RCAF unveil 2016 scheme.

" This year's CF-18 Demo Hornet paint scheme commemorates the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
In 2016, the RCAF is commemorating the BCATP, which ran from 1939 to 1945, and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of RCAF?s 400-series squadrons. These squadrons, which continue to serve Canada and Canadians to this day, came into being as a result of Article XV of the BCATP agreement."
Photos by Mike Reyno


A French Mirage 2000D flies over Iraq April 8, 2016. The President has authorized U.S. Central Command to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes of Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook/Released)


4/8/2016 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 from RNLAF 334 Squadron connects with a RNLAF F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over Edwards Air Force Base March 31. The tanker and fifth-generation fighter took to the skies over Edwards and California to certify the KDC-10's ability to conduct aerial refueling with the F-35. It was the first time an F-35 refueled with the RNLAF tanker. The first Dutch F-35 unit, 323 Test and Evaluation Squadron, is currently undertaking operational test and evaluation at Edwards as part of the Joint Operational Test Team.

An F-22 Raptor from the 95th Fighter Squadron lands April 11, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath,
England. The aircraft arrival marks the second time the U.S. European Command has hosted a deployment of F-22 aircraft in the EUCOM Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft assigned to the 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off during a theater security package deployment at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, April 11, 2016. The F-15s represented a theater security package rotation, which began in the European theater in 2015 to reassure NATO allies and partner nations of the U.S. commitment to the security and stability of Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden/Released)

A French Air Force Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft prepares to take off during Frisian Flag 2016 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, April 11, 2016. More than 70 aircraft and personnel from the United States, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Finland, Poland, Norway, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia will participate in Frisian Flag 2016 at Leeuwarden April 11-22, 2016, with as many as 50 executing flight operations each day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden/Released)

A Belgian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft takes off during Frisian Flag 2016 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, April 11, 2016. More than 70 aircraft and personnel from the United States, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Finland, Poland, Norway, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia will participate in Frisian Flag 2016 at Leeuwarden April 11-22, 2016, with as many as 50 executing flight operations each day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joe W. McFadden/Released)

U.S. Army Soldiers and NATO service members participate in a personnel drop during Saber Junction 16, April 12, 2016, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The exercise involved the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 16 allied and European nations conducting land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush/Released)

U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 3 Hector Arroyo signals to an E/A-18G Growler, assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Atlantic Ocean, April 11, 2016. The Eisenhower was underway preparing for an upcoming scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J. Alexander Delgado)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 11, 2016) - An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. Ike is underway preparing for an upcoming scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class J. Alexander Delgado/Released)

No 208(R) Sqn, will conduct its final flight at 1330 on Wednesday 13 April. With all training courses now complete, the RAF?s final Hawk T1 Advanced Flying Training Squadron will pay homage to previous Hawk T1 units and iconic landmarks in and around Wales, the training area that 208(R) Sqn instructors and students alike have grown to love over the last 22 years.

Having recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary, 208(R) Sqn has been scheduled for closure in 2016 and 13 April, the end of Hawk T1 flying at RAF Valley, marks the first stage of the sqn disbandment. Not only will this be the last flight for 208(R) Sqn, it also marks the end of 40 years of Hawk T1 Flying Training, the task now fully being undertaken by IV(R) Sqn with the Hawk T2.

WASHINGTON --- The Chinese have now deployed the largest number of fighter jets ever to Woody Island, one of the disputed South China Sea islands that they claim is their territory, a U.S. defense official said Wednesday.

China moved 16 Shenyang J-11 advanced fighter aircraft to Woody Island on April 7, said the defense official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly. He said such a large deployment was ?unprecedented,? though it?s not the first time China has sent fighter jets to Woody Island, the largest landmass in the Paracel Islands, which are situated in the hotly disputed South China Sea region.

Positioning military aircraft on the island seems to contradict Chinese President Xi Jinping?s vow not to militarize the South China Sea, a statement he made while visiting Washington, D.C. in February.

U.S. officials have said such deployments, alongside the aggressive buildup of manmade islands throughout the South China Sea, threaten stability in the region. They have repeatedly called for China and other countries that claim disputed territory in the South China Sea, a key international shipping route, not to militarize the land in the area. (end of excerpt)

Fighter aircraft from the Royal Air Force & Arm?e de l'air are gearing up for the combined UK/French exercise "GriffinStrike".

The exercise will see a UK-French headquarters planning and executing major land, sea and air activity for the first time.

The Combined Joint Expedition Force will enable the UK and France to deploy forces rapidly to conflict zones ahead of a wider NATO or coalition operation, or to meet peace-keeping, disaster relief or humanitarian assistance requirements.


MESA, Ariz., April 14, 2016 ? Boeing [NYSE:BA] continues its role as the United States? leading provider of attack helicopters with a contract to remanufacture 117 AH-64D Apaches to the new, more capable AH-64E model. The agreement, which also includes the acquisition of Longbow Crew Trainers, logistical support and spares, carries a total contract value of about $1.5 billion.

The U.S. Army has stated it plans to acquire 690 AH-64E Apaches, 290 of which are now under contract with this latest award.

?The AH-64E Apache continues to meet the requirements of aviators, battlefield commanders and soldiers deployed on missions worldwide,? said U.S. Army Apache Project Manager, Col. Jeff Hager. ?The Army, Boeing and Team Apache suppliers continue a valuable collaboration that ensures soldiers have the latest technologies to succeed in defending freedom with this outstanding weapons system.?

?With our integrated production, services and training teams, Boeing is able to affordably support the Army through each phase of the Apache?s lifecycle,? said Kim Smith, vice president, Attack Helicopter Programs, Boeing Vertical Lift. ?The dedication and commitment to first-time quality by Boeing teammates and suppliers combine to deliver an Apache that is ready to meet the rigorous demands of the men and women who depend on it.?

The agreement modifies an existing contact among Boeing and the Army for the full-rate production of lots 5 and 6 Apache helicopters. The Army will return 117 AH-64D Apaches to Boeing?s Mesa, Ariz. production center to be remanufactured into the AH-64E configuration. The Army followed a similar model when the AH-64A Apaches were remanufactured into AH-64Ds.

S?o Jos? dos Campos, Brazil, April 12, 2016 ? Embraer and Horizon Air have signed a firm order for 30 E175 jets. The contract also includes options for another 33 aircraft of the same model. The value of the contract, which will be included in Embraer?s 2016 second-quarter backlog, is USD 2.8 billion, based on current list prices, if all the options are exercised.

The deliveries will start in the second quarter of 2017 and the aircraft will fly exclusively for Alaska Airlines. The E175 is not new for Alaska customers, who may have flown on the regional plane in 16 markets operated by Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) partner SkyWest Airlines.

?To be chosen by Horizon to expand their fleet with the E175, is a great honor for Embraer. It recognizes the great economics that this aircraft offers,? said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. ?The Alaska Airlines brand is known for its high-standards of service, having received many awards for their superior customer service, which bring us even greater responsibility to deliver a state-of-the-art product, with the best cabin for passengers in the 76-seat jet segment.?

?The E175s position Horizon for growth beyond our current West Coast destinations while providing better customer utility in the growing Alaska Airlines network,? said Horizon Air President, David Campbell. ?The spacious E175 offers a passenger experience, that?s on par with much larger jets. This aircraft opens up tremendous new opportunities to fly to new places that would not have been feasible with our existing aircraft.?

With this contract, Embraer has sold 332 E175s to airlines in North America since January 2013, earning more than 80% of all orders in this class. The E175s for Horizon Air will feature aerodynamic enhancements introduced by Embraer in 2014, such as new wingtips and other technical improvements that reduce fuel burn. The 76-seat aircraft will be configured in a three-class layout, with 12 first class seats, 16 in premium class, and 48 in the main cabin.

Since entering revenue service in 2004, the E-Jets family has received more than 1,700 orders and over 1,200 have been delivered. The aircraft 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.

The Royal Air Force?s Typhoon Force Commander has paid tribute to US Air Force personnel stationed at RAF Lakenheath, as the USAF deployed 12 F-22 Raptors to the station.
The F-22s, from the 95th Fighter Squadron, are deploying to reinforce the US Global Response Force as a demonstration of US commitment to European security.

Speaking to USAF personnel at RAF Lakenheath as the final aircraft arrived, the Typhoon Force Commander, Air Commodore Ian Duguid, said: ?The Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom are proud to welcome you here as our guests. We welcome your nation?s commitment to the special relationship between our two nations. European peace cannot be taken for granted, and our shared commitment to NATO continues to deter any aggressor or would-be adversary. Your presence here is a force for good and I am proud that our airmen and airwomen continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to defend our shared values.?

During their deployment to RAF Lakenheath, 95th Fighter Squadron?s F-22s will train alongside the US 48th Fighter Wing?s F-15 Eagles and RAF Typhoons, as well as visiting other NATO air forces. The F-22s are due to return to Tyndall Air Force Base, California, in May.

Major-General Eric W Vollmecke of the US Air National Guard joined Air Commodore Duguid at a welcoming ceremony for 95th Fighter Squadron. Gen Vollmecke said: ?From this strategic location in England, these aircraft will train not only with the other US Air Force aircraft, but they will also train with our British allies in some of the best airspace around.

?This deployment strengthens our alliance. It demonstrates our commitment to the US-UK relationship and also to our relationship with NATO. We do not waver in our commitment to our alliance. We stand together in the face of any threat.?
Editor: Sqn Ldr Andy Wasley
Photographs: US Air Force.

Exercise Black Dagger is a field training exercise held at RAAF Base Townsville and surrounding airspace over the period 01-15 April 2016 with aircraft and personnel from Number 4 Squadron and supported by aircraft and personnel from the United States Navy.

April 14, 2010 ? A CC-177 Globemaster III heavy airlifter from 429 Transport Squadron lands for the first time at Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut, on a gravel, snow-packed, semi-prepared runway.

A Royal Air Force Voyager and Typhoon soar alongside an Arm?e de l'air Rafale during Exercise Griffin Strike this week. Voyagers, based at RAF Brize Norton, play a critical role in enabling UK, French and other allied aircraft to remain airborne on operations.

Typhoon and Rafale are flying from RAF Leeming as the UK-French 135 Combined Expeditionary Air Wing faces a series of tough tests in Exercise Griffin Strike. Group Captain David Bradshaw, 135 CAEW's commander, said: "It's fantastic to see the alliance working together so effectively, so quickly - the Entente Cordiale is clearly alive and well."

An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior of 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, departs to conduct a final flyover "salute" formation at Simmons Army Airfield, N.C. April 15, 2016. The final Kiowa Warrior flight honored past and present service members that have had the privilege of operating and maintaining the Kiowa Warrior and served as a final "thank you" and farewell to the residents of the Fort Bragg and the Fayetteville community. (Army Photo by Sgt. Neil A. Stanfield)

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing, takes off from Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 18, 2016. The 374th Airlift Wing sent two aircraft in support of the Government of Japan in their relief efforts for the series of earthquakes that took place in the Kyushu region recently. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit taxi down the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in support of the Government of Japan?s relief efforts following the devastating earthquake near Kumamoto April 18, 2016. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron Henson/Released)

18 April 2016 Press Release

The new Airbus Asia Training Centre (AATC), a joint venture owned 55% by Airbus and 45% by Singapore Airlines (SIA), was officially opened in Singapore today. The opening ceremony was hosted by Fabrice Br?gier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus and Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, in the presence of S Iswaran, Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry) for the Republic of Singapore.

The 9,250 square metre facility in Singapore becomes the fourth Airbus flight crew training centre worldwide, alongside Toulouse, Miami and Beijing. The new centre offers type rating and recurrent training courses for all in-production Airbus types and when fully operational will be Airbus? largest flight crew training facility, with eight full-flight simulators, comprising three A350 XWBs, one A380, two A330s and two A320s. The centre will also have six fixed cockpit training devices and extensive classroom facilities, with the capacity to offer courses for more than 10,000 trainees per year.

?We are extremely pleased to inaugurate, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, the latest addition to our global training network,? said Fabrice Br?gier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. ?The new centre combines the expertise of our two companies to offer the highest standards of training for the growing flight crew population in the Asia-Pacific region. Our investment in this joint venture is another example of our commitment at Airbus to bring our support services closer to our customers around the world, and especially in the key growth markets.?

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong added: ?The new facility provides exceptional training on state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring that AATC is a true centre of excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. With hundreds more new Airbus aircraft on firm order by the region?s airlines, we are confident that AATC will go from strength to strength.?

AATC began operations in April 2015 and prior to the opening of the new centre has been offering courses out of temporary facilities at the SIA Training Centre near Changi Airport. All operations are gradually being transferred to the new centre, located at Seletar Aerospace Park. Instructors have initially been drawn from Airbus and Singapore Airlines, with additional recruitment ongoing.

Seventeen airlines from Asia and the Pacific have already signed up to use the services of AATC, where the courses offered are identical to those at the existing Airbus flight crew training centres.

Airbus predicts that the Asia-Pacific region will lead demand for new aircraft in the coming years, with the in-service fleet growing from around 5,600 aircraft today to 14,000 over the next two decades. This will see the active flight crew population employed by airlines in the region increase from over 65,000 to almost 170,000, generating significant demand for flight crew training services.

In addition to its flight crew training centres in Toulouse, Miami, Beijing and Singapore, Airbus currently has engineering and maintenance training centres in Hamburg and Bangalore. Airbus also has agreements with third party service providers to offer Airbus training courses at their facilities.

KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy personnel and aircraft will train with South Korean air force counterparts in the bilateral training exercise Max Thunder 16, at Kunsan Air Base April 15-29.

Max Thunder takes place annually and is the largest military flying exercise held on the Korean Peninsula. Max Thunder is part of a continuous exercise program designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and South Korean forces, and is not tied to any specific real-world events or situations. The exercise highlights the long-standing military partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between the two nations to help ensure peace and security in Northeast Asia.

?Every year, Max Thunder serves as an excellent opportunity for U.S. and (South Korean air force) fighter pilots to train side by side and gain valuable experience they will need if the Korea airpower team is required to go into aerial combat together,? said Lt. Gen. Terrence J. O?Shaughnessy, the Seventh Air Force commander. ?The U.S.?s commitment to the security of (South) Korea is ironclad. U.S. military aircraft come to Korea from across the Pacific to participate in this exercise, making a tremendous display of the capabilities the U.S. brings to this alliance.?

Approximately 1,200 U.S. personnel will participate in Max Thunder 16, in support of F-16 Fighting Falcons from Seventh Air Force; F-18 Hornets from the 12th Marine Aircraft Group; and EA-18G Growlers from the Navy?s Electronic Attack Squadron 138.

Approximately 640 South Korean personnel will also participate in the exercise in support of various aircraft.

19 April 2016 Press Release

Painting of the first A350 XWB for Thai Airways International (THAI) has been completed and the aircraft rolled-out from the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, in the airline?s livery. The aircraft is now set to move to the next stages of production, including the installation of engines and cabin furnishing, before starting ground and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery to THAI in mid-2016.

Bringing new levels of efficiency and comfort in the long range market, the A350 XWB family will be especially well suited to the needs of Asia-Pacific airlines. Firm orders from carriers in the region for the new aircraft already total 241, representing over a third of total sales for the A350 XWB to date.

The A350 XWB is the world?s latest generation airliner and the newest member of Airbus? modern, comfortable & efficient widebody product family. It features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB 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 National Airborne Operations Center gets refueled during a brief landing April 19, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Originally built in 1974, the NAOC is designed to provide an airborne, survivable platform for key personnel to conduct war operations in the event of a nuclear attack.

HISTORY MADE AS LARGE PASSENGER JET AIRCRAFT LANDS AT ST HELENA

History was once again made on St Helena today as the first large passenger jet aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 (ZS-ZWG), touched down at St Helena?s new Airport shortly after 12.00 noon. This is the actual Boeing aircraft which will serve the St Helena/Johannesburg route.

As planned, British Airways (operated by Comair) brought in this ?Implementation Flight? from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, complete with various Comair, Basil Read and other passengers ? plus a consignment of aircraft spare parts which will remain on the Island.

In preparation for the commencement of scheduled air services, the objectives of the Implementation Flight include route assessment, airside operations, passenger and cargo handling, training and various aspects of safety at St Helena Airport. It is planned that the aircraft will make a few flights over the next two days, before the Implementation Flight departs St Helena on Wednesday afternoon (20 April 2016).

Martin Louw, Operations Director for Comair, said on arrival:

?The flight itself was a ?non-event? ? beautiful over the sea with a fantastic view of the Island coming into land. As you will have seen we did a few practice approaches just to make sure we understood the approach ? safety is always paramount.?

SHG
18 April 2016

Exercise #GriffinStrike is in its second week - RAF Typhoons and Arm?e de l'air Rafales continue to fly from RAF Leeming.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 131st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis for take-off during the Frisian Flag 2016 exercise, Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, April 18, 2016. The exercise runs from April 11-22 and is comprised of more than 70 aircraft and several hundred personnel from the United States, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Finland, Poland, Norway, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.

SEATTLE, April 19, 2016 ? Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today it has selected TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron Inc. company (TRU) as its supplier for the first 777X full-flight simulator suites for Boeing?s pro forma campuses. Pro forma training is offered to customers as part of the airplane sale.

Each simulator suite will include a full-flight simulator and a high-fidelity, flat-panel classroom trainer. TRU will also provide a simulator to assist with Boeing?s engineering development of the 777X. The suites are scheduled to be operational in 2019.

?Our customers depend on high quality training assets and very reliable full-flight simulators to train their pilots,? said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services, ?We are proud to once again work with TRU to create state-of-the-art training devices.?

This is the second contract awarded to TRU to manufacture simulator suites for Boeing. In 2014, Boeing awarded the company a 737 MAX simulator contract, and Boeing currently has four full flight simulators on order.

?We are delighted with the continued trust Boeing is placing in our company, which clearly identifies TRU as a leading supplier in the flight simulation and training industry,? said George Karam, Vice President and General Manager, Air Transport division, TRU Simulation + Training. ?Boeing customers expect the highest standards of innovation, quality, fidelity and safety in their training programs, and Boeing has chosen TRU to provide exactly that.?

Until the suites are operational, 777X customers can train current pilots in the 777 full-flight simulator and take a short differences training course to transition to the 777X.

Boeing Flight Services provides flight, maintenance and cabin safety training to more than 400 customers through its network of 16 campuses on six continents.

The 777X has 320 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide.

The 777X will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition. In addition, the 777X will bring cabin innovations and improved levels of passenger comfort.

19 April 2016 Press Release

Garuda Indonesia has confirmed an order with Airbus for the purchase of 14 A330-900neo, the new re-engined version of the best-selling A330 widebody airliner, to support the company?s growth and business expansion in the future.

The deal was signed at a ceremony in London in the presence of the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo and British Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP.

Garuda Indonesia plans to use the A330neo to develop its medium and long haul network, with the aircraft offering cutting edge technology along with more efficient operations. The order replaces and extends an existing order for seven A330-300 aircraft, and the A330neo will be delivered from 2019 onwards.

?We are pleased to announce that we continue our long-standing relationship with Airbus. Both Garuda Indonesia and Airbus fully understand the aim of the deal as a long-term strategy to win the global challenge,? said Arif Wibowo, CEO of Garuda Indonesia.

Arif explained, ?The A330neo represents a more-efficient future for Garuda Indonesia. This order restructuring is believed to support our continued commitment to deliver the most modern, comfortable and excellent air travel service to all customers as well as to strengthen the sustained positive growth and business expansion of the company.

?Furthermore, we are confident that this latest technology aircraft will support us to compete better in the industry.?

Prime Minister David Cameron said: ?This deal underlines the increasing importance of our ties with Indonesia - a fast growing economy and set to become the seventh largest in the world by 2030.

?We are the fifth biggest investor in Indonesia and our relationship has more untapped potential. We want to encourage more British businesses to seize on these opportunities and we will continue to support them by banging the drum for British skills and expertise.?

Airbus Chief Operating Officer Tom Williams said: ?We are delighted to welcome Garuda Indonesia as a new customer for the A330neo.

?The A330neo will bring a range of benefits from unbeatable operating economics including significant reductions in fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs and extended range capability. The aircraft will have Airbus? all new Airspace cabin which will ensure the A330 continues to be a benchmark for passengers and airlines alike.?

The deal is the latest milestone in a long standing partnership dating back more than 30 years, when the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A300.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, long range widebody aircraft on the market.

In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

Garuda Indonesia is already rated a five star airline in terms of comfort and passenger services.

19 April 2016 Press Release

Airbus Training Center (ATC) in Miami ? part of the growing worldwide network of Training by Airbus* facilities ? has installed its first A350 XWB full-flight simulator. The A350 XWB simulator has received Level-D** qualification from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

This is the first A350 XWB full-flight simulator in the Americas and complements the Miami Training Center?s existing two A330/A340 and four A320 full-flight simulators. American Airlines and TAM are the first customers to train on the new equipment. The new simulator will also train flight crews from Azul, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and other A350 XWB customers from around the world.

?With the A350 XWB entering into service in the Americas, we anticipate an increase in demand for widebody full-flight simulator training, especially given the program?s success in the Americas,? said Joe Houghton, Airbus Vice President of Training & Flight Operations Support. ?Our new A350 XWB simulator now broadens our service offering, allowing Airbus to continue to deliver the most comprehensive flight training services in the industry.?

In January, LATAM Airlines Group, made up of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, started operating the first of its 27 A350 XWB aircraft on order, becoming the first operator in the Americas to fly the highly efficient widebody airliner. Additionally, Synergy Aerospace, Avianca?s main shareholder and owner of Avianca Brasil, has ordered 10 A350 XWB aircraft and Azul Linhas Aereas has announced its intention to fly new international routes with a fleet of five A350-900s.

In the U.S., there are currently firm orders for 82 A350 XWB aircraft: American Airlines has 22 A350-900s on order; Delta Air Lines has ordered 25 A350-900s; and United Airlines has 35 A350-1000s on order.

The Miami ATC serves as a Center of Excellence for the Americas. Built in 1999, the facility complements other ?Training by Airbus? facilities in Toulouse, Beijing, Hamburg, Bangalore, and the recently inaugurated flight-training center in Singapore. The custom-designed, 110,000-square-foot complex in Miami has a total of seven full-flight simulators, as well as cabin door and slide trainers, state-of-the-art computer-based training classrooms and seven flight training devices simulating A320, A330, A340 and now A350 XWB aircraft. Approximately 2,200 trainees from Airbus operators in the U.S., Canada and Latin America attend training annually at the Miami ATC.

Airbus, a division of Airbus Group, is the global leading commercial aircraft manufacturer with the most modern, comprehensive and efficient family of airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus has sold over 16,300 aircraft to around 400 customers and, in addition, provides the highest standard of customer support and training through an expanding international network. Airbus employs some 55,000 people and in 2015 generated revenues of 45.9 billion Euros/$51.4 billion (U.S.).

S?o Jos? dos Campos, Brazil, April 19, 2016 - Embraer Executive Jets achieved a new milestone today when Cleveland-based Flexjet took delivery of Embraer?s 1,000th business jet. This significant landmark occurs a little more than a decade after the Company fully committed to the business aviation market, establishing a new standard by designing products that brought game-changing features and amenities from larger business jets to the entry-level segment.
?I?m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our global team. In a remarkably short period we have populated the business aviation market with the most advanced and reliable aircraft in the industry. Delivering 1,000 business jets to more than 60 countries in just over a decade reflects our strong ability to listen to our customers and respond to them with innovative solutions for different needs,? said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. ?We are especially pleased to celebrate this important achievement with our distinguished customer, Flexjet, which has honored us with their trust since we first entered business aviation.?
Embraer Executive Jets? 1,000th aircraft, a midsize Legacy 500, is the fourth of its kind to join the Flexjet fleet and is part of a firm order for both Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 jets. Flexjet offers travelers access to the world?s most luxurious fleet of private jets. Its fractional program fields an exclusive array of business aircraft ? some of the youngest in the fractional jet industry ? including Embraer Executive Jets? bestselling Phenom 300.
?Embraer?s Legacy midsized aircraft are a natural progression for us since they meet a growing demand for jets with larger cabins, longer range capabilities and industry-leading operating economics,? said Michael Silvestro, Flexjet?s Chief Executive Officer. ?As part of the Red Label by Flexjet fleet, the Legacy 500 and 450 will effectively deliver the speed, luxury and performance our Owners expect.?
Since entering the business jet market, Embraer Executive Jets has built a premium support network of more than 75 owned and authorized service centers worldwide that has earned top ratings in multiple industry customer satisfaction surveys.