Coast Guard crew members from Air Station Clearwater, Florida, prepare an HC-130 Hercules airplane Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 for an overflight. The crew flew to areas north of Daytona, Florida, for an assessment of Hurricane Matthew?s damage and Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz, commander Coast Guard Atlantic Area, held a press briefing when they landed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force ? Southern Command, soldiers from Joint Task Force-Bravo?s 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment and representatives from United States Agency of International Development deliver bags of food to citizens of Jeremie, Haiti, who were affected by Hurricane Matthew Oct. 8, 2016. JTF Matthew is a U.S. Southern Command-directed team deployed to Port-au-Prince at the request of the Government of Haiti, on a mission to provide humanitarian and disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.


October 7, 2016 Montr?al Commercial Aircraft, Press Release
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded Type Validation to Bombardier?s CS300 aircraft. The validation is a requirement for the aircraft?s operation in Europe and a precursor to first delivery to CS300 launch operator, airBaltic of Latvia. Bombardier?s first CS300 aircraft delivery to airBaltic is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2016. EASA?s validation follows the CS300 aircraft Type Certification awarded by Transport Canada in July 2016.

?Certifying two clean-sheet aircraft within a nine-month period is a major aviation industry achievement and today we celebrate the latest C Series program milestone with the CS300 EASA certification. We owe a great deal of thanks to the hundreds of Bombardier employees and suppliers who have worked so diligently and professionally to design and build the superb C Series aircraft -- the only single-aisle jetliners developed for the 100- to 150- seat market segment in close to 30 years,? said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

?EASA?s approval of our CS300 aircraft, as per schedule, recognizes the significant contribution of our highly skilled engineers and technical experts in the development and testing of the best-in-class C Series aircraft,? said Fran?ois Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer and Head of Bombardier?s Design Approval Organization. ?We fully expect that the CS300 aircraft?s upcoming delivery and entry-into-service with airBaltic will be as successful as for the CS100 aircraft with SWISS.?

?Our teams have produced an impressive family of airplanes with proven technology, performance, passenger amenities, economics and environmental qualifications that are turning heads and will be serving operators well in the future,? said Robert Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program. ?Our focus is on the completion of the first production CS300 aircraft for launch operator airBaltic as their teams focus on completing their pilot and crew training for first delivery later this year.?

Bombardier?s smaller CS100 airliner, which was awarded Type Certification by Transport Canada in December 2015, and Type Validations by both EASA and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in June 2016, successfully entered service with launch operator SWISS in July 2016.

Both airBaltic and SWISS have joined Bombardier?s Smart Parts program for the C Series aircraft. The Smart Parts program maximizes aircraft utilization and minimize maintenance costs by providing comprehensive component maintenance, repair and overhaul services, access to strategically located spare parts exchange pools, and on-site inventories based at the airlines? hubs.

About C Series Aircraft
The C Series is the only aircraft optimized for the 100- to 150-seat market segment, which drives the aircraft?s phenomenal economic proposition and performance, opening up new opportunities for single-aisle aircraft operation.

Comprised of the CS100 and the larger CS300 aircraft, the C Series family represents the fusion of performance and technology. The result is aircraft that deliver unmatched performance and economics in the 100- to 150-seat market segment and an 18 per cent lower cost per passenger, making them the ideal candidates to complement larger single-aisle aircraft. Airlines can now operate routes that were previously not profitable or even possible. An improvement in range in excess of 20 per cent out of hot-and-high airports such as Denver, Mexico City or Lhasa has been confirmed.

Bombardier has created a new standard in cabin design and flexibility to ensure an unrivalled passenger experience. The aircraft?s larger seats, overhead bins and windows deliver a widebody feel that offers passengers unparalleled comfort in a single-aisle cabin.

The CS100 and the CS300 aircraft have over 99 per cent parts commonality as well as the same pilot type rating. The groundbreaking Pratt & Whitney PurePower? PW1500G engine, combined with the aircraft?s advanced aerodynamics, delivers reduced fuel burn, noise, and emissions ? making the
C Series the most community-friendly aircraft.

Loch Alsh, United Kingdom (Oct. 9, 2016) A rotary wing unmanned air vehicle (UAV) from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, lifts off as part of the first-ever Unmanned Warrior (UW), a research and training exercise designed to test and demonstrate the latest in autonomous naval technologies while simultaneously strengthening international interoperability. During the mission, the UAV communicates with unmanned underwater vehicles to exchange data packets via a radio link. The U.S. team, led by the Office of Naval Research, is in Scotland to partner with more than 40 international participants from other navies, industry, academia and research laboratories. (U.S. Navy photo by John F. Williams/Released)

A CH-53 Super Stallion with VMM-365, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from USS Mesa Verde to conduct surveys of potential beach landing sites and airfields for upcoming humanitarian and disaster relief operations to assist the Republic of Haiti following Hurricane Matthew, a Category IV storm that passed through the area causing flooding, destroying vital infrastructure within the country and displacing tens of thousands. These aircraft provide unique heavy lifting and transport capabilities to the 24th MEU, allowing rapid transference of supplies and material from sea to shore.

Pilots from the 18th Aggressor Squadron prepare to take off in F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft after finishing end of runway checks Oct. 10, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska 17-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Exercise scenarios occur within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, a more than 67,000 square mile airspace with minimal impact on the environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Air Force Col. David Mineau, the 354th Fighter Wing commander, prepares to take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft after finishing end of runway checks Oct. 10, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 17-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A simulates the first 10 combat sorties of an initial surge during a conflict, enabling pilots to better understand the stresses of the environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) maneuvers during Assault Support Tactics 1 at Observation Point Feets, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., Oct. 10, 2016. This exercise was part of Weapons and Tactics Instructors course (WTI) 1-17, a seven week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. AaronJames Vinculado, MAWTS-1)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) depart after extracting Marines during Assault Support Tactics 1 at Observation Point Feets, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., Oct. 10, 2016. This exercise was part of Weapons and Tactics Instructors course (WTI) 1-17, a seven week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. AaronJames Vinculado, MAWTS-1)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing returns to Joint Base Charleston, S.C., after Hurricane Matthew swept the area Oct. 11, 2016. Nineteen aircraft will return by the end of the day to continue Air Mobility Command's rapid global mobility and sustainment mission for America's armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Barry Loo)

An F-22 Raptor with the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, departs Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio Oct. 11, 2016. The Raptors were sheltered here by the 121st Air Refueling Wing during Hurricane Matthew. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Senior Airman Ashley Williams/Released)


An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 336th Fighter Squadron lands on the runway, Oct. 11, 2016, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. More than 40 Strike Eagles were repositioned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, ahead of Hurricane Matthew to avoid potential damage from severe weather associated with the storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittain Crolley)

MIAMI, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced an order today to convert nine 767 passenger airplanes into Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Four of the orders were previously announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July, attributed to an unidentified customer.

Atlas Air Worldwide, based in Purchase, New York has an all-Boeing fleet.

"Boeing has been a longtime and trusted partner as we've built our fleet and business," said President and Chief Executive Officer William J. Flynn, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings. "We look forward to continuing to work with Boeing to provide operational excellence and support for our customers."

Through its freighter conversion program, Boeing transitions passenger airplanes into freighters, extending the economic life of the airplane.

"We look forward to supporting Atlas with our Boeing Converted Freighters as they expand their freighter operations," said Rick Anderson, vice president of sales and marketing, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "With more than 40 years of experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, Boeing has a deep understanding of the needs of the air cargo industry. Our freighter conversion program not only provides customers with world-class Boeing platforms, we also offer global support and the assurance of a Boeing-backed program."

Boeing's current market outlook forecasts a need for 400 widebody conversions over the next two decades, with strong demand for 767 freighter conversions due to a rise in e-commerce.

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas), Southern Air Holdings, Inc. (Southern Air) and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc. (Titan), and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar). Atlas Air Worldwide's companies operate all-Boeing fleets, including the world's largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighters and provide customers the broadest array of 747, 777, 767, 757 and 737 airplanes for domestic, regional and international applications.

Boeing is a leader in providing 24/7 support and service to the global aviation industry. In addition to designing freighter conversions, Boeing offers the industry's largest portfolio of services including interior modifications, aftermarket parts, subscription-based maintenance programs, engineering support, crew training, route planning, digital crew scheduling, advanced data analytics and software to enhance airlines and leasing company operations.

11 October 2016 Press Release

Spirit Airlines, headquartered in Miramar, Florida (U.S.), took delivery last Friday of the very first A320neo to be delivered to a U.S. customer. It is the first of 55 A320neo Family aircraft the low-cost carrier has ordered (five leased from AerCap, 50 ordered from Airbus). All of Spirit?s A320neo Family aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney Pure Power PW1100-JM engines.

?This state-of-the-art technology will burn less fuel and lower our operational costs,? said Ted Christie, Spirit Airlines Chief Financial Officer. ?We continue to lead the industry in both reducing our carbon footprint and providing ultra-low fares on air travel. Spirit is thrilled to be the first carrier to bring this innovation to the U.S.?

?We are proud to have delivered the first A320neo aircraft in the U.S. to our valued customer Spirit Airlines,? said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer ? Customers. ?The A320neo Family is the aircraft of choice among the world?s airlines and we appreciate our customers? confidence in our leading single-aisle Family with its unbeatable productivity and fuel efficiency.?

An all-Airbus fleet helps Spirit maintain an efficient, streamlined operation, offering substantial benefits and consistency to the airline?s in-flight, technical operations and maintenance teams. The A320 Family also offers the most comfortable single-aisle cabin in the sky at a full seven inches wider than competing aircraft, allowing for 18?-wide seats in comfort economy as standard. The Airbus A320neo delivered today is the 89th aircraft to join Spirit?s growing fleet.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020. With nearly 4,800 orders received from 87 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market. Including Spirit?s A320neo delivered today, 26 A320neo aircraft have been delivered to nine operators.

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force ? Southern Command deployed in support of Joint Task Force Matthew, study a Venezuelan military aircraft Shaanix Y-8 next to Velezuelan pilots at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Oct.12, 2016. U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Southern Command are a part of JTF Matthew, a U.S. Southern Command-directed team deployed to Port-au-Prince at the request of the Government of Haiti, on a mission to provide humanitarian and disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. (U.S. Marine Corps photo's by Cpl. Kimberly Aguirre)


NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.- --

Green Flag exercises provide critical training for approximately 75,000 joint forces and coalition personnel per year, including 3,000 sorties, 6,000 flight hours, and the expenditure of over 700,000 pounds of live and training ordnance on the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.

During exercise execution, Green Flag staff direct, monitor and instruct visiting units in the conduct of air operations in support of ground forces.

The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform.

The Thunderbolt II has Night Vision Imaging Systems, or NVIS, goggle compatible single-seat cockpits forward of their wings and a large bubble canopy which provides pilots all-around vision.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Fighting Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The ship and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan. T Beard (Released)

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12, 2016 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) successfully flew an Optical Bar Camera broad-area synoptic sensor on an RQ-4 Global Hawk high altitude long endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS), marking the first time the legacy U.S. Air Force camera has been flown on a high altitude unmanned aircraft. The Optical Bar Camera has provided panoramic and unalterable imagery for the warfighter, allies and governments.

The successful flight is the second of three planned demonstrations of sensors previously unavailable on the Global Hawk. Northrop Grumman successfully flew a SYERS-2 intelligence gathering sensor in February of this year and plans to fly an MS-177 multi-spectral sensor later in 2016.

?The successful flight of the Optical Bar Camera is another significant step in the evolution of Global Hawk. It?s the result of our focus on increasing capability, reducing sustainment costs and fielding the open mission systems architecture that enables faster integration of cutting edge sensors at lower costs,? said Mick Jaggers, vice president and program manager, Global Hawk program, Northrop Grumman. ?We?ve proved that our open mission systems architecture and our universal payload adapter work very well and enable Global Hawk to deliver new multi-mission capabilities to the United States Air Force.?

Payload integration is not new to Global Hawk. NASA has successfully integrated and flown more than 30 different information-gathering payloads on Global Hawk. Existing models of the U.S Air Force Global Hawk are capable of carrying an Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS), Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) and Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP).

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and China Southern Airlines today finalized an order of 12 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $3.2 billion at current list prices. The new order strengthens China Southern's expanding long-haul fleet.

"The 787 Dreamliners have helped us to achieve initial success in implementing our internationalization strategy in the past few years and enabled us to make our operation and services more appealing to passengers," said Tan Wangeng, CEO, China Southern Airlines. "The additional new 787-9s will further increase our capacity and services for our long-haul routes."

China Southern Airlines, China's launch customer of the 787, currently operates 10 787-8s. The airplanes have enabled the Guangzhou-based carrier to launch six new non-stop global routes, connecting Guangzhou to London and Rome in Europe, Vancouver in North America, as well as Perth, Auckland and Christchurch in the Oceania area.

"China Southern has been a long-standing Boeing customer and we truly appreciate their confidence in the 787," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Northeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-9 will help the airline achieve a new level of efficiency and profitability."

The 787-9 complements and extends the super-efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly more passengers and more cargo farther with the same exceptional environmental performance. Like the 787-8, the 787-9 brings the economics of large jets to the middle of the market, with 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 passenger-pleasing features such as large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

China's largest airline by fleet size, China Southern Airlines currently operates 700 aircraft, including Boeing 787, 777, 747, 757 and 737s. By 2020, the airline expects to have a fleet of 1,000 aircraft with passenger traffic surpassing 160 million annually.

Montr?al, October 12, 2016 ? European Regions Airline Association General Assembly ? Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that excellent progress is being made in preparation for the CS300 aircraft?s entry-into-service (EIS) with launch operator Air Baltic Corporation AS (?airBaltic?) later this year. In addition to the receipt of the CS300 aircraft Type Validation awarded by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) last week, the first set of six pilots from airBaltic have completed their C Series aircraft pilot initial type rating course, and route-proving exercises with the CS300 aircraft in Europe have been successfully conducted.

During the route-proving exercises, airBaltic?s crew successfully simulated ground operations as part of the training program in preparation for EIS. Operating from the airline?s base in Riga, Latvia, the route-proving flights were conducted with the second CS300 flight test vehicle (FTV) using typical airline flight routings and operational procedures. Destinations included Helsinki, Finland; Vilnius, Lithuania; Tallinn, Estonia; Stockholm, Sweden; Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

?Completion of the initial pilot training at the Bombardier Flight Training Centre in St-Laurent, Qu?bec is very exciting as we get closer to entry-into-service readiness,? said Pauls Calitis, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, airBaltic. ?The aircraft is very intuitive, control responsiveness is impressive and the integrated avionics systems make it a pleasure to fly.?

?We are pleased with the successful completion of the route-proving program which provided a great opportunity for our ground crew to gain valuable hands-on experience in preparation for entry-into-service,? said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. ?It was exciting to see the test aircraft flying from our home-base in Riga and we are looking forward to welcoming the first green-tailed airBaltic CS300 aircraft later this year.?

?With the conclusion of the route-proving program in Europe, the training of the first batch of airBaltic pilots and the receipt of EASA?s Type Validation for the CS300 aircraft last week, we are well on our way to a successful entry-into-service with our CS300 launch customer,? said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. ?As airBaltic prepares to operate the CS300 aircraft all over Europe, it was thrilling to see the airliner?s performance capabilities confirmed recently on some of the airline?s current routes, as well at new potential destinations such as Abu Dhabi.?

Air Commodore Steve Roberton DSC AM, Royal Australian Air Force, recently visited No 1(F) Squadron at RMAF Butterworth during Exercise Bersama Lima 16.

Air Commodore Steve Roberton Said:

?The Typhoon is a newer aircraft, it's representative of the next generation capabilities when compared to the RAAF FA-18A Classic Hornet on Exercise Bersama Lima. It is a great opportunity for the junior members of the RAAF's 77 Squadron to work with the Typhoon and RAF members?
Photos from Cpl Robyn Stewart

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Derek Nash, with 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, prepares a CH-47 Chinook for flight Oct. 13, 2016 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The unit is part of Joint Task Force Matthew, providing supplies to Haitians affected by Hurricane Matthew.(U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Josh Kinney)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 13, 2016) An AS-332 Super Puma helicopter, attached to Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), picks up cargo from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a replenishment at sea (RAS). Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the South China Sea in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Diana Quinlan/Released)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is underway off the coast of the Korean peninsula during exercise Invincible Spirit. Invincible Spirit is a bilateral exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy in the waters near the Korean Peninsula consisting of routine Carrier Strike Group (CSG) operations in support of maritime counter-special operating forces and integrated maritime operations. Ronald Reagan is leading the Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) patrol in the waters off the Korean peninsula supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin V. Cunningham (Released)

14 October 2016 Press Release

Airbus today celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th aircraft - an A350-900 for Singapore Airlines. The milestone event was marked by a special ceremony in Toulouse hosted by Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders and attended by Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines.

The aircraft delivered today is the sixth A350-900 for Singapore Airlines, out of a total order for 67. Featuring a special ?10,000th Airbus? logo, the aircraft will be used to launch the airline?s new non-stop services between Singapore and San Francisco later this month.

The 10,000th Airbus delivery comes as the manufacturer achieves its highest level of production ever and is on track to deliver at least 650 aircraft this year from its extensive product line. These range from 100 to over 600 seats and efficiently meet every airline requirement, from high frequency short haul operations to the world?s longest intercontinental flights.

?Since our earliest days innovation has been at the heart of everything we do at Airbus,? said Tom Enders, Airbus Group CEO. ?This has seen us develop what is today the world?s most modern and comprehensive aircraft family. And with a strong emphasis on R&T, continuous innovation and product improvement, we will ensure that we remain ahead of the curve, delivering airlines the best our industry has to offer.?

?We are especially proud to celebrate this milestone with Singapore Airlines ? one of our longest standing customers and a true partner. Today, the SIA Group operates aircraft from across our complete product line and with the highest levels of technical excellence. There is no better endorsement for our products and we thank the entire SIA Group for its ongoing confidence, partnership and support.?

?Singapore Airlines is honoured to be receiving the 10,000th aircraft that Airbus has delivered. Airbus aircraft have contributed greatly to Singapore Airlines? successes over the decades, and we are proud to be sharing this important milestone with our longstanding and trusted partner,? said Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines. ?Today?s delivery shows just how far Airbus has come over the decades. On behalf of the staff and management of Singapore Airlines, I would like to congratulate Airbus for reaching this incredible milestone.?

Singapore Airlines placed its first order with Airbus in 1979 and over the years the carrier and its subsidiaries have ordered every successive model produced by the manufacturer. Today the mainline carrier operates the A330, A350 XWB and A380, while its regional subsidiaries Silkair and Tigerair fly aircraft from the single aisle A320 Family.

Airbus delivered its first aircraft, an A300B2, to Air France on 10 May 1974. Initially working exclusively in the widebody sector with the A300 and A310, the manufacturer moved into the single aisle market in the mid-1980s with the launch of the best-selling A320. Setting new standards in aircraft design, technologies introduced on the A320 were subsequently incorporated on the A330 and A340 in the early 1990s, marking the first time that single aisle and widebody aircraft benefitted from similar operational characteristics.

This high level of design commonality is unique to Airbus aircraft types and has been retained across the company?s product line ever since, including on the double deck A380 and the all-new long range A350 XWB which entered service last year.

Through the company?s process of continuous product improvement, the Airbus product line has been regularly enhanced over the years with each subsequent development bringing significant benefits in terms of fuel efficiency, operational reliability and passenger comfort. In recent years this has recently seen the company invest in the A320neo Family, which entered commercial service this year, and the A330neo Family, currently in development and with first delivery planned for the end of 2017.

Also under advanced stage of development is the second version of the all-new A350 XWB, the A350-1000, which is set for first flight before year end and first delivery in the second half of 2017. Together, the members of the A350 XWB Family are redefining long haul travel in the larger twin aisle market, consuming 25 per cent less fuel and bringing new levels of passenger comfort, with more personal space in all classes.

The current Airbus product line comprises a total of 16 models spread across four aircraft Families ? the A320, A330, A350 XWB and A380.

Airbus has recorded over 16,700 orders for its various models and its aircraft are flying today with more than 400 airlines worldwide. The company?s backlog of 6,700 aircraft on order for future delivery is the highest ever recorded by any aircraft manufacturer and represents some 10 years of full production at current rates.

October 14, 2016 Toronto Commercial Aircraft, Press Release
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Philippine Airlines, Inc., flag carrier of the Philippines, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire up to 12 Q400 aircraft.

?For close to a decade, the Bombardier Q Series family of aircraft has been instrumental in evolving our domestic network operations,? said Jaime J Bautista, President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines. ?We are proud that our continued fleet growth now makes us the first airline to launch service with the two-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft. As we strive to become a 5-star-rated airline, the Q400 aircraft, featuring a modern and innovative configuration, will be instrumental in providing our travellers with a world-class, in-flight passenger experience.?

?Integrating the extra-capacity, two-class Q400 aircraft into its operations is the ideal solution for Philippine Airlines as it reshapes its domestic air travel strategy,? said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. ?With its perfect balance of passenger amenities and operational flexibility, the 86-seat Q400 aircraft will offer Philippine Airlines significant opportunities to differentiate itself in the region?s fiercely competitive environment.

?We look forward to working with Philippine Airlines to reach a firm purchase agreement for Q400 aircraft,? added Mr. Cromer.

?As Philippine Airlines looks to develop its domestic operations from secondary hubs and increase intra-island connectivity, the 86-seat Q400 aircraft -- the largest two-class turboprop aircraft available on the market -- will increase the carrier?s competitiveness by offering the lowest seat-mile and operating costs in the regional aircraft market,? said Fran?ois Cognard, Vice President, Sales, South-East Asia and Australasia. ?Our continued collaboration will undoubtedly set the stage for another decade of profitable and efficient operations for Philippine Airlines.?

Bombardier?s Dash 8/Q Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets have made significant advances in the Asia-Pacific region where approximately 190 aircraft ? including more than 165 Dash8/Q Series turboprops -- are in service with, or ordered by, over 25 customers and operators.

Bombardier?s customer support network for commercial aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region includes Regional Support Offices in Narita (Tokyo), Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai and Mumbai, as well as Parts Depots in Sydney, Beijing and Singapore. Operating from the company?s regional office located in Singapore, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft?s sales and marketing team is well positioned to provide industry-leading solutions to its current and prospective customers.

About Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the flag carrier of the Philippines. Headquartered in Manila, PAL celebrates its 75th anniversary this year as the first commercial airline in Asia still in operation today. Operating out of its hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport of Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport of Cebu, Philippine Airlines serves 31 destinations in the Philippines and over 40 destinations in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Oceania, North America and Europe.

103 Squadrons performs medical evacuations after road washouts in Newfoundland.
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax assigned a 103 Search and Rescue Squadron CH-149 Cormorant.
Photo: Canadian Armed Forces

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules and two Republic of Korea Air Force C-130 Hercules wait on the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska flightline for their next Red Flag-Alaska 17-1 mission, Oct. 12, 2016. Red Flag-Alaska exercises are focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and providing training for units preparing for air expeditionary force taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle Johnson)

WATERS SURROUNDING THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Oct. 13, 2016) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Dambusters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, launches from the flight deck of the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Exercise Invincible Spirit. Invincible Spirit is a bilateral exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy in the waters near the Korean Peninsula, consisting of routine carrier strike group (CSG) operations in support of maritime counter-special operating forces and integrated maritime operations. USS Ronald Reagan is on patrol with CSG 5 supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Burke/Released)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 13, 2016) A French NH-90 helicopter lands aboard USS Ross (DDG 71). USS Ross is providing multi-warfare defense support to Charles de Gaule carrier-based operations in the Eastern Mediterranean against identified ISIL positions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

BALTIMORE (Oct. 15, 2016) An F22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration during Air Show Baltimore. Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore provides the people and media of the greater Maryland/Baltimore area an opportunity to interact with Sailors and Marines, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin R. Pacheco/Released)

ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 15, 2016) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 makes an arresting landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert J. Baldock)

A CH-53E Super Stallion loaded with relief supplies from the United States Agency for International Development departs from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Oct 16, 2016. The Marines and sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Iwo Jima have been providing assistance to the U.S. government?s civil humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts in Haiti in wake of Hurricane Matthew. The 24th MEU is committed to remaining the nation?s premier rapid crisis response force, providing the U.S. precious time in the wake of a disaster, to coordinate a full-scale civil response. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Hernan Vidana)

The Navy Blue Angels perform during Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show, Baltimore, Md., Oct. 16, 2016. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Lisa Ferdinando

KOREAN PENINSULA, Republic of Korea (Oct. 18, 2016) An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter from Helicopter Squadron (HM) 14, approaches the Republic of Korea (ROK) mine laying ship ROKS Wonsan (MLS 560), during exercise Clear Horizon. Exercise Clear Horizon is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies that focus on increasing capabilities and coordination between ships and aircraft in mine countermeasures in international waters surrounding the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jermaine M. Ralliford)

Aircraft CF-02, an F-35 Lightning II Carrier Variant attached to the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 completes a flyover of the guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). U.S. Navy photo by Andy Wolfe (Released)

News Article / October 17, 2016

Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) air demonstration teams concluded their programs for 2016 this past weekend after collectively appearing at more than 70 venues in Canada and the United States over the summer.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed their year-end show for military families on Friday, October 14, at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, noting the Canadian Armed Forces are marking 25 years of service provided by the Military Family Services Program. The CF-18 Demonstration Team returned home this weekend as well.

Throughout the show season, the RCAF has recognized Canada?s leadership of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP, or ?The Plan?). The 2016 CF-18 Demo Hornet had unique tail and body art illustrating the theme, and the eleven Snowbird CT-114 Tutor aircraft each displayed a BCATP logo.

Both teams represented Canada as ambassadors across North America, demonstrating the outstanding teamwork, excellence, discipline and dedication inherent in the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. Airshow demonstrations are an opportunity to show Canadians the professionalism and skill within the RCAF critical to serving important missions in Canada and around the world.

?The RCAF?s air demo teams have done an outstanding job this summer, fulfilling their role to connect with Canadians, by educating and informing them about their Royal Canadian Air Force, said Major-General Christian Drouin, the commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. ?By sharing their enthusiasm and excitement for aviation, they have inspired future generations of aviators. Each member of the CF Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demo Team brings to bear a unique skill set in the accomplishment of our mandate. I thank them for their remarkable service and congratulate them for a safe and successful air show season.?

F-15 Eagles from the 142nd Fighter Wing arrive in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, for Exercise Vigilant Shield 2017, Oct. 17, 2016. Vigilant Shield 17 represents a unique opportunity to practice and hone joint interoperability and cooperation skills between Canada and the United States in order to protect borders as well as national interests. (U.S. Air National Guard photo's by Senior Master Sgt. Shelly Davison, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs).


Hundreds of paratroopers from the Hungarian army?s 2nd Special Forces Regiment, Polish 6th Airborne Brigade, Romania?s 6th Special Operations Brigade, and the U.S. Army?s 173rd Airborne Brigade, exit a C17 Globemaster III Aircraft onto Juliet Drop Zone in Pordenone, Italy as part of Peacemaster Unity, Oct. 17, 2017. The combined exercise demonstrates the multinational capacity building of the airborne community and the airborne allied nations collectively and will culminate with a wing exchange ceremony. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility within 18 hours. (U.S. Army Photos by Visual Information Specialist Paolo Bovo/Released)

CHESAPEAKE BAY, Md. (Oct. 17, 2016) An E-2D Hawkeye and a C-2A Greyhound assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 fly over USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) as the ship travels to its new home port of San Diego, California. Zumwalt was commissioned in Baltimore, Maryland, Oct. 15 and is the first in a three-ship class of the Navy's newest, most technologically advanced multi-mission guided-missile destroyers. (U.S. Navy photo by Erik Hildebrandt/Released)

CHESAPEAKE BAY, Md. (Oct. 17, 2016) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 flies over USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) as the ship travels to its new home port of San Diego, California. Zumwalt was commissioned in Baltimore, Maryland, Oct. 15 and is the first in a three-ship class of the Navy's newest, most technologically advanced multi-mission guided-missile destroyers. (U.S. Navy photo by Erik Hildebrandt/Released)

An LC-130 "Skibird" with the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing departs for McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, N.Y. on Oct. 18, 2016. This is the 29th season that the unit will participate in Operation Deep Freeze, the military component of the U.S. Antarctic Program, which is managed by the National Science Foundation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Gizara/Released)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wa., while both units participate in the Vigilant Shield 2017 Field Training Exercise 17 Oct., 2016, in the high arctic. VS17 is an annual exercise sponsored by The North American Aerospace Defense Command and led by Alaskan NORAD Region, in conjunction with Canadian NORAD Region and Continental NORAD Region, who undertake field training exercises aimed at improving operational capability in a bi-national environment. This year?s exercise sees NORAD building on previous years? training successes when deploying air assets and personnel to the far north to exercise sovereignty operations in North America?s northern aerospace and in the high Arctic. This exercise provides crucial training opportunities for numerous military personnel with a variety of aircraft and assets from Canada and the United States to improve interoperability and to demonstrate NORAD?s ability to defend North America. (U.S. Air Force Photo's by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook)



18 October 2016
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Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, carried out spectacular flypasts over Singapore and Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.
The Red Arrows flew over a stunning backdrop in the Lion City, including Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

In Malaysia, the team completed passes of the Petronas Twin Towers in central Kuala Lumpur.

The performances by the world-renowned display team were part of a 60-day tour of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, supporting UK interests and raising awareness of British innovation, industry and engineering excellence.

The Kuala Lumpur flypast came a day after the Red Arrows performed a display near the city, at Epsom College. It was the 37th time the Red Arrows had displayed in Malaysia and the first since 2007.

Before the show, pilots and engineers also had chance to meet students there and provide presentations on the team?s role and work.
Wing Commander Martin Higgins, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: ?The Red Arrows are incredibly appreciative of the support and assistance provided by the Malaysian authorities which allowed both the flypast and display.

?The Red Arrows? visit to Malaysia has been aimed at raising the profile of UK interests in the country and showcasing the best of British innovation, industry and expertise.

?The response of the students we?ve met at the numerous school and college visits has been overwhelming and I hope many have been inspired to pursue STEM subjects and careers related to aerospace and engineering.?

After the Singapore flypast, the Red Arrows? British-built Hawk jets landed at Paya Lebar, where the crews met military, business and other leaders.

A few days before the flypast, a Red Arrows advance team had carried out a visit to a Singapore university and also Rolls-Royce?s Seletar Campus, to promote the importance of the so-called STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Team Leader of the Red Arrows and who leads the nine-jet formation as Red 1, said: ?The Red Arrows are thrilled to be able to perform in such a vibrant location as Singapore and are grateful for the support provided by the authorities and Republic of Singapore Air Force to make it possible.

?The flypast was a unique, high-profile and tangible way of demonstrating the UK?s long-standing relationship with Singapore.

?We?re delighted to be able to support British industries and businesses in such an exciting way in Singapore and the event illustrates how Britain is global, working with partners across the world.

?Together with the associated ground activities during our visit ? highlighting engineering and aerospace excellence ? I hope we have also inspired young people to study the important STEM subjects.?

The Red Arrows are not the only RAF aircraft in Malaysia at the moment ? Typhoons and 1 (F) Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth are in the country for Exercise Bersama Lima 16, operating out of RMAF Butterworth. The exercise involves the Five Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA) nations of the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.