SPY IN SKY GETS VERY BIG
SPACEFLIGHT United Launch Alliance claims to have orbited the largest satellite launched to date, a classified payload for the US National Reconnaissance Office. The 21 November launch was the fourth successful mission for ULA's Delta IV Heavy rocket, which uses the Delta IV common booster core, plus two additional strap-on common booster cores. Each is powered by an RS-68 cryogenic engine and an RL10B-2 cryogenic engine powers the second stage, both built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.
TRENT TROUBLE MAY LEAD ILFC TO CUT A380 ORDER
LEASING Recent issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine will likely prompt International Lease Finance to scrap its orders for the Airbus A380, says Wells Fargo senior aviation analyst Gary Liebowitz in a research report. "ILFC likely will...exercise its option to cancel its order for 10 A380s over the next few weeks. We would not be surprised if the A380 deposits are reallocated to the re-engined A320 as ILFC has few narrowbodies in [its] backlog and the chief executive is a former Airbus executive."
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DEMAND RISE PROMPTS LAN CARGO FLEET UPGRADE
FLEET Citing an increase in cargo market demand, LAN Cargo plans to add to its fleet three leased Boeing 767-300Fs by the end of January 2011 and a new 777F during the fourth quarter of 2012. By the end of 2012, LAN Cargo and its affiliates expect to operate eight 767-330Fs, four 777Fs and four leased 767s.
CFM DELIVERS 7,000TH CFM56-7B
PROPULSION CFM International has delivered the 7,000th CFM56-7B engine, to Boeing, which will fit the powerplant to a Next Generation 737 for delivery to COPA Airlines later this year. Last month, Boeing and CFM signed an agreement that will see the CFM56-3 engine become the exclusive powerplant for the 737-300/-400/-500 series. The CFM56 entered service in 1997.
GULF AIR OVERHAULS PAY STRUCTURES
LABOUR Gulf Air has overhauled its pay structures as part of its profitability drive. Chief executive Samer Majali says a 2007 salaries review found one-third of staff were being paid below market rates, and another third 7% above: "With this new compensation and benefits structure, we are sending out a message that Gulf Air is not just a carrier of choice but also an employer of choice, committed to achieving sustainability and profitability at every level of the business."
AIR BERLIN TAKES SALE-LEASEBACK ROUTE TO CHINA
FLEET German carrier Air Berlin is selling 18 aircraft to a Chinese lessor under a $700 million agreement which includes leasing back eight of them. The agreement with ICBC Financial Leasing covers the outright sale of six Airbus A320s and four Boeing 737-800s. Air Berlin will also sell four more 737-800s, plus two more A320s, and a pair of A319s, which will then be leased back to the airline.
CHAVEZ TO TAKE TOP JOB AT THALES UK
MANAGEMENT Thales UK deputy chief executive Victor Chavez will take over the top job on 1 January, when current chief executive Alex Dorrian becomes chairman, in line with his role as Thales SA executive vice-president. Current chairman Lord Freeman will remain a director of Thales SA, and chairman of Thales UK advisory board.
Source: Flight International
