Kazan Helicopters has certified the Ansat simulator according to international standards
LOT POLISH AIRLINES RESUMES FLIGHTS TO NORTH AMERICA AND ASIA
36 Holiday Destinations on LOT Route Network - Starting fron 99 PLN
Rostec made the first civilian Mi-8AMT Arctic helicopter
New Fares Encourage to International Travels by LOT
Ansat helicopters to transport patients with COVID-19 in isolation modules
Rostec hands the first Ansat helicopter over to EMERCOM of Russia
Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company continues full-scale fulfillment of the state defense order
Skylegs Delivers New Solutions for Immediate COVID-19 Requirements to Business and Special Air Operations
Ansat to be equipped with modules for transporting infants
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Mi-171A2 reaches record speed at the Baikal Mile festival
Mi-171A2 helicopter by Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) established a Russian record: it reached a maximum speed at a limited distance of 1.6 kilometers. During the “Baikal Mile” festival the civilian helicopter operated by the crew of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAZ) reached the speed of 268 kph at a minimum altitude of 20 meters. The U-UAZ crew set the record during three competition flights. Prior to that, a series of training flights were made to assess the behavior of the helicopter and how the measuring equipment works, and to adjust photography and video equipment for taking pictures and filming. "Mi-171A2 has the best features of the world-famous Mi-8 typerotorcraft. The rotorcraft was tested in extreme environmental conditions: these helicopters can be operated in temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. At the Baikal Mile festival the rotorcraft demonstrated its best features once again: speed, control, maneuverability, and stability. The record set at the short distance and at the limited altitude confirmed the great performance of the helicopter," said Executive Director of RostecState Corporation Oleg Yevtushenko. Mi-171A2 helicopter has the best features of the world-famous Mi-8/17 type rotorcraft. The helicopter is equipped with VK-2500PS-03 engines (the civilian version of the military helicopter Mi-28 engines) with a digital control system. The helicopter can be used for a wider range of purposes due to upgraded piloting and navigation equipment and avionics. Mi-171А2 may be effectively operated in high mountains, at low and high temperatures, high humidity, and overwater. The piloting and navigation equipment allows using the helicopter around the clock, in normal and difficult weather conditions. "Participation of the helicopter in the festival and flights over the ice of Lake Baikal are additional opportunities to show the potential of Mi-171A2. The flights to set the record started with hovering. A mobile GPS station installed on the helicopter recorded the result," said U-UAZ Managing Director Leonid Belykh. "I am convinced that our equipment is reliable, and that pilots are highly skilled. The certificate issued by the representatives of the Russian Book of Records confirms that." The helicopter was certified according to Category A, which provides for meeting the most stringent requirements to flight safety specified for civilian helicopters. Depending on what the operator needs, Mi-171A2 helicopter can perform search and rescue missions, medical transportation, cargo operations, fight fires or carry passengers day and night, at temperatures from -50°C to + 50°C, in high mountains, in a desert, in tropical and Arctic climate. The helicopter can make long non-stop flights. Mi-171A2 helicopter was certified in India and Colombia. It is planned to validate the Mi-171A2 type certificate in China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and other countries.
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Rostec delivers the first serial produced Mi-38 to a client
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) delivered the first serial produced Mi-38 helicopter with a highly comfortable cabin to its client, Gazprombank Leasing company. The helicopter, built by Kazan Helicopters, will be operated by Russian Helicopter Systems (RHS). The delivery ceremony for the first serial Mi-38 was held at the Kazan Helicopters facility. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Director General of the Russian Helicopters Andrei Boginsky, as well as Director General of Kazan Helicopters Yuri Pustovgarov. “The newest Mi-38 is a multi-purpose helicopter that will fill the empty niche between medium Mi-8 and heavy Mi-26 models. It can be used for transportation of cargo and passengers, search and rescue operations, and as a flying hospital or an offshore helicopter for delivering specialists to oil production platforms at sea. The first serial produced machine will be used for business class transportation. We have already demonstrated this helicopter with highly comfortable cabin to the leaders of Russia and foreign countries. The superior flight performance characteristics and competitive price will guarantee that Mi-38 will find its place in the helicopter fleet of Russia, our partners in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America and other regions,” said the Industrial Director of Rostec Aviation Cluster Anatoly Serdyukov. “The delivery of the first serial Mi-38 is an important step, confirming that Kazan Helicopters is ready to serial delivery of this type of machine for both commercial operators and governments. The demand forecast of potential buyers for Mi-38 by 2030 is more than 100 aircraft,” said the Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrei Boginsky. The Director General of Kazan Helicopters Yuri Pustovgarov handed a symbolic key to the new Mi-38 helicopter to the CEO of RHS Mikhail Kazachkov. The helicopter with a highly comfortable cabin is designed to carry up to 10 people. The first serial Mi-38 helicopter was introduced to the general public at MAKS-2019 Moscow Air Show, where it was demonstrated to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and the President of Turkey Tayyip Recep Erdoğan. Mi-38’s foreign debut took place during the Dubai Airshow 2019, where the head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov showed it to the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “We are glad to continue our cooperation with Russian Helicopters and implement another deal – financing the production of Mi-38 in the framework of the previously signed cooperation agreement. Renovation of aircraft fleets requires high capital investments, and leasing allows you to divide the cost of expensive asset acquisitions into long periods comparable with the life of the asset, making it undoubtedly an effective financial tool in solving such problems. Together with Gazprombank, we see good prospects for leasing aircraft and, in particular, helicopters. We have the capability and resources to finance the renewal of fleets of both commercial and federal subjects in the Russian Federation,” commented the CEO of Gazprombank Leasing Maxim Agadzhanov. During the ceremony, employees of Kazan Helicopters were awarded for their active participation in the production of Mi-38 and a significant contribution to the development of domestic helicopter construction. Employees of the enterprise were awarded the title of Honored Mechanical Engineers of the Republic of Tatarstan, and also received honorary diplomas of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Rostec State Corporation and Russian Helicopters Holding Company. The design of Mi-38 consists of a single-rotor scheme and a twin-engine power plant with high power and economic performance. The main structural elements of the fuselage are made of aluminum alloys, individual components and parts are made of steel, titanium and composite materials. The helicopter uses two Russian-made TV7-117V engines, equipped with dust protection devices with a high degree of air purification. An advanced six-blade rotor provides high thrust and low vibration levels. The blades are equipped with an anti-icing system, and the X-shaped tail rotor gives the helicopter excellent handling with low noise level. Mi-38 is equipped with a modern navigation system and satellite navigation system. The cockpit of the helicopter is equipped with five versatile LCD color screens to ensure the effective display of information. The flight range of the new helicopter is up to 1,200 kilometers (with additional fuel tanks). With its maximum takeoff weight of 15.6 tonnes, the helicopter can carry 5 tonnes of payload on board or on an external sling.
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Rostec ready to commence Ansat supplies to China
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) completed validation of the type certificate for Ansat light multipurpose helicopter in the People's Republic of China. The validation of the type certificate by Chinese aviation authorities allows the company to commence the supplies of Ansat helicopters to China under a previously concluded contract. At Airshow China 2018 Russian Helicopters signed a contract for supplying 20 Ansat helicopters to the Chinese Emergency and Disaster Relief Association. "The Chinese market is much larger that the Russian market, even taking into account the EAEU. Thus, China is an important potential market for us, and we may sell several hundred helicopters. However, first we should ensure after-sales service, and we are also doing that now. Development will give us more opportunities and chances in terms of equipment supply, because the helicopter price is very competitive," stated Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov. "Validation of Ansat certificate in China was a result of cooperation of specialists from Rostec, Russian Helicopters, the Kazan Helicopters, our selectors, and the aviation authorities of Russia and China. We are ready to commence the supplies this year. I am convinced that Ansat operation in China will promote the sales of the helicopter in other countries in the region, which also express interest in this modern and reliable rotorcraft," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky. In November–December 2018 Ansat took part in the Russian Helicopters demonstration tour in Southeast Asia. The helicopter flew over five thousand kilometers on its own, having made demonstration flights in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The light multipurpose Ansat helicopter was designed by the Kazan Helicopters design office. The rotorcraft has two engines, and can be used for passenger and VIP transport, cargo delivery, environmental monitoring, and as an air medical helicopter. High-altitude tests of Ansat have been successfully completed, which confirmed the possibility of its operation in mountainous terrain at altitudes up to 3,500 meters. The helicopter can be operated in a temperature range between -45 and +50 degrees Celsius.
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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Held an Urgent Press Conference and Read the Public Apology About "Crew-Only Lavatory"
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is heating the Korean Internet network, arguing that it has discriminated against South Koreans regarding the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This incident occurred on February 10 at a KL855 flight departing from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Incheon, South Korea. During the flight, a Korean passenger, Mr. Kim, found a paper called "Crew-Only Lavatory" written in Korean on the toilet door and photographed it. He then complained to a crew that the phrase was written only in Korean without English, but the vice president tried to delete the photo. At the time, KLM responded to the passenger's complaint that the decision was made to protect the crew from potential carriers of COVID-19 and belatedly wrote the phrase in English. Beginning with Mr. Kim's Instagram, on social media, the photos taken during the flight, as well as recordings of conversations between the passenger and crew, were revealed by other passengers. Since February 12, when the fact was revealed, KLM has attracted the attention of not only the aviation industry but also netizens on the internet. Of the total 277 passengers, 135 were Koreans. The points of Korean netizens' indignation are that many foreign passengers were also on board, and due to the uniqueness of the flight, which is closed for more than 10 hours, the "crew-only lavatory" has no scientific basis or effectiveness in virus prevention. The debate is spreading to the level of national sentiment and private exchanges, including personal experiences of racial discrimination. Accordingly, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines held an urgent press conference at the Four Seasons Seoul Hotel this morning and made a public apology. The following is the full text of the apology; [KLM statement] Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. KLM wishes to explain its position regarding crew-only lavatories in response to the incident onboard KL855 flight to Incheon from Amsterdam of 10 February. First of all, we would like to express our sincere apologies to all passengers who were offended by the operation and announcement of crew-only lavatories. It is not KLM policy to reserve lavatory for crew. The decision was taken by the crew, and the announcement was written in Korean only and the English version was only added after it was pointed out by a passenger. This is a human mistake and we apologise for it. We take the allegations that we have discriminated against a part of our passengers very seriously. We are deeply sorry that this was viewed as discrimination, which was absolutely not the intention of the crew. The issue was immediately reported to headquarters executives and is under investigation internally. To prevent this from happening again, Our Executive Vice President for inflight service, Myriam Kartman, will take all necessary measures. The members of that particular crew will talk with inflight senior management about the impact on the Korean passengers. In addition, we have reminded yesterday to all KLM crew that it was not allowed to reserve a lavatory for the sole usage of the crew. And we will remind this at the crew briefing prior to departure to/from ICN. We would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the passengers who have been inconvenienced onboard the KLM aircraft and to the people of the Republic of Korea who have been offended by the incident. Guillaume Glass General Manager for Korea, Japan and New Caledonia ▲ Guillaume Glass / General Manager for Korea, Japan and New Caledonia ▲ Francois Giudicelli / APC Business Development ▲ Chris Van Erp / Commercial Director for Korea, Japan and New Caledonia ▲ MJ LEE / Country sales manager ■ An issue became scandal… The case like a mirror of Korean society suffering from COVID-19 The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport gave a strict warning on the discriminatory move and officially requested for measures to prevent a recurrence. It also stated that it plans to closely monitor and decisively handle the situations of air transports to prevent similar cases such as Koreans being discriminated against in foreign aircraft. Meanwhile, South Korea is at the forefront of blocking the global spread of COVID-19 between China, the origin country of COVID-19, and Japan, the country with the highest number of confirmed cases except for China. The government and the people are united in their efforts to protect the disease and cure confirmed patients. A full investment is being made to ensure that, by the end of February, more than 10,000 people can be tested daily. According to the Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (KSPM) and the measure committee of the Korean Society of Epidemiology, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Korea as the 1st class for the infection safety rating. With internationally recognized world-class quarantine capacity, Korea's airports and ports are protecting the health of people passing through East Asia and Korea. According to Jung Eun-kyeong, head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 9 a.m. on the 14th, there are 28 confirmed cases, 6134 negative test results, and 692 on-going test cases. There is a total of 1785 contacts with confirmed patients (562 in quarantine), and no additional confirmed patients for four days. There was no suspected case on the KL855 flight. ▲ The official positions and follow-ups announced at this meeting are expected to protect the human rights of Korean citizens as well as Japanese and Chinese, the neighboring countries.
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Russian Helicopters presents new financial products at the Singapore Airshow 2020
Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) participates in the international Singapore Airshow 2020 held on February 11-16, 2020. The company and its partners present financial products for foreign customers of Russian-made helicopter equipment. A specialized multimedia presentation at the company's stand demonstrates opportunities for receiving financial support for helicopter technology purchases. The multimedia stand both allows show participants to learn about the latest projects of the holding company, and calculate estimate costs of various helicopter purchase contracts. In a series of meetings and seminars, the company's specialists, together with representatives of Russian leasing companies, present leasing service programs for the South-East Asian market developed specifically for the model range of Russian Helicopters. The air show also presents innovative solutions in the field of after-sales service of rotorcraft. Foreign customers can receive comprehensive information about the network of aircraft repair plants operated by the Helicopter Service Company (HSC) and its selection of provided services, such as service contracts, supply of aviation equipment, technical support, maintenance and repair of helicopters and their systems, electronic documentation, modernization, and the training of flight and technical personnel both on-site in the aviation training centers of the holding and remotely with the help of LMS distance training systems.
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Russian Helicopters signs an events roadmap for Ka-226T localization in India
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has signed a roadmap at the Defexpo 2020 exhibition with the Russian-Indian company Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited (IRHL) for localization of Ka-226T helicopter production in India. The document defines the main stages and terms for organizing production of the Ka-226T helicopter and its units in India with respect to the date when the corresponding contract will be signed. In particular, the roadmap reflects timelines for setting up production in India, contracting with suppliers, transferring design documentation, supplying technological equipment and machine kits, training Indian personnel and other key stages of the project to localize production of the Ka-226T helicopter in India. "The roadmap signed today will be the basis for further development of the Ka-226T localization project in India after the signing of the contract," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrei Boginsky. Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited is a joint venture of Russian Helicopters, Rosoboronexport and the Indian corporation HAL. The company was registered in India in May 2017 as part of a project to localize the production of Ka-226T helicopters. The light utility helicopter Ka-226T has a coaxial twin-rotor system, its maximum takeoff weight is 3.6 t, and it is able to transport up to 1 t of payload. A transport cabin is installed on the helicopter, designed to transport up to 6 people or modules with special equipment. Improved performance characteristics of the Ka-226T, its eco-friendly features, cost effectiveness, advanced avionics and additional flight safety solutions make this helicopter one of the best models in its class.
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Euramec starts upcycling delisted Airbus A320 airliners for Premier Cabin and Cockpit Training in exclusive agreement with AeroCircular
Euramec, the European flight simulation solution providers signed an exclusive agreement with AeroCircular, specialists of end-of-life aircraft recycling/up-cycling services, to upcycle Airbus A320 Cockpits and Fuselages for Premier Flight Training solutions. Bert Buyle, CEO EURAMEC: “AeroCircular has a stunning business model which we are totally aligned with. Instead of scrapping an aircraft and thrashing state of the art technology and high-value hardware, we upcycle cockpits and aircraft fuselage for top of the line Premier simulation training at an affordable budget.” The Next Level with EURAMEC Premier Cockpits Airbus, anticipating a 4.4% annual traffic growth, expects 37,400 new passenger and dedicated freighter aircraft across the next two decades. This will require a continuous investment program on the part of carriers and operators. Ensuring an appropriate supply of skilled, talented flight crews is crucial to underpin the world’s aviation sector. EURAMEC operates a win-win solution for airlines and flight schools with its Premier Flight Training catalogue of solutions for both cockpit crew / cabin crew as well as ground maintenance teams. Bert Buyle: “We re-use and upcycle entire A320 cockpits to provide new recruits as well as experienced pilots the genuine A320 series cockpit experience. The electronics and the wiring are rebuilt by us to interface with the training modules – ensuring an optimal flying experience at an acceptable cost per flying hour.” Cabin Crew and Ground Maintenance Training EURAMEC will also offer Airbus 320 Series fuselages for Basic, Type and Recurrent cabin crew training programs at Approved Training Organizations (ATO) by the EASA Part 147 approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency.
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Russian Helicopters to present its civilian line at Defexpo 2020
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will exhibit a line of its latest civilian helicopters at the Defexpo international exhibition to be held in the Indian city of Lucknow from February 5 to 9. The light multipurpose Ansat helicopter, as well as heavy Mi-171A2 and Mi-38, will be available to the show guests and participants for viewing at the Russian Helicopters stand. In addition, the holding company experts will present an after-sales service system for Russian-made helicopters to potential customers. "India is one of the largest operators of Russian-made rotorcraft, and Defexpo provides an excellent opportunity to discuss further steps in developing our cooperation. Besides the project aimed at localizing the Ka-226T helicopter production, such issues as the supply of new civilian helicopters and maintenance and repair of previously delivered rotorcraft are becoming increasingly important. Today, the fleet of Russian and Soviet-made helicopters in India exceeds 400 units," said Igor Chechikov, head of the Russian Helicopters delegation, Deputy Director General of the Russian Helicopters Holding Company for Aftersales Service. The light multipurpose Ansat helicopter is equipped with two engines and can be used for passenger transportation, cargo delivery, environmental monitoring and as an ambulance aircraft. Ansat has successfully passed high-altitude tests, which proved that it is suitable for use in mountainous terrain at up to 3,500 meters of altitude, as well as climatic tests, which confirmed its operability in a temperature range between -45° and +50° С. Mi-171A2 is the newest multipurpose heavy class helicopter which combines the unparalleled experience of operating Mi-8/17 type helicopters and cutting-edge technical solutions. The rotorcraft is equipped with new engines with a digital control system, a high-performance carrier system featuring composite blades and an improved aerodynamic layout. The heavy multipurpose Mi-38 helicopter can take on board up to 30 passengers, or up to 12 passengers in a VIP cabin configuration. The flight range of the new helicopter is up to 880 kilometers. Mi-38, whose maximum takeoff weight is 15.6 tonnes, can carry up to 5 tonnes of payload on board or on an external sling.
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LOT Has Launched a Direct Flight From Warsaw to Beijing Daxing
On Wednesday (15th January) the LOT Polish Airlines' Dreamliner took off from Warsaw Chopin Airport for its inaugural flight to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The aircraft of the Polish carrier will cover the distance of approx. 7 thousand km in less than 9 hours. This 9th connection in the Polish carrier's Asian offer will be operated four times a week. Flights to the new Chinese airport complement LOT's existing offer of flights to Beijing Capital Airport (PEK). From now on, it will be possible to reach the capital of China from Poland every day, according to the following schedules: WARSAW - BEIJING LO89 WAW-PKX 22:40-14:20+1 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays LO91 WAW-PEK 14:55-06:35+1 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays BEIJING - WARSAW LO90 PKX-WAW 16:00-18:45 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays LO92 PEK-WAW 08:45-11:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays “After a very successful 2019 for LOT, which saw us carry over 10 million passengers and increase the number of connections to over 120, we are entering the new year determined and committed. This impressive infrastructure investment, i.e. the Beijing Daxing International Airport, opens new development opportunities for us in one of the biggest and most dynamic economies in the world. It is an excellent proposal for business and tourist passengers travelling between Central and Eastern Europe and China,” says Rafał Milczarski, LOT Polish Airlines CEO & President of the Management Board. The timetable of flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) has been set up to ensure convenient transfers in Warsaw, starting from less than an hour, for passengers from a number of cities in Western and Central Europe, including: Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, London, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Prague, Vienna, Budapest. LOT launched direct flights from Warsaw to Beijing in 2012. This connection can be developed due to awarding the carrier with the so-called slots, i.e. times of take-offs and landings at the new Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). “The aviation market between Poland and China is developing very dynamically. In the last few years, there was also a significant increase in the number of passengers travelling between Poland and China - over 200,000 in 2019. This was possible thanks to, among others, LOT's direct flights. In 2019, the average passenger load factor onboard our aircraft on this route amounted to as many as 90 percent in the summer season and 86 percent until January 2020 in the winter season. I am convinced that our new connection will enjoy equally great interest,” adds Rafał Milczarski, LOT's CEO. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is one of the world's state-of-the-art airports. It is impressive not only due to its outstanding momentum, but also because of its unique shape that resembles a big, hexagonal “space starfish”. The airport was designed by renowned British architect Zaha Hadid, who in 2012 was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. Owing to its architecture, the terminal is, in the opinion of aviation experts, one of the most comfortable (large) airports for transit passengers. The investment was completed in a record breaking time of 5 years and cost over $11 billion. Beijing Daxing International Airport has four runways, and the terminal's annual capacity is 72 million passengers and 20 million tons of cargo. The flights to the both Beijing airports [PEK/PKX] will be operated onboard Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced wide-body aircraft in the world. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technology, they allow to maintain a higher pressure and higher air humidity on board than other passenger aircrafts in this class. All those factors help enhance passengers' comfort during such a long flight and reduce the so-called jet lag effect. Passengers travelling onboard LOT can choose from three travel classes: LOT Business Class with lie-flat seats and premium restaurant cuisine; LOT Premium Economy Class with larger, individual space and footrests, comfortable thigh support, cocktail tables and extensive menu; as well as LOT Economy Class with modern seats and individual on-board entertainment screens and USB ports. On flights to the capital of China, passengers are welcomed by a professional crew with Chinese-speaking personnel, Asian meals in the onboard menu, and Chinese subtitles and films in the in-flight entertainment (IFE). LOT Polish Airlines now offer as many as 20 long-haul flights. Today, the Polish carrier offers flights from Warsaw: to New York [JFK/EWR], Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco [SFO from 5.08.2020], Washington D.C. [IAD from 2.06.2020], Toronto, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing [PEK/PKX], Singapore, Delhi and to Colombo. Moreover, from Cracow to Chicago and New York [JFK as from 3.05.2020], from Rzeszow to New York [EWR], and from Budapest to New York [JFK] and Seoul.
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LOT Announces New Flights Between Warsaw and Washington D.C.
Starting 2nd June 2020, LOT Polish Airlines will launch a direct connection from the Polish capital to Washington D.C. It will be the 10th route of the Poland’s flag carrier connecting Poland and the United States. Flights to the capital of the United States will be operated three times a week by Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight, during which LOT’s Dreamliners will cover over 7 thousand km, will take a bit longer than 9 hours. It will therefore be the fastest way to travel from Poland and the entire CEE region to Washington D.C. Flights on this route will be operated as from 2nd June 2020 three times a week, according to the following timetable: LO39 WAW-IAD 16:50-20:30 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays LO40 IAD-WAW 22:25-13:25 (+1) on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays - A direct flight from Warsaw to Washington D.C. has long been on our "short list". In the course of extensive business analyses, we focused not only on the very fact of connecting the capitals of Poland and the U.S., but also on the tourist and business potential offered by this connection which has been growing with each year. Moreover, so far Central and Eastern Europe has lacked such a convenient connection to Washington D.C. New long-haul flights to the USA are the backbone of our strategy and announcing the new connection to Washington now certainly is not our last word - says Rafał Milczarski, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines. Washington is home both to the most important administrative units in the USA and to many of the world's largest companies. 70 companies with annual revenues of over 1 billion dollars have their headquarters or main branches located here: Amazon, Hilton, Discovery, MARS, as well as arms companies (General Dynamics). Moreover, Washington is also an attractive tourist destination. The most popular and frequently visited locations include: The White House, Capitol with an impressive library and Supreme Court as well as numerous magnificent museums along the National Mall, or Georgetown, which is perfect for a leisurely academic strolls. What is more, in Washington D.C. it is worth spending some time exploring the Smithsonian Institute. It is the world's biggest complex of educational and research centers and museums (19 different facilities) open all year round except Christmas. – Our decision to announce yet another connection to the U.S. this year was also influenced by the fact that on 11th November Poland joined the VWP. It is a great success of the President of Poland Mr Andrzej Duda as well as Polish diplomacy and a milestone in Polish-American relationship. I am delighted that our social campaign "Let’s visit USA without visas [#BezWizDoUSA]" that we initiated in 2018 has also contributed to this historic success. Now Poles can easily travel to the USA for tourist and business purposes without a visa. The new connection perfectly complements our offer of direct flights to North America, and of course significantly strengthens our flight network with regard to flights to the United States – adds Rafał Milczarski, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines Flights to Washington D.C. will be operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced wide-body airplanes in the world. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technology, they allow to maintain a higher pressure and higher air humidity on board than other passenger aircrafts in this class. All those factors help enhance passengers’ comfort during such a long flight and reduce the so-called jet lag effect. Passengers travelling onboard LOT can choose from three travel classes: LOT Business Class with lie-flat seats and premium restaurant cuisine; LOT Premium Economy Class with larger, individual space and footrests, comfortable thigh support, cocktail tables and extensive menu as well as LOT Economy Class with modern seats and individual on-board entertainment screens as well as USB ports.
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Joint state tests of Mi-26T2V helicopter started
Photo by Slava Stepanov gelio.livejournal.com / Provided from Russian Helicopters holding company for Press Release Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec State Corporation) and representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense started joint state tests of Mi-26T2V heavy-lift military transport helicopter which are to last until the end of 2020. As part of Russian Helicopters' program on upgrading the heavy Mi-26 helicopter for the Russian Aerospace Forces, in 2018 Rostvertol produced a prototype of the modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter. "Currently, Mi-26T2V prototype has successfully completed preliminary tests at the manufacturing facility, allowing us to start the joint state tests program which is to last through the entire year 2020. We have taken into account all preferences of the customer and implemented them in Mi-26T2V helicopter design. The performance of the machine will be considerably improved due to the modernization. I am convinced that Mi-26T2V helicopter will have a rightful place in the Russian armed forces," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky. The tests will take place on four proving grounds. The crew of the helicopter will include representatives of the Russian Aerospace Forces and will check the main performance characteristics of the helicopter and operation of new equipment. The modernized Mi-26T2V helicopter which can be used at any time of the day and has modern avionics is a heavy-lift military and transport helicopter which can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo. The rotorcraft has the modern NPK90-2V integrated avionics which ensures piloting during the day and at night, enabling the helicopter to fly the route in an automatic mode, come to a preset point, perform approach and final approach maneuvers, and return to the main or alternate aerodrome. The onboard defense system of Mi-26T2V ensures protection of the helicopter from being hit by air defense missile systems. Mi-26T2V will be able to make flights in the conditions of any region, including those with complex physical and geographical and adverse climatic conditions, at any time of the day, at equipped and unequipped routes, or even without routes, and on featureless terrain, in conditions of fire and information counteraction of the enemy. The number of crew members of the modernized helicopter (five persons) remained unchanged. Currently, Russian Helicopters holding company produces the entire range of military helicopters for the Russian military agency in accordance with contracts. These machines are necessary for performing the tasks of the Russian armed forces: Ka-52 Alligator, Mi-28NM Night Hunter and military Mi-35M attack helicopters, Mi-38T paratrooper carriers and transport helicopters, Mi-8/17 military transport helicopters, heavy-lift military transport Mi-26 rotorcraft, training and specialized machines.
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Rostec has completed the delivery of attack helicopters as part of the state defense contract for 2019
Rostec's holding company Russian Helicopters has delivered over 20 attack helicopters to the Russian Defense Ministry, fully completing the state defence contract for 2019. The machines successfully passed acceptance tests and were received by the Aerospace forces. "The enterprises of Rostec are fulfilling the needs of the Ministry of Defense in modern combat helicopters. This year, the forces have received Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and strike helicopters, transport and combat helicopters Mi-35M and combat helicopters Mi-28N and Mi-28UB. In addition, we completed the delivery of the first modern Mi-28NM Night Hunter combat helicopters and by 2027 we will produce 98 such machines for the Defense Ministry," said Aviation Cluster Industrial Director of the Rostec State Corporation Anatoly Serdyukov. The production of helicopters delivered under the state defense contract was carried out at the enterprises of the Russian Helicopters holding – Progress AAC and Rostvertol. The Rostov enterprise, in particular, produces Mi-28NM helicopters. The new Night Hunter looks significantly different from the basic version of the Mi-28N helicopter. The Mi-28NM has acquired a new fuselage shape, modernized engines and an auxiliary power unit, a new avionics system, advanced weapons capability, and can be operated in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles and ground command posts. "The timely execution of the state defense contract is one of our priorities. This year, we transferred over 20 new combat helicopters to the Russian military. The holding will continue to equip Russian national security agencies with modern helicopter equipment in accordance with both existing and planned contracts," said the Director General of Russian Helicopters Andrey Boginsky. Currently, Progress AAC is already carrying out experimental design and tests to upgrade Ka-52 helicopter on the contract of the Russian Ministry of Defense and under the supervision of specialists form the Kamov Design Bureau. This will considerably improve performance of the helicopter. The work is underway to increase the target detection and recognition range and expanding the range of weapons used.
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LOT Polish Airlines Joins ICCA
The national carrier joins the ICCA, the International Congress & Convention Association, which is a global community for the exchange of knowledge in the international meetings industry. ICCA, which has been operating in the MICE sector since 1963, unites over 1,100 members in almost 100 countries around the world, including key carriers and airline alliances. LOT will be one of the two airlines representing the Central European region. The ICCA is one of the world's leading industry organisations in the sector of international association meetings and events. Membership in the association contributes to the promotion of carriers among the leaders of the MICE industry, and thus among potential business partners – organizers of international events. “We are very happy to welcome LOT Polish Airlines to our global ICCA community. By joining ICCA, they will gain competitive advantage by using our resources and network to partner up with meeting suppliers and associations to win more association meetings business – a market which was worth over 11 billion USD in 2018”, said Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. For LOT, membership within the association has both a sales and marketing dimension, with a database of over 20,000 international meetings, opportunities for networking with their organizers, extensive reports on the MICE area and educational workshops offered by the ICCA, inter alia during major European meetings and events industry fairs. “According to the ICCA reports, Poland is among the 20 countries most frequently chosen to organize and host international meetings of associations. Our two hubs in Warsaw and Budapest were ranked among the top 30 host cities for congresses. Last year, Poland hosted 211 international meetings and a total of 176 such events were organized in both capitals. This is a genuine business potential for LOT, which enables delegates from over 110 destinations to reach the meeting destinations safely, quickly and comfortably”, said Anna Staszewska, LOT Polish Airlines Sales and Distribution Director. The meetings industry market in Poland is expanding rapidly, as evidenced by analyses and reports presented, inter alia, by the Poland Convention Bureau / Polish Tourism Organisation. They estimate the contribution of the meetings industry (conferences, congresses, fairs) to GDP at the level of 1%. “We are proud to welcome a new European Airlines as an ICCA member. Airlines play a major role in destination marketing and congress bidding. ICCA member airlines work very closely with the Convention Bureaux and Associations and we believe LOT Polish Airlines take a strong role in the regions development as a meeting destination. We are looking forward to collaborating further with LOT on European projects”, said Elif Balci Fisunoglu, ICCA’s Regional Director for Europe.
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LOT Ranks the Best Airline in Eastern Europe
LOT Polish Airlines has once again won the title of 'Best Airline in Eastern Europe' awarded by the American Global Traveler magazine. The prestigious award is a proof of the international recognition of the LOT brand and appreciation of the development of the airline in this part of Europe. Global Traveler is an American magazine for managers who travel frequently in the USA and around the world. These are the Global Traveler readers who, together with experts, choose best hotels, airlines and loyalty programs every year. During a gala event held in Los Angeles, prizes were awarded in 38 different air industry categories. For the third time in a row, LOT has proved to be the leader of air transport in the region. – The award, granted for the third time in a row by the American Global Traveler magazine, is a proof of the growing popularity of LOT not only in Europe but also in the United States. Over the past four years, we have more than doubled in growth, launching more than 70 new destinations and acquiring 40 aircraft. We are constantly improving our product and increasing the offer of available connections, including to the USA. Last year we had 8.9 million passengers travelling with us, and this year we will break the record of 10 million passengers carried onboard our aircraft. This is yet another token of LOT's ability to leverage the region's potential through the development of two hubs in Warsaw and Budapest and to become the leader in Central and Eastern European transport – says Rafał Milczarski, LOT Polish Airlines CEO. The LOT offer comprises as many as 110 scheduled flights all over the globe. Since the beginning of 2016, the Polish carrier has announced the launch of more than 70 direct flights, including from Warsaw to Miami, Los Angeles, Newark, Seoul, Tokyo and Singapore, from Cracow to Chicago and New York, and from Rzeszow to Newark. In 2020, LOT is going to launch a number of new connections, including, inter alia, from Warsaw. The already announced destinations include: Beijing-Daxing from 15th January and San Francisco from 5th August. Today, LOT operates flights from Budapest to New York, Seoul, London-City airport, Warsaw and Cracow. Next year, as part of the development of the hub in the capital of Hungary, passengers from Hungary will be able to choose from a total of 13 connections, including, inter alia, to: Brussels, Belgrade, Stuttgart, Bucharest, Prague, Sofia, Dubrovnik and Varna. Moreover, the number of flights to Seoul will also be increased from 3 to 4 per week, and flights to New York will be operated at a frequency of 7 flights per week, which is an excellent option for passengers travelling for tourism and business.
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Mi-171A2 helicopter certified in India and Colombia
Mi-171A2 helicopter was certified in India and Colombia. It allows Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) to start exporting the latest modification of the multirole civilian helicopter. The Civil Aviation Department of India confirmed that the standard design of Mi-171A2 complied with Indian civilian aviation requirements (CAR). The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation had previously approved a type certificate for VK-2500PS-03 helicopter turboshaft engine installed in Mi-171A2 helicopters for JSC “UEC-Klimov”. The validated Mi-171A2 type certificate was also issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics of Colombia (UAEAC). The decision of the Colombian authorities gives Russian Helicopters an opportunity to supply machines of this type to Colombia. "Mi-171A2 is the latest modification of Mi-8/17, the most common twin-engine helicopter in the world. Companies from Rostec's Aviation Cluster made a great effort to receive an opportunity to operate the machines in India and Colombia: the type certificates were confirmed for the helicopter itself and for UEC's VK-2500PS-03 engines that the helicopters were equipped with. Mi-171A2 has the A type certificate of the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia. It means that the highest flight safety requirements for civilian helicopters are met," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky. The first Mi-171A2 for an Indian customer has already been produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. It was demonstrated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Eastern Economic Forum. It is planned to validate the Mi-171A2 type certificate in China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and other countries. With the most advanced modification of the improved engine, the helicopters have absolutely new capabilities for operation in high-mountain and high-temperature areas. Due to its more efficient X-shaped tail rotor, the new main rotor with all-composite blades, and improved aerodynamic profile, the cruising and maximum speed of Mi-171A2 helicopter are 10 percent higher and the load capacity is 25 percent greater than those of serial Mi-8/17 helicopters. The digital onboard equipment set KBO-17-1 ("glass cabin"), including the navigation instrumentation and the system of general helicopter equipment with display data indication, allowed the company to reduce the crew to only two people. Video cameras provide a better view during external load operations. Modern terrain awareness and warning systems, airborne and obstacle collision avoidance systems improved safety. The helicopter can carry passengers and is available in the transport, passenger and VIP versions.
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LOT Announces New Routes from Budapest as of Summer 2020
Budapest, 27th November 2019 – In Summer 2020 LOT will add new holiday destinations to its growing flight network from Budapest. Starting from June, passengers will be able to fly directly from Hungary to Dubrovnik and Varna. But that’s not all. From May 6th, the number of frequencies between Budapest and Seoul will be increased to four per week. The additional frequency will ensure even more convenient flight schedule for passengers travelling between Hungary and South Korea both for leisure and in business. From now on, passengers travelling from Budapest can choose new attractive destinations for their summer holidays. From June 7th, LOT will start operating to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia - to Dubrovnik and to the popular Black Sea resort of Bulgaria – to Varna. Flights will be operated by comfortable Embraers once a week, according to the following schedule: BUD-DBV 07:00-08:15 Sundays DBV-BUD 08:55-10:10 Sundays BUD-VAR 12:30-15:05 Sundays VAR-BUD 15:45-16:20 Sundays Furthermore, after just two months of operations, LOT has decided to extend the number of frequencies on its first regular Asian route from Budapest. Starting from May 6th, LOT’s Dreamliners will operate to Seoul four times a week. Flights to the capital city of one of the Asian Tigers will be operated according to the following schedule: BUD-ICN 12:25-06:05 (+1), Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays ICN-BUD 07:40-13:25, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays - I’m very pleased to announce today new flights from Budapest to Dubrovnik and Varna coming this summer. We continuously expand our offer of flights from Hungary while building here LOT’s second hub. In a few months time, not only we will increase the number of frequencies on Budapest-New York route up to 7 flights per week – already in May, we will add another weekly frequency on our first route from Budapest to Asia. Launched in September this year, flights between Budapest and Seoul have been a huge success. Until today, the route have recorded an average load factor of 85%, which is the best evidence that passengers both from South Korea and Hungary recognize the convenience of the just started direct connections offered by LOT. I am sure that extended offer for oncoming summer will help our passengers to better plan their journeys - said Michał Fijoł, Chief Commercial Officer of LOT Polish Airlines. Tourism and business potential between Budapest and Seoul is huge - the annual passenger traffic on that route reaches over 77,000 passengers while the overall annual number of passengers between the CEE region and Seoul exceeds 590,000. The new services will provide Korean passengers with additional opportunities to transfer to selected LOT flights operating out of Budapest: Prague and Warsaw in Summer 2020 and many more in the near future. In the coming summer season, LOT also adjusts selected flights’ timelines. Due to Boeing 737 MAXs being still grounded and consequent lack of aircraft, LOT had to temporarily adjust frequencies on some of its short-haul flights between March 30th until May 26th 2020 (Stuttgart, Sofia, Bucharest will be lowered to 6 flights per week; Brussels – to 7 times per week). The flights to Prague and Belgrade will be launched on 27th May. Thus, in the summer season, passengers from Hungary will be able to fly in total to as many as 13 destinations. - We have been constantly implementing our strategy of dual hub growth: both in Warsaw and in Budapest. At the same time, we continue to adjust our services to meet changing passenger needs. This is the proof of how much we actually value the market and our clients. In the summer peak we will be able to offer the full schedule of frequencies on all flights according to the highest LOT quality standards guaranteed by modern Dreamliners and comfortable Embraers operating in convenient schedules. We just have introduced a brand new business lounge at Budapest Airport and I would like to encourage passengers to take advantage of it before their journeys – adds Michał Fijoł. In summer season, the number of flights operated by LOT from the capital of Hungary will total 13 – passengers will fly directly to Warsaw, Krakow, London City (LCY), Bucharest, Brussels, Stuttgart, Prague, Belgrade, Sofia, Dubrovnik and Varna as well as New York City (JFK) and Seoul Incheon (ICN). To operate its newly announced European flights, additional LOT’s Embraer 195s will be permanently based in Budapest. The carrier’s fleet base in Budapest will amount to four short-haul aircraft and two Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Currently, LOT’s cabin crew operating non-stop flights from Budapest totals 80 flight attendants and a dozen Hungarian pilots. LOT has also opened the first Star Alliance Gold business lounge operated by an airline at the Budapest Airport. The expansion of flights from Budapest is part of the airline’s profitable growth strategy, which LOT Polish Airlines has been implementing since early 2016. As a result, over the recent three years LOT has become one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe, doubled its fleet size and launched over 70 new routes worldwide. The additional B787-9 Dreamliner has joined the fleet early November, increasing the total number of LOT wide-body aircraft to 15. In 2018, LOT carried more than 8.9 million passengers aboard its flights, an increase of 2 million versus 2017. For 2019, it plans to welcome 10 million guests. LOT Polish Airlines is a fully integrated member of the Miles & More frequent flyer program and a member of Star Alliance since 2003.
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Rostec to supply ten VRT500 to Scandinavia
Rostec State Corporation will supply ten light VRT500helicopters to Scandinavian countries. At the Dubai International Airshow 2019, VR-Technologies, a daughter company of Russian Helicopters, and the Swedish companyRotorcraft Nordic AB signed a corresponding dealership agreement. The agreement with Rotorcraft Nordic AB reflects the company's intentions to acquire ten VRT500 helicopters in a basic configuration before the year 2023. The optional equipment, as well as interior detail and exterior paint scheme of VRT500 will be determined after the helicopter receives a type certificate and a certificate of airworthiness according to the standards of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). An application for certification is scheduled for this year. "Our Russian Helicopters Holding Company enters the international market in a new segment of lightweight single-engine civil helicopters. The VRT500 project is certainly competitive and of great interest to foreign customers, which is confirmed by the agreements reached on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow with the Emirati Tawazun holding company and Swedish partners from Rotorcraft Nordic AB. I am confident that our new machine will be appreciated in many regions of the world," commented General Director of Rostec Sergey Chemezov. The technical project of the VRT500 program was successfully completed in early 2019, and the development of working design documentation has begun. Tests of the first flight model will start in 2020. "Europe is one of the potential markets for VRT500. With its flight and technical performance, the helicopter will compete with rotorcraft of the same class operating in the region. Considering today's agreement, the order portfolio for VRT500 already includes 15 machines," said Director General of VR-TechnologiesAlexander Okhonko. It was reported earlier that in August 2019, at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2019, a dealership agreement on the promotion and sales of VRT500 was signed with the Malaysian company Ludev Aviation. The company intends to purchase five helicopters. VRT500 is a lightweight single-engine helicopter with coaxial arrangement of propellers and take-off power of 1,650 kg. The machine has the most spacious passenger-and-freight cabin in its class with a capacity of up to 5 passengers and is equipped with a modern system of interactive avionics. The design solutions of the helicopter will allow it to reach the speed of up to 250 km/h, fly to a range of up to 860 km and hold up to 730 kg of payload. The helicopter has been created in passenger, multi-purpose, cargo, training, VIP and medical evacuation configurations. VR-Technologies is an innovation design office of Russian Helicopters Holding Company established in 2014 to offer competitive research and technical solutions in the helicopter industry.
