Front Page Australia

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE VISIT TO SINGAPORE

Tuesday, 3 June 2008 052/2008

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, travelled to
Singapore last weekend to attend the Seventh International Institute for
Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, which was attended by
representatives from 27 regional or regionally important nations.

The Shangri-La Dialogue is the premier event in the Asia Pacific for
discussing defence and security issues with Defence ministers and high
level representatives from the region.

The Dialogue is hosted annually in Singapore by the UK-based IISS, a
leading authority on global political military conflict.

Mr Fitzgibbon led Australia’s delegation, which also included Chief
of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

Attending the Dialogue provided a valuable opportunity to progress a
broad range of bilateral Defence issues with regional counterparts. The
meeting offered an opportunity to comprehensively engage with our
neighbours to better meet our shared security challenges. Mr Fitzgibbon said
that “Attending this dialogue is just one way that we are
demonstrating this Government’s commitment to regional engagement as an enduring
defence priority and an important component of Australia’s
international responsibilities.”

On 31 May 2008, Mr Fitzgibbon delivered a plenary address on
Australia’s perspective on ‘Making Defence Policy in Uncertain Times’,
where he emphasised the importance of adopting a whole of government
approach in resolving security challenges of the future.

Mr Fitzgibbon held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Canada,
East Timor, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Republic of
Korea, Singapore and the United States. These meetings provided the
opportunity to discuss issues such as: bilateral Defence cooperation, and
bilateral counter-terrorism and maritime security assistance.

Mr Fitzgibbon’s meeting with his United States counterpart, Secretary
of State for Defense, Dr Robert Gates, provided an opportunity to
discuss operations in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as broader alliance
issues.

In a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Mr
Fitzgibbon was able to thank Singapore once more for its decision to
deploy medical personnel to Afghanistan in support of Australian and
coalition forces.

“Australia greatly appreciates the support for the ADF Singapore has
demonstrated by its decision to deploy forces to Afghanistan,” Mr
Fitzgibbon said.

In a meeting with East Timor’s representative, Julio Tomas Pinto, Mr
Fitzgibbon discussed implementation of Australia’s enhanced Defence
Cooperation Program with East Timor including provision of additional
training and education, and maritime assistance.

In other bilateral calls Mr Fitzgibbon had the opportunity to discuss
issues, including: enhanced Defence cooperation with Japan and updating
of the bilateral Memorandum on Defence Cooperation; and the
Australia-Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, currently under
consideration by the Philippines Senate.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue, Mr Fitzgibbon also attended a separate
informal Five Power Defence Arrangements Defence Ministers’ Meeting
(FPDA), to discuss issues surrounding the long-standing security
arrangement between Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and New Zealand.

At this meeting, Mr Fitzgibbon reaffirmed Australia’s support for the
FPDA: “the FPDA makes an important and positive contribution to
regional security by improving the five nations’ ability to work together
in a range of scenarios including disaster relief, operations and
exercises,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Front Page

GULFSTREAM PROMOTES KURTINA POLLEN TO CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, PRODUCT SUPPORT

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 2, 2008 – Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), recently promoted Kurtina Pollen to customer communications manager, Product Support. In this position, Pollen will be responsible for ensuring effective communication with Gulfstream customers through a variety of media, including newsletters, forums, conferences and the customer support Web site.

Kurtina Pollen, customer communications manager, Product Support

Pollen joined Gulfstream in 1997. She most recently served as the information technology (IT) business partner for Gulfstream Product Support. While at Gulfstream, she has worked as an information services representative, an IT business partner supporting the engineering department, a senior desktop system analyst and a help desk analyst. Before joining Gulfstream, Pollen worked in the IT departments for Chatham County and Savannah Foods and Industries. Pollen earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Savannah State University and a master’s degree in technical management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is a Certified Project Manager. Pollen reports to Tim Steinhauser, senior manager, Technical Training and Customer Relations, Gulfstream Product Support.

NOTES

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,600 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 9,700 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com .

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at
www.generaldynamics.com

Front Page

oneworld achieves record revenues in record year of growth

02 June 2008

• Fares and sales activity bring in US$725million

• Interline revenues up 20 per cent

• Airline grouping with best collective financial record again

Airlines in oneworld® generated record revenues from the alliance's sales activities in 2007 - when the grouping completed its biggest expansion yet.

Eight million passengers transferred between the airlines' flights during the year - 6 per cent more than in 2006 - producing interline revenues within the alliance of US$2.2 billion, up 19 per cent year-on-year.

Revenues generated by oneworld fares and sales activity totaled more than US$725 million, a 10 per cent increase.

A key driver behind these rises was the alliance's biggest membership expansion since its launch in 1999, with Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian joining on 1 April 2007 as full members, with LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador as affiliates, followed six months later by China's Dragonair.

So 2007's revenues include nine months of contributions from most of the new recruits, and three months from Dragonair. Even without this, the alliance's established members would have enjoyed healthy growth in their revenues from oneworld.

Alliance sales to the corporate sector were particularly strong in 2007, with revenues from businessflyer, the alliance's product for small and medium sized accounts in key target markets, up by a fifth on 2006. More than 7,000 corporate customers are now signed up in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, with the product extended last year to Italy too.

Yields from oneworld sales overall also remained solid, with more than two-thirds of revenues generated by the alliance's fares coming from tickets sold for travel in premium cabins.

The alliance also maintained its focus on supporting their efforts to reduce costs. Savings from its joint procurement activities now total more than US$300 million, with the bulk of 2007's benefits coming from initiatives in the Engineering and Maintenance arena.

These efforts helped oneworld maintain its position as the airline grouping with the best financial track record. Based on latest full year results from members of all three alliances, oneworld members averaged an operating margin of 6.4 per cent - against 5.8 for Star and 5.6 for SkyTeam.

Over the past three years, the combined net profits of oneworld member airlines have totalled US$8.8 billion, while SkyTeam members have lost US$6.9 billion between them and Star's partners have reported collective losses of US$10.1 billion.

oneworld also continued its award-winning ways, voted the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth year running in the 2007 World Travel Awards, based on votes cast by some 170,000 travel professionals, including more than 110,000 travel agents in 200 countries.

oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch said: "In a business where operating margins are thin at best - let alone at a time of soaraway fuel prices - revenues and cost savings from oneworld make an increasingly important input to our member airlines' financial standings, and we are committed to increasing the contribution the alliance makes.

"Besides our record membership expansion, our record revenues in the past year also reflect the quality of service oneworld and its member airlines provide, our unparalleled international route network and our unmatched range of alliance fares and sales products."

About oneworld

oneworld brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian, plus some 20 affiliates, including American Eagle, South Africa's Comair, Dragonair, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru. Mexicana will join in 2009, with its subsidiary Click Mexicana as an affiliate.

Between them, these airlines:

Serve almost 700 airports in nearly 150 countries, with more than 9,000 daily departures.

Offer nearly 550 airport lounges for premium customers.

Carry some 320 million passengers a year.

Employ 250,000 people.

Operate almost 2,500 aircraft.

Generate more than US$100 billion annual revenues.

oneworld - the only alliance with any member airlines based in South America, the Middle East or Australia - enables its members to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. These include a broader route network, opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and points across the combined oneworld network and more airport lounges. oneworld is the only alliance to enable passengers to fly throughout its network, on any combination of carriers, using just electronic tickets.

Front Page U.K. ~ England

June 2, 2008

Culdrose Squadron Returned From Deployment

Six Merlin helicopters from Culdrose disembarked from HMS Illustrous on Thursday 29 May 08 after a major deployment to the Gulf and Indian Ocean. Deployed in January on operation "Orion 08" to the Indian Ocean, the task group consisted of more than 2,500 personnel, 13 ships, a nuclear powered submarine, Harrier jump jets, Lynx and most importantly 814’s Merlin helicopters. The French, Spanish and US Navies all contributed ships and aircraft to the group, which was under the Operational Control of the Royal Navy. Orion 08 demonstrated the UK’s continued commitment to boosting peace and stability in the region by working with a number of partner navies.

The whole force was commanded by Commodore Tom Cunningham RN, and visited 20 ports in the Mediterranean, in Africa, the Middle East, southern Asia and the Far East. The task group undertook a wide range of maritime security activities including counter-terrorism and anti-mining operations and worked with at least ten other navies and exercised high-intensity anti-submarine warfare with the Merlin helicopter.

Lt Mark Sharples RN, one the Squadron’s Observers commented:

“These exercises gave the Squadron the opportunity to develop its core Anti-Submarine Warfare role, working closely with the rest of the Task Group. The mighty Merlin and its crews proved themselves to be a formidable Anti-Submarine asset, and one that submariners should not take lightly.”

Units in the group included the Air Defence Destroyer HMS Edinburgh, the multi-role Frigate HMS Westminster, the nuclear powered submarine HMS Trafalgar, and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries Wave Knight, Fort Austin, Diligence and Bayleaf (carrying fuel, ammunition, stores and food). Also working with the Task Group were USS Cole (an American Arleigh Burke Destroyer), SNS Mendez Nunez (Spanish F100 class Aegis Frigate), FS Jean Bart (French air defence destroyer), supported by UK Mine Countermeasures Vessels HM Ships Chiddingfold and Atherstone.

On the 26 February HMS Illustrious made her way into Grand Harbour, Malta, for a high profile visit marking the close ties between Malta and the UK. The Ship sailed from Malta on 29 February, after 3 days alongside, progressing east through the Mediterranean, and then 2 busy days at sea using the helicopters to embark supplies and equipment from Cyprus and distributing them around the ships of the Task Group.

Early morning on the 5 March saw the ship begin the transit through the Suez Canal and into the Red Sea where 814 Squadron was hard at work identifying other ships around the task group, practicing stretcher transfers and Helicopter In-Flight Refuelling (HIFR). Further Maritime Security missions were flown during the transit towards the Indian Ocean with 814 Squadron always on hand to provide protection to the Ship if necessary and identify vessels at a distance.

Further port visits to India, Istanbul and Gibraltar were undertaken on the return journey of the deployment and the Squadron disembarked on Thursday 29 May, allowing some leave to be taken and provide time for families and loved ones.

Front Page U.K. ~ England

June 2, 2008

Putting the “BANG!” Into Air Day

With little over a month to go, this year’s RNAS Yeovilton Air Day on 5 July is fast approaching. The finale to Air Day is the Commando Assault, a mammoth and truly epic set piece featuring a large number of modern military assets – locally-based helicopters, armoured vehicles and troops among them. The Assault also includes a series of thrilling explosions, which are produced by Event Horizon Pyrotechnics of Wedmore, Somerset.

In the run up to what promises to be yet another absolute feast for the senses, we spoke to Charlie Adcock, company founder, to get a fuller understanding of the resources and work that goes into producing such visually and aurally stunning effects.

Wall of Fire

Mr Adcock formed Event Horizon Pyrotechnics a decade ago. Since that time, the company has been involved in countless Air Days and many other military events, and was responsible for the spine-tingling Wall of Fire seen at Air Day 2007.

Initially, Mr Adcock explained, a meeting is held with RNAS Yeovilton personnel in order to establish the scenario of the Commando Assault demonstration and a storyboard along with Air Day’s requirements.

Helicopters and Troops

In contrast to other events, he said, RNAS Yeovilton has “a lot of assets: lots of helicopters, lots of troops...an impressive array of gear.”

These assets combine with the explosions to produce something quite spectacular, year-on-year. In terms of aerial assets, Yeovilton-based Westland Sea King and Lynx helicopters are joined by other rotary types from the RAF (this year - Chinook and Merlin) and Royal Marines (Westland Lynx AH7).

Fast Jets

As in previous years, the 2008 Assault will also feature FRADU Black Hawks and Naval Strike Wing Harrier GR9s, giving Air Day’s anticipated 40,000-strong audience its only chance to see these legendary V-STOL (Vertical Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft flying at a British airshow this year.

Peat, Dust and Fuel

Typically, said Mr Adcock, five tonnes of peat are used to create the explosions, together with two tonnes of dust, and something like 1500 litres of fuel. Last year, 300 litres of fuel were used to create the Wall of Fire alone.

On the day before Air Day, while participating aircraft arrive and carry out practice displays, Charlie and his team are frantically setting up the explosions at ground level – an operation that continues well into show day.

During the Commando Assault, radio links between RNAS Yeovilton Air Traffic Control and the Event team ensure that the explosions occur in precisely the right place as, with no second chance, timing is of the essence.

“Live Theatre”

“lts live theatre”, Mr Adcock said.
Beyond the sheer entertainment factor, the Commando Assault serves to showcase the power, precision and might of the Royal Navy in the 21st century.

Conflicts/areas of hostility portrayed by previous Assaults include Sierra Leone, Kosovo and Iraq – making the demonstrations relevant in the modern world and – given that a number of the airframes and personnel taking part this year will have seen active service in Afghanistan and Iraq – giving them undoubted poignancy too.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2008

Front Page

May 29, 2008

NASA Launches New Education Initiative With Disney Parks and Buzz Lightyear

WASHINGTON -- As seven, well-trained astronauts begin an important mission to the International Space Station on Saturday, May 31, one toy astronaut, Buzz Lightyear, will begin a journey to help educate children across the country.

The liftoff of space shuttle Discovery kicks off a new education initiative between NASA and Disney Parks. A 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure will be carried aboard the shuttle as part of the partnership to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics, one of NASA's main educational goals.

Disney's Youth Educational Series and NASA have developed an online program known as the Space Ranger Education Series. It includes fun educational games for students, as well as materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum.

"NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station," said Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for Education. "The educational games and resources from this partnership will allow students to explore the science and math behind space exploration with a beloved character."

Beginning Saturday, May 31, the online games featuring Buzz Lightyear will be available by visiting NASA's homepage and clicking on the box for the NASA Kids' Club at:

http://www.nasa.gov

The five educational games are:

"Mission Match Up: Create a Game" -- Match the International Space Station partner countries to space facts

"Connect it! Flight Path" -- Attach the Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station using a sequence of commands

"Load the Shuttle" -- Fill the shuttle with cargo to a certain mass

"I Spy: Reflections from Space" -- Find everyday objects on the International Space Station that were built on NASA technology

"Toys in Space" -- Navigate Buzz Lightyear to different toys to see a movie on how they behave in space

Since 1985, NASA's Toys in Space project has used toys flown aboard the shuttle and the International Space Station to help children learn science and mathematics. Scientific and mathematical principles make these toys work. For example, wind-up toys convert stored potential energy in their springs into kinetic energy as the springs unwind. Gravity often plays an important role in the actions of toys, but how would the same toys function in an environment where the effects of gravity are not felt? Only NASA can provide the settings, so students can discover the answer to questions like these.

"We are thrilled that Buzz's lifelong dream of space travel finally will come true thanks to NASA," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This launch fulfills his dream, and we hope it will inspire countless children to stay interested in science and believe in their own dreams."

The beginning of Buzz's space mission coincides with the opening of "Toy Story Mania!," a new 4-D interactive attraction, on May 31 at Walt Disney World, Fla., and on June 17 at Disneyland Resort, Calif.

For information about other NASA education programs, visit:

http://education.nasa.gov

For more information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

For more information about the STS-124 shuttle mission and its crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Front Page ~ NASA Biography

Mark E. Kelly (Commander, USN)
NASA Astronaut

PERSONAL DATA: Born February 21, 1964 in Orange, New Jersey, but considers West Orange, New Jersey, to be his hometown. Married to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Tucson, Arizona. He enjoys cycling, weight-lifting and golf. His parents, Richard and Patricia Kelly, reside in Flagler Beach, Florida. Mark has two children.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Mountain High School, West Orange, New Jersey, in 1982; received bachelor of science degrees in marine engineering and marine transportation (with highest honors) from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1986, and a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1994.

ORGANIZATIONS: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Fellow of the National Committee on U.S. China Relations.

AWARDS: Awarded Defense Superior Service Medal (2 awards), four Air Medals (2 individual/2 strike flight) with Combat “V,” 2 Navy Commendation Medals (one with combat “V”), Navy Commendation Medal with “V,” Navy Achievement Medal, two Southwest Asia Service Medals, Navy Expeditionary Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Overseas Service Ribbon, and various other unit awards.

EXPERIENCE: Kelly received his commission from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in June 1986, and was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1987. While assigned to Attack Squadron 115 in Atsugi, Japan he made two deployments to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Midway flying the A-6E Intruder All-Weather Attack Aircraft. During his second deployment he flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm. He completed 15 months of graduate work in Monterey, California, before attending the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in June 1993. After graduating in June 1994, he worked as a project test pilot at the Carrier Suitability Department of the Strike Aircraft Test Squadron, Patuxent River, Maryland, flying the A-6E, EA-6B and F-18 aircraft. Kelly was an instructor pilot at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School when selected for the astronaut program.

He has logged over 4,500 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft and has over 375 carrier landings.

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA in April 1996, Kelly reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. Twice flown, he served as pilot on STS-108 in 2001 and STS-121 in 2006, and has logged almost 25 days in space. In 2006 he received his first U.S. Patent for an advanced oxygen mask for combat aircraft. He is assigned to command the crew of STS-124. The STS-124 mission to the International Space Station will be the second of three flights that will launch components to complete the Japanese “Kibo” laboratory. Launch is targeted for May 2008.

SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: STS-108 Endeavour (December 5-17, 2001), was the 12th shuttle flight to visit the International Space Station. Endeavour’s crew delivered the Expedition-4 crew and returned the Expedition-3 crew, unloaded over 3 tons of equipment and supplies from the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, and performed one space walk to wrap thermal blankets around ISS Solar Array Gimbals. STS-108 traveled 4.8 million miles orbiting the earth 185 times in 283 hours and 36 minutes.

STS -121 (July 4-17, 2006), was a return-to-flight test mission and assembly flight to the International Space Station. During the 13-day flight the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery tested new equipment and procedures that increase the safety of space shuttles, repaired a rail car on the International Space Station and produced never-before-seen, high-resolution images of the Shuttle during and after its July 4th launch. The crew also performed maintenance on the space station and delivered and transferred more than 28,000 pounds of supplies and equipment, and a new Expedition 13 crew member to the station. The mission was accomplished in 306 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds.

APRIL 2008

Front Page

Kenneth T. Ham (Commander, USN)
NASA Astronaut

PERSONAL DATA: Born December 12, 1964 in Plainfield, New Jersey. Two children, Ryan and Randy. He is married to Michelle Ham ( née Lucas) from Hobart, Indiana. His parents, Ed and Marion Ham, reside in Brunswick, Maine. Recreational interests include running, weight lifting, all sports, general aviation, snow and water skiing, and sky and scuba diving.

EDUCATION: Arthur L. Johnson Regional High School, Clark, New Jersey, 1983.
B.S., Aerospace Engineering, U.S. Naval Academy, 1987.
M.S., Aeronautical Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School, 1996.

ORGANIZATIONS : Society of Experimental Test Pilots, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

SPECIAL HONORS: Distinguished Graduate U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

EXPERIENCE: Ken received his commission as an ensign in the United States Navy from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987. He was temporarily assigned to the NASA-JSC zero-g office at Ellington Field, Houston where he flew as a crew member on the NASA zero-g research aircraft. He was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1989 after completing flight training in the T-34C, T-2C, and TA-4J aircraft at NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Beeville, Texas. Ken reported to NAS Cecil Field, Florida for F/A-18 training and subsequent operational assignments with the Privateers of VFA-132 and the Gunslingers of VFA-105. He completed two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea including combat missions over North Iraq and Bosnia. During these tours, he served as an air wing strike leader, F/A-18 demonstration pilot, and night vision goggle instructor. Ken was selected for the Naval Postgraduate School/Test Pilot School cooperative program where he studied aeronautical engineering for 18 months in Monterey California followed by 12 months of test pilot training at NAS Patuxent River Maryland. He was selected as a team member of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Integrated Test Team as one of five Navy pilots responsible for developing a new fleet aircraft. This duty involved envelope expansion flight test in arrested landings, catapult assisted takeoffs, weapon separation, propulsion stability, performance, and general flying qualities. Ken was serving as the F/A-18E/F lead carrier suitability test pilot when he was selected for the astronaut program.

He has logged over 3,700 flight hours in more than 40 different aircraft and has over 300 shipboard, and 300 land based arrested landings.

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA in June 1998, he reported for training in August 1998. Astronaut Candidate Training includes orientation briefings and tours, numerous scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training and ground school to prepare for T-38 flight training, as well as learning water and wilderness survival techniques. Initially assigned as Ascent/Entry, Orbit, and ISS Capcom, Ken is assigned as pilot on the crew of STS-124. The STS-124 mission to the International Space Station will be the second of three flights that will launch components to complete the Japanese “Kibo” laboratory. Launch is targeted for May 2008.

APRIL 2008

Front Page

Eurocopter increases its research to develop even greener helicopters

Thanks to the research already carried out over the last few decades

– The development of three successive generations of the Fenestron® tail rotor

– Eurocopter now has the quietest range of ) helicopters in the world.

These efforts are now being pursued and intensified, in order to comply with ever stricter and widerranging environmental requirements.

Berlin, 30 May 2008

For several years, Eurocopter has been carrying out research as part of the Optimal and Friendcopter programmes in cooperation with some 30 partners. The primary concern of this research is to reduce noise pollution:

by reducing aerodynamic noise through the development of active noise control systems for main rotors

by reducing engine noise through studies on engine integration, the shape, position and design of tail pipes and air intake.

Significant efforts are also being devoted to developing quieter flight procedures. A major flight test campaign was performed with an EC130 in 2007 to test a wide array of situations – including takeoffs, approaches and cruising. This work earned the team international recognition in the form of the Cheeseman prize for ‘best helicopter-related technical publication’, which was presented at last year’s European Rotorcraft Forum in Kazan, Russia and at the American Helicopter Society Forum in Montreal, Canada. Similar tests are currently being conducted using an EC135 and are being accompanied by the development of a software tool called HELENA (HELicopter Environmental Noise Analysis) that predicts noise footprints and will help to define procedures that can be adapted to every helicopter type.

Eurocopter is playing a major role in the European Clean Sky programme, which was officially launched on 5 February 2008, and which is of interest to the entire aeronautical industry. Clean Sky has defined six research platforms or ITDs (Integrated Technology Demonstrators), including the Green Rotorcraft platform, which is specifically devoted to helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft. Certain research activities also cross over: the Systems for Green Operations ITD covers electrical power systems; the Eco-Design ITD concerns the complete industrial cycle; and part of the Sustainable and Green Engines ITD focuses on the design of turbine engines for helicopters.

All of this research work aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (through reductions in fuel consumption), to reduce noise and to create a green product life cycle – from manufacturing until the aircraft is recycled at the end of its service life. To ensure this green life cycle, Eurocopter’s aim is to comply as fully and as quickly as possible with REACH, a European Community regulation, which aims to restrict the use of harmful chemical or toxic substances throughout the helicopter maintenance and production processes.

Following in the footsteps of the Optimal and Friendcopter programmes and, in addition to the work on aircraft design, further research will focus on the operational use of helicopters. This research will develop means for crews to optimise trajectories and favour quieter and more energy-efficient flight conditions.

The world’s leading helicopter manufacturer is determined to develop the greenest possible range of aircraft – as this broad range of research activities clearly shows.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

Front Page

Eurocopter to acquire Motorflug Baden-Baden GmbH to extend its MRO Capabilities

On May 26th, Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH signed an agreement to acquire Motorflug Baden-Baden GmbH.
The German specialist for helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) with bases in Baden-Baden, Rheinmünster and Schönhagen near Berlin will become an integral part of Eurocopter’s service and support business and will complement Eurocopter’s maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in the civil helicopter market.
The acquisition of Motorflug will enable Eurocopter to offer even more comprehensive services to its customers while assuring the flexibility and reactivity its customers need.

Berlin/Marignane, 28 May 2008

Motorflug was founded in 1955 as the first service provider for helicopters in Germany. In its three German facilities, it offers a wide spectrum of services covering helicopter airframes, engines, components, instruments and avionics. The acquisition by Eurocopter will be the continuation of an over 30-year history of successful cooperation that has begun in 1976 when Motorflug was approved as authorized service centre for MBB. This was soon followed by the approval as service centre for Aerospatiale’s models in 1984.

In its over 50-year long history, Motorflug has provided services on helicopters of numerous major brands. It is Eurocopter’s intention to continue to provide the same first-class service to all of Motorflug’s customers in the future.

Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter, stated, “I am pleased to welcome Motorflug to our Eurocopter family. We have identified the service area as one of our strategic axes of growth. Motorflug with its broad spectrum of service capabilities fits perfectly into our portfolio and is a valuable complement to the existing MRO capabilities of our group”

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

Front Page

Eurocopter signs order to retrofit six more Bundeswehr CH53GsOn May 28, at the ILA International Aerospace Exhibition, the German Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH signed a contract for the retrofit of six more CH53G transport helicopters operated by the German Army to convert them to mission helicopters fitted with ballistic self protection and specific mission equipment. The order is worth approximately €24 million, a large proportion of which will go to medium-sized German equipment manufacturers. The German Army will take delivery of the urgently needed transport helicopters between May and November 2009.

Berlin/Marignane, 28 May 2008 ~ The order aims to close some of the operational gaps that currently exist in part of the German Army’s fleet of CH53G helicopters, in particular to the defensive mission equipment for protecting the crews and helicopters while flying missions. The centerpiece of the retrofit is the integration of an EloKa (electronic warfare) defence system, the addition of an internal fuel tank system to extend the helicopter’s range and equipment to prepare the helicopter for flying night missions.

“With this project we are providing rapid response to the German Army’s requirements for mission-capable transport helicopters to guarantee their national and international mission capability in the long-term”, said Ralf Barnscheidt, Senior Vice President Helicopter Support Center German Armed Forces, of the new contract signed today.

Eurocopter Deutschland was chosen as the main contractor for this task. The six helicopters covered by the contract will be upgraded and delivered over the next 16 months. At the same time, these helicopters will also be equipped with further improvements to ensure their continued mission capability, which will extend their service life by an additional 4,000 flight hours. The very short timeframe for completing this order will once again serve to demonstrate the capabilities of the German Army Helicopter Assistance Center in Donauwörth.

Eurocopter as the German Army’s Partner for the CH-53GEurocopter’s German Army Helicopter Assistance Center in Donauwörth also has an order for the retrofit of a total of 82 medium-heavy CH53G transport helicopters to ensure continued mission capability. This involves fixing airframe fatigue caused by use and aging to increase the helicopters’ design life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. In addition to this, the retrofit will involve replacement of the entire electrical system, which is now about 35 years old.

The Eurocopter German Army Helicopter Assistance Center has already completed major orders for the CH53G transport helicopter working with the BWB in the past. One contract was for measures to maintain airworthiness for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight, another for the retrofit of 20 of these aircraft to extend their range, night low-level flying capability and electronic defensive countermeasures for missions with the UN and rapid reaction forces. Last year a contract for the retrofit of 40 CH53G transport helicopters was signed, forming the core of a "Midlife Upgrade" for this helicopter type to close existing gaps in operational capability and prepare the CH53G for missions it will perform jointly with the Tiger and the NH90.

The CH53GThe CH53G has been in service for over 35 years and will continue to form the backbone of the German Army’s missions abroad, where it is subjected to extreme conditions, for the foreseeable future. Since entering service it has not only been the cornerstone of flexible troop and material transport by the German Army as part of its missions under Germany’s NATO defense obligations, but has also been the central pillar for all out-of-area operations by the German Army as well as for other NATO forces in conflict zones from Kosovo to Kabul since the early 1990s. It has also seen considerable service combating national and international disasters such as forest fires and floods.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

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Astrium wins satellite contract worth €263 millionAgreement signed at International Aerospace Exhibition ILA

EarthCARE is ESA’s sixth Explorer project for “Living Planet"

Europe’s leading space company, Astrium, has been commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop and build the EarthCARE Earth observation satellite. The contract worth € 263 million was signed today in Berlin on the occasion of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) by Volker Liebig, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation, Evert Dudok, CEO of Astrium Satellites and Uwe Minne, Director of Earth Observation and Science at Astrium (Friedrichshafen, Germany), in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and Head of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) Johann-Dietrich Wörner.

EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) will focus on clouds, tiny particles in the atmosphere – aerosols – and their influence on atmospheric radiation. Among other things, EarthCARE will draw up vertical profiles of natural and man-made aerosols, register the distribution of water and ice and their transport by clouds, and investigate the interrelationships between clouds and precipitation and their effects on radiation. It will be possible to derive profiles of atmospheric heating and cooling by clouds from a combination of the measured aerosols and “cloud elements”.

“The role of aerosols in cloud formation and the interaction with radiation is not completely understood by science but plays an important role in climate and weather modelling. This is why the EarthCARE proposal was selected” said ESA’s Earth Observation Director Dr. Volker Liebig.

EarthCARE will thus contribute to a better understanding of our climate and deliver valuable data for the numerical forecasting models of climate researchers and meteorologists. Weighing around 1.7 metric tons, the satellite is scheduled to lift off into space in September 2013. EarthCARE will spend three years taking measurements from a polar orbit (97° inclination) at an altitude of about 400 kilometres.

“By offering an innovative and future-oriented range of products, Astrium is helping to achieve a better understanding of Earth’s sensitively balanced ecosystem and encourage people to treat it with greater care,” said Astrium Satellites CEO Evert Dudok to journalists in Berlin. “The experience and know-how gained from projects such as EarthCARE or the recently awarded contracts for the Sentinel family of satellites and the polar-orbiting weather satellite Metop give us an excellent basis and serve as a reference for future tasks such as the third generation of Meteosat satellites.”

Astrium (Friedrichshafen, Germany) will be responsible for the industrial management of EarthCARE and the integration and test activities. The satellite is equipped with four instruments, two passive and two active sensors that will supply a unique data package with only one satellite mission. Astrium (Toulouse, France) will supply the active laser instrument ATLID, while the platform (Astrium), the Multi-Spectral Imager MSI (SSTL) and the Broadband Radiometer BBR (SEA) are being produced in the UK. The fourth instrument is the Cloud Profiling Radar CPR, which will be supplied by the Japanese Space Agency, JAXA.

Astrium and the Earth ExplorerEarthCARE is the sixth Earth Explorer mission to be launched by ESA as part of its “Living Planet” Earth exploration programme. It is being implemented jointly with the Japanese space agency JAXA. Astrium is the prime industrial contractor.

Astrium also plays an important part in the other satellites for Earth Explorer missions that are currently under construction. Astrium (Friedrichshafen) is prime contractor for the ice investigation satellite Cryosat-2 and the three-satellite Swarm mission to investigate the Earth’s magnetic field. It is also supplying the platform for the Goce mission to measure the Earth’s gravitational field. Astrium UK is the prime contractor for the ADM-Aeolus wind mission, for which Astrium France is developing the Aladin instrument. Astrium Spain is developing and building the Miras payload for the SMOS mission to study soil moisture and ocean salinity.
About AstriumAstrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of €3.5 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employed a workforce of more than 116, 000.

www.astrium.eads.net

EarthCARE at a glance:Mission:

Service life in orbit: 3 years (optional extension by 1 year)
Orbit: Polar (97°), sun-synchronous DN
Altitude 400 km
Repetition rate: 25 days
Scheduled launch: September 2013
Satellite:

Satellite type: 3-axis stabilised
Launch weight: 1.7 metric tons
Solar generator: Single wing with 5 panels, 17 m², 2500 W (EOL),
GaAs triple-junction cells
Battery: Li-ion 180 Ah
Instruments:

ATLID - Atmospheric Lidar for vertical profiles of aerosols and thin clouds
MSI - Multispectral Imager for horizontal structures of clouds and aerosols
BBR - Broadband Radiometer to capture radiation in the upper atmosphere
CPR - Cloud Profiling Radar for vertical profiles of water and ice in the clouds

Front Page

TBM 850 model year 2008 at ILA Berlin 2008

Berlin, 26 May 2008 ~ The 2008 TBM 850 is making its first appearance at ILA at the Internationale Luftfahrt-Ausstellung (ILA) - International Aviation Exhibition - Berlin Air Show, which runs from May 27 to June 1.

For the 2008 model year, EADS Socata’s popular TBM850 includes an all-glass flight deck based on the Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system. It replaces traditional instruments with large liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, while also integrating primary flight, navigation, weather, traffic, ground proximity and technical information – fully associated with a digital autopilot. This reduces pilot workload and eases maintenance. As a result, the TBM 850 is one of the world’s most advanced light business aircraft available today.

In addition, the TBM 850’s environmental and vapor control system has been replaced by the Global Air Control System from Liebherr Aerospace, which is more efficient and offers a true dual-zone temperature control – a first for an aircraft in the TBM category.

The aircraft’s cabin interior has been entirely redesigned to offer more space, elegance and comfort, with a 2-inch (5-cm.) width increase and a 1-inch (2-cm.) ceiling rise, along with superb leather finishing.

The aircraft displayed at EBACE, registration N851GC, has the new standard – and very streamlined – paint scheme, which highlights the TBM 850’s sleek lines and underscores its high performance.

“The TBM850 is the perfect aircraft for Europe, and it clearly addresses the concerns over increasing costs of operation – especially with high fuel prices and environment protection.” explained Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s Vice President – Sales and Marketing. “In the same time there are a growing number of leading European companies, especially in Germany and Eastern Europe realizing the benefit of using corporate aircraft, especially in optimizing their time to help efficiently grow their business.”

“As the most important trade show for general aviation in Central and Eastern Europe the ILA2008 provides us a wonderful opportunity to meet customers and demonstrate that the TBM850 is meeting their needs as an eco-efficient and flexible way of transportation.” Concluded Nicolas Chabbert

After a symbolic stop at Tempelhof, Berlin’s historical airport, where a gathering of Socata TB owners was held during the week-end for the 60th anniversary celebration of the start of the Berlin Airlift, the model 2008 TBM 850 is exhibited at the show throughout the week. ILA Berlin is one of the main stopovers of the European TBM 850 demonstration tour which is supported by record sales – with the 2008 production of 60 aircraft already sold out. Sales remain strong for 2009, with orders now being taken for the remaining production line slots in the latter part of the year.

The TBM 850 is world’s fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the new model – and the ability to land at small airports, are some of its customers’ favorite features.

About EADS Sonata

EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.

About EADS

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programs from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.

Front Page

Ascent Signs Contract With MoD For New UK Military Flight Training System

London, June 2nd, 2008 -- Ascent, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and VT Group, has today signed the contract which will see it provide military flying training to the UK Armed Forces for the next 25 years. The initial contract is valued at £635 million and is projected to rise to approximately £6 billion over the life of the programme.

The contract makes Ascent responsible for running the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme, providing comprehensive training to all new UK military aircrew across the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army Air Corps.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said: “The partnering contract with Ascent brings together MoD and industry skills to deliver a first class flying training capability. It will significantly improve training for Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army aircrew by bringing together the current range of fragmented training schemes into one modern and cohesive programme.”

Fred Ross of Lockheed Martin has been named managing director of Ascent and Ken Cornfield of VT Support Services will serve as Ascent deputy managing director.

Under UKMFTS, the MoD maintains the training output requirements and standards whilst providing elements such as airfields, fuel and instructors. Ascent will design the overall system and deliver the training capability including delivering a proven Training Management Information System and the procurement of aircraft platforms and simulators.

“UKMFTS is a model private-public initiative that will enable us to work with the Ministry of Defence for the next two and a half decades, providing tailored solutions that will optimise the capabilities of UK aircrews,” said Dale Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support.

Ascent will take over the role on an incremental basis to ensure minimal disruption to the current training programme. Additional contracts detailing future services and purchases will be announced as the programme progresses. The training covers the period following Aircrew Selection up to the point the students leave UKMFTS ready to fly in their operational aircraft.

VT chief executive, Paul Lester said: "Our background in flying training extends over 70 years. As part of Ascent, we will utilise that experience and work closely with the Ministry of Defence to deliver new standards in flying training that will further enhance the world leading capability of UK aircrew."

Ascent’s selection as UKMFTS Training System Partner in November 2006 followed a competition to select a partner who would harness the collective skills of the MoD and industry. Ascent will work with the MoD over the life of the programme to design, deliver and manage ground and flying training at multiple locations across the UK.

Lockheed Martin UK chief executive, Ian Stopps said: “The key to this programme is a successful partnership that will provide 25 years of exacting training for UK aircrews. Ascent and MoD will work together to ensure UK air crews remain amongst the most highly-trained and respected in the world.”

Lockheed Martin and VT have a wealth of experience of flying training and aircraft support in the UK and around the world. VT currently operates the RAF Tucano logistics and maintenance programme (Tucano Total Support programme) and the Light Aircraft Flying Training programme. Lockheed Martin annually provides training for more than 20,000 aircrew, including U.S. Air Force Special Operations crews. Together, as Ascent, Lockheed Martin and VT will bring complementary skills and relevant experience to deliver the highest level of training possible for the MoD.

VT Group is a major defence and support services company which already supports nearly a third of the UK's existing military flying training. Customers include government agencies and businesses worldwide. VT Group employs nearly 14,000 people with a turnover in 2007 of £1.2 billion ($2.4 billion). The support business of VT operates from various locations primarily in the UK, USA and Middle East, with shipbuilding operating principally from new facilities in Portsmouth, UK.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Lockheed Martin UK, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a leader in systems integration working on major programmes spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors. Lockheed Martin works with more than 100 business partners and employs over 1700 people at 12 sites across the UK.

www.ascentflighttraining.com

Front Page

AIAA Honors Lockheed Martin GPS IIR-M Team With 2008 Space Systems Award

NEWTOWN, Pa, June 2nd, 2008 -- The Greater Philadelphia Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has selected a Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team as the winner of the 2008 Space Systems Award for the successful completion of the modernized Global Positioning System IIR (GPS IIR-M) production program.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) advanced the state of aerospace science, engineering, and technological leadership. AIAA's Greater Philadelphia Section, which serves aerospace professionals in the Delaware Valley, established the annual award to recognize outstanding achievements in satellite systems, orbital mechanics, space experiments, space simulations, or other space-related systems or research.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Valley Forge, Pa., and its navigation payload provider ITT of Clifton, N.J. designed and built 21 GPS IIR satellites for the Air Force and subsequently modernized eight of those spacecraft, designated IIR-M, to enhance operations and navigation signal performance.

Work on the final IIR-M satellite, which features a demonstration payload that will transmit the new third civil signal known as L5, was completed in March and is planned for launch this year from Cape Canaveral.

"We are extremely proud that we have been selected for this important honor," said Dave Podlesney, Lockheed Martin's GPS IIR-M program director. "The overall success of GPS IIR-M program reflects the entire team’s hard work and dedication to mission success and we look forward to further expanding the system's mission capabilities with the next-generation GPS III satellite program.”

The GPS constellation provides critical situational awareness and precision weapon guidance for the military. The worldwide system also supports a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions – from air traffic control to the Internet – with precision location and timing information.

On May 15, 2008, the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. awarded a team led by Lockheed Martin a $1.46 billion contract to build the next-generation Global Positioning System Space System program, known as GPS III. This program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding superior system security, accuracy and reliability.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

Front Page

FedEx Changes Name of FedEx Kinko’s to FedEx Office, Will Record $891 Million Fourth Quarter Charge

Board of Directors raises quarterly dividend by 10 percent

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 2, 2008

FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) today announced it will change the name of FedEx Kinko’s, the world's leading provider of document solutions and business services, to FedEx Office.

Along with the strategic decision to minimize the use of the Kinko’s trade name, FedEx said it will record a charge of approximately $891 million ($696 million, net of tax, or $2.22 per diluted share) in its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended May 31. This charge relates predominately to one-time, non-cash impairment charges associated with the decision about the use of the Kinko’s trade name and goodwill resulting from the Kinko’s acquisition.

The components of the charge are as follows (in millions):

Trade Name $515
Goodwill 367
Other 9
Total $891

The charge was not included in the latest earnings guidance, issued on May 9. FedEx will announce earnings results on June 18 for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2008.

The FedEx Office name better describes the wide range of services available at its retail centers and takes full advantage of the FedEx brand — long recognized for excellent customer service, quality and reliability. The centers will be rebranded during the next several years. The goodwill impairment charge reflects a decline in the current fair value of the FedEx Office unit in light of current economic conditions, the unit’s recent and forecasted performance and the decision to reduce the rate of store expansion.

“Kinko's was primarily a copy and print-service provider when it was acquired in 2004," said Brian D. Philips, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Office. "The name FedEx Office more accurately represents our broader role of providing superior information and services through our company-owned, digitally connected locations around the world. We are a back office for small businesses and a branch office for medium to large businesses and mobile professionals."

In May, Philips was named president and chief executive officer of FedEx Office. The unit’s senior management team was reduced and restructured to better support execution of the company’s strategy and to control costs. Earlier this year, the company reduced future capital commitments by slowing the rate of expansion from about 300 locations in fiscal year 2008 to about 70 in fiscal 2009.

These changes at FedEx Office are the latest in a series of moves designed to more sharply focus the division on profitable core revenue growth and incremental shipping volume, which contributes about $1 billion of revenues annually to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground.

In another action today, the FedEx Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share on FedEx Corporation common stock, an increase of $0.01, or 10 percent, per share over the previous dividend payment. The dividend is payable July 1, 2008 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 13, 2008.

About FedEx Office

FedEx Office is the world's leading provider of document solutions and business services. The Dallas-based company has a global network of about 1,900 digitally-connected locations in 11 countries. FedEx Office offers access to copying and digital printing, professional finishing, document creation, Internet access, computer rentals, videoconferencing, signs and graphics, notary, direct mail, office products, Web-based printing, and the full range of FedEx day-definite ground shipping and time-definite global express shipping services. For more information, please visit www.fedex.com.

About FedEx

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $37 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.

Front Page

Sikorsky Aerospace Services Extending Global Reach with Support Facility in Kuala Lampur

May. 27, 2008

TRUMBULL, Conn., May 27, 2008 – Sikorsky Aerospace Services, the newly re-branded aftermarket organization for Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., will open a regional spare parts stocking facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 1. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The facility, operated in partnership with logistics/shipping services world leader DHL, will receive, stock, and ship a wide array of spare parts to support Sikorsky’s customers in Asia who operate a variety of civil/commercial rotorcraft including Sikorsky S-61, S-76®, and S-92® helicopters. The facility also will stock parts to support fixed wing aircraft owned and operated in the region by customers of Derco Aerospace, a unit of Sikorsky Aerospace Services.

David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services, said, “This is an important step for Sikorsky Aerospace Services that should significantly improve our ability to support our valued customers in Southeast Asia. It is a region where we are experiencing significant growth and expect that trend to continue well into the future. Our customers expect world-class support, and we intend to deliver just that.”

He added this is only one of many steps that Sikorsky Aerospace Services will announce to increase its global reach. “The excitement and momentum around Sikorsky Aerospace Services has just begun – there is much more to come,” Adler said.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its Sikorsky Aerospace Services business designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing customers. Sikorsky Aircraft’s mission statement reflects the company’s long commitment to safety and innovation: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere... every time."™ More information is available at the interactive www.sikorsky.com Web site.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide.

Front Page

Date: 29/05/2008

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Orders Its Second AW139 Helicopter

AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Agency (TMPA) has signed a contract for its second AW139 medium-twin helicopters in utility configuration. The TMPA received its first AW139 in March 2006. The TMPA follow on order confirms the continuing success of the AW139 in the Japanese medium helicopter market and further TMPA orders are expected soon as part of a fleet modernization programme to replace older models that no longer comply with modern safety standards. Tokyo Metropolitan Police AW139s are equipped with NVG compatible cockpit, search light, loudspeaker, rescue hoist, HD side mounted camera, emergency floats, rappelling kit and other specific mission police equipment.

The AW139 has the roomiest cabin in its class with large sliding doors to enable easy and quick access and egress. The cabin also allows easy configuration changes to meet operational requirements. The AW139 internally and externally accessible baggage compartment of 3.4 m3 is large enough to carry a multitude of mission specific equipment. With a maximum speed of 165 knots (306 kph) and excellent range and endurance the AW139 can be quickly deployed to any crime scene or accident location. The integrated avionic system provides the basis for managing the sensors and comprehensive communications suite required for the law enforcement role.

Numerous law enforcement and public service agencies around the world have chosen the AW139 to fulfil their diverse operational requirements, including Japan Coast Guard, Korean Coast Guard, Chinese Police, Spanish Maritime Safety Agency, Italian Civil Protection, CHC for the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Dutch Police, Estonian Border Guard, Queensland Government of Australia, Korean Gangwon Fire Fighting Department and the Nigerian National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Almost 350 orders have been placed by nearly 100 customers from almost 40 countries to date, making it the benchmark helicopter in the medium twin category for a number of tasks. Designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 can perform many roles including law enforcement, offshore transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, VIP/corporate transport and military utility missions.

Front Page U.K. ~ England

Final goodbye to historic Battle of Britain station

Friday 30 May 2008

The RAF ensign was lowered for the last time at RAF Bentley Priory today, Friday 30 May 2008, marking the final chapter for one of the RAF's most historic Stations.

Bentley Priory, located near Stanmore in Middlesex, is famous for its significant role in British history with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding having commanded RAF Fighter Command from the site during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940.

Today's ceremony was an opportunity for the Station to show its gratitude to Service and civilian personnel serving their and their families, along with contractors, local dignitaries and other stakeholders for their support to RAF Bentley Priory over the years.

Squadron Leader Phil Reid is Bentley Priory's last Station Commander:

"Today is a sad occasion, as it is to lose any RAF station. But we are looking to the future, and as there is no longer an operational requirement for Bentley Priory we need to rationalise in order to meet the defence needs of today.

"Of course the RAF will retain a footprint here which will allow us to recognise the achievements of the past while also allowing the public to have access to this historic site in the future.

"It must be remembered too that the receipts from the disposal of the Bentley priory site will go into the development of RAF Northolt as part of Project Model which in turn will enable the RAF to move forward in the 21st century.

"We've invited a lot of our key stakeholders here today as well as those who have helped to take this project forward, the families of some of those serving here, a number of veterans along with members of the public. This ceremony does mark the end of an era, but we are going to continue celebrating the RAF's presence here well into the future along with the legacy of those who served here throughout its history."

Whilst there is no longer an enduring, operational use for RAF Bentley Priory, the Ministry of Defence has recognised that the heritage associated with the site should be preserved in a sustainable manner. Indeed the Bentley Priory Mansion House was historically significant before it served as an RAF Station and has Grade II listed status and its surrounding Italian gardens registered as a historic park and garden.

Consequently the MOD has been seeking a solution for the Priory building itself by engaging with all interested parties including the Local Planning Authority, English Heritage, the RAF Museum, the Prince's Regeneration Trust and the Battle of Britain Bentley Priory Trust (The Trust).

A detailed planning application was submitted to the London Borough of Harrow on 18 April 2008, a planning application which includes plans for the Trust to operate a commemorative educational facility at Bentley Priory, open to the public. The historic rooms of the Priory Building are planned to educate future generations about the significance of the Battle of Britain. The museum will be dedicated to the memory of those who fought in the Battle, as well preserving the RAF heritage at the site.

Recently many of the treasures which had been kept at the site were archived with new homes found for a range of artefacts including silver cups, bronze busts, rare paintings and a priceless Battle of Britain lace panel. Archivist Flight Lieutenant Gareth Edwards said:

"The panel is priceless. We cannot sell it because it's a national treasure."

Around 1,000 silver cups were painstakingly recorded by Flt Lt Edwards but none will be sold:

"We gave them to individual sports associations and they will be reused. They were not of a high value but of tremendous historic value."

Veteran aircrews from the Battle of Britain said their final goodbyes to their former headquarters in July last year. A Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew over RAF Bentley Priory during the closure ceremony before a dinner and celebration of both the role of the building and those who worked in it in preventing Hitler's planned air invasion of Britain in 1940.

Front Page U.K. ~ England

Helmand’s combat air ambulance

Wednesday 28 May 2008

The Medical Emergency Response Team known as the MERT is Helmand Province’s combat air ambulance. Working as a flying emergency department it is supported by a bomb disposal team, fire and rescue unit and an infantry close protection squad. The MERT has proven to be a world leader in emergency response.

Helmand Province has historically been a harsh and unforgiving region, in recent years it has seen further bloodshed. British and ISAF Soldiers, Taliban and Civilians have all been injured; many have been collected, treated and undoubtedly saved by the MERT.

This specialist unit is based at Camp Bastion, British Forces’ main base in Helmand. Teams complete 24 hour tours of duty as the MERT crew. Kept at a high state of readiness the team will check kit, talk through potential scenarios, watch TV and have the odd cup of tea. When the call out phone rings, even before it is answered the jovial mood amongst the team is instantly replaced by an atmosphere of professional confidence. Captain Adam Brown, a Territorial Army Doctor is a trauma specialist who regularly flies with the MERT. He described his thoughts as the team receives a call out.

“When the phone rings the first thing you get is a sudden rush of adrenalin, that call to readiness, you start to think about all the things that you think it could be. Then apprehension as you wait to find out the destination.”

The CH-47 or Chinook is the helicopter work horse for operations in Afghanistan and it is ideally suited to its role as an air ambulance. Getting close to the place that someone has been wounded or hurt is critical to the MERT’s mission. Flight Sergeant Gary Gustar is a MERT Paramedic he told us.

“I get off the aircraft with the force protection team, I get to the casualty as quick as I can, receive the hand over from the medic on the ground and then get the casualty loaded onto the helicopter. The other day I got back on, to be told that enemy snipers had been reported in the area.”

The MERT’s mission is to sustain life and stabiles casualties, getting them to the hospital facility at Camp Bastion, quickly and safely. Procedures, normally only attempted in hospital emergency departments, are conducted in the back of a vibrating, hot, noisy aircraft. Captain Brown describes treating patients onboard.

“Flying at speed with the vibration makes equipment an issue. Your own personnel balance and being able to use your skills, is an issue. Nothing really trains you for it. You practice at ground level and hope that you can transpose your skills to a fast noisy shaky environment.”

The Commanding Officer of the Hospital at Camp Bastion, Colonel Phil Hubbard told us.

“The equivalent to the MERT in the UK are air ambulances, they don’t routinely fly with the level of professional trauma care we have on the MERT every day.

He went on to say.

“We can and have delivered multiple casualties to the hospital, day and night, on just one flight.”

Not solely dedicated to supporting British or ISAF troops the MERT will collect and treat injured civilians and wounded enemy fighters. Squadron Leader Evans the Officer Commanding the MERT told us.

“We collected a young boy the other day. He had been kicked in the head by a donkey and dragged for some distance. He was in quite a state, the British Army medics at a near by base had administered immediate life saving treatment. We were then called in.”

Captain Brown when asked about treating enemy casualties told us.

“On board they are just patients. Casualties will be afforded care on medical grounds alone.”

The MERT is available 24hrs a day 365 days a year.

Front Page U.K. ~ England

RAF Tornados in exercise over Finland - Thursday 22 May 2008

The largest fast jet squadron in the Royal Air Force (RAF), 43 (Fighter) Squadron based at RAF Leuchars, is participating in a multi-national exercise in Finland. The Finnish Air Defence Exercise 2008 (ADEX 08) is carried out in the spirit of the Partnership for Peace programme and provides sophisticated training for both ground and aircrews.

ADEX 08 is the largest ever exercise held in Finland with the Finnish hosts welcoming approximately 1300 personnel and over 50 aircraft from the UK, Denmark, Germany and France - located at three of the country’s air bases. With each nation bringing different aircraft, ADEX 08 presents ample chance for aircrew to train against various aircraft types in combat scenarios. It provides opportunities to exchange ideas, experiences and tactics in this challenging air to air environment and enhances skills used on operations.

43 (F) Squadron swelled in numbers recently, when, as part of the Tornado F3 force drawdown they merged with 56 (Reserve) Squadron. With the addition of 26 aircraft, 30 pairs of permanent aircrew and 260 engineers, their front-line duties were extended to include the task of training aircrew new to the Tornado F3 along with advanced training. Officer Commanding of 43 (F) Sqn, Wing Commander David Hazell, is enthusiastic about the first major deployment for the bigger squadron and the benefits that ADEX 08 will present. He said: “I’m looking to take a confident, bonded squadron back home; one that has worked hard and played together for the two weeks of ADEX and one that will keep the momentum of good morale going.”

ADEX 08 comes within a special year for the Finnish Air Force as the current 3000 personnel celebrate their 90th Anniversary; celebrations that coincide with the RAF’s own 90th year. Deputy Commander at Kerelia Air Command, Colonel Ossi Sivén has been fully immersed with the exercise and said: “It has been three years in the planning and we are very satisfied with the way things are going with 100 flights a day. The best thing is the spirit of making it happen together. From the beginning, all the nations felt part of the same team – well, except for Friday when we will play a football match against each other!”

With a stunning backdrop of lakes and evergreen trees, plus the changeable weather patterns that have seen snow reminiscent of yuletide scenes to bright sunshine; the RAF has adopted one local custom which has undoubtedly made life easier. With the Tornados positioned at the far end of a large aircraft pan, the aircrew have been issued bicycles to assist with transiting to their aircraft. Although somewhat unusual, it is apparent that this procedure has been fully embraced making the long trek under the weight of full flying kit less tiresome.

Faced with a myriad of languages, all flying throughout ADEX 08 uses English for communications. It is the standardised language of military aviation with Command and Control using multi-nation and NATO procedures to ensure safety and cooperation. To further test the skills of aircrew, two FRA DA-20 Falcon aircraft from the UK will also fly. The DA-20s provide essential training by giving a wide variety of simulations representing electronic warfare that aircraft are likely to encounter.

ADEX 08 Project Officer for the RAF, Squadron Leader Bret Archer, is clearly delighted to be dogfighting in this training environment and is able to draw on his operational experience. He enthuses: “The exercise flying is so intense it is very similar to operations. You’re so focused on what you’re doing – it feels like the real thing. The computers in the aircraft are all set up with simulated weapons, so you’re using the switches and pulling the trigger to fire a simulated missile – it really is as though you’re on a mission.”

Partnership for Peace background can be found here: Link

43 (Fighter) Squadron history and Background can be found here: Link

Tornado F3 Facts and Figures can be found here: Link

Front Page U.K. ~ England

Ainsworth gives assurances on Nimrod safety

Friday 23 May 2008

Minister of State for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth MP and the RAF's most senior engineer, Air Marshal Sir Barry Thornton, have made statements following the conclusion of the Inquest into the crash of RAF Nimrod XV230 on 2 September 2006 in which 14 servicemen lost their lives.

Air Marshal Sir Barry Thornton, Chief of Materiel (Air), said:

"My thoughts today are first and foremost with the families and friends of those who died, and with the men and women of the Armed Forces, who I know feel the loss of their colleagues very deeply.

"From the evidence heard at the Inquest, and from the findings of the Board of Inquiry, it is clear that the crew of XV230 acted with the utmost professionalism in the face of a complex and demanding emergency situation. I pay tribute to their courage and dedication.

"With respect to the airworthiness of the aircraft today, we have stopped air-to-air refuelling and no longer use the very hot air systems in flight. This eradicates any dangers from the serious design failures noted by the Coroner that have been present in this aircraft since the 1980s. These measures have been supplemented with enhanced aircraft maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure the aircraft, as it is today, is safe to fly.

"In addition, to ensure we can operate the aircraft safely until its planned retirement from service, we have in place an effective package of more permanent measures which are being progressed as quickly as practicable. All of this work and our safety assessment are based on advice from both inside and outside the Department.

"I can assure you that the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Air Force place the highest priority on airworthiness and the safety of our personnel in the air and those we support in operations in the ground. We would not ask our personnel to fly in aircraft we did not believe were safe."

Bob Ainsworth said:

"My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who died in XV230. On behalf of the MOD and the Royal Air Force, I would like to apologise again to the families of those who died for our failings which led to this tragic incident.

"I would like to reassure all those concerned that the Chief of the Air Staff has reaffirmed to me that the Nimrod is airworthy, and that we are dealing with all the issues raised by this incident. The independent review of the airworthiness and safety of the Nimrod is ongoing.

"I have noted the coroner's comments and I will consider them carefully. The Nimrod is saving lives in operational theatres every day. However, if it was not safe we would not be flying it; it is safe with the measures we have taken and that is why we will not be grounding the fleet.

"Finally, in remembering the crew of V230, we must not forget that that they acted with the utmost professionalism throughout and I pay tribute to them."

Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne MP, added:

"The deaths of 14 brave servicemen in Afghanistan nearly two years ago was a profound and tragic accident, and my thoughts and sympathies are with their families today. The safety and security of our service personnel is an absolute priority for me. That is why I have sought the advice of the RAF’s most senior officers and have been assured that the changes we have made to the Nimrod mean that it safe to fly."

Front Page

Delta Launches First Trans-Atlantic Flight from Salt Lake City with Nonstop Service to Paris

New flight positions Delta as the only U.S. carrier to operate nonstop service to French capital from the Western United States

SALT LAKE CITY, June 2, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today begins nonstop service between Salt Lake City International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport. The flights, operating as part of Delta’s joint venture with SkyTeam partner Air France, will be the first trans-Atlantic service ever offered by any airline from Salt Lake City and will be the only nonstop service operated by a U.S. carrier between the Western United States and Paris.

"We are pleased to be able to meet the growing international demand with Delta's first trans-Atlantic flight from Salt Lake City,” said Glen Hauenstein, executive vice president – Network and Revenue Management. “With the launch of service to Paris, Salt Lake City and the Western United States are just one stop away from the rest of globe."

Delta will operate daily service with a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft seating up to 216 passengers.

Paris is one of the most famous destinations in the world with attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre museum; while Salt Lake City boasts “the Greatest Snow on Earth” with access to some of the United States’ best skiing, hiking and mountain biking. Customers traveling beyond the capitals will have numerous connecting opportunities as Salt Lake City and Paris combine to offer more than 200 destinations beyond their city limits.

The new route is expected to offer significant cargo lift in both directions. From Paris, top shipments will include cosmetics, fashion garments and wine, while Salt Lake City’s chief exports will include machine parts, computers and information technology equipment.

Delta’s new nonstop service between Salt Lake City and Paris beginning June 2 is scheduled as follows:


Flight	Departs	Arrives	Effective	Flight Time
170	Salt Lake City at 5 p.m.	Paris at 11:15 a.m. (next day)	June 2, 2008	10hr 15min
171	Paris at 10:20 a.m.	Salt Lake City at 1:30 p.m.	June 2, 2008	11hr 10min

Customers traveling to, from or through Salt Lake City will enjoy Delta’s recently upgraded facilities offering more spacious, convenient and efficient check-in thanks to state-of-the-art self-service technology throughout the terminal. The multimillion dollar overhaul supports Delta’s commitment to providing customer-focused technology along with helpful, personal service as it continues to expand its reach from one of its fastest growing hubs.

Additionally, customers flying in the business cabin on Delta’s new flights between Salt Lake City and Paris will enjoy enhanced service including new seats with improved cushioning and the same 60 inches of legroom and wide-angle recline that have made BusinessElite® a customer favorite. Customers will experience new innovative food offerings designed by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, original wine selections by Andrea Robinson, exclusively designed signature cocktails by nightlife proprietor Rande Gerber and industry-leading, on-demand, personal in-seat entertainment boasting more than 20 first-run and popular classic movies, a variety of TV programs, a broad range of music, and a suite of 12 video games. Delta recently added full-size pillows, duvets and modern and stylish dinnerware to its onboard offerings.

With the added service to Paris, Salt Lake City becomes Delta’s fourth trans-Atlantic gateway, supporting the largest network of routes offered between the United States and Europe by any global airline. With its summer 2008 schedule, Delta operates service to more trans-Atlantic destinations than any other carrier with service between the United States and more than 45 cities. From Salt Lake City, Delta currently offers 328 peak-day departures to 105 destinations.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Front Page

Virginia Information Technologies Agency and Northrop Grumman 'Recover' Virginia's IT Infrastructure Backbone

CHESTERFIELD, Va., June 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- When disasters strike, the last thing citizens and businesses in Virginia should have to worry about is the safety and security of their information kept by state agencies' computer systems.

The successful disaster recovery testing at the Southwest Enterprise Solutions Center by employees of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) and its partner Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) established not only that important state information is secure and more easily accessible, but that it also can be accessed quickly.

"The Commonwealth is better served as a result of this disaster recovery test," Virginia Chief Information Officer Lem Stewart said. "In the event a disaster does happen, we are prepared to promptly restore critical systems and data for most state Executive Branch agencies that we serve. This should provide peace of mind to citizens and businesses relying on the Commonwealth for services."

Nineteen agencies and more than 135 personnel participated in the disaster recovery exercise. Specifically, the tests simulated what could transpire in a real disaster, natural or otherwise, and allowed VITA and other Commonwealth employees and Northrop Grumman employees to work together and ensure seamless operations to the state agencies that use VITA services.

As a result of the public-private partnership between VITA and Northrop Grumman, the Commonwealth's data held by Executive Branch agencies now is housed in Virginia at a primary facility in Chester and a backup facility in Lebanon, Russell County. The speed of recovery also has been vastly increased through the use of disc replication and "virtual tape," a system that mimics a traditional tape back-up by using discs instead.

These tests of the platforms provided for an opportunity to review current recovery plans, and plan for configuration changes, new applications, new staff and other changes that will alter test plans annually.

"Together, VITA and Northrop Grumman demonstrated that critical state data now is more safe and secure, and more easily retrievable, allowing for faster recovery of data," said Doug McVicar, vice president and Northrop Grumman program manager for the VITA project. "This exercise helps to ensure Virginia's information technology backbone is back up and running."

About the partnership between Northrop Grumman and VITA

The IT Infrastructure Partnership between Northrop Grumman and the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is overseen by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, is a landmark public-private venture that is yielding real results for the Commonwealth by modernizing and updating its IT infrastructure for today and the future and creating jobs in Southwest Virginia.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Marine Corps Awards Northrop Grumman Modification Contract for C2PC Integration Into Joint Tactical Common Operating Picture Workstation

Command and Control Personal Computer to Support Future Net-Enabled Environment

RESTON, Va., June 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a contract modification to transform the company's Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC) into a core component of the Joint Tactical Common Operating Picture (COP) Workstation (JTCW), allowing operation in the future net-enabled environment and greater interoperability for the warfighter.

Under the 18-month $30 million contract modification awarded by U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., Northrop Grumman will begin migrating C2PC to an open, services-oriented architecture required for it to be transformed into the JTCW Client and Gateway. The Marine Corps expects to begin fielding JTCW in 2010. It will provide ground forces units above battalion level with consistent situational awareness, complementing Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below, which provides friendly forces situational awareness at company-level and below for platform-based and handheld systems.

"Since its inception, C2PC has enjoyed one success after another. Now the future U.S. Marine Corps versions will be renamed 'JTCW Client and Gateway,' beginning a new life as a core JTCW system," said Kristopher Brawn, Northrop Grumman's C2SD program manager. "Migrating this combat-proven technology to an open, services-oriented architecture will allow it to operate in the future net-enabled command capability environment, will allow for greater interoperability and continued evolution, and will provide warfighters much more agility in consuming, distributing and using information. And all that while still operating in a Global Command and Control System environment."

Northrop Grumman's Windows-based C2PC is a mobile, interoperable system capable of operating in a low-bandwidth, intermittent communications environment. It displays the military's common operating picture from a Global Command and Control System-based server or tactical data from other C2PC workstations. Initially developed for the U.S. Marine Corps, C2PC has been adopted by all U.S. military services, U.S. Coast Guard and the Defense Information Systems Agency and has been fielded to military bases around the world.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

oneworld set to be first to sell round-the-world fares on-line

02 June 2008

oneworld® is set to be the first in the travel industry to sell multi-airline round-the-world air fares on-line.

It is on track to launch its on-line booking facility in the next few months, initially for oneworld Explorer. This is among the most popular multi-airline tickets worldwide, enabling passengers to travel right around the world using the flights of any of oneworld's ten member airline and 20 or so affiliates, who together serve some 700 destinations in approaching 150 countries.

Until now, while travellers have been able to plan through the internet their journeys using alliance or multi-airline fares, they have had to contact airlines or travel agents to complete their bookings and pay for them.

With the launch of oneworld's new booking tool, they will for the first time be able to complete this entire process on-line, via oneworld.com or the website of their preferred oneworld airline. Travel agents worldwide will also have access to this facility.

The system will enable customers to plan oneworld Explorer round-the-world trips, which can be of up to 16 segments. As a customer builds his or her itinerary, it

will verify flight availability, displaying only flights that have seats available for the date and routes selected. It will automatically validate that the itinerary meets all fare rules and conditions - and then provide an instant price. Once a customer has finalised his or her itinerary, he or she will be able to pay on-line using a credit card and print out all the details before his or her e-tickets are delivered by email.

The first phase of this development - enabling customers to plan their journeys using oneworld Explorer - was rolled out late in 2007. The project - which has been led on behalf of all the alliance's carriers by Qantas - should be completed in the coming months with the addition of the booking and payment facility.

oneworld Vice-President Commercial Nicolas Ferri said: "oneworld will be the first in the world to enable customers to book and pay on-line for any kind of multi-airline round-the-world ticket. The tremendous value and flexibility our oneworld Explorer provides combined with this soon-to-be-introduced convenience of planning, booking and paying for tickets on-line will further solidify the leadership of oneworld and its member airlines in this area. We are delighted to be the first and only alliance to offer this level of convenience to our customers and travel agency partners.

"With so many possibilities of places to visit and routes to take, planning and booking this kind of ticket can be time-consuming - both for our customers and sales representatives. Our new, easy-to-use on-line booking and payment facility will simplify the entire operation, saving our customers a huge amount of time and providing them with far more flexibility in planning their trips. It will also reduce costs for our member airlines and free up time of airline and travel agency reservations agents to handle other tasks."

Unlike other round-the-world fares, oneworld Explorer's price is based on the number of continents visited (three to six), not the mileage flown, making planning and pricing journeys much more simple and flexible. It covers flights worldwide by all oneworld member and affiliate airlines.

With oneworld the only airline alliance with members based in South America, Australia or the Middle East, it is just the ticket for anyone who truly wants to circumnavigate the globe.

It offers great flexibility and value, generating the largest portion of the US$725 million revenues earned by oneworld for its member airlines through its alliance fares and sales activities in 2007. It was used by around 50,000 people last year.

oneworld Explorer can be booked for travel in Economy, Premium Economy (where available), Business or even First Class, and earn frequent flyer programme mileage awards and tier status points. Prices from the USA start at US$3,900 excluding taxes and charges. For lead-in prices from other countries and full details, see www.oneworld.com/ow/air-travel-options/round-the-world-fares.

More than three years ago, oneworld became the first of the global alliances to put in place interline e-ticketing (IET) links between all members of the grouping, enabling customers to travel with the convenience of just one electronic ticket for journeys involving any combination of alliance's member airlines. Rival alliances have only recently completed links between their own member airlines.

About oneworld

oneworld brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian, and around 20 affiliates including American Eagle, Dragonair, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru. Mexicana and its affiliate Click Mexicana will join the alliance in 2009.

Between them, these airlines:

Serve almost 700 airports in nearly 150 countries, with more than 9,000 daily departures.
Offer nearly 550 airport lounges for premium customers.
Carry some 320 million passengers a year.
Employ 250,000 people.
Operate almost 2,500 aircraft.
Generate more than US$100 billion annual revenues.
oneworld is the only alliance with any member airlines based in South America, the Middle East or Australia.

The alliance enables its members to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. These include a broader route network, opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and points across the combined oneworld network and more airport lounges.

oneworld was voted the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth year running in the latest (2007) World Travel Awards.

For more news from oneworld, see www.oneworld.com/ow/news

Front Page

Delta Inaugurates Nine International Flights in 10 Days

Milestone week in airline’s global expansion includes new destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean

Six additional New York departures strengthen Delta’s position at JFK

ATLANTA, June 2, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will inaugurate nine international flights in the next 10 days, marking a significant step in its unprecedented global expansion. Delta has added more than 100 international markets to its network since 2005 as part of its transformation into a premier global airline.

Delta today will launch the first-ever nonstop trans-Atlantic service from Salt Lake City with daily flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, as part of its recently implemented joint venture agreement with Air France.
Delta will strengthen its presence at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with six new flights: nonstop to Georgetown, Guyana (June 1); direct to Cape Town, South Africa via Dakar, Senegal (June 3); nonstop to Cairo, Egypt (June 4); nonstop to Malaga, Spain (June 4); nonstop to Amman, Jordan (June 5), and nonstop to Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda (June 12).

Delta will further expand its trans-Atlantic network from its largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with nonstop service to Stockholm, Sweden (June 3).

In cooperation with joint-venture partner Air France, Delta has added a fourth daily flight between its Atlanta hub and Air France’s Paris hub (June 1).

June’s nine international flight inaugurals are part of Delta’s industry-leading global expansion which this year alone includes nonstop service between Atlanta and Shanghai (March 30); New York-JFK and Tel Aviv (March 10); Atlanta, New York-JFK and Los Angeles* and London-Heathrow (March 29); and recently announced service between Atlanta and Kuwait City, effective Nov. 7**.

Also, on July 17 Delta will become the first U.S. airline to serve three cities in France when it begins nonstop service between Lyon and New York-JFK.

“Despite record-high fuel prices, the international marketplace remains strong for Delta,” said Glen Hauenstein, executive vice president – Network and Revenue Management. “We’re already the No. 1 U.S. carrier to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Delta is an undisputed global leader with an unmatched domestic network and the best positioned hubs. With that, we are able to offer the best travel options for international passengers.”

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 324 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 43 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 600 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 474 worldwide destinations in 104 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com

*Operated by codeshare partner Air France

**Service subject to foreign government approval

Front Page

UPS Freight Extends Reliability Guarantee to Canada

On-Time Performance at No Additional Cost

RICHMOND, June 2, 2008 - UPS Freight (NYSE:UPS), which introduced its on-time performance guarantee in the United States in January, has expanded the guarantee to shipments moving in both directions across the Canada-U.S. border.

"The reliability guarantee is a direct result of UPS's experience with freight, brokerage and customs clearance as well as our in-bond freight expertise," said Rick Smith, UPS Freight's Director-Canada. "It's also a clear sign to our customers of the confidence we have in the changes made at UPS Freight."

The new reliability guarantee, offered at no additional cost, applies to direct shipments between points in the United States (48 contiguous states) and points served by UPS Freight service centers in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor and Winnipeg. It is being offered at a time of continued strong trade growth between the two countries; the U.S. Transportation Department says surface transportation trade totaled $45 billion in February, up 18% over the prior year.

The on-time service guarantee is available effective June 30 for less-than-truckload (LTL) customers on both sides of the border who ship using the current UPS Freight UPGF525 tariff. The new guarantee promises that customers can request a waiver of their freight charges if their shipment fails to arrive as scheduled. Detailed terms of the guarantee can be found in the tariff.

UPS Freight's Canadian service includes: a pre-arrival system that speeds clearance at border crossings, minimizing delays; electronic transmission of customs documentation; complete online tracking from origin to destination with instant access to all customs documents, and customs delay alerts and 24-hour access to all shipping information.

Since acquiring the former Overnite Transportation Co. in April 2005, UPS has enhanced UPS Freight's service portfolio and reliability, optimized its delivery network and invested significantly in new technology. As a result, the LTL and truckload carrier is aligned with the global operations and performance standards of UPS's small package and supply chain services.

To improve the experience of UPS Freight's customers, the company has equipped drivers with hand-held computers to track shipments from origin to destination, implemented a Dispatch Reservation System and purchased new rolling stock equipped with extensive decking systems and load bars to minimize the risk of damage. UPS Freight also has applied its Web-based tracking and proactive notification systems - Quantum View® and UPS WorldShip® - to allow freight customers to integrate their databases and shipping systems and more accurately plan for inbound and outbound shipments.

"Under UPS, we are achieving new levels of performance, transitioning into a value-added premium carrier," said UPS Freight President Jack A. Holmes.

UPS Freight is one of the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers and a leading truckload (TL) service provider in the United States with over 215 service centers and 17,400 employees. UPS Freight's reliable, modern fleet of approximately 29,000 tractors and trailers offers a full range of regional and long-haul capabilities. UPS Freight also serves Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information visit www.upsfreight.com

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Front Page

UPS Offers New Shipping Options for Healthcare Customers

ATLANTA, June 2, 2008 - UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced a significant expansion of its capabilities for handling and managing the shipment of temperature-sensitive medical items, including around-the-clock intervention when necessary to utilize refrigeration or replenish dry ice.

The new suite of time- and temperature-sensitive capabilities has been developed for the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries. Targeted particularly to global clinical trials, UPS is facilitating the quick movement of test medicines, specimens, supplies, testing kits and accompanying documents to locations worldwide along with convenient UPS Returns® processing options for international shipments.

"In order to find an edge in a competitive industry, healthcare companies are searching for better ways to enhance compliance and reduce cost when they manage and ship their sensitive inventories," said Bill Hook, vice president, global strategy, UPS Healthcare Logistics. "UPS is committed to helping companies by investing in unique solutions, because healthcare is an important and growing market for us."

The latest answer to the industry's unique needs involves UPS Proactive ResponseSM, which provides a powerful monitoring engine for proactive, around-the-clock attention to help ensure product integrity. The contract service, available in 72 countries, includes dry ice replenishment or refrigeration at select air gateway facilities and intervention in the event of unexpected delays.

The Proactive Response service can automatically compare data on where a package is against where it should be and direct pre-arranged actions to avoid problems or speed recovery. These integrated processes, particularly when applied to healthcare, take advantage of recently simplified UPS dry ice standards that meet IATA or 49CFR requirements.

"Biopharma companies tell us that temperature mapping is an increasingly critical component of their supply chain planning," said Hook. "We've studied our environment inside UPS aircraft during flight, within the humidity chamber at our UPS Package Lab and during ground transit to create a solution for reliable, predictable transit and seamless reaction when an exception occurs."

In a related development, UPS Supply Chain Solutions broke ground last week on a new 215,000-square-foot healthcare distribution facility in Roermond, The Netherlands, that will open in the spring of 2009. It will provide healthcare customers with compliance tools and customized inventory management along with temperature-sensitive storage and quality assurance services to link with UPS's European and global freight and express package networks. The expansion will add a fourth building to an existing UPS Supply Chain Solutions European logistics campus that totals nearly 1 million square feet.

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit www.pressroom.ups.com/RSS

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Front Page

Boeing Provides 1,600 Components Successfully Launched on Discovery

ST. LOUIS, June 02, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] provided more than 1,600 of the components in the payload that Space Shuttle Discovery is delivering to the International Space Station (ISS). Discovery launched Saturday from Kennedy Space Center, Fla., on a 14-day mission to deliver the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module-Pressured Module (JEM-PM), which includes the Japanese Experiment Module-Remote Manipulator System (JEM-RMS), a robotic arm to support experiments and maintenance.

JEM-PM is the Kibo module's main science component and the second of three Kibo elements to be delivered to the ISS. The largest payload and habitable module ever delivered to the ISS, the JEM-PM is the size of a 16-ton school bus.

In addition to providing common gear components for Kibo under an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Boeing also contributed essential payload processing. The common gear components include lights, fans, power switches and converters, racks, air diffusers, smoke detectors, berthing mechanisms and optical window assemblies.

The components that help keep the JEM-PM operating properly are similar to those that Boeing developed for the U.S. Destiny laboratory and the Harmony connecting utility node built by Italy.

"Even though the JEM-PM has an identical configuration of the gear Boeing provided for Destiny and Harmony, its most unique feature is that there are two big windows at one end of the science module," said Joel Bridges, the JEM-PM program manager when the module's components were being assembled and built at Boeing's facility in Huntsville, Ala. "These windows are similar to the windows in the Destiny lab, but will provide a nearly panoramic view of any experiments, helping to yield more scientific observation."

Another unique feature of the JEM-PM is that its water-based internal cooling loop dissipates heat generated by experiments and avionics. The loop relies on both the Boeing-built heat exchangers and the central ammonia cooling system.

Boeing also provided a new restraint mechanism that had to be developed for the space shuttle's robotic camera because of the immense size of the JEM-PM.

"Boeing worked with NASA and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates to perform analysis for the restraint mechanisms for the camera because there is less than one inch of clearance between the payload and the radiators mounted on the interior of the payload bay doors," said Mike Burghardt, Boeing chief orbiter engineer. "It's important to ensure clearance between the camera, the JEM payload and the radiators to prevent damage to any of this hardware from vibration experienced during liftoff and ascent."

The Boeing Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services facility in Florida has provided a home for the JEM-PM since its arrival in June 2003.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page Australia

Monday, 2 June 2008

DIGGERS CEASE OPERATIONS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ

Australian soldiers at Tallil in Southern Iraq ceased operations on 1st
June and handed over security responsibility for Al Muthanna and Dhi
Qar Provinces to U.S. forces.

Diggers from Combat Team Waler patrolled up until the last moment,
completing a two-day security mission, before driving up to a parade to
signal the end of operations.

Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) – 4, Lieutenant
Colonel Chris Websdane said the soldiers’ work was now done. “You
should be proud of the part you have played in bringing peace and
prosperity to the people of Dhi Qar and Al Muthanna,” he said.

Senior Australian and Coalition commanders, and Iraqi leaders, welcomed
the patrol and thanked the soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West)
– 4 and the Australian Army Training Team – Iraq 9 for their
contribution to the stable security environment in the two provinces.

Commander of Australian Operations in the Middle East, Major General
Mike Hindmarsh said the arrival of the final patrol was “the end of
another chapter in Australia’s proud military history.” He also
thanked the Training Team for its efforts in training 33,000 members of the
Iraqi Security Forces over its nine rotations.

The Governor of Dhi Qar Province, Aziz Kadum Alwan Ogheli, thanked the
Australians for their contribution, highlighting their reconstruction
and security efforts.

Later in the day Diggers lowered the Australian national flag and
officially transferred authority for operations in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar
to the soldiers of the U.S. 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division.

During the transfer ceremony, the Commander of Multi National Corps –
Iraq, Lieutenant General Lloyd J. Austin III, said Australian soldiers
had achieved much since 2005. “In that time you have contributed
immensely to the area,” he said.

“You have been instrumental in establishing self-sustaining
governance and security in Al Muthanna and improving the security situation in
Dhi Qar and in the continued development of the Iraqi Security
Forces,” he added.

During the course of operations in Southern Iraq successive Battle
Groups completed approximately 8700 patrols, traveling more than three
million kilometers and completed more than 250 reconstruction projects in
Dhi Qar and Al Muthana.

The return of Australian personnel and equipment to Australia is well
advanced and will be completed, as planned, by mid-year.

Front Page Australia

THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence

Monday, 2 June 2008
050/2008

CESSATION OF ADF OPERATIONS IN SOUTHERN IRAQ

Australian troops have lowered the flag on their highly successful
commitment to the security of southern Iraq and the training of the new
Iraqi Army.

The Overwatch Battle Group (OBG-W) and Australian Army Training Team
(AATT-I) formally ceased operations at a ceremony in Camp Terendak, Talil
today.

Labor made a firm commitment to the
Australian people that it would bring our combat troops home from Iraq
and today it has fulfilled that commitment.

Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said the conclusion
of the dual missions marked the completion of Australia’s combat role
in Iraq.

“Our soldiers have worked tirelessly to ensure that local people in
southern Iraq have the best possible chance to move on from their
suffering under Saddam’s regime and, as a Government we are extremely
proud of their service,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Importantly, the successes of the OBG(W) would not have been
possible without strong foundations provided by the al-Muthanna Task Group
(AMTG) and its important role in protecting Japanese reconstruction
activities in the province.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said OBG(W) operations gave the fledgling Iraqi Army the
space and time to train, grow and consolidate into a capable force that
has proven itself time and again in recent months.

“Since commencing the training role, ADF personnel in southern Iraq
have contributed to the individual and collective training of 33,000
Iraqi Army soldiers.

“In addition, specialist training has been provided in logistics
management, combat service support and importantly, effective
counter-insurgency operations.

“While only a small element of the 3700 ADF personnel who served in
security and training roles, the Australian contribution to the Iraqi
Army’s Counter Insurgency Academy is one of the lasting legacies of our
commitment.

“Our troops have been directly involved in the mentoring of 250 Iraqi
Army soldiers who now have the skills and experience to incorporate
vital counter-insurgency tactics, techniques and procedures into their
parent unit’s activities.

“The success of recent Iraqi security operations in southern Iraq is
in no small part thanks to the dedicated and professional role of the
Australian troops who formed the AATT-I.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said the advances made in southern Iraq were obvious when
compared to the environment first encountered by the AMTG in April
2005.

“In the space of 12 months a similar sized Australian force had
moved to an overwatch role in two provinces, al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar, and
began focusing on supporting the Iraqi Security Forces as they grew in
capability,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar were the first provinces to transfer to
Provincial Iraqi Control, heralding the beginning of a process that today has
nine provinces, comprising half of the total Iraqi provinces, firmly in
Iraqi Government control.

“The improved security environment has allowed the Coalition to
further reduce its direct support to the Iraqis by replacing the OBG(W) with
a strategic overwatch force responsible for a large portion of
southern Iraq.

“American commanders now responsible for regional overwatch have
spent the past month with the OBG(W) getting to know the key personalities,
the ground, and importantly their Iraqi Security Force partners to
ensure a smooth continuation of support.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said despite the focus on population support tasks, the
actual risks faced by OBG(W) soldiers, particularly indiscriminate
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks, remained as lethal as those
encountered by the AMTG when it first entered the area.

“As recently as two-weeks ago, an Australian soldier was seriously
wounded in an IED strike on an Australian armoured vehicle.

“Our soldiers have faced and responded to complex multiple IED and
direct-fire attacks and of course there have been several significant
contacts with Anti-Iraqi Forces in which Australian infantry and cavalry
soldiers have quickly gained the upper hand and prevented further
casualties or damage.”

Six Australian soldiers have been wounded during the three years of
security operations in southern Iraq, and several vehicles have been
damaged.
The Australian contribution to the security of southern Iraq and the
development of the Iraqi Security Forces has not gone unnoticed by
Coalition partners.

During his visit to Talil earlier this year, General David Petraeus
strongly endorsed the Australian approach to operations.

“Australian forces have helped enormously with the development of
Iraqi security forces in Dhi Qar Province and also in al-Muthanna,”
General Petraeus said.

“It’s been a privilege to soldier with those who come from
Australia and we are very grateful for the contribution that they’ve made
here.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said the Australian military commitment has also provided
a significant enhancement to the lives of the local population through
the provision of about $9 million in funding for civil infrastructure
projects such as redevelopment of schools, sanitation programs and
enhancement of health facilities.

These projects were also crucial in providing valuable employment
opportunities for a population still reeling from the effects of deliberate
combat operations.

Mr Fitzgibbon said the withdrawal of ADF troops from southern Iraq has
closed another chapter in a strong and proud Australian military
history.

“I’m immensely proud of our troops but perhaps the best measure of
their success and the legacy they leave is expressed by the Iraqis
themselves.

“Mr Ali Jaleel Kareem, an Iraqi SWAT officer undergoing Australian
training recently told journalists ‘I feel the Australians’
experience has taught us a good way and I hope they will return as civilians to
visit our country in the future'."

Front Page

Florida Employees, Suppliers and Elected Officials Turn Out to Support the U.S. Air Force KC-45 Tanker Program At Northrop Grumman's Tanker Headquarters

KC-45 Tanker Program Will Create Hundreds of Florida Jobs, 48,000 Jobs Across America

MELBOURNE, Fla. - May 29, 2008 - More than 1,000 Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) employees, Space Coast-area elected officials and supplier company officials turned out at Northrop Grumman's Melbourne facility today to support America's New Tanker, the U.S. Air Force KC-45.

"This program is a big win for the aerospace industry here in Florida, creating hundreds of new jobs and opportunities for our workforce and their families," said Congressman Dave Weldon, one of several officials who spoke at the event. "Good paying aerospace jobs are vital to the health of our economy and our communities, and the KC-45 Tanker program ensures that tradition continues for decades to come."

The company's headquarters for KC-45 program management and engineering will be located in Melbourne for the life of the multi-year program. Eight Florida companies will provide parts, systems or services to Northrop Grumman in support of the KC-45 Tanker program, creating nearly 1,600 jobs and generating additional economic activity approaching $100 million throughout the state.

The U.S. Air Force found Northrop Grumman's bid to build the next-generation of aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing's offering. Despite this fact, the losing bidder wants the Government Accountability Office to overturn the Air Force decision to award the contract to Northrop Grumman.

"The KC-45 Tanker program team here in Melbourne spent several years working to offer a superior product, and winning this program is a huge accomplishment -- for our Air Force, for our company and for our community here in Melbourne," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president of Air Mobility Systems and general manager of the KC-45 Tanker program. "Northrop Grumman has been a leader in the Space Coast aerospace industry for decades, and being selected to build 179 tanker aircraft is yet another opportunity to deliver a superior aircraft while creating 48,000 American jobs across the country. We're extremely proud of this win and we're ready to get to work."

Northrop Grumman currently employs nearly 5,000 Floridians throughout the state, and the KC-45 Tanker supply chain employs more than 3,100 workers. In 2007, Northrop Grumman's economic impact in the state was $434 million.

About the KC-45

The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala. -- establishing Mobile as the new cornerstone of the Southern Aerospace Corridor. The program will employ 48,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies in 49 states; and will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page ~ Diversity

Northrop Grumman, Oshkosh JLTV Features Leapfrog Diesel-Electric Drive Design

U.S. Department of Defense to Select Competitors Next Month for $40 Billion Program

JLTV to replace the venerable Humvee

RESTON, Va. and OSHKOSH, Wis., May 30, 2008 -- The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) family of vehicles offered by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) features diesel-electric drive, a unique approach that provides more power, enables higher performance, provides better protection and is easier to maintain.

Company officials presented details of the team's JLTV at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on May 16. The JLTV will replace the Humvee for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

The Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh diesel-electric vehicle-propulsion approach opens the door for numerous design advances, reduces the logistics footprint, lowers life-cycle costs, and provides surplus exportable electrical power, all based on proven technology. Although no vehicles in the military's fleet use diesel-electric drive today, railroads and mining equipment have been powered by the technology for decades.

"This vehicle is of such importance that the Department of Defense wisely reached out to create an acquisition process -- including Technical Development and System Design and Development phases -- to harvest the best ideas that industry could bring to the table," said Joe Gray Taylor, vice president of Ground Combat Systems at Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector. "Our team had some very good ideas that enable us to leapfrog current capabilities by offering greater flexibility to cope with unexpected future combat requirements."

"Diesel-electric drive is a time-tested and proven technology -- simple in theory but complex in capability -- that allows us to meet and exceed the customer's requirements for protection, payload and performance," said John Stoddart, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense Group. "What is new is the ability to take that proven technology and package it so that its vast power reserves can be exploited in very intense areas like battlefields."

Oshkosh also demonstrated the technology during relief operations in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, powering pumps around the clock to remove millions of gallons of water from Louisiana State University Health Services Center-Charity Hospital.

Northrop Grumman and Oshkosh believe the design gives them an enormous power advantage. Noting that specifics are competitive sensitive, Taylor said: "This technology provides not only exportable power but also a great deal of power to the vehicle, which means agility, performance, and the ability to deal with payloads, such as the C4ISR systems it carries."

The design also offers more flexibility and modularity and the ability to tailor engineering solutions. Since diesel-electric power eliminates the need for a transmission and conventional drive train -- the so-called "doghouse" and drive shaft hump -- engineers can tailor and create a more spacious and efficient crew compartment with optimal armor protection.

By reducing the number of parts, the Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh JLTV reduces the likelihood of a complex mechanical failure. Fewer parts also mean less burden on maintainers, higher reliability and lower life-cycle cost.

The diesel-electric design intentionally excludes the large, high-voltage battery pack often found in hybrid solutions, mitigating the logistics burden of battery disposal. With the weight of the batteries removed, the vehicle can also carry more valuable payload.

"Because the diesel electric design itself is inherently modular, it allows for a family of vehicles made up of a small number of common modules. In practical terms, the military can modernize or repair this design far more simply than traditional designs," Stoddart said. "This design allows efficient manufacturing, crew maintenance, battle damage repair and eventual refurbishment."

Stoddart cited as examples the easy replacement of the front or rear drivetrain module if it sustains combat damage and the engine with a fuel cell if the military decides to move to new power systems. Hybrid technology -- "once it matures" -- could be integrated in the design, and the crew compartment module could readily accept new base armor and add-on armor technologies when available.

Diesel-electric powertrains are made up of a diesel engine connected to an electrical generator, which creates electricity to power an electric traction motor driving each axle to move the vehicle. The components that form this design include a high-horsepower engine, high power-capacity generator, high power-rated motor, motor controller and a power inverter, all proven technologies that have been demonstrated in military trucks.

The Defense Department is expected to decide next month which industry competitors will continue into 27-month Technology Development phase for this $40 billion program.

Northrop Grumman and Oshkosh Corporation joined forces to compete for the JLTV program on Jan. 8. If selected, Northrop Grumman will be the prime contractor and systems integrator. Oshkosh Corporation's Defense Group will be responsible for designing, engineering and manufacturing the vehicle, including the armor system.

Northrop Grumman integrates a broad spectrum of critical joint combat and C4ISR platforms, including serving as the prime contractor for the Army's Command Post Platform, Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2)/Blue Force Tracking (BFT) and Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC) programs.

Oshkosh has nine decades of proven experience developing advanced automotive systems, on/off road capabilities, extreme-duty vehicle platforms, military vehicles and integrated armor solutions. Oshkosh has advanced on-board vehicle power capabilities on two prototype vehicles: the Marine Corps' Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) and the U.S. Army's Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT).

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire and emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh(r), JLG(r), Pierce(r), McNeilus(r), Medtec(r), Jerr-Dan(r), BAI(tm), Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline(tm), SMIT(tm), Geesink(tm), Norba(tm), Kiggen(tm), CON-E-CO(r), London(r) and IMT(r).

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Announces Sponsorship of St. Mary's County Public Schools STEM Foundation

HOLLYWOOD, Md., May 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced a $10,000 sponsorship of the St. Mary's County Public Schools Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Foundation.

The funds will support STEM Academy programs with participation by more than 250 students, elementary through high school, as well as numerous other students across the school system who benefit from STEM instruction in extended day programs and summer camps.

STEM emphasizes the core areas of mathematics and science with an infusion of technology and engineering. Students with advanced skills and interests in these areas of study receive instruction in state-of-the-art classrooms, research laboratories and e-learning labs.

"As a corporation recognized for technological innovation, achievement and commitment to the communities where its employees live and work, Northrop Grumman is proud to support the St. Mary's County Public Schools STEM Foundation," said Scott Stewart, Northrop Grumman corporate lead executive in Patuxent River, MD. "Initiatives like this are just one more way Northrop Grumman is helping the local school system and community provide young people with the opportunity to enhance their skills as they prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow."

With almost 300 employees in the area, Northrop Grumman is an active part of the community, and recently hosted STEM students at its Mobile Maritime Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Center in Hollywood, Md. During the visit to the MMISRC, students received hands-on instruction from company engineers on applying GPS technology to navigation solutions, computer-based mapping tools, and fundamentals of celestial navigation. Earlier in the year, Northrop Grumman participated in a STEM open house, aimed at generating interest in the STEM Academy with prospective students and their parents.

"The tremendous success of our STEM program has been greatly impacted by the sponsorship of companies such as Northrop Grumman Corporation," said Dr. Michael Martirano, superintendent of St. Mary's County Public Schools. "We are exceedingly grateful for Northrop Grumman's generosity, both through financial support and through opportunities for students to access state-of-the-art technologies such as the Mobile Maritime Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Center."

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman KC-45: Why We Won -- Fuel Offload

Highlighting reasons the U.S. Air Force selected the KC-45 Tanker as best for our men and women in uniform.

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2008 -- The U.S. Air Force found Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) bid to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing's in four of the five most important selection criteria. Despite this fact, the losing bidder wants the Government Accountability Office to overturn the Air Force decision to award the contract to Northrop Grumman even though the Air Force conducted what even Boeing described as a fair, open and transparent bidding process. Here is another reason Northrop Grumman won, drawn from a list of facts included in a redacted version of a protected Air Force selection document.

Fuel Offload

In publishing its Request For Proposal (RFP) for America's next generation of aerial refueling tankers, the Air Force made clear that it was placing a priority on superior refueling capacity, even as it was looking for a more versatile aircraft. In the document in which it explained to both companies why Northrop Grumman's aircraft was superior, the Air Force concluded that Northrop Grumman was better able to pump fuel onto other aircraft -- and receive fuel from another aircraft -- than Boeing, earning a clear win in this vital evaluation category.

"Northrop Grumman provides better fuel offload at all distances from bases," the document noted. "Benefit: A single (Northrop Grumman tanker) can refuel more receivers and/or provide more fuel per receiver than" Boeing's aircraft.

"Northrop Grumman offered a superior fuel offload and receive rate ... compared to Boeing's," the document notes.

The Air Force also made clear that it found Northrop Grumman's fuel offload capability to be more efficient than Boeing's.

"The (Northrop Grumman aircraft) also provides more pounds of fuel offload per pound of fuel used compared to the (Boeing aircraft) at all ranges."

In its written summary, the Air Force said Northrop Grumman's "aerial refueling capability was compelling" to its decision. "Northrop Grumman's offer was a superior solution to the air refueling requirement, which is a key performance parameter."

When Northrop Grumman's win was announced on Feb. 29, Sue Payton, the chief acquisition officer for the Air Force, said, "Overall, Northrop Grumman did have strong areas in aero-refueling."

About the KC-45

The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and the KC-45 team will employ 48,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies in 49 states. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Verifies Value of Networking Systems

BETHPAGE, N.Y., May 27, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- A Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) study conducted for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, demonstrates that airborne electronic jammer aircraft are more effective and efficient when networked and enhanced by decision aids. Airborne electronic attack, or "jamming," aircraft can blind, disrupt or otherwise affect enemy radars, communications, computing and other electronic weapons and systems, protecting warfighters during combat.

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of networked jammers when they are supported by specialized computer programs that recognize enemy radars, communications and other electronic activities. The computer programs determine the threat and then automatically assign responses. The study determined the effectiveness and efficiency of these decision aids to improve both the ability of strike aircraft to hit their targets and the overall safety of their crews.

Researchers at Northrop Grumman's Bethpage facility initially demonstrated that networking airborne electronic jammers provide warfighters more tactical options and flexibility than independently functioning electronic attack aircraft. Then, by adding decision aids to the jammers, these systems were measured to be three to five times more effective than standalone jammers.

"We believe that our findings validate, through sound science, that the military's roadmap for airborne electronic attack is solid and sensible," said Patricia McMahon, vice president of Electronic Support and Attack Solutions for Northrop Grumman. "Optimized networks let battle managers see more of the battlefield and see it with more surety and clarity."

Researchers at Northrop Grumman applied an in-house technology called the AEA Mission Management Processing (AMMP) decision making module to optimize networked jammers for the study's simulations. AMMP utilizes intelligent agent technology with mission-specified rule sets to automate the responses of the various AEA systems in the network. These mission rules let the network assess the electronic battle space, prioritize the responses needed, assign specific tasks to the jammers and make real-time adjustments as the battle progresses.

AMMP was developed as part of Northrop Grumman's larger Electronic Warfare Battle Management initiatives. The company has been producing airborne electronic attack aircraft and systems for half a century.

"It was the relatively recent incorporation of communication systems such as the Link-16/Multifuntion Information Distribution System into the military's electronic warfare fleet that opened the door to capabilities that we evaluated in our study," said McMahon. "That allows us to incorporate tools such as AMMP, which relieve the operators from trying to make 'speed-of-light' tactical adjustments and let them focus on managing the battle."

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Team Successfully Completes GPS OCX Integrated Baseline Review

Company Moves Forward On Revolutionary Global Positioning System Ground Control Segment

RESTON, Va., May 27, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently completed the integrated baseline review for the U.S. Air Force Next-Generation Global Positioning System (GPS) Ground Control Segment (OCX), achieving two major milestone reviews within a matter of weeks.

The integrated baseline review accomplishes several goals, such as identifying key schedule milestones, ensuring adequate resources are available to complete program tasks, and verifying tasks are planned and can be objectively measured. The review follows close on the heels of the Northrop Grumman team's successful system requirements review, another major milestone.

"This was the most comprehensive integrated baseline review of my experience. The Air Force dug deep, asking hundreds of detailed questions that required us to thoroughly explain our application of Northrop Grumman's proven prime contractor management practices in support of the OCX program," said Steve Bergjans, GPS OCX vice president and program manager for Northrop Grumman. "To have successfully completed this very thorough review almost immediately after the comprehensive system requirements review is clear evidence our team can take on multiple, high-priority tasks while delivering strong results for the customer and it positions the Northrop Grumman team for long-term success with the program."

The back-to-back completion of the system requirements review and the integrated baseline review is a shared accomplishment of Northrop Grumman; Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Fla; Integral Systems Inc., Lanham, Md; Infinity Systems Engineering, Colorado Springs, Colo; and Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services, Gaithersburg, Md.

GPS OCX is intended to revolutionize the operations concept for command and control of existing GPS II and future GPS III satellites. OCX will deliver new GPS mission planning, constellation management, ground antenna, monitoring station, and satellite command and control capabilities.

Under the 18-month contract, Northrop Grumman's Team OCX will provide systems engineering and integration; architecture design; communications and network engineering; information assurance and security; modeling and simulation; network management; software development; support, maintenance and implementation; and test and evaluation.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Front Page Canada

Bombardier Learjet 85 Aircraft Composite Structure Manufacturing to Take Place at Querétaro Facility

Mexico City, May 29, 2008

Final assembly, interior completions, flight test and customer delivery will be based in Wichita
Today, corporate aviation leader Bombardier announced its facility in Querétaro, Mexico will manufacture the composite structure for its all-new, state-of-the-art Learjet 85 business jet. The Querétaro site will also manufacture the electrical harness and perform sub-assembly systems installation. Final assembly, interior completions, flight test and customer delivery of this next-generation aircraft will take place at Bombardier’s Wichita facility, home of the legendary Learjet brand.

“Mexico is key to the development of a highly competitive aerospace industry in Central and South America, as well as to Bombardier’s increased competitiveness in the international marketplace,” said Jean Séguin, Vice-President Engineering and Supply Chain, Bombardier Aerospace. “With our facility in Querétaro, we continue to expand our manufacturing capacity while increasing the efficiency of our operations. In keeping with our tradition of innovation, the composite manufacturing capacity we are adding to our plant in Mexico is an excellent complement to the approximately 40 years of experience in advanced composites technologies developed at our Bombardier facilities.”

“The name Learjet embodies a legacy of excellence in the history of business aviation and as with all our Learjet aircraft, Wichita will remain the site for final completion of our new Learjet 85 aircraft,” said David Coleal, Vice-President and General Manager, Learjet Product Line.

In January 2008, Bombardier announced Grob Aerospace had been selected to develop the all-composite structure of the new Learjet 85 aircraft and produce the composite structure during the initial production cycle. During this period Bombardier will transfer composite manufacturing from Grob to its Querétaro site.

Launched on October 30, 2007 the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25. Entry into service is planned for fiscal year 2012/13.

Bombardier Aerospace in Mexico

Collaborating with the federal and Querétaro state governments to develop a solid aerospace industry in Mexico, Bombardier began operations in May 2006 at its facility in the El Marques Industrial Park. At a ceremony on February 28, 2008, a second plant located at the new Querétaro Aerospace Park was officially inaugurated by Felipe Calderón, President of Mexico; Francisco Garrido Patrón, Govenor of the State of Querétaro; and Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace.
Currently, approximately 900 employees work at Bombardier’s facilities in Querétaro where they manufacture electrical harnesses and structural aircraft components, including the Challenger 850 mid-fuselage, the Q400 aircraft flight control work package, and the aft fuselage for the Global family of aircraft. By the end of fiscal year 2008/09, Bombardier Aerospace expects the workforce to increase to 1,200 full-time employees.

Building on legendary Learjet performance
True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect. The clean-sheet Learjet aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*. Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, this jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.

Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier Aerospace has carried forward the brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient aircraft.

About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier, Learjet, Learjet 85, Challenger 850 and Q400 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

NOTES ~ *Under certain operating conditions; Learjet 85 range with 2 crew, 4 passengers (200 lb each) and 100 NM NBAA IFR reserves. Assumes standard BOW, sea level departure and landing, unrestricted climb, cruise and descent with zero wind and standard (ISA) conditions en route.

Front Page

Cessna’s Orders at EBACE Total $750 Million for 88 Aircraft

Wichita, Kan., May 28, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, wrapped up the eighth annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) last week in Geneva, Switzerland, with 88 new aircraft orders totaling nearly $750 million.

During the three-day event, Cessna took orders for 70 Citation business jets, 14 Caravans and four single-engine pistons. These orders include two announced on EBACE’s opening-day – 24 business jet orders from Austrian charter giant JETALLIANCE and 20 Citation Mustangs from Russian air taxi operator Dexter. The orders also include those from Air Alliance GmbH, one of Europe’s most active Cessna Caravan Authorized Sales Representatives. Air Alliance ordered six 208B Grand Caravans, a 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane.

“Our sales and marketing team on the ground in Geneva, as well as the support staff back in the United States, worked hard to close these deals and make this one of our most successful appearances at EBACE,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Cessna. “It is key to note these orders encompassed our entire Citation line and involved our piston and turboprop models as well. Our broad product range allows us to match an aircraft to fit any mission our customers have.”

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $14.5 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,100 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com .

Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com .

Forward-looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including but not limited to the following: [a] changes in worldwide economic and political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; [b] the interruption of production at our facilities or at our suppliers’ facilities; [c] the timing of new product launches and certifications of new aircraft products; [d] the occurrence of slowdowns or downturns in customer markets in which our products are sold or supplied; [e] changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellation of orders; [f] the launching of significant new products or programs which could result in unanticipated expenses; [g] changes in national or international government policies on the export and import of commercial products; and [h] bankruptcy or other financial problems at major suppliers that could cause disruptions in our supply chain.

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Cessna Takes EBACE Orders from Air Alliance GmbH

Berlin, May 27, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, took an order during EBACE for six 208B Grand Caravans, a 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane from Air Alliance GmbH, one of Europe’s most active Cessna Caravan dealers.

Based in Burbach’s Flughaven Siegerland in Germany, Air Alliance is also an authorized service center for Cessna piston and turboprop aircraft. Air Alliance is participating in this week’s ILA aerospace exhibit at Berlin’s Schoenefeld Airport.

“Air Alliance continues its success as a leading Caravan dealer with this new order, a signal that the market in Europe for Cessna aircraft remains strong,” said Pana Poulios, Cessna regional sales manager in Europe. “We have increased Caravan production for 2008 based largely on international orders such as this. Our single-engine piston sales in Europe are also doing very well in 2008.”

Cessna announced increased demand for the 208 Caravan and 208B Grand Caravan aircraft from customers around the globe prompted the company to increase production in 2008 to about 120 aircraft, up from last year’s production of 79 aircraft.

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2007, Cessna delivered 1,272 aircraft, including 387 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5 billion. Cessna has a current backlog of $14.5 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 190,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered to nearly every country in the world. The global fleet of more than 5,100 Citations is the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at http://www.cessna.com .

Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, defense and intelligence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com

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PIPER AIRCRAFT SELECTS FLORIDA

VERO BEACH, Fla., May 28, 2008 – Piper Aircraft, Inc., the State of Florida and Indian River County today announced an agreement that will keep the general aviation manufacturer’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Indian River County.

“Florida is a state that leads the nation in encouraging aviation, and Piper Aircraft is one of general aviation’s uncontested leaders,” said Florida Governor Charlie Crist. “This agreement is an investment in Florida. It represents thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in wages, economic development and other contributions for Indian River County, surrounding local communities and our state.”

“We are pleased and honored to announce our decision to remain and expand our operations in Indian River County,” said Piper President & CEO James K. Bass. “Our decision is not just a vote of confidence for our hometown, it is also a commitment by Piper to Indian River County and the State of Florida.”

The decision to stay came after an extensive site selection process that addressed fundamental issues and needs that Piper cited as vital in remaining competitive and prospering in what is a very challenging industry.

Indian River County Administrator Joseph Baird underscored the value Piper has brought to Indian River County over the 50 years it has called Vero Beach home. Citing an economic impact study conducted by The Washington Economic Group in March 2007, he said that the joint county and state incentive package is an investment in Piper, which will return much more to the community and the state.

“The Washington Economic Group’s study showed that Piper contributes $518 million per year to our local economy,” Baird said, referring to the study commissioned by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. “That investment is made up of the millions of dollars the company pays in taxes and to local suppliers, as well as the huge ripple effect that comes from Piper employees who spend their paychecks locally in our stores and restaurants and contribute to our community organizations and charitable causes.”

In signing the agreement, Piper accepted a $32 million incentive package from the state and county – to be paid out over three years – and made a commitment to remain and grow in Indian River County. The agreement ended a two-year, site-selection review process that in recent months had narrowed the field to three locations, including Piper’s current site in Vero Beach, Fla.

Bass said Piper’s decision factored in many criteria and ultimately concluded that remaining in Indian River County was the best choice for many different reasons.

“One of the most important factors in our decision to stay has been our workforce,” Bass said. “Indian River County and its surrounding communities are home for the vast majority of the men and women of Piper. The incentive package demonstrates a commitment to making our community a place where business and industry not only want to stay, but where others will seek to relocate.

“We have a skilled workforce and many talented people in our county and throughout the state,” he said. “By helping Piper stay and continue to invest in Indian River County, state and local officials are sending the message that Florida is a friend of business and industry. To that end, I look forward to encouraging businesses and industries to move to Indian River County and the state.”

Bass noted that the incentive package will enable Piper to make a substantial capital investment in its plant in Indian River County in facilities, technology, equipment and tooling; undertake product development; and design, develop, produce and assemble the PiperJet and other aircraft projects there.

“We are honored by the support shown to Piper, beginning with Governor Crist and his team at the Florida State Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development and Enterprise Florida,” Bass said. “From Governor Crist to State Representative Ralph Poppell, Senate President Ken Pruitt, Indian River County Administrator Joseph Baird, all of the Indian River County Commissioners under the able leadership of the former chairman, Gary Wheeler, and the current chairperson, Sandra Bowden, and the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, we have seen what a true government-industry partnership can mean to a community.”

Bass said Piper’s decision to remain in Indian River County was no reflection on the other communities Piper considered. “It speaks, instead, to the very specific and special needs Piper Aircraft has for current and future operations,” he said. “The other communities we looked at are communities with excellent quality of life and features and attributes that are compelling. But after many months of analysis, interviews, site visits and careful study, we concluded that Indian River County and Florida provided our best opportunity to stay competitive and prosper in our industry.

“We recognize that considerable work, time, and resources are required to assemble a competitive proposal, host a consultant’s tour of the community, and collaborate with elected officials to make an offer of incentives,” Bass said, “and Piper extends its sincerest thanks for the hard work and impressive efforts put forth by all the communities that responded to us.”

Bass emphasized the history Piper has with Indian River County and thanked the community and its business leaders for the encouragement they demonstrated during the site selection process.

“Indian River County is where generations of Piper employees have worked hard to make Piper the respected and trusted company that it is,” said Bass. “Having the support of our employees, state and community makes all the difference in the world.”

Piper Aircraft, Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. Piper’s rich legacy is born of 70 years of unparalleled history, with hundreds of thousands of aircraft brought to market and more than 160 models certified. Approximately 90,000 of those aircraft are still flying and being serviced and supported on every continent by Piper’s 65 service centers, 40 dealers and 2,500 field personnel. Today, Piper is the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer aircraft for every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use, to turbine-powered business aircraft and the PiperJet.

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May 29, 2008

U.S. Navy Awards General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products Contract Extension for Production of F/A-18 Gun Systems

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $7.8 million contract extension for the production of M61A2 20mm automatic Gatling gun systems for use on F/A-18 fighter jets.

The production work will be performed at General Dynamics' Saco, Maine, facility, with final deliveries scheduled in the fourth quarter of this year. The program will be managed out of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products’ Burlington, Vt., facility.

The initial $10 million contract was awarded to General Dynamics in July 2005 followed by a $12.5 million contract extension in August 2006.

According to Gary LaPerriere, director of operations for General Dynamics in Saco, “Our team here in Maine is proud to continue to supply these potentially life-saving gun system to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Our M61A1 and M61A2 20mm Gatling gun systems offer lightweight, highly lethal combat support for a variety of aircraft. The M61A1 and M61A2 dramatically increase multiple-hit probabilities when compared to guns with lower rates of fire because they can provide firing rates of up to 7,200 shots per minute. The M61A2 is also 20 percent lighter than the M61A1.”

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, located in Charlotte, N.C., provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance armament systems; defensive armor solutions; aerospace components; mobile shelter systems; and is the leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the Internet at www.gdatp.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com

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Electronic tickets to replace paper tickets

98 per cent of all tickets issued by Lufthansa are already generated electronically

27.05.08

This coming weekend marks the start of a new era for air travellers. From 1 June 2008, only electronic tickets will be issued for Lufthansa flights as well as for flights operated by all other IATA airlines. The decision to phase out paper tickets in the airline industry was made back in 2004 as part of IATA’s “Simplifying the business” initiative. Electronic tickets offer customers considerable advantages while at the same time providing an opportunity for airlines to save costs.

Furthermore, the switch to electronic tickets will benefit the environment. According to IATA, abolishing paper tickets means that 50,000 fewer trees will need to be felled each year. In future, after making a reservation, Lufthansa passengers will not receive a paper ticket, but will instead be issued with an electronic ticket, or etix. With an etix, passengers can use the convenient online check-in service and print out their own boarding pass at home, or collect it at one of the 350 Check-in terminals at airports. Thanks to the latest service innovations, they can also have an electronic boarding pass sent to them by email or by SMS to an Internet-compatible mobile phone. Without etix, none of these services would be possible.

On 1 June, when the IATA ruling goes into effect, virtually all Lufthansa tickets will be issued as etix. Passengers will therefore no longer have a choice between a paper and an electronic ticket. Paper tickets issued before 1 June will, however, retain their validity. With an anticipated take-up rate of more than 98 per cent, Lufthansa exceeds the industry average rate of 96.5 per cent that IATA has targeted for that date. In comparison: at the end of 2004, at the launch of the IATA initiative, Lufthansa had achieved a 45 per cent take-up rate.

In order to increase the share of electronic tickets, about 80 partner airlines have been integrated into the electronic interlining system: More than 200 Lufthansa stations worldwide have switched to etix and all the technical booking and check-in functions in the relevant systems have been adapted. Station staff has undergone intensive training to prepare for the introduction of the new system. Over the next few months, the remaining interline partners will be linked to the system and further IT adjustments will be made.

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EADS selects preferred suppliers for engineering servicesSignificant progress in Group-wide global sourcing strategy

28 preferred and strategic suppliers selected out of around 2,000

Amsterdam/Toulouse, 29 May 2008
EADS and its five Divisions have selected 28 preferred and strategic suppliers for engineering services out of the existing pool of around 2,000 suppliers. This is in line with both a continuation of EADS’ global sourcing strategy and the Smart Buying objective of the Power8 programme. By deciding on this limited number of first tier-one suppliers, four Indian and 24 EU-based companies were selected, thus successfully increasing the company’s footprint in low-cost and/or US dollar based countries.

Currently EADS spends about € 2 billion per year on engineering services – services, which encompass for example research, modelling, flight physics and design of aircraft. The consolidated supplier basis will lead to significant cost reductions. As an aligned structure of all EADS Divisions, it will apply from now on and for the entire EADS Group. The number and size of work packages, which are given to these preferred suppliers, will increase gradually until 2010.

“The optimization of our supply chain by defining a limited number of capable and reliable tier-one suppliers is an essential step towards securing our global competitiveness,” said Hans Mundt, Chief Procurement Officer of EADS. “By increasing our global industrial footprint we support market access, we optimize the total cost of ownership, we better balance our US dollar exposure and attract new resources. All that adds value to the system.”

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

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Eurocopter displays latest-generation Product Range at ILA 2008

Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer in the civil and public services markets, will utilize this year’s ILA in Berlin to highlight its international market strength and its continuing ability to innovate.

The company displays its state-of-the-art military helicopters, the Tiger combat helicopter and NH90 tactical transport helicopter, both of which are in service with several European nations as well as Australia.

These two aircraft are joined by a French Air Force EC725 in Combat SAR configuration, and three of Eurocopter’s successful civil models, the EC120, EC130 and the EC135 in EMS configuration.

Berlin/Marignane, 27 May 2008

The Tiger, which is under delivery to Germany, France, Australia and Spain, will be featured in the daily flying display of ILA and demonstrate its spectacular manoeuverability. The NH90, of which 507 units are on order by 14 nations and Europe’s most successful military helicopter programme, is under delivery to Germany, Sweden, Italy, Australia and Finland, with deliveries to further customers to commence this year. The NH90 will join the flying display as well. Eurocopter’s EC725, also on display, is in active Combat-SAR service with the French Air Force and makes its first appearance in Germany. The aircraft has seen service in Afghanistan and Lebanon, saving numerous lives.

True to the company’s tradition of setting and raising the standards in the industry, Eurocopter will also participate in ILA’s “Rotor & Rescue” helicopter conference programme with several presentations of new concepts and technologies. The company’s renowed MRO capabilities in the military segment are shown on its booth in the HeliCenter. Around ILA, several other Eurocopter helicopters will be displayed by the company’s customers.

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

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EADS Defence & Security to operate the nationwide TETRA radio network with the Qatar Ministry of Interior for several years

A contract worth €12 million

A major reference for network operation services

A key win for Evercor services for secure networks

27 May 2008

EADS Defence & Security has been commissioned by the Qatar Ministry of Interior to operate its secured nationwide TETRA radio network for several years.

This contract worth €12m will be delivered by EADS Secure Networks (SN) which is an integrated line of business of EADS Defence & Security (DS). It epitomizes the very strong long term partnership between the Qatar Ministry of Interior and EADS Secure Networks. The teams from the former will notably benefit from a steady and high-value transfer of competences from the experts of the latter.

Both partners will set up a dedicated TETRA competence centre which will include a training centre as well as a test bed for applications and services. In addition, a showroom will demonstrate all capabilities of the system. This will be the first TETRA centre of excellence in the Middle East.

This operations contract is the natural follow up of the contract awarded by the Ministry of Interior in 2006 to Atlas Telecom which is a partner of EADS Secure Networks. This former contract covered the deployment and implementation of the TETRA network which is almost completed.

The new contract covers the full range of services managed by the Network Operation Centre offer, inside the Evercor family of solutions. Evercor is an expert approach providing services for mission critical networks.

The Network Operation Centre is the core of operation and services activities, acting as the single point of Operating and Maintenance for the network. A set of tools have been integrated to support processes and Network Operation capabilities. Given the large number of functions involved, EADS has taken a “best of breed” approach to select providers for each component, with adoption of open interfaces standards, to decrease significantly integration effort.

The Network Operation Centre provides a full suite of complementary components for operational and business support system including an Element Management System, a Network Management System, a Trouble Ticketing System and a Configuration Management Database.

On top of this, Service Management allows monitoring of measured values and evaluation vis-à-vis the Service Level Agreements committed to the customer, producing reports and dashboards, highlighting service and user impact analysis.

A Web Portal provides access to those applications and processes in a unified way via a standard web browser.

“We have a strong partner with whom we wanted to go one step further. Under the guidance of Sheikh Abdulla Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, we will build together the first TETRA centre of excellence in the Middle East. Our team will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of EADS Secure Networks experts and we will have the opportunity to further enlighten EADS Secure Networks in the particular operational requirements of Public Safety and Security Services generally and in the Middle East in particular.” said Brigadier Ali Al-Henzab, Head of Communications and Operations Department of the Qatar Ministry of Interior.

“We feel very honoured by the trust of the Qatar authorities in our expertise and dedication. This contract is further proof that our strategy to develop in the services business is going in the right direction” said Jean-Marc Nasr, President of EADS Secure Networks.

EADS Secure Networks is an integrated line of business of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

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EADS Defence & Security and Thales pool their technological and operational expertise in the promising passive radar market

Berlin, 27 May 2008

Today, EADS Defence & Security (DS) and Thales signed an exclusive agreement at ILA Air Show to develop, manufacture, market and sell on a common basis passive radar in the world market.

Thanks to major investments in new radar technologies from French and German authorities as well as from the industry, Thales and Defence Electronics, an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security (DS), will capitalise on their knowledge and the experience acquired to offer the customers the most competitive products on the market.

Thales and EADS DS will propose, especially to the French, German and other NATO forces, cost-effective passive radar systems matching their operational needs.

Passive radar is a promising and affordable technology that has already shown its ability to detect all kinds of air and surface targets, including small objects flying at low speed and very low altitude, such as UAVs and light aircraft. Instead of being equipped with its own transmitter, passive radar makes use of all available radio and television broadcast signals in the environment. It performs the surveillance of a wide area while remaining totally discreet. It can be deployed without any frequency allocation, and without any environmental impact. As such, passive radar is the preferred solution to establish a radar surveillance in areas where conventional radar could not be deployed and new radar sites could not be created.

EADS DS referencesEADS Defence & Security worked for more than ten years in the fields of passive radar and also bi-static radar systems developing and maturing the basic technologies as well as the application related concepts. Most of this work has been done by the Defence Electronics Business Unit in close co-operation with FGAN, the German research institute for radar technologies and its applications.

By today, Defence Electronics has acquired the necessary capabilities to go into full-scale development programs for passive radar systems. Main application fields will be in air surveillance to augment current air surveillance systems based on conventional radar systems.

Thales’s referenceThales has successfully developed the Homeland Alerter 100. The HA 100 is a passive radar designed for homeland security applications. Capable of providing a complete air picture with a range of about 100 km, it is used chiefly for air surveillance - as a complement to conventional radars - and to protect sensitive sites or projected forces, for example during peacekeeping missions.

Developed by Surface Radar in partnership with the French defence research agency ONERA under a contract awarded by the French defence procurement agency DGA in 2005, the HA 100 is a mature radar and has already won important customers in Europe. It is currently undergoing operational trials with the French and other European Air Forces.

About ThalesThales is a leading international group, addressing Defence, Aerospace and Security markets worldwide. Thales’s expertise in its core markets spans the entire value chain, providing all the capabilities its customers require, from equipment and systems to comprehensive support services, and including prime contracting on large-scale programmes.

Thales’s leading-edge technology is supported by 22 000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group’s civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations.

The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68 000 people in 50 countries with revenues in 2007 of € 12.3 billion.

Information about Thales

Thales
www.thalesgroup.com/airsystems

About EADS Defence & Security

Defence Electronics is an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider for armed forces and civil security worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from sensors and secure networks through missiles to aircraft and UAVs as well as global security, service and support solutions. In 2007, DS – with around 22,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.5 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.

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May 20, 2008

General Dynamics Awarded $26 Million Contract to Support the Army National Guard Distributed Learning Program

FAIRFAX, Va. – General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract by the General Services Administration's Assisted Acquisitions Service to support the Army National Guard’s distributed learning information technology (IT) program. Under this contract, General Dynamics will provide information technology (IT) technical support and professional services for its Distributed Learning Branch, Army Training Division. The contract has a total potential value of $26.1 million over five years if all options are exercised.

The support services to be provided by General Dynamics include strategic planning, assessment and management solutions to expand distributed learning training opportunities for Army National Guard Soldiers and units throughout the 54 states and territories and for those who are currently deployed internationally. General Dynamics will work with the Army National Guard to expand access to distributed learning resources, increase the number of course offerings and enhance synchronization of distributed learning with other Army National Guard training methods.

“The Army National Guard is transitioning to an Operational Force, and we must develop and maintain capabilities that support full-spectrum operations throughout the world while always being ready to perform our traditional roles at home,” said LTC Douglas C. Rose, Jr., Chief of the Distributed Learning Branch. “Our Distributed Learning Program provides Soldiers and leaders with the capability to obtain professional development, functional training, mobilization training, and sustainment training anywhere they have a connection to the Internet. The Distributed Learning Program also allows us to share operational best practices with our Soldiers deployed around the globe.”

Core mission support services include strategic planning and program management, project assessment and collaboration initiatives, courseware quality assurance evaluations and IT infrastructure support. Additionally, General Dynamics Information Technology will provide training database services to support the Army National Guard Learning Management System (LMS), the Army National Guard implementation of the Army Digital Training Management System (DTMS) and the Army National Guard participation in the Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS).

“Distributed learning methods enable individual and collaborative training for Army National Guard Soldiers, giving them practical training no matter their location,” said Zannie Smith, senior vice president and general manager of Army Solutions for General Dynamics Information Technology. “General Dynamics understands the vital role that distributed learning plays in improving training methods and increasing Soldier readiness and safety during their operations.”

General Dynamics Information Technology will partner with PROSOFT to provide quality assurance (QA) assessments, Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) and related support for distributed learning courseware development.

General Dynamics Information Technology has provided other key training services to the Collective Training Branch, Army National Guard Training Division, under its Distributed Battle Simulation Program (DBSP) and Battle Command Training Capability (BCTC) work.

As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering and professional services to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, federal civil, international and commercial sectors. With 15,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at www.gdit.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at
www.generaldynamics.com .

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May 31, 2008

NASA'S SHUTTLE DISCOVERY LAUNCHES WITH JAPANESE LABORATORY

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member
crew lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 5:02 p.m. EDT
Saturday to deliver and install a Japanese laboratory on the
International Space Station.

The mission, designated STS-124, is the second of three flights to
launch components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency's Kibo laboratory. Discovery is carrying Kibo's tour bus-sized
Japanese Pressurized Module, or JPM, which will be the station's
largest module. The shuttle astronauts will work with the
three-member station crew and ground teams around the world to
install the JPM and Kibo's robotic arm system.

Shortly before launch, Commander Mark Kelly thanked the teams that
helped make the launch possible. "We're going to deliver Kibo, or
hope, to the space station," Kelly said. "And while we tend to live
for today, the discoveries from Kibo will certainly offer hope for
tomorrow."

Joining Kelly on Discovery's 14-day flight are Pilot Ken Ham and
Mission Specialists Karen Nyberg, Ron Garan, Mike Fossum, Greg
Chamitoff and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko
Hoshide. Garan and Fossum will conduct three spacewalks during the
mission. Chamitoff will replace current station crew member Garrett
Reisman, who has lived on the outpost since mid-March. Chamitoff will
return to Earth on Endeavour's STS-126 mission, targeted for Nov. 10.

NASA is providing continuous television and Internet coverage of
Discovery's mission, which is the 123rd shuttle flight, the 35th for
Discovery and the 26th shuttle mission to the station.

NASA Television features live mission events, daily mission status
news conferences and 24-hour commentary. NASA TV is webcast at:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

NASA's Web coverage of STS-124 includes current mission information,
interactive features, and news conference images, graphics and
videos. Mission coverage, including the latest NASA TV schedule, also
is available on the main space shuttle Web site at:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Daily news conferences with STS-124 mission managers take place at
NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. During normal business hours of
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday, reporters may ask
questions from participating NASA locations. Please contact your
preferred NASA facility by its daily close of business to confirm its
availability before each event.

Johnson will operate a phone bridge for media briefings that occur
outside of the normal business hours. To be eligible to use this
service, reporters must possess a valid media credential issued by a
NASA center or for the STS-124 mission. Media planning to use the
service must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 no later
than 15 minutes prior to the start of a briefing in which they wish
to participate. Newsroom personnel will verify their credentials and
transfer them to the phone bridge. The capacity of the phone bridge
is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For information about other NASA missions and activities, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

Front Page

Spacesuits Built to Handle Pressure

05.31.08

The technical marvel that is the space shuttle system does not stop with the spacecraft.

The spacesuits the astronauts wear during launch and landing are examples of high-tech clothing designed to hold communications equipment, oxygen tanks, parachutes and enough water for a day. All while keeping the wearer cool.

You won't see a bulky pressure suit weighing 91 pounds and painted orange on the fashion runways of Paris, but they are an essential element of any astronaut's wardrobe.

No one goes into space aboard a shuttle without one because it could be the key to keeping an astronaut safe in case something goes wrong.

And, according to crew escape technician K.C. Chhipwadia, that's really the whole point.

"It's not really designed to walk around and move like a (spacewalking suit) is, it's really to stay seated and stay alive," Chhipwadia said.

That means it can take as long as 30 minutes to get inside one.

That's because the ensemble is several layers of thin clothing, not one big suit an astronaut climbs into and zips up. The orange part that everyone sees as the astronauts walk out to the Astrovan on their way to the launch pad is simply the top layer.

The astronaut starts with lightweight shirts and shorts and then puts on a shirt and pants that look like thermal underwear with an extensive network of tubes woven into them.

Water pumps through the tubes during the countdown to keep the astronaut cool. A set of plugs folded into a pocket on the outside of the suit connect to fittings inside the shuttle to move the water through the suit.

Then comes the orange outer layer, which actually is two layers on its own. The inner layer is a rubber-like material similar to a wetsuit. Chhipwadia describes it as the balloon part of the suit because it is what holds the air if the suit has to inflate. The outer part of the suit is a flame-resistant Nomex material that is much stronger than the inner layer and gives the suit its shape.

With the helmet, visor and gloves locked in place, the suit fully encloses the astronaut in an air bubble inflated to 3.5 pounds, about the same air pressure as a person would find 30,000 feet above Earth. That is slightly lower than the cruising altitude of many airliners.

That air pressure was chosen because the bailout scenarios for an astronaut in the unlikely event of an emergency call for the crew to evacuate the spacecraft at 30,000 feet, Chhipwadia said.

Once an astronaut gets out of a crippled shuttle, the suit is designed to act largely automatically.

"We have to protect the unconscious crew member as well as the conscious crew member," Chhipwadia said.

For example, a pressure switch on the suit tells the main parachute to open at 14,000 feet. The harness has water-sensitive devices to detach the parachute when the astronaut reaches the water. Otherwise, the unconscious crew member could be dragged around the waves behind a billowing canopy.

Other water-sensing items deploy a life preserver around the astronaut in the water. The helmet is equipped with a valve that lets air in after the oxygen runs out in a pair of canisters in the harness. There also is a larger life raft in the suit, along with a bailing cup to scoop water out of the inside.

Once safely in the water, the crew member has a number of tools packed in the suit to help him summon rescue crews. A set of flares that burn bright enough to see even in bright daylight are tucked inside one leg pocket. A survival radio is in another.

"That's basically a fancy walkie-talkie," Chhipwadia said.

Since the suit is designed to keep an astronaut alive for 24 hours, it carries a supply of drinking water.

NASA's spacesuit collection also is versatile. The agency has 12 different size suits for its astronauts, but they are not custom-fitted, which means they can be used by several astronauts over the course of many different missions.

Steven Siceloff
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center

Front Page

ANTI-TERROR TRAINING

Teaming Up With West Point

05/30/08

It’s a partnership that makes sense in the post-9/11 world: the FBI working closely with the prestigious Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, on a variety of training initiatives.

Established five years ago, the Center provides in-depth research, policy analysis, and education in matters relating to terrorism, counterterrorism, homeland security, and weapons of mass destruction. Its “clients” include representatives from all levels of government, undergraduate students, non-profit groups, and private enterprise.

Our collaboration started in 2006, when FBI counterterrorism executive T.J. Harrington got in touch with the Center as part of his efforts to strengthen training for our more than 100 Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) around the country. Says Harrington, “I knew the center by reputation and thought it could really augment our original training, helping JTTF members to put their investigations into context against the overall terrorism picture.”

Turns out, he was right. The Combating Terrorism Center quickly developed a three-day counterterrorism course specifically tailored to the needs of the Bureau and its task forces, focusing on understanding Islam, the roots of extremism, how terrorists use the Internet, and the origins and practices of terrorist networks like al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Hamas. In mid-2006, Center instructors began traveling to select FBI field offices to conduct the class for JTTF personnel—which include FBI agents, analysts, and other support professionals, plus our non-Bureau task force partners.

The feedback so far? Extremely positive. “The history and background information allows you to understand why each organization believes what they do and why they do what they do,” said one participant. Offered another, “It gave me a clearer knowledge of where the bad guys are coming from … [and] has actually prompted me to seek out more information about the socio-economic-religious aspects of the terrorist ideology.”

That initiative was just the beginning. Since then, we’ve greatly expanded our involvement with the Combating Terrorism Center. Today, the Center:

Sponsors leadership retreats at West Point for our field office management and counterterrorism executives from Headquarters in Washington, who not only get a healthy dose of the latest counterterrorism training but also an opportunity to exchange ideas, to raise important issues, and to work together to help shape the Bureau’s counterterrorism strategies;
Provides each of our new agent classes with insightful historical and cultural information on current terrorism threats;
Takes part in intermediate career development training focused on Islamic ideology and Arabic culture for onboard counterterrorism agents; and
Offers training to our staff operations specialists who directly support our agents and analysts working counterterrorism issues.
Says T.J. Harrington about the training and expertise that the Combating Terrorism Center has provided so far: “It has been excellent at every level. It has been of tremendous value to our execs, agents, analysts, and partners. But the ultimate beneficiaries are the American people, who will be better protected from the threat of terrorism.”

Front Page

Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways Sign Contract for Integrated Materials Management Parts Solution

SEATTLE, May 29, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Cathay Pacific Airways have signed an agreement for an Integrated Materials Management (IMM) solution designed to reduce the airline's operating costs and allow Cathay Pacific to focus its resources on core business activities. Boeing will manage selected portions of the airline's expendable spare parts inventory, helping it achieve consistently high service levels for parts availability, increased support for its maintenance operation and improved cash flow.

"This program helps Cathay Pacific simplify its inventory administration and put even more focus on keeping airplanes in the air - the airline's core competency," said Mark Owen, vice president of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services Material Management.

Cathay Pacific Airways joins a growing number of airline customers that are integrating Boeing products and services to help reduce operating costs and achieve greater efficiencies in their maintenance operations. Through Integrated Materials Management, Boeing will be responsible for purchasing Cathay Pacific's expendable spare parts at competitive pricing through its buying power as an airframe manufacturer as well as handling the invoicing, inventory management and logistics for the spare parts.

"To ensure high service levels to meet our maintenance needs, the Boeing IMM program will own the expendable parts that are deployed at the Cathay's maintenance bases in Hong Kong and China," said Bob Taylor, manager-Inventory Operations. "In addition, we will only pay for a part when it is used, thereby significantly reducing our inventory holding costs."

IMM builds on existing materials management programs that Boeing has with several other airlines - AirTran Airways, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Japan Transocean Air, Singapore Airlines, SIAEC and Thai Airways.

The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company, providing products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provides products, services and integrated solutions to improve fleet utilization, reduce costs, leverage leading-edge information management, and ensure passenger well-being.

Cathay Pacific currently operates a large and expanding fleet of Boeing aircraft comprising B777-200/300/300ER, 747-400/400F/400BCF and B747-200/300 aircraft. This program is the next advance in expanding Boeing's supply chain services to provide value to both airline customers and supplier partners.

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Front Page

Boeing and SAS Technical Services Sign Contract for Integrated Materials Management Parts Solution

SEATTLE, May 29, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SAS Technical Services (STS) have signed an Integrated Materials Management (IMM) maintenance agreement that will significantly reduce operating costs and improve service to STS airline customers. Boeing will manage a part of the STS expendable (gaskets, nuts and bolts) spare parts inventory with incentives to gradually expand the volume. Benefits will include improved spare parts availability, increased service level to the mechanic and improved cash benefits for STS with a simplified point of management. Under this program, Boeing will handle all invoicing and provide increased competitive parts pricing through Boeing's buying power.

"As a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) shop, SAS Technical Services knows firsthand how important it is to hold down maintenance and repair costs," said Mark Owen, vice president of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services Material Management. "The IMM agreement helps SAS Technical Services share cost savings with its customers as well as return planes to the air more quickly."

STS is one of many customers who are integrating Boeing products and services to reduce operating costs and grow the third-party maintenance business. Through Integrated Materials Management, Boeing will be responsible for purchasing, inventory management and logistics for SAS expendable aircraft parts.

Using the IMM program, Boeing and other suppliers will own the aircraft parts, which will be stored at STS maintenance sites in Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen until needed. The airline customers at STS only pay for the parts when withdrawn from the store, thereby significantly reducing STS inventory holding costs and improving STS and the STS customer return on assets. Boeing is responsible for purchasing, inventory management and logistics.

"A vital part of the business is to have material available when performing the work. As airline fleets change, it is a challenge for any MRO to adjust the storage of expendables to avoid lack of material and overstocking," said Gustav Johansson, director STS Material Management. "STS sees an advantage when joining the IMM program and the goal at STS is to gradually increase part numbers so more parts are available to customers for a quick turnaround."

IMM builds on existing materials management programs that Boeing has with several airlines - including AirTran Airways, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), Japan Transocean Air, Singapore Airlines, SIAEC and Thai Airways. This program is the next advance in expanding Boeing's supply chain services to provide value to both airline customers and supplier partners.

The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company, providing products and services to customers in 145 countries. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, provides products, services and integrated solutions to improve fleet utilization, reduce costs, leverage leading-edge information and ensure passenger well-being.

SAS Technical Services AB is the leading provider of technical aircraft maintenance in the Nordic region. The company has approximately 2,400 employees and a turnaround of around 550 million Euro. Among others, the services and products offered include Line Maintenance, Airframe Maintenance, Engineering Services and Maintenance Training. The head office is located at Stockholm Arlanda Airport with production bases in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Tallinn, Bergen and Gothenburg. SAS Technical Services AB is a fully owned subsidiary of SAS AB and a member of SAS Aviation Services of the SAS Group.

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Front Page

Boeing's Airborne Laser Team Begins Laser Activation Tests

ST. LOUIS, May 28, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency achieved another significant milestone for the Airborne Laser (ABL) missile defense program this month by completing the first laser activation testing on the ground at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

"ABL's weapon system integration team has done a great job preparing the high-energy laser for activation testing, which will ensure each laser subsystem is brought on line sequentially and safely," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "Laser installation and the start of laser activation move the program a giant step closer to ABL's missile shoot-down demonstration planned for 2009."

The final plumbing and wiring installations will be completed in the coming weeks. All major components of the weapon system, including the battle management system, laser components, and beam control/fire control system, were installed earlier.

Laser activation testing is a methodical process to ensure ABL's high-energy chemical laser has been properly integrated aboard the aircraft and is ready to produce enough power to destroy a ballistic missile. The tests first flow water or other inert substances through the laser to verify its integrity. Next, the laser's chemicals flow through the laser to confirm sequencing and control.

When the activation tests are complete, ground firings of the laser will occur, followed by flight tests of the entire ABL weapon system. The test phase will culminate in an airborne intercept test against a ballistic missile in 2009.

The ABL aircraft consists of a modified Boeing 747-400F whose back half holds the high-energy laser, designed and built by Northrop Grumman. The aircraft's front half contains the beam control/fire control system, developed by Lockheed Martin, and the battle management system, provided by Boeing.

Boeing is the prime contractor for ABL, which will provide speed-of-light capability to destroy all classes of ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight. ABL's speed, precision and lethality also have potential for other missions, including destroying air-to-air, cruise and surface-to-air missiles.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page

Boeing and Finmeccanica to Pursue International Trainer Aircraft Market

ST LOUIS, May 26, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Alenia Aermacchi, a company of Finmeccanica [SIFI.MI], today announced an agreement to jointly pursue the international trainer aircraft market.

Both companies will cooperate on marketing, sales, training and product support activities in international markets for the M-346 next-generation Advanced and Lead-in-Fighter Trainer and the M-311 basic-advanced trainer designed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.

Under the agreement, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' Support Systems division will be responsible for several aspects of the program's logistics support and associated training. Combining Boeing's sustainment and training systems capabilities with Alenia Aermacchi will improve mission effectiveness, help reduce total cost of ownership and further strengthen the advantages of the M-346 and M-311.

This strategic alliance is designed to increase the two companies' commercial presence in the international market for next-generation trainers by offering the best market solution to meet customer needs.

Finmeccanica is Italy's leading high-tech company, operating in the design and manufacture of helicopters, defence electronics, civil and military aircraft, aerostructures, satellites, space infrastructures, missiles. It plays a leading role in the European aerospace and defence industry, and participates in some of the biggest international programmes in the sector through well-established alliances with European and American partners. Finmeccanica also boasts significant manufacturing assets and skills in the Transports and Energy sectors. The group is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, and operates in Italy and abroad through subsidiaries and joint ventures. It employs over 60,000 staff in total of which approximately 10,000 in U.K., 3,500 in France and 2,000 in the United States. As part of its drive to maintain and build on its technological expertise, Finmeccanica spends 14 percent of its revenues on Research and Development.

Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company, is a leader in the design and manufacture of military training aircraft. Its complete range of products covers every phase of pilot training and includes the SF-260 (selection/primary training), the M-311 (basic/advanced training with turbofan engine), the MB-339CD (advanced Lead-in-Fighter Trainer, used by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force) and the M-346 (new-generation, advanced Lead-in-Fighter Trainer).

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.

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Front Page

Boeing, Shenzhen, Relief Agencies Deliver Supplies for China Earthquake Effort

SEATTLE, May 24, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA], Shenzhen Airlines, Medical Teams International, and Mercy Corps are delivering nearly three tons (U.S.) of medical supplies for victims of the recent China earthquake in an effort called "Flight of Hope."

The supplies, provided by Medical Teams International, are being carried to China on a new Boeing 737-800 airplane that Shenzhen received today. The supplies eventually will be transferred to a domestic Shenzhen flight and taken to Chengdu airport early next week. Upon arrival, Mercy Corps will partner with All China Youth Federation to distribute the supplies within the earthquake region.

Boeing initiated the collaboration between the airline and the two Portland, Ore.-based relief agencies and coordinated the shipment.

"This wonderful effort, made possible by Shenzhen's graciousness in offering its new airplane, came together quickly because we all want to help the survivors," said Anne Roosevelt, Boeing vice president, Global Corporate Citizenship. "We're looking at more opportunities, with Shenzhen and other airlines, to deliver additional supplies."

"We're grateful for this opportunity to bring hope and healing to those who have lost everything and are suffering," Medical Teams International President Bas Vanderzalm said.

"In disasters the size of the China earthquake, rapid response saves thousands of lives. Boeing's help rushing these medicines to China means Mercy Corps can get them immediately to those who need them most," said Neal Keny-Guyer, Mercy Corps chief executive,

Boeing also has pledged $250,000 to the American Red Cross for earthquake relief and, will match contributions made by its employees and retirees through June 12. The current combined total exceeds $500,000.

B-roll will be provided at the coordinates listed below. The 15-minute video will be available at 9 a.m. Saturday PDT (12 midnight Saturday, China; 4 p.m. Saturday GMT), 11 a.m. PDT (2 a.m. Sunday, China; 6 p.m. Saturday GMT) and 6 p.m. PDT (9 a.m. Sunday, China; 1 a.m. Sunday, GMT). Please make sure to download the video feed exactly at the specific times listed.

U/S DOMESTIC SPACE:
Transponder G25C-09
ANALOG
Band-C
Orbital Position: 97 Degrees (W)
Bandwidth: 36 MHz
DOWNLINK: 3880 MHz V
Carrier: Intelsat (800-631-3562)

INTERNATIONAL EUROPE:
IS9C-11, SLOT A,
Band-C
Orbital position: 58 Degrees (W)
Bandwidth: 9MHz
DOWNLINK: 3906.5 V, Vertical
FEC: 3/4, SR: 6.1113, DATA: 8.448
Carrier: Intelsat (404-381-2600)

INTERNATIONAL ASIA:
IS-2C-12, SLOT C,
Band C
Orbital position 169E
Bandwidth: 9 MHz
DOWNLINK: 4035.5 H, Horizontal, Channel C
FEC: 3/4, SR: 6.1113, DATA: 8.448
Carrier: Panamsat via Intelsat (404-381-2600)

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Front Page

Boeing Names Elizabeth Lund to Lead Commercial Airplanes Product Development

SEATTLE, May 23, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that Elizabeth Lund has been named vice president of Product Development for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Lund will be responsible for leading preliminary design of new and derivative airplanes and systems, and environmental performance strategy. Lund also will manage the overall research & development plan across Commercial Airplanes, and support the Product Strategy and Advanced Technology organizations within Commercial Airplanes and Phantom Works. The position reports to Boeing Commercial Airplanes Engineering Vice President Mike Denton.

Lund, 43, succeeds Todd Zarfos, who was recently named vice president of 747/767/777 Engineering.

"Elizabeth Lund brings a wide range of skills and background in both engineering and manufacturing to the product development team," said Denton. "By leveraging her broad experience, she will continue the outstanding work Todd Zarfos and his team have done to ensure our Commercial Airplanes product development strategy is forward-looking and competitive."

Since June 2005, Lund has served as director of Boeing 777 Manufacturing in Everett, Wash. In Nov. 2006, Lund and her team started using a moving assembly line to build the long-range twin-engine airplane family.

Prior to that, Lund was the director of the Boeing Interiors Responsibility Center (IRC). The IRC designs, manufactures, assembles and integrates a wide range of interior systems for production, aftermarket and spares for Boeing commercial jets. She also served as the director of Business Operations and Supply Chain Management for Boeing's Fabrication Division, where she was responsible for strategy development, work statement management, strategic work placement, and integration of division wide initiatives.

Lund joined Boeing in 1991 as a payloads engineer and has held various assignments in Engineering, including 737 deputy chief project engineer, 737 airplane level integration leader, 737 interiors chief engineer, and senior manager for multi-model passenger and attendant seats.

Lund holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tulsa as well as a master's degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Missouri.

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Front Page France

Airbus selects Diehl / Thales as preferred bidder for Laupheim site

31 May 2008

Airbus has selected Diehl / Thales as preferred bidder for its Laupheim site. Teams on both sides will now enter into negotiations on remaining details and take the next steps including confirmatory due diligence to achieve a final agreement as soon as possible.

The Airbus plant in Laupheim employs a total of 1,100 employees. It produces cabin linings, compartments and air ducts for all Airbus products (A320 Family, A330/A340 Family and A380).

The selection today also includes A350 XWB cabin work-packages for Laupheim. This will reinforce Diehl / Thales as a strong tier 1 supplier who will share workload, investments and risks with Airbus and will provide Laupheim the opportunity to develop new business opportunities.

This decision is part of the implementation of the Power8 programme. It enables the company to build a network of partners and to focus its resources on core activities.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Francais:

Airbus sélectionne Diehl / Thales comme repreneur préférentiel du site de Laupheim

31 May 2008

Airbus a sélectionné Diehl / Thales comme partenaire préférentiel pour son site de Laupheim. Les équipes des deux parties vont maintenant entamer des négociations sur les points de détail restants et procéder aux étapes suivantes en conservant la prudence nécessaire avant la confirmation et l’obtention d’un accord final dans les plus brefs délais.

Le site Airbus de Laupheim, qui produit les habillages, compartiments etgaines de conditionnement d’air pour la cabine de tous les produits Airbus(familles A320, A330/A340 et A380), emploie 1 100 employés au total.

L’accord de ce jour comprend également des lots industriels pour la cabinede l’A350 XWB attribués à Laupheim. Diehl / Thales confirmera ainsi saplace de solide fournisseur de premier rang, qui partagera avec Airbus lacharge de travail, les investissements et les risques et offrira à Laupheiml’occasion de développer de nouveaux créneaux commerciaux.

Cette décision, qui fait partie de la mise en oeuvre du plan Power8, permet àla société de se doter d’un réseau de partenaires et de concentrer sesressources sur ses activités coeur de métier.

EADS est un leader mondial de l’aérospatial, de la défense et des servicesassociés. En 2007, EADS a généré un chiffre d’affaires de 39,1 milliardsd’euros et employait environ 116 000 personnes. Le Groupe comprendl’avionneur Airbus, Eurocopter, premier constructeur d’hélicoptères aumonde, et le leader européen des programmes spatiaux d’Ariane à Galileo,EADS Astrium. EADS est également le principal partenaire du consortiumEurofighter et l’architecte de l'avion de transport militaire A400M. Enfin, leGroupe détient une partie du capital de la joint venture MBDA, leadermondial des systèmes de missiles.

Deutsch:

Airbus wählt Diehl/Thales als bevorzugten Bieter für Standort Laupheim

31 May 2008

Airbus hat Diehl/Thales als bevorzugten Bieter für seinen Standort Laupheim ausgewählt. Teams beider Seiten werden jetzt in Verhandlungen über noch offene Detailfragen treten und die nächsten Schritte ergreifen, um so schnell wie möglich eine endgültige Vereinbarung zu erreichen. Hierzu zählt auch eine bestätigende, eingehende Unternehmensprüfung (Confirmatory Due Diligence).

Der Airbus-Standort Laupheim beschäftigt insgesamt 1.100 Mitarbeiter. Erproduziert wesentliche Teile von Flugzeugkabinen, Crew-Rest-Compartments und Klimarohre für alle Airbus-Produkte (A320-Familie,A330/A340-Familie und A380).

Die heutige Auswahl erstreckt sich auch auf A350XWB-Kabinen-Arbeitspakete für Laupheim. Diehl/Thales verstärkt damit seine Position alsstarker Hauptzulieferer (Tier 1 Supplier), der Arbeit, Investitionen und Risikenmit Airbus teilen wird. Für den Standort Laupheim ergibt sich gleichzeitig dieGelegenheit zur Entwicklung neuer Geschäftschancen.

Diese Entscheidung ist Teil der Umsetzung des Power8-Programms. Sieermöglicht Airbus den Aufbau eines Netzwerks von Partnern und dieFokussierung seiner Ressourcen auf seine Kernkompetenzen.

EADS ist ein weltweit führendes Unternehmen der Luft- und Raumfahrt, imVerteidigungsgeschäft und den dazugehörigen Dienstleistungen, mit einemUmsatz von € 39,1 Milliarden im Jahr 2007 und rund 116.000 Mitarbeitern.Zu EADS gehören der Flugzeughersteller Airbus, das weltweit größteHubschrauber-Unternehmen Eurocopter und EADS Astrium, die europäischeNummer 1 im Raumfahrtgeschäft mit Programmen wie Ariane und Galileo.Die Sparte Verteidigung und Sicherheit bietet ihren Kunden umfassendeSystemlösungen an, ist für EADS größter Partner im Eurofighter-Konsortiumund wesentlicher Anteilseigner am Lenkflugkörperhersteller MBDA. DieSparte Militärische Transportflugzeuge entwickelt die A400M.

Espanol:

Airbus selecciona a Diehl / Thales como pujador preferido para el centro de Laupheim

31 May 2008

Airbus ha seleccionado a Diehl / Thales como candidato preferido en la puja por el centro de Laupheim. Los
equipos de ambas partes entran ahora en la fase de negociación de los detalles que restan y darán los siguientes pasos, con la debida diligencia para alcanzar un acuerdo cuanto antes.

La planta de Airbus en Laupheim da empleo a un total de 1.100 personas. Produce recubrimientos de cabina, compartimentos y conductos de aire para todos los productos de Airbus (Familia A320, Familia A330/A340 y A380).

La selección de hoy también incluye paquetes de trabajo para el A350 XWBpara Laupheim, que cubren el desarrollo y la producción de forros yrecubrimientos de cabina, maleteros superiores, conductos de aire ademásde compartimentos para el descanso de tripulaciones. Esto reforzará a Diehl/ Thales como un fuerte suministrador de primera categoría, que compartirácarga de trabajo, inversiones y riesgos con Airbus y dará a Laupheim laposibilidad de desarrollar nuevas oportunidades de negocio.

EADS es líder mundial en aeronáutica, defensa y servicios relacionados. En2007, EADS generó unos ingresos de 39.100 millones de euros con unaplantilla de unos 116.000 empleados. El Grupo comprende el fabricante deaviones Airbus, Eurocopter, que es el mayor fabricante de helicópteros delmundo y EADS Astrium, el líder europeo en programas espaciales, desde elAriane hasta el Galileo. Su División Defensa y Seguridad es proveedor desoluciones de sistemas globales y hace de EADS el socio principal delconsorcio Eurofighter así como accionista de MBDA, la empresa proveedorade sistemas de misiles. EADS desarrolla también el A400M a través de suDivisión Aviones de Transporte Militar.

Front Page

Airbus deploys two aircraft to help Chinese earthquake relief efforts

30 May 2008

Two Airbus test aircraft, an A380 and an A340-300 have been deployed to help transport essential relief effort cargo to China’s South Western region following the devastating earthquake near Chengdu, in China’s Sichuan province on 12th May 2008.

The two aircraft will carry over 2,000 tents between them to help shelter the thousands of people left homeless. The relief operation was set up by Airbus, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Paris and is undertaken in close cooperation with Air France Cargo, Air China and Aéroports de Paris. The A380 and A340 will be operated by Airbus crews. Around 1,100 tents are supplied by the Chinese Embassy with the remaining tents being provided by the Association Franco-Chinoise d’Echanges Economiques et Culturels as a result of individual donations.

The aircraft will first fly from Toulouse to Paris CDG airport, where Air France Cargo will load the containerised cargo. The A380 will depart for Chengdu on Friday, 30th May in the afternoon, and the A340 at dawn on Saturday. Both aircraft are scheduled to arrive and leave again on Saturday, 31st May.

Airbus employees from throughout the world are contributing to the relief effort. Airbus China and its partner China Aviation Supplies Holding Company donated ten emergency mobile stretcher units for transport aircraft to Chinese life saving teams. Airbus also chartered five train carriages to help deliver 1,000 tonnes of packaged milk donated by a Beijing based dairy company. Furthermore, Airbus donated RMB five Million in cash to help in the relief efforts through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. And once the rescue efforts are over, Airbus will also be looking at projects to support the rebuilding phase.

Today’s flights are part of a series of relief actions the EADS group has undertaken and started through its various divisions, in particular the donation from Airbus, but also providing Infoterra satellite imagery of the affected areas with Astrium, organising and coordinating the work of ten Eurocopter helicopters for relief operations from Guaghan airport, and sending an important quantity of tents for the refugees in Sichuan with EADS/DS.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China, Japan and in the Middle East.

Francais:

Airbus envoie deux appareils pour assister les operations de soutien a la suite du tremblement de terre en Chine

30 May 2008

Deux avions d’essai d’Airbus, un A380 et un A340-300, ont été dépêchés dans le sud-ouest de la Chine, pour aider à transporter du fret destiné aux opérations de soutien, à la suite du tremblement de terre dévastateur qui s’est produit près de Chengdu, dans la province chinoise du Sichuan, le 12 mai dernier.

Ces deux appareils transporteront plus de 2 000 tentes, qui permettront d’abriter une partie des milliers de personnes sans abri. Cette opération de soutien a été organisée par Airbus, le Ministère des Affaires Etrangères chinois et l’ambassade de Chine à Paris, et est mise en œuvre en étroite collaboration avec Air France Cargo, Air China et Aéroports de Paris. Des équipages d’Airbus seront aux commandes de l’A380 et de l’A340. Quelque 1 100 tentes sont fournies par l’Ambassade de Chine et le reste par l’Association Franco-Chinoise d’Echanges Economiques et Culturels, à la suite de dons émanant de particuliers.

Ces appareils quitteront tout d’abord Toulouse à destination de l’aéroport de Paris Charles de Gaulle, où Air France Cargo assurera le chargement du fret conteneurisé. Ensuite, l’A380 se rendra à Chengdu dans l’après-midi du vendredi 30 mai, et l’A340, samedi, à l’aube. Ces deux appareils atterriront et décolleront à nouveau le samedi 31 mai.

Le personnel Airbus du monde entier apporte sa contribution aux opérations de soutien. En outre, Airbus China et son partenaire China Aviation Supplies Holding Company ont fait conjointement don aux équipes de secours chinoises de dix unités de brancards mobiles d’urgence, utilisées pour le transport en avion. Airbus a également affrété cinq wagons, pour contribuer à la livraison de 1 000 tonnes de lait conditionné, donnés par une laiterie basée à Pékin. De plus, Airbus a déjà fait un don de cinq millions de yuans, afin de participer aux opérations de soutien. Ce don a été remis au Ministère des Affaires Etrangères chinois. Dès la fin de la période de sauvetage, Airbus étudiera également des projets de soutien à la phase de reconstruction.

Airbus, l’un des principaux avionneurs mondiaux, offre la gamme de produits la plus moderne et la plus complète du marché. Société d'envergure internationale, Airbus dispose de bureaux d'études et de sites de fabrication en France, en Allemagne, au Royaume-Uni et en Espagne, ainsi que de filiales aux Etats-Unis, en Chine, au Japon et au Moyen-Orient.

Airbus, dont le siège se trouve à Toulouse, est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

Airbus unterstützt Erdbebenhilfe in China mit zwei Flugzeugen

30 May 2008

Zwei Airbus-Testflugzeuge, eine A380 und eine A340-300, werden nach dem verheerenden Erdbeben, das am 12. Mai 2008 die chinesische Provinz Sichuan in der Nähe von Chengdu erschüttert hat, für den Transport wichtiger Hilfsgüter in den Südwesten Chinas eingesetzt.

Die beiden Airbus-Flugzeuge werden mehr als 2 000 Zelte in die Region fliegen, um Unterkünfte für einen Teil der vielen tausend Menschen bereitzustellen, die durch das Erdbeben obdachlos geworden sind. Die Hilfsaktion wurde von Airbus, dem chinesischen Ministerium für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten und der chinesischen Botschaft in Paris organisiert. Die Durchführung erfolgt in enger Zusammenarbeit mit Air France Cargo, Air China und Aéroports de Paris. Die A380 und A340 werden von Airbus-Besatzungen geflogen. Etwa 1 100 Zelte werden von der chinesischen Botschaft zur Verfügung gestellt, die Association Franco-Chinoise d’Echanges Economiques et Culturels liefert die übrigen Zelte, die sie als Spenden erhalten hat.

Die Airbus-Flugzeuge werden zunächst von Toulouse nach Paris-Charles de Gaulle überführt, wo Air France Cargo die Frachtcontainer verladen wird. Die A380 startet am Freitag Nachmittag, dem 30. Mai nach Chengdu, die A340 folgt am frühen Samstag morgen. Beide Flugzeuge werden am Samstag, dem 31. Mai in China eintreffen, um am gleichen Tag wieder zurück zu fliegen.

Airbus-Mitarbeiter aus aller Welt tragen zur Erdbebenhilfe bei. Airbus China und sein Partner China Aviation Supplies Holding Company hat den chinesischen Rettungshelfern in der Provinz Sichuan zehn mobile Notfalltragen für Transportflugzeuge zur Verfügung gestellt. Airbus mietete außerdem fünf Güterwaggons für den Transport von 1 000 Tonnen Milch, die eine Molkerei in Beijing gespendet hatte. Darüber hinaus hat Airbus über das chinesische Ministerium für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten Barmittel in Höhe von 5 Mio. RMB für die Rettungs- und Hilfsmaßnahmen gespendet. Das Unternehmen beabsichtigt zudem die Unterstützung von Wiederaufbauprojekten, sobald die Rettungsmaßnahmen abgeschlossen sind.

Airbus ist ein führender Flugzeughersteller mit der modernsten und umfassendsten Produktpalette auf dem Markt. Das weltweit operierende Unternehmen verfügt über Konstruktions- und Fertigungsstandorte in Frankreich, Deutschland, Großbritannien und Spanien. Es ist mit Tochtergesellschaften in den USA, China, Japan und im Nahen Osten vertreten.

Airbus mit Hauptsitz in Toulouse ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

Airbus despliega dos aviones para ayudar en las tareas de socorro por el terremoto en China

30 May 2008

Dos aviones Airbus de pruebas, un A380 y un A340-300, han sido desplegados para ayudar a transportar ayuda esencial a la región sud-occidental china, después del devastador terremoto cerca de Chengdu, en la provincia china de Sichuan, el 12 de mayo de 2008.

Los dos aviones transportarán más de 2.000 tiendas de campaña, que ayudarán a cobijar a miles de personas que han quedado sin hogar. La operación de ayuda ha sido organizada por Airbus, el Ministerio chino de Asuntos Exteriores, y la Embajada china en Paris, y se está llevando a cabo en estrecha colaboración con Air France Cargo, Air China y Aeroports de Paris. Los A380 y A340 serán operados por tripulaciones de Airbus. Alrededor de 1.100 tiendas han sido suministradas por la Embajada China, y el resto por la Asociación Franco-China de Intercambios Económicos y Culturales, resultado de donaciones particulares.

Los aviones primero volarán desde Toulouse al aeropuerto de París CDG, donde Air France llevará la carga a contenedores. El A380 saldrá hacia Chengdu el viernes, 30 de mayo por la tarde, y el A340 en la madrugada del sábado. Ambos aviones esta previsto que leguen y salgan de nuevo el sábado, 31 de mayo.

Los empleados de Airbues en todo el mundo están contribuyendo en los trabajos de ayuda. Airbus China y su socio China Aviation Supplies Holding Company han donado diez unidades móviles de camillas para su transporte por avión a los equipos de salvamento chinos. Airbus también ha fletado cinco vagones de ferrocarril para ayudar a transportar 1.000 toneladas de leche en polvo empaquetada, donada por una compañía alimentaria basada en Beijing. Además, Airbus ha donado cinco millones de RMB para ayudar a los trabajos de ayuda a través del Ministerio chino de Asuntos Exteriores. Y una vez que terminen los trabajos de rescate, Airbus revisará proyectos para ayudar en la fase de reconstrucción.

Airbus es una de las compañías aeronáuticas líderes, con la línea de productos más moderna y completa en el mercado. Airbus es una compañía global con instalaciones de diseño y fabricación en Francia, Alemania, el Reino Unido y España, además de subsidiarias en Estados Unidos, China, Japón y Oriente Medio.

Con sede en Toulouse, Francia, Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page

KD Avia commits to 25 Airbus A320 Family aircraft

29 May 2008

KD Avia, a fast growing Russian airline, has placed a commitment with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A319s, thus becoming a new Airbus customer. The agreement was signed at the International Berlin Airshow taking place from 27th May to 1st June.

KD Avia’s A319s will feature a spacious and comfortable cabin layout. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s extended network of domestic and international routes out of its Kaliningrad hub. The choice of engines has not yet been made.

“We are glad to have selected the Airbus A319 for our medium range fleet expansion. This aircraft meets all our requirements in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort and is the best solution for us”, said Sergey Grishchenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KD Avia. “The A319 will contribute to the strengthening of Kaliningrad’s position as an important Russian transit hub and at the same time will enable us to further develop our route network.”

"I am delighted to welcome KD Avia as a new customer for the A320 Family in Russia”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320 Family is undoubtedly the world’s favourite single-aisle aircraft which features the highest passenger appeal combined with the lowest operating costs and lowest fuel burn, making it extremely eco-efficient. We look forward to a long-term partnership with KD Avia. "

The A319 is a member of Airbus award-winning A320 family, which also includes the A318, the A320 and A321. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.

With over 6,100 Airbus single-aisle aircraft ordered and more than 3,400 delivered to date, the A320 Family is without doubt the most successful airliner programme. The A320 Family has more than 275 customers and operators to its credit. Twelve carriers from CIS currently operate some 100 Airbus aircraft.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Francais:

KD Avia s’engage a acquerir 25 appareils Airbus de la famille A320

29 May 2008

KD Avia, compagnie russe en rapide expansion, a signé un accord avec Airbus, portant sur l’acquisition de 25 A319, et devient ainsi un nouveau client d’Airbus. Cet accord a été signé à l’occasion du Salon Aéronautique International de Berlin (ILA), qui se tient du 27 mai au 1er juin.

Les A319 de KD Avia seront dotés d’une cabine spacieuse et confortable. Ces appareils seront exploités sur le réseau étendu de lignes intérieures et internationales de la compagnie, au départ de son hub de Kaliningrad. Le choix de la motorisation n’a pas encore été arrêté.

“Nous sommes heureux d’avoir opté pour l’A319 d’Airbus pour développer notre flotte moyen-courrier. Cet appareil, qui répond à toutes nos exigences en termes de consommation de carburant et de confort passagers, représente pour nous la solution idéale”, a déclaré Sergey Grishchenko, Chairman of the Board of Directors de KD Avia. “L’A319 contribuera à renforcer la place de Kaliningrad en tant qu’important hub de transit russe, et nous permettra également de développer encore davantage notre réseau.”

"Je suis heureux que KD Avia vienne rejoindre la liste des clients de la famille A320 en Russie”, a pour sa part souligné John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers d’Airbus. “Les appareils de la famille A320 sont sans aucun doute les monocouloirs les plus prisés au monde. Dotés d’un confort hors pair ainsi que de coûts d’exploitation et d’une consommation de carburant inférieurs, ces appareils sont également très éco-efficients. Nous attendons avec impatience de poursuivre un partenariat à long terme avec KD Avia."

L’A319 fait partie de la famille monocouloir d’Airbus très plébiscitée, qui comprend également l'A318, l'A320 et l'A321. Tous les appareils de cette famille, dotés de commandes de vol électriques, présentent une communité de poste de pilotage et une communité opérationnelle uniques à Airbus. Grâce à leur régularité technique, qui a fait ses preuves, et à l'allongement de la périodicité entre les visites d'entretien, les appareils de la famille A320 affichent les coûts d'exploitation les plus bas de leur catégorie. En outre, la toute nouvelle cabine permet un allègement de l’appareil et offre aux passagers un environnement plus calme et plus spacieux, ainsi que des coffres à bagages beaucoup plus volumineux. Par ailleurs, les appareils de la famille A320 sont les seuls à proposer un système de chargement de fret conteneurisé, compatible avec les systèmes gros-porteurs standards, utilisés dans le monde entier.

Avec plus de 6 100 monocouloirs commandés à ce jour, et plus de 3 400 livrés, la famille A320 d’Airbus est incontestablement la plus prisée au monde. La famille A320 compte plus de 275 clients et utilisateurs à son actif. Douze compagnies de la CEI exploitent actuellement une centaine d’appareils Airbus.

Airbus est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

KD Avia unterzeichnet Kaufabsichtserklärung für 25 Flugzeuge der Airbus A320-Familie

29 May 2008

KD Avia hat mit Airbus eine Kaufabsichtserklärung für 25 A319 geschlossen. Die schnell wachsende russische Fluggesellschaft wird damit zu einem neuen Airbus-Kunden. Die Vereinbarung wurde im Rahmen der Internationalen Luftfahrtmesse in Berlin (ILA) unterzeichnet, die vom 27. Mai bis zum 1. Juni 2008 stattfindet.

Die A319 für KD Avia erhalten eine geräumige und komfortable Kabine. Die Airbus Single-Aisle Jets sind für den Einsatz im ausgedehnten nationalen und internationalen Streckennetz der Airline ab ihrer Drehscheibe Kaliningrad vorgesehen. Über den Triebwerkstyp wird noch entschieden.

„Wir freuen uns darüber, dass wir die A319 zur Erweiterung unserer Mittelstreckenflotte ausgewählt haben. Dieses Airbus-Flugzeug erfüllt alle unsere Anforderungen in Hinblick auf Treibstoffeffizienz und Passagierkomfort. Es ist für uns die beste Lösung“, sagte Sergey Grishchenko, Vorstandsvorsitzender von KD Avia. „Die A319 wird die Position von Kaliningrad als eine wichtige Transitdrehscheibe in Russland stärken und ermöglicht uns gleichzeitig die weitere Entwicklung unseres Streckennetzes.“

„Ich begrüße KD Avia mit großer Freude als einen neuen Kunden der A320-Familie in Russland“, sagte John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customer von Airbus. „Die A320-Familie wird im Single-Aisle-Segment von Fluggesellschaften weltweit bevorzugt. Sie bietet überragende Attraktivität für die Passagiere, niedrigste Betriebskosten und geringsten Treibstoffverbrauch. Diese Flugzeugfamilie ist also äußerst ökoeffizient. Wir freuen uns auf eine langfristige Partnerschaft mit KD Avia.“

Die A319 ist ein Mitglied der preisgekrönten Airbus A320-Familie, zu der außerdem die Modelle A318, A320 und A321 gehören. Jeder dieser Airbus-Jets fliegt mit Fly-by-Wire-Steuerung und zeichnet sich durch das einzigartige Airbus-Kommunalitätskonzept aus: Die Cockpits sind innerhalb der gesamten Produktpalette weitgehend identisch aufgebaut. Die Betriebskosten liegen bei der A320-Familie dank ihrer erwiesenen Zuverlässigkeit und verlängerten Wartungsintervalle unter denen aller anderen Single-Aisle-Flugzeuge. Darüber hinaus spart das völlig neue Kabinendesign Gewicht: Die Passagiere erleben mehr Geräumigkeit und eine leisere Kabine. Zusätzlich profitieren sie von erheblich größeren Gepäckablagefächern über den Sitzen. Einzigartig an der A320-Familie ist auch ihr Containerladesystem, das dem weltweiten Standardsystem für Großraumflugzeuge entspricht.

Airbus hat bis heute mehr als 6 100 Bestellungen für die A320-Familie verbucht und über 3 400 dieser Flugzeuge bereits ausgeliefert. Damit ist die A320-Familie zweifellos das erfolgreichste Verkehrsflugzeugprogramm aller Zeiten. Flugzeuge der A320-Familie sind bei mehr als 275 Kunden und Betreibern im Einsatz. Zwölf Fluggesellschaften aus der GUS betreiben gegenwärtig rund 100 Airbus-Flugzeuge.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

KD Avia alcanza un compromiso sobre 25 aviones Airbus de la familia A320

29 May 2008

KD Avia, una línea aérea rusa de rápido crecimiento, ha firmado un compromiso con Airbus para la compra de 25 A319, convirtiéndose en un nuevo cliente de Airbus. El acuerdo fue firmado en el Salón Aeronáutico Internacional de Berlín ILA, que se celebra entre el 27 de mayo y el 1 de junio.

Los A319 de KD Avia incorporarán una espaciosa y confortable configuración. Los aviones serán operados en la red de rutas domésticas e internacionales de la línea aérea desde su base en Kaliningrado. Todavía no se ha realizado la selección de motores.

“Nos alegramos de haber seleccionado el Airbus A319 para nuestra expansión de la flota de medio radio. Este avión cumple todos nuestros requisitos en términos de eficiencia y comodidad del pasajero y es la mejor solución para nosotros”, dijo Sergey Grishchenko, Presidente del Consejo de Directores de KD Avia. “El A319 contribuirá al fortalecimiento de Kaliningrado como importante centro de tránsito, y al mismo tiempo nos permitirá un mayor desarrollo de nuestra red de rutas”.

"Estoy encantado de dar la bienvenida a KD Avia como nuevo cliente de la Familia A320 de Airbus en Rusia”, dijo John Leahy, Director del Área de Clientes de Airbus. “La Familia A320 es cuenta sin duda con los aviones de pasillo único favoritos en el mundo, que aúnan el mayor atractivo para el pasajero combinado con el menor coste operativo y el menor consumo de combustible, lo que lo hacen extremadamente eco-eficiente. Esperamos una larga asociación con KD Avia”.

El A319 es miembro de la galardonada Familia A320, que también incluye los A318, A320 y A321. Cada avión incorpora controles “fly-by-wire” y comparte una cabina de pilotaje única y “comunalidad” operacional. Con una probada fiabilidad y periodos de servicio extendidos, la Familia A320 tiene los menores costes operativos entre los aviones de pasillo único. Además el nuevo diseño interior de cabina ahorra peso y ofrece a los pasajeros una experiencia más sólida y silenciosa, además de maleteros superiores significativamente mayores. Singularmente, la Familia A320 ofrece un sistema de carga de contenedores, que es compatible con el sistema de los aviones de fuselaje ancho, normalizado en todo el mundo.

Con más de 6.100 aviones Airbus de pasillo único pedidos y más de 3.400 entregados hasta el momento, la Familia A320 es, sin duda alguna, el programa de avión comercial de más éxito. La Familia A320 cuenta con más de 275 clientes y operadores. Doce compañías de la CEI operan actualmente alrededor de 100 aviones de la Familia A320.

Airbus es una compañía de EADS.

Front Page

Gulf Air orders 35 Airbus single aisle widebody aircraft

28 May 2008

National carrier of Bahrain, Gulf Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for 35 aircraft. The order comprises 15 A320 single aisle aircraft and 20 A330-300s. The contract was signed by Björn Näf, Gulf Air CEO, and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO, at the Berlin Air show.

Gulf Air already operates 10 A320s, six A330-200s and nine A340-300s. The new order will more than double the number of Airbus aircraft in their fleet.

“Gulf Air is taking huge strides forward in its strategy to re-fleet and expand its network and this contract is a significant milestone in this direction as we aim to become the airline of choice and the pearl of the Gulf,” says Mr. Näf. “Expanding our fleet with Airbus will ensure a smooth introduction of the new aircraft into our existing fleet with the best operating economics in their class and our customers will appreciate the high levels of passenger room and comfort.”

The A320 will serve Gulf Air’s regional destinations, while the A330 will operate on the airline’s European routes and enhance its Far Eastern services.

Gulf Air launched services in 1950 and is one of the Middle East’s major international carriers serving over 40 destinations worldwide.

“Gulf Air is undergoing a rapid expansion and Airbus is delighted to partner the airline in their ambitions. It is a mark of the quality of our aircraft that Gulf Air has chosen aircraft from two of our Families of products. These aircraft not only offer unbeatable economics, but in today’s world where green issues are a concern, Gulf Air has chosen the world’s most fuel efficient and productive aircraft on the market”, said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

Over 6,100 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and over 3,400 delivered to more than 275 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330 and A340 aircraft family is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium - to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying 300 or so passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Francais:

Gulf Air commande 35 monocouloirs et gros-porteurs Airbus

28 May 2008

Gulf Air, compagnie nationale de Bahrein, a signé un contrat avec Airbus portant sur la commande ferme de 35 appareils (15 monocouloirs A320 et 20 A330-300). Ce contrat a été signé par Björn Näf, CEO de Gulf Air et Tom Enders, Président et CEO d’Airbus, à l’occasion du salon aéronautique de Berlin.

Gulf Air exploite actuellement 10 A320, six A330-200 et neuf A340-300 et cette nouvelle commande va plus que doubler le nombre d’appareils Airbus au sein de sa flotte.

“Gulf Air avance à grands pas dans sa stratégie de renouvellement de flotte et d’expansion de son réseau. Ce contrat est une étape importante dans cette direction, car nous avons pour ambition de devenir la compagnie de prédilection et la perle du Golfe”, a déclaré Björn Näf, CEO de Gulf Air. “En dotant notre flotte d’appareils Airbus supplémentaires, nous pourrons introduire sans heurt ces nouveaux avions au sein de notre flotte actuelle. Tous ces appareils affichent la meilleure rentabilité dans leur catégorie, et nos clients apprécieront leur espace et leur confort inégalés.”

Les A320 desserviront le réseau régional de Gulf Air. Les A330 seront pour leur part exploités sur les lignes européennes de la compagnie, et permettront d’optimiser ses services à destination de l’Extrême-Orient.

Gulf Air, qui a débuté ses activités en 1950 et dessert plus de 40 lignes dans le monde, est l’une des principales compagnies internationales du Moyen-Orient.

“Gulf Air connaît un développement rapide, et Airbus est heureux d’être le partenaire de la compagnie dans ses objectifs ambitieux. Gulf Air a opté pour des appareils issus de deux de nos familles de produits, c’est la preuve de la qualité de nos appareils. Ces avions offrent non seulement une rentabilité hors pair, mais Gulf Air a également choisi des appareils qui affichent la consommation de carburant la plus basse et la meilleure rentabilité sur le marché, à l’heure où les questions environnementales sont particulièrement importantes”, a pour sa part souligné Tom Enders, Président et CEO d’Airbus.

Avec plus de 6 100 monocouloirs commandés, dont plus de 3 400 ont été livrés à plus de 275 clients et utilisateurs dans le monde, les monocouloirs Airbus constituent la famille best-seller de tous les temps.

Grâce à un fuselage de véritable gros-porteur permettant d’offrir un très grand confort, les appareils de la famille A330/A340 peuvent adapter la configuration de leurs sièges et classes en fonction des besoins des clients. Les appareils de cette famille peuvent parcourir des distances allant jusqu’à 10 500 km/5 650 nm avec une pleine charge passagers. Très rentable et parfaitement adapté au marché moyen/long-courrier, l’A330-300 offre le meilleur compromis autonomie/coût. L’A330-300 est toujours le moyen le plus économique pour transporter quelque 300 passagers sur des lignes moyen-courriers, dans un confort de véritable long-courrier.

Airbus est une société EADS.

Deutsch:

Gulf Air bestellt 35 single-aisle- und Grossraumflugzeuge von Airbus

28 May 2008

Die nationale Fluggesellschaft aus Bahrain - Gulf Air - hat bei Airbus 35 Flugzeuge fest in Auftrag gegeben. Die Bestellung umfasst 15 A320 Single-Aisle-Jets sowie 20 A330-300. Der Vertrag wurde auf der ILA in Berlin von Björn Näf, CEO von Gulf Air, und Tom Enders, President und CEO von Airbus, unterzeichnet.

Gulf Air betreibt bereits 10 A320, sechs A330-200 und neun A340-300. Die Zahl der Airbus-Flugzeuge in der Gulf Air Flotte wird mit dem neuen Auftrag mehr als verdoppelt.

„Gulf Air treibt derzeit mit großen Schritten die Neuausrüstung der Flotte und die Erweiterung des Streckennetzes voran. Der heute geschlossene Vertrag ist ein wichtiger Meilenstein auf diesem Weg. Wir wollen die bevorzugte Airline der Region werden – die ‚Perle des Golfs’“, sagte Björn Näf. „Die Erweiterung unserer Flotte mit weiteren Airbus-Jets gewährleistet eine reibungslose Eingliederung der neuen Flugzeuge. Sie bieten großzügigen Raum und Komfort für die Passagiere und zeichnen sich in ihrer Klasse durch höchste Wirtschaftlichkeit im Betrieb aus.“

Gulf Air wird mit den A320 ihre regionalen Routen bedienen und die A330 für ihre Europaverbindungen und zur Verstärkung ihrer Fernostdienste einsetzen.

Gulf Air nahm 1950 den Betrieb auf und ist heute eine der führenden internationalen Fluggesellschaften des Nahen Ostens, die über 40 Städte weltweit anfliegt.

„Gulf Air expandiert rasch, und Airbus ist sehr erfreut darüber, als Partner an den ehrgeizigen Plänen der Airline teilzuhaben. Es spricht für die Qualität von Airbus, dass Gulf Air Flugzeuge aus zwei Airbus-Produktfamilien gewählt hat. Diese Flugzeuge zeichnen sich nicht nur durch unschlagbare Wirtschaftlichkeit aus: In einer Zeit, in der Umweltfragen sehr große Bedeutung haben, hat sich Gulf Air damit auch für die sparsamsten und produktivsten Flugzeuge auf dem Markt entschieden“, sagte Tom Enders, President und CEO von Airbus.

Die Airbus A320-Familie ist mit über 6 100 verkauften und über 3 400 ausgelieferten Flugzeugen das erfolgreichste Single-Aisle-Programm der Welt. Über 275 Kunden und Betreiber weltweit haben Flugzeuge dieser Familie im Einsatz.

Die Flugzeuge der Airbus A330/A340-Familie bieten Betreibern mit ihrem großen Rumpfquerschnitt sehr komfortable und vielseitige Möglichkeiten der Konfiguration und Bestuhlung je Klasse. Die Reichweite beträgt bis zu 10 500 km/5 650 nm bei voller Passagierlast. Hoch effizient und für den Mittel- bis Langstreckenmarkt optimiert, bietet die A330-300 das beste Verhältnis zwischen Reichweite und Kosten. Dieser Airbus-Großraumjet ist nach wie vor die wirtschaftlichste Lösung, wenn es darum geht, 300 Passagiere in echtem Langstreckenkomfort über mittlere Distanzen zu befördern.

Airbus ist ein EADS-Unternehmen.

Espanol:

Gulf Air adquiere 35 aviones Airbus de pasillo único y fuselaje ancho

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