>>> Singapore Airlines Picks Boeing Electronic Flight Bag for Entire 777 Fleet
by Boeing Aircraft Co - SEATTLE - 21 Feb 2006


BOEING and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced that the airline will add Boeing's Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Installation Kits on its entire fleet of new and existing 777s. The EFB installations are seen as key to support the airline's continuous improvements in efficiency and quality that have helped to solidify its place among the world's most profitable airlines. Singapore Airlines has 58 777s in service, which is the largest 777 fleet of any airline, and has an additional 19 on order.

With this order, Singapore Airlines becomes the first airline in the world to operate multiple e-Enabled Boeing maintenance and performance products on the same fleet of airplanes.

"The Boeing Class 3 EFB is a key aspect of our vision for an e-Enabled aircraft," said Bey Soo Khiang, senior executive vice president (Operations and Services) for Singapore Airlines. "Boeing's EFB solution creates a link between the aircraft and our airline enterprise systems. With this link, coupled with the software applications on the ground and in the EFB, Singapore Airlines will be able to realize significant operational benefits."

Boeing's vision of an e-Enabled air transport system is one where data, information and knowledge can be shared instantly across an air-transport enterprise. As an early adopter of Boeing's Airplane Health Management and Integrated Materials Management systems, and because it is a major customer of Connexion by Boeing, SIA already is a leader in the e-Enabled airplane environment. The Electronic Flight Bag kit is designed to fit seamlessly with these other leading-edge technologies, giving the airline the ability to connect aircraft with its enterprise systems.

"An order like this from Singapore Airlines gives us two big reasons to celebrate," said Lou Mancini, vice president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "First, this represents another market validation for our Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag, which has enjoyed terrific momentum in recent weeks. And second, given SIA's reputation for and commitment to quality, the decision reaffirms that commitment."

Boeing will begin fitting the Electronic Flight Bag Installation Kits on the 19 new 777-300ERs starting in November this year. Each EFB Installation Kit includes two pilot displays in the cockpit from Astronautics Corp. of America and two electronic processors. The kit also includes engineering for the installation of hardware, video surveillance equipment to monitor the cabin entry to the flight deck, a network file server to be located in the cabin and a terminal wireless LAN unit (TWLU). Boeing software will include the first delivery of the Boeing Electronic Logbook (ELB) and the taxi positional-awareness moving map from Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen.

Delivery of the retrofit kits for the existing airplanes will begin in February 2007; the final kit is scheduled for delivery in December of the same year.


REPORT/PHOTO: Boeing Aircraft Co

>>> Singapore bids Asian Aerospace farewell
by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 26 Feb 2006


RUNWAY lights fade out at Asian Aerospace (AA) in Singapore today when the 13th - and the last - show staged in the Lion City ends. AA's next show in 2007 will be held in Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre near Chep Lap Kok International Airport.

Asian Aerospace 2006 is the biggest and most successful show since the first held in 1981 at the old Paya Lebar Airport's arrival hall. By the end of the six-day display, S$24.7 billion worth of deals have been secured.

Although AA will move to its new venue for its 2007 show, Singapore Airshow will debut from Feb 26 to Mar 3, 2008, at a new purpose-built exhibition centre in Changi North.

Singapore Airshow 2008 looks set to take-off with a big bang or rather, sonic boom. Already three-quarters of its display space have been booked.

>>> Till kangaroos are extinct
by The Straits Times - SINGAPORE - 22 Feb 2006


QANTAS cannot abide being left in Singapore Airlines' slipstream on its home ground - and the Australian government is ready to retreat from a commitment to market equity in protecting its main airline. This is the underlying significance to be drawn from the Australian transport minister's waffly remarks when he announced yesterday SIA's continued exclusion from the Sydney-California route. How so? Whereas SIA flying the Pacific route would not benefit Australian tourism, Canberra would not be averse to letting in more American airlines "as US travellers prefer to travel on US carriers". This is according to minister Warren Truss' reckoning. One must wonder how the minister could ascertain Americans are necessarily more patriotic than being conscious about service, reliability and price when choosing which airlines to fly on. Translated, this really says US airlines are welcome on the route, in addition to United Airlines, because they do not pose a credible threat to Qantas that SIA would.

As of now, Qantas has two-thirds of the Pacific traffic to United's one-third. With SIA inside the tent, Qantas could feel squeeezed more than somewhat. To bolster the case for keeping SIA out, Mr Truss took a punt on travellers' perceptions in saying the SIA product was "broadly similar" to Qantas' and would not benefit Australia's tourism and travelling public. No, minister, sizeable numbers of your folks would say SIA is superior by far - and fares would come down with the competition. One study shows Qantas is charging 38 per cent more per kilometre on the Pacific run than on the Sydney-London kangaroo route.

Australia is letting its public down badly by placing the interests of one company above the national interest, says SIA in its initial response. This is a noble sentiment to express on behalf of a clientele denied, but SIA is better off plotting its own strategy to face off a government determined to keep its aviation market insular. Nothing is clearer than this line from the minister's statement: "If access (to SIA) is negotiated in the future, it will be limited and phased." SIA could be waiting till the kangaroos become extinct. It was courageous of it to say its case for competition eventually would "appeal to Australia's sense of fair play". Were this a rugby contest, Qantas is ahead by two tries and a dropped goal to SIA's unconverted penalties.

Ten years on, the answer’s still no
by Derek Yeo - Singapore - 24 Feb 2006

AFTER almost a decade of protracted negotiations, Australia has rejected Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) bid for access to trans-Pacific flights between Australia and the United States.

In his statement on the decision, Australia’s Transport Minister Warren Truss said Australia could see little or no benefit in opening up the Pacific route.

In a swift response, Singapore described the decision “extremely disappointing”. The city-state’s Ministry of Transport stated, “The fact that the open skies agreement continues to remain outstanding is indeed sad.”

The ministry went on to say, “The decision is also inconsistent with the many signals from Australian leaders in past rounds of discussions, that the issue would be resolved within a reasonable time frame.”

Singapore’s Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said, “Singapore has been more than generous in facilitating the growth of Australian carriers to and beyond Singapore. It is disheartening to see that they have taken this and the warmth in our bilateral relationship for granted.” Trade links between the two countries are warm, strengthened by a Free Trade Agreement which includes an Open Skies pact.

SIA too reacted strongly. In its statement, the airline said, “It is a sign that free trade principles, open market competition and consumer choice have again been sacrificed to protect sectional interests....The Australian tourism industry and all consumers who pay high fares on the US route are again, the losers from today’s decision. The decision offers no prospect for relief from high fares.”

Qantas, Australia’s national airline, often grouses that SIA receives Singapore Government’s subsidies in its operations. Further, Qantas complained of inability to obtain traffic rights for more flights beyond Singapore to certain European cities.

On the first complaint, SIA has countered that the accusation is simply untrue, saying that its books are open for inspection. On the second, Singapore argued that it is a matter for Qantas to take up with the European countries concerned.

The Australian airline has unrestricted frequency and number of flights to and beyond Singapore under the Open Skies Agreement between both countries.

>>> Fossett lands safely in Bournemouth
by Derek Yeo

AFTER his dramatic round-the-world flight, Steve Fossett’s Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer crossed the finishing line in no less dramatic fashion.

Minutes after VAGF began its descent at FL400 into Kent International Airport, a major electrical failure – stemming from a defective generator – occurred. Quick consultations with mission controller Kevin Stass and pilot Jon Karlow resulted in Fossett's diversion to land at Bournemouth airport instead.

Fossett sent out a Mayday call as more crippling problems surfaced. Icing formed on his windshield affecting his visibility. Fuel was running low - down to the last 200 lb; ditching seemed imminent.

Then at 17:07Z on Saturday, VAGF landed, bursting two tyres on touch-down.

The adventurer-flyer had clinched the world's record for the longest non-stop flight by a fixed-wing powered aeroplane. Fossett's flight of 76 hours 45 minutes over a record distance of 42,469.46 km, beat the previous record of 40,204 km set by Dick Rutan and Jeanna Yeager in 1986.

In post-flight celebration, a happy but tired Fossett said, "”It was too exciting of a finish. There were many obstacles to overcome from the moment I took off from Kennedy Space Center, from the challenging take-off, difficult cockpit conditions for the early part of the flight, severe turbulence over India and constant concerns over the weakness of the jet streams due to less than favourable weather patterns around the world."

Fossett heads home for England
by Derek Yeo


FOSSETT noses home for England to a triumphant welcome and a world record.

He is expected to arrive off Shannon at about 15:20Z and touch-down at about 17:00Z.

At 13:44:59Z, his heading: 88.2 degrees; speed: 232 knots; altitude: 50,651 feet; longitude: W18.07737 and latitude: N52.97869.

>>> Fossett passes half-way point
by Derek Yeo


AT 01:14Z 10 Feb, Fossett crossed the half-way mark on his Ultimate Flight's bid for the world's longest non-stop flight without refuelling.

His Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer taped the mark at coordinates N35 degrees and E140 degrees, over Japan after flying 36 hours 47 minutes.

VAGF has now begun the long transit - estimated at over 16 hours - over the Pacific. It is expected to make landfall at Baja Peninsula, Mexico at about 18:00Z on 10 Feb.

When informed of his achievement over Japan by Mission Control, a jubilant Fossett said,"It's great to get to the half-way point and I am relieved that the turbulence had now calmed down and I can concentrate on the flight."

"In fact I have just seen some fantastic views of Mount Fuji as I was flying over Japan, which has been one of the most enjoyable moments of the flight so far."

Jubilation reigned too in Mission Control in Crawley near Gatwick Airport. Fossett's friend, Sir Richard Branson said,"This is a huge achievement especially under the circumstances. The conditions Steve has been through have been extreme to say the least, coping with severe turbulence, extreme heat and no sleep."

"I have always suspected that Steve is half human-half android, and after what he's been through, I believe I may be right! We'll have to get his DNA tested when he gets back."

Mission Controller Kevin Stass, while glad of the outcome so far, sounded a more cautious note.

"Everyone here is thrilled that Steve has reached the half-way point. He has had to overcome some major physical and environmental challenges which is remarkable. But with the uncertainty of the jet streams ahead, it's clear that more challenges are yet to come," Stass said.

Indeed, Steve had earlier flew into severe turbulence over Bhopal in North India. Concerned that the wings might shear off, he had his parachute on in case he had to bail out.

At 05:24:37Z, his heading: 91.7 degrees; speed:369.00 knots; altitude: 45,393 feet; longitude: E169.94429; latitude: N35.99941.

>>> Steve Fossett flies over Indo-Bangladeshi border
by Derek Yeo


MORE than 28 hours after he took off on his historic bid, Fossett is crossing the border between India and Bangladesh.

At 16:28:03Z, VAGF's heading: 94.3 degrees; speed: 310.00 knots; altitude: 46,121 feet; longitude: E88.06413 and latitude: N22.67755.

Fossett enters Algerian airspace
by Derek Yeo


AT 02:18.32Z, Fossett piloting Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer flew over Algeria. His position: longitude E1.93813, latitude N27.39119; heading: 83.0 degrees; speed: 352.00 knots and altitude: 44,797 feet.

Heading into the night off the African coast just three hours after take-off from Kennedy Space Center, Fossett phoned Sir Richard Branson.

"Take-off was a bit scary to say the least. I had to use most of the runway to get off the ground. This was particularly hairy as I couldn't have aborted even if I had wanted to. To make matters worse, two birds hit the aircraft on take-off. Luckily there doesn't seem to be any sign of damage," Fossett reported.

>>> Steve Fossett sets off on world record bid
by Derek Yeo


STEVE Fossett took off today at 12:22:09Z in his Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer on his attempt at a world record.

At 12:50:02Z, VAGF's position was longitude W79.31853, latitude N28.61771; heading: 72.7 degrees; speed: 240.00 knots and altitude: 19,253 feet.

Scaled Composites' Jon Karkow at the controls of Starship chase plane escorted Fossett out over the Atlantic.

>>> Aviator Steve Fossett's new venture
by Derek Yeo


STEVE Fossett, aviator-adventurer extraordinaire, today stands poised on another aviation record-breaking attempt.

At 0642 hours Florida time, he takes off from Kennedy Space Center to break his own record-setting flight and two others. And he looks set to create aviation history yet again.

In March 2005, Steve became the first person to fly non-stop - sans air-to-air refuelling - and solo around the world. And the longest: a record 67 hours in the experimental Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer aircraft. Though he lost more than 3,000 lb of fuel due to a leak, he managed to recover and landed with 1,500 lb in reserve. Fossett claimed that if not for the leak, VAGF would have flown farther and longer. He stressed, "We have designed this flight to use the full capability of this airplane, to fly further than any plane has ever flown."

VAGF - powered by a William turbo-jet mounted on a graphite-epoxy airframe - measures 114 feet from wing tip to wing tip.

If successful, Fossett’s next journey, at 43,462 km, will erase the 1986 record – 40,204 km – set by Dick Rutan and Jeanna Yeager in the airplane, `Voyager’. It would erase too, the 1999 record – 40,805 km – held by balloon, `Breitling Orbiter 3’.

Fossett’s east-bound flight will take him from Kennedy Space Center to circumnavigate the globe, then a repeat crossing of the Atlantic Ocean before touchdown near London.

The epic voyage in the spindly VAGF poses a number of challenges: the risk of lugging thousands of gallons of ignitable fuel on board the ultra-light craft; an unpredictable weather and the possibility of fuel depletion.

On Monday 6 Feb, in a press briefing with Virgin Atlantic’s head Richard Branson at his side, Fossett conceded that the bid “will be very close.”

>>> Singapore Technologies Marine wins A380 transport vessels' contract
by Airbus SAS

SINGAPORE Technologies Marine (ST Marine), a leading shipbuilder which is part of the Singapore Technologies Engineering Group, has been selected to build two large roll-on and roll-off vessels for the shipment of A380 sections. The two vessels are due for delivery in 2008 and will join the existing A380 Transport vessel “Ville de Bordeaux”, which entered service in 2004. The new vessels are being commissioned by FRET/Cetam, a subsidiary of louis Dreyfuss Armateurs of France and Leif Hoegh of Norway. The value of the two vessels is 60 million euros.

Airbus will use the new vessels for the transportation of A380 sections from its sites in Hamburg, Germany; Broughton, UK; Puerto Real, Spain and Saint Nazaire, France to a port facility close to Bordeaux in France. Special barges then carry the aircraft sections along the River Garonne to Langon, where they are then transferred to road trailers for the final 250 km journey to the A380 final assembly line in Toulouse.

The 3,500 dwt Ro/Ro vessels measure approximately 127 m long and 21 m wide and are specially designed to transport aircraft sections efficiently and are equipped with highly automated ship control systems. To meet the special requirements for loading aircraft sections, the vessels will incorporate unique features such as a stern mooring system, cargo hold environment control and lashing arrangements. The vessels are designed with a cargo deck space of approximately 9,300 square meters and lanes totalling 3,100 m.

The A380, due to be delivered to launch customer Singapore Airlines in late 2006, is the most advanced, spacious and efficient airliner yet produced. Launched in December 2000 and making its first flight in April 2005, the aircraft, which is to become the "flagship of the 21st century" was designed in close collaboration with major airlines, airports and airworthiness authorities.

Combining the very latest technologies for materials, systems and industrial processes, the A380 will meet the most stringent international certification requirements. With an ability to carry 35 per cent more passengers than its closest rival and offer 50 per cent more floor space, the A380 enables airlines to deliver unparalleled comfort in every class and more open space for passengers to stretch their legs.

Airbus currently holds 159 firm orders for the A380 from 16 customers, including 49 orders from Asia - Pacific carriers including Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways International, China Southern Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has delivered more than 4,100 aircraft to 260 customers and operators world-wide, and boasts a healthy deliver backlog of well over 2,000 aircraft, which, at current rates, represents some four to five years of production. With an annual turnover of €22.3 billion in 2005, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain, as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is a joint EADS Company with BAE Systems.

Acknowledgement: News article released by Airbus SAS Press Centre on 31 January 2006.

>>> First GP7200 engine installed on 5th A380 flight test aircraft
by Airbus SAS


THE first of four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines has been installed on the fifth A380 test aircraft, MSN009, at the Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, France. Once all four engines are installed in March the aircraft will join the flight test programme as part of the certification campaign by mid-2006.

The four GP7200 engines from American manufacturer Engine Alliance, a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Pratt & Whitney, arrived in Toulouse from Middletown, Connecticut in the United States in September ‘05 and the first has since been fitted with heavy test instrumentation to allow the measurement of some 1,000 parameters during flight test.

The GP7200 engine will produce a 70,000 lbs (311 kilo Newton) power thrust on the A380 passenger version, against a 76,500 lbs (340kN) power thrust on the A380 freighter. A380 customers are offered a choice between the Rolls-Royce Trent 900 and the Engine Alliance GP7200 engine. Among the A380 customers who have chosen the Engine Alliance engines are Air France, Emirates, FedEx, ILFC and Korean Air.

To-date, three Rolls Royce powered A380 have taken to the air and have accumulated around 245 flights and 880-flight hours, yielded good results.

The first two aircraft have been successfully carrying out trials including aerodynamics, low speed and flight vibration tests. Cold weather trials are due to take place in Canada shortly, where the aircraft has to prove full functionality under extreme weather conditions of up to minus 40 degrees Celsius. The high altitude campaign successfully took place in Colombia earlier this month while the hot weather campaign will begin in the summer.

Meanwhile, the third A380, MSN002, has been flown to Hamburg, Germany, to be fitted out with the full cabin. It will be joined by a fourth aircraft which will also undergo cabin and noise tests, as well as performing the Early Long Flights and later the Route Proving, together with further airport compatibility checks.

The full A380 test programme represents more than 2,500 flight hours. Upon completion of the certification process the world’s largest commercial airliner will be delivered to the first operator Singapore Airlines in late 2006. The A380 is already a proven success story, with 159 orders from 16 customers.


Acknowledgement: News release published by Airbus SAS Press Centre on 1 February 2006.