July 19, 2006

Comtran retrofit could extend life of MD-80s

By Bernard Fitzsimons

The Comtran jet nozzle retrofit showing here on the Jetran Air MD-82 in the static display makes the airplane compliant with Stage 4 noise regulations, reduces fuel consumption by 1.5-2 percent and extends time between overhauls by lowering the exhaust gas temperature by 10 degrees. And the soon-to-be certified winglets sported by the Bucharest-based twinjet cut fuel consumption by a further 5 to more

---

Cargo may be the decider in tanker wars

By Brian Walters

Described as a “sunrise platform” by Marc Lindsley, Northrop Grumman’s director of business development for the Airbus A330-based KC-30 program, the aircraft is perceived to be a worthy successor to the KC-135, which will still be around for many years. He points to the success of the A330 in winning both the Australian and UK air force tanker competitions in which a transport capability was an im more

---

Youthful DAE raises profile

By Brian Walters

Launched only four months ago, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has quickly attracted considerable interest and this is reflected in the high level of its participation here at Farnborough. As well as being a sponsor of the flying display, DAE is sponsoring Friday’s International Youth Day when some 1,200 young achievers will attend the show. Indeed, 50 potential graduates of the new DAE Universit more

---

India’s Quest to partner with Nordam

By Julian Moxon

Fast-expanding Indian engineering and software specialist Quest has signed another strategic deal with a major aerospace company, Nordam, to provide a range of solutions in engineering design, tool design and manufacturing support in key aerospace domains. Under the contract with Nordam, Quest will undertake system and component design, computer-aided design modeling and stress analysis. The compa more

---

Rostvertol forms joint-venture in China to market Mi-26T

As part of its efforts to increase its business in China, Russia’s Rostvertol (Hall 1 Stand E12) is forming a joint venture with Lextern Aviation Supplies of Hong Kong. The two companies hope to complete the registration of the new company, called Rostvertol Helicopters China, in time for the International Airshow in Zhuhai in October this year. Rostvertol Helicopters China will be based in Hong K more

---

Two Approved to Support 328s

The European Aviation Safety Agency has granted two companies design organization authority for the Dornier 328Jet and turboprop. Under a partnership agreement between the two firms–328 Support Services and GCT Design Organisation–the partners will be responsible for the worldwide support of more than 200 airplanes. A sister company of UK executive jet operator Club328, type certificate holder 328 more

---

Lessors Select Rolls for Boeing 787s

International Lease Finance Corporation has selected Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines worth a potential $600 million to power up to 20 Boeing 787s from 2010. Lessees of the aircraft will be offered comprehensive “lifetime” TotalCare engine service-support agreements. Another U.S. leasing firm, Pegasus Aviation Finance Co., has acquired six Trent-powered 787s. The engine deal with Rolls-Royce, which more

---

P&W Wins Kingfisher Business

Pratt & Whitney has been chosen to power Kingfisher Airlines’ fleet of new Airbus A330s with its PW4168A turbofan. The deal is for 10 engines and one spare and includes an option for a further 10 engines and is valued at $500 million if all options are exercised.

Kingfisher Airlines has also become the first customer for P&W’s Advantage 70 upgrade kits, designed to improve performa more

---

CAE and Partners Tackle Pilot Shortage

CAE has introduced a new training alliance intended to address the global shortage of pilots called CAE Global Academy. The alliance involves a network of flight training organizations that offer pilot candidates training for a commercial pilots license and a clear path, via the global CAE training network, for gaining a type rating and career as an airline pilot.

The Canada-based f more

---

Bombardier sees need for 11,000 20- to 149-seaters over 20 years

By Ian Goold

For the first time, Bombardier Aerospace has revealed its expectations of the 100- to 149-seat commercial-aircraft market segment at which the proposed C Series jetliner would be aimed. The statistics appear in a 20-year forecast published here yesterday. The company also is considering possible 90- and 100-seat developments, respectively, of the established Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) and Dash 8 more

---