission in this respect.
Full version of the report: www.wto.org (search item DS353)
PR
Tecnam anuncia el lanzamiento del nuevo avión P2012 Traveller
El fabricante italiano lo presentará en la Feria Aero 2011 de Friedrischafen
Madrid, 31 de Marzo de 2011.- Tecnam ha anunciado hoy el lanzamiento del Tecnam P2012 Traveller. Un bimotor de nueva generación, diseñado con once asientos y alimentado por un motor Lycoming. Este nuevo avión ha sido diseñado para cumplir con las legislaciones americana y europea FAR 23 y EASA CS-23.
El Tecnam P2012 Traveller ha sido creado para proporcionar transporte aéreo seguro y fiable en todo el mundo, ofreciendo un inmejorable aspecto, con un diseño innovador y estilo italiano, además de un coste de operación muy pequeño.
Las aerolíneas han estado demandando el reemplazo para cientos de aviones "patrimonio" en la categoría FAR23/CS23 actualmente en servicio en todo el mundo, ya que muchos están llegando al final de su vida útil.
Con la introducción del Traveller P2012, Tecnam asegura un nicho de mercado, donde se reúnen comodidad y seguridad para los pasajeros, y en el que los operadores mejorarán significativamente el coste operativo directo, con un mantenimiento más eficiente y teniendo en cuenta consideraciones ambientales como la necesidad de disminuir el consumo de combustible y menos emisiones de ruido.
En cuanto a la planta de potencia, Lycoming ha desarrollado un motor seis cilindros de cuatro tiempos con motores de pistón, TEO-540-A1A para alimentar el P2012 Traveller, diseñados especialmente para este modelo, ofreciendo un consumo económico, preparados para operar en condiciones de baja presión y altitud, y con alto número de ciclos. Cada uno de estos motores ofrece 350 caballos de potencia.
El Tecnam P2012 Traveller tendrá la opción de utilizar combustible MOGAS y AVGAS, permitiendo así al Tecnam P2012 la operación en multitud de escenarios. Sus dos motores aseguran operaciones seguras y fiables, ya sea grandes superficies de agua o terrenos accidentados, con un sistema de combustible equipado con dos tanques de combustible integrados en el fuselaje de las alas, con una capacidad de 600 litros (159 Gal.), teniendo un consumo medio de menos de 114 l/h (30 GPH) a una velocidad de crucero de 160 nudos.
El nuevo avión requiere un mantenimiento mínimo, por lo que se ha equipado con un tren de aterrizaje fijo, muy robusto, prácticamente libre de mantenimiento. Con más de cien centros de servicio Tecnam instaurados en todo el mundo, nuestros operadores tienen la garantía de un soporte global.
Para Tecnam la reputación de innovación y estilo es también muy evidente en el diseño de la cabina de pasaje. Teniendo en cuenta los últimos estudios ergonómicos y antropométricos, la distancia entre asientos se ha fijado en una medida muy cómoda de 32 pulgadas. Equipados con puntos individuales de ventilación para cada pasajero, con un sistema de calefacción diseñado para calentar la cabina de manera uniforme. Además alberga dos compartimientos de equipaje que permiten 1.000 litros con 70,6 pies cúbicos de espacio.
''Últimamente, los operadores han demandado un avión de nueva generación que pueda ofrecer no sólo beneficios, sino tambien eficiencia, fiabilidad y confort para los pasajeros. El equipo de diseño de Tecnam ha respondido a todas estas necesidades en el desarrollo del P2012 Traveller, ¡uno de los primeros aviones FAR23/CS23 creado en 25 años!'', comentó Paolo Pascale, Director de Gestión de Tecnam. ''El Traveller P2012 se basa en nuestro compromiso de continuar el desarrollo de aviones elegantes, innovadores y asequibles. Para el equipo de Tecnam, el diseño y construcción de aviones no es sólo un trabajo, es una extensión de nuestra pasión por volar''.
El Tecnam P2012 Traveller se podrá ver por primera vez en servicio, como un avión de pasajeros, pero ha sido diseñado para ser una plataforma aérea muy versátil y flexible, que ofrece muchas oportunidades incluyendo las opciones de ser avión de carga, VIP, paracaidismo y servicios de evacuación médica.
El Tecnam P2012 Traveller se dará a conocer públicamente durante la feria Aero 2011 en Friedrichshafen el próximo miércoles 13 de abril 2011.
Sobre Tecnam
Tecnam Aviation fue fundada en 1986 por los hermanos Pascale. La empresa cuenta con dos plantas de fabricación en Italia. Una de 11.000 metros cuadrados cerca del Aeropuerto Internacional de Nápoles, en Capodichino, y otra de 12.000 metros cuadrados en Capua, en el Aeropuerto Oreste Salomone.
La red de distribución de aviones Tecnam incluye distribuidores en los países extranjeros, Dedalus Aircraft (www.dedalusaircraft.es) es la compañía distribuidora en España.
Los aviones Tecnam que se fabrican actualmente ofrecen una diversa gama de opciones ajustadas para cada cliente. Tienen configuración de asientos para dos o cuatro ocupantes, y utilizan en la mayoría de los casos el motor Rotax 912S de 100 cv. Además es un avión muy versátil que permite ser una herramienta excepcional para la enseñanza, ideales como avión escuela, tal y como demuestra la demanda de modelos como el P92 o el P2002.
Spanish Government, Iberia, and Airbus launch bio-fuel initiative
'Value chain' to study bio-fuel production to reduce CO2 emissions
Blagnac, 30 March 2011
The Spanish government, Iberia Airlines and Airbus have signed an agreement to develop a complete Spanish 'value chain' for sustainable and renewable aviation bio-fuel for commercial use. Other key members are expected to join the agreement shortly.
Signatories to the agreement signed in Madrid include Isaías Táboas, Spain's Transport Secretary of State, Suárez, Antonio Vazquez, Iberia Airlines Chairman, and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.
The agreement promotes and backs initiatives to develop a complete bio-fuel production chain for Spanish aviation, using sustainable resources from production to consumption in commercial aviation, with special consideration on economic and technical analysis.
"The implementation of biofuels by the Spanish aviation industry for the development of a complete Spanish "value chain" is a goal that will reduce our dependency on fossil energy, make our companies more competitive by reducing costs associated to CO2 and create value and wealth in other sectors of our national economy," said Isaías Táboas. "We are fully confident that both, the public and private sector can cooperate in the development and implementation of this initiative."
"Climate change is a major challenge for our industry. The aviation sector's ambitious CO2 reduction target is only possible if bio-fuels become a reality. Under this initiative, Iberia brings extensive experience in flight operations and in aircraft maintenance to perform the necessary tests that will make this goal a reality", said Antonio Vazquez.
Airbus' focus is on providing expertise and management of the feasibility, life cycle and sustainability analysis.
"Biofuels are a must for aviation to achieve our industry's ambitious CO2 reduction targets. In fact, we believe that biofuels should primarily be reserved for aviation as our industry has no other viable alternative energy source," said Tom Enders. "All industry players including governments have a role in helping to reduce global CO2 emission levels. Airbus is supporting value chains to accelerate the commercialisation of aviation bio-fuels."
The value chain brings together farmers, oil-refiners and airlines to spearhead the commercialisation of sustainable bio-fuel production. Phase one of the project will be the feasibility study. Phase two, will narrow down the most promising solutions to a demonstration level, and phase three from 2014 onwards will look at implementation and scaling up of the production process.
The initiative is being lead by the Air Safety State-Agency (AESA) and the Services and Studies for Air Navigation and Aeronautical Safety/Observatory of Sustainability in Aviation (SENASA/OBSA), under the Ministries of the Environment, of Public works and of the Industry.
EADS
Blagnac, 30 March 2011
The Spanish government, Iberia Airlines and Airbus have signed an agreement to develop a complete Spanish 'value chain' for sustainable and renewable aviation bio-fuel for commercial use. Other key members are expected to join the agreement shortly.
Signatories to the agreement signed in Madrid include Isaías Táboas, Spain's Transport Secretary of State, Suárez, Antonio Vazquez, Iberia Airlines Chairman, and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.
The agreement promotes and backs initiatives to develop a complete bio-fuel production chain for Spanish aviation, using sustainable resources from production to consumption in commercial aviation, with special consideration on economic and technical analysis.
"The implementation of biofuels by the Spanish aviation industry for the development of a complete Spanish "value chain" is a goal that will reduce our dependency on fossil energy, make our companies more competitive by reducing costs associated to CO2 and create value and wealth in other sectors of our national economy," said Isaías Táboas. "We are fully confident that both, the public and private sector can cooperate in the development and implementation of this initiative."
"Climate change is a major challenge for our industry. The aviation sector's ambitious CO2 reduction target is only possible if bio-fuels become a reality. Under this initiative, Iberia brings extensive experience in flight operations and in aircraft maintenance to perform the necessary tests that will make this goal a reality", said Antonio Vazquez.
Airbus' focus is on providing expertise and management of the feasibility, life cycle and sustainability analysis.
"Biofuels are a must for aviation to achieve our industry's ambitious CO2 reduction targets. In fact, we believe that biofuels should primarily be reserved for aviation as our industry has no other viable alternative energy source," said Tom Enders. "All industry players including governments have a role in helping to reduce global CO2 emission levels. Airbus is supporting value chains to accelerate the commercialisation of aviation bio-fuels."
The value chain brings together farmers, oil-refiners and airlines to spearhead the commercialisation of sustainable bio-fuel production. Phase one of the project will be the feasibility study. Phase two, will narrow down the most promising solutions to a demonstration level, and phase three from 2014 onwards will look at implementation and scaling up of the production process.
The initiative is being lead by the Air Safety State-Agency (AESA) and the Services and Studies for Air Navigation and Aeronautical Safety/Observatory of Sustainability in Aviation (SENASA/OBSA), under the Ministries of the Environment, of Public works and of the Industry.
EADS
Airbus CEO Tom Enders calls for investment in the future
Sustainable aviation at the heart of a thriving European economy
Blagnac, 30 March 2011
Speaking at a major EU summit in Madrid, Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, urges Europe "to invest in improving an infrastructure that so much of the world's economic and social development relies on".
The Airbus CEO's comments follow the launch of The European Aviation Vision 2050, an aspirational roadmap of how the sector will handle 16 billion passengers and 400 million tonnes of cargo annually (1). Airbus has been involved in developing the vision, which highlights the need for investment in education and research to meet global demand for a sustainable and greener transport network.
The European Aviation Vision 2050, aims to reduce CO2 by 75%, NOx by 90% and noise by 65%, compared to levels in 2000, while handling around 25 million flights per year within Europe. It suggests that by then 90% of travellers will be able to complete European journeys in four hours and that flights will arrive within one minute of planned arrival times, reducing flight times and fuel burn due to air traffic congestion.
Enders added: "The implementation of fuel saving technology in our aircraft has allowed us to satisfy a 45% increase in demand for air transport over the last decade with only a 3% increase in the use of jet fuel. Innovation has allowed us to do more with less, but these ambitious goals set out by this Vision need investment and action now in order to safeguard Europe's position as a leader in sustainable aviation, in a changing economic and political landscape," says Enders.
"Aviation supports 33 million jobs and 8% GDP. It is imperative that our investment in air transport reflects the huge economical and social benefits it brings", Enders concludes.
The Vision 2050 echoes the findings of the Airbus Passenger 2050 global survey, which reveals that seven out of 10 people expect to fly more, in greener aircraft and with access to their 'digital world'. "The future of aviation must take into account technological advances, but also passenger demands", says Enders. "Air traffic demand doubles every 15 years and as more people travel by air, it will take huge step change advancements to handle this increase in traffic while simultaneously preserving our environment."
The survey is part of The Future by Airbus initiative, which aims to promote debate about the challenges and choices faced by the industry as it seeks to look to the future.
EADS
Blagnac, 30 March 2011
Speaking at a major EU summit in Madrid, Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, urges Europe "to invest in improving an infrastructure that so much of the world's economic and social development relies on".
The Airbus CEO's comments follow the launch of The European Aviation Vision 2050, an aspirational roadmap of how the sector will handle 16 billion passengers and 400 million tonnes of cargo annually (1). Airbus has been involved in developing the vision, which highlights the need for investment in education and research to meet global demand for a sustainable and greener transport network.
The European Aviation Vision 2050, aims to reduce CO2 by 75%, NOx by 90% and noise by 65%, compared to levels in 2000, while handling around 25 million flights per year within Europe. It suggests that by then 90% of travellers will be able to complete European journeys in four hours and that flights will arrive within one minute of planned arrival times, reducing flight times and fuel burn due to air traffic congestion.
Enders added: "The implementation of fuel saving technology in our aircraft has allowed us to satisfy a 45% increase in demand for air transport over the last decade with only a 3% increase in the use of jet fuel. Innovation has allowed us to do more with less, but these ambitious goals set out by this Vision need investment and action now in order to safeguard Europe's position as a leader in sustainable aviation, in a changing economic and political landscape," says Enders.
"Aviation supports 33 million jobs and 8% GDP. It is imperative that our investment in air transport reflects the huge economical and social benefits it brings", Enders concludes.
The Vision 2050 echoes the findings of the Airbus Passenger 2050 global survey, which reveals that seven out of 10 people expect to fly more, in greener aircraft and with access to their 'digital world'. "The future of aviation must take into account technological advances, but also passenger demands", says Enders. "Air traffic demand doubles every 15 years and as more people travel by air, it will take huge step change advancements to handle this increase in traffic while simultaneously preserving our environment."
The survey is part of The Future by Airbus initiative, which aims to promote debate about the challenges and choices faced by the industry as it seeks to look to the future.
EADS
El episodio 14 del podcast aeronáutico Remove Before Flight ya está aquí
De nuevo un episodio más con vosotros, esta vez marcado por el conflicto aéreo sobre Libia. Un momento ¿eso no había ocurrido ya antes? descúbrelo en el monográfico de este episodio. Pero no te pierdas las noticias y el análisis de la actualidad.
0:00:00 Introducción
00:01:47 Plan de vuelo (sumario)
00:02:33 Noticias
00:21:26 Actualidad a Fondo: Peticiones extrañas a los TCPs
00:28:06 Actualidad a Fondo: ICAO prevé una gran demanda de profesionales.
00:34:15 Monográfico: El conflicto de Libia
00:58:22 Despedida
(duración total: 01:00h)
Como siempre puedes oírlo en-línea aquí, o descargarlo, o suscribirte a i-tunes, o por rss, y no olvides que estamos en Twitter, Youtube, Memolane...
en las noticias se habla del Dragon Rapide, y de un vídeo, se puede ver en: Vídeo del "roll out" del Dragon Rapide de la FIO con la librea de Iberia y la crónica de nuestra visita al roll-out del Dragon Rapide aquí.
"Eurocopter Canada Announces the Sale of first AS350 B3e to Slave Lake Helicopters"
"Eurocopter Canada Announces the Sale of first AS350 B3e to Slave Lake Helicopters"
The enhanced AS350 B3e is the next generation aircraft in the proven Ecureuil family of helicopters. Officially launched at Heli-Expo, 2011 the new version features a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbo shaft engine, a new digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and is fitted with an engine data recorder.
"The selection of the AS350B3e for Slave Lake's operations was easy; the new helicopter fits well with our expansion plans because it gives us the ability to work effectively in mountainous regions and over larger territories" said Mr. George Kelham, Owner, Slave Lake Helicopters. "Our customers rely on us to fly the latest in new technology aircraft".
The powerful, high-performance AS350 B3e is designed to carry out the most demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions. Its exceptional lift capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.
Unique to the AS350 B3e with the Arriel 2D powerplant is the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without a performance penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design.
The AS350 B3e is a member of Eurocopter's rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 4,900 Ecureuils have been delivered in 98 countries for some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have cumulated more than 22 million hours. More than 900 AS350 B3 series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in "high and hot" conditions. The new AS350 B3e will be based in Slave Lake, Alberta and will be utilized for forestry, oil support, tree planning and firefighting missions.
The AS350 B3e will be delivered in 2012. Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end. It will be powered by the new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine which offers high performance, reliability and low maintenance costs. The AS350 B3e cockpit will be fitted with a dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allowing the pilot to check at one glance the main vehicle and engine parameters - thus reducing his workload and enhancing safety. The use of composite material for the airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, as well as, reducing maintenance costs.
The powerful, high-performance AS350 B3e is designed to carry out the most demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions. Its exceptional lift capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.
Unique to the AS350 B3e with the Arriel 2D powerplant is the opportunity to equip the AS350 B3e with engine filters for protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without a performance penalty. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design.
The AS350 B3e is a member of Eurocopter's rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 4,900 Ecureuils have been delivered in 98 countries for some 1,600 operators. These aircraft have cumulated more than 22 million hours. More than 900 AS350 B3 series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in "high and hot" conditions. The new AS350 B3e will be based in Slave Lake, Alberta and will be utilized for forestry, oil support, tree planning and firefighting missions.
The AS350 B3e will be delivered in 2012. Certification of the AS350 B3e is planned this summer, with deliveries to begin before year-end. It will be powered by the new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine which offers high performance, reliability and low maintenance costs. The AS350 B3e cockpit will be fitted with a dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allowing the pilot to check at one glance the main vehicle and engine parameters - thus reducing his workload and enhancing safety. The use of composite material for the airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, as well as, reducing maintenance costs.
Photo credit Mike Reyno (left to right):
- Guy Joannes, President & CEO Eurocopter Canada
- George Kelham, Owner, Slave Lake Helicopters
- Debbie Kelham, Owner, Slave Lake Helicopters
- Normand Chevrier, Eastern Canada Marketing Manager, Eurocopter Canada
- Guillaume Leprince, VP Marketing & Sales, Eurocopter Canada
Visita de agregados militares acreditados a la fábrica de Eurocopter España
complemento a la visita, este grupo de militares extranjeros realizarán también mañana día 30 una visita a la Base Aérea de Los Llanos y al TLP (Training Leadership Programme).
Tuvieron ocasión de comprobar de primera mano las capacidades industriales de Eurocopter en España en materia de helicópteros tanto civiles como militares, poniendo especial atención en las cadenas de montaje del Tigre y del NH90 que se encuentran funcionando a pleno rendimiento y la del EC 135, apreciado internacionalmente por sus posibilidades de doble uso (civil y militar) y en particular por su capacidad en las misiones de entrenamiento avanzado de pilotos militares, en la evacuación médica de emergencia, así como su rol de mando y control en catástrofes de todo tipo y su participación en los cuerpos y fuerzas de seguridad del estado.
La delegación estuvo acompañada en todo momento por el Consejero Delegado de Eurocopter España, D. Francisco Vergé, y un nutrido grupo de directivos de la compañía que les fueron explicando detalladamente las diferentes partes de la fábrica.