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14 Oct 04, 08:54

Additional Piranha LAVs for Denmark

(Source: Mowag AG; dated Oct. 7, 2004)

On October 5, 2004 the Danish Army Materiel Command (DAMC) and Mowag AG - a General Dynamics company - signed a contract for the delivery of 91 armoured vehicles of the Piranha IIIC 8x8 type with a total value of close to 140 Million Swiss Francs (approx. US$ 112 Million). This is already the third order from the Danish Army

At the beginning of this year, the Danish Army announced that it intended to use the Mowag Piranha III 8x8 as the standard platform for future procurement activities of protected vehicles in this category, after having ordered the first 22 Piranhas in 1997 and a further 22 Piranhas in 2003. The vehicles ordered in 2003 are at present being manufactured in Kreuzlingen.

The newly signed contract comprises 69 Piranha IIIC 8x8 in the APC, Ambulance, Command Post, and Reconnaissance vehicle versions and also the 22 APC and Ambulance vehicles contracted already in 2003. Delivery will start in February 2005 with the Ambulance vehicles being delivered first.

Mowag's CEO, Simon T. Honess, was proud and pleased about the close cooperation with Denmark, and he declared: "This contract is further proof of our customers' confidence in the performance and reliability of our Piranha, and of the good strategic partnership between the Danish authorities and Mowag AG".

The Piranhas of the most recent order, too, will be used primarily within the framework of international missions of the Danish Army, and thus signifies the changed focus of Danish Armed Forces. The threat situation in such missions specifically calls for a high level of protection for the vehicle crews against mines and ballistic weapons. With the Piranha IIIC 8x8, the technology-minded company from Kreuzlingen offers a proven vehicle, which fulfils this high-ranking requirement of protection. With its third order, the Danish Army continues to trust in the reliability and performance of the successful product from Kreuzlingen.

With the Piranha III, which is manufactured in the 8x8 and 10x10 versions and was first presented in 1997, Mowag has set the standard in the domain of armoured wheeled vehicles in the weight class of up to 20 t. The Piranha IIIC 8x8 is 7.58 m long and 2.66 m wide. The total useful volume in the interior is approx. 12 m3. On the road, the Piranha III reaches a speed of up to 100 km/h; it manages gradients of up to 60%, obstacles with a height of up to 60 cm, and fording depths of up to 1.5 m without problems.

The 400 HP Caterpillar engine, in connection with the ZF 7-speed automatic transmission, the modern independent wheel suspension, the tire pressure regulation system, and the disengageable all-wheel drive give the Piranha an outstanding mobility even in difficult terrain

Mowag AG of Kreuzlingen develops, designs, and manufactures technologically advanced special vehicles for military use. Far more than 10'000 armoured wheeled vehicles of the Mowag Piranha, Mowag EAGLE, and Mowag DURO series are fielded all over the world. Since October of 2003, Mowag is part of the General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems group, and employs a qualified staff of more than 500 in its Kreuzlingen site.
arburthen?
15 Oct 04, 11:52

IAI to Develop New Jet Trainer

(Source: Israel Aircraft Industries; issued Oct. 13, 2004)

LAS VEGAS, NV --- Aviation Technology Group (ATG) and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) have signed a strategic cooperative agreement for the design, development, and manufacture of an Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

The AJT is an innovative concept based on ATGÂ’s two-seat jet, the Javelin, and is optimally suited for a variety of advanced military training and support requirements. Integration of the Javelin prototype is in its final stages and handoff to flight operations is scheduled for this month.

The ATG and IAI partnership is a cooperative development process which also includes joint global marketing, engineering and co-production of the Javelin AJT. The agreement maximizes commonality between the Javelin civil aircraft and the military advanced jet trainer. It also utilizes long term IAIÂ’s proven experience in commercial and military aircraft certification. Final assembly of the aircraft will take place in New Mexico and Israel allowing increased logistical flexibility. IAI will invest equity and matching funds in ATG for the advanced trainer derivative and the aircraft will be the central element of an integrated system that includes flight simulators, ground-base training systems, and maintenance and logistics infrastructures.

The dual-engine Javelin AJT will optimize aircraft performance during advanced and pre-operational training, allowing pilot trainees to better develop data analysis, information management, decisionmaking, and situational awareness skills.

The Javelin AJT will perform in the class of 0.90 Mach/500 knots. It is based on a light small dimension platform (approximately 6000 lbs/2700 kg). Maneuverability matches the requirements of advanced and pre-operational (Â“lead-inÂ”) pilot training. In the Javelin AJT the cockpit and avionics will be compatible with the display and operation of systems in fourth and fifth generation fighters including the F-15, F-16, Mig-29, Sukhoi-30, Rafale and Eurofighter. Systems will include embedded simulations of combat scenarios, sensors data, simulated operation of weapons and self-defense systems, and mission planning and debriefing capabilities.

IAI is a world leader in designing and installing sophisticated avionics and displays in a large variety of both Eastern and Western aircraft and this expertise will be applied to the Javelin AJT.

Â“We evaluated options to develop a next-generation trainer aircraft and concluded that a strategic codevelopment partnership with ATG was most cost effective option," said Moshe Keret, President and CEO of IAI. Â“The Advanced Jet Trainer will incorporate low-risk design and technologies of great interest to air forces around the world seeking pilots' training solutions.Â”

Â“IAIÂ’s faith and commitment to the Javelin program validates ATGÂ’s core value proposition. Using a modular, core platform, we are able to offer jets at a price to performance ratio that cannot be matched,Â” said George Bye, Chairman and CEO of ATG. Â“We are committed to build upon our progress in the civil sector by entering the advanced training market with IAI. The Javelin AJT concept allows flight training units to improve training effectiveness while simultaneously reducing budgets.Â”

Established in 1953, IAI is Israel's largest high-tech concern and a globally recognized leader for the defense and commercial markets. IAI provides unique and cost-effective technological solutions for a broad spectrum of needs in space, air, land, sea and homeland defense.

Headquartered at Centennial Airport in Englewood, CO, ATG is the developer and manufacturer of high performance military and civil aircraft for domestic and international customers. ATG offers highly competitive products by integrating new technology and off-the-shelf systems into modular platforms.
arburthen?
15 Oct 04, 11:53

High Speed Military Cat Christened and Launched

(Source: Austal; issued Oct. 14, 2004)

Â“AMH SeaCoasterÂ”, the 31.2 metre long surface-effect catamaran that will be used to demonstrate advanced hull-form technology to the United States Office of Naval Research (ONR), was christened at a ceremony at AustalÂ’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard on October 1.

Monsignor Warren Wall of St. Ignatius parish in Mobile performed the invocation, benediction and shipÂ’s blessing at the ceremony which was attended by guests including US Congressman Jo Bonner, Admiral Jay Cohen (Chief of Naval Research), Congressman Sonny Callahan, Mike Collins (President of American Marine Holdings, the shipÂ’s owner) and Tom Bender (CEO, Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co.).

The traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne over the vesselÂ’s bows was ably performed by Mrs. Karen Callahan, wife of former Congressman Sonny Callahan.

Â“AMH SeaCoasterÂ”, AustalÂ’s Hull 612 and the eighth vessel to be built at AustalÂ’s purpose-built aluminum shipbuilding facility in the United States, was subsequently launched early on October 3.

The ship is being built for American Marine Holdings, which has been awarded a contract to demonstrate its licensed technology SeaCoaster design to ONR. ONR coordinates, executes and promotes the science and technology programs of the Navy and Marine Corps as well as providing technical advice to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy.

The patented SeaCoaster catamaran design features cavities in the bottom of each hull into which air is blown providing lift to the vessel, reducing resistance, and thus allowing higher speeds to be obtained. Designer-inventor Don Burg expects speeds of up to 56 knots. Following its successful evaluation by ONR, American Marine Holdings expects various departments of the US military to decide on potential applications for the air-inducted technology and possibly order additional vessels for specific uses.
American Marine Holdings President, Mr. Mike Collins, said Austal was selected to build the vessel for ONR due to its expertise in aluminum vessel construction.

Â“Austal USA brings to this market a new dimension in high speed marine transport, utilizing the companyÂ’s leading edge technology and construction capabilities that were not previously available to US customers,Â” he said.

Principal particulars

--Overall length: 31.2 metres
--Beam: 9.75 metres
--Hull depth (moulded): 3.35 metres
--Main engines: 4 x 1045kW Caterpillar diesels
--Propulsion: 4 x ZF surface-piercing propellers
--Speed: 56 knots
arburthen?
15 Oct 04, 11:54

F-16 Pilots Adopt New JHMCS Sight

(Source: US Air Force; issued Oct. 13, 2004)

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --- F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots here can now look, lock and launch on an enemy target in the blink of an eye. Because split seconds can mean the difference between life or death for a pilot in combat, the 52nd Fighter Wing here adopted an advanced approach to high-tech man-machine interaction with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System.

The system provides an electronic interface allowing the helmet and jet to communicate putting critical data less than three inches from a pilotÂ’s right eye. Human retinal nerve impulses and eye movement can be faster than one-twenty-fifth of a second. Pilots quickly locate, track, identify and lock onto airborne and ground-based targets at longer ranges and safer altitudes -- all by simply looking at a target, said Staff Sgt. Terence Zelek, a life-support technician with the 23rd Fighter Squadron. Â“By keeping their eyes pointed outside the cockpit, pilots will be better equipped to support the formation via visual lookout and avoid potential midair collisions in crowded airspace,Â” said Lt. Col. David Youtsey, 52nd Operations Support Squadron director of operations.

Avoiding such collisions is part of what makes the nearly $100,000 price tag per system money well spent, Colonel Youtsey said. Â“Compared to the cost of a trained pilot, the cost of the (F-16), or the cost of many weapons that are used only once, the price is not an issue,Â” he said. Â“(With) more survivable air attack engagements or faster destruction of enemy ground forces during a close-air support mission, the benefits are easily recognized. Â“Colonel Youtsey said the new system also pays dividends in training.

Â“Our young pilots will learn the skills and tactics necessary to transfer to more capable aircraft,Â” he said. Â“The skills acquired via (the system) will support the fielding decisions and employment tactics of those future stealthy platforms in an even more networked and sensor-dense battle space.Â”

One pilot said the ease of the helmet system makes the idea of returning to the Â“old-fashionedÂ” system unappealing, but he also recognizes the importance of meticulous training, fitting and assembly on the new system.

Â“Your head is connected to the end (of the cord) and inside the helmet,Â” said Capt. Kevin Lord, 23rd FS life-support officer and F-16 pilot. During an ejection or other mishap, Â“if the (system) is improperly connected, it could rip your head off.Â”

Three dedicated rides with an instructor, coupled with a regular flight schedule, should keep pilots proficient with the new equipment.

Â“When you know how to wear (the helmet) and itÂ’s properly fitted, itÂ’s awesome,Â” Captain Lord said. Â“ItÂ’s first look, first lock, first kill and now we can track altitude, speed and just about any information we need to keep the aircraft level and in our control.Â”
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:47

Thailand Favors Gripen for F-5 Replacement

(Source: Gripen International; web-posted Oct. 15, 2004)

Following the visit to Sweden by the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra 23-24 September, and following a meeting with the Swedish Prime Minister GÃ¶ran Persson, he stated that Thailand is in favor of Gripen as its F-5 replacement aircraft.

This very positive statement has recently been confirmed by the C-in-C of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshall Kongsak Wantana, saying to the Reuters news agency in Bangkok on 8 October Â“We have decided to select Gripen fighters to replace our F-5 fleetÂ”.

However, the Thai interest in Gripen dates back to earlier briefings given by Gripen International to Thai officials. Gripen has also been presented to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) on several occasions, including when the C-in-Chief of the Royal Swedish Air Force, Maj.Gen Jan Andersson, was on an official visit on the occasion of the RTAFÂ’s 90th anniversary on 26-27 March 2004.

While visiting the RTAF, Maj.Gen Andersson invited the RTAF to visit Sweden and familiarize itself with Gripen. The invitation was accepted and on 24 May, two pilots from the RTAF - Wing Commander Punpakdee Pattanakul (call sign Â“KaiÂ”) and Wing Commander Manat Chuanprayon (call sign Â“MaverickÂ”) - arrived at Swedish Air Force (SwAF) base F7 at SÃ¥tenÃ¤s, 120 kms north of Gothenburg in the west of Sweden.

The F7 wing is the home of two Gripen squadrons and the Gripen Centre, where all Gripen pilots undergo conversion and tactical training on Gripen. The Thai officers were given an introductory course on the Gripen aircraft which included 10 hours of flying.

In parallel, Swedish industry and Swedish authorities have held extensive talks with their Thai counterparts. A joint Swedish-Thai group, at the highest political level, will meet on a regular basis to prepare for a widespread bilateral agreement. The aim is to further develop the relations between Thailand and Sweden and to create a bilateral co-operation program serving as a base for a possible future sale of Gripen to Thailand. An acquisition of Gripen for the RTAF could be part of such a co-operation program, as could other products of the Saab Group or other companies.

Â“We are naturally very pleased with the positive signals we have received from ThailandÂ”, says Kaj Rosander, Thai Project Manager at Gripen International.

Â“The Thai Air Force is well known for its high standard of operations and with Gripen being seen as the prime replacement for their F-5Â’s, it is a further evidence of GripenÂ’s capabilities both in terms of performance as well economicallyÂ” he added.
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:48

Australia Opens Tender for Destroyers

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Oct. 16, 2004)

The Federal Government has today advertised for Australian shipbuilders to bid for one of Australia's largest and most complex Defence projects, the Navy's Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs).

Defence Minister Robert Hill said a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released and the terms of the proposal will be available from Monday, 18 October 2004.

"The proposal will be for the construction of three AWDs in Australia," Senator Hill said. "The RFP will be available to qualified shipbuilding organisations that have entered into agreements with the Commonwealth in relation to confidentiality and related matters."

Senator Hill said tender documents for the $4.5-$6 billion project have been developed by Defence in consultation with independent commercial adviser Carnegie Wylie & Company.

The tender for the construction of the AWDs will remain open for approximately nine weeks. Defence will then evaluate tender responses, with Government to receive a recommendation on the preferred shipbuilder in March 2005.

Once appointed, the preferred shipbuilder will be in a position to assist the Commonwealth select the preferred design for the AWD in mid 2005.

Senator Hill said tenders will be sought on an alliance-style contract basis, with the vessels to be built in Australia. The successful shipbuilder will be majority Australian-owned and be required to satisfy a range of price and non-price criteria, including:

--Commitment to the principles of a long-term risk sharing arrangement with the Commonwealth and other industry partners for the construction of the AWDs;

--A cost, overhead and pricing structure that will enable the cost effective delivery of the AWDs, including the ability to build designs considering 'whole of life' costs;

--A sound record of past performance in building naval vessels;

--Commercial viability and financial backing;

--Access to the skilled workforce required to produce ships to the Commonwealth's requirements;

--Willingness to provide open financial accounting data - including visibility through to the sub-contractor level - to the Commonwealth;

--Capacity to provide the Commonwealth with transparency and contractual influence over major sub-contractors; and

--Capacity to access sensitive technology required for the AWD project.

Companies bidding for the AWDs will be required to include Australian skills and training programs in their tenders, with Defence to fund companies for extra skills generation and training benefits in the programs.

The AWDs represent a quantum leap in the air warfare capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. The vessels, which are to be introduced into service from 2013, will be equipped with the world-class AEGIS radar that is capable of detecting and defeating multiple hostile aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150 kilometres.

The AWDs will also have an anti-submarine and anti-shipping capability, together with the potential for the ships' sensors to be used to detect ballistic missiles in flight. They will provide significantly increased protection from air attack for troops being transported and deployed and long-range air warfare defence for a Navy task group.

As outlined earlier this year, the Government has asked the international design houses Blohm & Voss of Germany; Gibbs & Cox of the Unites States and Izar of Spain to produce evolved concept designs based on their existing ship classes the Saschen Class F124 Frigate; the Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer; and the Alvaro De Bazan Class F100 Frigate respectively.

The AWD project provides a massive opportunity for Australian industry to participate at both the prime and sub-contractor level. The project will also create new Australian jobs and skills and strengthen Australia's strategic industrial base.
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:49

RAAF Sends F-111s, F-18s to Red Flag

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Oct. 18, 2004)

Hundreds of personnel, four F-111 strike aircraft and six F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft from the Royal Australian Air ForceÂ’s Air Combat Group will deploy over the next few days to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, United States of America, to take part in the United States Air Force advanced air combat training exercise called Red Flag.

Exercise Red Flag will involve 250 personnel and is an excellent opportunity for the Royal Australian Air ForceÂ’s F-111 and F/A-18 air and ground crews to hone their skills with the United States Air Force and other allied nations at one of the worldÂ’s best air combat training facilities.

The deployment of personnel and aircraft from RAAF Amberley in Queensland and RAAF Williamtown in New South Wales to Exercise Red Flag will be the first overseas deployment of a combined Air Combat Group force with both F-111 and F/A-18 aircraft. This year will also be the first time the Air Force has sent F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to take part in the exercise.

Group Captain Bill Henman, Officer Commanding 81 Wing from RAAF Williamtown will command the Air Combat Group deployment to Red Flag.

Â“Participating in Red Flag is a great opportunity for Air Combat Group and will be a major milestone in the training of our air combat aviators. Red Flag also provides invaluable training for our logistics and maintenance personnel as they are able to practice deploying to another country and working together with other Air ForcesÂ” Group Captain Henman said.

The large scale exercise will involve experienced aircrews from the different air forces flying Strike, Electronic Warfare, Tactical Transport, Fighter Escort, Airborne Warning and Control and Air to Air refueling aircraft against dedicated defensive fighter aircraft and an extensive range of simulated Surface to Air threats.

The F-111 aircraft and the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft will arrive at Nellis Air Force Base from Thursday 21 October. RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft will provide airlift support to Air Combat Group on their way to Nellis Air Force Base. The exercise runs for two weeks with flying beginning on Saturday 23 October.
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:50

Australia Rejects Plea to Send More Troops to Iraq to Protect UN Staff

(Source: Voice of America; issued Oct. 18, 2004)

Australia has turned down a request by the United Nations to send more troops to Iraq to protect U.N. personnel there. Australia has agreed instead to train a contingent of Fijian soldiers for the job.

Australia was approached informally through its diplomatic missions in the United States to send more troops to help protect U.N. workers in Iraq.

Australia has around 920 military personnel in the Gulf region, and a Foreign Ministry spokesman say the government has refused to send any more.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Canberra has already made a substantial commitment to Iraq, and has no intention of deploying more troops there.

Â“There is something to be said for the argument that we could provide some support to the United Nations, but there is more to be said for us sticking with the commitment we made that we would not send ever-increasing numbers of troops there,Â” Mr. Downer says.

Instead, the government says it will help to help train and equip troops from Fiji, which has offered a detachment of 155 soldiers to protect the U.N. mission.

CanberraÂ’s decision is another headache for U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan as he struggles to win international backing for a security force to try to keep the U.N. staff in Iraq safe.

A lack of protection for U.N. workers has been a key concern since a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including the organizationÂ’s special representative to Iraq, Sergio de Mello, in Baghdad last year.

Only a few countries, including Fiji, have answered the U.N. calls for help in Iraq. In the meantime, the U.N. mission there is relying on the increasingly hard-pressed U.S. military for protection.
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:51

Armor Launches Ultra Light Combat Vehicle

(Source: Arotech Corp.; issued Oct. 18, 2004)

NEW YORK --- Arotech Corporation announced today that its MDT Armor vehicle-armoring subsidiary will be launching its new ultra light armored combat vehicle at the 2004 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition on October 25-27 in Washington, DC.

The new vehicle - the David - was designed by MDT for Special Operation units that need a small, versatile and easy to maneuver armored combat vehicle. Tailored for the urban environment of the Low Intensity Conflict, the David offers armor piercing protection for a crew of 7, wide doors for fast in/out of troops on a platform that can easily get in and out of tight urban streets and alleys. The entire cabin, including front and rear doors, was designed by MDT, and built on a Land Rover Defender platform, utilizing advanced and composite materials. The David can also be built on a Mercedes G Wagon Platform. The David has been tested by the Israeli Defense Force, which has several units already in service.

Â“The David is a vehicle unique to MDT,Â” said Robert S. Ehrlich, Arotech Chairman and CEO. Â“ItÂ’s a small fully armored combat vehicle, but it can carry more soldiers than an armored HMMWWV (Humvee) and into tighter spots.Â”

MDT will be displaying in booth #4249 of the 2004 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. An armored 5-seater Land Rover Defender SUV will be on display, together with body armor and HMMWWV armor kits manufactured by ArotechÂ’s Armour of America subsidiary.
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:53

Australia to Assist Fijian Deployment to Iraq

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Oct. 19, 2004)

The Australian Defence Force will provide assistance to a Fijian military contingent preparing to deploy under United Nations (UN) auspices to Iraq.

Defence Minister Robert Hill and Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer announced today that Australia will provide support with training, equipment and related logistics, following a request from the Government of Fiji.

Fiji will contribute a guard contingent and a personal protection detachment to the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI).

Australia strongly supports UN efforts to establish a significant presence in Iraq, involving the full range of agencies and with appropriate security protection.

Australia welcomes FijiÂ’s contribution to UNAMI and is pleased to support them through the provision of equipment and training.

We are keen to ensure the UN can deploy sufficient personnel to fulfill its mandate to advise and support the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq on the process for holding elections.

We strongly encourage the international community to support the Iraqi people on their path to democracy.

There are currently about 920 Australian Defence Force personnel in the Middle East, as part of multinational efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq.
arburthen?
20 Oct 04, 20:54

Jetstar Asia Awards ST Aerospace US$47m Total Aviation Support Maintenance Programme

(Source: ST Aerospace; issued Oct. 20, 2004)

SINGAPORE --- Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aerospace), the aerospace arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering), today announced that its subsidiary, ST Aerospace Engineering, has been appointed by Jetstar Asia to support the new low cost carrier's fleet of up to eight A320s by 2005 on a total aviation support programme. The agreement, worth approximately US$47 million, will stretch over five years, covering line, light checks and base maintenance including engineering and technical services, as well as components management and support.

The contract is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.

"We plan to grow our fleet significantly in the coming years to meet the projected growth of air travel demand led by the LCC market. We are pleased to work with ST Aerospace as their approach and expertise strongly supports our business model for quality, performance and cost effective fleet management whilst delivering the highest safety level to our customers," said Con Korfiatis, Chief Operating Officer, Jetstar Asia.

"We are honoured that Jetstar Asia has chosen us to support its operations. Our Total Aviation Support programme enables our customers to focus on their airlines' core business, with the assurance of the quality support they will receive. Jetstar Asia is the latest customer among our global customer base that includes an important number of low cost carriers. Our customers are our biggest assets, and we aim to ensure Jetstar will achieve the performance they expect," said Tay Kok Khiang, President, ST Aerospace.

Jetstar Asia, which is a partnership between Qantas and local investors, is expected to begin flying by the end of the year and will provide low fares with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience to an expanding regional customer base.

Jetstar Asia is a partnership between Qantas (49%); Tony Chew (22%); FF Wong (10%) and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited (19%). The airline is expected to create approximately 200 jobs when it commences services to a number of regional destinations within five hours of Singapore by the end of the year. Jetstar Asia will begin operations with a fleet of up to four Airbus A320 single-aisle, 180-seat aircraft; expanding to 8 aircraft by the end of 2005.

ST Aerospace is the aerospace arm of ST Engineering. It provides a full spectrum of maintenance and engineering services through its three business segments: Aircraft Maintenance & Modification (AMM), Component / Engine Repair & Overhaul (CERO), and Engineering & Materials Services (EMS). ST Aerospace has a staff strength of more than 5,000 certified engineers and administrative specialists.