GREEN TAXES 'SHOULD FAVOUR TURBOPROPS'
VLM Airlines chief executive Johan Vanneste is calling for the green credentials of turboprops to be reflected in environmental charges, such as air passenger duty in the UK. The Belgian regional carrier, which is being acquired by Air France-KLM, operates a fleet of 18 Fokker 50 turboprops. Speaking during a recent media briefing in Manchester, Vanneste said: "Several studies show us that high-speed rail is less efficient than air travel. There is no smoke coming out of electric trains, but the smoke is coming out of the powerplants. High-speed rail, if you take everything into account, is much more polluting," he says. Within the aviation sector, he said, taxation needs to differentiate between turboprops and jets, with turboprops paying "considerably less" air passenger duty.
CURTISS-WRIGHT SECURES FUTURE 787 ROLE
A multi-year contract worth more than $80 million continues the role of Curtiss-Wright Controls on the Boeing 787. The follow-on contract with 787 contractor Saab Aerostructures means the New Jersey-based manufacturer will keep providing the large cargo door mechanical system. The deal also includes a follow-on contract for Curtiss-Wright to supply structural fittings for the 787's large cargo door to Saab. Both deals could generate more than $200 million in revenue for Curtiss-Wright over the life of the 787 programme.
FLIGHT SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES DELISTS FROM AMEX
Flight Safety Technologies has withdrawn an appeal to contest the decision of the American Stock Exchange to initiate delisting of its common stock and common stock purchase warrants from the Amex because of the failure of the company to maintain $4 million of shareholder equity and losses in three of its four last fiscal years. The company intends to transition its securities for trading to the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board.
FUEL COSTS DRIVE AERO INVENTORY OUTLOOK
Aerospace industry e-based procurement and inventory management systems developer Aero Inventory boosted pre-tax profits by 60% to $73.1 million on revenue up 78% to $440 million for its year to 30 June. Chief executive Rupert Lewin says: "Airlines are now being forced to react to the impact of both increased fuel costs and recessionary pressures and this has resulted in more enquiries for new business than ever before."
ENGINE WASHING TURNS A PROFIT
Engine cleaning technology provider Gas Turbine Efficiency posted a pre-tax profit of $400,000 for the six months to 30 June, compared with an $800,000 loss last time, as revenue rose 58% to $14.7 million. Aviation revenues included orders from Pratt & Whitney, whose on-wing wash service signed contracts including Singapore Airlines, Southwest and United Airlines.
ETIHAD EXPECTS TO DOUBLE NETWORK BY 2020
Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways is forecasting that it will transport 25 million passengers a year by 2020, and double its network to 100 destinations. The carrier detailed its expectations after disclosing that it carried 1.6 million passengers over the June-August summer season. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad placed orders earlier this year for 45 Boeing and 55 Airbus aircraft. "Our projections to 2020 reflect that order and the scale of our ambitions," says chief James Hogan. Etihad's network currently includes 48 destinations and the airline expects to carry 6 million passengers this year.
Source: Flight International
