Cebu Pacific Engine Deal to GE

GE Aviation, its subsidiaries and joint ventures, have announced more than $4.2 billion in orders so far during the International Paris Air Show in France, including agreements for its maintenance, repair and overhaul services.

The air show, held from June 15-21 at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport, is an opportunity for aerospace firms to show off their products and make deals.

GE Aviation’s announced orders include:

• A firm commitment by Brit Air, a subsidiary of Air France, for six Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft, powered by GE’s CF34-8 engines, worth about $300 million at list price.

• An order from Cebu Pacific, a discount Philippines airline, for CFM International’s CFM-56-5B engines to power 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft worth about $155 million, plus a 12-year OnPointSM agreement for maintenance and overhaul of the engines, valued at more than $100 million.

• A $240 million order from Air Austral, based on the Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, for Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power two Airbus A380 aircraft, worth about $240 million. The Engine Alliance is a joint venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney.


Evendale-based GE Aviation is a unit of General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE), headquartered in Fairfield, Conn.

Pilot Dies on Continental Flight

By ADAM GOLDMAN and VICTOR EPSTEIN, Associated Press Writers Adam Goldman And Victor Epstein, Associated Press Writers

"NEWARK, N.J. – The only inkling passengers had that something was wrong on the Continental Airlines flight over the Atlantic Ocean was when an announcement came over the loudspeaker asking if there was a doctor on board.

Otherwise, flight attendants continued to serve snacks. Passengers read magazines and watched movies. And the flight kept on its schedule.

But in the cockpit, the 60-year-old captain had died of a suspected heart attack and two co-pilots took over the controls. The 247 passengers aboard did not learn what had happened until the flight from Brussels landed safely Thursday and was met by fire trucks, emergency vehicles and dozens of reporters.

"I was shocked," said Dora Dekeyser of Houston. "Nobody knew anything."

"We weren't panicking. I never thought it was something as serious as this. We were relaxed," said Dekeyser's granddaughter, Stephanie Mallis, 18, of Lansdale, Pa.

After the crew of the Boeing 777 asked if there were any doctors aboard, several passengers approached the cockpit, including a doctor who said the pilot appeared to have suffered a heart attack.

Dr. Julien Struyven, 72, a cardiologist and radiologist from Brussels, examined the pilot in the cockpit and tried to revive him using a defibrillator. But it was too late.

"He was not alive," Struyven said. There was "no chance at all" of saving him.

The dead pilot was based in Newark and had worked for Continental for 32 years, the airline said. His name was not immediately released."

This is tragic for the pilot and his family. It makes a good headline, but is it really an emergency? With two other pilots aboard, it seems that there was no imminent danger to the plane or passengers. but what is questionable are the medical procedures and tests in the bi yearly physical exams for pilots, especially for a 60 year old Captain. Should there be stricter requirements? An age limit?

Hawk Attacks Model Aircraft

Here is something you don't see everyday, a raptor chasing a model plane. I would guess there was a nesting pair nearby as you can see another hawk in one frame. I really don't think it was intended, but not a good thing to play tag with a bird.

Idonesian Dog On Runway Mishap

Here is an interesting mishap this week in Indonesia, The dog crossing the runway may not have contributed to the mishap. My theory is that he hydroplaned upon hitting the water on the runway, losing the ability to steer the aircraft. Maybe he tried to avert the dog and the decreased loading on the left gear increased the likelihood of hydroplaning. What do you think?

Idonesian og on runway mishap