Aviation Trivia
Print this pageAdd to Favorite
        
Aircraft
Contracts
 
Aircraft contracts and information, from home and abroad, with the latest headlines covering the newest contracts for military, commercial and civil aircraft.









AIRCRAFT CONTRACTS


More F-16 Fighters for the UAE
Click on the picture for the F-16 Falcon.

May 7, 2013  The UAE will be buying 25 additional F-16 fighter jets from Lockheed-Martin. The total aircraft contracts, including advanced ordnance, will be worth about US$4.9 billion. The UAE also considered aircraft from Boeing, Dassault, and Eurofighter before settling on the F-16.

The special version of the F-16, built to meet UAE specifications, has the most powerful engine ever fitted to the fighter. Other improvements include advanced radar, electronics warfare systems, conformal fuel tanks, and upgraded avionics.

The UAE currently has a total of 80 F-16 aircraft in service.

April 3, 2012  The 4,500th F-16 Falcon jet fighter produced by Lockheed-Martin will roll off their assembly line today. Production of the fighter aircraft began in 1978. About 50% of all F-16 aircraft produced are exported around the world, such as this aircraft, headed for Morocco. Around 1,600 Lockheed workers are involved in the production of the aircraft. At this time there are aircraft contracts outstanding for about 70 additional F-16 Falcon aircraft through 2016.

Feb. 10, 2012  Pakistan received its final three F-16 Falcons today, the conclusion of aircraft contracts with the U.S. for the upgrading of a total of 35 of the jets to improve their all-weather flight capabilities. In addition, Pakistan has purchased 18 new F-16 Falcons.

In 2009 Pakistan signed aircraft contracts with Turkish Aerospace Industries to upgrade another 41 F-16 Falcons. This includes the installation of new avionics plus wing and fuselage strengthening. The contract is ongoing through 2014 with three of the refurbished aircraft also arriving in Pakistan today.

Feb. 6, 2012  The U.S.A.F. has announced that it plans to ask Ratheon and Northrop Grumman for competing bids to upgrade the avionics and airframes of some 350 F-16 Falcon aircraft through 2020. Overall improvements to the aircraft are expected to run about US$2.8 billion.



Indian Air Force Sukhoi Stealth Fighters
Click on the picture for the Sukhoi T-50.

April 15, 2013  Russia's Sukhoi and India have agreed to aircraft contracts for the research and development of the finalized T-50 stealth aircraft design by the end of 2013. Plans are for India's HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, to eventually produce 144 of the aircraft at a total cost of some US$30 billion.

Sept. 22, 2012  India announced it will be receiving its first prototype Sukhoi Stealth Fighter, previously designated PAK FA, now FGFA, for testing in about 18 months.

The first prototype aircraft should be joined for testing by a second three years later, and a third, about five years after receipt of the first prototype.

Deployment of up to 250 of the aircraft with the Indian Air Force, that are being developed jointly by by HAL and Sukhoi, is anticipated by 2022.

At this time it is estimated that the FGFA aircraft will cost around US$101 million each, with a total project development cost of about US$36 billion.

Feb. 17, 2012 Russia announced that it will be increasing production of their prototype stealth Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA aircraft to a total of fourteen within three years.

Three prototype T-50 PAK FA prototype jets are currently undergoing testing in Russia. An additional three aircraft are anticipated to be ready for testing before the end of 2012.

According to the Russian Air Force, the T-50 PAK FA will be the world's best performing stealth fighter bomber with regard to speed, range, and payload.



U.S.A.F. and CAE Contract for C-130 Training
Click the picture for the C-130 Hercules.

April 15, 2013  CAE of Montreal, Canada announced receiving new aircraft contracts amounting to some US$215 million. Among these are a training system for the U.S.A.F. C-130 weapons systems.

Other aircraft contracts have been signed with the Royal Australian Navy, Kuwait Air Force, and commercial airlines throughout the world for a variety of flight simulators, training products, programs, and services.

Nov. 13, 2012  The USAF announced the deployment of the C-130 Combat King II dedicated to search and rescue missions and the MC-130J Commando, an air tanker used for specialized ops.

June 2, 2012  Marshall Aerospace of Great Britain has been awarded aircraft contracts to service Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft for the British Air Force worth some US$542.4 million. Work will be carried out at their Cambridge Airport facility and is expected to be completed by December of 2015.

May 22, 2012  Lockheed Martin has fulfilled its aircraft contracts to deliver seventeen C-130 Hercules aircraft and supporting equipment to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The deal, worth some US$1.4 billion, was entered into on December 17, 2007, with deliveries commencing in mid 2010.

April 2, 2012 The U.S. Navy has awarded Rolls Royce, Indianapolis, IN a total of US$25 million aircraft contracts for maintenance to be completed within ten months to the engines and propellers of USMC KC-130J Hercules aircraft.

March 22, 2012 The United States has signed aircraft contracts with Rolls Royce for an additional US$275 million in engines for their military aircraft including the C-130 Hercules, V-22 Osprey, P-3 Orion and C-2 Greyhound.

Dec. 24, 2011 The last of six Lockheed C-130J Hercules transports arrived in India today. The first aircraft of a total of six in aircraft contracts worth some US$1.2 billion was delivered in January of 2011. All of the aircraft are being deployed with India's Special Forces whose missions include deliveries of emergency relief supplies and search and rescue. It is anticipated that a contract will be completed shortly for an additional six new aircraft.



U.S. Forest Service Contracts For 2013
Click the picture for more about the BAE 146.

March 29, 2103  Tom Tidwell, head of the U.S. Forest Service, announced the granting of aircraft contracts to Neptune Aviation and Minden Aviation. Neptune Aviation will employ one of its BAE-146 jet air tankers and its six P2V Neptune propeller driven air tankers in the effort to fight blazes during the 2013 season. Minden Aviation will also employ its sole BAE-146 for the 2013 season. The cost of fighting blazes in 2012, to the U.S. Forest Service, was about US$ 1.39 billion.

June 14, 2012  Under U.S. Forest Service aircraft contracts, Neptune Aviation, Montana, will be adding two BAE-146 water bombers to its fleet for a total of three jet aircraft, and Minden Aviation, Nevada, will be adding one BAE-146 to its fleet this year. The Forest Service will pay the companies $23,500 per day, per aircraft, and $9,520 per hour while they are in active service. Although the overall costs are more than for propeller driven aircraft, the Forest Service feels that the higher retardant and water capacity of the aircraft coupled with the quicker response times will make up for the additional costs.

March 26, 2012  The United States Forest Service is currently evaluating a British Aerospace BAE 146 passenger transport converted to a water bomber. If accepted, the aircraft will be future replacements for the fifty year old air tankers currently comprising the Forest Service fleet. The U.S. Forest Service does not operate the water bombers, but contracts with a number of companies for their operation.



Russia's Sukhoi to Maintain Malaysia's Fighters
Click on the picture to read about the Su-30.

March 28, 2013  Malaysia has completed aircraft contracts with Sukhoi for maintenance of their eighteen Su-30 fighter aircraft. It is for about US$100 million, and also covers replacement parts used by the aircraft.

June 8, 2012  Uganda ordered six Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighter aircraft from Russia in US$740 million aircraft contracts in May of 2011. Aircraft deliveries commenced in July of 2011 with the final two aircraft under the contract just delivered.

March 22, 2012  It was announced today that Russia entered into aircraft contracts with Irkut Corp. for thirty additional Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighters to be delivered by 2015. The total amount of the contracts was not mentioned.

March 4, 2012 In December of 2011 Indonesia signed aircraft contracts to purchased six Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighters for US$78 million each for delivery by July 2012. Indonesian legislator Tubagus Hasanuddin has recently pointed out that the published price for the jets is US$70 million each and is asking for an investigation.

Dec. 22, 2011  India announced completing aircraft contracts for the purchase of an additional 42 Sukhoi Su-30 advanced fighter aircraft from Russia, bringing the total number of Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft scheduled for deployment by the Indian Air Force by 2018 to 272. Under a licensing agreement, India is also producing their own Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft. It is also importing some partially assembled Su-30 fighters for final assembly in India.



F-18 Hornets Get New Computers
Click on the picture for the F-18 Hornet.

March 13, 2013  The U.S. Navy has entered into aircraft contracts with General Dynamics in the amount of US$19.3 million. That will pay for new mission computers for F-18 Hornet aircraft. The contracts expire on Dec. 31, 2014.

June 3, 2012  The U.S. Navy is purchasing new rudders for their F-18 Hornet aircraft from Northrop Grumman in aircraft contracts worth approximately US$14 million. Deliveries will start in 2014 and are expected to be completed by October 2015.

May 5, 2012  The U.S. Navy has purchased 104 new radio frequency counter measure and jammer systems for its F-18 Hornet aircraft. ITT Exelis has contracts with the U.S. Navy to be building the systems, worth US$238 million. Deliveries are scheduled through 2016.

April 9, 2012  The U.S. Navy has asked General Dynamics to produce additional Gatling gun systems for use in their F-18 Hornets. The systems are being produced at the General Dynamics Saco, Maine U.S.A. plant and are to be delivered before the end of 2012. The US$7.8 million aircraft contracts are the third addition to US$10 million aircraft contracts from 2005, with a US12.5 million addition in 2006.

Feb. 22, 2012  The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing US$30 million aircraft contracts for inner wing replacements to their F-18 Hornets. This will enable the continued use of the aircraft until the long delayed Lockheed F-35 Strike Fighter is ready to replace them. Replacement inner wings are to be delivered within one year.

Jan. 26, 2012  Boeing will be producing an additional 15 F-18 Hornet aircraft for the United States Navy with deliveries commencing in early 2015. One Hornet will be the two seat "F" variant and the remainder will be the single seat "E" models. Value of the aircraft contracts is US$687.5 million.



US$73 Million for Osprey Fixes
Click on the picture for the V-22 Osprey.

March 12, 2013  Boeing-Bell has been awarded US$73 million in aircrat contracts by the U.S. Navy to fix over 140 different parts that have failed on their Osprey aircraft. The contracts expire on Sept. 30, 2015.

Jan. 28, 2013  The USMC will be acquiring 17 additiional Osprey aircraft and the USAF an additional four of the aircraft in aircraft contracts worth some US$1.4 billion.  Included is funding for the acquisition of parts to build an additional 22 aircraft.

April 23, 2012 Rolls-Royce is getting US$598 million in aircraft contracts from the U.S. for a total of 268 engines to power USMC V-22 Osprey aircraft. Deliveries will take place over five years, with first year production of 70 engines expected.

Feb. 6, 2012  The U.S. Navy will purchase 24 less V-22 Osprey rotorcraft through 2017 than originally anticipated to bring its budged in line with current military cuts. As now budgeted, the Navy will eventually have 98 Ospreys. Estimated budget savings from the cuts will be some US$1.75 billion.

On Jan. 13, 2012  The Pentagon reported that software upgrades have helped improve overall performance of the V-22 Osprey in the last half of 2011. Mission availability of the V-22 Osprey has most recently been tracked at 53%, slightly down from its 2010 57% availability rate.



US$6.9 Billion for F-22 Raptor Improvements
Click on the picture for more about the F-22 Raptor.

March 8, 2013  Lockheed Martin and the U.S.A.F. have signed aircraft contracts worth US$6.9 billion for improvements to the F-22 Raptor. No delivery dates or specific amounts of service are defined in the contract. Improvements to the aircraft include modified radar for air to ground attack, higher resolution combat identification sensors, and air to air weapons upgrades. It is anticipated that fulfillment of this contract will be completed by early 2023.

June 6, 2012  The United States Air Force announced that a new automated emergency oxygen system is being installed on F-22 Raptor aircraft. The U.S. government has thus far paid Lockheed Martin US$19,154,000 for forty automated emergency oxygen system kits with ten extras, including installation, to be finished by the end of April 2013. The Air Force says that all Raptor aircraft should have the new system installed by mid 2014.

March 30, 2012  Lockheed-Martin has received a US$664.4 million in aircraft contracts through 2012 for modifications to the F-22 Raptor fighter. Work will be done in Lockheed's plants located in Fort Worth, TX, Mariatta, GA, Palmdale, CA, and Seattle, WA.

March 23, 2012  F-22 Raptors are being fitted with air to ground missiles, new avionics and modified bomb bays for ground attack. The first modified aircraft have already been deployed and are operational. It is anticipated that all F-22 Raptor aircraft will have enhanced abilities to attack ground targets within the next ten years.

March 20, 2012  It was announced today that new emergency oxygen supply handles will be installed on the F-22 Raptor. The new handles should make it easier for pilots to obtain oxygen in the event of a system shut down.

Dec. 21, 2011  The United States Air Force issued their final report involving the death of F-22 pilot Capt. Jeff Haney and the crash of his F-22 Raptor. The report concludes that a malfunction of the F-22 air intake system caused the shut down of the oxygen supply to the pilot to protect itself from additional damage. Therefore it functioned as designed, and was not at fault in the pilot's death. The origin of the malfunction that caused the system to shut down could not be determined, although part of the emergency oxygen supply activation mechanism was found to be improperly installed.

When the oxygen supply to the pilot was cut off, standard procedure for the F-22 called for the pilot to dive the aircraft to an altitude where supplemental oxygen is not necessary and manually engage an emergency oxygen system. This involves finding a silver dollar size ring near the pilot's left thigh with a gloved hand while wearing night vision googles. Once the ring is found it must be removed from its retaining slot, and then pulled towards the front of the pilot. About 40 pounds of force are necessary to engage the system, all the while maintaining control of the aircraft while in an emergency dive and not being able to breathe.

Some aviation experts point out that it is virtually impossible to engage the emergency oxygen system of the F-22 by an oxygen deprived pilot and maintain control of a diving, speeding aircraft. They conclude that while the aircraft's systems may have operated properly, the initial malfunction that caused them to shut down is the cause of the crash.

Dec. 6, 2011 The Lockheed F-22 Raptor, the most advanced U.S. jet fighter, is no longer grounded for ongoing system oxygen problems. However, it is unclear whether the cause of the problems has been discovered. Production of the aircraft has resumed, with the 177th aircraft currently undergoing testing before being deployed. The 187th and final F-22 Raptor is anticipated to leave the production line by April 2012. There are currently no plans for any additional aircraft.



Superjets for Indonesia
Click on the picture for the Superjet 100.

March 8, 2013  Sukhoi announced that Indonesia has completed aircraft contracts with them for approximately US$424 million to purchase 12 Superjet 100 aircraft. It is anticipated that all of the aircraft will be delivered prior to the end of 2013.

June 21, 2012  In aircraft contracts totaling US$212.4 million, OJSC Transaero Airlines of Russia and Sukhoi, Russia have agreed to the deliveries of six Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliners commencing in 2015 with completion by 2017. The companies also agreed that Transaero may choose to purchase up to ten additional Superjet aircraft.

March 3, 2012  It was announced that Sukhoi Superjet 100-95 LR aircraft will be powered by new PowerJet engines providing nearly 10% more thrust and greater fuel-savings than the engines previously selected, once the new aircraft is produced. The engines will allow the new Superjet to carry a larger payload at longer distances than previously specified.

Feb. 28, 2012  The national Armenian airline, Armavia, announced today that they expect to take possession of their second new Sukhoi Superjet in April of this year.

Feb. 25, 2012  Superjet announced that they anticipate deliveries of an additional 10 aircraft outside of Russia during the second half of 2012. Thus far Russian Airline Aeroflot has taken deliveries of six Superjet 100 aircraft with Armavia operating one aircraft. Superjet has received firm orders for over 200 Superjet 100 aircraft to date.



Oman to Acquire 12 Eurofighter Aircraft
Click on the picture for the Eurofighter.

January 28, 2013  Oman has completed aircraft contracts negotiations for the purchase of some 12 Eurofighter aircraft for delivery by 2017. The aircraft are priced at about E90 million each.

March 30, 2012  In aircraft contracts worth about E2.0 billion, BAE, Great Britain has contracted for 535 million euros, Alenia Aermacchi for over 500 million euros, and EADS, Germany and Spain the balance in order to upgrade the Eurofighter aircraft including avionics, and radar systems through 2017.

About 350 Eurofighter aircraft are currently deployed, with about a total of about 580 ordered.



China to Order Sukhoi Fighters
Click the picture for the Sukhoi Fighter.

December 15, 2012  The Chinese government has completed aircraft contracts to purchase a total of 24 Sukhoi 35 fighter aircraft. The purchase price is estimated to be some US$1.49 billion, with receipt of the first aircraft anticipated in 2015.

The aircraft have been upgraded with new engines, a stronger airframe, and the latest avionics. They do not have the canards of their predecessors. Prototype aircraft began testing in early 2008.

The aircraft also differ from their predecessors by having more powerful, more efficient engines. A quadruple redundancy digital fly by wire system that the pilot controls by using a side stick gives the pilot greater control of the aircraft.

Enhanced avionics include a radar system that has the ability to track up to 24 targets simultaneously, a head-up display, and digital displays on a series of cockpit monitors. A terrain following radar mode gives the pilot the ability to fly ground hugging missions below radar detection levels.

The fuel capacity of the aircraft has been increased, both internally and externally, over its predecessor. In addition, it is fitted with an in-flight refueling system.

Although not a true stealth aircraft, the Sukhoi 35 incorporates technology to produce a smaller radar signature and lower IR emissions than similar size fighter aircraft.

In August of 2009 Sukhoi received aircraft contracts from the Russian government for a total of 48 of the aircraft.  Completion of production of the entire order is anticipated by the end of 2014.



More JSF Aircraft Delays
Click on the picture for the JSF.

January 28, 2013  The U.S. Pentagon announced that due to additional computer programming delays it will be at least until 2017 before the JSF can be made combat ready.

December 14, 2012  The U.S. Pentagon announced aircraft contracts for an additional 32 JSF aircraft today worth approximately US$3.8 billion. It was reported that the contracts were signed at this time to avoid defense budget cuts that could be enacted in 2013. It was not reported if the aircraft ordered will be combat capable.



Egypt Orders CASA C-295's
Click on the picture for the CASA C-295.

Jan. 28, 2013  Airbus announced that Egypt has placed aircraft contracts for an additional six CASA C-295 aircraft for delivery by December 2013, bringing its C-295 fleet to a total of 12 aircraft.

May 26, 2012  Oman has ordered eight Airbus CASA C-295 aircraft for their air force in aircraft contracts worth approximately US$290 million. The aircraft will be used as transports and for maritime patrol. Deliveries are expected to commence by mid next year.

March 2, 2012  Kazakhstan has new aircraft contracts with Airbus to purchase two CASA C-295 transport aircraft, plus instructions and sundry items for the aircraft, for an undisclosed dollar amount.  Delivery is to be by April of 2013.

An understanding has been reached between Kazakhstan and Airbus that an additional six C-295 aircraft will be contracted for, following the initial deliveries.

Feb. 15, 2012  Indonesia and Airbus entered into aircraft contracts for the purchase of nine CASA C-295 transport aircraft. The US$325 million contract also includes instruction and additional equipment.

It is anticipated that Airbus will produce the aircraft components, with final assembly taking place in Indonesia.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2012 with the final aircraft arriving in Indonesia by mid 2014. All of the Airbus CASA C-295 aircraft will be deployed by Indonesia's air force.



Agusta Westland Apaches get $1.25 Billion Upgrades
Click on the picture for the Apache helicopter.

Aug. 8, 2012  British Apache AH Mk1 helicopters, build by Agusta Westland under license from Boeing, will be receiving aircraft contracts for about US$1.25 billion in upgrades beginning in 2013. The upgrades are intended to extend the service life of the Longbow helicopters through 2030.

Feb. 11, 2012  The Indonesian Army announced plans for aircraft contracts with Boeing to purchase a total of eight AH-64 Apache helicopters through 2014. Total purchase price is expcted to be around US$25 million.

Dec. 9, 2011  The U.S. Army announced that their primary battlefield attack helicopter, the AH-64 Apache, will be receiving major upgrades. Among them are more powerful engines combined with longer, lighter weight rotors. Not only will the Apache be able to cruise at faster speeds, but rate of climb and payload will be increased. In addition, pilots of the Apache will have the ability to guide UAV's on surveillance and attack missions. The upgrades will affect some 634 existing and an additional 56 yet to be produced helicopters. It is anticipated that the AH-64 Apache will continue to be deployed with the U.S. Army until at least 2030.



U.S. Outsources US$1.07 Billion Helicopter Orders
Click on the picture for the Mil Mi-17.

July 31, 2012  Russia will be delivering 31 Mil Mi-17 helicopters and spare parts to the Afghanistan Army under aircraft contracts recently concluded with the United States. The total value exceeds US$1.07 billion. The United States government has concluded that the Russian helicopters are better suited for the environment of Afghanistan than any helicopters produced in the U.S.


Sikorsky Awarded US$8.5 Billion Aircraft Contracts
Click on the picture for the UH-60 Blackhawk.

July 24, 2012  Sikorsky Aircraft, Huntsville, Alabama, will be building a total of at least 653 UH-60 AND HH-60 helicopters under aircraft contracts awarded by the U.S. government. The 60 month contracts provide for the optional purchase of up to 263 additional helicopters, including support, that would add an additional US$3.2 billion to the total.


Bombardier Secures US$2.6 Billion Order
Click on the picture for the Challenger 300.

June 25, 2012  NetJets Inc., Columbus, OH, USA has placed aircraft contracts with Canada's Bombardier Aerospace for 75 Challenger 300 executive jets with deliveries beginning next year. In addition they have ordered 25 Challenger 605 executive jets with deliveries starting in two years. Total value of the order is around US $2.6 billion. NetJets has an option to purchase 125 additional Challenger 300 aircraft and 50 Challenger 605 aircraft for around US$4.7 billion. Bombardier may also be providing NetJets with service for its aircraft. That can add an additional US$2.3 billion to Bombardier's revenues over the next 10 years.

NetJets Inc. rents and provides for fractional ownership of its aircraft. A fractional ownership agreement is similar to a property time share, where the owner of the shares can use the aircraft for a fixed number of times throughout the year provided sufficient notice is given.



Russia's Transaero Buys Four Airbus A380's
Click on the picture for the Airbus A380.

June 21, 2012  Today OJSC Transaero Airlines of Russia entered into aircraft contracts with Airbus for the delivery of four Airbus A380's, the world's largest airliners. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2015. The value of the contract is estimated to be around US$1.52 billion.

Feb. 10, 2012  The European Safefy Agency directed that all Airbus A380 aircraft have their wing covering attachment brackets checked after more cracks were found on another Quantas aircraft during a routine inspection. A total of 85 Airbus A380 aircraft have been built to date.

Jan. 19, 2012  In late December 2011 cracks were detected in attachment brackets used from the wing ribs to the wing covering on a Quantas Airbus A380 undergoing unscheduled engine repairs. This prompted Airbus to check eight additional high hour A380 aircraft. Cracks were found in brackets on one of those aircraft. When this was reported to the European Safety Agency they issued a directive calling for inspection of an additional eleven high hour A380 aircraft prior to their normal inspection dates.

Checking the brackets takes around one day due, in part, to the number of brackets, plus the necessity of draining adjacent fuel tanks before inspections can commence. Replacement of defective brackets could add several more days to the procedure. Each Airbus A380 has some 4,000 such brackets.

Airbus has found that the cracks are probably due to over torquing during aircraft assembly. This has resulted in a modification of the assembly processes that Airbus hopes will resolve the issue.

Dec. 16, 2011  Airbus announced today that it anticipates a minimum of thirty of their Airbus A380 airliners will be delivered to carriers during 2012. Airbus A380 airliners sell for between US$370 million to US$380 million each.



24 Seahawk Helicopters For Australia
Click on the picture for the MH-60 Seahawk.

June 15, 2012  Australia placed an order for 24 Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk helicopters under aircraft contracts worth some US$19.1 million. The helicopters will be assembled at Sikorsky's Stradford, CT, USA plant with all deliveries to be effected prior to October of 2017.

April 20, 2012  Under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales Program, the Australian Navy will be getting avionics and cockpits for 24 of their MH-60 helicopters from Lockheed. The modification to existing aircraft contracts is valued at US$1.3 million, with deliveries to be completed by March 2017.

April 6, 2012  Lockheed-Martin will be updating the avionics on over 200 Sikorsky MH-60 helicopters for the U.S. Navy through 2017. The total amount of the aircraft contracts are around US$1.05 billion, with the work being performed at Lockheed's Oswego facility.



New Airbus A320 NEO Orders
Click on the picture for the Airbus A320.

June 11, 2012  Airbus announced the signing of aircraft contracts with Norwegian Air Shuttle for 100 A320 NEO aircraft with deliveries commencing in 2015. In addition, Air Lease Corp., Los Angeles, CA, has signed a contract for 36 Airbus A320 NEO passenger planes.

April 19, 2012  Quantas Airlines has completed aircraft contracts with CFM International valued at about US$2.0 billion for some 156 new LEAP-X engines. When powering the soon to be introduced Airbus A320 NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft on order by Quantas, the engines, in addition to added winglets, are expected to greatly reduce the amount of fuel consumed.  The A320 NEO is expected to use only about 85 percent of the fuel consumed by earlier model Airbus A320 aircraft.

CFM International is an equal partnership between SNECMA, Courcouronnes, France, and General Electric Aviation, Evendale, Ohio, USA.

The A320 NEO aircraft are currently on order with Airbus and initial deliveries to airlines are expected to commence in 2015.



Boeing Undertakes Harrier Jump Jet Repairs
Click on the picture for more about the Harrier.

June 7, 2012  Harrier jump jets will be receiving new spare parts and repairs under US$20.3 million aircraft contracts with Boeing. The aircraft will be repaired at Boeing's St. Louis, MO facilities with work continuing through the first week of June, 1915.


Air-Crane helicopters Over Greece
Click on the picture for the S-64 Skycrane.

June 5, 2012  Greece has completed aircraft contracts with Erickson Air-Crane, operators of the S-64 Skycrane water bombing helicopters, through 2014 with an option for an additional 24 month extension. Erickson will provide three of their helicopters as may be needed. NATO is the contracting entity that is providing the funds for the water bombing needs while Greece works out its debt issues. Depending on the total hours accumulated while water bombing, it is estimated that the initial contract should amount to over US$40 million.


First C-17 Goes On Display
Click the picture for the C-17 Globemaster.

June 1, 2012  The first C-17 Globemaster, built as a demonstration aircraft in 1991, will be put on display at the U.S.A.F. Museum in Dayton Ohio. The aircraft has been used throughout the years for testing new technologies.

Feb. 10, 2012  The British RAF will purchase an additional Boeing C-17 Globemaster, bringing recent aircraft contract purchases to a total of eight aircraft. The C-17 sells for about US$218 million per aircraft.

Jan. 23, 2012  The United States Air Force will be purchasing an additional five C-17 Globemaster aircraft from Boeing under a existing aircraft contracts. The purchase raises the total contract value by US$693.4 million. The aircraft are manufactured at Boeing's Long Beach, California facility.



Saudi's Buys New Trainer Aircraft
Click on the picture for the Pilatus PC-21.

May 31, 2012  The Royal Saudi Air Force has placed an order through BAE for 55 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, which are manufactured in Switzerland. Deliveries of the aircraft will start in 2014. In addition, BAE in England will be producing 22 Hawk jet trainer aircraft for the Saudi's, with deliveries anticipated in 2016.  The total value of the aircraft contracts are about US$3.0 billion.


continued

Email us.