New Light
Helicopter Goes
on Show
Russian Helicopters unveiled its new
light multi-role RT500 rotorcraft at the
HeliRussia-2018 Exhibition in Moscow in
May. The single-engine type will become
the company’s rst helicopter with a take-
off weight up to two tons, and will have a
top speed of 155mph (250km/h).
Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Russian
Helicopters, commented: “We see
interest in the project both from Russian
and foreign operators. Agreements on
strategic partnership have already been
signed as part of the programme to
promote the helicopter on international
markets.
“We estimate that by 2035 we’ll sell
about 1,000 helicopters, which will allow
us to take up to a 15% share of the world
segment of light helicopters with weight
up to two tons.”New Models and Upgrades Unveiled in Geneva
Bombardier Business Aircraft announced two new Global business
jet models – to add to the existing Global 5000 and Global 6000
products – at the EBACE exhibition in Geneva in late May.
The 5500 and 6500 will feature the new Rolls-Royce Pearl
turbofan engine, which delivers a 13% lower fuel consumption than
the BR710 powerplant of the 5000/6000, plus improved hot and high
performance. The two new models will also have more range, at
5,700 nm (10,556km) and 6,600nm (12,223km) respectively, and their
wing has been re-engineered with a repro led trailing edge.
The prototype 6500, exhibited at EBACE, features a new
combined vision system (CVS) and a three-zone interior with a
redesigned galley and crew rest area. Along with the Global 5500,
it will enter service in 2019. Bombardier has also redesignatedthe Global 7000 as the Global 7500, which now has an increased
7,700nm (14,260km) range.
Elsewhere at the exhibition, Honda Aircraft announced a major
upgrade to the HA420 business jet – the HondaJet Elite – which has
an increased-capacity centre fuel tank, affording a 17% extension in
range (to 1,437nm), and increased useful load. The jet’s elevator has
been redesigned to reduce take-off eld length by 12% and changes
to the engine inlets will reduce cabin noise.
The Elite is equipped with a forward galley, replacing a side-
facing cabin seat, but a certi ed seat in the restroom means the
aircraft can still carry ve cabin passengers. There’s also a new
passeneger sound system and redesigned seats. First deliveries
will be made in August. Rod SimpsonGulf airline Emirates, the world’s largest
international carrier, is starting a daily service
between Edinburgh and Dubai on October- It will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER
in a three-class cabin con guration, with
eight private suites in rst, 42 lie- at seats in
business and 304 seats in economy.
Hubert Frach, Emirates’ divisional senior
vice president, Commercial Operations,
West, said: “We’re increasing our capacity
to Scotland to meet growing demand, and
by introducing a daily ight to Edinburgh,
it will complement our current double daily
ights between Dubai and Glasgow.“Edinburgh is a very popular leisure
and business destination, and the new
service will offer our customers from
across our global network, particularly from
key inbound markets such as Asia and
Australia, a direct option to the city via our
Dubai hub.”Ethiopian Airlines has placed orders for ten more Q400s. BombardierAn Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, soon to
be a daily sight at Edinburgh. EmiratesEmirates Launches Edinburgh-Dubai service
http://www.aviation-news.co.uk 7New African Orders
for Bombardier
Canada’s Bombardier has received orders
for Q400 turboprops from two different
Africa-based customers. The rst, by African
Aero Trading, is for six aircraft on behalf of
the consortium launching Air Connection
Express in Angola. The new carrier will
use the Q400s on domestic services as a
regional feeder for TAAG Angola Airlines.The second contract is a follow-up order
from Ethiopian Airlines for ten additional
Q400s; it has also added purchase rights
for an another ve. Its initial order for
eight, plus four options, was announced on
November 20, 2008, and the carrier’s Q
eet now numbers 22 aircraft, the largest in
the continent of Africa.06-09_civil_newsDC.mfDC.mfDCDC.indd 7 08/06/2018 12: