CAE

CAE announced it won $48 million worth of contracts for simulation equipment and training service, including a contract for a full-flight simulator for the ATR72-500. The ATR contract also includes two CAE Tropos visual systems and an upgrade to the visual system of an existing sumulator. The new equipment will be used by Indian carrier Air Deccan, a low cost carrier. The simulator will be delivered to the new training center Air Deccan is constructing in Bangalore in spring 2008.

NATA

NATA launched a new flight training publication called the "Flight Training Business Report" based on expectations the flight training industry will undergo tremendous change with the advent of technically advanced aircraft and personal jets. Indeed, pilot training is seen as a major issue for this new type of aircraft. Topics in the first issue, published recently, include marketing attitudes, sales environments, and regulatory updates.

BAE

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft leased one Avro RJ100 to FaroeJet, a new airline based in the Faroe Islands. The aircraft, delivered this month, will be used by Atlantic Airways on its routes to Denmark. Currently, Atlantic Airways has had the market to itself since 2004 with its fleet of four BAE 146/Avro RJs, despite the fact another airline could serve the islands, located between Iceland and Norway. At that time, 140,000 passengers went to and from Copenhagen and the Faroe Islands, something Faroe Jet's investors noted was growing. The airline plans two daily flights, six days a week, during the summer.

MagicBird Airlines

Two ATP Freighters have been leased to MagicBird Airlines. Both configured to E-Class bulk freighters, the first aircraft was delivered in mid-April for service in Stockholm on a Swedish post office contract. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery in May for mail destined for other parts of Europe. MagicBird's Dutch management team plans to eventually operate up to eight ATP freights in both E class and large cargo door configuration. Although based in the Netherlands, MagicBird expects to operate its ATPF freighters across Europe.

Yeti Airlines

Nepalese regional carrier Yeti Airlines has entered a long-term lease for four 29-seat Jetstream 41 aircraft, the first of which was delivered to the carrier's Kathmandu base in early May. The remaining aircraft are scheduled for delivery over the coming months, according to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. Yeti is privately owned and operates a fleet of four 19-seat deHavilland Twin Otters and three 36-seat Saab 340Bs. In addition to scheduled service to remote areas, it offers charter flights and scenic mountain flights. The Jetstream aircraft will replace Yeti's fleet of Saab 340Bs, now used in the Everest flightseeing operation and regional flights, to destinations such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bhadrapu, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.

ICG

International Communications Group (ICG) announced the appointment of L2 Consulting Services, Inc. (L2) as an authorized reseller for its iridium-based satellite communication products in the aviation market. L2 will be responsible for promoting and selling ICG products within the military, government and civil cargo industries. The company will also offer first line response for product installation, technical support and service requests.