Page 8 - FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2024 - DAY 3 | DAILY NEWS

Second RAF Protector at Waddington GA-ASI training involved RAF Operational
Conversion Units (OCUs), which are com-
Starts Ground Trial, First Flight in August prised of eight crews, including pilots, sen-
sor operators (SOs), and mission intelli-
gence coordinators (MICs) from 31, 54, or
56 Squadrons. The training provides the
foundational skills required to operate the
Protector air vehicle and its equipment,
including the Multi-Spectral Targeting
System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar
(SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS),
and System for Tasking and Real-Time
Exploitation (STARE).

MQ-9B delivers exceptionally long endur-
ance and range, with auto takeoff and
landing under SATCOM-only control, and
will be able to operate in unsegregated
The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) undergoing RAF crew training, test, and airspace using the company-developed
now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely evaluation in the United States. Detect and Avoid system. In addition to
Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF the RAF, contracts have been signed with
Waddington. The first flight of the second “We’re thrilled to see a second Protector op- Belgium, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. Air
Protector is expected in August, with the erating at Waddington,” said Chris Dusseault, Force in support of the Special Operations
aircraft’s ground trial already on. GA-ASI’s vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. Command. The Japan Coast Guard is cur-
“The Royal Air Force is a great partner for rently operating the MQ-9B for maritime
Protector is based on the MQ-9B GA-ASI, and we look forward to additional operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-
SkyGuardian RPA developed by General MQ-9B aircraft operating in the U.K. and Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its
Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA- more broadly across Europe.” Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE)
ASI), which is showcasing its capabilities Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial
at the ongoing Show. The RPA is and is Meanwhile, the first of four cadres of RAF Operation Project. MQ-9B has additional-
specially configured for the RAF. The RAF aircrew recently ccompleted training at ly supported various U.S. Navy exercises,
has taken delivery of 10 of their total order GA-ASI’s Flight Test and Training Center including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle
of 16 Protectors , with eight aircraft currently (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Problem, and Group Sail.

Vietjet, Airbus Sign Deal for 20 A330neo Aircraft

Vietjet and Airbus have signed a contract for domestic and regional to long haul routes.”
the acquisition of 20 new-generation wide-
body A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, valued “The award-winning Airspace cabin also
at USD 7.4 billion according to the manu- enables airlines to provide the best flight
facturer’s list price, during the Farnborough experience for passengers, fully adaptable
International Airshow 2024. to each business model. This will be the
perfect platform for Vietjet Air to fly more

This deal is among the largest announced people, farther and at lower cost, while
also reducing fuel consumption and carbon
at this year’s Airshow. The new aircraft will “Passengers will soon enjoy safer, more emissions.”
be utilised for Vietjet’s expanding long-haul comfortable, and modern long-haul flights.
services and high-demand regional routes. Airbus planes have enabled Vietjet to bring The A330neo boasts an award-winning
They are set to replace the airline’s current cost-effective flying opportunities to over Airspace cabin that offers passengers a
A330-300 fleet, supporting Vietjet’s strategic 200 million passengers, including many unique flying experience with features such
goal to expand its intercontinental flight first-time flyers, connecting peoples, nations, as a new lighting system, larger overhead
network. and continents, promoting economic devel- bins, and access to the latest in-flight en-
opment and cultural exchange,” she added. tertainment and connectivity systems.
“The new A330neo aircraft strategically en- Powered by the latest generation Rolls-
hance Vietjet’s fleet development, boosting Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900
the airline’s operational capacity to support President Sales, Airbus Commercial Aircraft, can fly 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop.
its global expansion. The introduction of commented: “We are pleased to finalise this
advanced, fuel-efficient A330neo aircraft milestone order with one of Asia’s fastest Vietjet, with a fleet of over 105 aircraft and
into Vietjet’s fleet is part of our sustain- growing carriers. This is another vote of a steadily increasing passenger volume, is
able development strategy and ESG goals, confidence in the latest generation Airbus actively expanding its intercontinental flight
aiming for Net-Zero emissions by 2050,” widebody product line. It demonstrates the network. The airline is developing new and
said Vietjet’s Chairwoman, Dr. Nguyen Thi tremendous A330neo versatility for all types modern fleets in collaboration with global
Phuong Thao.. of business models and networks from strategic partners such as Airbus.

8 JULY-24-2024 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS