July 26, 2023

Airshare Continues Growth, Plans to Double Fractional Challenger Fleet with New Agreement Featuring Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 Aircraft

Airshare plans to double its Challenger fleet

Airshare commits to ordering up to 20 additional¹ Challenger 3500 super-midsize jets
Order builds on previous commitment for up to 20 Challenger aircraft initially announced in May 2021
The best-selling Challenger 3500 aircraft continues to impress with its ultimate combination of refined cabin experience, proven reliability and top performance
One of the fastest-growing private aviation companies in the United States, Airshare has experienced heavy demand for the Challenger platform among fractional customers, fulfilling their need to travel coast-to-coast while enjoying best-in-class comfort

MONTREAL, July 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bombardier today announced that Kansas City-based private aviation company Airshare has committed to ordering up to 20 additional Challenger 3500 aircraft. Through this new agreement, Airshare plans to double the size of their Challenger fleet, supporting the considerable demand they have experienced from the outset of launching the aircraft within their fractional program.

In May 2021, Airshare entered the super-midsize segment with an order for up to 20 Challenger aircraft. As the fast-growing private aviation company moves to exercise all options as part of that original order, this new incremental commitment to Challenger 3500 jets underscores that the smooth, efficient and reliable customer experience that private aviation provides continues to garner significant market interest among the travelling public.

“The response we have received to the Challenger entering our fractional program has been tremendous, from both new and existing customers,” said John Owen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airshare. “We are thrilled to extend our commitment with Bombardier and look forward to adding several more Challenger 3500s to our fleet. The strength of our partnership made it easy for us to accelerate our plans to order more of these aircraft to meet customer demand.”

“The entire team is immensely proud that Airshare continues to trust Bombardier to grow its fleet,” said Eric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier. “Airshare and Bombardier share several values in common: we strive for excellence and work tirelessly to offer an exceptional experience to our clients. With this new order, our valued relationship continues to grow stronger, as the award-winning Challenger 3500 aircraft keeps elevating Airshare’s flight experience with its ultimate combination of performance and comfort.”

Airshare’s fractional program provides each owner of a 1/16th share with 20 days and unlimited flight time (based on a customer’s allocation of days with a maximum 14-hour crew duty day). When Airshare shareowners begin and end in the same location, while keeping the aircraft and crew with them when they need it, they save up to 25 per cent off their hourly rate. Having the pilots and aircraft stay with shareowners as they travel provides the ultimate in flexibility as they are able to visit multiple locations and adjust their schedules at a moment’s notice. Airshare also offers its own jet card program, EMBARK, as well as aircraft management, on-demand charter and maintenance services.

Built on the iconic Challenger super mid-size platform, the Challenger 3500 aircraft offers unrivalled comfort and reliability, while boasting top performance and delivering Bombardier’s signature smooth ride. The latest addition to Bombardier’s portfolio elevates the passengers’ experience by integrating many of the features from Bombardier’s Global family of aircraft, including Bombardier’s exclusive and revolutionary Nuage seat. Passengers can also benefit from the ultimate cabin experience, where technology and design come together to maximize productivity while offering a refined and relaxing environment.

The Challenger 3500 aircraft is also the most sustainably designed business jet in its class. It is the first business jet in the super mid-size segment to have an Environmental Product Declaration published, documenting the aircraft’s environmental footprint over its lifecycle.

The Challenger aircraft family is known for its industry-leading reliability and safety. With over 900 business jets of the Challenger 300 series in service worldwide, the Challenger 3500 aircraft builds on the excellent track record of the Challenger family and boasts an impressive 99.8% dispatch reliability.

About Airshare

Airshare fits the way you fly. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Lenexa, Kan., the company offers a holistic suite of private aviation solutions including fractional ownership, jet cards, whole aircraft management charter services and third-party maintenance. Airshare operates a fleet of super-midsize and light jets within their fractional and EMBARK jet card programs to customers across the central United States and Florida. The company provides whole aircraft management and charter services nationwide, while also performing comprehensive maintenance services for third-party aircraft. Airshare has received IS-BAO Stage 3 and ARGUS Platinum designations, meeting the highest international standards for safe flight operations. For more information visit www.flyairshare.com.

About Bombardier

Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world’s most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defense’s proven expertise.

Headquartered in Greater Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network services the Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft, and includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company’s plans to cover all its flight operations with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Challenger, Challenger 3500, Global and Nuage, are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For information
Bombardier
Christina Lemyre McCraw
Manager, Public Relations and Communications
+1 514 497-4928
christina.lemyremccraw@aero.bombardier.com

Airshare
Andy Tretiak
Chief Marketing Officer
816-410-8135
atretiak@flyairshare.com

¹ The agreement includes a firm order for 4 Challenger 3500 aircraft and an option for 16 additional Challenger 3500 business jets.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dbdeecf6-fa80-49c2-bcee-aa1e622c9e0a

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8880965

July 26, 2023

Hitachi Energy selected as preferred technology provider for the longest HVDC link in the UK

HVDC interconnection to secure power transmission and support new renewable electricity generation with the country’s largest electricity transmission project

Zurich, Switzerland, July 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, today announced it has been selected as preferred technology provider of SSEN Transmission and National Grid, to supply two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations to interconnect the Scottish and English power grids.

The energy transition requires a collaborative effort that can only be achieved with advanced technologies and new ways of working. In appointing Hitachi Energy as their preferred technology provider, SSEN Transmission and National Grid secure best-in-class technology and future production capacity in a rapidly growing market. For Hitachi Energy, this enables investment in new production capacity and to undertake large-scale recruitment drives. It also strengthens collaboration, standardization of solutions, and synergies between projects.

The integration of renewables requires solutions that make the grid resilient, stable, and flexible. Hitachi Energy’s innovation and long development of voltage sourced converter (VSC) power electronics and control and protection (MACH) technologies meet the requirements alongside many other landmark grid integration projects.

Eastern Green Link 2 will consist of two 525-kilovolt (kV) bipole VSC converter stations connected by 440 kilometers of subsea cable and 70 kilometers of underground cable, making it the longest HVDC link in the UK. The link will efficiently supply a total of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is enough to power around two million UK homes.¹

The link will help to secure power transmission in the northern UK and support the integration of new renewable electricity generation in Scotland, as part of the UK’s Net Zero Strategy.² As much as 11,000 MW of offshore wind capacity is possible in Scottish waters by 2030³, and HVDC transmission will play a large part in bringing this vast amount of renewable power to shore and south, to communities across the country.

“The UK’s Net Zero Strategy has ambitious targets which will require vast amounts of new renewable generation. Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Our pioneering HVDC technology will ensure that this electricity will reliably and efficiently get where it’s needed most.”

“This is another important milestone for EGL2 which is part of the new network infrastructure required to help the UK meet its net zero and energy security ambitions,” said Sarah Sale, Deputy Project Director of National Grid. “Along with cabling bidder and formal joint venture announcements, this is another key part of the project which is now in place and ready for the delivery phase. We look forward to working in collaboration with Hitachi Energy and BAM as the project continues to progress.”

“The converter stations at either end of the cable will play a crucial role in making the power transported subsea suitable for transportation around the onshore transmission network – getting Hitachi Energy and BAM in place to deliver that technology is great for the project,” said Ricky Saez, the EGL2 Project Director from SSEN Transmission.

“BAM is delighted to work in collaboration with Hitachi Energy on this vital renewable energy project for National Grid and SSEN Transmission,” said Huw Jones, Executive Director of BAM Nuttall. “The converter stations will enable the transmission of green energy from areas of offshore wind generation to centers of population, supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions and providing better energy security. We look forward to engaging with local communities and suppliers in Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire, supporting BAM’s vision to deliver sustainable infrastructure for our clients, stakeholders, and the communities in which we work.”

Hitachi Energy is collaborating with BAM, a construction company that designs, builds, and maintains sustainable buildings and infrastructure, to provide the civil and installation scope for the project. The collaboration with BAM will leverage the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a best-in-class solution for the project.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects.

1 https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/segl2
2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy
3 https://www.gov.scot/publications/offshore-wind-policy-statement/
4 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH)

HVDC website:

https://www.hitachienergy.com/offering/product-and-system/hvdc

Photo captions:

North Sea Link Blyth Converter Station UK

Eastern Green Link 2

About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachments

Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8881044

July 26, 2023

City residents killed in battle for Sudan army base

Several days of heavy fighting between rival military forces in the Sudanese city of Nyala have left at least 30 civilians dead and dozens others injured.

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militias have been trying to take over the main army base in the city which is the capital of South Darfur state.

The army has responded with heavy artillery and shells have hit residential areas.

A human rights worker told the BBC that many people had fled to villages outside the city.

He also said the RSF fighters were forcing civilians to hand over their cars.

The western region of Darfur has seen the worst of the violence since the vicious power struggle erupted in April between the army and the RSF.

There have been several regional attempts to get the two sides to agree to a ceasefire.

Source: BBC

July 26, 2023

JAPANESE AMBASSADOR ATTENDS HAND-OVER CEREMONY OF JAPAN-FUNDED PROJECT AT URDA’S MEDICAL DISPENSARIES IN BAR ELIAS, ARSAL

Through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Program (GGP), Japan supported Union of Relief and Development Association (URDA) to provide two medical dispensaries in Bar Elias and Arsal with advanced medical equipment. This assistance will enable more than 20,000 vulnerable people annually in the region to have an access to comprehensive and high-quality health services at affordable costs. On July 25 2023, Ambassador MAGOSHI Masayuki attended the project’s hand-over ceremony at the Medical Village Dispensary in Bar Elias, in the presence of Mr. Abdul Rahman Ahmad Darwiche, Vice President of URDA, and Ms. Jihan Kaisi, Executive Director of URDA. The ceremony opened with the national anthems of Japan and Lebanon, followed by congratulatory remarks from Ambassador MAGOSHI and Ms. Kaisi and a tour in the dispensary. In his speech, Ambassador MAGOSHI highlighted the significance of this initiative which improves access to low-cost and high-quality medical care services for the most vulnerable people in the region to meet the growing primary healthcare needs. He also added that Japan will continue to prioritize the development of Lebanon’s health sector, taking into consideration the importance of the equitable delivery of medical care across Lebanon. In return, Ms. Kaisi mentioned that this project has played a critical role in enabling early detection and accurate diagnoses of diseases for vulnerable communities in need, and commended the partnership with Japan, which aims to create a ‘brighter, healthier future where quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all, irrespective of background or financial means.’

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

July 26, 2023

Stakeholders review achievements in promoting Petra globally-DoA

A meeting held at Department of Antiquities (DoA) on Wednesday highlighted achievements made so far by the iHERITAGE: ICT Mediterranean platform for UNESCO cultural heritage project in promoting Jordan in tourism fields. The project especially focuses on southern archeological site of Petra, at the global level, by integrating 3D digital technology, and aimed to supporting and empowering youth and women sectors and providing them with job opportunities, according to a DoA statement. This project is funded by the European Union with the participation of 6 countries, including Jordan, is the third for the local support group, with participation of the Jordan Society for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity (JSSREC) and DoA, which are Jordan’s representatives in iHERITAGE, the department said. Speaking at the meeting, DoA Director General, Fadi Balawi, said this “pioneering and interactive” project helps achieve vision of His Majesty and Crown Prince in realizing Jordan’s economic modernization in the tourism pillar due to its reliance on youth role in innovation and creativity. Balawi also stressed importance of continuing efforts to develop Jordan’s tourism facilities to meet requirements and needs of citizens and tourists. Moreover, Balawi noted DoA assumes “remarkable” responsibility in managing tangible heritage and running process of transferring and integrating technology to promote the Kingdom’s archaeological sites, which would develop and document archaeological information, enhance site management and add new products in this regard.

Source: Jordan News Agency

July 26, 2023

Safadi receives delegation from ‘Jenin martyrs’ children’

Lower House Speaker, Ahmad Safadi, on Wednesday received a delegation of “Jenin martyrs’ children,” expressing pride in their families’ sacrifices in defending justice of the Palestinian cause and right of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate rights on their national soil. Safadi noted Jordan, under His Majesty King Abdullah II’s leadership, remained at the fore in defending rights of the Palestinian people at various forums. Safadi also referred to Jordan’s role in upholding Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian sanctities. For his part, Assistant Secretary-General of Al-Mithaq Party, Refaat Al-Taweel, who attended the meeting, said the visit comes to express appreciation for stances made by His Majesty and Crown Prince towards the Palestinian people.

Source: Jordan News Agency