United Reports September 2013 Operational Performance

United Reports September 2013 

Operational Performance

United Airlines (UAL) today reported September 2013 operational results.

UAL's September 2013 consolidated traffic (revenue passenger miles) increased 1.0 percent and consolidated capacity (available seat miles) increased 0.2 percent versus September 2012. UAL's September 2013 consolidated load factor increased 0.6 points compared to September 2012.

UAL's September 2013 consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) is estimated to be approximately flat compared to September 2012. The Company recorded an adjustment in September related to yields on certain interline tickets from prior periods, which reduced year-over-year consolidated PRASM by more than 1 percentage point in the month of September. Also in September, additional competitive capacity in China resulted in lower Pacific yields.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,341 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world.  

Preliminary Operational Results
		September				Year-to-Date
		2013	2012	Change		2013	2012	Change
REVENUE PASSENGER MILES (000)
	Domestic	7,213,000	7,195,759	0.2%		69,119,393	70,887,865	(2.5%)
	International	7,261,011	7,202,971	0.8%		66,927,205	66,972,957	(0.1%)
	Atlantic	3,622,593	3,421,995	5.9%		29,436,763	29,555,453	(0.4%)
	Pacific	2,665,869	2,791,642	(4.5%)		24,473,811	24,554,288	(0.3%)
	Latin	972,549	989,334	(1.7%)		13,016,631	12,863,216	1.2%
	Mainline	14,474,011	14,398,730	0.5%		136,046,598	137,860,822	(1.3%)
	Regional	2,182,650	2,099,556	4.0%		19,941,261	19,757,708	0.9%
	Consolidated	16,656,661	16,498,286	1.0%		155,987,859	157,618,530	(1.0%)
AVAILABLE SEAT MILES (000)
	Domestic	8,650,278	8,784,995	(1.5%)		80,343,055	83,277,016	(3.5%)
	International	8,796,533	8,676,957	1.4%		80,993,712	82,677,324	(2.0%)
	Atlantic	4,261,925	4,091,227	4.2%		35,808,372	36,886,663	(2.9%)
	Pacific	3,254,908	3,317,209	(1.9%)		29,190,324	29,831,373	(2.1%)
	Latin	1,279,700	1,268,521	0.9%		15,995,016	15,959,288	0.2%
	Mainline	17,446,811	17,461,952	(0.1%)		161,336,767	165,954,340	(2.8%)
	Regional	2,686,639	2,623,622	2.4%		24,326,217	24,740,148	(1.7%)
	Consolidated	20,133,450	20,085,574	0.2%		185,662,984	190,694,488	(2.6%)
PASSENGER LOAD FACTOR
	Domestic	83.4%	81.9%	1.5 pts		86.0%	85.1%	0.9 pts
	International	82.5%	83.0%	(0.5) pts		82.6%	81.0%	1.6 pts
	Atlantic	85.0%	83.6%	1.4 pts		82.2%	80.1%	2.1 pts
	Pacific	81.9%	84.2%	(2.3) pts		83.8%	82.3%	1.5 pts
	Latin	76.0%	78.0%	(2.0) pts		81.4%	80.6%	0.8 pts
	Mainline	83.0%	82.5%	0.5 pts		84.3%	83.1%	1.2 pts
	Regional	81.2%	80.0%	1.2 pts		82.0%	79.9%	2.1 pts
	Consolidated	82.7%	82.1%	0.6 pts		84.0%	82.7%	1.3 pts
ONBOARD PASSENGERS (000)
	Mainline	7,137	7,286	(2.0%)		69,174	71,784	(3.6%)
	Regional	3,955	3,782	4.6%		35,928	35,402	1.5%
	Consolidated	11,092	11,068	0.2%		105,102	107,186	(1.9%)
CARGO REVENUE TON MILES (000)
	Total	168,613	201,285	(16.2%)		1,614,438	1,858,761	(13.1%)
Preliminary Financial Results
August 2013 year-over-year consolidated PRASM change						3.9		%
August 2013 year-over-year mainline PRASM change						3.3		%
September 2013 estimated year-over-year consolidated PRASM change						Approximately flat		%
September 2013 estimated year-over-year mainline PRASM change						(1.0) - (2.0)		%
September 2013 estimated consolidated average price per gallon of fuel, including the impact of all cash settled hedges and fuel taxes						3.19		Dollars
Third Quarter 2013 estimated consolidated average price per gallon of fuel, including the impact of all cash settled hedges and fuel taxes						3.11		Dollars
Preliminary Operational Results
				2013	2012		Change
September On-Time Performance1				84.7%	82.0%		2.7	pts
September Completion Factor2				99.4%	99.4%		0.0	pts
1 Based on domestic mainline scheduled flights arriving within 14 minutes of scheduled arrival time, according to data published in the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report
2 Mainline completion percentage

Safe Harbor Statement

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements included in this release are forward-looking and thus reflect our current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "believes," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information available to us on the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: our ability to comply with the terms of our various financing arrangements; the costs and availability of financing; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity; our ability to execute our operational plans; our ability to control our costs, including realizing benefits from our resource optimization efforts, cost reduction initiatives and fleet replacement programs; our ability to utilize our net operating losses; our ability to attract and retain customers; demand for transportation in the markets in which we operate; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; demand for travel and the impact that global economic conditions have on customer travel patterns; excessive taxation and the inability to offset future taxable income; general economic conditions (including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, investment or credit market conditions, crude oil prices, costs of aircraft fuel and energy refining capacity in relevant markets); our ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel; any potential realized or unrealized gains or losses related to fuel or currency hedging programs; the effects of any hostilities, act of war or terrorist attack; the ability of other air carriers with whom we have alliances or partnerships to provide the services contemplated by the respective arrangements with such carriers; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; competitive pressures on pricing and on demand; our capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of our competitors; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including open skies agreements and environmental regulations); labor costs; our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and the results of the collective bargaining agreement process with our union groups; any disruptions to operations due to any potential actions by our labor groups; weather conditions; the possibility that expected merger synergies will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Item 1A, Risk Factors, of UAL's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC.

Japan Airlines' historic A350 XWB order

In the milestone first Japanese order for Airbus' A350XWB, Japan Airlines selected 31 of these widebody jetliners covering 18 A350-900 and 13 A350-1000 versiones. Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier and Japan Airlines President Yoshihanu Ueki signed the purchase agreement on 7 October 2013.

Vídeo : Cortesía de AIRBUS

Highlights from the Flight Time Limitations EU Hearing

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FLYSMART WITH AIRBUS

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United Airlines, Ink Publishing Launch Premium-cabin Luxury and Lifestyle Magazine

United Airlines, Ink Publishing Launch Premium-cabin Luxury and Lifestyle Magazine United Airlines and Ink Publishing today announced the launch of "Rhapsody," a monthly, luxury lifestyle and literary magazine exclusively for United's premium-cabin customers and visitors to the airline's United Clubs and United Global First lounges. Launching in November, Rhapsody will offer an authoritative look at the latest personalities and trends that define affluent living and thought in the 21st century.  

Each issue will feature thought-provoking content from highly regarded journalists, with stunning images from renowned photographers. November's launch issue includes:

• An in-depth profile of legendary actor Kevin Kline by Vanity Fair contributing editor Elissa Schappell and shot by world-renowned photographer Brigitte Lacombe.
• Emmy-nominated screenwriter Jonathan Raymond (HBO's "Mildred Pierce") providing a behind-the-scenes account of the Venice Film Festival premiere of his new film "Night Moves," which stars Jesse Eisenberg and Dakota Fanning.
• The legendary Joyce Carol Oates in a back-page essay discussing her first flight.
• An exclusive excerpt from Bloomberg Businessweek senior writer Brad Stone's highly anticipated new book "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon."
• Interviews with and profiles of international tastemakers Daniel Boulud, John Varvatos, Andy Spade and Paul Smith.

Interspersed throughout the magazine's first-rate stories and photography are timely news and notes about the latest in high culture, luxury goods, fine dining and premium hospitality.

"Our customers will find interesting stories and vivid imagery that engage their interests and inspire their passions for travel, technology, culture and finer living," said Praveen Sharma, United vice president of loyalty and business development. "The unique content – from some of the world's most-respected writers, editors and photographers – is another element of our building the world's leading premium-cabin and lounge experience."

Launching Rhapsody is United's latest investment in premium-cabin service and airport facilities, also including:

• Installation of flat-bed seats in United Global First and United BusinessFirst on every scheduled, long-haul international flight from the continental United States, with more aircraft offering flat-bed comfort and personal on-demand entertainment than any U.S. airline.
• Refitting the aircraft that fly on transcontinental "p.s." routes between New York Kennedy and Los Angeles and San Francisco with the latest cabins, premium-cabin flat-bed seats, and personal on-demand entertainment and Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft. United anticipates completing the reconfigurations by year-end.
• Remodelling of United Club lounges in Chicago O'Hare terminal 2, Seattle and San Diego with improved amenities, modern interiors, more power outlets and complimentary snacks and Wi-Fi.
• Opening a modern, new regional-aircraft terminal in Houston and outfitting jetbridges at the airline's regional-jet terminal facilities in Chicago.

About Ink

Ink is the global expert in connecting with travelers throughout their entire journey. Through our portfolio of B2B and B2C products and solutions, we reach a captive audience of hundreds of millions of travelers each year. We produce more inflight magazines for more airlines than any other company in the world. We also produce targeted advertising (TAD) on confirmation emails, check-in emails, print-at-home and mobile boarding passes, conduct global passenger research, hold the Airline Retail Conferences and China Travel Retail Conferences and produce the Airline Passenger Experience media platform.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,341 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

 

United Signs On As Exclusive Airline Partner of 2014 Gay Games

United Airlines will serve as a gold sponsor and the exclusive airline partner of the 2014 Gay Games – the largest international sports and culture festival in the world open to all adult participants.

"We are proud to serve as the exclusive airline for this international celebration of community and competition, and we look forward to welcoming each of the athletes to our hub city of Cleveland," said Nene Foxhall, the airline's executive vice president for communications and government affairs. "We are also pleased to support an event that so closely reflects United's culture of diversity and inclusion."

The 2014 Gay Games, which will be held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, Aug. 9-16, are expected to attract approximately 30,000 visitors, including 11,000 participants from across the globe. The Games are open to athletes regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity or ability, and participants can compete in more than 35 sports and cultural events.

"We are excited to have an airline partner that has the reach to easily get our global and domestic visitors to Northeast Ohio for next year's Gay Games," said Tom Nobbe, executive director of Gay Games 9, the non-profit organization putting on the Games. "It is especially great since United has served our region for so many decades, both as an employer contributing to our community and as a premier air carrier."

United in Cleveland
United, together with United Express, operates nearly 200 daily flights out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, more than any other carrier. The airport serves as one of United's eight domestic hubs, connecting United customers to more than 65 destinations throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,341 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world.  The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

 

SE DEBATE EN MALTA EL CIELO ÚNICO EUROPEO

Air Traffic Controlers European Unión Coordination (ATCEUC), la coordinadora de sindicatos europeos que agrupa a 14.000 controladores aéreos, tiene convocada una jornada de prosteta o "Action Day", el próximo 10 de octubre, contra las últimas medidas propuestas por la Comisión Europea en el marco del Cielo Único Europeo. Action Day incluirá la realización de paros parciales a nivel europeo, dentro del espacio aéreo de sus 28 estados miembros.

El plenario de ATCEUC, reunido hoy y mañana día 4 en Malta para debatir y refrendar las iniciativas adoptadas.

USCA se ha unido a la jornada de protesta, al suscribir "en su totalidad los planteamientos expuestos por ATCEUC", según quien, el último paquete legislativo propuesto por la CE, conocido como SES2+, conllevaría la fragmentación y privatización de los servicios de apoyo a la navegación aérea, con una pérdida de cerca de 10.000 puestos de trabajo en este sector. Por otro lado, los objetivos de eficiencia establecidos por la CE para el periodo 2015-2019 planean recortar hasta en un 20% los recursos económicos de los proveedores de servicios de navegación aérea.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

Vídeo : SCIENCE

FENIX : SIMULACRO EN AEROPUERTO DE BARCELONA

JAL's San Francisco Service Receives Qualification for its Implementation of Operational Procedures to Reduce the Environmental Footprint

 

 

JAL's San Francisco Service Receives Qualification for its Implementation of Operational Procedures to Reduce the Environmental Footprint

The implementation of operational procedures to reduce the environmental footprint has been introduced on JAL's San Francisco service by Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE)*and today, JAL was the first Japanese airline to be qualified for its performance on San Francisco route. The following three measures have been conducting on San Francisco route with an aim of reducing fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions, thus reducing aviation's impact on the environment. The implementation of those measures would yield a total annual saving in fuel burn of approx. 460,000 lbs. (250,000 liters) or 658,000 kg less CO2 emissions.

 

                                                      

 

1. User Preferred Route(UPR)

A UPR is defined as a lateral profile developed for each individual flight by the airline. These lateral profiles are customized in order to meet the specific needs of the airline for that flight, such as fuel optimization etc. Typical a UPR will be calculated by each flight dispatch based on factors such as forecasted winds and convective weather etc.

Eligible routes with JAL: Hawaii, Australia, the western coast of North America (including San Francisco)

 

2. Continuous Descent Operations(CDO)

CDO is an operation, enabled by airspace design, procedure design and ATC facilitation, in which an arriving aircraft descends continuously to the greatest possible extent, by employing minimum engine thrust, ideally in a low drag configuration, during final descent phase of a flight.

Eligible airport with JAL's flights: San Francisco International Airport and Kansai International Airport

 

3. Oceanic Separation Minima(30/30)

Improvements in navigation capabilities have enabled reduction in the Oceanic separation minima to 50NM longitudinally and 50NM laterally. When coupled with direct controller pilot communications via data-link and automatic dependent surveillance, aircraft meeting certain navigation performance requirements can be safely separated at as little as 30NM longitudinally and 30NM laterally. Qualified aircraft navigating in airspace where these reduced separation minima have been implemented achieve significantly greater efficiencies than aircraft that cannot meet these standards.

Eligible routes with JAL: Hawaii, North America

 

*ASPIRE

In February 2008, a multi-lateral partnership known as the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) was created in Singapore. The first air navigation service providers (ANSPs) to sign the ASPIRE joint statement were Airservices Australia, Airways New Zealand, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Since 2007 Aspire has expanded to include the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) as major partners. Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited (AEROTHAI) formally joined the ASPIRE partnership in June 2011. JAL's San Francisco service was qualified by "ASPIRE Daily" (The red line/route in the figure).

 

Figure: Best practices for ASPIRE Daily routes

 

 

 

NASA : DOCUMENTOS CLASIFICADOS

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The True History and Purpose of NASA

SE ABRE EL PROCESO ELECTORAL EN SEPLA

La Mesa Rectora y las Vocalías buscan candidatos para liderar la representación de los pilotos españoles durante los próximos cuatro años.

Cualquier afiliado de SEPLA, ejerciente con un mínimo de cinco años de antigüedad en la profesión de piloto de líneas aéreas y afiliado al sindicato, puede optar a la Presidencia. El plazo para presentar las precandidaturas finaliza el día 4 de octubre. 

La votación definitiva se hará en la sede de Madrid del 11 al 14 de noviembre, y a lo largo del día 12 en la sede de Barcelona. La proclamación provisional tendrá lugar el 15 de noviembre, y la definitiva el día 20.   

CORRECTED VERSION: NASA Space Telescopes Find Patchy Clouds on Exotic World

Astronomers using data from NASA's Kepler and Spitzer space telescopes have created the first cloud map of a planet beyond our solar system, a sizzling, Jupiter-like world known as Kepler-7b. The planet is marked by high clouds in the west and clear skies in the east. Previous studies from Spitzer have resulted in temperature maps of planets orbiting other stars, but this is the first look at cloud structures on a distant world. "By observing this planet with Spitzer and Kepler for more than three years, we were able to produce a very low-resolution 'map' of this giant, gaseous planet," said Brice-Olivier Demory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Demory is lead author of a paper accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. "We wouldn't expect to see oceans or continents on this type of world, but we detected a clear, reflective signature that we interpreted as clouds." Kepler has discovered more than 150 exoplanets, which are planets outside our solar system, and Kepler-7b was one of the first. The telescope's problematic reaction wheels prevent it from hunting planets any more, but astronomers continue to pore over almost four years' worth of collected data. Kepler's visible-light observations of Kepler-7b's moon-like phases led to a rough map of the planet that showed a bright spot on its western hemisphere. But these data were not enough on their own to decipher whether the bright spot was coming from clouds or heat. The Spitzer Space Telescope played a crucial role in answering this question. Like Kepler, Spitzer can fix its gaze at a star system as a planet orbits around the star, gathering clues about the planet's atmosphere. Spitzer's ability to detect infrared light means it was able to measure Kepler-7b's temperature, estimating it to be between 1,500 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (1,100 and 1,300 Kelvin). This is relatively cool for a planet that orbits so close to its star -- within 0.06 astronomical units (one astronomical unit is the distance from Earth and the sun) -- and, according to astronomers, too cool to be the source of light Kepler observed. Instead, they determined, light from the planet's star is bouncing off cloud tops located on the west side of the planet. "Kepler-7b reflects much more light than most giant planets we've found, which we attribute to clouds in the upper atmosphere," said Thomas Barclay, Kepler scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif. "Unlike those on Earth, the cloud patterns on this planet do not seem to change much over time -- it has a remarkably stable climate." The findings are an early step toward using similar techniques to study the atmospheres of planets more like Earth in composition and size. "With Spitzer and Kepler together, we have a multi-wavelength tool for getting a good look at planets that are trillions of miles away," said Paul Hertz, director of NASA's Astrophysics Division in Washington. "We're at a point now in exoplanet science where we are moving beyond just detecting exoplanets, and into the exciting science of understanding them." Kepler identified planets by watching for dips in starlight that occur as the planets transit, or pass in front of their stars, blocking the light. This technique and other observations of Kepler-7b previously revealed that it is one of the puffiest planets known: if it could somehow be placed in a tub of water, it would float. The planet was also found to whip around its star in just less than five days. Explore all 900-plus exoplanet discoveries with NASA's "Eyes on Exoplanets," a fully rendered 3D visualization tool, available for download at http://eyes.nasa.gov/exoplanets. The program is updated daily with the latest findings from NASA's Kepler mission and ground-based observatories around the world as they search for planets like our own. Other authors include: Julien de Wit, Nikole Lewis, Andras Zsom and Sara Seager of Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Jonathan Fortney of the University of California, Santa Cruz; Heather Knutson and Jean-Michel Desert of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena; Kevin Heng of the University of Bern, Switzerland; Nikku Madhusudhan of Yale University, New Haven, Conn.; Michael Gillon of the University of Liège, Belgium; Vivien Parmentier of the French National Center for Scientific Research, France; and Nicolas Cowan of Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. Lewis is also a NASA Sagan Fellow. The technical paper is online at http://www.mit.edu/~demory/preprints/kepler-7b_clouds.pdf . NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the Spitzer Space Telescope mission for NASA. Science operations are conducted at the Spitzer Science Center at Caltech. Data are archived at the Infrared Science Archive housed at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at Caltech. Caltech manages JPL for NASA. For more information about Spitzer, visit: http://spitzer.caltech.edu and http://www.nasa.gov/spitzer . Ames is responsible for Kepler's ground system development, mission operations and science data analysis. JPL managed Kepler mission development. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder, Colo., developed the Kepler flight system and supports mission operations with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado in Boulder. The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore archives, hosts and distributes Kepler science data. Kepler is NASA's 10th Discovery Mission and was funded by the agency's Science Mission Directorate. For more information about the Kepler mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/kepler and http://www.kepler.nasa.gov .

TAM Airlines to join oneworld on 31 March 2014

oneworld News TAM Airlines to join oneworld on 31 March 2014 TAM Airlines, a company related to LATAM Airlines Group, will join oneworld® with effect from 31 March 2014, adding the leading carrier in Brazil – Latin America's biggest economy and largest market for air travel demand – to the world's leading quality global airline alliance.  Confirmation today of its oneworld joining date comes on the same day that LAN Colombia – which is, like TAM, a company related to LATAM Airlines Group - becomes part of oneworld, offering the alliance's full range of services and benefits, from the start of operations this morning. The addition of TAM from 31 March 2014 and LAN Colombia today will mean all passenger airlines in LATAM Airlines Group, Latin America's leading airline group, will be part of oneworld, the world's leading quality airline alliance.  LAN Airlines has been a full member of oneworld since 2000.  All its other passenger airline affiliates have subsequently joined the alliance as affiliate members – LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, LAN Peru and, from today, LAN Colombia - and now TAM from 31 March and with its Paraguayan affiliate to follow on a date yet to be confirmed. This consolidates oneworld's position as the leading alliance for flights within Latin America and between the region and both the United States and Europe - the two most popular destinations for South American international travellers. TAM's entry into oneworld with effect from the first flights on 31 March 2014 will follow immediately upon its exit from the Star Alliance with effect from the final flights on 30 March 2014. The airline and oneworld are taking every effort to ensure that the alliance transition is as seamless as possible for customers. TAM underlined today that all members of its Fidelidade frequent flyer programme will maintain all points earned and their respective tier status, according to the applicable conditions of the programme.  A thorough communications plan is being developed to brief them in detail on all the benefits and privileges they will receive as part of oneworld from 31 March – including the ability to earn and redeem points on any of the alliance's member airlines. These include leading brands from each global region.  Besides LAN, they feature American Airlines from North America; airberlin, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia and Russia's S7 Airlines from Europe; Royal Jordanian, from the Middle East; Asia-Pacific's Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Qantas; and some 30 affiliated airlines with other recruits also lining up to join in the months ahead.   The 140 million members of these established oneworld airlines' frequent flyer programmes will also be able to earn and redeem awards and tier status points and receive all other oneworld privileges on TAM Airlines from 31 March – and on LAN Colombia from today.   As it becomes part of the group on 31 March 2014, TAM's network will be covered by oneworld's range of alliance fares – the most extensive offered by any of the global alliances, including the market-leading oneworld Explorer round-the-world fare and its Visit South America pass.   TAM serves 60 destinations in 16 countries in Latin America, the USA and Europe, with a fleet of 161 aircraft operating 800 departures daily.  It boarded 38 million passengers in 2012.   Since its launch in December 2011, LAN Colombia has quickly established itself as the second biggest airline in South America's second largest economy.  In total, it serves 24 airports in four countries with a fleet of 24 aircraft operating 130 departures a day.  It boarded 3.7 million passengers in 2012. Four of oneworld's established members – American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and LAN – currently serve a total of seven destinations in Brazil.  TAM will expand the alliance's coverage of Brazil, one of the world's most rapidly developing economies, to 42 destinations.  Across South America, oneworld's established member airlines already serve 71 destinations in 11 countries.  TAM and LAN Colombia add another 56 airports in the region to that network, giving oneworld one of the most extensive alliance networks serving the continent. Worldwide, with TAM, LAN Colombia and the other airlines lining up to join, oneworld will:  • Serve almost a thousand airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,000 daily departures. • Carry 480 million passengers a year on a combined fleet of more than 3,200 aircraft. • Generate US$ 140 billion annual revenues. The addition of TAM from 31 March and LAN Colombia today represents a cornerstone of oneworld's biggest membership expansion yet.  Other elements elsewhere in the world include: • The addition of Malaysia Airlines, one of this industry's most frequent award winners, six months ago, further strengthening oneworld's position in South East Asia, one of the fastest growing regions for air travel demand. • The induction on 30 October 2013 of Qatar Airways, the only one of the "Gulf Big Three" carriers slated to join any of the global airline alliances and one of the world's fastest growing and most highly rated airlines.  This will make oneworld the leading alliance in the Middle East, one of the world's fastest growing regions for air travel demand. • The introduction early next year of SriLankan Airlines, as the first airline from the Indian subcontinent to join any global alliance, which, with Qatar Airways, will make oneworld the leading alliance in the region. In addition, US Airways proposes to switch from Star to oneworld as part of its planned merger with American Airlines, subject to necessary approvals. oneworld's CEO Bruce Ashby said: "As the leading airline in Latin America's biggest economy, Brazil, TAM's addition represents a significant landmark in oneworld's journey to establish itself as the first choice airline alliance for frequent international travellers the world over.  We look forward to welcoming TAM and its customers on board the world's premier global airline alliance with effect from 31 March next year." TAM Airlines' CEO Claudia Sender added: "We want to introduce Brazil to our new partners and welcome them into our country.  In the coming months, we will continue working to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.  We also want our passengers to learn about the benefits, connections and products offered by oneworld so they can travel the world with us." About LATAM Airlines Group SA LATAM Airlines Group SA is the new name given to LAN Airlines SA as a result of its association with TAM SA. LATAM Airlines Group SA now includes LAN Airlines and its affiliates in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and LAN Cargo and its affiliates, as well as TAM SA and its subsidiaries TAM Linhas Aereas SA, including its business units TAM Transportes Aereos del Mercosur SA, (TAM Airlines (Paraguay)) and Multiplus SA. This association creates one of the largest airline groups in the world in terms of network connections, providing passenger transport services to about 135 destinations in 22 countries and cargo services to about 144 destinations in 27 countries, with a fleet of 323 aircraft.  In total, LATAM Airlines Group SA has more than 54,000 employees and its shares are traded in Santiago, as well as on the New York Stock Exchange, in the form of ADRs, and Sao Paulo Stock Exchange, in the form of BDRs.   Each airline will continue to operate under their current brands and identities.  About oneworld  oneworld is an alliance of the world's leading airlines committed to providing the highest level of service and convenience to frequent international travellers.  oneworld member airlines work together to deliver consistently a superior, seamless travel experience, with special privileges and rewards for frequent flyers, including earning and redeeming miles and points across the entire alliance network. Top tier cardholders (Emerald and Sapphire) enjoy access to some 550 airport lounges. The most regular travellers (Emerald) can also use fast track security lanes at select airports and extra baggage allowances. oneworld is currently the holder of five leading international awards for airline alliances – more than any other airline alliance.  It was named World's Best Airline Alliance in the 2013 World Airline Awards by the independent Skytrax airline quality ratings agency, the Best Airline Alliance by Global Traveler in its GT Tested Reader Survey 2012 Awards for the third year running, the World's Leading Airline Alliance in the 2012 World Travel Awards for the 10th year running, Australian Business Traveller Best Airline Alliance in 2012 for the second year running, and FlightStats Airline Alliance On-Time Performance 2012 winner, believed to have been the first time a punctuality award has been presented to any airline alliance.

 

FULL VIEW OF ASTEROID VESTA

As NASA's Dawn spacecraft travels to its next destination, this mosaic synthesizes some of the best views the spacecraft had of the giant asteroid Vesta. Dawn studied Vesta from July 2011 to September 2012. The towering mountain at the south pole - more than twice the height of Mount Everest - is visible at the bottom of the image. The set of three craters known as the "snowman" can be seen at the top left. These images are the last in Dawn's Image of the Day series during the cruise to Dawn's second destination, Ceres. A full set of Dawn data is being archived at http://pds.nasa.gov/ . The Dawn mission to Vesta and Ceres is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington D.C. UCLA is responsible for overall Dawn mission science. The Dawn framing cameras were developed and built under the leadership of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany, with significant contributions by DLR German Aerospace Center, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, and in coordination with the Institute of Computer and Communication Network Engineering, Braunschweig. The Framing Camera project is funded by the Max Planck Society, DLR, and NASA/JPL. > Read more: Dawn Reality-Checks Telescope Studies of Asteroids. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCAL/MPS/DLR/IDA

SEMINARIO VIRTUAL AERONÁUTICO

El Instituto de Investigación Aeronáutica de la NASA (INIA) y la NASA Misiones de Investigación Aeronáutica Dirección (DMAE) presentarán un seminario técnico virtual del 22 al 24 de octubre, para presentar conceptos innovadores desarrollados por los investigadores que han sido financiados por la DMAE Leading Edge Investigación Aeronáutica de la NASA (LEARN).

En 2012, INIA recibió subvenciones del Fondo DMAE para hacer inversiones deliberadas en conceptos de tecnologías que estén alineadas con la misión de la NASA.

El objeto de este seminario de tres días son aumentar la conciencia de APRENDER actividades dentro del proyecto de la NASA. El seminario se dividirá en cinco sesiones que estarán moderadas por un orador, es gratuito y abierto a todos.

Se puede asistir conectando con el teléfono 1-866-527-1065, código de acceso: 1243192 #. Mas información en:

http://connect.arc.nasa.gov/LEARNseminar 

SEGURIDAD EN VUELO ¿ PILOTOS DORMIDOS ?

La nueva normativa europea permitirá, entre otras cosas, aumentar la actividad nocturna de los pilotos y tripulantes de cabina de las 10 horas recomendadas por los científicos a entre 11 y 12 horas. También, existe la posibilidad de que un trabajador pueda operar un vuelo estando 22 horas despierto.

Las actuales leyes no previenen la fatiga de las tripulaciones, factor presente en el 20% de los accidentes. Por encima de 13 horas de vuelo, el riesgo de accidente es 5,5 veces mayor.

El Sindicato Español de Pilotos de Líneas Aéreas (SEPLA), en un estudio reciente, afirma que una persona fatigada puede perder el 80% de su capacidad de atención y el 70% de su capacidad de respuesta.

Recientemente en una encuesta realizada por la Asociación de Pilotos de Líneas Aéreas Británicas (BALPA) a 500 pilotos británicos, el 53% reconoció haberse dormido en la cabina de vuelo y ocho de cada diez cree que sus habilidades de vuelo se han visto mermadas por el cansancio en los últimos seis meses.

Lo más preocupante de la encuesta, es que casi uno de cada tres (29%) aseguraron que cuando se despertaron se encontraron con que el otro piloto estaba dormido.

Es de esperar que tendrán en cuanta estos detalles los votantes de la Comisión de Transporte, que tendrá lugar el próximo lunes 30 de septiembre. ¡Con la fatiga, no se juega!.

Glow with the Flow

Glow with the Flow Researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., use all sorts of tools and techniques to learn more during the development of aircraft and spacecraft designs. In this photo, engineers led by researcher Greg Gatlin have sprayed fluorescent oil on a 5.8 percent scale model of a futuristic hybrid wing body during tests in the14 by-22-Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel. The oil helps researchers "see" the flow patterns when air passes over and around the model. Those patterns are important in determining crucial aircraft characteristics such as lift and drag. Image Credit: NASA Langley/Preston Martin

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Key Congressional Issues Update

FAA Upgrades Ukraine's Aviation Safety Rating to Category 1 The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Ukraine complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), based on the results of a July FAA review of Ukraine's civil aviation authority. Ukraine is now upgraded to Category 1 from the Category 2 safety rating the country received from the FAA in June 2005. Ukraine's civil aviation authority worked with the FAA on an action plan so that its safety oversight system fully complies with ICAO's standards and practices. A Category 1 rating means the country's civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures. With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, Ukraine's air carriers can add flights and service to the United States and carry the code of U.S. carriers. With the Category 2 rating, a country's airlines are allowed to maintain existing service to the United States, but cannot establish new services. Ukraine currently does not provide service to the United States. As part of the FAA's IASA program, the agency assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that operate or have applied to fly to the United States and makes that information available to the public. The assessments determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards, not FAA regulations. In order to maintain a Category 1 rating, countries with air carriers that fly to the United States must adhere to the safety standards of ICAO, the United Nations' technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.

GLOBAL MARKET FORECAST 2013 - 2032

Follow the Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF) press event, GMF covers the 2013-2032 timeframe and outlines how emerging economic regions will further increase their importane in overall traffic growth during the next 20 years.

Vídeo : Cortesía de AIRBUS

Fly Series 1 - Air traffic control in Europe

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL IN EUROPE

Vídeo : EURONEWS

Airbus widebody family flight with the A350, A380 and A330

Airbus modern, widebody jetliner family -the versatile A330, super-efficient A350 XWB and flagship A380- came together in the skies for the first time during a formation flight with three test aircraft before they continued on for separate missions.

Vídeo : AIRBUS

Boeing's 787-9 Dreamliner First Flight "On Cloud Nine"

A major milestone for the 787 program. The New 787-9 Dreamliner completed a maiden voyage on September 17, 2013. The second memebr of the 787 family, the 787-9 is 20 feet longer and carries 40 more passengers than the 787-8.

Vídeo : BOEING

CYGNUS POST-LAUNCH BRIEFING

During a post-launch news conference officials from NASA and Orbital Sciences Corporation discussed the launch and mission of Orbital's Antares rocker and Ciygnus spacecraft from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia.

Vídeo : NASA

FEEL THE SPACE ON BOARD THE A350 XWB

With its brand new fuselage cross section, the A350 XWB provides passengers with superior confort in all classes. The combination of cabin spaciousness, wide seats, and innovative moodlighting creates a unique feeling of well-being and ensoures that all passengers arrive refreshed and relaxed.

Vídeo : AIRBUS

BARCELONA, TERCER CENTRO DE CONTROL AÉREO CON MÁS RETRASOS

Los centros de control aéreo de Barcelona,  Palma de Mallorca, y Madrid, se encuentran entre las 20 dependencias de gestión de tráfico aéreo de Europa con mayores retrasos en el mes de agosto, según el informe de Eurocontrol, la agencia europea para la seguridad de la navegación aérea.

Según el informe, los problemas de capacidad y las incidencias meteorológicas provocaron que el centro de control de Barcelona acumulara 2.142 minutos de demora en el mes de agosto, por detrás de Nicosia con 2.250 minutos y el de Marsella, con 2.164 minutos de retrasos. 

FAA Awards $40 Million to New Center of Excellence For Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected a team of universities to lead a new Air Transportation Center of Excellence (COE) for alternate jet fuels and the environment. Led by Washington State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the COE will explore ways to meet the environmental and energy goals that are part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). "This innovative partnership supports President Obama's national plan to address climate change," said Secretary Foxx. "The Center of Excellence will tap talented universities to help us take environmentally friendly, alternative jet fuel technology to the next level. Airlines and their customers will both benefit from their work developing cleaner fuel that supports the environment and continued aviation growth." Core team partners include Boston University, Oregon State University, Purdue University, the University of Dayton, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Washington, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Stanford University, the University of Hawaii, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Tennessee. Research and development efforts by the team will focus on NextGen environmental goals for noise, air quality, climate change and energy. Areas of study will include new aircraft technologies and sustainable alternative aviation jet fuels. The FAA's COE program is a cost-sharing research partnership between academia, industry and the federal government. The FAA anticipates providing this COE with $4 million a year for each of the 10 years of the program. The selected university members all have nationally recognized collegiate environmental and aviation-related education programs. Research projects will be performed through a partnership of senior scientists from these universities. The COE universities also will engage both graduate-level and undergraduate students in their research activities. "The FAA continues its goal to improve National Airspace System energy efficiency by at least two percent per year, and to develop and deploy alternative jet fuels for commercial aviation, with a target of one billion gallons of alternate jet fuel in use by 2018," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. "This Center of Excellence is a valuable tool to provide the critical data we need to reach these goals." The COE industry and other organizational partners include: Aerodyne Research, Airbus/EADS, Alaska Airlines, Boeing, Cathay Pacific Airways, Clean Energy Trust, CSSI, Delta Air Lines, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Gevo, Gulfstream, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, Honeywell UOP, InnovaTek, KiOr, LanzaTech, Metron Aviation, NREL – National Bioenergy Center, PNNL, Rolls Royce, SAFRAN, U.S. DoD – AFRL (Wright Patterson Air Force Base), UTRC (Pratt and Whitney), Weyerhaeuser, Wyle Laboratories and ZeaChem. Congress authorized Air Transportation Centers of Excellence under the Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering and Development Authorization Act of 1990. This legislation enables the FAA to work with universities and industry partners to conduct research in airspace and airport planning and design, environment and aviation safety, as well as to engage in other activities to assure a safe and efficient air transportation system. The FAA has established Centers of Excellence with more than 75 universities conducting research and education in nine other topic areas focusing on: commercial space transportation, airliner cabin environment and intermodal research, aircraft noise and aviation emissions mitigation, advanced materials, general aviation, airworthiness assurance, operations research, airport pavement and airport technology, and computational modeling of aircraft structures. The results of the research conducted through these Centers has resulted in enhancements to policy, guidance and overall safety improvements in many areas, including: remote airport lighting, updated training methodologies for aviation safety inspectors, advancements in Automatic Dependent Surveillance/Broadcast (ADS-B), helipad lighting enhancements for emergency medical services, a national general aviation flight information database, a national wildlife database, reduction of approach fuel burn by 10-20 percent, and many other innovations.

AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION

Vídeo : Cortesía de ALPA

AIRBUS HISTORICAL FIRST FLIGHTS

HISTORICAL FIRST FLIGHTS

VÍDEO : Cortesía de AIRBUS

EMIRATES A380 FIRST CLASS

EMIRATES A380 FIRST CLASS

VÍDEO : Cortesía de EMIRATES

TRAGEDIA DEL VUELO 1907

VÍDEO