April 26, 2018 - No. 033 In This Issue Gulfstream To Expand In Savannah. Snead State launches new Aviation College Greenville Tech partners with S.C. Army National Guard to open $22M joint training facility at SCTAC Ural Airlines to expand in-house maintenance capabilities Wisconsin airline looks to bring jobs to Dayton airport. Government Support Helps RRC Reach New Heights in Aviation and Aeronautics Training Chorus Aviation honoured with Bombardier's top Reliability Awards Merx Aviation makes its servicing debut in $506.5M lease ABS Tamarack Bolsters Winglet Installation Network Turkish Airlines Selects GEnx Engines to Power Boeing 787 Dreamliners SpaceX Targets May 4 Launch for Falcon 9 'Block 5' Rocket Configuration Gulfstream To Expand In Savannah SAVANNAH, Ga., April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced plans to build a new service center at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in response to its growing customer fleet's needs for maintenance and service. The service center is expected to open in the second quarter of 2019 and create about 200 jobs. Gulfstream will invest approximately US$55 million to build the 202,000-square-foot/18,766- square-meter maintenance, repair and overhaul facility on the east side of the airport. The building will include hangar space, offices and back shops, and will complement the main Gulfstream Savannah Service Center, the world's largest purpose-built business jet maintenance facility. "This expansion of our customer service and support organization is the result of the strong and steady fleet growth we've had for several years and the arrival of the Gulfstream G500 and G600 in the coming months," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. "As we've announced recently, we're also growing to meet customer needs in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Van Nuys, California. These new facilities will keep us well-positioned for support, maintenance and refurbishment of the Gulfstream fleet, which is now at nearly 2,700 aircraft and continues to grow." Attending the expansion announcement event were state and local dignitaries, including Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter. The event was held at Savannah Technical College's Aviation Training Center, whose students will play a key role in Gulfstream's growth. Said Burns: "Our Savannah expansion is also the direct result of our strong partnership with Savannah Technical College. The school's aviation programs, which have provided us with more than 500 knowledgeable and skilled employees over nearly 20 years and continue to grow, will help us meet the workforce needs this expansion creates. We are proud to continue our work together to provide outstanding training and careers in a dynamic industry that's essential to the economy in Savannah and throughout our great state." When the new service center, named Savannah Service Center East, is completed, Gulfstream will have more than 1 million sq ft/92,903 sq m of dedicated customer-support hangar space, offices and back shops in Savannah. Like the existing Savannah service center, the new Savannah location will offer a wide range of services, including aircraft-on-ground resources, hourly and calendar- driven airframe inspections, avionics installations and interior refurbishments. "We appreciate the assistance and cooperation we have received from Savannah Technical College, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the Savannah Airport Commission and the city of Savannah in supporting our site expansion," Burns said. In addition to Savannah, Gulfstream operates service centers in Brunswick, Georgia; Long Beach, California; Cahokia, Illinois; Appleton; Dallas; Beijing; Sorocaba, Brazil; and Luton, England. Savannah Technical College's aviation technology division offers associate degree, diploma and certificate programs in aircraft structural technology and aviation maintenance, including airframe and powerplant. The aviation maintenance technology program is certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The college's nearly 30,000-sq-ft/2,787-sq-m Aviation Training Center at its Crossroads campus near Gulfstream includes labs, classrooms and a 5,000-sq-ft/465-sq m- hangar. Students also benefit from hands-on training with resources donated by Gulfstream, including a Gulfstream G100 business jet that the college has used since June 2014. "Gulfstream is the reason Savannah Technical College is able to provide quality aerospace-related programs for our students and a highly skilled workforce for our region," said Dr. Kathy Love, president, Savannah Tech. "Thank you, Gulfstream, for your confidence in Savannah Tech and in our graduates. We congratulate you on your past and future successes in the great state of Georgia." Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 2,800 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the Gulfstream G280TM, the Gulfstream G550TM, the Gulfstream G500TM, the Gulfstream G600TM, the Gulfstream G650TM and the Gulfstream G650ERTM. We invite you to visit our website for more information and photos at www.gulfstreamnews.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gulfstream-to-expand-in-savannah-300635388.html Back to Top Snead State launches new Aviation College Local officials and community members gathered at the Albertville Regional Airport on Tuesday to celebrate the launch of Snead State Community College's new, much-anticipated Aviation College. Snead State Community College President Robert Exley said the school has worked for years to finally be able to welcome an elite program that offers students the opportunity to study Airframe Technology or Powerplant Technology. "This is really an enormous and pleasing day for all of us and it's taken a while to get here," Exley said. "Today is a tremendous success for us." Snead State recently assumed the control of the aviation center after Enterprise State Community College previously operated it. With full control, the Parsons announced it would begin offering both Airframe Technology and Powerplant Technology courses this fall. Airframe Technology teaches students how to repair everything on an aircraft except the engine. Powerplant Technology trains students how to repair aircraft engines. Exley said the Aviation College also provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written, oral, and practical examinations required for certification as aviation maintenance technicians Albertville Mayor Tracy Honea was pleased to see the Aviation College clear for take off and said he sees a bright future ahead for the community. "This is certainly an exciting day for Albertville," Honea said. "I think it's very evident that there's a very bright future for, not only Albertville but a lot of north Alabama. There are a lot of folks that deserve recognition because this has been a long time coming." Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, agreed with Honea and other state representatives that spoke, saying he was proud to see community's vision for an aviation come to fruition, but he said its success depends on what the people do next. "This is really is a great day," Scofield said. "The success of this program now rests with us. We now have local control of the success of this institution and this program. When you leave here today, don't let it leave you. It's up to all of us, every one of us, to see that this program succeeds. Make sure that our young people, and even folks that are underemployed now, know their potential and what they can come out with, and the career that they can end up with from this program. These are good paying jobs and they're here. We are working everyday to ensure that we recruit more jobs here, that we help our existing companies to do well and hopefully expand, and provide opportunities for our people here at home." Aircraft mechanic jobs are currently in high demand with entry-level positions that range $15 to $23 per hour, according to Pioneer Aviation Management President and CEO Marlin Priest. "Worldwide, we need an average of about 100 maintenance technicians a day to meet the demand," Priest said. "This facility is a diamond in the rough; it just needs polishing. For students, this is an opportunities. Every large maintenance repair organization in the U.S. is hiring." http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/article_512df322-48ca-11e8-b816-0326492cbec7.html Back to Top Greenville Tech partners with S.C. Army National Guard to open $22M joint training facility at SCTAC Greenville Technical College has partnered with the South Carolina Army National Guard to open a joint training facility at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center. The 95,225-square-foot facility, located at 915 Perimeter Road, now houses the S.C. Army National Guard Readiness Center and Greenville Tech's aircraft maintenance technology and truck driver training programs, according to a news release. "Partnerships allow Greenville Technical College to serve our area's employers as we ensure that students have the education needed to succeed," said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College, in the release. "This arrangement with the South Carolina Army National Guard is one that we are particularly proud of, as it means that we come together to make optimal use of space, to meet a training requirement for Guard personnel, to give students the skills they can put to work right away, and to see that the aviation industry in our area is well supported." Miller added that the new $22 million training facility would allow Greenville Tech to expand enrollment in its aircraft maintenance technology program, which is currently licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for 120 students. The aircraft maintenance technology program provides students with the skills needed to become aircraft maintenance technicians, according to Carl Washburn, department head of aviation and trucking at Greenville Technical College. Greenville Tech currently offers certificates, an associate degree, and a bachelor's degree, according to Washburn. Students pursuing a certificate can study airframe, power plant, or avionics. Each program takes about 18 months to complete. The associate degree path, on the other hand, takes about two years to complete and requires students to complete 1,000 hours in lab/classroom work and 1,000 working on airplanes. Washburn said the new joint training facility provides lab space for students and includes a large hangar space that can house the program's 12 fixed-wing aircraft, including a 1983 Falcon 10 Dassault aircraft recently donated by Spinx Inc., and one helicopter. Greenville Tech will also offer training to South Carolina Army National Guard personnel, supporting their need for qualified airframe and power plant technicians to work on Lakota helicopters, according to the release. The training will be offered to the National Guard Bureau as a consolidated regional or national training solution. The aircraft maintenance technology program will use the facility during the week, while the South Carolina Army National Guard will use it on the weekends, said U.S. Army Col. Andrew Batten, state aviation officer, in the release. "Within this new facility, the S.C. Army National Guard and Greenville Technical College established a program that fulfills National Guard aircraft maintenance training requirements while addressing the civilian aviation workforce demand associated with South Carolina's growing aerospace industry," he added. "Combining this National Guard Readiness Center housing multiple aviation units with the Aircraft Maintenance Technology program provides greater utilization of the facilities and thus greater value to our state. Additionally, this partnership will enable our soldiers to obtain an associate degree in addition to their FAA Airframe and Powerplant Technician certification." https://upstatebusinessjournal.com/greenville-tech-partners-with-s-c-army-national-guard-to- open-22m-joint-training-facility-at-sctac/ Back to Top Ural Airlines to expand in-house maintenance capabilities Ural Airlines has announced plans to expand its in-house maintenance capabilities. The airline is getting ready to start construction of additional facilities for its Yekaterinburg-based Aviation Maintenance Center, Matvey Kolotursky, head of the airline's technical procurement department told Russian Aviation Insider. "By the end of 2018 - just in time for the airline's 25th anniversary - the new facilities should be unveiled. This includes a wheel and braking system repair facility, composite part repair facility, seat and interior component repair facility, new warehouses and production facilities," he said. Part of the project is obtaining EASA approval extensions for the maintenance center. The new production facilities will be located in the vicinity of the main hangar, which became operational in 2015 and has been used for maintenance purposes since then. Commenting on the center's last year operational results the airline pointed out that the volumes of operations increased, including the number of heavy (6- and 12-year) checks at the airline's base Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg. "This year, besides the heavy checks, we are completing the massive engine replacement for overhaul effort. We have also performed a large number of gear strut replacements as scheduled overhaul," Matvey Kolotursky says. There is also an ongoing program for cabin interior refurbishment, including fitting the cabins with new lighter seats. Ural Airlines operates a fleet composed of Airbus A320-family aircraft only, so the maintenance center is approved for these types only. When slots open, the airline offers its capacities to other operators for "competitive prices." For instance, at present the center is providing maintenance on one of Red Wings' aircraft. Besides the main base in Yekaterinurg, Ural Airlines has another base at Moscow's Domodedovo airport and two smaller stations in Samara and Chelyabinsk. The airline said it was constantly considering other opportunities as well, but so far no decisions have been made, since commercial viability is the main factor for such move. Ural Airlines earlier also considered receiving approvals for Boeing 737 maintenance. However the airline is still researching the issue and negotiating with possible lessors. These capabilities will only be added if the airline takes delivery of Boeing 737MAX, the carrier assured. http://www.rusaviainsider.com/ural-airlines-expand-maintenance/ Back to Top Wisconsin airline looks to bring jobs to Dayton airport Air Wisconsin Airlines proposes relocating and expanding its aircraft maintenance operations at the Dayton International Airport, which would bring new jobs and generate $3.4 million in new payroll. Air Wisconsin proposes spending about $1 million to renovate and equip a hangar at the airport to relocate a maintenance and training operations center from Virginia, according to city of Dayton documents. "I understand the facility here will employ up to 70 people when fully staffed," said Terry Slaybaugh, Dayton's director of aviation. "This is important to Dayton because Air Wisconsin has signed a five-year deal to fly exclusively for United Airlines." Dayton city commissioners this week will decide whether to provide the company a $165,000 grant to help with the expansion project. The grant will help the company pay to upgrade the building and buy specialized aerospace equipment, the city said. The company says the new facility will support $3.4 million in new annual payroll. The company will receive the grant funding over the course of four years, and the amount of the payments will depend on the payroll size. Air Wisconsin said it offers up to $4,500 in sign-on and experience bonuses for front-line maintenance positions, with an additional $10,000 bonus in Milwaukee and Dayton. Air Wisconsin leases a hangar at the airport from Wright Brothers Aero, where they perform daily maintenance on up to four CRJ-200 aircraft, Slaybaugh said. https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/wisconsin-airline-looks-bring-jobs-dayton- airport/m2BKDtd6R6vFeexDQnVlXM/ Back to Top Government Support Helps RRC Reach New Heights in Aviation and Aeronautics Training The Province of Manitoba is helping Red River College reach new heights in aviation and aeronautics training by supporting the acquisition of its successful Stevenson Campus, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced today. "Our government recognizes the leadership shown by Red River College in the purchase of their campus property, where they provide essential training for Manitobans in a skilled and high- demand industry," says Wishart. "This is a fiscally responsible plan that will help ensure many more people can pursue a career in aeronautics and learn in an exceptional environment with industry leaders and experts." The provincial government enabled the purchase of the Stevenson Campus by approving RRC's plan to borrow up to $8 million to acquire the previously leased facility. (The College requires government approval to borrow, as set out by The Red River College Act.) By purchasing the campus from its landlord, Hubert Kleysen, RRC will save nearly $1 million over the term of the mortgage and will have greater flexibility to grow and adapt its renowned aviation and aeronautics programs. "Red River College works shoulder-to-shoulder with industry to deliver cutting-edge training at our Stevenson Campus, and to provide students with the job-ready skills they need to compete here at home, and on a national and global stage," says RRC President Paul. "By acquiring our campus - with the support of the provincial government - we will continue to provide strong workforce training for Manitoba's aerospace and aviation sector, which is one of the largest in Canada. This move will make us more agile and ensure that we are successful for generations to come." RRC's Stevenson Campus offers diploma programs for aircraft maintenance engineers, aerospace manufacturing technicians and gas turbine engine repair. Each year, RRC trains about 400 students in these programs, boasting high graduation rates in the 80 to 90 per cent range. "Boeing Canada Winnipeg is proud of our diverse, talented and innovative workforce, many of whom are graduates of Red River College and were trained at the Stevenson Campuses," says Kim Westenskow, general manager of Boeing Canada Winnipeg. "As one of the largest aerospace composite manufacturers in Canada, our partnership and collaboration with the College has been imperative in advancing our role in the global aerospace industry. We are proud to celebrate this important milestone with you today, and a bright future ahead." The campus, which is located on the west side of the Winnipeg airport, also offers specialized training for those already working in the industry, to help them meet certification requirements and continually upgrade their skills and knowledge. All programs are developed with industry partners and follow federal aerospace guidelines. Over 5,000 people are directly employed by the aerospace and aviation sector in Manitoba. Aerospace manufacturing, repair and overhaul, training and related services contribute $1.9 billion to Manitoba's economy every year. The province is home to the third-largest aerospace sector in Canada. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12409196/government-support-helps-rrc-reach-new- heights-in-aviation-and-aeronautics-training Back to Top Chorus Aviation honoured with Bombardier's top Reliability Awards HALIFAX, April 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Chorus Aviation Inc. ('Chorus') (TSX: CHR) announced today that its subsidiary, Jazz Aviation LP ('Jazz'), has once again been recognized for achieving superior reliability performance in 2017 at Bombardier's annual award ceremony for commercial aircraft operators held in Orlando, Florida on April 23, 2018. "We are honoured to be the North American award winner in two categories of exceptional reliability performance," said Colin Copp, President, Jazz. "This recognition can be attributed to the exceptional expertise of Jazz Technical Services and Maintenance and Engineering teams, and their unrivalled experience with Bombardier regional aircraft as an Authorized Service Facility (ASF)." Jazz is the North American recipient of Bombardier's 2017 Airline Reliability Performance Awards in two categories: * CRJ100/200 aircraft programs for North America * CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft programs for North America "As the only operator in the world of all four Bombardier Commercial Regional aircraft programs, we pride ourselves on superior reliability. This achievement is a credit to the calibre of our employees and their ongoing commitment to excellence," added Kal Rebin, Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering, Jazz. Bombardier's reliability awards are bestowed on aircraft operators of Q-Series turboprops and CRJ Series regional jets who achieve the highest rate of dispatch reliability. Jazz was previously honoured with top performance in the North American region for the Q400, CRJ100/200, and CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft program categories in 2016 and 2015; the Q100/200/300, CRJ100/200, and CRJ700/900/1000 aircraft programs in 2014; and the Q400 and CRJ100/200 aircraft programs in 2013. About Chorus Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chorus was incorporated on September 27, 2010. Chorus' vision is to deliver regional aviation to the world. Chorus has been leasing its owned regional aircraft into Jazz's Air Canada Express operation since 2009, and has established Chorus Aviation Capital Corp. to become a leading, global provider of regional aircraft leases and support services. Chorus also owns Jazz Aviation and Voyageur Aviation - companies that have long histories of safe and solid operations that deliver excellent customer service in the areas of contract flying operations, engineering, fleet management, and maintenance, repair and overhaul. Chorus Class A Variable Voting and Class B Voting Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'. For more information about Chorus and its subsidiaries, see www.chorusaviation.ca. About Jazz Jazz Aviation LP has a strong history in Canadian aviation with its roots going back to the 1930s. Jazz is owned by Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX: CHR). Chorus's vision is to deliver regional aviation to the world. As the largest regional carrier in Canada, Jazz has a proven track record of industry leadership and exceptional customer service, and has leveraged that strength to deliver value to all its stakeholders. Jazz operates more flights and flies to more Canadian destinations than any other airline, and has a workforce of approximately 4,500 professionals, highly experienced in the challenging and complex nature of regional operations. There are three divisions operated by Jazz Aviation LP: Air Canada Express, Jazz Technical Services and Jazz. Air Canada Express: Under a capacity purchase agreement with Air Canada, using the Air Canada Express brand, Jazz provides service to and from lower-density markets as well as higher-density markets at off-peak times throughout North America, with a fleet of 116 Canadian-made Bombardier aircraft. Jazz Technical Services: Established in May 2016 as a separate division, Jazz Technical Services ('JTS') is dedicated to heavy maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Bombardier aircraft. JTS provides MRO services to third parties while maintaining the dedication and commitment to its primary customer, Air Canada. Jazz: Under the Jazz brand, the airline offers charters throughout North America for corporate clients, governments, special interest groups and individuals seeking more convenience. Jazz also has the ability to offer airline operators services such as ground handling, dispatching, flight load planning, training and consulting. Join our team: flyjazz.ca/careers Watch us on YouTube: youtube.com/jazzaviationlp Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/jazzaviationlp Connect with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jazz-aviation-lp http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/chorus-aviation-honoured-with-bombardier-s-top- reliability-awards-1022263487 Back to Top Merx Aviation makes its servicing debut in $506.5M lease ABS For six years, commercial aircraft lessor Merx Aviation has used a "platform light" model that outsourced the servicing of a leased passenger jet once an airline obligor signed the dotted line. Now, the Apollo Global Management-owned firm is ready to get its hands dirty as a full-time asset manager. This week Merx, based in Bermuda, launched a $506.5 million securitization backed by 25 aircraft it owns, leases and now directly manages for 16 airlines in 11 countries. The MAPS 2018-1 transaction will issue three notes classes secured by the aircraft with an independently appraised value of $610.5 million. The $415 million Series A notes have preliminary single-A ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency and S&P Global Ratings. Rounding out the deal are a $55 million Series B notes tranche rated triple- B and $36.5 million in Series C notes rated BB by each agency. The 25 aircraft in the pool, along with 20 others in Merx' 99-aircraft portfolio valued at $1.6 billion, are the first assets the sponsor Merx will maintain and remarket. Nineteen of the aircraft collateralizing MAPS 2018-1 were previously securitized in a 2013 Merx- sponsored deal dubbed AABS Ltd. The $650.3 million AABS was originally rated A+ by S&P. Proceeds from the new notes will be used to repay the 2013 transaction. The six additional planes in the pool were acquired and assigned to the trust by Merx' asset-finance business that was established in Ireland for tax-residency purposes. All the planes in the transaction are already on lease. The aircraft are primarily Airbus A320-200 and Boeing 737-800 models, lower-cost narrowbody aircraft that are among the most liquid in the secondary market for passenger jets, according to Kroll. The aircraft have an average age of nine years, with remaining lease terms averaging 4.5 years - an age lower than other recent midlife/end-of-life aircraft securitizations rated by Kroll or S&P. The Class A and B notes amortize on a 13-year straight-line schedule, while the Class C notes on a seven-year schedule. While the company's track record for servicing is limited, Kroll and S&P are confident the firm has the chops to remarket, maintain and if necessary repossess aircraft over the life of the transaction. Merx is well-funded with a $500 million revolver facility by its business development corporate parent (Apollo Investment Corp.) and is led by Gary Rothschild, a former Citibank managing director who led the bank's aircraft trading and leasing business. The deal is also overfunded by $23.7 million to back a maintenance reserve account, and has a nine-month liquidity facility. Noteholders are further protected through amortization and cash trap triggers should dwindling cash flow cause debt service coverage ratios to fall below prescribed levels (1.15x-1.2x), according to the presale reports. MAPS 2018-1 is also top-heavy in deals with major airlines in developed countries. The three largest lessees are American Airlines (16.3%), Virgin Australia (10.6%) and Virgin America (10%). More than half of the leases (representing 57.2% of asset value) are based in the U.S., China and Australia. The transaction will allow Merx to replace aircraft that have been sold off or retired during the life of the deal, provided proceeds from net sales are used within 90 days to purchase additional jets. Goldman Sachs is the sole structuring agent, global coordinator and lead bookrunner. The closing date is to be determined. https://asreport.americanbanker.com/news/merx-aviation-makes-its-servicing-debut-in-5065m- lease-abs Back to Top Tamarack Bolsters Winglet Installation Network Tamarack Aerospace has approved four maintenance providers as authorized installers of its Atlas active winglets for the Cessna Citation series. The company's FAA- and EASA-approved modification reduces fuel burn and time to climb while increasing range and stability in the Cessna CJ, CJ1, CJ1+, M2, CJ2, CJ2+, CJ3, and CJ3+ models. The newly authorized maintenance providers are Eagle Aviation in Columbia, South Carolina; Western Aircraft in Boise, Idaho; Northeast Air in Portland, Maine; and Duncan Aviation, which is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. "Our Sandpoint, Idaho factory program, which offers a one-week plus painting time installation, has proved extremely popular," noted Tamarack CEO Brian Cox, "but we realize that some owners will prefer to combine upgrades such as avionics or engine work, so this is a win-win for these customers. Our new installation partners are also conveniently located throughout the U.S., so the flight time to an active winglet upgrade center of your choice is reduced." https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-04-25/tamarack-bolsters- winglet-installation-network Back to Top Turkish Airlines Selects GEnx Engines to Power Boeing 787 Dreamliners GE Aviation's GEnx-1B engines will power Turkish Airlines' 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and five options, which were ordered last month. The airline also signed a 15-year TrueChoiceTM Flight Hour agreement with GE for maintenance, repair and overhaul for the GEnx-1B engines ordered. "The GEnx engine offers the optimum reliability, utilization and fuel efficiency of any engine on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and will properly suit Turkish Airlines' needs as we continue to enhance our aircraft fleet with modern aircraft technologies," said M. ?lker Ayc?, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. "Turkish Airlines' order affirms the confidence that operators have in the reliability and performance of the GEnx engine, which is the most popular engine powering the B787 Dreamliner," said Chaker Chahrour, VP Global Sales & Marketing at GE Aviation."This order further strengthens our relationship with Turkish Airlines, and we look forward to the GEnx engine joining the airline's growing fleet." GE Aviation has sold more than 2,000 GEnx engines in less than 15 years since launching the program, solidifying it as the fastest selling high-thrust GE engine in history. With the most advanced technologies and materials, the GEnx has the highest reliability and utilization, lowest fuel burn and longest range capable of any engine available on the B787 aircraft. The highest pressure ratio compressor in commercial service today enables the best fuel efficiency in its thrust class, resulting in the GEnx engine powering the longest B787 routes. The GEnx's innovative lean burning twin-annular pre-swirl (TAPS) combustor dramatically reduces NOx and other regulated gases below today's regulatory limits and enhances durability. As the world's first commercial engine with both a carbon fiber composite front fan case and fan blades, the GEnx fan module is lighter in weight, corrosion resistant with less line maintenance and improved reliability, and is the quietest engine GE produces. These leading-edge technologies and engine architecture bring high operational reliability and result in a high utilization rate of GEnx-powered B787 aircraft for more flights per year and more revenue for airlines. The GEnx engine has significant ties to the Turkey aviation industry. The Turkey Technology Center in Gebze and its 400 engineers helped design the GEnx engine along with other commercial, military and industrial engines. TUSAS Engine Industries, Inc. (TEI), which was founded 33 years ago and of which GE holds a 46 percent share, manufactures close to 40 GEnx components. GEnx's revenue-sharing participants are IHI Corporation of Japan, GKN Aerospace Engine Systems of the UK, MTU of Germany, TechSpace Aero (Safran) of Belgium, Safran Aircraft Engines of France and Samsung Techwin of Korea. The TrueChoice suite of engine maintenance offerings incorporates an array of GE capabilities and customization across an engine's lifecycle. The TrueChoice Overhaul provides time and material overhauls with tailored work scopes specific to shop visit objectives, economic priorities and ownership horizon for one engine or a fleet. All TrueChoice offerings are underpinned by GE Aviation's data and analytic capabilities and experience to help reduce maintenance burden and service disruptions for customers. About Turkish Airlines Founded in 1933 with just five aircraft, Turkish Airlines operates a passenger and cargo fleet of 326 aircraft, which will reach over 500 passenger and cargo aircraft by 2023. The airline currently flies to 302 destinations in 121 countries all around the world. About GE Aviation GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, integrated digital, avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings and is part of the world's Digital Industrial Company with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation. Follow GE Aviation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GEAviationand YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/GEAviation. GE in Turkey GE has supported manufacturing, localization, employment and export in Turkey through partnerships and investments for more than 70 years. More than 2,500 GE employees work in nine facilities across Turkey. GE has engaged in Turkish aviation for more than 30 years in engineering, technology development and manufacturing through efforts at the Turkey Technology Center and TEI. TEI manufactures more than 800 components for 40 engine programs with 77 percent of its production for GE, which make it ranked as the second largest exporter in the Turkish Aviation and Defense Industry. http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12409462/turkish-airlines-selects-genx-engines-to- power-boeing-787-dreamliners Back to Top SpaceX Targets May 4 Launch for Falcon 9 'Block 5' Rocket Configuration SpaceX plans to launch on May 4 its updated Falcon 9 rocket from a launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to bring into orbit a Thales Alenia Space-built communications satellite for Bangladesh, Spaceflight Now reported Tuesday. The rocket's Block 5 configuration will take off to send into space the Bangabandhu 1 satellite designed to provide C- and Ku-band data relay and broadcast services across the Asian country and nearby regions. The Block 5 iteration of the vehicle completed a final test firing of Merlin 1D engines at SpaceX's site in Texas and is set to undergo a hold-down engine firing test on Monday, April 30. "Block 5 basically summarizes all that we learned on reusability," said Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of build and flight reliability at SpaceX. "In this case, we tried to summarize all of these lessons learned into a booster that then is able to fly, and be recovered and fly again multiple times without a lot of refurbishment," Koenigsmann added. Upgrades to the Falcon 9 rocket include modifications designed to speed up recovery and reuse of first-stage boosters, integration of a new heat-shield material, use of new helium tanks and changes that seek to meet NASA's human safety requirements. http://blog.executivebiz.com/2018/04/spacex-targets-may-4-launch-for-falcon-9-block-5-rocket- configuration/ Curt Lewis