Embraer , Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, announced the following changes in the company’s organizational structure effective Jan. 1, 2009: Retiring Antonio Luiz Pizarro Manso, executive vice president, Finance and CFO, and Satoshi Yokota, executive vice president, Strategic Planning and Technology Development, will be succeeded, respectively, by Luiz Carlos Siqueira Aguiar and Emilio Kazunoli Matsuo, members of Embraer’s senior management team.
Last month’s NBAA Convention in Orlando was a grandiose display of technology and service, as expected, but this year’s gathering was underscored by collective concern. Exhibitors were constantly checking their BlackBerries for the latest awful news from Wall Street. Reporters lunching in the pressroom stared open mouthed at the flat-screen screamings streaming from CNN’s financial desk. Every conversation, handshake and demonstration seemed sprinkled or doused with anxiety.
Legendary Jets , Tempe, Ariz., announced the hiring of Shad English as vice president of Sales with responsibility for the development and advancement of the firm’s GO JET card program as well as sales of full and fractional jet ownership programs.
International Communications Group (ICG) has begun production of its new NxtLink 120A and 220A Iridium communications systems. Both systems now support Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) was well as Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) requirements. The NxtLink 120A is designed for use on the flight deck while the 220A serves both the flight deck and the crew.
WAEA , McLean, Va., announced that Christine Ringer, inflight entertainment system engineer and project manager for Swiss International Air Lines, was elected president of the World Airline Entertainment Association for the 2008-2009 term.
First I would like to congratulate you on your 50 years of publishing excellence and I am looking forward to an additional 50! Reading the article titled “Help Wanted” (September, page 34) and after reading Gary Dugan’s (not his real name) statements I could not go without trying to get my frustration heard.
Cessna has chalked up more than 900 orders for its Citation 560XL-series midsize jets in the last 14 years, making it the all-time best-seller in this class. That’s an impressive benchmark considering that the XL’s airframe started life as a quick-to-market hybrid of the Citation III fuselage barrel and a modified, scaled-up Citation V wing. Clean-sheet purists scoffed at its humble origins, but they shuddered when it became a runaway best-seller 24 hours after it was announced at the 1994 NBAA Convention.
Based on Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion avionics, the G250’s new cockpit will feature one of Gulfstream’s most advanced versions of its signature PlaneView cockpit design. The standard package will include three, 15-inch flat-panel displays in the instrument panel, dual multi-function CDUs in the center console, glareshield-mounted standby multifunction controllers adapted from the G650 and a new flight guidance control panel and side-ledge-mounted handgrip cursor control devices.
Last month, Gulfstream Aerospace took the wraps off its G250, a radical midlife makeover of the G200 that will transform it from being the most comfortable super-midsize cabin parked on pavement into a potent performer that’s worthy of the Gulfstream name. The G250 not only will look like a genuine Gulfstream, having athletic proportions, big wing and engines and a signature T-tail, it also should measure up to the sporty performance heritage of legacy Gulfstream jets.
It had been an emotionally taxing day. When we left our daughter five weeks earlier, we departed worried. It was her first day at art school, her first time living outside the home, and she was clearly feeling intimidated and alone. She was tight lipped all day and her words at parting – “Well, I may crash and burn here” – did nothing to boost the spirits of her debt-laden parents. We fretted day after day.
The Okanogan Helicopter Group of Vancouver, B.C., has placed the first order for the 48-passenger Fairey Rotodyne heliliner. Under terms of a recent agreement between Fairey and Kaman Aircraft, the unique machine may be built in the United States. The U.S. Air Force has designated North American’s UCT entry the T-39 and ordered it into production. The manufacturer has not disclosed the number of twinjets ordered by the service.
3M Aerospace has introduced a new double-coated tape for use when replacing carpet. The flame-retardant 3M Tape 9377 offers users an efficient solution to bond carpet to aircraft floorboards. The tape’s advanced adhesive technology provides a strong bond but still allows clean removal. It also tears by hand, reducing the need to use a separate tool for cutting. The tape’s release liner allows it to be unwound and protects the adhesive from collecting debris. It’s also color-coded for easy application.
TrueNorth , Ottawa, Canada, has hired Chris de Hoog as Avionics Product Program manager to assist with customer and product sales support for its Simphone airborne telecommunications systems.
BLR Aerospace was taking pre-certification orders at the recent NBAA Convention for its new winglet system for King Air C90s (LJ589 and up), E90s (LW 26 and up, and all King Air GTs and GTi’s. According to BLR, the winglets deliver increased cruise speed (three to six knots) and increased vertical rate of climb (300 to 400 fpm). Additional benefits include reduced drag and improved handling qualities. BLR says that customers benefit from immediate increases in asset value and ongoing reductions in direct operating costs.
International aviation regulators have heard the concerns of business aviation operators regarding their dislike of airspace charges, a top official of ICAO told NBAA members last week. Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, president of the ICAO Council, addressed attendees at the opening general session of the NBAA’s Convention and outlined the importance of a seamless global air traffic management system that applies to all users. He also noted the challenges, including the economics for airports and air navigation systems.
Aeroydyne, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., promoted Nick Oster to manager of Material/Supply Chain. AWAS, Dublin, Ireland, announced that Hamish Murchison and Mariyan Adanov have joined the company as vice presidents. Frederic Mireur has been appointed head of Corporate Finance. BBA Aviation, Dallas, has appointed Clarke Mouncher global program director, Rolls-Royce 250 for all of ERO’s RR250 activities. Bird-X, Chicago, announced that Dave Kogan is the new marketing manager.
CRS Jet Spares , Fort Lauderdale, Fla., announced that Pete Trabucco has joined the company as an outside sales representative in the Northeast United States from Virginia to Maine. Forrest Bullard is the new North Central U.S. outside sales representative.
A consortium of Wichita-area business, government and educational organizations have formed the Wichita Aero Club. Patterned after the Aero Clubs of Washington and Atlanta and The Wings Club in New York, the new club plans to host monthly luncheons and invite high profile speakers to address major aviation industry issues. It will also have a Web site, publish an online newsletter, and host an annual awards gala. Bob Stangarone, vice president of corporate communications for Cessna Aircraft Co.
DeCrane Aerospace , Columbus, Ohio, named Stewart Toye as director of Business Development for the Eastern Hemisphere, including Europe, the Middle East and Asian markets.
