Bristow Group Inc., a leading provider of helicopter services to the offshore energy industry, announced July 11 that it has secured several major new multi-year contracts for the provision of a total of 20 large aircraft that are expected to generate in excess of $2 billion in revenue.   In Europe, Bristow has been particularly…

Pilot killed in Nevada crash was low on gas A fighter pilot on a Navy training mission told air traffic controllers he was running out of gas before he crashed and died at Fallon Naval Air Station in March. Retired Capt. Carroll LeFon had been playing the enemy in an Israeli-built F-21 before attempting to…

The North Atlantic Council has extended Anders Fogh Rasmussen’s four-year term as NATO secretary general for another year, until July 31, 2014, the council announced Oct. 3. Allies will support Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in his dedicated work to carry forward NATO’s tasks, missions and objectives, based on consensual allied decisions, a written statement…

Australia expects to pull most of its troops out of Afghanistan nearly a year earlier than planned, the prime minister announced April 17, saying Australian soldiers have nearly completed their mission to transfer security responsibilities to Afghan forces in the decade-long war. Prime Minister Julia Gillard cited security improvements and the death of Osama bin…

Air Force whistle-blowers to get protection Air Force officials say there will be no actions taken against two whistle-blower pilots who complained about problems with the F-22 fighter jet, including comments made during a recent “60 Minutes” television interview. Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, told a Senate subcommittee…

The Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. government executed a letter of offer and acceptance to purchase Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block II missile. The Royal Moroccan Air Force is the world’s 10th country to employ the AIM-9X Sidewinder infrared-guided, air-to-air missile and will be the fourth country with the AIM-9X Block II. The AIM-9X Block II…

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines July 29 announced an order for one additional 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliner, adding to the airline’s fleet of five 777-200LRs. The order is valued at approximately $276 million at list price. “The 777-200LR has been a fantastic airplane for Ethiopian Airlines,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “The performance and…

The Philippine’s defense chief says the government has signed separate contracts worth 163 billion pesos (about $39 million) with Italian and South Korean companies to supply helicopters and trucks as part of efforts to modernize its poorly equipped military. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Dec. 27 the Philippines will purchase three multi-purpose AW 109 helicopters…

The United States and Afghanistan reached a deal April 22 on a long-delayed strategic partnership agreement that ensures Americans will provide military and financial support to the Afghan people for at least a decade beyond 2014, the deadline for most foreign forces to withdraw. The pact is key to the U.S. exit strategy in Afghanistan…