News Archive

EADS’s board of directors has selected Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, to succeed EADS CEO Louis Gallois when his five-year term expires at the end of May after the company’s annual meeting. At that time Arnaud Lagardère, managing partner of Lagardère SCA, will assume the role of chairman of the board, a position currently held by Bodo Uebber.

Lakeland, Fla.-based Gulf Coast Avionics has entered into a marketing and sales partnership with Platinum Aviation in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Under the agreement, Gulf Coast Avionics will be the exclusive supplier of avionics sales, service and installation and pilot supply products to Platinum Aviation.

Toulouse, France-based regional turboprop manufacturer ATR is pressing ahead with plans to increase its production rate progressively over the next three years while preparing to add a larger, 90-seat model to its product line, which now consists of the 50-seat ATR 42-600 and 74-seat ATR 72-600.

Other than seeing a ramp full of stored ex-DayJet Eclipse aircraft in 2008 after the collapse of the Florida-based air-taxi firm, it’s rare now to sight more than a couple of the type together at an airport–unless you happen to pass through Henderson Executive Airport near Las Vegas, Nev.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) selected the Becker Avionics DVSC6100 digital audio and intercom system for the agency’s new Pilatus PC-12 Spectre fleet. The Spectre is a special-mission version of the PC-12 with a retractable sensor platform, nine-passenger utility interior and sensor operator’s console.

ExecuJet Aviation’s growing global FBO network now extends from new facilities in Australasia to its rebranded operation at Cambridge Airport in the UK. Late last year, the Switzerland-based group unveiled new bases at Wellington International Airport in New Zealand and at Melbourne’s Essendon Airport in Australia.

Garmin received an STC for installation of the G500H helicopter avionics system in the Robinson R44. The installation requires a 10-hole instrument panel. For R44s with the seven- or nine-hole panel, a custom panel is available from Garmin, or customers can purchase one from Robinson.