U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM)162 (REIN), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departs the amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) during Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Nov. 29, 2017. Combined COMPTUEX is an event to certify the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 26th MEU for an upcoming deployment at sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan A. Soto-Delgado)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 27, 2017) A U.S. Marine inspects an AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) in the early morning hours aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during combined composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allows all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to join and train in realistic scenarios so the MEU as a whole can meet its pre-deployment training program objectives prior to their upcoming deployment at sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner/Released)

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) has taken delivery of its first A350-900, leased from Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) (ALC), becoming the 17th airline to operate the world?s newest, most modern and efficient twin engine widebody airliner. The delivery was celebrated upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

ALC receives its first A350-900 out of an order for 29 A350 Family aircraft. Eventually Malaysia Airlines will operate six A350-900s, all leased from ALC.

Malaysia Airlines will initially deploy the aircraft on flights within Asia. From the first quarter of 2018, the A350 will fly on the airline?s premier long haul service from Kuala Lumpur to London.

Malaysia Airlines is the first carrier to offer a First Class cabin in the A350-900. The aircraft is configured in a three class cabin layout with a total of 286 seats. This comprises four in First Class, 35 in Business, featuring convertible seats to fully flat beds and 247 in Economy.

Malaysia Airlines already operates 24 Airbus aircraft including six A380, 15 A330-300 and three A330-200F on its regional routes and long haul services.

Malaysia Airlines CEO Captain Izham Ismail said, ?We are very excited to welcome this new addition to our family. With its technological advancements the A350-900 is an important milestone for us on this journey, helping boost our competitiveness on our long haul flights. The addition of the A350-900 also underlines our commitment to operate a young and modern fleet.?

?Our first A350-900 represents a milestone for ALC, and for Malaysia Airlines. We are very confident that the A350-900 will deliver outstanding performance, efficiency, and economics for our airline customers? said John Plueger, CEO and President of Air Lease Corporation.

?We are proud at Airbus to count Malaysia Airlines as a new operator of the world?s most modern and efficient aircraft,?? said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer- Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. ??Congratulations also to ALC for receiving the first A350 XWB in its fleet, proving the popularity of this aircraft in the lessor community across the globe. We are looking forward to our continued partnership with Malaysia Airlines and ALC - two major companies in the aviation industry.??

The A350 XWB benefits from the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The aircraft features an Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft?s spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 858 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

S?o Paulo, Brazil, November 30, 2017 ? Embraer announced today a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). After a comprehensive public bidding process participated by several manufacturers from around the globe and complying with the stringent evaluation processes the Super Tucano was selected as part of the PAF?s ongoing modernization plan. The aircraft will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, and counterinsurgency missions. Deliveries will start in 2019. ?We are honored to be selected by the Philippine Air Force, our second operator in the Asia-Pacific region, and with the confidence expressed by our customer?, said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. ?The Super Tucano is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for?. The A-29 Super Tucano is a durable, versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from unimproved runways. To date, the Super Tucano was selected by 14 air forces worldwide. Once the delivery of these aircraft is completed, they will be turned over to and maintained by the 15th Strike Wing, the PAF?s end-user.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 30, 2017) F/A-18E Super Hornets, from the ?Argonauts? of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, demonstrate in-flight refueling during a flight demonstration as part of Tiger Cruise 2017 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Nov. 30, 2017, in the Pacific Ocean. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting peace and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 1, 2017) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Stingers of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 113, takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) on its first day of combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Roberts/Released)

Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 prepare several AV-8B Harriers for support missions during Exercise Winter Fury 2017 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 28. The Exercise spans several locations including Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and MCAS Miramar. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nadia J. Stark/Released)

Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 remove ordnance from an AV-8B Harrier II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Nov. 29. Marines prepared several Harriers to support Winter Fury 18, which spans several locations including Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar and MCAS Yuma, Ariz. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nadia J. Stark/Released)

China Airlines of Taiwan has become the second airline to join a programme to use a blend of traditional and sustainable biofuels to power aircraft for delivery flights from Airbus. The aircraft involved is the tenth A350-900 for China Airlines, which left the manufacturer?s delivery centre in Toulouse today for its new home in Taipei with a 10 percent blend of sustainable jet fuel in its tanks.

The sustainable fuel option for delivery flights has been developed by Airbus in association with Air Total, the aviation subsidiary of the global energy operator. In order to stock the eco-friendly product, Air Total has installed the first ever biofuel station adjacent to the Airbus delivery centre in Toulouse. A total of 21 aircraft have so far been delivered by Airbus since the facility was inaugurated in May 2016.

?China Airlines is proud to have taken delivery of its first aircraft to be partially powered by sustainable biofuel,? China Airlines Chairman Ho, Nuan-Hsuan said. ?This reflects our clear commitment to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment and to be among those airlines leading the way to use alternative fuel sources. With the A350 XWB in our fleet we are already significantly reducing our carbon footprint and we are excited that this can be extended even further with the use of new biofuels.?

?We are excited to welcome China Airlines to our sustainable fuel programme,? said Frederic Eychenne, Head of New Energies at Airbus. ?Today?s delivery demonstrates once again that biofuels are a reality today. We are moving towards the regular use of new and sustainable energy sources in our industry, helping to meet the commitments of the international civil aviation community.?

In addition to Toulouse, Airbus is now working towards introducing the option for the use of biofuels for delivery flights from its facilities in Hamburg, Germany and Mobile, US. First deliveries from these sites are set to begin in 2018. The option will also subsequently become available from the company?s facility in Tianjin, China.

Reflecting its strong commitment towards eco-efficiency, Airbus was the first manufacturer to offer its customers the option of delivering new aircraft with a blend of sustainable fuel. As part of its wider environmental strategy, the company Airbus intends to continue its efforts by collaborating with all stakeholders in the biofuels sector.

DHL Express has become the first operator to take delivery of the A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft from Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between ST Aerospace and Airbus. This delivery, which took place at EFW?s freighter conversion facilities in Dresden, follows the successful completion of test flights in October and awarding of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November. DHL Express has firm orders for eight A330-300P2F units in total, with additional options to receive another 10.

?DHL Express is very excited to be bringing the first A330-300 P2F into commercial operation within our international air network,? said Geoff Kehr, SVP, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express. ?The first aircraft is scheduled to strengthen our Asia Pacific air network, bringing added capacity and increased efficiency to a market where we are seeing dynamic express volume growth.?

?We congratulate DHL on the delivery of its first A330-300P2F. We are confident that this new-generation and efficient mid-sized freighter will bring significant benefits to DHL?s international express operations,? said Christopher Buckley, Airbus EVP Sales. ?With its large internal volume and unbeatable economics, the A330-300P2F allows operators to step up capacity in markets where existing mid-sized freighters are becoming too small.?

The A330P2F conversion programme, launched in 2012, is a collaboration between ST Aerospace, Airbus and their joint venture EFW. ST Aerospace, as the programme and technical lead for the engineering development phase, is responsible for applying for the STCs from EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airbus contributes to the programme with OEM data and certification support, while EFW leads the industrialisation phase and marketing for the freighter conversion programme.

The A330P2F programme has two variants ? the A330-200P2F and the larger A330-300P2F. The latter is ideal for serving the international express B2B and e-commerce cargo markets, which typically have a higher volume and lower density. The aircraft can carry up to 62 metric tonnes over 3,650 nautical miles, while offering 20 percent more cargo volume and lower cost-per-tonne than other available freighter aircraft types with a similar range.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, taxis down a runway during Exercise VIGILANT ACE 18 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 3, 2017. The exercise provides U.S. and RoK forces training to employ Airpower to deter aggression, preserve the armistice, defend the RoK and defeat any attack against the alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter aircraft, assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, taxis down a runway during Exercise VIGILANT ACE 18 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 3, 2017. The exercise gives aircrews and air support operations personnel from various airframes, military services and our Republic of Korea partners an opportunity to integrate and practice combat operations against realistic air and ground threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos/Released)

Tech. Sgt. Devin Richters, 114th Aircraft Maintenance crew chief, marshals a F-16 Fighting Falcon during a hot pit refueling Dec. 2, 2017, Joe Foss Field. S.D. Hot pit refueling allows for quicker refueling and shorter down time because it eliminates other inspections needed if the aircraft is shut down. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Duane Duimstra)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), picks up an AV-8B Harrier engine to transport it from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to the fleet replenishment ship USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) during a Helicopter Support Team mission as part of Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Dec. 1, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allows all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) to join and train in realistic scenarios so the MEU as a whole can meet its Pre-Deployment Training Program objectives prior to their upcoming deployment at sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner)

WARSAW, Poland, Dec. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and LOT Polish Airlines celebrated the delivery of the first 737 MAX for the carrier, ushering the new and improved 737 airplane into the central and east Europe market. The jet is also the first MAX placed by leading airplane lessor Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) (ALC).

Boeing, LOT Polish Airlines celebrated the delivery of the carrier's 737 MAX. The airplane is seen here departing Boeing's delivery center in Seattle. (Paul Gordon photo).

LOT, the Polish flag carrier, plans to take delivery of additional MAX airplanes as part of its strategy to profitably grow its airline.

"We are proud to be one of the first carriers in the world with the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in our short- and middle-haul fleet," said Rafal Milczarski, chief executive officer, LOT Polish Airlines. "We are already one of the fastest growing European airlines and I am certain that this big step forward will help us achieve our goals of increasing our operational effectiveness and improving our service. With the most modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners and brand new 737 MAX we are the most comfortable airline for our customers, more cost efficient and last, but not least, friendlier to the environment. Thanks to the cooperation with our partners, LOT is again one step ahead to set the tone for shaping the future of aviation industry in our region."

The 737 MAX delivers the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market by incorporating the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, the Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements. The efficiency gains helped make the MAX the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history with more than 4,000 orders to date from 92 customers worldwide.

"We are very pleased to announce this first 737 MAX lease placement with LOT, which is the first of six new 737 MAX 8s on long-term lease to the airline. The MAX 8 offers new efficiencies and an enhanced passenger experience that will better serve LOT's growing route networks," said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Air Lease Corporation's Executive Chairman. ALC has 129 more 737 MAX airplanes on order.

"LOT has been a valued customer for decades and we are delighted that it has become one of the first operators of the MAX in Europe," said Monty Oliver, vice-president Europe Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will provide LOT unmatched efficiency, range, reliability and operating costs all while continuing to provide a premium on-board experience for its passengers."

Apart from the six 737 MAX 8s, LOT plans to expand its fleet of super-efficient and passenger-pleasing Dreamliners by adding four more 787-9s by the end of 2019.

The airline is using the new airplanes to grow its network. Since 2016, LOT has announced the launch of 42 routes, including long-haul service from Warsaw to Los Angeles, Newark and Krak?w to Chicago. In May 2018, LOT will launch connections from Warsaw to Singapore as well as from Budapest to New York City and Chicago.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Dec. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Aerol?neas Argentinas today celebrated the delivery and commercial debut of the first 737 MAX airplane for the airline and for Latin America.

Aerol?neas took delivery of the airplane, a MAX 8, in late November and flew the first commercial flight about a week later from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, becoming the first in the region to operate the new and improved 737 airplane.

"Adding the 737 MAX to our fleet is yet one more example of the growth we are envisioning for our company," said Mario Dell? Acqua, President of Aerol?neas Argentinas. "We feel both proud and responsible to continue working to deliver enhanced connectivity and an elevated experience to our passengers."

Aerol?neas Argentinas is experiencing strong growth, with a 15 percent increase in passenger traffic in the past year, and a 22 percent increase since 2015. To support that growth, the airline plans to take delivery of 12 MAX airplanes and use them on flights regionally and, later in 2018, to the Caribbean.

"The 737 MAX 8 is a significant addition to Aerol?neas' fleet. The MAX will enable the airline to continue to grow and win market-share in the competitive single-aisle marketplace," said Ricardo Cavero, vice president, Latin America sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It is a tremendous honor that Aerol?neas Argentinas will be the first Latin American carrier to fly the 737 MAX, and we're confident the airplane's efficiency and reliability will help meet their goals."

The 737 MAX is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history, surpassing 4,000 total orders to date. The MAX family incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The Aerol?neas Argentinas MAX 8 is configured for 170 passengers and fly 3,515 nautical miles (6,510 kilometers).

About Aerol?neas Argentinas

Founded in 1950, Aerol?neas Argentinas is one of the leading companies in South America. From its bases in the Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Aerol?neas Argentinas flies to 22 international destinations in America and Europe. Along with Austral Lineas Aereas, Aerol?neas operates flights to 37 destinations in Argentina, flying to more cities in the Argentine territory than any other airline. Aerol?neas provides dynamic links between Argentina and the region through its relaunched hub in Aeroparque Jorge Newbery. The Airlines Group is carrying out an ambitious fleet renewal program, which consists of Airbus 330, Airbus 340, Boeing 737-700 / 800 and MAX and Embraer 190. Aerol?neas Argentinas is a member of the SkyTeam global alliance since September 2012.

An F-15 from Kadena Air Base, Japan, lands at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 01, 2017. The aircraft arrived to Gwangju to participate in Vigilant Ace-18, a routine exercise on interoperability. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airmnan Jessica H. Smith)

An F-22 Raptor lands at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec.02, 2017. The Raptor is assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, 3rd Wing, 90th Fighter Squadron and is participating in the routine Vigilant Ace exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica H. Smith)

An F-22 assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates prepares to receive fuel over the Arabian Peninsula from a KC-10 Extender, Nov. 29, 2017. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, currently assigned to the 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, shoots flares off after receiving fuel from a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender Nov. 29, 2017. The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided bombs, joint direct attack munitions and more.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, conducts a training flight with F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea over the city of Gunsan, ROK, Dec. 1, 2017, in preparation for VIGILANT ACE 18. This marked the first time the fifth-generation aircraft partook in the exercise, giving commanders a broader range of options when conducting operations in support of air tasking orders.(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Josh Rosales)

ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 4, 2017) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Redcocks of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 22, takes off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Spencer Roberts/Released)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and Japanese Air Self Defense Force F-15 Eagles fly in formation during bi-lateral training Dec. 4, 2017, over the Pacific Ocean. The F-35A is deployed under the U.S. Pacific Command?s Theater Security Package program, which has been in operation since 2004. This long-planned deployment demonstrates the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Matthew B. Fredericks)


A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor stands by on the ramp Dec. 6, 2017 at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea during Exercise Vigilant Ace-18. By including 5th generation fighter jets in Vigilant Ace-18 the Department of Defense can learn more about the capabilities and how best to utilize them and integrate them with other platforms with each exercise.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristen A. Heller)

A U.S. Air Force maintenance Airman sweeps snow off a F-15C Eagle before takeoff Dec. 5, 2017, at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea during Exercise Vigilant Ace-18. Exercise Vigilant Ace-18 is an annual exercise designed to enhance the interoperability of U.S. and ROK Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristen A. Heller)

U.S. Marine AV-8B Harriers with the Marine Attack Squadron 231 assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., are parked on the flightline during basic fighter maneuver training at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Dec. 1, 2017. Marine pilots received an opportunity to ?battle? Air Force aircraft to include the F-16CM Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and T-38C Talon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Maldonado)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2017)
An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the "Vikings" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, participates during flight operations aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gooley/Released)

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 5, 2017 ? The first Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-46A tanker that will be delivered to the U.S. Air Force next year successfully completed its first flight and airborne tests today, taking off from Paine Field at 10:32 a.m. PST and landing approximately three-and-one-half hours later.

?Today?s flight is another milestone for the Air Force/Boeing team and helps move us closer to delivering operational aircraft to the warfighter,? said Col. John Newberry, U.S. Air Force KC-46 System program manager.

During the flight, Boeing test pilots took the tanker to a maximum altitude of 39,000 feet and performed operational checks on engines, flight controls and environmental systems as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved flight profile. Prior to subsequent flights, the team will conduct a post-flight inspection and calibrate instrumentation.

?We?re very proud of this aircraft and the state-of-the-art capabilities it will bring to the Air Force,? said Mike Gibbons, Boeing KC-46A tanker vice president and program manager. ?We still have some tough work ahead of us, including completing our FAA certification activities, but the team is committed to ensure that upon delivery, this tanker will be everything our customer expects and more.?

The newest tanker is the KC-46 program?s seventh aircraft to fly to date. The previous six are being used for testing and certification and to date have completed 2,200 flight hours and more than 1,600 ?contacts? during refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10 and KC-46 aircraft.

The KC-46, derived from Boeing?s commercial 767 airframe, is built in the company?s Everett facility. Boeing is currently on contract for the first 34 of an expected 179 tankers for the U.S. Air Force.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.

Marignane, The Mexican Navy has received its final two AS565 MBe Panther helicopters during a delivery ceremony at Airbus Helicopters in Marignane. With their order for ten units in 2014, the Mexican Navy became the launch customer of this new version. The first four helicopters were delivered in 2016 and the remaining six during the course of 2017.

Stationed at three naval bases in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Sonora and Michoacan, the helicopters perform an average of 300 flight hours for reconnaissance, patrol missions and training flights.

?The arrival of the MBe Panther has enhanced the Navy Aviation?s operational capabilities,? explained Admiral Jose Maria Garcia Macedo, the Mexican Navy?s General Director of Naval Aviation. ?It is a modern, multi-mission helicopter that we can use in both maritime and land environments for a wide range of missions, including maritime SAR, disaster relief, external load operations and even air ambulance.?

To carry out such a range of missions, the MBe Panther makes use of advanced mission equipment that includes a cargo hook, a rescue hoist, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) for night-time rescue missions and a total of four stretchers for medical evacuation.

?I would like to thank the Mexican Navy for their confidence in our helicopters,? said Mesrob Karalekian, Airbus Helicopters? Vice-President for Latin America. ?To help ensure success for their critical missions, we have made a technical and logistical support team available to them around the clock in Veracruz. Some 30 pilots have also been trained, many of them receiving specific training in SAR and night vision goggles (NVG).?

The AS565 MBe combines new and proven technologies to offer more value to operators. It is equipped with two Safran Arriel 2N engines, which enhance its performance in hot & high conditions and enable it to achieve a top speed of 278 km/h and a range of 780 kilometers. It also boasts a new main gearbox, a latest-generation tail rotor and a 4-axis autopilot that reduces crew workload and makes the most demanding missions, such as SAR, easier to perform. More powerful and efficient, the AS565 MBe is also safer, more cost-effective and easier to operate.

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited ("CALC"), the Hong-Kong based lessor, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, and in parallel celebrated handing it over to lessee Frontier Airlines.

CALC has 68 A320neo Family aircraft on order and a total of 147 Airbus aircraft in its orderbook. The A320neo powered by CFM engines and equipped with Frontier Airlines latest cabin products including new seats will offer passengers unparalleled levels of comfort and convenience.

Mr. Mike Poon, Chief Executive Officer of CALC, said, ?We are pleased to celebrate CALC?s 100th aircraft delivery including sale and leasbacks with the debut delivery of an A320neo to Frontier Airlines. From zero to 100 aircraft, CALC has come a long way thanks to the dedication of our team and the support from our business partners. Since its founding, CALC has been committed to product innovation, with a focus on providing reliable and flexible services for our clients around the world. This latest step in our evolution reflects our desire to deliver greater value to our airline customers and stakeholders. Having now delivered our first A320neo, not only have we commenced our cooperation with Indigo Partners, but we have also embarked on a new journey of continuous growth for the Group.?

?We have experienced great success with the A320neo and we are pleased to have the latest one join our fleet with such a momentous delivery,? said Barry Biffle, President and Chief Executive Officer for Frontier Airlines. ?In 10 years? time, we will have tripled the size of our fleet and based on the efficiency of the Airbus A320 Family, we will be in a position to deliver Low Fares Done Right to more than 50 million passengers a year.?

?It is a pleasure to see CALC modernising its fleet with our latest generation single-aisle aircraft. This delivery highlights the continuing market demand for the world?s preferred single aisle aircraft. The A320neo will enable airlines to offer its customers unprecedented levels of comfort.? said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer- Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 5,200 orders received from 95 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

American Airlines (AAL) has chosen Services by Airbus to provide cabin upgrades for 202 of its A321s in-service ? the largest retrofit project in Airbus history. The airline will be the first retrofit customer for Airbus? new Airspace XL bins. The larger bins provide a 40 percent increase in storage space for carry-on bags, reducing bin crowding and the need to check bags at the gate, allowing a more relaxed boarding experience to both passengers and cabin crews.

?Thanks to this Airbus cabin retrofit, passengers on American Airlines? A321s will be able to board faster and will enjoy an overall improved travel experience,? said Laurent Martinez, Head of Services by Airbus. ?This is exactly the type of added-value that our services can bring to airlines. This contract is a major step for Airbus into the US services market, and we are grateful to American Airlines for their trust in our expertise.?

The upgrades are part of a project which will standardise American Airlines? A321s with a common seat count and interior, providing passengers with a consistent travel experience. New production A321s for American Airlines will also be equipped with Airspace XL bins.

Airbus? Global Services Forecast projects that over the next 20 years the commercial aircraft upgrades services market will be worth US$180 billion, driven in part by high competition between airlines who value the ?passenger experience? as a differentiator (comfort, connectivity, etc.), as well as systems upgrades. Fourteen percent of this demand will come from North America.

S?o Jos? dos Campos, Brazil, December 6, 2017 ? Embraer celebrates the delivery of its 1,400th E-Jet, an E175, during a ceremony at Embraer?s industrial facilities in S?o Jos? dos Campos, Brazil. American Airlines took delivery of this milestone aircraft and selected Envoy Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc., to operate the aircraft. Since American Airlines has been a customer of Embraer for nearly 20 years, subsidiary Envoy is one of the original ERJ operators and currently has over 100 ERJs in its fleet. Combining the 2013 and 2017 E-Jet orders, American has ordered 74 E175s and selected Envoy to operate 54 of those E175s; this delivery represents Envoy?s 44th E175. ?The E-Jet program, one of the most successful aircraft programs in history, has been instrumental in shaping the 70 to 130-seat market we see today. And to celebrate the 1,400th E-Jet delivery with our longtime friends, American Airlines and Envoy, is truly a special moment for us, especially after they took delivery of their first E175 just two years ago,? said John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. ?We understand that being part of an airline?s fleet is also being part of their vision, family, and brand. That?s why, as the market leader of this segment, we are committed to continuously raising the standard in order to provide products and solutions that ultimately benefit their customers.? ?Going back to our first jets in 1998, Envoy has enjoyed a long and very successful partnership with Embraer,? said Pedro F?bregas, President and CEO of Envoy Air. ?They take great pride in the aircraft they produce, and it shows in the quality of the E175 being delivered today. Our employees love operating the aircraft as much as our customers enjoy traveling on it, so we are delighted to share in this important milestone. We look forward to receiving 10 more E175s in the near future and operating these outstanding aircraft for many years to come.? Embraer?s E-Jet family, launched in 1999, has made its mark in the aviation landscape as Embraer is the only manufacturer to develop a modern family of four aircraft specifically targeted for the 70 to 130-seat segment. With an average mission completion rate of 99.9% and more than 16 million flight cycles, the E-Jet fleet has surpassed the 22 million flight hour milestone. In addition to their proven reliability, E-Jets have a strategically-located global network of customer support and services with more than 40 MRO centers, 9 of which are authorized and over 31 are independent. Since entering revenue service in 2004, when the first aircraft was delivered to LOT Polish Airlines, the E-Jets family has received more than 1,800 orders and delivered 1,400 aircraft. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleet of 70 customers in 50 countries. The versatile 70 to 130-seat family has flown more than one billion passengers and flies with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline carriers.

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- After nearly five years, the Ogden Air Logistics Complex completed regeneration work on the last six Block-25 F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft for the Government of Indonesia.

The delivery is the result of an aircraft acquisition and refurbishment agreement approved by the U.S. government to deliver a total of 24 Block-25 C and D variant F-16s to the Indonesian Air Force.

The aircraft, formerly flown by U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units, had been warehoused by the Ogden ALC's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group located at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Ariz.

The jets will depart on a five-day transoceanic flight and will require mid-air refueling and two overnight stops before arriving in Indonesia.

In addition to Hill AFB's Ogden ALC, the F-16 System Program Office, Defense Logistics Agency and several other Defense Department organizations contributed to the success of this acquisition program.
(75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers conducted a continuous bomber presence (CBP) mission on return to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley, Australia, Dec. 3.

The bombers and approximately 70 U.S. Air Force Airmen flew to RAAF Base Amberley in late November to train and fly with their Australian counterparts as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation (EAC) initiative operated by U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and supported by the United States and Australia.

Highlights from this fifth iteration of EAC included: an RAAF KC-30A aerial refuel of the B-1B; supporting the RAAF?s Lightning Focus exercise; and establishing an aviator information exchange program that will allow for training between the two air forces to continue on at RAAF Base Amberley and elsewhere in Australia.

?Our countries have been flying and training together for a very long time,? said Lt. Col. Mark Kimball, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron director of operations. ?EAC gives us an opportunity to train and operate at the highest ends of the operational spectrum, making our two air forces better and stronger.?

Participating RAAF aircraft included the F/A-18F Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, and KC-30A Multi-role tanker transport.

?The B-1B Lancers participating in this exercise were part of the EAC program, which aims to increase interoperability between Australia and the United States,? said RAAF Air Commodore Mike Kitcher, Air Combat Group commander. ?Conducting these flying activities is critical to our ongoing regional partnership, and provides specific currency and qualification training for our aircrew.?

With their training mission complete in Australia, the B-1Bs returned to Guam where they are based as part of the long running CBP program.

The employment of CBP missions in the PACOM area of responsibility (AOR), conducted since March 2004, are in accordance with international law and are vital to the principles that are the foundation of the rules-based global operating system.

Herndon, VA ? Dec. 7, 2017 ? Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a $750 million contract by the U.S. Army to provide contractor lifecycle services for the Army?s Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) fleet. This fixed- wing airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet includes the RC-12X Guardrail, the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance Surveillance System and Airborne Reconnaissance Low variants.

The award is a base year contract with eight option years, extending to 2027. The work will require high-level aircraft services in support of 75 aircraft. The Northrop Grumman team brings more than 50 years of Army-focused and SEMA-specific airborne ISR development and maintenance expertise.

?We understand SEMA aircraft and the important and unique role it plays in the collection of actionable intelligence around the world,? said John Parker, vice president, global logistics and modernization, Northrop Grumman Technology Services. ?Our lifecycle services and cutting edge collection of capabilities not only ensure the aircraft is mission capable today, but also well into the future through an offering of innovative improvement and modernization solutions.?

Northrop Grumman?s responsibilities will include program management, systems engineering and modification, supply chain management, and aircraft modifications and elective upgrades. Northrop Grumman is joined by King Aerospace, Inc. and M1 Support Service, both providing years of SEMA-specific maintenance personnel and expertise.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide.

ISTANBUL, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Turkish Airlines celebrated the delivery today of the airline's first 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter. The airplane and a second freighter on order will help the airline expand its cargo business.

Boeing, Turkish Airlines celebrated the delivery of carrier?s first 777 Freighter. The airplane is seen here arriving to Istanbul. (Turkish Airlines photo).

"The delivery of our first 777 Freighter is a milestone event in our cargo business," said Mr. ?lker Ayc?, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines. "As a prominent sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, Turkish Cargo increased its freighter destinations served from 55 to 73 from the beginning of this year, reaching approximately one million tons of cargo with a 29 percent increase. It is surely beyond doubt that this is a remarkable success. We're sure that this significant delivery, which will bring great value to our rapidly growing cargo operations, will also enable our leading sub-brand to further compete, expand and reach new short and long-range destinations from our hub in Istanbul."

"We are honored to deliver the 777 Freighter to Turkish Airlines," said Marty Bentrott, Senior Vice President of Sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and Africa, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This aircraft's range capability, combined with its enhanced cargo capacity, makes it a perfect airplane for Turkish Airlines to continue to profitably grow its global cargo service."

The 777 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg).

Based in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. It carries over 60 million passengers a year, with direct flights to 300 destinations in 120 countries. The airline made its first domestic flight in 1933 and the first international flight in 1947. Turkish Airlines was founded in 1933 with a fleet of five airplanes that carried a total of 28 passengers, expanding to 329 aircraft today.

Qatar Airways has re-affirmed its earlier order for 50 A320neo with a firm order for 50 A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration). The selection of the largest member of Airbus? single-aisle Family reflects the airline?s need for efficiency and additional capacity. This updated order replaces the original one placed in 2011.

Joining Qatar Airways? fleet of 50 A320ceo from 2019 onwards, the A321neo ACF will support the continuous development of Qatar Airways? network, leveraging the A321neo range capability and the unprecedented customer experience. The total value of the deal is $6.35 billion at list prices.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: ?At a time when Qatar Airways is experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion the need for efficient, reliable and modern aircraft has never been greater. To answer our need for growth and additional capacity, the A321neo ACF is a world-class choice for our passengers and for our business. Qatar Airways is the fastest growing airline in the world and with this aircraft we will operate the youngest fleet whilst delivering unprecedented comfort and services to our customers.?

?We are pleased that a signature airline like Qatar Airways has chosen the A321neo ACF.? said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and President Commercial Aircraft. ?This is an endorsement for the largest member of our single-aisle family. It confirms the aircraft?s strong position as the ideal Middle of the Market airplane for the Middle East. We look forward to seeing the A321neo ACF flying in Qatar Airways colours and to contributing to the airline?s continued success and excellence.?

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 percent per seat from day one and 20 percent by 2020.

The A321neo ACF introduces new door and fuselage enhancements allowing airlines to make better use of the cabin space and also provide provision for more underfloor fuel capacity for up to 4,000nm transatlantic range.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 5,200 orders received from 95 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt prepares to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, over the skies of Afghanistan Dec. 7, 2017. The Super Hornets conducted a series of precision airstrikes against six Taliban narcotic targets in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The airstrikes continue the ongoing campaign to decimate the Taliban's primary funding source for its terrorist activities. (U.S. Air Force Photo's by Jeff Parkinson) (Released)




U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft line the airfield during Operation Christmas Drop 2017, Dec. 8, 2017, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Over the course of 12 days, crews will airdrop donated food, supplies, educational materials, and tools to 56 islanders throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard P. Ebensberger)

ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 7, 2017) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Stingers of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 113, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Foley/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 7, 2017) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepares to take off from the flight deck. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vance Hand/Released)

A UH-1Y Venom from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 takes off with a load of water from Lake O'Neil at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 8. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is coordinating with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to support fire fighting efforts against the Lilac Fire in northern San Diego County. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Ralph/Released)

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, December 8, 2017 ? Embraer and Belavia, Belarusian Airlines, the national carrier of Belarus, announced today a further firm order for one current generation E195 jet for delivery in 2018. The firm order, with a list price value of USD 53.5 million, will be included in Embraer?s 2017 fourth-quarter backlog. ?To receive a further order so soon after announcing their last order is a great source of pride for Embraer. It confirms that our aircraft and the team that supports them are delivering significant value to Belavia and their customers. Belavia?s success continues, their traffic has grown 20% year on year, and Embraer is ready to support further fleet growth and renewal,? said Martyn Holmes, Embraer Vice President Sales and Marketing for Europe, Middle East, and CIS. Following Belavia?s firm order for two E-Jets (one E175 and one E195) announced at the Paris Air Show in June, the new contract will bring the airline?s Embraer fleet to seven aircraft ? four E195 and three E175 ? when deliveries are completed in 2018. The acquisition is an essential part of Belavia?s fleet renewal initiative; a core priority in the airline?s business strategy to offer high quality air travel to its customers. Configured in a dual class, the E195 will replace the existing Boeing 737-500 on Belavia?s fleet. ?Our Embraer fleet is allowing us to open up new destinations such as Brussels, but also to increase the number of flights on our existing routes ? our customers demand the flexibility that more frequencies provide, not just a greater choice of destinations,? said Anatoly Gusarov, Director General of Belavia. ?The Embraer aircraft are delivering high dispatch rates and compelling economics that also allow us to address seasonal fluctuations ? plus our customers really enjoy the high levels of comfort the aircraft provides. Embraer is the clear choice for our continued growth.? Since entering revenue service, the E-Jets family has received more than 1,800 orders and over 1,400 aircraft have been delivered. Today, E-Jets are flying in the fleets of 70 customers in 50 countries. The versatile 70 to 130-seat family is flying with low-cost airlines as well as with regional and mainline carriers.

Belavia Airlines is the largest air carrier of the Republic of Belarus. It is based at the Minsk National Airport and carries out regular flights to 49 airports in 28 countries of Europe and Asia. Belavia was established on March 5, 1996. Since 1997, it has been a full member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), since 2010 - a member of the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA). The airline's fleet consists of 26 aircraft (five Boeing 737-800s, six Boeing 737-500s, seven Boeing 737-300s, two Embraer-175s, two Embraer-195s, four CRJ-100 / -200s). More information on the official website of the airline www.belavia.by or in social networks: https://www.facebook.com/belavia, https://instagram.com/belavia.airlines/ and https://vk.com/belavia_airlines. Volha Schuko, communication specialist Belavia ? Belarusian airlines + 375 (33) 670 41 67; @

Typhoon fighter jets from 3(Fighter) Squadron have returned to Estonia as part of the ongoing Royal Air Force support to the British Army led NATO battlegroup deployed there.

Operating in sub-zero temperatures the Typhoons have been based at Amari Airbase Estonia and have been conducting challenging air land Integration training exercises with the deployed ground controllers known as JTACs or Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.

The first sorties flown were conducted at night over a training area in eastern Estonia before returning the next day to conduct daylight simulated air strikes and also ?show of force? low passes.

The British led NATO battlegroup the Typhoons trained with, is formed around the 1st Battalion the Royal Welsh and is the Estonian based element of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence that was first announced at the NATO summit at Warsaw in 2016.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport providing refuelling operations for a United States Air Force (USAF) B-1B Lancer, as well as RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers.

Both air forces recently demonstrated their ability to work together during Exercise LIGHTNING FOCUS.

Up to 30 RAAF fast jet aircraft, two USAF B-1B Lancers and two E-7A Wedgetail aircraft participated in the training activity.

The B-1B Lancers? took part in the exercise under the Enhanced Air Cooperation program, which aims to increase interoperability between Australia and the United States.

Airmen load bundles onto a Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self Defense Force) C-130H Hercules prior to performing a training mission during the 66th Operations Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2017. OCD is a training mission which helps the 374th Airlift Wing along with partners, the Koku Jieitai and Royal Australian Air Force, to maintain and develop combat readiness through sustainable aircraft generation and recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)

ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 10, 2017) A C-2A Greyhound, assigned to the Providers of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Machinist?s Mate 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/Released)

A pair of California National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from B Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, return at sunset to Camarillo Airport in Camarillo, California, Sun., Dec. 10, 2017, after making their last water drops of the day on the Thomas Fire burning in Ventura County. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)


The RAF Reaper Force has reached two significant milestones. The fleet of remotely piloted aircraft systems has now been serving on coalition combat operations for 10 years during which time it has flown 100,000 hours.

The milestone of 100,000 hours of flying supporting Coalition combat operations was reached on 4 Dec 17 and equates to over 11 years airborne or travelling around the world 550 times.

The ISTAR Force Commander, Air Commodore Dean Andrew, said:

?The RAF Reaper Force has now been operational for 10 years, during which it has amassed 100,000 hours of crucial support to UK and coalition combat operations in a variety of roles. The ability of Reaper to discretely observe and monitor enemy activity for lengthy periods of time provides commanders with a hitherto unheralded view of the battlespace.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and his Qatari counterpart, Khalid bin Mohammed al Attiyah, oversaw the signing of the deal for 24 Typhoons, building on the Statement of Intent signed in September.

In addition, the agreement signed today by the Qatar and British Governments also includes a clear intention to proceed with the purchase of Hawk aircraft.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

It is a great pleasure to sign our biggest export deal for the Typhoon in a decade. These formidable jets will boost the Qatari military?s mission to tackle the challenges we both share in the Middle East, supporting stability in the region and delivering security at home.

As we proudly fly the flag for our world-leading aerospace sector all over the globe this news is a massive vote of confidence, supporting thousands of British jobs and injecting billions into our economy.

The aircraft will be assembled in the UK by BAE Systems, supporting thousands of jobs, especially at the company?s Warton site in Lancashire where it will secure work on the production line into the next decade. The biggest export deal for the Typhoon project in a decade, the purchase is valued at around ?6 billion.

The deal also includes an agreement with MBDA for Brimstone and Meteor missiles and the highly-accurate Raytheon?s Paveway IV UK-manufactured weapon for the jets. The Defence Secretary also agreed a package of training and co-operation between the Air Forces which will see them working together more regularly, including Qatari pilots and ground-crew training in the UK.

The UK and Qatar share a close and longstanding defence relationship, with a joint-exercise between the Royal Air Force and the Emir of Qatar?s Air Force just last week seeing Typhoon jets fly over the Arabian Peninsula. The two countries share mutual interests of countering violent extremism, and ensuring stability in the region, and this purchase will deepen those ties by helping to prevent terrorism from spreading and protecting our prosperity and security at home.

Qatar is the ninth country to purchase the Typhoon, with this year seeing the first delivered to Oman. The Ministry of Defence is also leading the offer to replace Belgium?s F-16s with the jets and continues to discuss the prospect of a second batch of sales to Saudi Arabia, as it continues to bang the drum for Britain?s world-leading aerospace industry around the world.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules sits on the flightline before an Operation Christmas Drop sortie Dec. 11, 2017 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Operation Christmas Drop 2017 is a trilateral training event that includes additional air support from the Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defence Force) and RAAF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Smoot)

Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 11, 2017) A C-2A Greyhound from the "Rawhides" of Carrier Based Fixed-Wing Aircraft (VRC) 40 prepares to take off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shane C. Bryan/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 10, 2017) An F-35C Lightning II, from the "Rough Raiders" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, sits on the flight deck before flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Cubano/ Released)

Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of the first of five new A380 aircraft scheduled to join the carrier?s fleet over the coming year, at a special ceremony hosted by Airbus in Toulouse, France. The aircraft delivered today is the first in the airline?s fleet to feature its recently launched on-board cabin products and innovations.

In addition to the five new aircraft, Singapore Airlines will also retrofit 14 A380s already in service with its new cabin products. The retrofit work is expected to begin late in 2018 and will be undertaken by the airline in conjunction with Services by Airbus. All 14 aircraft are scheduled to be retrofitted by 2020.

The new Singapore Airlines A380 offers more personal space in all classes, accommodating a total of 471 passengers. The cabin features six private Suites and 78 Business Class seats on the upper deck and 44 Premium Economy Class and 343 Economy Class seats on the main deck. The aircraft also features the latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity from every seat.

?The delivery of our newest A380 with all-new cabin products is indeed an exciting occasion, and we are pleased to be celebrating this important milestone with our great partner Airbus,? said Singapore Airlines CEO Mr Goh Choon Phong. ?When we put the world?s first A380 into commercial service in 2007, it set new industry benchmarks for premium full-service air travel. A decade later, the Singapore Airlines A380, featuring our flagship products and legendary service, remains a customer favourite, and we continue to receive highly positive feedback about the travel experience on the aircraft.?

?We are proud to deliver the first of five new A380s to Singapore Airlines featuring the carrier's beautiful new cabin design,? said Tom Enders, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. ?Singapore Airlines was the first to fly the A380 and has operated the aircraft with the highest levels of technical excellence since day one. The aircraft has proven to be a huge commercial success in service with the carrier, flying passengers efficiently and in comfort on the airline?s long haul and regional network.?

?We thank Singapore Airlines for its ongoing strong commitment to the A380 programme and look forward to working together with the carrier as it renews and refreshes its fleet.?

Capable of flying up to 8,200 nautical miles non-stop, the A380 is the world?s largest and most spacious airliner and offers the most efficient solution to meet growth in passenger traffic on the world?s most heavily travelled routes. The A380 is the only aircraft with two full decks, featuring wider seats, broader aisles, and more floor space. Today the A380 is flying with 13 world class airlines on 120 routes around the globe. Since entry-into-service in 2007 the A380 world fleet has carried over 190 million passengers.

December 13, 2017 Montr?al Commercial Aircraft, Press Release
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Qazaq Air JSC of Kazakhstan has signed a firm purchase agreement for two new Q400 turboprops.

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $66.8 million US.

?We are delighted that Qazaq Air will continue to grow its fleet with the Q400 aircraft,?said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Sales, Europe, Russia and CIS at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. ?Since the inauguration of Qazaq Air services within Kazakhstan in 2015, the Q400 has continued to prove itself in their operations and we are excited by this further endorsement of the Q400s superior operating characteristics.?

?We are pleased with the agreements reached on the acquisition of these new aircraft with Bombardier, with whom we have been in partnership since we started the airline,? said Blair Treherne Pollock, CEO of Qazaq Air. ?It is thanks to the Q400 aircraft, which Qazaq Air has been operating successfully since 2015, that it is now possible for us to fly our passengers to 15 destinations in Kazakhstan. To date, we have flown more than 420,000 passengers, having shown a 50% increase in passenger traffic in 2017 compared to last year. ?Adding two new aircraft to our fleet will not only allow us to expand our route network inside the Republic of Kazakhstan, but also to start new flights beyond it, covering nearby cities in the Central Asian region.?

About Qazaq Air

Qazaq Air is a young, dynamically growing regional airline in Kazakhstan, 100 % of which is owned by "Samruk-Kazyna" Sovereign Welfare Fund. Their fleet currently consists of three new Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

A U.S. Air National Guard C-130J equipped with the MAFFS 2 (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) drops a line of Phos-Chek on the Thomas Fire in the hills above the city of Santa Barbara Dec. 13, 2017. The C-130J from the 146th Airlift Wing has been supporting CAL FIRE?s efforts to battle the Thomas Fire raging in Southern California. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by: Staff Sgt. Nieko Carzis.)



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2017) A T-45 Goshawk lands on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN77). Training Squadrons (VT) 7, 9, 21, and 22 conducted carrier flight qualifications aboard the aircraft carrier. GHWB is underway conducting routine training and qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary P. Wickline/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2017) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ryan Borba directs an E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the "Greyhawks" of Carrier Airborne Warning Squadron (VAW) 120, on the flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rebekah A. Watkins/Released)

A United Kingdom F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter lands aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Dec. 14. This is the final F-35B to be delivered to the UK team at MCAS Beaufort prior to their departure from the air station in 2018. UK Pilots and Maintainers have been a part of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 since they arrived at MCAS Beaufort in 2014.
Photo's by Cpl. Benjamin McDonald


PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 14, 2017 ? Boeing [NYSA: BA] and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence today signed an agreement that will upgrade six Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Chinook helicopters to the latest F-model configuration, ensuring commonality of systems for their entire fleet of 20 F-model Chinooks. Deliveries of the six modernized Chinooks are planned to begin in 2021.

?The Netherlands? Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is responsible for providing the Dutch armed forces with the best equipment money can buy, and our troops deserve that,? said Colonel Koen van Gogh, DMO project leader. ?Ever since their introduction in the mid-1990s, the Chinooks have been continuously involved in almost all of our missions abroad, but also in disaster relief operations and in domestic support. A true versatile workhorse of our Defense Organization.?

The upgrade to a common configuration will improve operational effectiveness, maintenance, and affordability.

A key feature includes advanced operational capabilities provided by the Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit with an integrated Digital Automatic Flight Control System. The common avionics architecture system also aligns with the U.S Army and other allies, improving worldwide interoperability, flight-handling characteristics, and long term sustainability.

?Our longstanding close partnership with the Netherlands played an important role in achieving their objective of a standardized fleet of CH-47F Chinooks,? said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Boeing Cargo Helicopters, and H-47 program manager. ?Worldwide interest in Chinooks continues to grow. This is the eighth international order since 2015, and it grows the operational Chinook fleet within NATO. There is no doubt the Chinook is the world?s premier heavy-lift helicopter with a long future will continue to serve our customers for decades to come.?

In 2016, the Netherlands acquired 14 CH-47F Chinooks through the U.S. Department of Defense's Foreign Military Sales program. To date, Boeing has delivered more than 900 H-47 Chinook helicopters. The Chinook is on order or operated by 20 countries, including eight NATO nations ? Canada, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the U.S.

Marignane, Airbus Helicopters has gone a step further in the experimentation of its Project Eagle, with the in-flight validation of the innovative on-board image processing system.

Performed on an H225 flying testbed, the trials have demonstrated the system?s ability to select a small ground ?target? from ranges of up to 2 miles and to automatically track it during the approach performed by the pilot. The flight tests have also validated Eagle?s architecture and main components, such as the gyrostabilized optronics package and the processing unit. The next steps of the testing campaign will focus on coupling Eagle with the automatic flight control system to fully automatise the approach to a selected landing area.

Codenamed Eagle (Eye for Autonomous Guidance and Landing Extension), this research project aims to federate the entire helicopter?s image processing functions and feed them into the avionics system, thus improving the crew?s situation awareness and reducing the pilot?s workload by automating and securing approaches, take-off and landing in the most demanding environments. The system is designed to be integrated on a variety of existing and future Airbus vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles.

Delta Air Lines today placed an order with Airbus for 100 of the manufacturer?s modern A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration) aircraft. The U.S.-based carrier selected the largest member of Airbus? single-aisle Family to meet Delta?s future requirements for aircraft with greater efficiency and additional capacity. The airline?s A321neo ACF planes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM geared turbofan engines.

?This is the right transaction at the right time for our customers, our employees and our shareholders,? said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. ?Delta, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney share the same commitment to safety, efficiency, innovation and continuously improving the customer experience. This order for the state-of-the-art A321neo with Pratt?s Pure Power next-generation jet engines reflects our long-term commitment to these values for Delta people and all our constituents.?

?We at Airbus are very happy we won this hotly-contested campaign, together with our partner Pratt, and we are proud to serve Delta with the A321neo. This important order will further strengthen our partnership with Delta - one of the world?s best airlines - which we have developed over many years.? said Tom Enders, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. ?It is also good news for our employees in Mobile, Alabama, where most of the Delta planes will be manufactured. We look forward to seeing the A321neo ACF flying in Delta colours soon.?

Delta?s announcement on the A321neo ACF follows several orders in recent years for the current engine option (ceo) version of the A321. Delta has ordered a total of 117 A321ceos, each powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

The A321neo ACF introduces new door and fuselage enhancements that allow airlines to make best use of the cabin space with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo will offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020. With more than 5,300 orders received from 96 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Most of Delta?s A321neos will be delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. The airline has taken delivery of 13 U.S.-manufactured Airbus aircraft since last year. In addition, the 50th aircraft to be produced by the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility will be delivered to Delta later this week. The Mobile factory produces four aircraft per month for delivery to Airbus? U.S. customers. Plans for further production ramp up are currently being discussed.

In addition to Airbus? U.S. manufacturing, the company has a long and strong partnership with American aerospace supplier companies. Today, there is more U.S. content in Airbus aircraft than from any other country, with more than 40% of the company?s aircraft-related procurement coming from the United States.

As of the end of November, Delta was flying a fleet of 196 Airbus aircraft, including 150 A320 Family members, 42 A330 widebodies, and four A350 XWB aircraft.

The number plate of a new Typhoon squadron set to integrate Qatari personnel was revealed by Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin at a reception to celebrate the country?s national day in London today.

She revealed that a new UK-based Typhoon joint squadron will be 12 Squadron, and that it will temporarily integrate Qatari personnel, including pilots and ground-crew.

The move will provide the country with valuable joint frontline experience on an RAF Typhoon Squadron and speed up their preparation for when their own jets are delivered. Last week Qatar ordered 24 Typhoons, the biggest export deal for the Typhoon project in a decade and which will sustain thousands of UK jobs.

12 Squadron currently operates the Tornado GR4 at RAF Marham and is playing a pivotal role in the coalition air campaign against Daesh in the Middle East. When equipped with Typhoon the squadron will be based at Royal Air Force Coningsby in Lincs.