Singapore's Changi airport to build new LCC terminal

Singapore Changi Airport's Budget Terminal will be torn down next year to make way for a new, bigger terminal that will be able to handle 16 million passengers annually. Construction of the new terminal, to be known as Terminal 4, will begin in 2013 and is expected to be operational by 2017, said operator Changi Airport Group (CAG).

Flightglobal Pro understands that the terminal will have two levels - one for departures and another for arrivals - and will likely be able to accommodate widebody aircraft. The current terminal is a one-storey building and has 10 aircraft parking stands for narrowbodies. "It will be designed to enable efficient passenger processing and [the] quick turnaround of aircraft, and will not have aerobridges," said CAG.

Terminal 4 will also be more upscale, hence the removal of the word budget from its name, and offer a wide range of medium to high-end retail and food outlets as well as amenities that will "better serve the needs of travellers". The Budget Terminal will shut down on 25 September, and low-cost carriers (LCCs) based there - Singapore's Tiger Airways, Malaysia's Berjaya Air and Firefly, and the Philippines' Cebu Pacific and Seair, will begin their operations at Terminal 2 on the same day.

CAG has been in talks with the airlines since late last year and said that they will be working with them to ensure a smooth transition. The Budget Terminal, which has a capacity of seven million, handled 4.6 million passengers last year. Once completed, the four terminals will have a capacity to handle 80 million passengers annually. Last year, Changi handled a total of 46.5 million passengers, an increase of 10.7% from a year earlier.

Singapore-based carriers such as Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Tiger Airways, Jetstar Asia and new long haul low-cost carrier Scoot have ordered new aircraft and foreign carriers have also expressed their interest to grow their air links with Singapore, said CAG. "The new terminal will enable CAG to sustain the long-term growth of Changi Airport," it added.

Terminal 2, which has a capacity of 23 million passengers, had a throughput of 13 million last year. One reason CAG is demolishing the Budget Terminal now, is so as to do it while Terminal 2 still has room to accommodate the LCCs. Between 2005 and 2011, the market share of LCCs at Changi Airport rose from 5.6% of total passenger traffic to 25.6%.

The Budget Terminal, first built in 2006, underwent an expansion barely two years later to double its capacity. CAG is also splitting four of its aircraft bays at Terminal 2 to boost handling capacity.

Flight Global

Airbus makes its mark at the 2012 Singapore Airshow

2012 Singapore Airshow - Airbus Summary Achievements

The high-profile Airbus role at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre underscored the company’s strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for an important part of its commercial business and represents an increasingly active industrial base.

In signing the A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion memorandum of understanding, Airbus is positioned to further expand its freighter aircraft portfolio.  With a teaming that involves Singapore’s ST Aerospace and Airbus’ EADS EFW sister company, this programme will modify A330s that have completed their useful operational service as passenger jetliners for new careers as cargo aircraft. 

Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders said ST Aerospace’s involvement in the A330P2F project reflects the growing industrial importance of Asia-Pacific companies for Airbus. 

“Our business is not moving east…it has moved east,” he explained.  “The Asia-Pacific region is not just important for us in terms of sales, it also offers significant opportunities for industrial partnerships as we seek ways to meet increased demand for our products and to supplement industrial and engineering capacity in Europe.”

In another Singapore Airshow-related development, Airbus signed a contract with Singapore’s SIA Engineering Company for implementation of the Airbus Managed Inventory (AMI) solution.  As a result, the SIA Engineering Company becomes Asia-Pacific’s inaugural customer for AMI, which is part of Airbus’ strategy to further expand its services offer. 

Also announced at Singapore was an agreement with Thai Airways International for an Airbus flight hour services-tailored support package, providing aircraft inventory and maintenance for the Thailand-based airline’s A380 fleet.  Thai Airways International is one of two Asia-Pacific carriers that will receive their first A380s in 2012, along with Malaysia Airlines.

Completing Airbus’ business activity at the 2012 Singapore Airshow was the finalizing of a purchase order with Kuwait-based ALAFCO for 35 A320neo Family aircraft, bringing this aviation lease and finance company’s total backlog for the type to 85.

Airbus Media

Exciting and Productive Week for Bombardier Aerospace at the Singapore Airshow

• Confirms two previously unidentified airlines: Garuda Indonesia and Ethiopian Airlines
• Announces OEM-owned service centre in Singapore for business aircraft; and Singapore-based commercial aircraft sales office
• Also announces order for two Q400 NextGen by Horizon Air
• Attracts significant interest with its business aircraft on static 

Bombardier Aerospace wrapped up its participation at the Singapore Airshow after an exciting and busy week during which it revealed the identity of two key airlines that had placed orders for its proven CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet and fuel-efficient Q400 NextGen turboprop as well as announced an order for two Q400 NextGen aircraft. It also took advantage of the airshow to announce the establishment of a Bombardier-owned service centre in Singapore for business aircraft, as well as the official opening of a sales and marketing office in Singapore for commercial aircraft.

Key commercial aircraft airlines identified

On February 15, during a joint press briefing in its CSeries aircraft dome filled to capacity, Bombardier and Indonesian flag carrier PT. Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. confirmed that the airline is the unidentified customer whose order for six CRJ1000 NextGen regional jets and 18 options was announced on February 10, 2012. The aircraft’s superior economics, outstanding fuel economy and excellent passenger comfort will meet the airline’s requirement for 100-seat aircraft to service domestic and regional markets from its five regional hubs and will be integral to its expansion and growing markets. Garuda Indonesia also took the opportunity to announce that it plans to acquire an additional 12 CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft from a lessor.

This announcement was followed the next day, on February 16 with the confirmation that Ethiopian Airlines,
one of Africa’s leading airlines, is the customer that placed the firm order for five Q400 NextGen airliners announced on February 13, 2012. The modern turboprop’s high rate of climb, single-engine service ceiling and higher take-off weight, thus greater payload, were key attributes for the airline which flies out of high altitude-hot weather airports.

On February 16, Bombardier also announced that Horizon Air of Seattle, Washington had signed a firm purchase agreement for two Q400 NextGen airliners. The airline, member of the Alaska Air Group, is the largest operator of Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft in the Americas. With this order, it is restating its long-standing confidence in the aircraft’s superior fuel efficiency as well as its jet-like comfort.

“Key to our success this year will be our ability to expand our global reach and gain traction in new and exciting markets,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “Our success at the Singapore Airshow is a testament to the results being achieved in this regard. I am very proud of the results our team has achieved so early on in the year. Our prospects for the rest of the year look great,” he added.

Opening of OEM-owned service centre in Singapore

On February 15, Bombardier announced that it will open a full-scale company-owned and operated service centre in Singapore in 2013. This new service center will ensure that Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets customers have an even broader access to Original Equipment Manufacturer-backed service in the Asia-Pacific region in their own time zone and in their own region.

Sustained activity for Bombardier business aircraft

Bombardier Business Aircraft attracted continued significant interest in the region, reflecting the dynamism and rapid growth of the business jet market in the Asia-Pacific region. A Learjet 60 XR aircraft, a Challenger 605 jet and a Global 5000 jet from its product portfolio were on static display at the airshow, drawing the crowd’s attention.

Bombardier Media



The Q400 NexGen (Next Generation) is a fuel-efficient, regional size turboprop jet. Get More information on the Q400 Next gen webpage

Indonesian Air Force Eyes More Fighters

SINGAPORE — As the Indonesian air force works on its plan to field around 150-160 combat aircraft in 12 squadrons, it is starting to consider how to replace its fleet of F-5s.

Current plans represent merely a “minimum essential force,” with the actual air force needs being much greater to provide the full range of military capability for a country the size of Indonesia, ACM Imam Sufaat, the service’s chief of staff, tells Aviation Week during the Singapore air show. The current force counts seven squadrons equipped with combat aircraft.

The current fighter modernization plan has the Indonesian air force fielding a fleet of Sukhoi Su-30 Mk2s and Lockheed Martin F-16s, with the latter comprising 24 F-16 Block 25 aircraft being upgraded to Block 52s and four F-16 Block 25 and two F-16 Block 15 aircraft for use as spare parts. The F-16s are to be delivered by July 2014 to form two more squadrons. The air chief sees the need for more F-16s and Su-30s. While a type decision has yet to be made on the F-5 replacement, the F-16 is the frontrunner.
Growing Fleet

The Su-30 fleet is due to grow in the coming three years as well, with two aircraft to be handed over in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Indonesia is still in the process of finalizing plans for the weapons package for the fighters, with interest in a medium-range missile.

Midyear also should see the arrival of the first of 16 Super Tucanos to replace the OV-10s, with the first of 16 T-50 trainers to be handed over by Korea Aerospace Industries next year to replace Hawk Mk.53s.
The rest of the Hawk fleet is due to be replaced by the South Korean KF-X fighter after Indonesia joined the development program.

To help control the fighters, Indonesia is looking to field an airborne early warning and control system aircraft, although a decision is not expected before 2014. Even though the air force is buying C-295 airlifters, the service chief says the country would be looking for a larger system than the AEW concept put forward by Airbus Military. The AEW aircraft will need more endurance than the C-295 can deliver, he notes.

The fleet of CN-235s for maritime surveillance is being upgraded — with three more added for the navy — and the Boeing 737 maritime patrol aircraft also are due for an update.

Aviation Week

Broadening the services capability is a priority for Airbus

Airbus has marked a new milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its services offer, adding a key customer for the Airbus Managed Inventory (AMI) solution.

At this week’s Singapore Airshow, the SIA Engineering Company signed for implementation of the AMI service – becoming its inaugural Asia-Pacific customer, as well as being the first for the solution’s “ownership” option, in which the managed parts are Airbus-owned until the moment they are required by the client.

“AMI is very important for our overall services road map, as it rounds out an offer that also includes such products as training and flight hour services,” explained Thomas Ehm, the Airbus Vice President for Material, Logistics and Suppliers.  “Building on the services strategy is something that Airbus has made a priority for the coming years.”

While expanding the services portfolio, Airbus also is growing its global footprint.  This includes the 2011 acquisition of Satair A/S, a leading aviation after-market distributor based in Denmark, whose assets significantly enhance Airbus’ aircraft material management capabilities.

Elsewhere, Sepang Aircraft Engineering – an Airbus subsidiary, and a member of its parent EADS group – provides Southeast Asian maintenance, repair and overhaul services covering airframe, component, engine and cabin refurbishment from its base at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Airbus Media

Lockheed Martin’s Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V

SINGAPORE, Feb. 15, 2012 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] unveiled a new version of the F-16 today at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit – all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.


With nearly 4,500 F-16s delivered, this is a natural step in the evolution of the world’s most successful 4th generation fighter.  The Fighting Falcon program has continually evolved as it began with the F-16 A/B as the lightweight fighter then transitioned to F-16 C/D and Block 60 versions as customers’ requirements changed.
AESA radars offer significant operational capability improvements.

Lockheed Martin has developed an innovative solution to affordably retrofit this key technology into existing F-16s.  The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier-model F-16s. The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.

“We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the 5^th generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of business development. The F-16 is the choice of 26 nations. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Lockheed

The Airbus ACJ318 Corporate Jet and A330 MRTT aerial refueler come to Singapore

The diversity of Airbus’ jetliner product line is being highlighted at the Singapore Airshow with the presence of two very different aircraft in the static display area: an ACJ318 corporate jet for VIP travel; and the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) for military aerial refueling and airlift duties.

Both the ACJ318 and A330 MRTT landed at Singapore’s Changi International Airport today, and taxied to the adjacent exhibition centre to join other aircraft participating in the biennial airshow.

The ACJ318 on display is operated by Abu Dhabi-based Al Jaber Aviation, and features comfortable and spacious seating found in well-appointed offices and homes – with a capacity for business or family groups of up to 19 passengers.  Included in the widest and tallest cabin of any corporate/business jet is a private office that converts to a bedroom.

As the newest – and smallest – member of Airbus’ corporate jet family, the ACJ318 has the broadest market appeal.   It is complemented by the longer-fuselage ACJ319, ACJ320 and A321, which typically offer seating for 19 to 50-plus passengers, depending on customer requirements.

The A330 MRTT brought to Singapore for display is outfitted in the UK Royal Air Force’s FSTA (Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft) configuration, with deployable aerial refueling hoses in the aft fuselage and under each wing.  In addition to its capability of “topping off” military aircraft while in flight, the FSTA can transport up to 290 personnel in the main cabin.

A total of 14 A330 MRTTs will be supplied by Airbus Military to the AirTanker company, which is to support operations of the aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force. 

Airbus

The Dreamliner FINALLY arrives Singapore for its tour debut

SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing's (NYSE:BA) new mid-size passenger airplane, the 787 Dreamliner, touched down here today for the Singapore Airshow. The airplane will be on static display Feb. 14 -17.

The Dreamliner demonstrated its long-range capabilities a few days ago, flying nonstop from Seattle's Boeing Field to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport -- a distance of 7,679 miles (12,358 km).
The 787, the first new airplane type of the 21st century, has garnered more than 800 orders from airlines around the globe. Singapore Airlines has 20 of the higher capacity 787-9s on order.

Made from lighter composite materials, the 787 is the first mid-size passenger airplane capable of flying nonstop to many more distant cities without having to go through a hub airport. That capability for a mid-size jet pleases not only passengers who would no longer need to detour to a hub airport, but also airlines who can establish long-haul routes previously served only by jumbo jets requiring many more passengers to be profitable.

The Dreamliner is in the midst of a six-month Dream Tour taking it around the world so customers and partners can experience the revolutionary jet first hand. The Dream Tour airplane, test plane ZA003, is outfitted with the 787's special cabin features including a welcoming entryway, dramatically larger dimmable windows, bigger bins and dynamic LED lighting. The airplane is configured with a luxurious business-class cabin, an overhead crew rest compartment and an economy class section.

 Aviation enthusiasts can follow the progress of the 787 tour at www.newairplane.com/787/dreamtour.

The Boeing 787, dubbed the "The Dreamliner"

• Is the first passenger airplane made from composite materials on a Southeast Asia on Dream Tour.
• Ability to fly long distance, point-to-point routes appeals to passengers wanting to avoid hub airports

Pictures are property of the Boeing company  

Singapore Airline to launch Boeing's Electronic Logbook Solution

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has announced that Singapore Airlines will be the launch customer for Boeing's new Electronic Logbook (ELB) software. The new version of ELB, developed in partnership with Ultramain Systems, Inc., enables unprecedented levels of communication between pilots, ground crews, maintenance crews and engineering.

Singapore Airlines will be deploying ELB on all their Boeing 777 airplanes.
ELB runs on an airplane's Electronic Flight Bag to connect flight data with ground-based technicians and equipment.  The application feeds flight crew data into a central repository where it is combined with maintenance and engineering information. This allows airlines to better understand and diagnose issues within the context of multiple airplane systems.

"ELB allows us to transform data into usable information that can give our customers' operations a competitive edge," said Per Noren, vice president of Boeing's Commercial Aviation Information Services. "Airplane information is efficiently and quickly shared with the people who need it, which facilitates fast turnaround times – and that translate into better passenger service and greater airline cost savings.

"Singapore Airlines consistently leads the industry in adopting technology to improve their quality, service and reliability. Their partnership throughout our development process helped realize important operational efficiency opportunities," Noren added.

With this investment, Singapore Airlines adds ELB to their existing Boeing digital efficiency solutions: Maintenance Performance Toolbox, Airplane Health Management (AHM) and Integrated Material Management (IMM) services. Combining these Boeing tools, integrated into Singapore's back office resource management systems, will enable even better passenger service and greater maintenance and operational efficiencies.