IAE Collaboration Extended

International Aero Engines AG’s (IAE) executive board of directors announced the extension of its collaboration agreement to 2045.

“We are pleased with the extension of the IAE collaboration agreement to 2045,” said Ian Aitken, IAE president and CEO. “Our employees and suppliers have worked diligently to provide best-in-class engine performance, service and support for our V2500 customers.”

“After 27 years, we continue to be the industry leader for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft,” Aitken noted. “Our substantial investment and ability to develop and apply our technology will contribute to our success as we produce these engines for many years to come.”

The V2500 is available in seven different thrust settings, from 22,000 to 33,000lb, to power the Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family of aircraft, as well as the Airbus Corporate Jetliner. IAE’s in-service fleet has doubled in the last five years and is the third largest engine program currently in production. Nearly 6,500 V2500 engines are in service or on firm order with the worldwide fleet accumulating more than 85 million flying hours.

IAE is a global aero engine consortium whose shareholders are comprised of Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX), Rolls-Royce (RR.L), Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.

First V2500-Powered Aircraft For China

IAE International Aero Engines announced the delivery of Shenzhen Airlines’ first V2500-powered aircraft. The delivery, held at the Airbus Final Assembly Line, Toulouse, represented the first of 28 A320 family aircraft ordered by Shenzhen in an $812 million deal announced last year at the Farnborough International Airshow. Additionally, all 28 aircraft are backed by a long-term IAE Aftermarket Services agreement.

This was the first V2500 order from Shenzhen who join IAE’s expanding customer base in China. Within the region, around 370 V2500-powered aircraft are either in service or on order.

IAE is a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise of Pratt & Whitney (NYSE: UTX), Rolls-Royce (RR.L.), Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engines.

New TSA Liaison: Listen To GA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Juan Barnes as a dedicated general aviation liaison specialist to assess and address concerns from pilots and aircraft operators.

The agency will also begin holding monthly teleconference calls specifically for the industry (the first was March 25).

The relationship between TSA and GA is not at optimum levels, due to initiatives including the Large Aircraft Security Proposal, and Operation Playbook spot check program for FBO operations at commercial airports.

The liaison position was created to "promote effective and responsive communications" between TSA and general aviation interests. TSA's General Aviation division has also created a new e-mail address to allow inquiries on agency programs, policies and security directives.

Inquiries will be sent to appropriate personnel, reviewed, and an answer sent back within two business days. E-mail TSAGeneralAviation@dhs.gov.

E-mail can be sent to Barnes at juan.barnes@dhs.gov.

Bombardier Adds Two To Aviation Portfolio

Deutsche Lufthansa AG signed a firm purchase agreement for 30 CSeries model CS100 (formerly C110) Bombardier single-aisle aircraft. These aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa’s subsidiary Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. The agreement also includes options on an additional 30 CSeries.

Based on list price, the contract value for the 30 CS100 aircraft is worth approximately $1.53 billion.

Bombardier manufactures commercial aircraft and business jets, rail transportation equipment, systems and services, and is a global corporation headquartered in Canada.

In related news, Grupo Mexicana and its regional subsidiary MexicanaLink, have joined the 50 airlines that operate Bombardier's CRJ Series family of regional jets.

MexicanaLink will operate 13 previously owned CRJ200 aircraft acquired from a third party. Based in Guadalajara, the airline will start service on March 16 with two CRJ200 aircraft. MexicanaLink will initially operate several routes from Guadalajara.

Grupo Mexicana currently operates 90 larger jet aircraft serving more than 50 destinations in Mexico, North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe. In 2008, they transported 11.7 million passengers.

As of January 31, 2009, Bombardier had delivered 1,527 CRJ Series regional jets, including 1,021 CRJ100/200/440 aircraft to operators worldwide.

Previously owned aircraft continue to enjoy secondary market opportunities as economical commercial airliners and corporate converted aircraft, and in service as package freighters. Bombardier Commercial Aircraft's Asset Management Group manages and re-markets the company's previously owned commercial aircraft portfolio.

Bombardier Aircraft Services (BBAS) provides business aircraft customers service and support options, including technical and pilot training at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut.



Photography courtesy Bombardier.