Virgin Galactic has added a Boeing 747-
to its eet that will be used as a dedicated
launch platform for its LauncherOne orbital
vehicle. The aircraft, N744VG (c/n 32745),
was previously operated by Virgin Atlantic
Airways as G-VWOW (Cosmic Girl).
George Whitesides, Virgin Galactic’s CEO
said: “Air launch enables us to provide a rapid,
responsive service to our satellite customers
on a schedule set by their business and
operational needs. Selecting the 747 airframe
provides a dedicated platform that gives usthe capacity to substantially increase our
payload to orbit without increasing our prices.”
The LauncherOne rocket will be mounted on
the 747 under its left wing, adjacent to the
position that has been used to ferry a fth
engine. The aircraft will undergo scheduled
maintenance prior to the start of a wing
modi cation programme.Virgin Galactic will use a former Virgin
Atlantic Airways Boeing 747-400 as a launch
platform for its LauncherOne orbital vehicle.
Virgin GalacticThe Gazelle Squadron is holding its second
nightshoot at its Bourne Park, Hampshire,
base on Saturday, March 5.
Following the success of the organisation’s rst
event, the same format will allow enthusiasts
to photograph both static and running Gazelle
helicopters as well as a number of other based
and visiting aircraft and helicopters. The event
runs from 5.30pm to 9pm with aircraft lit and,
in most cases, run individually. Entry is £
per person and includes on-site car parking
and free tea and coffee. For more information
or to register for the nightshoot, email visits@
thegazellesquadron.com with the subject line
‘BPNS2’.TWA Remembered
AIRLINE ORDERS
Airline Aircraft Number Order Placed Notes
Jet2 Boeing 737-800 3 December 17
China Southern Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 50 December 17
China Southern Airlines Boeing 737NG 30 December 17
China Postal Airlines Boeing 737-800 BCF 10 December 15
China Postal Airlines Boeing 757-200 7 December 15
Braathens Aviation ATR 72-600 4 December 14
International Airlines Group Airbus A320neo 15 December 21 Firms up options
Private Customer Airbus A330-200 1 November 30Jumbo for Virgin Galactic
CIVIL NEWS
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@AvNewsMag American Airlines Boeing 737-823 N915NN has been painted in the colours of TWA as part of
the carrier’s heritage eet. American AirlinesAviation News incorporating Classic Aircraft February 2016NHV Moves in
at Aberdeen
Belgian operator NHV has based two
Airbus H175 helicopters at its newly opened
Aberdeen International Airport facility.
The company’s Aberdeen complex
comprises a 25,833sq ft (2,400m ) hangar
with offices and a passenger terminal with
check-in, X-ray, security, safety equipment
storage and issue facilities, and safety
brie ng rooms. The ground oor serves as
a general waiting area and on the upper
oor there is a dedicated passenger lounge.
Eric Van Hal, CEO NHV Group, said:
“The opening of our Aberdeen base and
the rst Aberdeen-based contract with
Chevron North Sea Limited will start on
January 1 with two H175s. These are
strategically very important achievements
which were only possible thanks to the
commitment from all our stakeholders, our
employees, our customers, our partners
and our majority shareholder, Ardian.”HondaJet Certifi cated
Honda Aircraft Company received its
type certi cate for the HA420 HondaJet
light business jet on December 8.
The aircraft has been 12 years
in development with the prototype
(N420HA, c/n P.0001) making its rst
ight as long ago as December 3, 2003.
The HondaJet is powered by a pair
of 2,095lb.s.t. HF120 turbofans which
have been jointly developed by Honda
and GE and are, unusually, mounted on
pylons above the wings. Classed as an‘entry-level’ jet, the HA420 competes
with the Embraer Phenom 100E and
the Cessna 510 Citation Mustang and
has a cruise speed of 420kts.
Four ying prototypes were used
for certi cation and Honda Aircraft has
already built ve production aircraft
with another 25 in nal assembly.
Production is planned to build up to
three to four units a month in 2016 with
most initial deliveries to US customers.
Rod SimpsonEASA Certifi es High
Density ATR 72
Franco/Italian manufacturer ATR has received EASA
certi cation for its high-density seating con guration
for the ATR 72-600. Using the existing airframe, the
new layout optimises the pitch as well as adjusting
the forward cargo compartment, bringing the aircraft’s
maximum capacity from 74 to 78 seats. The option will
also be available as a retro t. Cebu Paci c is the launch
customer for the new con guration under a deal for 16
new aircraft announced at the last Paris Airshow. Its rst
aircraft will enter service in August.06-08_10_civil.JR.mf.JR.mfJRDC.indd 10 08/01/2016 14: