Trump shift the emphasis in east Africa

US President Donald Trump has approved a mission proposal from the Pentagon that will allow the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) to provide additional support for the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali Government forces as they strive to defeat Islamist al-Shabaab – a fundamentalist Salafist jihadist terrorist organisation that has pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda.
The president signed a directive designating part of southern Somalia as an “area of active hostilities” for the next six months. This will allow AFRICOM greater freedom of action in its operations in this area, including more aggressive air strikes.
President Trump is understood to have reacted to a request by General Thomas Waldhauser, the head of AFRICOM, who reportedly requested additional authority in giving the command greater flexibility, autonomy and timeliness when making decisions to prosecute targets, allowing commanders to conduct operations without having to consult the White House for each mission.
US Forces are also expected to step up the scope, scale and intensity of their operations against Al Shabaab, moving further away from the Obama administration’s policy of only allowing defensive operations, and missions in support of AMISOM. Some see this as an indication that the US has finally overcome its reluctance to intervene in Somalia, following the 1993 battle of Mogadishu (immortalised in the book and movie ‘Black Hawk Down’), which saw the loss of multiple UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and 19 US dead, and a humiliating early withdrawal by the remaining US force in March 1994.

Boeing has launched its third major business unit when Boeing Global Services

Boeing has launched its third major business unit when Boeing Global Services began operating alongside Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space & Security.

This new dedicated services business focuses on the needs of government, space and commercial customers worldwide.  

Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg announced the formation of Global Services in November 2016 to expand Boeing's share of a global—and growing—commercial and government services market worth an estimated $2.6 trillion over the next decade.

"Aerospace services represents one of our biggest growth opportunities for the future," said Muilenburg. "Standing up Global Services will accelerate our capabilities across all Boeing services and support areas—from our traditional parts, modifications and upgrades business to strengthening our data analytics and information-based offerings. Our services expertise, the global reach of our business, and our strong customer partnerships have us well positioned to compete and win in this important sector." 

Boeing has been working since November to fully define and structure the integrated new business, which combines key capabilities of the company's former Commercial Aviation Services and Global Services & Support groups. Led by President and CEO Stan Deal, Global Services will bring innovative service solutions to customers in four key capability areas: Supply Chain, Engineering, Modifications & Maintenance, Digital Aviation & Analytics, and Training & Professional Services. 

"We've been talking with our customers over the past few months as we've prepared for this transition, and tomorrow they can begin to see the value of this dedicated services unit that allows us to deliver agile, cost-competitive solutions so they can reduce costs, drive efficiency and ultimately optimise their operations," said Deal.

Honeywell powering in-flight connectivity with JetWave

Honeywell says it aims to highlight what it means to be fully connected in the aviation industry by promoting its JetWave in-flight connectivity hardware.

JetWave enables both air transport and business aviation customers to access Inmarsat’s GX Aviation high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi broadband service – the business aviation package for GX Aviation is branded Jet ConneX.

Honeywell has two JetWave antenna systems available – a small tail-mount variant for business jets, and a larger fuselage-mounted antenna for commercial airliners and larger VVIP aircraft. When partnered with its JetWave terminal and other hardware they both offer passengers a multi-megabit internet experience close to what they are used to on the ground.

Business aviation platforms supported by JetWave and Jet ConneX, include Bombardier Global models; Dassault Falcon; Embraer Lineage 1000E (in early 2018); Gulfstream G650, G550, and soon the G450; and well as Boeing Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets.

Using Inmarsat’s advanced Ka-band satellite network, Jet ConneX currently offers data plans up to 15Mbps and global coverage up to about 82 degrees latitude.

Honeywell says the helicopter industry can also take advantage of higher-speed on-board Wi-Fi, video transmission and telemedicine capability using its Aspire 200 connected aircraft solution.

The Aspire 200 system, combined with Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband high-data rate (HDR) software package, brings high-bandwidth connectivity to the helicopter cabin without being adversely affected by the rotor.

Honeywell was recently awarded a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Aspire 200 satellite communications system on the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk, and has applied for an FAA STC for the Bell 429, while Transport Canada has certified the system on the Bell 429.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approvals for these helicopters are also under way. In addition, EASA recently approved the installation of the Aspire 200 system on the Leonardo AW139 helicopter.

Honeywell is also highlighting its GoDirect fuel efficiency software, GoDirect maintenance and service plans for aircraft and helicopters, retrofit, modification and upgrades for the cockpit and cabin, such as Honeywell’s Ovation select cabin management and Primus Elite integrated cockpit, and much more.

Embraer introduces Best-in-Class 5,800-feet Cabin Altitude on Legacy

Embraer has announced the enhancement of the flight experience aboard its Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 mid-cabin business jets. The cabin altitude of these two revolutionary aircraft is already considered among the lowest on the market, but the maximum cabin altitude has been further reduced to a best-in-class 5,800 ft (1.768 m).

“With our focus on value, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 are setting new standards for the midsize cabin segments,” said Michael Amalfitano, Embraer Executive Jets. “These aircraft are beautifully designed and brilliantly engineered, and they will continue to elevate the experience that we provide our customers.”

The current maximum cabin altitude of the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 is 6,000 ft (1.828 m) when flying at 45,000 ft (13.716 m). The cabin pressurisation differential was increased from 9.3 psi to 9.73 psi to reduce the maximum cabin altitude to 5,800 ft. The aircraft’s environmental control system also preserves a sea-level cabin altitude while flying under 27,050 ft (8.245 m).

Launched in 2008, the Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 entered the market in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Deliveries of these aircraft with new the cabin altitude enhancement will commence in the first quarter of 2018 when the upgrade also becomes available to the installed fleet.

Boeing, CDB Aviation finalise order for 52 737 MAXs and eight 787 Dreamliners

Boeing and CDB Aviation have finalised an order for 42 737 MAX 8s, 10 737 MAX 10s and eight 787-9 Dreamliners.

The order, valued at $7.4 billion at current list prices, was announced as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The order includes a conversion of six 737 MAX 8 orders, to the 737 MAX 10.

CDB Aviation, one of the largest and most influential Chinese-owned aviation leasing companies, is part of the launch customer group for the 737 MAX 10, the newest member of Boeing's 737 MAX family.

"The 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner are some of the most advanced, most fuel-efficient airplanes in the world today," said CDB Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chang. "We're confident that the reliability, efficiency and superior economics of the MAX and Dreamliner families will be very appealing to our customers."

Based in Dublin, Ireland, CDB Aviation operates as a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., LTD (CDB Leasing) (HKEX stock code:1606) and features a committed fleet of over 300 aircraft.

"CDB Aviation is a leader in the leasing market and we're excited the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner will be the pillars of its growing fleet," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister.

The 737 MAX family is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history with over 4,000 orders from 93 customers worldwide. Boeing has delivered more than 30 737 MAX airplanes this year.

"Being one of the launch customers of the MAX 10 and bringing the MAX family's orders over the 4,000 milestone further demonstrates CDB Aviation's steadfast efforts to advance its global mission and deliver the latest technology aircraft to current and prospective customers," added Chang. 

Dubai Airshow: EgyptAir signs with Bombardier for up to 24 CS300s

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced yesterday at the Dubai Airshow, that it has signed a letter of intent (LoI) for up to 24 CS300 aircraft with EgyptAir Holding Company, of Cairo.

This includes 12 CS300 aircraft with purchase rights for an additional 12 aircraft.

‎Based on the list price of the CS300 airliner, a firm-order contract would be valued at approximately US$1.1 billion. Should EgyptAir also exercise the 12 purchase rights for CS300 aircraft, the contract value would increase to nearly US$2.2 billion.‎

In the presence of His Excellency Minister of Civil Aviation of Egypt Mr. Sherif Fathi, a press conference was held at the Dubai Airshow where Safwat Musallam, Chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company and Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft celebrated the signature of the letter of intent, which opens a new chapter in the relationship between the two companies.

“It is our pleasure to have this new partnership with Bombardier, which came as a continuation of our fleet modernisation strategy. We undertook a thorough evaluation process of our fleet and realised that the CS300 would fit perfectly into our business plans and growth strategy,” said Safwat Musallam.

“We selected the C Series aircraft because its excellent range will allow us to best serve domestic and regional destinations, including neighbouring Arab cities, the Middle East as well as several European destinations. This is in addition to the CS300 aircraft’s exceptional economics and outstanding cabin. We look forward to expanding our network with the CS300 and we are happy to see that the partnership announced with Airbus will bring added support to the C Series programme.”

“We’re thrilled that EgyptAir selected the CS300 aircraft to renew its fleet,” said Fred Cromer. “Bombardier’s 20-year market outlook foresees demand for 450 airplanes in the 60- to 150-seat category for the region and this LoI confirms the need for right-sized aircraft in the Middle East. We are confident that our small single-aisle C Series is ideally-suited to serve the hot temperature environments of the region and will undoubtedly provide performance and economics that will drive higher profitability.”

Dubai Airshow: Air Sénégal orders two A330neo

Air Sénégal, the national carrier of Senegal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two A330neo aircraft, which is the new re-engined version of the A330 widebody airliner.

The agreement makes Air Sénégal the first airline in Africa to select the A330neo and was announced during a signing ceremony at the Dubai Airshow in the presence of Maimouna Ndoye Seck, Minister of Air transport and Development of Airport Infrastructure, Senegal. 

Air Senegal will launch operations in 2018, the airline plans to use the A330neo to develop its medium and long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technology along with more efficient operations.

Philippe Bohn, CEO Air Sénégal said “Aviation is a catalyst for economic development and this purchase demonstrates Senegal’s ambitions for economic growth in line with the country’s strategy to accelerate progress towards emergence (Plan Emerging Senegal). The A330neo has proven itself to be the right aircraft, combining low operating costs, long range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are looking forward to launch operations and offer our customers best-in-class service”

"We are very pleased to welcome Air Sénégal among our A330neo customers. The A330neo offers the latest in fuel saving technologies combined with best-in-class comfort, reliability and operational efficiency. The A330 is the ideal choice for Air Sénégal to build its network and become West Africa’s fastest growing airline," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.