aviation

Brownback Heads To Paris To Drum Up Aviation Business

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:22:20 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback is leading a trade delegation to the Paris Air Show this week.

Kansas Gets C- For Infrastructure

Associated Press — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:47:09 +0000

Civil engineers have given Kansas' infrastructure an overall C-minus grade.

The regional chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers released their report card Wednesday.

It's an evaluation of the state's aviation, bridges, roads, dams, drinking water, energy, levees, railroads and schools.

The engineers found the most faults with the state's bridges and dams, rating them a D-minus. They say Kansas has nearly 3,000 structurally deficient bridges.

They awarded the highest grades for the state's roads and schools; both got a C-plus.

Hawker Beechcraft Loses Incentives As Its Local Employment Dips

Associated Press — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:11:38 +0000

Hawker Beechcraft says its total number of Kansas employees has fallen below the level required to receive the full state and local government incentives.

The aircraft manufacturer had 3,372 employees as of December 31st. The company was granted $45 million in incentives back in 2010 in exchange for committing to keep 4,000 people employed in Kansas for 10 years.

Spirit Aerosystems CEO To Retire In 2013

Briana O’Higgins — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:05:30 +0000

Wichita aircraft company Spirit AeroSystems Monday announced that President and CEO Jeffrey Turner will retire in early 2013.

In a press release, Turner said he announced his plan to retire to “ensure adequate time to find a suitable replacement, and allow for an effective handover of duties."

Gov.'s Council Meets To Discuss Growth In Aviation

Carla Eckels — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:46:12 +0000

The Kansas Governor's Council of Economic Advisors met in Wichita Tuesday to discuss ways of increasing revenue and the global competitiveness of the aviation industry.

Governor Sam Brownback, state and local officials and several leaders in the aircraft industry discussed ideas for more than two and a half hours at Spirit Aerosystems.

John Tomblin, Executive Director of the National Institute for Aviation Research (NAIR) was one of the speakers who touted the number of quality engineers that are trained in Wichita.

Machinists Union Approves New Bombardier Contract

Carla Eckels — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:37:09 +0000

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers approved a five-year contract deal with Bombardier Learjet in Wichita over the weekend.

Machinists Union spokesman Bob Wood said people will be returning to work at the Wichita plan Monday. Wood described Saturday's offering as a "substantial improvement" over the proposal that prompted the October 8 walkout.

Airbus Holds Summit, Vows To Double Investments

Carla Eckels — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:11:17 +0000

European airplane maker Airbus Monday announced plans to double investments in the US at the first Air Capital Supplier Summit in Wichita.

Frontier Airlines To Leave Wichita

Associated Press — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:17:38 +0000

Frontier Airlines has announced plans to end its flights between Wichita and Denver. Frontier's two daily flights from Wichita TO Denver will end on November 16.

Spokesperson Lindsey Carpenter says the flights have been performing below average. Carpenter says the airline will contact travelers who have booked flights after November 15, and offer them a flight on another airline or a refund.

The move will leave United Airlines as the only airline flying from Wichita through Denver to western destinations. Allegiant operates flights from Wichita to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix-Mesa.

Hawker Beechcraft Announces Sale To Chinese Firm

Briana O’Higgins — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:36:43 +0000

Aircraft maker Hawker Beechcraft announced Monday that it had reached a $1.79 billion “exclusivity agreement” with a Chinese aerospace manufacturer for the sale of its business jet and general aviation operations.

Under the agreement Beijing-based aerospace manufacturer Superior Aviation Beijing will buy Hawker Beechcraft and make payments over the next six weeks to support ongoing operations until the deal is finalized.

The sale does not include Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company, which will remain a separate entity.

Officials Promote Kansas Aviation Industry At English Air Show

Associated Press — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:32:40 +0000

Kansas officials are in England this week promoting the state's aviation industry.

Senator Jerry Moran, Governor Sam Brownback and Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George will be discussing Kansas aviation at the Farnborough International Airshow near London.

Executives from Wichita's Spirit AeroSystems, Hawker Beechcraft, Cessna Aircraft, Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier also will be there.

Brownback says the Kansas delegation is working to promote current companies and recruit more companies to Wichita.