News Article / May 24, 2016

Royal Canadian Air Force

Exercise Maple Flag, the Royal Canadian Air Force?s largest and most complex international training event of the year, begins next week in Cold Lake, Alberta.

?Exercise Maple Flag is a direct contributor to the RCAF?s success in generating world-class air power. This exercise is a great opportunity to enhance our agility, reach, and power, while integrating with our domestic joint partners and allies,? said Major-General David Wheeler, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Taking place between May 30 and June 24, Exercise Maple Flag brings together up to 1,300 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel in participant or supporting roles, and more than 400 personnel from six allied and partner nations along with multiple aircraft including:

From Canada: CF-188 Hornet fighters, CH-146 Griffon helicopters, CP-140 Auroras, CC-177 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft, CC-130 Hercules air-to-air refueling and transport aircraft, and contracted Dornier Alpha Jets
From the United States: C-130 Hercules aircraft and E-3 Sentry aircraft
From France: Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale fighter aircraft
From the United Kingdom: E-3 Sentry aircraft

This international exercise prepares Canadian and international aircrew, maintenance, and support personnel for the rigours of operations in the modern aerial battlespace. Exercises like this contribute to the operational readiness of the CAF so it can meet the likely tasks that the Government of Canada could assign.

?We are pleased to once again host Exercise Maple Flag in Cold Lake. The personnel of 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake have been working hard over the past several months planning this incredible, fully immersive training opportunity for not only the Royal Canadian Air Force, but our international allies and partners,? noted Colonel Eric Kenny, the commander of 4 Wing.

The outcomes of this exercise will undoubtedly provide those involved with the skills and expertise to operate effectively against any adversary.?

In recent years, Exercise Maple Flag has begun to fuse with elements of concurrent exercises, such as the Canadian Army-led Exercise Maple Resolve.

Participants will use a fictitious scenario in which they will fight against simulated threats using the latest in tactics, weaponry, and technology. The goal is to hone their skills within a realistic, evolving, and challenging operating environment. This exercise is as close as it gets to the real thing.

Participants from allied and partner forces include:

The United States Air Force
The United States Air Force Reserve
The Kentucky Air National Guard
The United States Marine Corps
The Royal Air Force
The French Air Force
The German Army
The Belgian Army

Exercise Maple Flag takes place primarily inside the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR). This unique airspace permits the use of a variety of simulated and live weapons systems, as well as supersonic flight.

U.S. Air Force B-52's flanked by Jordanian Fighter Jets perform a show-of-force demonstration during Exercise Eager Lion near Amman, Jordan, 24 May, 2016. Eager Lion 16 is a bi-lateral exercise in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan between the Jordanian Armed Forces and U.S. Military designed to strengthen relationships and interoperability between partner-nations. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Spc. Ian Valley 366 Mobile Public Affairs Detatchment/Released)

A U.S. Air Force B-52 escorted by Jordanian fighter jets flies over training area as part of Exercise Eager Lion May 24, 2016. Eager Lion 16 is a bi-lateral exercise in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan between the Jordanian Armed Forces and the U.S. Military designed to strengthen relationships and interoperability between partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darius Davis/Released)

SAINT-DENIS, Reunion Island, May 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Austral are celebrating the delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The newest addition to the Air Austral long-haul fleet will touch down at Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Marie, Reunion Island tomorrow following a 10,500-mile (16,898-kilometre) delivery flight originating from the Boeing Everett Delivery Center in Everett, Wash.

"The state of the art 787 Dreamliner's unique capabilities enable us to launch the Dzaoudi to Paris Charles de Gaulle route," said Marie-Joseph Male, executive chairman and chief executive officer, Air Austral. "This airplane is the most advanced in the world, with superior operating economics all while providing our passengers an unrivalled on-board experience."

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide Air Austral with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 to 25 percent less fuel and with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"It is an honor to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to Air Austral, a first for a French operator," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president sales Latin America, Caribbean and Africa, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Dreamliner will complement Air Austral's growing long-haul fleet, made up of 777s and now a 787, as well as its trans-continental network to Europe and Asia."

Air Austral announced an order for two 787-8 Dreamliners in 2015. Air Austral was founded in 1975 and currently operates a fleet of nine aircraft to over 10 destinations worldwide.

S?o Jos? dos Campos, Brazil, May 23, 2016 ? The E-Jets E2 program reached another important milestone today with the completion of the maiden flight of the E190-E2. The flight was originally scheduled to take place during the second half of this year.

The aircraft took off at 1:06 p.m., local time from Embraer?s facility in S?o Jos? dos Campos and flew for three hours and 20 minutes. The flight occurred just three months after the E190-E2 made its public d?but at a rollout ceremony at the factory in late February. The inaugural flight marks the beginning of the certification campaign for the E190-E2, the first of three new second-generation E-Jet models. The E190-E2 is scheduled to enter commercial service in 2018.

?A first flight is always an emotional occasion, no matter how many you witness over the years. In this particular case, we are not only keeping our promises to the market, we are going beyond by being a few months ahead of schedule. I want to thank each and every Embraer employee who is participating in this project,? said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO.

?What a first flight! Today, all of us at Embraer should be proud and thrilled of this remarkable achievement. Watching the first E190-E2 take to the skies means we are paving the way for a bright future in commercial aviation. I?m certain that the market will show even greater interest not only for E190-E2, but also for the other E2s as well,? said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

Embraer Captain Mozart Louzada commanded the aircraft along with First Officer Gerson de Oliveira Mendes, and Flight Test Engineers Alexandre Figueiredo and Carlos Silveira. Today?s flight evaluated aircraft handling and performance characteristics with the crew analyzing a significant number of flight parameters, including speed, altitude and landing gear retraction. This was made possible by the high level of maturity that the E2 reached during program development through the extensive use of digital modeling simulations and ground and static tests that employed rigs and an iron bird.

?There are always a lot of expectations with a first flight and todays? was no exception. The flight was very smooth. We were able to significantly open the flight envelope by flying at mach 0.82, climbing to 41,000 feet and retracting the landing gear and flaps, and engaging the fly-by-wire in normal mode. All of these demonstrate that the E190-E2 project is very mature and robust, and exceed all performance targets? said Captain Louzada.

The aircraft that flew today is the first of four prototypes that will be used in the E190-E2 certification program. Two additional aircraft will be assigned for the E195-E2 certification process that will lead to entry into service in 2019. Three more aircraft will be used to certify the E175-E2 which is scheduled to enter service in 2020.

The E190-E2 has the same number of seats as the current-generation E190 and can be configured with 97 seats in dual class or 106 seats in a single-class layout. It has 400 nautical miles more range than the current-generation E190 and gives operators the ability to fly the aircraft up to 2,800 nautical miles.

Since the E-Jets E2s were launched in June 2013, the program has logged 640 commitments from airlines and leasing companies: 267 are firm orders and 373 are options and purchase rights. The E-Jets family of aircraft is the leader in the up-to-130-seat aircraft category with more than 50% worldwide market share. Embraer E-Jets are currently in service with some 70 customers from 50 countries.

E-Jets E2s represent the best of new technology in a proven platform. The application of advanced technologies for engines, wings, and avionics sets the E2s apart by providing airlines with the most efficient airplanes in the category yet maintaining commonality with current-generation E-Jets. Enhancements include new aerodynamically-advanced high-aspect ratio distinctively-shaped wings, improved systems and avionics, 4th generation full fly-by-wire flight controls, and Pratt & Whitney?s PurePowerTM Geared Turbofan high by-pass ratio engines (PW1700G on the E175-E2, PW1900G on the E190-E2 and E195-E2). These combine to generate double-digit reductions in fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and maintenance costs, as well greater productivity though less scheduled maintenance downtime. E-Jets E2s will achieve similar costs per seat as larger re-engined narrow-body aircraft but with significantly lower costs per trip. Those savings will create new opportunities for lower-risk development of new markets and fleet right-sizing.

Lisbon, Portugal, May 24, 2016 - TAP is the newest airline to operate Embraer?s E-Jets in Europe. Yesterday, the company launched scheduled flights with the E190 jet, from Lisbon to various destinations of its intra-European network. The first flight, TP488, was from Lisbon to Nice, in France. The airline began to incorporate nine used jets of this model into its fleet in recent months. The aircraft will operate under the TAP Express brand.

?We are extremely pleased to add TAP Express to the growing family of E-Jet operators,? said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. ?With the best operating cost in the category of jets with up to 100 seats, the E190 will bring more efficiency and flexibility to TAP Express operations, and provide unmatched passenger comfort.?

The E190 entry into service is part of TAP?s renewal strategy for its regional fleet, which will now operate under the new brand TAP Express, replacing the Portugalia PGA Airlines designation, in order to deliver greater brand and product consistency for TAP, and strengthen its commercial identity.

?For the complete renewal of its regional fleet as well as the improvement of the product and services offered, it is with great anticipation that TAP launches the new E190 into operation, which provides a new dimension of comfort and newness that will surprise our passengers. The new E190 aircraft are extremely modern, with advanced technology and greater autonomy, allowing us to open new routes and reach new markets, ensuring a more reliable and more flexible operation, with higher levels of economy and efficiency. With its entry into service, TAP Express now has the youngest fleet in the market it serves, thus positioning itself more competitively in relation to its counterparts,? said Fernando Pinto, TAP CEO.

The airline will use the E190 to replace Fokker 100 jets, planes that were in service for over 25 years in the company. The E190 will be configured with 106 seats.

Embraer is the only manufacturer to develop a modern family of four airplanes specifically targeted for the 70- to 130-seat segment. Since the launch of the program, Embraer has logged nearly 1,700 orders and over 1,200 deliveries, with the E-Jets redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications, with some 70 customers from 50 countries. The first E-Jet entered revenue service in 2004. Collectively, the E-Jets have accumulated more than 15 million flight hours.

Military Aviation Museum Bf-109G4 First Flight!

Below 3rd take off

5/24/2016 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A white Gulfstream jet carrying Netherlands Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert joins up with two Dutch F-35As and a Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 refueler May 23 on the final leg of a transatlantic trip that began at Edwards AFB, Calif.

Most of the Dutch component of the F-35 Joint Operational Test Team headed to their homeland where they will conduct test sorties and introduce their fifth-generation fighter to the Netherlands people, which falls in line with a promise made by Hennis-Plasschaert to bring the jets home for an up-close and personal viewing for the public.

The two Dutch F-35As took off from Edwards May 21 and landed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. After fueling up and running some checks, the jets launched over the Atlantic followed by two RNLAF KDC-10 aerial refuelers and a NATO C-17 carrying gear and spare parts. The planes landed at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands, which is one of two bases that will be home to the RNLAF's F-35s when they arrive permanently in 2019.

The RNLAF plans to replace its legacy F-16A/B fleet with a minimum of 37 F-35s, split between two bases.

The deployment is expected to last three weeks, then the jets will return to Edwards to continue operational test and evaluation.

BEIJING, May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air China officially unveiled the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner to the public at a grand ceremony in Beijing today. The national flag carrier is the first airline in the country to have a 787-9 enter into service.

"The 787-9 Dreamliner employs a multitude of cutting-edge technologies best represented by its electronic handling system and wide application of composite materials," said Captain Wang Yingnian, chief pilot of Air China. "As such, it enjoys clear advantages such as low fuel consumption, low emission and lower noise, which are highly aligned with the green flying idea that Air China has long been an advocate of."

This is the first of 15 Dreamliners set to join Air China's fleet.

"We are very honored that the 787-9 has joined Air China's national flag carrier fleet," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president of Northeast Asia Sales, "Carrying the long term partnership between Air China and Boeing, Air China's 787-9 will provide comfort and convenience for passengers, exceptional fuel efficiency and environmental performance for the airline customers."

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly over 40 more passengers an additional 285 nautical miles (830 km) with the same exceptional environmental performance ? 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes.

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passengers features such as large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

"We believe the 787-9 will become the backbone of Air China's international long-haul routes and will play an important role in supporting Air China's international development strategy," added Captain Wang.

Air China, headquartered in Beijing, is a leading provider of passenger and cargo services in China with scheduled flight routes connecting 174 cities in 40 countries and regions. Air China will use its 787-9s to ride on the wave of fast growing international passenger traffic by expanding its international network through non-stop point-to-point services.

U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter pilots, assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, fly overhead as the last light of the sun fades over Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 25, 2016. Training in the dark prepares aviators for the challenges they might face on real-world missions.

U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter pilots and crew chiefs, assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, prepare for a nighttime training operation at Gray Army Airfield on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., May 25, 2016. Training in the dark prepares aviators for the challenges they might face on real-world missions.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III rests on the flight line during exercise Crescent Reach 16 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., May 26th, 2016. Crescent Reach is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate Join Base Charleston's ability to launch a large aircraft formation in addition to train, process and deploy Airmen and cargo in response to a simulated crisis abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor T. McBride)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III takes off to join in the large formation in support of Crescent Reach 16 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., May 26, 2016. Crescent Reach is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate Joint Base Charleston?s ability to mobilize and launch a large aircraft formation in addition to train, process and deploy airmen and cargo in response to a simulated crisis board. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka Engblom)

The sun rises over the runway as a C-17 Globemaster III stands ready for takeoff in support of Crescent Reach 16 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., May 26, 2016. Crescent Reach is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate Joint Base Charleston?s ability to mobilize and launch a large aircraft formation in addition to train, process and deploy airmen and cargo in response to a simulated crisis board. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ericka Engblom)

5/26/2016 - The 1st Helicopter Squadron aircrew prepare for post flight landing procedures at Joint Base Andrews, Md., following a flight over the National Capitol Region, May 23, 2016. The tour was part of Romania?s chief of air staff visit to show the 1st HS operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Gabrielle Spalding)

Fly Comlux to buy Global 6000 business jet from Bombardier

The VIP charter division of charter airline company Comlux The Aviation Group, Fly Comlux, has entered into an agreement to buy a Global 6000 business jet from Bombardier.

Fly Comlux currently operates a fleet a total of six Bombardier business aircraft, which include Challenger 605, Challenger 850, Global 5000 and Global 6000. With the latest order, the charter operator aims to expand its VIP wide body fleet and boost its position in the wide-cabin and long-haul VIP charter and aircraft management sector in Europe, Central Asia, Russia and the Middle East.

Comlux provides its customers a comprehensive set of services such as aircraft management, sales and acquisitions, cabin design, completion, and maintenance services.



Established in 2008, Comlux's completion and maintenance repair organisation, Comlux America, performs maintenance, refurbishment and upgrades. It has also been a Bombardier Business Aircraft authorised aircraft-on-ground (AOG) line maintenance facility since 2009.Bombardier Business Aircraft sales senior vice-president Peter Likoray said: "With its winning combination of cabin comfort, high-speed range and performance, the Global 6000 business jet is the ideal aircraft to meet the needs of Comlux's elite clientele."

Deigned to provide more cabin volume and more floor space than any its rivals, the Global 6000 business jet has the ability to travel 11,112km with up to eight passengers.

U.S. Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard Senior Airman Ben
Devoie, a crew chief assigned to the 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron,
center, and Tech. Sgt. Mike Booth, a 131st EFS electrician, right, go
through their pre-flight procedures before Maj. John Koegel, a 131st EFS
F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft pilot, left, takes off in his aircraft during a
theater security package deployment on the flightline at Graf Ignatievo Air
Base, Bulgaria, May 26, 2016. The deployment serves as part of Operation
Atlantic Resolve, which focuses on conducting training alongside NATO allies
and partners to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment
to a Europe that is whole, free, at peace, secure and prosperous. The 131st
EFS is composed of Airmen assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air
National Guard Base, Mass., and the 144th FW, Fresno Air National Guard
Base, Calif. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Loni
Kingston/Released)

U.S. Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard Lt. Col. David
Halasi-Kun, 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, taxis his F-15
Eagle fighter aircraft by a Bulgarian MiG-29 fighter aircraft during a
theater security package deployment on the flightline at Graf Ignatievo Air
Base, Bulgaria, May 26, 2016. The deployment serves as part of Operation
Atlantic Resolve, which focuses on conducting training alongside NATO allies
and partners to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitment
to a Europe that is whole, free, at peace, secure and prosperous. The 131st
EFS is composed of Airmen assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air
National Guard Base, Mass., and the 144th FW, Fresno Air National Guard
Base, Calif. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Loni
Kingston/Released)

A member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team waits to de-board an aircraft May 26, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The 2016 Cannon Air Show is an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the High Plains community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chip Slack)

A U.S. Air Force A10 Thunderbolt flies over a field at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 26, 2016. Exercise Crescent Reach test and evaluates the ability of Joint Base Charleston, S.C., to launch a large aircraft formation in addition to transporting, processing and deploying passengers and cargo. During the exercise, U.S. Air Force assets worked with U.S. Army assets from Fort Bragg in order to respond to a simulated crisis abroad. Crescent Reach 16 was conducted in coordination with a Joint Operational Access Demonstration, a culminating event for the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Week 2016. (US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sean Carnes)

U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade flies over a field at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 26, 2016. Exercise Crescent Reach test and evaluates the ability of Joint Base Charleston, S.C., to launch a large aircraft formation in addition to transporting, processing and deploying passengers and cargo. During the exercise, U.S. Air Force assets worked with U.S. Army assets from Fort Bragg in order to respond to a simulated crisis abroad. Crescent Reach 16 was conducted in coordination with a Joint Operational Access Demonstration, a culminating event for the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Week 2016. (US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sean Carnes)

Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. enter the pattern and break left over the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. on May 26, 2016. The pilots and crew from the USAF F-35 Heritage Flight Team made a stop at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard on their way to their performance at the Jones Beach Airshow in Wantagh, New York on May 28 and 29. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Andrew J. Moseley/Released)

Air Force One lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 27, 2016. President Barack Obama visited MCAS Iwakuni and spoke with service members and their families after the Ise-Shima Group of Seven Summit meeting. The G7 Summit is a meeting of the leaders of the G7 countries which include: Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released)

A Boeing C-32, part of the White House aircraft fleet, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 27, 2016. President Barack Obama visited MCAS Iwakuni and spoke with service members and their families after the Ise-Shima Group of Seven Summit meeting. The G7 Summit is a meeting of the leaders of the G7 countries which include: Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donato Maffin/Released)

A B-25 Mitchell bomber soars above crowds attending the 2016 Air Commandos on the High Plains air show May 29, 2016 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The 2016 Cannon Air Show highlights the unique capabilities and qualities of Cannon's Air Commandos and also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the High Plains community.

A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird soars abov crowds at the 2016 Air Commandos on the High Plains air show May 29, 2016 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The 2016 Cannon Air Show highlights the unique capabilities and qualities of Cannon's Air Commandos and also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the High Plains community.

CV-22 Ospreys with the 20th Special Operations Squadron trail behind an MC-130J Commando II during the Air Commando Capabilities demonstration May 29, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The 2016 Cannon Air Show highlights the unique capabilities and qualities of Cannon's Air Commandos and also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the High Plains community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

A CV-22 Osprey from the 20th Special Operations Squadron prepares to land during a compatibles demonstration May 29, 2016, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The 2016 Cannon Air Show highlights the unique capabilities and qualities of Cannon's Air Commandos and also celebrates the long-standing relationship between the 27th Special Operations Wing and the High Plains community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

A CC-130J Hercules aircraft lands on Airfield 21 in the Wainwright Garrison training area during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE on May 25, 2016.
Photo: Sgt Jean-Francois Lauz?, Garrison Imaging Petawawa

Airbus Helicopters delivers last H130 to Monacair

Airbus Helicopters has delivered its last and sixth H130 aircraft to Monaco-based charter helicopter airline Monacair. Delivered under a contract signed last year, the new aircraft will join the regular scheduled flight service operated by Monacair between Monaco Heliport and Nice International Airport, France.

After receiving its first H130 in January, Monacair began serving this route, benefitting 15,000 passengers so far. Monacair expects to make 40 daily rotations with the five H130s currently in service, along with the newly delivered unit.



Monacair managing director Gilbert Schweitzer said: "Setting up this service, which is the world's shortest regular line, was a real challenge but after almost six months, I can say I am extremely satisfied with the helicopter.

"Our customers are really appreciative of the helicopter's level of comfort, as well as the visibility which allows them to enjoy the views over the C?te d'Azur. "Thanks to the cargo pod, we have also 20% extra cargo capacity for the luggage. Our customer's positive feedback is the best proof that the H130 was the right choice."

With a fleet of 20 helicopters, the operator in involved in VIP transport and serves customers seeking both personalised and high-quality services. Monacair currently operates its own helicopter fleet. Belonging to the Ecureuil family of light helicopters, Airbus Helicopters' H130 aircraft can be used in multiple missions.

The helicopter can carry one pilot and up to six passengers.Last November, Airbus Helicopters delivered the first of two H130 helicopters to Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services in Bhutan.

30 May 2016 Press Release

Cathay Pacific Airways has become the sixth airline to operate the world?s latest and most efficient twin engine widebody airliner. The airline?s first aircraft featuring the carrier?s new livery has arrived at its home base in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific has configured its A350-900 with a premium three class layout with a total of 280 seats, comprising 38 in Business Class, convertible to fully lie-flat beds, 28 in Premium Economy and 214 in the main cabin. After an initial period flying on regional routes, Cathay Pacific?s A350-900 will begin long haul operations later this year.

Altogether Cathay Pacific 48 A350 XWB on order, including 22 A350-900s and 26 of the larger A350-1000s.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber 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 spaciousness, quietness, beautiful interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 798 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 42 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

31 May 2016 Press Release

On 31st May 2016, the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft, the A320neo, received on-schedule the Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the second engine option to be certified ? CFM International?s* LEAP-1A engine. This certification paves the way for the delivery of the first A320neo equipped with this engine type in mid-2016. This award follows by six months the initial Certificate of Airworthiness received from the EASA and FAA for the A320neo, powered by the Pratt & Whitney engine option. The first A320neo was delivered on 20th January 2016.

Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus? President and Chief Executive Officer said: ?This key milestone for the A320neo programme, and its second engine option ? the specially developed LEAP-1A, is a double seal of approval by the two major international governing bodies and comes after the A320neo Family had successfully accomplished a rigorous programme of certification trials. We look forward to the entry into service of LEAP-powered models in the very near future.?

The two LEAP-powered aircraft assigned to the flight test campaign have now successfully accumulated over 1,000 flight hours in more than 350 flights ? including 150 flight hours completed with the same aircraft in an airline-like environment to ensure operational maturity at entry into service. Certification of the remaining aircraft/engine variants with LEAP engines will follow in the coming months. When all flight testing has been completed, the NEO development fleet (with both engine options) will have achieved a combined total of 3,000 flight hours.

The A320neo Family offers unbeatable fuel efficiency. Featuring latest engine technologies, Sharklet wing-tip devices and cabin innovations, the A320neo Family aircraft offers the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft delivering 15% fuel burn per seat reduction at entry into service in 2016, and a 20% reduction by 2020. Furthermore, everyone will benefit from the A320neo?s enhanced environmental credentials ? which include a significant decrease in C02 emissions and a nearly 50 percent lower noise footprint.

The A320neo Family offers airlines an engine choice between the Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100G-JM and the CFM LEAP-1A engines. With one aircraft in three sizes (A319neo, A320neo, A321neo), the A320neo Family, seating from 100 to 240 passengers, allows operators to match the right aircraft size to demand and seamlessly covers the entire single-aisle segment on low to high-density domestic to longer range routes up to 4,000nm. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320neo Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus? 18-inch wide seats in economy as standard. Since its launch on 1st December 2010, the A320neo Family has received a tremendous market endorsement with more than 4,500 orders from over 82 customers, representing some 60 percent share of the market.

*CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Qu?bec to invest $191m in aerospace sector

The Government of Qu?bec in Canada has committed to invest C$250m ($191m) during the first five years of implementing its new aerospace strategy 2016-2026, which has recently been unveiled. The government has offered interventions of C$510m ($390m) to support the industry and expects to generate investment of $2.8bn.

Consultations were held with 35 organisations, including businesses, agencies, schools, college centres for technology transfer and trade unions before formulating the new strategy.The process witnessed over 150 proposals, which were being analysed and synthesised, and then validated by the industry, bringing together 60 major players.

Around 190 companies and more than 40,000 workers are involved in Qu?bec's aerospace industry, which last year generated annual sales of C$15.5bn ($11.8bn).

More than 80% of Quebec's production is exported and nearly 70% of Canadian research and development activities in the field of aerospace are taken place in Quebec. In order to help stakeholders while addressing the challenges related to the industry, four main areas, which include ten objectives and thirty initiatives, have been identified. The main four areas include; strengthen and diversify the structure of the industry; support the growth of the industry by supporting projects and investing in the workforce; aupport SMEs in their development; and focus on innovation.

Under its previous aerospace strategy, the Government of Qu?bec had awarded over C$700m ($535m) from 2006 to 2016 in a bid to support business projects, bringing total investment to C$5.7bn ($4.3bn).

Government of Qu?bec economy, science and innovation minister Dominique Anglade said: "To take full advantage of business opportunities to come, Qu?bec must follow global trends and consider the issues they raise, especially in terms of innovation and labour.

"By adopting this strategy, our government wants to make aerospace one of the most innovative industries, competitive and diverse in the world. "It was developed with the goal of reinventing the horizon and give impetus to the sector to ensure its long-term prosperity."