Lufthansa Aerial Services and DJI join forces to develop commercial applications for drone technology

Lufthansa Aerial Services, a division of Lufthansa Consulting, today signed a deal with DJI to use the world’s leading drone-maker’s aerial platforms to develop commercial applications for its key customers. Using DJI’s drones and open onboard systems, Lufthansa will integrate hardware and software, manage operation of the technology and facilitate data analysis. The two companies will work together to optimize the technology for special requirements sought by Lufthansa Aerial Services customers.

“Lufthansa Aerial Services is a perfect partner for DJI for joint market development of commercial UAV-applications,” said Martin Brandenburg, DJI’s European Marketing Director. “The feedback from Lufthansa’s clients is of great value for the further development of our products.”

“The market potential of commercial drone applications is growing inexorably thanks to the continuously improving regulatory situation and speed of technological progress in the market and innovation that DJI as the global leader has initiated. This includes a variety of commercial applications such as for infrastructure inspection, measuring and monitoring purposes,” says Christian Hartmann, program director of Lufthansa Aerial Services.

Lufthansa Aerial Services e.g. recently completed a pilot project with a wind-turbine manufacturer, using DJI equipment to inspect rotor blades on wind turbines. The task previously required manual inspection using a steeplejack – a more-dangerous and time-consuming method. In addition to the safety factor, drones can collect data that can be used later for analysis, such as how frequently a rotor blade needs inspection and maintenance.

Lufthansa Aerial Services is also involved in aviation-industry projects at and around airports, as demonstrated through recent tests with Fraport and DFS on Frankfurt International Airport, but also carrying out joint inspections of Lufthansa aircraft surfaces with sister company Lufthansa Technik.

Beyond these mentioned example use cases, LAS also plans to deploy drones equipped with thermal-imaging systems that can facilitate day-to-day inspections of infrastructure, such as wind power and photovoltaic systems, electricity and railroad lines and pipelines laid above ground. Aerial technology also makes it easier to monitor crops, construction and extraction sites. 

VistaJet, bombardier challenger 350 sets world speed record

A Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft, owned by VistaJet, a global leader in premium long-range private jet travel, set a world speed record in its class, flying from Napa Valley to the Cayman Islands – a distance of 2,774 miles (4,463 km) – in five hours and five minutes.

he US-registered Challenger 350 aircraft, managed and operated by Priester Aviation**, departed Napa County Airport in California at 8:22 a.m. PDT on October 28, 2015 with three crew and two passengers on board. The maximum cruising speed was M 0.83 at a cruise level of 41,000 feet (12,497 m). The pilots touched down at Owen Robert International Airport in Grand Cayman at 1:27 p.m. PDT with more than sufficient fuel reserves.

“The Challenger 350 aircraft handled beautifully throughout the flight,” said Priester Aviation’s Captain Andy Wegman. “Thanks to its unmatched climb characteristics, we took it straight to 41,000 feet (12,497 m) in under 20 minutes, where we cruised comfortably at ground speeds up to 545 kts to set the record.”

“This achievement is another example of the impressive speed, climb and range capabilities of the super midsize Challenger 350 aircraft,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We are pleased to share this honour with our valued customer VistaJet and congratulate the entire VistaJet and Priester Aviation team on achieving this new world record.”

“We’ve taken delivery of 13 Challenger 350 jets over the past year, and to date, our experience with this aircraft has been very positive,” said Nick Van Der Meer, Chief Operating Officer, VistaJet International. “We provide our customers with the best aircraft options for their intercontinental and transcontinental travel needs, and the capability showcased by the Challenger 350 jet on this new world speed record serves to reinforce this commitment.”

“We’ve taken delivery of 13 Challenger 350 jets over the past year, and to date, our experience with this aircraft has been very positive,” said Nick Van Der Meer, Chief Operating Officer, VistaJet International. “We provide our customers with the best aircraft options for their intercontinental and transcontinental travel needs, and the capability showcased by the Challenger 350 jet on this new world speed record serves to reinforce this commitment.”

Honeywell, $270bn worth demand for business jets in 10 years

As a slow growth economic environment takes hold across many global markets, the business aviation industry is not immune to its impact.

In its 24th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook released, Honeywell Aerospace forecasts up to 9,200 new business jet deliveries worth $270 billion from 2015 to 2025, with a 3 to 5 percent reduction over the value noted in the 2014 forecast.

"While emerging markets like Brazil continue to be a bright spot for business aviation over the medium term, we have seen weaker demand across other key growth markets, which may affect near-term order and delivery levels," said Brian Sill, president, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. "And while the sluggish economic growth and political tensions are driving a more reserved approach to purchasing, we are seeing operators invest in retrofits and upgrades for their existing aircraft, especially around connectivity, boosting aftermarket opportunities."

There are key global findings in the 2015 Honeywell outlook include deliveries of approximately 675 to 725 new jets in 2015, a single-digit percentage growth year over year. The improvement in deliveries expected in 2015 is largely due to new model introductions and an increase in fractional-usage type of aircraft deliveries.

Moreover, 2016 deliveries are projected to be slightly lower reflecting weaker emerging market demand partially offset by deliveries to fractional operators and operators surveyed plan to make new jet purchases equivalent to about 22% of their fleets over the next five years as replacements or additions to their current fleet.

The total new business jet purchase plans, 19% are intended to occur by the end of 2016, while 17% and 20 % are scheduled for 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Operators continue to focus on larger-cabin aircraft classes, ranging from super mid-size through ultra long-range and business liner, which are expected to account for more than 80 percent of all expenditures on new business jets in the near term. Also, the longer-range forecast through 2025 projects a 3% average annual growth rate despite the relatively flat near-term outlook as new models and improved economic performance contribute to industry growth.

Source and image: Honeywell

Czech Military Eyes New Helos, Transport Aircraft

The Czech Ministry of Defense has invited producers from other NATO member states to supply offers for the delivery of 12 multipurpose helicopters for the Czech military with the aim to replace its outdated Soviet-designed helos.

Other plans include the acquisition of new transport aircraft to significantly increase the Czech Air Force's air transport capability, the ministry said in a statement.

“In the field of helicopters, it is our priority to buy 12 multipurpose helicopters to replace the Mi-24s and Mi-35s, which currently don’t comply with the requirements for deployment to foreign military missions,” Col. Jiri Vavra, the director of the ministry’s Air Force Development and Planning Department, said. “By 2025, we are also expecting to purchase two medium-size transport aircraft, which will significantly increase our air transport capability and enable the transport of vehicles and major gear.”

The Czech government has announced it will intensify its efforts to replace Soviet- and Russian-made military gear with weapons and equipment supplied by NATO member states following Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine.

The new transport aircraft are to replace the Czech military’s Yakovlev Yak-40 planes. The Mil Mi-24 and Mi-35 helicopters are built by Russia’s state-run Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant.

Senator Mike Sonko Endorses And Praises Hon Raila Odinga

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko in a public speech praised Hon Raila Odinga for his fight against corruption and public looting by government officials.

Mike Sonko, who is a vocal supporter of the Jubilee government made the rare remarks that have since gone viral across YouTube.

In the speech, Sonko praises Raila saying that he has never had Raila insult the president. This comes after the likes of Moses Kuria have persistently insulted Raila even threatening to sue Raila over his comments on demanding accountability from the government on behalf of the Kenyan people.

Sonko went ahead to say that through Raila’s pressure, officials who have been behind these mega corruption schemes have been arrested a testimony to the good work Hon Raila is doing.Raila has been summoned to appear before the commission tasked with investigating the Eurobond scandal. It is not yet clear if he will honor the summons. It has been alleged that the timing may collide with several commitments Hon Raila has for tomorrow.

He however said will make a decision on whether to honor the summons or not. Raila said that his decision will be based on the best interests of Kenyans.

VIP flight attendant: a dream job or a Pandora’s box?

  Being a flight attendant is a dream job for many, but being a VIP flight attendant is close to a pure fantasy even for all those already in the business. They fly less hours, visit the most amazing places on earth and, according to the Daily Mail, earn from 2 to 8 times more than their commercial counterparts. However, great rewards come with unprecedented responsibility and the so called Bond-style life, where the phone ringing in the middle of the night is just another call to mission.

According wikiHow, becoming a corporate flight attendant is easy. You just have to follow 4 simple steps – have a passport (not a step, really), undergo training, apply for a job and show up for an interview. However, in order to learn how to do this job properly and to understand the executive clients you would be working for, you need to obtain far more knowledge and experience than the one provided during this 4 step program. Whilst scrolling through various VIP attendant job ads, it seems that fluency in languages, training and experience are all equally important for the role. Nevertheless, the truly crucial traits are versatility, knowledge and just shier devotion of a person.

“Almost everything this industry covers has to be flexible and flight attendants are no exception. The ability to take care of safety and understand your in-flight operational responsibilities is just a tip of the iceberg,” says Vitalij Kapitonov, the CEO of KlasJet. “On top of the commonly known duties, an attendant must maintain awareness of all passengers’ food allergies as well as dietary restrictions and preferences. Moreover, the skills of a PA come in handy when you have to arrange, for instance, a frozen butterball turkey, no smaller than 33lbs, in a few-hour notice (real story, by the way). It might come as a surprise, but food is where the attendants’ know-how is most valuable for every employer.”

First off, the person must be skillful in culinary arts. After all, not only is he or she responsible for serving Michelin star plates, but also commonly in charge of finding, arranging and transporting food to the take-off airport. Such skills as the one of a sommelier are also highly appreciated in the industry. Apart from that, VIP crew must be acquainted with food safety and correct food handling techniques. No travellers, including CEOs, multibillionaires or pop stars, want to get sick because their beluga caviar wasn’t opened or stored the right way.

So the road to becoming a VIP flight attendant could be basically summed up in three words – learn, learn and learn. And if you work hard enough you are more than likely to get a call from a private jet operator offering you your fantasy spot. And you’ll be in for a treat. Having adjusted to the 24 hour notices, you’ll meet and chat with the brightest and the best as well as have the chance to literally see the world and your name on a $120 000 yearly paycheck.

Without a doubt, aside from the culinary education, industry-specific training also plays a big role in a flight attendant’s working in business aviation life. According to the KlasJet executive, almost all of the companies require candidates to have CPR, AED and first aid, in-flight cabin service, food catering, and FACTS Training. However, the main criteria remain the know-how and the ability to be flexible and organized. “In general, companies with extensive experience in the field offer the greatest conditions, however, that means you also have to be the best candidate,” concludes Vitalij Kapitonov, CEO of KlasJet.

Source and image: KlasJet

U.S. challenges China at WTO over aircraft tax policy

 The United States has launched dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Organization by requesting consultations with China over its different tax policy on foreign aircraft versus planes produced in China, a top U.S. trade official said Tuesday.

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said that China imposes a 17 percent value-added tax (VAT) on imported aircraft generally weighing under 25 metric tons while exempting such aircraft made in China from the tax.

The Chinese government has also failed to publish its tax exemptions for domestically produced aircraft, he added.

"Transparency of laws and regulations impacting trade is a core WTO commitment that China must uphold, just as it expects other countries to do," Froman said. "For these reasons, the United States is filing a trade enforcement case to hold China accountable."

Consultations are the first step in the WTO dispute settlement process. If the United States and China are not able to reach a mutually agreed solution through consultations, the United States may request that the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel to examine the matter.

In a briefing with reporters, U.S. trade officials said the United States exported about half a billion U.S. dollars' worth of small- to mid-sized aircraft to China in the past three years, and they see China's newly self-developed regional jet ARJ21 as a competitor against U.S. aircraft in the future.

The USTR's request came as U.S. House and Senate lawmakers are nearing an agreement on a trade customs and enforcement bill, which would help strengthen U.S. trade enforcement.

The House and Senate have passed different versions of the customs and enforcement bill, but have yet to reconcile their differences to pass a final measure.

"The case is an important confirmation that enforcement matters. At the same time, I will continue working through the customs conference committee to give USTR even more enforcement tools," said Dave Reichert, chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against trade protectionism and work together with China and other members of the international community to maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.

Source and image: English News