Meanwhile on this side of the "Pond".
F-35 Training in High Gear at Eglin AFB

Seattle, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Canada have finalized an order for 61 737 MAX airplanes to lead the airline's single-aisle fleet renewal plan. The order, valued at $6.5 billion at list prices, consists of 33 737 MAX 8s and 28 737 MAX 9s, as well as 18 options and 30 rights to purchase additional 737 MAXs.

"Our narrowbody fleet renewal program with the 737 MAX is expected to yield significant cost savings and is a key element of our ongoing cost transformation program ," said Calin Rovinescu, President and CEO of Air Canada. "Projected fuel and maintenance cost improvements of more than 20 percent per seat will generate an estimated CASM reduction of approximately 10 percent compared to our existing narrowbody fleet. In addition, the 737 MAX offers improvements to the environment, making this the best choice for Air Canada."

The 737 MAX improves fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by 14 percent, while reducing the operational noise footprint by 40 percent, compared to today's aircraft.

"We're honored Air Canada selected Boeing for their single-aisle fleet renewal," said Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX will deliver big fuel savings to the airline while providing Air Canada's customers with best in class passenger amenities."

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology LEAP-1B engines from CFM International with other advancements including Advanced Technology winglets, large flight deck displays and the Boeing Sky Interior to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX has accumulated more than 1,900 orders to date from 37 customers worldwide.

Development of the 737 MAX is on schedule with firm configuration of the airplane completed in July 2013. First flight is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries to customers beginning in third quarter of 2017.

Pilot of U.S. F15C Eagle jet fighter climbs into the fighter before take off during the Lithuanian - NATO air force exercise at the Siauliai airbase some 230 km. (144 miles) east of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday, April 1, 2014. The air training event will involve F-15C Eagle of the U.S. Air Force currently deployed on NATO?s Baltic Air Policing mission, JAS-39 Gripen aircraft of the Swedish Air Force, C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and Mi-8 helicopter of the Lithuanian Air Force. Furthermore, NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft based in Germany and U.S. KC-135R air refuelling aircraft are expected to join the exercise. The Baltic Regional Training Event demonstrate NATO commitments to collective defence, Alliance solidarity and confidence. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

U.S. F15C Eagle jet fighter flies over Siauliai airbase during the Lithuanian - NATO air force exercise at the Siauliai airbase some 230 km. (144 miles) east of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, Tuesday, April 1, 2014. The air training event will involve F-15C Eagle of the U.S. Air Force currently deployed on NATO?s Baltic Air Policing mission, JAS-39 Gripen aircraft of the Swedish Air Force, C-27J Spartan transport aircraft and Mi-8 helicopter of the Lithuanian Air Force. Furthermore, NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft based in Germany and U.S. KC-135R air refuelling aircraft are expected to join the exercise. The Baltic Regional Training Event demonstrate NATO commitments to collective defence, Alliance solidarity and confidence. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Sweden's Air Force "Grippen" fighters are seen as they escort a Lithuania's Air Force C-27J plane during NATO joint military exercise in Siauliai in this April 1, 2014 file photo. When Russian warplanes staged a mock bombing run on Sweden last year, air defences were caught napping. It was the middle of the night and no Swedish planes were scrambled. The discussion of that incident triggered over Sweden's ability to defend itself has grown with Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. (*******/Ints Kalnins)

Meanwhile from France
TLP 14-2

Marietta, Ga. April 3, 2014 ? A U.S. Air Force crew ferried the 18th C-5M Super Galaxy to Dover Air Force Base, Del., yesterday from the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] facilities here.
Aircraft 87-0040 was flown by Lieutenant General Brooks L. Bash, Vice Commander, Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to Delaware, making Dover the first base with a complete C-5M Super Galaxy fleet.
The C-5M is the only true strategic airlifter capable of offering the entire globe in one unrefueled flight. A total of 52 Super Galaxy aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force by 2018.

(Lockheed Martin photo by Andrew McMurtrie.)

4 April 2014

Defence and security company Saab has successfully performed the first flight with the new sensor IRST (Infra Red Search and Track) which will feature in Gripen E, according to schedule. The IRST does not emit a signal and can, without revealing the aircraft?s own position, silently detect, track and identify all types of targets.

?The first flight in the Gripen E test aircraft with IRST has been performed with very good results. Multiple targets were detected, tracked and identified and the system works perfectly as expected. IRST is a new sensor on Gripen, which allows pilots to see great distances in several directions,? says Saab?s Wing Commander Flying Hans Einerth.

The purpose of the test flight was to verify IRST functions and the integration onto the Gripen E aircraft. The integration and development work is progressing according to schedule.

IRST is a new sensor and located in the front of the aircraft. It does not emit a signal and can, without revealing the aircraft?s own position, silently detect, track and identify all types of targets and is very useful against aerial targets with low radar cross section, such as stealth aircraft. The sensor is looking forward in a wide sector registering heat emissions from other aircraft, helicopters and from objects on the ground and sea surface.

Gripen E has significant performance improvements compared to previous versions, including a stronger engine, longer range, more weapons, new electronic radar and more advanced avionics. Today, Gripen is the backbone of five nations' air defences: Sweden, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary and Thailand. In addition, The Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS) in the UK uses Gripen in its training programme for future test pilots.


(photo's SAAB)

And in South Korea

Everett, Wash., April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Kenya Airways celebrated the delivery and flyaway today of the Kenyan flag carrier's first 787 Dreamliner. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett for a 7,800 nautical mile (14,456 km) nonstop flight to Kenya Airways' home base in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The 787 will form the backbone of the airline's future long-haul fleet, providing greater range, improved efficiencies and outstanding passenger comfort.

"The delivery of our first ever 787 Dreamliner not only opens a new chapter for our airline, but also for Kenya," said Dr. Titus Naikuni, chief executive officer, Kenya Airways. "The 787 will enable Kenya Airways to explore new markets, improve its economic performance, provide passengers with revolutionary comfort, while continuing to contribute towards the sustainable development of Africa."

Don't send this to anyone who is scared of flying.
On second thoughts

Everett, Wash., Apr. 5, 2014 ? Boeing (NYSE: BA) today rolled out of the paint hangar the first 787-9 Dreamliner to be delivered to launch customer Air New Zealand, revealing the carrier?s new-look livery. The airplane, painted in a distinctive black color scheme, features the iconic official New Zealand Fern Mark.

This 787-9 is the first airplane to feature the distinctive black version of Air New Zealand?s new-look livery design, with the white version having been gradually rolled out across the airline?s domestic fleet in recent months. While the majority of Air New Zealand?s fleet will eventually feature the white version, a limited number will feature the signature black version.