Lockheed Martin beat out Airbus by convincing the Defense Ministry that the CJ 130J Hercules is a better military air transport aircraft than the A400Ms offered by Airbus. The contract worth and estimated $1.4 billion will see aircraft delivers begin in 2010. Canada joins several other countries in acquiring the Hercules that now flies faster, farther, carriers more payload and requires only three crew members. Lockheed Martin will be at the Berlin Air Show (ILA 2008) and suppliers may want to stop by and discuss opportunities.
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Saying that this is the "Right time to strike in the US because the dollar is very low," Louis Gallois the head of EADS says that he will take a major shopping trip to the US. While the specifics of the shopping list are not public, it is expected that EADS will buy up medium size companies and look for opportunities to shift as much as 20% of EADS work and identify 40% of its suppliers outside of Europe. What this means for North American Suppliers is that the Berlin International Air Show (ILA 2008) is now ground zero for making connections with the European giant. Economic development organizations in the US will want to attend ILA and get up close and personal with EADS.
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Known as "Hobby Flying" Indians are taking to the air in increasing numbers – some in their own planes. Flight schools are opening in various locations and new aircraft are being added to the GA fleet. While small by US and European standards, India's growing interest in GA means that there will be markets for low cost light and micro-light sports aircraft in the years ahead. Not surprisingly, a resort style aero-sports club will open this month. Women are beginning to make inquiries to flight schools as well. They'd better hurry; classes at the Rajasthan Aero Sports Club begin in May. India is the Partner Country at the Berlin show and flight schools and sports aircraft providers will want to be there.
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According to Dan Johnson, Light-Sports Aircraft sales ended 2007 up a resounding 98%! In all 565 new fixed wing aircraft were registered. If you throw in the weight shift, power parachutes and gliders, the total rises to 720. But, no matter how you slice it, 2007 saw a doubling of registrations over 2006. And, the future looks even brighter. Sales are expected to double again during 2008. LAMA is planning a pavilion at the Berlin International Air Show (May 27–June 1, 2008) where airframe manufacturers can show off their products to an increasingly eager market. Regular booths, mini booths, static display are all available and some companies plan to conduct demonstration flights. Don't miss this great opportunity to get on top of the wave.
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Lockheed Martin has opened shop in India in anticipation of military sales that could include the F-16, P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft, C-130J transport planes (six were recently sold to the Indian Defense Ministry), MH-60R helicopters and air and missile-defense systems. While some observers are betting that the Indians will stay the course with the Russian Sukhois and MiGs, Lockheed apparently sees the warming relationships between India and the US as an advantage. Lockheed is in competition with Boeing and Raytheon for this growing market. Lockheed Martin will be in Hall 9 at the Berlin International Air Show.
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The two heavyweight competitors have taken their final shots at the grand prize: the right to build at least 180 tankers to replace the aging military tanker fleet. Teams from Boeing and EADS-Northrop Grumman have done everything they can and now must wait for the DoD's decision expected shortly. As a parting shot, the EADS-Northrop team points to a recent sale of three KC 30 tankers to the Saudis as proof of their entry's superiority over the Boeing proposal. The procurement is loaded with political overtones, charge and counter charge and will be dissected in great detail once a decision is made. EADS and Airbus will be at the show. Suppliers take note!
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Boeing is coming off a record year for aircraft orders booking a net of 1,413 and delivering 441 commercial jets to customers. There is little time to celebrate however. Driven by massive demand in Asia and the Middle East, Boeing is now faced with the happy problem of delivering to waiting customers. Many doubt that 2008 can match the run up in orders seen in 2007 for either Boeing or its chief competitor Airbus. The competition now will be delivery and increasing production to match promises. Airbus is looking for US suppliers and the show is a great place to make contact.
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A sure sign that India is becoming a GA market was the appointment of Touchwood Entertainment Ltd Aviation Academy in Raipur, Chhattisgarh as a Cessna pilot training center. Cessna training techniques produce a private pilot certification in just 54.5 hours and the new pilots get to practice their skills on the excellent Cessna 172s. This training center adds to the nearly 300 similar centers located around the word. Cessna prop aircraft will be on display at the show.
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A well prepared pilot walked away from a crash that otherwise would have made his wife a widow. When trouble struck, Patrick Dean deployed his Ballistic Recovery System and floated down safely into some trees. Helped from the aircraft by witnesses and suffering a minor cut and bruises, Dean's wife thanked BRS for saving her husband.
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- Some 25 Indian companies will be exhibiting at the show. They include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), as well as companies and organizations such as Bharat, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), DRDO (Defense Research & Development Organization) and India's aerospace association SIATI.
- From North America, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney, the US Army, Sikorsky, L-3 Avionics, Crane Aerospace and Electronics, General Atomics, Fatigue Technology PartsBase, Mid Continent Instruments, Wipair, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Exostar, the Air Force Association as well as a host of other companies will exhibit at the show.
Click here to visit the official Berlin Air Show website.
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