Air Race 1 & Air Race Electric on Red Bull Air Race

press release








Following the announcement that Red Bull Air Race will not continue beyond the 2019 season, Air Race 1 and Air Race E CEO and Founder, Jeff Zaltman has released the below and attached statement.



The announcement that Red Bull Air Race will not continue beyond the 2019 season is sad news not only for the pilots, teams and fans that put so much effort into that iconic series, but the wider aviation community as a whole.



Air racing can be a demanding and logistically challenging sport and one that requires a lot of time and dedication from everyone involved. Red Bull Air Race set the standard for air racing development and provided a platform for highly skilled pilots to compete in a professional competition to put on an impressive spectacle for its global fans. We wish Red Bull Air Race and the race teams all the best for the remaining three races.



Air Race 1 events will remain a regular fixture of the air racing calendar and is still the only international air race series where pilots fly wing tip-to-wing tip in what is known as formula one air racing. We are due to announce the next Air Race 1 event and other exciting news soon, as we continue to grow towards our long-term strategy of becoming a mainstream sport.



In addition, we have just announced the formal bidding process for venues interested in hosting the world’s first ever electric air race, Air Race E, next year. This will be the first in a series of international electric air racing events aimed at accelerating and promoting the development of cleaner, faster and more technologically-advanced electric engines.



We’re delighted to have Airbus as the Official Founding Partner of the new Air Race E series and we are actively seeking the involvement of other industry partners to collaborate on all aspects of making this series a success.



We welcome interest from anyone looking to get involved in Air Race 1 or Air Race E and we hope that pilots, teams and fans of Red Bull Air Race will continue to support our series as we commit to ensuring the sport of air racing continues to thrive for many years to come.



For more information on Air Race 1 and Air Race E go to:



https://airracee.com/



http://airrace1.com/





About Air Race 1



Air Race 1 is pure motorsport at its fastest. It is a thrilling test of pilot skill based upon the long-running sport known as formula one air racing. Formula one airplanes are a specifically defined airplane class with over 70 years of history which sets strict parameters regarding wing area, engine size and other technical characteristics. Air Race 1 is the top international title in the sport and is sanctioned by all three international formula air racing associations. Air Race 1 World Cup is the event name and trading name of Air Race CC Ltd, which is registered in the United Kingdom and has a base of operations in Spain. Air Race 1 is comprised of highly-regarded industry-leading experts who have extensive experience in organizing and promoting air racing and air sports competitions on a global scale and who work hard to ensure this race is both safe and a monumental success for all.



About Air Race E

Air Race E will become the world’s first all-electric airplane race when it launches its inaugural series of international races in 2020. Run by Air Race Events and led by world-leading air racing promoter Jeff Zaltman, the man behind the globally successful Air Race 1 World Cup, the race is set to revolutionise air racing and pioneer innovations in electric aviation. Air Race E will see electric airplanes race directly against each other on a tight 5km circuit just 10m above the ground and at speeds faster than any land-based motorsport. The demand for speed, performance and power management under the rigors of a competitive race environment provide the perfect platform for the development and promotion of cleaner, faster and more technologically-advanced electric engines. The Light Aircraft Association (LAA), has committed its support in developing the technical regulations and providing design oversight for the sport, soon to be sanctioned by the Formula Air Racing Association (FARA) and its counter-part in France, the Association des Pilotes D'Avions de Formules (APAF).


Airbus opens new office in Argentina, reinforces commitment to Latin America



press release







Airbus inaugurated today its new office in Buenos Aires, to strengthen its presence in Latin America and reinforce its commitment to the country.

Alberto Robles, Head of Airbus Strategy & International for Latin America, said that the presence of Airbus in Argentina is a natural step in increasing Airbus’ activity in the region. “There are great opportunities for Airbus in Latin America, and this new office in Buenos Aires is essential to consolidate our products in the region, while continuing to provide an even closer support to our customers in the country.”

Airbus has been present in Argentina for decades. In 1994 Aerolíneas Argentinas became an Aibrus customer with the A310-300. Today, the airline operates a long-range fleet of 10 A330 and two A340. Airbus also established a maintenance training centre in collaboration with Aerolíneas Argentinas to support the airline’s growth. Airbus maintains 35 percent market share of the country’s passenger fleet in service. LATAM and JetSmart also operate in Argentina with their A320 Family aircraft, the world's most popular single-aisle aircraft family.

With more than 40 years in Latin America, Airbus helicopters represent a third of the country’s operating fleet, mainly in service with the Armed Forces and other public institutions such as the Federal Police, the National Gendarmerie, and the Naval Prefecture in several provinces. The more than 85 helicopters in service have a key role in performing vital operations for the population such as border protection and helping to fight against organized crime, search and rescue missions in mountainous areas, firefighting and emergency medical transport. In an effort to closely support its customer operators, Airbus Helicopters also established a maintenance centre in Argentina to improve operations and increase rotorcraft availability.

As part of its on-going contribution to the development of the aerospace industry in the country, Airbus Defence and Space signed an agreement in 2017 with the Argentine aircraft factory "Brigadier San Martín" (FAdeA) to support the Airbus C212 of the Army and Naval Prefecture. These aircraft have been serving the country's Armed Forces and Security sector for more than 25 years.

With over 1,300 employees located throughout 18 sites across eight countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and a regional hub in Miami, Airbus continues to expand its presence in Latin America with its new facility in Argentina.

Boeing Invests in Commercial UAS Services Provider Robotic Skies

press release
  • Startup manages maintenance, inspection and alteration services for global manufacturers and operators of commercial unmanned aircraft systems
  • Access to safe, reliable maintenance will support commercial operations and urban mobility efforts

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced its investment in Robotic Skies, a services provider that connects manufacturers and operators of commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with a global network of more than 170 civil aviation authority-certified repair stations.

"With safety as a cornerstone, we are shaping a robust operational ecosystem for on-demand mobility that supports the future of aircraft, air vehicles and autonomous systems," said Brian Schettler, managing director for Boeing HorizonX Ventures.

The investment is part of Boeing's disciplined, long-term strategy of entering into value-added partnerships that enhance and accelerate growth and deliver key differentiators for customers.

"Unmanned and autonomous commercial aircraft operations are increasingly mirroring those in manned aviation, including the need for quality maintenance provided by certified technicians," said Brad Hayden, founder and CEO of Robotic Skies. "This latest investment will allow us to continue to grow our global footprint and expand operational capabilities to support customers."

Boeing HorizonX Ventures led this funding round with participation from Thayer Ventures, Sun Mountain Capital and KickStart Seed Fund. The investment builds on a previously-announced collaboration with Robotic Skies, Boeing Global Services and its subsidiaries Aviall and Jeppesen to provide enhanced commercial UAS services.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Robotic Skies is the only global network of certified UAS maintenance centers. It offers comprehensive turnkey field service programs designed to keep UAS flying safely, efficiently and affordably around the world. Founded in 2014, Robotic Skies has more than 170 certified repair stations across more than 40 countries, providing MRO and support services for commercial UAS. Each service center in the network possesses the aviation expertise and factory training to ensure the mission readiness of these aircraft. For more information about Robotic Skies, visit www.roboticskies.com.

KLM and TU Delft join forces to make aviation more sustainable

(Image: Edwin Wallet, Studio OSO)

KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers and Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Professor Henri Werij today signed a new cooperative agreement to work together on making aviation more sustainable at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul. KLM will be contributing towards TU Delft's research into an innovative flight concept known as the "Flying-V", which embraces an entirely different approach to aircraft design, in anticipation and support of sustainable long-distance flight in the future.

The aircraft's v-shaped design will integrate the passenger cabin, the cargo hold and the fuel tanks in the wings. Its improved aerodynamic shape and reduced weight will mean it uses 20% less fuel than the Airbus A350, today's most advanced aircraft. A flying scale model and a full-size section of the interior of the Flying-V will be officially presented at the KLM Experience Days at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in October on the occasion of KLM's 100th anniversary.

The aircraft was originally conceptualised as a potential aircraft design for the future, but can be compared to today's most advanced aircraft, the Airbus A350. Although the plane is not as long as the A350, it does have the same wingspan. This will enable the Flying-V to use existing infrastructure at airports, such as gates and runways, without difficulty and the aircraft will also fit into the same hangar as the A350. What's more, the Flying-V will carry the same number of passengers – 314 in the standard configuration – and the same volume of cargo, 160m3. The Flying-V will be smaller than the A350, giving it less aerodynamic resistance.
KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers: "In recent years, KLM has developed as a pioneer in sustainability within the airline industry. The development of aviation has given the world a great deal, offering us an opportunity to connect people. This privilege is paired with a huge responsibility for our planet. KLM takes this very seriously and has therefore been investing in sustainability at different levels for many years, enabling it to develop a broad spectrum of sustainability initiatives. We are proud of our progressive cooperative relationship with TU Delft, which ties in well with KLM's strategy and serves as an important milestone for us on the road to scaling-up sustainable aviation."

Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft Professor Henri Werij: "We are incredibly pleased to be able to cooperate with our trusted partner KLM on our combined mission to make aviation more sustainable. Radically new and highly energy-efficient aircraft designs such as the Flying-V are important in this respect, as are new forms of propulsion. Our ultimate aim is one of emission free flight. Our cooperation with KLM offers a tremendous opportunity to bring about real change."

Improved passenger experience
The Flying-V also provides researchers a unique opportunity to improve passenger experience in aircraft, from the seating layout in the wings, to the design of the seats and bathrooms. Everything has to be as lightweight as possible in order to maximise the efficiency gain the new aircraft shape provides. Passenger comfort is also taken into account.

Fuel versus electric propulsion
The Flying-V is propelled by the most fuel-efficient turbofan engines that currently exist. In its present design it still flies on kerosene, but it can easily be adapted to make use of innovations in the propulsion system – by using electrically-boosted turbofans for example.


For images and more information please visit www.tudelft.nl/flying-v



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