31.08.12 | DMD Phantom announces two new names
London based CSP introduces a new brand identity and a new man at the marketing helm.
DMD Phantom is the new name of Phantom Media. Following the completed acquisition of Phantom by Dawson Media Direct last year, the new name and brand identity reflects the company’s enhanced role as a multichannel content service provider, drawing on both its own and DMD’s long heritage in media services to the travel industry.
The London based CSP has built a reputation since it began back in 1999 for superior service, creativity and innovation, and was a co-developer in 2005 of the groundbreaking Bluebox IFE platform – the compact computer-based solution that anticipated the tablet revolution.
DMD Phantom continues to provide a full range of premium content services to airlines and other travel operators, and to work closely with its Bluebox partners, drawing now on all the benefits of a truly global network of marketing and fulfilment resources.
“This final phase of integration into the DMD family strengthens our service proposition enormously”, says Stuart McGeachin, DMD Phantom co-founder and creative director. “It means we can broaden out our offering from the usual movies, TV, music and games to include print and new digital products too. We’re especially excited to be involved with Digiredoo, DMD’s new digital reader solution for aircraft and lounges. It’s the kind of innovation we relish, and I’m sure it will be a huge success with airlines.”
The task of marketing the enhanced DMD Phantom offering falls in large part to newly appointed Business Development Manager Alan McInnes. With over 20 years in the aviation service sector Alan understands both sides of the industry, having worked at a number of airlines and service partners. His previous roles, including Head of Inflight Services at Thomas Cook and Operations Director at IFE Services, equip him with broad-based operational expertise covering everything from sales and account management to product development and delivery.
DMD managing director John Howe welcomes Alan’s valuable experience. “The brand review at DMD Phantom offers a great opportunity to spread the word about our expanded range of products and services, and I’m confident Alan has all the right qualities and qualifications to help achieve that with us”, he says.
With over 30 years in print media fulfilment across the globe, Dawson Media Direct is the world’s leading supplier of newspapers and magazines to airlines and rail operators.
DMD has more airline clients and more media owner relationships than any other content service provider. Its media distribution network covers Europe and the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, and its digital innovation to date embraces custom and acquired content and multiplatform delivery solutions.
31.08.12 | LAN Airlines receives first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in the Americas
LAN Airlines, one of Latin America’s leading passenger and cargo airlines, today became the first airline in the Americas (and one of the first in the world) to receive the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Equipped with the latest technology, the aircraft will revolutionize the airline industry.
LAN will receive 32 of this new aircraft over the next ten years, with the first three to be delivered this year. The $4.9 billion order represents one of the largest investments in the airline’s history.
Top LAN executives, Boeing representatives, and authorities celebrated the delivery of LAN’s first 787 at an event at the Boeing factory near Seattle including LAN Airlines CEO Ignacio Cueto. The LAN team directly involved in the project was recognized in addition to the over 1,000 team members who were trained over the past two and a half years especially for the delivery and operation of the aircraft.
LAN Airlines’ CEO, Ignacio Cueto, stressed the importance of the delivery for the Company and celebrated the benefits this aircraft will have both for the regional aviation industry and the travel experience of passengers:
“LAN is proud to be the first airline in the Americas to receive the 787 Dreamliner,” said Ignacio Cueto, CEO LAN Airlines. “This is not only a milestone for LAN, but also for all of our passengers that will experience an enhanced LAN in-flight experience thanks to the cutting edge technology and visionary elements of this new aircraft. The Dreamliner will make it possible for us to cover greater distances in a more environmentally conscious and highly efficient aircraft which will help ensure our sustainable growth“.
“LAN has clearly become the leader in aviation in Latin America and across the globe due to its strong leadership, unrivaled customer service, and commitment to technology and innovation,” said Van Rex Gallard, Vice President of Sales for Latin America, Africa, & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The addition of the 787 to the LAN fleet will help them maintain that leadership edge by increasing their global presence and bringing a new and exciting flying experience to more passengers in more locations around the world.”
Peter Turner, Customer Vice President, Civil Aerospace, Rolls Royce stated: “We are proud to support such a significant moment both for LAN and air transport in the Americas. The Trent 1000, designed exclusively for this aircraft, offers exceptional financial and environmental benefits and we look forward to playing our part in providing another excellent customer entry into service with this engine”.
The first cities served by the LAN fleet of 787s are Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Los Angeles, Madrid, and Frankfurt. The aircraft will begin to fly commercially over the next few months, and these routes will be added gradually during its first year of operation.
The all-new cabin of the LAN 787 and the travel experience
As part of LAN’s continual innovation process and concern for giving its passengers the best possible travel experience, the Company has applied the latest in design trends to the 787 cabin with a focus on a comfortable experience with the charm of South America. These have been inspired by the warm colors and textures of South America and reflect the attention to detail, reliability, and warmth that characterize the Company.
One of the new features offered in the new Premium Business class cabin is a 100% horizontal full flat seat with the same dimensions of our current seat that includes: an ottoman (feet support), a memory system that records the seat position chosen by the user, apart from lumbar massage.
The new Economy class features reclining ergonomic seats, which have a head support with 4 positions along with bright warm colored blankets and head-sets that invoke the chromatic tonalities of South America.
Entertainment onboard the LAN 787
In terms of onboard entertainment, passengers traveling on the LAN Boeing 787 will enjoy new features including high-definition screens using the latest touch technology (9” in Economy and 15.4” in Premium Business) and new data ports compatible with Apple® devices, tablets, cell phones, digital cameras, and USB devices.
Committed to caring for our customers and the environment, this aircraft offers:
• An innovative, modern and harmonious design.
• With electronic auto-dimming windows and dynamic lighting to create a better atmosphere. Thus, preparing the passenger for the different stages during the flight (day, night, etc.), and for the time zone to which it is arriving.
• Larger windows: the windows of this aircraft have up to 40% more surface area than current windows, which will allow all passengers (in all rows) more visibility during the flight, giving them a better view.
• Overhead bins with 30% more storage space for carryon luggage.
• The aerodynamics of the Boeing 787 incorporate technology that reduces the impact felt by the passenger due to turbulence. In addition, the pressurization of the cabin to a lower altitude (6,000 feet instead of 8,000) would result in the reduction of headaches or other symptoms a passenger might experience when flying.
• The cabin includes new air humidification techniques, significantly reducing fatigue and dryness associated with long trips.
• The passenger may have a more enjoyable trip thanks to the technology in their engines that make them less noisy from both inside and outside the aircraft.
Some of the environmental benefits of the 787
• An emission of up to 20% less of CO2 than similar aircraft.
• Up to 40% less noise footprint than similar aircraft on takeoff, the period of greatest noise in flight.
• 50% of the structure is a carbon fiber composite material, which makes it a first in the industry, this material being more resistant to fatigue and corrosion. This allows, moreover, that the manufacturing process will produce less non-recyclable waste.
About the engine for LAN 787 fleet
The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 has been designed and optimized exclusively for operation on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In October 2011, it became the first engine to power the 787 Dreamliner in service. New technologies in aerodynamics, materials and coatings were incorporated to support Boeing’s low emissions requirement.
30.08.12 | TDI Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at New China Facility
On August 8th TDI Power celebrated the grand opening of their new Shenzhen facility. The ceremony encompassed factory tours, a traditional Chinese line dance and a Szechuan mask changing show. James Feely, CEO and President, gave a speech discussing the aggressive growth plans for TDI and how China would play a major role in this strategy.
Located in the free trade zone, the manufacturing operation is 99,000 sq. ft. and incorporates 3 SMT lines, PTH Assembly Wave and Solder, PCB in-circuit testing/ sub module testing, as well as HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) testing. The free trade zone offers significant benefits including convenience for our customers and suppliers, improved logistics and easier import/export of goods. As a result of this continued investment in their China operations, TDI will realize a significant increase in productivity and efficiency.
TDI Power is a global manufacturer of power conversion systems for the Commercial Aerospace, Medical and Industrial markets. We have the broadest range of high technology power conversion products available in the marketplace, including DC and AC Power Systems, Power Supplies, Rectifiers, Converters and accessory equipment.
Established in 1961, TDI is headquartered in New Jersey, has over 800 employees and three facilities located throughout the world. For more information about TDI go to www.tdipower.com.
30.08.12 | Stefan Hansen reappointed as Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Systems AG
Lufthansa Systems AG today announced that the company’s Supervisory Board has extended the appointment of Chief Executive Officer Stefan Hansen by five years until June 30, 2018. This decision taken ahead of time by the Supervisory Board at its meeting today ensures continuity at the top of Lufthansa Systems. The Supervisory Board elected Simone Menne, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, its Chairperson effective immediately.
Stefan Hansen, born in 1964, studied electrical engineering at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences. He began his career with Siemens AG before moving to Unilever and then to Körber AG. Hansen joined Lufthansa Systems in 1999 as Head of the Desktop and Network Services department before taking over as Managing Director of the subsidiary Lufthansa Systems Infratec GmbH in 2001 and then Lufthansa Systems Network GmbH in 2004. From mid-2006, Hansen served four years as Managing Director of EDS. Hansen then took on a consultancy role with Vodafone Germany during the realignment of the company’s corporate business.
Since July 1, 2010, Stefan Hansen has been CEO & Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Systems AG. He is also the company’s Labor Director. Under his management, Lufthansa Systems was restructured and strategically realigned with a clear customer focus. The company has a leading position in the global airline and aviation IT industry and provides high-quality consulting and IT services for companies in other selected industries.
30.08.12 | Gulf Air Marks Three-Week Countdown to Re-launch of Flights to Iran and Iraq with Special Promotion
Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air is launching a special promotion with up to 30% off on its return air fares to Iran and Iraq from all destinations across its network, to mark the three-week countdown to the resumption of its services.
During this promotion, which starts on September 1, passengers can book their travel from any of the airline’s 48 destinations to Baghdad, Erbil and Najaf in Iraq and Tehran, Mashhad and Shiraz in Iran and enjoy a 25% discount on Economy class and 30% on Falcon Gold fares.
The special fares are available on bookings made between 1 and 14 September, for travel between 20 September and 15 October 2012. All travel must be completed by 15 October 2012.
Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Karim Makhlouf said, “With three weeks to go until we resume our operations to Iran and Iraq, we are pleased to be able to offer customers this special promotion. For a limited time, passengers wishing to travel to Iran and Iraq and enjoy Gulf Air’s award-winning on-board service can do so at a reduced cost.”
Flights to Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf and Basra in Iraq and Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan in Iran will begin progressively from 20 September.
Flight schedule for Iraq
Najaf – from 20 September with four weekly flights increasing to daily from 01 December
Baghdad- from 21 September with five weekly flights
Erbil – from 23 September with four weekly flights increasing to daily from 28 October
Basra* – from 29 October with three weekly flights increasing to four from 01 December
Flight schedule for Iran
Mashhad – from 22 September with four weekly flights increasing to daily from 02 December
Shiraz- from 23 September with five weekly flights increasing to daily from 01 December
Tehran- from 25 September with six weekly flights increasing to daily from 01 December
Isfahan* – from 30 October with three weekly flights
The above flights will be operated by a combination of Embraer and Airbus fleet.
29.08.12 | Bluebox Avionics IFE on Rapid Ascent
Bluebox Avionics continues its rapid growth in the IFE market with the shipment of over 1,000 units of its iPad-based portable IFE solution, over the last 2-months. Bluebox Ai has been on the market for less than a year and Bluebox Avionics has already shipped over 5,500 units with the rate of adoption rapidly accelerating.
David Brown, Joint Managing Director of Bluebox Avionics, is delighted with the market adoption, “We have provided portable IFE solutions for several years but the availability of a robust and reliable platform in the iPad has been a game changer. The passenger experience is superb and our airline clients have been delighted with the impact whether the objective is service enhancement or ancillary revenue generation – it’s equally good at meeting both objectives”. He continues, “the iPad is a premium product which certainly enhances the airline image but system reliability and residual values are so good that we’ve found that the total cost of ownership and operation is better than anything else we’ve seen. With airlines such as British Airways, Scoot, Thai Airways and Jetstar operating very successful IFE services on Bluebox, the portable IFE proposition is compelling”
29.08.12 | IFE Services supplies Jet Asia Airways with in-flight entertainment iPads
Leading in-flight entertainment company, IFE Services, today announced that it is supplying iPads to Jet Asia Airways.
Passengers onboard Jet Asia Airways’ Bangkok to Tokyo route will be offered Apple’s popular tablet free of charge in business class and for a fee in economy class. Jet Asia Airways has named its new IFE service, “Jet Asia Flight Xperience (JFx)”. During their flight, passengers can enjoy a selection of latest release and classic Hollywood moviesas well as listen to a wide choice of music. The rich choice of entertainment content will be refreshed at regular intervals.
The cutting-edge technology of Apple’s best-selling tablet makes it ideal as a portable, in-flight entertainmentsystem. The iPad allows airline passengers to enjoy movies, TV shows and music, read e-magazines and e-books and play the latest generation games – all enhanced by a high resolution screen, excellent sound system and very long battery life.
“The addition of JFx to the inflight services currently being provided on Jet Asia is a step towards bridging the gap of services offered by charter operators and legacy carriers,” said Jet Asia Airways’ In-Flight Manager.
28.08.12 | Gogo Licensed to Provide In-Air Connectivity over Canada
Gogo, a leader of in-flight connectivity and a pioneer in wireless in-flight digital entertainment solutions, announced today that Industry Canada has issued Gogo a subordinate license for Canada’s air-to-ground (ATG) radio frequency spectrum that will allow Gogo to serve passengers on commercial and business aircraft flying over Canada.
The Canadian network will operate on the same frequency as Gogo’s existing ATG network in the continental United States, which will allow Gogo to provide seamless service within Canada and on cross-border flights between the U.S. and Canada. Gogo expects to begin cell site construction in the fourth quarter of this year and expects the network to be in operation by the end of 2013.
The network will focus initially on Canadian routes served by Gogo’s existing U.S. and Canadian commercial airline customers. It will also service business aircraft currently using Aircell’s Gogo Biz high speed internet service. Aircell, a Gogo company, provides a suite of in-flight connectivity solutions for the global business aviation community.
“This license will allow us to offer seamless connectivity service for both our commercial airline partners and business aviation customers operating between the U.S. and Canada,” said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO. “Whether it’s on a commercial or business aircraft, passengers traveling in Canada can soon experience the same technology that has a proven track record of performance and reliability in the U.S.”
Gogo’s Canadian license is subordinate to a primary spectrum license that was acquired at auction in 2009 by SkySurf Canada Communications Inc. Gogo won the comparable U.S. spectrum at auction in 2006.
27.08.12 | Gulf Air records positive business performance in the first half of 2012
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, posted significant improvements in its 2012 half yearly performance against the same period last year across its business operations indicating positive results.
Announcing the highlights of the Jan-June 2012 business performance of the company, Gulf Air CEO Mr. Samer Majali said that the airline has recorded 6% increase in revenue and 13% increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. Seat load factor has reached 77% for the same period registering a 5% growth.
The airline’s Falcon Gold premium class alone has seen a healthy 35% growth while economy class has seen 12% growth over the same period last year indicating the passengers increasing preference to fly with Gulf Air due to several new features and facilities introduced recently. Gulf Air currently operates one of the youngest fleets in the region with an average fleet age of just 4.7 years. The airline’s on-time punctuality has grown to 79% as against 78% in 2011 and 74% in 2010 while its technical dispatch reliability has reached 99.4%.
A Gulf Air Airbus A320 aircraft
Correspondingly, customer complaints have reduced by 11%. The introduction of the Staff Appreciation Scheme last year has received much appreciation from customers with over 2000 frequent flyers complimenting the airline’s customer service.
Mr. Majali said, “We were able to achieve these results with the combined efforts of rationalized route network, fleet optimisation, improved sales efficiency, products and services, cost efficiency measures and expenditure reduction. This is by no means a small achievement considering factors such as the temporary suspension of eight profitable routes and high fuel prices that have had a negative impact on our traffic and revenue.”
He continued, “We are pushing forward with our cost-efficiency and sales efficiency measures in 2012 and are targeting a further 15% reduction in its cost base for the full year; we have already achieved a cost base savings of BD 6.8 million between Jan and May this year.”
“We are glad that the business is looking up and we will continue to work harder to improve across our business functions to provide the best value for money to our customers. Above all, we will continue to be the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain and support the country’s economic ambitions by being a commercially sustainable and dynamic airline that effectively serves the people and the economy of Bahrain, and represents the Kingdom on the world stage” Mr. Majali concluded.
23.08.12 | JAL Dishes Up More In-Flight Meal Delights on International Routes
Japan Airlines (JAL) will be refreshing a part of its lineup of in-flight meals onboard most international routes from September 1, 2012 with new creations designed in collaboration with several reputable Japanese food companies as the airline continues to introduce the distinctive food culture of Japan to its customers.
Japanese Cheese in First and Executive Class
Following the renewal of its onboard wine list earlier this year, JAL began offering the fine quality of Japanese cheese from March this year to First and Executive Class customers on most of its long-haul international flights.
Come September, JAL will introduce a new array of Japan-made cheese with unique flavors such as those from the yeast of miso (fermented mixture of rice, barley and/or soybeans) and sake (Japanese rice wine). JAL invites customers to discover the excellence of Japanese cheese by sampling the assortment offered onboard, and matching it with various western wines, Japanese rice wines, and other suitable alcoholic beverages.
Special Bento Box from Haneda to San Francisco, Bangkok & Singapore
In collaboration with Smiles Co., Ltd.’s premier food franchise, Soup Stock Tokyo, JAL will be serving up a hearty breakfast called NORIBEN in Premium Economy and Economy Class, onboard flights departing Tokyo (Haneda) bound for San Francisco, Bangkok and Singapore.
Nori (dried seaweed), known for its curative properties since ancient times and an indispensable ingredient in Japanese cuisine, is the focus of this healthy and easy-to-eat meal served with steamed rice in a typical Japanese style lunch box (bento). Using top-rated seaweed from Mikawa, Aichi and complemented with bonito flakes from Makurazaki, Kagoshima, NORIBEN is served with appetizing side dishes; grilled salmon, whitebait and chikuwa (a Japanese food product made from broiling or steaming a paste made mainly from fish meat) will be available in the coming months of September to November, while grilled chicken and fried burdock will be served between December and February next year.
AIR SERIES – AIR TAIMEIKEN and AIR YOSHINOYA
For the sixth installation of JAL’s AIR SERIES – a string of tie-ups with popular Japanese restaurants to recreate their signature dishes for in-flight meals, the airline has partnered well-known western restaurant Taimeiken in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Established in 1931, Taimeiken serves a wide variety of western-style dishes and is most well-known for its Dandelion Omelet Rice – an all-time favorite meal that was developed independently in Japan.
Under the supervision of Chef Hiroshi Modegi, AIR TAIMEIKEN was perfected after rounds of trial and error to find the best cooking method, packaging, meal presentation etc., to reproduce the tastiness and texture of the fluffy omelet dish when served onboard. Onboard, the omelet and rice with chicken slices are served separately. When ready to eat, it is recommended to place the omelet over the rice and to cut it down the middle so it flaps open over the rice, looking like a soft yellow dandelion flower. Garnish it with peas and ketchup and it is all set to be savored.
In addition, Air Yoshinoya will be making a comeback on JAL’s daily flight from Los Angeles to Narita. The JAL Original version of popular Japanese food chain Yoshinoya’s traditional beef bowl was the third installation of the AIR SERIES first served onboard outbound Japan flights to select international destinations earlier this year.
Specially packaged to be served thousands of feet up in the air and in the lower humidity of passenger cabins, the beef is kept separate from the rice and comes with more sauce to retain the succulence of the beef bowls served in Yoshinoya shops. In First Class, customers will be served with actual china that has the JAL brand logo mark incorporated into the design of Yoshinoya’s trademark bowl.
AIR TAIMEIKEN and AIR YOSHINOYA will be served in Premium Economy and Economy Class during the second meal service of the flights, and will be available to First and Executive Class customers anytime during the flight as part of the “Anytime You Wish*” service.
JAL aims to be its customers’ favorite airline of all times, and is committed to continue coming up with original, refreshing and quality products and services that will meet their needs.
22.08.12 | Fly with confidence this summer
British Airways is launching a brand new instructional video for nervous flyers on its in-flight entertainment system from September 1.
The film, presented by British Airways pilot and course leader Captain Steve Allright, takes information from the British Airways Flying with Confidence course – the airline’s one-day fear of flying programme.
In the video, Captain Allright explains the technical side of flying, how an aircraft operates and other areas that can give some customers cause for concern, such as turbulence. The video also gives advice from clinical psychologists on the course including relaxation techniques, and how best to deal with anxiety and feelings of panic.
The airline has also put a preview clip from the video on its YouTube site for customers who would like to know more about the course ahead of their flight.
Customers will be able to watch the complete video on the British Airways Well Being channel, one of the hundreds of options on the airline’s extensive in-flight entertainment system.
British Airways Captain Steve Allright, who flies Boeing 747s, said: “The British Airways Flying with Confidence course has helped more than 45,000 people over the past 25 years.
“I really hope that we can reach, and help even more people with this video – whether they’re flying for business or for their holidays.”
Customers who go on the British Airways Flying with Confidence course will, in addition to tackling their fear of flying, also qualify for a 10 per cent discount on any British Airways flight, for up to nine people – in any cabin class.
21.08.12 | Win an iPad 3 from in-flight entertainment specialist, IFE Services
IFE Services, one of the world’s leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) providers, is running a competition to win an iPad 3.
Over the past 12 months, the iPad has burst onto the in-flight entertainment (IFE) scene as a versatile, portable IFE solution. The cutting-edge technology of Apple’s best-selling tablet allows passengers to enjoy movies, TV shows and music, read e-magazines and e-books and play the latest generation games – all enhanced by a high resolution screen, excellent sound system and very long battery life.
To date, IFE Services has implemented in-flight entertainment iPad projects for three of its clients, meeting a variety of commercial objectives including enhancing business class offerings and increasing in-flight revenues. IFE Services is currently in advanced negotiations with several more airlines regarding iPad projects.
To enter IFE Services’ iPad 3 competition, entrants must answer three simple questions by Friday, 28th September 2012. Full details of the competition are available here on the company’s website.
21.08.12 | TE Connectivity Nanominiature Connectors offer critical size and weight savings for rugged environments
Nanominiature connectors from TE Connectivity (TE) combine appealing size and weight with desired performance attributes such as high reliability, low contact resistance and wide operation temperature range, making them among the smallest and toughest connectors available to designers. The connectors offer dramatic space and weight savings in applications where size, weight and reliability are crucial design factors.
Nanominiature connectors are 10 times smaller in volume and about 10% the weight of a standard Micro-D connector with the same number of positions, delivering significant size and weight reduction. TE’s nano connectors also provide significant electrical and mechanical advantages over other nanominiature connectors such as voltage ratings of 500 V at sea level versus 250 V for others and 500 mating cycles versus 200.
Typical applications include space, smart munitions, missile defense, aircraft communications and UAVs. The common thread is the high reliability and space and weight-sensitive requirements of such applications.
“Despite their small size, nanominiature connectors are designed for rugged applications, with the capability of withstanding significant levels of shock and vibration, salt spray, outgassing, and other environmental and mechanical hazards,” said Scott Cairns, Manager, Product Management, TE Aerospace, Defense & Marine. “The bottom line is that nanominiature connectors are very robust. With the range of options, they are available for a wide variety of applications where weight and space savings are achieved without compromising performance.”
The nanominiature connectors are available with temperature ranges as wide as -200° C to +200 C°. They are available in single-row configurations with 5 to 51 contacts and double-row configurations with 9 to 65 contacts. They come with machined aluminum shells (with a variety of plating), stainless steel shells for extra sturdiness or plastic shells for added weight savings. They are also available in environmentally sealed circular configurations.
The connectors can be supplied with flying leads, as jumper assemblies, or as custom harnesses with multiple connectors. Due to the small size of the contacts, wire sizes are 30 AWG and smaller. PC board styles include through-hole, surface-mount, and edge-board mount.
For more information on TE’s nanominiature connectors, contact the Product Information Center at (800) 522-6752 or visit www.te.com/catalog/menu/en/13953?BML=10576.
TE Connectivity and the TE connectivity (logo) are trademarks of the TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies.
21.08.12 | Jet Airways relies on IT from Lufthansa Systems for flight operations
Lufthansa Systems announced that India’s premier international airline, Jet Airways, is expanding its cooperation with Lufthansa Systems by using the NetLine/Ops operations control system. A contract to this effect was signed recently. This modern IT solution will optimize the airline’s flight operations processes, enabling Jet Airways to benefit from greater efficiency and lower costs.
Jet Airways will be working with the NetLine/Ops operations control solution. This system makes it even easier for airlines to optimize flight operations control and respond quickly to irregularities, even if they occur on short notice. This kind of flexibility minimizes fast-growing costs. NetLine/Ops is a component of the Integrated Operations Control Center Platform (IOCC) from Lufthansa Systems.
Mr. Nikos Kardassis, CEO, Jet Airways, said, “On-time performance is a key differentiator for any airline. As a responsive, customer-centric organization, it is critical that we handle any planned or unplanned deviation from schedule with minimal inconvenience to our guests. The selection of the state-of-the-art NetLine/Ops system from Lufthansa Systems for our Operations Control Center will help us achieve this, and will enable us to deliver superior on time performance. The implementation of NetLine /Ops will further result in optimizing our operational efficiency, resulting in overall organizational productivity.”
Lufthansa Systems also welcomes the expanded cooperation with Jet Airways. “We are proud that Jet Airways has decided for an additional solution from our portfolio. With Lido/Flight and NetLine/Ops, we will help our customer to strengthen its leading market position in India and play an even larger role internationally as well,” said Dr. Gunter Küchler, Member of the Executive Board at Lufthansa Systems.
Jet Airways is based in Mumbai. The airline was founded in 1993 and currently serves 22 international destinations and 52 destinations in India.
20.08.12 | JAL Group Traffic Results for 2012 Summer Vacation Period
The JAL Group today announced passenger traffic results for the Japanese summer vacation period that spanned from August 10 to August 19, 2012. The JAL Group carried a total of 255,838 passengers on its international flights during the 10-day stretch, and a total of 1,057,219 passengers domestically.
With 0.3% more seats offered on international routes this year and against the backdrop of sustained high yen rates, the number of passengers carried by JAL to and from overseas rose 2.5%, leading to an overall increase in load factor by 2 percentage points to 90.9%. By region, the loads were highest to Guam and Hawaii at over 95% full, followed by on transpacific routes and flights to short-haul Asian destinations like China and Korea that were filled to more than 91%. JAL also operated a total of 22 extra flights to Honolulu, Palau, Alaska and six flights to Europe during this peak season.
Domestically, travel demand tended to be distributed across and beyond the specified peak period this year, resulting in a decline of 4.1% in comparison to the passenger count in the same period last year. Reservation figures for the whole month of August however, are thus far on par with the same month in 2011. There were 3.8% more seats available on domestic flights this summer when JAL also operated 14 extra flights, mainly to popular destinations like Okinawa and Sapporo.
16.08.12 | JAL Reveals Plan to Install Brand New Seats in Every Cabin Class on Its International 777-300ER Fleet
Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced plans to install brand-new seats in every cabin class on its international fleet of 777-300ER aircraft.
The newly-designed seats will debut on the daily service between Tokyo (Narita) and London (Heathrow) from January 2013, and will progressively be expanded to New York (John F Kennedy) and mainly on other long-haul Europe and North America routes in JAL’s network.
Every new seat, significantly superior to their preceding models, will offer customers in all four cabin classes a leap forward in comfort level, functionality, and the overall onboard experience. JAL will start refitting 13 of its flagship 777-300ER aircraft with these seats; 8 in First, 49 in Business, 40 in Premium Economy and 135 in Economy Class. Subsequently, JAL will introduce the latest full-flat Business Class beds on its fleet of 767-300ER, followed by a complete renewal of seats in every other class of travel commencing from the second half of 2013.
A foremost highlight of the renewal is the fully flat beds in Business Class arranged in an innovative layout that offers every customer unobstructed access to the aisles. The improved hardware promises greater privacy, enhanced functionality and a personal TV screen almost twice the size than before, providing customers with a luxurious personal space and ambience akin to a first class experience. Similarly in the latest JAL Premium Economy and Economy Class, customers can expect seats that are a cut above the standards of previous models, and arguably comparable to being upgraded a class ahead.
“Drawing from our customers’ feedback, we continue to make earnest efforts in creating services with originality and innovative products that can meet and exceed their expectations,” said Takahisa Hatakeyama, Vice President of Product & Service Strategy Development of Japan Airlines. “Extensive research and planning have gone into the selection of these new products, and with the roll-out including other upcoming services, we hope to deliver on our promise to offer our customers excellence in safety and quality, and to express our gratitude for their support as we endeavor to reestablish ourselves as a leading air transport company that can continuously serve the traveling public.”
More details of JAL’s newest seats will be announced in the middle of next month, alongside other unique upgrades planned for JAL’s in-flight services and meals. In line with the JAL Group’s Corporate Policy to provide unparalleled service and quality products, and in aiming to be its customers’ most-favored airline, JAL will soon be bringing an entirely refreshed and enhanced travel experience to valued customers.
Latest Seat Features
First Class
- Redesigned to raise the functionality and sense of prestige befitting First Class, while retaining the qualities of the highly-appraised current JAL SUITE seat.
- Personal TV screens enlarged 20% from 19 inch to 23 inch.
Business Class
- Full, lie-flat seats with expanded seat width
- Unobstructed access to the aisle from every seat
- Greater privacy providing customers a luxurious personal space and ambience akin to First Class
- Enlarged personal TV screen from 15.4 inch to 23 inch (compared to the current JAL SHELL FLAT NEO) – one of the largest screens available in Business Class in the skies today
Premium Economy
- Retained the fixed-backrest feature for an undisturbed space even when the passenger in front reclines.
- Widened seat pitch by approximately 10 cm (4 inch) for more legroom.
- Enlarged personal TV screen size from 9 inch to 12.1 inch
Economy
- Widened seat pitch by 5-7 cm (2-3inch) owing to a slimmer seatback design
- More spacious seat width between the arm-rests, broadened by up to 2 cm (0.8 inch)
14.08.12 | NASA’s Curiosity Rover mission supported by TE Connectivity’s Kilovac relays
NASA’s Curiosity rover landed in the Gale Crater on Mars on August 5, having flown over 127 million miles since its November 26, 2011 launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. As part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, the Curiosity rover and its Mars Science Laboratory will carry out their mission to look for evidence of past or present habitable environments.
TE Connectivity‘s KILOVAC K40P high-voltage relay was chosen to assist in the mission in the chromatograph unit. TE’s relay is being used in the Curiosity rover’s gas chromatography tool, which along with mass spectrometry and tunable-laser spectrometry, will study the chemistry relevant to life. As part of such a crucial mission, TE’s relay needed to meet the high demands for products that could provide as much space and weight savings as possible, while also performing in the extremes of a space environment and providing absolute reliability and long service life.
Rated for voltages to 5 kV, the KILOVAC K40P single-pole, single-throw relay switches low-current loads up to 35 amps. To reduce size and weight, the relay uses a vacuum dielectric to achieve a compact size of 1.85-inch height and 0.65-inch diameter and a weight of 1 ounce. Performance includes a minimum mechanical life of 10 million cycles and a fast operating speed of 1 millisecond.
“TE’s KILOVAC relay is ideal for applications like the Curiosity rover primarily because of its light-weight and small, compact design. As NASA set out to build a complex science lab in this rover, size was a critical factor,” said Peter Kohlmeier, Program Manager in TE’s Aerospace, Defense & Marine business. “TE’s relays have been used extensively and for years in space. TE’s KILOVAC products are suitable for extreme temperatures as well as other severe environmental factors, and undergo TE’s extensive reliability, quality control and testing.”
KILOVAC relays have been used in space applications for more than 30 years, since its first mission in lunar landing equipment in the 1970s to today where they are used extensively in space satellites and are currently used throughout the International Space Station.
“The KILOVAC relays have a long history of proven reliability in space missions and applications,” said Karl Kitts, Director of Development Engineering for High Performance Relays in TE’s Aerospace, Defense & Marine business. “The extensive testing process built a high degree of confidence in the relay’s suitability for the application. To many engineers who have specified relays over the years, KILOVAC is synonymous with rugged reliability in the most demanding environments.”
The on-ground quality control and testing process of the relays included environmental, mechanical and electrical tests. The testing is extensive and the full process can take months—at times it may take as long as the actual manufacturing process of the relay.
The 2,000-pound rover is expected to operate for around 98 weeks—one Martian year—in an inhospitable environment akin to a cold, rocky desert. The average surface temperature is -54°C, but can reach a relatively sweltering 27°C along the equator at noon. The Curiosity rover’s landing site is 4.6 degrees south of the Martian equator.
For more information on TE’s KILOVAC products, contact the Product Information Center at (800) 522-6752 or visit www.te.com/en/industries/defense/solutions/space.html. To learn more about NASA’s Curiosity rover visit www.nasa.gov/mars.
TE Connectivity and the TE connectivity (logo) are trademarks of the TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Exploration Rover projects are managed by JPL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Washington. The rover was designed, developed and assembled at JPL. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver built the orbiter.
13.08.12 | The World’s top airlines make up the finalists of APEX’s Passenger Choice Awards
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) has released the list of finalists for the Passenger Choice Awards, and winners will be announced at the APEX Awards Ceremony at the APEX 2012 EXPO, 17-20 September, in Long Beach, Calif., USA.
With 14 separate categories, the Passenger Choice Awards are designed to let passengers directly recognize airlines for outstanding services, products and innovations. Winners are determined through an online surveyavailable to any member of the traveling public.
The APEX 2012 EXPO offers attendees a unique opportunity to network, learn about industry innovations and recognize colleagues for outstanding achievements. In addition to the Passenger Choice Awards, the APEX Awards Ceremony will honor Leigh Mantle, Chief Operating Officer at Inflight Productions with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Avion Awards will be given to airlines and vendors for technological advancements and commitment to the passenger experience.
Passenger Choice Award Finalists are listed alphabetically:
Best Overall Passenger Experience (UP TO 50 IFE EQUIPPED IN FLEET)
AIR NEW ZEALAND
KINGFISHER AIRLINES
SRILANKAN AIRLINES
TACA INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
VIRGIN AMERICA
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Best Overall Passenger Experience (Over 50 IFE EQUIPPED IN FLEET)
AVIANCA
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS
EMIRATES
GARUDA INDONESIA
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Best in Region: Africa
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
Best in Region: Americas
AVIANCA
JETBLUE
LAN AIRLINES
TACA INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
VIRGIN AMERICA
Best in Region: Asia and Australasia
AIR NEW ZEALAND
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS
KINGFISHER AIRLINES
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
SRILANKAN AIRLINES
Best in Region: Europe
BRITISH AIRWAYS
NORWEGIAN
SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES
TURKISH AIRLINES
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Best in Region: Middle East
EMIRATES
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
GULF AIR
OMAN AIR
QATAR AIRWAYS
Best Inflight Publication
AIR ASTANA
AVIANCA
GARUDA INDONESIA
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
V AUSTRALIA/VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
VIRGIN AMERICA
Best IFE User Interface
AVIANCA
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS
EMIRATES
VIRGIN AMERICA
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications
EMIRATES
GULF AIR
NORWEGIAN
OMAN AIR
VIRGIN AMERICA
Best Inflight Video
AIR NEW ZEALAND
KINGFISHER AIRLINES
SRILANKAN AIRLINES
TURKISH AIRLINES
VIRGIN AMERICA
Best Cabin Ambiance
AIR NEW ZEALAND
KINGFISHER AIRLINES
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
VIRGIN AMERICA
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Best Food & Beverage (in conjunction with the International Flight Services Association)
EMIRATES
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
SRILANKAN AIRLINES LTD.
TURKISH AIRLINES
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Best Ground Experience
AIR NEW ZEALAND
JET AIRWAYS
KINGFISHER AIRLINES
VIRGIN AMERICA
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
The Avion Awards Finalists are listed alphabetically:
AVION AWARDS: Best in Passenger Experience
American Airlines: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for Inflight Entertainment
Brussels Airlines: New Long Haul Cabin
JetBlue Airways: Entertainment Guide
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: IFE App
Lufthansa Systems: BoardConnect
The IMS Company: EDGE
Virgin America: Virgin Produced
AVION AWARDS: Best Achievement in Technology
Delta Air Lines: Demystifying the Checked Baggage Experience
Panasonic Avionics Corporation: eXTV
Row 44: “Live TV inflight to passengers’ devices”
“We’re happy to announce the finalists for this year’s program and even more excited to reveal the winners at the APEX EXPO next month,” said Dominic Green, senior director of client services for Spafax and chair of the APEX Awards Committee. “The Passenger Choice Awards program really validates the hard work, innovation and level of service each airline brings to the table to elevate the passenger experience.”
While voting for the 2012 Passenger Choice Awards campaign ended on 30 June, the 2013 awards cycle kicked off on 1 July. To take the survey, visit www.passengerchoiceawards.com.
To learn more about the awards and about APEX, or to register for the APEX 2012 EXPO, visit www.apex.aero. Stay updated by liking the Passenger Choice Awards on Facebookand by following us on Twitter.
10.08.12 | LATAM Airlines Group reports first consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2012
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (NYSE: LFL; IPSA: LAN; BOVESPA: LATM11), the leading airline in Latin America, announced today its consolidated financial results for the second quarter and for the six months ended June 30, 2012. “LATAM” or “the Company” makes reference to the consolidated entity, which includes passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America. All figures were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and are expressed in U.S Dollars, except for TAM S.A. (“TAM”) second quarter 2012 Income Statement figures, which are expressed in Brazilian reais.
Highlights
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. today reported its first consolidated financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2012, following the successful completion of the exchange offer and mergers that combined the businesses of LAN Airlines S.A. and TAM S.A. (“TAM”). Because the transaction was completed on June 22, 2012, results for the period ended June 30, 2012 include the last eight days of TAM results, from June 23 to June 30, 2012.
Net income of LATAM Airlines Group reached US$49.7 million in the second quarter 2012. Operating income reached US$23.2 million, resulting in a 1.5% operating margin for the second quarter 2012. Consolidated LATAM results include net income of US$46.3 million and an operating loss of US$13.9 million corresponding to the eight days of consolidation of TAM between June 23 and June 30, 2012. Non-operating results for this eight day period reflect a foreign exchange gain of US$57,4 million and a positive mark-to-market of fuel hedging derivatives in the amount of US$ 26,7 million, as a result of the appreciation of the Brazilian real and an increase in the price of fuel, respectively, during the last eight days of the quarter.
The second quarter 2012 presented a challenging environment due to reduced cargo demand and the depreciation of local currencies, especially the Brazilian real. However, passenger demand in most of Latin America remains solid and the successful completion of the business combination between LAN and TAM provides the Company with a more diversified revenue base and significant growth and synergy opportunities. Furthermore, the domestic Brazil market has shown sustained capacity discipline, providing the basis for improved profitability.
LATAM Airlines Group is advancing in the process of achieving the expected synergies from the business combination with TAM. Regarding its international passenger operations, the Company has established fare combinability between LAN and TAM, cross selling of LAN and TAM flights, and code shares on various international routes, such as Santiago – Orlando, Santiago – Madrid, and Santiago – London. Cross selling will assist the Company in capturing connectivity synergies by offering our customers a single network in a one-stop shop.
In July 2012, the cargo divisions of LAN and TAM were integrated, taking advantage of the highly complementary nature of their operations.
On September 4, 2012, LATAM Airlines Group will hold an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting in order to reelect the Board of Directors of the Company, as well as to approve the placement, through a preemptive rights offering to LATAM shareholders, of the remaining 7,436,816 shares of the Company that were authorized for the TAM exchange offer, and that were not exchanged.
During the remainder of 2012, LATAM expects to receive 12 Airbus A320 family aircraft to operate domestic and regional routes, as well as 8 Boeing 767-300, 4 Boeing 777-300 and the first 3 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for long-haul routes. The Company will also take delivery of 2 Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.
LAN Airlines S.A. (renamed LATAM Airlines Group S.A.) – excluding the consolidation of TAM – reported net income of US$5.2 million for the second quarter of 2012, a decrease of 67.5% compared to the US$15.9 million reported in second quarter 2011. Operating income reached US$37.1 million, a 33.5% decrease compared to the US$55.8 million in second quarter 2011. Operating margin reached 2.6%, a decrease of 1.6 points compared to 4.2% in 2011. The Company continued to show strong passenger revenue growth, despite a seasonally low quarter, partially offsetting the impact of a more challenging environment in the cargo business, as well as the ongoing development of LAN Colombia’s operations. In addition, operating results include a one-time cost of US$7.1 million related to the successful completion of the collective bargaining process with certain unions, as well as US$9.2 million in transaction costs related to the business combination with TAM.
TAM reported a net loss of R$928.1 million, compared to net income of R$60.3 million reported in second quarter 2011. For the second quarter 2012, TAM reported an operating loss of R$284.2 million, compared to the R$8.8 million gain in second quarter 2011. Operating results were mainly impacted by a 23.0% depreciation of the Brazilian real and decreased revenues from Multiplus, resulting from accounting changes in the recognition of such revenues implemented in the first quarter 2012. Non-operating results reflect a foreign exchange loss of R$845.9 million, and the negative mark-to-market of fuel hedging derivatives in the amount of R$93.6 million, resulting from the depreciation of the Brazilian real and the decrease in fuel prices, respectively, as compared to March 31, 2012.
10.08.12 | TransAsia Airways Becomes First Full-Service Airline in Asia to Launch iPad 3 for IFE
TransAsia Airways is the first full-service Asian carrier to offer complimentary inflight entertainment content on iPad 3 devices for business class passengers as part of its cabin refurbishment and enhancement program, which was launched earlier this summer.
Together with its long-established content service provider IFP, and authorized iPad management company Jetpack (a Project Lambda company), TransAsia is offering Business Class passengers traveling on selected international routes an unrivalled on board experience with the airline’s extensive selection of Hollywood and Asian movies, Western and regional TV, a varied audio catalogue, inflight games and electronic magazines.
TransAsia’s decision to equip its fleets with iPads is to also promote for a more eco-friendly cabin reading environment. It is part of a larger upgrade programme which includes fleet expansion with A330 beginning delivering in November, upgraded inflight meal menu, new refurbished airport lounges, and a completely refreshed City Smart uniform look.
Annie Chiu, MarCom Assistant Vice-President at TransAsia Airways commented: “TransAsia endeavours to keep-up with the latest technology trends and meet our passengers’ expectations. We’re delighted to partner with service providers such as IFP to be the first full-service carrier in our market to launch such a programme and offer a unique and enhanced experience to our customers through our extensive content catalogue.”
The airline launched the new iPad 3 IFE content programme in just two months and plans to offer further options for passengers by extending the programme to all routes in the coming months.
09.08.12 | LATAM Airlines Group reports preliminary monthly statistics for July 2012
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries, (“LATAM Airlines Group” or “the Company”) (NYSE: LFL / IPSA: LAN / Bovespa: LATM11), the leading airline group in Latin America, today reported its preliminary monthly traffic statistics for July 2012 compared to July 2011.
System passenger traffic increased 7.9% as capacity rose 2.9%. As a result, the Company’s load factor for the month increased 3.9 points to 83.6%. International passenger traffic accounted for approximately 49% of the month’s total passenger traffic.
Domestic passenger traffic in LATAM Airlines Group´s Spanish speaking operations (Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia) rose 24.7%, as capacity increased 22.4%. As a consequence, the domestic passenger load factor increased 1.5 points to 81.8%.
Domestic passenger traffic in Brazil rose 10.1%, as capacity decreased 1.4%. As a consequence, the domestic Brazil passenger load factor increased 8.5 points to 81.4%.
International passenger traffic rose 2.6%, while capacity increased 1.6%. Accordingly, the international passenger load factor for the month increased 0.8 points to 85.8%. International traffic includes international operations of both LAN and TAM on regional and long haul routes.
Cargo traffic for LAN declined 4.5% as capacity decreased 2.8%. As a consequence, the cargo load factor decreased 1.2 points to 68.1%. The decline in cargo capacity is related to the drop in cargo traffic that was driven by weaker imports into Latin America, partially offset by strong demand for commodities from South America.
07.08.12 | TE Connectivity announces new color to identify high voltage circuits in heat shrinkable molded parts
TE Connectivity (TE) introduces an extension to its line of standard colors of molded parts for the commercial aerospace and military markets. As vehicle market trends are pushing for an orange color safety marking of higher voltage circuits in electric propulsion vehicles, TE has responded by offering colored tubing as well as color molded shapes to satisfy this identification need. The orange colored molded parts join the existing line of basic colors, as well as common military shades of tan and olive drab.
A number of new commercial and military ground vehicles are being designed with electric propulsion options for primary or secondary power. With the electrical systems running at voltages up to 610 volts, it creates safety needs that were not before required. Precautionary actions have been taken in the industry to implement safety markings for high voltage circuits to aid identification to installers and mechanics.
“TE is addressing new challenges in the ground vehicle market and providing modifications to existing products that add safety, reliability and convenience to our customers,” said John Kuster, Senior Product Manager, TE Global Aerospace, Defense & Marine. “TE boots and tubing make the requested high voltage identification a simple process.”
Special colors can be requested based upon a minimum demand.
For more information on TE’s color molded parts, contact the Product Information Center at (800) 522-6752 or visit www.te.com/catalog/menu/en/23181?BML=10576,26437,23182.
TE Connectivity and the TE connectivity (logo) are trademarks of the TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies.
07.08.12 | Astronics Corporation Reports Net Income Up 14.2% in Second Quarter 2012
Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.
Peter J. Gundermann, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We had another very strong quarter with excellent sales, profits and new orders. Our market conditions remain strong and we received a record amount of new orders during the quarter totaling over $77 million. We are pleased with our progress during the first half of 2012 and expect strong conditions to prevail through the remainder of the year.”
Consolidated Review
Sales in the second quarter of 2012 were $65.0 million, up $9.5 million, or 17.2%, from the prior year second quarter sales of $55.5 million. Aerospace sales, which represented 96% of total second quarter sales, increased 20.2% over the prior year period to $62.4 million. Test Systems sales decreased to $2.6 million for the second quarter 2012 compared with $3.5 million in last year’s second quarter.
Year-to-date sales in 2012 were $130.1 million, up $19.5 million, or 17.7%, from the prior year-to-date sales of $110.6 million. Aerospace sales increased 21.8% over the prior year-to-date period to $124.4 million. Test Systems year-to-date sales decreased to $5.7 million compared with $8.5 million in the prior year.
Consolidated operating margin in the 2012 second quarter was 12.0% compared with 13.1% in the prior year period. Year-to-date consolidated operating margin was 13.1% compared with 13.9% in the prior year period. Year-to-date and second quarter increases in engineering and development (E&D) costs, which are included in cost of products sold, offset leverage from increased aerospace sales. E&D costs were $11.1 million and $21.1 million in the 2012 second quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared with $8.8 million and $17.1 million in the 2011 second quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. E&D spending for 2012 is expected to be in the range of $40 million to $43 million.
Consolidated SG&A in the 2012 second quarter was $9.3 million increasing $2.2 million when compared with $7.1 million in the prior year second quarter. The increase was a result of the incremental SG&A costs associated with Ballard Technology (“Ballard”) which was acquired in November 2011, as well as increased compensation costs. Year-to-date consolidated SG&A was $18.1 million, increasing $4.6 million when compared with $13.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was due primarily to the incremental Ballard SG&A costs and increased compensation and legal costs.
Net income in the second quarter of 2012 was $5.2 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, compared with net income of $4.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the same period of last year. Year-to-date net income in 2012 was $11.3 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, compared with net income of $9.8 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, in the same period of last year. Earnings per share for the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 have been restated to reflect the impact of the one-for-ten Class B stock distribution to shareholders of record on August 16, 2011.
Aerospace Segment Review
Second quarter 2012 aerospace sales increased 20.2% to $62.4 million compared with $51.9 million in the second quarter of 2011. Sales to the commercial transport market increased primarily on higher cabin electronics shipments as global demand for passenger power systems continues to be strong. Also contributing to the increase was the addition of Ballard’s avionics databus products as well as increased sales of aircraft lighting and airframe power products. Military sales increased due primarily to increased aircraft lighting sales and the addition of Ballard’s avionics databus military sales. Sales to the business jet market were up when compared with last year’s second quarter due to increased aircraft lighting sales.
Year-to-date sales in 2012 to the commercial transport market also increased primarily from increased cabin electronics sales, the addition of Ballard and higher demand for aircraft lighting and airframe power products. Military sales increased due to the addition of Ballard military sales offset partially by lower aircraft lighting and airframe power sales. Sales to the business jet market were up when compared with last year, due to increased aircraft lighting sales partially offset by lower airframe power sales.
Aerospace operating profit for the second quarter of 2012 was $10.9 million, or 17.5% of sales, compared with $9.0 million, or 17.3% of sales, in the same period last year. Leverage from higher sales was partially offset by increased E&D costs and increased compensation costs.
Year-to-date 2012 Aerospace operating profit was $22.8 million, or 18.3% of sales, compared with $18.3 million, or 17.9% of sales, in the same period last year. The increase in year-to-date operating profit was due to leverage from the higher sales partially offset by increased E&D costs combined with higher legal and compensation costs.
Bookings during the second quarter and first half of 2012 were $75.7 million and $134.2 million, respectively, compared with bookings of $55.0 million and $103.7 million in the second quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011, respectively. Backlog at the end of the second quarter was $107.7 million.
Test Systems Segment Review
Sales in the 2012 second quarter decreased to $2.6 million when compared with $3.5 million for the same period in 2011. Year-to-date sales in 2012 decreased to $5.7 million when compared with $8.5 million for the same period in 2011.
Test Systems operating loss for the second quarter of 2012 was $1.3 million compared with a loss of $0.5 million in the same period last year. The year-to-date operating loss was $2.4 million compared with a loss of $0.5 million in the same period last year.
Bookings during the second quarter and year-to-date periods were $1.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Backlog at the end of the second quarter was $6.5 million.
Balance Sheet
Cash at the end of the 2012 second quarter declined by $2.7 million to $8.2 million compared with $10.9 million at December 31, 2011, primarily as a result of the early extinguishment in January 2012 of a $5.0 million, 6% subordinated note and an increased investment in net working capital assets.
Capital expenditures during the second quarter and first half of 2012 were $2.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively, compared with $6.2 million and $7.0 million for the same periods in 2011, respectively.
The Company expects capital spending in 2012 to be approximately $18 million to $20 million.
Outlook
On June 30, 2012 backlog was $114.2 million, up from backlog of $102.0 million at the end of the trailing first quarter of 2012 and slightly improved over backlog of $102.1 million at the end of the second quarter of 2011. Approximately $82 million of this backlog is expected to ship by the end of 2012 and $96 million is expected to ship over the next four quarters.
Mr. Gundermann concluded, “We began the year with top line expectations of $235 million to $250 million in sales, which we revised upward in May to $250 million to $265 million. Now, based on strong bookings and our recent acquisition of Max-Viz, we are increasing our expected sales range for 2012 to $260 million to $275 million.”
Astronics anticipates that approximately $250 million to $264 million of forecasted 2012 revenue will be from its Aerospace segment, while approximately $10 million to $11 million of the forecasted revenue will be from its Test Systems segment.
Second Quarter and Year to Date 2012 Webcast and Conference Call
The Company will host a teleconference at 11:30 AM ET on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. During the teleconference, Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO, and David C. Burney, Executive Vice President and CFO, will review the financial and operating results for the period and discuss Astronics’ corporate strategy and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.
The Astronics conference call can be accessed by calling (201) 689-8562. The listen-only audio webcast can be monitored at www.astronics.com. To listen to the archived call, dial (858) 384-5517 and enter conference ID number 396116. The telephonic replay will be available from 2:30 p.m. on the day of the call through Tuesday, August 14, 2012. A transcript will also be posted to the Company’s Web site, once available.
06.08.12 | IFE Services produces new aircraft safety film for Corsair
IFE Services, one of the world’s leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) suppliers, has just produced Corsair’s new aircraft safety film.
The fully customised safety film has been produced for the French airline’s fleet of A330-200s, A300-300s and B747-400s to inform passengers about vital safety information such as the use of seatbelts, oxygen masks, life jackets, emergency exits and evacuation procedures.
The animated film, which combines 2D and 3D techniques, has been produced in French and English with sign language also included. It will play prior to take-off on the aircraft’s audio visual on-demand (AVOD) seat back screens.
IFE Services already currently meets Corsair’s in-flight entertainment needs. France’s second largest airline operates scheduled flights to the French West Indies, Reunion, Mauritius, Mayotte, Madagascar, Canada, Senegal and the Dominican Republic.
IFE Services has produced over 50 safety films for airlines of all sizes globally.
“We’re very proud of this new safety film for our client, Corsair,” said Andy McEwan, CEO of IFE Services. “We have a very talented creative team able to produce a wide variety of different graphic styles for airlines wherever they operate in the world. This latest safety film fits perfectly with Corsair’s stylish and sophisticated branding.”
To view the new Corsair safety film visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D15N7rS7j9U&feature=plcp
For more information about Corsair visit: www.corsair.fr
For more information about IFE Services visit: www.ifeservices.com
06.08.12 | Good news travels fast via DMD’s new digital reader service ‘Digiredoo’
From Dawson Media Direct, the world’s leading supplier of newspapers and magazines to airlines, Digiredoo is a new way for airlines to enhance their publications service to passengers digitally, instantly and weightlessly.
Digiredoo will help travel operators keep their passengers informed and absorbed throughout their journeys. It complements the market-leading DMD print service to complete an integrated proposition: a content-rich multichannel solution for airlines from one global media aggregator.
The phased service rollout includes three distinct products that together provide an all-through service:
Didgeridoo Online is an exclusive internet portal with integrated eReader technology, now delivering remote digital media to laptops, tablets and smartphones in premium class lounges.
Digiredoo Inseat is developed to host a content-rich offering on any participating IFE platform, fitted or portable.
Digiredoo Direct is a cabin application designed to deliver content to personal devices via installed wireless IFE servers.
In all its iterations Digiredoo offers a clean and cost-effective enhancement to an airline’s customer service. It delivers many valuable benefits, not least in allowing all passengers to access all available titles at once. It also helps airlines serve more languages, cultures and nationalities than a stand-alone print service can; it helps them save on cabin space, weight and fuel costs and meet environmental targets.
“Ultimately”, says DMD managing director John Howe, “Digiredoo can help our customers simplify their media logistics and even migrate their own cabin publications, like mags, brochures and menus, to wholly paperless delivery.”
Digiredoo has been developed after a thorough analysis by DMD of the changing media delivery market on the ground and in the air and following close consultation with its two key groups of customers, airlines and publishers across the globe.
“Many publishers are redefining themselves for the digital age”, says Howe, “and airlines want new ways to cut costs, to engage with tech-savvy travellers and win credentials as green corporate citizens. Both ends of our supply chain are ready for innovation.”
Dawson Media Direct has over 150 airline clients and many more publisher relationships than any other content service provider. With over 30 years in print media fulfilment across the globe it is uniquely positioned to deliver complementary ePublications, newsstand apps and digital editions to the travel industry worldwide.
The DMD media distribution network covers Europe and the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, and its digital innovation to date embraces both content and platform solutions.
Dawson Media Direct will introduce Digiredoo at Stand 1257 at APEX Expo 2012.
03.08.12 | Libano Barroso leaves position as CFO of LATAM Airlines Group
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (“LATAM Airlines Group” or the “Company”) (NYSE: LFL / IPSA: LAN / Bovespa: LATM11), the leading passenger and cargo airline group in Latin America, announces that as of today Mr. Libano Barroso has left his position as Chief Financial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group. Mr. Barroso will remain as Vicepresident of TAM S.A., advising the Chief Executive Officer of TAM S.A., Mr. Marco Bologna.
Mr. Alejandro de la Fuente will become interim CFO of LATAM Airlines Group. Mr. De la Fuente has been CFO of LAN Airlines since 1995, position in which he has been responsible for corporate financing, treasury, accounting, tax planning and investor relations, among others.
02.08.12 | Astronics EmPower® System Selected for Multiple Narrow Body Aircraft; Major Carriers Select Astronics’ 110VAC and USB In-Seat Power Systems
Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (AES), has signed agreements with multiple airlines in Asia, Europe, North America and South America to supply their EmPower ® In-Seat Power systems. These agreements include line fit and retrofit installations on over 500 narrow body aircraft.
“EmPower® systems have been installed on long haul aircraft for years, but passengers have begun to expect in-seat power on all flights, on all aircraft models, and in all classes of service,” commented Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics. “We recognize an industry trend toward installation of in-seat power on narrow body platforms and are capturing this emerging market. Our airline partners’ commitment to customer satisfaction lead to their selection of the EmPower® In-Seat Power System as an easy solution to keep passengers productive and entertained during their flight.”
Mr. Gundermann further stated, “We currently cannot disclose the airlines with which we have signed agreements due to the highly competitive nature of the airline industry. Our airline customers prefer to manage the flow of information specific to their fleets very carefully. However, the list is comprised of a broad range of aircraft including the B737, A320, and regional aircraft from Bombardier and Embraer.”
The EmPower® In-Seat Power Systems chosen include the latest generation designs which are capable of providing up to 200VA per passenger device delivered through Astronics latest innovative outlet unit which combines an 110VAC outlet plug with USB charging capability. In most cases, the system will be installed on all seats in the aircraft thus allowing every passenger access to a power outlet.
For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed intelligent power management systems. The patented EmPower® In-Seat Power System is currently in service with over 150 airline and OEM customers at more than 500,000 seat locations.
01.08.12 | Lufthansa Systems meets highest standards of information security
After passing its annual audit for PCI DSS certification by the global credit card industry, Lufthansa Systems has received re-certification of its infrastructure operations in accordance with the ISO 27001 standard. Lufthansa Systems therefore meets the highest standards of information security.
For the ISO 27001 certification, Lufthansa Systems’ IT infrastructure, applications, data center and various processes were reviewed. This was the first time that the areas of storage & backup, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and the Governor solution were included in the audit to ensure that the complete infrastructure was covered. SIEM solutions analyze security alarm signals from the hardware, software and connected applications in real time, while Governor is a security management system for handling access permissions. The new ISO certificate is valid for a period of three years, during which its effectiveness is checked by conducting annual surveillance audits.
ISO/IEC 27001 is an internationally recognized standard that specifies the requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS comprises the procedures and rules within a company for defining, controlling, maintaining and continually improving information security. In Germany, these audits are carried out by the German Association for the Certification of Management Systems (DQS).
During a PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certification audit, external Qualified Security Assessors review over thirty infrastructure and application areas for compliance with the security standards. The major payment organizations established the standard to counteract the growing incidence of credit card data abuse. The standard defines almost 400 detailed sets of requirements and security rules for the processing of credit card data.
“The certificates from external auditors confirm our commitment to the high security standards we implement anyway at Lufthansa Systems,” said Bardo Werum, Senior Vice President Infrastructure at Lufthansa Systems. “Information security is attracting a growing amount of attention, and standards like ISO 27001, PCI DSS or PS951 are frequently a component of large-scale bids and therefore a decision-making criterion for customers. By undergoing these audits, we are demonstrating our trustworthiness to customers while also ensuring that we remain internationally competitive.”
