Archive for the ‘Aviation’ Category
Aerion Supersonic Business Jet
Nevada’s Aerion Corporation is advertising its Aerion Supersonic Business Jet (SBJ), described as an $80 million, super fast executive plane which the company says is able to reach a speed of Mach 1.5 (1,840 km/h). This Aerion SBJ will make it possible to fly from Paris to New York in four hours and 14 minutes, shaving three hours off the trip compared to conventional jets. And even in the United States, where supersonic flight is banned because of Federal Aviation Administration sonic boom restrictions, the jet will be able to fly at a high subsonic speed of Mach 0.98 because of its unique, patented wing design, reducing coast-to-coast travel by 41 minutes vs. conventional aircraft. The plane in its current version can carry up to 12 passengers, but there is also a 50-seat version in the pipeline (half the capacity of the Concorde!). The company said it had already received $4 billion in orders for the jet, which is still being tested. The SBJ is expected to be launched in 2014.
Cessna announce new upgrade package for Citation Mustang
The Cessna Aircraft Company introduced at the opening day of AirVenture 2010 a new upgrade package for its Citation Mustang. The $75,000 package includes a more luxurious interior, a special paint scheme, a two-year maintenance programme, synthetic vision, electronic charts and locking fuel caps. It is the first upgrade package Cessna has offered since the Mustang entered service in 2007. Cessna has since delivered over 300 Mustangs.Coming in at just over $3 million, the Citation Mustang is the world’s first fully certified entry-level business jet. It can cruise at speeds of 390 mph, and is extremely easy to fly and can be single-pilot operated.
Honda unveil it’s first private jet
Honda has been showing off its first ever aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, saying that the jet should fly by the end of the year. The HondaJet is the first venture into aviation for Honda, more commonly known for its cars and motorcycles, with the brand saying that it incorporates many technological advances in aviation design. Among them are engines that are mounted above the wing instead of below, which Honda says significantly reduces drag (improving fuel efficiency), cuts noise pollution on the ground and creates additional space in the aircraft cabin. Like the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, it also features a composite fuselage, which is both lighter and stronger than the traditional alloys used for the main section of the aircraft. Honda says that the factory for the new jet will be completed in early 2011 so that the aircraft can be delivered to its first customers in the third quarter of 2012 with a price tag of $4.5 million (€3.46 million).
Singapore Airlines offers private jet transfer service
Singapore Airlines is to offer private jet transfer in Europe to passengers flying from Australia, the airline confirmed last week. A partnership with Lufthansa’s Private Jet services will mean that passengers flying to one of Singapore Airline’s 14 European destinations will be able to continue their journey on a private jet to one of over 1,000 airports in Europe. The model is almost exactly the same as PrivateConnect, the British Airways tie-up with CitationAir announced earlier this year which provides private jet connections in North America for passengers arriving on BA flights. The European service, which is provided by Star Alliance partners Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, uses a fixed price and is based solely on distance (from €6,900), regardless of the number of travellers. A dedicated “Private Jet Manager” is on hand to arrange catering, baggage transfer, limousine services and customs clearance for passengers using the top-end service. The service is likely to be popular with Singapore Airlines’ first class passengers, who enjoy suites aboard the A380 services to London, Paris and Zurich — albeit at a price tag which starts at around €12,000 return.
Marc Newson: next generation check in for qantas
Qantas has launched their new next generation check-in experience designed by marc newson at perth, australia's airport. Qantas executive manager customer experience, Ms Alison Webster, said the next generation check-in elements had been developed with Qantas creative director Marc Newson, who provided direction on each of the components, including design and aesthetics. The 'next generation' check-in should provide greater speed and ease through the airport terminal by eliminating airport queuing, based on a new qantas frequent flyer card,a Q card reader and bag drop facility. The new qantas frequent flyer card features an 'intelligent Q' smart chip and will act as a permanent boarding pass, replacing eligible customers’ existing frequent flyer cards. The card will be used at various points throughout the experience, including at check-in, at bag drop, and to board the aircraft. Customers arriving at the airport who have not yet checked in online or via their mobile device, will be able to simply touch their card at an all-new Q card reader located throughout the check-in hall. the Q card reader will provide both visual and audible recognition of successful check-in. all customers traveling with bags will be able to use the new bag drop service at next generation check-in airports. ...
Santiago Calatrava: denver international airport
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava has just unveiled his preliminary designs for denver international airport's (DIA) south terminal redevelopment program. the concept for the redevelopment, will not only enhance the airport's connectivity and functionality, but is also expected to create more than 6,600 jobs. The project, one of the largest in the country, includes the construction of a signature rail bridge, a terminal train station, a 500-room hotel and conference center and a multi-function civic plaza complete with retail and concessions. the rail station, plaza and hotel will form a highly integrated and dynamic complex, located directly south of the jeppeson terminal. 'My goal in designing a train station adjacent to such an iconic structure as the jeppeson terminal has been to complement it with a design of independent identity and equal quality,' said calatrava. 'It is my sincere hope that the vision expressed in this proposal not only respects and complements the existing architecture, but enables denver international airport to continue to serve as a landmark for centuries to come.' Denver international airport is currently one of the few major airports in the world without a passenger rail link to the downtown city core. To provide local, regional, national and international customers with a modern transportation hub ...
Virgin Atlantic in brand identity refresh
Virgin Atlantic has released a new brand identity across its 38 aircraft fleet, working with London-based design consultancy Johnson Banks on the new positioning. Johnson Banks partnered with the Virgin Atlantic in-house brand design team, led by Joe Ferry and Nina Jenkins. The Virgin Atlantic name, previously on the front of the fuselage, is now emblazoned across the whole of the aircraft in a custom-drawn font. The world-famous livery across the Virgin Atlantic fleet has not been redesigned since 2005, and is part of a brand refresh led by the airline’s chief executive Steve Ridgway. He said: "Despite the most challenging economic conditions that we have encountered for some time, this is just one of many design projects that Virgin Atlantic has invested in." Ridgway added that the new livery would make the airline, "stand out" from the crowd, "in the sky and on the ground", at airports all over the world. In addition, the undercarriage of the aircraft now features the new Virgin Atlantic logo in dark purple. The iconic flag-carrying lady, who appears on all Virgin Atlantic aircraft, has also been given a cosmetic makeover and enhanced detailing, with a larger Union ...
Airbus unveils images of plane of the future
Airbus has given a glimpse of the future of flight with its Concept Plane, which was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire. The images released today illustrate what air transport could look like in 2050 – even 2030 if advancements in existing technologies continue apace. The aircraft is more fuel-efficient and features advanced interior systems, long, slim wings, semi-embedded engines, a lightweight body and a U-shaped tail. In ‘The Future by Airbus’ the company talks of morphing seats made from ecological, self-cleaning materials, which change shape for a snug fit. Other ideas included walls that become see-through at the touch of a button, affording 360 degree views of the world below;… and holographic projections of virtual decors, allowing travelers to transform their private cabin into an office, bedroom or Zen garden! Green energy sources like fuel cells, solar panels, or even body heat might provide energy for powering some systems on tomorrow’s aircraft. Some of these aircraft may even fly in formation like birds to reduce drag, fuel burn, and therefore emissions, Airbus officials say.
PAN AM Posters
I stumbled across these beautiful posters designed in 1971 by Chermayeff & Geismar for Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am. The minimal approach and fabulous use of photography offers a magical insight into the destinations. Pan Am, was the principal US international air carrier from the late 1920s until its collapse on December 4, 1991.[1] Founded in 1927 as a scheduled air mail and passenger service operating between Florida (Key West, and later Miami) and Havana, Cuba, the airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft, jumbo jets, and computerized reservation systems. Identified by its blue globe logo and the use of the word "Clipper" in aircraft names and call signs, the airline was a cultural icon of the 20th century and the unofficial flag carrier of the United States.
BA Launches New Private Jet Service
The UK flag-carrier is launching an exclusive private jet service for British Airways passengers flying within North America and the Caribbean. The airline is establishing the service, designated PrivateConnect, in partnership with Cessna division Citation Air. Unlike some other private jet services, BA will not force customers into signing a long-term contract and will not ask for fees upfront. The service, costing $6,000 to $10,000 per plane per hour, is available to members of the BA executive club programme, employees of the airline’s corporate clients or anyone who has flown with the carrier in the past 12 months. Lufthansa Private Jet offers a similar service, giving customers the option of connecting between the carrier’s hubs and destinations of their choice in Europe.