Finland plans European UAV centre
training The Finland-based Robonic Arctic Test UAV Flight Centre is proposing the development of a common European unmanned air vehicle flight training centre around its UAV flight-test centre at Kemijärvi on the edge of the Arctic Circle. The concept mirrors European air force proposals for a common fast-jet pilot training centre, but would pursue civil and military markets. Robonic wants to develop an international consortium to pursue the opportunity. "The new venture would pursue the anticipated global growth in use of UAVs for both military and civil purposes, with this in turn requiring qualified pilots and operators," says Robonic managing director Juha Moisio. He says that establishing common international standards for UAV pilot and operator training is likely within two to three years.
Air Berlin share price suffers after big order
Stock Shares in recently floated German carrier Air Berlin fell by more than 13% last week after the disclosure of the carrier's intention to order 60 Boeing 737-800s worth $5.7 billion at list prices. The stock had opened at €16.2 ($21.5), but was trading at barely more than €14 a few hours later. The carrier has not decided how many of the jets will be used to replace its current 45 737s, or how many will be used to expand its operations. In late 2004, Air Berlin ordered 60 Airbus A320s - a deal that has not been affected by the new 737 acquisition, says the carrier. Air Berlin is also taking 25 737-700s on firm order from newly acquired subsidiary DBA, which disclosed towards the end of last year its intention to order 40 of the type.
NASA aims for 7 December Shuttle lift-off
Launch Last week NASA's Space Shuttle programme managers gave the go-ahead for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery from Kennedy Space Center on 7 December at 21:35 local time. It will be the first after-sunset launch since Endeavour/STS-113 in 2002. Discovery's mission STS-116 will reconfigure the International Space Station's solar panels and its power supply network on its exterior during two spacewalks.
Iberia ponders switch of allegiance
Partnerships Iberia has strongly hinted that it could terminate its alliance with Oneworld partner and minority shareholder British Airways in favour of a tie-up with either SkyTeam's Air France-KLM or Star Alliance's Lufthansa. In an interview with Spanish newspaper Expansion, Iberia senior vice-president of finance and corporate strategy Enrique Dupuy says that "integrated into a more global group, Iberia could offer and obtain advantages in terms of revenue and cost synergies". He adds: "We work with BA, but that does not prevent us from doing so with other potential airline groups." BA says it has just increased its stake in Iberia, "which shows that we regard them as a key partner".
Rolls-Royce invites US offers
Manufacturing Engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has invited eight US states to bid for a manufacturing facility to serve the UK company's four markets - civil, defence, marine and energy. The issue of a request for qualifications to Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia is the first step in "considering options for potential new facilities around the world", says R-R. Selection of the new US site is planned for next year. R-R has an engine development and manufacturing plant in Indianapolis, Indiana and a new test site for its Trent high-thrust engines at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
US Airways drops remaining CRJ orders
Cancellation US Airways has switched its entire firm order backlog for Bombardier CRJs - which comprised 29 CRJ701s and one CRJ200 - to "soft options". These can be converted to any CRJ model at a later date, although the carrier says that "we don't have to do anything with them". The CRJ701 order had been in question for some time.
Source: Flight International
