Airline Business articles from January 2003

Airline Business archives from January 2003

Air Canada wins battles ; in competition wars.
January 1, 2003... Dominant carriers are often challenged over their competitive practices. So far Air Canada appears to have been doing well at surviving these challenges. Recently it won two such battles, but still faces an important third. The first arose...

LAB teeters in face of public brawl.(Lloyd Aereo Boliviano experiences financial crisis)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Bolivia's flag carrier Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB) faces a financial crisis amid a scandal that could be a soap opera if it were not so serious. When Wagner Canhedo, owner of Brazil's Vasp, sold his half interest in LAB to Bolivian...

Atlas debt default was 'technicality'.(Altas Air claims it is financially solid)
January 1, 2003... Despite defaulting on $246 million of debt in late November and getting its third ratings downgrade from Standard & Poor's in a year, air cargo wet-lease operator Atlas Air insists that its business model remains sound and prospects are...

US mulls implications of open skies renunciation.(Air service agreements, United States and European Commission)
January 1, 2003... US officials are adopting a wait-and-see attitude to the demands by the European Commission (EC) that it takes on the right to negotiate air service agreements with the USA on behalf of the European Union (EU). US assistant secretary of...

In brief.(various airline briefs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... E-ticketing rise continues Air Canada became the first full service international airline in the world to move to exclusively electronic ticketing for domestic travel. Northwest Airlines began interline e-ticketing with Delta Air Lines,...

In brief.(articles discus Aerolineas Argentinas and Avensa)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Aerolineas plots restructuring Bad blood remains between Aerolineas Argentinas and Eduardo Eurnekian, who runs Argentina's airports and lost a 2001 bid for the carrier, which is operating under bankruptcy court protection. An Eurnekian...

Summa moves closer to SkyTeam.(Colombian air line enters into a codesharing agreement with Delta Air Lines)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Summa, Colombia's major carrier formed from the integration of Aces, Avianca, and SAM has entered an accord with Delta Air Lines to codeshare, reciprocate on frequent flyer plans and lounge access, and co-operate in other ways. This...

Bankrupt United looks for support from all quarters.(United Airlines seeks public and political support for its bankruptcy reorganization plan)
January 1, 2003... United Airlines spent its first days in bankruptcy lining up public and political support as its chief executive Glenn Tilton flew to major United airports to boost employee morale. Tilton said he was hopeful that the carrier could emerge...

US Airways buys itself time to find more job cuts.(receiving an extension to file its reorganization plan with bankruptcy court)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... US Airways has bought itself more time in its bankruptcy court reorganisation to seek further labour cuts as traffic falls short of expectations. The carrier, which went into bankruptcy protection in August, now has until the end of...

Industry wisdom revisited.(use of traffic, load factor, and the state of the economy as aviation industry indicators need to be revised)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... The industry has tended to look at traffic, load factor and the economy to indicate its fortunes, but these indicators need to be revisited, writes Chris Tarry As airlines head into a new year, it is evident that the industry is still...

Carriers queue up for new Hong Kong-USA rights.(US cargo carriers awaiting decision on Hong Kong air service rights)
January 1, 2003... US cargo airlines are awaiting word from the US Department of Transportation on which of them will be allocated new frequencies to and through Hong Kong after the signing of a more liberal air services accord following three years of talks. ...

Air Namibia updates fleet as privatisation nears.
January 1, 2003... The acquisition of a new long-haul type has been given extra urgency for Air Namibia's new management as it faces a barrage of complaints from disgruntled travellers on its only intercontinental route between the Namibian capital Windhoek and...

IATA reveals overhaul of Asia-Europe routes.(saving airlines an estimated $55 million annually)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... nicholas ionides singapore A new network of air routes between Asia and Europe is tipped to save airlines at least $55 million annually as a result of shortened flying times and the elimination of congestion-related ground delays. IATA...

Aircraft manufacturers battle for Japanese orders.(Airbus Industrie and Boeing Co, and Bomvardier and Embraer are competing for different segments of Japanese aircraft marketC)
January 1, 2003... Two key battles for market share have begun in the important Japanese market: between Airbus and Boeing for mainline orders and between Bombardier and Embraer in the regional jet sector. These contests are expected to keep the world's...

In brief.(articles discuss developments at Bombardier, Embraer, and Air New Zealand)
January 1, 2003... Made in China Regional jet manufacturers Bombardier and Embraer are planning to manufacture their aircraft in China as they target the potentially lucrative Chinese market. Embraer has firmed up an agreement with two subsidiaries of China...

In brief.(articles on Korean Air Lines, EVA Air, Qantas Airways, Air India, )
January 1, 2003... Korean reveals freighter deal Korean Air (KAL) has confirmed an order for three Boeing 747-400ER freighters that was placed in December 2001 but not made public. The airline says the first of the extended-range type will be delivered in...

Seasonal charters could signal step towards direct China-Taiwan links.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Taiwanese airlines will be flying to China for the first time, albeit still not directly, under a plan approved in Taipei for seasonal charters. During the 16-day Chinese New Year festivities, charters will operate between Shanghai and Taiwan...

Virgin Blue owners differ on float.(Patrick Corp disagrees with Richard Branson on size of airline's IPO)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Sir Richard Branson seems far more interested than his Australian co-owner in an initial public offering (IPO) for Virgin Blue, the Australian discount airline. Patrick Corporation, an Australian transport conglomerate, bought half of...

A place in the world.(Company Profile)
January 1, 2003... The United Airlines bankruptcy filing has added further fuel to the doomsayers' predictions of the impending failure of the full-service network model. But the root causes of the current malaise may have more to do with a lack of market focus...

In brief.(airlines add services, take delivery of new equipment)
January 1, 2003... Virgin routes to Port Harcourt Virgin Atlantic will begin operating its second service to Nigeria from London in February with the opening of a route to Port Harcourt. It already flies six times a week to the capital, Lagos, and will fly...

Air Littoral deal gives Lufthansa way into France.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Lufthansa has signed a co-operation deal with French regional carrier Air Littoral, opening the door towards a presence in France, one of the few major European markets without a Star Alliance home carrier. The German flag carrier, and lead...

EC investigates Ryanair/Charleroi deal.(deal between low-cost air carrier and airport examined)
January 1, 2003... The nature of deals struck between low-cost carriers and Europe's regional airports could come under more intense scrutiny following the European Commission's (EC) decision to investigate Ryanair's agreement with Brussels South Charleroi...

Court ruling opens up UK airport expansion options.(adding London Gatwick airport to government consultation paper)
January 1, 2003... London Gatwick Airport has been reinstated as a possible candidate for extra runway capacity in the UK after initially being ruled out, and other airports are also making their cases. Gatwick was missing when in July the UK government...

In brief.(includes, KLM launches new flights to Cape Town)
January 1, 2003... easyJet sets DBA timescale Although its option on whether to buy German carrier Deutsche BA (DBA)does not expire until August, easyJet expects to make a decision in March on whether to go ahead with the purchase. EasyJet took an option to...

Olympic ordered to repay state aid.(European Commission finds government aid to Olympic Airways "unlawful")
January 1, 2003... Greek flag carrier Olympic Airways has been told it must repay millions of dollars to the government just as a preferred bidder emerges for its part-privatisation. Olympic, which has been under investigation by the European Commission...

Passenger rights legislation goes into the last round.(European Commission's plan approved by transport ministers)
January 1, 2003... Europe's transport ministers have cleared the European Commission's (EC) passenger rights proposals, although largely accepting the reduced compensation levels already suggested by the European Parliament. The EC has reacted favourably to...

Transport ministers give approval to single skies.(European Commission's signle skies plan approved)
January 1, 2003... Attempts to reform Europe's outdated air traffic management system have received a major boost with a decision by the Council of Transport Ministers to approve the European Commission's (EC) single skies plan. Coming on top of the recent...

Domodedovo reborn. .(airlines shifting flights to renovated airport in Moscow)(Company Profile)
January 1, 2003... Moscow's fast-growing and newly modernised second airport Domodedovo believes it represents the future and has already started to win over new international operators Moscow Domodedovo's gate guardian, a once-mighty Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-114...

Global shifts. .(global airline alliances focus on cost savings rather than revenue enhancement)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... Cost savings rather than revenue gains have emerged as the priority for global alliances as they come to terms with economic crisis and an uncertain future. As fortunes fluctuate, which groupings will gain ground in 2003? Global alliances...

Back in the air. .(Company Profile)
January 1, 2003... the air Since the day in July 2001 when half of SriLankan's fleet was damaged or destroyed by anti-government troops, the carrier's management team has effected an impressive turnaround For most of the world's airline chief executives,...

Korea and Taiwan resume service.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... South Korea and Taiwan are closer to ending a decade-long dispute over air services after giving approval for two months of regular charter flights. Korean Air (KAL) will operate thrice-weekly charter flights with Boeing 737-800s until 21...

In brief.(United Airlines and USAirways extend codesharing arrangement)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... United/US Airways codeshare United Airlines and USAirways have begun the next phase of their marketing partnership by offering codeshares to a host of destinations. It will see US Airways codesharing to 10 cities. United will have access...

Qantas-ANZ tie-up clears early hurdle.
January 1, 2003... The equity alliance agreed between Qantas Airways and Air New Zealand (ANZ) has passed its first and easiest test in Wellington, with the New Zealand cabinet in principle giving approval to the deal. This clears the way for the two...

Under fire.(United Airlines's filing for Chapter 11 protection examined from an industry perspective)
January 1, 2003... The United Airlines filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection may have been expected but it is focusing minds across the industry over the potential impact and the lessons to be learned By any measure, the United Airlines bankruptcy is...

The race. .(to provide in-flight Internet and e-mail service is outlined)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... race HEADLINE: connect Demand has slowed for in-flight Internet connectivity, but some airlines are pushing forward with their programmes and the suppliers continue to refine their product offerings A year ago, it seemed the...

Catering solutions.(airline caterers react to push by airlines to lower cost)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... After absorbing some dramatic blows in late 2001, and fearing the worse for 2002, this year has turned out better than expected for the catering business, says Alfred Rigler, global senior vice-president total in-flight service at LSG Sky...

The new economy.(major US air carriers rethink economy class offerings due to changes in business class travel patterns)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... Following the lead being set by the low-cost competition, the US majors are reconsidering their economy-class products, focusing in particular on seat pitch While carriers have traditionally trained much of their time, effort and expense...

Seeking stability.(airport ground handlers didnot achieve anticipated post 11 September growth)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... stability Some stability is coming to the embattled ground services sector as the market consolidates, but major carriers remain frustratingly slow to outsource A year ago, third-party ground handlers were predicting a full-scale rush...

Smarter service.(some airlines are managing innovative services despite cost restraints)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... Spending on in-flight product and service is often the first to go when times get tough, but while cost is king, some have still found opportunities to innovate Throughout the past year, despite the most intense scrutiny from their...

Driving growth.(Asia-Pacific region air carriers achieving growth from internal markets)(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... growth Strong prospects across Asia-Pacific's increasingly interdependent economies, and led by the continued rise of China, are helping fuel volume growth for the region's airlines, but pressures remain on costs Airlines from the...

Executive appointments.
January 1, 2003... Lufthansa Mayrhuber to take Lufthansa reins in June A well-ordered transition at the top of Lufthansa Group is underway with the announcement that heir apparent Wolfgang Mayrhuber will take over as chairman and chief executive from...

Feedback.(FlyBE British European managing director presents company plan for airport development in the UK )(Industry Overview)
January 1, 2003... Regional access Managing director of regional carrier FlyBE British European Jim French sets out his vision for airport development and access in the UK and calls for a special programme to promote regional routes. Local airports are a...

Living ; with change.(CSA Czech Airlines plans for single European market in air travel)(Company Profile)
January 1, 2003... change As CSA Czech Airlines prepares for the European single air market, president Miroslav Kula believes the carrier has already proved it can survive even the most testing challenges Two economic downturns, deregulation and the...

aircraft development guy norris / los angeles; Sonic Cruiser is dead - long live Super Efficient? ; Despite initial enthusiasm for the transonic airliner, carriers now want value for money.
January 7, 2003... When Boeing decided last month to terminate Sonic Cruiser, it marked the second time in as many years that the US manufacturer had made a dramatic U-turn in its long-term product development plans. In 2001, the arrival of the transonic...

accident David Learmount / London & Andrew Doyle / Singapore; Weather data aids probe into Taiwan ATR 72 crash; Radar returns strengthen icing theory, but conditions delay flight recorder recovery.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The theory that icing may have been a factor in the loss of control of a TransAsia Airlines ATR 72-200 freighter has been strengthened by data from ground-based weather radar returns. The aircraft crashed into the sea off Taiwan's west coast on...

Bankruptcy Jackson Flores / Rio de Janeiro; Aerolineas Argentinas restructuring plan wins court approval.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Aerolineas Argentinas has left Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a Buenos Aires court approved its restructuring plan. The airline, which filed for Chapter 11 a year ago, has reached agreement with 324 of its 553 creditors to pay off $504...

accident Vladimir Karnozov / moscow; Iran An-140 crash shatters Ukraine aerospace.(Aeromist Kharkov An 140)
January 7, 2003... The image of Ukraine's aerospace industry has been dealt a severe blow by an Antonov An-140 crash in Iran, which has killed several of the country's leading aviation specialists. The twin turboprop commuter aircraft was carrying a delegation of...

Air navigation Kieran Daly / London; EAG on course to BA chart deal; But paper still rules as electronic systems await approval.(European Aeronautical Group, British Airways)
January 7, 2003... Newly formed chart and navigation data provider European Aeronautical Group (EAG) appears strongly positioned to renew the key British Airways charting contract it inherited from predecessor Thales Aeronautical Services. EAG emerged in...

Branding; KLM shows new colours.(KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... KLM has unveiled its first change of colour scheme for more than 28 years - on a Boeing 747-400. The new livery retains the old scheme's bright blue but covers a larger portion of the aircraft, and the engines and underside are grey. The KLM...

Leasing; Australia's Rex receives first of 13 Saab 340Bs to update fleet.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Australian Regional Express Airlines (Rex) has signed a lease deal with Saab Aircraft Leasing for 13 Saab 340Bs as part of its fleet modernisation programme. The airline, which operates 21 340s, has taken delivery of the first three aircraft...

privatisation; Talks drag on over sale of Olympic Airways.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Negotiations over the sale of Olympic Airways by the Greek government look set to drag on until mid-February. Talks have been under way with Golden Aviation Holdings, owned by ship magnate Stamatis Restis, which was nominated as the preferred...

Cargo ARIE EGOZI / Tel Aviv; IAI seeks base in China.(Israel Aircraft Industries)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The Bedek division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is in talks with three Chinese aerospace facilities as it pursues plans to establish a local base for the conversion of passenger aircraft into freight configuration. "We are looking...

Regional aircraft; Russians await reply to 728 bid.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Russia's NPO Irkut (formerly Irkutsk Aircraft Production Organisation) says it is awaiting a reply from Fairchild Dornier's administrator over its bid to buy the bankrupt company's 728 regional jet programme. However, it is understood...

Scope clauses Brendan Sobie / Washington DC; Pilots set to foil Bombardier sale; Order for additional CRJ900s from America West affiliate Mesa in doubt because of conditions in new contract.
January 7, 2003... Bombardier's hopes for an expanded order from the only customer for its new CRJ900 programme could be dashed by a pilot contract at America West Airlines. Under the new contract, America West is prohibited from committing to any more...

accident David Learmount / London; 737 and Cessna 404 in collision over Namibia; Light aircraft lands safely after mid-air impact as airliner continues to destination.
January 7, 2003... A TAAG Angola Boeing 737-200 with 45 people on board and a chartered Cessna 404 survived a mid-air collision shortly after they had taken off from different airports serving Namibia's capital, Windhoek. The 737 crew reported the collision to...

Expansion DAVID FULLBROOK / BANGKOK; Orient Thai set to increase fleet; Bangkok-based carrier to acquire widebodies and narrowbodies after winning rights to serve five Chinese cities.
January 7, 2003... Orient Thai is preparing to add five widebodies to its fleet and acquire its first narrowbodies in the next few months after winning rights to new destinations. The Bangkok-based airline will acquire two more Boeing 747-200s this year...

ATC; Potomac centre starts airspace shake-up.(air traffic control)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Controllers have begun working in the US Federal Aviation Administration's new Potomac consolidated terminal radar approach control (TRACON) centre, in the first step towards redesigning the Baltimore-Washington area airspace to allow more...

development ; RRJ future hinges on tender result.(Russian Regional Jet program)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The future of the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) programme hinges on the result of a government tender for 200 next-generation regional jets, due to be revealed by Russian aerospace agency Rosaviakosmos (RAKA) this month. The RRJ, being...

Security; USA claims baggage screening success.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) claims to have met its extended deadline to screen all checked-in baggage for explosives by the end of 2002, but several US airports are still using rudimentary methods for screening. ...

air navigation Graham Warwick / Washington DC; UPS wins FAA certification for wide-area GPS receiver; Navigation system promises to improve approach guidance down to as low as 250ft.(wide area augmentation system, satnav receiver)
January 7, 2003... UPS Aviation Technologies (UPSAT) has received the first certification for a wide-area augmentation system (WAAS) GPS satellite navigation receiver. The Raytheon-developed WAAS is scheduled to become operational over continental USA in 2003,...

workshop.(airline support contracts)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... n Aeroflot Russian Airlines has been contracted by its Shannon-based partner SkyNet Airlines to provide JAR-145 line maintenance on its Boeing 737-400 fleet at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. This is the first time the Russian airline has won a...

finances Emma Kelly / Perth; African carriers plan cash aid for struggling airlines; Lack of hard currency and ageing equipment see lifeline scheme proposed by AFRAA.(African Airlilnes Association, Airlines Funding Initiative for Africa )
January 7, 2003... African airlines are studying a plan to establish a fund to bail out ailing carriers on the continent. The move comes as a number of African airlines are finding it hard to compete with international carriers because of a lack of foreign...

Expansion Lubom[degrees]r Sedlak / Prague; Slovak Airlines gets government share boost.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The Slovak government has substantially increased its shareholding in Slovak Airlines in an effort to expand the country's flag carrier. The plan, implemented last month, involves the transfer to the airline of three Tupolev Tu-154Ms,...

Unions; Bringing the unions into line.
January 7, 2003... What do you do when the unions do not believe anything management says? Let the bankers send the message: play ball or face liquidation. "There are two scenarios for United," said one United Airlines banker in an interview with Flight...

airline bankruptcies Scott Hamilton / Seattle; What would happen if United and US Airways were to disappear? ; Ramifications from the failure of two majors would be widespread, but there could be winners as well as losers.
January 7, 2003... It was once unthinkable: what happens if United Airlines and US Airways disappear? Can they successfully reorganise in bankruptcy and what happens if they do not? United's position is so precarious that even its own officers suggest a...

Homeland planet.
January 7, 2003... The USA has met its security targets set after 11 September. But will it keep up its home vigilance and become a force for global standards? The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just announced it has met a deadline no...

competition; Dassault enhances Brazilian offer; French government gives green light to incorporate mission system technology from Rafale into Mirage 2000BR.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Dassault has received clearance from the French government to include systems technology from the Rafale multirole fighter into the Mirage 2000BR on offer to Brazil for its F-X BRfighter requirement. Changes to the Mirage 2000BRare...

modernisation Paul Lewis / Washington DC; New avionics turn up the volume on C-5B upgrade ; AMP will equip transport aircraft to meet air traffic needs and pave way for re-engining.(Avionics Modernisation Programme)
January 7, 2003... The first Lockheed Martin C-5B Galaxy upgraded under the Avionics Modernisation Programme (AMP) completed its maiden flight late last month. AMP will ensure the largetransporter's compatibility with the new global air traffic management...

Acquisition; UK seeks Lynx replacement.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The UKMinistry of Defence is seeking to acquire helicopters for operations in Northern Ireland. The machines would be military registered and operated by military crews, but would be civil-owned. The MoD is seeking a 10-year contract, with...

contracts.(multiple defense industry contracts)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... n EADS and a consortium led by Snecma have received a g1.3 billion ($1.3 billion) French defence ministry contract to continue development of the M51 ballistic missile, which will be deployed on France's submarines beginning in 2010. ITT...

production; Cost increase forces USAF to cut eight Raptors.
January 7, 2003... The US Air Force is to reduce the next two production batches of Lockheed Martin/Boeing F/A-22 Raptors by as many as eight aircraft as it tries to absorb a $700 million increase in development costs. The USAF now plans to buy 20 F/A-22s in...

upgrade; NATO to test modernised AWACS.(Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... NATO will begin initial operational testing and evaluation in August of the first Boeing E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) upgraded with new displays, computer systems, sensors and communications under a $1.3 billion Mid-Term...

news in brief.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... ASTRID study France, Italy,Spain and the UK have signed a statement of intent to study development of the Airborne System for Target Recognition Identification and Designation (ASTRID), a fourth- generation targeting pod that will build on...

Procurement Graham Warwick /WashingtonDC &Ryzsard Jaxa-Malachowski
January 7, 2003... Poland has selected the Lockheed Martin F-16 as its next fighter, in a 48-aircraft, $3.5 billion deal that owes much to the promise of offsets valued at $8 billion and an unprecedented $3.8 billion US government low-interest loan to finance the...

modernisation Dave Fullbrook / BANGKOK; Thailand plans tender for F-16A/B upgrade and holds talks on PGM.(precision guided munitions )
January 7, 2003... Thailand plans to issue a tender for a mid-life structural upgrade of its Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fighters, including 16 recently acquired secondhand from the US Air Force. The Thai air force is, meanwhile, eyeing new precision guided munitions...

DELIVERIES; China takes Su-30MKKs.(Chinese navy obtains new fighter aircraft)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... China has taken delivery of 10 Sukhoi Su-30MKK twin-seat multirole fighters built at the company's KnAAPO factory. This batch follows a similar number delivered in August. The aircraft are reportedly intended for the Chinese navy air arm. ...

UPGRADES ; Sukhoi completes first flights of revised Su-27 but question mark hangs over Su-30KN efforts.(Russian air force selects Su-30MKK )(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Sukhoi performed the first two flights of a modified Su-27 single-seat fighter on 27 December from its KnAAPO factory at Komsomolsk-na-Amur. The modified Su-27 was flown by Sukhoi test pilot Eugeny Frolov. A second aircraft is to fly this...

Unmanned Systems Paul Lewis / WashingtonDC; Cash injection may revive UCAV-N; USNavy and DARPA are to provide money in the 2004 budget for a more robust flight test of the X-46 and X-47B.(naval unmanned combat air vehicle demonstration program reviewed)
January 7, 2003... The US Navy and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are hoping to revitalise the moribund naval unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV-N) demonstration programme with an injection of money in the 2004 budget for a more robust flight...

TESTING; Boeing delivers first YAL-1A to USAF for ground testing.(new airborne laser aircraft)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Boeing has delivered the first YAL-1A Airborne Laser aircraft to the US Air Force flight test centre at Edwards AFB, California. The Airborne Laser Integrated Test Force will install the lasers and optical system on the test aircraft. It will...

first flight ; Launch pad into history.(Wright brothers' aircraft)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... Because the powered Flyer was too large and heavy to be launched by hand, the Wrights spent $4 on four 4.5m (15ft) lengths of 50 x 100mm (2 x 4in) timber laid on edge, end to end, and sheathed with a thin strip of metal. After the pilot...

reliving a; legend.(a Wright B Flyer exists and shows what things were like in 1911)
January 7, 2003... It is slow, noisy and so hard to fly that pilots cannot stand more than 30min in the air. But the 1911 Wright B Flyer has something magical Albert Boudreau / Dayton Dayton Approach, Wright Flyer 3786 Bravo, off Wright Brothers Airport,...

Second century.(as aviation celebrates its first century, it is important to look back on the Wright Brothers' first flight)
January 7, 2003... As we celebrate the first century of aviation, Flight International is launching a series of articles looking at what lies in store for flight during the next 100 years Graham Warwick / Washington DC Less that 12 months from now, the...

ACQUISITION; Surveillance growth boosts Adam.(AirScan orders to Adam Aircraft A500s and signs an option to buy 30 more)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... US airborne surveillance and security firm AirScan has ordered two Adam Aircraft A500s and finalised an option to buy 30 more of the all-composite piston twins. The aircraft will replace Cessna 337 Skymasters and expand the fleet to meet...

re-equipment; CAP to award fleet replacement contracts.(the Civil Air Patrol will issue contracts as part of a re-equipment program)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2003... The Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a civilian auxiliary wing of the US Air Force, expects to issue contracts this month that will pave the way for a three-year re-equipment programme for parts of its 540-strong fleet. The CAP operates with 60,000...