The Aviation & Maritime News Centerpiece
of ILIPS Group International

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Aviation & Marine USA

Aerospace Home Page

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ILIPS Group International

36th Year

1972 ~ 2008

"The Gift of Truth Excels All Other Gifts..."

~ Buddha

Tom Braniff

Founder ~ Braniff International

Dallas, Texas

Welcome to

"601 Braniff Place"

Aviation & Marine USA

Maritime Directory

Latest News As Of April 12, 2008

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Engine Run for John & Carol Marlin's Martin Baker MB5 Replica

A Saturday run of the Rolls Royce Griffon Mk 57 engine of the Martin Baker MB5 replica in Northern Nevada. Johnny Marlin indicated that engine temperatures were at 80 degrees celcius and that the former Shackleton patrol bomber motor made its best run to date. The Griffon ran with a single propeller set to test a newly acquired inter-shaft bearing recently installed in the MB5.

The MB5 replica has been thirteen years in development and production. No MB5s currently exist having been destroyed on RAF gunnery ranges following the termination of the program at the end of World War II.

Marlin lofted the fuselage himself, incorporated a dual-control, tandem-seating cockpit, acquired a Griffon from Indy Car and Air Racer Don Whittington, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, then merged the mix with a modified, North American P-51D Mustang wing and landing gear.

The aircraft will be further refined over time and may incorporate a replica MB5 wing at a later date. The paint scheme features grey undersides, instead of the traditional RAF prototype yellow, allowing Air Show visitors to see the MB5 as a finished, wartime product. Wheel well interiors are painted in the traditional yellow.

Photo: M. Daniels / ILIPS Group International

4 / 10 / 2008 U.S.A.

4 / 11 / 2008 in Australia

Front Page

First Boeing 777 Freighter Enters Final Assembly

SEATTLE, April 10, 2008 -- Mechanics at The Boeing Company began final assembly work on the first 777 Freighter at the company?s Everett, Wash., facility this week. The new cargo airplane will roll out of the factory later this month, and work will begin to prepare the airplane for flight test this summer.

The 777 Freighter will fly farther and provide more capacity than any other twin-engine cargo airplane. Boeing will deliver the first 777 Freighter to its launch customer Air France in the fourth quarter of 2008. The 777 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR Worldliner passenger airplane and is built using the same production line as all other models of the 777. Eleven customers around the world have ordered 78 777 Freighters.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Mission update: VINASAT-1 is installed on Ariane 5 for Arianespace's April 18 launch

Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:37:25 -0400

Preparations for Arianespace's second mission of 2008 moved into their
final phase when the first of its two satellite payloads was installed atop
the heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA launcher at Europe's Spaceport today.

VINASAT-1 was positioned on Ariane 5's cryogenic core stage during
integration activity inside the Final Assembly Building. This Lockheed
Martin-built spacecraft is the initial telecommunications satellite for
Vietnam, and it will ride as the lower passenger in Ariane 5's
dual-payload "stack" during the April 18 launch.

Today's activity clears the way for installation of the flight's upper
passenger - the Star One C2 satellite for Brazilian operator Star One.
The spacecraft was prepared earlier this week for launch, having been mated
with Ariane 5's SLYDA dispenser system and encapsulated inside the
launcher's payload fairing.

As the final activity is completed on the April 18 mission's Ariane 5,
another heavy-lift vehicle continues to take shape inside the Spaceport's
Launcher Integration Building for the next dual-satellite flight.
The designed-in flexibility at Europe's Spaceport enables such parallel
processing of two Ariane 5s, allowing Arianespace to meet its
customers' launch timing requirements.

Arianespace is planning a total of seven Ariane 5 flights in 2008 - the
busiest year of activity for the workhorse launcher since its commercial
introduction in 1999. The first mission of this year was the March 9
flight of an Ariane 5 ES vehicle, which orbited Europe's Automated Transfer
Vehicle resupply spacecraft for its subsequent docking with the International
Space Station.

Follow the Ariane 5 activity with our Mission Updates on Arianespace's
Website: www.arianespace.com

Front Page

FedEx Express, "Best Places to Work" in Central America

PANAMA, APRIL 8, 2008 - FedEx Express has been recognized among the Best Companies to work for by the Great Place to Work® Institute (GPTW). Out of 54 businesses within Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama, FedEx Express was featured as the No.1 Company to Work for in Central America.

FedEx success in this arena is no surprise to those aware of the deeply embedded workplace philosophy instilled by its founder Fred Smith and the guiding principle of FedEx management strategy across the board: the People-First Philosophy. Part of this philosophy is the People-Service-Profit concept, expounding that if employees are well taken care of and thrive in their work environments, they will deliver outstanding service to customers, which in turn yields an increased profit for FedEx shareholders.

FedEx is a strong believer in showing appreciation and recognition for good work and extra effort. It customarily hands out various awards, such as the Humanitarian Award given to employees who promote human welfare above and beyond community responsibility, the Bravo Zulu Award that allows managers to award cash to employees when they have performed beyond what is expected, and other assorted awards and recognitions handed out throughout different divisions as part of the company’s focus on people.

The Great Place to Work® Institute, Inc. is a research and management consultancy based in the U.S. with International Affiliate offices throughout the world.Its ongoing research, measurement tools, and educational services have made them leaders in helping build high-trust workplaces. The Institute recognizes companies with outstanding human resources and workforce policies.

FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean services more than 50 countries and territories and employs more than 3,400 people committed to total customer satisfaction. FedEx Express LAC has acted as a pillar of growth for the region and continues its commitment through the FedEx PyMEx Membership program, the first initiative to partner with small and medium exporters by offering innovative ways to access the global marketplace.

FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time backed by a money-back guarantee.

Front Page

FedEx Express, a Great Place to Work in Mexico Five Years in a Row

MEXICO, APRIL 8, 2008 - FedEx Express has been recognized among the Great Places to Work by the Great Place to Work® Institute (GPTW). FedEx Mexico has upheld a top five ranking, for the last five consecutive years.

FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean services more than 50 countries and territories and employs more than 3,400 people committed to total customer satisfaction. FedEx Express LAC has acted as a pillar of growth for the region and continues its commitment through the FedEx PyMEx Membership program, the first initiative to partner with small and medium exporters by offering innovative ways to access the global marketplace.

FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time backed by a money-back guarantee.

Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN SET FOR LAUNCH OF ICO G1 SPACECRAFT

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL, April 10, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin
(NYSE: LMT) is completing final preparations for Monday's launch of a
commercial telecommunications satellite aboard an Atlas V booster
provided by United Launch Alliance. The launch window opens at 4:12 p.m. EDT
Monday and extends until 5:12 p.m. The launch can be viewed live at
www.ulalaunch.com beginning at 3:51 p.m. EDT.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services is under contract to ICO
Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (NASDAQ: ICOG) to place the ICO
G1 spacecraft into orbit. The spacecraft was built by Space
Systems/Loral. The spacecraft will deliver advanced nationwide mobile interactive
media services to portable and handheld devices.

"This is a vitally important launch to ICO and we're proud to have been
selected as the launch services partner," said David Markham,
president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services. "This launch also will
demonstrate the flexibility of the Atlas program that can be applied
to the commercial market as we continue to seek one to two commercial
customers per year."

The ICO G1 satellite is over 27 feet tall, features a 12-meter
unfurlable mesh S-band reflector, provides 16 kilowatts of power with solar
arrays that span over 100 feet when deployed, and weighs in at
approximately 6,634 kg fueled, making it the heaviest satellite ever launched
aboard an Atlas V booster. The spacecraft will be located at 92.85 degrees
west, providing ubiquitous coverage over the United States.

ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited is a satellite
communications company developing an advanced next-generation hybrid media system,
combining both satellite and terrestrial communications capabilities.
ICO is deploying a mobile interactive media service known as ICO
mim(TM). ICO mim(TM) will combine ICO's unique interactive satellite
capability with nationwide coverage to deliver a new level of navigation,
enhanced roadside assistance and the ultimate mobile video experience,
including 10-15 live channels of premium television content. ICO is based in
Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit www.ico.com

Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, which markets the Atlas V
to commercial customers worldwide, is a unit of Lockheed Martin Space
Systems Company. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating
unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests,
manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for
national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products
include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing,
navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space
observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet
ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.

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

Austrian Airlines Introduces Two New Destinations

Beginning in August, Austrian Airlines will commence service to two cities in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh (with three flights a week beginning August 19, 2008) and Jeddah (with four flights a week beginning August 18, 2008). Both routes will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft and feature the new Austrian Business Class Premium Service.

New to our flightschedule

From Mid-August to Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia Jeddah With around 2.8 million inhabitants, the city of Jeddah on the Red Sea is the country’s most important export point for oil and oil-based products. The city is approximately 300 years old and the main starting-point for pilgrimages to Mecca. Since 1947 Jeddah has undergone massive development. The dimensions of Jeddah today can best be appreciated from the ‘Corniche’, or main thoroughfare, which is lined by hotels and palaces and winds its way along the Red Sea coast for more than 60 kilometres. The schedule Vienna - Jeddah - Vienna from 18 August 2008 in detail: Flight days Departure Arrival Mon., Wed., Fri., Sun. OS 895:  Vienna 14.00 h Jeddah 20.10 h Mon., Tue., Thu., Sat. OS 896:  Jeddah 1.30 h Vienna 6.00 h Book your flight to Jeddah here. Riyadh With around 4.1 million inhabitants, the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh is the largest city in the country. Historically, the originally oasis Riyadh is a very important stopping-off point in the Arabian world, particularly for pilgrims on the way to Islam’s most important holy cities, Mecca and Medina. Riyadh has been the site of the main palace of the Saudi Royal Family since 1824. The schedule Vienna - Riyadh - Vienna from 19 August 2008 in detail: Flight days Departure Arrival Tue., Thu., Sat. OS 897:  Vienna 14.00 h Riyadh 20.15 h Wed., Fri., Sun. OS 898:  Riyadh 1.20 h Vienna 6.00 h Book your flight to Riyadh here.

Austrian Airlines resumes service to Erbil, Iraq Erbil in Iraq, is situated next to the Turkish and Iranian border. It is characterized by its unique location atop a 30-metre high plateau formed from the ruins of the city over thousands of years of history. Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited centers of population in the world today.  Today, with a population approaching one million people, Erbil is the fourth-largest city in Iraq, and the fastest-growing in the country.  The schedule Vienna-Erbil-Vienna in detail: Flight days Departure Arrival Mon, Wed, Fri OS829 dep. Vienna 10:20 h arr. Erbil 16:00 h Mon, Wed, Fri OS830 dep. Erbil 16:55 h arr. Vienna 19:00 h As from June 08 there will be an additional frequency on Sundays.

From 21 April to Baia Mare, Romania From 21 April 2008 onwards, we will begin taking off for northern Romania 3 times a week. With its 150,000 inhabitants, Baia Mare is the capital of the Maramures region, and lies close to the Carpathians on the River Sasar. This business centre also has much to offer for tourists, with its theatres, museums and galleries ensuring a rich and varied cultural life. The schedule Vienna-Baia Mare-Vienna in detail: Flight days Departure Arrival Mon, Wed, Fri OS 781:  Vienna 13.15 h Baia Mare 15.30 h Mon, Wed, Fri OS 782:  Baia Mare 16.20 h Wien 16.45 h Book your flight to Baia Mare here.

From April 2008 on to Sochi and Nizhniy Novgorod The Olympic city of Sochi Founded in 1838, the city of Sochi lies at the foot of the Caucasian Mountains on the east coast of the Black Sea. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the city is one of the most popular beach and health resorts in Russia and is currently experiencing a boom in tourism. Sochi is to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, and is of real interest to the Austrian financial and construction sector due to the high investment in infrastructure and brisk building activity currently underway. The schedule Vienna-Sochi-Vienna in detail: Flight days Departure Arrival Mon., Wed., Fri. OS615  Vienna  22.30 h  Sochi 03.30 h (+1) Tue., Thu., Sat. OS616  Sochi 05.10 h Vienna  06.25 h Book your flight to Sochi here. Nizhniy Novgorod Located some 400 kilometers east of Moscow, Nizhniy Novgorod is Russia's fifth largest city and boasts a highly developed industrial sector.  The city is also considered Russia's architectural Mecca, and consequently of interest to tourists as well as business travelers.  Nizhniy Novgorod has regularly played a leading role in introducing market reforms to Russia in recent years. The schedule Vienna-Nizhniy Novgorod-Vienna in detail: Flight days Departure Arrival Tue., OS 617:  Vienna 10.40 h Nizhniy Novgorod 15.50 h Thu., Sun. OS 617:  Vienna 10.20 h Nizhniy Novgorod 15.30 h Tue., OS 618:  Nizhniy Novgorod 17.10 h Vienna 18.50 h Thu., Sun. OS 618:  Nizhniy Novgorod 16.35 h Vienna 18.15 h Book your flight to Nizhniy Novgorod here.

Front Page

Austrian Airlines Offers Attractive Business Class Fares

Austrian's award winning business class offers great value without compromising service. In 2007 Skytrax named Austrian's in-flight catering the "best in the sky." Sample roundtrip business class fares are:

New York - Budapest : $3,002
Washington DC - Prague : $3,316
New York - Tel Aviv : $4,117

Click Here For Bookings in Business Class on Austrian Airlines.

Front Page

Mexicana to join oneworld

Mexicana Airbus A319

Photo: oneworld/Mexicana

Front Page

Mexicana to join oneworld
09 April 2008


Mexicana is to join oneworld?. Mexico and Central America's leading airline today accepted a formal invitation to become part of the world's leading quality airline alliance after being unanimously elected on board by the grouping's existing ten member airlines, which include some of the biggest and best names in the industry.

Its subsidiary Click Mexicana will join at the same time, as an affiliate member of oneworld.

Their joining process is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete, with Iberia supporting Mexicana through these tasks, as its prime oneworld sponsor, assisted by American Airlines.

So Mexicana and Click Mexicana will be flying as part of oneworld in 2009, when they will start offering the alliance's full range of services and benefits to their own customers and those from their new oneworld partners.

For Mexicana, joining oneworld will strengthen its competitive offering and its financial position. For oneworld, adding Mexicana will expand the alliance's network in Mexico and Central America, and enable it to build further on its positions as the leading airline grouping serving Latin America and the leading Spanish-speaking alliance.

oneworld is already the only global alliance with any airline members based in South America - through LAN Airlines and its sisters LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru. American Airlines is the leading airline serving the region internationally, and Iberia is the leading carrier between Latin America and Europe.

Mexicana's addition to oneworld comes after a year which has seen the alliance complete its biggest yet expansion drive, with 11 airlines joining in 2007 - Japan Airlines, Mal?v Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian as full members and, as affiliates, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, Dragonair and five other carriers in the Japan Airlines group.

Mexicana's invitation to join oneworld was sealed at a ceremony today attended by its Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja with his counterparts from all ten of oneworld's established member airlines and oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch during a meeting of the group's Governing Board in key alliance hub Los Angeles.

Mexicana is the biggest non-US airline operating at Los Angeles, which is its biggest hub outside Mexico.

Mexicana with the Click Mexicana network will add 26 destinations to the oneworld map - 24 in Mexico plus Bakersfield (California, USA) and Edmonton (Canada).

With the alliance's existing members serving 11 points in Mexico, its addition will expand to 35 points the alliance's network in Mexico, which is the world's 11th most populous country, the 12th biggest economy and the seventh most popular tourist destination, attracting more than 20 million foreign visitors a year.

oneworld's existing members already serve almost 110 airports throughout Latin America. Mexicana's addition will extend that to more than 130.

Globally, its addition will expand the alliance's network to approaching 700 destinations in nearly 150 countries, with a combined fleet of 2,350 aircraft operating almost 9,500 flights a day, carrying 333 million passengers, with annual revenues of US$100 billion.

In the months ahead, Mexicana will adapt key internal process to conform with oneworld requirements, link its IT systems to those of its oneworld partners and carry out an extensive employee training and communications programmes, to ensure that their staff worldwide are ready to provide oneworld's customer services and benefits from day one.

Once all its pre-joining requirements are sufficiently progressed, an exact date in 2009 will be confirmed for it to join.

Fernando Conte, Chairman and Chief Executive of Iberia, Mexicana's oneworld sponsor, said: "oneworld is very selective about who we invited on board to join us as a new member. We only consider airlines with brands that match the quality of our established partners, who share our priorities of safety, customer service and profitability and who can expand our existing combined network, rather than simply replicating what we already offer. Mexicana more than ticked all these boxes.

"In the three years that Iberia and Mexicana have been working closely together as bilateral partners, we have come to know that in Mexicana we have colleagues with whom we can really do business - partners who can add real value to one another. All of us at Iberia are delighted to be developing our relationship further by acting as Mexicana's sponsors into oneworld."

oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch added: "oneworld is delighted to be welcoming another quality airline on board. As the leading carrier in Mexico and Central America, Mexicana will considerably strengthen oneworld's established position of leadership in Latin America, building on last year's record expansion for the alliance and make it easier for customers to reach more places more easily and for better value with some of the world's best airlines."

Mexicana Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja said: "Mexicana is now moving into the next phase of our development strategy. Joining the world's leading quality airline alliance will enable Mexicana to build on our excellent relationships with our established partners American Airlines and Iberia.

"As a member of oneworld, we will be able to offer our customers more choice and convenience, a much more extensive global network, more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards, more lounges, more customer service support and better value - services and benefits beyond the reach of any individual airline or bilateral partnership. For Mexicana and our employees, this will strengthen our position in an increasingly competitive marketplace."

Besides Mexicana Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja, Iberia Chairman and Chief Executive Fernando Conte and oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch, scheduled to attend today's ceremony were:


Qantas Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon (current chairman of oneworld's Governing Board)
American Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Gerard Arpey
British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh
Cathay Pacific Airways Chief Executive Tony Tyler
Finnair Chief Executive Jukka Hienonen
Japan Airlines Group Chief Executive Haruka Nishimatsu
LAN Group Chief Executive Enrique Cueto
Mal?v Chief Executive Peter Leonov
Royal Jordanian Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman Samer Majali.
About Mexicana


Mexicana is the leading carrier in Mexico and Central America.

With Click Mexicana, it serves 63 destinations in 11 countries. Mexicana itself flies to 46 destinations in 11 countries, including 18 destinations in Mexico. Click Mexicana's network encompasses 22 destinations in Mexico, plus Havana (Cuba). The two airlines both serve six destinations in Mexico, giving them a joint domestic network covering 34 airports.

Mexicana operates a fleet of 62 aircraft - 30 Airbus A320s, 20 A319s and ten A318s, and two Boeing 767s - making 300 departures a day. Mexicana offers two classes - Executive and Economy - with in-flight entertainment screens throughout the fleet and complimentary in-flight meals and drinks in both cabins. It has the two-letter airline code MX.

Click Mexicana operates 18 Fokker 100s, making 115 departures a day. Its single cabin offers a "coach plus" style of service, with leather-covered seats at a 35 ins (89 cm) pitch. It offers complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks. Click Mexicana has its own flight code (QA) but all its flights also carry Mexicana's MX code under a code-sharing agreement.

Mexicana boarded 9 million passengers in 2007, with Click Mexicana carrying another 2.2 million. Between them, they employ 6,725 staff.

Mexico City - the world's second most populous metropolis - is the airlines' main hub, with Cancun and Guadalajara secondary hubs.

Mexicana has signed a contract to move its main IT platforms to Amadeus Altea - alongside oneworld partners British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, LAN, Mal?v Hungarian Airlines and Qantas, with Cathay Pacific also committed to transfer to this provider soon.

Among its most important bilateral alliance relationships are those with oneworld's American Airlines and Iberia, including code-sharing, frequent flyer links and through check-in. It also has established bilateral relationships with four of the alliance's other existing partners - Cathay Pacific (frequent flyer), Japan Airlines (frequent flyer, code-sharing and through check-in), LAN (frequent flyer and through check-in) and Qantas (code-sharing, frequent flyer and through check-in).

Among its most recent awards, it was named World Travel Awards' Best Airline Mexico and Central America for the tenth year running, Best Business Class Latin America for the third year running and Best Internet Site in Latin America (all in 2007), and Best Airline in Mexico for two years running by Global Traveler magazine.

Mexicana is one of the world's most experience airlines, opening service in July 1921.

It was privatised in December 2005, and is now owned by a consortium of Mexican private investors.

About oneworld

oneworld enables its member airlines to offer their customers more services and benefits than any carrier 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 access to some 500 airport lounges worldwide.

It offers more alliance fare and sales products than any of its competitors, earning some US$675 million for its member airlines in 2006, with all passengers transferring between oneworld members generating revenues totalling around US$2 billion.

oneworld has won more top industry awards as an alliance than any of its competitors. Most recently, it was voted the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth year running in the latest World Travel Awards, based on votes cast by80,000 travel agency professionalsfrom more than 200 countries.

It is also the global alliance whose members have the best collective track record of profitability.

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


Espanol:


Mexicana de Aviación se une a la alianza oneworld
09 April 2008

Mexicana de Aviación, la primera línea aérea de México, se unirá a oneworld®, la alianza global que agrupa a varias de las aerolíneas más importantes y prestigiadas del mundo, al aceptar hoy una invitación formal para unirse a esta alianza, después de recibir el voto unánime de las diez aerolíneas que actualmente pertenecen al grupo. Es importante mencionar que su subsidiaria Click Mexicana también se incorporará a este selecto grupo como afiliada.


Iberia brindará su apoyo a Mexicana en esta tarea como su principal patrocinador para ingresar a oneworld con la ayuda de American Airlines y se espera que el proceso de incorporación tome entre 12 y 18 meses por lo que para el primer semestre de 2009 Mexicana estará ofreciendo la gama completa de servicios y beneficios de la alianza a sus pasajeros y a los de sus nuevos socios de oneworld, gracias a lo cual fortalecerá tanto su oferta competitiva como su posición financiera, mientras que para oneworld, la inclusión de Mexicana le ayudará a expandir su red de rutas en México y Centroamérica y a consolidarse como el grupo líder de aerolíneas que atiende el mercado latinoamericano y de habla hispana.

Actualmente, oneworld es la única alianza global que cuenta con socios sudamericanos: Grupo LAN y sus subsidiarias LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador y LAN Perú. Por otra parte American Airlines se ha establecido como la principal línea aérea internacional de la región, mientras que Iberia ofrece más rutas que cualquier otra aerolínea entre Europa y Latinoamérica.

Mexicana se une a oneworld después de un año de crecimiento acelerado para la alianza, al haberse incorporado en 2007 un total de 11 aerolíneas al grupo: Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines y Royal Jordanian como miembros, además de LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, Dragonair (afiliada a Cathay Pacific) y otras cinco aerolíneas del grupo de Japan Airlines como afiliadas.

Durante una reunión del Consejo de Administración de oneworld celebrada en Los Ángeles, el principal centro de operaciones de la alianza, se organizó una ceremonia para ratificar la invitación extendida a la empresa, que contó con la asistencia del Director General de Mexicana, Manuel Borja, sus homólogos de las diez líneas aéreas que pertenecen a la alianza y el Socio Ejecutivo de oneworld, John McCulloch.

Mexicana es la línea aérea internacional que opera más vuelos desde y hacia Los Ángeles, su centro de operaciones más grande fuera de México y junto con su subsidiaria Click Mexicana, añadirá 26 destinos al mapa de rutas de oneworld: 24 en México, además de Bakersfield (California, Estados Unidos) y Edmonton (Canadá).

La incorporación de Mexicana a oneworld incrementará las rutas operadas por la alianza de 11 a 35 en México, el onceavo país más poblado del mundo con la doceava economía más grande y el séptimo destino turístico más popular a nivel internacional, el cual recibe más de 20 millones de turistas extranjeros cada año.

Como resultado, la red de rutas de la alianza se expandirá a unos 700 destinos en cerca de 150 países, con una flota combinada de 2,350 aviones que operará 9,500 vuelos diarios, transportando 333 millones de pasajeros, con ingresos anuales de US$ 100 billones.

oneworld actualmente opera en alrededor de 110 aeropuertos en Latinoamerica y gracias a la incorporación de Mexicana incrementará su presencia llegando a más de 130 aeropuertos.

Mexicana adaptará en los siguientes meses sus principales procesos internos a los requisitos de oneworld, al alinear sus sistemas informáticos con los de sus nuevos socios, impartir cursos de capacitación e instrumentar programas de comunicación para asegurar que su personal esté preparado para brindar los servicios y beneficios de oneworld. En cuanto la empresa haya logrado un avance satisfactorio en cuanto a los requisitos de afiliación, se confirmará la fecha precisa para su incorporación a la alianza.

Fernando Conte, Presidente y Director de Iberia, y patrocinador de Mexicana en su proceso de afiliación a oneworld, dijo: "oneworld no invita a cualquier aerolínea a bordo como miembro nuevo. Solamente consideramos aerolíneas con marcas que equiparen las de nuestros socios existentes, que compartan el mismo enfoque empresarial que nosotros, es decir, cuyas prioridades de negocio sean seguridad, servicio al cliente y rentabilidad y que tengan la capacidad de expandir la red combinada de la alianza en lugar de simplemente duplicar las rutas que ya ofrecemos.

Mexicana llenó todos estos requisitos de sobra".

"Durante los tres años que llevamos trabajando estrechamente Iberia y Mexicana como socios bilaterales, nos hemos dado cuenta que nuestros colegas de Mexicana son personas con las que podemos hacer negocios de verdad, que somos socios con la capacidad de crear valor el uno para el otro. En Iberia estamos todos contentos de poder profundizar esta relación al patrocinar la afiliación de Mexicana a oneworld".

John McCulloch, Socio Ejecutivo de oneworld, habló en nombre de los presidentes de las aerolíneas aliadas y mencionó: "los miembros de oneworld estamos encantados de dar la bienvenida a otra línea aérea de gran prestigio. Como la primera línea aérea en México y Centroamérica, Mexicana fortalecerá de forma importante el liderazgo que oneworld ya disfruta en Latinoamérica, consolidando así la expansión récord que registramos el año pasado y haciendo que sea más sencillo para nuestros pasajeros viajar a más destinos con tarifas competitivas con algunas de las aerolíneas de mayor prestigio del mundo".

De acuerdo con Manuel Borja, Director General de Grupo Mexicana: "La empresa está iniciando la siguiente fase de su estrategia de desarrollo y el hecho de pertenecer a la mejor alianza de aerolíneas a nivel mundial le permitirá reforzar las excelentes relaciones que goza con sus socios existentes, y agregó: "Como miembro de oneworld, podremos ofrecer a nuestros pasajeros más opciones y mayor comodidad, una red global mucho más amplia, más oportunidades de ganar e intercambiar millas de viajero frecuente, más salones VIP, una mejor atención al cliente y tarifas más competitivas, en pocas palabras, una gama de servicios y beneficios que superan la capacidad de una sola aerolínea o alianza bilateral. Desde el punto de vista de Mexicana y sus empleados, esto contribuirá a la consolidación de su posicionamiento en un mercado cada vez más competido".

El Director General de Grupo Mexicana, Manuel Borja, y el Socio Ejecutivo de oneworld, John McCulloch, fueron acompañados en la ceremonia por los siguientes ejecutivos:

Geoff Dixon, Presidente de Qantas (actualmente Presidente del Consejo Administrativo de oneworld)
Gerard Arpey, Presidente de American Airlines
Willie Walsh, Presidente de British Airways
Tony Tyler, Presidente de Cathay Pacific Airways
Jukka Hienonen, Presidente de Finnair
Fernando Conte, Presidente de Iberia
Haruka Nishimatsu, Presidente del Grupo de Japan Airlines
Enrique Cueto, Presidente del Grupo LAN
Peter Leonor, Presidente de Malév
Samer Majali, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de Royal Jordanian
Acerca de Mexicana

Mexicana, la primera línea aérea de México y Centroamérica, opera vuelos a 46 destinos en 11 países, incluyendo 18 ciudades en México, mientras que la red de Click Mexicana abarca 22 destinos en México además de La Habana (Cuba). Juntos, Mexicana y su subsidiaria Click Mexicana atienden 63 destinos en 11 países y existen seis destinos en México atendidos por las dos empresas, cuya red nacional comprende 34 aeropuertos.

Mexicana opera una flota de 62 aviones —30 Airbus A320s, 20 A319s, diez A318s y dos Boeing 767s— que efectúan aproximadamente 300 operaciones diarias. Tanto su Clase Ejecutiva como su Clase Turista están equipadas con pantallas y adicionalmente a los servicios de entretenimiento a bordo, se sirven comidas y bebidas de cortesía en las dos cabinas. Mexicana se identifica por el código de vuelo "MX".

La flota de 18 Fokker 100s de Click Mexicana efectúa alrededor de 115 operaciones diarias. Cuenta con una sola configuración de cabina con servicios tipo "Couch Plus". Los asientos están forrados de piel y tienen una inclinación de 35 pulgadas (89 cm). Se sirven bebidas y bocadillos de cortesía a bordo. Click Mexicana cuenta con su propio código de vuelo (QA), sin embargo, como tiene un acuerdo de código compartido con Mexicana, sus vuelos también llevan el código MX.

El año pasado Mexicana transportó 9 millones de pasajeros, mientras Click Mexicana transportó 2.2 millones. La nómina de las dos empresas juntas asciende a 6,725 empleados.

Después de la Ciudad de México, la zona conurbada más poblada del mundo, los principales centros de operaciones domésticos de Mexicana son Cancún y Guadalajara.

Mexicana ha firmado un acuerdo para trasladar sus principales plataformas informáticas a la plataforma Amadeus - Altea, junto con sus nuevos socios de oneworld. British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines y Qantas. Cathay Pacific también se ha comprometido a transferirse a este proveedor en un futuro próximo.

Dos de las más importantes alianzas bilaterales de Mexicana involucran a American Airlines e Iberia, aerolíneas que son miembros de oneworld. Su relación comercial consiste en vuelos de código compartido, vínculos entre sus respectivos programas de viajero frecuente y documentación de equipaje hasta el destino final del pasajero. Asimismo, la empresa ha establecido relaciones bilaterales con cuatro aerolíneas miembros de oneworld: Cathay Pacific (programa de viajero frecuente), Japan Airlines (vuelos de código compartido y documentación de equipaje), LAN (programa de viajero frecuente y documentación de equipaje) y Qantas (vuelos de código compartido, programa de viajero frecuente y documentación de equipaje).

Recientemente, Mexicana se ha hecho acreedora de una serie de premios, incluyendo el World Travel Award por Mejor Aerolínea de México y Centroamérica, Mejor Clase Ejecutiva y Mejor Sitio de Internet en la misma región. También fue nominada como Mejor Aerolínea de México durante dos años consecutivos por la revista Global Traveler.

Mexicana es una de las líneas áreas de mayor tradición en el continente americano con una amplia experiencia en la industria de la aviación que data de julio de 1921. Durante el proceso de privatización que tuvo lugar en diciembre de 2005, la compañía fue adquirida por un grupo de inversionistas privados de nacionalidad mexicana.

Acerca de oneworld

La alianza oneworld permite a sus miembros ofrecer más y mejores servicios y beneficios de los que una aerolínea podría proveer por sí sola a sus pasajeros, tales como una red de rutas mucho más amplia, la oportunidad de ganar e intercambiar millas y puntos de viajero frecuente con otras aerolíneas que pertenecen a la alianza y acceso a unos 500 salones VIP en aeropuertos alrededor del mundo.

Ofreciendo productos y tarifas mas competitivas que las de sus rivales más cercanos, oneworld generó aproximadamente US$675 millones para sus miembros en 2006, mientras que el flujo interlínea de pasajeros generó ingresos totales de aproximadamente US$2 mil millones.

La industria de la aviación ha otorgado más premios a oneworld que a cualquier otra alianza de aerolíneas comerciales. Recientemente fue nombrada la Mejor Alianza de Aerolíneas del Mundo por quinto año consecutivo en la última edición de los World Travel Awards, gracias al voto favorable de 80,000 agencias y profesionales de viajes en más de 200 países.

En conjunto, los miembros de esta alianza global ostentan las mejores tasas históricas de rentabilidad.

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Mexicana to join oneworld

Mexicana Airliners on Tarmac

Photo: oneworld/Mexicana

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US$130 billion fleet re-equipment progamme is cornerstone of oneworld airlines' commitment to the environment

09 April 2008


As the cornerstone of their commitment to minimise their impact on the environment, airlines in the oneworld® alliance are currently in the midst of modernising their fleets with the delivery of almost 1,200 of the latest, most fuel efficient and quietest aircraft, worth almost US$130 billion.

Since the year 2000, they have taken delivery of 590 of these more environmentally friendly aircraft, worth in excess of US$50 billion, with outstanding orders for another 580 for delivery in the coming years, worth more than US$75 billion. Environmental performance is a key factor in each oneworld members' selection of new aircraft.

These new aircraft, and a host of other measures, have helped the alliance's carriers improve their fuel efficiency markedly in the past decade - and will play a key part in enabling them to meet their stretching targets for further fuel efficiency in future years, of up to 25 per cent by 2025, while reducing noise and other environmental impacts.

Each airline in oneworld has its own comprehensive programme for minimising its impact on the environment - programmes which are widely recognised as being among the most responsible and progressive in an industry which on a total global basis generates less than 2 per cent of the world's total emissions of greenhouse gases.

Besides their fleet modernisation programmes, steps taken by airlines in the alliance include:

Reducing the weight of their aircraft so they burn less fuel and create less noise - to the extent of, for example, trimming just 2 gm of the weight of each spoon in the case of Japan Airlines.
Offering passengers the ability to offset the carbon emissions produced by their flights by making donations to abatement programmes (British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair and Qantas).
Installing experimental wind turbines to generate electricity for office lighting (Cathay Pacific).
Recycling paper, plastic, aluminum, glass and even wine bottle corks.
More stringent aircraft and engine cleaning procedures, to reduce drag, improve efficiency and therefore fuel consumption.

They are also all active participants and supporters of environmental activities co-ordinated by the international industry bodies - globally by IATA (the International Air Transport Association) and regionally by the Association of European Airlines, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, the USA's Air Transport Association and the counterparts elsewhere.

With its member airlines already working on environmental programmes on these three levels - globally through IATA, regionally through the regional airline associations and individually - they have elected not to add a fourth level in the form of an alliance environmental programme, believing this would simply duplicate, fragment and reduce their focus on their existing extensive environmental activities.

oneworld does, however, makes a contribution to each of their environmental efforts. For instance, oneworld in April 2005 became the first global airline grouping to enable passengers to connect between flights operated by any member airline using electronic tickets only - eradicating each year millions of traditional paper tickets which were thrown away after use.

Also, oneworld airlines are individually and collectively working with authorities responsible for airports and air traffic control (ATC) to address the single largest cause of fuel wastage in the industry - inefficient management of air traffic space.

oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch said: "oneworld and our member airlines are all determined to do everything we can to care for the world we serve with vital transport links.

"Airlines connect people, places and cultures and help keep commerce in business. We're proud of that. But we recognise that the freedom air travel brings has an impact. That is why oneworld airlines are leading the industry in minimising the environmental effects of air travel."

A summary of the key steps taken by each airline in the alliance in their environmental programmes is given in a new fact sheet posted on the alliance's website. See

http://www.oneworld.com/ow/news-and-information/fact-sheets

Note

All aircraft values are based on manufacturers' list prices.

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 Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and 20 of their affiliates. Mexicana is a member elect and will join the alliance in 2009.

The alliance enables these airlines to offer their customers more services and benefits than any carrier 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 airline alliance with a truly global network, as the only grouping with any member airlines in South America, in the Middle East and in Australia.

oneworld's airlines serves some 700 destinations in almost 150 countries with approaching 9,500 departures a day operated by a combined fleet of some 2,500 aircraft, carrying 320 million passengers and earning total revenues of more than US$90 billion a year.

oneworld was voted the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the fifth year running in the latest World Travel Awards, based on votes cast by some 170,000 travel professionals, including more than 110,000 travel agents in 200 countries.



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Las líneas aéreas de oneworld invierten 130.000 millones de dólares en renovar su flota, pieza clave de su compromiso con el medio ambiente
09 April 2008


Como pieza clave de su compromiso por reducir el impacto medioambiental de sus operaciones, las líneas aéreas de la alianza oneworld® están modernizando sus flotas de aviones con la entrega de 1.200 aparatos, que están entre los más eficientes y silenciosos que existen en el mercado. Esta inversión supone cerca de 130.000 millones de dólares.

Desde el año 2000, las compañías aéreas de la alianza han recibido 590 aviones, más ecológicos, por un valor de 50.000 millones de dólares. En los próximos años, se espera la entrega de otras 580 aeronaves por más de 75.000 millones de dólares. El factor medioambiental es clave en el proceso de selección de las flotas de las líneas aéreas oneworld.

Estos nuevos aviones, al igual que otras medidas tomadas, han ayudado a las compañías de la alianza a mejorar de forma importante la eficiencia en el consumo de combustible en la última década. Asimismo, desempeñarán un papel clave en el cumplimiento de sus objetivos de ahorro de combustible en los próximos años - hasta un 25 por ciento en 2025 – y les permitirá reducir la contaminación acústica y otros impactos medioambientales de sus operaciones.

Todas las líneas aéreas de oneworld tienen su propio programa integral para reducir el impacto medioambiental de las actividades que realizan. Estos programas se encuentran entre los más responsables y avanzados del sector aéreo, que genera, en su conjunto, menos del 2 por ciento de las emisiones mundiales de gases de efecto invernadero.

Además de los programas de renovación de la flota, las líneas aéreas han adoptado, entre otras, las siguientes medidas:

Disminución del peso de sus aviones con el fin de que consuman menos combustible y sean menos ruidosos, hasta el punto de reducir en 2 gr. el peso de cada cuchara que se lleva a bordo, como ha hecho Japan Airlines.

Ofrecer a los pasajeros la posibilidad de compensar las emisiones de dióxido de carbono de sus vuelos a través de donaciones a programas de reducción de CO2 (British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair y Qantas).

Instalación experimental de aerogeneradores con el fin de producir electricidad para la iluminación de oficinas (Cathay Pacific).

Reciclaje de papel, plástico, aluminio, cristal e incluso corchos de botellas.

Procedimientos más rigurosos de limpieza de aviones y motores para disminuir la resistencia aerodinámica, mejorar la eficiencia y, de este modo, el consumo de combustible.

Las compañías aéreas oneworld son miembros activos y defensores de las actividades medioambientales coordinadas por los órganos internacionales de la industria: globalmente por IATA (Asociación Internacional de Transporte Aéreo) y, a nivel regional, por la Asociación de Líneas Aéreas Europeas (AEA, siglas en inglés), la Asociación de Líneas Aéreas de Asia–Pacífico y la Asociación de Transporte Aéreo de Estados Unidos, así como sus homólogos en otras regiones.

Puesto que las líneas aéreas oneworld ya trabajan en los programas medioambientales en estos tres niveles - en el ámbito global a través de IATA, en el regional a través de las asociaciones regionales de líneas aéreas, y de forma individual - han decidido no añadir un cuarto nivel con la creación de un programa medioambiental de la alianza. Consideran que esto duplicaría, fragmentaría y reduciría su concentración en las actividades medioambientales ya existentes.

Sin embargo, oneworld colabora en cada uno de los esfuerzos que sus compañías miembros hacen en este ámbito. Un ejemplo de ello es que, en abril de 2005 se convirtió en la primera alianza global de líneas aéreas que hizo posible que sus pasajeros volaran en conexión en vuelos operados por cualquiera de las compañías miembros utilizando billetes electrónicos. Así, se han eliminado millones de billetes de papel cada año.

Al mismo tiempo, las líneas aéreas de oneworld trabajan, individualmente y en grupo, con las autoridades de los aeropuertos y control de tráfico aéreo (ATC, siglas en inglés) para estudiar la causa más importante del derroche de combustible en el sector: la gestión insuficiente del espacio aéreo.

El director general de oneworld, John McCulloch, afirma que "oneworld y sus compañías aéreas miembros están dispuestas a hacer todo lo posible para cuidar el planeta al que sirven con conexiones vitales de transporte".

"Las líneas aéreas conectan gente, lugares y culturas, además de ayudar a que el comercio siga funcionando. Estamos orgullosos de ello. Pero admitimos que la libertad que proporciona el transporte aéreo tiene un impacto. Por eso, las compañías de oneworld son líderes del sector en la reducción de los efectos medioambientales del transporte aéreo".

En la página de Internet de la alianza: www.oneworld.com/ow/news-and-information/fact-sheets, se puede consultar un resumen de las medidas adoptadas por cada línea aérea de oneworld en el marco de sus programas medioambientales.

Acerca de oneworld

oneworld reúne a algunas de los mejores nombres del sector de las líneas aéreas - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian, además de 20 compañías afiliadas. Mexicana ha sido elegida como miembro y se unirá a la alianza a principios de 2009.

La alianza permite a sus miembros ofrecer a sus clientes más servicios y beneficios que cada una de las líneas aéreas podría ofrecer por sí misma. Esto incluye una extensa red de destinos, oportunidades para acumular y utilizar puntos de los programas de fidelidad con el cliente y acceso a más salas VIP.

oneworld es la única alianza aérea con una auténtica red global, que agrupa compañías aerolíneas en Sudamérica, Oriente Medio y Australia.

Las líneas aéreas vuelan a cerca de 700 aeropuertos de alrededor de 150 países, con más de 9.500 vuelos diarios con una flota total de 2.500 aviones. Transportan 320 millones de pasajeros e ingresan más de 90.000 millones de dólares al año.

oneworld ha sido elegida la "Alianza de Líneas Aéreas líder en el mundo" por quinto año consecutivo en 2007 en los premios "World Travel Awards", después de hacer una encuesta entre 170.000 profesionales del sector turístico, incluidos más de 110.000 agentes de viajes en 200 países.

Front Page

LAN Argentina celebrates first anniversary as a oneworld affiliate

Airbus A319 painted in special oneworld livery.

oneworld photo

Front Page

LAN Argentina celebrates first anniversary as a oneworld affiliate member by decorating an aircraft in special alliance livery
09 April 2008


LAN Argentina is the second airline in oneworld® to decorate one of its aircraft with a special livery to mark its membership of the world's leading quality alliance. The design now adorns one of its Airbus A319s. It debuts today as Mexicana is unveiled as oneworld's latest member elect, to join during 2009.

It makes its debut as LAN Argentina celebrates the first anniversary of its addition to the grouping - at the same time as its sister carrier LAN Ecuador - strengthening oneworld's position as the only alliance with any airlines from South America. Other members of the LAN alliance - Chile's LAN Airlines and LAN Express, plus LAN Peru – have been part of oneworld since the year 2000.

The twinjet's fuselage will feature the words "miembro de oneworld" ("member of oneworld") in letters of up to around two metres high along with the tailfin designs of all ten members of the alliance. The aircraft - with the registration LV-BFO - will fly in this design on the airline's Argentine domestic network and to the destinations it serves internationally in Latin America.

LAN Airlines Chief Executive Enrique Cueto said: "This shows just how proud LAN is to be South America's representative in oneworld, the world's leading quality airline grouping - and to be the only airline from across this region to fly as a member of any of the global airline alliances. Without any doubt, the recruitment of LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador to oneworld constitutes a clear recognition of our on-going commitment to our customers and our determination to deliver an excellent quality product that meets the highest standards of international safety."

Japan Airlines was the first member of the grouping to decorate its aircraft in a special oneworld design - with two Boeing 777s flying in the design since April 2007, when it too joined the alliance.

As affiliate members, LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador offer the full range of oneworld services and benefits.


With five LAN alliance airlines in South America and oneworld partners American Airlines and Iberia the leading international carriers serving the region, as well as British Airways flying there, it makes oneworld the obvious alliance of choice for traveling to, from or within this continent. The latest two South American additions also build further on oneworld's position as the leading Spanish-speaking alliance.

LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador have considerably broadened the alliance's network within Latin America, through the addition of a domestic schedule within Argentina and regional international services to and from Argentina and Ecuador, besides expanding its links between the region and North America and Europe.

About oneworld

oneworld brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business. Besides the LAN alliance, these include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian, and around 20 affiliates including American Eagle and Dragonair. Mexicana will join them during 2009. Between them, these airlines:

Serve almost 700 airports in nearly 150 countries, with more than 9,000 daily departures.
Offer almost 550 airport lounges for premium customers.
Carry more than 333 million passengers a year.
Operate almost 2,500 aircraft, and employ 250,000 people.
Generate some US$100 billion annual revenues.
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.

About LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador

LAN Argentina launched passenger and cargo services in June 2005. Today it operates from Buenos Aires to Córdoba, Mendoza, Iguazú, Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Comodoro Rivadavia, Río Gallegos. It also operates daily from Buenos Aires non-stop to Miami, six times a week to San Pablo and once a week non-stop to Punta Cana. It operates six Airbus A320s, and two Boeing 767-300s.


LAN Ecuador launched passenger and cargo services in April 2003. Today it operates from hubs at Quito and Guayaquil to Buenos Aires, Madrid, Miami, New York and Santiago, with Airbus A320s and Boeing 767-300s.

The LAN alliance - including LAN Airlines, LAN Express, LAN Peru, LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador - offers "a united spirit of reliability and charm that provides passengers with the highest level of service and safety with the complete travel experience throughout the skies of the Americas". It serves 15 destinations in Chile, 12 in Peru, 10 in Argentina, two in Ecuador, 15 in other Latin American countries and the Caribbean, three in the United States, two in Europe and four in the South Pacific, as well as 60 additional international cities through its various code-share agreements. Within Latin America, the LAN alliance serves 12 countries - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Currently, the LAN Alliance operates 72 passenger aircraft and 10 dedicated freighters, carrying more than 11million passengers in 2007. LAN recorded profits of US$308 million net in 2007 on total revenues of US$3.5 billion. It is regularly named best airline in Latin America in the various industry award schemes.





Espanol:




LAN Argentina celebra su primer aniversario como miembro de oneworld preentando un avión con imagen corporativa de la alianza
09 April 2008


LAN Argentina es la segunda compañía de oneworld, que decora uno de sus aviones con la imagen corporativa de la alianza, para destacar su participación en el grupo mundial de aerolíneas líder en calidad. El diseño de oneworld fue incorporado al fuselaje de uno de los Airbus A320 que forma parte de su flota. Esta iniciativa debutó hoy junto al anuncio de Mexicana como nuevo miembro electo para integrar la alianza en 2009.

De esta forma, LAN Argentina celebra el primer aniversario de su integración al grupo, efectuado al mismo tiempo que LAN Ecuador - ambas compañías de la alianza LAN - fortaleciendo la posición de oneworld como la única alianza mundial que integra aerolíneas de Sudamérica. Los otros miembros de la alianza LAN - LAN Airlines, LAN Express y LAN Perú - han sido parte de oneworld desde el año 2.000.

El Airbus A320 presenta el logo de la alianza y destaca que es "miembro de oneworld". Además, lleva la imagen de las 10 líneas aéreas internacionales que conforman la alianza: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas y Royal Jordanian.

El avión con matrícula LV-BFO volará con este diseño la ruta doméstica de Argentina, sirviendo diferentes puntos dentro del país y también algunos destinos internacionales en la región.

Enrique Cueto, vicepresidente ejecutivo de LAN, señaló: "Para LAN es un gran orgullo ser el representante de oneworld en Sudamérica y la única compañía de la región que integra una alianza global de aerolíneas. Formar parte de oneworld junto a las mejores compañías del mundo es un importante reconocimiento al permanente compromiso con nuestros clientes, de entregarles un producto de excelencia con los más elevados estándares de seguridad internacional".

Japan Airlines fue el primer miembro del grupo en decorar uno de sus aviones con el diseño especial de oneworld. Dos Boeing 777 de su flota vuelan con este diseño desde abril de 2007, cuando se integró a la alianza.

Como miembros afiliados, LAN Argentina y LAN Ecuador ofrecen a sus pasajeros todo el rango de servicios y beneficios de oneworld. Esto implica que sus pasajeros frecuentes pueden acumular kilómetros y cobrar premios en todas las otras compañías oneworld y tener acceso a los 550 salones vip que ofrecen a lo largo del mundo. A su vez, los miembros de las otras aerolíneas oneworld pueden acumular millaje, cobrar premios y recibir todos los otros beneficios que oneworld otorga a sus clientes en LAN Argentina y LAN Ecuador. Las redes de ambas compañías también están cubiertas por el extenso rango de productos y tarifas de la alianza oneworld.

Con las cinco aerolíneas de la alianza LAN integrando oneworld –LAN Airlines, LAN Express, LAN Perú, LAN Argentina y LAN Ecuador- sumados a los socios de oneworld American Airlines, Iberia y British Airways sirviendo internacionalmente la región, oneworld se convierte en la mejor opción para quienes decidan viajar hacia o dentro de Latinoamérica. A su vez, consolida la posición de oneworld como la alianza líder de habla hispana.

La integración de LAN Argentina y LAN Ecuador ha ampliado considerablemente la red de oneworld en Latinoamérica a través de la incorporación de diversas rutas y destinos domésticos en Argentina, así como también servicios regionales desde y hacia Argentina y Ecuador, además de expandir las operaciones entre la región, Norteamérica y Europa.

Nota: Una imagen impresa del avión con su nuevo diseño puede ser descargada desde http://www.oneworld.com/ow/news-and-information/gallery/list?categoryID=5&subCategoryID=21

Acerca de oneworld

oneworld reúne a algunos de los mejores y más grandes nombres de la industria aérea. Además de la alianza LAN, oneworld incluye a American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas y Royal Jordanian, además de 20 afiliadas incluyendo American Eagle y Dragonair. Mexicana se sumará durante 2009.

Entre todas estas aerolíneas:

Sirven alrededor de 700 aeropuertos en cerca de 150 países, con más de 9.000 despegues diarios.
Ofrecen cerca de 550 salones vip para clientes Premium
Transportan más de 333 millones de pasajeros al año
Operan alrededor de 2.500 aviones y emplean a 250.000 personas
Generan cerca de US$ 100.000 millones en ingresos anuales
oneworld permite a sus miembros ofrecer a sus clientes más servicios y beneficios que ninguna aerolínea podría proveer por si sola. Esto incluye una amplia red de rutas, oportunidades de acumular millaje y cobrar premios a lo largo de la red combinada de oneworld y más salones vip.

oneworld fue escogida la Alianza Mundial Líder por quinto año consecutivo en los últimos World Travel Awards (2007).

Acerca de LAN Argentina y LAN Ecuador

LAN Argentina inició sus operaciones de pasajeros y carga en junio de 2005. Actualmente opera desde Buenos Aires aIguazú, Bariloche, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta, Comodoro Rivadavia y Río Gallegos. Adicionalmente ofrece un vuelo diario non stop entre Buenos Aires y Miami; seis vuelos semanales a San Pablo y uno semanal non stop a Punta Cana. Su flota está integrada por 6 Airbus A320 y 2 Boeing 767-300.

LAN Ecuador inició sus operaciones de pasajeros y carga en abril de 2003. Actualmente opera desde Quito y Guayaquil a Buenos Aires, Santiago, Madrid, Miami y Nueva York en Airbus A320 y Boeing 767-300.

La alianza LAN -integrada por LAN Airlines, LAN Express, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador y LAN Perú- ofrece un espíritu único de confiabilidad y encanto que provee a sus pasajeros de los más elevados estándares de servicio y seguridad en toda la experiencia de viaje a través de los cielos de Latinoamérica.

Las aerolíneas de la alianza LAN operan 15 destinos en Chile, 12 en Perú, 10 en Argentina, 2 en Ecuador, 15 en otros países de América Latina y el Caribe, 3 destinos en Estados Unidos, 2 en Europa y 4 en el Pacífico Sur, además de 60 destinos adicionales a través de sus diversos acuerdos de códigos compartidos.

Actualmente la alianza LAN opera 72 aviones de pasajeros y 10 dedicados de carga, transportando más de 11 millones de pasajeros en 2007.

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Gripen answer to Croatian request

Photo: Gripen International

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Gripen answer to Croatian request

4/9/2008 ~ FMV, the Swedish Defence Material Administration, has responded to a request from the Croatian government for information regarding the supply of twelve (12) new Gripen fighters to meet Croatia’s national, European and NATO needs.

“FMV is pleased to be part of the ongoing procurement process in Croatia and we believe the proposal we have submitted is very competitive” says Jerry Lindbergh, Sales Manager for Central and Eastern Europe at FMV.

This response, which was submitted on 27 March 2008 in close co-operation with Saab AB, includes offers for support, training and an extensive industrial offset package.

This invitation from the Croatian authorities to the Swedish Gripen team, follows the recent receipt of similar invitations from Norway, India, Denmark and Switzerland, and also the signing of contracts between Sweden and Thailand for the supply of 6 Gripen fighters and Saab surveillance aircraft, and is further evidence of the big interest Gripen is generating worldwide.

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NTSB ADVISORY

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

April 10, 2008

RUNWAY OVERRUN AT CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SUBJECT OF NTSB BOARD MEETING


The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a
public Board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, at 9:30 a.m., in
its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza,
S.W., Washington, DC.

There is one item on the agenda:

On February 18, 2007, a Delta Connection flight 6448,
an Embraer ERJ-170, operated by Shuttle America, Inc., was
landing on runway 28 at Cleveland-Hopkins International
Airport, Cleveland, Ohio, during snow conditions when it
overran the end of the runway, contacted an instrument
landing system (ILS) antenna, and struck an airport
perimeter fence. The airplane's nose gear collapsed during
the overrun. There were 71 passengers and four crewmembers
on board. Three passengers received minor injuries. There
was substantial damage to the airplane from the impact
forces.

A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be
available on the Board's website at www.ntsb.gov. Technical
support details are available under "Board Meetings." To
report any problems, please call (703) 993-3100 and ask for
Webcast Technical Support.

A summary of the final report, which will include
findings, probable cause and safety recommendations, will
appear on the web site shortly after the conclusion of the
meeting. The entire report will appear on the web site
several weeks later.

Directions to the Board Room: Front door located on
Lower 10th Street, directly below L'Enfant Plaza. From
Metro, exit L'Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D streets
escalator, walk through shopping mall, at CVS store take
escalator down one level. Board Room will be to your left.

Front Page

National Aeronautic Association (NAA)

E-News

April, May and June Luncheons to address Air Force Refueling Aircraft (Tanker) Contract

• Tuesday, April 29, 2008, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Air Mobility Systems, Sector VP, Paul K. Meyer, will deliver a presentation on his company's KC-45 program.

• Thursday, May 22, 2008, The Boeing Company, VP for Tanker Programs, Mark McGraw, will present his company's proposal of the KC-767.

• June, 2008--date to be determined – Will feature a representative of the United States Air Force to discuss the program and the process.

All luncheons will be held at:
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Arlington, VA 22202

Reception 11:30am
Lunch at Noon
Speaker 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Ticket Prices:
$45 for NAA Members
$50 for non-members
Register online or call 703-416-4888 and press 3

All agencies please check with your ethics office on attending this event.

Other important dates:


Collier Trophy Presentation and Banquet: June 12, 2008, Crystal Gateway Marriott

Front Page Australia

Minister for Defence Media Mail List

Thursday, 10 April 2008 011/2008

NEW SOUTH WALES EMPLOYERS OF ADF RESERVES RECOGNISED

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly
AM MP, has congratulated the record number of fifty six New South
Wales employers who were recognised last night for their support of the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves at a ceremony onboard HMAS DARWIN
at Garden Island.

The event organised by the NSW Committee of the Defence Reserves
Support Council, recognised employers who have supported their Reservist
employees with workplace policies that allow them to render Defence
service.

The Employer of the Year was presented to Lismore Base Hospital, with
State Awards presented to: NSW Police Force Hunter Valley Area Command,
NSW TAFE Hunter Institute, OOCL (Australia) Pty Ltd, and Diprinzio &
Cosetlini Pty Ltd (Broadmeadow).

Dr Kelly, offered his congratulations to the award recipients saying,
“Our Reserve forces significantly enhance Defence capability
particularly their support of current operations. Without the generous
assistance of employers such as those represented at the Awards last night it
would not be possible for many Reservists to be released from their full
time occupations.

“Working closely with industry in building mutual understanding and
providing financial and other support for employers is critical. These
awards clearly demonstrate the value Defence places on the importance of
their relationship with industry.”

In order to be eligible for an Employer Support Award, organisations
need to have a supportive leave policy in place and have released their
employees for an extended period of Reserve Service. Awards are
presented in the categories of Government, Large Private Enterprise, Medium
Private Enterprise and Small Private Enterprise.

Rear Admiral (RADM) Graeme Shirtley RFD RAN, Surgeon General for the
ADF, representing Dr Kelly, presented the Employer of The Year Award to
Lismore Base Hospital. In presenting the award, RADM Shirtley praised
the commitment that the Northern Rivers Area Health Services, and in
particular, Lismore Base Hospital had shown to the ADF Reserves.

Online Now: Defense Reserve Support Website (Australia)

Front Page Australia

Minister for Defence Media Mail List

Thursday, 10 April 2008
035/2008

OPERATION OVERWATCH GOES ONLINE

Join a humanitarian aide mission, operate a temporary airfield and earn
a virtual veterans’ service medal in Air Force’s new online game,
‘Operation Overwatch’.

The ADF’s online games are designed to entertain and inform potential
recruits about the variety of jobs available in the Forces, and the
latest brings to life caring for civilian populations in a war-torn
country.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon
MP, said with 12 games now available online, real work is being done
to engage young Australians with Defence.

“While more has to happen to attract and retain young people in the
Forces, it is critical to the future of the ADF that Generation Y and
beyond can access and interact with recruiting information via the
technology they are comfortable with,” said Mr Snowdon.

“Operation Overwatch follows on from the outstanding success of Air
Force’s two other online games, Supreme Air Combat and Operation
Thunderbolt, which have already seen over 300,000 game plays.

“This latest game expands the idea of the Air Force as simply fast
jets, to include the compelling challenge of supplying food, water and
medical supplies to a country in need.”

Brigadier Simon Gould, Director General Defence Force Recruiting, said
there can be no doubt the games contribute to recruitment enquiries.

“The beauty of the casual games is that they can be wholly targeted
to fit our campaign audiences each and every time,” Brigadier Gould
said.

“The game combines a number of Air Force roles, aircraft and
game-play elements that require strategy and planning, and are sure to
entertain players while helping to achieve Air Force’s target of over 1700
new recruits for this Financial Year.”

Operation Overwatch is now live on www.defencejobs.gov.au

Front Page

Airmen of the Combined Joint Special Operations Air Command fly in MH-53 Pave Low tail number 68-10357 in March at an undisclosed location in Iraq. The mission for the helicopter crew was to obtain certain persons of interest involved in criminal activity, including terrorism, in Iraq. The MH-53 was retired after 38 years of service, including combat operations in Vietnam.

U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Blackwell II

Front Page

Helicopter retires after service in Vietnam, Iraq


by Tech. Sgt. Kristina Newton
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

4/10/2008 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) -- MH-53 Pave Low helicopter tail number 68-10357 flew its final mission and last flight supporting special operations forces March 28 in Iraq after 38 years of service.

The helicopter was the lead command and control helicopter for a mission to rescue approximately 50 American prisoners of war from the Son Tay prison camp in North Vietnam in 1970, which became a significant event for Air Force special operations.

From Iraq, the MH-53 known as 357 will be transported to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, where it will sit on display in the Cold War Gallery.

"It's fitting that this aircraft's last mission was flown in combat before it is placed on permanent display at the museum," said Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command and an MH-53 pilot. "Aircraft 357 led a formation of HH-53 and HH-3 helicopters on a daring raid into North Vietnam to rescue American POWs. Of those five 53s that participated, only tail number 357 is left."

Historical records indicate 66 prisoners were being held at the Son Tay camp, located 23 miles west of Hanoi.

Although the mission was considered a tactical failure because no prisoners were found at the camp, it was also considered a success because conditions for POWs held in North Vietnam improved after the raid.

Training for the Son Tay raid began in the summer of 1970 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., under the command of Brig. Gen. LeRoy J. Manor, who retired as a lieutenant general. There, an all-volunteer team of Army and Air Force conventional and special operations members planned and practiced flight and ground operations for a rescue mission deep into North Vietnam. The mission was repeatedly rehearsed using a full-sized compound mock-up near Duke Field, known as Auxiliary Airfield No. 3.

For Operation Kingpin, HH-53 357, mission call sign "Apple 1," was flown by Lt. Col. Warner Britton and carried the operation commander, Army Col. Arthur Simons and his team of Soldiers to the target.

The crew of "Apple 1" was decorated with an Air Force Cross and four Silver Stars for their role in the raid.

Within 1.5 years of the Son Tay mission, three of the five HH-53s were lost, two in combat operations and one destroyed on the ground in Danang during a rocket attack by the Vietcong. The fourth HH-53 was converted to an MH-53J and flew in a special operations role for many years. It was lost in combat in Afghanistan in 2002.

Although "Apple 1" changed call signs many times since 1970, it continued to fly in operations supporting U.S. national objectives around the globe.

"It is awe inspiring to know people sat in this very seat and created history," said Col. Brad Webb, 1st Special Operation Wing commander and MH-53 pilot. "I've flown this tail number periodically since 1988," Colonel Webb said. "The closest I came to combat while flying 357 was a combat search and rescue mission for a British aircraft shot down near Gorazde, Bosnia-Herzegovenia in 1994. I also flew it in Kuwait several times under combat support missions for Operation Southern Watch in 2001."

Inevitably, aircraft age and technology advances.

As a result, the MH-53 Pave Low's long and distinguished career will soon complete its service to the Air Force. The remaining MH-53s in the Air Force inventory will be retired as they return from combat duty.

Front Page

April 10, 2008


RELEASE: 08-100

NASA SPACECRAFT FINE TUNES COURSE FOR MARS LANDING

Flight of the Phoenix...

PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA engineers have adjusted the flight path of
the Phoenix Mars Lander, setting the spacecraft on course for its May
25th landing on the Red Planet.

"This is our first trajectory maneuver targeting a specific location
in the northern polar region of Mars," said Brian Portock, chief of
the Phoenix navigation team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in
Pasadena, Calif. The mission's two prior trajectory maneuvers, made
last August and October, adjusted the flight path of Phoenix to
intersect with Mars.

NASA has conditionally approved a landing site in a broad, flat valley
informally called "Green Valley." A final decision will be made after
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter takes additional images of the
area this month.

The orbiter's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera has
taken more than three dozen images of the area. Analysis of those
images prompted the Phoenix team to shift the center of the landing
target 8 miles southeastward, away from slightly rockier patches to
the northwest. Navigators used that new center for planning today's
maneuver.

The landing area is an ellipse about 62 miles by 12 miles. Researchers
have mapped more than five million rocks in and around that ellipse,
each big enough to end the mission if hit by the spacecraft during
landing. Knowing where to avoid the rockier areas, the team has
selected a scientifically exciting target that also offers the best
chances for the spacecraft to set itself down safely onto the Martian
surface.

"Our landing area has the largest concentration of ice on Mars outside
of the polar caps. If you want to search for a habitable zone in the
arctic permafrost, then this is the place to go," said Peter Smith,
principal investigator for the mission, at the University of Arizona,
Tucson.

Phoenix will dig to an ice-rich layer expected to lie within arm's
reach of the surface. It will analyze the water and soil for evidence
about climate cycles and investigate whether the environment there
has been favorable for microbial life.

"We have never before had so much information about a Mars site prior
to landing," said Ray Arvidson of Washington University in St. Louis.
Arvidson is chairman of the Phoenix landing-site working group and
has worked on Mars landings since the first successful Viking landers
in 1976.

"The environmental risks at landing -- rocks and slopes -- represent
the most significant threat to a successful mission. There's always a
chance that we'll roll snake eyes, but we have identified an area
that is very flat and relatively free of large boulders," said JPL's
David Spencer, Phoenix deputy project manager and co-chair of the
landing site working group.

Today's trajectory adjustment began by pivoting Phoenix 145 degrees to
orient and then fire spacecraft thrusters for about 35 seconds, then
pivoting Phoenix back to point its main antenna toward Earth. The
mission has three more planned opportunities for maneuvers before May
25 to further refine the trajectory for a safe landing at the desired
location.

In the final seven minutes of its flight on May 25, Phoenix must
perform a challenging series of actions to safely decelerate from
nearly 13,000 mph. The spacecraft will release a parachute and then
use pulse thrusters at approximately 3,000 feet from the surface to
slow to about 5 mph and land on three legs.

"Landing on Mars is extremely challenging. In fact, not since the
1970's have we had a successful powered landing on this unforgiving
planet. There's no guarantee of success, but we are doing everything
we can to mitigate the risks," said Doug McCuistion, director of
NASA's Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

For more information about Phoenix, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/phoenix

Front Page

Front Page

Mission Update: Two Ariane 5s are prepared as Arianespace keeps up the mission pace in 2008

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 18:59:23 -0400

Two Ariane 5 launch campaigns are in full swing at the Spaceport in
French Guiana as the workhorse launcher's sustained mission pace continues in
2008.

Final integration activity has begun for Ariane 5's April 18 flight,
which will loft a dual payload of Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 on the second
mission of the year.

In the Spaceport's launcher Final Assembly Building, Ariane 5's large
payload fairing has been lowered into position over the Star One C2
satellite, which is installed atop the SYLDA dual payload dispenser.
This satellite - which was built by Thales Alenia Space for Brazilian
operator Star One - will ride as the upper passenger in the launch vehicle's
payload "stack."

VINASAT-1 - Vietnam's first satellite - has been integrated with its
cone-shaped payload adapter during activity in the Spaceport's S5
satellite preparation facility. During the April 18 launch, VINASAT-1 will be in
the payload stack's lower position, and is to be released from the SYLDA
dispenser 31 minutes after liftoff.

In parallel, the Ariane 5 for Arianespace's following mission has begun
its build-up in the Launcher Integration Building. The core cryogenic stage
has been suspended above its mobile launch table for mating with the two
solid propellant boosters - the first of which has been transferred to the
facility.

This third mission of 2008 will carry another dual-satellite payload -
underscoring Ariane 5's mission capability and flexibility. Arianespace
is targeting a total of seven Ariane 5 launches this year - the highest
level of activity since its commercial introduction in 1999.

Follow the Ariane 5 activity with our Mission Updates on Arianespace's
Website: www.arianespace.com

Front Page

April 9, 2008


RELEASE: 08-094

NASA SELECTS NINE SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROJECTS

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected nine proposals for negotiation of
Phase 2 contract awards in the Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR) program. The selected projects have a total value of
approximately $5.4 million. The contracts will be awarded to nine
hi-tech firms partnered with nine universities in 12 states.

The STTR program is a highly competitive, three-phase award system. It
provides qualified small businesses -- including women-owned and
disadvantaged firms -- with opportunities to propose innovative ideas
that meet specific research and development needs of the federal
government. In addition, the STTR program requires a collaborative
research effort between small business and research institutions.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) manages the STTR program for
the federal government. NASA is one of the federal agencies required
by the STTR program to reserve a portion of its research and
development funds for awards to small business and works closely with
SBA to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program (IPP) manages the STTR program
as part of its focus on emerging technologies and efforts to advance
technological innovation for NASA purposes. NASA also partners with
U.S. industry to introduce pioneering technologies into NASA missions
and transition them into commercially available products and
services.

As an investment opportunity, STTR innovations address specific
technology gaps in agency mission programs, provide a foundation for
future technology needs, and are complementary to other NASA research
investments.

Participating firms and research institutions submitted 25 Phase 2
proposals. The criteria used to select the winning proposals included
technical merit and innovation, Phase 1 results, value to NASA,
commercial potential, and company capabilities.

Phase 1 was feasibility study to evaluate the scientific and technical
merit of an idea. Awards are for up to twelve months in amounts up to
$100,000. Phase 2 expands on the results of the development in Phase
1. Awards are for up to two years in amounts up to $600,000. Phase 3
is for the commercialization of the results of Phase 2 and requires
the use of private sector or non-STTR federal funding. These NASA
awards are for the second-phase in this competitive process.

Some examples of STTR technologies being pursued in current selected
proposals include:

New photovoltaic power systems capable of operating in harsh
environments with high temperature and extreme radiation exposures.
These systems use materials developed for short optical wavelength
and high radio frequency power applications. The new systems could be
used in power systems for exploratory spacecraft.

Optically-based sensors for making temperature and other complex
measurements in propulsion systems in ground and flight test
environments. The sensors could be used in both new and retrofit
commercial aircraft as control sensors for propulsion systems.

NASA's STTR program is managed at NASA's Ames Research Center at
Moffett Field, Calif., with executive oversight from NASA
Headquarters in Washington. Individual projects are managed by NASA's
field centers.

For a list of selected companies, visit:

http://sbir.nasa.gov

Front Page

Boeing Revises 787 First Flight and Delivery Plans; Adds Schedule Margin to Reduce Risk of Further Delays

~ First flight moved into fourth-quarter 2008; deliveries to begin third-quarter 2009
~ Production plan now targets approximately 25 787 deliveries in 2009
~ Company expresses confidence in plans; will work closely with customers to minimize disruption
~ No change to 2008 earnings guidance; strong 2009 EPS growth still expected

EVERETT, Wash., April 09, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced a revised plan for first flight and initial deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner that includes additional schedule margin to reduce risk of further delays on the program.

While significant progress has been made assembling Airplane #1, first flight is being rescheduled due to slower than expected completion of work that traveled from supplier facilities into Boeing's final assembly line, unanticipated rework, and the addition of margin into the testing schedule. The new delivery schedule is based on a more conservative production plan developed with the 787 partner team. That schedule now targets approximately 25 deliveries in 2009.

First flight of the all-new airplane will move into the fourth quarter of this year rather than the end of the second quarter, and first delivery is now planned for the third quarter of 2009 instead of first quarter.

Company officials expressed confidence in the new plan and the steps being taken to accelerate program performance.

"Over the past few months, we have taken strong actions to confront and overcome start-up issues on the program, and we have made solid progress," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson. "Nevertheless, the traveled work situation and some unanticipated rework have prevented us from hitting the milestones we laid out in January. Our revised schedule is built upon an achievable, high-confidence plan for getting us to our power-on and first-flight milestones. Also, while the fundamental technologies and design of the 787 remain sound, we have inserted some additional schedule margin for dealing with other issues we may uncover in testing prior to first flight and in the flight test program."

The company said in January it would be conducting a comprehensive assessment of its supply chain and production system capabilities to determine the details of the 787's flight test program and initial delivery profile. As a result of that assessment, the first-year delivery plan announced today will be followed by a more gradual ramp up to full-rate production than previously planned.

"We deeply regret the disruption and disappointment these changes will cause for our customers, and we will work closely with each of them to minimize the impact," said Carson. "We have taken significant action to improve supply chain and production system performance, such as our investment in Global Aeronautica, but based on our assessment, the prudent course is to proceed with a more gradual ramp up to full-rate production."

Pat Shanahan, 787 vice president and program manager, echoed Carson's comments about the progress being made in 787 factories.

"The work that remains to be done on Airplane #1 is well defined, and we can see our way to -- and have confidence in -- the new milestones we have set for it," said Shanahan. "We have addressed the major challenges that slowed our progress while trying to complete the primary structure -- the parts shortages, engineering changes, and manufacturing changes -- and we are well into the systems installation that is the precursor to putting power on the airplane for the first time. We have also worked closely with our partners to achieve higher levels of completion of their parts of subsequent airplanes, and we will continue to drive improvements in the supply chain and production system performance," he said.

For tracking program progress, Shanahan outlined a series of milestones that will occur before June 30: 787 static and fatigue structural test airplanes will move to their testing locations; Airplanes #3 and #4 will enter final assembly; hardware airworthiness qualifications will be complete; and power on will be achieved.

Shanahan also said the program has changed the timing of the introduction of two 787 derivatives. The 787-9, a larger variant of the airplane, will be the first derivative of the baseline 787 with delivery planned for early 2012. The 787-3, a shorter-range model previously slated to deliver in 2010, will now become the second derivative of the airplane family.

While research and development costs will likely increase as a result of the 787 schedule change, Boeing expects no change to 2008 earnings guidance. The company continues to expect strong earnings per share growth in 2009 and will provide complete 2009 financial guidance when it holds its first-quarter 2008 earnings conference call later this month. The outlook for the company's defense business and in-production commercial airplane programs remains strong.

Boeing will hold a conference call with Scott Carson and Pat Shanahan to discuss the 787 program today at 11:00 a.m. EDT, 8:00 a.m., PDT.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this report may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements regarding future results as a result of our growth and productivity initiatives, our 2008 financial outlook and the benefits of the IDS structure. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they were made and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Our actual results and future trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including the continued operation, viability and growth of major airline customers and non-airline customers (such as the U.S. Government); adverse developments in the value of collateral securing customer and other financings; the occurrence of any significant collective bargaining labor dispute; our successful execution of internal performance plans including our company-wide growth and productivity initiatives, production rate increases and decreases (including any reduction in or termination of an aircraft product), availability of raw materials, acquisition and divestiture plans, and other cost-reduction and productivity efforts; charges from any future SFAS No. 142 review; ability to meet development, production and certification schedules for the 787 program and the ability to meet scheduled deliveries of the 787 airplane; technical or quality issues in development programs (affecting schedule and cost estimates) or in the satellite industry; an adverse development in rating agency credit ratings or assessments; the actual outcomes of certain pending sales campaigns and U.S. and foreign government procurement activities, including the uncertainty associated with the procurement of tankers by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and funding of the C-17 program; the cyclical nature of some of our businesses; unanticipated financial market changes which may impact pension plan assumptions; domestic and international competition in the defense, space and commercial areas; continued integration of acquired businesses; performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and customers; significant disruption to air travel worldwide (including future terrorist attacks); global trade policies; worldwide political stability; domestic and international economic conditions; price escalation; the outcome of political and legal processes, changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government or foreign government defense and space budgets; termination of government or commercial contracts due to unilateral government or customer action or failure to perform; legal, financial and governmental risks related to international transactions; legal and investigatory proceedings; tax settlements with the IRS and various states; U.S. Air Force review of previously awarded contracts; costs associated with the exit of the Connexion by Boeing business; and other economic, political and technological risks and uncertainties. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in our SEC filings, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

###

Front Page

Boeing to Release First-Quarter 2008 Financial Results on April 23

CHICAGO, April 09, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will release its first-quarter 2008 financial results at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 23. Boeing Capital Corp. results will be released at the same time.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer James Bell will discuss the results and company outlook during a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

That call will be broadcast live at www.boeing.com . A Boeing news release will also be available on that site.

Individuals should check the website prior to the session to ensure their computers can access the audio stream and slide presentation. Instructions for obtaining the required free downloadable software will be posted on the site.

###

Front Page

Gartner Inc. Positions Northrop Grumman in Leaders Quadrant for Desktop Managed Services

MCLEAN, Va., April 9, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been positioned by leading information technology (IT) market analyst firm, Gartner Inc., in the "leaders quadrant" of its 2008 North American help desk outsourcing and desktop outsourcing Magic Quadrant reports. The Magic Quadrant, one of the most recognized industry tools for helping companies evaluate alternative providers of a specific product or service, analyzes companies' completeness of vision and ability to execute in delivering desktop managed services to customers.

"Desktop managed services are a strategic part of the Northrop Grumman information technology business, and we continue to invest in a wider range of services to support our customers' increasingly complex IT requirements," said David Zolet, president of Northrop Grumman's Commercial, State and Local group.

Of the four quadrants (leaders, challengers, visionaries, niche players), leaders are defined in the Magic Quadrant for Desktop Outsourcing Services by Gartner Inc. as "external service providers (ESPs) that are performing their service solutions skillfully, have a clear vision of the desktop outsourcing services market's direction, and are actively building and improving their competencies to sustain their leadership position. One ESP that was in the challengers quadrant in 2007 moved to the leaders quadrant in 2008. The high number of ESPs in the leaders quadrant indicates a maturing of the desktop outsourcing services market. An ESP in the leaders quadrant has demonstrated that it has substantial desktop managed service experience and comprehends the requirements to successfully deliver these services. These ESPs have been providing services for many years, and their ability to execute their strategic visions has been clearly illustrated. This was particularly evident during the reference-checking portion of the analysis process." The report also indicates that the maturing desktop managed services market continues to grow in numbers of users and range of services provided.

The two reports, "Magic Quadrant for Desktop Outsourcing Services, North America, 2008" and "Magic Quadrant for Help Desk Outsourcing, North America, 2008," were authored by Richard Matlus and William Maurer. The reports evaluated desktop outsourcing services ESPs with at least $45 million in desktop service revenue and six North American-based references.

About Gartner, Inc.'s Magic Quadrants

The Magic Quadrants referenced here are copyrighted 2008 by Gartner, Inc. and are reused with permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Magic Quadrant, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors placed in the "leaders" quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended solely as a research tool, and is not meant to be a specific guide to action. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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 Semiconductor Foundry Receives Department of Defense Trusted Foundry Accreditation

LINTHICUM, Md., April 9, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received Category 1A Department of Defense Trusted Foundry accreditation for its Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL).

The Trusted Foundry accreditation program was established to assess the integrity of the people and processes used to design, generate, manufacture, and distribute national security critical microelectronic components.

ATL is part of Northrop Grumman's microelectronics development and production facility in Linthicum, Md. The company's semiconductor foundry has been supplying state-of-the-art microelectronic devices to the Defense Department community since the mid-1960s. With this accreditation, ATL can supply devices for applications requiring the highest level of trust.

"With this major accomplishment, the Northrop Grumman foundry becomes one of a very limited number of trusted suppliers that can fabricate both classified and unclassified Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) devices for critical Defense Department applications," said Chuck Brinkman, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Advanced Concepts and Technologies Division.

The Trusted Foundry accreditation requires use of stringent policies and procedures regarding "chain of custody" during the manufacture of ASIC devices. This, in turn, provides safeguards against supply disruption, modification or tampering with the devices as well as unauthorized reverse engineering. The accreditation, given by the Defense Microelectronics Activity, is the highest level awarded to a foundry.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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

April 9, 2008


RELEASE: 08-095

NASA SETS SIGHTS ON LUNAR DUST EXPLORATION MISSION

WASHINGTON -- NASA is preparing to send a small spacecraft to the moon
in 2011 to assess the lunar atmosphere and the nature of dust lofted
above the surface.

Called the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), the
mission will launch before the agency's moon exploration activities
accelerate during the next decade. LADEE will gather detailed
information about conditions near the surface and environmental
influences on lunar dust. A thorough understanding of these
influences will help researchers understand how future exploration
may shape the lunar environment and how the environment may affect
future explorers.

"LADEE represents a low-cost approach to science missions, enabling
faster science return and more frequent missions," said Ames Director
S. Pete Worden. "These measurements will provide scientific insight
into the lunar environment, and give our explorers a clearer
understanding of what they'll be up against as they set up the first
outpost and begin the process of settling the solar system."

LADEE is a cooperative effort with NASA's Ames Research Center at
Moffett Field, Calif., Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.,
and Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The total cost
of the spacecraft is expected to be approximately $80 million.

Ames will manage the mission, build the spacecraft and perform mission
operations. Goddard will perform environmental testing and launch
vehicle integration. The mission will be established within
Marshall's newly created Lunar Science Program Office. Marshall will
draw upon experience gained from managing a larger suite of low-cost,
small satellite missions through NASA's Discovery and New Frontiers
Program.

LADEE will fly to the moon as a secondary payload on the Discovery
mission called Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL),
which is designed to take ultra-precise gravity field measurements of
the moon. Current plans call for the GRAIL and LADEE spacecraft to
launch together on a Delta II rocket and separate after they are on a
lunar trajectory. LADEE will take approximately four months to travel
to the moon, then undergo a month-long checkout phase and begin 100
days of science operations.

LADEE is one of many activities to support lunar exploration planned
by NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Last year, NASA
also established a lunar science institute at Ames. Research teams
will address current topics in basic lunar science and possible
astronomical, solar and Earth science investigations that could be
performed from the moon. In addition, NASA is preparing for
scientific investigations following the planned launch later this
year of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). After a 30-year
hiatus, LRO represents NASA's first step toward returning humans to
the moon.

For more information on NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

Front Page

Jim Hughes, vice president of aircraft carrier overhauls and fleet support for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding

Northrop Grumman Photo

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Northrop Grumman Announces Leadership Appointments to Navy Programs At Shipbuilding Sector

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 9, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced appointments today to its Navy programs leadership team at its Shipbuilding sector in Newport News. Ken Mahler was appointed vice president of Navy programs and Jim Hughes was named vice president of aircraft carrier overhauls and fleet support.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, a newly-formed sector of Northrop Grumman Corporation, is made up of the former Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Newport News shipbuilding entities.

As vice president of Navy programs, Mahler is responsible for all Navy work, including aircraft carrier design, construction, overhaul and fleet maintenance; submarine design, construction and fleet maintenance; Advanced SEAL Delivery System; Gulf Coast work-share efforts performed at Newport News; central planning; and integration activities. Mahler reports to Matt Mulherin, Shipbuilding sector vice president and general manager.

"Ken is well-respected by our Navy customer for delivering on cost, schedule and performance commitments," Mulherin said. "He will do an excellent job of leading our very talented and experienced Navy programs team."

Mahler began his career with Newport News in 1985 as a co-op student, and began a full-time career in 1986 as an engineer. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in the aircraft carrier division, and most recently served as vice president for the aircraft carrier overhauls division. He earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University and is a licensed professional engineer.

Hughes is responsible for planning and executing aircraft carrier overhaul programs and fleet support work. He reports to Mahler.

"Jim's significant experience, education and demonstrated leadership will be a great addition to our leadership team," Mahler said. "He brings enthusiasm, commitment and a proven track record of customer satisfaction to this important position."

Hughes most recently served as program director for the USS Carl Vinson refueling and complex overhaul. He began his career at Newport News in 1981 as an electrical engineer and has held a number of increasingly responsible positions. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and a master's degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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

Ken Mahler, vice president of Navy programs for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding

Northrop Grumman Photo

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BAE SYSTEMS ACHIEVES INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR MANUFACTURING IN HILLEND

09 Apr 2008 | Ref. 120/2008

Dunfermline, United Kingdom – The quality management system at BAE Systems, Hillend, has been accredited with the highest standard required by the aerospace and defence industry – Aerospace Standard AS9100.

The approval follows a successful eight day audit conducted by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) assessors. A full ISO9001:2000 re-certification audit was also included as part of the assessment with the Hillend site achieving full compliance and no non-conformities recorded.

The operations at Hillend currently provide electronic assemblies and circuits for leading defence programmes such as Eurofighter Typhoon and the Type 45 destroyer.

Danny O’Brien, Head of Manufacturing, Hillend, BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies said; “The AS9100 approval from LRQA is evidence of BAE Systems’ commitment to improving the defence and aerospace supply chain to reduce costs and deliver the highest standards of quality. It also demonstrates to our customers that the manufacturing operations at Hillend meet these high production standards. This is an excellent result which was achieved as a result of the commitment, enthusiasm and involvement of all the production and support teams.”

Aerospace Standard AS9100 approval is a cornerstone of 21st Century Supply Chains (SC21), a programme to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chains. As a major UK supplier of complex electronic assemblies for leading defence programmes the Hillend site was able to achieve the approval of AS9100 with a 100 per cent score during a rigorous external audit process.

SC21 is managed by the Society of British Aerospace Companies and as one of the founder members at its inception in July 2006, BAE Systems remains committed to the initiative.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

Front Page

BAE SYSTEMS’ DISPLAYS MOBILE FIREPOWER AT CANSEC 2008 WITH M777 HOWITZER AND MOBILE TACTICAL TRUCKS09

Apr 2008 | Ref. 117/2008

OTTAWA, Canada – The world’s lightest 155mm howitzer and one of the most capable, reliable and mobile trucks in military service will be the focus of BAE Systems’ presence at CANSEC 2008.

The battle-proven M777, in service with the Canadian Artillery and US forces, is paired with the M1085A1R variant of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), which can tow it while carrying over 4.5 tons. FMTV is the BAE Systems offering for the Canadian Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) program and is already paired with the M777 in U.S. service.

Both are products from BAE Systems’ Land & Armaments business and will be on display at the Cartier Drill Hall, near the show.

“The M777 has already earned a name for itself in operations in Afghanistan, where it was first deployed with the Canadian Armed Forces – and now with the U.S. Marines and Army,” said business development manager for Canada Jim Reid. “The Canadian Army has been using M777 to provide indirect fire support to coalition forces where its mobility, accuracy and short time into action have received very positive feedback. It is also in service with the U.S. Marines and Army in Iraq.”

The M777 is the world’s first artillery system to incorporate the large-scale use of titanium and aluminum alloys in gun design, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems.

Canada operates 12 M777s which use the Digital Gun Management System for accurate laying and pointing of the howitzer. BAE Systems has delivered more than 300 M777s to the U.S. Department of Defense with orders for more than 600, including a recent April 2008 order for an additional 87.

Weighing less than 4200kg, it is the world’s lightest 155mm howitzer. With its low profile, high survivability, and quick deployment and stowage capabilities, the M777 can be positioned rapidly in the most challenging theatres of operation, including by medium-lift helicopters. It is currently manufactured by BAE Systems at its facilities at Barrow-in-Furness in the UK and Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

BAE Systems’ Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles continues to boast the highest percent availability of any vehicle in the U.S. Army tactical vehicle fleet. Since the start of the program in 1988, BAE Systems has manufactured more than 36,000 FMTV vehicles for military forces and government contractors.

As the exclusive provider of the FMTV to the U.S. Army, BAE Systems offers more than 16 truck variants on two basic platforms – the 2.5-ton 4 x 4 Light Medium Tactical Vehicle and the 5- to 10-ton 6 x 6 Medium Tactical Vehicle. The FMTV vehicle models include troop carriers, cargo carriers, vans, dump trucks, recovery vehicles, tractors, specialty vehicles, as well as three trailer models, making it a highly versatile tactical vehicle family. With about 85 percent parts commonality across the FMTV family, BAE Systems has increased readiness while decreasing costs.

The versatility of the FMTV platform has fuelled the development of new variants, such as Hybrid Electric Drives, 9-ton Load Handling Systems, 10-ton dump, the FMTV 8 x 8 Flex-Frame, and the Height Reducible Electronic Enclosure. The FMTV is also the standard chassis for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Medium Extended Air Defense System.

In 2003, BAE Systems designed the Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), which offers crew protection from assault rifle rounds, land mines, and artillery fragments. The LSAC cab was designed as a drop-in replacement for the standard FMTV cab, which does not offer ballistic protection, and can be installed in a “remove and replace” operation by two people in approximately four hours each. Over 2,000 of these LSAC cabs are presently in operation with the U.S. Army.

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Promise made, promise kept:

Supply chain partners deliver 5,000+ MRAPs to warfighters

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - Supply chain partners, from manufacturer to the front lines, reached a major milestone in keeping warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan safe from the effects of many improvised explosive devices.

As of April 5, more than 5,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have been delivered to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. The milestone of 5,000 occurs a little more than three months after the Department of Defense kept its promise of 1,500 of the vehicles in theater before the end of 2007. In fact, as of today, the total has already climbed to more than 5,200.

An earlier turning point occurred in late March. The number of vehicles delivered by sea exceeded the number airlifted to the area of operations. U.S. Transportation Command officials project that by the end of June, all MRAP vehicles will be shipped by sea.

Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., assigned as the Joint Program Executive Office (PEO), manages the overall MRAP program for the Department of Defense. Prior to shipment, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command center at Charleston, S.C., integrates and installs government furnished equipment into the vehicles.

"The many successes of the Joint MRAP Vehicle program are the result of an overwhelming team effort by the many players in this program," said Brig. Gen. Michael Brogan, commander, Marine Corps Systems Command/Joint PEO. "From production to integration, from transportation to fielding, a number of commands and organizations have played major roles in this program. The professionals from USTRANSCOM exhibited flexibility and resourcefulness to accomplish the movement mission."

USTRANSCOM has played a role in getting MRAPs into the hands of warfighters quickly and efficiently. The command's MRAP End-to-End Distribution team has been monitoring the pipeline from production through to arrival in theater and delivery to final destination.

"The Defense Transportation System has flexed to support the needs of USCENTCOM. Our success is definitely a team effort," said Army Lt. Col. John Hanson, USTRANSCOM's MRAP End-to-End Distribution Team lead.

This success is also significant, considering USTRANSCOM also supported the President, humanitarian relief operations around the world, and commitments made to USCENTCOM and other combatant commands.

The transportation team included members of the command's components to ensure visibility throughout the system. Air Mobility Command C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III and contracted AN-124 Condor aircraft delivered the majority of MRAPs until this week. The Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command scheduled ocean carrier deliveries by sea and handled port operations. The Navy's Military Sealift Command delivered vehicles with its fast sealift ships and large, medium-speed, roll-on,

roll off vessels as well as chartered commercial ships.

"This is truly an achievement of all the military and commercial partners in this venture," said Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, USTRANSCOM commander. “These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe while in harm's way."

Front Page

BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES 2008 EUROPEAN TURRET MOUNTED WEAPONS EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY AWARD FROM FROST & SULLIVAN

09 Apr 2008 | Ref. 118/2008

ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK, Sweden -- BAE Systems has received the 2008 European Turret Mounted Weapons Excellence in Technology award from Frost & Sullivan, a worldwide growth consulting company. The award recognizes BAE Systems for its work designing and developing the SEP family of vehicles. The SEP family consists of common-chassis, tracked and wheeled 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles.

"This recognition is the result of significant investments by BAE Systems and our employees to develop the best and most cost effective family of vehicles for Armed Forces," said Örjan Olsson, SEP projects director of BAE Systems. "The SEP family of vehicles is built on a 50-year tradition of manufacturing excellence and commitment to innovation by our Swedish operations. Its flexibility to always be fit for any type of mission, high protection levels for the crew and high availability gives the users ability to act in any type of conflict anywhere in the world."

A SEP vehicle is created by adding a specific mission module to a basic chassis depending on the users need--ranging from troop carrier, ambulance, command and control, reconnaissance or logistic carrier. More than 24 different variants have been created. The vehicles are designed and manufactured in Örnskoldsvik, Sweden, by BAE Systems Hägglunds AB, one of the company's Swedish subsidiaries.

"Our analyses have showed that the SEP family has unique features which the users definitely will benefit from," said Moin Chowdhury, research manager at Frost & Sullivan. "Governments around the world should soon realize the benefits of platforms, such as SEP, which bring all the capability needed in conflict at a cost which is significantly more favorable than anything else seen on the market today."

The Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Technology Award is given to the company that has pioneered the development and introduction of an innovative technology into the market-a technology that has either impacted or has the potential to impact several market sectors. The award recognizes a company's successful technology development that is expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change and competitive posture. It also recognizes the overall technical excellence of a company and its commitment towards technology innovation.

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Airbus developed its SPace Innovative Catering Equipment (SPICE) galley concept to be more efficient than traditional catering systems, using boxes and foldable carts for service (1 April 2008)

Photo: Airbus

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LOCKHEED MARTIN TEAM SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES MAJOR FLIGHT SOFTWARE DESIGN REVIEW FOR SPACE-BASED MISSILE WARNING SYSTEM

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 08, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today
announced the successful completion of a comprehensive review of
improved flight software designed to provide highly reliable command and
control of the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous orbit
(GEO) spacecraft.

SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and
simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical
intelligence and battlespace characterization.

Nearly 80 representatives from the U.S. Air Force, the Aerospace
Corporation and the Department of Defense (DoD) participated in a detailed
Integrated Design Review (IDR) at Lockheed Martin's facilities in
Sunnyvale, Calif.

Under contract to the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center,
Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., Lockheed Martin Space Systems, the
SBIRS prime contractor, enhanced SBIRS flight software to enable more
robust command and data handling, fault management and safe-hold
capabilities on the GEO satellite system. An integral component of the
spacecraft's command and data handling subsystem, the fault management system
responds when an anomaly is detected in normal operations, putting the
satellite into a safe state while operators on the ground analyze the
situation and take corrective action.

"The successful review is direct testimony to the joint team's hard
work and commitment to achieving operational excellence on this critical
national program," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice
president and GEO-1 program manager. "We look forward to our continued
progress and bringing powerful new global surveillance capabilities to our
warfighters with the launch of this first-of-its-kind spacecraft."

Successful completion of the IDR allows the team to proceed with final
development and delivery of flight software blocks necessary to support
pre-launch spacecraft testing, including thermal vacuum testing which
will validate spacecraft performance at temperature extremes greater
than those expected during on-orbit operations. After the extensive
environmental and final integrated test phase, the spacecraft will be
shipped to the Air Force in late 2009 in preparation for launch from Cape
Canaveral Air Force Base, Fla.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Northrop
Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., the payload integrator, are
developing SBIRS for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems
Center. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide two HEO payloads
and two GEO satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and
process the infrared data.The Lockheed Martin team has delivered both
HEO payloads and the first GEO satellite launch is scheduled for late
2009. The first HEO payload has completed initial on-orbit deployment and
checkout and demonstrated that its performance meets or exceeds
specifications. The program is in the early stages of adding additional GEO
spacecraft and HEO payloads to the planned constellation.

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 Media Advisory

Journalism

April 8, 2008

Steve Cole/Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0918/1726
stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov, dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-076

MEDIA INVITED TO MULTI-NATIONAL EARTH OBSERVATION SEMINAR

WASHINGTON -- NASA will join its international partners in space-based
climate change research to discuss their current and future
Earth-observation programs at a seminar Friday, April 18, at the Keck
Center of the National Academies, 500 5th St. NW, in Washington.

Media are invited to attend the seminar, "Space-based Earth
Observations for Climate Change," which begins at 1:30 p.m. EDT and
is followed by an evening reception. The event is sponsored by the
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). NASA, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Academies of
Science are co-organizers of the event.

At the seminar, NASA, JAXA, NOAA, the European Space Agency and the
European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological
Satellites will discuss their programs related to climate change
research and societal needs. Participants also will address
coordination of their respective programs.

Michael Freilich, director of the Earth Science Division in the
Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, will
present an overview of NASA's Earth science program. He will discuss
NASA's next generation of Earth science missions and their
contributions to climate change monitoring, NASA's Earth science
analysis programs that advance our understanding of the integrated
Earth system, and NASA's applications activities that translate this
new knowledge into specific benefits for society.

Reporters interested in attending the seminar and reception must
contact Ms. Tomoko Iijima at 202-333-6844 or by e-mail at
EOseminar@gmail.com in advance. A complete list of speakers is
available by contacting Ms. Iijima.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

Front Page

The storage efficiency of Airbus’ SPace Innovative Catering Equipment (SPICE) could enable an airline to add 11 seats to a typical widebody aircraft cabin, while reducing overall weight (1 April 2008)

Photo: Airbus

Front Page

Boeing Teams With Computer Sciences Corp. for Special Operations Competition

ST. LOUIS, April 07, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced a teaming agreement with Computer Sciences Corp. [NYSE: CSC] to pursue the multibillion-dollar U.S. Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) contract.

Both companies are working closely at all levels to design and offer the winning, best-of-industry approach for SOFSA contract management and execution. The SOFSA draft request for proposal is anticipated before the end of April.

Located in Lexington, Ken., SOFSA serves as the logistics cornerstone that enables U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to execute the Special Operations Forces' global mission.

"Boeing and CSC possess a wide array of capabilities needed to manage and improve overall logistic and sustainment activities associated with SOFSA's nine core competencies," said Ken Hill, director of Boeing's Special Operations Forces program in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. "We are confident this team can provide the innovative solutions that our warfighters need to support today's vital missions."

Boeing performs many other major government programs with requirements similar to those of SOFSA, such as Flexible Acquisition and Sustainment Tool, Integrated Weapon System Support, Future Combat Systems and C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership.

CSC also performs many major government programs, including the Logistics Modernization Program, Expeditionary Combat Support System, and management of the Land Warrior Consortium.

"The combined technical, integration and sustainment strengths of Boeing and CSC offer the best possible team to support USSOCOM worldwide and to bring SOFSA new capabilities that offer enhanced performance while establishing cost-saving efficiencies for operations," said Jim Sheaffer, president of CSC's North American Public Sector.

Computer Sciences Corp. is a leading global information technology services company. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has 91,000 employees worldwide and reported revenue of $16.1 billion for the 12 months ended Dec. 28, 2007. For more information on CSC's technology-enabled business solutions, visit the company's Web site at http://www.csc.com.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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Boeing Executives to Provide Update About 787 Dreamliner Program

CHICAGO, April 07, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] will webcast a 787 Dreamliner briefing on Wednesday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Carson and Vice President/General Manager, 787 Program, Pat Shanahan will discuss progress to date on the new commercial airplane.

The webcast will be available. Individuals should check that site prior to the event to ensure their computers are configured for the audio stream.

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Boeing Sponsors Flight of Historic Airplanes Over Washington, D.C.April 10 Flyover of B-17, Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, and P-40 Kittyhawk to Commemorate U.S. Airmen Who Died in Combat

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 07, 2008 -- The Boeing Company today announced that it is sponsoring a flyover of four historic military airplanes in honor of U.S. airmen who died during World War II and in subsequent conflicts.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 10, at 1:15 p.m. The airplanes will take off from Andrews Air Force Base, will cross the airspace around Ronald Reagan National Airport (which will close briefly to accommodate the event) and will circle the Air Force Memorial before returning to Andrews. Spectators will be able to view the flyover from the grounds of the memorial (accessed by car via I-395 and Columbia Pike) as well as from multiple points along the Potomac River in Arlington and Washington, D.C.

The American Air Museum (AAM) in Duxford, England, organized the flyover, which features a B-17 Flying Fortress (made by Boeing), a P-51D Mustang (made by North American Aviation, now a part of Boeing), a P-40 Kittyhawk (made by Curtiss Wright), and a Spitfire (made by Vickers Armstrong).

Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, president of the AAM and chairman of the Imperial War Museum in the United Kingdom, will preside over the event and pay tribute to the thousands of airmen who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom. Joining him for the ceremony at the memorial will be former British Prime Minister (and honored guest) Sir John Major; Lt. Gen. John Bradley, commander, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command; and Richard Ashton, executive vice president, AAM.

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Boeing and TEAM TSAT Confirm Readiness of Advanced Satellite Electronics

ST. LOUIS, April 08, 2008 -- Tests of Boeing's Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) demonstrated the microchip's functionality, speed and suitability for spaceflight. TSAT is designed to provide survivable, protected, high-capacity, Internet-like connectivity for warfighters.

Boeing Photo

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Boeing and TEAM TSAT Confirm Readiness of Advanced Satellite Electronics

ST. LOUIS, April 08, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and its TEAM TSAT industry partners have successfully demonstrated the readiness of the advanced electronics that will be used in the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT).

Tests of the TSAT Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) demonstrated the microchip's functionality, speed and suitability for spaceflight. The tests, completed in late 2007 at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, simulated the most challenging radiation environment TSAT will experience during operation.

"The success of these tests emphasizes TEAM TSAT's strategy of transitioning proven operational terrestrial technology to space," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "This accomplishment demonstrates TEAM TSAT's world-class engineering and our commitment to designing and delivering solutions that fully meet the U.S. Air Force's requirements."

These successful risk-reduction tests are the result of more than 10 years of partnership between Boeing and IBM. The TSAT ASIC chip is the fourth generation of IBM terrestrial ASIC technology qualified for space use. The first appeared in 2001 in a Boeing-built satellite-based mobile communications system.

"IBM has a strong history of positive investments in the field of microelectronics," said Anthony Yu, vice president, IBM Systems & Technology Group. "This renowned expertise and commitment to research and development has been a cornerstone in our collaboration with Boeing over the past decade and complements our drive for innovative products and services."

TEAM TSAT used ASIC chip designs that represent the most challenging functions required of TSAT. The tests simulated the harsh environment of space with a cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator that accelerates electrons using a high-frequency alternating charge.

Boeing's TEAM TSAT consists of Cisco Systems, Hughes, IBM, Harris Corp., Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., LGS Innovations, Raytheon, General Dynamics C4 Systems, L-3 Communications, BBN Technologies, EMS Technologies, SAIC and Innovative Communications Engineering. The team submitted its TSAT Space Segment proposal to the Air Force on July 30, 2007. The Air Force is expected to announce the winner of the multibillion-dollar contract later this year.

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

Northrop Grumman Awarded Contract to Support First Air Force

HERNDON, Va., April 8, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was awarded a task order under the Communications/Electronics Command (CECOM) Rapid Response (CR2) program to provide analytical, technological and logistics support for the First Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Rome, N.Y., Salt Lake City and McChord Air Force Base, Wash.


The task order, which falls under the eight-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity CECOM CR2 program contract Northrop Grumman won in March 2003, is worth more than $46 million over a two-year period.

Under the terms of the CECOM CR2 task order, Northrop Grumman's Technical Services (TS) sector will provide mission support to First Air Force and its subordinate units for non-combat related functions in order to meet the expanded homeland security mission and Defense Security to Civil Authorities responsibilities assigned to First Air Force. The Northrop Grumman team includes Cubic Applications, Inc., Lacey, Wash., and ARINC, Annapolis, Md.

"One of Northrop Grumman's most important and valued customers is the warfighter," said Don Hansen, CECOM CR2 program site manager for Northrop Grumman. "Working with First Air Force allows us to continue to support the warfighter abroad while doing the same for the men and women who work to keep America safe here on the home front."

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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 Sweden

SAAB Diversity

Monitoring correctional institutions

Saab, with Securitas Systems as sub-contractor, has received an order for surveillance systems for new correctional institutions and remand centres.

4/8/2008 | The deal means that Saab will supply surveillance systems to surveillance centres at four new high security correctional institutions. Saab’s sub-contractor, Securitas Systems, will supply alarms, cameras and other monitoring equipment that will be integrated with the surveillance system. The contract is worth 282 million SEK and has been signed with Specialfastigheter Sverige AB, who are responsible for the Swedish Prison and Probation Service buildings.

“This contract shows that Saabs concentration on the civil security area is moving in the right direction. We have now established a strong position in the security market in Sweden”, says Peter Wimmerström, Vice President and Managing Director, Saab Systems.

Other systems can be integrated
The solution that Saab will supply to the Swedish Prison and Probation Service is based on the Saab Net Centric Security concept and is called Net Centric Correctional Facility. The network based security concept consists of the command and control system WCU, which is based on open architecture. This means that other surveillance equipment can be integrated in the command system. In this way the customer can make use of previous investments.

All activities can be followed in the same interface
By integrating the monitoring equipment in the surveillance system the operators in the surveillance centres can follow all activities within the monitored area, in one interface. The system will be adapted to the customer’s needs and operations in a common process.

Saab total contractor

The agreement means that Saab is the total contractor and takes overall responsibility for the technical solution while Securitas Systems is responsible for the bulk of the support and maintenance.
“Through the contract we are establishing a long term collaboration where Saab becomes a technical partner to the Swedish Prison and Probation Service and assumes overall responsibility,” says Peter Wimmerström, Managing Director of Saab Systems.

Front Page Sweden

SAAB and the Environment

Network for future environmental solutions

4/7/2008 | Nordic Climate Cluster (NoCC) will be the platform where good ideas within the climate and environmental area can meet.

The Nordic Climate Cluster, a Swedish-Norwegian industrial and research collaboration has started. Saab has initiated the network, which has the task of stimulating projects that can develop the future solutions for the energy and environmental area.

“Environmental issues are important to Saab and Nordic Climate Cluster is one of the environmental projects that we are involving ourselves in. As initiative taker it feels good that the operations are now starting and we hope and believe that Nordic Climate Cluster will give concrete results within the energy and environmental area,” says Saab’s CEO Åke Svensson.

Saab is the initiative taker and one of the 16 leading Swedish and Norwegian industrial groups behind the network. The major electricity producers, the oil industry, automotive and paper and pulp industries are all represented in the Nordic Climate Cluster.

A cross discipline collaboration
“Nordic Climate Cluster is partly an industrial collaboration between Sweden and Norway, and partly a cross discipline collaboration. We have a fantastically high level of participation and are very pleased with the involvement,” says Ralf Holmér at Saab Industrial Cooperation, who worked to prepare NoCC and will head the Swedish office.

NoCC will contribute to realising projects that can lead to internationally viable commercial solutions and support the different players with expertise in issues regarding research, commercialisation and financing. In addition, NoCC will also work towards more efficient use of raw materials as well as energy.

The initiative has its’ origins in Saab’s discussions with Norway regarding the sales of the Gripen aircraft but will operate regardless of what fighter aircraft Norway selects.

A lot of commercial interest

“It was a strong wish on the Norwegian side to have collaboration programmes between Norwegian and Swedish industry. We made an analysis that among other things showed that we should invest in energy and the environment, not just because of the timing but also because these are areas where both Sweden and Norway are very advanced. There is also a lot of commercial interest for different solutions within this area,” says Ralf Holmér.

The first individual initiatives within NoCC have already started. One of the first areas that NoCC has started to look at is the manufacture of transport fuel from biomaterials.


Facts about Nordic Climate Cluster:
Nordic Climate Cluster was formally launched in Oslo on 7th April 2008.
Volvo, Vattenfall, SCA, Stora Enso, Holmen, Södra and Tekniska Verken are involved in the collaboration in addition to Saab. The network is in contact with several state authorities such as Vinnova, STEM and Formas.
Aker Kvaerner, Borregard, Hafslund, Norske Skog, Norsk Hydro, Statkraft and Hydro are participating from Norway.
NoCC will have one office in Oslo and one in Stockholm. Saab is financing the administration for two years.

Front Page Sweden

SAAB Diversity

Saab Giraffe AMB sold to UK

Saab has signed a contract for the delivery of five Giraffe AMB to Lockheed Martin UK. The end customer is United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD). The contract is worth approximately 30 million GBP.

4/3/2008 ~ Saab’s Giraffe AMB is included as a key sensor in Lockheed Martin’s system solution for United Kingdom’s so called LEAPP programme, Land Environment Air Picture Provision. The programme will supply a system that provides tactical commanders within land forces with an integrated air picture in near real time. An updated situational picture gives commanders increased opportunities to plan and coordinate operations so that the risk of incidents and friendly fire is reduced.

“This is an important order for the whole Giraffe operation. United Kingdom is a significant customer and the main supplier Lockheed Martin is one of the major players in the defence industry. We hope that this will be an important reference deal and that more potential customers will choose Giraffe AMB,” says Janos Fugedi, Sales & Marketing Vice President & General Manager at Saab Microwave Systems.

Lockheed Martin in team with companies from the USA, United Kingdom and Sweden was selected as a main supplier for the LEAPP programme in August 2006. Since then the team has, together with the customer, carried out both system assessment and practical demonstrations to show that the system covers the capability gaps that have been identified and that it fits together with other systems in the UK armed forces and manning requirements.

The first system will be delivered to Lockheed Martin within 24 months. All five will be delivered to the UK's armed forces during 2012, when they will become operational.

Giraffe AMB in LEAPP in brief:

Giraffe AMB can have different functions for use within surveillance, air defence command, military air traffic control and weapon locating.

The version included in LEAPP is a sensor unit with a 3D surveillance radar with multiple beams (Agile Multi Beam = AMB) that combines 3D measurements with good range, large altitude ceiling, rapid updating of targets such as aircraft, missiles and helicopters as well as UAVs and other targets with very small radar signatures.

The system has good performance in rain and good interference protection.

The sensor also has an integrated Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) and Identification Friend or Foe function (IFF).

Front Page

"Wings Over South Texas" Air Show a Hit
Story Number: NNS080408-10
Release Date: 4/8/2008 12:55:00 PM


By Jon Gagne, Naval Air Station Kingsville Public Affairs

KINGSVILLE, Texas (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, and parachute team, the Leap Frogs, headlined an all-star cast at the 2008 "Wings Over South Texas" air show at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville April 4-6.

Nearly 50,000 people attended the event over the three day period, and NAS Kingsville Commanding Officer Capt. Phil Waddingham was pleased with the way Kingsville personnel dedicated themselves to making the show the very best it could be.

"I am extremely proud of my entire command today because of their outstanding support of the 'Wings Over South Texas' air show," Waddingham said. "I lost count of how many times a performer, a static display participant or a guest came up to me personally to say that they have never observed such a well-organized air show event as the one here in Kingsville. In short, team Kingsville simply blew them away!"

In addition to the Navy's top demonstration teams, the show featured additional military acts like the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command's Viper West F-16 demonstration team and Heritage Flight, a U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue demonstration, and an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet demonstration by Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 from NAS Lemoore, Calif.

Civilian acts included air show legends Rob Holland, Jan Collmer, Dr. Rich Sugden, Tim Weber and Corpus Christi, Texas native Paul Fiala.

The NAS Kingsville air show was the first of 24 events for the Leap Frogs in 2008. The Blue Angels, who started their 2008 season off with a flyover at the Super Bowl in Arizona in February, will perform 34 shows this year.

The weather cooperated with clear blue south Texas skies the first two days and just a few clouds on Sunday with temperatures in the upper 70s. The spectator turnout for the weekend was more than double the size of the 2006 NAS Kingsville show.

"We opened our gates to nearly 50,000 people over the three-day period, and that's twice the population of the city of Kingsville," Waddingham said. "With that many people on board, it's not uncommon to have some sort of medical emergency occur, or even a security problem. But we had zero incidents that would have otherwise detracted from the show's schedule.

"Every department played a critical role in the success of this weekend. We like to say that naval aviation is a team sport and that NAS Kingsville is 'The Saddle of Naval Aviation.' I'm pleased to say that what team Kingsville did this weekend – and all of the months leading up to this unqualified success – was indeed a team effort," he said.

With the 2008 event behind them, "Team Kingsville" will now turn its focus to assisting NAS Corpus Christi with the 2009 show, and begin making early plans for the 2010 event at NAS Kingsville.

For more news from Naval Air Station Kingsville, visit www.navy.mil/local/naskingsville/

Front Page Australia

Members of the Maritime Patrol Task Group assigned to the Middle East gather for a photo in front of an AP-3C Orion aircraft at their base in the Middle East. In front is Commander Task Group 633.2 Wing Commander Stephen Hanrahan.

Photo: Australia Department of Defense

Front Page Australia

Joint Media Release

The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP
Minister for Defence

and

Senator Chris Evans
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Tuesday, 8 April 2008 027/08

PROTECTING IRAQIS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED AUSTRALIAN TROOPS

Iraqi employees, including translators and interpreters, who have
supported Australian troops in Iraq will be able to apply for resettlement
in Australia in recognition of the personal security situation they will
face as Australia withdraws its combat forces from southern Iraq.

Anti-Coalition forces have deliberately targeted individuals working
with Australian troops and their partners in southern Iraq.

In response, the Australian Government will adopt a new visa policy to
enable the permanent resettlement in Australia of locally engaged
employees (LEEs) and their families at risk because of their engagement with
the Australian Government.

The policy will apply only to LEEs and their families specifically
designated by the Government as eligible for a humanitarian visa under the
new policy and it is anticipated that up to 600 visas will be granted.

The first group of employees to benefit will be a select group of
Iraqis who have worked for, or with, the withdrawing elements of the
Australian Defence Force commitment to Iraq.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon said these Iraqis have repeatedly
shown their commitment to Australia’s security and reconstruction
operations in Iraq.

Senator Evans said the LEEs and their families would be granted
permanent humanitarian visas after undergoing strict health, character and
national security checks.

The LEEs and their families will be settled throughout Australia and
those with relatives already living in Australia would be settled in the
same state or territory as their families where possible.

Front Page Australia

About Operation Catalyst

Operation Catalyst is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.

Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.

Operation Catalyst currently comprises up to 1540 Australian Defence Force personnel.

Major General Mike Hindmarsh commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations including all elements assigned to Operation Catalyst and Operation Slipper.

Brigadier Brian Dawson is the Deputy Commander of Australian forces in Iraq.

Though deployed on Catalyst, some units, personnel and assets are dual assigned and are also responsible to supporting Operation Slipper (the ADF's contribution to fighting global terrorism). In such cases, information appears below in Italics.

Operation Catalyst fact sheet

Australia's commitment to Operation Catalyst presently includes:

• An Australian Joint Task Force Headquarters of about 70 personnel that commands all ADF maritime, land and air elements deployed on either Operations Catalyst or Slipper. The headquarters is commanded by Major General Mike Hindmarsh. Brigadier Brian Dawson also operates from this headquarters.

• Australian Security Detachment – Baghdad XII (SECDET XII) is a Combat Team (CT) of about 110 personnel. The CT comprises two infantry Platoons, one Cavalry Troop, a Military Police Detachment and a Combat Service Support Element.

As part of Joint Task Force 633, SECDET provides support to the Australian Embassy–Baghdad in order to facilitate the conduct of the Australian Diplomatic Mission. SECDET utilises ASLAVs and armoured Landcruisers to provide protected mobility for Australian Government personnel working at the Australian Embassy. The Military Police Detachment provides close personal protection for key personnel.

SECDET XII consists primarily of personnel from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment and 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry). SECDET XII also includes personnel from the 3rd Combat Support Regiment, 1st Military Police Battalion, 7 Combat Service Support Battalion and 1st Intelligence Battalion.

• The Overwatch Battle Group-West (OBG-W) based in the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar comprises approximately 515 personnel and consists of a headquarters, a cavalry squadron, an infantry company, ASLAVs and Bushmaster vehicles. The Battle Group is based at Tallil Air Base and from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.

• The Australian Army Training Team - Iraq contributes to training the Iraqi Army with a team of up to 100 trainers working at various locations throughout Iraq. The training conducted by the Australian Army Training Team Iraq has yielded excellent results with approximately 16,500 Iraq Army personnel benefitting from the Australian contribution including: 11,500 Iraqi Army recruits, 400 non-commissioned officers, 330 officers and 4200 specialists.

• A RAAF C-130 Hercules Detachment of about 155 personnel provides intra-theatre airlift and sustainment support in the Middle East, with three transport aircraft, ground crew and other support elements.

• About 95 personnel serving in the multi-national force headquarters and units.

• A RAAF AP-3C Orion Detachment of about 170 personnel conducts maritime patrol operations, with two aircraft and associated command and support elements supporting both the rehabilitation operation in Iraq and the coalition operation against terrorism.

• HMAS ARUNTA, under the command of Commander Timothy Brown RAN, is currently deployed to the Northern Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst. ARUNTA is tasked to assist in the protection of Iraq's offshore assets such as oil platforms, which allows Iraq to generate much needed funds to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

ARUNTA also assists with the detection, interception and deterrence of vessels suspected of undertaking illegal activity within Iraqi waters. This is ARUNTA’s second deployment to the Northern Persian Gulf and is the 17th rotation of Navy ships as part of coalition operations since 2001.

HMAS ARUNTA is the second of the Royal Australian Navy’s eight ANZAC-class frigates, and the second ship of the name. The original ARUNTA was commissioned in 1942 during World War II and served with distinction in New Guinea and the Pacific between 1942 and 1944, the Battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944 and Lingayen Gulf in 1945.

The name ARUNTA comes from the Arrente Aboriginal people, located in central Australia around Alice Springs. The Arrente Council presented HMAS ARUNTA with a flag displaying a Perrente lizard. The lizard is an animal from the dreamtime for the Arrente people, and is featured on HMAS ARUNTA’s Sea Hawk helicopter.

• A small number of ADF personnel are employed with the Coalition Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force, designated TF Troy. TF Troy coordinates Coalition C-IED efforts focused on intelligence collection, material solutions and training for coalition forces throughout Iraq. ADF personnel serving with TF Troy also provide information that assists the Australian Counter IED Task Force that is based in Canberra.

• A tri-service Force Level Logistic Asset, communications element and movement control group of 110 personnel are responsible for a range of logistic, training and communications activities.

Information current at 07 March 2008

Front Page

Cessna Certified to Build Caravans with Garmin G1000, TKS Ice Protection


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla., that it has achieved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification to deliver its Caravan models with Garmin G1000 integrated avionics as standard equipment.

Cessna customers now will find the G1000 package on every aircraft ranging from the Skyhawk single-engine piston through the Citation Mustang entry-level business jet. The Caravan transition is well under way to incorporate the new system on the assembly line while simultaneously increasing the production rate, and the first retail deliveries of the Garmin-equipped Caravans remain on schedule to begin by mid-year.

Cessna received a record 272 Caravan orders last year, including 59 taken during the 2007 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Meeting and Convention, where the company introduced the avionics upgrade and announced it will offer optional TKS ice protection from CAV Aerospace on cargo pod-equipped Caravans. Cessna responded to the influx of orders by significantly increasing Caravan production rates for 2008.

The Garmin G1000 system designed for the Caravan line – the Cessna 208, the Grand Caravan (208B) and the Super Cargomaster – includes three 10” displays: two primary flight displays (PFD) and one multi function display (MFD). One of the PFDs can serve as a back up, increasing dispatch ability.

The Caravan G1000 system incorporates the GFC700, an integrated, dual-channel digital autopilot. Other features include a flight director, go-around mode and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). It also includes SafeTaxiTM, a graphical representation of the aircraft on the ground in the airport environment in relation to labeled taxiways, runways and buildings during taxi. Radar, TAWS-B, XM radio and XM weather are optional features.

On TKS-equipped Caravans, the optional ice protection system releases glycol-based fluid through laser-drilled panels on the leading edges of the wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizers to reduce ice accumulation. A slinger ring on the propeller also emits fluid to minimize ice accumulation on the prop, windshield, cargo pod and landing gear. Cessna is currently developing a TKS option for non-cargo pod-equipped Caravans, which is expected to be available for early 2009 deliveries.

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 $12.6 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, 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.

Front Page

Cessna Single-Engine Orders Strong Overseas


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, continues to see strong orders for its single-engine piston product line from flight schools overseas.

Cessna announced today at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In that Sabadell Aeroclub in Barcelona, Spain, has ordered eight single-engine Cessnas and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has placed an order for three Skyhawks to be used in its new flight training academy at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“Sabadell Aeroclub is one of Europe’s most progressive flying clubs and I’m very excited that they, once again, have chosen Cessna to provide aircraft for their expanding fleet,” said Pana Poulios, manager, European propeller aircraft sales. “I am also confident that AZAL will find their Garmin G1000-equipped Skyhawks to be the right choice for their new academy.”

Sabadell Aeroclub ordered two Cessna 182T Skylanes and six 162 SkyCatchers. The aircraft will complement Sabadell’s large fleet of aircraft which includes 17 Cessnas, six of which are G1000-equipped.

Sabadell chose the SkyCatcher to provide affordable flight training options, replacing its Cessna 150s and 152s. Priced at $111,500, the new SkyCatcher light-sport aircraft will feature a Garmin G300 glass avionics system. Information is presented in a single, split-screen primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD), or as two full-screen displays incorporating an optional second screen. The aircraft will be capable of day and night, visual flight rules (VFR) operations. Cruise speed is targeted at 118 knots and the range 470 nautical miles. First deliveries of the SkyCatcher are expected during the second half of 2009.

The Skylane was chosen by Sabadell Aeroclub based on its range, payload and safety record. Sabadell’s fleet already included one 182. The new Skylanes are equipped with Garmin’s integrated G1000 avionics, including the GFC700 autopilot.

AZAL was founded in 1923 and provided domestic flights within the Soviet Union under Aeroflot. Following Azerbaijan Republic’s independence in 1991, the airline now also flies internationally to multiple destinations in Europe and the Middle East. The Cessna Skyhawk was chosen for AZAL’s flight training academy due to its unparalleled track record as a flight training aircraft. Almost 40,000 Skyhawks have been delivered since its introduction in 1955.

Front Page

Cessna on Schedule to Deliver First Skyhawk Turbo Diesel by Mid-2008


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, said today at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla., that it is closing in on certification of the turbo diesel model of its popular 172 Skyhawk.

Cessna and Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH have accumulated more than 200 hours on a prototype of the single-engine piston aircraft in efforts to achieve European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the supplemental type certificate (STC) that will allow Cessna to offer a factory-installed engine operating on Jet-A fuel. Once EASA certification is secured, Cessna will pursue type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Deliveries are expected to begin by mid-2008.

“Market interest in the new Skyhawk TD is very high; we plan to increase production in 2009 to meet the demand,” said John Doman, Cessna vice president of worldwide propeller aircraft sales. “Customers see exceptional value and productivity in an airplane combining the reliability of the Skyhawk with Jet-A fuel’s wide availability and lower direct operating cost.”

The Skyhawk TD features a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) equipped Thielert Centurion 2.0 liter engine. The DOHC (double overhead camshaft) in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine develops 155 horsepower, is liquid cooled and drives a composite three-blade constant speed propeller. Benefits include reduced fuel consumption, lower direct operating costs, simplified engine operation and improved hot-and-high aircraft performance.

Cessna has incorporated several aircraft design changes to simplify factory installation and maintenance, as well as to ensure full integration of the new engine with the Skyhawk’s systems and Garmin G1000 avionics system.

The Skyhawk TD offers increased range and endurance, making it an ideal solution for special mission applications like forestry patrol, wildlife conservation efforts, pipeline/power line patrol, traffic reporting and airborne law enforcement. The TD option has also seen early orders from large fleet flight training schools both in the United States and abroad, especially where 100LL avgas is either unavailable or much higher priced than Jet-A fuel.

In January 2008, Cessna began delivering its 172S Skyhawk models with the Garmin GFC700 Automatic Flight Control and Flight Director as standard equipment integrated into the aircraft’s already standard G1000 avionics. The Skyhawk GA and Skyhawk TD GA remain available without autopilots for customers desiring this configuration at its lower price point.

This year marks the 60th anniversary since Cessna introduced the Cessna 170, the aircraft that was the predecessor to Cessna’s current production, high-wing piston aircraft – the 172 Skyhawk, 182 Skylane and 206 Stationair. The 170 series was produced from 1948 until 1956, when the company added tricycle gear to create the Cessna 172. The Skyhawk has become the best-selling, most-flown airplane in the world with more than 43,000 delivered.

Front Page

Cessna Citation Mustang Reaches 500-order Milestone


Lakeland, Fla, April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla., that it has surpassed 500 orders for the Citation Mustang entry level business jet.

“We were confident that once our customers started flying the Citation Mustang we would have very happy owners and accelerated orders. The response from the global market has been nothing short of exceptional,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, at Cessna. “The Mustang is now certified in 47 countries, and the fleet of approximately 60 aircraft has accumulated more than 10,500 hours so far. Customers are extremely pleased with the airplane, the only fully operational entry level business jet available.”

Cessna delivered the first retail Citation Mustang to Dave and Dawn Goode of GOODE Ski Technologies on April 23, 2007, and finished the year with 45 delivered. From Cessna’s facility in Independence, Kan., the company expects to deliver 100 Mustangs by the end of 2008 and reach its targeted full production rate of about 150 aircraft per year by the end of 2009.

The six-place Citation Mustang has a top speed of 340 knots, a range of 1,150 nautical miles (with NBAA IFR Reserves) and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, enabling more efficient operations above most weather and commercial traffic.
The aircraft features a fully functional Garmin G1000 system that includes two 10-inch primary flight displays and one 15-inch multi-function display. Included in the system is the integrated GFC700 dual-channel, fail passive, digital autopilot. The Mustang was the first aircraft certified to take advantage of WAAS navigation features including WAAS LPV approaches that provide both lateral and vertical guidance. Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite also includes SafeTaxi, which gives a graphical representation of the aircraft in the airport environment.

Front Page

First Production Cessna SkyCatcher Nears Completion; TruTrak SkyPilot Selected for Auto Pilot System


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, continues to test fly its Model 162 SkyCatcher prototype and soon will complete production of the second aircraft in the light sport aircraft’s flight test program.

The second airframe will be designated the first production serial number of the model and will be equipped with a production interior in time to debut at EAA AirVenture this summer. Visitors to Cessna’s aircraft display at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In April 8-13 at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport can view the SkyCatcher mockup.

A third airframe – to be used as an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) structural test article – also is under way. All engineering work and testing of the 162 will be completed at Cessna’s main facilities in Wichita, Kan.

Cessna has accomplished a multitude of tests on the prototype since its first flight on March 8. An extensive Ground Vibration Test, though not an ASTM requirement, was conducted to meet Cessna’s exacting standards for airframe integrity. The Flight Test team also has calibrated the airspeed boom and thoroughly explored the aircraft’s handling qualities and stall characteristics to ensure the SkyCatcher provides a safe and forgiving flight profile for its intended role in training and sport flying.

In addition to flight testing, the design of the production assembly jigs and tooling is progressing rapidly and on-schedule.

Cessna has selected Springdale, Ark.-based TruTrak Flight Systems to supply an optional autopilot system available as a dealer-installed option at the time of purchase or an after-market option. The TruTrak SkyPilot is specially engineered for light sport aircraft. The two-axis autopilot is based on the company’s best-selling Digiflight II VSGV and will feature a dedicated rate gyro for each axis, giving it superb dynamic performance.

Priced at $111,500, the Cessna 162 SkyCatcher will cruise at speeds up to 118 knots with a maximum range of 470 nautical miles. The aircraft features a Garmin G300 glass avionics system. Information is presented in a single, split-screen primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD), or as two full-screen displays incorporating an optional second screen. The aircraft will be capable of day and night, visual flight rules (VFR) operations.

Preliminary design parameters for the SkyCatcher include a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, a service ceiling of 15,500 feet, a useful load of 490 pounds and a usable fuel capacity of 24 U.S. gallons. It has a cabin width at shoulder height of 44.25 inches, equaling that of the much-larger, 6-place Cessna 206 Stationair. It features two top-hinged cabin entry doors and forward pivoting seats giving access to a 12.5 cubic-foot baggage compartment. The aircraft will have tricycle landing gear with a castering nose wheel and standard dual toe-actuated disc brakes.

Cessna announced the go-ahead for the SkyCatcher in July 2007. The primarily aluminum aircraft will meet ASTM standard F2245 for the light sport category. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2009, and at full-rate production, Cessna plans to produce up to 700 SkyCatchers a year.

Front Page

Cessna Continues Integration of Bend Facility; 350/400 Orders Strong


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, continues work on the integration of the new Cessna Bend facility.

Since Cessna acquired the assets of the Bend operations in December 2007, the production facility has received new signage, new lighting and a new customer center. Implementation of Textron Six Sigma has begun to make production more streamlined and efficient while maintaining the high quality and reliability for which the 350 and 400 are known.

Cessna expects deliveries of the 350/400 models to reach 150 this year and plans to increase production rates in 2009 to meet customer demand. Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representatives have placed orders for the remaining 2008 production in anticipation of strong demand from their customers.

Cessna’s 350 and 400 models are sleek, low wing, composite aircraft designed for safety, comfort and speed. At a maximum cruise speed of 235 knots, the Cessna 400 is the fastest fixed-gear single-engine piston aircraft on the market. Both the 350 and 400 have dual carbon fiber reinforced wing spars, dual horizontal stabilizer attach-points and multiple hinge points for all control surfaces. The airframes, including the control surfaces, are constructed entirely of fiberglass and carbon fiber, with the landing gear and engine mount being the only primary structures made of steel. The design strength of these two models is demonstrated by their certification in the Utility Category under FAR Part 23, Amendment 46. The Cessna 350 is spin resistant and the 400 is spin recoverable.

Equipped with a 310-horsepower Teledyne Continental TCM IO-550N, the Cessna 350 has a certified ceiling of 18,000 feet and a maximum cruise speed of 190 knots. The twin turbocharger equipped, intercooled TCM TSIO-550C installed in the Cessna 400 enables it to cruise as high as 25,000 feet while its pilot and passengers enjoy the convenience of the 400’s standard 4-place, built-in oxygen system.

Like all current Cessna single-engine piston products, the Caravan and the Citation Mustang, the 350 and 400 are equipped with the integrated Garmin G1000 avionics and GFC700 flight control systems, and are backed by Cessna’s extensive support network. The aircraft complement Cessna’s current product line well, filling the niche between the Cessna 206 Stationair and the Citation Mustang entry level jet. Advanced features of the 350/400 include speed brakes, bleed air heat and many fully redundant systems including dual alternators, dual primary electric power busses and dual batteries. The aircraft also incorporate a G1000 flight management data-entry pad similar to the Citation Mustang. Other unique features include two- and three-axis trim, side-stick controls, digital climate control and remote keyless entry with step lights.

The Cessna 350 and 400 will be on display at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In April 8-13.

Front Page

Cessna Considers New Options for Next-Generation Propeller Aircraft Project


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is continuing to define the design parameters for the next generation propeller (NGP) aircraft program.

Concurrent with the integration of the Cessna 350/400 aircraft into the single-engine product line, Cessna is working on positioning the NGP to fit logically into its product lineup.

“Our team is working on finalizing the configuration,” said Van Abel, Cessna’s project engineer for the NGP. “We continue to evaluate features and materials that will produce a new, unique aircraft family with a potential for multiple powerplants. With the 350 and 400 models now in our family, we have a unique opportunity to explore interesting and exciting concepts for the next family of Cessna propeller aircraft.”

The NGP proof-of-concept made its first flight on June 23, 2006, and debuted to the public at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh that year. Since then, engineers have collected performance numbers and made aerodynamic modifications based on those figures.

Meanwhile, Cessna has displayed the concept at numerous air shows to gather customer feedback, while a cross-functional team continues to assess the business case for adding a family of innovative airplanes that would set new standards among single engine aircraft for performance, comfort and value.

No performance data or specifications will be released until Cessna makes a launch decision on the program.

Front Page

Cessna Displays Broad Lineup at Sun ’n Fun Fly-In


Lakeland, Fla., April 8, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, will feature 10 aircraft from its broad range of Citation business jets, turbo-prop powered Caravans and single engine aircraft at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In from April 8-13 in Lakeland, Fla.

The Cessna 350 and 400 are making their debut as part of the Cessna display at Sun ’n Fun, joining the company’s entire line of single-engine pistons: SkyCatcher, Skyhawk SP, Skylane and Turbo Stationair. Also scheduled to participate are the Citation CJ1+, Citation Mustang, G1000 and TKS-equipped Grand Caravan and Grand Caravan with Oasis Interior.

Cessna’s aircraft display at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is located outside the Cessna Center – a permanent 2,400-square-foot multi-purpose educational center built in 2006 with a $250,000 investment by the Cessna Foundation. When not being used as the company’s Sun ’n Fun Fly-In headquarters, the facility hosts workshops and forums.

After a successful debut at the 2007 event, Cessna merchandise will again be available for sale inside the Cessna Center.

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 $12.6 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, 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

Front Page Brasil

Embraer is exhibiting a full-scale mock-up of the
Phenom 300 jet, for the third consecutive year, at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In 2008, April 8-13, at
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida.

Embraer Photo

Front Page Brasil

EMBRAER EXHIBITS PHENOM 300 EXECUTIVE JET AT SUN ‘N FUN FLY-IN 2008

Visitors will be able to see and experience a full-size interior mock-up of the light jet
São José dos Campos, April 8, 2008 – Embraer is exhibiting a full-scale mock-up of the
Phenom 300 jet, for the third consecutive year, at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In 2008, April 8-13, at
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida. This year, guests will experience the
premium comfort, space and luxury of the Company’s Phenom 300 light executive jet at
booth number SNF-3.

“Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In is always a special show for aviation enthusiasts to view everything
from modern to very traditional aircraft, and we are excited, this year, to show off our
best-in-class business jet, the Phenom 300,” said Ernest Edwards, Embraer Vice President,
Marketing and Sales – USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean, Executive Jets. “Embraer’s
executive jets combine the proven engineering excellence of our commercial aircraft with
design details that result in an aircraft that surpasses expectations in business jet style,
simplicity and economics.”

On Wednesday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m., in the Sun ‘n Fun Media Tent, the Company will host a
press conference to present program updates on Embraer jets, including the revolutionary new
Embraer MSJ (Midsize) and Embraer MLJ (Midlight) executive aircraft.

The Phenom 300 light jet is part of Embraer’s product line for the business aviation market.

The Company’s portfolio also includes the Phenom 100 very light, Embraer MLJ midlight,
Embraer MSJ midsize, Legacy 600 super midsize, and Lineage 1000 ultra-large jets.
About the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets Premium comfort, outstanding performance and
low operating costs are key design drivers for the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 best-in-class jets.

With the interior designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, both aircraft will offer pilots and passengers the comfort and style previously unknown in their categories. The relaxing ambience is
enhanced by generouswindows and the most ample cabin in their class. Onboard conveniences
include a wardrobe Mock-up of the Phenom 300 jet or refreshment center, an aft cabin private
lavatory with toiletry cabinet, and satellite communications.

The pilot-friendly cockpit and the docile flying qualities of the two new aircraft will enable
single-pilot operation. Drawing from Embraer’s design and engineering experience, the
Phenom 100 and the Phenom 300 are designed for high utilization and availability. For added
safety and reliability, both jets will offer a standard anti-skid brake-by-wire system.

Based on Garmin’s all-glass, fully-integrated avionics suite, the Prodigy® flight deck offers
Phenom jet operators more advantages than any other avionics suite on today’s market. The
cockpit features three interchangeable 12-inch displays – two Primary Flight Displays (PFD)
and one Multi-Function Display (MFD). The system integrates all primary flight, navigation,
communication, terrain, traffic, weather, engine instrumentation, and crew-alert system data,
and presents the composite information in brilliant, sunlight-readable color on three high-
definition displays.

In a typical club configuration, the Phenom 100 will comfortably accommodate four
passengers. The generous 55-cubic-foot (1.56-cubic-meter) baggage capacity is big enough to
store luggage, golf bags and even skis.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F engines, with 1,615 pounds of thrust each, power the
jet. Its range with four occupants will be 1,160 nautical miles (2,148 km or 1,335 miles) with
NBAA IFR reserves, 35 minutes, and 100 nm alternate; or 1,320 nautical miles (2,445 km or
1,519 miles) with NBAA VFR reserves, 45 minutes.

The aircraft is capable of flying at 41,000 feet (12,497 meters) at a maximum operating speed
of Mach 0.70, and is designed for short-field takeoffs. These characteristics will allow
customers to fly nonstop from New York to Miami and from Los Angeles to Vancouver or
Denver at a lower cost than competitive aircraft, including turboprops.

The Phenom 100 is priced at US$ 2.98 million, based on January 2005 economic conditions,
in the baseline configuration, for FAA certification. The aircraft’s maiden flight took place in
July 2007, and the jet is currently carrying out the certification flight test campaign in order to
enter service in mid-2008.

With a configuration to accommodate up to nine occupants, the Phenom 300 jet has a huge
76-cubic-foot (2.15-cubic-meter) baggage capacity that will conveniently transport
passengers’ luggage, golf bags and skis.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, with 3,200 pounds of thrust each, power this
jet. Its range with six occupants will be 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 km or 2,071 miles) with
NBAA IFR reserves, 35 minutes, and 100 nm alternate. The aircraft is capable of flying at
45,000 feet (13,716 meters) at a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.78, and is also designed
for short-field takeoffs. These capabilities will permit customers to fly nonstop from New
York to Denver or Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), and from Los Angeles to Detroit,
Mexico City (Mexico) or Atlanta at a lower cost than competitive aircraft.

The Phenom 300 is expected to enter service in the second half of 2009, and is priced at US$
6.65 million, based on January 2005 economic conditions, in the baseline configuration, for
FAA certification.

More information about Embraer Executive Jets is available at
www.EmbraerExecutiveJets.com

Embraer Image Gallery
Visit the Embraer Image Gallery at www.embraer.com

Notes

Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. - NYSE: ERJ; Bovespa: EMBR3) is the
world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil's leading
exporters. Embraer's headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has
offices, industrial operations and customer service facilities in Brazil, the United States,
France, Portugal, China and Singapore. Founded in 1969, the Company designs, develops,
manufactures and sells aircraft for the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense
and Government segments. The Company also provides after sales support and services to
customers worldwide. On March 31, 2008, Embraer had a workforce of 23,878 employees
and a firm order backlog of US$ 20.3 billion.

This document may contain projections, statements and estimates regarding circumstances or events yet to take place. Those projections and estimates are based largely on current expectations, forecasts on future events and financial tendencies that affect Embraer’s businesses. Those estimates are subject to risks, uncertainties and suppositions that include, among others: general economic, political and trade conditions in Brazil and in those markets where Embraer does business; expectations on industry trends; the Company’s investment plans; its capacity to develop and deliver products on the dates previously agreed upon, and existing and future governmental regulations. The words “believe”, “may”, “is able”, “will be able”, “intend”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “expect” and other similar terms are supposed to identify potentialities. Embraer does not feel compelled to publish updates nor to revise any estimates due to new information, future events or any other facts. In view of the inherent risks and uncertainties, such estimates, events and circumstances may not take place. The actual results can therefore differ substantially from those previously published as Embraer expectations.

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Fourth Phenom 100 begins maturity campaign

Embraer Photo

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EMBRAER’S FOURTH PHENOM 100 BEGINS MATURITY CAMPAIGN MARATHON

Very light executive jet performs first flight and completes the Phenom 100 test fleet

São José dos Campos, April 7, 2008 – Embraer’s fourth Phenom 100 took off for
the first time, on March 26, from Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, in outstate São Paulo,
Brazil. The event marked the beginning of the Phenom 100’s maturity campaign that
will simulate, via an intensive flight schedule, real operating conditions, including exposure
to extreme hot and cold weather.

“The fourth aircraft will play a significant role in the Phenom 100 program,” said Luís
Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice-President, Executive Jets. “The maturity campaign
is intended to confirm the jet’s quality and high-utilization characteristics.”

At the present time, Embraer is performing certification tests with the first three aircraft. So
far, the flight tests, totaling 530 hours, have already checked flutter and stall, flight quality,
and performance and the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), and other systems and
features of the Phenom 100.

Certification for the Phenom 100 is expected in mid-2008. Embraer expects to deliver
between 10 and 15 jets by the end of this year. The first Phenom 100 which will be delivered
to a customer is already in preassembly.

About the Phenom 100 e Phenom 300 Jets

Premium comfort, outstanding performance and low operating costs are key design drivers for
the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 best-in-class jets. With the interior designed by BMW
Group DesignworksUSA, both aircraft will offer pilots and passengers the comfort and style
previously unknown in their categories. The relaxing ambience is enhanced by generous
windows and the most ample cabin in their class. Onboard conveniences include a wardrobe
or refreshment center, an aft cabin private lavatory with toiletry cabinet, and satellite
communications.

The pilot-friendly cockpit and the docile flying qualities of the two new aircraft will enable
single-pilot operation. Drawing from Embraer’s design and engineering experience, the

Phenom 100 and the Phenom 300 are designed for high utilization and availability. For added
safety and reliability, both jets will offer a standard anti-skid brake-by-wire system.
Based on Garmin’s all-glass, fully-integrated avionics suite, the Prodigy® flight deck offers
Phenom jet operators more advantages than any other avionics suite on today’s market. The
cockpit features three interchangeable 12-inch displays – two Primary Flight Displays (PFD)
and one Multi-Function Display (MFD). The system integrates all primary flight, navigation,
communication, terrain, traffic, weather, engine instrumentation, and crew-alerting system
data and presents the composite information in brilliant, sunlight-readable color on three
high-definition displays.

In a typical club configuration, the Phenom 100 will comfortably accommodate four
passengers. The generous 55-cubic-foot (1.56-cubic-meter) baggage capacity is big enough to
store luggage, golf bags and even skis.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F engines, with 1,615 pounds of thrust each, power the
jet. Its range with four occupants will be 1,160 nautical miles (2,148 km or 1,335 miles) with
NBAA IFR reserves, 35 minutes, and 100 nm alternate; or 1,320 nautical miles (2,445 km or
1,519 miles) with NBAA VFR reserves, 45 minutes. The aircraft is capable of flying at
41,000 feet (12,497 meters) at a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.70 and is designed for
short-field takeoffs. These characteristics will allow customers to fly nonstop from New York
to Miami, and from Los Angeles to Vancouver or Denver at a lower cost than competitive
aircraft, including turboprops.

The Phenom 100 is priced at US$ 2.98 million, based on January 2005 economic conditions,
in the baseline configuration, for FAA certification. The aircraft’s maiden flight took place
last July, and the jet is currently carrying out the certification flight test campaign in order to
enter service in the second half of 2008.

With a configuration to accommodate up to nine occupants, the Phenom 300 jet has a huge
76-cubic-foot (2.15-cubic-meter) baggage capacity that will conveniently transport
passengers’ luggage, golf bags and skis.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines, with 3,200 pounds of thrust each, power this
jet. Its range with six occupants will be 1,800 nautical miles (3,334 km or 2,071 miles) with
NBAA IFR reserves, 35 minutes and 100 nm alternate. The aircraft is capable of flying at
45,000 feet (13,716 meters) at a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.78 and is also designed
for short-field takeoffs. These capabilities will permit customers to fly nonstop from New
York to Denver or Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic); and from Los Angeles to Detroit,
Mexico City (Mexico) or Atlanta at a lower cost than competitive aircraft.

Expected to enter service in the second half of 2009, the Phenom 300 is priced at US$ 6.65
million, based on January 2005 economic conditions, in the baseline configuration, for FAA
certification.

More information about Embraer Executive Jets is available at

www.EmbraerExecutiveJets.com

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Cessna to Launch Garmin G1000® Synthetic Vision Technology


Wichita, Kan., April 7, 2008 – Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced that it will offer Garmin’s G1000® Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) on all its G1000-equipped aircraft. The Citation Mustang will be the first business jet to integrate Garmin’s SVT, and Cessna expects to offer SVT on the Caravan family and all Cessna single-engine piston aircraft in the future.

Cessna plans to offer SVT for the Mustang as a factory option later this year. Current plans also call for the Garmin system to be available as an option for single-engine piston aircraft and Caravans within a year. In most cases, SVT capability will be available for retrofit to earlier production Cessna G1000-equipped aircraft.

Garmin’s SVT brings an entirely new level of situational awareness to the Mustang’s cockpit by displaying the aircraft’s position on an enhanced topographical database. The combination of synthetic terrain and terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) helps pilots identify hazards to their current flight path by displaying terrain and obstacles that pose a threat to the aircraft with the appropriate TAWS terrain alert color. Garmin SVT also includes pathways, or highway-in-the-sky (HITS), which is depicted as three-dimensional rectangles that guide the pilot along enroute legs, VNAV legs, GPS/WAAS vertical approach procedures, ILS approach procedures, and arrival and departure procedures.

The fully functional Garmin G1000 system designed for the Citation Mustang includes two 10-inch primary flight displays and one 15-inch multi-function display. Included in the system is the integrated GFC700 dual-channel, fail passive, digital autopilot. The Mustang was the first aircraft certified to take advantage of WAAS navigation features including WAAS LPV approaches that provide both lateral and vertical guidance. Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite also includes SafeTaxi, which gives a graphical representation of the aircraft in the airport environment.

Now certified in 47 countries, the Citation Mustang became the first of a new category of entry-level jets to achieve full certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (September 2006) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (May 2007). Cessna delivered 45 Citation Mustangs in 2007 and the fleet has accumulated more than 10,500 hours.

The six-place Citation Mustang has a top speed of 340 knots, a range of 1,150 nautical miles (with NBAA IFR Reserves) and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, enabling more efficient operations above most weather and commercial traffic.

From Cessna’s facility in Independence, Kan., the company expects to deliver 100 Mustangs in 2008 and reach its targeted full production rate of about 150 aircraft per year by the end of 2009.

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 $12.6 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, 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.

Front Page Denmark

Saab Denmark A/S starts negotiating staff cuts at the Copenhagen office
[2008-04-07 10:11]

The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (FMT) terminated a contract, regarding a Command and Control System called DACCIS, with Saab in February. Negotiations with representatives for the staff will now begin.

The process could result in about 60 people, earlier involved in the DACCIS project, getting notice. The negotiations are expected to be completed within three weeks.

The staff affected is mainly based at the Copenhagen office. Saab Denmark A/S other activities in Denmark are not affected.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers´ changing needs.

For further information, please contact:
Toni Eriksson, Press Secretary, Saab
Tel: +46 (0)8 463 00 18, +46 (0)734 18 00 18
www.saabgroup.com


Saab AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 10.05 on April 7.

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Frank Moore, lead executive for the Aerial Common Sensor program for Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman Photo

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Northrop Grumman Adds Frank Moore as Lead Executive for the Aerial Common Sensor Program
RESTON, Va., April 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today the addition of Frank Moore as lead executive for the Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) program. Northrop Grumman is leading a team competing for the U.S. Army's ACS program, an airborne platform that will provide the warfighter with actionable intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capability.

Moore reports to Philip Teel, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector and works with Dan Allen, sector vice president and general manager of Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR) division for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.

"ACS is a key pursuit for our company, and Frank's expertise leading large integration projects for the U.S. military is a good match for this complex program. He will bring the right leadership to our team as we develop a solid, risk-managed solution using an incremental development approach," said Teel. "He has a strong record of leadership across a diverse set of major U.S. Department of Defense development and acquisition programs."

The ACS team will leverage Moore's experience as the current vice president and general manager of the Missile Defense Division, where he directs and integrates all sector programs in support of strategic deterrent and missile defense missions. Key to the ACS pursuit is Moore's successful experience managing airborne ISR programs for Northrop Grumman, where he led development, production, integration, and sustainment activities.

Prior to joining the company, Moore had a distinguished 31-year career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major General. He held a series of key positions managing development and acquisition programs and served as Program Executive Officer for Bombers, Missiles, and Trainers. Moore also served as Director of Special Programs for the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology and Deputy Director of Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Moore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's in business administration from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the Air War College and has completed the program management course at Defense Systems Management College and the national security leadership course at Johns Hopkins and Syracuse Universities.

ACS will be a unique, next-generation intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition aircraft, which will -- from the moment it arrives over the battlefield -- provide commanders in theater and troops on the ground with critical situational intelligence. ACS will detect troop movements and intercept communications and radar transmissions, allowing the Army to direct dominant and effective firepower before enemy forces know they have been detected.

The Northrop Grumman team includes AAI Corporation, an operating unit of Textron Systems Corporation, Hunt Valley, Md.; General Dynamics, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and L-3 Communications Corp., New York.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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 Begins Training International Suppliers to Make Composite Parts for F-35 Lightning II Aircraft

Technology Transfer to Turkish, Danish Firms Helps Expand, Nurture International Participation in the Joint Program

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is adding momentum to its commitment to create international second source suppliers for F-35 Lightning II aircraft components by hosting composite manufacturing training for engineers and manufacturing specialists from Danish firm Terma and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

The training for approximately two dozen Terma and TAI employees will be conducted in April and May at the company's Advanced Composites Center in El Segundo, Calif.

"This hands-on training is a critical step toward ensuring the successful implementation of high-quality, composite manufacturing processes by our international F-35 suppliers," said Mark Tucker, vice president and F-35 program manager for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "Creating an effective global supply chain is one of many ways we're helping ensure the successful production, delivery and sustainment of the world's most advanced multi-role combat aircraft."

According to Tucker, the wheels for creating this global supply chain were put in motion in 2006 when Northrop Grumman helped its F-35 customers -- Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office -- secure commitments from eight countries to purchase approximately 25 percent of the more than 3,000 projected F-35 aircraft sales. In return, the F-35 partner countries were offered an opportunity to participate in a plan that would establish viable second sources for F-35 parts in their home countries.

Northrop Grumman awarded contracts to Terma and TAI in December 2007 to fabricate key subassemblies -- composite components and access doors -- needed to produce F-35 aircraft during the program's low rate initial production (LRIP) phase. Many of these components will be used in the aircraft's center fuselage, which Northrop Grumman is producing as a principal and founding member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 global industry team.

The upcoming training is part of Northrop Grumman's on-going support to Lockheed Martin to help transition the program successfully from its current system development and demonstration phase into the LRIP and full-rate production phases.

The F-35 Lightning II is a stealthy, supersonic multi-role fighter designed to replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft. It is being produced in three variants -- conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) and a carrier variant (CV) -- to meet the diverse performance needs of the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy and allied defense forces worldwide. The three variants use a high degree of commonality to meet strict affordability requirements.

Northrop Grumman's roles on the F-35 team include producing the aircraft's center fuselage; key radar and electro-optical subsystems; and its communication, navigation and identification avionics. The company also provides mission systems and mission-planning software; and develops pilot and maintenance training systems.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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.

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Northrop Grumman-Built TDRS-1 Satellite Reaches 25 Years of Operational Success and Sets New Standard for Longevity, Reliability

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., April 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The first of six Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system spacecraft built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) completed 25 years of successful on-orbit operations on April 4, setting a new standard for long life and reliability.

Enhancing earth-to-space communications for a quarter of a century, the TDRS-1 satellite tracks and communicates with low-Earth-orbiting satellites. Altogether, TDRS-1 provided more communication coverage to the Shuttle mission it serviced in 1983 than the entire network of NASA tracking stations had provided in all previous Shuttle missions.

"TDRS is an outstanding example of the excellent, long-standing partnership between Northrop Grumman and NASA, which has moved science and technology forward to support the nation," said Alexis Livanos, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "The longevity and reliability of TDRS has provided high performance and exceptional value to NASA and other users."

A communication signal relay system, TDRS transmits voice, television, and digital and analog data between users' satellites and control centers on Earth. The system is capable of transmitting and receiving data from customer satellites over their entire orbit, greatly enhancing the productivity of space assets. In total, the six Northrop Grumman-built TDRS spacecraft have logged more than 40,000 mission days on orbit, delivering more than 800,000 hours of service.

The TDRS-1 satellite has triumphed over a number of challenges that confronted the determined spacecraft immediately after it was launched from the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-6) in April 1983. It was nearly lost because of the failure of the boost motor to insert the satellite into the proper orbit. NASA Goddard and Northrop Grumman engineers devised a novel solution -- against all odds -- that used tiny one-pound thrusters onboard the spacecraft to nudge it over a period of months into the proper geosynchronous orbit.

Because of the increasingly high inclination of its adjusted orbit, TDRS-1 was used in ways never expected. This unforeseen circumstance allowed TDRS-1 to be the first satellite to connect to the Internet, to provide a link for the first live webcast from the North Pole, and to provide a link for the first wireless phone call from the North to the South Pole. TDRS-1 has also provided scientists at the Amundsen-Scott Base at the South Pole a year-round ability to return high volumes of science data. TDRS-1 was used during a medical emergency, allowing doctors in the U.S. to guide a welder through surgery on a woman diagnosed with breast cancer.

TDRS-1 is part of a constellation of six geosynchronous satellites built by Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. Expected to collectively provide service for somewhere between 42 to 60 years, the constellation is approaching 104 years of operation without a single satellite being retired from service, based on the 10-year planned life of each satellite. The six TDRSS satellites number among the 26 successful geosynchronous spacecraft built by the company in the last 25 years, all of which are still operating.

In 2004, Northrop Grumman and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center received the prestigious National Space Club's Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Award for the TDRSS program. The award is presented annually to recognize exceptional teamwork between government and industry in the missile, aircraft and space fields. The 2004 award marked the seventh time Northrop Grumman Space Technology has won and/or shared the Jackson Aerospace Award.

Northrop Grumman designed, fabricated, tested and launched the original TDRSS spacecraft; performed ground and spacecraft systems integration; and provided the original ground terminal software. Goddard Space Flight Center's Mission Services Program Office is responsible for planning, development and implementation of NASA's worldwide near-Earth space communications networks, including the management of the operations and development of the TDRSS and the rest of the Space Network. The ground station complex is located in White Sands, N.M.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion global defense and technology company whose 122,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

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MODERNIZED GPS SATELLITE BEGINS OPERATIONS FOLLOWING ANOTHER RECORD ON-ORBIT DEPLOYMENT BY JOINT U.S. AIR FORCE/LOCKHEED MARTIN TEAM

Next Launch to Include Demonstration Payload for New Third Civil Signal

DENVER, April 7th, 2008 -- A combined U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team has completed a rapid on-orbit deployment of the modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite launched on March 15 from Cape Canaveral. The spacecraft, which includes new features that enhance operations and navigation signal performance, has been declared operational for military and civilian navigation users worldwide.

Lockheed Martin's operations team assisted Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) and its Reserve associate unit 19 SOPS based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., with the launch and early orbit maneuvers. The record on-orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems and subsequent payload initialization was completed in just over nine days, allowing 2SOPS to set the spacecraft healthy for users around the globe.

The satellite declared operational represents the third successful deployment of a GPS IIR-M satellite in less than six months and is one of the final three Block IIR-M satellites planned for launch in 2008 to sustain and improve the GPS constellation. The next GPS mission will feature a IIR-M spacecraft with a demonstration payload that will temporarily transmit the new third civil signal, known as L5. The launch, designated GPS IIR-20M is scheduled for June 30, from Cape Canaveral.

"The successful launch and operational turnover of this modernized IIR satellite is a profound testament to the close collaboration and partnership between the Lockheed Martin and Air Force team," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "We take great pride in providing world class, high-performance GPS spacecraft at rapid cycle times and look forward to achieving mission success on the next modernized spacecraft launch which will feature a demonstration payload for the new civil signal."

The satellite, designated GPS IIR-19M, is the sixth in a line of eight GPS IIR satellites that Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems, Valley Forge, Pa. has modernized for its customer, the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.

Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team which includes ITT and General Dynamics in the competition to build the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The next-generation program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding improved system security, accuracy and reliability.

A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be awarded by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in early 2008.

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

Boeing CH-47F Chinook Helicopter Fielded by US Army's 4th Infantry Division

ST. LOUIS, April 07, 2008 -- The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] CH-47F Chinook helicopter has been fielded by Bravo Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas. This is the second U.S. Army unit to field the CH-47F since the aircraft was certified combat-ready in July 2007.

"This aircraft is light-years ahead in flight-management systems compared with our older aircraft," said Col. Patrick Tierney, commander, Combat Aviation Brigade. "The F-model Chinook has the same systems as the latest civilian aircraft."

Lt. Col. Dave Fleckenstein, commander, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, Huntington, W.V. -- who pilots one of the new Chinooks -- noted that the aircraft's radar altitude hold "keeps the aircraft a set number of feet off the ground and negates making multiple passes to land. Also, the all-digital cockpit gives us five displays, with each capable of showing several different pages of flight plans, alternate routes and data from different sources processed by the central processing unit."

Since the Chinook's combat-ready certification by the U.S. Army, units have completed in excess of 1,000 flight hours, performing a wide range of training exercises under night-vision goggles simulating air assault, combat re-supply and transport operations. The CH-47F has successfully completed all evaluations, including airworthiness, functional testing and operational testing.

"There is a great deal of enthusiasm for the CH-47F from pilots and crews in the field," said Jack Dougherty, vice president, Boeing H-47 Programs. "This advanced aircraft provides greater capability to meet our military forces' growing range of mission demands."

Built at Boeing's Rotorcraft Systems facility in Ridley Township, Pa., the CH-47F helicopter features a newly designed, modernized airframe, a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and a BAE Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS).

CAAS greatly improves aircrew situational awareness, and DAFCS provides dramatically improved flight control capabilities through features such as "hover hold," "altitude hold" and "beep down" that improve performance and safety in brownout situations, as well as the entire flight envelope.

Advanced avionics also incorporate improved situational awareness for flight crews with an advanced digital map display and a data transfer system that allows storing of preflight and mission data. Improved survivability features include Common Missile Warning and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser Systems. The entire suite of improved cockpit capabilities will apply to other H-47 models.

Powered by two 4,733-horsepower Honeywell engines, the new CH-47F can reach speeds greater than 175 mph and transport more than 21,000 pounds. The CH-47F, with the Robertson Aviation Extended Range Fuel System, has a mission radius of more than 400 nautical miles.

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 Modifies 5th C-17 For Royal Air Force

ST. LOUIS, April 07, 2008 -- Structural mechanic Richard Flores labels fasteners to be removed from a United Kingdom C-17 as part of the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) modification at the Boeing [NYSE: BA] facility in San Antonio. The C-17 being modified is the fifth in the Royal Air Force fleet. The aircraft was delivered in February at Boeing's production facility in Long Beach, Calif., then flown directly to San Antonio to undergo the modification before entering service. The LAIRCM system provides added safety for C-17 aircrews that fly into harm's way.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

NASA's Administrator, Michael Griffin

Photo: EAA/NASA

Front Page

NASA ADMINISTRATOR TO PARTICIPATE AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2008

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (April 7, 2008) - NASA
Administrator Michael Griffin has confirmed that he will participate at EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, which will be held July 28-August 3 at Wittman
Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Griffin's participation will be part of the
activities commemorating NASA's 50th anniversary during the 56th annual
edition of EAA AirVenture, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."

Griffin has served as NASA Administrator since 2005 and will be making
his first visit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in that role. Griffin, who
holds a flight instructor certificate with instrument and multiengine
ratings, also has a long career in space sciences and education.

"We are very pleased that Administrator Griffin will be participating
at EAA AirVenture this summer," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and
AirVenture chairman. "It's fitting that his visit coincides with EAA's
observance of NASA's 50th anniversary and all the agency's achievements
over the past half-century."

EAA AirVenture has long been a destination for NASA Administrators,
particularly during several NASA/aviation industry joint research
initiatives in the 1990s. Griffin's schedule at Oshkosh is still being
finalized, with any public presentations to be announced as they are
confirmed.

"I'm looking forward to being part of the world of flight that comes
together each year at Oshkosh," Griffin said. "EAA has long been a
supporter of NASA, as we have a shared passion for innovation and flight."

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration
and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture
information, including advance ticket purchase, is available through the
World Wide Web at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on
admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call
1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org

Front Page Australia

DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE

CPA 085/08 Monday, 7 April 2008

AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER WOUNDED IN IRAQ

An Australian Army soldier serving in Iraq was wounded in a rocket
attack by anti-Iraqi forces in Baghdad yesterday.

The soldier suffered shrapnel wounds when a projectile hit a building
within Baghdad’s Green Zone. The attack resulted in the deaths of two
US soldiers, and the wounding of more than a dozen.

Defence spokesperson Brigadier Andrew Nikolic said the wounded soldier
was treated at a US combat hospital for wounds that are not
life-threatening.

“The wounded soldier received the best possible care following the
incident, and was discharged after a medical examination and
treatment,” Brigadier Nikolic said.

“Australian Defence Force personnel serving overseas are very well
trained and well equipped, but this attack serves as a reminder that Iraq
remains a dangerous place.”

The wounded soldier has now contacted his family and Defence will not
be releasing further details about the soldier at this time.

Front Page

Northrop Grumman's 'America's New Tanker' Website Generates National Support for the KC-45 Tanker

LOS ANGELES -- April 3, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently launched the website "America's New Tanker" (www.americasnewtanker.com) to inform the general public about the facts surrounding the U.S. Air Force's selection of Northrop Grumman to deliver the KC-45 aerial refueling tanker aircraft.

"This website serves as a central point of accurate information and current news for Americans who want to learn the facts about the KC-45 Tanker - from the 48,000 U.S. jobs this program will support to how citizens can take action and contact their elected officials," said Randy Belote, Northrop Grumman vice president of corporate and international communications.

Citizens across the nation have generated tens of thousands of letters to their respective congressman, senators and governors in support of the Air Force's selection of Northrop Grumman to provide the KC-45 Tanker. The website also offers a capability that enables visitors to receive e-mail news updates about the program.

"Following the Feb. 29 Air Force announcement that it had selected Northrop Grumman to build and deliver the new fleet of KC-45 aerial refueling tankers, supporters of the losing bidder spread misinformation about the basis for the Air Force's decision," Belote added. "We believe that citizens who visit the site will learn the facts surrounding the program - like the fact that the program is led by an American company, that the aircraft will be built in the United States in four new factories, and that the KC-45 is the superior tanker for our Airmen at best value for American taxpayers."

The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will create 48,000 new American jobs at 230 companies in 49 states. The aircraft will be assembled and modified at new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Mobile, Ala., while the KC-45's refueling systems will be built at new facilities in Bridgeport, W.Va., and delivered to the KC-45 Production Center for aircraft integration.

The KC-45 will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, GE Aviation, Sargent Fletcher, Honeywell, Parker, Goodrich, AAR Cargo Systems, Telephonics, Knight Aerospace, Astronics and Aircraft Safety.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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

Arianespace mission update: Another Ariane 5 arrives at Europe's Spaceport

Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 14:28:31 -0400

The Spaceport has received another Ariane 5 as Arianespace maintains
its sustained mission pace for 2008.

Arriving in French Guiana on April 2 aboard the MN Colibri, this
launcher's components were unloaded at Paricabo port and transferred to the
Spaceport - where they are to be assembled for the third Ariane 5 flight of this
year. The MN Colibri is one of two sea-going ships used to carry vehicle
components from Europe to South America, providing a reliable and
efficient transportation system in support of Arianespace's mission operations.

This Ariane 5 will carry a dual-satellite payload on a flight that
follows Arianespace's upcoming mission, which currently is in final preparation
for an April 18 liftoff.

A total of seven Ariane 5 flights are targeted by Arianespace for 2008
- the busiest year since the launcher's commercial introduction in 1999.

Follow the Ariane 5 activity with our Mission Updates on Arianespace's
Website:

www.arianespace.com

Front Page France

Airbus wins two awards at Aircraft Interiors Expo
2 April 2008


Airbus has won two Crystal Cabin Awards at this year's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany for two cabin system innovations it has developed.

Airbus' Universal Wireless Backbone System won the award in the entertainment and communication category and it's sustainable environmentally friendly fire suppression concept received the Judges Commendation Prize.

Universal Wireless Backbone System

Universal Wireless Backbone System (UWBS) is a single platform on which different wireless applications can be installed to offer a broad range of passenger services. UWBS will enable airlines to extend the range of wireless cabin services and is the only connectivity solution available for both new aircraft and as a retrofit. This innovative system is capable of using both current and future wireless communication standards. This means UWBS will bring cost savings for both the operations and maintenance of the aircraft.

For passengers the UWBS solution offers a very wide choice of services by enabling the use of multiple wireless connections, such as wireless LAN standards, mobile telephony or personal devices.

Airbus' UWBS is based on a radio frequency (RF) combiner unit and "Leaky Line" antennas. The "leaky line" antenna is an innovative design by Airbus and is able to receive and transmit data, providing a uniform signal distribution throughout the cabin and guaranteeing highly reliable wireless communication links.

Sustainable environmentally friendly fire suppression concept

Today's traditional fire suppression systems are based on halons. They offer a high fire suppression effectiveness in combination with low system weight and low complexity. However, in response to the negative impact of halons on the stratospheric ozone layer, Airbus has continuously replaced halon-based applications in the last years. However for certain applications - such as cargo bay fire protection - where safety-requirements are the highest, developing a halon-free substitution system posed many challenges.

The new Airbus solution offers a sustainable environmentally friendly concept that uses a waste product of a fuel cell system - its exhaust. Fuel cell systems, if operated with ambient air, produce nitrogen-enriched air that can be utilised to build up an inert fire suppressing atmosphere inside an aircraft cargo hold. The concept meets future regulatory requirements and reduces the impact of aviation on the environment. It combines cost-effectiveness with an uncompromising commitment to safety and the environment.

Airbus is fully committed to ensuring that air travel continues to be one of the safest and most eco-efficient means of transportation. Environmental, health and safety (EHS) considerations have long been an integral part of its activities at all levels of the company, and are a key priority in the development of all new techniques, products and processes.

Airbus is an EADS company

Front Page France

Airbus initiates a potential new industry standard for galleys
1 April 2008


SPICE (SPace Innovative Catering Equipment) is a new galley concept developed by Airbus that is the result of extensive investigation into the needs and requirements of the airline community. The benefits of the SPICE are so significant that Airbus believes the concept has the potential to become the first new industry-wide standard for galleys in over forty years.

SPICE replaces traditional catering trolleys with light-weight low-cost boxes, and foldable carts for service. A transfer table has been developed which enables better use of storage space at above the work surface, and enhances galley ergonomics. Furthermore, SPICE galley equipment will have one standard size, replacing the current wasteful jumble of different standard sizes.

These innovations combine together to improve aircraft efficiency by saving considerable weight and space in the aircraft cabin.

For example, the galley space saved due to the improved storage efficiency of SPICE could enable an airline to add from two to 11 seats in the cabin of a typical widebody aircraft. The weight savings of SPICE have been estimated to be between 10 and 20 per cent compared to current galley systems, which results in hundreds of kilograms per aircraft.

Since major studies show that over sixty percent of occupational injuries among cabin crew occur in the galley, ergonomic innovations are particularly important in improving the aircraft as a workplace. This was recognized by the industry in 2007 when the SPICE concept won the Crystal Cabin Award in the Comfort and Health category at last year's Hamburg Aircraft Interiors Expo.

Another key benefit of the SPICE design is the addition of fully closed storage compartments. The doors of these compartments significantly improve the aesthetics of the galley in order to bring the level of design up to the same standard as other areas in the cabin. Additionally, the closed compartments are fully refrigerated which means that food can be kept fresher.

Airbus anticipates that from early next decade, the SPICE concept would be available for installation on newly delivered aircraft as well as for retrofit on the in-service fleet.

In order to take the concept successfully through full functional testing, Airbus is in active discussions with airlines, galley and equipment manufacturers, and with airline caterers. The focus for 2008 is to continue working with these key stakeholders to develop the concept into a new, more efficient standard, that is compelling enough to be adopted industry-wide.

Airbus in an EADS company.

Video available on www.airbus.com/spice

Front Page

Boeing and Sweden Team Up for C-130 AMP Success

ST. LOUIS, April 04, 2008 -- As the Swedish Air Force prepares to modernize its first C-130 aircraft, members of Sweden's C-130 program and Boeing's [NYSE: BA] C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) are working together to ensure success.

"We have a very big job ahead of us, but based on what we've seen so far, I am very confident with how the team is moving forward," said Fredrik Edh, Sweden's C-130 program manager. Edh and other members of Sweden's C-130 program recently visited Boeing Support Systems facilities in Long Beach, Calif., and San Antonio.

Under a $19.8 million contract signed in August 2006, Boeing will complete engineering manufacturing development for one Swedish aircraft. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Boeing's San Antonio facility in September for modifications and upgrades. A production contract to modify six additional Swedish Air Force C-130s is in the planning stages.

"Our partnership with Sweden is a great opportunity to leverage the best of Boeing. Our C-130 AMP team continues to generate value that benefits all of our AMP customers," said Meg Renton, Boeing C-130 AMP program manager for Sweden.

Sweden became the first European C-130 operator when it received its first aircraft in 1965. The country also is the first international C-130 AMP customer.

Boeing's C-130 AMP provides enhanced digital avionics that significantly increase situational awareness for the warfighter. The upgrade commonality brought to the C-130 fleet by the AMP also offers additional flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type.

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.

Front Page

ANA Increases 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Orders Again

ANA Increases Orders for 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters to Seven

SEATTLE, April 3, 2008 -- Tokyo-based ANA (All Nippon Airways) exercised options for two additional 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters, bringing its total orders for the model to seven conversions. ANA plans to use the freighters as part of a joint-venture cargo operation.

Boeing is set to deliver ANA's first 767-300 BCF in June.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

ANA Increases 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter Orders Again

Second reorder by key Japanese customer

SEATTLE, April 03, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Tokyo-based ANA (All Nippon Airways) today announced that the airline exercised options for two more 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters. The value of the agreement is not being disclosed.

Previously, ANA launched the 767-300BCF program with a 2005 order for three conversions and four options. In 2006, ANA exercised two of the options and this agreement to exercise the last of the 2005 options brings the airline's firm order total to seven of the passenger-to-freighter conversions.

The first of ANA's newly converted freighters is nearing completion at Singapore Technologies Aerospace (SASCO) and is expected to make its first flight in April. After flight testing and certification, the redelivery of the first ANA 767-300BCF is planned for June at the SASCO facility in Singapore.

"ANA is a forward-looking cargo operator in a strong market and we look forward to the 767-300BCF meeting the airline's needs for cargo lift," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "With ANA's third 767-300BCF order in four years, we couldn't ask for a better partner in introducing this freighter solution to the marketplace."

Boeing's two Converted Freighter programs (the 767-300 BCF and 747-400 BCF) feature the solid engineering and program management that only Boeing can provide, coupled with quality workmanship, on-schedule delivery, access to MyBoeingFleet, an extensive suite of manuals, and the same level of ongoing customer support as the production airplanes.

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Front Page

Boeing Completes Delivery of 4th C-17 to Canadian Forces

Canada's fourth C-17 Globemaster III, pictured here during a test flight last month, will join three other Canadian C-17s at the 429 Transport Squadron, based at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Boeing Completes Delivery of 4th C-17 to Canadian Forces

ST. LOUIS, April 03, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered the Canadian Forces' fourth C-17 Globemaster III today at the company's Long Beach, Calif., C-17 manufacturing facility, completing Canada's order for the world's most advanced airlifter.

"On behalf of all of our employees, it is with tremendous pride that we deliver, on time and within budget, this world-class airlift capability that will serve the Canadian Forces well," said Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "This C-17, which will soon join three others recently delivered to your fleet, provides Canada with unprecedented capability anywhere in the world, for both military and humanitarian operations."

Following final modifications at a Boeing facility in San Antonio, this aircraft will join the three other Canadian C-17s at the 429 Transport Squadron, based at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario. Boeing delivered the first two Canadian C-17s in 2007 and the third earlier this year.

"The C-17 continues to exceed our expectations in every way -- in performance, capabilities, reliability and durability," said Maj. Gen. Marcel Duval, commander, 1 Canadian Air Division. "The acquisition of this strategic-lift aircraft is a significant event, as it provides Canada with a world-class and worldwide strategic-airlift capability and provides our forces with an independent means to rapidly, reliably and flexibly move heavy equipment over vast distances. It also reduces the number of crews and stopovers required, and will alleviate the workload for the aging tactical Hercules fleet."

The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Capable of flying between continents and landing on short, austere runways, the C-17 is used worldwide for both military and humanitarian missions.

Canada is the third international C-17 customer, following the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

With its unique markings, the Canadian C-17 has a different look from U.S. Air Force C-17s previously delivered by Boeing. Those markings include the word "Canada" above the entry door, Canadian flags on the fuselage and tail, and a Canadian maple leaf on the aft part of the fuselage. The aircraft also displays the Canadian Forces' signature, "Canadian Forces/Forces Canadiennes." The signature appears in both English and French to honor the country's bilingual heritage.

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.

Front Page

Air Force Evaluation Found Boeing Tanker More Capable, Survivable for Flight Crews

ST. LOUIS, April 03, 2008 -- While the U.S. Air Force awarded a contract to build the next aerial refueling airplane to the team of Northrop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), Air Force evaluators found the Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-767 Advanced Tanker offers more mission capability and has a better chance of surviving combat than the larger Northrop-EADS KC-30 tanker.

"The fact that the Air Force gave Boeing the highest possible rating in mission capability and cited the KC-767 Advanced Tanker as having three times more strengths than the Northrop-EADS tanker in this most important category further highlights the inconsistencies in the selection process," said Mark McGraw, vice president and program manager for Boeing Tanker Programs. "As for protecting flight crews on the most dangerous missions, the Air Force evaluated Boeing's tanker as much more survivable than the Northrop-EADS tanker."

On Feb. 29, the Air Force selected Northrop/EADS' Airbus A330 derivative over Boeing's KC-767. Boeing subsequently asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the decision, citing numerous irregularities and a flawed process that included making unstated changes to the bid requirements during the competition that provided Northrop/EADS with an unfair competitive advantage.

"Despite the changes made in favor of the KC-30 in the area of mission capability, the evaluation was clear in its assessment," McGraw said. "The Air Force identified 98 strengths and only one weakness with the KC-767, while they pinpointed 30 strengths and five weaknesses for the KC-30, including four weaknesses in aerial refueling."

The Air Force gave Boeing high marks in aerial refueling. Evaluators cited the ability of the KC-767 to refuel the V-22 Osprey, which the KC-30 was evaluated as not being able to do. They cited the KC-767's better maneuverability while flying heavily loaded into a refueling zone, and they said its refueling flight deck displays and communications systems were better than the KC-30's. Evaluators also found three weaknesses in Northrop/EADS' boom design and an additional weakness in their ability to be a receiver due to the lighting of their receptacle.

In contrast, the Air Force said the KC-767 met or exceeded all key performance parameters in the mission capability requirements evaluation. Among some of the other key strengths: aeromedical evacuation, enhanced navigation system, better use of airport ramp space, better cockpit displays and communications systems, and more likely to integrate into operational use faster with new equipment and future growth.

"Also of significant concern for us is the fact that the Air Force settled for a plane that is ultimately less survivable for flight crews performing their vital missions in war zones," McGraw said. "In providing technology and features that can keep the airplane more survivable for the men and women flying them, the Air Force determined that the KC-30 is less survivable than the KC-767." The Air Force found that in the critical area of combat survivability, the Boeing tanker had nearly five times as many strengths as Northrop's. The Air Force said Boeing's strengths totaled 24 and gave just five for Northrop-EADS.

"The superiority of the KC-767 in the critical area of survivability compared with the corresponding 'weakness' of the Northrop/EADS plane should give warfighters and American taxpayers alike cause for concern as the GAO continues their review," McGraw added.

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.

Front Page

Boeing Begins Final Assembly of 1st P-8A Poseidon

The first P-8A fuselage is lowered into a tooling fixture in Renton, Wash., following its arrival from Spirit AeroSystems? facility in Wichita, Kan. Boeing Commercial Airplanes mechanics then began final assembly of the first P-8A Poseidon aircraft, installing systems, wires, tubing and other small parts. The aircraft will make its first flight in 2009.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Boeing Begins Final Assembly of 1st P-8A Poseidon

ST. LOUIS, April 03, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on Monday began final assembly of the first P-8A Poseidon for the U.S. Navy. The P-8A will provide increased capability in long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The start of final assembly follows closely on the heels of Spirit AeroSystems' delivery of the first P-8A fuselage to Boeing in Renton, Wash. Mechanics loaded the fuselage into a tooling fixture and began installing systems, wires, tubing and other small parts. Boeing will join the P-8A's wings to its body later this year.

"The Navy expects us to meet each and every commitment, and achieving this milestone demonstrates that the P-8A team is up to the task, "said Bob Feldmann, Boeing vice president and P-8A program manager. "Our Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Spirit AeroSystems teammates deserve credit for their outstanding performance and teamwork in building the wings and fuselage for the first test aircraft."

Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and Boeing Commercial Airplanes are working together to build the P-8A, a military derivative of the 737-800, on a new, third final-assembly production line in Renton, Wash. The third line takes advantage of the proven efficiencies, manufacturing processes and performance of the highly reliable Next-Generation 737. Using established best practices and common commercial production system tools enables Boeing to reduce flow-time and cost while ensuring first-pass quality.

"We are honored to support the men and women who serve our country, and take great pride in building the Navy's newest production aircraft here in Renton," said Mo Yahyavi, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The P-8A is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems and GE Aviation. Under the current System Development and Demonstration contract, the team will build five test vehicles: three flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. Delivery of the first test aircraft to the Navy and first flight are scheduled for 2009.

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 150,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries.

Front Page

Boeing Reports First-Quarter Deliveries

CHICAGO, April 03, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the first quarter of 2008.

Major program deliveries during the first quarter were as follows:

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Front Page

Boeing Successfully Flies Fuel Cell-Powered Airplane

MADRID, Spain, April 3, 2008 -- Boeing Research & Technology -- Europe conducted three test flights in February and March 2008 of a manned airplane powered by hydrogen fuel cells. A fuel cell is an electromechanical device that converts hydrogen directly into electricity and heat with none of the products of combustion, such as carbon dioxide. The research is an example of how Boeing [NYSE: BA] is exploring future improvements in the environmental performance of aerospace products.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Boeing Successfully Flies Fuel Cell-Powered Airplane

Video: Fuel Cell-Powered Airplane Flight

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MADRID, Spain, April 03, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has, for the first time in aviation history, flown a manned airplane powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The recent milestone is the work of an engineering team at Boeing Research & Technology Europe (BR&TE) in Madrid, with assistance from industry partners in Austria, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"Boeing is actively working to develop new technologies for environmentally progressive aerospace products," said Francisco Escarti, BR&TE's managing director. "We are proud of our pioneering work during the past five years on the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane project. It is a tangible example of how we are exploring future leaps in environmental performance, as well as a credit to the talents and innovative spirit of our team."

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts hydrogen directly into electricity and heat with none of the products of combustion such as carbon dioxide. Other than heat, water is its only exhaust.

A two-seat Dimona motor-glider with a 16.3 meter (53.5 foot) wingspan was used as the airframe. Built by Diamond Aircraft Industries of Austria, it was modified by BR&TE to include a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell/lithium-ion battery hybrid system to power an electric motor coupled to a conventional propeller.

Three test flights took place in February and March at the airfield in Ocaña, south of Madrid, operated by the Spanish company SENASA.

During the flights, the pilot of the experimental airplane climbed to an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level using a combination of battery power and power generated by hydrogen fuel cells. Then, after reaching the cruise altitude and disconnecting the batteries, the pilot flew straight and level at a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) for approximately 20 minutes on power solely generated by the fuel cells.

According to Boeing researchers, PEM fuel cell technology potentially could power small manned and unmanned air vehicles. Over the longer term, solid oxide fuel cells could be applied to secondary power-generating systems, such as auxiliary power units for large commercial airplanes. Boeing does not envision that fuel cells will ever provide primary power for large passenger airplanes, but the company will continue to investigate their potential, as well as other sustainable alternative fuel and energy sources that improve environmental performance.

BR&TE, part of the Boeing Phantom Works advanced R&D unit, has worked closely with Boeing Commercial Airplanes and a network of partners since 2003 to design, assemble and fly the experimental craft.

The group of companies, universities and institutions participating in this project includes:

Austria -- Diamond Aircraft Industries
France -- SAFT France
Germany -- Gore and MT Propeller
Spain -- Adventia, Aerlyper, Air Liquide Spain, Indra, Ingeniería de Instrumentación y Control (IIC), Inventia, SENASA, Swagelok, Técnicas Aeronauticas de Madrid (TAM), Tecnobit, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and the Regional Government of Madrid
United Kingdom -- Intelligent Energy
United States -- UQM Technologies.

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Boeing, 2 California Aerospace Suppliers Receive Nunn-Perry Awards for Outstanding Teamwork on Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program

ST. LOUIS, April 01, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and two of its California-based suppliers, Pacific Contours and KAP Manufacturing, received Nunn-Perry Awards from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) last month in Daytona Beach, Fla., at the DOD Mentor-Protégé Conference. Pacific Contours is located in Anaheim, and KAP Manufacturing operates in San Dimas.

The Nunn-Perry Award, named in honor of former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and former Secretary of Defense William Perry, recognizes outstanding teamwork in the DOD Mentor-Protégé Program. Both men were instrumental in creating the program, which is designed to encourage DOD contractors to help diverse small businesses develop technical and business capabilities. Winners are selected based on the companies' success in creating cost efficiencies, enhancing the protégé company's capabilities and increasing business opportunities with DOD suppliers.

"The innovation and enterprising spirit that small and diverse suppliers bring is crucial to Boeing remaining the leader in aerospace," said Janell Bursac, director of Supplier Diversity for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "The tools and skills shared and the objectives met through programs such as Mentor-Protégé are essential to Boeing's focus on growth and productivity."

Pacific Contours, a woman-owned small business and a supplier to Boeing for more than 10 years, manufactures bulkheads, escape hatches, jettison cockpit doors, and upper and lower cabin doors for the CH-47 Chinook helicopter program. The company's mentor-protégé relationship with Boeing has focused on Lean manufacturing improvements and augmenting the skills of its craftsman machinists by providing technology training through California State University (CSU). Additionally, an internship for CSU students provided computer training to Pacific Contours employees and help with revamping the supplier's Web site. Since entering the mentor-protégé agreement, Pacific Contours has doubled its work force, increased its physical space and added equipment to support Boeing's growing business needs. As further indication of a successful partnership, Boeing recognized Pacific Contours as its 2006 Supplier of the Year in the Diversity/Boeing Protégé category.

KAP Manufacturing is a woman-owned small business specializing in custom machine parts and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industries. The company manufactures machine parts that support numerous Boeing programs, including F-15 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and Airborne Laser. The mentor-protégé agreement with Boeing has focused on improving the company's capabilities and affordability. Training provided by Cerritos College and Florida International University as part of the program has reduced cycle time, increased capacity and efficiency, and improved quality and delivery performance.

"Helping suppliers like Pacific Contours and KAP Manufacturing develop is good for them, good for Boeing and good for our customers," Bursac said. "And the Mentor-Protégé Program is just one of many ways we foster mutually beneficial relationships with our suppliers. We feel honored that the Department of Defense once again has recognized our supplier-diversity successes."

Boeing, which has received 10 Nunn-Perry honors since the award's inception in 1995, currently has active DOD mentor-protégé agreements with 17 suppliers. The company also has seven Department of Homeland Security mentor-protégé agreements, one NASA mentor-protégé supplier relationship and many informal supplier-mentoring programs across the enterprise.

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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Boeing Names David Dohnalek Vice President of Finance and Treasurer

CHICAGO, April 01, 2008 -- The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) today appointed David Dohnalek as its corporate treasurer, succeeding Paul Kinscherff, who has been named president of Boeing Middle East.

Dohnalek, 49, will lead the company's activities in corporate finance and banking, pension and savings investments, global treasury operations, financial analysis, and enterprise risk management and insurance. He will be an elected company officer and continue reporting to Chief Financial Officer James Bell.

"Dave is well known to our stakeholders in the financial community and he has the expertise and leadership to continue Paul's work reshaping Treasury into a function that truly enables Boeing's growth and productivity," Bell said. "These appointments highlight the tremendous strength of Boeing's Finance team."

Dohnalek has been serving as Boeing's vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis. A successor for that position will be named later.

Prior to his financial planning post Dohnalek spent four years as Boeing's vice president of Investor Relations, where he was responsible for working with institutional investors and securities analysts to promote understanding of Boeing's strategy, performance, and outlook.

Before his Investor Relations assignment Dohnalek was Boeing's assistant treasurer for Corporate Finance and Banking. In that post he managed debt and equity funding, commercial and investment banking relationships, capital structure strategy, and dividend policy.

Dohnalek, a chartered financial analyst (CFA), received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago and his Master of Engineering from Northwestern University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Northwestern.

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Prestigious Australian Defence Award Recognizes Anti-Ship Missile Decoy With Lockheed Martin Electronic Payload

MARION, MA, April 4th, 2008 -- The Nulka Active Missile Decoy, for which Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] provides the electronic payload, was recently honored as Australian Defence Magazine’s “Defence Project of the Year” for 2007. The magazine’s annual Defence Industry Awards recognize the nation’s Defence Materiel Organization (DMO) and its suppliers for innovation and performance on major industry projects.

The Nulka Active Missile Decoy, produced by BAE Systems Australia, is a rocket-propelled active decoy designed to lure anti-ship missiles away from their intended targets. Lockheed Martin’s Marion, MA, facility manufactures the sophisticated missile-seducing electronic payload for the system. Lockheed Martin is the primary supplier of such decoy payloads for the U.S. Navy.

Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems Australia have been partners on the Nulka program for more than 20 years. To date, approximately 700 Nulka decoys have been produced for the Australian, U.S. and Canadian navies for deployment on more than 100 surface combatants. An additional 50 U.S. Navy installations are planned in the near future.

During the Australian Defence Industry Awards, the Nulka program was honored in the magazine’s “Major Project” category and recognized the DMO and its industry team for demonstrating innovation in planning, efficiency in execution, delivery of results, and overall project management approach.

“Nulka decoys provide ships with a highly effective all-weather defense against anti-ship missiles, effectively luring them away from their target,” said William Walsh, vice president and general manager of the Lockheed Martin facility in Marion. “We are proud to deliver capability and program excellence that brings recognition and credit to our DMO customer, as well as a critical system to the Royal Australian, U.S., and Canadian navies.”

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.

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U.S. AIR FORCE/LOCKHEED MARTIN TEAM CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF GPS IIR PROGRAM AS FINAL SATELLITE IS READIED FOR SHIPMENT TO CAPE CANAVERAL FOR JUNE LAUNCH

Satellite Includes Demonstration Payload for New Third Civil Signal

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., April 3rd, 2008 -- In a ceremony heralding the success of the U.S. Air Force's Global Positioning System Block IIR modernization effort (GPS IIR-M), Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today announced it has completed work on the last satellite in the program constellation, which features a demonstration payload that will transmit the new civil signal, known as L5. Preparations are now underway to ship the satellite to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. for a scheduled launch in June 2008.

With over 150 of its employees as well as representatives from ITT Corporation, the Aerospace Corporation and the U.S. Air Force, the Lockheed Martin team today celebrated the success of the GPS IIR program, which is providing enhanced operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe.

Work on the final IIR-M satellite was completed one month ahead of schedule and in less than one year after the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $6-million contract to develop the demonstration payload that will transmit a third civil signal located on the L5 frequency (1176.45MHz). The signal will comply with international radio frequency spectrum requirements. Future generations of GPS spacecraft will include an operational third civil signal to improve the accuracy and performance capabilities of the system.

“The entire team is proud of this historic milestone and our partnership with the Air Force on what has been a highly successful program with many technical innovations," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "As the last in a line of eight modernized IIR spacecraft, this satellite will provide a timely demonstration of the new third civil signal and we look forward to achieving mission success for our customer."

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Valley Forge, Pa., is the prime contractor for the GPS IIR program. The company designed and built 21 IIR spacecraft for the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The final eight spacecraft, designated GPS IIR-M, were modernized to enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe. ITT supplied all 21 navigation payloads for both the IIR and IIR-M spacecraft as well as the L5 demonstration payload components. The operational GPS constellation has been significantly enhanced by the launch and successful initialization of three IIR-M spacecraft within the last six months.

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.

Lockheed Martin has a legacy of successfully upgrading space programs. In addition to the modernization of the Block IIR program, the company provided progressively advanced upgrades to the Air Forces' Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), and military satellite communications programs such as the Milstar and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS).

The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude, longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

Lockheed Martin is also leading a team which includes ITT and General Dynamics in the competition to build the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS Block III. The next-generation program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding improved system security, accuracy and reliability.

A multi-billion dollar development contract is scheduled to be awarded by the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. in second-quarter 2008.

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.

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LOCKHEED MARTIN WINS AIR FORCE PERSONNEL SERVICE DELIVERY TRANSFORMATION– STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP CONTRACT

Company to partner with the Air Force to automate and transform personnel services

SEABROOK, Md., April 3rd, 2008 -- A Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team was selected by the United States Air Force to serve as its strategic partner for personnel service delivery transformation. The contract calls for the development of a long-range strategic plan as well as the providing support for the operation and management of Air Force personnel IT systems. Valued at $234 million, the U.S. Air Force Personnel Services Delivery Transformation – Strategic Partnership (PSDT-SP) contract is a singe award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity 8 year contract.

The PSDT-SP program was established through the consolidation of 25 existing contracts by the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel & Services to better serve the Total Force by transforming the Air Force personnel service delivery model through business process reengineering.

Lockheed Martin’s AF PSDT team will form a strategic partnership with the Air Force dedicated to its transformational needs and support of current operations. Lockheed Martin has teamed with a host of other top-rated transformation and Information Technology companies including Booz Allen Hamilton, Reston, Va.; CTalk, Inc. (OCTalk), King of Prussia, Pa.; Exeter Government Services, Beavercreek, Ohio; and numerous San Antonio-based companies. These include Diversified Technical Services, Inc. (DTSI); dNovus RDI; Karta Technologies, Inc.; STG, Inc.; AnviCom/Command Federal; and FEDITC LLC.

Steve Lubniewski, president of the Enterprise Solutions & Services business unit at Lockheed Martin, said, “As a long term partner with the Air Force Personnel Center, Lockheed Martin has a deep knowledge of what it takes to maintain the current Military Personnel Data System environment.

“The Lockheed Martin team will ensure that current operations are maintained during this major transformation. Throughout this period we will deliver the continuous positive service and support the men and women of the Air Force expect and receive as they serve our country around the world” he said.

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.

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LOCKHEED MARTIN OPENS P-3 ORION NEW WING PRODUCTION LINE

MARIETTA, Ga., April 2nd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] opened its new P-3 Orion wing production line today, marking production kickoff at its Marietta, Ga., facilities with a brief ceremony attended by Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) and Lockheed Martin officials. Norway is the initial P-3 Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) customer.

“Today is a landmark day for the long-term sustainment and support of the P-3 Orion,” said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3/S-3 Programs vice president. “It is the culmination of literally years of hard work by many people, and the production of new life extension kits reaffirms Lockheed Martin’s commitment to aircraft sustainment and further cements us as the provider of the most comprehensive range of support, sustain and refresh solutions for the P-3. As the P-3 OEM we know these aircraft best and are uniquely qualified to support them.”

The RNoAF will receive six life extension kits, two conditional kits, and engineering support under the contract. Delivery of the first set of wings is scheduled for June 2009.

"The Government of Norway is pleased to observe the expanded production of wings for the P-3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which will extend the lifespan and improve the capabilities required to support the operational requirement of Norwegian forces," said Col. Geir Wiik, Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Each life extension kit replaces the outer wings, center wing lower surface assembly, horizontal stabilizer, wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and various filet fairings. All necessary fatigue-life limiting structures are replaced, allowing the RNoAF to operate its Orions for decades to come. New alloys, which are five times less corrosive and will significantly reduce maintenance and sustainment costs, are employed in the manufacture of the new components. ASLEP is the only solution that removes all current flight restrictions on the P-3.

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.

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Lockheed Martin and Karem Aircraft Team to Support Department of Defense Joint Heavy Lift Program

PALMDALE, Calif., April 2nd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Karem Aircraft Incorporated have signed a teaming agreement to jointly develop Karem Aircraft’s Optimum Speed Tilt-Rotor (OSTR) design. The OSTR concept is one of three approaches selected by the Department of Defense (DoD)'s Joint Heavy Lift program office to receive a Concept Design and Analysis extension contract.

Abe Karem, president of Karem Aircraft, said, “Teaming allows us to provide our DoD customer with a highly innovative Joint Heavy Lift solution that leverages Karem’s innovative OSTR aircraft design and Lockheed Martin’s expertise in system integration, advanced composite design and tactical transport aircraft.”

Lockheed Martin’s effort will be led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Advanced Development Programs organization (The Skunk Works®).

With offices in Lake Forest, Calif., and Fort Worth, Tex., Karem Aircraft is a developer of advanced tilt-rotor transport aircraft. Led by Abe Karem, this aircraft rapid development team continues the tradition of innovation of his previous teams, which developed the Amber and Gnat 750 (of which the General Atomics Predator is a derivative), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, as well as the Hummingbird A160 Optimum-Speed Rotor UAV, now a Boeing product.

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.

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FIRST ACTIVE DUTY USAF C-130J COMBAT SQUADRON RECEIVES NEW AIRCRAFT AS IT BEGINS ITS FIRST DEPLOYMENT

MARIETTA, Ga., April 2nd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered a sixth C-130J Super Hercules tothe 41st Airlift Squadron, a unit of the 463rd Airlift Group, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The 41st, also known as the “Black Cats,” is the first active-duty C-130J combat squadron in the Air Force. Brig. Gen. Mark S. Solo, Deputy Director, Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., accepted the new C-130J on behalf of the “Black Cats.” The 41st recently began its first deployment to the Southwest Asia area of operations.

"The C-130J is a champion of air mobility and intra-theater airlift. Each J-model we receive brings greater range, speed and flexibility to the mobility arsenal,” said Solo. "It's an honor to deliver such a vital capability to our warfighters at Little Rock who are employing the J-model in combat today in the War on Terror."

The new C-130J generates much greater operational efficiency than the older C-130s by flying farther, faster, with more payload and higher reliability. Additionally, the C-130J requires only three crew members for most missions so fewer flight crew members are exposed to potential threats in theater. C-130Js are now deployed in two combat theaters and are operating efficiently and reliably at a high tempo. C-130Js are being used daily for troop and equipment re-supply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refueling, ground refueling and humanitarian relief. The worldwide fleet of C-130Js has now exceeded 425,000 flight hours.

In the United States, Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units fly C-130Js. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers, and the Coast Guard flies the HC-130J. International C-130J operators include the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and Royal Danish Air Force. Norway and Canada have ordered new C-130J fleets and India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance.

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.

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AIR MOBILITY COMMAND’S TACTICAL AIRLIFT CAPABILITY STRENGTHENS AS C-130J SUPER HERCULES DELIVERIES CONTINUE

MARIETTA, Ga., April 2nd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today delivered another C-130J Super Hercules to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The aircraft is assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron which is currently scheduled to receive 16 C-130Js. The “Black Cats” are currently engaged in Southwest Asia on their first combat deployment. This latest C-130J was accepted by Lt. Gen. John L. "Jack" Hudson, Commander, Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

"It is a great honor to deliver this new C-130J to our warfighters in the 463rd Airlift Group at Little Rock Air Force Base", said Lt. Gen. Hudson during the delivery ceremony. “Generating significantly greater operational effectiveness and efficiency than the older C-130s, the ‘J’ flies farther, faster, and with more payload and higher reliability. This increased capability is critical to our mobility arsenal and to our Airmen fighting the Global War on Terror."

The 41st is currently part of the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (EAS) operating out of Southwest Asia. "Achieving the CAOC's [Combined Air and Space Operations Center] desired effects on the ground in Afghanistan is a direct result of coordination and integration within this Wing," says Lt. Col. Daniel Tulley, 746th EAS commander said. "The recapitalized C-130J is proving itself exceptionally capable, reliable, and flexible, exactly what we need given the diverse missions we fly from this location every day!"

In the U.S., Air Mobility Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard units fly C-130Js. The Marine Corps operates KC-130J tankers and the Coast Guard flies the HC-130J. International C-130J operators include the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force and Royal Danish Air Force. Norway and Canada have ordered new C-130J fleets and Indian has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance.

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.

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Lockheed Martin Diversity

LOCKHEED MARTIN WINS ROLE ON UNITED STATES MINT IT CONTRACT

Five-year IT operation and maintenance support contract worth up to $53 million

WASHINGTON, DC, April 2nd, 2008 -- United States Department of the Treasury, United States Mint has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Information Technology Support Services contract. The company will provide a wide range of IT support services to the Office of the Chief Information Officer for up to a total value of $53 million over a five-year period. These services include Seat Management, IT Management, Applications, Communications, and Data Center operations, among others.

The first task order, for Transition Management, was issued upon award with a firm-fixed price of $1,038,879. Work began on March 1. Lockheed Martin’s future responsibilities will be performed under subsequent, simultaneously issued task orders. These will include providing seat management, application management, communications, data center, data networks, and overall IT management operation and maintenance services under this single performance based contract. Additional application development work may be provided on an as required basis under separate task orders.

The partnership will facilitate the smooth integration of the United States Mint’s OCIO’s IT operations and maintenance activities. Lockheed Martin’s proven preparedness and flexibility will allow the U.S. Mint to rely on the company as a strategic partner for additional contract requirements or developmental task orders in the future.

“We’re excited to begin supporting the United States Mint’s information needs. Leveraging our best practices in enterprise information, I am confident that Lockheed Martin will help transform the IT infrastructure of this important Department of Treasury agency into a truly leading edge and innovative system,” said Steve Lubniewski, president of Lockheed Martin Enterprise Solutions and Services in Seabrook, Md.

Lockheed Martin was the single company selected for the contract vehicle. The company’s teammates include Deloitte Consulting of McLean, Va., and TrustedForce LLC of Washington, D.C., both of whom will offer knowledge and understanding of the United States Mint operating environment.

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.

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On March 24, Northrop Grumman began assembling the center fuselage for the U.S. Air Force's first production F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The process, which began approximately one week ahead of schedule, consisted of loading the jet's all-composite air inlet ducts into a tooling fixture at the company's Palmdale Manufacturing Center.

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Northrop Grumman Begins Assembling First F-35 Production Jet

Milestone Provides Momentum for Transition From Development to Production Phases

PALMDALE, Calif., April 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has begun assembling the center fuselage for the first production Lightning II jet, a weight-optimized, U.S. Air Force F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant designated AF-6. The center fuselage is the core structure around which the F-35 aircraft is built.

The assembly process began March 24 at the company's Palmdale Manufacturing Center with the loading of an all-composite air inlet duct into a special tooling structure called a jig. This first assembly process, one of approximately 18 major steps in assembling an F-35 center fuselage, consists of attaching metal frames around the duct. The frames serve to brace and position the duct properly within the center fuselage.

"Jig loading the AF-6 center fuselage is significant because it shows the F-35 program is successfully transitioning from the system development and demonstration (SDD) phase into the production phase," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president and F-35 program manager for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "Through a disciplined approach to managing costs and engineering changes, we've reduced our average center fuselage assembly time by approximately 28 percent since the SDD program began."

To illustrate his point, Pamiljans noted that the company had started assembling the AF-6 center fuselage approximately one week sooner than the date indicated by the F-35 program's master schedule.

Northrop Grumman is a principal partner and founding member of the F-35 industry team led by Lockheed Martin. To date, the company has delivered eight of 19 SDD center fuselages - three for the Air Force and five for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps - with the remaining 11 currently in the assembly flow in Palmdale. The company has also begun work on three LRIP jets, including AF-6.

Final assembly of all F-35 jets is performed by Lockheed Martin at a facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The process includes mating a Northrop Grumman-built center fuselage to an aft fuselage produced by BAE Systems, and the forward fuselage/cockpit and wings produced by Lockheed Martin.

The F-35 Lightning II is a stealthy, supersonic multi-role fighter designed to replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft. It is being produced in three variants - CTOL, short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) and a carrier variant (CV) - to meet the diverse performance needs of the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy and allied defense forces worldwide. The three variants use a high degree of commonality to meet strict affordability requirements.

Northrop Grumman's roles on the F-35 team include producing the aircraft's center fuselage, key radar and electro-optical subsystems, and its communication, navigation and identification avionics. The company also provides mission systems and mission-planning software; and develops pilot and maintenance training systems.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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.

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Northrop Grumman Awarded Five Study Contracts for Next Generation Astronomy Missions

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., April 3, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is a partner on five contracts awarded by NASA to investigate concepts for next-generation space telescopes. The concepts include a powerful successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, three planet finding missions, and a futuristic x-ray space telescope.

The study results will be submitted for consideration to the scientific community during the upcoming National Academy of Science's Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey, which sets priorities for future astrophysics missions.

The five contracts include:

-- A mission to identify new materials and design problems involved
in the construction of a 52-foot diameter space telescope called
the Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST).
Northrop Grumman is teamed with Principal Investigator Marc
Postman of the Space Telescope Science Institute.

-- A mission to image nearby Earth-sized worlds using large
telescopes with multiple instruments and separate "starshade"
spacecraft to block the light from these exoplanets's host stars.
This study, called New Worlds Observer, will build on research
already performed by Northrop Grumman with Principal Investigator
Webster Cash of the University of Colorado.

-- A mission called Actively-Corrected Coronagraphs for Exoplanet
System Studies (ACCESS) to directly image giant planets around
nearby stars using a medium-size coronagraph. Northrop Grumman's
Space Technology sector is teamed with Principal Investigator John
Trauger of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

-- A mission called Generation-X to create the next generation of
extremely precise and large optics for X-ray astronomy. Northrop
Grumman Space Technology is teamed with Principal Investigator
Roger Brissenden at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for
Astrophysics.

-- A mission called Dilute Aperture Visible Nulling Coronagraph
Imager (DAViNCI) for exoplanet exploration using multiple
telescopes and a specially designed visible nulling interferometer
to detect Earth-like planets. Northrop Grumman Space Technology
is working with Principal Investigator Michael Shao of the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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.

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Northrop Grumman Welcomes Narrowed KC-45 Protest

LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2008 -- The Government Accountability Office (GAO) today denied motions filed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the United States Air Force calling for a partial dismissal of Boeing Corporation's protest of the Air Force decision in the KC-45 Tanker acquisition process. The denials came after a supplemental filing by Boeing Corporation that streamlined its original protest and eliminated many of the elements that were central to the Air Force and Northrop Grumman motions.

"Boeing's decision to abandon the public relations rhetoric contained in its original protest filings is in keeping with our motion," said Randy Belote, Northrop Grumman vice president of corporate and international communications. "We are encouraged that the company has streamlined its approach. We remain convinced that the Air Force process that led to Northrop Grumman's selection was fair, open and transparent, and we look forward to assisting the Air Force defend its selection decision before the GAO."

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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.

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Northrop Grumman Completes Redemption of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock

LOS ANGELES - April 4, 2008 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced that it has completed the previously announced redemption of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock").

Based on the redemption ratio formula, holders of Preferred Stock received 1.299246 shares of NOC common stock ("Common Stock") for each share of Preferred Stock. The redemption ratio formula calls for Preferred Stock holders to receive a number of Common Stock shares equal to $100 (the liquidation value of each share of Preferred Stock) plus $1.536111 (accrued Preferred Stock dividends per share as of April 4, 2008), divided by $78.15 (the average of the closing prices of Common Stock as reported on the NYSE for the five consecutive trading days ending April 2, 2008). The company redeemed 17,947 shares of Preferred Stock for approximately 23,300 shares of Common Stock.

As previously announced, prior to the mandatory redemption, Preferred Stock holders could elect to convert each share of Preferred Stock into 1.822267 shares of Common Stock at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., EDT, on April 3, 2008. Holders of 3,482,053 shares of Preferred Stock elected to convert their shares into Common Stock prior to the redemption date, resulting in the issuance of approximately 6,345,000 shares of Common Stock.

In total, the company issued approximately 6,368,300 shares of Common Stock as a result of the redemption and conversion. The effect of these shares has previously been included in the company's weighted average shares used for the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share. Preferred Stock holders who have questions about the redemption should contact Computershare Trust Company, as redemption and conversion agent, at (800)546-5141 (within the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico) or (781)575-2765 (outside the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico).

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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

David F. Stafford, corporate vice president for federal agencies for Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Photo: Northrop Grumman

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Names David F. Stafford Corporate Vice President of Customer Relations for Federal Agencies

LOS ANGELES, April 4, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has named David F. Stafford corporate vice president for federal agencies for the company.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.primezone.com/noc/

Stafford is responsible for establishing and maintaining customer relations with federal departments and civil agencies. He directs the analysis, development and execution of the corporation's strategic initiatives; manages the overall engagement with these agencies; and presides over the advocacy efforts necessary to advance the requirements, generate the resources, and develop these programs for the nation and its allies. Stafford reports to Larry Lanzillotta, vice president of customer relations, headquartered at the company's Washington, D.C., office.

"Non-defense-related contracts will make up a significant portion of Northrop Grumman's business in our future," said Lanzillotta. "David's background, coupled with his extensive experience in the area of business, strategy and advanced development for the company, will serve us well as he and his team continue to expand our federal-department and civil-agency portfolio."

Stafford joined the company in 1983 and has more than 25 years of development, business and contracts-management experience. Most recently, he served as vice president for maritime and tactical systems for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. His previous positions include sector vice president of business and strategy development for the company's Integrated Systems sector; additionally, he has served as the sector's vice president of Washington Operations for Northrop Grumman International, and as the vice president of business, strategy and advanced development for that sector's airborne early warning/electronic warfare business unit. Previously, Stafford held posts at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Army.

Stafford earned a bachelor's degree from Florida International University. He also has completed the Strategic Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Executive Marketing Program at University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $32 billion 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 Announces Strong Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and the Year Ended January 31, 2008

Montreal, April 03, 2008



(All amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.)


Consolidated revenues of $17.5 billion, compared to $14.9 billion last fiscal year

EBITDA from continuing operations before special items of $1.4 billion, compared to $1.1 billion last fiscal year

EBIT from continuing operations before special items of $902 million, compared to $577 million last fiscal year

EPS from continuing operations before special items of $0.26 per share, compared to $0.14 per share last fiscal year

Net income of $317 million, or $0.16 per share (diluted), compared to $268 million, or $0.14 per share last fiscal year

Free cash flow of $2 billion, compared to $610 million last fiscal year

Long-term debt repayments of $1.1 billion

Payment of discretionary pension contributions of $384 million

Strong cash position at $3.6 billion

Record backlog of $53.6 billion

Bombardier today released robust financial results for the fourth quarter and the year ended January 31, 2008 which showed continued improvement on all fronts. Revenues increased by 18% to reach $17.5 billion. Earnings before financing income, financing expense and income taxes (EBIT), from continuing operations before special items totalled $902 million, compared to $577 million last fiscal year, a 56% increase. EBIT margin from continuing operations before special items at 5.2% compares to last year's 3.9%. Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations before special items reached $0.26, compared to $0.14 last fiscal year. Net income reached $317 million, or a diluted EPS of $0.16, compared to a net income of $268 million and an EPS of $0.14. The overall backlog reached a new record high, climbing to $53.6 billion, an increase of $12.9 billion compared to January 31, 2007.

Free cash flow (cash flows from operating activities less net additions to property, plant and equipment) surged by $1.4 billion to reach $2 billion. The cash position increased by $1 billion to reach $3.6 billion, after early repayments of $1.1 billion of long-term debt and payment of discretionary pension fund contributions totalling $384 million.

"The strong popularity of our products constitutes the main driver of this year's success. Our backlog has substantially increased, reaching historically high levels for both groups," said Laurent Beaudoin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.

"Our liquidity position is particularly solid and profitability has continued to increase, as we keep our focus on cost. At Bombardier Aerospace, both business and regional aircraft enjoyed strong demand as demonstrated by an exceptional level of net orders. At Bombardier Transportation, revenues increased by 18% and the order flow was strong, as indicated by another high book-to-bill ratio of 1.5 and the highest backlog in the rail industry. The strengthening of the balance sheet, the strong cash position and large backlog will enable Bombardier to weather current financial market turmoil. We remain committed to improving long-term profitability, maintaining strong liquidity and further strengthening our capital structure in order to regain investment grade status," added Mr. Beaudoin.

Bombardier Aerospace

At Bombardier Aerospace, revenues increased by 17% to a record $9.7 billion, while EBIT rose to $563 million, compared to $322 million for last fiscal year. This produced an EBIT margin of 5.8%, versus last year's 3.9%. Free cash flow more than doubled to $1.7 billion, compared to last year's $814 million.

Bombardier Aerospace's backlog reached a new record level of $22.7 billion, an increase of $9.5 billion compared to January 31, 2007. It was an excellent year with 698 firm orders for business, regional and amphibious aircraft, compared to 363 aircraft last fiscal year. Deliveries also increased to 361 aircraft, versus 326 for the corresponding period last year. For fiscal year 2009, the group expects an increase in business aircraft deliveries along with an improved mix, while regional aircraft deliveries are expected to remain at a similar level compared to fiscal year 2008.

In the business aircraft market, Bombardier Aerospace maintained its leadership with a record 232 deliveries as well as 452 orders, for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.9. Interest for business jets in major emerging markets, such as Russia and Asia, has grown significantly, shifting demand away from the U.S. which now accounts for approximately 30% of the group's new orders.

With the entry into service of the Learjet 60 XR and the launch of the all-new Learjet 85 featuring an all-composite structure, Bombardier Aerospace further strengthened its product portfolio, the most complete in the business aircraft industry.

Regional aircraft orders surged to 238 orders compared to 87 last fiscal year. The introduction of the next generation of the CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft as well as the launch of the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet have stimulated demand and contributed to 141 regional jet orders for fiscal year 2008, compared to 49 last fiscal year.

Increasing interest for the Q400 aircraft has generated demand from companies in various countries such as Australia-based Qantas Airways, U.K.'s Flybe and Memphis-based Pinnacle Airlines. As the trend towards larger turboprops continues, Bombardier Aerospace announced, in March 2008, the launch of the Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner, pursuing its tradition of innovation.

Bombardier Aerospace continues to work towards reaching an EBIT margin of 8%, now expected by fiscal 2009.

Bombardier Transportation

Bombardier Transportation revenues totalled $7.8 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion over last fiscal year. EBIT before special items reached $339 million, compared to $255 million for last fiscal year. This represents an EBIT margin before special items of 4.4%, versus 3.9% last year. Meanwhile, free cash flow soared to $688 million, an improvement of $593 million over last fiscal year.

Again this year, Bombardier Transportation reported a solid new order intake of $11.3 billion, leading to a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5. The order backlog, net of the recently announced Metronet contract adjustment, stood at $30.9 billion as of January 31, 2008, the highest in the industry.

With its outstanding product and technology portfolio and the renewed demand for environmentally friendly transportation modes, Bombardier Transportation continued to extend its market leadership in diverse regions around the world with orders coming from Canada, Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, to name a few.

The two most important contracts this last fiscal year came from China and India, a clear illustration of the success of Bombardier Transportation's consistent efforts in emerging markets. The group received from the Chinese Ministry of Railways an order for 40 high-speed trainsets, valued at approximately $596 million, the largest single order for rail passenger cars placed at one time in Chinese rail history. In India, Bombardier was one of the first private companies chosen to build complete rail vehicles, with an order from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. for 340 MOVIA metro cars, valued at approximately $590 million. In the phase II expansion of Delhi Metro, these vehicles will transport four million passengers daily, alleviating heavy traffic congestion and pollution.

In Russia, another important emerging market, Bombardier established new joint ventures in engineering and production of propulsion technology with Transmashholding, the country's leading manufacturer of rail technology.

During the fourth quarter, Bombardier Transportation received an order to supply 40 TRAXX locomotives to Angel Trains for a value of approximately $260 million. This adds to a previous order for 60 TRAXX locomotives, bringing the total order to approximately $548 million. The group further received the largest ever commuter rail car order in Québec for 160 multilevel commuter rail cars from Agence métropolitaine de transport for a value of approximately $381 million.

Bombardier Transportation reaffirms its goal to improve its EBIT margin to 6% by fiscal 2010.

Financial highlights

(unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts, which are shown in dollars)



FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Consolidated results

Consolidated revenues totalled $5.3 billion for the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2008, compared to $4.4 billion for the same period last year. For the year ended January 31, 2008, consolidated revenues reached $17.5 billion compared to $14.9 billion for the same period last year.

For the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2008, EBIT amounted to $305 million, or 5.8% of revenues, compared to $244 million, or 5.5%, for the same period the previous year. For the year ended January 31, 2008, EBIT from continuing operations before special items reached $902 million, or 5.2% of revenues, compared to $577 million, or 3.9%, for the same period the previous year.

Net financing expense amounted to $92 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, compared to $70 million for the corresponding period of last year. The $22-million increase is mainly due to net losses on certain financial instruments and costs in relation to early repayment of $1 billion of long-term debt. For the year ended January 31, 2008, net financing expense reached $301 million, compared to $218 million for the same period last year. The $83-million increase is mainly due to higher interest expense on long-term debt and net losses on certain financial instruments; partially offset by higher interest income on invested collateral and higher interest income on cash and cash equivalents.

The special item for the year ended January 31, 2008 relates to Bombardier Transportation's write-off of the carrying value of its investment in Metronet. For fiscal year 2007, it relates to the restructuring plan initiated in fiscal year 2005 to reduce the cost structure in Bombardier Transportation.

The effective income tax rate was a recovery of 2.3% for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 compared to a charge of 35.6% for last fiscal year. For fiscal year 2008, the effective rate was 27.8% compared to 27.5% last fiscal year.

As a result, net income amounted to $218 million, or $0.12 per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, compared to $112 million, or $0.06 per share, for the same period the previous year. For the year ended January 31, 2008, net income was $317 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to $268 million, or $0.14 per share, for the previous year.

For the three-month period ended January 31, 2008, free cash flow amounted to $924 million, after a discretionary payment of $260-million to pension funds, compared to $1.1 billion for the corresponding period the previous year. For the year ended January 31, 2008, free cash flow amounted to $2 billion, compared to $610 million last fiscal year, a $1.4-billion increase.

As at January 31, 2008, Bombardier's order backlog stood at a record level of $53.6 billion, compared to $40.7 billion as at January 31, 2007.

Bombardier Aerospace


Revenues of $2.9 billion for the fourth quarter; $9.7 billion for fiscal year 2008
EBITDA of $295 million for the fourth quarter; $966 million for fiscal year 2008
EBIT of $196 million, or 6.8% of revenues, for the fourth quarter; $563 million, or 5.8%, for fiscal year 2008
Free cash flow of $554 million for the fourth quarter; $1.7 billion for fiscal year 2008
Record order backlog of $22.7 billion, compared to $13.2 billion as at January 31, 2007
Bombardier Aerospace's revenues amounted to $2.9 billion for the three-month period ended January 31, 2008, compared to $2.6 billion for the same period the previous year. Revenues amounted to $9.7 billion for the year ended January 31, 2008, compared to $8.3 billion for the previous year. The $304-million and $1.4-billion increases are mainly due to increased manufacturing revenues reflecting increased deliveries and improved selling prices for business aircraft and for regional aircraft.

For the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2008, EBIT amounted to $196 million, or 6.8% of revenues, compared to $158 million, or 6.1%, for the same period the previous year. The 0.7 percentage-point increase is mainly due to improved selling prices for business aircraft and regional aircraft; improved margins on service activities; and better absorption of amortization expense due to higher revenues; partially offset by higher production costs mainly due to escalation in the price of materials and the negative impact of the strenghtening of the Canadian dollar and pound sterling. For the year ended January 31, 2008, EBIT amounted to $563 million, or 5.8% of revenues, compared to $322 million, or 3.9%, for the previous year. The 1.9 percentage-point increase is mainly due to improved selling prices for business aircraft and regional aircraft; improved margins on service activities; lower research and development expenses; net gains on certain financial instruments carried at fair value due to the impact of lower interest rates as well as the impact of a general improvement in the financial condition of regional airlines; and better absorption of amortization expense due to higher revenues. These items were partially offset by higher production costs, mainly due to escalation in the price of materials and the negative impact of the strengthtening of the Canadian dollar and pound sterling versus the U.S. dollar, including a charge of $45 million from changes in the long-term foreign exchange assumption for the Canadian dollar, which led to revisions of cost estimates for programs under average cost accounting; and lower gains resulting from the revision of cost estimates for programs under average cost accounting.

Free cash flow totalled $554 million for the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2008, after payment of discretionary pension fund contributions totalling $249 million, compared to $771 million for the same period last fiscal year. The $217-million decrease is mainly due to a negative period-over-period variation in net change in non-cash balances related to operations and higher net additions to property, plant and equipment, reflecting investments in the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet program and the purchase of tooling previously under an operating lease related to the Challenger 300 aircraft program, partially offset by higher profitability. For the year ended January 31, 2008, free cash flow amounted to $1.7 billion, after payment of discretionary pension fund contributions totalling $249 million, compared to $814 million for the previous year. The $862-million increase is mainly due to a positive year-over-year variation in net change in non-cash balances related to operations and higher profitability, partially offset by higher net additions to property, plant and equipment, reflecting the investments in the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet program and the recently launched Learjet 85 program.

For the quarter ended January 31, 2008, aircraft deliveries totalled 115, compared to 101 for the same period the previous year. The 115 deliveries consisted of 76 business aircraft, 38 regional aircraft and one amphibious aircraft (69, 31 and one aircraft respectively for the corresponding period last fiscal year). During fiscal year 2008, Aerospace delivered 361 aircraft compared to 326 aircraft for fiscal year 2007. Aircraft delivered during fiscal year 2008 consisted of 232 business aircraft, 128 regional aircraft and one amphibious aircraft (212, 112 and two aircraft respectively last fiscal year).

Aerospace received 213 net orders during the quarter ended January 31, 2008, compared to 139 during the corresponding period the previous year. The 213 orders consisted of 154 business aircraft, 51 regional aircraft and eight amphibious aircraft (117, 21 and one aircraft respectively for the corresponding period last fiscal year). During fiscal year 2008, Aerospace received 698 net orders compared to 363 for fiscal year 2007. Net orders during fiscal year 2008 consisted of 452 business aircraft, 238 regional aircraft and eight amphibious aircraft (274, 87 and two aircraft respectively last fiscal year).

Aerospace's firm order backlog reached a record level of $22.7 billion as at January 31, 2008, compared to $13.2 billion as at January 31, 2007. The 72% increase reflects strong order intake in both business and regional aircraft. In business aircraft, both narrow-body and wide-body business aircraft backlogs have increased, and the order backlog for each product family remains strong. In regional aircraft, the decision to introduce the next generation version of the CRJ700 and CRJ900 regional jets as well as the launch of the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet have contributed to this increase. There has also been a significant rise in the number of Q400 aircraft orders demonstrating an increased demand for large turboprops.

Bombardier Transportation


Revenues of $2.4 billion for the fourth quarter; $7.8 billion for fiscal year 2008

EBITDA before special items of $137 million for the fourth quarter; $448 million for fiscal year 2008

EBIT before special items of $109 million for the fourth quarter; $339 million for fiscal year 2008

Free cash flow of $688 million for fiscal year 2008, an improvement of $593 million compared to last fiscal year

New order intake totalling $11.3 billion (book-to-bill ratio of 1.5)

Order backlog of $30.9 billion as at January 31, 2008

Bombardier Transportation's revenues amounted to $2.4 billion for the three-month period ended January 31, 2008, compared to $1.8 billion for the same period last year. The $548-million increase is mainly due to increased activity in the rolling stock division reflecting increased activity in the locomotive segment in Europe, in the regional train segment, mainly in France and Germany, in North America due to the ramping-up of new contracts and in the propulsion & controls segment, mainly in Asia and Europe. The increase also reflects a positive currency impact. For the year ended January 31, 2008, revenues totalled $7.8 billion, compared to $6.6 billion for the previous year. The $1.2-billion increase is mainly due to increased activity in the rolling stock division reflecting increased activity in the regional train segment, mainly in France, Germany and China, in the propulsion & controls segment, mainly in Asia and Europe and in the locomotive segment in Europe, partially offset by lower activity in the North America region, mainly due to the phasing out of a major commuter train contract. The increase also reflects a positive currency impact.

For the fourth quarter ended January 31, 2008, EBIT before special items totalled $109 million, or 4.6% of revenues, compared to $86 million, or 4.7%, for the same quarter the previous year. The 0.1 percentage-point decrease is mainly due to negative adjustments for service contracts, mainly in the U.K.; and a contract adjustment in the North America region, partially offset by the positive impact of procurement initiatives and the quality enhancement program; and better absorption of amortization and research and development expenses due to higher revenues. For the year ended January 31, 2008, EBIT from continuing operations before special items totalled $ 339 million, or 4.4% of revenues, compared to $255 million, or 3.9%, for the previous year. The 0.5 percentage-point increase is mainly due to the positive impact of procurement initiatives and the quality enhancement program; better absorption of amortization expense due to higher revenues; and fiscal year 2007 foreign exchange losses. This increase was partially offset by negative adjustments for service contracts, mainly in the U.K.; a contract adjustment in the North America region; and initial costs for a new platform in relation to the first order received under the Deutsche Bahn (DB) framework agreement for the new TALENT 2 trains.

Free cash flow for the quarter ended January 31, 2008 was $525 million, compared to $443 million for the same period last fiscal year. The $82-million improvement is mainly due to a positive period-over-period variation in net change in non-cash balances related to operation and higher EBIT. For the year ended January 31, 2008, free cash flow was $688 million, after payment of discretionary pension fund contributions totalling $135 million, compared to $95 million for the previous year. The $593-million increase is mainly due to a consistently high level of order intake and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5 and above in each of the last two fiscal years, creating a positive year-over-year variation in net change in non-cash balances related to operations and higher EBIT before special items, partially offset by higher net additions to property, plant and equipment.

The order intake for the fourth quarter ending January 31, 2008 was $3.9 billion compared to $5.4 billion for the same period last fiscal year. The decrease is mainly due to a particularly high level, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, of order intake in rolling stock. The decrease was partially offset by a higher order intake in services in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 and a positive currency impact. During the year ended January 31, 2008, the order intake reached $11.3 billion, compared to $11.8 billion for the same period last year. The decrease is mainly due to the particularly high level, in fiscal 2007, of order intake in rolling stock, including the major orders from the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français to supply high-capacity commuter and regional trains, as well as in services and systems. The decrease was partially offset by a positive currency impact.

Bombardier Transportation's backlog totalled $30.9 billion as at January 31, 2008, compared to $27.5 billion as at January 31, 2007. The increase is due to a higher order intake compared to revenues recorded and to the strengthening of the euro and the pound sterling compared to the U.S. dollar, partially offset by the cancellation of $2.6 billion in the order backlog related to the Metronet contract.

DIVIDENDS ON PREFERRED SHARES

Series 2 Preferred Shares
A monthly dividend of $0.13021 Cdn per share on Series 2 Preferred Shares has been paid on December 15, 2007; of $0.12521 Cdn on January 15, 2008; of $0.12333 Cdn on February 15, 2008; and of $0.11979 Cdn on March 15, 2008.

Series 3 Preferred Shares
A quarterly dividend of $0.32919 Cdn per share on Series 3 Preferred Shares is payable on April 30, 2008 to the shareholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2008.

Series 4 Preferred Shares
A quarterly dividend of $0.390625 Cdn per share on Series 4 Preferred Shares is payable on April 30, 2008 to the shareholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2008.

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, 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.

Challenger, Challenger 300, CRJ, CRJ700, CRJ900, CRJ1000, Learjet, Learjet 60 XR, Learjet 85, MOVIA, NextGen, Q400, TALENT 2 and TRAXX are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.


For information
Isabelle Rondeau
Director, Communications
+514-861-9481

Shirley Chénier
Director, Investor Relations
+514-861-9481



The Management's Discussion and Analysis and the Consolidated Financial Statements are available at www.bombardier.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes forward looking statements. Forward looking statements generally can be id