Embraer rolls out Legacy 500
Embraer rolled out its first Legacy 500 test aircraft at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil, on December 23. First flight of the midsize executive jet is scheduled for the third quarter 2012. Embraer plans to produce three test aircraft. Powered by twin Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, the Legacy 500 will accommodate up
US to sell $30b in F-15s to Saudi Arabia
The US has confirmed the sale of $30 billion worth of top line fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in an announcement coinciding with escalating tensions with Iran. The deal, announced Dec. 29, will see the US send 84 new Boeing F-15s to the oil rich kingdom while upgrading Saudi Arabia’s existing fleet of 70 F-15s.
Fourth RAAF KC-30A handed over in Spain
Australia’s fourth KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport has been formally handed over to the RAAF, though the aircraft will remain in Spain for testing until later this year. Deliveries of the tanker, based on the Airbus A330-200, began last year after a two year delay. The RAAF’s fifth and final KC-30A is expected to be delivered
Embraer wins contract for Afghan air force
The US Air Force has awarded a controversial US$355 million contract to Embraer to supply 20 A-29 Super Tucano turboprops for Afghanistan’s nascent air force. The deal is a major victory for Embraer as the Brazilian planemaker seeks to expand its business in the US. Embraer fought off US based Hawker Beechcraft, which has filed
Brisbane Airport sees record numbers
Brisbane Airport says a record 20.4 million passengers travelled through its terminals in 2011, a 3.4 per cent increase over 2010, which the airport hailed as remarkable given the year’s multiple disruptions to air travel. The airport said the growth was set to continue into early 2012, with airlines adding more than 330,000 domestic and
Bombardier lands order for five Challenger 850s
Bombardier has announced a firm order for five Challenger 850 business jets from an undisclosed customer. The value of the order is roughly US$156 million based on 2011 list prices. The Challenger 850 can accommodate 15-19 passengers and has a range of 2811nm (5206km).