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

Stretched...

Air Canada's newest fleet addition, the Boeing 777-300ER.

Photo: Air Canada

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Click Here For Gallery:

Bishop Airport, California

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Tom Braniff

Founder ~ Braniff International

Dallas, Texas

Welcome to

"601 Braniff Place"

Aviation & Marine USA

Maritime Directory

Latest News As Of April 28, 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.

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Front Page

Embraer of Brasil in Poland

A LOT Embraer EMB-170 Regional Jet over the threshold for landing.

Photo: LOT

Front Page

Latest News As Of April 28, 2008

IATA Weekly Jet Fuel Price Monitor

Jet Fuel Price Monitor

Each week IATA updates its jet fuel price index to provide the latest price data from the leading energy information provider Platts.  The weekly index and price data shows the global average price paid at the refinery for aviation jet fuel.

This week's price of aviation jet fuel:

Impact on this year's fuel bill of the global airline industry:

Link Takes You To New York Times Online

Continental Abandons Merger Talks With United

Front Page Australia

Department of Defence Media Mail List

CPA 109/08 Monday, 28 April 2008

SPECIAL OPERATIONS SOLDIER KILLED, FOUR WOUNDED

An Australian soldier serving with the Special Operations Task Group
(SOTG) in Afghanistan has been killed by Taliban extremists in Oruzgan
Province, approximately 25km southeast of Tarin Kowt.

Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the
soldier was killed during a gun-battle in the early hours of this morning
(AEST) when Australian soldiers were engaged by Taliban extremists using
small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.

“Lance Corporal Jason Marks, who was 27 years of age and from the
Sydney-based 4th Battalion (Commando), the Royal Australian Regiment, was
killed just after 6pm,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Four other soldiers were also seriously wounded during the contact.
Their condition is assessed as not life threatening. Due to the nature of
wounds, one of more of those hospitalised may need to be evacuated to
other facilities for more advanced medical treatment. In accordance with
Defence policy, their names will not be released.

The wounded soldiers and the body of Lance Corporal Marks have since
been evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility at Tarin Kowt.
Repatriation arrangements for Lance Corporal Marks’ body will begin
immediately.

“This is a sad day and, on behalf of the entire Defence Organisation,
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends
of Lance Corporal Marks. Our best wishes are also with the wounded
soldiers in the hope that they make a speedy recovery.

Defence has notified the immediate families of all soldiers involved
and is providing assistance to them during this very difficult time.

“Our soldiers continue to acquit themselves magnificently and the
SOTG continues to take the fight to the Taliban. However, due to the
nature of special operations, no further details can be released at this
time,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Information on the ADF’s commitment to Afghanistan can be found at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/opslipper/default.htm

Front Page

Department of Defence Media Mail List

CPA 110/08 Monday, 28 April 2008

STATEMENT FROM MRS CASSANDRA MARKS

The Department of Defence is releasing this statement on behalf of the
family of Lance Corporal Jason Marks, the Australian soldier who was
killed in Afghanistan on Monday, 28 April 2008.

The family has requested their privacy be respected and they will not
be conducting any media interviews.

************************************************************

There are no words to express how we are feeling. Our family is
devastated at the tragic loss of Jason in Afghanistan today.

Jason was a devoted father to our two beautiful children and a loving
husband to me.

All Jason ever wanted to do was join the Army. He was the type of man
who knew what he wanted, even from the age of 12, all Jason ever wanted
to be was a soldier.

Becoming a Commando was a dream of Jason’s, he was proud of who he
was and proud of what he did.

Jason loved to be active, whether it was through playing Union, League
or rock climbing. He even became a combat fitness leader in the Army
he loved it so much.

Jason always strived to be the best he could be, he loved the Army, he
loved his mates and he loved his family.

I ask that the media give us time to grieve the loss of a loving
father, a wonderful husband, a caring son and brother and a respected
soldier.

Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN AGREES TO ACQUIRE EAGLE GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Purchase will Strengthen Company's Military Logistics and Health Care Service
Offerings

Bethesda, MD, April 28, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT]
has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Atlanta, Georgia
based Eagle Group International, LLC. Eagle Group provides logistics,
information technology, training and healthcare services to the U.S.
Department of Defense.

As part of the agreement, the parties have agreed to exclude from the
transaction all obligations associated with Eagle Group's U.S.
Department of Labor Potomac Job Corps Contract. Other terms of the transaction
were not disclosed.

Eagle Group's proven capabilities in military readiness and integrated
logistics, healthcare program management and outsourcing, information
technology, and training services have enabled it to develop a
reputation for outstanding support of its customers' critical missions. Eagle's
revenue is generated mainly from work done for the U.S. Army.

"The acquisition of Eagle Group extends our logistics and business
process outsourcing capabilities, strengthens our relationships with
several key Army customers, and enhances our support for military force
modernization and reset imperatives," said Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin's
Chairman, President and CEO. "We're confident that this acquisition will
create value for our customers and our shareholders."

"The combination will allow our customers to have access to an expanded
range of capabilities and will provide growth opportunities for our
exceptional and dedicated employees," said A.J. Johnson, Eagle's Chief
Executive Officer and President. "We look forward to joining Lockheed
Martin and continuing to build upon our success."

The transaction is subject to government approvals, including a review
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and satisfaction
of certain closing conditions. It is expected that the transaction
will close in the second quarter of 2008.

Founded in 1995, Eagle Group employs more than 1,350 people.

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:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

LOCKHEED MARTIN Safe Harbor Statement / Forward-Looking Statements:

Some of the statements contained in this press release are considered
"forward-looking statements" under the federal securities laws.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements
regarding: (1) the expected closing date of the transaction; (2) the expected
future synergies arising out of the transaction; and (3) future reduced
costs, increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. These
forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and
other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (a)
the risk that the transaction may close more slowly than expected or not
at all; (b) the risk that the cost savings arising out of the
transaction may be less than anticipated, and (c) other risks and uncertainties
detailed from time to time in Lockheed Martin's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

Front Page

Saab in extensive Norwegian industrial cooperation

Saab is planning for extensive industrial cooperation with Norwegian industry in connection with a potential Gripen deal. As a part of this Saab has signed cooperation agreements with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norwegian Thales, Nammo, Simrad Optronics, Natech and TotAl-group.

In the next few years Norway will be renewing its aircraft fleet and has asked for binding information for up to 48 fighter aircraft. Saab is offering Gripen next generation, which is now under development. It can be delivered from 2016 and is a fully Nato-compatible aircraft fulfilling all Norwegian requirements.

A Gripen deal will generate extensive cooperation and development of new technologies together with Norwegian industry.

“We are convinced that our offer provides a historical opportunity for strong and long lasting relations between Norway and Sweden in defence and security related areas as well as a broad range of industrial sectors. Up to date we have identified more than 200 partners in all of the Norwegian fylker. Today we can guarantee an industrial cooperation in excess of 100 percent of order value. Further more we can see a potential business value of at least an additional 100 percent within defence and non-defence sectors.” says Saab’s CEO Åke Svensson.

The cooperation agreement with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) spread over 10-15 years covers the areas of aviation, space, defence and civil security. Cooperation with KDA includes advanced composite production and development for both military and commercial aeronautics and development, integration and marketing of the JSM missile. Total business value more than 12 billions NOK.

Thales Norway will deliver important parts of Gripen, foremost within data link communication, SATCOM and Nato interoperable crypto solutions. Thales Norway and Saab are also planning extensive cooperations in other defence communications areas. Total business value more than 2 billions NOK.

Nammo will develop 27 mm APEX ammunitions for Gripen and Counter Rocket-Artillery-Mortars. Total business valuemore than 1 billion NOK.

Together with Simrad a new company is formed for development and world wide marketing of various products including high tech optronics. The agreement also includes the establishment of a ISTAR/UAV center of excellence. Total business value more than 6 billions NOK.

The agreement with Natech includes production of cabling, panels and racks for Gripen and electromechanical manufacturing for several other Saab military products in Narvik. TotAl-group will design and produce Gripen structural parts and complete assemblies.

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

The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on 28rd April at 12.00.




Swedish Version:


Saab i omfattande industrisamarbete om Norge väljer Gripen

Saab planerar för ett brett industriellt samarbete med norsk industri vid en potentiell Gripen-affär. Saab har skrivit samarbetsavtal med Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norwegian Thales, Nammo, Simrad Optronics, Natech och TotAl-group.

Inom de närmaste åren kommer Norge att förnya sin flygplansflotta och har därför tillfrågat svenska myndigheter om en så kallad Request for Binding Information (RBI) gällande upp till 48 stycken Gripen-flygplan. Saab offererar nästa generations Gripen, som just nu är under utveckling. Flygplanen kan levereras från och med 2016, är helt Nato-kompatibla och uppfyller de krav som Norge ställer.

En Gripen-affär kommer att generera omfattande industrisamarbete och teknisk utveckling.

– Vi är övertygade om att vårt erbjudande skapar en historisk möjlighet för en starkare och mer långsiktig industriell relation mellan Sverige och Norge inom områdena försvar och civil säkerhet, men också inom andra sektorer. Till dags dato har vi identifierat mer än 200 företagspartners inom samtliga Norges fylken. Vi kan idag garantera ett industrisamarbete som täcker över 100 procent av ordervärdet. Vidare ser vi ett potentiellt affärsvärde på minst 100 procent inom både försvars och icke-försvarsrelaterade sektorer, säger Åke Svensson, Saabs VD.

Samarbetsavtalet med Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace sträcker sig over 10-15 år och täcker områdena flyg, rymd, försvar och civil säkerhet. Samarbetet inkluderar avancerad kompositproduktion och utveckling för både militärt och civilt flyg, liksom utveckling, integration och marknadsföring av JSM-missilen till ett värde av mer än 12 miljarder norska kronor.

Thales Norway kommer att leverera viktiga delar till Gripen, mest inom data link kommunikation, SATCOM och Nato interoperativa kryptolösningar. Thales Norway och Saab planerar även betydande samarbeten inom andra militära kommunikationsområden. Total värde på denna affär är mer än 2 miljarder norska kronor.

Nammo kommer att utveckla 27 mm APEX ammunition till Gripen och så kallade Counter Rocket-Artillery-Mortars. Affärens värde är drygt 1 miljard norska kronor.

Tillsammans med Simrad bildas ett nytt bolag för utveckling och internationell marknadsföring av flera olika produkter inom högteknologisk optronik. Kontraktet som är värderat till mer än 6 miljarder norska kronor, innefattar också etablering av ett ”Center of excellence” för ISTAR/UAV.

Kontraktet med Natech innefattar produktion i Narvik av kablage, paneler och fästdetaljer till Gripen samt elektromekanisk tillverkning av flera andra av Saabs militära produkter. TotAl-group designar och producerar strukturdelar till Gripen, liksom kompletta monteringsarbeten.

Saab förser den globala marknaden med världsledande produkter, tjänster och lösningar som sträcker sig från militärt försvar till civil säkerhet. Saab har verksamhet och medarbetare på alla kontinenter och utvecklar, anpassar och förbättrar ständigt ny teknologi för att möta kundernas förändrade behov.


www.saabgroup.com

Informationen är sådan som Saab AB ska offentliggöra enligt lagen om värdepappersmarknaden och/eller lagen om handel med finansiella instrument. Informationen lämnades för offentliggörande den 28 april kl 12.00.

Front Page Sweden (Cision News Bureau)

Gripen proposal to Norway delivered

On behalf of the Swedish Government, FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) today handed over Sweden’s proposal regarding Norway’s Future Combat Aircraft. The 48 Gripen fighters that Sweden has offered to Norway meets all the requirements that Norway has specified in the request documentation for the Royal Norwegian Air Force Future Combat Aircraft.

The Gripen fighter for Norway is a true swing-role next generation combat fighter to meet Norway’s needs for the defence of its national territory, including surveillance of the high North, and participation in international, multi-national forces. Gripen is fully NATO interoperable, can carry a wide range of internationally sourced weapons, includes increased combat range and endurance, additional weapons carriage capability and increased payload, a more powerful engine and super cruise capability. The proposal also includes a joint logistic solution and other areas of multinational cooperation that will reduce the operational cost for both countries.

Besides the operational requirements the Swedish offer meets the Norwegian requirements regarding life cycle costs, and the Swedish offer includes very low acquisition, operation and support costs compared to alternative platforms.

–I am proud to say that the offer we have delivered today meets, or exceeds, all Norwegian operational and other requirements. This has been possible through a jointly effort between the Swedish Government, FMV and Swedish industry and we are confident that the Swedish offer is the complete solution to meet Norway’s future combat aircraft requirements, says Gunnar Holmgren, Director General of FMV.

An integral part of the Swedish offer to Norway is a commitment on the part of the Swedish Government to operate the same advanced version of the Gripen fighter aircraft as offered to Norway, in the event that Norway selects Gripen as its future combat aircraft. This offer creates a win-win situation for both countries, as they would not only share the development costs for the new fighter but would also share future enhancements over the future operational life of Gripen fighter aircraft for the next 30-40 years.

FMV creates the defence equipment of the future for the total defence organisation. We identify, propose and introduce innovative, technically advanced and cost-effective equipment. With high defence and system development expertise gathered under professional project management, we collaborate with industry, the total defence organisation and civil authorities, both nationally and internationally.

Front Page Sweden

Sweden offers Saab’s Gripen to Norway

In Oslo today the Swedish Defence Material Administration FMV, on behalf of the Swedish government, handed-over its compliant response to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence Request for Binding Information for up to 48 Gripen for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

“We have equipped Gripen next generation with a more powerful engine and a completely new modular avionics system. The aircraft will have a greater payload and a longer range. In addition we will develop a completely new type of radar. The development will mean that Gripen will be able to maintain its position at the cutting edge of development for the next 30 - 40 years. Gripen meets all Norwegian requirements.” says Åke Svensson, CEO of Saab. “

“The Swedish offer also includes a broad spectrum of Swedish cooperation with Norwegian industries all over Norway, exceeding 100 percent of the Gripen order value.” Continues Åke Svensson.



www.saabgroup.com

The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on 28rd April at 9.00 AM.



Swedish Version:


Sverige offererar Saabs Gripen till Norge

I Oslo idag lämnade Försvarets materielverk, på uppdrag av den svenska regeringen, in sitt svar på det norska Försvarsdepartementets Request for Binding Information på upp till 48 stycken Gripen-flygplan.

– Vi har försett nästa generation Gripen med en ny starkare motor och ett helt nytt modulärt avioniksystem. Flygplanet kommer att ha en större förmåga att bära last, längre räckvidd och vi kommer också att utveckla en helt ny typ av radar. Utvecklingen innebär att Gripen kommer att kunna bibehålla sin position som leverantör av den mest avancerade teknologin under de kommande 30 - 40 åren. Vårt erbjudande möter alla Norges krav och behov, säger Åke Svensson, Saabs VD.

Sveriges erbjudande innefattar också ett brett spektrum av svenskt samarbete med norska industrier utspridda över hela Norge, vilket överstiger 100 % av Gripen-orderns värde.

Saab förser den globala marknaden med världsledande produkter, tjänster och lösningar som sträcker sig från militärt försvar till civil säkerhet. Saab har verksamhet och medarbetare på alla kontinenter och utvecklar, anpassar och förbättrar ständigt ny teknologi för att möta kundernas förändrade behov.

För ytterligare information, vänligen kontakta:
Toni Eriksson, tf presschef, Saab AB
Telefon: 0734-18 00 18

www.saabgroup.com

Informationen är sådan som Saab AB ska offentliggöra enligt lagen om värdepappersmarknaden och/eller lagen om handel med finansiella instrument. Informationen lämnades för offentliggörande den 28 april kl 09:00.

Front Page

From Flying Boats to Mobile Phone Boarding

The spectacular Dornier X flying boat operated by Lufthansa in the Golden Era before World War II. Today, this aircraft is dwarfed by the Boeing 747-400 and the Airbus A380, the latter a double-decker Superjumbo airliner known as the "Whispering Giant," which likely produces less noise at takeoff than the old piston engine technology that powered this "Soverign of the Seas."

And in today's fast-paced society, where airliners ply their trade in the skies at 35,000 feet or higher, at 630 mph, you merely need your mobile phone to board your flight.

Some day, when airport congestion reaches the point that jet-powered flying boats make peaceful harbors attractive runways for next-generation Superjumbos, this exquisite, romantic notion of Air Travel may return and combine with it, the luxurious amenities desired by today's flying public.

Until then, is it not an amazing "notion" in itself that the largest commercial jetliners in the World ~ aircraft like the A380, 747, A340-600 and Boeing 777-300ER, are merely a phone call away!? <g>

Photo: Lufthansa

Front Page

Lufthansa introduces boarding via mobile phone.

Paperless travel thanks to innovative barcode technology

28.04.08

From 28 April, passengers flying Lufthansa from Hamburg to Munich or Frankfurt will be able to use the new mobile boarding pass service. With this innovative service, passengers who have an Internet-enabled phone can be sent an electronic boarding pass by email or SMS link. The mobile boarding pass contains the relevant flight data, such as the name of the traveller, flight number and departure time, plus a 2-D barcode. Passengers travelling with hand luggage only can then proceed straight to the security checkpoint and to the gate, where the barcode on their mobile boarding pass will be read by a scanner. This means they can then board the aircraft without a printed paper document.

To take advantage of this new service, passengers simply have to select the option “Mobile Boarding Pass” after checking in online via the mobile.lufthansa.com portal. Once they have entered and confirmed their email address on the next screen, an electronic document will be sent to them immediately. Alternatively, they can check in via an SMS link. In this case, an SMS with a link to an Internet page containing all the flight information and a 2-D barcode is sent to the number of the Internet-enabled mobile phone number entered by the passenger on the screen. All that passengers have to do before boarding is call up and display the Internet page. From May, the SMS check-in service will also be available to status customers.

After an eight-week pilot phase, the mobile boarding pass will be gradually introduced on most domestic routes in Germany this summer. From August, this latest electronic boarding pass optionwill also be available to passengers checking in online via lufthansa.com.

Online check-in with additional functions.

Online check-in will also have other advantages for Lufthansa customers in future. From the beginning of May, passengers will be able to enter travel data such as passport and visa details via www.lufthansa.com while checking in on their PC at home or at the office. Check-in via the Internet will thus also be possible for flights to Canada, Mexico, South America and selected destinations in the Middle East and Africa. As identification, passengers will then be able to use a Miles & More or credit card or a frequent flyer card for other Star Alliance 2/2 member Airlines such as British Midland, US Airways, TAP Air Portugal or Spanair. Another innovation is that families with children aged at least two will also be able to check in online.

Deutsch Version:

Lufthansa ermöglicht Boarding per Mobiltelefon.

Papierloses Reisen mit innovativer Barcode-Technologie

28.04.2008

Ab dem 28. April haben Passagiere auf Flügen zwischen Hamburg und München sowie Hamburg und Frankfurt die Möglichkeit, die so genannte Mobile Bordkarte zu nutzen. Bei diesem innovativen Service wird Fluggästen per E-Mail oder SMS-Link eine elektronische Bordkarte an das internetfähige Mobiltelefon gesendet. Diese enthält neben den relevanten Flugdaten wie Name des Reisenden, Flugnummer und Abflugzeit einen so genannten 2-D-Barcode. Gäste, die nur mit Handgepäck reisen, können mit der mobilen Bordkarte am Flughafen direkt zur Sicherheitskontrolle und zum Gate gehen. Dort wird der Barcode über einen Scanner eingelesen und der Gast kann ohne ein ausgedrucktes Papierdokument ins Flugzeug einsteigen.

Um den neuen Service nutzen zu können, muss nach dem Einchecken per Mobiltelefon über das Portal mobile.lufthansa.com lediglich die Option „Mobile Bordkarte“ ausgewählt werden. Mit Eingabe und Bestätigung der E-Mail-Adresse auf der nachfolgenden Eingabemaske wird das elektronische Dokument unmittelbar versendet. Alternativ ist der Service zudem per SMS-Link nutzbar. Dabei wird an die angegebene Nummer des internetfähigen Mobiltelefons eine SMS mit einem Link zu einer Internetseite verschickt, auf der sämtliche Fluginformationen sowie der 2-D-Barcode hinterlegt sind. Die Internetseite muss dann vor dem Boarding lediglich noch aufgerufen und angezeigt werden. Ab Mai wird dieser Service zudem auch für Statuskunden beim SMS Check-in nutzbar sein.

Nach einer achtwöchigen Pilotphase wird die mobile Bordkarte ab Sommer 2008 sukzessive auf den meisten innerdeutschen Strecken verfügbar sein. Ab August ist die neue Variante der elektronischen Bordkarte dann auch beim Online Check-in über lufthansa.com erhältlich.

Online Check-in mit zusätzlichen Funktionen.

Auch der Online Check-in bietet den Lufthansa-Kunden zukünftig weitere Vorteile. Ab Anfang Mai wird es möglich sein, Einreisedaten wie Pass- und Visumsdaten über www.lufthansa.com während des Check-in Vorgangs direkt am heimischen PC oder am Arbeitsplatz im Büro zu erfassen. Damit ist das Einchecken über das Internet auch für Flüge nach Kanada, Mexiko, Südamerika sowie zu ausgewählten Zielen im Nahen Osten und Afrika nutzbar. Die Identifikation kann dann neben der Miles & More- oder Kreditkarte auch über Vielfliegerkarten weiterer Star Alliance Partner wie British Midland, US Airways, TAP Air Portugal oder Spanair erfolgen. Ebenfalls neu ist die Möglichkeit für Familien mit Kindern im Alter von mindestens zwei Jahren online einzuchecken.

Front Page

Lufthansa boosts services from Milan

More flights through stationing of six additional Embraer Jets from 2009 –Joint Memorandum of Understanding signed with Milan Airport operator SEA

28.04.08

Lufthansa is expanding its route network from Milan and in future will offer passengers a much wider choice of flights from the North Italian city to European destinations. In a first step, from the beginning of 2009, six new Embraer 195 jets will be stationed at Milan Malpensa Airport. The aircraft will be operated by the Italian Lufthansa subsidiary Air Dolomiti and will be deployed on intra-European routes. “Milan and the Lombardy region are among the strongest and most important regions in Europe and have a high passenger volume. By expanding our flight offering, we will be able to provide an even denser network of routes to attractive destinations in Europe for our Italian customers in future,” said Karl Ulrich Garnadt, Executive Vice President Services and Human Resources, Lufthansa Passenger Airlines.

In order to provide the infrastructure and ensure that the necessary conditions are in place for future operations at Milan Malpensa, Lufthansa has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SEA, the operator of Milan Airports.

Lufthansa customers already have a wide choice of flights to and from Milan. Along with its partners, Lufthansa offers 372 weekly flights with a Lufthansa flight number to Milan. Up to now, 158 of these flights have gone to Malpensa, 28 flights to Linate. Through a codesharing agreement with Air One, a further 186 intra-European flights are offered via Milan.

Deutsch Version:

Lufthansa erweitert Angebot ab Mailand

Mehr Flugverbindungen durch Stationierung von sechs zusätzlichen Embraer-Jets ab 2009 – Gemeinsame Absichtserklärung mit Mailänder Flughafengesellschaft SEA unterzeichnet

28.04.2008

Lufthansa baut ihr Streckennetz ab Mailand aus und bietet ihren Fluggästen aus der norditalienischen Stadt künftig ein erweitertes Angebot mit deutlich mehr Flugverbindungen innerhalb Europas an. In einem ersten Schritt werden dafür Anfang 2009 sechs neue Flugzeuge des Typs Embraer 195 am Flughafen Mailand-Malpensa stationiert. Die Flugzeuge werden von der italienischen Lufthansa-Tochter Air Dolomiti betrieben und auf europäischen Strecken eingesetzt. „Mailand und die Region Lombardei gehören zu den wirtschaftlich wichtigsten und stärksten Regionen Europas mit einem großen Fluggastaufkommen. Mit der Ausweitung unseres Flugangebotes werden wir unseren italienischen Kunden künftig ein noch dichteres Streckennetz zu attraktiven Zielen in Europa bieten“, sagt Karl Ulrich Garnadt, Mitglied des Bereichsvorstands der Lufthansa Passage Airlines.

Um die Bereitstellung der Infrastruktur und die Festlegung der Rahmenbedingungen für den künftigen Betrieb am Mailänder Flughafen Malpensa zu gewährleisten, hat Lufthansa zudem eine Absichtserklärung (Memorandum of Understanding) mit der Mailänder Flughafengesellschaft SEA unterzeichnet.

Schon heute können Lufthansa-Kunden ab Mailand aus einem großen Angebot von Flugverbindungen wählen. Gemeinsam mit ihren Partnern bietet Lufthansa insgesamt 372 wöchentliche Verbindungen mit Lufthansa-Flugnummer nach Mailand. 158 Flüge gehen bisher nach Malpensa, 28 Flüge nach Linate. Über Codeshare-Flüge mit Air One werden außerdem 186 weitere Europaverbindungen über Mailand angeboten.

Front Page (PRNewswire)

Southwest Airlines Takes First Place For Best Award Redemption, Best Award, and Best Member Communications

DALLAS, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines' frequent
flyer program, Rapid Rewards, won first place in three categories and placed
in the top five in four others at Inside Flyer magazine's 20th annual Freddie
Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 24, in Phoenix, AZ. The airline took home
first place honors for Best Award Redemption, Best Award, and Best Member
Communications. This is the 10th consecutive year for Southwest Airlines to
win Best Award Redemption (every year since the award was created in 1998) and
the first year to win Best Member Communications. Southwest Airlines also
placed in the top five in four other categories, including: Program of the
Year, Best Web Site for southwest.com, Best Customer Service, and Best Elite
Level.

"We are very proud of our Rapid Rewards program, and we are honored to be
recognized by our Members at the prestigious Freddie Awards," said Ryan Green,
Southwest Airlines' Director of Customer Loyalty. "Our Rapid Rewards program
is designed to bring value to our most frequent and loyal Customers, and we
feel like the changes we made to the Program last year -- adding the Rapid
Rewards' A-List and a second redemption option, Freedom Awards -- only add to
that value. This recognition further validates those changes, and we will
continue to look for ways to improve our award-winning program."
Each year, InsideFlyer magazine invites members of all frequent traveler
programs to vote for the programs they feel deliver the best combination of
benefits, awards, and returns on loyalty from the traveler's point of view.
Winners are determined not only by how many votes a program receives, but by
the overall merits of each program as reflected in "value voting," where
voters rate their favorite programs on a scale of one to ten. More than
625,000 frequent flyers submitted ballots to Freddie Awards organizers,
casting votes for programs worldwide.

It is fast and easy to earn free travel through Rapid Rewards. Rapid
Rewards Members earn credits by flying or using the program's Preferred
Partners. It takes just 8 roundtrips to qualify for an Award, but Members can
accelerate their earnings by using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa
Signature Card, doing business with any of the airline's other Preferred
Partners, or by purchasing Southwest's Business Select fares when flying.
Plus, once it's earned, Southwest Airlines allows the Member to transfer the
Award to anyone. The Award is free but subject to the U.S. government
September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip.

After almost 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to
differentiate itself from other low fare carriers -- offering a reliable
product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most
productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling
experience. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its
boarding procedure to make flying Southwest convenient and simple. Southwest
Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic
passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in
Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has
more than 34,000 Employees systemwide.

Online Now: www.southwest.com

Front Page

Disaster Relief

George Guerra, deputy for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems, Unmanned Systems Development Center presents the San Diego Foundation president, Steve Riddle, a grant to restore public amenities in parks and nature preserves, including hiking trails, interpretive signage, visitor centers, and other structures lost in the fires.

Photo: Northrop Grumman

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Issues Grants to Fire Disaster Relief Organizations

SAN DIEGO, April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has issued community grants to San Diego fire disaster relief organizations in an effort to support San Diego's continued fire recovery efforts.

Last October, Santa Ana winds spread fires across more than 500,000 acres of Southern California. A half-million people from communities in San Diego County were evacuated and the fires left many people without homes. Fire victims relied on the help of friends, neighbors and fire disaster relief organizations for support and places to live.

The disaster relief organizations in San Diego County worked tirelessly to meet the needs of displaced families. Northrop Grumman has recognized their efforts and reached out to several organizations with grants.



* The San Diego Fireman's Relief Association cares for fire fighters
and their families in times of need. Three San Diego fire fighters
lost their homes and several were injured while battling the
October fires.

* The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation "After the Fires" Fund
assists local recovery centers in providing property owners access
to information and resources. They plan to use their grant to
restore public amenities in parks and nature preserves, including
hiking trails, interpretive signage, visitor centers, and other
structures lost in the fires.

* The Salvation Army - Sierra Del Mar Division assists uninsured and
underinsured homeowners to return to their property impacted by
fire. They plan to use their grant to assist families in restoring
utilities and water on property.

* The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy consists of the San
Dieguito River Park which is a regional greenway that spans from
Julian to the Pacific Ocean. October's fires burned over 60% of the
River Park's 80,000 acre area and most areas are now closed until
repairs are completed. The Conservancy plans to use their grant to
replace a foot bridge that will re-connect the interpretive trails
adjacent to the Rancho Bernardo Community Park

"It is an honor to be able to help fund organizations that restore, preserve and protect the community for future generations," said George Guerra, deputy for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector's Unmanned Systems Development Center. Guerra presented the grant checks to the organizations on April 24, 2008 during a Northrop Grumman fundraising festival that will benefit San Diego's local USO (United Service Organization).

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

Front Page

Disaster Relief

George Guerra, deputy for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems, Unmanned Systems Development Center presents Dan Faddis, board president of the Fire Fighters Relief Association, a grant to help fire fighters and their families in times of need. Mike Kirekby, executive director for the Fire Fighters Relief Association, is pictured in back.

Photo: Northrop Grumman

Front Page

Northrop Grumman to Provide New STARLite Radar for U.S. Army Unmanned Vehicle Application

BALTIMORE, April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Army Communication-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command to produce the new multi-function radar for the Extended Range/Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Radar program.


Under the terms of the initial $42 million contract with the Command's Robotics and Unmanned Systems Program Management Office, Northrop Grumman will deliver 10 STARLite(tm) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Ground Moving Target Indication radars to the Army.

"STARLite(tm) will provide precision ground maps and indications of moving targets vital to surveillance and protection of forces on the ground," said Dave Shrum, vice president of Weapons and Sensors for Northrop Grumman's Land Forces Division. "STARLite's light weight will allow its installation on armed UAVs alongside optical sensors, giving our warfighters unprecedented situational awareness and target coordination to reduce the 'kill chain' on a wide variety of UAV and manned systems."

Northrop Grumman currently has a wide range of UAV-based surveillance radars in design, testing or production, aimed at providing for the existing and future tactical surveillance needs of the warfighter from the small unit to both the corps and battle group level.

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

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Wins Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Enterprise System Development Task Order

MCLEAN, Va., April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a task order under the Enterprise System Development (ESD) contract to provide the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with software services that will better assist Medicare beneficiaries.

The ESD program is a 10-year, $4 billion indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. Northrop Grumman's Information Technology (IT) sector was awarded the ESD contract in 2007.

Under the terms of the task order, Northrop Grumman will provide computer software services to the Medicare Beneficiary Database Suite of Systems (MBDSS) including system enhancements and maintenance.

The MBDSS is a collection of individual applications and services that provide a single, enterprise-wide authoritative source for Medicare beneficiary demographic data to support the collection and maintenance of Medicare beneficiary information.

"Northrop Grumman will help CMS optimize its computing resources by delivering better functionality and performance enhancements to the Medicare Beneficiary Database Suite of Systems," said George Peach Taylor Jr., M.D., vice president of Health and Human Services for Northrop Grumman IT's Civilian Agencies group. "Our technical expertise and advanced business solutions will provide a comprehensive and efficient application for Medicare beneficiaries."

The task order is valued at $36.5 million, which includes one base year and four option years.

Northrop Grumman has provided design, development and ongoing maintenance of critical CMS programs for 10 years. The company was also the prime contractor that supported all phases of the CMS MBDSS development effort since 1998.

Work on the contract will be conducted in Woodlawn, Md.

Northrop Grumman is a trusted integrator of advanced health solutions, including health and benefits systems management and information security. The company's services span the public health, healthcare delivery and life sciences domains, and include cutting-edge information exchange for electronic health records, Web-enabled workflow processing and large-scale information management.

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

Front Page

Lockheed Martin Joins Northrop Grumman Team Competing for GPS OCX Phase B Contract

RESTON, Va., April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that Lockheed Martin has joined its team competing for the U.S. Air Force's Global Positioning System (GPS) Next Generation Control Segment (OCX) Phase B contract.


The OCX modernization effort will provide mission enterprise control support for the nation's existing GPS Block II and future Block III satellites. The current OCX contract for Phase A of the program is valued at $160 million and will provide the Air Force a flexible, scaleable, extensible and service-oriented re-architecture of the current GPS ground system. If selected for Phase B, Northrop Grumman's Team OCX will deliver and sustain OCX via a block development approach.

"Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services is a tremendous addition to Northrop Grumman's experienced and proven team and will greatly enhance our ability to offer the customer an innovative and low-risk OCX solution that modernizes GPS command and control for effects-based operations," said Steve Bergjans, GPS OCX vice president and program manager for Northrop Grumman.

Lockheed Martin will leverage a 30-year GPS service history of proven program performance, which includes successfully integrating and operating all versions of GPS space vehicles and ground system architectures, to support Northrop Grumman's innovative approach for an enduring next generation control segment that will optimize operational effects via net-enabled, shared situational awareness and assured services.

"We are pleased to join Northrop Grumman's Team OCX," said John Mengucci, president of Mission and Combat Support Solutions for Lockheed Martin. "We look forward to working side-by-side with Northrop Grumman to provide the Air Force and global users new capabilities via an outstanding combination of innovation, navigation, and timing know-how."

Under an Air Force risk reduction effort, Northrop Grumman has since 2005 supported the study of state-of-the-art capabilities in satellite control segment software and hardware architecture and developed innovative architectures to meet OCX performance requirements.

Lockheed Martin, Gaithersburg, Md., joins a best of industry team that also includes Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Fla.; Integral Systems, Inc., Lanham, Md.; and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Dayton, Ohio; and several key specialty small businesses and vendors such as Infinity Systems Engineering, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Applied Minds, Glendale, Calif. Northrop Grumman leads Team OCX as prime contractor.

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

Front Page

Northrop Grumman Awarded Translation and Interpretation Services Subcontract

HERNDON, Va., April 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was awarded a subcontract as part of the Global Linguist Solutions LLC (GLS) team to provide management of translation and interpretation services for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Interpreter and Translator Management Services-Iraq indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity subcontract provides a potential value of approximately $135 million over a 5-year period to the Northrop Grumman Technical Services sector.

The contract expands Northrop Grumman's support of OIF linguist operations. The GLS team, which includes Northrop Grumman and 11 other subcontractors, will employ approximately 7,000 locally hired Iraqi citizens and more than 2,000 U.S. citizens as interpreters.

"Linguist services are crucial to supporting the warfighter, and we believe our experience and proven personnel will benefit the entire team," said Ryan Piano, Northrop Grumman's INSCOM Interpreter and Translator Management Services program manager. "Being involved with this program shows the value Northrop Grumman brings to the customer in linguist operations."

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

Front Page

Lockheed Martin Promotes Secure Coding Best Practices With SANS Institute Partnership

Will Introduce New Employee Certification for Software Developers to Assure Secure Coding

Gaithersburg, Md., April 28th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is partnering with the SANS Institute to reduce cyber security vulnerabilities that may be introduced during software development. Through a new certification program and training initiatives, Lockheed Martin developers will be given new skills to further enhance the security of the code they write.

Initially, the SANS Lockheed Martin project will allow Lockheed Martin to assess the secure coding skills of 75 programmers, provide training to improve their skills, and certify its developers through a rigorous certification exam. Based on the results of the assessment and training, the program may be expanded to train a broader developer workforce.

"We are pleased to see Lockheed Martin adopt the GSSP certification and become the first systems integrator to provide its customers with assurance that the people building applications actually understand how to write secure code," said Alan Paller, Director of Research, SANS Institute. "Using industry standard certification for secure application development is essential to delivering secure solutions to customers," he said.

Lockheed Martin developers will be offered assessments, skills development, and certification for secure coding through the SANS Institute. The new Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Secure Software Programmer (GSSP) examinations offered by SANS reliably measure mastery of the essential competencies for secure programming developed by the Secure Programming Council, a global consortium of individuals and organizations. The examinations use questions with real code examples, are currently available for Java, C and .NET developers, and are offered through SANS Institute.

"Lockheed Martin integrates all aspects of information assurance into every solution it delivers and continues to invest in proactive security measures," said Dr. Eric Cole, Senior Cyber Security Fellow, Lockheed Martin IS&GS. "We are committed to improving secure software development practices and are certifying our employees who are working in the area of cyber security on customer programs," he continued.

Secure coding best practices can reduce risk to Federal agencies that depend on Internet-facing web applications to deliver service to the citizen. Carnegie Mellon estimates that up to 90 percent of reported security incidents result from the exploitation of defects in software code or design.

Established in 1989, The SANS Institute is the trusted source for information security training, research and certification. With a community of more than 165,000 and over 15,000 students in 30 countries each year, it is also the largest. SANS also develops, maintains, and makes available at no cost, a large collection of information security related research documents and it operates the Internet's early warning system, The Internet Storm Center (www.isc.org).

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 on Lockheed Martin, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com
For more information on GSSP: www.sans.org/gssp or email spa@sans.org

Front Page

Launch of FusComp program active phase

Vacuum liquid resin infusion is based on the molding of high performance composite parts by infusing liquid resin on the fibers (glass, carbon or aramid) instead of prepreg fabrics molded in autoclaves. Main advantages are the use of cheaper material, a more flexible industrial process technology and manufacturing time reduction.

Photo: EADS

Front Page

Launch of FusComp program active phase

Tarbes, 28 April 2008


EADS SOCATA has launched today the active phase of the FusComp Reasearch & Development program which takes place within the Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster.

FusComp (Fuselage Composites), is in the manufacturing study of a composite fuselage prototype to test the vacuum Liquid Resin Infusion (LRI) process and new materials. The design of this proof-of-concept is based on the TBM 850 airframe, pressurized business turboprop aircraft currently produced by EADS SOCATA.

The launch of the active phase was preceded by an official presentation of the program on April 16th to the representatives of participating institutions among whom were Bernard Raynaud, vice-president of the Midi-Pyrenées Regional Council, in charge of economic development, Claude Miqueu, from the Hautes- Pyrenées Department council, and François Jouaillec, COO of Aerospace Valley=.

As well as EADS SOCATA, all technical partners involved in the program attended: Sicomin, Aerovac Systems France, ENIT Tarbes engineering college, Tarbes University Technology Institute and the Jean Dupuy high-school in Tarbes.

In his introductory speech, Jean-Michel Léonard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EADS SOCATA reminded the audience about the ambitions of this Program.

“FusComp is one of the pillars of our strategy. It will allow EADS SOCATA to play in the major league as a composites aerostructures manufacturer and to strengthen our role as a business aircraft manufacturer,” He voncluded. Vacuum liquid resin infusion is based on the molding of high performance composite parts by infusing liquid resin on the fibers (glass, carbon or aramid) instead of prepreg fabrics molded in autoclaves. Main advantages are the use of cheaper material, a more flexible industrial process technology and manufacturing time reduction.

The FusComp project has now entered the active phase with the definition of the fuselage, involving a design office team for two years. In parallel a second team will define the new industrial processes. First parts using new processes will be manufactured in 2009 and the fuselage prototype will be completed in 2011. The FusComp task force will involve up to 50 people including partners, teachers, and students.

FusComp summaryTotal budget: € 9.2 million over four years shared between the technical partners (36%), French government (39%), Midi-Pyrenées Regional Council (17%), Hautes-Pyrenées Department Council (6%).

Technical partners:


Sicomin
Aerovac Systems France
ENIT Tarbes engineering college
Tarbes University Technology Institute
High-schoolJean Dupuy, Tarbes.


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

Front Page

Launch of FusComp program active phase

“FusComp is one of the pillars of our strategy. It will allow EADS SOCATA to play in the major league as a composites aerostructures manufacturer and to strengthen our role as a business aircraft manufacturer..."

~ Jean-Michel Léonard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EADS SOCATA

Photo: EADS

Front Page

Boeing, Lion Air Celebrate 10th 737-900ER Delivery

The airline received the world's first 737-900ER in April 2007 and has ordered a total of 178 737-900ERs.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Boeing, Lion Air Celebrate 10th 737-900ER Delivery

SEATTLE, April 28, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Jakarta-based Lion Air today celebrated the delivery of the airline's 10th Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane. The airplane, shown above during a test flight, will be used by the airline to expand its service with new destinations throughout South and Southeast Asia. The airline's 737-900ERs are equipped with performance- enhancing Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 percent.

Boeing launched the 737-900ER program in July 2005 when Lion Air announced the initial order for 30 of the newest 737 model. The airline received the world's first 737-900ER in April 2007 and has ordered a total of 178 737-900ERs.

The 737-900ER has substantial economic advantages over competing models, including 6 percent lower operating costs per trip and 4 percent lower operating costs per seat than its competitor -- which is more than 9,550 pounds (4,340 kg) heavier. The 737-900ER joins the 737-600, -700, -700ER and -800 airplanes and will share the same industry-leading reliability of the other Next-Generation 737 series models.

Lion Air, which operates an all-Boeing fleet and is the largest low-fare airline in Asia, serves nearly 1 million passengers per month. The airline began operations in June 2000.
###

Front Page

Boeing's First Engineer Wong Tsoo Honored for his
Vision and Inspiration at the Museum of Flight

The ceremony featured four distinguished speakers who spoke about Wong Tsoo's notable significance to both engineering and flight in the U.S., China and to NCKU, one of the leading universities in Taiwan.

Boeing Photo

Front Page

Boeing's First Engineer Wong Tsoo Honored for his Vision and Inspiration at the Museum of Flight

SEATTLE, April 28, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Museum of Flight (MoF) joined together on April 15 to honor the work of Wong Tsoo, the company's first engineer and an early aviation and aerospace pioneer. They were joined by a delegation of educational leaders from the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan where Tsoo taught from 1955 to 1965.

The highlight of the event came when NCKU presented Boeing with a bound copy of Tsoo's recently re-discovered lecture notes from the university. A copy will reside in the company and the MoF's archives.

The ceremony featured four distinguished speakers who spoke about Wong Tsoo's notable significance to both engineering and flight in the U.S., China and to NCKU, one of the leading universities in Taiwan. Tsoo is known as the father of Boeing's Model C training seaplane, the company's first commercially successful airplane in the early 1900s.

Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, president and CEO of the Museum of Flight; Boeing's Fred Kiga, vice president of State and Local Government and Global Corporate Citizenship in the Northwest Region; NCKU Senior Executive Vice President Dr. Da Hsuan Feng; and Hank Queen, retired Boeing senior vice president of Engineering and an executive champion of the Boeing Association of Asian Pacific Americans; addressed the audience.

Here, (L-R) The Museum of Flight's Chairman of the Board Robert J. Genise, Kiga and Dr. Feng display a copy of Wong Tsoo's lecture notes.

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Front Page

LOCKHEED MARTIN DELIVERS MILESTONE C-130J SUPER HERCULES TO AIR MOBILITY COMMAND

MARIETTA, Ga., April 28th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] yesterday delivered the 100th C-130J Super Hercules to the U.S. Government. The C-130J was delivered to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., where it is assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron, the Blackcats, which is currently engaged in Southwest Asia on their first combat deployment. This latest C-130J was accepted by Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz Jr., Commander, 314th Airlift Wing, and Installation Commander at Little Rock Air Force Base.

"It's a special honor and privilege for me to deliver this amazing aircraft to the 41st Airlift Squadron, the first active-duty Air Mobility Command unit to employ the special capabilities of the C-130J into combat," said Brig. Gen. Schatz. "It will soon add to the Blackcat's legend and distinguished history of providing the nation a vital combat airlift capability. Taking our soldiers, sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and airmen off the roads in Iraq and Afghanistan, getting the wounded warrior to medical care, and delivering cargo when and where it is needed, are just a few of the vital missions the C-130J allows combat airlifters to perform with greater efficiency than ever before," he said.

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

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

Front Page

Northrop Grumman KC-45: Why We Won -- Greater Range

Highlighting Reasons the U.S. Air Force Selected the KC-45 Tanker as Best for Our Men and Women in Uniform

WASHINGTON - April 28, 2008 - The U.S. Air Force found Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) bid to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing's in four of the five most important selection criteria. Despite this fact, the losing bidder wants the Government Accountability Office to overturn the Air Force decision to award the contract to Northrop Grumman even though the Air Force conducted what even Boeing described as a fair, open and transparent bidding process. Here is another reason Northrop Grumman won, drawn from a list of facts included in the Mission Capability section of a redacted version of a protected Air Force selection document.


Greater Range

To ensure maximum refueling flexibility in a wide-ranging battlefield, the Air Force made clear it was seeking an aerial refueling tanker that had the ability to deploy up to 9,500 nautical miles from its take-off base. The Air Force selection document says Northrop Grumman's KC-45 exceeded this threshold. In contrast, Boeing's protest submission indicates the KC-767 failed to meet it.

In a section explaining its conclusions, the Air Force wrote: "Benefit: (Northrop Grumman) can deploy to more locations from a given starting point un-refueled" with "Better range capability" than its competition.

The KC-45's superior range is a product of its large fuel load (20 percent more than a KC-767), greater fuel efficiency, and exceptional take-off performance. The technical Air Force document points out that this combination of attributes provides the Air Force the ability to refuel aircraft -- or transfer fuel to other tankers -- at greater distances, concluding that "Northrop Grumman provides better fuel offloads at all distances from bases."

Compared to the KC-767, the KC-45 can deliver more fuel at equal ranges (decreasing the number of aircraft required to meet mission requirements) or the same fuel load from greater distances (increasing potential Air Force basing options).

In its decision document the Air Force said that Northrop Grumman offered "Significant refueling advantages" and that the KC-45's "Aerial refueling capability was compelling to my decision."

Furthermore, the Air Force added that the KC-45's greater refueling capability "Enables it to execute (the mission) with 22 fewer aircraft than Boeing's...an efficiency of significant value to the government."

That's why, in a Feb. 29 Pentagon news conference announcing Northrop Grumman's win, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Duncan McNabb said Northrop Grumman's tanker, "Will keep us global by extending the range and persistence of our aircraft."

This is another reason why, as USA Today concluded in a recent editorial, "The available evidence indicates that the Air Force got the best airplane for the money."

About the KC-45

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

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

Front Page

BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $31.6 MILLION CONTRACT TO MANUFACTURE NEW MK 14 MISSILE LAUNCHING CANISTERS FOR THE U.S. NAVY

28 Apr 2008 | Ref. 133/2008

MINNEAPOLIS – BAE Systems has received a $31.6 million contract to manufacture Mk 14 Mod 2 Tomahawk missile launching canisters for the U.S. Navy. The canisters will house, safely transport and enable loading of the U.S. Navy's Tactical Tomahawk Missile for firing from the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

“BAE Systems has been supplying the U.S. Navy with missile launching canisters for battle-proven systems for more than two decades,” said Gary Tatge, BAE Systems’ Launching Systems Director. “These canisters significantly enhance mission performance by providing superior capability for our U.S. Navy fighting force."

BAE Systems provides a wide range of launching system canisters for the Mk 41 VLS. Each canister has a common external envelope to support system launcher module interfaces, while internal mechanical and electrical components are tailored to specific missile shapes and interface requirements. BAE Systems is the U.S. Navy's exclusive design agent and worldwide supplier of Mk 41 VLS launch canisters.

The Mk 14 canisters are used on the CG-47 Ticonderoga class and the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class ships. The order could potentially include $9.5 million for additional canisters by July 2008. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, South Dakota.


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.

Front Page

A B-1B Lancer lifts off from the runway of an air base in Southwest Asia.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller)

Front Page

B-1B performs as never envisioned after 20 years


by Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke
Air Combat Command Public Affairs

4/28/2008 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- May 2 marks 20 years since the last B-1B Lancer was delivered to the Air Force, and today commanders consider it one of the most valuable aircraft in Iraq.

Since 2003, the once-nuclear-weapon-carrying bomber has maintained a continuous presence in Southwest Asia after the Air Force modified it to carry numerous conventional bombs.

The Lancer's efficiency in urban ground combat is peculiar considering its designers never envisioned it for such a job, said Lt. Col. James Johnson, Air Combat Command B-1 weapons system chief. The bomber, he said, was designed to make flights around the globe from four garrison bases to deliver nuclear ordnance. Now it's an inter-theater aircraft trading long-range sorties for loiter time in Iraqi air space.

"Upgrades enabled it to use smaller bombs and more of them," said Senior Master Sgt. Chuck Klein, Air Combat Command B-1 aircraft manager. "[The B-1] uses precision smart bombs to support troops in contact."

Operating at approximately 20,000 feet, the B-1 waits patiently with up to 35 tons of precision-guided bombs. When ground troops encounter the enemy it can engage in minutes because of its readiness and speed.

In the first six months of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the bomber delivered almost 40 percent of the bomb tonnage in only five percent of the sorties. Nearly five years later, the B-1 sorties increased by 25 percent, and Air Force officials dubbed it the most valuable aircraft for OIF in March 2007.

Other Air Force bombers have their advantage: the B-2 Spirit boasts stealth and the B-52 Stratofortress is low cost to operate.

But the B-1 earned its popularity by trumping those bombers in speed, range and payload, said Sergeant Klein. Those attributes are what make it a perfect fit for the war in Iraq.

"The airplane can do the job continuously and has the right mix of weapons," he said, adding that its long loiter time and massive payload make it a fast lifesaver for ground troops.

In fact, the B-1 is so effective there are times when it doesn't even need to drop a bomb.

Army officials from the 82nd Airborne 2nd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who returned from Iraq in November, said a B-1 show of force was more than enough to put the enemy's head down during gun battles. A show of force occurs when an aircraft flies by low and fast releasing flares to intimidate enemy combatants. Smaller fighter aircraft are usually used for this purpose; however, the 200,000 pound Lancer makes for an intense fly-by, Army officials said.

Despite the B-1's age, its effectiveness in Iraq prompts the Air Force to keep a sharp technological edge on the Lancer. Upgrades to the B-1 are ongoing initiatives that modify the airframe with the latest technology, according to Colonel Johnson. Currently B-1s are being equipped with the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, which allows pilots to identify tactical targets at greater ranges.

Other accomplishments of the B-1 include the breaking of 51 world records. Sergeant Klein said many of these records include carrying large amounts of weight at fast speeds from one point to another.

"It's been the bomber of choice for [Central Air Forces]," he said. "It's the right bomber for the mission in Iraq, which is close-air support."

Front Page

The B-1B is a multi-role, long-range bomber capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling. It can perform a variety of missions, including that of carrying conventional weapons for theater operations.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Miller)

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Front Page

THAI Adjusts Fuel Surcharge

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited adjusted its fuel surcharge on international and domestic flights, effective as of 28 April 2008 onwards, due to the increase in jet fuel cost in the world market that has increased on a regular basis. The adjustment in fuel surcharge will partly aid in balancing out increased fuel costs during the recent period, which has also been implemented by other airlines worldwide.

Mr. Pandit Chanapai, Executive Vice President, Commercial Department, said that it was necessary for the company to adjust its fuel surcharge, which reflects the increase in fuel costs due to increased fuel prices in the world market that has risen on a regular basis. The company has continually made consideration to the impact this decision would have on passengers, which is why the company previously took responsibility for these increases and delayed any further increase in the fuel surcharge since the recent Songkran holiday, so as to not impact large numbers of passenger travel. The company has adjusted its fuel surcharge for international and domestic flights, that is calculated on all classes of passenger travel on THAI flights and air tickets issued by THAI’s sales and ticketing offices worldwide, which is based on the policy agreed upon by the Civil Aviation Department for commercial airlines and includes agreements with other countries, as follows:

International Flights (unchanged):


1.Maintain an unchanged fuel surcharge rate of USD 25.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh City v.v., Bangkok-Hanoi v.v., Bangkok-Vientiene v.v., Bangkok-Phnom Penh v.v., Bangkok-Penang v.v., Bangkok-Rangoon v.v., including the routes between Hong Kong-Taipei v.v., Dubai-Kuwait v.v., Karachi-Muscat v.v., and Chiang Mai-Kunming v.v.


International Flights (increased):


1.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 45.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Singapore v.v. Bangkok-Kunming v.v., Bangkok-Chengdu v.v., Bangkok-Guangzhou v.v., Bangkok-Xiamen v.v., Bangkok-Dhaka v.v., Bangkok-Kolkata v.v., Bangkok-Kathmandu v.v., Bangkok-Colombo v.v., Bangkok-Brunei v.v., Bangkok-Hong Kong v.v., Bangkok-Manila v.v., Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur v.v., Bangkok-Chittagong v.v., including the routes between Hong Kong-Seoul v.v., Taipei-Seoul v.v., Manila-Osaka v.v.

2.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 50.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Bangalore v.v., Bangkok-Hyderabad v.v., Bangkok-Chennai v.v., Bangkok-Bodhgaya v.v., Bangkok-Varanasi v.v., Bangkok-Jakarta v.v., and Bangkok-Taipei v.v.

3.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 65.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Lahore v.v., Bangkok-Karachi v.v., Bangkok-Islamabad v.v.

4.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 80.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Delhi v.v., Bangkok-Mumbai v.v., Bangkok-Dubai v.v., Bangkok-Seoul v.v., Bangkok-Busan v.v., Bangkok-Beijing v.v., Bangkok-Shanghai v.v., Bangkok-Denpasar v.v., Bangkok-Tokyo v.v., Bangkok-Osaka v.v., Bangkok-Nagoya v.v., Bangkok-Fukuoka v.v., Bangkok-Kuwait v.v., Bangkok-Muscat v.v., including the routes between Chennai-Dubai v.v.

5.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 90.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Perth v.v.

6.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 110.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Melbourne v.v., Bangkok-Sydney v.v., and Bangkok-Sydney-Brisbane v.v.

7.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 125.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-Auckland v.v., Bangkok-Munich v.v., Bangkok-Paris v.v., Bangkok-Rome v.v., Bangkok-Athens v.v., Bangkok-Copenhagen v.v., Bangkok-Stockholm v.v., Bangkok-Zurich v.v., Bangkok-Moscow v.v., Bangkok-Johannesburg v.v., Bangkok-London v.v., Bangkok-Frankfurt v.v., Bangkok-Madrid v.v.

8.Collect a fuel surcharge rate of USD 140.00 per sector, on the return route Bangkok-New York v.v., and Bangkok-Los Angeles v.v.


As for domestic flights on all sectors, the company will collect a fuel surcharge rate of THB 750 per sector, excluding the return route Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son v.v. whereby THB 600 will be collected per sector.

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THAI Offers Special Promotions at Rak Khun Tao Fah Fair To Celebrate 48th Anniversary.

To celebrate its 48th Anniversary on 1 May, 2008 and to thank all its customers for their contribution and support, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will offer special promotional deals at the Rak Khun Tao Fah Fair that will to be held from 26 April to 2 May 2008 at the Fashion Hall, Siam Paragon Department Store, Bangkok.

At the Rak Khun Tao Fah fair, customers will be eligible to obtain special THAI ticket sales to all destinations around the world, Royal Orchid Holidays special tour packages, THAI Shop products, Puff & Pie bakery specials and other interesting events along with THAI staff and crew, as well as celebrities.

One of the special offers is the THAI Value Gift Card, a prepaid travel card which may be used towards the purchase of THAI air tickets. For 4,800 baht per card, passengers may redeem air tickets to any THAI’s destination worldwide. The THAI Value Gift Card is offered as a pack, each pack containing four Value Gift Cards which carries a large range of substantial destinational, cash coupon, ticketing and frequent flyer prizes. The prizes include the opportunity to win tickets to participate in major world’sevents such as Cirque Del Soleil in Japan, the Singapore Grand Prix in Singapore , Wimbledon tennis tournament in England and celebrating the New Year on New York’s Broadway in New York.

THAI is also offering frequent flyer miles deals and cash vouchers as part of the promotion.

Details of the THAI Value Gift Card are:


Reservation and the issuing of tickets can be made from April 26, 2008 – April 30, 2009

Traveling from May1, 2008 onward, duration of each trip is conditional on the type of ticket issued.

There are 4,800 Royal Orchid Plus Miles per pack

A cash coupon from Central Department Store worth 480 baht

Get DTAC SIM cards with free airtime of 480 baht / package

Stay 2 nights at the Dusit Hotel’s best rate and get the third night free.

A free ticket to Siam Niramit



THAI is also offering some excellent frequent flyer miles deals:


Receive double Royal Orchid Plus Miles when purchasing through the THAI-American Express Platinum Credit Card
Receive a 800 baht complimentary cash voucher at leading restaurants when purchasing through any type of Citibank Credit Card. Simply fax your sales slip that indicates “THAI Value Gift Card Program” to 0-2639-2505
Get an extra 4,800 points when purchasing through any type of Bangkok Bank Credit Card. Call 0-2638-4000 to redeem this privilege


There is also a special deal for customers who buy THAI Value Gift Cards at the Rak Khun Tao Fah Fair:

Receive a 1,200 baht complimentary cash voucher at leading restaurants when purchasing through any type of Citibank Credit Card. The first 48 customers per day
Receive a 1,200 baht complimentary gift voucher from Central Department Store when purchasing through any type of Siam Commercial Bank Credit card. The first 48 customers per day
DTAC customers get an extra 480 Royal Orchid Plus Miles.

THAI Value Gift Cards are available at all THAI sales offices nationwide and at Rak Khun Tao Fah Fair from April 26-May 2, 2008 at the Fashion Hall, 1st Floor, Siam Paragon Department Store.

For more details please contact THAI Contact Center at tel. 0-2356-1111 or www.thaiairways.co.th

Front Page

Shi Quan Shi Mei

Full Meal

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Front Page

Experience The Wonders Of Australia With Promotional Singapore Airlines Fares From Singapore

28 April 2008

Explore the natural beauty of Australia and come alive in its vibrancy this May, all at an affordable price when you fly with Singapore Airlines.

With the autumn and winter seasons beckoning, you are spoilt for choice. See the beautiful landscapes where the colours of nature turn into a myriad of warm reds and browns, or cuddle up and enjoy a glass of premium Australian wine by a fireplace with your loved one in a romantic cottage.

For a fun-filled winter holiday, take the kids to Mount Buller or the Snowy Mountains where they can learn how to ski from the ski schools there.  Whatever your perfect Australian holiday is, Singapore Airlines will take you there.

Special fares to five destinations in Australia -- Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth – will go on sale from 28 April 2008 to 15 May 2008. The “two-to-go” fares for a return trip from Singapore are listed below, and are applicable for travel between 1 May 2008 and 31 May 2008.

Tickets can be purchased through travel agents or via the Singapore Airlines website, singaporeair.com.sg.

Singapore Airlines operates 88 flights a week to Australia. For more information on the Australian cities and respective activities available, visit australia.com/singaporeair.

Front Page

Whispering Giant

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Superjumbo seen on final approach for landing. Singapore recently received its fourth A380 for service on routes between Singapore and Tokyo Narita.

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Front Page

Fourth A380 Joins Singapore Airlines' Fleet

26 April 2008


Singapore Airlines took delivery of its fourth A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France, at 0938 hrs today (Toulouse time). After a delivery flight, the aircraft is expected to arrive in Singapore on Sunday 27 April around 0700 hrs. Thereafter, it will undergo some pre-entry into service work in Singapore.

The addition of this fourth aircraft into its fleet will allow Singapore Airlines to commence daily A380 flights to Tokyo Narita on Tuesday 20 May 2008.

Tokyo is the Airline’s third A380 destination outside Singapore, and its first one in Asia. Daily services to other destinations commenced on 25 October 2007 (Singapore-Sydney) and 18 March 2008 (Singapore-London).

Fitted with the luxurious Singapore Airlines Suites, the award-winning 4-abreast Business Class and a new, more comfortable Economy cabin, the A380 allows Singapore Airlines customers to travel to London in unprecedented comfort, space and luxury.

Service to Tokyo Narita (SQ636) will commence from the early morning of Tuesday 20 May, returning as SQ637 on the same day. The A380 will operate this pattern thereafter on a daily basis.

The quietest large passenger aircraft ever built, the A380 delivers substantial fuel burn reductions per seat mile over the next largest aircraft and allows for the addition of extra capacity to congested airports, like London and Tokyo. The Singapore Airlines A380 is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines.

Singapore Airlines is the first to fly the A380, and currently the only airline in the world operating the aircraft. The Airline has firm orders for a further 15 A380s and options on six more.

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A World of Entertainment

New First Class Seating Arrangement on Singapore Airlines.

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Front Page

Enter A New World Of Entertainment With Singapore Airlines

21 April 2008


Imagine viewing pictures you had just taken, on a 23” large LCD screen as you lounge in your very own private cabin.

Imagine plugging in and listening to your preferred list of music and songs even while you are in the air.

Imagine finding movies and opera, music and games, learning and even office applications all rolled into one, user-friendly console; accessible every time you fly.

Imagine no more.

Enter a whole new world because when you travel with Singapore Airlines, KrisWorld makes all these and more possible. Boasting new PC applications such as the Media Player, Photo Viewer and PDF Reader, customers can access their personal favourite media files even in the air.

Indulge your senses. Simply bring and plug-in your own USB thumbdrives, USB storage devices or digital camera, and you can view your photos or documents through the 1280 x 768 high-resolution screens across all three classes. Drink in the rich colours and vibrant images on the larger screens, in all three classes, and soak in your choice of music with the custom-designed headphones.

For those who love their music, romance and drama on a grandiose scale, Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld fulfils your cravings with a whole new entertainment category – the Opera.

Now, enjoy some of the most famous, riveting performances from Verdi’s Il Trovatore with its swift, spontaneous music and complex story; to one of the best known operas in the world - Bizet’s Carmen, a musical drama of passion, betrayal and revenge, to being serenaded by Luciano Pavarotti and The Philharmonia Orchestra.

Die-hard gamers will not be disappointed with the suite of updated games. Exciting and addictive titles include those from leading casual game providers such as PopCap Games®, GameHouse® and MumboJumbo include Inflight Sudoku, Zuma, Big Money and Bejeweled 2.

“Being the first to launch the eX2, applications were introduced on a familiar platform and our immediate focus was to provide for a wide and comprehensive suite of applications. This is to cater to the growing needs of our customers of varying ages. What you see now is only the beginning and more will be added,” said Mr Yap Kim Wah, Singapore Airlines Senior Vice-President Product and Services.

Travellers can expect more exciting enhancements to KrisWorld in the coming months. For example, the interactive ZagatSurvey® Restaurant and Hotel Guide is an exciting addition where customers will be able to search for recommendations and virtually explore where to eat or stay at their destinations even before they reach their destination.

KrisWorld on the eX2 system offers an extensive selection of quality entertainment options, including over 100 international movies, more than 180 TV programmes, over 700 music CD albums and audio books, video games, as well as the popular interactive learning programmes such as the Berlitz® Word Traveler.

The eX2 system is available on all three classes on the Airline’s B777-300ERs and A380 super-jumbos.

The first airline to fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft, Singapore Airlines now flies the A380 daily between Singapore and Sydney, and London. From 20 May, Singapore Airlines will also fly the A380 between Singapore and Tokyo.

Singapore Airlines currently flies the B777-300ER to 12 destinations. These destinations include: Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan, Barcelona, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, Moscow, Houston, San Francisco, Paris and Hong Kong,

Front Page

Laid Back

Entertainment Console in Singapore Airlines' Suites

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Front Page France

ATV re-boosts ISS to a higher orbitNew success for Astrium

Toulouse, 25 April 2008

The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has successfully re-boosted the International Space Station (ISS) to a higher altitude.

“This was an important event for Astrium, as it validated one of the major tasks of the ATV’s inaugural flight, demonstrating the ability of the ‘Jules Verne’ to lift the ISS back into the correct orbit,” said Alain Charmeau, CEO of Astrium Space Transportation.

“The operation was performed with the same propulsion system used to manoeuvre the ATV itself. This ‘double use’ was taken into account from the outset of the project of the European Space Agency and incorporated in the design of the propulsion system, both in terms of the engines employed and the amount of fuel required,” explains Nicolas Chamussy, ATV Programme Manager at Astrium.
280 tons boosted by 6 kilometresThe orbital altitude of the ISS steadily declines as a result of atmospheric drag. It therefore has to be regularly re-boosted by increasing its speed, which causes it to rise. What is more, space debris circling the Earth sometimes crosses the orbital path of the space station and threatens to hit and puncture its inhabited sections, putting the lives of the crew at risk. The re-boost function makes it possible to perform escape manoeuvres to avoid such debris in the interest of crew safety.

The ISS is travelling at a speed of 7700 m/s and weighs 280 metric tons. The re-boost manoeuvre took 13 minutes. In accelerating the station by 2,67 m/s, the ATV is able to lift it by 6 kilometres. To do this, the computers on board the ISS ignite two of the ATV’s four main engines, generating a total thrust of 1000 newtons. This is equivalent to lifting 100 kg on Earth. If one of the two engines fails, the on-board control system is programmed to switch to the other two engines.

Such re-boost manoeuvres are carried out periodically (about once a month) to push the ISS back into position. The next manoeuvres are scheduled for June, July and August.
About AstriumAstrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2007, Astrium had a turnover of €3.5 billion and 12,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

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

Front Page

Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER

Air Canada Photo

Front Page Canada

Air Canada realigns checked baggage policy

MONTREAL, April 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada said today that it will
implement changes to its checked baggage policy on flights within Canada, and
between Canada and the U.S. including Hawaii, effective May 15, 2008 for
travel on or after July 15, 2008.

Under the new policy, customers who purchase Tango and Tango Plus tickets
may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Tango
and Tango Plus customers will continue to have the choice of customizing their
fare including obtaining a discount when travelling without checked luggage.
"In an environment of record high and unrelenting fuel costs it is more
critical than ever that the airline reviews its product offering to ensure it
can continue to offer everyday low fares," said Duncan Dee, Executive
Vice-President, Customer Experience and Chief Administrative Officer. "This
policy change is part of the on-going review of our activities that allow us
to keep pace with current industry standards and economic realities, while
remaining competitive with our main North American competitors."

There is no change in the checked bag policy for customers purchasing
Latitude and Executive Class tickets. As well, Air Canada Elite, Super Elite
and Prestige members in addition to Star Alliance Gold and Silver members
maintain their current baggage allowance when purchasing Tango and Tango Plus
fares. Baggage allowance for travel to and from countries other than Canada
and the United States will remain unchanged. This includes North American
flights as part of international travel. Complete details of Air Canada's
baggage policies are available at www.aircanada.com .

Air Canada will continue to review its policies to determine what
adjustments are to be made so that, against a backdrop of record high fuel
costs, it continues to provide the products and services that respond to
customer demand while offering every day low fares.

Montreal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air
transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five
continents. Canada's flag carrier is the 14th largest commercial airline in
the world and serves 33 million customers annually with a fleet consisting of
335 aircraft. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the
world's most comprehensive air transportation network.

Front Page Japan

ANA Fixes Flight Schedule from new Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport – linking Shizuoka to Okinawa and Hokkaido from planned opening in March 2009 –

TOKYO April 22, 2008 - ANA will commence daily flights between Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport and the cities of Naha and Sapporo from the time of the airport’s slated opening in March 2009. Flights will be operated by ANA Group company, Air Nippon, using Boeing 737 aircraft under the ANA ‘NH’ flight code. Either a single-class 737-500 derivative seating 126 passengers, or a 737-700 derivative, seating 120 passengers in two classes (112 Economy Class and 8 Premium Class) will be employed on the two routes. Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport is located near the cities of Shizuoka and Hamamatsu in central Japan, around 230km west of Tokyo and 180km east of Nagoya. It is the nearest airport to Mt Fuji, from which it takes its name. Naha, the main city in the island prefecture of Okinawa in southern Japan, and Sapporo, the main city of Hokkaido in northern Japan, were chosen as the first destinations from Shizuoka in line with forecast demand for both business and leisure travel. A combined total of 60,000 passengers are expected to fly these routes, with an average combined load factor of 60% in the first year of service. Flights are planned at the following times:

*Plans are subject to approval by the relevant authorities and thus may change.

Front Page Austria

CHALLENGING COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND EXTREMELY HIGH KEROSENE PRICE BURDEN RESULT

Power to invest in strenghts and pursue strategy even during difficult periods Financial Result of Austrian Airlines Group, First Quarter 2008

Austrian Chief Executive Officer Alfred Ötsch commenting on the result: “While we are building on the solid base produced by the reorientation of the Austrian Airlines Group during the financial year 2007, the first quarter of 2008 has been strongly influenced by the continued deterioration in market conditions and a range of external factors. Due to the oil price at present, it will be difficult to reproduce the levels of performance seen in 2007. From the current viewpoint, we expect to see a lower adjusted EBIT for the financial year 2008 compared to 2007 due to the time-lagged effect of measures implemented through adjustment of fares and surcharges. Under current framework conditions, it will be a major challenge to achieve a profit that will justify our paying a dividend for the financial year 2009, as the company is striving to do. Despite these difficulties, we continue to pursue our strategy and use the testing surrounding conditions to build on our competitive position relative to other carriers. By expanding our fleet by two A320 aircraft in 2009 in an effort to bring the Premium Service concept to our core markets of Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, we are consistently strengthening our strategic positioning. Thanks to the strength of our financial base that we have striven to bolster, we can now also invest in our strengths during difficult periods, so expanding on existing competitive advantage in our core markets, e.g. by incorporating new routes to destinations such as Nizhniy Novgorod, Sochi, Baia Mare, Jeddah and Riyadh. An average passenger growth rate of 7.8% in CEE, compared to 4.8% in Western Europe forecasted by IATA, is confirmation that we were correct to focus on what is one of the highest-growth regions in the world, and distinguishes us from competitive carriers. Due to the existing high concentration of low cost carriers at the hub Vienna a tense yield situation is expected, but the withdrawal of Sky Europe from the Vienna-Innsbruck route shows that the measures we have taken to force back the most aggressive competitors at our Vienna location are now beginning to bear fruit.” Overview of Financial Result, first Quarter 2008 Key indicators   1-3 /2008 1-3 / 2007 +/- % PY Revenue EURm 525.3 561.5 -6.4 EBITDAR1,2 EURm 29.5 74.4 -60.3 EBITDAR1,2 adjusted3 EURm 37.4 66.3 -43.6 Result from operating activities (EBIT)2 EURm -50.1 -12.5 - Result from operating activities (EBIT)2 adjusted3 EURm -42.2 -20.6 - Net result for the period EURm -60.4 -16.3 - Cash flow from operating activities   EURm 43.8 69.0 -36.5 Net gearing % 135.3 149.4 - Passengers carried (scheduled & charter) passengers 2,290,139 2,246,005 2.0 Passenger load factor (scheduled services) % 71.9 74.0 -2.1 P. Employees (end of period)   7,842 8,150 -3.8   1     Result from operating activities (EBIT) before associates, before   depreciation and rentals 2     Regrouping of interest costs of allocation of provisions for pensions, severance payments and anniversary payments from        personnel expenses to financial expenses 3         Adjusted by the result from the disposal of assets, other costs of the transfer of aircraft, foreign currency valuations at the reporting date and  impairment of the value of aircraft  Result situation As a result of fuel prices rising to an all-time high of USD 1,116.8 per ton on 16 March 2008 (Jet Fuel Rotterdam) and the sharp price competition with low-cost carriers, which brought down average yields, the adjusted EBIT stood at EUR –42.2m compared to EUR –20.6m the previous year. Driven by the price competition at the Vienna location and the fall in production on long-haul routes, flight revenue, at EUR –40.2m, was down on the previous year; the increase in fuel expenditure of EUR 20.5m compared to the previous year, when adjusted to account for production, meant it was not possible to compensate for this reduction in expenses for materials and services. The fact that the closure of long-haul routes at the end of the first quarter last year is producing a distortion in the quarterly comparison needs to be taken into account. The EBIT was EUR –50.1m, compared to EUR –12.5m the previous year. Revenue and operating revenue Revenue overall was at EUR 525.3m in the first quarter and 6.4% down compared to the previous year. The reduction in flight revenue in the first quarter on scheduled routes, a decisive proportion of which was driven by the redimensioning of the long-haul segment, was compensated in part by the Group‘s continued expansion into its core markets, producing flight revenue of EUR 500.4m (-7.4% compared to last year). Flight revenue from the charter segment, which is included in this figure, was EUR 29.8m in the first three months of the year, with the trend steady. In addition, the reduction in operating revenue of –6.7% to EUR 543.4m was caused by a reduction in the result from the disposal of tangible and intangible assets, and despite higher revenues from aircraft leases and personnel provision.  Assets situation and cash flow At EUR 43.8m, cash flow from operating activities was 36.5% below its level for the previous year. This trend was decisively influenced by changes in the result caused by the current market environment, despite a positive deviation from the change in Working Capital of EUR 6.0m. The total stock of liquid assets as at 31.3.2008 was EUR 205.0m, compared to EUR 219.3m as at 31.12.2007. The equity ratio fell to 25.5% in the first three months of the year (27.7% as at 31.12.2007).  Increase in fuel expenditure despite less production   Operating expenses for the first quarter of the year were EUR 593.5m (-0.3% compared to last year). The current oil price trend produced an increase in fuel expenditure to EUR 108.9m despite the cutback in capacity caused by the closure of the Australian routes and positive USD/EUR exchange rate and hedging effects; the increase in fuel expenditure was EUR +20.5m up on last year when adjusted to account for production. Reduced expenditure on commissions, long-term aircraft leases and third-party servicing more than compensated for this reduction, resulting in expenses for materials and services of EUR 348.6m (-0.5%). In the first three months, a reduction in the number of people employed by the company was balanced out by index-linked payments made under collective agreement and advances on these; this produced personnel expenditure of EUR 125.3m (-0.3%). Expansion in core markets very successful In scheduled services, overall revenue fell from EUR 525.8m to EUR 483.9m in the first three months. The EBIT worsened to EUR -47.5m in the report period (previous year: EUR –12.9m). Due to the reduction in capacity on long-haul routes of 31.6% as a result of the cancellation of the Australian routes at the end of the first quarter of 2007, passenger volume in the first three months fell by 24.1% compared to the previous year, to reach 272,055 passengers carried.  Significant levels of passenger growth on routes to the destinations of Tokyo, Bangkok and Mumbai and on the Vienna-Chicago North Atlantic route played a particularly important role in offsetting the structural effect of the restructuring (Australia), producing a reduction in the passenger load factor overall from 81.9% to 79.8%. The trend on short- and medium-haul routes was extremely positive in the first three months of the year. Due to the Group’s ongoing policy of expanding its routes into Central Europe, the number of passengers carried rose by 7.0% to 1,854,769. Routes to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Romania once again reported particularly strong rates of growth. A 7.1% expansion in capacity (measured in available seat kilometers) was offset by an increase in demand of 10.4%. As a result, the passenger load factor in the medium-haul segment, at 64.6%, increased by 1.9 percentage points compared to the previous year. Demand (measured in passenger kilometers) was particularly strong in the regions of Central Asia, Central Europe, the Middle East and South-Eastern Europe.  The charter segment reported a slight fall in production in the first quarter compared to the previous year (-2.9% where measured in ASK), due to the cancellation of long-haul services in the charter segment. In the medium-haul segment, the Group was able to compensate in large part for this trend with an increase in production of 10.8%. The strongest levels of growth were reported in Russia, Sweden, Ireland, Spain and Turkey. A total of 163,315 passengers have been carried since the beginning of this year, the equivalent of an increase of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Revenue in the charter segment rose from EUR 30.6m in the first three months of the previous year to EUR 33.7m in the same period in 2008. The EBIT for the report period stood at EUR –3.9m.  Two additional A320 planned in 2009 for Premium Service Concept One Dash 8-300 already leased to Caribbean Airlines through a leasing contract with purchase agreement was transferred to the airline in question at the end of March 2008. Other than this transaction, the Austrian Airlines Group neither disposed of nor took delivery of any aircraft in the first quarter of 2008. As part of the ongoing effort to reduce capacity no longer required and continue the fleet adjustment, two Airbus A340-300, one Airbus A330-200, one Boeing B737-600, one Boeing 737-800 and three Embraer 145 were leased outside the Austrian Airlines Group at the end of March 2008. It is planned to expand the fleet by two A320 aircraft by means of operating leases in 2009. These aircraft should be employed as part of the Premium Service concept in Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East.   Die Angaben zur Offenlegung gemäß §§ 24 und 25 Mediengesetz sind unter www.austrian.com auffindbar / Please find further information concerning the disclosure according to §§ 24 and 25 Media Act on www.austrian.com

Front Page U.K.

Airlines treated as second-class citizens after “being charged through the nose” for Terminal 5, says airline chief

24 April 2008

- Olympics shame can be avoided if effort made now, says Bishop

The majority of airlines at Heathrow are fed up with being treated as second class citizens after “being charged through the nose” for Terminal 5, said bmi group chairman Sir Michael Bishop today in a speech to the Aviation Club in London.

The 30-minute notice given of delays to the long-planned moves of airlines around the airport was the latest chapter in a sorry tale of reputational disaster for the world’s largest international airport, he said.

And he warned BAA to redouble its efforts to ensure the same fate does not befall Heathrow East, the terminal being developed to replace Terminal 1 in time for the 2012 Olympics.

“We don’t place any blame for sins of the past at the feet of Ferrovial, so recently charged with the management of Heathrow. Indeed in the case of Terminal 5, the die was firmly cast long before the Ferrovial acquisition.

“But events now continue to cause huge reputational loss at Heathrow. And I urge BAA to re-prioritise and redouble their efforts on the Heathrow East project and ensure its completion in time for the opening of the Olympics in 2012 with all the necessary functionality we require.”

Sir Michael said that despite severe problems at the airport over the last few years, bmi’s strategy of developing its mid haul and long haul route networks, coupled with tight cost control, had helped the airline to develop a strong position.

“Through our Blue Skies project, over the last four years £100m of costs have been taken out of the business. And whereas ten years ago our business was 100 per cent domestic and short haul European services, by last October more than 50 per cent of the routes flown by bmi mainline were to mid haul and long haul destinations. In 2008 almost 50 per cent of bmi mainline revenues will be earned from these routes.

“Now we have a more balanced, higher yielding route network which is starting to make the most of our asset base at Heathrow.”

Sir Michael also addressed the speculation surrounding bmi’s ownership, saying: “I can confidently say that bmi’s shareholders will not permit an event to arise through which the airline would become the subject of any opportunistic or under-valued approach.

“Whether bmi remains independent and grows through acquisition or whether the shareholders decide another course, we will not be bounced into any particular direction by comments from other carriers or the media.

“The future of the business will be determined with the best interests of bmi, its shareholders and staff being paramount.”

Front Page U.K.

bmi chairman addresses Aviation Club

24 April 2008

Mr. Chairman

On the occasion of the Annual General Meeting of the Aviation Club, may I begin by congratulating you and members of the Committee for the continuing success of this event.

It brings together each month in a convivial forum a wide cross section of the industry in this distinguished venue to discuss our business and your efforts are much appreciated by those that participate.

This is the third occasion that you have asked me to speak here and I am especially honoured that it should be in the year that marks the 70th anniversary of bmi – a business which although its name and activities may have changed once or twice it remains the same company that was founded in 1938 as an air training school.

Between 1938 and 1945 more than 6,000 pilots were trained, primarily, for military service and probably nearly the same number have at one time or another been employed by the company as commercial pilots in the 60 years since then.

As probably the second longest continuously operating airline business in the UK we are naturally mindful of our heritage and look to the future with confidence.

Today I would like to give a view of the strategic direction in which the bmi group is moving and share with you a view of the current market and our place within it.

2007 was a milestone year in recent bmi history when for the first time our total revenues exceeded £1 billion and the group carried just under ten million passengers.

It was also another profitable year for the airline in 2007 but perhaps more importantly we anticipate that, provided the recent escalation in the price of fuel can be contained around the present level, the underlying trading performance from airline operations is likely to show an improved result in 2008 with revenues growing and passengers increasing.

However, I am under no illusion that the past few years have been some of the most challenging in recent times and that to remain profitable in an ever changing and more competitive industry, a fundamental change in direction for the company has been required.

So we did what bmi has always done best by changing things under our direct control and campaigning to persuade others for change in areas that they control to facilitate our transition.

Through our Blue Skies project, £100m of costs over four years have been taken out of the business and we have completed the move to an all Airbus fleet for our full service scheduled operations, an all Boeing fleet for bmibaby and all Embraer fleet for bmi regional.

Ten years ago our business was 100 per cent domestic and short haul European services. By last October more than 50 per cent of the routes flown by bmi mainline were to mid haul and long haul destinations and in 2008 almost 50 per cent of bmi mainline revenues will be earned from these routes.

This change has been achieved by two separate but complementary opportunities. Firstly, in 2005 to be designated the UK carrier to Saudi Arabia where we now serve Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and secondly our acquisition of BMed in February 2007.

I acknowledge especially the work of our dedicated management team under our CEO, Nigel Turner and his deputy, Tim Bye, who integrated BMed into bmi so successfully and seamlessly last summer.

In the past six months we have added new services from Heathrow to Cairo and Tel Aviv so that we are now the largest UK carrier by number of destinations to the Middle East and Central Asia operating to 21 destinations in 17 countries.

Under new ownership the former BMed routes together with the new ones are growing most satisfactorily such that we have leased on a short term basis two Boeing 757-200 aircraft to give more capacity, improved schedules and non-stop capability to some of the routes.

Now we have a more balanced, higher yielding route network which is starting, and I choose that word carefully, to make the most of our asset base at Heathrow.
For more than a decade we had been fighting for deregulation in the North Atlantic. This has now been fulfilled but we have decided to take the time to settle in our new mid haul business before embarking on the opportunities now open to us across the Atlantic.

However, at the same time we are actively seeking new opportunities through bolt-on acquisitions for strategic expansion.

Whatever our own prospects for the future may offer, none of them can be achieved successfully without the stability and reliability of operation at our principle place of business at London Heathrow.

The punctuality of airlines at Heathrow is frequently misrepresented and there is a perception which has caused significant reputational damage that all flights are heavily delayed.

The facts do not support this perception.

In 2007 the average delay for departure has been widely quoted as nearly 25 minutes.

But within that figure lie vast differences in performance between the 30 largest carriers.
At number 30 was a carrier with an average delay of 72.75 minutes.
Of the top best performing carriers bmi was number three and the most punctual UK carrier with an average delay of 13.41 minutes, whilst the three other UK airlines operating Heathrow came in at 20th, 23rd and 25th out of 30 with an average delay of 21.79 minutes – 60 per cent less punctual than bmi.

Star Alliance carriers filled six out of the top ten slots of the punctuality stakes with an average delay of 13.80 minutes.

For many carriers therefore, Heathrow is no worse, and in some cases, better, than other major airports.

One of the more depressing aspects of my own career has been to see the reputation of Heathrow so comprehensively trashed in the past four years through circumstances which as the second largest user of the airport have been for reasons totally outwith our influence or control.

When you witness a slow motion implosion of this kind at the hub of your business I can assure you it is not a comfortable experience.

It could fairly be said that issues of security which have been overshadowing operations were outside the control of the airport too but equally by general consent the response to that problem was wholly inadequate.

For a number of years bmi has campaigned for regime change in the ownership of BAA airports. Now that this has occurred through the acquisition by Ferrovial it would be unreasonable and inconsistent for us to place any blame for sins of the past at the feet of those so recently charged with their management.

Indeed in the case of Terminal 5, the die was firmly cast long before the Ferrovial acquisition.

Nevertheless some fundamentals remain unchanged and we welcome publication of the emerging thinking of the Competition Commission which we hope will be followed up in August with a directive about the divestment of specific airports in the BAA group.

Furthermore, it has been right for the Competition Commission to highlight that it is particularly concerned about the way that BAA conducts its business. We agree with this.

The lack of responsiveness to the differing needs of its airline customers and their passengers. The levels and quality of service. The quality, scope, location and timing of new investment. All these issues are rightly highlighted by the Competition Commission and they have all been at the forefront of the airline community’s dissatisfaction for many years and are a challenge I am sure its new management will want to address.

But airlines need to see change now – two weeks ago BAA gave airlines less than 30 minutes notice, without any prior consultation, of a decision to delay a long planned move by BA from T4 to T5. This delay will have a direct knock-on impact to the carefully choreographed moves of over 50 other airlines in order to satisfy the problems of one. And we still don’t know what the final move timing will be. Not a good omen for the future.

Of course airlines want to co-operate both with each other and the airport operator at a busy airport, but in recent times this has become too much of a one-way street.

The problems facing British Airways with BAA, both in their move to Terminal 5 and the perennial difficulties which affect BA’s operation for a variety of reasons, have been the principle cause of reputational loss at Heathrow. But that is their problem and not that of the dozens of other airlines who use the airport.

These airlines increasingly demand that BAA and BA related problems are ring-fenced from other carriers.

The delayed terminal moves already look likely to impact on the development of the new terminal, Heathrow East, and it has already been announced that this facility will not be ready as originally planned in time for the Olympic Games.

I urge the BAA to re-prioritise and redouble their efforts on this project and ensure its completion in time for the opening of the Olympics in 2012 with all the necessary functionality we require. Having already paid through the nose in fees and charges for the building of Terminal 5, we are all fed up with being treated as second class citizens at Heathrow where the inexorable rises in fees and charges way beyond reasonable escalation are not commensurate with the facilities provided.

We also welcome the review of the economic regulatory system of the CAA when it was announced by the Secretary of State on Tuesday.

I am always confused by this CAA’s oft used terminology of economic regulation with a “light touch”.

This is not an expression I would use for a system which I would more accurately describe as “heavy handed” given that the latest quinquennium review has delivered a massive 86 per cent rise in fees and charges for users at Heathrow provided inflation remains at 2.5 per cent and even bigger rises if it does not.

However, as the issues are currently subject to possible Judicial Review proceedings, I will refrain from commenting further at the present time.

Whilst on the subject of interface by Government with the airline industry, I am heartened that since 1997 the Government has been more proactive than many predecessor administrations in their constructive approach to civil aviation issues.

The public/private partnership for the National Air Traffic Service initiated by the Government in 2000 has been very successful. As a founder private sector investor we believe there is more to achieve and further operational progress to be made for the benefit of all airlines using UK airspace.

Whatever the outcome of the consultation and the planning process, the Government has given support to the expansion of Heathrow and South East airports in particular and generally to the facilities in the UK.

The airline industry is constantly evolving. Consolidation and change in existing companies and the start-up of new ones has been a permanent feature of the industry for over 50 years.

Ours is an industry which attracts irrational investment as much as serious investors. Nor is it unique in that regard. Football clubs and theatrical angels also qualify in the former category. As a result - to use theatrical terminology - in the airline industry there are always likely to be more players than parts available.

Not only will there always be those willing and able to come into the airline business, but there seems no lack of appetite by the manufacturers to build ever more capacity.

The past few years have, on the whole, been good to the airline business but a change may be in the wind.

Every turn in the business cycle of the industry brings a new twist which makes it different from the last.

In the long and mid haul market it is unprecedented that both the major manufacturers find themselves with lengthy delays in the delivery of their newest products. Whilst very unhelpful to them maybe the laws of supply and demand could cushion for the airlines the impact of any downturn in traffic should this occur. For short haul aircraft the outlook is perhaps not so promising – but only time will tell if significant numbers of surplus aircraft appear in the market.

This is also a period of time when unusually for bmi its ownership is under scrutiny.

Since 2000 we have been a full member of Star Alliance where with the recent inclusion of Air China, Shanghai Airlines and Turkish Airlines, has become by a considerable margin the largest and I believe most effective of the three major global airline groupings with 20 members operating to 965 destinations in 162 countries.

We hope to considerably increase our impact and share of the UK market when the majority of all Star carriers come into a single terminal facility progressively over the next few years. In June United Airlines and Air New Zealand will join bmi in Terminal 1 followed later in the year by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and TAP.

The advantage to bmi in being part of Star Alliance has been very substantial as has been the participation of both SAS and Lufthansa as informed, helpful and supportive investors over a difficult period in the transition of the airline to its new business model.

With the recent acquisition of BMed and strategic change to a more balanced network carrier, bmi is well placed to achieve sustained profitability in the coming years.

SAS has, as you will know, publicly stated its wish to exit at a future point as a shareholder in bmi and other airline investments to concentrate on the development of its core business. As a shareholder for 19 years SAS has been greatly valued by us. Our relationship will remain strong as fellow partners in Star Alliance.

The shareholder options between myself and Lufthansa have been widely reported some with more accuracy than others. None of the accounts accurately reflect all of the essential details of that private agreement between shareholders and I shall not elaborate further on them today.

In the meantime may I thank the media for their widespread coverage of the issue which has given rise to a gratifying number of expressions of interest in the company – some of which may not otherwise have come to our attention!

If or when a decision is made to change the current situation, shareholders will communicate it to employees and publicly in the normal way, not withstanding media speculation.

However, I can confidently say that shareholders will not permit an event to arise through which bmi would become the subject of any opportunistic or under-valued approach. Whether bmi remains independent and grows through acquisition or whether the shareholders decide another course, we will not be bounced into any particular direction by comments from other carriers or the media. The future of the business will be determined with the best interests of bmi, its shareholders and staff being paramount.

To conclude – I feel confident about the future of the bmi group which thanks to the relentless effort of our management team has re-positioned the airline to create a growing business which can deliver sustainable profitability in the future. There will be the same challenges, as for all airlines, which I am confident can be surmounted as in the past.

But one thing more than any other which will underpin that confidence is the restoration by the travelling public in the reputation of Heathrow.

Business reputations hard won can easily be lost. We know about this in the airline industry as starkly as anywhere else. Recovering a reputation is a knife-edge exercise. Some can be recovered, some are not.

In this instance there can be no doubt about the necessity of succeeding.

Sir Michael Bishop
chairman, bmi

Front Page U.K.

bmi welcomes Competition Commission report

bmi, London Heathrow’s second largest airline, has welcomed today’s Competition Commission’s ‘emerging thinking’ report into BAA’s monopolistic ownership of airports in the South East of England and Scotland.

The independent competition watchdog’s initial findings suggest that, whilst not calling for the immediate break-up of the BAA, it does accept BAA’s ownership of seven airports in the UK “may not be serving well the interests of either airlines or passengers”, with no competition between BAA’s three London airports and only very limited competition from non BAA airports

Nigel Turner, bmi chief executive officer, said: “We welcome the findings of the commission’s report and look forward to remedial action being taken at the earliest opportunity.

“We identified last year that BAA’s high market share for air passengers appears to prevent, restrict or distort airport competition within the UK and strongly believe that to ensure future real intra-airport competition in the UK, the only option facing the regulators is the dismantling of BAA’s monopolistic grip over the UK’s busiest airports in the South-East (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) and in Scotland (Edinburgh and Glasgow). Only with separate airport ownership can the UK guarantee a healthy and competitive aviation industry to serve the wider consumer interest.”

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Maintenance Hangar

Artist concept of the new Maintenance Hangar for the Airbus A380 "Whispering Giant," which can accomodate three of the double-deck airliners at one time. The hangar is under construction at Frankfurt International Airport.

Photo: Lufthansa

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Lufthansa posts record first-quarter result for 2008

Operating result for the first three months climbs to 188 million euros

All the business segments contribute to the success despite the challenging economic environment

25.04.08

The Lufthansa Group has posted a record first-quarter result of 188 million euros for 2008. Despite a challenging economic environment, marked by record levels in oil prices, uncertainties due to the crisis in the financial market and increased competition, the Group was still able to significantly increase its result and passenger figures. Lufthansa has therefore succeeded in continuing from where it left off with the positive developments of the previous year. “We have had an excellent take-off into 2008”, said Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber, when presenting the quarterly figures. “We are on the right course, we are standing out from the crowd and we have reached a respectable cruising altitude. Our distinct customer orientation and the targeted employment of funds, as well as our careful course and continuous improvements to efficiency will allow Lufthansa to achieve further controlled and profitable growth.”

All the business segments of the Lufthansa Group increased their operating profit to contribute to the improved result. The Passenger Business segment was again able to score points amidst the hard-fought competition. The attractive premium products, the selective expansion of the route network and the successful integration of SWISS also played a major part in the excellent quarterly result. Mayrhuber emphasized that it was of great future importance that the airlines of the Lufthansa Group had succeeded in further improving their already strong positions in the corporate customer business. The Logistics business segment also achieved an excellent first quarter result thanks to a rise in revenue accompanied by cost saving measures. Both business segments were able to successfully compensate the rise in fuel prices. The MRO and Catering business segments managed to improve their profitability in spite of the negative currency exchange factors. In the IT Services business segment, the positive effects of the implemented restructuring measures were already felt in the first quarter.

Lufthansa remains confident that it will be able to attain an operating result for 2008 that matches the record figures achieved last year and intends to record further improvements. The Lufthansa CEO stated that this continued to appear possible despite the fact that the worldwide economic conditions have worsened perceptibly. Precondition is, however, that the market environment does not weaken further and that the Lufthansa Group can continue to successfully compensate the increased fuel prices as it has done in the past. Wolfgang Mayrhuber declared that, “making provisions is worthwhile and flexibility pays off. We shall continue to heed this advice in the future. We will adapt to the conditions around us and seize our opportunities as they come in the constantly changing market. We will not shy any headwinds, but use them for lift.”

First-quarter figures 2008

During the first three months of the 2008, Lufthansa Group revenues rose to 5.6 billion euros, equivalent to a year-on-year rise of 19 per cent. Traffic revenue was up by 25.2 per cent to 4.5 billion euros thanks to the expansion of sales with higher average revenue adjusted for currency fluctuations in the Passenger Business segment and the full consolidation of SWISS.

The rise of operating expenses to 6.0 billion euros was disproportionately lower than the increase in revenues. The rise in expenses can principally be attributed to the higher fuel prices. On the one hand these were volume-related and on the other hand they resulted from the change in the scope of consolidation and the significant increase in the oil price.

The first-quarter operating result improved by 152 million euros to 188 million euros. The Group result is 57 million euros. In 2007 this post included the profit from the sale of the shares in Thomas Cook. After adjusting the Group result for this effect, it shows a slight improvement in comparison to the previous year.

Lufthansa’s capital expenditure during the reporting period totalled 808 million euros, of which 493 million euros were spent on the expansion and modernization of the fleet and 214 million euros were spent on the acquisition of a 19 per cent stake in the JetBlue Airways Corporation on 22 January 2008. The cash flow from operating activities amounted to 741 million euros. The Group’s net liquid assets stood at 888 million euros at the close of the first quarter.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG

Corporate Communications

Disclaimer in respect of forward-looking statements 

Information published in this press release with regard to the future development of the Lufthansa Group and its subsidiaries consists purely of forecasts and assessments and not of definitive historical facts. These forward-looking statements are based on all discernible information, facts and expectations available at the time. They can, therefore, only claim validity up to the date of their publication. Since forward-looking statements are by their very nature subject to uncertainties and imponderable risk factors – such as changes in underlying economic conditions – and rest on assumptions that may not or divergently occur, it is possible that the Group's actual results and development may differ materially from those implied by the forecasts. Lufthansa makes a point of checking and updating the information it publishes. It cannot, however, assume any obligation to adapt forward-looking statements to accommodate events or developments that may occur at some later date. It neither expressly nor conclusively accepts liability, nor gives any guarantee, for the actuality, accuracy and completeness of this data and information.

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Excellence

Artist's concept of the new Lufthansa Airbus A380 Superjumbo inflight.

Photo: Lufthansa

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Gourmet delights from a host country of UEFA EURO 2008

Star chef Reto Mathis concocts culinary treats for LH passengers on long-haul flights

23.04.08

The Swiss star chef from the famous La Marmite restaurant in St. Moritz has created special menus for Lufthansa passengers travelling in First and Business Class during the months of May and June.

Starters on the First Class menu include crayfish and avocado timbale with lime crème fraîche. Among the main dishes is escalope of guinea fowl Engadine style with air-dried beef and sage accompanied by pumpkin goulash and curd spätzle. In Business Class, starters include marbré of char served with sour cream and apple fennel salad to start with. As a main dish, passengers can, for example, choose fried pike-perch with white saffron sauce, cream spinach and Camargue rice.

Reto Mathis has run La Marmite, which was opened by his father, since 1994. It is the most exclusive restaurant in the Swiss Alps – and also the highest one. Located at an altitude of 8,000 feet at the top of Corviglia, St. Moritz’s highest peak, La Marmite is where the ski-ing jet set meet to indulge in such culinary delicacies as truffles and caviar. Reno Mathis never fails to impress his guests with his elegant creations.

The second UEFA host country, Austria, will also be presenting gourmet delights on Lufthansa flights. From May, passengers on flights to the East Coast of the United States can look forward to an exclusive sushi box created by the Austrian-born star chef Mario Lohninger. The sushi box will contain such delicacies as sushi in a sesame seed crust with cream cheese and crabmeat or a cream dessert made with green tea. Mario Lohninger, 33, can also look back on a successful career that has taken him to some of the world’s most exciting metropolises. He worked in Paris, Los Angeles and New York before becoming chef de cuisine at the Silk and Micro restaurants in the Cocoon Club in Frankfurt in 2004. He also attended a sushi academy to learn the craft of making these exquisite Japanese dishes.

The Lufthansa Star Chef programme Since January 2000, Lufthansa has taken its First and Business Class passengers to new culinary heights. Imaginative menus, created by top chefs from all over the world, make a Lufthansa flight a truly heavenly experience. To date, such international celebrities as Harald Wohlfahrt (Baiersbronn), Dieter Müller (Bergisch Gladbach), Frank Zlomke (Paarl, South Africa), Daniel Boulud (New York) and Paul Bocuse (Lyon) have been engaged as Lufthansa “Star Chefs”. In addition, since the beginning of 2005, internationally renowned chefs have created special menus on selected long-haul routes from Germany to reflect the culinary tastes and traditions of the respective destination.

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Base to Final

Artist's concept of the new Lufthansa Airbus A380 Superjumbo with landing gear extended for landing.

Photo: Lufthansa

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Non-stop Lufthansa Business Jet service to Pune, India

Seventh LH destination in India / Six flights per week from Frankfurt

21.04.08

Lufthansa is further expanding its services to key Indian cities for business and leisure travellers alike. From 1 July 2008, Germany’s largest airline will launch a new route from Frankfurt to Pune in western India. In all comfort passengers will be able to reach Pune non-stop, six times a week in an Airbus A319 which has been refitted as a Business Jet. "The Lufthansa services are increasing in line with the ongoing, very dynamic economic development in India," said Dr. Karl-Rudolf Rupprecht, Senior Vice President Hub Management Frankfurt. "With seven non-stop destinations and 55 flights per week, Lufthansa remains the leading European airline in India. We have almost quadrupled our flights to India since 2001, when we operated 15 flights per week to three destinations."

Lufthansa will operate services to Pune as all-Business Class flights. The Airbus A319 has been refitted as a Business Jet and is operated by PrivatAir, a VIP and business aviation specialist. The aircraft has 48 modern lie-flat seats which, when fully reclined, provide an almost horizontal sleeping surface measuring two metres (6’6”) in length. Bigger seat pitches, more generous table-top areas, power ports for notebooks as well as a reading lamp that is integrated into the seat provide ideal conditions for business travellers to work during the flight. Thanks to the spacious layout of the cabin, passengers travel in an extremely quiet and relaxed atmosphere and can enjoy individualised inflight service.

Pune lies about 200 kilometres south-east of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and is one of the most up-and-coming industrial cities in India. The greater Pune metropolitan area has a population of just under five million. Pune is home to many large international firms in the IT, biotechnology and biochemistry sectors. The region is also regarded as the centre of the automotive industry and a key manufacturing base for numerous international car manufacturing companies in India. European carmakers like Mercedes, Volkswagen, Renault, Fiat, Skoda and Audi as well as the large Indian automobile companies Tata Motors and Bajaj Auto manufacture cars in their plants in Pune mainly for the Asian market. Pune, which is twinned with Bremen, has become an important location for German companies. About 200 German companies are currently represented there. This, the second-largest city in the state of Maharashtra is also a major cultural centre for the region and home to the reputed Film and Television Institute of India. Pune has several universities and is a key centre of education. The hilly city, which used to be called Poona, has many historic sites and in the 1970s became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people from all over the world.

The return fare in the Lufthansa Business Jet from Frankfurt to Pune can be booked at the special introductory fare of 2,199 euros from 24 April until the end of June 2008. This includes all taxes, fees and the Lufthansa Ticket Service Charge of 15 euros for bookings made online at www.lufthansa.com . Special fare conditions apply. Miles & More members can accumulate miles on these flights. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit our website or contact the Lufthansa Call Center on 0180 – LUFTHANSA (0180 5 83 84 26), Lufthansadesignated travel agencies or Lufthansa sales counters at airports.

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SAS Facility Management sold to Coor

2008-04-25

SAS has sold Facility Management to Coor Service Manage-ment, thereby making Coor the general service supplier to SAS in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

The total value of the agreement, which will take effect on June 2, is SEK 1,750 M. The transaction comprises property, production and workplace-related services, such as building maintenance, conference services, re-ception, energy, post handling and projects.

Slightly more than 130 people within SAS Facility Management Sweden AB (including its subsidiaries) in Scandinavia will be transferred to Coor.

"The transaction is entirely in line with SAS's strategy of streamlining opera-tions and increasing focus on our core business. From an early stage, Coor stood out as a strong service supplier and we now look forward to a long-term strategic cooperation focused on quality and progress," says Bjørn Frivold, President of SAS Facility Management Sweden AB.

"This is a prestigious assignment for Coor and we are extremely happy and proud of the trust that SAS is placing in us. A key part of our task will be to take comprehensive control of and develop SAS's operational service throughout Scandinavia. We look forward to carrying out this task in close cooperation with SAS," says Mats Jönsson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coor Service Management.

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Clarification: The sale of SAS Facility Management to Coor Service Management

2008-04-25


The SAS Group wish to make the following clarification regarding the sale of SAS Facility Management to Coor Service Management. The mentioned value of MSEK 1 750 relates to the expected revenues the next five years. This should not be considered as the sales value of the company.

SAS Corporate Investor Relations

Norwegian:

Klargörande: Försäljning av SAS Facility Management till Coor Service Management


SAS koncernen önskar göra följande klargörande angående försäljningen av SAS Facility Management till Coor Service Management. Det värde om 1 750 MSEK angetts avser den förväntade omsättningen kommande fem och ska inte ses som försäljningsvärdet för företaget.

SAS Corporate Investor Relations

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Bernd Bauer named new Head of Sales & Marketing Europe

Bernd Bauer, who is currently Head of Network & Fleet Development, is to assume a new position as Head of Sales & Marketing Europe on June 1. He succeeds Alexander Arafa, who moved to become Head of Cabin Crew on April 14.

Bauer, who is 42 years old and a German national, can draw on many years of experience within the international air transport industry in his new capacity. A graduate in business administration, he has held various functions in sales, marketing and network planning and strategy at Crossair and SWISS since joining the former in 1994.

Among other things, Bauer has been instrumental in developing the present SWISS network and establishing the new hub concept. He has also been a key proponent of harmonising the SWISS aircraft fleet and of ensuring the company’s sustainable further growth in response to market demand.

In his new capacity as Head of Sales & Marketing Europe, Bauer will consolidate and further develop the new European sales organisation that was introduced last year. “I am delighted at this appointment,” says Harry Hohmeister, Chief Network & Distribution Officer at SWISS. “With his extensive experience and expertise, Bernd Bauer is the ideal candidate for this vital function. And I have every confidence that he will continue to cultivate and refine the close sales collaboration that we have embarked on with Lufthansa for the European market.”

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SWISS teams up with US Airways to Philadelphia

SWISS and US Airways have concluded a new codeshare agreement that will offer both partners’ customers an even wider selection of air destinations. SWISS travellers will be able to fly from Zurich to Philadelphia on US Airways-operated flights from April 26 onwards; and US Airways customers will have onward connections from Zurich operated by SWISS to ten new European destinations.

Star Alliance partners SWISS and US Airways are intensifying their collaboration with a new codeshare agreement that offers sizeable further benefits to both partners’ customers. SWISS customers will have a new daily service between Zurich and Philadelphia (operated by US Airways) from April 26. As on all Star Alliance airlines, Miles & More members will be able to earn and redeem programme miles on these flights. “This new codeshare agreement enables us to further expand our attractive range of services to the USA for our customers,” says Harry Hohmeister, SWISS Chief Network & Distribution Officer. “And our new route should also help us further strengthen our presence and position in the vital US market.”

US Airways also becomes SWISS’s codeshare partner on services to ten destinations in Europe. The customers of the USA’s fifth-biggest airline will thus enjoy SWISS-operated onward connections from Zurich to Athens, Bucharest, Düsseldorf, Geneva, Hanover, Luxembourg, Nice, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Vienna.

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WEKO approves the acquisition of Edelweiss Air by SWISS

WEKO, the Swiss Competition Commission, has given its green light for the merger of the two airlines. The authorities have not imposed any special conditions. Edelweiss Air will continue to operate as an independent member company of the Swiss Group. Kuoni remains Edelweiss Air’s biggest customer.

The favourable decision taken by the Competition Commission now permits full implementation of cooperation between Edelweiss Air and SWISS. Allowing for the necessary organizational system adjustments, operational completion is scheduled for the end of October 2008. In February, Kuoni and SWISS announced a strategic partner-ship. In addition to the acquisition of Edelweiss Air by SWISS, this also includes a comprehensive hotel offering by Kuoni on SWISS.COM.

With the consent of the authorities, Edelweiss Air will continue to operate as an inde-pendent airline with unchanged management, its own fleet and own crew. The three Airbus 320 short haul aircraft and the Airbus 330-200 for long haul flights will remain in service. Kuoni Switzerland is still Edelweiss Air’s biggest customer and will continue to offer high quality holiday flights to a wide range of destinations. All three parties look forward to the new Swiss partnership which can now be implemented.

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25.04.2008

Adria Announces Double rewards on new regular routes

From 1 May 2008 until 31 July (inc.) 2008, you will be doubly rewarded when taking direct return flights to Athens, Oslo, Stockholm and Bucharest. As part of the Adria Corporate programme, double rewarding will take place automatically. In order to be rewarded with double miles in the Miles&More programme, you must register for this promotion here.

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Saab offers Gripen to the Indian Air Force

In New Delhi today Saab handed-over its compliant response to the Indian Ministry of Defence Request for Proposal for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force.

Saab has offered the Indian Air Force the next generation Gripen, which includes increased combat range and endurance, a more powerful engine and super cruise capability, additional weapons carriage capability and increased payload. The Saab offer is supported by a long term programme of industrial co-operation and offset and of technology transfer. Saab’s international industrial network will provide substantial and long-term joint venture growth for the Indian aerospace and defence sector.

Saab President and CEO Åke Svensson stated “The compliant proposal submitted today, demonstrates our commitment to winning the Indian government’s MMRCA tender” he said. “I am confident that Saab has submitted the complete solution to India’s requirements. We are offering cutting edge, next generation combat aircraft and excessive industrial co-operation, including unrivalled access to key technologies, enabling autonomy and increased national security for India.”

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.




Swedish:

Saab offererar Gripen till det indiska flygvapnet

I New Delhi idag lämnade Saab över sitt svar på det indiska
försvarsdepartementets Request for Proposal, gällande
126 stycken Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) till det indiska flygvapnet.


Saab erbjuder det indiska flygvapnet nästa generations Gripen med ökad räckvidd, en mer kraftfull motor, super cruise-förmåga, och förmåga att bära fler vapensystem och tyngre vapenlast. Saabs erbjudande stöds av ett långsiktigt program av industriellt samarbete och teknologiöverföring. Saabs internationella industrinätverk kommer erbjuder den indiska flyg- och försvarssektorn en hållbar och långsiktig gemensam utveckling genom joint venture.

– Det svar som vi idag lämnar in beskriver Saabs erbjudande för den indiska regeringens MMRCA-upphandling. Jag är övertygad om att Saabs lösning är komplett och att den uppfyller Indiens krav. Vi offererar det mest avancerade, nästa generations stridsflygplan tillsammans med ett omfattande industrisamarbete inklusive tillgång till nyckelteknologier som erbjuder oberoende och ökad säkerhet för Indien, säger Åke Svensson, Saabs VD.

Saab förser den globala marknaden med världsledande produkter, tjänster och lösningar som sträcker sig från militärt försvar till civil säkerhet. Saab har verksamhet och medarbetare på alla kontinenter och utvecklar, anpassar och förbättrar ständigt ny teknologi för att möta kundernas förändrade behov.

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Latest News As Of April 27, 2008

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Berlin Airlift Memorial

Staff Sgt. Federico Hudson cleans the nose art on a static C-47A Skytrain aircraft on display at the Berlin Airlift Memorial site at the former Rhein Main Air Base near Frankfurt International Airport in Germany. Sergeant Hudson and a team of approximately 30 volunteers from Ramstein AB spent three days cleaning the display aircraft for refurbishing in prepartion for a Berlin Airlift 60th Anniversary Celebration to take place there in June.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements)

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Airmen help restore Berlin Airlift memorial

by Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

4/25/2008 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- Approximately 30 Airmen from Ramstein Air Base volunteered approximately 260 total man-hours to help restore the Berlin Airlift Memorial site at the former Rhein Main AB near Frankfurt International Airport in Germany April 22-24.

Airmen teamed up with volunteer employees from Luftansa Technik, the maintenance company for Lufthansa Airlines, and washed, scrubbed and rinsed the faded and soiled C-54 Skymaster and C-47 Skytrain aircraft on display there.

"It was a great opportunity coming down here to participate in taking care of our history and our heritage," said Senior Master Sgt. Todd Piazza of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe who led the team of Airmen volunteers.

"We wanted to make sure we had a good representation of different career fields getting to participate in this, because we know during the Berlin Airlift it wasn't just pilots and maintainers that worked it, it was everybody as a team that made that happen and we wanted everybody, as a team, to be a part of this project," he said.

Fraport AG, the company who manages Frankfurt International Airport, organized and funded the bulk of the clean-up and restoration of the memorial to prepare for a Berlin Airlift 60th anniversary celebration to take place there on June 26.

Fraport AG spokesperson Professor Dieter Weirich said the company thought it would be a good idea to give the U.S. Air Force the opportunity to take part in the project.

"We are very grateful to the American General Consulate and the American air force in Ramstein that they supported us [throughout with the idea] and with this practical support today," he said.

The Airmen were excited to have the opportunity to help.

"It's great to be a part of it because of the history of these aircraft during the Berlin Airlift and to help clean them up for the celebration in June," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Cloyd, a maintenance crew chief from the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron.

Each day a different group of Airmen volunteers were on site. A core team of the volunteers that included safety, bioenvironmental, and aircraft maintenance quality assurance personnel were on site each of the three days to ensure the Airmen worked safely.

"One plane was pretty black and it's supposed to be a silver-grey color, so we were out there using hand scrubbing brushes and scouring pads -- a lot of scrubbing and hard work," said Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Breur, a HQs USAFE aircraft maintenance specialist.

"It was cool working with the Germans and cleaning up a little piece of history, pretty awesome, to work on the older planes especially since we work on new ones and to see some different stuff," said Staff Sgt. Jeramiah Yurick, a maintenance crew chief from the 723rd AMS.

While the Airmen helped with the manual labor of brushing, scrubbing and rinsing and Luftansa Technik handled the technical restoration like sheet metal work and painting, the working relation between the volunteer groups was dynamic.

"I'm very happy to be here now with the people of the United States to help clean the planes. And I find it very interesting to speak with them in English and to work with them, said volunteer Miguel Hiller," a Lufthansa Technik mechanic and German citizen. "They work very hard and quickly, and they are very interested to help us and in the history too."

On June 26, 1948, the Berlin Airlift officially began to provide food, fuel and medicine to 2.5 million West Berliners cut-off from the world by a Soviet Union imposed blockade of all surface transportation.

Two days later the USAFE commander organized a dedicated airlift force to carry out Operation Vittles.

Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force and Navy and the Royal Air Force formed a combined airlift task force.

Eventually a fleet of 200-300 C-54s formed the backbone of this force and by its end in Sept. 1949, 277,264 flights had been conducted, delivering in excess of 2.3 million tons of food and supplies.

The "lift" was the greatest peacetime airlift operation in history.

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Berlin Airlift Memorial

Staff Sgt. Kevin Cloyd rinses the nose art on a static C-47A Skytrain on display at the Berlin Airlift Memorial site of the former Rhein Main Air Base near Frankfurt International Airport in Germany. Sergeant Cloyd and a team of approximately 30 volunteers from Ramstein AB spent three days cleaning the display aircraft for refurbishing in prepartion for a Berlin Airlift 60th Anniversary Celebration to take place there in June. Sergeant Cloyd is an aircraft maintenance crew chief at Ramstein AB.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements)

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Smithsonian Air & Space UAV Exhibit Underway

An RQ-3A Darkstar (top), MQ-1L Predator A (right) and X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (left) hang in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit, which opened to the public April 24, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

Front Page ~ Through the Eyes of an Airman ™

Smithsonian puts UAVs on display


by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

4/25/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Officials at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum unveiled a new exhibit April 24 of military unmanned aerial vehicles representing each branch of service.

Of the six UAVs on display, three artifacts came from the U.S. Air Force:

- MQ-1L Predator A
- RQ-3A Darkstar
- X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System

"UAVs are the future of combat air forces," said Dik Daso, the museum curator for modern military aircraft. "This generation is familiar with UAVs and most of what they see here they'll recognize."

Each of the UAVs in the exhibit is unique in its individual accomplishments. For example, the Predator in the display was one of the first three MQ-1s over Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. In addition, it was the first Predator to launch a missile in combat.

The curator said the Predator on display flew 196 combat sorties, racking up more than 2,700 flight hours, about the same number of flying hours Mr. Daso accumulated as a pilot during his 20-year Air Force career.

For one museum patron, seeing the UAV exhibit was a welcome surprise.

"The display looks great and it's amazing to see (the UAVs) in person," said Chicago native John Perseghin, who was visiting the Air and Space Museum with his daughter's class. "To me, it's obvious we need these in our military. They're important in doing things like reconnaissance without jeopardizing human lives."

Mr. Daso said their goal is to inform museum patrons about the role UAVs play in modern warfare.

"We want to educate our visitors even more on what UAVs have done and what they currently do for us today," he said. "We used unmanned aerial vehicles in World War II and Vietnam, but things like the Predator have utterly revolutionized the way our military fights. The UAVs in our display have significant combat histories and important stories to tell. That's why they're here."

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Smithsonian Air & Space UAV Exhibit Underway

An X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit, which opened to the public April 24, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years. The X-45A was the first UAV designed specifically for combat missions.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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Smithsonian Air & Space UAV Exhibit Underway

An MQ-1L Predator A hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit, which opened to the public April 24, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years. This particular Predator was the first MQ-1L to fire a missile in combat and flew 196 combat missions before being retired.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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Smithsonian Air & Space UAV Exhibit Underway

An RQ-3A Darkstar (top to bottom), MQ-1L Predator A and X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System hang in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit, which opened to the public April 24, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

Front Page

Smithsonian Air & Space UAV Exhibit Underway

An RQ-3A Darkstar hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit, which opened to the public April 24, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years. The Darkstar integrated stealth technology into a UAV, but the project was soon abandoned.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

Front Page

Smithsonian Air & Space UAV Exhibit Underway

An MQ-1L Predator A hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit, which opened to the public April 24, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years. This particular Predator was the first MQ-1L to fire a missile in combat and flew 196 combat missions before being retired.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

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Pregnant Guppy

NASA's Super Guppy sits at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., where it waits for a maintenance inspection by Air Force specialists. Project planners say the work should be completed by Aug. 22. NASA officials brought the unique aircraft to Tinker AFB because of the capability of Tinker's workforce to inspect and repair the large aircraft.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Debra Bennett)

Front Page ~ Through the Eyes of an Airman ™

NASA officials turn to Air Force for 'Guppy' evaluation


by Danielle Gregory
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/24/2008 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- NASA officials brought the Super Guppy -- a uniquely-designed aircraft used to transport cargo, including parts of the space shuttle program -- to Tinker AFB in mid-April so that maintainers here could inspect the aircraft and perform some repairs.

According to NASA Chief Flight Engineer Henry Taylor, officials chose Tinker AFB because it has a great reputation for having lots of capabilities when it comes to doing significant maintenance.

"We wanted to go someplace where we could have the kind of expertise and support to support a one-of-a-kind airplane and Tinker has that," Mr. Taylor said.

Project planners here estimate it should take about 14,770 hours to inspect and fix the plane, which has never been fixed prior to this. That equates to an Aug. 22 goal of completing inspections and some repairs, with a drop dead date of Sept. 29, unless workers find something that requires extensive repairs.

Debra Bennett, lead Super Guppy project pre-planner, was part of a Tinker AFB contingent that visited NASA in February 2007 to discuss the Super Guppy.

"This is the first time the Air Force has gotten involved, as everything has been done by contractors," Ms. Bennett said. "Tinker AFB, in particular, was selected because we had so many different things we can do right here."

Super Guppy electrician Daniel Thompson agreed.

"When it comes out of Tinker it should be capable of handling its duties for the next 10 years," he said.

NASA personnel will remain on site while base personnel work on the plane.

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Tall Order

Maintainers at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., work on an elevator of NASA's Supper Guppy. NASA officials brought the unique aircraft to Tinker AFB because of the capability of Tinker's workforce to inspect and repair the large aircraft.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Debra Bennett)

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"Open Wide!"

Workers in the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., prepare to inspect NASA's Super Guppy. Its hinged nose can be opened 110 degrees for cargo loading. NASA officials brought the unique aircraft to Tinker AFB because of the capability of Tinker's workforce to inspect and repair the large aircraft.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Debra Bennett)

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1st Lt. Matheew Lundeen (left) and Maj. Mark Thompson walk around their C-17 Globemaster III April 17 while it's parked on the flight line during a dust storm at Sather Air Base, Iraq. The dust storm reduced visibility to 100 meters and stopped all air traffic.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)

Front Page ~ Through the Eyes of an Airman ™

April 25 airpower summary:

A-10s take it to the enemy



4/26/2008 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Apr. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II dropped guided bomb unit-12s to destroy enemy rocket positions in Bermel. An on-scene joint terminal attack controler confirmed that the missions were successful.

In Qalat, a British GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In Asadabad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-31s and 38s in order to destroy an enemy rocket position. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In Nangalam, an F-15E dropped a GBU-31 on enemy combatants. In addition F-15Es performed shows of force in order to deter any additional activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities, French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Bermel. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Orgune, an A-10 dropped a 500-pound bomb to destroy enemy combatants. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 70 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Some 145 airlift sorties were flown, 705 tons of cargo delivered and 3,418 passengers were transported. This included approximately 135,520 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Canada, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Apr. 24, U.S. Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 47 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.

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An A-10 Thunderbolt II greets the start of a new day at Bagram Air Base, Afthanistan. A-10s provide lethal close-air support for ground troops supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Col. Tim Grams)

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CNO Speaks to Naval Aviators at Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Symposium

Official U.S. Navy file photo of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead speaking with Sailors and Marines during an all-hands call earlier in April at Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (JTF-HOA) in Djibouti.

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CNO Speaks to Naval Aviators at Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Symposium

4/25/2008 9:59:00 PM



By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead spoke at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Symposium on April 25 about the community's part in "A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower."

CNO discussed the vital role of maritime patrol and reconnaissance to the maritime strategy, emphasizing the need to work with other navies.

"Yours is a community that gives us that global presence," said Roughead. "You are there, you are the strategy and most importantly, you and your shipmates are the ones that are carrying it out, day in and day out."

CNO spoke about his three priorities to maintain current readiness, build tomorrow's Navy and the importance of Sailors, Navy civilians and their families. He said it was imperative the Navy is ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

"I can tell you that whenever the Navy has been called upon, the Navy has flown. The readiness that we put into place a few years ago with the creation of the Fleet Response Plan has allowed us to be that way. But we're also able to do it because we're global and we're deployed and we are where things are happening. Maintaining current readiness allows us to do that," Roughead said.

He then took a series of questions and answers about Anti-Submarine Warfare, the 2010 budget and joint forces capabilities. Roughead concluded the discussion by expressing his appreciation for the community's efforts.

"Thank you for what you and your folks are doing every day, day in and day out. You are in unbelievable demand because of the capability and the competence that you bring to the fight," CNO said.

For related news, visit the Chief of Naval Operations page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cno/

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April 25, 2008 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

World's First In-depth Report Covering Organic & Printed Electronics in North America Now Available

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets...

( http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c89902 )

...has announced the addition of Organic & Printed Electronics in North America to their offering.

The world's first and only report analysing the subject in depth.

The new electronics has even greater potential than today's silicon based technology. This is because it tackles a wider range of opportunities, from wide area displays to lowest cost power generation and smart packaging. This organic and printed electronics is growing to become a $300 billion market in 2028 and, in 2008 alone, many factories come on stream to make "post silicon" transistors, displays and solar cells. They are using thin films of both organic and inorganic compound and, increasingly, printing, because that gives higher output, larger areas and lower cost.

This is the world's first and only report analysing the subject in North America in depth. It compares and analyses the activities of 208 organisations, involving 436 projects in the USA and Canada by technology and country. It gives full contact details of these companies and, where appropriate, examples of patenting performance, research programs, products and references to many scientific papers presented in 2006 onwards giving an excellent insight into the priorities and achievements of these organisations.

Although North America has fewer organisations than Europe that are pursuing this subject, the USA is the single most important country in printed and potentially printed electronics, having more participants than any other single country, strong funding and intellectual property but not in every sector. Its priorities and strengths are very different from those elsewhere. Where is US government support greatest and most consistent and what technology is it for? Where is the USA weak? Where is North America likely to win and where will it lose? How do the types of activity compare by number of projects? Is there a sensible balance between academic work and commercial rollouts? Who is acquiring whom and why? It is all here.

Some of the Companies Mentioned:

3M
Acheson
Acumentrics
Add-Vision Incorporated
Advance Nanotech
Air Force Research Laboratories
Avery Dennison - Advanced Electronic Materials
Aveso, Inc.
Being Seen Technologies
Bell Labs
Bioident Technologies
Biofisica
Brookhaven National Labs
Cabot
California Institute of Technology "Caltech"
Cambrios
Canrom
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
DuPont
DuPont Teijin Films
Dynamic Organic Light, Inc.
Eastman Kodak
Eikos Inc.
E Ink Corporation
Electrox Corp
eMagin
Emcore Photovoltaics
Emerson & Cuming
Excellatron Solid State LLC.
Ferro Corporation
First Solar, Inc. Corporate Headquarters
Florida Solar Energy Center
Front Edge Technology
FujiFilm Dimatix
General Electric
Gentag
Georgia Institute of Technology
Global Photonic Energy Corporation
Global Solar Energy, Inc.
GSI Technologies
Harvard University
Institute for Soldier Nanotechnology
International Paper
Iowa State University
Iowa Thin Film Technologies
ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
John Hopkins University
Johnson Research
KeenSense Inc.
Konarka Technologies
Kovio
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Leadis Technology
NanoDynamics, Inc.
NanoMas Technologies
Nanosolar
Nanosys
NASA Glenn National Center for Photovoltaics Golden
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL
National Science Foundation
New Mexico State University
Norfolk State University
Northwestern University
Novacentrix
NTERA, Inc.
Nuelight Corp
Oak Ridge Microenergy
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Ohio Aerospace Institute
Ohio State University
Optomec
Oregon State University
ORFID
OrganicID (Weyerhauser)
Outrider Technologies
OSD Displays
PakSense
Palo Alto Research Center PARC
PixDro
Plextronics USA
Polyera Corp
Precision Dynamics
Princeton University
Purdue University
QD Vision
Quantum Paper, Inc.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rieke Metals
Rochester Inst Technology
Rogers Corp
RSI ID Technologies
Rutgers Univerity
Sandia National Laboratory
Sarnoff
Sealed Air Corporation
Semprius
SiPix Imaging Inc
Solicore
Soligie
SoloPower, Inc.
Somark Innovations
Spansion
Spectrolab
Stanford University
Sun Chemical
Sylvania Sustainable Technology
Symmorphix
Teledyne Battery Products
Texas A&M University
Texas Instruments
The CORE Institute
The Kennedy Group
Thin Battery Technologies
T-ink
Travanti Pharma Inc
Ultralife Batteries
Umicore
Unidym, Inc.
Universal Display Corp
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
University of Michigan
University of Wisconsin Madison
US Naval Research Laboratory
Vitex Systems, Inc.
CIS Solar
Ignis Innovation
Information Mediary Corp. (IMC)
Luxell Technologies Inc.
McGill University
McMaster University
National Research Council of Canada
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia
University of Waterloo
Xerox
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c89902

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April 25, 2008 11:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Orbital’s Board of Directors Authorizes New $50 Million Stock Repurchase Program

-- Company Has Repurchased Approximately $153 Million of Its Common Stock Since Mid-2004 --


DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:ORB) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to $50 million of its common stock over a 12-month period, beginning today. The Board’s authorization will replace a previous $50 million securities repurchase program that expires May 2, 2008, under which Orbital has repurchased $45.2 million of its common stock. Since mid-2004, when Orbital’s buyback program was initiated, the company has repurchased approximately $153 million, or 9.6 million shares, of its common stock for an average purchase price of $15.99 per share.

“The Board’s authorization for another $50 million in common stock repurchases demonstrates Orbital’s commitment to building long-term value for our shareholders through capital structure enhancements, in addition to maintaining the strong operating and financial performance we achieved over the past several years and capitalizing on the encouraging outlook going forward,” said Mr. David W. Thompson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Under the newly authorized repurchase program, shares of common stock may be purchased from time to time in the open market, in block purchase or in negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of shares to be repurchased will be determined based on market conditions and other factors.

About Orbital

Orbital develops and manufactures small rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low Earth-orbit, geosynchronous Earth-orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also offers space-related technical services to government agencies and develops and builds software-based transportation management systems for public transit agencies and private vehicle fleet operators.

More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com

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April 25, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

M3 Technology Group Delivers Real-Time Unified Communications Technologies to Southeast Industry Leaders

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--M3 Technology Group (M3TG), the global leader in customized professional and managed services for messaging platforms, is partnering with Microsoft to deliver Unified Communications expertise to business leaders across the Southeast.

The inaugural “VoIP as you ARE” webcast event was designed to facilitate the discussion of best practices in real-time communication. M3TG and Microsoft hosted information technology leaders from real estate, finance, healthcare, aerospace, telecommunications, professional sports and manufacturing to discuss applications for Office Communications Server 2007 (OCS), part of Microsoft’s Unified Communications offering.

“VoIP as you ARE,” which encompassed markets from Research Triangle Park, N.C. to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., educated technology and managerial executives on a voice solution that allows companies to utilize existing communications resources. With the implementation of Exchange 2007, organizations can benefit from the numerous advantages of VoIP without replacing existing systems in an effort to extend current telecom investments.

With proven efficiencies in enterprise communications, businesses that leverage OCS are able to increase productivity, giving them significant competitive advantages in their sectors. Streamlined communications and enhanced operational control yield marked improvements in availability, business continuity and global project collaboration, as demonstrated in case study presentations from Gibson Guitar and Metrolina Greenhouses.

M3TG provides clients with a variety of communication assessment services to help companies determine a customized communications and messaging implementation and management strategy. Mobilizing consultants and specialists across the region, M3TG provides specialized assessments to a variety of industry leaders, including Heico Aerospace, Family Health International, Muzak, Highwoods Properties and Little Diversified Architectural Consulting.

OCS is now impacting real-time communications and unified messaging, with features such as VoIP, Public Internet Connectivity, Office Communicator and LiveMeeting service. M3TG’s Unified Communications team creates custom instant messaging, presence, conferencing and VoIP solutions for midmarket and corporate global enterprises, managing these solutions on premise or within a hosted format in more than 50 countries.

“Real-time businesses require real-time communications. In a competitive global environment, leveraging messaging and collaboration best practices can yield enormous gains in productivity and efficiency,” said Michael Byrnes, chief executive officer of M3TG. “Project timelines can be reduced to a fraction of their estimate and multiple channels within a supply chain can quickly transform the benefits of Unified Communications into efficiencies that can be passed along to their customers and partners.”

About M3 Technology Group

M3 Technology Group is the global leader in messaging services. With expert practices for enterprise email, Active Directory, Blackberry, OCS and UC/UM technologies, M3TG sets the standard in messaging deployment, monitoring and management. Email is the most utilized, vulnerable, mission-critical system in every business environment and M3TG supports and protects that core with unparalleled accountability and reliability.

Messaging technologies are the catalysts to essential business operations and they need to be running 24x7x365. Organizations around the world seek out M3TG’s unparalleled professional and managed service expertise - available, reliable and accurate to command new implementations, platform migrations and mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. M3TG delivers on what it promises, dedicates a team of experts to every engagement and completes projects on time and within budget. The company operates from its North American headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. For more information on M3TG, visit www.M3TG.com.

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Amphenol Announces Second Quarter
2008 Dividend Payment

April 25, 2008 08:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time

WALLINGFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amphenol Corporation (NYSE-APH) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a continuing quarterly dividend on its Common Stock in the amount of $.015 per share. The Company will pay its second quarter dividend for 2008 on or about July 2, 2008 to shareholders of record as of June 11, 2008.

Amphenol Corporation is one of the world’s leading producers of electronic and fiber optic connectors, cable and interconnect systems. Amphenol products are engineered and manufactured in the Americas, Europe and Asia and sold by a worldwide sales and marketing organization. Amphenol has a diversified presence as a leader in high growth segments of the interconnect market including: Military, Commercial Aerospace, Automotive, Broadband Communication, Industrial, Information Technology and Data Communications Equipment, Mobile Devices and Wireless Infrastructure.

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April 25, 2008 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Technitrol Declares Shareholder Dividend

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The board of directors of Technitrol, Inc. (NYSE:TNL) announced it has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0875 per common share, payable July 18, 2008 to shareholders of record on July 4, 2008.

Based in Philadelphia, Technitrol is a worldwide producer of electronic components, electrical contacts and assemblies and other precision-engineered parts and materials for manufacturers in the wireless and wireline communications, hearing, medical, military/aerospace, automotive and electrical equipment industries. For more information, visit Technitrol’s Web site at http://www.technitrol.com.

Cautionary Note: This message contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially. This release should be read in conjunction with the factors set forth in Technitrol's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2008 in Item 2 under the caption "Factors that May Affect Our Future Results (Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)."

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April 24, 2008 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

SPACEHAB Chief Speaks at U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Science and Aeronautics Hearing

Pickens Backs Value of NASA’s ISS Program to Private Interests and Public Alike

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SPACEHAB Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAB), a provider of commercial space services, today announced that Thomas B. Pickens, III, SPACEHAB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, served as a key witness today in a hearing with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, regarding NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) Program: Status and Issues.

Pickens provided testimony expounding on the significance of NASA’s ISS Program – not just as it applies to a commercial aerospace company – but for its tremendous potential to benefit mankind. Pickens detailed SPACEHAB’s 23 years of experience in the processing of cargo and complex science payloads for space and how this knowledge, coupled with the station’s near completion status as well as its recent designation as a U.S. National Lab for private use, contribute to the ideal ‘time and place’ for full ISS utilization. Pickens also reported to the Subcommittee on the Company’s progress to date in its new microgravity processing initiatives, much of which is planned for full scale production on the orbiting laboratory.

Other witnesses appearing at the hearing included: William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA; Ms. Cristina Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management, Government Accountability Office; Dr. Jeffrey Sutton, Director, National Space Biomedical Research Institute; Dr. Edward Knipling, Administrator, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dr. Louis Stodieck, Director, BioServe Space Technologies, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado; and Dr. Cheryl Nickerson, Associate Professor, Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University.

Interested parties who would like to read complete witness testimonies presented at the hearing can visit the Committee on Science and Technology website by accessing the following link:

http://science.house.gov/publications/hearings_markups_details.aspx?NewsID=2162

(Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

About SPACEHAB, Incorporated

SPACEHAB is a commercial and entrepreneurial force in the space industry providing a full spectrum of products and services to both the government and private sectors. The Company offers space access and payload integration services, production of valuable commercial products in space, spacecraft pre-launch processing facilities and services, development and extension of space-based products to the consumer market, and program and engineering support ranging from development and manufacturing of flight hardware to large scale government project management.

The statements in this document may contain forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, trends, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from the forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, continued government support and funding for key space programs, product performance and market acceptance of products and services, as well as other risk factors and business considerations described in the company's Securities & Exchange Commission filings including the annual report on Form 10-K. Any forward-looking statements in this document should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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aloft Hotel Breaks Ground in Chantilly, Virginia

Artist's Concept: aloft Dulles South

Photo: BusinessWire

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April 24, 2008 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

aloft Hotel Breaks Ground in Chantilly, Virginia

New concept hotel to open near Dulles Airport in spring 2009

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. & CHANTILLY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloftsm hotels, today celebrated the groundbreaking on a new aloft hotel in Chantilly, Va., immediately south of the Dulles International Airport and the National Air and Space Museum. Developed and owned by Columbus, Md.-headquartered Ampac Group, aloft Dulles South is scheduled to open in spring 2009. Marshall Management, located in Salisbury, Md., will operate the hotel, as well as provide construction oversight and pre-opening services. The 144-room hotel will offer a variety of intuitive technologies and atmospheric public spaces.

aloft Dulles South will be conveniently located in the heart of the technology corridor and is in close proximity to numerous corporate offices in the aerospace, technology and telecommunications fields, as well as the county’s largest business park, Westfields. The new-construction hotel will be located at 3870 Centerview Drive several minutes from the Dulles International Airport.

“aloft Dulles South will bring its definitive sense of style and urban sensibility to dynamic western Fairfax county, one of the most rapidly growing areas in the country,” said Brian McGuinness, Vice President of aloft and element hotels worldwide. “Custom-designed for forward-thinking travelers, aloft provides a fresh, new lodging alternative that fits in well with the cutting-edge development and technology that dominates the area.

“The aloft brand is the next generation of hotels, offering a combination of innovative lifestyle options, a technology-rich milieu in a high energy social environment,” said Annie Kim, owner of the Ampac Group. “Our company focuses primarily on the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets. Our aloft Dulles South, which will be one of the first to open in the region and the country, will attract a broad and eclectic mix of business and leisure guests from around the world.”

“The uniqueness, freshness and newness of the aloft Dulles South will create a buzz in the tech corridor that will immediately distinguish the hotel from older, more traditional hotels in the area,” said Mike Marshall, president and CEO of Marshall Management. “We also will add energy to the local economy with the addition of nearly 50 new jobs upon opening.”

As a Vision of W Hotels, the aloft brand is shaking up the lodging industry with urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft hotels offer a total sensory experience, with aloft guest rooms featuring loft-like, nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows to create a bright, airy environment. The centerpiece of the aloft room is the ultra-comfortable signature bed, and large stylish bathrooms complement the guest experience with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by bliss® spa. Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center, featuring wireless internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops - all linked to a large flat panel LCD television for optimal sound and viewing.

Designed in conjunction with world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, aloft stays true to the W brand’s heritage, offering atmospheric public spaces designed to draw guests from their rooms to socialize and make friends. Guests can read the paper, work on their laptops via hotel-wide wireless internet access, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mixsm communal lobby area and bar w xyzsm. The re:chargesm fitness center and splash, the indoor or outdoor pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; while re:fuel by aloftsm, a one-stop food and beverage area, offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.

The first aloft hotels will open this summer. For more information on aloft, please visit www.alofthotels.com .

About aloft

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Starwood anticipates the first aloft hotels to open in 2008, with 500 properties worldwide expected by 2012.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft(SM), and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com .

About Marshall Management

Salisbury, Md.-based Marshall Management, founded in 1980, has special expertise in operating three- and four-star branded hotels and resorts, averaging 100 to 400 rooms, in urban and central business districts, suburban/drive-to and resort location. Additional information about Marshall Management may be found at the company’s Web site: www.marshallhotels.com .

About Ampac Group

Founded in 2005, AMPAC Group is a development company headquartered in Columbia, Md. The company invests across a wide range of real estate classes, primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The company currently owns two hotels and has three hotels, including the aloft Dulles South. Additional information about the company is available at www.ampacgroup.com

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April 24, 2008 11:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Intelli-Check – Mobilisa Awarded Air Force R&D Contract

PORT TOWNSEND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelli-Check - Mobilisa, Inc. (AMEX: IDN), a leader in identity and wireless systems, announced that it has been awarded a new $747,229 contract to perform Research and Development of a Radio Frequency (“RF”) Microwave Hazard Assessment Tool (“RHAZ”).

RHAZ is a hazard analysis software tool that will enable medics, range safety officers, and researchers to determine an RF emitter’s hazard potential to Airmen for use in real time deployment environments. The tool will allow the Air Force to safely install equipment in an expeditionary environment, as well as ensure that hazards to US Armed Forces are not created at permanent installation sites.

The contract will leverage Intelli-Check - Mobilisa’s expertise in both wireless technology and software development and will be performed along with a team of scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s office at Brooks City-Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Intelli-Check - Mobilisa’s Chief Scientist Craig Bleile stated, “The safety of our armed forces is paramount, and we are proud to have the opportunity to ensure their health and well-being. RF can be dangerous, especially at the levels employed by the armed services, if not properly handled. Our tool will be designed to allow service personnel to visualize RF energy, thus putting the capability to create a safe operating environment in the hands of every Safety Officer.”

About Intelli-Check-Mobilisa, Inc.

Intelli-Check - Mobilisa, Inc. is a leading technology company in developing and marketing wireless technology and identity systems for various applications including: mobile and handheld wireless devices for the government, military and commercial markets. Products include the Defense ID systems, an advanced ID card access-control product that is currently protecting over 50 military and federal locations and ID-CHECK a technology that instantly reads, analyzes, and verifies encoded data in magnetic stripes and barcodes on government-issue IDs from approximately 60 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada to determine if the content and format are valid.

Intelli-Check - Mobilisa, Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. When used in this press release, words such as "will," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "encouraged" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company or its management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the company's management identity forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the information presented here. Additional information concerning forward looking statements is contained under the heading of risk factors listed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information.

For more information about Intelli-Check – Mobilisa, Inc., visit www.icmobil.com or call toll free 1.888.9IC.MOBIL.

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April 24, 2008 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Vice Fund Sees Growth in Defense/Aerospace Stocks

Politics is Not a Factor

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In today’s super-challenging investing environment, Vice Fund (Nasdaq:VICEX) manager Charles Norton is a big believer in defense and aerospace equities.

Co-managed by Charles L. Norton and Allen R. Gillespie, Vice Fund is a non-diversified mutual fund focusing its investments in global opportunities in four sectors: defense/aerospace, gaming, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco.

“As the presidential process moves forward, we took a look at the commonly held belief that Republicans are better for defense stocks than Democrats,” Norton states. “The data suggests, however, there is no correlation between the political party of the President and Congress as a primary driver for defense spending.

“Historically, defense budget growth tends to go hand-in-hand with high global threat levels, regardless of the political party in the White House or dominating Congress,” Norton states. “And there are plenty of volatile fronts: Iran, North Korea, India/Pakistan, and China, to name a few.

“Second, the next generation of warfare will most likely leverage technology more than ever before – and as a result, we believe more money should flow into Procurement and Research, Development and Test and Evaluation. Historically, defense stocks have outperformed the broader market when budget authority on these two areas of the defense budget are on the rise.¹

“For these and other reasons, budget authority for defense modernization will likely increase through at least 2010, the first year a new administration will sign off on new defense spending. Also, pure play defense stocks have been defensive, with near zero correlation to the broader market, over the past two decades. As investors focus on issues of the day like a deteriorating credit market and subprime lending, we take a long-term approach, honing in on defensive sectors that we believe are well positioned to benefit when the economy is moderating and the broad market is struggling,” said Norton.

On the aerospace side, he notes that robust global GDP growth has triggered a pickup in air traffic. Driven by fast-growing emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East, worldwide traffic growth “appears to be surging well above its long-term trend, fertilizing a new upcycle in global demand for aircraft.” In recent years, aircraft orders out of Asia and the Middle East have combined for nearly one-third of total orders, while the concentration of orders from North America and Europe has declined to less than one-half.

Also, next-generation airplanes like Boeing’s 787 are as much as 20% more fuel efficient – so high fuel prices will likely increase the need to replace older planes with more economical ones.

“Our exposure to what we believe will be a prolonged aerospace upcycle comes from a leading aircraft maker, and through some of the top aerospace suppliers, all of whom could be beneficiaries of this trend,” Norton adds.

According to Lipper, Vice Fund’s five-year return of 20.95% through March 31, 2008 ranks it in the top 1 percent among 504 funds in the multi-cap core category, based on total fund returns. The fund also ranks in the top 3 percent among 663 funds, with a 12.34% annual return for the three-year period ended March 31, 2008. The fund also ranks in the top 3 percent among 869 funds, with a 4.44% annual return for the one-year period ended March 31, 2008.

Gross Expense Ratio: 1.90%

Net Expense Ratio:* 1.75%

*The Advisor has a contractual agreement to waive fees through 07/31/17.

¹ These figures were compiled by GNI Capital using data from Bloomberg. It compares the return data for the S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense Index during the full calendar year in which there is a Presidential election to the return of the S&P 500 Index over the same time period.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The fund imposes a 1.00% redemption fee on shares held less than 60 days. Performance does not reflect redemption fee. Had the fee been included, returns would be lower. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-866-264-8783 or visiting www.vicefund.com.

For more information on the Vice Fund, including charges and expenses, Call 1-866-264-8783 or log on to www.vicefund.com

The fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be obtained by calling Shareholder Services toll free at 866-264-8783 or visiting www.vicefund.com. Read it carefully before investing.

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is nondiversified, meaning it may concentrate its assets in fewer individual holdings than a diversified fund. Therefore, the Fund is more exposed to individual stock volatility than a diversified fund. The Fund invests in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. The Fund invests in smaller companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility.

Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. is an independent mutual fund research and rating service. Each Lipper average represents a universe of Funds with similar invest objectives. Rankings for the period shown are based on Fund total returns with dividends and distributions reinvested and do not reflect sales charges.”

The S&P 500 Index is a broad based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. The S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense Index is a capitalization-weighted index of large-cap aerospace and defense companies. You cannot invest directly in an index.

Quasar Distributors, LLC, Distributor (4/08)

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April 24, 2008 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

EMRISE Corporation Receives In-Flight Entertainment Order for Approximately $1.8 Million

2008 Orders for In-Flight Entertainment Devices Nearly 57% of Total 2007 Orders in Only 30% of the Time

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EMRISE CORPORATION (NYSE ARCA:ERI), a multi-national manufacturer of defense and aerospace electronic devices and communications equipment, today announced it has received orders valued at approximately $1.8 million from a single, long-time customer for In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) electronic devices. Deliveries are expected to be completed in 12 months

EMRISE Chairman, President and CEO, Carmine T. Oliva said that the orders bring the company’s year-to-date bookings in 2008 for IFE devices to more than $4 million, or approximately 57 percent of total 2007 bookings after less than four months of the year. The orders were secured by the company’s Pascall Electronics Ltd. subsidiary, located in England, and are for electronic devices for traditional IFE systems.

“These new orders are indicative of the strength of the business we are receiving in 2008 from established customers for traditional IFE electronic devices,” Oliva added. “This is very encouraging, especially when you combine the strength of the IFE business with our 2008 bookings for new In-Flight Entertainment and Communications (IFE&C) sub-system assemblies for seat back-mounted systems. Year-to-date orders in 2008 for these sub-system assemblies have already surpassed this year’s orders for IFE electronic devices, and going forward orders for these much higher value IFE&C sub-system assemblies, especially orders from new customers, will be one of our primary growth drivers.

“We now have a total of five IFE and two IFE&C customers and we are in discussions with other large U.S. and European-based customers as we continue to work closely with our customers as they continue to develop the functionality of their systems.” Oliva concluded, “Our visibility of potential programs we know are pending with our seven existing customers, leads us to believe that mid-year 2008 bookings could exceed all of 2007 bookings.”

About EMRISE Corporation

EMRISE designs, manufactures and markets electronic devices, sub-systems and equipment for aerospace, defense, industrial and communications markets. EMRISE products perform key functions such as power supply and power conversion; RF and microwave transmission; digital and rotary switching; network access and timing and synchronization of communications networks. Primary growth driver applications for EMRISE products include commercial avionic “In-Flight Entertainment and Communications” products and communications “Network Timing and Synchronization” equipment. EMRISE serves customers in North America, Europe and Asia through operations in the United States, England, France and Japan. The Company has built a worldwide base of customers including all of the Fortune 100 in the U.S. that do business in markets served by EMRISE and many similar-size companies in Europe and Asia. For more information go to www.emrise.com

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release, including, without limitation, EMRISE’s ability to ship this order of $1,800,000 during 2008, the ability to maintain current booking levels for IFE electronic devices throughout 2008, the ability to grow the sub-system assembly business for IFE&C seat back systems, the ability to receive pending orders from existing and new customers and the expectation for bookings by mid-year 2008 to exceed all of 2007 bookings are all forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of EMRISE CORPORATION could differ from those statements.

Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, unforeseen technical issues, unforeseen customer or vendor delays affecting timing and/or quantity of scheduled shipments, unforeseen quality issues, failure of the designated product to perform the specified function, unforeseen economic or political issues, decreases in demand for IFE electronic devices or IFE&C sub-system devices for set back-mounted systems, failure for Pascall to expand within the market for sub-system assemblies for new IFE&C seat back systems, and those factors contained in the “Risk Factors” Section of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and other Company filings.

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April 24, 2008 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Teledyne and Honeywell Enter Patent Settlement and Cross-License Agreement

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) announced today that it has entered into a patent cross-license and settlement arrangement with Honeywell International, Inc., settling respective patent litigation relating to aircraft data communication systems. The agreement provides financial terms and other consideration for licenses to each party’s patents that were the subject of the litigation. The case was dismissed on April 22, 2008. Other terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated electronic subsystems, instrumentation and communication products, engineered systems, aerospace engines, and energy and power generation systems. Teledyne Technologies’ operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico. For more information, visit Teledyne Technologies’ website at www.teledyne.com

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April 24, 2008 08:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

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Brush Engineered Materials Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

First Quarter Operating Earnings in Line with Company Expectations

Company Reaffirms Previously Provided Guidance for the Full Year

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brush Engineered Materials Inc. (NYSE:BW) today reported operating results for the first quarter of 2008 that were in line with the Company’s expectations and consistent with the previously provided guidance for the full year.

Sales for the first quarter of 2008 were $226.3 million and net income was $4.6 million or $0.22 per share diluted. Expected softer demand for the Company’s materials, in particular from the media market, reduced sales and profits as compared to the prior year. The first quarter sales and profits were also negatively affected by an accounts receivable correction related to the prior year, a change in a deferred tax asset valuation and non-recurring purchase accounting costs. These factors resulted in charges that negatively affected reported sales by $2.6 million and reported earnings by $0.13 per share in the quarter. Excluding the above non-recurring items, the operating run rate for the quarter was $0.35 per share.

First quarter 2007 sales were $250.3 million. The largest factor in the $24.0 million decline in first quarter 2008 sales compared to the prior year is the previously disclosed and expected decline in the sale of ruthenium-based materials for the media market. In addition, program delays in the Beryllium and Beryllium Composites segment and, as expected, lower shipments of cell phone handset materials to a Specialty Engineered Alloys’ customer contributed to the lower sales compared to the prior year. Helping to offset some of the impact of these factors was stronger demand from the cell phone handset market for the Company’s Advanced Material Technologies and Services’ products and stronger demand for the Engineered Materials Systems’ disk drive arm products.

First quarter 2007 net income was $23.1 million or $1.12 per share diluted. Earnings comparisons to the prior year are affected by the non-recurring benefit of approximately $0.52 a share related to the sale of low cost ruthenium inventory reported in the prior year. In addition, the prior-year first quarter earnings benefitted from approximately $62.0 million of sales to the media market, the majority of which was ruthenium-based materials for perpendicular media applications. The Company had limited sales to this market during the first quarter of 2008 primarily due to the re-qualification of products for this application.

OUTLOOK

The Company is affirming the previously provided guidance for the year. The Company, at this time, still expects the sales growth rate for the full year 2008 to exceed 10%, and still expects earnings to be as much as 30% above the prior-year operating run rate, and thus in the range of $1.80 to $2.30 per share. This, of course, assumes that a significant macro-economic downturn does not develop.

As previously communicated, the Company expected first quarter shipments to the media market to be weak. In addition, demand from specific customers and for applications served by Specialty Engineered Alloys was expected to be, and, in fact, was below last year’s levels due to the very strong order pattern that was occurring then. Also, sales from specific customers and applications served by Beryllium and Beryllium Composites were weaker than expected due to several program delays. In magnetic media, or hard disk drives, the need to re-qualify materials for customers to support their conversion to perpendicular media technology was expected to, and did, in fact, lead to lower sales volumes. In the media market, conditions strengthened as the first quarter developed and as re-qualifications of ruthenium-based products and qualifications of new materials for other perpendicular media layers progressed. As a result, the Company is seeing stronger demand as the second quarter begins and expects to resume higher shipments of perpendicular media materials in the second quarter.

Helping to offset the impact of the weaker sales levels into the markets noted above was stronger demand from the cell phone handset market for Advanced Materials Technologies and Services’ products, as well as stronger demand for the Company’s products from the medical, oil and gas, heavy equipment and other industrial markets. Conditions in these markets also strengthened as the first quarter progressed and backlogs climbed.

Based on the above, the Company is encouraged about the operating outlook for the balance of the year and, at this time, expects to show significant quarter over quarter improvement in operating earnings as the year progresses.

It is important to continue to reiterate though that the Company’s sales and earnings estimates are subject to significant variability. Metal price changes, metal supply conditions, fluctuations in demand levels driven by such factors as customer inventory swings, product qualifications rates, and new product ramp up rates in critical markets such as the media market can and have had a significant effect on actual results. The outlook for the year is based on the Company’s best estimates at this time and is subject to significant fluctuations due to these as well as other factors.

ACQUISITION

In the first quarter of 2008 the Company completed the purchase of the assets of Techni-Met, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut for $87.4 million. Techni-Met manufactures a wide range of products for high-end applications in advanced technology industries, including supporting downstream customers in developing more accurate diagnostic devices for diabetes management. This acquisition provides a strong platform for future growth opportunities targeted for the medical market. Techni-Met’s capabilities include technology which may be leveraged with the Company’s other existing technologies to provide additional opportunities in other markets. Techni-Met provided an immediate benefit to sales and profitability in the first quarter of 2008.

BUSINESS SEGMENT REPORTING

Advanced Material Technologies and Services

The Advanced Material Technologies and Services' segment sales for the first quarter of 2008 were $120.7 million compared to $143.7 million for the first quarter of the prior year. The sales reduction was driven primarily by lower sales to the media market.

Operating profit for the first quarter was $5.3 million versus $32.0 million for the same period last year. The non-recurring benefit related to the sale of the lower cost ruthenium reported in the prior year affects the operating profit comparison to the prior year by approximately $16.9 million. The accounts receivable correction noted above also negatively affected 2008 first quarter sales and profits in this segment by $2.6 million. In addition profits were negatively impacted by the lower media sales.

The decline in sales for the first quarter 2008 primarily was due to lower sales of the ruthenium-based materials for the perpendicular media market. This factor led to a $56.8 million reduction in sales compared to the prior year. Metal price increases partially offset this factor in the quarter. The segment had experienced very strong perpendicular media demand in the first quarter of 2007 as the industry initially ramped up its use of ruthenium-based materials for the conversion from longitudinal to perpendicular magnetic recording technology. During the fourth quarter of 2007, a specification change by a major customer resulted in the need to re-qualify the ruthenium-based materials and delay the qualification process for the oxide and soft underlayer materials for this market. Although re-qualifications progressed more slowly than anticipated, good progress is being made and it is anticipated at this time that media sales will steadily increase throughout the balance of 2008.

Sales in the first quarter of 2008 for vapor deposition and other materials for handsets and for photonics including LED applications for traditional lighting, automotive, medical and back lighting for LCD televisions and wireless product applications were significantly stronger than the first quarter of 2007. The acquisition of Techni-Met contributed to the growth in medical market sales for the quarter. In addition, orders for precision optics applications using our Visi-Lid™ products increased in the quarter.

Specialty Engineered Alloys

Specialty Engineered Alloys' sales for the first quarter were $71.3 million, up slightly compared to the first quarter 2007 sales of $70.4 million. Operating profit for the first quarter was $0.7 million, compared to $5.3 million for the prior year.

The increase in sales is due primarily to higher selling prices and the pass through of higher base metal prices. Shipment volumes in the first quarter of 2008 were actually slightly lower than the volumes in the first quarter of 2007. The aerospace, oil and gas and heavy equipment markets were strong throughout the quarter benefitting from lean customer inventories in the distribution channel and the lower value of the dollar. It is anticipated that these markets will remain strong through the end of 2008. Shipments to the wireless handset market remained weak during the first quarter 2008 due to significantly lower demand from a major customer. Efforts are well underway to expand the customer base for the wireless handset market. The order book strengthened throughout the quarter and we look forward to an improved second quarter.

Operating profit in the quarter was negatively impacted by the lower handset shipments, an unfavorable change in the product mix and lower volume.

Beryllium and Beryllium Composites

Beryllium and Beryllium Composites' sales for the first quarter of 2008 was $13.4 million compared to $15.2 million for the first quarter of 2007. Operating profit for the first quarter was $0.2 million versus $2.1 million for the same period of the prior year.

The decline in sales is primarily due to specific defense programs that were pushed out or delayed until later in the year, and an inventory correction in the x-ray window business. However, with current booking levels, it is anticipated that defense sales will improve over the balance of 2008.

Operating profit was negatively impacted by the lower sales volume.

Engineered Material Systems

Engineered Material Systems' sales for the first quarter of 2008 were $17.7 million compared to $16.7 million for the same period last year. Operating profit in the quarter was $1.4 million compared to an operating profit of $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2007.

The sales increase is largely due to higher sales of materials for disk drive arms. This strength should continue to improve throughout the year. In addition, automotive sales for this segment were stronger than expected in the quarter, and are being helped by additional European sales.

The higher sales volume contributed to the improved margins. The segment also experienced yield and productivity improvements during the quarter from the implementation of a new high technology machining center at its Lincoln, Rhode Island manufacturing facility.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS

Commenting on the results, Dick Hipple, Chairman, President and CEO, stated, “While I am disappointed in the first quarter results, especially the slower than anticipated progress in the qualification process for the perpendicular magnetic media materials, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made as well as our ability to introduce new innovative material solutions for this market. I am also encouraged with the continued growth and demand for our industrial materials for the aerospace, oil and gas, and heavy equipment markets. Also, we believe our pricing and productivity initiatives will help offset increasing cost pressures. We remain committed to profitably growing this Company and creating value for our shareholders.”

CONFERENCE CALL

Brush Engineered Materials’ quarterly earnings conference call will be held today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be available via webcast through the Company’s website at www.beminc.com or through www.InvestorCalendar.com. By phone, please dial (877) 407-8033, callers outside the U.S. can dial (201) 689-8033.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Portions of the narrative set forth in this document that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements. Our actual future performance may materially differ from that contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. These factors include, in addition to those mentioned herein:

• The global and domestic economies;
• The condition of the markets which we serve, whether defined geographically or by segment, with the major market segments being telecommunications and computer, data storage, aerospace and defense, automotive electronics, industrial components, appliance and medical;
• Changes in product mix and the financial condition of customers;
• Actual sales, operating rates and margins for the year 2008;
• Our success in developing and introducing new products and new product ramp up rates, especially in the media market;
• Our success in passing through the costs of raw materials to customers or otherwise mitigating fluctuating prices for those materials, including the impact of fluctuating inventory values;
• Our success in integrating newly acquired businesses, including the recent acquisition of the assets of Techni-Met, Inc.;
• Our success in implementing our strategic plans and the timely and successful completion of any capital projects;
• The availability of adequate lines of credit and the associated interest rates;
• Other financial factors, including cost and availability of raw materials (both base and precious metal), tax rates, interest rates, metal financing fees, exchange rates, pension and other employee benefit costs, energy costs, regulatory compliance costs, the cost and availability of insurance, and the impact of the Company’s stock price on the cost of incentive and deferred compensation plans;
• The uncertainties related to the impact of war and terrorist activities;
• Changes in government regulatory requirements and the enactment of new legislation that may impact our obligations; and
• The conclusion of pending litigation matters in accordance with our expectation that there will be no material adverse effects.

Brush Engineered Materials Inc. is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, supplies worldwide markets with beryllium products, alloy products, electronic products, precious metal products, and engineered material systems.