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Aviation History
2002
2002 - 3736.PDF
BUSINESS & GENERAL AVIATION MISSILE THREAT NetJets looks at protection system US fractional-ownership operator NetJets may equip some of its longer-range business jets with Elta's Flight Guard system to pro vide protection against shoulder- launched surface-to-air missiles, according to Israeli sources. The system is based on directional sensors that detect missile launches and activate infrared- flare dispensers. Sources at Elta's parent com pany, Israel Aircraft Industries, confirm that NetJets is negotiat ing a possible deal, and say the US Federal Aviation Administration has been approached about certification of the system, the military version of which has already been installed on a number of VIP air craft. The Israeli firm believes the Flight Guard can be certificated by the third quarter of 2003. BAE Systems' AAQ-204 Matador infrared jammer is avail able as an option on the Gulfstream IV-SP business jet, and certification is pending on the Gulfstream V and G550 (formerly GV-SP). Both types are operated by NetJets. SIRIUS SELL-OFF Sirius Aviation has launched a new piston fractional ownership scheme in the UK. Manchester- based Sirius is selling one- quarter shares in pre-owned Cessna 421 Golden Eagle four- passenger aircraft for £200,000 ($318,000) based on 200h flying time per year. Sirius expects to complete its first full aircraft sale by the end of February. EADS DISTRIBUTOR EADS Socata has signed a dis tributor in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. DeVoort, based in Lelystad, near Amsterdam, will be the Benelux agent for the company's TB GT pistons and the TBM700 turbo prop as well as spare parts. RESTRUCTURING PINO MODOLA / GENOA & JUSTIN WASTNAGE / LONDON Piaggio makes staff cuts in drive to reduce costs Company axes 10% of workforce despite strong sales of P180 Avanti pusher turboprop Piaggio Aero is to cut around 10% of its workforce in a drive to reduce costs, despite increasing sales of its PI 80 Avanti pusher-turboprop corporate aircraft. With competition intensifying in the US market, the Italian manu facturer is seeking to rein in costs, and will "encourage early retire ment" of around 170 of its staff in facilities in Fianale Ligure, Genoa and Naples. The Italian company has just signed a six-aircraft deal with Canadian company Avia Aviation worth €29 million ($29 million), to be financed by GE Capital's Canadian arm. Deliveries are due to begin early in 2003. The Canadian deal follows the sale in September of eight aircraft to US charter broker Skyline Aviation and Piaggio expects its 2002 sales will be up 10% on 2001, horn €124 million to around €138 million. The company expects to report a 50% increase in operating Despite the economic downturn, sales of the P180 have stayed on target profit to €19 million for the year. The Genoa-based company delivered 16 PI 80s in 2002, up from 12 deliveries in 2001. Production is expected to increase to 18 aircraft in 2003 and 22 in 2004. According to Piaggio general manager Giorgio Giorgi the com pany had previously scaled back its forecasts following the 11 September terrorist attacks, but sales have remained in line with earlier forecasts. Giorgi says that despite the growing sales, the company is not complacent, as "the full effects of the international and domestic slowdown are not yet known". Despite increased demand, the company is continuing to imple ment streamlining efforts as part of a drive to achieve sustained prof itability. The effort, which has been under way since the company was acquired from the Piaggio automo tive company by the Ferrari and di Mase families in 1998, saw it move into the black two years ago. Piaggio employs 1,350 people across its three factories, 70% of whom work on the PI 80. The job losses will be partially offset by the employment of 50 government- sponsored apprentices. HELICOPTERS Kamov readies Ka-226 for delivery Kamov is preparing to deliver the first Ka-226 light helicopters to three Russian launch customers, as local AP-29 airworthiness certifica tion of the twin-turbine machine is pushed back to April next year. Russia's emergencies ministry (MChS) is scheduled to take delivery of the first of two mission-specific Ka-226ChS aircraft by the end of the month for operational trials. MChS is planning to add three more air craft next year, which will be deployed for search-and-rescue and medical evacuation operations. Kamov is also set to deliver the first of 50 Ka-226s ordered by Russian natural gas giant Gazprom early next year, with the remainder to follow by the end of 2005. The Moscow city government, mean while, is to take delivery of three Ka-226s and, according to Kamov, is "firming up" earlier plans to buy a total of 10 aircraft. Meanwhile, the long-delayed first flight of the Mi-38 medium twin-turbine helicopter has slipped again, and is set to take place by the end of January. The Mi-38 is being developed by Euromil, a collaborative effort involving Mil, Kazan Helicopters and Eurocopter. Following its maiden flight from the Kazan plant, the prototype will be moved to Mil's facility in Panki outside Moscow for flight-testing. Russian-manufactured Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127-based tur- boshafts will power the $11 million aircraft, which was delayed by problems with the main gearbox, which had been supplied by St Petersburg-based Red October (Flight International 30 July-5 August). 20 31 DECEMBER 2002 - 6 JANUARY 2003 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL www.flightinternational.com
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