NASA bets the farm on the long-term viability of space agriculture

A new plant habitat is on its way to the space station If you give an astronaut a packet of food, she'll eat for a day. If you teach an astronaut how to farm in space, she'll eat for a lifetime—or at least for a 6-month-long expedition on the International Space Station. Since its earliest missio...

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Here's what NASA's Europa lander could look like

It's designed to search for life on Jupiter's icy moon While many of NASA's current missions are investigating Mars or various asteroids, a mission launching in the 2020s will land somewhere no human-made machine has landed before: Europa, the icy, ocean-filled moon of Jupiter. NASA has been talk...

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Government announces boost for UK commercial space sector

press release

• UK Government launches £10 million scheme to incentivise the commercial spaceflight market.

Draft legislation to enable spaceflight from the UK by 2020 to be published within weeks
The global space market is worth an estimated £25 billion over the next 20 years

Grants worth £10 million are being made available to help develop commercial launch capability for spaceflight, Science Minister Jo Johnson announced today. The funding comes as the government announced the timeline for new legislation which will facilitate and regulate commercial spaceflight.

The government’s ambitions for the UK to hold a greater share of the commercial spaceflight market, worth an estimated £25 billion over the next 20 years, took a step forward with a call for businesses to develop competitive, commercial and safe spaceflight proposals for UK-based satellite launch services and sub-orbital flights.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said:

Spaceflight offers the UK the opportunity to build on our strengths in science, research and innovation. It provides opportunities to expand into new markets, creating highly-skilled jobs and boosting local economies across the country. That is why it is one of the key pillars of our Industrial Strategy.
We want to see the UK space sector flourish, that is why we are laying the groundwork needed for business to be able to access this lucrative global market worth an estimated £25 billion over the next 20 years. The call for proposals I announced today, together with a new, dedicated Spaceflight Bill, will help make our space ambitions a reality.

Organisations expected to bid for a share of the funding are likely to be joint enterprises of launch vehicle operators and potential launch sites. The funding must be used to develop spaceflight capabilities, such as building spaceport infrastructure or adapting launch vehicle technology for use in the UK. The aim is to establish a commercial spaceflight market to capture a share of the emerging global market from 2020.

The government also announced today that it is preparing legislation to develop a safe and competitive regulatory environment for spaceflight. This work goes hand-in-hand with government’s work internationally to achieve the technical, trade and policy agreements necessary for UK based launch services and developing interest from launch customers and operators from around the world.

There will be further discussions with industry on the future of the UK’s commercial spaceflight market at the Royal Aeronautical Society on 21st February, hosted by the UK Space Agency.

Notes to Editors

• Proposals must be submitted to the UK Space Agency, in accordance with the guidance set out in the call notice by 15 April 2017.
• Proposals must be submitted by joint enterprises, consisting of at least one potential UK spaceport and one small-satellite launch or sub-orbital flight operator.
• This initial call is focused on establishing the commercial spaceflight market in the UK by potentially providing grant funding to the most feasible proposals, and is not a prize. The UK Space Agency will continue to offer support and advice to all potential UK spaceports and operators, regardless of the outcome.
• Proposals that meet the mandatory criteria will be assessed by an independent advisory panel, which will evaluate the proposals according to a set scoring system as described in the call notice.
• There is no limit to the total grant which may be applied for as part of the proposal, however an exceptional case would be needed for funding over £10 million. There is no cap on the number of proposals that may be funded, or the number of proposals that an applicant may participate in. The Government is not committed to any expenditure, and will evaluate proposals carefully to ensure proper use of public funds.
• To be considered for a grant, joint enterprises or vehicle operators and potential spaceports should propose an outline business plan on how they intend to launch small satellites or sub-orbital flights, including space tourism, microgravity flights or spaceplanes, from the UK by 2020.
• Any award of funding will not preclude or influence the need for all commercial spaceflight operations to be fully licenced.
• The UK space sector drives growth and skills across the country as part of the government’s industrial strategy

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Cutting Helicopter Fuel Consumption With Hybrid Power

Turbine-electric power could reduce engine size and fuel burn in helicopters, says Safran

Safran has begun studies into the use of hybrid power on helicopters as a way to cut fuel consumption. The French company believes that the right-sizing of engines through the use of a turbine-electric hybrid power system could cut fuel consumption by 10-15%. “The main issue in twin-turbine helicopters is that the engine is sized for one-engine inoperative [OEI] flight,” says Cyrille Poetsche, executive vice president for programs at Safran Helicopter Engines (formerly ... http://aviationweek.com/vertical-flight/cutting-helicopter-fuel-consumption-hybrid-power

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Safran Reosc to make all large mirrors for the giant Apollon laser

press release




Safran Reosc has signed a contract with French National Scientific Research Center CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique) to make the high-performance light path mirrors for the Apollon laser being built by the CILEX interdisciplinary extreme light center, or Centre Interdisciplinaire Lumière Extrême (1). One of the largest and most powerful lasers in the world, Apollon will be operated by the high-power laser laboratory LULI (Laboratoire pour l'utilisation des lasers intenses), a joint establishment of CNRS, the École Polytechnique engineering school, UPMC and French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission CEA-EA2.

Safran's participation in this program is the result of the relationship of mutual trust that it has formed with some of today's leading university labs and research centers. Safran Reosc's selection by CNRS and LULI to make these large mirrors follows the success of the three-year research program conducted by Safran Reosc along with several CNRS labs: Applied Optics (also grouping Ensta ParisTech and the École Polytechnique), Institut Fresnel (in collaboration with the École centrale de Marseille and Aix-Marseille University) and the laser, plasma and photonic processes lab (also including Aix-Marseille University). This research program developed new reflective coatings needed for the mirrors on the Apollon laser.

As François Mathieu, CNRS project manager, explains: " When the Apollon project was launched, these coatings for our mirrors were not yet available."

Safran Reosc CEO Philippe Rioufreyt added: "With these innovative developments for very-high-performance optics, the new mirrors for the Apollon laser represent a major step forward for our company, in terms of both production and the underlying science."

Safran Reosc will deliver all of these mirrors for Apollon through the end of the year, turning out over 60 in all: 34 medium angle mirrors, 23 large mirrors, a medium-size periscope, a large porthole and two large parabolas. All of these optics will be polished to within tolerances better than 100 nm (0.0001 mm).

Safran Reosc develops and produces high-performance optics for observation satellites, giant telescopes, high-energy lasers and the semiconductor industry. The company has already produced several hundred optical assemblies for LIL, the prototype line for the Megajoule laser developed by French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA-EA), along with metric class mirrors for large laser infrastructures used for defense or civilian applications.

1. Cilex (Centre Interdisciplinaire Lumière Extrême) is a world-class research center dedicated to studying how laser light interacts with matter, under extreme lighting conditions. Comprising 12 partner labs from Paris-Saclay University, it receives funding from both French and European institutions. http://cilexsaclay.fr/
2. Apollon is one of the largest laser infrastructures ever built: www.apollon-laser.fr. "First light" is planned for 2017, and it will be open to the international scientific community in 2018. Designed for a power level of 10 petawatts (PW), within a few months Apollon will be the first laser in the world to develop 4 PW of power – that's several times greater than today's most powerful lasers. Because of this extremely intense light, Apollon will produce beams of unprecedented and previously unimaginable power. It will become the solution of choice to explore new realms of relativity and vacuum physics, along with new particle acceleration technologies for medical research or to delve into the structure of matter. The LULI lab is led by CNRS, École Polytechnique, CEA and Pierre et Marie Curie University.

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South Korea, Indonesia open KF-X program office [feedly]

South Korea, Indonesia open KF-X program office
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/South_Korea_Indonesia_open_KF-X_program_office_999.html

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Carrier Charles de Gaulle undergoing refit and upgrade [feedly]

Carrier Charles de Gaulle undergoing refit and upgrade
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Carrier_Charles_de_Gaulle_undergoing_refit_and_upgrade_999.html

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China makes progress on second aircraft carrier [feedly]

China makes progress on second aircraft carrier
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/China_makes_progress_on_second_aircraft_carrier_999.html

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Look for more KC-46A tanker orders soon [feedly]

Look for more KC-46A tanker orders soon
https://leehamnews.com/2017/02/09/look-kc-46a-tanker-orders-soon/

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At Least Two-Thirds Of USMC F-18s Grounded In December [feedly]

The U.S. Marine Corps is reporting that almost two-thirds of its F/A-18 strike fighters were down due to maintenance in December, an alarmingly high number.

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http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/least-two-thirds-usmc-f-18s-grounded-december

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ATR Sees Renewed Competition From Used Turbofan Aircraft Market [feedly]

With used jet aircraft gaining favor, ATR is rethinking its options
ATR prepares for dip caused by stronger dollar and lower fuel prices that favor the used-jet market.

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http://aviationweek.com/airline-fleets-network/atr-sees-renewed-competition-used-turbofan-aircraft-market

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FAA Awaiting Static Test Before Clearing Next Falcon 9 [feedly]

Engineers at FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) want to see how a Falcon 9 test on Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center works out before clearing the SpaceX launcher for its first flight from the historic pad.

George Nield, associate administrator for commercial space transportation, said Wednesday there are a number of procedural issues as well with the first use of the leased NASA facility for a commercial mission.

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The U.S. Air Force Could Still Be Flying F-16s in 2050

Vipers are set to get an overhaul, but will anyone want them?

Continue reading on War Is Boring »

https://warisboring.com/the-u-s-air-force-could-still-be-flying-f-16s-in-2050-ae7a1ba038a4

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A4E (Airlines for Europe) urges for 'reasonable' airport fees and end to aviation taxes [feedly]

A4E urges for 'reasonable' airport fees and end to aviation taxes
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a4e-urges-for-reasonable-airport-fees-and-end-to-a-433966/

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Next Generation Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System Successfully Engages Medium Range Ballistic Missile Target

• Aegis Weapon System test supports the U.S. Phased Adaptive Approach to protect Europe from attack

USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53), Feb. 6, 2017– The USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53), supported by the U.S. Navy, Missile Defense Agency and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), used the latest evolution of its Aegis Combat System to detect, track, launch a missile and successfully intercept a Medium Range Ballistic Missile target.



This exercise marked the first shipboard demonstration of the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 (BMD 5.1) Weapon System against a ballistic missile threat with increased battle space in support of the U.S. Phased Adaptive Approach to protect Europe from ballistic missile attack.

The test, called Standard Missile-3 Cooperative Development (SCD) Flight Test Standard Missile (FTM) – 01 (SFTM-01), demonstrated the integrated capabilities of the Aegis Weapon System and how it has continually evolved to counter ballistic missile threats. SFTM-01 is a developmental test that supports BMD 5.1 certification, currently scheduled in 2018.

“Aegis continues to help sailors pace the threat thanks to upgrades we call baselines that leverage our extensive Common Source Library. With each baseline, Lockheed Martin brings advanced missile defense capabilities and enhanced integration with other systems external to the ship,” said Paul Klammer, director, Aegis BMD. “This exercise included a series of tests to verify the operation of the Aegis BMD 5.1 Weapon System aboard ship. We’re proud of the Navy and Missile Defense Agency working together with our Lockheed Martin engineers to make this complicated test a success.”

Aegis BMD 5.1 is the third generation of Aegis BMD capability and delivering this advanced baseline to the Navy and the Missile Defense Agency is critical. Under this baseline configuration, Aegis merges BMD and anti-air warfare into its Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability using commercial-off-the-shelf and open architecture technologies.

This test builds upon joint research investments by the United States and Japan. Lockheed Martin is also developing an Aegis Baseline 9.C2 (BMD 5.1) variant computer program, referred to as J7, for deployment on Japan’s Aegis destroyers.

This test also builds on prior Aegis Baseline 9 successes, where Aegis BMD demonstrated its advanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities and was subsequently certified by the Navy and Missile Defense Agency for operational use. As the targets and threats have become more advanced, Aegis BMD has evolved over the last 20 years from a tracking experiment to today’s capability in which it can detect, track and engage multiple complex targets.

The central component of the Lockheed Martin developed Aegis BMD Combat System is the SPY-1 radar; the most widely-fielded naval phased array radar in the world. The Aegis system and SPY-1 radar provide the U.S. and allied nations with advanced surveillance, anti-air warfare and missile defense capabilities.

As a proven world leader in systems integration and development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, Lockheed Martin delivers high-quality missile defense solutions that protect citizens, critical assets and deployed forces from current and future threats. The company’s experience spans missile design and production, hit-to-kill capabilities, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, radar and signal processing, as well as threat-representative targets for missile defense tests.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/aegis/evolutionary-design.html#bmd

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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Boeing Statement on Singapore Airlines' Intent to Purchase 20 777-9s, 19 787-10s

National carrier to become newest 777X customer


SEATTLE, Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] is pleased that Singapore Airlines has announced its commitment to purchase 20 777-9s and 19 787-10 Dreamliners. The national carrier and 787-10 launch customer also announced its recommitment for its previous order for 30 787-10 airplanes.

When finalized, the order will be posted on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website.

"Singapore Airlines has been a valued Boeing customer for more than 50 years and we are honored they have selected the 777X and additional 787-10s to expand its future widebody fleet. They are the most efficient, capable and passenger preferred airplanes in their class," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. "We appreciate the trust, commitment and endorsement of Singapore Airlines, and look forward to delivering market-leading capability to one of the world's most widely respected industry leaders."

Advanced technology including a new composite wing, all-new engines and superior aerodynamics will result in the incredible fuel efficiency promised by the 777X family. The 777-9 will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine commercial jet in the world with the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane and no competitor in its market segment.

The 787-10 is the third member of the super-efficient, passenger-pleasing 787 Dreamliner family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, high degree of commonality and passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement the family while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics – 25 percent better fuel per seat and emissions than the airplanes than the competition it will replace.

Since its introduction, the 787 Dreamliner has opened more than 130 new city pairs, connecting the world as never before.

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Boeing Launches New Nacelle and Flight-Control Surface Exchange Program

DUBAI, Feb. 8, 2017 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today the launch of a new Nacelle and Flight-Control Surface Exchange Program. It provides airlines an integrated and economical solution, while building on Boeing’s successful history of exchange programs.

Under the program, customers can exchange nacelle and flight-control surface parts that need repair or overhaul from a certified pool that Boeing maintains throughout its global network. This eliminates the need for customers to contract, schedule, manage and own or lease these parts.

“Our customers have asked for more flexibility and we’ve heard them,” said Lynne Hopper, vice president of Parts Solutions. “This offering is one more example of how Boeing creates high-quality, flexible solutions that make life more convenient for our customers, allowing them to mix and match procurement approaches ranging from ownership to pooling to leasing to exchanging.”

Parts distributed through the program represent all Boeing models and are updated to the latest configurations, incorporating all applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives.

Another benefit of an exchange is that customers only need to take an airplane out of service once, reducing maintenance needs. When a similar part is leased, the plane must be taken out of service for both removal and installation.

Boeing is a leader in providing 24/7 support and service to the global aviation industry. Boeing’s parts portfolio is the most complete in the industry, with total stock of over 400,000 part numbers and over 10,000 parts shipped daily. In addition to its parts business, Boeing offers the industry’s largest portfolio of services, including retrofits and modifications, subscription-based maintenance programs, engineering support, crew training, route planning, digital crew scheduling, advanced data analytics and software to enhance airlines and leasing company operations.

For more information on Boeing’s commercial aviation services, visit: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/services/

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Embraer Supports Brazil’s Request for Consultations with Canada at the World Trade Organization

press release

São Paulo, Brazil, February 8, 2017 – With Embraer’s support, Brazil formally requested consultations with the Canadian Government at the World Trade Organization (WTO) today, in Geneva, regarding subsidies benefiting Bombardier’s C-Series aircraft program.


Brazil’s request for consultations highlights the wide range and massive scale of subsidies provided to Bombardier, amounting to over USD 4 billion in support, from the Canadian national, provincial, and local governments. In 2016 alone, over USD 2.5 billion was provided to the Canadian aircraft manufacturer.


“The subsidies that the Canadian company has already obtained and continues receiving from the Canadian government have not only been fundamental in the development and survival of the C-Series program, but have also allowed Bombardier to offer its aircraft at artificially low prices,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, Embraer's CEO. “It is essential to restore a level playing field to the commercial aircraft market and ensure that competition is between companies, not governments.”


In December 2016, the Council of Ministers of the Brazilian Foreign Trade Chamber (CAMEX) had authorized the opening of dispute settlement proceedings against Canada. The request for consultations is the first stage of this proceeding and will allow access to additional information regarding the support given to Bombardier. The Brazilian Government’s understanding, shared by Embraer, is that the Canadian Government’s subsidies to Bombardier violate Canada’s WTO obligations.

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Bombardier and CityJet Finalize Purchase Agreement for up to 10 CRJ900 Aircraft

MontréalCommercial Aircraft, Press Release

• CRJ900 regional jets have proven to be the most efficient aircraft for CityJet’s operations in the Scandinavian Airlines network

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that a firm purchase agreement, consistent with the conditional agreement announced on January 24, 2017, has been finalized with Dublin-based regional carrier, CityJet. The firm agreement includes six CRJ900 aircraft and options for an additional four aircraft. Upon delivery, the aircraft will operate under wet lease in the Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) network.

As previously announced and based on the list price of the CRJ900 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US $280 million and could increase to US $467 million, should CityJet exercise all its options.

“The CRJ900 aircraft has proven to be cost efficient and operationally flexible in supporting our contract flying with Scandinavian Airlines and we look forward to the delivery of up to ten more via the firm purchase agreement announced today,” said Pat Byrne, Executive Chairman, CityJet. “We are also delighted with the CRJ900 aircraft’s enhanced passenger amenities.”

“With this firm purchase agreement, CityJet continues to put its confidence in Bombardier and its products. We wish the airline well as it continues to develop its network across Europe while benefitting from the CRJ900 aircraft’s superior performance and economics,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Sales, Europe, Russia & Commonwealth of Independent States, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

CityJet currently owns a fleet of eight CRJ900 aircraft which are on wet lease service with SAS. The airline will also take delivery of four new CRJ900 aircraft in early 2017 as per Bombardier’s order announcement on April 25, 2016, bringing CityJet’s owned fleet of CRJ900 aircraft to 12. As part of its acquisition of Cimber A/S, a regional airline in Denmark and a former wholly owned subsidiary of SAS, CityJet will operate Cimber’s fleet of 11 CRJ900 aircraft also on wet lease service with SAS. These aircraft will be replaced by up to 10 additional CRJ900 aircraft ordered under the firm purchase agreement with Bombardier that was announced today.


About CityJetCityJet is an Irish-based regional airline with its headquarters in Swords, Dublin. The airline was established in 1993 to operate services between Dublin and London City Airport and today operates ten routes from across Europe to London City, where it currently holds approximately 30% of the airport slots. CityJet also has a significant wet lease business, including services on behalf of Air France and SAS and operates a wide range of ad hoc charters on behalf of sports groups, the entertainment industry, tour operators and corporate customers.

In March 2016, CityJet was purchased by an investment group led by Executive Chairman Pat Byrne. The airline is now focused on delivering a strategy which sees it consolidate its scheduled business and grow its position as a leading provider of wet lease services to customer airlines. www.cityjet.com

About CRJ aircraftEvery 10 seconds a CRJ Series regional jet takes off somewhere in the world. The CRJ Series family of aircraft has transported almost 1.6 billion passengers to become the world’s most successful regional jet program -- linking people and communities like no other. The CRJ Series regional jets have revolutionized aviation with their proven efficiency, reliability and profitability.

The CRJ Series regional jets share commonality benefits that provide flexibility to operators and allow them to optimize their fleets to meet specific market demands. No other regional aircraft deliver this capability. Optimized for medium-haul regional routes, these aircraft can provide up to 10 per cent cash operating cost advantage over competing jets.

Each of the CRJ aircraft models offers its own distinct advantages. The CRJ200 regional jet offers outstanding ownership cost, ideal for opening new routes and markets. The CRJ700 regional jet is the lightest aircraft in its category, delivering impressive efficiency, performance and fuel burn savings, while the CRJ900 regional jet offers tremendous flexibility and is ideally suited for growing markets. The CRJ1000 regional jet, which has the highest passenger capacity in the family, delivers the lowest seat-mile cost in the regional jet market and burns up to 13 per cent less fuel than its competitors.

Since its launch, the CRJ Series family of regional jets has stimulated the regional jet market. In North America alone, it accounts for over 20 per cent of all jet departures. Globally, the family operates more than 200,000 flights per month.

The CRJ Series aircraft family includes over 100 owners and operators in 49 countries, and the worldwide fleet has logged more than 45 million flight hours. To date, Bombardier has booked firm orders for 1,908 CRJ aircraft.


About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier

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Government of Canada and Bombardier announce significant investment to strengthen leadership in aerospace

February 7, 2017MontréalBombardier Inc., Press Release

Minister Bains announces repayable program contributions for Bombardier to foster Canadian innovation and strengthen the aerospace sector

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to keeping Canada at the forefront of global leadership in the aerospace sector. The aerospace industry is one of the most innovative industries in Canada, and it provides over 211,000 quality jobs for Canadians and $28 billion annually in GDP to Canada’s economy.

That is why, today, the Government of Canada announced that it will provide $372.5 million in repayable contributions to Bombardier Inc. This funding will be provided over four years and will support thousands of good middle-class jobs, strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Bombardier and help to build the aircraft of the future.

Through its collaboration with Bombardier, the Government of Canada is investing in thousands of Canadians and hundreds of suppliers across the country. As the nation’s largest aerospace company, Bombardier supports thousands of jobs in design, engineering and manufacturing through its nation-wide supply chain of companies.

This initiative by the Government of Canada will fund research and development for the new Global 7000 business jet and ongoing activities related to the development of the company’s C Series aircraft.

The Government of Canada has a long-standing relationship with Bombardier, Canada’s biggest private sector investor in research and development activities. These activities strengthen the skills and knowledge of Canadians working in the aerospace sector, and they lead to new manufacturing platforms that position Canadians working in the sector for the jobs of tomorrow. The resulting benefits enable Canada to maintain a competitive position in the global supply chain that forms the aerospace sector.

Quotes

“This contribution from the Government of Canada will secure the highly skilled, well-paying jobs for middle-class Canadians who work in the aerospace sector. It will also ensure that Canada has a strong, stable and competitive aerospace industry, which is a major driver of economic activity and innovation across the country. Bombardier plays a vital role, both as an anchor employer and an innovation leader. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in research and development activities that secure Canadian jobs, while enabling Bombardier to grow as a globally competitive company for years to come.”– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“We welcome the continuing partnership with the Canadian government. The repayable contributions announced today will help to ensure that Canada remains at the centre of Bombardier’s research and development activities, which are focused on developing the most efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly aircraft in the world. While we compete globally, we are proud of our Canadian home, our heritage and our position as one of Canada’s leading high-technology manufacturers and employers.”– Alain Bellemare, CEO, Bombardier Inc.

Quick factsAerospace leads all manufacturing industries in research and development. It accounts for nearly one-third of all research and development activity in Canada’s manufacturing sector, which translates to $28 billion of economic activity every year. Canada’s aerospace sector employs, directly and indirectly, 211,000 people across the country.

Aerospace companies are Canada’s leading exporters in terms of trade intensity at twice that of the manufacturing average. Close to 80 percent of aerospace manufacturing was exported in 2015.
The repayable contribution to the Global 7000 jet will be made through the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI). This program supports specific research and development activities that help aerospace and defence companies develop new technologies.

Another portion of this investment will be made through the government’s existing contribution agreements with Bombardier. This contribution will support ongoing activities related to the development of the company’s C Series aircraft. The C Series is an example of Canadian innovation and clean technology that is the future of the aerospace industry.

In May 2005, Canada first announced that it would support the C Series with a $350-million repayable contribution.

On October 11, 2016, the government announced an investment of up to $54 million to support a Bombardier-led consortium under the Technology Demonstration Program. The consortium will develop state-of-the-art electric systems and advanced aerodynamic systems that will make the aircraft of the future more energy efficient, reliable and quiet.

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Flynas orders 60 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft

Converts further 20 CEOs to NEOs
16 JANUARY 2017 PRESS RELEASE


Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed an agreement with Airbus for 60 A320neo Family aircraft.

In addition to the 60 aircraft, Flynas has converted 20 A320ceo from a previous order to A320neo bringing the airline’s total firm order to 80 A320neo. The deliveries are scheduled to take place during 2018-2026.

The agreement was announced today in Riyadh at a press conference attended by Ayed Al Jeaid, Chairman, NAS Holding, Bander Al Mohanna, Chief Executive Officer, NAS Holding Group and Fouad Attar, Managing Director, Airbus Middle East.

Flynas, an all Airbus operator, currently has 26 A320ceo in service. Launched in 2007, the airline has successfully operated over 260,000 flights and carried more than 30 million passengers in the last ten years.

Ayed Al Jeaid, Chairman, NAS Holding Group said, “Flynas has come a long way to establish itself as a highly reputed airline in Saudi Arabia. With the introduction of the new aircraft technology, we are confident of our ability to provide best services to our customers. We also look forward to being the first airline in the Kingdom to be successfully listed on the Saudi Stock exchange, which will offer equity ownership to the public and be a part of a great journey.”

Bander Al Mohanna, Chief Executive Officer, NAS Holding Group said, “We have operated exceptionally well with our existing Airbus A320 fleet, which has allowed us to maintain high performance standards in operations and passenger experience. We have an ambitious growth vision and the new A320neo order will further support our plans to be a leading low-cost carrier with the most advanced and efficient technology and will allow us to strengthen our offerings within and outside of Saudi Arabia.”

In 2016, Flynas set a new record by carrying 6.3 million passengers contributing to a 14% year-on-year increase. The A320neo will provide Flynas unbeatable efficiency and comfort in both high-density domestic segments as well as thinner routes.

“The additional A320neo aircraft will continue to support Flynas’ growth plans as a leading low-cost carrier in Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing aviation sector,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers, Airbus. Today’s agreement further consolidates the aircraft’s popularity that has been endorsed by operators worldwide. The aircraft will offer a unique combination of unbeatable economics, fuel and cost efficiency and outstanding passenger comfort.”

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with more than 5,000 orders from 90 customers since its launch in 2010. It incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. The A320neo also offers significant environmental performance with nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

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Transfer of A380 MSN4 to the Le Bourget aerospace museum

7 FEBRUARY 2017 PRESS RELEASE


As part of its contribution to preserving aviation heritage, Airbus will be transferring four of its test aircraft to museums: the Museum of Air and Space in Paris-Le Bourget and Aeroscopia in Toulouse.

These aircraft comprise: A320 MSN1, recently withdrawn from the test aircraft fleet; A340-600 MSN360; A380 MSN2 and A380 MSN4. These aircraft will benefit from heritage preservation measures and will soon be presented to the public.

The first aircraft to be transferred will be A380 MSN4, which will arrive in Le Bourget on 14th February. The other three aircraft maintained by Airbus Heritage in Toulouse, within the Airbus plant, will travel to Aeroscopia in Toulouse within the next two years, when an area in the northern part of the museum has been made ready for them. All these aircraft cover more than 30 years of flight tests and commercial success for the Airbus brand.

Following the arrival of A380 MSN4 in Le Bourget and in preparation for its display at the museum there – one of the largest aviation museums worldwide – the iconic test aircraft will undergo a unique refurbishment to showcase its operational role. Once an initial phase of technical work has been carried out on the airframe – which will include structural preservation – a special exhibit will also be created inside the aircraft’s interior to enable the greatest possible number of people to visit it from 2018 to experience the success of Airbus.

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