The Aviation & Maritime News Centerpiece
of ILIPS Group International

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Aviation & Marine USA

Aerospace Home Page

www.aviationandmarineusa.com

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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 16, 2008

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Nimrod

First Flight of the British Aerospace Systems (BAE) Nimrod PA02. Successor to current in-service Nimrod MR2. Maritime patrol aircraft for anti- submarine, anti-ship, search and rescue, intelligence gathering, with growth potential for land attack.

Copyright © 2008 BAE Systems. All rights reserved

Coming Soon...

Most Interviews contained herein are Corporate "In House" production designed to get information out to the Public via Press Release. The majority of the quotes presented in Press Release articles in this ILIPS Group Publication are Corporate, In House. We are concentrating heavily on Press Releases as we expand outward into the World community to acquire the News ourselves.

We will usually identify when quotations or interviews are conducted and reported directly by ILIPS Group personnel. Otherwise, anticipate that the interview was provided courtesy of Public Relations or Media Personnel from Corporate or other sources outside of ILIPS Group International, including other Mainstream and Alternative News Services who have released the materials into Public Domain.

~ Ed.

Front Page

Heritage Flight

A B-17 Flying Fortress (top of frame), a P-40 Kittyhawk and a P-51 Mustang soar over the spires of the Air Force Memorial April 10 in Arlington, Va. The three World War II-era planes flew over a ceremony honoring the 30,000 American Airmen who gave their lives flying from British bases during World War II. The event was arranged by the American Air Museum at Duxford, England, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The first Americans to serve in England were based at Duxford in 1918. During World War II it was also home to the 78th Fighter Group from 1943 to 1945. Former British Prime Minister John Major served as guest of honor for the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force photo / Andy Morataya

Things That Go Bump In The Night ™

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Definition:

"Armageddon"

1. (in the New Testament) the last battle between good and evil before the Day of Judgment.

2. a dramatic and catastrophic conflict, typically seen as likely to destroy the world or the human race: nuclear Armageddon.

3. a not too shabby 1984 Michael Bay movie in which Liv Tyler totally rocks! (No pun intended...)

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"Mr. Willis, Mr. Willis!

White NASA Courtesy Phone Please!"

April 16, 2008

Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1726
dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 08-103

NASA STATEMENT ON STUDENT ASTEROID CALCULATIONS

WASHINGTON -- The Near-Earth Object Program Office at NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., has not changed its
current estimates for the very low probability (1 in 45,000) of an
Earth impact by the asteroid Apophis in 2036.

Contrary to recent press reports, NASA offices involved in near-Earth
object research were not contacted and have had no correspondence
with a young German student, who claims the Apophis impact
probability is far higher than the current estimate.

This student's conclusion reportedly is based on the possibility of a
collision with an artificial satellite during the asteroid's close
approach in April 2029. However, the asteroid will not pass near the
main belt of geosynchronous satellites in 2029, and the chance of a
collision with a satellite is exceedingly remote.

Therefore, consideration of this satellite collision scenario does not
affect the current impact probability estimate for Apophis, which
remains at 1 in 45,000.

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"Man, I'm sweating this one!

I was going to retire and go on vacation on May 1, 2029!"

~ Ed.

Founder of the New Organization:

"AARP"

( Asteroids [are just] Awful [on] Retired People )

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"Or maybe I should name it:

'GULP' !? "

~ Same Ol Same Ed.

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April16, 2008

Front Page

JAPAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL AGREES TO PLEAD GUILTY AND PAY CRIMINAL FINES FOR FIXING PRICES ON CARGO SHIPMENTS

WASHINGTON - Tokyo-based Japan Airlines International Co. Ltd. (JAL) has agreed to plead guilty and pay a $110 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix rates for international cargo shipments, the Department of Justice announced today.

According to the charges filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, JAL engaged in a conspiracy in the United States and elsewhere to eliminate competition by fixing the rates for international shipments of cargo to and from the United States and elsewhere from on or about April 1, 2000, to February 2006. During the time period covered by the felony charge, JAL was the largest carrier of cargo between the United States and Japan and earned almost $2 billion from its cargo flights to and from the United States.

Under the plea agreement, which is subject to court approval, JAL has agreed to cooperate with the Department's ongoing investigation.

"This price-fixing conspiracy inflicted a heavy toll on American businesses and consumers," said Thomas O. Barnett, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department's Antitrust Division. "Japan Airlines is the fourth cargo carrier to admit to its involvement in this cartel and to agree to cooperate with an ongoing investigation."


JAL is charged with carrying out the price-fixing conspiracy with co-conspirators by:


Participating in meetings, conversations and communications in the United States and elsewhere to discuss the cargo rates to be charged on shipments to and from the United States;

Agreeing, during those meetings, conversations and communications, on the cargo rates for shipments to and from the United States;

Levying cargo rates in accordance with the agreements reached; and Engaging in meetings, conversations and communications to monitor and enforce the agreed upon rates.


On August 23, 2007, British Airways Plc pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a $300 million criminal fine for conspiring to fix cargo rates for international air shipments, including to and from the United States, and to fix passenger fuel surcharges for long-haul international air transportation, including between the United States and United Kingdom. The same day, Korean Air Lines pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a $300 million criminal fine for conspiring to fix cargo rates charged to customers in the United States and elsewhere for international air shipments and to fix wholesale and passenger fares for flights from the United States to Korea. On January 14, 2008, Qantas Airways Limited pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay a $61 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix the rates of shipments of cargo to and from the United States and elsewhere.

JAL is charged with price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum fine of $100 million for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.

The ongoing investigation into the air transportation industry is being conducted by the Antitrust Division's National Criminal Enforcement Section and the FBI.

Anyone with information concerning price fixing or other anticompetitive conduct in the air transportation industry is urged to call the National Criminal Enforcement Section of the Antitrust Division at 202-307-6694 or the FBI Washington Field Office at 202-278-2000.

April 15 ~ 16, 2008

Boeing Statement on Hewa Bora Airways Crash

SEATTLE, April 15, 2008 -- Boeing extends its deepest sympathy to the families and colleagues of those who were lost or injured when the Hewa Bora Airways DC-9 crashed today during a takeoff attempt from Goma Airport, Democratic Republic of Congo, and has offered accident investigation assistance to the government through the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

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International Video

Link Takes You Offsite to SAAB

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Presentation by CEO Åke Svensson, at Saab's
Annual General Meeting in Stockholm, April 15, 2008

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English Version

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Swedish Version

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After the Video has Played,

Hit the Back or Return Button's to Return to A&M USA.Com

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Press Release

Presentation by CEO Åke Svensson, at Saab's

Annual General Meeting in Stockholm, April 15, 2008




President and CEO Åke Svensson´s address to Saab´s Annual
[2008-04-15 20:20]

Chairman and shareholders.

2007 was a good and eventful year for Saab. We had a continued strong order volume; we increased our sales and achieved a good result - Saab´s best results ever! At the same time, the world in which we operate is changing at a fast pace and this has consequences for us as a company. It creates new challenges and also brings new opportunities.

The Saab of tomorrow will look different to that of today - and, to a certain extent, do new thingsthings that one may not immediately associate with Saab but which we have, in fact, already started to carry out.

For example, during 2007, Saab had an increasing share of its sales within the civil security (community safety) sector. Furthermore, we have employees in Afghanistan who assist the Swedish contingent there on site with infrastructure, maintenance and logistics.

We have taken the initiative to establish a broad industrial partnership between Norway and Sweden in order to find new ways of reducing impacts on our climate. We are also participating in an important EU project called Clean Sky under which significant sums of money will be invested in making aviation more environment-friendly.

These are just some of the developments that impact on our current and future operations. I shall come back to these a little later but let us first review the year that has passed.

2007 was, as I mentioned above, a very good year. We achieved sales growth of 9 % and reported sales of SEK 23 billion for the year as a whole.

This growth in sales is partly due to the growth in our different divisions and partly to the acquisition of Saab Microwave Systems in 2006. This business has developed very well and we have achieved the goals we set ourselves at the time of the acquisition.

Our sales also reflect an increasing share from markets outside Sweden - a clear objective for Saab over a number of years. We have now achieved a proportion of 65 per cent and our ambition is that this shall further increase in future. Our international footprint is becoming increasingly evident.

Orders received amounted to SEK 21 billion. This was lower than in 2006 when the order volume was over SEK 27 billion, but those with a good memory will recall that we received a very large order from Pakistan for an early warning system during 2006. And which, by the way, we showed for the first time at a ceremony in Linköping just a few weeks ago. This order per se explains the entire difference between 2006 and 2007. If, for the sake of comparison, we exclude this order for both years our orders received actually increased during 2007.

The operating income increased by no less than 49 per cent to reach SEK 2.6 billion - a record for Saab. This, in fact, corresponds to a profit margin of 11 per cent. At the same time, we should remember that part of the increase in net income was due to one-off items and, if we make an adjustment for these, the margin was 9 per centthat is to say we did not completely meet our objective of having a profit margin of 10 per cent.

In discussing a little the development of the share price in respect of Saab, I can say that we saw a decline during last year but we have also seen a good recovery during the early months of 2008. The assessment of our future business opportunities, our competitiveness and our capacity to manage our fine companies in an effective and successful manner are, of course, important factors for creating value for all our shareholders. These areas therefore occupy a central role in our day-to-day work within the company´s management groups at all levels.

Let us look a little more closely at certain of the orders we received last year and that merit comment.

Gripen is indeed, as you all know, a very important part of Saab, both commercially and for our technological development. This is an industrial project that is of decisive importance for Sweden as a whole and one that we can all be very proud of.
For the Gripen system there were two important events during 2007 and at the start of this year.

In the first place, we received an order from Swedish Defence for the upgrading of 31 Gripen aircraft to the latest and most modern versions. And in connection with this also, an order for a demonstrator programme for Gripen - a large and important step to secure Gripen´s long-term development. This means, in brief, that a test aircraft is now being developed for use as a platform for development of new technology and enhanced performance.

This is a very important order which implies a continued development of cutting-edge technology and that also opens the door to future Gripen business opportunities.

As you may have read in the newspapers, we are in the process of working on this aircraft at present which has its premier display on 23rd April.

At the current time we are also working on submitting binding offers for Gripen to a number of countries: Switzerland, Norway and India. Last year we submitted an offer to Denmark, and work is in progress on several important campaigns including for countries in eastern Europe.
The interest in Gripen in the export market has never been as great as it is now. At the same time, we know that the process before the procurement decision is taken is a long one - so it is important to have staying power and patience.

In the second place, at the start of 2008, Thailand made an order for a complete defence system based on Gripen, which also includes an advanced airborne surveillance system with the Erieye radar on the Saab 340 aircraft and associated communication and command systems. The agreement was concluded at a national level between Thailand and Sweden, thereby demonstrating the importance of our co-operation with the Swedish government in creating business opportunities with advanced defence systems.

This contract clearly demonstrates that Saab has the capacity to supply more than part systems or products. The fact that we are able to tie together different technological solutions into entire system solutions is, to a degree, a unique capacity that we now possess and that will become even more important in future.

Gripen has thereby established itself in the three important market segments that we have identified: to replace Russian aircraft ,to replace French aircraft and now also to replace American aircraft.

There are, so far, five nations that have chosen Gripen as the foundation of their future air force. Sweden and Thailand I have already mentioned, Hungary and the Czech Republic have had deliveries of all their ordered aircraft while deliveries to South Africa start this year.

Another example of our capacity to implement systems integration is the order, last year, from the Australian Navy. They have ordered two new ships and Saab shall supply systems for command and communication. This order is one more feather in our hat and one that demonstrates our capacity to develop and supply advanced solutions to our customers.

Other orders worth mentioning are the purchase by the Estonian Defence of air defence systems and the acquisition by the Finnish Army of the new anti-tank weapon NLAW. We also won an extensive contract for a training facility from the Netherlands Armed Forces and had a continued good order volume from Airbus and Boeing.

As you are aware, an enquiry is in progress into suspected bribery in connection with export sales of Gripen. I touched on this subject at the last AGM and, at that time, made clear that bribes are self-evidently not permitted in Saab.

I shall not repeat myself but, instead, describe somewhat the work we are carrying out internally in Saab in relation to our code of conduct. We adopt a crystal-clear attitude that all business we conduct shall take place on the basis of the highest ethical standards. In order to clarify once again the rules that apply in respect of this issue a project is now being carried out, directed at all our employees.

Our values, that in recent years we have diffused widely throughout our organisation, constitute the foundation of this work. This work is set to continue with undiminished energy during 2008 and in future years also.

All employees in the group shall undergo an interactive training in order to embed a revised and expanded code of conduct. With ever more complex business operations and in a widening international arena, high standards are set on the way we operate with these issues. There must be no hesitation here: we take these issues seriously and we understand the rules that apply.

Saab has also compiled an abbreviated information brochure that is now being distributed to all employees. This brochure is also to be found in the folders that have been distributed to you here today. This shows the ever wider social responsibility that Saab accepts on a range of different issues, ranging from our social responsibility with, for instance, our efforts to ensure employee diversity and fair employment conditions to our work on behalf of the climate and environmental care. In fact, the increasing demands within the environmental area demonstrate how new challenges can also create new business opportunities for us.

We have, for example, invested in a company called Usitall. They are specialists in waste management and energy recovery. We are thus able to offer industrial co-operation and export of environmental knowledge within an area where several of our future markets are facing major challenges.

We are increasing our attractiveness as partner in industrial collaboration - as ever an important component of large international business transactions. And we contribute to simplifying and speeding up the changeover to environmental care in the receiving country.

We have also taken the initiative for a new environmental co-operation between Sweden and Norway, namely Nordic Climate Cluster, which was presented last week. The goal is to stimulate projects that are able to develop future solutions in the energy and environmental area. A first task is to examine in detail the production of transport fuel from biological raw materials.

Another environmental issue that one can read about frequently in the media is the negative impact of aviation on our climate. Here, too, Saab is playing an active role through Clean Sky, which I mentioned at the beginning.

Thanks to the technical advances made in recent decades, the emissions from aircraft have already been reduced considerably. In fact, air traffic only contributes 2 per cent of the total emissions of carbon dioxide.

However, Clean Sky shall now, with a budget of SEK 1.6 billion Euros and with the aviation industry and the EU sharing the costs equally, further reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide, nitric oxide and noise from European aviation by 20-40 per cent up to the year 2020.

Saab is participating in Clean Sky together with twelve European aviation companies in order to jointly achieve these new objectives with new technology.

Our advanced technological competence within aviation engineering will play a leading role in e.g. the work of developing a new aircraft wing and other systems that will adapt aviation further to meet climate concerns.


Dear shareholders!

Saab was formed 70 years ago and then developed within a context which was essentially Swedish.

Swedish Defence ordered Swedish solutions from the Swedish defence industry, in order to be able to defend the country - free of alliances - against an invasion.

The relationship between the defence sector and Saab has acted as an engine of development over the years; there is a long history of successful systems and solutions which will continue to live on in future. The research results have also been of benefit to other Swedish industry and the defence materiel investments have thereby been an important part of Sweden´s social and industrial development.

In line with the changes in our surrounding geopolitical environment, the preconditions for the defence industry have changed and Saab´s international business has grown markedly.

The Swedish defence sector - and its orders - will continue to be important for Saab through the challenges that are posed in developing the technology of the future.

But, at the same time, we must reckon that the customer-funded projects will be fewer in number and thereby smaller in volume. In future, therefore, we must be in a position ourselves to finance an increased share of our own development and, furthermore, intensify our marketing efforts. This, then, is an important factor behind the launching, during the autumn, of an efficiency programme the object of which is to make available SEK 1 billion per year from 2010. One billion kronor that is certainly a lot of money, but it is possible - and necessary - to meet this objective in order to create opportunities to invest in the future. And to continue to focus on the areas where we have the greatest possibility of achieving success.

This means that Saab´s structure and organisation will, in future, continue to be subject to a process of change, and we are working on both possible acquisitions and possible disposals.

We carried out two acquisitions during 2007. On the one hand, we purchased the Swiss company Ruag which establishes Saab in Switzerland. On the other hand, we acquired the British company Seaeye which provides interesting underwater competence and strengthens our military and non-military capacity in this area.

An example of our focus on core operations is that in 2007 we announced that we were examining the possibilities of selling Saab Space. As a result of the unique business conditions in the space industry, Saab Space does not have the synergy opportunities with the rest of Saab, despite its high-tech business, that would be required to achieve the profitability that is necessary.

We are therefore striving to find a suitable industrial home for the business where it has enhanced prospects for continued development.

While we focus our business, our customers do likewise. For example, they wish to place a greater overall responsibility on their suppliers. This creates an opportunity for us to become an even more vital partner for our customers. It means in practice that Saab not only assumes responsibility for development and production but also that we combine different systems in a holistic manner, that we handle operations and maintenance; that we manage the financing issues involved and, finally, also the phasing out of the system delivered.

These solutions are sometimes called Public Private Partnerships and we see them growing in importance and creating possibilities in more global markets.

As an example of this trend, I could mention the fact that, last year, we signed a contract with Swedish Defence for the supply of maintenance and support solutions for the new intervention force, the Nordic Battle Group. And that - in the field - we assist the Swedish contingent in Afghanistan with the building up of infrastructure, maintenance and technical support. These then are interesting examples of a development we can see within defence forces around the world - and that create business opportunities for Saab.

Another area in development is the emerging market of community safety or civil security. The changes in our geo-political environment after the collapse of the Berlin Wall and growing globalisation are leading to an increased flow of e.g. goods, energy and information. And naturally also of people as we travel more and more. With these increased flows there is an increase in the vulnerability of the global infrastructure.

The need for co-ordinated international emergency and rescue interventions, for example in the event of natural disasters and an increased collaboration on global health and environmental issues are becoming ever more important.

Last year, I was part of a large Swedish industrial delegation that visited Norway. Among other subjects discussed, there was a focus on the new preconditions and demands for security that arise for oil and gas production in the Arctic Ocean and the new northern transport route that is now emerging as a result of the retreat of the Polar ice.

There are, in fact, a whole host of such examples around us. The market for civil security, in its broadest sense, is increasing and becoming increasingly interesting.

Of our turnover during 2007, approximately five per cent derived from business in the civil security areas. During the year we established collaboration with Securitas and won important contracts to build new security systems for Arlanda and Bromma airports and we are undertaking a security study on behalf of the Port of Stockholm.

At the beginning of 2008 Saab obtained two interesting new orders: complete external protection for the nuclear power plants at Ringhals and Oskarshamn. Saab will design and implement comprehensive surveillance and protection systems for the plants.
I am also pleased to state that last week we also obtained a contract for surveillance systems for new prison facilities here in Sweden.

So, to conclude: our journey of change continues into the future. Our restructuring and efficiency programme shall establish the foundation to enable us to invest even more in our future development - of new technology and new business.

We want to continue being the most important industrial partner for the Swedish defence forces and contribute to maintaining advanced technology research and development in Sweden.

At the same time, we are becoming an increasingly international company. We have already advanced a good part of the way and this journey will - and must continue. For the market is becoming increasingly transnational in character, international collaboration is becoming more normal and more important and we shall be present there as a sought-after and reliable supplier and collaborative partner.

Our relations with our customers within our core areas of business are becoming deeper. We offer a broader supply of integrated systems, logistics and support solutions. Thereby, we assume a greater overall responsibility for what we deliver and are able to offer new services linked to our solutions and systems.
We are intensifying our efforts to establish Saab as supplier of security solutions to the civil security market. This is an area of growth potential where we are able to contribute with solutions that derive from our military technology.

Chairman, shareholders; today I have focused on the future so much that I have failed to mention the celebrations of our 70th birthday as a company which took place during 2007. It was a sunny late summer day when 20 000 employees and their families gathered in Linköping to see examples of everything we are doing at Saaband in order to meet and enjoy the company of others.

But the history behind us and our hopes for the future can, nevertheless, be tied together for one of our battle-cries during these 70 years has been to create business opportunities out of the necessity for change - and this is something that I am sure we shall also be able to do in future.

Thank you very much!


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.

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AGM Press Release

Saab´s AGM 2008
[2008-04-15 20:15]

Saab´s AGM today approved the Board´s proposal for the share saving programmes for 2008.


The share saving programme for employees covers 840 000 series B shares and the performance related programme, aimed at managers and key personnel, covers 500 000 series B shares.

The Saab AGM confirmed the proposed dividend for shareholders of 4.50 SEK per share. 18th April 2008 has been set as the date of issue. The dividends will be distributed on Wednesday 23rd April 2008.

Saab´s AGM also authorised the Board to take decisions regarding the acquisition and granting of own shares.

Erik Belfrage, Lennart Johansson, Peter Nygårds, Michael O´Callaghan, George Rose, Per-Arne Sandström, Åke Svensson, Lena Treschow Torell and Marcus Wallenberg were re-elected to the Board of Directors.

Sten Jakobsson, CEO for ABB Sweden, was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors.

Marcus Wallenberg was re-elected as Chairman of Saab AB.


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.

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 20.15 on April 15, 2008.

World's first trial of a new flight procedure that reduces fuel burn and emissions during cruise
16 April 2008


The partners of an Airbus-led project called CRISTAL ITP (In-trail Procedure) successfully carried out the world's first in-flight demonstration of a flexible new procedure for oceanic airspace that saves fuel and reduces emissions during
cruise.

The new in-trail procedure will enable aircraft to more easily perform altitude changes during cruise which can significantly improve flight efficiency, reducing fuel burn and emissions. When an aircraft is not at its optimal altitude, aircraft fuel consumption and emissions are increased. As fuel is burned, the aircraft weight is reduced, and the aircraft then needs to climb to maintain its optimum cruise efficiency. Additionally, favourable winds can be found at higher or lower altitudes.

The demonstration flight took place in late March using Airbus' own A340 test aircraft and an SAS A330, performing the trial in Icelandic airspace. Iceland is a unique location where oceanic operations are carried out within radar coverage thus ensuring the complete safety of the trial.

During the test, the A340 performed several altitude changes relative to the SAS A330 using a new aircraft system fitted on the A340 and including an Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) Traffic Computer. Using this system the pilot was able to receive on his navigation display all the flight identification and positioning information regarding the surrounding aircraft. This new system, based on ADS-B (Automatic Dependant Surveillance - Broadcast), a new air-to-ground and air-to-air surveillance technology used to transmit aircraft information, is currently being certified by Airbus.

This new demonstration is a significant step towards more flexible operations in an oceanic environment, enabled by new aircraft technologies and more efficient pilot-controller collaboration. Currently these kinds of maneuvers are rarely possible in oceanic airspace due to the lack of radar systems. With the new technology, the flight crew can provide the controller with accurate information about their position relative to other aircraft. With the In Trail Procedure, the controller will use this information to allow altitude changes with reduced separations, providing more climbing opportunities.

The partners involved in the CRISTAL ITP trial are ISAVIA (the air traffic control provider in Iceland), NATS (the air traffic control provider in the UK), EUROCONTROL CASCADE programme, Airbus and SAS.

The results of these trials will further strengthen Airbus' experience in this field as well as benefit other European projects Airbus is supporting that aim to reduce fuel burn and emissions such as the Atlantic Interoperability initiative to Reduce Emissions (AIRE), a joint initiative between the European Commission and the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Sensitive to its position as an industry leader, Airbus strives to be a truly eco-efficient enterprise. To that end Airbus is the first aeronautics company in the world to have earned the ISO 14001 environmental certification for all production sites and products for the entire life cycle. Airbus seeks to ensure that air transport continues to be an eco-efficient means of transport, delivering value while minimizing its environmental impact.

Airbus is an EADS company.

April 15, 2008


RELEASE: 08-101

NASA COMPLETES FIRST FULL-SCALE MOTOR TEST FOR ORION SPACECRAFT

WASHINGTON -- NASA has completed the first full-scale rocket motor
test for the Constellation Program's Orion spacecraft, a test of a
solid rocket that will be used to jettison the craft's launch abort
system.

Now under development, Orion will be America's next human spacecraft,
designed to fly to the International Space Station and be part of a
space flight system to return humans to the moon. The Orion jettison
motor will separate the craft's launch abort system from the Orion
crew module during launch.

The Orion launch abort system is a larger solid rocket motor system
that will provide a safe escape for the crew in an emergency on the
launch pad or during the climb to orbit. The test completed late last
month is a critical milestone in NASA's preparations for a series of
flight tests planned to begin late this year of the full Orion abort
system.

"This was a major success for the Orion launch abort system team,"
said Mark Cooper, NASA's integrated product team lead for launch
abort system propulsion at the Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala. "The test provided valuable data on motor
performance that will allow design and analytical refinements by our
contactor team. The test is the culmination of intense and focused
work by the entire jettison motor team."

The jettison motor static test firing was conducted by Aerojet
Corporation in Sacramento. NASA has partnered with Lockheed Martin
Corporation, Orbital Sciences Corporation, and Aerojet to supply the
jettison motor. NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.,
manages the Orion launch abort system design and development effort
with partners and team members from Marshall.

For still and video imagery to accompany this release, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation For more information about NASA's
plans to return to the moon and go beyond, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2008
SB-08-14


NTSB RELEASES 2007 AVIATION ACCIDENT STATISTICS


Washington, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board
today released preliminary aviation accident statistics for
2007.

"The U.S. aviation industry has produced an admirable safety
record in recent years," said NTSB Chairman Mark V.
Rosenker. "However, we must not become complacent. We must
continue to take the lessons learned from our investigations
and use them to create even safer skies for all aircraft
operators and their passengers."

The Safety Board's aviation accident statistics show that in
2007, there were 24 nonfatal accidents involving Part 121
airlines (aircraft with 10 or more seats). One fatality
occurred involving a nonscheduled Part 121 aircraft when a
mechanic was fatally injured while working on a Boeing 737
in Tunica, Mississippi.

No fatalities occurred among Part 135 commuter operators
(fewer than 10 seats). However, on-demand (charters, air
taxis, air tours and medical services when a patient is on
board) Part 135 operations reported 43 fatalities (62
accidents, 14 fatal accidents), up from the 16 fatalities
that occurred in 2006.

While the overall number of general aviation accidents rose
from 1,518 in 2006 to 1,631 in 2007, the number of
fatalities in 2007 was down from 703 to 491 (a 30 percent
decrease), making it the lowest annual total in more than 40
years.

Foreign registered aircraft accounted for 11 accidents in
the U.S. in 2007, with 3 fatalities from a single fatal
accident. Of the 14 accidents involving unregistered
aircraft, 6 were fatal and resulted in 7 fatalities.

The 2007 statistical tables are found at

http://www.ntsb.gov/aviation/Stats.htm

Delta TechOps Signs Significant Extensions of Three Engine Contracts

More than $800 million in revenue expected over life of contracts

FORT LAUDERDALE, April 16, 2008 – Delta TechOps has signed significant contract extensions with three customers from three different continents to continue performing high-skill engine, component and airframe work. Combined, the three contract extensions will result in more than $800 million in additional revenue over the course of the contracts.

Air Berlin has requested a 10-year extension to the original five-year agreement for off-wing maintenance on CFM56-7 engines which power Boeing 737NG type aircraft. ABX Air will receive an extension on its current engine repair and maintenance agreement. GOL Airlines has entered into a 10-year extension for its fleet of CFM56-3 and CFM56-7 engines which power the 737 Classic and 737NG type aircraft, respectively.

“We are very pleased these three airlines have decided to extend their current agreements with Delta TechOps,” said Tony Charaf, president of Delta TechOps. “We look forward to delivering the same value and positive customer service experience that our customers have come to expect. The Delta TechOps MRO business is strong and we will continue to build on a platform of growth by delivering a quality product that is on time and on budget.”

Air Berlin entered into the renewed contract with Delta TechOps only three and a half years into their current five-year contract.

“Air Berlin has been very pleased with the overall performance of Delta TechOps and it is for this reason that we decided to extend our contract and solidify our business relationship," said Siegfried Olivo, technical director at Air Berlin.

ABX Air’s decision to extend the current agreement is a strong signal that Delta TechOps’ Boeing 767 expertise is among the most extensive in the entire MRO industry.

“Delta TechOps played a crucial role in ABX Air’s introduction of converted Boeing 767 cargo aircraft more than ten years ago. Since that time, its continuing support of our extensive fleet of Boeing 767s has been a tremendous benefit to us in providing the high quality service our customers demand," said Dennis Manibusan, senior vice president of Maintenance and Engineering for ABX Air. "We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with Delta TechOps – a valued and trusted business partner.”

GOL is one of the largest air carriers in Brazil with a fleet of Boeing 737-700 and -800 type aircraft that is expected to grow to nearly 100 aircraft over the next few years.

“This contract extension came very naturally to us as GOL has been supported by Delta since its first operating days. During all these years we have received a high quality response from Delta not only in terms of engine restoration but in other MRO services as well. We are quite sure that our partnership with Delta will continue to produce value to our assets and to our commercial operations,” said Eustaquio Mendes, director of maintenance for GOL.

“The extension of a contract is among the most important compliments you can receive from a customer and we appreciate their faith in our people and in our business,” Charaf said. “The people of Delta TechOps are directly responsible for producing quality and value for our customers which, in turn, has created the largest airline MRO in North America.”

Delta TechOps is the largest airline MRO in North America, earning more than $375 million in revenue in 2007. Delta TechOps serves more than 100 aviation and airline customers from around the world, specializing in high-skill work such as engines, components, hangar and line maintenance. Delta TechOps employs more than 6,500 maintenance professionals and is one of the most experienced MRO providers in the world with more than seven decades of aviation expertise.

Delta TechOps Inks Contract with Asiana Airlines

Deal will add $45 million in revenue to Delta TechOps’ MRO business

FORT LAUDERDALE, April 16, 2008 – Delta TechOps has entered into a five-year agreement for CFM56-3 engine repair and overhaul work with Asiana Airlines. Asiana Airlines operates a fleet of 65 aircraft and is headquartered in Seoul, Korea.

“Although this is a new contract with Asiana, our partnership has a history,” said Tony Charaf, president of Delta TechOps. “We have been performing engine work for Asiana for several years and this latest contract is clearly a statement that they have been pleased with the quality and customer service they have received from Delta TechOps. It is a thrill to see a relationship grow the way ours has.”

The new agreement with Asiana will complement Delta TechOps’ growing list of engine capabilities which also include CFM56-7, PW2000, PW4000, DF6-80A/A2, CF6-80C2 and JT8D-219.

“Together, Asiana and Delta have built a strong and successful partnership. We are very pleased to have TechOps maintain our engines,” said Mr. Sang Hyun Lee, senior manager - Aircraft Purchasing for Asiana Airlines.

Delta TechOps is the largest airline MRO in North America, earning more than $375 million in revenue in 2007. Delta TechOps serves more than 100 aviation and airline customers from around the world, specializing in high-skill work such as engines, components, hangar and line maintenance. Delta TechOps employs more than 6,500 maintenance professionals and is one of the most experienced MRO providers in the world with more than seven decades of aviation expertise

Delta Air Lines to Discuss First Quarter 2008 Financial Results Via Webcast on April 23, 2008

WHAT: Delta Air Lines (DAL) will hold a live conference call and webcast to discuss its first quarter 2008 financial results at 10 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008.

WHO: Richard Anderson - chief executive officer
Ed Bastian - president and chief financial officer

WEB ADDRESS: The conference call can be accessed via the Internet at

http://www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts/index.jsp

SPECIAL NOTICE: The webcast replay will be available until May 23, 2008 at the same site shortly after the webcast is complete.

UPS to Release 1st Quarter Results on Wednesday, April 23, 2008



ATLANTA, April 16, 2008 – UPS (NYSE:UPS) will announce its first quarter results on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at approximately 7:45 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

At 8:30 a.m. EDT, UPS Chairman and CEO Scott Davis and Chief Financial Officer Kurt Kuehn will conduct an investor conference call. This call will be open to reporters and the public, on a listen-only basis, via a live Webcast.

To listen to the live Webcast: Go to www.ups.com/investors.

The Webcast audio then will remain accessible on the Investor Relations Website for a limited time.

# # #

Boeing Names De Palmas to Lead Relations with European Union and NATO

BRUSSELS, April 16, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today named Antonio De Palmas as president of European Union and NATO Relations. De Palmas, 44, will be responsible for working with all European institutions and representing Boeing interests at the EU, European Parliament and NATO. He will be based in Brussels, Belgium, and report to Shep Hill, president, Boeing International.

De Palmas has been Boeing's communications director in Italy, where he was responsible for all company communications, including strategic planning and issues management. He developed and implemented communications and advocacy initiatives to support Boeing business objectives.

De Palmas is succeeding Joris Vos, who is retiring in June after five years in the role. "We are very grateful for the distinguished service of Joris Vos, on whose successes in representing Boeing Antonio will be able to build," said Shep Hill, president of Boeing International.

"We have been growing our presence in Europe for some time, creating significant mutual economic benefits. As a partner, customer and supplier we have been active in the European aerospace community for almost 70 years. We are in Europe for the long-term and Antonio's appointment underscores our ongoing commitment to strengthening our collaboration," said Hill.

From 1992, De Palmas spent eight years in Brussels working in the area of EU policy, including three years as EU and Government Affairs Manager for Oracle Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was also responsible for EU affairs for various business interests from 1992 to 1997.

Prior to joining Boeing in 2003, De Palmas was for three years Manager of Business Development for Cisco Systems Italy. In this position, he launched and managed strategic initiatives, such as the Cisco Networking Academy Program, and was responsible for developing the education market and company relations with the public sector.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Headquartered in Chicago, it employs more than 160,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries.

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Boeing Awarded Launch Services Contract for 2nd WorldView Satellite

ST. LOUIS, April 16, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], through its commercial launch business, Boeing Launch Services, has been awarded a contract to launch DigitalGlobe's second WorldView Earth-imaging satellite on a Delta II launch vehicle.

DigitalGlobe is the provider of the world's highest-resolution commercial satellite imagery and geospatial information products. Boeing successfully launched the first satellite in the series, WorldView-1, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Sept. 18, 2007.

"Boeing Launch Services looks forward to providing DigitalGlobe with another successful WorldView launch," said Boeing Launch Services Vice President Ken Heinly. "The Delta II has been instrumental in the deployment of DigitalGlobe's satellites, and we look forward to many more launches for them in the future."

A Delta II expendable launch vehicle will carry the WorldView-2 spacecraft into orbit from Vandenberg in mid-2009. Boeing Launch Services purchases the launch vehicle and related support from United Launch Alliance, a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture.

WorldView-2 will offer higher collection capacity, more frequent refresh and revisit rates, more spectral information and greater Earth-imaging agility, providing a substantial response to the increased market demands for geospatial data.

"We are pleased with the continued collaboration with Boeing to provide launch services for WorldView-2 and this important program," said Jill Smith, DigitalGlobe president and CEO.

Boeing Launch Services markets, contracts and executes Delta launch services for commercial customers. It is part of the Space Exploration division of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and is based in Huntington Beach, Calif.

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 Delivers 1st Laser JDAMs

ST. LOUIS, April 16, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) kits to the U.S. Air Force. The Precision Laser Guidance Set (PLGS) kits are being produced to satisfy the Air Force and Navy's urgent need for engagement of fast-moving land targets.

The initial $28 million LJDAM contract, awarded in May 2007, will add 600 laser seekers to the services' existing inventory of 500-pound bombs. The First Article Acceptance Testing (FAAT) of production units was completed in March. The Air Force performed the FAAT guided flight tests at the China Lake, Calif., test range with drops from F-15E and F-16 aircraft. The tests demonstrated LJDAM's ability to engage and destroy targets moving at up to 70 miles per hour. The Navy also initiated its LJDAM guided flight test program in March with multiple drops from an AV-8B against moving targets. Additional Navy testing is planned from an F/A-18. LJDAM is expected to be operational this year with both the Air Force and Navy. Boeing will deliver the contracted kits by June 2009.

"Boeing's early investment in Laser JDAM technology laid the foundation for meeting this urgent operational need to intercept high-speed targets. Because of Boeing's strong belief in Laser JDAM, we were able to deliver a capability to the warfighter in 11 months," said Lynda Rutledge, director of 708th Armament Systems Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

"This on-schedule transition to production and overall fielding effort has been a great team effort between Boeing, our customer and our suppliers," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing Direct Attack program manager. "We are truly excited to be getting this urgently needed capability to the warfighters."

The Laser JDAM PLGS is a modular laser sensor kit that is easily installed onto existing JDAM weapons in the field. The laser sensor supplier to Boeing is EFW Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas. The laser sensor further enhances the highly capable Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System JDAM. LJDAM provides low-cost flexibility to engage fast-moving and stationary targets of opportunity with a single weapon.

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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Lockheed Martin Opens Wireless Cyber Security Lab

State-of-the-Art Facility Enables Testing of Classified Data Over Wireless Networks
Hanover, Md., April 16th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently opened a new Wireless Cyber Security Center, one of only a handful of technology labs capable of testing wireless communications systems in a classified environment. The lab allows defense and intelligence agencies to test and evaluate wireless systems like 802.11 Wi-Fi or broadband satellite links on a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) network.

"Wireless networks offer a tremendous leap forward in flexibility and throughput, but they also represent a significant security challenge," said Bob Eastman, Lockheed Martin Vice President, Information Systems. "As our customers look to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of wireless nets, they need an environment where they can perform realistic tests with real-world technology and networks. Our new center, which is certified at TS/SCI, gives them that high-fidelity environment for testing and strengthening wireless defense technologies and strategies."

The center supports a broad spectrum of wireless networks, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 802.16 Wi-MAX, cell phones, and Ku and C-band satellite communications. A sealed and re-enforced test chamber ensures that signals from these systems stay within the confines of the lab, allowing for testing with classified systems.

The center has three primary areas of focus. First, it seeks to help define and evaluate wireless security strategies, policies and concepts of operation. Second, it serves as a proving ground for next-generation security technologies. Using the center, Lockheed Martin and its customers can effectively gauge the vulnerabilities of cyber security applications, and can work to shore up defenses. The lab also supports assessment of mobile ad-hoc networks that will form the backbone of tomorrow's battlefield communications. Finally, the center supports users in the field engaged in mission-oriented wireless signals applications.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs more than 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.


Media Contact: Matt Kramer, (703) 293-4333; matthew.s.kramer@lmco.com

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

LOCKHEED MARTIN DELIVERS KEY GROUND SOFTWARE FOR NATION'S SPACE-BASED MISSILE WARNING SYSTEM

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 16th, 2008 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] team developing the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) has successfully delivered two key blocks of ground software integral to supporting the program's geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and highly elliptical orbit (HEO) constellation.

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

The first software block, known as GEO Early On-Orbit Test (GEOT-E) was delivered two months ahead of schedule from Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services, Boulder, Colo., which builds and maintains the SBIRS ground segment, to Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., prime contractor for the SBIRS program. This software delivery will support integrated system testing of the first GEO satellite.

A separate software block for the HEO system was also delivered that will allow the team to conduct advanced system-level testing of the HEO space and ground elements, culminating in the HEO Message Certification milestone scheduled to be completed later this year. HEO certification will allow the system to be officially accepted by the user for operations.

“These software deliveries are important milestones for the SBIRS program and are essential to the success of this sophisticated program constellation, said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president and GEO-1 program manager. "We look forward to our continued progress and the ultimate deployment of this integrated system that will provide unprecedented new surveillance capabilities to the warfighter.”

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 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.

Lockheed Martin-Built VINASAT-1 Satellite Ready To Be Launched For Vietnam Posts And Telecommunications Group

NEWTOWN, Pa, April 16th, 2008 -- The VINASAT-1 communications satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam, is ready for launch on April 18 aboard an Ariane 5-ECA launch vehicle provided by Arianespace.

VINASAT-1 is based on Lockheed Martin's A2100A spacecraft platform and represents the first satellite system ever procured by the nation of Vietnam. VINASAT-1 features 12 operating Ku Band transponders providing coverage over Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and part of Myanmar. The spacecraft also features 8 C-Band primary transponders providing coverage over Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Southeast Asia, India, Japan and Australia. VINASAT-1 is designed for a minimum service life of 15 years and will be located at orbital slot 132 degrees east.

The turnkey satellite system is expected to improve telecommunications in Vietnam by transmitting radio, television and telephone communications to all corners of the country. The spacecraft will enable state-of-the-art communications, providing the Vietnamese people the opportunity to use multiple new services such as mobile broadcasting, direct- to-home television, video conferencing and data transmission. In addition, VINASAT-1 will improve the nation’s communication networks infrastructure by removing dependence on ground networks and allowing 100% of Vietnam's rural communities to be equipped with telephones and televisions.

In addition to VNPT, Lockheed Martin has delivered 18 spacecraft to Asian customers, including eight A2100 satellites. The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band payloads. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts, simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost.

The A2100 spacecraft’s design accommodates a large range of communication payloads. This design modularity also enables the A2100 spacecraft to be configured for missions other than communication. The A2100 design is currently being adapted for geostationary earth orbit (GEO)-based earth observing missions and is currently the baselined platform for Lockheed Martin’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R (GOES-R) proposal. The A2100 also serves as the platform for critical government communications programs including Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Mobile User Objective System and is the foundation for Lockheed Martin's Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) offering for the U.S. Government.

About VNPT Group

VNPT Group ( www.vnpt.com.vn ) of Vietnam is tasked with the exploration, consultation, design, installation and maintenance of telecommunications and information technology for the nation of Vietnam. VNPT has organized multiple major business ventures in primarily the posts, information technology and telecommunications sectors. By mobilizing all economic segments of the nation of Vietnam, VNPT will modernize the nation’s technological infrastructure by implementing high-speed, high-capacity and high-quality telecommunications systems.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems 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.

Lockheed Martin Conducts Another Successful Army Tactical Missile System Test

DALLAS, TX, April 16th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully launched an ATACMS Unitary missile from a HIMARS launcher equipped with a Universal Fire Control System (UFCS) during a flight test on March 20 at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The missile flew the planned trajectory and hit the target, which was at a range of 75 km.

This was the second Follow-on Production Test of the new ATACMS Unitary configuration that allows Warfighters to use the missile in a vertical attack trajectory, an essential new capability for urban environments where low collateral damage is desired. It also was the first firing of an ATACMS munition from a HIMARS launcher equipped with a UFCS.

The UFCS is an evolutionary block upgrade and technology refresh of the MLRS Fire Control System. UFCS recently completed its Development and Qualification Program, and is now being delivered under the HIMARS full-rate production program.

"ATACMS is the weapon of choice against time-sensitive and pre-planned targets for U.S. Forces in the Global War on Terror," said Jim Gribschaw, director of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The successful flight test of this ATACMS Unitary configuration further validates that the system will continue to be an asset to our Warfighters in the future. The incredible precision engagement capability of ATACMS allows commanders engage a target with little or no collateral damage."

This flight test provided a wealth of technical data to support the quality of the ATACMS improved Unitary configuration production. It also demonstrated the missile-to-launcher interface of the new UFCS, missile performance and accuracy from launch to impact, as well as the performance of the whole system software.

ATACMS is a long-range guided missile that gives operational commanders the immediate firepower to win the deep battle. Each ATACMS missile is packaged in a MLRS launch pod and is fired from the MLRS Family of Launchers. ATACMS is successfully employed in both urban and non-urban environments.

During Operation Desert Storm, ATACMS became the first tactical surface-to-surface missile ever fired in combat by the U.S. Army. ATACMS is a combat-proven evolutionary family of missiles that also scored numerous successes again in Operation Iraqi Freedom, during which 456 missiles were fired.

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.

SkyTeam NewsFlash

April 2008

Editor's Note: Interview is a Corporate "In House" production designed to get information out to the Public via Press Release. The majority of the quotes presented in Press Release articles in this ILIPS Group Publication are Corporate, In House. We will usually identify when quotations or interviews are conducted and reported directly by ILIPS Group personnel. Otherwise, anticipate that the interview was provided courtesy of Public Relations or Media Personnel from Corporate or other sources outside of ILIPS Group International...Ed.

April 2008 – SkyTeam, the global airline alliance partnering eleven members - including Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines - and three Associate carriers - Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways - sets itself apart by offering an exclusive experience for all passengers. Issued monthly, SkyTeam NewsFlash provides media with key updates and insights on alliance activities.

Associate Spotlight: Air Europa

In September 2007, SkyTeam welcomed Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways as the alliance's first official Associate carriers. The SkyTeam Associate Program caters to carriers in strategic regions who are interested in becoming affiliated with SkyTeam and its alliance benefits. Passengers traveling with an Associate carrier receive the same benefits offered to passengers traveling with the 11 current SkyTeam member airlines, including frequent flyer programs and improved access to airport lounges.

Below is an in-depth look at SkyTeam Associate Air Europa (UX).

Q: In the past six months, the three Associates have truly offered SkyTeam passengers greater access. What new routes did Air Europa bring to the SkyTeam network?
A: With our hub in Madrid, Air Europa offers a broad domestic network for its passengers and particularly a strong offering in the Spanish territories, including Las Palmas and Palma Mallorca, two highly-trafficked cities for leisure travelers. Air Europa also serves most cities in Spain, such as Barcelona and Malaga, with several frequencies daily. We have a strong presence in Africa and South America, including direct flights from Spain to Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. When we joined SkyTeam in September 2007, Air Europa brought 10 new destinations to the alliance.

Along with our extensive regional scope, the Air Europa network includes SkyTeam hub destinations in Europe, such as Paris and Prague. We also have an increasing presence in South and Latin America.

Q: How does Air Europa benefit from being an Associate Airline in the SkyTeam alliance?
A: As a result of joining SkyTeam, Air Europa has seen an incremental increase in traffic, particularly with the additional code shares with partner members. The Associate program allows SkyTeam to leverage member airline partnerships across the alliance.

Air Europa, along with the other Associates, gains greater brand recognition through our relationship with SkyTeam. In return, Associate Airlines help extend the SkyTeam brand to key regions of the world, strengthening its name recognition and elevating the alliance's global presence.

Q: How do Air Europa's customers benefit from the airline's status as an Associate carrier with SkyTeam?
A: Air Europa passengers receive all benefits that SkyTeam passengers receive. For example, an Air Europa passenger who is a Flying Blue member earns miles when flying with Korean Air. Elite Air Europa passengers also have access to most SkyTeam airport lounges, which are found in over 440 airports worldwide. Overall, customers of Air Europa enjoy both high quality standard of service and additional SkyTeam benefits.

About Air Europa
Air Europa, founded in 1986, is the airline division of the Globalia Corporation. Since 1991, Air Europa has positioned itself as one of Europe's most modern airlines. Its fleet is comprised of 32 Next Generation Boeing aircraft and a modern Airbus A340. In 2007, Air Europa offered 44 destinations in 15 countries to its 9.2 million passengers. Madrid Barajas Airport is the hub for Air Europa.

SkyTeam Reaches New Heights in Summer 2008

As the summer in the northern hemisphere approaches, SkyTeam is gearing up for another busy season. As with each summer, SkyTeam is expanding its global network with members offering increased frequencies and new flights to popular destinations. With the addition of more than 205 new weekly frequencies, SkyTeam passengers can reach more cities in Asia, Europe and North and South America - including Shanghai, China and Detroit, USA [new services by Aeroméxico], Sao Paolo, Brazil [new service by Korean Air], Shannon, Ireland and Munster, Germany [new services by Air France], Linkoping, Sweden [new service by KLM], Norilsk, Russia [new destination to the SkyTeam network served by Aeroflot], and Novosibirsk, Russia [new service by Aeroflot] - through numerous daily flights.

SkyTeam travelers will also have access to more route and flight options as a result of the EU-US "open skies" agreement. The alliance now offers 11 new daily frequencies through eight new nonstop routes - never available before to passengers travelling within the SkyTeam network - between the U.S. and London Heathrow, including:


Daily service to and from Los Angeles (operated by Air France with Delta codesharing)
Twice-daily service to Houston (operated by Continental)

Daily service to Atlanta (operated by Delta with Air France codesharing)
Service to New York

Twice-daily service to John F. Kennedy International (JFK), operated by Delta with Air France codesharing
Twice-daily service to Newark Liberty International (EWR), operated by Continental
Daily service to Minneapolis, as well as Detroit and Seattle scheduled to begin 1 May and 1 June, respectively (operated by Northwest with KLM codesharing)

Furthermore, the Delta-Air France code share joint venture, which was made official 31 March, will provide passengers with new nonstop trans-Atlantic flights to and from popular European destinations - including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Spain and Sweden - along with new Paris (CDG)-Salt Lake City and Lyon-New York (JFK) services. The KLM-Northwest joint venture will also provide passengers with additional trans-Atlantic flights and frequencies, including new Amsterdam-Dallas/Forth Worth (DFW) and Amsterdam-Portland (PDX) services.

Focused on providing service that meets the ever-changing needs of its customers, the SkyTeam network is continuously growing. As a result, passengers enjoy more options and greater flexibility when traveling.


About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is the global airline alliance partnering eleven members, including Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta AirLines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines, and three Associate Airlines: Air Europa (Spain), Copa Airlines (Panama) and Kenya Airways. Through one of the world’s most extensive hub networks, SkyTeam offers its 428 million annual passengers a worldwide system of 16,400 daily flights covering 841 destinations in 162 countries. www.skyteam.com

Overcoming Obstacles is Key to Veterans' Success Stories
"The American Veteran" Highlights Helpful Programs

WASHINGTON (April 16, 2008) - Military members are trained to
overcome obstacles, as part of a team, to achieve their mission. Returning
to civilian life, especially after a combat tour, poses new challenges for
many service members, requiring new tools and new forms of support.

Programs to help these veterans, available from the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) and partnering organizations, are the focus of
the April edition of "The American Veteran," VA's monthly half-hour
news magazine.

"We are committed to outreaching to veterans and military personnel
about the VA programs available to help these warriors recover from
their physical and mental injuries," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Dr. James B. Peake. "These stories showcase the courage and
determination of the veterans, as well as the commitment of those
willing to help - many of whom are veterans themselves."

The lead story looks at veteran suicide, examining the programs VA has
put in place to ensure that everyone from front line clerks to mental
health providers are prepared to recognize the early warning signs of
suicide and know how to respond.

A second feature looks at a unique rehabilitation program in Florida,
"Shake A Leg," designed to help disabled veterans cope with physical
and mental difficulties by teaching them how to sail.

In another story, VA partners with city leaders in Fargo, N.D., to
support Project HART, a program created to help homeless veterans get
off the street and stay off the street with a unique four-step program.

The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their
families and their communities about the services and benefits they
have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA's Office of Public
Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education
System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to
VA facilities around the world on The Pentagon Channel and to
community cable outlets.

Aimed at veterans of all eras, VA also tells stories of heroism and
sacrifice, and relives moments in history with those who were there,
reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share.

The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local
broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on
the VA Web site:

www.va.gov < http://www.va.gov/ > .

Just click on "Public Affairs" and then "Featured Items."

"The American Veteran" schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at
http://www.pentagonchannel.mil < http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/ >
. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is
delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable
systems. (Check for service in your area.)

Additional stories on the April edition of "The American Veteran"
include:

* VA's Newest Liver Transplant Center -- A look at VA's
third and newest Liver Transplant Center at the Michael E. DeBakey
Medical Center in Houston where Michael Abshire became the first
patient to go through their liver transplant program.

* VA dedicates a new national cemetery in South Florida.

* A new Travel Nurse Corps is designed to address the
nursing shortage.

* New GI Bill rules provide an increase in educational
benefits.

A VA research project searching for a vaccine against
Salmonella bacterium is carried aboard a NASA space shuttle
to the International space station.

* James H. Parke Youth Volunteer Award Winner -- Meet
Megan Smith a high school junior from Miami. Megan is this year's
winner of VA's James H. Parke $20,000.00 Youth Volunteer Award
Scholarship.

For information about "The American Veteran" program and how to obtain
it for local programming, contact VA at 202-461-7502.

April 16, 2008


RELEASE: 08-102

NEW NASA MOON MISSION BEGINS INTEGRATION OF SCIENCE INSTRUMENTS

GREENBELT, Md. -- Several instruments that will help NASA characterize
the moon's surface have been installed on the Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter, or LRO. The powerful equipment will bring the moon into
sharper focus and reveal new insights about the celestial body
nearest Earth.

Engineers and technicians on the LRO Integration and Test Team work
almost around the clock in a clean room at NASA's Goddard Space
Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., to ready the spacecraft for testing
and eventual launch later this year. "The spacecraft really is coming
together now," said Cathy Peddie, LRO deputy project manager at
Goddard. "We are in the space assembly homestretch and making solid
progress. You can begin to see what LRO will look like in all of its
glory."

Four of six instruments have been mated to the spacecraft, with one to
be installed soon and one to arrive in the near future. The
instruments are:

The Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project was built and developed at the
Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. The instrument will map
the entire lunar surface in the far ultraviolet spectrum and search
for surface ice and frost in the polar regions. It will provide
images of permanently shadowed regions that are illuminated only by
starlight.

The Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation, or CRaTER, was
built and developed by Boston University and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology in Boston. CRaTER will characterize the lunar
radiation environment, allowing scientists to determine potential
impacts to astronauts and other life. It also will test models on the
effects of radiation and measure radiation absorption by a type of
plastic that is like human tissue. The results could aid in the
development of protective technologies to help keep future lunar crew
members safe.

Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment was built and developed by the
University of California, Los Angeles, and the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. Diviner will measure surface and
subsurface temperatures from orbit. It will identify cold traps and
potential ice deposits as well as rough terrain and other landing
hazards.

The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter was conceived and built by
scientists and engineers at Goddard. The instrument will measure
landing site slopes and lunar surface roughness and generate high
resolution three-dimensional maps of the moon. The instrument also
will measure and analyze the lunar topography to identify both
permanently illuminated and shadowed areas.

The Russian-built Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector has arrived from
the Institute for Space Research in Moscow. The detector will create
high-resolution maps of hydrogen distribution and gather information
about the neutron component of lunar radiation. Its data will be
analyzed for evidence of water ice near the moon's surface.

The remaining instrument, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera from
Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., will provide high
resolution imagery to help identify landing sites and characterize
the moon's topography and composition. It should arrive at Goddard in
May.

Also on board will be the Mini-RF Technology Demonstration experiment
sponsored by NASA's Exploration Systems and Space Operations Mission
Directorates. The miniaturized radar will be used to image the polar
regions and search for water ice. The communications capabilities of
the system also will be tested during the mission.

The satellite is scheduled to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center,
Fla., in late 2008 on an Atlas V rocket. It will spend one year in
low polar orbit on its primary exploration mission, with the
possibility of three more years to collect additional detailed
scientific information about the moon and its environment. That
information will help ensure a safe and productive human return to
the moon.

The spacecraft is being built and managed by Goddard for the
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in
Washington. It will transition to the Science Mission Directorate in
2010.

For more information about LRO on the Web, visit:

http://lro.gsfc.nasa.gov

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Build Faster, Smarter and More Economically with New Sonex Workshop Incentives!

April 16, 2008, Oshkosh, WI

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is pleased to announce deepened Sonex and Waiex kit
discount incentives for attendance of Sonex Aircraft Workshops! Beginning
with the May 3-4, 2008 Sonex Aircraft Workshop, attendees of Sonex
Workshops who purchase a Sonex or Waiex Complete Airframe Kit with
Pre-Assembled Main Wing Spars and Machined Angle Component Kit
upgrades will receive a $1,000 discount if purchase is made within 30 days
of workshop attendance.

The Sonex Aircraft Workshop continues to be an extremely valuable
experience for our builders, saving them time, money and answering many
frequently asked questions in the building process. This deepened Workshop
Attendance Incentive extends the tremendous value already offered to
customers purchasing Sonex, Waiex and Xenos Complete Airframe Kits, to
those wishing to upgrade their kits with the very popular Pre-Assembled Main
Wing Spar and Machined Angle Component Kit options. These kit upgrades
can save many hours of build time, and combined with new Workshop Attendance
Incentives, Sonex and Waiex builders can now build faster, smarter and more
economically than ever before!

Sonex Builder Workshops are held several times per year at the Sonex
Aircraft, LLC facilities in Oshkosh, WI. Workshop attendees get the
opportunity to meet the Sonex staff, learn about the history of Sonex
Aircraft design philosophy, learn all of the ins and outs of Sonex
construction, and gain confidence in their own abilities as they build
a piece of the Sonex wing to take home. The action-packed weekend
workshops include informational sessions about design and engineering,
engines, propellers, instruments, reading Sonex Aircraft plans, tools, key
building tips, aircraft registration and insurance, flying Sonex Aircraft, and
more.

Find out more about Sonex Aircraft Builder Workshops at:

http://www.sonexaircraft.com/support/workshops.html

Sonex Aircraft, LLC is a rising star in the experimental kit aircraft
industry, providing a series of Sport Pilot eligible kit aircraft and
producing the AeroConversions line of products which include the
AeroVee engine, AeroCarb and ancillary aviation products. Sonex Aircraft¹s
Sonex and Waiex sport planes, and the Xenos sport motorglider offer outstanding
performance in an easy to build, easy to fly kit package that can be
purchased and completed with full technical support at an unrivaled price.

Sonex and AeroConversions product development is committed to providing
simple, elegant and low-cost solutions for sport flying. Simply put,
Sonex Aircraft and AeroConversions products provide the best performance per
dollar. Check us out at http://www.SonexAircraft.com

BAE Systems acquires IST Dynamics in South Africa

16 Apr 2008 | Ref. 122

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - BAE Systems has today agreed to acquire the business and assets of IST Dynamics, a privately held company owned by the Ethos Group of Companies.

"The capabilities of IST Dynamics complement those of Land Systems South Africa and further enhance the position of BAE Systems to better serve our local customers and to expand opportunities globally," said Johan Steyn, Managing Director Land Systems South Africa.

"Our combined capabilities will ensure that Land Systems South Africa is well equipped as systems supplier for key South African programmes and will also expand our capabilities as a prime contractor and provider of through-life support for such programmes," says Steyn.

IST Dynamics is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and specialises in the development of fire directing systems, remotely controlled turrets; weapon stations and related fire control sub-systems; products and fire control sub-systems-related training systems. The business has 52 employees.

The IST Dynamics business generated sales of £4.8 million with a profit before tax of £0.4 million in the year ended 29 February 2008, on gross assets of £5.2 million.

Completion is subject to obtaining all regulatory approvals.


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.

BAE SYSTEMS AWARDED $43.6 MILLION U.S. ARMY CONTRACT FOR FAMILY OF MEDIUM TACTICAL VEHICLES ADAPTABLE ARMOR SYSTEM

15 Apr 2008 | Ref. 121/2008

SEALY, Texas – BAE Systems has been awarded a $43.6 million contract by the U.S. Army to manufacture 730 Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) cargo vehicles. This contract is part of the Army’s Long Term Armor Strategy initiative to equip all tactical vehicles with the ability to be armored when necessary. It provides the initial production and full scale ramp up of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) LTAS variant.

BAE Systems’ LTAS is system-designed for the FMTV comprised of a different cab and vehicle elements allowing for significant increases in weight. The “A-Kit” modifies the FMTV to allow the addition of armor including a new cab. The “B Kit” is the armor itself.

Initial production calls for 730 LTAS A-Kit configured vehicles. A follow-on modification includes an additional 103 A-Kit configured vehicles resulting in a total of 833 A-Kit vehicles. A follow-on order for B-Kits is expected later this month.

“The LTAS marks a significant advancement to the FMTV arguably making it the most effective, adaptable tactical military vehicle in the world today. We are proud to have worked so effectively with the Program Office to bring this joint development to the Armed Services,” said Chris Chambers, vice president of Medium/Heavy Vehicles for BAE Systems.

Over 39,000 FMTV trucks have been manufactured for military forces worldwide. More than 45,000 FMTV trucks and trailers are in service with the U.S. Army. The commonality of parts among the FMTV includes shared engines, transmissions, power trains, tires and cabs. This commonality significantly reduces the logistics burden and operating and support costs for the U.S. Army. FMTVs set new tactical vehicle standards for capability, reliability, mobility, protection and transportability.

Production of LTAS cargo vehicles will be performed in Sealy, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio. Deliveries will commence in August 2008 and are expected to be completed by November 2008.

BAE Systems employs more than 2,400 people in Sealy, Texas and has 900,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space on approximately 200 acres. The Medium/Heavy Vehicles business unit leverages a long history with wheeled vehicle products. It has established itself as a world-class designer, volume manufacturer and through-life supporter of high-quality, best value, military tactical trucks and wheeled vehicle systems with payload capacities from 2.5 to 18 tons. Today, BAE Systems is the exclusive manufacturer of FMTVs and the producer of the Caiman MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle).

Additionally, BAE Systems employs more than 1,600 people in Cincinnati, Ohio and has almost 1 million square feet of manufacturing and office space there. The Cincinnati operations have played a vital role in both the Caiman and RG33 MRAP programs by providing armor systems for both vehicles, as well as the FMTV. Other products include up-armored vehicles, commercial armored vehicles, integrated armor kits and accessories for a full range of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles and construction equipment. Cincinnati operations also include a state-of-the art ballistic glass plant.


About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense 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.

It's a "go" for Arianespace's second Ariane 5 mission of 2008

Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:32:23 -0400

The second Ariane 5 flight of 2008 was given a green light for its April 18 liftoff following today's (April 16) launch readiness review at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

This review, which is conducted prior to each mission, validated the readiness of Ariane 5, its dual-passenger payload of the Star One C2 and VINASAT-1 satellites, the launch infrastructure at Europe's Spaceport, and the network of downrange tracking stations.

All is now ready for the Ariane 5's rollout tomorrow from its Final Assembly Building to the Spaceport's ELA-3 launch zone. This will clear the way for a final countdown to Friday's liftoff, which is scheduled at the 7:16 p.m. opening of a 1-hour 7-min. launch window.

Arianespace's April 18 launch will be the 34th commercial flight for Ariane 5. The configuration used for Friday's mission is the launcher's most powerful version - an Ariane 5 ECA. Its total payload delivery performance on this flight is approximately 7,760 kg. - which includes the 4,100-kg. mass of Star One C2 and the 2,637-kg. VINASAT-1, along with integration hardware such as the payload adapters and SYLDA 5 satellite dispenser system.

VINASAT-1 is the mission's lower payload, and is installed inside the 6.4-meter tall SYLDA 5 dispenser. Riding above it is Star One C2, which has been encapsulated in Ariane 5's 17-meter-tall payload fairing.

The VINASAT-1 spacecraft is Vietnam's first telecommunications satellite, and will be positioned at an orbital slot of 132 deg. East after its deployment by Ariane 5. Built by U.S.-based Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems for the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation, VINASAT-1 carries a payload of 12 Ku-band and 8 C-band transponders.

Star One C2 was produced by Thales Alenia Space, and is to be utilized by Brazil's Star One telecommunications operator. It carries a payload of 28 C-band transponders, 16 Ku-band transponders, and 1 X-band transponder, and will be located at an orbital position of 70 deg. West.

As preparations for the April 18 mission are nearing completion in the Spaceport's Final Assembly Building, another Ariane 5 is taking shape in the nearby Launcher Integration Building. This vehicle also is a heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA, and it will carry another dual-satellite payload.

Arianespace is targeting a total of seven missions in 2008, making it the most active year of launches since the vehicle's 1999 commercial introduction. The first Arianespace mission of 2008 was conducted March 9, when an Ariane 5 ES launcher version orbited the no. 1 Automated Transfer Vehicle, which subsequently docked with the International Space Station.

FedEx Continues Access Conversation with Access Review magazine, volume II: Building the Future with Access

With reporting and commentary from some of the world’s leading minds, the latest edition of Access Review continues the global conversation that began with the inaugural publication last year. The Review shares new thinking and new perspectives on how physical and digital Access helps improve individual lives, businesses, communities and even nations. Articles in Issue 2 of Access Review cover a wide range of topics, from the role Access will play in shaping the future of Africa; to the rise of “aerotropolis” — a new form of cities built around airports; to companies that are reinventing themselves in a global market using Access as a competitive advantage.

Read More about Access


Subscribe to the Access Review

UAL Corporation Announces Date of First Quarter 2008 Earnings Release and Webcast

April 16, 2008


CHICAGO, April 16, 2008 – UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA), the holding company whose primary subsidiary is United Airlines, announced today that the company will release its first quarter 2008 financial results on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 and hold its financial conference call that day at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. A live, listen-only webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of www.united.com :

http://www.united.com/ir

The webcast will be archived on the website until the release of the company’s 2008 second quarter financial results and available for those without internet access as a telephone replay for one week.

About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,300* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States.

United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 965 destinations in 162 countries worldwide. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at www.united.com

United Airlines Issues Statement on Consolidation

April 15, 2008


CHICAGO, April 15, 2008 - UAL Corporation (NASDAQ: UAUA) issued the following statement from Chairman, President and Chief Executive Glenn Tilton regarding consolidation in the airline industry, as part of his message to employees earlier today:

"The industry has changed dramatically – both globally and domestically – and the old paradigms no longer apply; the current fuel and economic environment are only accelerating the need for a different approach. Consolidation is but one of the changes necessary to achieve sustained profitability, and we have been fully supportive. As the industry evolves, we will take the actions we need to strengthen our global competitiveness, and we will participate in consolidation when and if it is the right choice and provides the right benefits for employees, customers and shareholders."

About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,300* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 855 destinations in 155 countries worldwide. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at www.united.com

*Based on the flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2007.

"DA BEARS!"

Chicago's Hometown Airline United Scores Club Naming Rights Deal with the Chicago Bears

April 11, 2008


CHICAGO, April 11, 2008 – When the Chicago Bears season kicks-off this year, fans checking in to the club section of Soldier Field will receive first class treatment in the newly named premium lounge, the United Club.

As part of a renewed, seven-year partnership agreement between United and the Bears, United will have the home field advantage at Soldier Field, taking over the naming rights of the former Cadillac Club. The deal builds on a long-standing relationship between the Bears and Chicago’s Hometown Airline that dates back to home games at Wrigley Field and team flights with Papa Bear George Halas.

“This new partnership strengthens the 40-year relationship that United has built with one of our hometown sports heroes, the Chicago Bears,” said Dennis Cary, senior vice president – Marketing. “The United Club will demonstrate to our mutual fans that both United and the Bears treat our special guests with a best-in-class experience whether at the 50-yard line or 35,000 feet in the air.”

United’s naming rights are effective immediately.

“The Chicago Bears are thrilled to take our partnership with United to the next level,” Chris Hibbs, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing said. “This new relationship is a great example of a prominent, locally based corporation pursuing its marketing and promotional goals through its support of the hometown team”

The new United Club will encompass United’s Rhapsody advertising theme with artwork depicting the city of Chicago and two of its favorite long-time residents -- the Bears and United.

The United Club is a 47,000 square foot, three-level lounge area with unparalleled views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline and the stadium. The United Club is available to fans who hold club and executive suite tickets. The United Club also provides a unique hospitality area for corporate, social or private events, including the Bears Expo on June 7-8.

About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,300* flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 897 destinations in 160 countries worldwide. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com.

*Based on the flight schedule between Feb. 12, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008.

First A400M moves to next assembly station approaching First FlightMadrid, 14 April 2008

The first A400M, MSN001, has just left station 40 where all the aircraft systems’ interfaces have been connected and the electrical system has been successfully tested with power-on. These activities are in line with the current programme plan.

From station 40 the aircraft has been moved to station 35 where all the systems on board will be checked for compliance with design requirements and data automatically recorded for later analysis and evaluation. This represents an important step forward as station 35 is one of the few stations left before First Flight.

In previous operations undertaken at station 40, the complete airframe was assembled with the wings and the vertical and horizontal tail planes being joined to the fuselage. On this particular first aircraft, the work at this station was temporary interrupted to proceed with the required structural ground test prior to First Flight.

Engine installation on MSN001 is now underway. Since delivery to FAL, intensive work around the engines have been performed following the scheduled activities:

Incoming inspection, engine build up/dressing process (station 25-equipping), in which the engines are equipped with the electrical harnesses, different pipes and airframe components required prior installation on the MSN001. Normal functioning checks and power assurance have also being performed. At station 25, the flight test instrumentation is also installed on this development aircraft. Later, the four engines will be moved to station 20 for installation on the aircraft.

Engine Flight Clearance activities continue and the dedicated Flying Test Bed, a modified C-130 aircraft on which a TP400 engine has been installed, is being readied to begin the flight test programme, which will begin shortly.

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

Business Wire

April 16, 2008 05:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Mobile DTV Alliance Applauds ICO For Mobile Services Satellite Launch

G1 Satellite Launch Marks Significant Milestone For North American Mobile Digital Television Services


SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Mobile DTV Alliance announced today that member company ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (NASDAQ: ICOG) has advanced mobile digital TV in North America to the next level with the launch this week of its ICO G1 satellite, designed specifically to deliver mobile applications. The satellite launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Monday, April 14. The satellite launch, supported in part with contributions from three other MDTVA members, makes ICO North America’s first operational Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) provider in the S-band.

Market trials for the ICO Mobile Interactive Media (ICO mim™) service will be conducted in Las Vegas and Raleigh-Durham, N.C., starting later this summer. NBC Universal will provide content for the trials.

“This week’s launch pushes the mobile DTV industry closer to the reality of a nationwide mobile TV service network,” said Walt Tamminen, president of the MDTVA. “Our focus is to promote mobile DTV development and create an ecosystem to support that development. It’s exciting to see ICO tap into the MDTVA ecosystem to take this pioneering step.”

MDTVA member companies Alcatel-Lucent, Harris Corporation and DiBcom, are part of the ecosystem of suppliers and vendors ICO assembled for ICO G1.

“ICO G1 is a major step in establishing ICO as America’s first nationwide mobile interactive media company,” said Tim Bryan, chief executive officer of ICO. “In addition to high-quality, live TV content, we will provide interactive navigation and nationwide roadside assistance to our customers. While our initial ICO mim service will be delivered through existing video displays like in-vehicle screens and laptops, the service will migrate to consumer electronics, like mobile phones.”

The satellite-based ICO mim service combines satellite technology with ground-based networks, improving the consumer experience and providing national coverage, Bryan said. The hybrid approach ensures uninterrupted nationwide coverage.

About the Mobile DTV Alliance

The Mobile DTV Alliance is an open industry consortium that selects and promotes the best practices and open standards to deliver premium-quality broadcast television to mobile devices in North America and globally. Leading companies from across the mobile business system and entertainment value chain collaborate in the MDTVA. Sponsor members include Disney, Microsoft and Nokia. For more information on the Mobile DTV Alliance, please visit http://www.mdtvalliance.org

About ICO

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™. ICO mim 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 mim will utilize the DVB-SH worldwide standard for mobile video services. ICO is based in Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit www.ico.com

April 16, 2008

Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1726
dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-080

NASA TURNS GREEN WITH NATIONWIDE EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES

WASHINGTON -- NASA centers across America will roll out the green
carpet April 22 to celebrate Earth Day and reporters are invited to
hear first hand about the agency's contributions to understanding and
protecting our environment.

NASA Earth research missions study all aspects of our planet, from its
oceans, land surfaces and atmosphere, to its biosphere and
cryosphere. NASA is a world leader in studying the cause and effects
of climate change now and in the future. NASA research contributes to
improved air and water quality and promotes healthier lands and
wildlife habitats. The agency operates dedicated Earth science
spacecraft and conducts research with instruments aboard other
national and international satellites. NASA plans several new
missions in the next few years, with two launching in 2008. Decision
makers around the world use NASA Earth science data to support policy
making and resource management decisions.

With the world's largest contingent of dedicated Earth scientists and
engineers, NASA will host interactive activities that span a variety
of topics.

NASA also will mark the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 8 Earthrise
photograph, which was credited for inspiring environmental movements
in the late 1960s and 1970s. Bill Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut who
took the famous "Earthrise" photo, will be available for live NASA
Television interviews from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT on Earth Day.
Joining Anders will be a NASA scientist to discuss present day NASA
Earth science research. Media interested in arranging for live
interviews with Anders should contact Al Feinberg on 202-358-1058 by
4 p.m. EDT Friday, or DC Agle at 818-393-9011 by 7 p.m. EDT Monday.

NASA TV also will air a special hour-long High-Definition TV broadcast
of Earth views taken in HD by astronauts on past space shuttle and
space station missions. The HD broadcast will air on the morning of
Friday, April 18, from 6 to 8 a.m. EDT, and replay during the same
time on Monday, April 21. On Earth Day, the HD broadcast will air
from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. The footage also will be broadcast on
standard NASA TV during the regular Video File hours those days. For
information on how to receive the special HD broadcast, and
information about NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

To commemorate Earth Day on NASA's Web site, http://www.nasa.gov , the
agency will feature several new items, including the 10 most
outstanding Earth views taken by astronauts aboard the space station.
Web features also will highlight a breathtaking series of nighttime
images of city lights from orbit gathered by astronaut Don Pettit,
who lived aboard the station in 2003. Pettit narrates the imagery,
which he gathered using a special mechanism he developed to steady
the camera and track cities as the station flew overhead at five
miles per second. The site also will provide opportunities for
visitors to share their opinions.

NASA Earth Day center activities include:
Ames Research Center at Moffet Field, Calif.
-- A media availability on Earth Day for reporters to interview Earth
scientists and experts
-- A Directors Colloquium on April 17, co-sponsored with the GREEN
Team, focusing on "Monitoring and Modeling the Life Support Systems
of Planet Earth"

Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
-- Panel discussions and presentations, including researchers Peter
Hildebrand and James Hansen

Glenn Research Center in Cleveland
-- Presentation by Mark Shanahan, the Ohio governor's energy advisor

Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
-- EarthFest (April 26) features lectures, panel discussions and
interactive Earth activities
-- "Park and Walk Day." Employees are encouraged to park their cars on
Earth Day and walk to meetings, reducing the NASA carbon footprint

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
-- "One Green Step for Man -- One Green Planet for Mankind" public
event that includes presentations and a tree planting dedication

Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss.
-- Community fair featuring Earth photo contests, exhibits by local
environmental agencies and demonstrations of Earth-friendly products

Wallops Flight Research Facility on Wallops Island, Va.
-- Public event (April 26) featuring presentations and activities,
including a scavenger hunt

For more information about these activities, please contact the public
affairs office at the individual NASA field center. For more on
NASA's Earth science activities, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth

Additional information also is available at:

http://www.earthday.gov

4 / 15 / 2008

Update 10:10 a.m. U.S. PST

News Reports are that only six people of 85 onboard a 31-year-old McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Series 50 twinjet airliner operated by Congolese Airline Hewa Bora Airways have survived a crash in the Congo. Both pilots are reported to have survived the accident, along with two adult passengers and two children. CNN is reporting that as many as fifteen may have survived, but also reports the possibility of fatalities on the ground as the aircraft apparently struck a residential area and shops.

The European Union had recently banned the airline from flying to Europe. Congolese authorities are expected to suspend the airline from operating until the completion of an investigation.

Follow These News Links For More Information:

Flight International

The Independent (London w/Photos)

CNN International (w/Photos)

Associated Press

United Press International (UPI)

~~~~~~~~~~

The International News Service France 24 is reporting that a commercial aircraft operating for the airline Hewa Bora has crashed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). No report as to injuries at this time. The aircraft was reportedly carrying 70 people.

International Air Transportation Association (IATA)

Editor's Note: Ironically, the IATA published this piece following a speech by Giovanni, Bisignani, the IATA's Director General and CEO on April 8, 2008. The text of the speech by Bisignani is presented below this article.

We present these comments to you again in relation to the accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo involving a Hewa Bora Airways McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Series 50. For more information on that accident, see the links above for Global News reports...

~ Ed.

Date: 08 April 2008


Improving African Safety


Lagos, Nigeria - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced further enhancements to its commitment to improve aviation safety in Africa.

“African safety has improved, but the accident rate is still nearly six times the global average. This must change. IATA is serious about delivering results that will raise the bar on aviation safety,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Bisignani announced the Association’s latest addition to its African safety initiatives - the Implementation Plan for Safe Operations in Africa (IPSOA). “This is a US$3.7 million programme that follows on the US$5.4 million that we have already committed to improve safety in this region,” said Bisignani.

IPSOA will give up to 30 African airlines access to IATA’s Flight Data Analysis (FDA) tool over a three-year period. FDA offers airlines the capability to statistically analyse data from actual flights to improve procedures and monitor compliance. FDA offers critical insight for aircraft maintenance by using data to monitor engine condition trends and aircraft fuel usage.

“IPSOA is a partnership to improve both safety and efficiency. IATA will provide access to the data, but the airlines must invest to ensure that their organisations can take advantage of the programme,” said Bisignani.

Bisignani also highlighted IATA’s three other key areas to improve African safety:

1. Auditing: Twenty African carriers are among the 193 airlines on the IATA Operational Safety Audit Registry. With less than eight months to the December 31 deadline for obtaining IOSA registration, 15 IATA members in Africa have open findings. “Our goal is to have all of our members on board to raise the bar on safety. We will be working with our African members in a special Partnership for Safety Plus programme to bring our members into compliance with IOSA standards by the end of the year,” said Bisignani. Bisignani also urged African governments to make use of IOSA. “Already Egypt and Madagascar are mandating IOSA as part of their safety oversight programmes. I want to see more African governments follow their lead - including Nigeria,” said Bisignani.


2. Infrastructure: Bisignani highlighted two areas of concern. “Despite high user charges, in many parts of Africa infrastructure is poorly funded and not up to international standards. Lack of transparency is a critical issue that is costing lives. IATA supports the creation of special infrastructure fund mechanisms to ensure that the money that airlines pay in charges stays in the industry,” said Bisignani.


3. Skills Shortage: “Airlines are competing in a global market that has a shortage of licensed personnel. To meet projected demand in 2026, we must train 19,000 pilots a year. With capacity of 16,000, the shortfall by 2026 would be 54,000 pilots. We must broaden the pool of qualified candidates without compromising on safety. IATA’s Training and Qualification Initiative (ITQI) is working on a comprehensive approach from recruitment to training, standards and technology. Governments also have a role. The challenge is for governments to cooperate and jointly provide and recognise standards, licensing and training. It would help Africa (and other regions) use scarce resources more efficiently while improving safety,” said Bisignani.
“Safety is a team effort. IATA is working closely with all its members to deliver results. Safety oversight is a government responsibility. They must be equally committed to providing resources and leadership. Working together we can make Africa’s skies safer,” said Bisignani.

Bisignani made his comments in a keynote address to industry stakeholders at IATA Aviation Days for Africa being held in Lagos, Nigeria where the Association has just opened a sub-regional office serving Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia and Cape Verde. With the new office, IATA will expand its Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) to the Nigerian market. Anticipating the 100% e-ticketing deadline on 31 May 2008, the Nigerian BSP operation will be among the first completely e-ticketing BSPs in the US$220 billion IATA settlement system.


Notes for editors:

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 240 airlines comprising 94% of scheduled international air traffic.
525 IOSA audits have been completed since programme roll-out in September 2003
193 airlines are on the IOSA Registry including 139 IATA members, 55 non-members
Industry savings of $48.8 million in audits avoided (814 audits avoided)
97% of all IATA members carried out an audit by end 2007
Partnership for Safety Plus is a programme that will help airlines close IOSA findings and prepare for renewal audits
IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) provides a single standard interface for invoicing and payment between IATA Accredited Passenger Sales Agents and airlines.
A worldwide system that operates in some 160 countries and territories.
In 2007 IATA’s BSP processed US$ 220 billion

International Air Transportation Association (IATA)

Date: 08 April 2008


Remarks by Giovanni Bisignani at Aviation Days Lagos


It is a pleasure to be here to meet with colleagues from across West Africa to discuss the way forward for aviation.

Let me start with the global picture. Efficiency gains since 2001 are impressive. Productivity improved 64%, sales and marketing unit costs dropped 25% and non-fuel unit costs reduced 18%. Strong demand helped. Global traffic increased 7.4% last year. Africa beat that at 8%. But while we saw a global profit of US$5.6 billion last year, African carriers had the biggest losses at US$400 million.

2008 will be even tougher. Costs are rising, oil is over US$100 per barrel and the spread of the US economic crisis is slowing demand growth to 4-5% levels. Global profits will drop to US$4.5 billion this year and Africa is the only region in the red. The US$300 million loss is an improvement but a long way from profitability.

Aviation is critical to Africa supporting US$9 billion in GDP and 430,000 jobs. Aviation is the only option for bringing tourists in and sending perishable products out to markets. With a few kilometres of runway, airlines connect even the most remote locations to the world. But to get the full benefit of aviation effective policies, efficient infrastructure and a commitment to safety and security are absolutely necessary. I am pleased to see that air transport is among Nigeria’s seven reform priorities in the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS).

IATA Commitment

I am here today to re-enforce IATA’s commitment to Africa and launch a new approach to West Africa. We have put people on the ground. Julius Kengara is our new country manager based in Nigeria and also covering Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia and Cape Verde. Our Nigeria BSP goes live in a few weeks time after training 1,200 agents and airlines. And we are working with our partner bank United Africa Bank to set up global standard financial products tailored to local market needs. Importantly, it will be a paperless BSP handling only ET - one of the first in the world.

IATA’s office here is part of an Africa regional structure that is headed by Vinod Chidambaram, our first Regional Vice President for Africa. IATA’s regional team of 44 brings all of IATA’s experience to Africa through our Johannesburg office and sub-regional offices like Nigeria. Along with effectively handling the money in our BSP system our mission in Africa has four main priorities:


Raising - and keeping high - the bar on safety
Improving efficiency by Simplifying the Business
Fighting for greater commercial freedoms with liberalisation
And ensuring Africa plays a strong role in our approach to the environment
Safety


Safety is the top priority - not just for Africa but everywhere. The global safety record is excellent. Air is the safest way to travel with one accident for every 1.3 million flights. We are still trying to improve that with an aggressive target of 1 accident for every 2.2 million flights. I will be blunt with one accident for every 244,000 flights Africa is a problem. It has improved since 2005 when it was 1 accident for every 100,000 flights. And I have to congratulate my good friend Harold Demuren the Director General for Civil Aviation in Nigeria for the great work that we have done together turning the horrible years of 2005-6 when Nigeria had 6 accidents and 321 fatalities into a perfect safety record in 2007. But, safety is not a problem that you fix in a year. Constant vigilance and improvement is required. The tragic fact remains that the accident rate in Africa is 6 times the global average. That must change. IATA is serious about delivering results to raise the bar. I allocated US$5.4 million to African safety. That is 5.4 times the dues we collect from African members. What are we doing?

Auditing
Building safety culture and leadership
Addressing the skills shortage and
Improving infrastructure
Auditing

At the top of the list is the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). IOSA is the global standard for airlines safety management. The standards are free for any airline and the results are on our web site. A transparent registry for all to see, IOSA helps build safety culture. Safety Management Systems—mandated by ICAO are incorporated into IOSA standards. IOSA is serious. We make it a condition of membership. By the end of the year all our members must be on the registry….or they are out of IATA. And we have already terminated 9 carriers that did not make the interim deadlines. IOSA is accessible. IATA is fully funding the audit for our members.

So where are we? 193 carriers are on the registry—covering 88% of traffic. This includes 20 African airlines. All of our member carriers in West Africa completed the audit and we are now closing findings. My goal is to improve safety not reduce our membership. So we are doing everything we can to bring all our members on board by the deadline.

Partnership for Safety

This means putting extra resources into Africa - where the need is greatest. In the first stage IATA’s Partnership for Safety brought awareness seminars and workshops, individual gap audits and specialised training courses. 45 African Airlines and 21 African CAAs have participated. Partnership for Safety is the core of our Partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to help all carriers - members and non-members - move towards IOSA. But with less than 8 months to the deadline we still have 15 African members with open IOSA findings. They must be closed before they can join the registry. So we added a Partnership for Safety Plus to help these airlines and others close audit findings and prepare for renewal audits.

Today I am pleased to announce a new initiative for Africa. Flight Data Analysis (FDA) is a critical component of Safety Management Systems. From today IATA is going to make its FDA tool available free of charge for up to 30 African airlines for a period of three years. In line with safety being the number one priority - for all the industry, we are making this available to both IATA members and non-members. This is an additional US$3.7 million commitment from IATA for African safety. But it must be matched with organisational investments by participating airlines. And to ensure that airlines get the maximum benefit, IATA will work with the airlines for successful implementation.

Governments and IOSA

Governments also have a role. A growing list of governments, starting with the US FAA, use IOSA. I want to see more governments in Africa using IOSA - incorporating it into their safety oversight standards. It is an internationally recognised, credible and transparent tool that is free to use. It is not a solution to the European Community lists but being on the IOSA registry is a strong argument that you have met the highest standards in safety. In Africa, Egypt and Madagascar are mandating IOSA. Tunisia is planning to do the same. Nigeria is recommending it for its carriers. I urge the NCAA to take a stronger position and it is time for all the remaining African Governments to make better use of this great tool.

Infrastructure

African governments must also get their act together on infrastructure safety. Infrastructure costs that airlines pay in the region are not cheap. But the infrastructure in many parts of Africa is poorly funded and not up to international operating standards. Transparency is a real issue that is impacting lives. IATA supports the creation of Special Infrastructure Fund mechanisms to ensure that what the airlines pay in charges stays in the industry. Progress has been slow and we have major safety deficiencies. In Western Africa IATA has addressed shortfalls in 10 States. Political will also an issue. The RVSM project, which would enhance efficiency and safety, is being held up by Gabon and the Central African Republic. They are the only states who have not signed their National Safety Plans.

Skills Shortage

Human skills are also critical. Aviation is competing in a global market that has a shortage of licensed personnel. To meet projected demand in 2026 we need to train 19,000 pilots a year. The current capacity is about 16,000. If we do not act the shortfall will be 54,000 in 2026. And it’s a similar story for engineers, maintenance staff and controllers. Airlines - Africa included - are competing for scarce skills in a global market. We must broaden the pool of qualified candidates without compromising on safety. IATA’s Training and Qualification Initiative - ITQI is working on a comprehensive approach - from recruitment to training, standards and technology. In the meantime, governments in the region can help by cooperating to jointly provide and recognise standards, licensing and training. It would help airlines in this region use scarce resources more efficiently while enhancing safety.

Team Effort

To conclude my remarks on safety - it’s a team effort. IATA is committed and working with our members to deliver results. The NCAA has done an impressive job. Now we need to take that leadership and momentum to support coordination action - not talks - to achieve the targets and goals of the ICAO Safety Plan for Africa and the Safety Road Map. IATA will be in Abuja later this month at the ICAO meeting on African safety pressing governments for greater commitment, resources and leadership to make Africa’s skies even safer.

Simplifying the Business

Efficiency is also critical. That is the goal of IATA’s Simplifying the Business Programme, making travel more convenient while saving US$6.5 billion. Africa is the only region in the red but it is slow in taking action to achieve the cost benefits that go directly to the bottom line. E-ticketing is a good example. In 54 days the paper ticket disappears and airlines start saving US$3 billion annually. Globally the industry is at 93% ET, Africa is at 86%. This number is skewed by the strength of a few advanced airlines - 8 African carriers have not even started and 23 are below the 86% African average. Let me ring the warning bell. The deadline is serious. The business case makes sense. A US$9 savings per ticket recovers system development costs quickly. Failure to meet the deadline puts interline revenues at risk and makes using the BSP very difficult.

The global industry is moving ahead quickly with technology. ET, CUSS and Bar Coded Boarding Passes are critical capabilities to compete. The good news is that the technology is accessible and cost effective. IATA is committed with Simplifying the Business managers around the continent to help airlines implement. But I need the strong commitment from the top to identify Simplifying the Business as a key component of competitiveness that will improve the bottom line.

Liberalisation

The flags on the aircraft tail are sinking the industry. To be successful, airlines need commercial freedoms to serve markets where they exist and to merge or consolidate where it makes business sense. 98% of African traffic is subject to restrictive bilateral agreements. This must change. Progressive liberalisation is the future. Protecting airlines is an expensive hobby. It creates weak players and limits the economic benefits that aviation can bring. Governments must anticipate and lead change setting targets in a staged approach so carriers can prepare for the competition. What are the benefits? A study by ComMark showed the liberalisation Southern Africa would create 37,000 jobs and bring a half million more foreign tourists who would spend US$500 million. 20 years ago Yamoussoukro was a beacon of progress. But with no results, it has become a symbol of failure to change. The industry in this part of the world is financially sick, so we need to find a pragmatic way forward - like AFRAA’s CREW initiative that would liberalise the continent in bite-sized chunks. The next big chance for change is the ICAO conference later this month. It must deliver a platform of greater commercial freedom to put the airlines on a stronger financial footing to contribute even more to economic development.

Environment

The last issue that I want to address briefly is the environment. It may not be headlines in the local papers but climate change is at the top of the global political agenda. Aviation contributes 2% of manmade CO2, so we must be a part of the solution, And, as we are a global industry, that includes Africa.

IATA’s four pillar strategy is leading industry efforts:


1. Invest in new technology
2. Build and use efficient infrastructure
3. Operate planes effectively
4. Economic measures that encourage technology investment and an emissions trading scheme that is fair, global and voluntary

This was accepted by all 179 states - Africans included - at the ICAO Assembly last September. Along with a target to improve fuel efficiency 25% by 2020 we are going beyond that with a vision to achieve carbon neutral growth on the way to a zero emissions future. In line with our strategy, what are we doing in Africa? We shortened 2 routes and optimised 21 approaches and landings saving 80,000 tonnes of CO2. Our Green Teams have worked with African six airlines identifying savings of US$87 million. These contributed to global savings of US$4 billion and 25 million tonnes of CO2. Paul Steele will discuss in more detail tomorrow but I have just two important thoughts that I want to leave you with. First, environmental responsibility is also good business. Every kilogram of fuel saved reduces costs and saves the environment 3.16kg of CO2 emissions. Second, we must fight together for global solutions. Environmental standards must be global, so African growth - critical to development - must be supported by an environmentally responsible industry. Together with governments we must find solutions that preserve the planet and support sustainable economic development.

Conclusion

African aviation has made great progress and has tremendous potential. To realise this potential leadership and cooperation are essential in the areas of safety, Simplifying the Business, liberalization and the environment. This is a tall order but our passion and vision for a brighter future is a powerful force. And this event is a great forum to harness it. I wish you a productive meeting. Thank you.

4 / 13 / 2008 ~ 4 / 19 / 2008 USA

4 / 14 / 2008 ~ 4 / 20 / 2008 Australia

Raytheon Company to Release First Quarter 2008 Results on April 24, 2008

WALTHAM, Mass., April 15, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTN) will issue its first quarter 2008 earnings news release
at 7:00 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 24, 2008. The release will be posted on
the Raytheon home page at www.raytheon.com .

The first quarter 2008 earnings results conference call will be at 9:00
a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 24, 2008. The call will be audio cast on the
Internet at http://www.raytheon.com . Charts to be referenced during the
call will be available on the website for printing prior to the call.

Participants are urged to check the website ahead of time to ensure
their computers are configured for the audio stream. Instructions for
obtaining the required downloadable software are posted to the site.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more
than 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission
systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing;
effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as
well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in
Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

Raytheon Expands International Customer Base for Digital Radar Warning Receiver

GOLETA, Calif., April 14, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- An $85.5 million U.S.
Navy contract allows Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to add Canada and
Switzerland to a growing list of international customers for its ALR-67(V)3
digital radar warning receiver.

The contract, consisting of several incremental awards that began in
July 2007, includes systems for the U.S. Navy and the air forces of Canada,
Switzerland and Australia. The ALR-67(V)3 is a state-of-the-art radar
warning receiver on Navy F/A-18E/F carrier-based tactical aircraft. It now
will be installed on Canadian CF-18 aircraft as an integral part of a
modernization program and on Swiss F/A-18s.

"The ALR-67(V)3 has become the radar warning receiver of choice in the
international market," said Roy Azevedo, manager of Raytheon's Electronic
Warfare business area. "Our customers are getting the advantages of a hot
production line, proven performance, and the system's flexibility to equip
all variants of the F/A-18."

The contract from the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.,
calls for deliveries of 27 radar warning receivers plus spares for Navy
requirements, 38 radar warning receivers plus 22 quadrant receivers for
Canadian aircraft, and one radar warning receiver for Swiss aircraft.

Under an award received in July 2007, production of the ALR-67(V)3
continues for F/A-18s of the Royal Australian Air Force. The international
procurements are foreign military sales with potential follow-on orders for
engineering support and a 10-year performance based logistics support
program.

Deliveries under the new contract will begin in April 2010 and are
expected to be complete by July 2011. The pact represents the 10th full
rate production lot awarded to Raytheon. A total of 506 radar warning
receivers plus spares have been ordered under the ALR-67(V)3 program.
Additional domestic and international sales of the system are planned.

Work on the radar warning receiver is being done by Raytheon's Space
and Airborne Systems business at its Tactical Airborne Systems facility in
Goleta, with support of facilities in El Segundo, Calif., Forest, Miss.,
and McKinney, Texas. Key suppliers are located in the United States and
Australia. The Canadian award includes an "industrial and regional
benefits" agreement to develop industrial offset opportunities within
Canada.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more
than 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission
systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing;
effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as
well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in
Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

Raytheon and Boeing Team for Joint Air to Ground Missile Program

TUCSON, Ariz., April 14, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:
RTN) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) have signed a teaming agreement to pursue the
U.S. Army-U.S. Navy Joint Air to Ground Missile program.

The JAGM program will produce a single missile solution for rotary and
fixed wing platforms. With an expected in-service date of 2016, JAGM
replaces the BGM-71 TOW, AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles.
Raytheon will be the prime contractor on the team's bid.

The missile is being designed to defeat moving and stationary targets
at extended ranges in all types of weather. When available, JAGM will be
launched from a variety of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, including the
F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, AH-64D Apache Longbow, MH-60R Seahawk, AH-1Z Super
Cobra, Extended-Range Multi-Purpose UAV, Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter,
and Warrior Unmanned Aircraft System.

"Raytheon and Boeing bring mature advanced seeker and missile
technologies, as well as unmatched fixed and rotary wing integration
expertise," said Ken Pedersen, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president for
Advanced Programs. "This will provide an affordable, high-performance
systems solution to the JAGM requirement."

According to Boeing executives, the Raytheon-Boeing team brings
something unique to the table.

"Together, we believe our team offers the Army, Navy and Marine Corps
an outstanding track record of performance in weapons program development
while delivering reliable products -- on time and on cost," said Carl
Avila, director Advanced Weapons, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more
than 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission
systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing;
effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as
well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in
Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

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

A formation of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions. The P-3 Orion was originally built in Burbank, California, at the old Lockheed Air Terminal (Now Bob Hope International Airport) with final production eventually moved to Palmdale, California, and USAF Plant 42. The P-3 is utilized by a number of U.S. and foreign navies, including Canada, the Netherlands and Japan.

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon, based on the Boeing 737 Series 800 Next Generation design, is scheduled to replace the aging P-3 in U.S. Navy service. The first example entered final assembly recently in Washington State.

Photo: Raytheon

UN-backed effort to remove dangerous nuclear fuel from
Serbia moves ahead

Hangar used to store materials in previous decades

15 April 2008 – A global effort to remove dangerous spent fuel and decommission a Soviet-designed nuclear reactor in Serbia has cleared another major funding hurdle as part of a United Nations-backed initiative to close down potential sources of terrorism and proliferation.
The UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today that together with the Serbian Government it recently signed a $8.63 million framework agreement with the European Commission (EC) to help fund decommissioning the reactor at Vinca reactor on the outskirts of Belgrade, the capital.

But $25 million more is still needed to complete the project, which includes repatriating to Russia high-enriched uranium (HEU) that could be converted to weapons-grade material.

“The EC support was absolutely crucial to the life of the programme, but we have quite a ways to go to find the remaining $25 million for the project,” said IAEA Special Programme Manager for the Vinca Institute Nuclear Decommissioning (VIND), John J. Kelly.

“The EC contribution serves as a great example and encourages other potential donors to invest in an important and successful project. With radioactive waste, disused sources, and leaking spent fuel that’s almost 45 years old, the Vinca site presents huge radiological challenges.”

Once completed, the spent fuel shipment will comprise the largest in the European theatre, and extra shipping casks have already been built for the project through funding received from the United States.

Thousands of containers of unprocessed radioactive waste and disused sealed radioactive sources must also be removed from old, degraded storage buildings, repackaged and placed into new holding facilities. In a third stage the reactor will be decommissioned.

Security at Vinca had long been a source of concern, with much of the dangerous material and facilities inadequately protected, but thanks to funding and other support from the Serbian Government and the US for upgrades and police, overall security has been substantially improved over the past two years.

International concern over Vinca mushroomed in the 1990s after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, which led to increased international cooperation to reduce the radiological risk.

The IAEA has been involved in various such projects in recent years from now independent of reunified countries that were part of the Soviet sphere of influence, including the secret airlift from the former East Germany of 270 kilos of HEU that could be used by terrorists to make nuclear explosives and the repatriation from Uzbekistan of fuel containing enough uranium to produce two and a half nuclear bombs.

LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEIVES $15.5-MILLION ANNUAL SUPPORT CONTRACT FOR THE U.K.'S TRIDENT MISSILE PROGRAM

SUNNYVALE, Calif, April 15, 2008 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed
Martin (NYSE: LMT) a one-year, $15.5-million contract for continued
program management and engineering services for the United Kingdom's
Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program.

The Royal Navy's Trident II D5 missiles, which are built by Lockheed
Martin, are deployed aboard British-built Vanguard-class Trident
ballistic missile submarines.

"In concert with our U.S. Navy customer, we look forward to providing
another year of superior support to the Royal Navy," said Bob Meier,
U.K. Programs Manager, Strategic and Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed
Martin Space Systems Company.

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin is providing program management
and planning support to the Royal Navy, as well as technical support
related to integration and operations for U.K. reentry systems, missiles
and support systems. Spare parts also will be provided. Lockheed Martin
is performing work at facilities in the United States and the United
Kingdom for this contract, which began April 1, 2008, and will conclude by
March 31, 2009.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the prime
strategic FBM contractor and missile system program manager for the
U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs. Since 1968, Lockheed Martin has
provided program support to the Royal Navy under the terms of the 1963
U.S.-U.K. Polaris Sales Agreement. The agreement was modified in 1982 to
provide for the Trident II D5 ballistic missile system.

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

B-SAT AWARDS LOCKHEED MARTIN CONTRACT FOR BSAT-3B SATELLITE

NEWTOWN, Pa., , April 15, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been
awarded a contract by the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation
(B-SAT) of Japan to build its next geostationary telecommunications
satellite.Designated BSAT-3b, the satellite will provide high-definition (HD)
direct broadcast services throughout Japan following its scheduled
launch the third quarter of 2010 aboard an Arianespace launch vehicle.

BSAT-3b will be the second consecutive satellite order B-SAT has
awarded to Lockheed Martin.Lockheed Martin successfully built and launched
BSAT-3a in August 2007. BSAT-3b will comprise 12 130 W Ku-band channels
(8 operating at one time) and will be located at 110 degrees East
longitude. With a design life of 15 years, BSAT-3b is based on the A2100A
platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS),
Newtown, Pa. BSAT-3b also marks the 13th Lockheed Martin satellite
ordered in the 1- to 4-kW class satellite range.

"The Lockheed Martin team is extremely gratified by the continuing
support of B-SAT," said LMCSS Vice President and General Manager Marshall
Byrd. "This contract award for the design and construction of BSAT-3b
reaffirms our solid relationship with our valued customer, B-SAT. The
A2100 team is dedicated and focused on producing a highly reliable
spacecraft for B-SAT."

"We have been very pleased with the performance of the BSAT-3a
spacecraft, and are pleased to once again procure another highly reliable
spacecraft from LMCSS," said B-SAT President & CEO Kazuo Takenaka. "We
believe that the LMCSS team will provide us with the same enthusiasm and
dedication for BSAT-3b that it showed us in the manufacture of BSAT-3a. It
is our strong expectation that BSAT-3b will be a perfect satellite at
handover, and that it will fully perform its mission throughout its
design life."

The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed
to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band
broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and
Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band
frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band
payloads. The A2100's modular design features a reduction in parts,
simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced
weight and cost.

The A2100 spacecraft design accommodates a large range of payloads.This
design modularity enables the A2100 spacecraft to be configured for a
wide variety of missions in addition to communication. The A2100 serves
as the platform for critical Lockheed Martin government communications
programs such as the Advanced Extremely High Frequency program and
Mobile User Objective System.

The A2100 platform design has been adapted for geostationary earth
orbit (GEO)-based earth observing missions and is currently baselined for
Lockheed Martin's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite
Series-R (GOES-R) proposal.The A2100 platform also is the foundation for
Lockheed Martin's Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT)
offering for the U.S. Government.

About B-SAT

B-SAT is a unique operator of broadcasting satellites in 12GHz BSS band
in Japan. The company was established in April 1993 and is located in
Tokyo, Japan. Since then, B-SAT has worked toward providing stable
satellite operations and continuity of broadcast services. B-SAT currently
owns and manages five satellites, BSAT-1a and-1b for analogue services,
BSAT-2a and -2c for digital services and BSAT-3a for both analogue and
digital services.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems 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.


For more information about Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems,
see our web site at http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ssc/CommercialSpace/

Boeing KC-767 Tanker Adds Up to Best Value for Warfighter, Taxpayers

ST. LOUIS, April 15, 2008 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-767 Advanced Tanker would save billions of dollars over the anticipated lifetime of the aircraft compared with the larger Airbus-based KC-30. Nonetheless, the U.S. government selected the larger air tanker from the team of Northrop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

Due to irregularities in the competition, such as the cost comparison, Boeing has protested the decision and asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to determine if the tanker acquisition process, including the cost analysis, was unfair and flawed. As the GAO reviews the decision, Boeing is also calling on policymakers to question why the comparison of full costs of the new tanker fleet failed to reflect that the Airbus KC-30 tanker is larger, heavier, less fuel-efficient and -- according to the Northrop/EADS team itself -- more costly to operate.

"As Americans pay their taxes this week, it's essential that they consider how effectively those dollars will be spent to equip U.S. warfighters," said Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas. "It's especially important to think about the total cost of developing, producing, operating and maintaining vital defense assets that must be ready to fly at least two generations of American military men and women."

In evaluating the two tanker offerings, the U.S. government determined that the Boeing KC-767 and the Northrop/EADS KC-30 were nearly equal at a cost of $108 billion to buy and operate 179 tankers over 25 years. Boeing contends that a realistic comparison of life-cycle costs -- what the Air Force calls Most Probable Life-Cycle Costs (MPLCC) -- should have resulted in a significantly higher price tag for the Airbus KC-30 when considering the biggest cost drivers: fuel, maintenance costs and infrastructure.

Fuel: Using commercial aviation data, a Conklin & deDecker Aviation Information fuel study funded by Boeing indicated that with the price of oil between $100-125 per barrel, the larger, heavier and less fuel-efficient KC-30 would cost $30 billion more in fuel costs than the Boeing KC-767 over an anticipated 40-year service life.

Maintenance: Based on the requirements for a smaller aircraft, the KC-767 would be approximately 22 percent less costly than the KC-30.

Military Construction: The larger KC-30 would require approximately $2 billion to build or upgrade hangars, ramps, access roads and other facilities at tanker bases, while existing facilities that are sized for the current fleet of KC-135 tankers will be able to accommodate the smaller KC-767 with substantially less costly improvements required.

Additional Infrastructure Costs: To accommodate Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units -- which operate primarily from civilian airfields and have 60 percent of the Air Force tanker fleet -- further costly investment would be required to upgrade facilities where KC-30s would be based.

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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Northrop Grumman Submits Proposal for GOES-R to NASA

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., April 15, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- As Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) prepares to observe the sixth anniversary of excellent on-orbit performance of NASA's Aqua spacecraft, the company announced it has submitted a proposal to NASA to design and develop the next generation of satellites that will continuously monitor the earth and its environment from a geostationary orbit.

Northrop Grumman's proposal for the Geostationary Environmental Operational Satellite -- Series R (GOES-R) builds on its extensive experience designing, developing and integrating research and operational environmental spacecraft and sensors for NASA and NOAA. This includes the Aqua and Aura Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the next generation environmental satellite system, National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS). The GOES-R space segment is being procured by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and will be operated by NOAA.

"Our EOS satellites are highly reliable, precision pointing platforms specifically designed to accommodate challenging environmental sensing instruments," said Alexis Livanos, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and president of the company's Space Technology sector. "This designed-for-the-mission approach has proved itself as EOS Aqua and Aura have performed well on orbit and are expected to last well beyond their design lives."

Northrop Grumman has performed trade studies and risk reduction on GOES-R for the past four years under study contract and internal resources. The company brings considerable knowledge of the GOES system and requirements to the proposal.

"The GOES-R series of spacecraft must have exceptional reliability and long life in order to ensure continuity of geostationary weather coverage through 2039," said David Ryan, vice president and division general manager for Civil Systems at Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "We at Northrop Grumman are very proud of our successful legacy of delivering long-lived GEO spacecraft for nearly four decades. On average, our satellites have lasted about two-and-a-half times their design life -- a standard unmatched in our industry."

The GOES-R series represents a significant technological advancement over the earlier GOES spacecraft in terms of system availability, precision pointing, capacity and the quality and quantity of meteorological and environmental data. For example, one of the major instruments, the Advanced Baseline Imager, will produce higher precision images and output high fidelity data at a rate roughly 25 times greater than previous GOES generations.

Built by Northrop Grumman for NASA Goddard, Aqua was launched on May 4, 2002. The second in NASA's series of EOS spacecraft, Aqua is collecting data about the Earth's water cycle, including evaporation from the oceans, water vapor in the atmosphere, clouds, precipitation, soil moisture, sea ice, land ice, and snow cover on the land and ice.

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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ATR 72-500 "Phuket"

Photo: EADS / ATR

Bangkok Airways expands its ATR fleet with two more ATR 72-500s

Toulouse, 15 April 2008



ATR announced today the signature of a contract for the purchase of two ATR 72-500s that will be operated by Thailand’s Bangkok Airways. The deal is valued at US $ 37 million and has been inked with Irish-based leasing company AIR Ltd (Aircraft International Renting), a subsidiary of TAT Group, which will lease the aircraft to the airline. With these two aircraft, Bangkok Airways will bring its ATR 72-500 fleet up to 10 aircraft. Deliveries of these two additional aircraft are scheduled for late 2008 and 2009.

The aircraft will be configured with 70 seats and will be used to increase the total capacity of the ATR fleet of the airline and thus face its increasing flight demand in Thailand and the surrounding region.

Bangkok Airways, which is celebrating this year its 40th anniversary, started operating ATR aircraft in 1994 and ordered their first ‘-500 series’ ATRs in 2000 and 2002. With the two aircraft announced today, Bangkok Airways will become one of the largest ATR operators in South East Asia.

Commenting on the deal, Dr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, President and CEO of Bangkok Airways, stated: “We have been operating ATRs for many years because they offer us optimal results in terms of performance and economics. We are also pleased to count such a strong fleet of ‘-500’ ATRs, which are the most fuel-efficient and environment friendly aircraft of the regional aviation. The preservation and care of the environment is a major concern for us”.

Rodolphe Marchais, Chairman and CEO of TAT Group (the shareholder of AIR) underlined “the strength of the partnership between TAT Group, ATR and Bangkok Airways. Our partnership started already at the beginning of the ATR operations of the airline in 1994 and has been growing successfully up to date, allowing the consolidation of a solid regional network”. He added: “The ATR aircraft has been a good investment for our leasing company and we are pleased to continue this relationship with Bangkok Airways well into the future”.

Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, declared: “We are delighted with our strong commercial success in South East Asia in the last months. Since late 2007, we have booked orders for more than 40 new aircraft in that region. This success underlines the suitability of the ATRs for the regional operations, because of their ability to connect small airports and to operate in extreme weather conditions” And he concluded: “It is an honor to receive, once again, the confidence of both Bangkok Airways and TAT Group. We will make sure to give an optimal support to the airline’s operations and to keep this partnership fruitful and successful in the coming years”.

ATR reached in 2007 a record year with orders for 113 new aircraft. Since the beginning of the programme, ATR has sold 953 aircraft (417 ATR 42s and 536 ATR 72s) and has delivered 763 (397 ATR 42s and 366 ATR 72s), thus posting a current backlog of 190 aircraft.

The ATR –500 series: With its ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-500, ATR supplies state-of-the-art aircraft with the highest standards of comfort. The advanced six-blade propeller provides remarkably low noise levels. All ATR models are compliant with noise regulations and have a large margin with regard to Chapter IV (ICAO) noise regulations, effective 1st January 2006. The ‘-500 series’ feature the lowest fuel consumption per passenger and CO2 emissions of the regional aviation, thus contributing to make ATR the “Green Player” of the regional aviation.

About Bangkok Airways: Bangkok Airways, dubbed as “Asia’s Boutique Airline” served Thailand and the region for exactly four decades this year. From a humble start as a charter service under Sahakol Air back in 1968, the award-winning airline now boasts its portfolio with the most charming destinations in the region. Facing the rapid growth of tourism and business investments in Thailand, Bangkok Airways presently flies to over 20 regional routes, covering nearly all beaches and World Heritage destinations in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Maldives, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Japan.

About TAT GroupTAT Group came into being in 1969 with the creation of Touraine Air Transport, one of the first regional airlines to make an impact in the history of air transport in modern Europe. Founded by Michel Marchais, TAT Group then diversified into express freight services, aircraft maintenance and leasing. The group today employs 3,600 people worldwide, and is the leading European independent MRO provider.

About ATRToulouse, Southern France-based regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the 50 to 74-seat turboprop market. ATR is an equal partnership between Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica group) and EADS. ATR is certified NF EN ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100 revision B:2004 / JIS Q 9100:2004 / EN 9100:2003, the worldwide quality standard in the field of aeronautics.

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ATR 72-500 "Aspara"

Photo: EADS / ATR

Sun 'N Fun News

Two students named for the 2008 “Young Eagles” internship sponsored by EADS Socata and the Experimental Aircraft Association

The selected students will spend six weeks at EADS Socata’s headquarters facility in Tarbes, France.

Lakeland, Florida, 11 April 2008

College students from Illinois and Wisconsin will have a first-hand look at EADS Socata’s aircraft design, manufacturing and support operations during an internship organized in cooperation with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Young Eagles” program.

Named as the 2008 Young Eagles scholarship winners are Margaret A. Viola, a student in Physics and Chinese at the University of Chicago; and Matthew J. Woodruff, a student at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a private pilot.

Their selection was announced today at the Sun’n Fun Air Show in Lakeland, Florida by Nicolas Chabbert, President of EADS Socata North America, and Elissa Lines, Vice-President Business Development of Experimental Aircraft Association.

“We’re pleased to have selected two high-profile aviation enthusiasts for this year’s program, and I look forward to seeing them at our factory in France,” said Nicolas Chabbert, President of EADS Socata North America.

At the completion of their six-week internship at EADS Socata’s Tarbes, France, headquarters facility, Viola and Woodruff will outline their experience at the Gathering of Eagles Dinner, to be held this July during the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture show at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to provide first-hand general aviation experience for young people. This activity is offered free of charge, and is made possible by the generosity of EAA members, its volunteers and corporations.

About EADS Socata

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

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

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Sun 'N Fun News

Charlie Holomek, Vice President - Customer Support, EADS SOCATA North America

EADS Photo

Sun 'N Fun News

Charlie Holomek is Named EADS SOCATA North America’s Vice President - Customer Support

Lakeland, Florida, USA, 09 April 2008



EADS Socata today announced the appointment of Charlie Holomek as Vice President - Customer Support for its EADS Socata North America business operation in the United States.

The announcement was made during the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida, where the company is exhibiting its new TBM 850 very fast turboprop aircraft.

Holomek is an accomplished engineer with 35 years of aeronautical experience in both the U.S. and abroad. During his career, he has occupied various positions in aircraft design, manufacture and customer support, working at companies such as Cessna Aircraft, Bombardier Learjet and Boeing Military Aircraft. While at Bombardier Learjet, he was the Manager of Customer Support Engineering, and also started operations for the company in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“Our focus is on further increasing the level of customer service in the U.S., and Charlie Holomek is a valuable addition to our staff because of his considerable hands-on experience,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the President of EADS SOCATA North America.

“Charlie will assist us in meeting our U.S. market customer support goals, and he will become an important link with our headquarters in Tarbes, France,” added Raphael Maître, EADS Socata’s Vice President - Customer Service. “We will benefit from Charlie’s outstanding skills in the fields of technical support, spares management, heavy airframe repairs and customer relationship management.”

Holomek will assume his new functions at the end of May, and will be based at EADS Socata North America’s Pembroke Pines, Florida facility.

He succeeds Bruno Mandon, who returns to France to manage major maintenance contracts. Mandon will be responsible for the line and base maintenance of the fleet of aircraft operated by the French Air Force in Cognac,. Socata TB 30 Epsilon and Grob 120E-F trainers.

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

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

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Sun 'N Fun News

New paint scheme for the TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop ~ Profile

EADS Photo

Sun 'N Fun News

New Paint Scheme for EADS Socata’s 2008 TBM 850 is Introduced at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In

Lakeland, Florida, 08 April 2008

EADS Socata is unveiling a new paint scheme for its TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop with a special display at this week’s Sun ’n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida.

“Sun ’n Fun traditionally heralds the start-up of a year’s aviation gatherings, and it is the best venue to introduce our 2008 TBM 850 to the general public,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the president of EADS Socata North America. “This follows a series of exclusive TBM 850 events specifically for our customers – and to catch crowd’s eye, we’re now introducing a new paint scheme to highlight the lines of our Very Fast Turboprop.”

EADS Socata also has created a TBM 850 logo as a distinctive identity for the Model 2008 version. “While our new look underscores the TBM 850 2008’s speed and performance, the best of this new business aircraft is on the inside,” Chabbert added.

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

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

About EADS Socata

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

About EADS

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

TBM Program Milestones

• 1987: Launch of the TBM 700, first pressurized business single turboprop in partnership with Mooney Aircraft Corporation (USA) and Valmet (Finland)

• 1990: Certification and first customer deliveries of the TBM 700

• 1991: The TBM 700 is ordered by the French Air Force for liaison duties; 20 aircraft are purchased

• 1992: A TBM 700 is the shuttle of the International Olympics Committee,

• 1993: Around the World in less than 80 hours in a TBM 700; crew: Jacques Lemaigre du Breuil, Nicolas Gorodiche, Olivier Waisblat

• 1994: Lindbergh Trophy, New York – Paris direct flight in a TBM 700 in 10 hr. 54 min. 41 sec. Pilot: Jacques Lemaigre du Breuil

• 1994: French Army Aviation (ALAT) orders 5 TBM 700

• 1994: The TBM 700 is the first single-turboprop aircraft approved for Public Transport in Canada

• 1997: Launch of the TBM 700B, with larger door and optional pilot door

• 1999: TBM 700B Freighter version launched

• 1999: ALAT orders 3 TBM 700Bs

• 2000: First civilian fleet order from Jetfly, a fractional ownership operator

• 2001: Quest Diagnostics orders a fleet of 6 TBM 700B Freighters for the transportation samples used in medical testing

• 2003: Introduction of the TBM 700C2 version, with increased maximum takeoff weight

• 2004: Roll-out of the 300th TBM 700

• 2005: TBM 850 launch announcement,

• 2006: First deliveries of the TBM 850

• 2007: Garmin selected to design an Integrated All-Glass Flight Deck for the TBM 850

New features incorporated in the Model 2008 TBM 850

Avionics:

New Garmin avionics G1000, tailored for the TBM 850 – a true concentration of technology, replacing and integrating instruments, gauges and indicators. It significantly reduces the pilot’s workload and eases maintenance tasks.

This new avionics suite features two 10-inch-wide primary flight displays (PFDs), and one 15-inch multifunction display, the largest on a light business aircraft. This screen integrates navigation, weather, traffic and terrain information. It integrates engine monitoring, main technical information depicting aircraft status, and also airport arrival/departure plates and checklists.

Traditional gyro-based instruments are also replaced by two RVSM-compliant Air Data Calculators and two Air Horizontal Reference Systems (AHRS), complemented by a magnetic sensor. The system is completed by the GMC 710 autopilot, the first entirely digital autopilot.

Global Air System:

The TBM’s previous environmental and vapor control system has been replaced by the Global Air System (GAS), produced by Liebherr Aerospace. It is automatically regulated by digital control, with pressurization and cabin temperature through two independent circuits.

An engine-driven compressor provides efficient cooling at engine start, with a 50 percent improvement in performance. The Model 2008 TBM 850 is the first light business aircraft to benefit from a dual zone temperature control, as the pilot and passengers can adjust their temperature separately for their own areas. Its maintenance is eased by the use of airline industry standard components and by a dual built-in test system.

New cabin:

The Model 2008 TBM 850’s cabin has been redesigned by the Catherineau design company, improving its functionality while retaining the “European flair”. New cushions and backrest shapes have been retained after intensive testing performed by a large array of persons with different sizes and statures.

The four main cabin side panels have been designed for quick change. They include compartment and large arm-rests. The passenger table folds entirely between two fuselage sections, offering two additional inches at the elbow. Cockpit access is easier due to the new seat shape and a 1-inch rise in the cabin ceiling.

Exemplary transatlantic collaboration

The new TBM 850 avionics is the fruit of an exemplary partnership between the European airplane manufacture and its US supplier.

EADS Socata and Garmin technical teams have been working since the end of 2005 to develop the G1000 system, integrate it into the plane and gain certification of all functions. Achieving all this in under two years is a remarkably short development schedule in general aviation.

The test/development aircraft made its first flight in July 2006, and crossed the Atlantic in October 2006 on its way to Garmin’s headquarters at Olathe, Kansas.

The Garmin GFC 710 digital automatic pilot was installed there and fine-tuned by Garmin/EADS Socata team of engineers over the course of the following three months.

During the return journey to Tarbes at the end of January 2007, a cold-weather test was carried out over a week at Iqaluit in northern Canada to check that the aircraft and its new avionics function correctly in freezing polar conditions – temperatures of –33°C (-28°F) when stationary and –48°C (-54°F) in winds of up to 78 knots (145km/h).

The conclusion of the overall test campaign was certification testing, in which the new system was validated for the entire flight envelope.

Socata TBM 850 in figures

Powerplant

Dimensions

Internal

Loading

Performance (ISA conditions, MTOW, No wind,)

Distances (ISA conditions, MTOW, No wind, 50 ft obstacle clearance)

Price (for 2009 delivery)

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Sun 'N Fun News

New paint scheme for the TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop ~ Frontal View

EADS Photo

First NH90 for Finnish Army Aviation delivered

The first of 20 NH90 TTT (Tactical Troop Transport) for the Finnish Army Aviation was delivered on March 11 at Eurocopter’s Marignane facility. It will subsequently be stationed at the Utti Base of the Finnish Defence Forces. This first aircraft was assembled by Eurocopter, while the remaining 19 will be assembled by Patria in Finland.

Marignane, 07 April 2008
Finland is replacing its ageing fleet of Mi-8 helicopters with the NH90 TTT. It meets the requirements of the Finnish armed forces in terms of mission capability and in terms of its suitability for international operations.

The NH90 has established itself as the military medium-size standard helicopter of the 21st century. It makes a significant contribution towards interoperability between European armed forces and their overseas allies for NATO and UN missions. In addition, it contributes towards standardization and rationalization in terms of costs, training and logistics. To date, a total of 507 NH90s have been ordered by 14 countries.

The NH90 is a latest-technology, twin-engine helicopter in the medium-size class. It has been designed from the outset as a multi-role weapons system. The tactical transport and naval variants of the helicopter share a common basic helicopter in a modular design. Dedicated, specialized mission equipment packages allow for maximum flexibility in operations. Special emphasis has been placed on features such as safety, reliability, availability, maintainability, testability and supportability. The diamond shape of the all-composite, corrosion-free airframe combines optimal aerodynamics with low detectability. Optimized man-machine interface significantly reduces pilot and crew workload. The NH90's superior handling qualities are enhanced by a fly-by-wire flight control system, making it the first production helicopter in the world to feature this advanced technology. The NH90 is qualified for day-and-night, all-weather operations.

The NH90 program is managed by the industrial consortium NHIndustries consisting of Eurocopter (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%) and Stork Fokker (5.5%).

About Eurocopter

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

Eurocopter signs Distributorship Agreement with Heli Invest in Poland

Eurocopter confirms a new level of cooperation with the Warsaw-based Heli Invest Company by the signature of a Distributorship Agreement for the territory of the Republic of Poland. Eurocopter has been working with Heli Invest for the past four years. This new agreement aims at providing even better service to the company’s growing customer base in Poland.

Marignane, 07 April 2008

Under the Distributorship Agreement, Heli Invest will act in Poland as:

Helicopter Distributor for Eurocopter’s entire civil product range

Customer Support Services Distributor, and Eurocopter’s Certified Maintenance Center (initially started in 2005)

This agreement reinforces Eurocopter’s presence and activities in the civil and corporate market in Poland through a dedicated Polish company which has been successfully promoting and selling Eurocopter helicopters for the past four years, including the EC120, EC130, EC135 and EC145.

In parallel, acting as a PART145 organisation, Heli Invest has been offering a full scope of support and maintenance services for Polish customers. Heli Invest is also a pilot training organisation certified in accordance with FCL2 standard.

Eurocopter’s new and extended commitment is an important step towards the company’s further involvement in the Polish market and aimed at delivering high-quality, modern and reliable helicopters, together with local highly qualified teams offering services and support.

About Eurocopter

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

Rendez-Vous in Space : ATV Jules Verne reaches its destination

Toulouse, 03 April 2008

“This is the first time that a space vehicle has performed a totally automatic rendezvous,” declared a delighted François Auque, CEO of Astrium, from the ATV control centre in Toulouse. “Europe is now well and truly on board the ISS.”

Three global successes for Astrium in two monthsFollowing the docking of Columbus with the ISS on 11 February, the launch of the ATV by a new version of Ariane 5 on 9 March, and now the docking of the ATV with the ISS, Astrium has just achieved three brilliant successes. Through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) programmes, Astrium is becoming a key industrial partner of the ISS.

This success reinforces Astrium’s unique position as the prime contractor for space systems in Europe. The ATV’s architecture is complex because of the safety requirements intrinsic to manned spaceflight. Furthermore, the architecture integrates unique equipment and technology which is being used for the very first time:

~ relative GPS navigation technology, which filters the raw data obtained from GPS receivers on the ATV and ISS, in order to calculate extremely accurate information on position and speed

~ optical navigation sensors (a videometer and a telegoniometer) developed for the ATV programme, which use laser beams

This success is also partly due to the flight software developed by Astrium. The flight application software (FAS) handles the vehicle management, and has more than a million lines of code. The Monitoring and Safing Unit (MSU) software, which takes control of the ATV in the event of a contingency, is the first Category A software – which means that a validation process has examined every one of its software branches – to be developed in Europe for a space programme. The software has not required any modifications since being validated almost two years ago, which shows the quality of the software engineering.

The flight of the Jules Verne ATV is therefore the first time that a relative GPS-based navigation system and orbital rendezvous optical sensors have ever been used in operation on an automated vehicle.

Astrium and the ISS - beyond Jules Verne“This third success is only a stepping stone. The docking of the Jules Verne paves the way for future adaptations of the ATV. The ATV design allows us to envisage changes in its use such as the capability to bring experiments, equipment or people back to Earth,” stated François Auque, CEO of Astrium, from the ATV control centre in Toulouse. “It is absolutely essential that the development of such systems is one of the priorities of the next ESA ministerial conference, which will be held between now and the end of 2008.”

The ATV should now remain docked with the ISS for four months. The astronauts will transfer the cargo and the ATV will perform several manoeuvres to re-boost the station. At the end of its mission, the ATV will be loaded with waste. After undocking, the ATV will then deorbit and burn up in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of €3.5 billion and more than 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

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

EADS North America nears the 25-delivery milestone for its UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter

U.S. Army takes on-time delivery of the 23rd and 24th aircraft

Arlington, Virginia, 02 April 2008

The U.S. Army has taken delivery of 24 UH-72A Lakotas from EADS North America – all received on time, or ahead of schedule – as the new Light Utility Helicopter demonstrates its mission capabilities in operational service.

The UH-72A is produced at a modern helicopter center of excellence in Columbus, Mississippi, with full-rate production approval received in August of 2007. The Lakotas delivered to date have been fielded, and are supported at three Army installations across the country: the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California; Fort Eustis, Virginia; and Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The UH-72A has flown over 2,000 hours to date with over 90 percent full mission capable rate, and no operational missions have been lost due to aircraft availability.

EADS North America is ramping up to delivery rates of three aircraft per month as production continues to accelerate at the Mississippi facility. In addition to its current service with the U.S. Army, future Lakotas are slated for delivery to Army National Guard units beginning later this year, and overseas deployments are anticipated for U.S. Army units in Europe and Japan.

“Since being awarded the Light Utility Helicopter contract in June 2006, EADS North America has demonstrated its capability to respond to the Army’s needs – on time and in budget,” said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “The UH-72A program is one of the most rapid acquisitions in modern U.S. Army aviation history, and it underscores our commitment to meeting – and exceeding – the mission requirements of those who protect America and ensure its national security. EADS North America also is meeting its industrial commitments to our customer, and meeting our obligations as a responsible corporate citizen for the state of Mississippi.”

The UH-72A’s Mississippi industrial site is one of the first new U.S. helicopter production facilities developed in decades, and is located adjacent to Columbus’ Golden Triangle Regional Airport. It is a facility of EADS North America’s American Eurocopter business unit, and has the responsibility for manufacturing, assembling and delivering some of the most modern military and civilian rotary-wing aircraft available today.

In addition to the UH-72A, helicopters built or upgraded by American Eurocopter in Columbus are operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and law enforcement agencies throughout the nation.

The Columbus center will generate some 250 high-value jobs at peak production, which is stimulating the Mississippi economy, opening dynamic new ties between industry and the state’s educational institutions, and bringing technological capabilities to the region. Indirect employment created by EADS North America’s helicopter production will also benefit Mississippi and surrounding states.

About EADS North America

EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 190,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 31 cities and 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

Front Page

EADS Defence & Security to enhance Philippine air traffic security

Photographic: EADS Defesne & Security

EADS Defence & Security to enhance Philippine air traffic security

Latest technology identification radar systems to be delivered

First air traffic control system according to the most advanced standard

02 April 2008


EADS Defence & Security (DS) together with its local partner Integrated Energy Systems & Resources Inc (IESRI), Manila/Philippines, has been awarded a contract to deliver one of the most advanced secondary radar systems for air traffic control purposes to the Philippine Air Transportation Office (ATO). The system which will be delivered by mid-2008 will be the first building block of a comprehensive modern air traffic control network.

Defence Electronics, an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security, will establish this first air traffic control system employing the latest Mode-S standard in the region. Mode-S is an enhancement of existing air traffic control procedures in the process of implementation worldwide. IESRI will take over the system responsibility with technical support of EADS Defence & Security.

"Air traffic control authorities all over the world are faced with a continually increasing air traffic density," explained Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. "This situation requires a high-performance air traffic control system ensuring reliability, easily manageable logistics and comprehensive data exchange."

The surveillance systems, so-called MSSR 2000 I secondary radars, provide an overview of the air situation based on interrogations, that are in part transmitted in coded form, and automatic replies from the aircraft. This supplements the information previously supplied by ATO radars and in this way improves monitoring of air traffic.

Furthermore, MSSR 2000 I has been installed on board of German naval vessels of the type F122, F123, K130 and S143a. Moreover, the system is being used by the naval armed forces of France, Norway and Finland. Together with air defence and traffic surveillance radars MSSR 2000 I is in service in Germany and numerous other countries. MSSR 2000 I is the only civil/military qualified Mode-S enhanced surveillance secondary radar in the world also offering military Mode-5 capabilities. This dual use capability offers significant commonality savings.

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

From space to the ocean depths Space to be installed on French submarines

Astrium to equip Barracuda fleet with life-support systems

aus Friedrichshafen, 02 April 2008

Space technology developed by Europe’s leading space company Astrium will soon be installed on French submarines.

Astrium has developed a binding carbon dioxide (CO2) regenerative process for the International Space Station (ISS). Carbon dioxide is exhaled by human beings as a metabolic by-product and is noxious in high concentrations. It must therefore be removed from the air of any ‘closed’ atmosphere such as the space station or in submarines.

This technology developed by Astrium is now to be used on board the latest French submarine series ‘Barracuda’. Astrium was recently awarded the development and supply contract for this by the naval defence company DCNS in Cherbourg.

Astrium’s space experts won the contract after a four-year long competition in the face of established international rivals from the naval sector.

“This is the first time Astrium has adapted its technology developed for human spaceflight for use on French submarines. It's a great success," says Alain Charmeau, CEO of Astrium Space Transportation. The French navy is a key customer in this area. In total, all six boats of the Barracuda class are to be equipped with the Astrium life support system. The first vessel will be operational in 2017, and the others will be completed at two-year intervals.

The decisive factor in Astrium’s favour was that the company had achieved an excellent air quality for the ISS system using minimum energy and a compact design, required for space applications. The CO2 binding system is supplemented by an aggregate for controlling toxic substances, with which odours and other gases can be reliably bound and removed.

Astrium’s energy and life-support systems department in Friedrichshafen is the European centre of competence in this field. The life-support system for the European ISS Columbus module, which was docked to the Space Station on 10 February this year, was developed in Friedrichshafen. Some 25 staff work in this department, specialising in the development of closed systems designed to create comfortable living conditions for people in enclosed spaces using a minimum amount of resources. “In addition to being used on space stations, lunar or Mars-based stations and submarines, such ‘closed-loop’ processes could conceivably be of benefit to other areas in future, such as ground vehicles or aircraft, especially in view of the increasing burden on the environment,” says Dr Willigert Raatschen, head of the energy and life support systems department at Astrium.

Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of €3.5 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

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

EADS-led AirTanker consortium signs 27 year air refuelling contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence

EADS is to become RAF's leading supplier of military transport aircraft

AirTanker aircraft will be more than 50 per cent British by value

The Airbus A330-200 has now won each of the last five military tanker contracts internationally demonstrating its superior capability, flexibility and economics

EADS is undertaking further investment and growth of its UK defence business

World’s largest ever Defence Private Financing Initiative (“PFI”), worth approx £13 billion (€16.7 billion) over 27 years

London/Amsterdam, 27 March 2008

AirTanker website:

www.airtanker.co.uk

AirTanker, the EADS-led consortium, has today signed a 27 year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence for the provision of air transport and air refuelling capability to the Royal Air Force. The AirTanker consortium has also completed its financing for the programme, raising approx £2.5 billion (€3.2 billion) for investment in the fleet, a new state-of-the-art operational base and associated infrastructure.

The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme includes the provision of a fleet of 14 new tanker aircraft, based on the latest generation Airbus A330-200 to enter service from 2011, replacing the previous fleet of VC-10 and Tristar refuelling aircraft. The contract also includes provision for all necessary infrastructure, training, maintenance, flight management, fleet management and ground services to enable the RAF to fly air-to-air refuelling and transport missions worldwide. The A330 FSTA aircraft will be more than 50% British by value. Through this agreement, EADS will become the RAF’s leading supplier of transport aircraft, complementing its existing commitment to supply 25 A400M aircraft to the UK forces.

EADS CEO Louis Gallois commented: “We are proud to be providing the RAF with the very best air-to-air refuelling solution available internationally. The MoD’s requirements are known to be highly exacting, and we are grateful that its trust has been placed in EADS and our consortium partners, Cobham, Rolls-Royce, Thales and VT Group. For our part, this win further demonstrates the A330 as the platform of choice for the world’s refuelling fleets and comes on the back of our recent success in the US market. This award strengthens our ongoing commitment to grow our business in the UK in the long-term.”

The Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD) is responsible within the EADS Group for all military derivative programmes based on Airbus platforms. For the FSTA programme, MTAD will be responsible for the design and development of the A330 FSTA aircraft, and for delivering them on-time to AirTanker, fully certified and MoD qualified.

Carlos Suarez, Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division, added: “With this comprehensive service contract, we now cover the full spectrum of customers’ requirements. The A330-200 based tanker solution has now won the last five consecutive military tanker competitions internationally. This demonstrates the A330’s superior capability, flexibility and economics.”

Robin Southwell, CEO of EADS UK, said: “This is a hugely important step forward for EADS in the UK and for our defence business, both in this country and internationally. The Air Tanker A330s promise to provide a crucial enhancement of tanking and transport capability for the UK armed forces. The nature of the PFI funding also means that the programme offers real value for money to the UK tax payer.”

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

Lockheed Martin 1st Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call Invitation

Bethesda, MD, April 15th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will webcast live its First Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. EDT. Bruce Tanner, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, and Jerry Kircher, Vice President, Investor Relations, will discuss first quarter 2008 financial results, provide updates on key topics and answer your questions.

The live audio webcast, along with a Podcast version and relevant financial charts, will be available for download and can be viewed on the Lockheed Martin Investor Relations website:

www.lockheedmartin.com/investor.

An on-demand reply of the conference call will also be available at this website.

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.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2008
SB-08-13


FAILURE TO EXECUTE A MISSED APPROACH CAUSED SHUTTLE AMERICA'S RUNWAY OVERRUN


Washington, D. C. - The National Transportation Safety Board
today determined that the probable cause of an Embraer ERJ-
170, operated by Shuttle America, Inc., was the failure of
the flight crew to execute a missed approach when visual
cues for the runway were not distinct and identifiable.

"Professional pilots have the daunting task of
operating these passenger aircraft on a daily basis under a
variety of weather conditions," said NTSB Chairman Mark V.
Rosenker. "Their decision making process and training must
be comprehensive enough to take all conditions into
account."

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.

The Board found that contributing to the accident was
the crew's decision to descend to the ILS decision height
instead of the localizer (glideslope out) minimum descent
altitude. Because the flight crewmembers were advised that
the glideslope was unusable, they should not have executed
the approach to ILS minimums; instead, they should have set
up, briefed, and accomplished the approach to localizer (glideslope
out) minimums.

Also contributing to the accident was the first
officer's long landing on a short contaminated runway and
the crew's failure to use reverse thrust and braking to
their maximum effectiveness. When the first officer lost
sight of the runway just before landing, he should have
abandoned the landing attempt and immediately executed a
missed approach. Furthermore, the report states that had
the flight crew used the reverse thrust and braking to their
maximum effectiveness the airplane would likely have stopped
before the end of the runway. The Board concluded that
specific training for pilots in applying maximum braking and
maximum reverse thrust on contaminated runways until a safe
stop is ensured would reinforce the skills needed to
successfully accomplish such landings.

In its final report on its investigation, the Safety
Board noted that the captain's fatigue, which affected his
ability to effectively plan for and monitor the approach and
landing, contributed to the accident. By not advising Shuttle
America of this fatigue or removing himself from duty, the
captain placed himself, his crew, and his passengers in a
dangerous situation that could have been avoided, the Board
said.

Another contributing factor to the accident was
Shuttle America's failure to administer an attendance policy
that permitted flight crewmembers to call in as fatigued
without fear of reprisals. The policy had limited
effectiveness because the specific details of the policy
were not documented in writing and were not clearly
communicated to pilots, especially the administrative
implications or consequences of calling in as fatigued.

As a result of the investigation of this accident, the
Safety Board made recommendations to the Federal Aviation
Administration in the following areas: flight training for
rejected landings in deteriorating weather conditions and
for maximum performance landings on contaminated runways,
standard operating procedures for the go-around callout, and
pilot fatigue policies.

A synopsis of the Board's report, including the
probable cause and recommendations, is available on the
NTSB's website, www.ntsb.gov, under "Board Meetings." The
Board's full report will be available on the website in
several weeks.

Delta Air Lines to Donate Record 2,250 Handmade Quilts to Primary Children’s Medical Center

Utah’s First Lady, Mary Kaye Huntsman, delivers proclamation to Delta: “A Quilt for Every Bed”

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, April 15, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) employees today presented Primary Children’s Medical Center with a gift of more than 2,250 handmade quilts during ceremonies at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. In a breathtaking visual display, the facility’s entire playing surface and much of its lower level seating area were draped with the colorful bedcovers that were later delivered to the hospital and will be given to young patients requiring extended stays away from home. “This project began as a labor of love for our flight attendants here in Salt Lake City, and it has continued to grow each year,” said Cindy Atkinson, manager - Delta In-Flight Service. “Now, we have participation from Delta employees, their families and friends from all over the world."

In recognition of Delta employees’ tireless efforts, Utah’s First Lady, Mary Kary Huntsman, was in attendance at the ceremonies to present a proclamation on behalf of her husband, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. She officially named the day, “A Quilt for Every Bed” on behalf of Delta and its employees.

“The dedication and commitment our people have demonstrated year after year to support this cause is truly inspirational and a great source of pride for me and all of us at Delta,” said Sandy Gordon, vice president - Delta In-Flight Service Operations and Training. “Delta employees are passionate about being active in and giving back to the communities where they live and serve. And, nowhere is that more evident than in Salt Lake City.”

Delta’s annual community service outreach, now in its eighth year, has donated more than 8,500 quilts.

Delta’s tradition of donating handmade bedcovers to the Primary Children’s Medical Center dates back to 2001 when local Salt Lake City flight attendants began knitting the creations in their employee lounge while on breaks between flights. Approximately 335 quilts were donated as a result of that first year’s effort and, since then, the project has attracted the attention and support of Delta employees, their families, friends, and other volunteers throughout the country. Outside companies have also stepped up to lend their support to the effort. This year Carpenter – a company which provides fiberfill for everyday items such as beds, floors and boxes – donated the batting (padding) used in all of the quilts.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 306 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 37 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 517 weekly flights to 57 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 16,409 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners.

Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 841 worldwide destinations in 162 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com

April 15, 2008

Michael Curie
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4715
michael.curie@nasa.gov

CONTRACT RELEASE: C08-020

NASA AWARDS SPACE STATION WATER CONTRACT TO HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND

WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded a sole-source contract to Hamilton
Sundstrand Space Systems International Inc., Windsor Locks, Conn.,
for water production services aboard the International Space Station.
The firm fixed-price contract has a potential value of $65 million
and extends through Sept. 30, 2014.

Hamilton Sundstrand will provide equipment that uses the station's
excess carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce water and methane. The
methane will be vented into space, and the water will be fed into the
station's waste water system, where it will undergo treatment before
it is used.

Under the contract, NASA will not buy hardware, but instead will
purchase the water service. If the system does not work, NASA will
not pay for it.

"This is a fundamental shift in the way we do business," said Bill
Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator for Space Operations. "In
the business arrangement we have negotiated for water production
services, the contractor is responsible for all system development
and performance. The only requirements we have imposed are those
associated with safety and interfaces. This provides a procurement
and technology test bed for future exploration systems, which need to
operate in an environment far from Earth, where routine resupply is
not feasible."

The equipment employs a chemical process known as a Sabatier reaction.
The process is named for French Nobel laureate and chemist Paul
Sabatier, who discovered that hydrogen and carbon dioxide produce
methane and water at elevated temperatures and pressures.

The Hamilton Sundstrand-provided hardware will be flown during shuttle
mission STS-130, which is targeted for launch in late 2009. A
checkout of the system is planned for May 2010. Hamilton Sundstrand
will retain title to the hardware and ensure it meets NASA's space
station safety and interface requirements.

Water is used on the space station for a variety of purposes,
including drinking, food preparation, oxygen generation, electronic
equipment cooling and hygiene. About half of the station's water
needs are obtained through recycling. The rest of its water currently
is transported by the space shuttle or supply ships, including the
Russian Progress and European Automated Transfer Vehicle.

"We are very excited to provide this service to NASA," said Ed
Francis, Hamilton Sundstrand Space, Land & Sea vice president and
general manager. "Our experience providing environmental control and
life support systems and other hardware for the space station gives
us the insight needed to recognize areas we can help NASA. This is a
great example of how NASA and industry can work together to benefit
both."

Hamilton Sundstrand provides a number of systems for the space
station, including those that control electrical power and process
water, waste and air. The company has been the prime contractor to
NASA for astronaut spacesuits since 1981.

For information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

April 15, 2008

Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1761
sonja.r.alexander@nasa.gov

Joan B. Underwood
Lockheed Martin, Denver
303-971-7398
joan.b.underwood@lmco.com

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-079

STEPHEN HAWKING SPEAKS AT NASA 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

WASHINGTON -- On Monday, April 21, Professor Stephen Hawking of the
University of Cambridge will be the featured speaker at a lecture
that is part of a series honoring NASA's 50th anniversary. The title
of Hawking's lecture is "Why we should go into space." The event will
be held at the George Washington University's Morton Auditorium at 3
p.m. EDT. Admission is by invitation only, but reporters are welcome
to attend.

NASA television will broadcast the event live on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

News media representatives should R.S.V.P. by calling 703-556-4861 or
e-mailing LM_NASA@hayespr.com .

NASA was created by the National Aeronautics and Space Act and began
operations on Oct. 1, 1958. The 50th anniversary NASA lecture series
features prominent speakers to discuss the benefits that space
exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research provide in
addressing global issues such as the economy, education, health,
science and the environment. Lockheed Martin Corporation of Bethesda,
Md., is co-sponsoring the two-year lecture series. Hawking's lecture
also is being co-sponsored by the Space Policy Institute at George
Washington University's Elliott School.

For more information about the NASA 50th Anniversary Lecture Series,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/50th/NASA_lecture_series/

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

April 15, 2008
Release No. 40

Advanced academic degree, special experience exchange duties application deadline set

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Officers considering advanced academic degree and experience broadening programs in 2009 have until June 6 to apply.

Officers in space/missiles operations, intelligence, weather, logistics, civil engineering, program management, developmental engineering, communications and information, services, public affairs, manpower, other mission support and rated career fields may be able to apply for one or more developmental programs. Additionally, officers may apply for instructor pipeline programs with the Air Force Academy and Air Force Institute of Technology.

Available programs include the Air Force Institute of Technology or Naval Postgraduate School; Education with Industry; Space Lift Education and Crossover Program; Space and Missile Acquisition Exchange Program; Acquisition and Intelligence Experience Exchange Tour; Acquisition and Logistics Experience Exchange Tour; Comptroller Operation Logistics Tour; Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School; and the Information Officer Engineering Exchange.

Officers must submit a completed Air Force IMT 3849, “PME/AFIT/RTFB Officer Worksheet,” to the Air Force Personnel Center here by June 6.

E-mail addresses for application submissions and complete details about each program are available online at:

http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/main_content.asp?prods1=1&prods2=14&prods3=190&prods4=821&p_faqid=6051

Arianespace completes final assembly of its second Ariane 5 for 2008, while its Starsem affiliate prepares another Soyuz mission

Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:30:32 -0400

April 15, 2008

The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA for Arianespace's April 18 dual-payload mission is now complete at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, following the installation of its upper satellite passenger, Star One C2.

This spacecraft joined VINASAT-1, which was installed previously on the Ariane 5 during integration activity in the Final Assembly Building.

For its second launch of 2008, the Ariane 5 will be carrying a total payload of approximately 7,760 kg. - of which more than 6,730 is the combined mass of Star One C2 and VINASAT-1, with the remaining weight represented by the payload adapters, SYLDA dispenser and other integration hardware.

Star One C2 will be the eighth Brazilian satellite to use the Ariane launcher. It will join the fleet of Brazil's Star One telecommunications operator, and carries a payload of 28 C-band transponders, 16 Ku-band transponders, and 1 X-band transponder. The spacecraft is to provide communications, multimedia and broadband services for South America, and is based on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus 3000B3 platform, which will operate from an orbital position of 70 deg. West.

VINASAT-1 was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems in
Newton, Pennsylvania for the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation, and is the first Vietnamese telecommunications satellite. After its deployment by Ariane 5, it will be positioned at an orbital slot of 132 deg. East.

The satellite's payload of 12 Ku-band and 8 C-band transponders will improve the nation's communication networks infrastructure, removing the dependence on ground networks and allowing all of Vietnam's rural communities and hamlets to be equipped with telephones and televisions.

The upcoming Arianespace mission will be 38th launch of an Ariane 5 from French Guiana, and is the second of seven flights planned for the workhorse vehicle in 2008 - the busiest year of activity since Ariane 5's commercial introduction in 1999.

In separate activity, preparations for an upcoming Soyuz launch by Arianespace's Starsem affiliate moved into a new phase this week, with the integration of Europe's GIOVE-B navigation satellite on its Fregat upper stage at Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The activity took place in Starsem's Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF), which is located inside the Site 112 building at the Cosmodrome. The UCIF is one of three Starsem-operated clean room facilities housed in the Site 112 building, and it is the final stop for GIOVE-B before its transfer for integration with the Soyuz launcher.

GIOVE-B will be the second spacecraft launched by Starsem in support of Europe's developing Galileo satellite-based navigation system. A Soyuz mission in December 2005 orbited GIOVE-A, which has been broadcasting Galileo signals from space since then.

The two GIOVE satellites are designed to test novel key technologies for the Galileo system, including the high-precision passive maser atomic clock and triple-channel transmission of navigation signals. Instruments aboard the satellites measure radiation and the spacecraft charging environment.

One feature of GIOVE-B is its ability to transmit MBOC (multiplexed binary offset carrier) signals, which are in accordance with a recently-reached agreement by the European Union and the United States for their respective satellite navigation systems.

The April 27 GIOVE-B launch will be Starsem's 21st commercial mission
since the company's creation in 1996.

Follow the Arianespace and Starsem launch activity with the Mission
Updates and Feature stories on Arianespace's website: www.arianespace.com

Front Page

NASA Extends Cassini's Grand Tour of Saturn

April 15, 2008


RELEASE: 08-098

NASA EXTENDS CASSINI'S GRAND TOUR OF SATURN

PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA is extending the international
Cassini-Huygens mission by two years. The historic spacecraft's
stunning discoveries and images have revolutionized our knowledge of
Saturn and its moons.

Cassini's mission originally had been scheduled to end in July 2008.
The newly-announced two-year extension will include 60 additional
orbits of Saturn and more flybys of its exotic moons. These will
include 26 flybys of Titan, seven of Enceladus, and one each of
Dione, Rhea and Helene. The extension also includes studies of
Saturn's rings, its complex magnetosphere, and the planet itself.

"This extension is not only exciting for the science community, but
for the world to continue to share in unlocking Saturn's secrets,"
said Jim Green, director, Planetary Science Division, NASA
Headquarters, Washington. "New discoveries are the hallmarks of its
success, along with the breathtaking images beamed back to Earth that
are simply mesmerizing."

"The spacecraft is performing exceptionally well and the team is
highly motivated, so we're excited at the prospect of another two
years," said Bob Mitchell, Cassini program manager at NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

Based on findings from Cassini, scientists think liquid water may be
just beneath the surface of Saturn's moon, Enceladus. That's why the
small moon, only one-tenth the size of Titan and one-seventh the size
of Earth's moon, is one of the highest-priority targets for the
extended mission.

Cassini discovered geysers of water-ice jetting from the Enceladus'
surface. The geysers, which shoot out at a distance three times the
diameter of Enceladus, feed particles into Saturn's most expansive
ring. In the extended mission, the spacecraft may come as close as 15
miles from the moon's surface.

Cassini's observations of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, have given
scientists a glimpse of what Earth might have been like before life
evolved. They now believe Titan possesses many parallels to Earth,
including lakes, rivers, channels, dunes, rain, snow, clouds,
mountains and possibly volcanoes.

"When we designed the original tour, we really did not know what we
would find, especially at Enceladus and Titan," said Dennis Matson,
the JPL Cassini project scientist. "This extended tour is responding
to these new discoveries and giving us a chance to look for more."

Unlike Earth, Titan's lakes, rivers and rain are composed of methane
and ethane, and temperatures reach a chilly minus 290 degrees
Fahrenheit. Although Titan's dense atmosphere limits viewing the
surface, Cassini's high-resolution radar coverage and imaging by the
infrared spectrometer have given scientists a better look.

Other activities for Cassini scientists will include monitoring
seasons on Titan and Saturn, observing unique ring events, such as
the 2009 equinox when the sun will be in the plane of the rings, and
exploring new places within Saturn's magnetosphere.

Cassini has returned a daily stream of data from Saturn's system for
almost four years. Its travel scrapbook includes nearly 140,000
images and information gathered during 62 revolutions around Saturn,
43 flybys of Titan and 12 close flybys of the icy moons.

More than 10 years after launch and almost four years after entering
into orbit around Saturn, Cassini is a healthy and robust spacecraft.
Three of its science instruments have minor ailments, but the impact
on science-gathering is minimal. The spacecraft will have enough
propellant left after the extended mission to potentially allow a
third phase of operations. Data from the extended mission could lay
the groundwork for possible new missions to Titan and Enceladus.

Cassini launched Oct. 15, 1997, from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on a
seven-year journey to Saturn, traversing 2.2 billion miles. It is one
of the most scientifically capable spacecraft ever launched, with a
record 12 instruments on the orbiter and six more instruments on the
European Space Agency's Huygens probe, which piggybacked a ride to
Titan on Cassini. Cassini receives electrical power from three
radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which generate electricity
from heat produced by the natural decay of plutonium. The spacecraft
was captured into Saturn orbit in June 2004 and immediately began
returning data to Earth.

The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project between NASA, the
European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency.

For more information on the Cassini-Huygens mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/cassini

Front Page

Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines Combining To Create America's Premier Global Airline


Customers, communities to benefit from expanded global route system, more competitive, financially secure airline

No hub closures; improved international access to benefit small communities

Merger helps offset record oil prices, creates stronger global airline to compete in Open Skies environment

Merger combines Delta’s strengths in the South, Mountain West, Northeast, Europe and Latin America with Northwest’s leading positions in the Midwest, Canada and Asia; competition will be preserved and enhanced as a result of complementary networks

Delta pilot leadership reaches agreement on post-merger contract

Employees to be provided seniority protection and equity in the new airline

World headquarters of combined airline to be in Atlanta, with executive offices in Minneapolis/St. Paul and major airline operations and employee base remaining in Minnesota

Integrated SkyTeam frequent flyer programs and partner networks enable faster integration; existing Air France, KLM joint venture partnerships strengthened



ATLANTA, Georgia and EAGAN, Minnesota – April 14, 2008 – Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) today announced an agreement in which the two carriers will combine in an all-stock transaction with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, creating America’s premier global airline. The new airline, which will be called Delta, will provide employees with greater job security, an equity stake in the combined airline, and a more stable platform for future growth in the face of significant economic pressures from rising fuel costs and intense competition. Small communities throughout the United States will enjoy enhanced access to more destinations worldwide. Customers also will benefit from the combined carriers’ complementary route networks, which together will offer people greater choice, competitive fares and a superior travel experience to more cities than any other airline. In addition, combining Delta and Northwest will create a global U.S. flag carrier strongly positioned to compete with foreign airlines that are continuing to increase service to the United States.

Delta CEO Richard Anderson will be chief executive officer of the combined company. Delta Chairman of the Board Daniel Carp will become chairman of the new Board of Directors and Northwest Chairman Roy Bostock will become vice chairman. Ed Bastian will be president and chief financial officer. The Board of Directors will be made up of 13 members, seven of whom will come from Delta’s board, including Anderson, and five of whom will come from Northwest’s board, including Bostock and Doug Steenland, the current Northwest CEO. One director will come from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Delta will have executive offices in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul and New York, and international executive offices in Amsterdam, Paris and Tokyo. The company’s world headquarters will be in Atlanta. Delta is committed to retaining significant jobs, operations and facilities in Minnesota.

Combined, the company and its regional partners will provide access to more than 390 destinations in 67 countries. Delta and Northwest, together, will have more than $35 billion in aggregate annual revenues, operate a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft and employ approximately 75,000 people worldwide.

In an industry where the U.S. network carriers have shed more than 150,000 jobs and lost more than $29 billion since 2001, the combination of Delta and Northwest creates a company with a more resilient business model that is better able to withstand volatile fuel prices than either can on a standalone basis. Merging Delta and Northwest is the most effective way to offset higher fuel prices and improve efficiencies, increase international presence and fund long-term investment in the business.

The transaction is expected to generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue and cost synergies from more effective aircraft utilization, a more comprehensive and diversified route system and cost synergies from reduced overhead and improved operational efficiency. The company expects to incur one-time cash costs to not exceed $1 billion to integrate the two airlines. The combined company will have a stronger, more durable financial base and one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry, with expected liquidity of nearly $7 billion at closing.

Under the terms of the transaction, Northwest shareholders will receive 1.25 Delta shares for each Northwest share they own. This exchange ratio represents a premium to Northwest shareholders of 16.8 percent based on April 14 closing prices. The transaction is expected to be accretive to current Delta shareholders in year one excluding one-time costs. The merger is subject to the approval of Delta and Northwest shareholders and regulatory approvals. It is expected that the regulatory review period will be completed later this year.

Richard Anderson, Delta CEO, stated: “We said we would only enter into a consolidation transaction if it was right for all of our constituencies; Delta and Northwest are a perfect fit. Today, we’re announcing a transaction that is about addition, not subtraction, and combines end-to-end networks that open a world of opportunities for our customers and employees. We believe by partnering with our employees, including providing equity to U.S.-based employees of Delta and Northwest, this combination is off to the right start. Together, we are creating America’s leading airline – an airline that is financially secure, able to invest in our employees and our customers, and built to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Doug Steenland, Northwest CEO, said: “Today’s announcement is exciting for Northwest and its employees. The new carrier will offer superior route diversity across the U.S., Latin America, Europe and Asia and will be better able to overcome the industry’s boom-and-bust cycles. The airline will also be better able to match the right planes with the right routes, making transportation more efficient across our entire network. In short, combining the Northwest and Delta networks will allow the strengthened airline to realize its full global potential and invest in its future.”

Customers, communities to benefit from expanded global route system, more competitive, financially secure airline.

The Delta and Northwest merger will offer customers and communities direct service between the United States and the world's major business centers. Specific benefits include:

Customers will be able to fly to more destinations, have more schedule options and more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles in what will become the world’s largest frequent flyer program.
The merged airline will maintain all hubs at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, Amsterdam and Tokyo-Narita – each of which will benefit from improved global connectivity.

Delta customers will benefit from Northwest’s extensive service to Asian markets and Northwest’s customers will have access to Delta’s strengths across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Both airlines’ customers will benefit from a strengthened SkyTeam alliance that more closely aligns the combined airline with its respective trans-Atlantic partners Air France and KLM.

Customers also will benefit from the combined carrier’s financial stability. The merger creates one of the strongest balance sheets among major U.S. airlines, permitting the combined airline to invest in its fleet and services to enhance the customer experience. For instance:

The combination will accelerate the upgrading of existing international aircraft with lie-flat seats and personal on-demand entertainment.

The combined company will have the opportunity to exercise options for delivery of up to 20 widebody jets between 2010 and 2013 to provide more international service than ever before.

The combined company also will be able to improve customers’ travel experience through new products and services, including enhanced self-service tools, better bag-tracking technology, new seats and refurbished cabin interiors.

No hub closures; improved international access to benefit small communities

This combination will expand Delta’s international and domestic reach, and there will be no reductions in the number of hubs. In addition, building on both airlines’ proud, decades-long history of serving small communities, Delta will improve worldwide connections to small towns and cities across the U.S., enhancing their access to the global marketplace. Following the merger, Delta will serve more than 140 small communities in the United States – more than any other airline.

“Delta and Northwest are an excellent strategic fit, with complementary and geographically distinct route systems,” said Edward Bastian, Delta president and chief financial officer. “Together, we will have a more robust platform for profitable international growth. Combining both carriers’ international and domestic strengths, with our worldwide SkyTeam partners, we are well positioned to lead the industry and deliver value to our shareholders.”

Merger helps offset record oil prices, creates stronger global airline to compete in Open Skies environment
Record fuel prices have fundamentally changed the economics of the airline industry. Fuel is the highest single expense for Delta and Northwest, significantly eroding the financial benefits of restructuring and placing the airlines’ new found strength and stability at long-term risk. At the beginning of 2007, oil prices were approximately $55 a barrel. Now, oil prices have nearly doubled. This dramatic run-up in the price of oil makes the transaction even more compelling.

Internationally, the two carriers, along with their partners at Air France and KLM, will have a broader global network similar in scope and depth to what other foreign flag carriers already possess – and a significant presence in key business centers, with improved prospects for growing corporate business globally. This presence is essential for U.S. network carriers due to Open Skies agreements that have expanded aviation markets around the world and have created a more competitive international environment.

Merger combines Delta’s strengths in the South, Mountain West, Northeast, Europe and Latin America with Northwest’s leading positions in the Midwest, Canada and Asia; competition will be preserved and enhanced as a result of complementary networks

The Delta-Northwest combination will be pro-competitive. There is little overlap in the nonstop routes the two airlines serve, with direct competitive service on only 12 of more than 1,000 nonstop city pair routes currently flown by both airlines. In fact, the merger will create a stronger, more efficient global competitor. Discount carriers, which now carry one third of domestic passengers, and other network airlines will remain competitors in the airline’s markets.

Delta pilot leadership reaches agreement on post-merger contract

Delta also today announced that it has reached agreement with the company’s pilot leadership to extend its existing collective bargaining agreement through the end of 2012. The agreement, which is subject to pilot ratification, facilitates the realization of the revenue synergies of the combined companies once the transaction is completed. It also provides the Delta pilots a 3.5 percent equity stake in the new company and other enhancements to their current contract.

Delta will use its best efforts to reach a combined Delta-Northwest pilot agreement, including resolution of pilot seniority integration, prior to the closing of the merger.

Employees to be provided seniority protection and equity in the new airline

Frontline employees of both airlines will be provided seniority protection through a fair and equitable seniority integration process, as the airlines are combined. In addition, U.S.-based non-pilot employees of both companies will be provided a 4 percent equity stake in the new airline upon closing. The company also expects no involuntary furloughs of frontline employees as a result of this transaction and the existing pension plans for both companies’ employees will be protected. Additionally, all Delta and Northwest employees will enjoy reciprocal pass privileges on both airlines, beginning as soon as possible during the regulatory review process.

“We are pleased that the people of Delta and Northwest will participate directly in the growth and future success of the combined company,” Anderson said. “Thanks to the hard work and professionalism of the more than 75,000 Delta and Northwest employees over the last few years, our new, combined company will be positioned for a bright future as a leader in the global airline industry.”

Integrated SkyTeam frequent flyer programs and partner networks enable faster integration; existing Air France, KLM joint venture partnerships strengthened

Delta and Northwest’s complementary networks and common membership in the SkyTeam alliance will ease the integration risk that has complicated some airline mergers. The carriers participate in a joint SkyTeam frequent flyer program with common customer lounges and airline partner networks. In addition, they share a common IT platform, which has already been partially integrated through the existing alliance between Delta and Northwest. Further, the combination of Delta and Northwest will enable an accelerated joint venture integration with Air France/KLM, creating the industry’s leading alliance network.

Over the course of the regulatory process, a detailed integration plan will be created by the transition committee made up of leaders from both companies. After closing of the merger, the consolidation of overlapping corporate and administrative functions will result in some job reductions or company-paid transfers. Involuntary reductions for management and administrative employees will be minimized by normal attrition.

Advisers

Financial advisers to Delta were Greenhill & Co. and Merrill Lynch & Co. and legal advisers were Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Hunton & Williams, LLP. Financial advisers to Northwest were Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan Securities and legal advisers were Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and O'Melveny & Myers, LLP.

Investor and Analyst Call Details

There will be a webcast for the investment community on Tuesday, April 15, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. Participants will include Richard Anderson, Delta’s CEO; Doug Steenland, Northwest’s President and CEO; and Ed Bastian, Delta’s President and CFO.

Webcast log-in is available on: www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts or

http://ir.nwa.com

A replay of the webcast will be archived for 30 days. Further information is available in the investor relations section of www.delta.com .

Press Conference Details and Satellite Coordinates

On Tuesday, April 15, at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Delta and Northwest will hold a joint press conference at the Intercontinental, The Barclay, New York, 111 East 48th St, New York, NY 10017.

Participants will include Richard Anderson, Delta’s CEO; Doug Steenland, Northwest’s President and CEO; and Ed Bastian, Delta’s President and CFO.

The press conference will be webcast LIVE over the internet at www.newglobalairline.com . The replay of the webcast will be archived for 30 days.

The press conference will also be available LIVE via satellite through the following feed:

Feed time: 1000-1130 EDT w/15 approx. (test time from 10-10:30 AM)
Coordinates: KU-band: GAL11 / Transponder 15 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 12000 (H)
B-Roll Information and Satellite Coordinates
B-roll footage with sound bites from Richard Anderson and Ed Bastian and Delta and Northwest operations will be available via satellite. To access the B-roll feed via satellite, use the coordinates below.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Feed time: 10:00 – 10:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 3760 (H)
****This story will be available on the Pathfire DMG****
Under Video News Feeds at Medialink
Story Number: 04NY08-0095
Story Slug: Delta and Northwest Create Global Airline

Tuesday April 15, 2008

Feed time: 4:00-4:30 AM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3760 (H)
Feed time: 10:00-10:30 AM EDT
Feed time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: GAL 25 (formerly IA 5) / Transponder 19 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 4080 (V)
Feed time: 2:00-2:30 PM EDT - Includes footage of press conference
Feed time: 7:00-7:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 05 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3800 (H)

Audio News Release

An audio news release will be available for download on www.newglobalairline.com

Photography

Photographs of both companies operations and management teams is available on the news center section of www.newglobalairline.com

Contact Details:

Delta Contacts
Delta Media Relations: 404 715 2554
Delta Investor Relations: 404 715 2170
Brunswick Group: Steve Lipin / Cindy Leggett-Flynn 212 333 3810
Northwest Contacts
Northwest Media Relations: 612 726 2331
Northwest Investor Relations: 800 953 3332

Further details regarding the combination can be found at www.newglobalairline.com

About Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 306 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 37 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 517 weekly flights to 57 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 16,409 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 841 worldwide destinations in 162 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com .

About Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world’s most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents. For more information pertaining to Northwest go to the Web site at www.nwa.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,’ “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Delta's and Northwest’s expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and charges and capitalization, anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; approval of the merger transaction and related transactions by shareholders; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside our control and difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in jet fuel prices; (5) actions taken or conditions imposed by the United States and foreign governments; (6) the willingness of customers to travel; (7) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (8) the impact of labor relations, and (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Other factors include the possibility that the merger does not close, including due to the failure to receive required stockholder or regulatory approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions.

Delta cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s most recently filed Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Delta, Northwest, the merger, the related transactions or other matters and attributable to Delta or Northwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.

Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger, Delta will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest that also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. Delta and Northwest will mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available because it will contain important information.

You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website ( www.sec.gov ) . You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta’s website ( www.delta.com ) under the tab “About Delta” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings.” You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest’s website ( www.nwa.com ) under the tab “About Northwest” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings.”

Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of the merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Delta and Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Delta’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since April 30, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Delta’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

You can find information about Northwest’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since May 31, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Northwest’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest using the contact information above.

Front Page

Delta Air Lines E Northwest Airlines Si Uniscono Per Creare La Più Grande Compagnia Aerea Del Mondo

Il nuovo vettore offrirà comodi voli all’interno degli Stati Uniti, per il Canada, America Latina, Europa e Asia

15 aprile 2008 Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) e Northwest Airlines Corp. (NYSE: NWA) hanno annunciato un accordo che prevede la fusione tra i due vettori, con un valore totale di impresa di 17, 7 miliardi di dollari, e che darà vita alla più grande compagnia aerea al mondo. La compagnia, che si chiamerà Delta, unirà i network complementari dei due vettori, offrendo ai passeggeri più scelta, tariffe competitive e un’esperienza di volo ad alto livello verso più destinazioni di qualsiasi altro vettore al mondo.
Secondo i termini dell’ accordo, gli azionisti di Northwest riceveranno 1,25 azioni Delta per ogni azione Northwest in loro possesso. La fusione è soggetta all’approvazione degli azionisti di Delta e Northwest, e alle approvazioni governative, attese entro la fine dell’anno corrente. Fino ad allora nessuna delle due compagnie introdurrà cambiamenti negli orari, programmi frequent flyer, servizio clienti o struttura aziendale.

Il CEO di Delta Air Lines, Richard Anderson, sarà chief executive officer della nuova compagnia; Ed Bastian, president e chief financial officer di Delta, manterrà entrambe le cariche nella nuova compagnia. Doug Steenland, CEO di Northwest, diventerà membro del consiglio di amministrazione. Delta avrà uffici internazionali ad Amsterdam, Londra, Parigi e Tokyo oltre che Atlanta, Minneapolis/St.Paul e New York. La sede centrale sarà ad Atlanta.

“Delta e Northwest combaciano perfettamente,” ha dichiarato Richard Anderson, CEO di Delta. “Questa transazione aggiunge, non sottrae, unendo network che comprendono tutto il globo e aprono un mondo di opportunità sia per i passeggeri che per dipendenti. Insieme, Delta e Northwest creano la più grande compagnia aerea del mondo - una compagnia finanziariamente solida, in grado di investire su dipendenti e passeggeri, e destinata a prosperare in un mercato mondiale sempre più competitivo.”

Doug Steenland, CEO di Northwest, concorda: “L’accordo siglato oggi rappresenta uno sviluppo positivo per Northwest e i suoi dipendenti. La nuova compagnia offrirà una scelta più vasta di destinazioni negli Stati Uniti, America Latina, Europa e Asia, e questo la renderà in grado di assegnare ad ogni tratta l’aeromobile più adatto, rendendo il trasporto più affidabile e confortevole su tutta la rete. In breve, la fusione tra Northwest e Delta permetterà alla nuova compagnia di dispiegare il suo pieno potenziale e di investire sul proprio futuro.”

Questa fusione espanderà la rete nazionale ed internazionale di Delta; non ci saranno riduzioni nel numero di hub. I passeggeri della nuova compagnia potranno scegliere tra più destinazioni, orari e maggiori opportunita’ di accumulare e redimere miglia in quello che diventerà il più grande programma frequent flyer del mondo.

I passeggeri potranno beneficiare anche della maggiore stabilità finanziaria del nuovo vettore.
La fusione crea uno dei bilanci più forti tra le maggiori compagnie aeree americane, permettendo alla nuova Delta di reinvestire sulla flotta e sui servizi per migliorare l’esperienza di volo.

La compagnia ed i propri partner regionali raggiungeranno oltre 390 destinazioni in 67 paesi. Delta e Northwest genereranno profitti congiunti per oltre 35 miliardi di dollari, opereranno con una flotta di circa 800 aeromobili e daranno lavoro a circa 75.000 persone.

Consulenti

I consulenti finanziari di Delta sono stati Greenhill & Co. e Merrill Lynch & Co.; i consulenti legali sono stati Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz e Hunton & Williams, LLP. I consulenti finanziari di Northwest sono stati Morgan Stanley e J.P. Morgan Securities; i consulenti legali sono stati O'Melveny & Myers, LLP e Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Webcast per investitori

È’ previsto un webcast per gli investitori martedì, 15 aprile, alle 9:00 EDT. Fra i partecipanti, Richard Anderson, CEO di Delta; Doug Steenland, President e CEO di Northwest; e Ed Bastian, President e CFO di Delta.

L’accesso al webcast è disponibile su: www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts

La registrazione del webcast verrà archiviata per 30 giorni. Ulteriori informazioni sono disponibili nella sezione “investor relations” del sito www.delta.com .

Conferenza stampa

Martedì, 15 aprile, alle 10:30 EDT, Delta e Northwest terranno una conferenza stampa congiunta all’Intercontinental, The Barclay, New York, 111 East 48th Street, New York NY 10017.

I partecipanti saranno Richard Anderson, CEO di Delta; Doug Steenland, President e CEO di Northwest; e Ed Bastian, President e CFO di Delta.

La conferenza sarà trasmessa dal vivo via webcast sul sito www.newglobalairline.com . La registrazione sarà archiviata per 30 giorni.

Comunicato stampa audio

Il comunicato stampa in formato audio sarà disponibile su www.newglobalairline.com



Immagini

Immagini di entrambe le compagnie e dei dirigenti sono disponibili nella sezione “news center” del sito www.newglobalairline.com

Contatti:

Contatti Delta
Delta Media Relations: + 1 404 715 2554
Delta Investor Relations: + 1 404 715 2170
Brunswick Group: Steve Lipin / Cindy Leggett-Flynn: + 1 212 333 3810

Contatti Northwest
Northwest Media Relations: + 1 612 726 2331
Northwest Investor Relations: 800 953 33332

Ulteriori informazioni sulla fusione sono disponibili sul sito www.newglobalairline.com

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines è la compagnia aerea che offre collegamenti per il maggior numero di destinazioni di ogni altra compagnia globale a bordo di Delta e dei vettori Delta Connection, che offrono voli per 306 destinazioni in 58 Paesi. Da due anni Delta è la compagnia americana in più rapida crescita internazionale ed è leader sulle rotte transatlantiche con voli dagli USA per 37 destinazioni transatlantiche. Delta offre oltre 517 voli alla settimana dagli Stati Uniti per 57 destinazioni in America Latina e Caraibi. Grazie alle alleanze di cui Delta fa parte, i passeggeri possono accumulare e riscuotere miglia su circa 16.409 voli offerti da SkyTeam ed altri partner. Delta è uno dei soci fondatori di SkyTeam, alleanza aerea globale che offre un vasto network di collegamenti per destinazioni in tutto il mondo e numerosi servizi ai passeggeri. Con i partner SkyTeam e i partner in code-share, Delta offre voli per 841 destinazioni in 162 Paesi. Informazioni, prenotazioni ed altri servizi disponibili nel sito www.delta.com

Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines è una delle maggiori compagnie aeree del mondo con hub a Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo e Amsterdam, ed effettua circa 1.400 partenze al giorno. Northwest è parte di SkyTeam, un alleanza di compagnie aeree che offe ai passeggeri uno dei network globali più estesi del mondo. Northwest ed i suoi partner servono più di 1.000 città in oltre 160 paesi su sei continenti. Per ulteriori informazioni relative a Northwest Airlines visitare il sito www.nwa.com


Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,’ “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Delta's expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and charges and capitalization, anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; approval of the merger transaction and related transactions by shareholders; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside our control and difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in jet fuel prices; (5) actions taken by the United States and foreign governments; (6) the willingness of customers to travel; (7) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (8) the impact of labor relations, and (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Delta cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s most recently filed Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Delta, Northwest, the merger, the related transactions or other matters and attributable to Delta or Northwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.

Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger, Delta will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest that also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. Delta and Northwest will mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available because it will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta’s website (www.delta.com) under the tab “About Delta” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings.” You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest’s website ( www.nwa.com ) under the tab “About Northwest” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings.”

Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of the merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Delta and Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Delta’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since April 30, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Delta’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

You can find information about Northwest’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since May 31, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Northwest’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest using the contact information above.

Front Page

Delta Air Lines Et Northwest Airlines Fusionnent Et Creent Le Plus Grand Transporteur Mondial

La nouvelle compagnie aérienne offrira à ses passagers des connections pratiques à travers les Etats-Unis, le Canada, l’Amérique latine, l’Europe et l’Asie

Paris – 15 avril 2008 -- Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE : DAL) et Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE : NWA) annoncent aujourd’hui la signature d’un accord en vertu duquel les deux entreprises fusionneront leurs activités par le biais d’un échange intégral d’actions évalué à 17,7 milliards de dollars US, créant ainsi la première compagnie aérienne mondiale. La nouvelle compagnie, qui s’appellera Delta, conjuguera les réseaux complémentaires des deux transporteurs et offrira à ses clients davantage d’options de voyage, des tarifs compétitifs et une qualité de voyage supérieure vers plus de destinations que n’importe quelle autre compagnie aérienne.

Au titre de la transaction, les actionnaires de Northwest recevront 1,25 actions Delta pour chaque action Northwest en leur possession. La fusion est soumise à l’approbation des actionnaires de Delta et de Northwest, et aux autorisations officielles des autorités de tutelle concernées. La période d’examen réglementaire devrait être achevée cette année. Durant cette période, aucun changement ne sera apporté aux horaires de vols, programmes de fidélisation, service client ou structure des compagnies.

Richard Anderson, actuellement Directeur général de Delta, prendra la direction de la nouvelle compagnie. Ed Bastian, Président et Directeur financier de Delta, assumera les même rôles au sein de la nouvelle compagnie. Pour sa part, Doug Steenland, Directeur général de Northwest, deviendra membre du Conseil d’administration de la nouvelle entité. Delta sera représentée à l’international via des bureaux à Amsterdam, Paris et Tokyo. La compagnie disposera également de bureaux à Atlanta, Minneapolis/St.Paul et New York. Le siège mondial de l’entreprise sera basé à Atlanta.

« Delta et Northwest se complètent parfaitement », a déclaré Richard Anderson. « Aujourd’hui, nous annonçons une opération qui constitue davantage une addition qu’une soustraction ; une opération qui associe des réseaux permettant de proposer une foule d’opportunités à nos clients et employés. Ensemble, nous créons la compagnie aérienne leader dans le monde – une compagnie financièrement solide, capable d’investir dans ses forces vives et ses passagers, et bâtie pour prospérer sur un marché mondial de plus en plus compétitif. »

De son côté, Doug Steenland a affirmé : « L’annonce d’aujourd’hui est tout à fait exaltante pour Northwest et ses employés. La nouvelle compagnie offrira une plus grande diversité de destinations à travers les Etats-Unis, l’Amérique Latine, l’Europe et l’Asie. Elle sera également davantage en mesure d’associer les bons avions aux destinations les plus pertinentes, optimisant le transport sur l‘ensemble du réseau. Pour résumer, l’alliance des réseaux de Northwest et Delta permettra à la nouvelle compagnie de réaliser pleinement son potentiel et d’investir dans son futur. »

Cette association va permettre à Delta d’étendre son réseau domestique et international, sans réduire le nombre de hubs dans le monde. La nouvelle compagnie va permettre aux passagers de voyager vers des destinations plus nombreuses, de profiter de davantage d’options de voyage en termes d’horaires, et d’opportunités de gagner et cumuler des miles dans ce qui sera le plus grand programme de fidélisation au monde.

Les clients bénéficieront également de la stabilité financière accrue de la compagnie. La fusion crééra l’un des bilans financiers les plus solides parmi les principales compagnies américaines, permettant à la compagnie de réinvestir dans sa flotte et ses services afin d’améliorer l’expérience de ses clients.

La compagnie et ses partenaires régionaux donneront accès à plus de 390 destinations dans 67 pays. Delta et Northwest réaliseront un chiffre d’affaires annuel consolidé de plus de 35 milliards de dollars, exploiteront un parc aérien d’environ 800 avions et emploieront approximativement 75 000 personnes.


Informations complémentaires

Conseillers

Les conseillers financiers pour Delta étaient Greenhill & Co. et Merrill Lynch & Co. Les conseillers légaux étaient Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Hunton & Williams, LLP.
Les conseillers financiers pour Northwest étaient Morgan Stanley et J.P. Morgan Securities, et les conseillers légaux étaient O’Melveny & Myers, LLP et Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.


Détails de la conférence en ligne dédiée aux investisseurs et analystes

Une webémission destinée à la communauté financière sera diffusée le mardi 15 avril à 9h00 EDT, en présence de Richard Anderson, Directeur général de Delta ; Doug Steenland, PDG de Northwest ; et Ed Bastian, Président et Directeur financier de Delta.

Pour se connecter à la webémission, cliquez sur le lien suivant :

www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts

Une rediffusion de la webémission sera archivée pendant 30 jours. D’autres informations sont disponibles dans la rubrique Relations Investisseurs du site delta.com.


Détails de la conférence de presse et coordonnées satellitaires

Le mardi 15 avril à 10h30 EDT, Delta et Northwest tiendront une conférence de presse conjointe à l’Intercontinental, The Barclay, New York, 111 East 48th St, New York, NY 10017.

Cette conférence se déroulera en présence de Richard Anderson, Directeur général de Delta ; Doug Steenland, PDG de Northwest ; et Ed Bastian, Président et Directeur financier de Delta.

Elle sera retransmise EN DIRECT sur le site web suivant : www.newglobalairline.com . Une rediffusion de la webémission sera archivée pendant 30 jours.

La conférence de presse sera également disponible EN DIRECT par satellite via le canal suivant :
10h00-11h30 EDT w/15 approx. (période d’essai de 10h00 à 10h30)
Bande Ku : GAL11 / transponder 15 / audio 6.2 & 6.8 / fréquence descendante : 12000 horizontale)


Séquences vidéo et coordonnées satellitaires

Les séquences vidéo avec inserts sonores de Richard Anderson et Ed Bastian, et images des opérations de Delta et Northwest, seront disponibles par satellite.

Pour accéder aux séquences vidéo par satellite, utilisez les coordonnées ci-après.

Lundi 14 avril 2008

Plage de diffusion : 20h30-21h30 EDT. Satellite AMC 3 / transpondeur 3 en bande C analogique / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / fréquence descendante 3760 horizontale
**** La séquence sera disponible sur la passerelle de diffusion Pathfire DMG ****
Dans la rubrique Vidéo News Feeds, Medialink
Numéro de la séquence : 04NY08-0095
Titre de la séquence : Delta and Northwest Create Global Airline


Mardi 15 avril 2008

Plage de diffusion : 04h00-04h30 EDT. Satellite AMC 3 / transpondeur 3 en bande C analogique / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / fréquence descendante 3760 horizontale

Plage de diffusion : 10h00-10h30 EDT
Plage de diffusion : 13h00-13h30 EDT
Satellite Galaxy 25 / transpondeur 19 en bande C analogique/ Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / fréquence descendante 4080 verticale

Plage de diffusion : 14h00-14h30 EDT – Incluant des vidéos de la conférence de presse
Plage de diffusion : 19h00-19h30 EDT
Satellite AMC 03 / transpondeur 05 en bande C analogique/ Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / fréquence descendante 3800 horizontale


Communiqué de presse audio

Un communiqué de presse audio sera disponible sur www.newglobalairline.com


Iconographie

Des photos des opérations et des équipes de direction des deux entreprises peuvent être téléchargées depuis la rubrique d’actualité du site web : www.newglobalairline.com


Contacts :

Contacts Delta
Relations média Delta :
USA : + 1 404 715 2554
EMEA : + 44 208 867 6295
Relations investisseurs Delta : + 1 404 715 2170
Brunswick Group : Steve Lipin / Cindy Leggett-Flynn : + 1 212 333 3810

Contacts Northwest
Relations média Northwest : + 1 612 726 2331
Relations investisseurs Northwest : + 1 800 953 3332

Plus de détails sur l’accord sont disponibles sur le site www.newglobalairline.com


A propos de Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines propose à ses passagers plus de destinations que n’importe quelle autre compagnie aérienne internationale sur Delta et les transporteurs de Delta Connection avec 306 destinations desservies dans 58 pays. Delta est la compagnie américaine ayant connu la plus forte croissance internationale au cours de ces deux dernières années et est le leader mondial entre les Etats-Unis et l’Europe en opérant vers 37 destinations transatlantiques. Sur l’Amérique latine et les Caraïbes, Delta propose près de 517 vols par semaine vers 57 destinations. Grâce aux alliances marketing de Delta, les clients peuvent cumuler et faire valoir leurs miles de fidélité SkyMiles sur près de 16 409 vols opérés par SkyTeam et les autres partenaires. Delta est membre fondateur de SkyTeam, alliance commerciale internationale qui offre aux passagers un vaste choix de destinations, vols et services à travers le monde. Delta propose des vols vers 841 destinations internationales dans 162 pays (incluant les partages de codes avec ses partenaires internationaux et ses partenaires SkyTeam). Les clients de Delta peuvent effectuer leur enregistrement, imprimer leurs cartes d’embarquement et vérifier le statut de leurs vols sur www.delta.com .

A propos de Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines est l’une des plus grandes compagnies aériennes mondiales, avec des hubs à Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo et Amsterdam, et près de 1400 départs journaliers. Northwest est membre de SkyTeam, une alliance de compagnies aériennes qui offre aux voyageurs l’un des plus vastes réseaux de dessertes au monde. Northwest et ses partenaires desservent plus d’un millier de destinations dans 160 pays sur six continents. Retrouvez plus d’informations sur Northwest en consultant le site www.nwa.com .

Déclarations prévisionnelles

Le présent communiqué de presse inclut des « déclarations prévisionnelles » dans le sens des mentions de préservation de la loi américaine « Private Securities Litigation Reform Act » de 1995. Les termes tels que « s’attendre à », « projeter », « budgéter », « prévoir », « anticiper », « avoir l’intention de », « pourrait », « devrait », « penser que », « annoncer », « potentiel », « continuer » et autres expressions similaires permettent d’identifier ces déclarations prévisionnelles.
Ces déclarations incluent sans s’y limiter un certain nombre d’attentes de la part de Delta relatives aux synergies, coûts, charges et capitalisation, impacts financiers anticipés de la fusion et des transactions associées ; approbation de l’opération de fusion et des transactions associées par les actionnaires ; respect des conditions de clôture (« closing ») de l’opération de fusion et des transactions associées ; et la durée de réalisation de l’opération de fusion et des transactions associées.

Ces déclarations prévisionnelles impliquent un certain nombre de risques et d’aspects impondérables susceptibles de faire diverger matériellement les résultats réels des résultats attendus. La plupart de ces risques et impondérables est hors de notre contrôle et difficiles à prévoir. Ils comprennent, sans toutefois s’y limiter, la possibilité que les synergies attendues ne se matérialisent pas ou du moins pas dans les délais escomptés, en raison, entre autre, (1) de l’environnement tarifaire dans le secteur aérien ; (2) d’actions menées par des compagnies aériennes concurrentes ; (3) de la situation économique globale ; (4) des variations du prix du carburant pour les jets ; (5) d’actions menées ou de conditions imposées par le gouvernement américain et les gouvernements étrangers ; (6) de l’envie de voyager des clients ; (7) de difficultés d’intégration des opérations des deux compagnies aériennes ; (8) de l’impact des relations sociales et (9) des fluctuations des taux de change des monnaies étrangères. Il existe d’autres facteurs qui pourraient provoquer l’échec de cette fusion parmi lesquels le refus d’approbation des actionnaires ou des autorités de tutelle.

Delta précise que la liste de facteurs de risque et impondérables énoncée ci-dessus n’est pas exclusive. D’autres informations sur ces risques sont contenues dans le dossier 10-K récemment déposé par Delta et Northwest. Toutes déclarations prévisionnelles écrites ou orales, concernant Delta, Northwest, la fusion, les transactions associées… attribuées à Delta, Northwest ou toute personne agissant en leur nom, entrent dans le cadre des déclarations prévisionnelles ci-dessus. Delta et Northwest excluent toute obligation de mettre à jour lesdites déclarations prévisionnelles, de manière écrite ou orale, concernant les informations citées dans le présent communiqué de presse.

Informations complémentaires sur la fusion et sources d’information

Le projet de fusion et de transactions associées sera soumis à l’examen des actionnaires de Delta et Northwest. Delta entend déposer une demande d’enregistrement via le Formulaire S-4 auprès de la SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), et Delta et Northwest ont l’intention de déposer une circulaire conjointe de sollicitation de procuration afférente au projet de fusion et de transactions associées. Delta et Northwest e-maileront la demande d’enregistrement et la circulaire conjointe à leurs actionnaires. Les actionnaires de Delta et Northwest, ainsi que les autres investisseurs, sont invités à prendre acte de la demande d’enregistrement et de la circulaire conjointe de sollicitation de procuration dès lors qu’elles seront disponibles, ainsi que de tout autre document pertinent relatif au projet de fusion et de transactions associées et déposé auprès de la SEC (de même que tout amendement ou additif à ces documents), en raison de l’importance des informations qu’ils contiennent. Les investisseurs pourront obtenir gratuitement un exemplaire de la demande d’enregistrement et de la circulaire conjointe de sollicitation de procuration, ainsi que de toute autre pièce déposée contenant des informations relatives à Delta et Northwest, sur le site web de la SEC ( http://www.sec.gov ).

Vous trouverez également ces documents sur le site de Delta www.delta.com sous l’onglet « About Delta » puis « Investor Relations » et « SEC Filings ». Mais aussi sur le site de Northwest www.nwa.com, sous l’onglet « About Northwest », puis « Investor Relations » et « SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings ».

Delta et Northwest, ainsi que leurs administrateurs et cadres dirigeants, pourraient être invités à prendre part à la sollicitation des procurations par les actionnaires de Northwest et Delta dans le cadre du projet de fusion et de transactions associées. Les informations concernant les personnes qui pourraient, dans le respect des règles édictées par la SEC, être susceptibles d’être invitées à prendre part à la fusion, seront énoncées dans la circulaire conjointe de sollicitation de procuration afférente au projet de fusion, dès lors qu’elle sera enregistrée auprès de la SEC. Vous pourrez obtenir des informations relatives aux administrateurs et cadres dirigeants de Delta dans les rapports annuels du formulaire 10-K (incluant toute modification afférente), les rapports actuels du formulaire 8-K et tout autre document qui aurait été enregistré auprès de la SEC depuis le 30 avril 2007, ainsi que dans la procuration définitive relative à la conférence annuelle 2008 des actionnaires de Delta qui sera enregistrée auprès de la SEC.

Vous pourrez obtenir des informations relatives aux administrateurs et cadres dirigeants de Northwest dans les rapports annuels du formulaire 10-K (incluant toute modification afférente), les rapports actuels du formulaire 8-K et tout autre document qui aurait été enregistré auprès de la SEC depuis le 31 mai 2007, ainsi que dans la procuration définitive relative à la conférence annuelle 2008 des actionnaires de Northwest qui sera enregistrée auprès de la SEC. Il est possible d’obtenir gratuitement des exemplaires de ces documents en appliquant la procédure décrite dans le paragraphe précédent.

Front Page

Delta Air Lines y Northwest Airlines se unen para crear la compañía aérea más grande del mundo

La nueva aerolínea ofrecerá a sus clientes vuelos y excelentes conexiones en EEUU, Canadá, Latinoamérica, Europa y Asia

ATLANTA, Georgia e EAGAN, Minnesota – 14 de abril de 2008 -- Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) y Northwest Airlines Corp. (NYSE: NWA) han alcanzado un acuerdo de fusión mediante una transacción de todas sus acciones valorada en 17.700 millones de dólares, que dará lugar a la compañía aérea más grande del mundo. La nueva aerolínea, que se llamará Delta, integrará las redes de rutas de ambas compañías, ofreciendo a los clientes un mayor número de opciones, tarifas competitivas y servicios de máxima calidad, con más destinos que cualquier otra aerolínea del mundo.

El acuerdo de fusión estipula que los accionistas de Northwest recibirán 1.25 acciones de Delta por cada acción de Northwest. La fusión está sujeta a la aprobación de los accionistas de Delta y Northwest y la autorización de la administración. Se espera que el proceso de valoración de la fusión por parte de la administración concluya en el transcurso de este año. Hasta el momento en que se obtengan las autorizaciones necesarias para la transacción, no se producirán cambios en los horarios de los vuelos, programas para viajeros frecuentes, servicio al cliente y organización de la compañía.

El Presidente Ejecutivo actual de Delta, Richard Anderson, será también el Presidente Ejecutivo de la nueva compañía. El Vicepresidente y Director Financiero de Delta, Ed Bastian, seguirá ocupando los mismos cargos en la nueva compañía. Doug Steenland, consejero delegado de Northwest, será miembro del Consejo de Administración de la nueva aerolínea. Delta tendrá oficinas internacionales en Ámsterdam, Londres, París y Tokio y delegaciones en Atlanta, Minneapolis/St.Paul y Nueva York. La sede central estará en Atlanta.

“Delta y Northwest encajan a la perfección”, afirmó Anderson. La fusión que anunciamos hoy no es una resta sino una suma, y conlleva la integración de las redes de ambas compañías, lo que generará infinidad de oportunidades para clientes y empleados. Juntas formaremos la compañía aérea más grande del mundo, una aerolínea sólida, capaz de invertir en sus empleados y clientes y crecer en un mercado mundial cada vez más competitivo”.

La combinación de las dos aerolíneas permitirá a Delta ampliar el alcance de sus rutas nacionales e internacionales sin reducir el número de aeropuertos en los que opera. Los clientes podrán volar a un mayor número de destinos, dispondrán de un mayor número de opciones de vuelos y horarios y más posibilidades para acumular y canjear puntos gracias al que será el programa para viajeros frecuentes más grande del mundo.
Los clientes también se beneficiarán de la mayor estabilidad económica de la nueva compañía. La fusión generará una aerolínea con uno de los balances financieros más sólidos del sector en EEUU, lo que le permitirá reinvertir en su flota y sus servicios para mejorar el servicio al cliente.

La nueva aerolínea y las compañías aéreas regionales asociadas ofrecerán vuelos a más de 390 destinos en 67 países. Juntas, Delta y Northwest ingresarán más de 35.000 millones de dólares anuales, operarán una flota de cerca de 800 aviones, y tendrán una plantilla de unos 75.000 empleados.

Consultores financieros

Para la transacción Delta Air Lines ha contado con la ayuda de las consultoras financieras Greenhill & Co. y Merrill Lynch & Co y los consultores legales Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz y Hunton & Williams, LLP. Northwest ha trabajado con las consultoras financieras Morgan Stanley y J.P. Morgan Securities y los consultores legales O'Melveny & Myers, LLP y Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Encontrarán más información sobre la fusión en www.newglobalairline.com

Información sobre Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines ofrece servicios a más destinos internacionales que cualquier otra compañía aérea con Delta y las compañías de la red Delta Connection®, con vuelos a 306 ciudades en 58 países. En los dos últimos años, Delta ha aumentado su capacidad internacional más que cualquiera de las demás aerolíneas estadounidenses importantes y es la compañía aérea líder en vuelos trasatlánticos, con servicios a 37 destinos. A Latinoamérica y el Caribe Delta ofrece cerca de 517 vuelos semanales a más de 57 destinos. Las alianzas de marketing de Delta permiten a sus clientes acumular y canjear puntos SkyMiles en unos 16.409 vuelos de las compañías de SkyTeam y otros socios de Delta. Delta es miembro fundador de SkyTeam, la alianza aérea internacional que ofrece a sus clientes una extensa variedad de destinos, vuelos y servicios en todo el mundo. Con sus socios de SkyTeam, Delta ofrece vuelos a un total de 841 destinos en 162 países de todo el mundo. Los clientes pueden consultar información sobre vuelos e imprimir tarjetas de embarque en www.delta.com .

Información sobre Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines es una de las compañías aéreas más grandes del mundo, con hubs en Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokio y Ámsterdam, y unos 1400 vuelos diarios. Northwest es miembro de SkyTeam, una alianza aérea internacional que ofrece a sus clientes una de las redes internacionales más extensas del mundo. Northwest y sus socios operan vuelos a más de 1.000 ciudades en más de 160 países y seis continentes. Encontrarán más información sobre Northwest en www.nwa.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include expectations with respect to the benefits of the merger transaction, including synergies resulting from the combination of Delta and Northwest; the one-time costs associated with the combination; approval of the merger transaction by shareholders of Delta and Northwest; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections and strategies reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, (1) the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period; (2) the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; (3) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (4) the failure of Delta shareholders to approve the issuance of Delta common stock or the failure of Northwest shareholders to approve the transaction; (5) competition in the airline industry and its effect on pricing, costs and revenues; (6) the cost of jet fuel; and (7) general economic conditions. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.

Additional Information

The proposed merger and related transactions will be submitted to the shareholders of Delta and Northwest for their consideration. Delta intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, and Delta and Northwest intend to file a related joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger and related transactions. Delta’s and Northwest’s shareholders and other investors are urged to read the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus when they become available, as well as any other relevant documents concerning the proposed merger and related transactions filed with the SEC (and any amendments or supplements to those documents), because they will contain important information. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Delta and Northwest, at the SEC’s website ( http://www.sec.gov ) and at the companies’ respective websites, www.delta.com and www. nwa.com. Copies of the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus and the SEC filings that will be incorporated by reference in the joint proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Delta Air Lines, Inc., Post Office Box 20706, Atlanta, Georgia 30320-6001, Attention: Investor Relations; or to Northwest Airlines Corporation, 2700 Lone Oak Parkway, Eagan, Minnesota 55121, Attention: Investor Relations.

Delta and Northwest, and their respective directors and executive officers, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Northwest and Delta in connection with the proposed merger and related transactions. Information about the directors and executive officers of both Delta and Northwest and additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the merger may be obtained by reading the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

Aviso legal

En cumplimiento de la Ley Orgánica 15/1999 de Protección de Datos de Carácter Personal, SERGAT ESPAÑA S.L., sita en Avda. Pau Casals 4, Barcelona, le informa de que los datos de carácter personal que posee de Vd. los ha obtenido de la publicación que realiza de los mismos en el medio donde trabaja. Así mismo, le informa de que, salvo que nos manifieste lo contrario, dichos datos serán utilizados para remitirle información relativa a las empresas que han contratado nuestros servicios. Puede ejercer sus derechos de acceso, rectificación, cancelación y oposición poniéndose en contacto con la dirección arriba indicada, adjuntando fotocopia de su DNI.

Front Page

Delta Air Lines Und Northwest Airlines Vereinbaren Firmenfusion Und Bilden Die Grösste Fluggesellschaft Der Welt

Neuer Carrier bietet internationalen Fluggästen Vorteile durch erweitertes weltweites Streckennetz

ATLANTA, Georgia und EAGAN, Minnesota – 15. April 2008 – Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) und Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) haben ein Abkommen angekündigt, mit dem die zwei Fluggesellschaften in Form eines Aktientausches mit einem gemeinsamen Unternehmenswert von 17,7 Milliarden US-Dollar die größte globale Airline der Welt schaffen. Die neue Fluggesellschaft wird Delta heißen und die Streckennetze beider Fluggesellschaften vereinen. Die Fluggäste profitieren von einer größeren Auswahl, wettbewerbsfähigen Preisen und einem einzigartigen Service zu mehr Städten als jeder andere Carrier weltweit.

Im Zuge der Fusion erhalten die Aktionäre von Northwest 1,25 Delta Aktien im Gegenzug für jede Aktie von Northwest, die sie besitzen. Der Zusammenschluss ist vorbehaltlich der Zustimmung der Aktionäre von Delta und Northwest sowie behördlichen Genehmigungen. Es wird erwartet, dass der Prüfungszeitraum im Laufe des Jahres abgeschlossen ist. Vor der benötigten Zustimmung der Behörden gibt es bei den Flugplänen, Vielfliegerprogrammen sowie beim Kundenservice oder den Unternehmensstrukturen beider Airlines keine Änderungen infolge des Zusammenschlusses.

Richard Anderson, CEO von Delta, wird Chief Executive Officer des fusionierten Unternehmens. Ed Bastian, President und Chief Financial Officer von Delta, wird beide Positionen auch im fusionierten Unternehmen innehaben. Doug Steenland, CEO von Northwest, wird im neuen Unternehmen Mitglied des Board of Directors. Delta wird internationale Niederlassungen in Amsterdam, Paris und Tokio sowie innerhalb der USA in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul und New York einrichten. Der Hauptfirmensitz des Unternehmens wird in Atlanta sein.

Richard Anderson, CEO von Delta: “Delta und Northwest passen perfekt zusammen. Heute kündigen wir einen Zusammenschluss an, bei dem es ums Gewinnen geht und nicht ums Verlieren. Unsere Kunden und unsere Mitarbeiter profitieren von vielen neuen Möglichkeiten durch die Zusammenlegung unserer Streckennetze. Zusammen werden Delta und Northwest die weltweit führende Fluggesellschaft bilden - eine Fluggesellschaft, die finanziell abgesichert ist, in ihre Angestellten und Kunden investiert und in einem immer zunehmenden weltweiten Wettbewerb bestehen kann.“

Doug Steenland, CEO von Northwest: „Die heutige Ankündigung ist für Northwest und seine Mitarbeiter eine aufregende Entwicklung. Die neue Fluggesellschaft bietet ein erstklassiges Streckennetz innerhalb der USA sowie nach Lateinamerika, Europa und Asien. Sie wird besser in der Lage sein, die optimalen Fluggeräte mit den richtigen Strecken zu kombinieren, und unsere Flottenpolitik innerhalb des gesamten Streckennetzes wesentlich effizienter zu gestalten. Kurz gesagt: Die Kombination von Northwest und Delta ermöglicht der gestärkten neuen Airline ihr globales Potential voll zu nutzen und in eine gemeinsame Zukunft zu investieren.“

Der Zusammenschluss wird das globale und inneramerikanische Streckennetz von Delta erweitern. Es wird keine Reduzierungen bei der Anzahl der weltweiten Drehkreuze geben. Mit dem zusammengeführten Unternehmen können Passagiere zu mehr Destinationen fliegen, sie verfügen ferner über deutlich mehr Flugoptionen und Gelegenheiten, Meilen beim weltweit größten Vielfliegerprogramm zu sammeln und einzulösen.

Die Kunden profitieren auch von einer verbesserten finanziellen Stabilität der neuen Fluggesellschaft. Die Fusion schafft eine der gesündesten Bilanzen unter den US-Airlines und ermöglicht dem neuen Carrier, in seine Flotte zu investieren und Service-Leistungen für Fluggäste zu verbessern. Das Unternehmen und seine regionalen Partner bieten Zugang zu über 390 Destinationen in 67 Ländern. Delta und Northwest werden über einen jährlichen Gesamtumsatz von über 35 Milliarden US-Dollar verfügen, eine Mainline-Flotte von mehr als 800 Fluggeräten unterhalten und etwa 75.000 Mitarbeiter beschäftigen.

Berater

Finanzielle Berater für Delta waren Greenhill & Co. sowie Merrill Lynch & Co.; die rechtlichen Berater waren Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz und Hunton & Williams, LLP. Als finanzielle Berater für Northwest agierten Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan Securities, die rechtlichen Berater waren O’Melveny & Myers, LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Für Investoren und Analysten

Für die Anleger gibt es eine Webübertragung am Dienstag, 15. April 2008, um 9:00 EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). Teilnehmer sind Richard Anderson, CEO von Delta; Doug Steenland, President und CEO von Northwest und Ed Bastian, President und CFO von Delta.

Ein Webcast Login ist verfügbar auf www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts

Eine Aufnahme des Webcast wird für 30 Tage archiviert. Weitere Informationen sind im Bereich „Investor Relations“ auf www.delta.com abrufbar.

Pressekonferenz

Am Dienstag, 15. April 2008 um 10:30 EDT halten Delta und Northwest eine gemeinsame Pressekonferenz im Intercontinental, The Barclay, New York, 111 East 48th St, New York, NY 10017 ab.
Teilnehmer sind Richard Anderson, CEO von Delta; Doug Steenland, President und CEO von Northwest und Ed Bastian, President und CFO von Delta.
Die Pressekonferenz wird LIVE im Internet auf www.newglobalairline.com übertragen. Eine Aufnahme der Web-Übertragung wird 30 Tage lang archiviert.
Die Pressekonferenz ist auch LIVE via Satellit zu verfolgen. Die Koordinaten:
Feed time: 1000-1130 EDT w/15 approx. (test time from 10-10:30 AM)
Coordinates: KU-band: GAL11 / Transponder 15 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 12000 (H)
B-Roll Information und Satelliten-Koordinaten
B-Roll Material mit Aufnahmen von Richard Anderson und Douglas Steenland sowie Filmmaterial von Delta und Northwest sind über Satellit abrufbar (B-Roll).

Die Koordinaten:

Montag, 14. April, 2008

Feed time: 10:00 – 10:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 3760 (H)
****This story will be available on the Pathfire DMG****
Under Video News Feeds at Medialink
Story Number: 04NY08-0095
Story Slug: Delta and Northwest Create Global Airline

Dienstag, 15. April 2008

Feed time: 4:00-4:30 AM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3760 (H)
Feed time: 10:00-10:30 AM EDT
Feed time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: GAL 25 (formerly IA 5) / Transponder 19 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 4080 (V)
Feed time: 2:00-2:30 PM EDT - Includes footage of press conference
Feed time: 7:00-7:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 05 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3800 (H)
Audio Meldung
Eine Pressemeldung für Hörfunk ist abrufbar unter www.newglobalairline.com

Fotomaterial
Fotomaterial beider Unternehmen und ihrer Führungsteams sind im News-Bereich auf www.newglobalairline.com abrufbar.

Pressekontakt:

Delta
Delta Media Relations: + 1 404 715 2554
Delta EMEA Corporate Communications: +44 208 867 6295
Delta Investor Relations: + 1 404 715 2170
Brunswick Group: Steve Lipin / Cindy Leggett-Flynn: + 1 212 333 3810
Northwest
Northwest Media Relations: + 1 612 726 2331
Northwest Investor Relations: +1 800 953 3332
Weitere Informationen zum Zusammenschluss gibt es unter www.newglobalairline.com

Über Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines bietet ihren Kunden mit 306 Flugzielen in 58 Ländern durch Delta und Delta Connection Carrier Flüge zu mehr Destinationen als jede andere globale Airline. In den vergangenen zwei Jahren hat Delta ihren internationalen Service stärker ausgebaut als jede andere große US Airline und ist mit Flügen zu 37 Destinationen über den Atlantik der führende Carrier zwischen den Vereinigten Staaten und Europa. Nach Lateinamerika und in die Karibik offeriert Delta über 517 wöchentliche Verbindungen zu 57 Destinationen. Durch bestehende Marketing-Allianzen ist es den Fluggästen von Delta möglich, auf über 16.409 Flügen der SkyTeam-Allianz und weiteren Partnern Vielflieger-Meilen zu sammeln und einzulösen. Delta ist ein Gründungsmitglied von SkyTeam, einer globalen Luftfahrtallianz mit einem umfassenden weltweiten Netzwerk an Destinationen, Flügen und Dienstleistungen. Mit SkyTeam und den weltweiten Codeshare Partnern bietet Delta Flüge zu 841 weltweiten Destinationen in 162 Ländern an. Auf delta.com können Passagiere für Flüge einchecken, Bordpässe ausdrucken und den aktuellen Flugstatus abrufen.

Über Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines ist eine der weltweit größten Airlines mit Drehkreuzen in Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokio und Amsterdam sowie rund 1.400 täglichen Abflügen. Northwest ist ein Mitglied von SkyTeam, einer Luftfahrtallianz mit einem der weltweit größten globalen Streckennetze für Fluggäste. Northwest und seine Partner bedienen über 1.000 Städte in 160 Ländern auf sechs Kontinenten. Weitere Informationen auf www.nwa.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,’ “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Delta's and Northwest’s expectations with respect to the synergies, costs and charges and capitalization, anticipated financial impacts of the merger transaction and related transactions; approval of the merger transaction and related transactions by shareholders; the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger transaction and related transactions; and the timing of the completion of the merger transaction and related transactions.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside our control and difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the expected synergies will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, due to, among other things, (1) the airline pricing environment; (2) competitive actions taken by other airlines; (3) general economic conditions; (4) changes in jet fuel prices; (5) actions taken or conditions imposed by the United States and foreign governments; (6) the willingness of customers to travel; (7) difficulties in integrating the operations of the two airlines; (8) the impact of labor relations, and (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Other factors include the possibility that the merger does not close, including due to the failure to receive required stockholder or regulatory approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions.

Delta cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Delta’s and Northwest’s most recently filed Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Delta, Northwest, the merger, the related transactions or other matters and attributable to Delta or Northwest or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Delta and Northwest do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this news release.

Additional Information About the Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger, Delta will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Delta and Northwest that also constitutes a prospectus of Delta. Delta and Northwest will mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus to their stockholders. Delta and Northwest urge investors and security holders to read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available because it will contain important information. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website ( www.sec.gov ).

You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Delta’s website ( www.delta.com ) under the tab “About Delta” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings.” You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, from Northwest’s website (www.nwa.com) under the tab “About Northwest” and then under the heading “Investor Relations” and then under the item “SEC Filings and Section 16 Filings.”

Delta, Northwest and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be soliciting proxies from Delta and Northwest stockholders in favor of the merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the solicitation ofDelta and Northwest stockholders in connection with the proposed merger will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC. You can find information about Delta’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since April 30, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Delta’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

You can find information about Northwest’s executive officers and directors in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K (including any amendments thereto), Current Reports on Form 8-K and other documents that have previously been filed with the SEC since May 31, 2007 as well as in its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC related to Northwest’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.You can obtain free copies of these documents from Delta and Northwest using the contact information above.

Front Page

Delta Applauds U.S. Department of Transportation's Decision to Expand Antitrust Immunity for Six SkyTeam Members

ATLANTA, April 9, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)'s Show Cause Order and decision to approve antitrust immunity for six-way alliance activities in trans-Atlantic markets for the SkyTeam carriers of Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Delta currently has antitrust immunity with Air France, Alitalia and CSA, while Northwest has antitrust immunity with KLM. The DOT's ruling will allow these SkyTeam carriers to consolidate their alliance activities.

The closer alliance cooperation made possible by this decision is expected to lead to new and expanding nonstop trans-Atlantic services; more discounted seats available through increased capacity and better cooperation; expanded codesharing, resulting in more convenient routings; shorter travel times and improved time of day coverage; and enhanced competition against rival alliances and improved opportunities to take advantage of the liberalization in trans-Atlantic marketplace made possible by U.S.-EU Open Skies.

The DOT ruling concludes that the proposed combination of alliances will not adversely affect competition. It also finds that the proposed 4-way joint venture "is likely to result in the introduction of new capacity and greater availability of discount fares across the entire joint network."

Commenting on the announcement, Glen Hauenstein, Delta's executive vice president Network Planning and Revenue Management, said: "We are pleased the Department of Transportation recognizes once again that antitrust immunity offers significant advantages to customers including more choice in flight schedules, travel times, services and fares. This grant of immunity allows us to expand these benefits for our customers to two other airline partners and significantly strengthen the SkyTeam alliance."

The DOT's ruling is the first since the new European Union-U.S. Open Skies agreement went into effect on March 30, which created the largest, most important and fully liberalized air transport marketplace in the world. The DOT has approved more than 20 applications for antitrust immunity in the past, including the recent approval of immunity for nine Star Alliance members.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 306 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 37 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 517 weekly flights to 57 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 16,409 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 841 worldwide destinations in 162 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com

Front Page

Delta Air Lines Announces Extension of Exchange Offer

Exchange Offer for Class A Certificates, Series 2007-1 Extended to April 14, 2008

ATLANTA, April 10, 2008 – Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) today announced that it has extended its offer to exchange (the “Class A Exchange Offer”) $924,408,000 aggregate face amount of Class A Certificates, Series 2007-1 (the “New Class A Certificates”), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for an equal face amount of outstanding Class A Certificates, Series 2007-1 (the “Old Class A Certificates”) which were privately placed on October 11, 2007.

The Class A Exchange Offer was originally scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 9, 2008, unless extended. As of the close of business on April 9, 2008, approximately $913,723,000 in aggregate face amount of Old Class A Certificates have been confirmed as tendered in exchange for like face amounts of the New Class A Certificates.

The new expiration date for the Exchange Offer is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, April 14, 2008, unless further extended by Delta.

This press release does not constitute an offer to exchange the New Class A Certificates for the Old Class A Certificates or the solicitation of an offer to exchange. The Class A Exchange Offer is only being made pursuant to a prospectus and letter of transmittal that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of Delta’s Registration Statement on Form S-4. The Registration Statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2008.

Delta has not extended the offer to exchange $265,366,000 aggregate face amount of Class B Certificates, Series 2007-1 and $220,103,000 aggregate face amount of Class C Certificates, Series 2007-1, which also have been registered under the Securities Act, for an equal face amount of outstanding Class B Certificates, Series 2007-1, and Class C Certificates, Series 2007-1, respectively, both of which were privately placed on October 11, 2007. All outstanding certificates in these classes were tendered for exchange prior to the expiration of the offer.

Copies of the prospectus and other documents relating to the Class A Exchange Offer may be obtained from the Exchange Agent by contacting:

U.S. Bank National Association
Corporate Trust Services
Attn: Specialized Finance
Westside Flats Operation Center
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Telephone: (651) 495-3511
Facsimile: (651) 495-8158

About Delta

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 306 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 37 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 517 weekly flights to 57 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 16,409 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 841 worldwide destinations in 162 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com

Front Page

Delta Air Lines Y Northwest Airlines Se Combinan Para Crear La Aerolínea Más Grande Del Mundo

La nueva aerolínea ofrecerá conexiones convenientes para los clientes de EE.UU., Canadá, América Latina, Europa y Asia

ATLANTA, Georgia y EAGAN, Minnesota – 14 de abril de 2008 – Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) y Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) anunciaron hoy un acuerdo mediante el cual las dos aerolíneas se unificarán mediante un canje de capital accionario valuado en US$17.700 millones y crearán, así, la principal aerolínea mundial de los Estados Unidos. La nueva aerolínea, que se llamará Delta, unificará las redes de rutas complementarias de las aerolíneas para ofrecer a los consumidores más opciones, tarifas competitivas y una experiencia de viaje superior con destino a más ciudades que cualquier otra aerolínea.

En virtud de los términos de la transacción, los accionistas de Northwest recibirán 1,25 acciones de Delta por cada acción de Northwest que posean. La fusión está sujeta a la aprobación de los accionistas de Delta y Northwest, y a las aprobaciones normativas. Se espera completar el período de revisión normativa más adelante, durante este año. Hasta que la transacción reciba las aprobaciones necesarias, no habrá cambios en el cronograma de vuelos de la aerolínea, el programa de viajero frecuente, el servicio al cliente ni la estructura corporativa como resultado de la transacción.

El presidente ejecutivo (CEO) de Delta, Richard Anderson, será el presidente ejecutivo (CEO) de la empresa unificada. El vicepresidente y director financiero (CFO) de Delta, Ed Bastian, continuará en esos dos cargos para la empresa unificada. Doug Steenland, presidente ejecutivo (CEO) de Northwest, será miembro del Directorio de la nueva empresa. Delta tendrá oficinas ejecutivas internacionales en Ámsterdam, París y Tokio, y además oficinas ejecutivas en Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul y Nueva York. La oficina central de la empresa estará en Atlanta.

“Delta y Northwest constituyen una unificación ideal”, dijo Anderson. Hoy, anunciamos una transacción que suma -no resta-, una transacción que unifica redes completas que abren un mundo de oportunidades para nuestros clientes y empleados. Juntos, estamos creando la principal aerolínea del mundo, una aerolínea financieramente segura, capaz de invertir en nuestros empleados y clientes, y edificada para prosperar en un mercado cada vez más competitivo”.

Steenland dijo: “El anuncio de hoy llena de emoción a Northwest y sus empleados. La nueva aerolínea ofrecerá una mayor diversidad de rutas en todo EE.UU., América Latina, Europa y Asia. La aerolínea podrá además coordinar los mejores aviones con las mejores rutas, haciendo que el transporte sea más eficaz en toda nuestra red. En resumen, unificar las redes de Northwest y Delta permitirá a la aerolínea fortalecida materializar todo su potencial mundial e invertir en su futuro”.

Esta unificación ampliará el alcance nacional e internacional de Delta, y no habrá reducciones en la cantidad de centros de conexión. Con la empresa unificada, los clientes podrán volar a más destinos, tener más opciones de horarios y más oportunidades de ganar y canjear millas de viajero frecuente en lo que se convertirá en el programa de viajero frecuente más grande del mundo.

Los clientes se beneficiarán además de la estabilidad financiera mejorada de la aerolínea unificada. La fusión crea uno de los balances más sólidos entre las principales aerolíneas estadounidenses, lo cual permite a la aerolínea unificada reinvertir en su flota y sus servicios para mejorar la experiencia del cliente.

La empresa y sus socios regionales proporcionarán acceso a más de 390 destinos en 67 países. Delta y Northwest tendrán más de US$35 mil millones en ganancias anuales totales, operarán una flota de alrededor de 800 aeronaves propias y emplearán a aproximadamente 75.000 personas.

Asesores

Los asesores financieros de Delta fueron Greenhill & Co. y Merrill Lynch & Co., y los asesores legales fueron Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz y Hunton & Williams, LLP. Los asesores financieros de Northwest fueron Morgan Stanley y J.P. Morgan Securities y los asesores legales fueron O'Melveny & Myers, LLP y Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Detalles sobre la llamada para inversores y analistas

Habrá una transmisión por Internet para la comunidad inversora el martes 15 de abril, a las 9:00 a.m., hora del este. Entre los participantes estarán Richard Anderson, director ejecutivo de Delta; Doug Steenland, presidente y director ejecutivo de Northwest; y Ed Bastian, presidente y director financiero de Delta.
Si desea registrarse para la transmisión por Internet, ingrese en:

www.delta.com/about_delta/investor_relations/webcasts

Se archivará una repetición de la transmisión por Internet durante 30 días. Si desea más información, visite la sección de relaciones con los inversores de www.delta.com .

Detalles de la conferencia de prensa y coordenadas satelitales

El martes 15 de abril, a las 10:30 a.m., hora del este, Delta y Northwest llevarán a cabo una conferencia de prensa conjunta en Intercontinental, The Barclay, New York, 111 East 48th St, New York, NY 10017.
Entre los participantes estarán Richard Anderson, director ejecutivo de Delta; Doug Steenland, presidente y director ejecutivo de Northwest; y Ed Bastian, presidente y director financiero de Delta.
La conferencia de prensa será transmitida por Internet en VIVO en www.newglobalairline.com . La repetición de la transmisión se archivará durante 30 días.
Además, la conferencia de prensa estará disponible en VIVO por satélite a través del siguiente “feed”:
Feed time: 1000-1130 EDT w/15 approx. (test time from 10-10:30 AM)
Coordinates: KU-band: GAL11 / Transponder 15 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 12000 (H)

Información sobre las secuencias alternativas y coordenadas satelitales

Las secuencias alternativas con fragmentos de las entrevistas de Richard Anderson y Ed Bastian, y las operaciones de Delta y Northwest estarán disponibles a través del satélite.
Para acceder al “feed” de secuencias alternativas a través del satélite, use las siguientes coordenadas.

Lunes, 14 de abril de 2008
Feed time: 10:00 – 10:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency: 3760 (H)
****This story will be available on the Pathfire DMG****
Under Video News Feeds at Medialink
Story Number: 04NY08-0095
Story Slug: Delta and Northwest Create Global

Martes, 15 de abril de 2008
Feed time: 4:00-4:30 AM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 03 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3760 (H)
Feed time: 10:00-10:30 AM EDT
Feed time: 1:00 – 1:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: GAL 25 (formerly IA 5) / Transponder 19 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 4080 (V)
Feed time: 2:00-2:30 PM EDT - Includes footage of press conference
Feed time: 7:00-7:30 PM EDT
Coordinates: C-Band: AMC 03 / Transponder 05 / Audio 6.2 & 6.8 / Downlink frequency 3800 (H)
Comunicado de noticias en audio

Un comunicado de noticias en audio estará disponible para descargar en www.newglobalairline.com

Fotografía

Las fotografías de los equipos de operaciones y gerencia de ambas empresas se encuentran disponibles en la sección del centro de noticias de www.newglobalairline.com
Detalles de contacto:

Contactos de Delta

Relaciones con los medios de comunicación de Delta: 404 715 2554
Relaciones con los inversores de Delta: 404 715 2170
Grupo Brunswick: Steve Lipin / Cindy Leggett-Flynn 212 333 3810
Contactos de Northwest
Relaciones con los medios de comunicación de Northwest: 612 726 2331
Relaciones con los inversores de Northwest: 800 953 3332
Se pueden encontrar más detalles acerca de la unificación en www.newglobalairline.com

Acerca de Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines presta servicios a más destinos en todo el mundo que cualquier otra aerolínea, y ofrece vuelos de Delta y Delta Connection a 306 destinos en 58 países. Delta ha incorporado más capacidad internacional que cualquiera de las principales líneas áreas de los EE. UU. durante los últimos dos años y lidera el sector del otro lado del Atlántico con vuelos a 37 mercados transatlánticos. Delta ofrece más de 517 vuelos semanales a 57 destinos de América Latina y el Caribe. Las alianzas de marketing de Delta también permiten que los clientes ganen y canjeen millas SkyMiles en casi 16.409 vuelos ofrecidos por SkyTeam y otros socios. Delta es miembro fundador de SkyTeam, una alianza mundial de aerolíneas que proporciona a los clientes una variedad de destinos, vuelos y servicios en todo el mundo. Además de sus socios de SkyTeam y de código compartido en todo el mundo, Delta ofrece vuelos a 841 destinos de todo el mundo en 162 países. Los clientes pueden registrarse para los vuelos, imprimir pasajes y verificar el estado de los vuelos en www.delta.com .

Acerca de Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines es una de las aerolíneas más grandes del mundo con centros de conexión en Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokio y Ámsterdam, y tiene aproximadamente 1.400 salidas diarias. Northwest integra SkyTeam, una alianza de aerolíneas que ofrece a los consumidores una de las redes globales más amplias del mundo. Northwest y sus socios de viaje atienden a más de 1.000 ciudades en más de 160 países de seis continentes. Para obtener más información con respecto a Northwest, visite el sitio web en www.nwa.com

Declaraciones prospectivas

Este comunicado de prensa incluye “declaraciones prospectivas” dentro del significado de las disposiciones de puerto seguro de la Ley de los Estados Unidos de Reforma de los Litigios sobre Valores Privados (Private Securities Litigation Reform Act) de 1995. Palabras como "esperar", “estimar”, “proyectar”, “presupuesto”, “pronosticar”, “anticipar”, “pretender”, “planear”, “poder”, “voluntad”, “deber”, “creer”, “predecir”, “potencial”, “continuar”, y expresiones similares pretenden identificar dichas declaraciones prospectivas. Estas declaraciones prospectivas incluyen, sin limitarse, las expectativas de Delta con respecto a las sinergias, costos y cargos y capitalización, impactos financieros anticipados de la transacción de fusión y las transacciones relacionadas; aprobación de la transacción de fusión y transacciones relacionadas por parte de los accionistas; la satisfacción de las condiciones de cierre de la transacción de fusión y las transacciones relacionadas; y el tiempo de la finalización de la transacción de fusión y las transacciones relacionadas.

Estas declaraciones prospectivas implican riesgos e incertidumbres importantes que podrían hacer que los resultados reales difieran sustancialmente de los resultados esperados. Muchos de los factores están fuera de nuestro control y son difíciles de predecir. Los factores que pueden producir tales diferencias incluyen, aunque no taxativamente, la posibilidad de que las sinergias esperadas no sucedan, o no sucedan dentro del período esperado, debido a, entre otras cosas, (1) el entorno de los precios de la aerolínea; (2) las acciones competitivas llevadas a cabo por otras aerolíneas; (3) las condiciones generales de la economía; (4) los cambios en el costo del combustible para los aviones; (5) las acciones llevadas a cabo por Estados Unidos y los gobiernos extranjeros; (6) la voluntad de los clientes a viajar; (7) las dificultades en la integración de las operaciones de las dos aerolíneas; (8) el impacto de las relaciones laborales , y (9) las fluctuaciones en las tasas de cambio de la moneda extrajera.

Delta adviertes que la anterior lista no es exclusiva. Información adicional acerca de estos y otros factores de riesgo se encuentra contenida en los formularios 10-K recientemente archivados de Delta y Northwest. Todas las posteriores declaraciones prospectivas escritas y orales con respecto a Delta, Northwest, la fusión, las transacciones relacionadas y atribuibles a Delta o Northwest o cualquier persona que actúe su nombre, están expresamente restringidas por las anteriores declaraciones preventivas. Delta y Northwest no asumen ninguna obligación de actualizar ninguna declaración prospectiva, ya sea de forma escrita u oral, con referencia a los temas tratados en este comunicado de noticias.

Información adicional acerca de la fusión y dónde encontrarla

En relación con la fusión propuesta, Delta presentará con la Comisión de Valores y Cambio (Securities and Exchange Commission - “SEC”) una Declaración de registro en el formulario S-4 que incluirá una declaración de poder de representación conjunta de Delta y Northwest que constituye además un prospecto de Delta. Delta y Northwest enviará la declaración/prospecto de poder de representación conjunta a sus accionistas. Delta y Northwest instan a los inversores y accionistas a leer la declaración/prospecto de poder de representación conjunta con respecto a la fusión propuesta cuando esté disponible ya que contendrá información importante. Usted puede obtener copias de todos los documentos presentados ante la SEC con respecto a esta transacción, sin costo alguno, en el sitio Web de la SEC (www.sec.gov). También puede obtener estos documentos, sin costo alguno, en el sitio Web de Delta (www.delta.com) bajo la lengüeta “Acerca de Delta” y luego bajo la lengüeta “Relaciones con los inversores” y luego bajo el título “Archivos de la SEC”. Además puede obtener estos documentos, sin costo alguno, en el sitio Web de Northwest ( www.nwa.com ) bajo la lengüeta “Acerca de Northwest” y bajo el título “Relaciones con los inversores” y luego bajo el elemento “Archivos de la SEC y archivos de la Sección 16”.

Delta, Northwest y sus respectivos directores, directores ejecutivos y determinados miembros de la gerencia y los empleados pueden solicitar poderes de los accionistas de Delta y Northwest en favor de la fusión. La información con respecto a las personas que pueden, bajo las reglas de la SEC, considerarse participantes en el pedido de poderes de los accionistas de Delta y Northwest en relación con la fusión propuesta será publicada en la declaración/prospecto de poder de representación conjunta cuando sea presentada antes la SEC. Usted puede encontrar información acerca de los directores y directores ejecutivos de Delta en su Informes anuales del formulario 10-K (incluyendo toda enmienda en é), Informes actuales del formulario 8-K y otros documentos que hayan sido presentados previamente ante la SEC desde el 30 de abril de 2007 como también en su declaración definitiva de poder de representación presentada ante la SEC en relación con la Reunión anual de accionista de Delta 2008. Usted puede encontrar información acerca de los directores y directores ejecutivos de Northwest en su Informes anuales del formulario 10-K (incluyendo toda enmienda en é), Informes actuales del formulario 8-K y otros documentos que hayan sido presentados previamente ante la SEC desde el 31 de mayo de 2007 como también en su declaración definitiva de poder de representación presentada ante la SEC en relación con la Reunión anual de accionista de Northwest 2008. Usted puede obtener copias gratis de estos documentos de Delta y Northwest la anterior información de contacto.

Front Page

A Delta Air Lines E A Northwest Airlines Unem-Se Para Criar A Maior Empresa Aérea Do Mundo

A nova empresa aérea oferecerá conexões práticas para clientes nos EUA, Canadá, América Latina, Europa e Ásia

ATLANTA, Georgia, e EAGAN, Minnesota – 14 de abril, 2008 – Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) e Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) anunciaram hoje um acordo em que as duas empresas aéreas unem-se em uma transação de aquisição do controle acionário no valor de US$17,7 bilhões, que cria a maior empresa aérea do mundo. A nova empresa aérea, denominada Delta, unirá as redes de rotas complementares das duas empresas para oferecer aos clientes mais opções, tarifas mais competitivas e viagens de alto nível a um número maior de destinos do que qualquer outra empresa aérea do mundo.

De acordo com os termos da transação, os acionistas da Northwest receberão 1,25 ação da Delta para cada ação da Northwest que possuem. A fusão está sujeita à aprovação dos acionistas da Delta e da Northwest e às aprovações normativas. Espera-se que o período de revisão normativo seja concluído ainda este ano. Até que a transação receba as aprovações necessárias, não haverá mudanças na programação de vôos, no programa de viajante freqüente, no atendimento ao cliente nem na estrutura empresarial de nenhuma das duas empresas em conseqüência dessa transação.

Richard Anderson, principal executivo (CEO) da Delta, será principal executivo da combinação de empresas. O presidente e diretor financeiro da Delta, Ed Bastian, continuará nesses dois cargos para a combinação de empresas. Doug Steenland, principal executivo (CEO) da Northwest, será um dos membros do Conselho de Administração da nova empresa. A Delta terá escritórios executivos internacionais em Amsterdã, Paris e Tóquio, além de escritórios executivos em Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul e Nova York. A sede mundial da empresa será em Atlanta.

“A Delta e a Northwest são uma combinação perfeita,” disse Anderson. Hoje, estamos anunciando uma transação que vem para somar, não para subtrair. Ela une redes de ponta a ponta e abre um mundo de oportunidades aos nossos clientes e funcionários. Juntos, estamos criando a empresa aérea líder mundial, financeiramente segura, capaz de investir em nossos funcionários e clientes, e construída para prosperar em um mercado cada vez mais competitivo”.

Steenland disse: “O anúncio de hoje é sensacional para a Northwest e seus funcionários. A nova empresa aérea oferecerá diversidade superior de rotas nos EUA, América Latina, Europa e Ásia. A empresa aérea também terá melhores condições de adequar os aviões certos às rotas certas, tornando o transporte mais eficiente em toda a nossa rede. Em suma, a união das redes da Northwest e da Delta permitirá que a empresa aérea fortalecida atinja seu potencial global total e invista no seu futuro”.

Essa combinação expandirá a abrangência doméstica e internacional da Delta, sem haver reduções no número de hubs no mundo todo. Com a combinação de empresas, os clientes poderão viajar para mais destinos, terão mais opções de horários e mais oportunidades de acumular e resgatar milhas de viajantes freqüentes no que se tornará o maior programa de viajantes freqüentes do mundo.

Além disso, os clientes também se beneficiarão com a melhor estabilidade financeira da empresa aérea combinada. A fusão cria um dos balanços patrimoniais mais fortes entre as principais empresas aéreas dos EUA, permitindo à empresa aérea combinada reinvestir em sua frota e serviços para melhorar a experiência do cliente.

A empresa e seus parceiros regionais proporcionarão acesso a mais de 390 destinos em 67 países. A Delta e a Northwest terão mais de US$ 35 bilhões em receitas anuais agregadas, irão operar uma frota principal de quase 800 aeronaves e empregar aproximadamente 75.000 pessoas.

Consultores

Os consultores financeiros da Delta foram a Greenhill & Co. e a Merrill Lynch & Co. e os consultores jurídicos foram a Wachtell, Lipton, a Rosen & Katz e a Hunton & Williams, LLP. Os consultores financeiros da Northwest foram a Morgan Stanley e a J.P. Morgan Securities, e os consultores jurídicos foram a O'Melveny & Myers, a LLP e a Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Detalhes sobre investidores e analistas

Haverá um webcast para a comunidade de investidores na terça-feira, 15 de abril, às 9h (horário de verão padrão da Costa Leste dos EUA). Entre os participantes estarão Richard Anderson, Principal Executivo (CEO) da Delta; Doug Steenland, presidente e Principal Executivo (CEO) da Northwest e Ed Bastian, presidente e diretor financeiro da Delta.

O acesso ao webcast está disponível em: