ILFC buyout offer
New York based fuel supplier Allied Aviation Services has made an offer to buy International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) from the lessor’s troubled parent, American Insurance Group (AIG), in a deal reported to be valued at around US$12bn (A$13.15bn). The offer, which AIG has not responded to, according to US media reports, would see the
Egypt orders 20 F-16s
An agreement has been reached between the governments of Egypt and the US for the sale of 20 F-16C/D Block 50/52 fighters and associated weapons, systems and other equipment. The sale will see the F-16 production line remain open until at least 2013, while negotiations for new or follow on orders for Greece, Iraq, Oman
Switzerland receives final EC635
The Swiss Air Force took delivery of the last of its 20 Eurocopter EC635 helicopters on December 17 at RUAG Aerospace’s Alpnach facility where all but four of the aircraft were assembled. The helicopters were ordered in April 2006 and will replace the Allouette III in Swiss service, and will be employed on light transport
Russian fifth generation fighter starts trials
The fifth generation Sukhoi PAK-FA T-50 fighter has commenced ground and taxi trials at KNAAPO’s facility at Komsomolsk-on-Amur ahead of a planned January first flight, according to reports in the Russian media. The aircraft, ostensibly Russia’s answer to the F-22 Raptor, will incorporate advanced engines allowing it to supercruise, stealth features, internal weapons and other
India to issue RFI for new carrier fighter
India is planning to issue a Request For Information (RFI) this year for a new carrier borne fighter to equip a new aircraft carrier scheduled to enter service in 2018. The RFI will not specify the exact number of aircraft required, and it has been reported that Saab and Eurofighter will also be invited to
Pac Blue to fly Cairns-Auckland
Pacific Blue will commence twice weekly services between Cairns and Auckland from March 23, parent Virgin Blue announced on December 30. The new services will be the first international flights from Cairns for the Virgin Blue group, and will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. To mark the launch Virgin Blue is offering one-way sale fares
