26 NOV 2008 _______________________________________ *Bangkok Airport shut after protesters storm terminal *Eclipse Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy *Turkish minister says pilots responsible for deadly Atlasjet crash *World Focus MD-83 in poor condition before Atlasjet CFIT *FAA self-reporting program aims to gauge controller errors *Qantas Warns Earnings Will Retreat *FBI looks into 9 reports of lasers pointed at Twin Cities aircraft *Pilot injured in American MD-82 laser incident *North American Airlines Grows its Charter Fleet *AA VP Danny Martinez to Retire; Ken Durst Appointed as Replacement **************************************** Bangkok Airport shut after protesters storm terminal Flight operations have been severely disrupted at Thailand's main gateway airport serving the capital Bangkok after anti-government protesters stormed the passenger terminal last night. Thousands of protesters are still occupying Suvarnabhumi Airport this morning in an apparent attempt to stop prime minister Somchai Wongsawat from returning to Thailand. The embattled prime minister is due to return to Thailand today from Lima, Peru, where he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit. Government officials say he will fly into another airport, however, to avoid Suvarnabhumi. State-run Airports of Thailand says in a statement that Suvarnabhumi Airport was closed to departing flights at 21:00. It says that although inbound flights were still able to arrive after that time, "airport operations have been greatly disrupted". It is unclear if inbound flights will be able to land this morning but airlines have already cancelled or delayed Bangkok-bound flights for today. Anti-government protests have been taking place in Bangkok for months. Acting director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Serirat Prasutanont, said this morning that the protesters have refused to negotiate with him. Source: Air Transport Intelligence news *************** Eclipse Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy ETIRC Affiliate Makes Offer For Company It's happened. Eclipse Aviation announced Tuesday it is seeking court approval for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing and procedures for the sale of most of its assets under Section 363 of the US Bankruptcy Code. Eclipse filed for Chapter 11 protection in US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware Tuesday morning, simultaneously announcing an agreement for the sale of its assets for a combination of cash, equity and debt to an affiliate of ETIRC Aviation S.a.r.l., Luxembourg, subject to higher and better offers. As ANN reported, ETIRC Aviation became Eclipse's largest shareholder earlier this year. ETIRC Aviation Chairman Roel Pieper has been the acting CEO of Eclipse since July 2008 and has served as Eclipse's Chairman since January 2008. The proposed sale is subject to competitive bidding through a public auction, which is expected to be completed and a sale finalized in January 2009. "In the face of unprecedented economic challenges, it is clear that the sale of the Eclipse business through the Chapter 11 process is the right course of action to maximize the value of the business, secure its future and protect the best interests of Eclipse's stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees and creditors," said Roel Pieper, CEO of Eclipse Aviation. "The successful sale will position the business for aggressive global expansion, allowing the company to fulfill its promise and solidify its position as the world's leading manufacturer of VLJs." As Eclipse struggles through the bankruptcy process, a group of existing shareholders and note holders in the company will provide Eclipse with post-petition, debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. Eclipse maintains this financing will provide the company with sufficient resources to continue normal business operations through the closing of the sale. Eclipse also filed a motion with the Court to approve the financing with a request for an expedited hearing to avoid business interruption. If approved, the financing -- along with other relief requested from the Court -- will position Eclipse to pay wages and salaries, honor employee benefits, service customer aircraft and continue manufacturing operations throughout the sale period. New York-based investment bank Greenhill & Co., Inc., has been retained as financial advisor. Eclipse also announced Tuesday what it termed the "voluntary" departure of Peg Billson from her position as president and general manager of the company's Manufacturing Division to pursue other career opportunities. Billson first came onboard Eclipse in July 2005 as Chief Operating Officer, before being named to the new position following Eclipse founder Vern Raburn's ouster from the company three years later. "Ms. Billson's position will be replaced with interim manufacturing oversight provided by Eclipse's senior supply chain, engineering, production and flight operations leaders," said an Eclipse release. FMI: www.eclipseaviation.com aero-news.net ************** Turkish minister says pilots responsible for deadly Atlasjet crash The pilots of a Turkish airliner that crashed killing all 57 people on board last year have been found responsible for the accident, Turkey's Transport Minister Binali Yildirim said Tuesday. An official probe into the crash found the pilots "did not follow the rules during landing, which led to a collision accident," the minister told a group of journalists, cited by the Anatolian Agency. The MD-83, operated by the budget Atlasjet carrier, was flying from Istanbul to the southwestern city of Isparta when it crashed on Nov. 30 last year in the mountains about 12 kilometers (seven miles) from Isparta airport. All 50 passengers -- including a six-week-old girl -- and seven crew were killed. At the time of the accident, officials suggested that the aircrafts tail may have struck a hilltop after it veered off course. Atlasjet, a private airline established in 2001, operates regular flights inside Turkey and chartered flights to Europe and other foreign destinations. http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/domestic/10441494.asp?gid=244 *************** World Focus MD-83 in poor condition before Atlasjet CFIT Turkish investigators have confirmed that a navigation error led to the controlled flight into terrain of an Atlasjet Boeing MD-83 near Isparta a year ago. The Turkish transportation minister Binali Yildirim has given initial remarks about the 361-page report into the accident, ahead of its full publication. While full details have yet to be disclosed, Yildirim says the crew followed an incorrect heading, off by 30°, while conducting the night approach to Isparta Airport on 30 November 2007. The aircraft, which had been sourced from World Focus Airlines for flight KK4203 from Istanbul, struck a peak known as Turbetepe about 10nm from Isparta's runway, killing all 57 on board. Yildirim says the World Focus first officer had just 14.2 hours on MD-83, whereas Turkish regulations require 100 hours. He adds that the aircraft also suffered technical problems - but that these were not recorded in maintenance logs - and that, crucially, the flight recorders failed to register information about the fatal flight. Examination of the enhanced ground-proximity warning system also showed that the device was not functioning fully. World Focus subsequently changed its brand-name to Ankair but suspended operations earlier this year. Source: Air Transport Intelligence news *************** FAA self-reporting program aims to gauge controller errors D/FW AIRPORT — The Federal Aviation Administration is testing a program that allows local air traffic controllers to anonymously self-report their operating errors — and give the agency a more accurate idea of their true performance. The FAA has never had a good grasp on controllers’ performance, Hank Krakowski, the FAA’s chief operating officer, conceded Tuesday. By focusing on the number of errors, the agency often overlooked minor missteps that may have been precursors to bigger safety problems. "All we were looking at were outcomes rather than indicators," Krakowski said. "We were measuring, essentially, the wrong thing." Enter the Air Traffic Safety Action Program, or ATSAP, which allows air traffic controllers to self-report errors without fear of reprisal. How bad is the underreporting issue? The program’s Web site ( www.atsapsafety.com) states that "we need to identify and study the thousands of unreported events that may reveal the one critical safety event that could result in disaster." A year ago, Krakowski was asked by former FAA head Marion Blakey to start ATSAP. Krakowski, who spent many years with United Airlines, including five as its safety chief, was familiar with anonymous, self-reporting programs used by many airlines’ pilots and mechanics. More reports expected In the Chicago area, the program generated 400 reports in three months — more than double the usual amount. A possible design issue with an area control tower has already been identified. Increases in the number of reports should be interpreted as showing a more accurate picture of real safety performance, rather than showing a decline in performance, Krakowski said. This week, ATSAP went active at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport tower, D/FW Terminal Radar Approach Control, Fort Worth Alliance, Fort Worth Meacham, Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center, Addison tower and Dallas Love Field tower. In January, ATSAP will be implemented in the Houston area, followed by Indianapolis, officials said. The local program has already identified a possi- ble issue with air traffic control at Fort Worth Meacham, prompting an investigation, said Darrell Meachum, Southwest region vice president for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. "We’re optimistic that the program will be as successful in the air traffic profession as it was in the airline industry for both mechanics and pilots," Meachum said. In addition, a three-person Event Review Committee has been created to keep track of trends. Not a response ATSAP is not a response to the recent national black eye given to the local FAA, when federal watchdogs said FAA managers ignored numerous safety violations at D/FW Airport over seven years dating to the late 1990s. A second report this year found that managers misclassified errors from 2005 through 2007. Anne Whiteman, the D/FW controller and whistle-blower who prompted the federal investigation, recently filed a discrimination claim against the FAA. Krakowski, who is still new to the agency, said that with litigation pending, he would not comment on those issues. He did say that if ATSAP had been around, it would have been unlikely that Whiteman’s complaints would have had legitimacy. http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1059807.html **************** Qantas Warns Earnings Will Retreat SYDNEY -- Qantas Airways Ltd. said Tuesday it expects its annual earnings to fall by nearly two-thirds and plans further cuts in passenger capacity in response to weakening demand. Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon said because of slower demand, particularly across its mainline international operations, the airline expects profit before tax of approximately 500 million Australian dollars (US$325 million) for the year to June 30, down from A$1.41 billion last year. Reporting its full-year results in August, Qantas said it expected to report a 2009 pretax profit of between A$428 million and A$1.02 billion. The carrier said it will reduce capacity by the equivalent of grounding 10 aircraft by changing the flying patterns across its existing fleet of more than 220 aircraft over the next 18 months. Qantas won't take up leases planned for two Airbus A330 aircraft, and will halt planned domestic growth for its mainline and discount Jetstar airlines. The changes will reduce Qantas capacity in the second half of this year by 4% from a year earlier, with capacity growth in fiscal 2010 cut to 2% from 10%. Mr. Dixon said the airline doesn't plan further job cuts in addition to the 1,500 announced in July, but will pursue "further efficiencies by implementing an accelerated leave program," adjusting rosters and attrition across its work force of 36,000. Qantas shares fell 3% to A$2.24 on Tuesday. Traders said the narrowing of profit expectations had likely been factored in by the market, with Qantas shares down about 35% since its full-year report as monthly passenger traffic slowed. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122763967315857193.html?mod=googlenews_wsj *************** FBI looks into 9 reports of lasers pointed at Twin Cities aircraft THE LATEST: The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating nine reported cases of lasers being pointed at aircraft over the Twin Cities area. RECENT INCIDENTS: According to a report on KSTP-TV, Channel 5, officials say most of the incidents have been within the past several weeks. Last year, only two laser incidents were recorded in the area. SAFETY RISKS: Capt. Bob Hesselbein, security chair of the Air Line Pilots Association, says that when a laser hits a window of a cockpit, it can be disorienting to pilots and leave them unable to see. LONG RANGE: The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that light from a common laser pointer can travel 2 miles. MOTIVES: Investigators are trying to determine whether the suspects are using the lasers for what they consider fun or whether the acts are malicious. Shining a laser at aircraft is a crime. http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/35107964.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_ nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU ************** Pilot injured in American MD-82 laser incident US authorities are investigating an apparent laser incident on an American Airlines Boeing MD-82 preparing to land in Austin, Texas, Sunday evening. According to the preliminary incident report issued by FAA yesterday, American flight 479 with 111 passengers and five crew was descending into Austin after a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth at approximately 1830 central time when pilots reported "an intense green laser light flash into the cockpit" about 10mi from the airport. FAA says one crew member was transported to the hospital with an eye injury. American Airlines confirmed that the first officer was treated at a local hospital and released. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is handling the investigation, did not have further details as of this morning. Source: Air Transport Intelligence news *************** North American Airlines Grows its Charter Fleet -- Just in Time for Bowl Season JAMAICA, N.Y., Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- North American Airlines, a subsidiary of Global Aero Logistics Inc., is growing its fleet of charter jets just in time for this season's college football bowl games. North American has entered into an agreement with aircraft lessor AerCap Group to take delivery of its sixth Boeing 767-300ER in December 2008. "This additional B-767 will be used to grow our commercial and military charter business," said Jeff Sanborn, Global's Chief Marketing Officer. "We know there is an annual scramble for air travel by the 68 bowl teams, bands and their fans. Not only are we making sure we have enough aircraft available to fly them to their end zones, but we've enhanced our website to make requesting a charter quote easy to tackle." College teams, athletic departments, alumni associations and travel agent packagers can request a quote for aircraft pricing and availability at www.flynaa.com/charter-bowl-game.aspx. In addition to North American's fleet of B-757 and B-767 aircraft, Global is offering DC-10 and MD-11 aircraft for bowl charters from its other airline subsidiary, World Airways. "From 197 seats to 355; from sports drinks and peanuts to beer and brats; from Honolulu to Miami; North American Airlines and World Airways can provide the right planes and the right service for a winning combination," said Sanborn. North American Airlines and World Airways operated charter flights to 11 bowl and conference championship games in the 2007-2008 college football season. Global Aero Logistics, based in Peachtree City, Ga., is the parent company of North American Airlines and World Airways. North American Airlines, founded in 1989, operates passenger charter flights using B-757 and B-767 aircraft. World Airways, founded in 1948, operates cargo and passenger charter flights using DC-10, MD-11 and B-747-400 aircraft. SOURCE North American Airlines *************** American Airlines Line Maintenance Vice President Danny Martinez to Retire; Ken Durst Appointed as Replacement FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Danny Martinez, Vice President - Line Maintenance, has elected to retire from American Airlines in December. He will be succeeded by Ken Durst, currently Managing Director - Line Maintenance for American's Southwest Division. In his 20 years at American, Martinez served in the Technical Services, Maintenance Operations Center, Line Operations Support, and Line Maintenance departments. Prior to joining American, he was a maintenance technician and technical supervisor at Eastern Airlines for 10 years. "Danny Martinez has been a rock-solid leader in our Maintenance and Engineering organization for the past 20 years," said Bob Reding, American's Executive Vice President - Operations. "He is well respected by all who have had the opportunity to work with him, and we wish him all the best in his retirement and future endeavors." Durst is a 22-year veteran of the Maintenance and Engineering organizations at American Airlines and American Eagle. Before his current Line Maintenance assignment at DFW Airport -- American's largest hub -- Durst was the general manager for American's largest Maintenance and Engineering overhaul base in Tulsa, Okla. Prior to that, he was responsible for the aircraft overhaul operations, hangar operations, and Boeing 727/737 product management activities in Tulsa. Durst also served as Vice President - Maintenance at American Eagle from 1992 to 1995. In his new position, Durst will be based in Tulsa and be primarily responsible for setting strategy, establishing policies and managing all aircraft maintenance performed at airports worldwide by American Airlines mechanics. The organization includes more than 4,600 employees. Durst will report to Carmine Romano, Senior Vice President - Maintenance and Engineering. "Ken Durst has the experience and the necessary level of expertise to step in and lead our Line Maintenance activities," Romano said. "Our customers and our company will benefit greatly from Ken's leadership." About American Airlines American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. American Airlines, American Eagle, the AmericanConnection(R) airlines, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (AMR:AMR Corporation SOURCE American Airlines **************