BTS 30-16 Advisory Thursday, May 26, 2016 Contact: Dave Smallen Tel: 202-366-5568
March 2016 North American Freight Numbers
All five transportation modes carried less U.S. freight by value with North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico in March 2016 compared to March 2015. The total value of cross-border freight carried on all modes fell 5.8 percent from 2015 to $90.5 billion in current dollars, according to the TransBorder Freight Data released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
Freight by Mode The value of commodities moving by truck declined 1.1 percent, the smallest decrease from 2015 to 2016 of any mode. The value of freight carried on other modes also declined: rail 7.7 percent; air 9.0 percent; vessel 31.9 percent; and pipeline 33.2 percent (Figure 1, Table 2). A drop in the price of crude oil played a key role in the large declines in the dollar value of products shipped by vessel and pipeline. Crude oil (a component of mineral fuels) comprises a large share of the commodities carried by these modes. Average monthly prices for crude petroleum and refined fuel are available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Trucks carried 67.3 percent of U.S.-NAFTA freight and continued to be the most heavily utilized mode for moving goods to and from both U.S.-NAFTA partners. Trucks accounted for $31.4 billion of the $48.0 billion of imports (65.3 percent) and $29.5 billion of the $42.5 billion of exports (69.4 percent).
Rail remained the second largest mode by value, moving 15.5 percent of all U.S.-NAFTA freight, followed by vessel, 4.5 percent; air, 4.0 percent; and pipeline, 3.6 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 86.4 percent of the total value of U.S.-NAFTA freight flows.
U.S.-Canada Freight From March 2015 to March 2016, the value of U.S.-Canada freight flows fell 8.8 percent to $46.4 billion as all modes of transportation carried a lower value of U.S.-Canada freight than a year earlier.
Lower crude oil prices contributed to a year-over-year decrease in the value of freight moved between the U.S. and Canada. Crude oil is a large share of freight carried by pipeline and vessel, which were down 34.4 percent and 53.3 percent respectively year-over-year.
Trucks carried 62.1 percent of the value of the freight to and from Canada. Rail carried 17.0 percent followed by pipeline, 6.5 percent; air, 4.9 percent; and vessel, 2.3 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 85.5 percent of the value of total U.S.-Canada freight flows.
U.S.-Mexico Freight From March 2015 to March 2016, the value of U.S.-Mexico freight fell 2.6 percent to $44.1 billion as all modes of transportation except truck carried a lower value of U.S.-Mexico freight than a year earlier. Freight carried by truck increased 0.7 percent, primarily because of an increase in shipments of computers and parts. Rail freight value declined 8.6 percent while air freight value declined 10.1 percent. Pipeline freight value dropped by 14.2 percent, while vessel freight value decreased by 18.9 percent, both due mainly to lower crude oil prices.
Trucks carried 72.7 percent of the value of freight to and from Mexico. Rail carried 14.0 percent followed by vessel, 6.8 percent; air, 3.0 percent; and pipeline, 0.6 percent. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 87.2 percent of the value of total U.S.-Mexico freight flows.
See BTS Transborder Statistics Release for summary tables and additional data. See North American Transborder Freight Data on the BTS website for additional data for surface modes since 1995 and all modes since 2004.
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March 2016 North American Freight Numbers
Next-Generation PW307D Engine Receives EASA Approval
| Pratt & Whitney Canada  May 23, 2016 Next-Generation PW307D Engine Receives EASA ApprovalNew Engine Growing P&WC's Presence in Long-Range Business Jet Market LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 23, 2016) - Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is proud to announce that its new PW307D engine received type validation from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company's latest generation turbofan engine was first introduced two years ago at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE). P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE:UTX). Validation from the European authorities completes the key engine certification and validation activities for the PW307D program, following approval from Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration last year. The engine will power Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 8X, a three-engine ultra-long-range business jet which completed its first flight in February 2015 and is expected to be certified this summer. Part of the PW300 family of business jet engines, the powerful, clean, compact and quiet PW307D solidifies P&WC's presence in the long-range business aviation segment. Through technological refinements designed to support the extended range and maximum takeoff weight of the Falcon 8X, the PW307D builds on the success of the PW307A program, which to date has delivered over 800 engines for Dassault Aviation's Falcon 7X business jet. Specifically, the new engine offers increased takeoff thrust and improved fuel consumption compared to the PW307A, along with one of the highest thrust-to-weight ratios in its class. Delivering Increased Range and Optimal Passenger Comfort "Thanks to its outstanding performance, reliability and operating economics, the PW307D will help meet business jet customers' demand for increased range and optimal passenger comfort," noted Michael Perodeau, Vice President, Marketing, responsible for Business Aviation and Military Programs. "The global ultra-long- and long-range business jet is an important segment, and with the PW307D and other state-of-the-art engines in our next-generation portfolio, we are establishing ourselves as a leader in this area." To date, P&WC has delivered over 4,600 PW300 turbofans worldwide, which have accumulated close to 16 million flight hours. The engines are recognized in the 4,700- to 8,000-lb thrust class for their low fuel consumption, economical operation and environmental friendliness, made possible in part by P&WC's TALON™ low emission combustor technology, which delivers a step change in energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. All PW300 models are equipped with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC), providing reduced pilot workload and advanced engine health monitoring & diagnostics, thus assuring a high standard of aircraft dispatch availability. Moreover, by using the latest innovations to deliver highly dependable, fuel-efficient power, the PW300 offers low emission TALON™ combustion and advanced shock management fan technologies providing clean and quiet performance. Long-Standing Customer Relationship with Dassault Aviation Dassault Aviation has been a key customer for the PW300 family since 1999, when it selected the PW308C for the Falcon 2000EX. The engine also powers the Falcon 2000DX, 2000LX, 2000S and 2000LXS variants. Dassault also selected the PW307A for the Falcon 7X and the PW307D for the Falcon 8X. "We are proud to have worked with Dassault Aviation for almost two decades and supported them in developing some of the world's most advanced business jets, like the Falcon 8X," remarked Perodeau. "With the PW307D, we have built on our extensive experience with the PW307A, and with over 1,000 hours of development testing for the PW307D, we are confident that the new engine will meet the high expectations of Falcon 8X customers and enhance [or strengthen] the position of both Dassault Aviation and P&WC as global business aviation leaders." ESP® Platinum: Maximum Peace of Mind and Aircraft Availability The PW307D is backed by support from the industry's largest worldwide network and most experienced service experts. What's more, Falcon 8X customers will be able to take advantage of P&WC's Eagle Service Plan™ (ESP®) Platinum. This flexible pay-per-hour plan is a premium, white-glove customer service solution that offers customers peace of mind by helping them plan their maintenance costs and maximize aircraft availability. It is a testament to P&WC's commitment to rapid, customized service that addresses operators' changing needs. More information about the ESP® program is available at www.pwc.ca/service-support. P&WC will be at EBACE 2016 in Geneva from May 24 to May 26. Please join us at stand 114 to learn more about our dependable engines and customer offerings. About Pratt & Whitney Canada Founded in 1928, P&WC is a global leader in aerospace that is shaping the future of aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), P&WC is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the global aerospace and building systems industries. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in levels of demand in the aerospace industry, in levels of air travel, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support, performance and realization of anticipated benefits of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Note to editors For more information, visit our media page at www.pwc.ca/ebace-media. Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/pwcanada) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PrattWhitneyCanada) for our latest news and updates. To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160522-PW307D_QLD800.JPG http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160522-Technician_working_on_PW307D800.JPG CONTACT INFORMATION:
Pratt & Whitney Canada Mobile: +1.514.262.3497 isabelle.gagne@pwc.ca www.pwc.ca |
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PurePower(R) PW800 Engine: Setting a New Standard on the Gulfstream G500 and G600 Program
| Pratt & Whitney Canada May 23, 2016 PurePower® PW800 Engine: Setting a New Standard on the Gulfstream G500 and G600 ProgramNext-Generation Powerplant Delivering on Promises with Frequent Flights LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 23, 2016) - Editors Note: There are three photos associated with this press release. Pratt & Whitney Canada's (P&WC's) PurePower PW800 engine is delivering on its promises with regular flights. The engine has completed over 2,000 flight test hours on the Gulfstream G500 test aircraft. Since its certification in February 2015, it has been setting new standards for the long- and ultra-long-range business jet segments. P&WC is a United Technologies Corporation company (NYSE:UTX). The ground-breaking engine has consistently surpassed expectations throughout more than 6,500 hours of full-engine testing and over 10,200 cycles. This includes more than 300 flights and over 2,500 flight test hours on P&WC's advanced Boeing 747SP flying test bed and four Gulfstream G500 flight test aircraft. In total, the advanced common core technology, leveraged in 15 PurePower engine applications, has amassed over 35,000 testing hours. The engine has been delivering solid performance for the G500 flight test program since the maiden flight in May 2015, including successful runs in extreme operating and environmental conditions. Flying. Now. "The PurePower PW800 engine is the next step for business aviation," said Michael Perodeau, Vice President, Marketing, responsible for Business Aviation and Military Programs. "Thanks to its game-changing technology built on proven engineering best practices and the combined expertise of P&WC and Pratt & Whitney, it is able to provide everything a large business jet operator could ask for and more, with world-class performance, efficiency, reliability and sustainability." At the heart of the PurePower PW800 is the durable, rigorously tested core technology shared with Pratt & Whitney's award-winning PurePower Geared Turbofan™ commercial aircraft engines. A key feature of this technology is its state-of-the-art all-axial core architecture, which enables the high operating pressure ratios and best-in-class efficiencies needed for high-speed heavy business jets. The engine delivers benchmark fuel efficiency, improving on the previous generation of engines in the same thrust class by over 10%. This is due to the combined effect of the core technology, high bypass ratio, lightweight, sustainable materials and parameter control offered by the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. Equally impressive is its best-in-class power-to-weight ratio, achieved thanks to optimal integration of the engine and nacelle systems with the aircraft. What's more, the design minimizes the engine's weight through the extensive use of lightweight composites and leverages advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing and integrally bladed fans to ensure maximum performance. Thoughtfully Designed The PurePower PW800 is optimized to provide a benchmark passenger experience, as the low-noise design and low vibration levels make for an exceptionally quiet cabin. With a predicted 99.99% dispatch reliability, the robust powerplant design will provide best-in-class dependability, providing peace of mind for owners, operators, pilots and passengers alike. The PurePower PW800 will require 40% less scheduled maintenance and 20% fewer inspections than other engines in its class. It accomplishes all this while setting a new sustainability standard. From low emissions to minimizing materials of concern to an advanced combustor that exceeds green engine standards, every element has been meticulously designed with the environment in mind. The engine clears Federal Aviation Administration community noise requirements by a double-digit margin, making it easily the quietest engine in its class. Premium Customer Experience Introduced at the end of 2015, the ESP® PurePower® PW800 engine service plan is one of the most comprehensive packages ever offered in the industry: a premium, white-glove experience tailored to owners' and operators' precise needs. The engine is supported by one of the industry's most extensive service networks, with facilities around the world and Mobile Repair Teams ensuring prioritized, rapid, seamless support by dedicated, fully trained staff. Building the future of aviation, one engine at a time P&WC has a long history of engines that have transformed the aviation landscape. In the business aviation segment, the pioneering JT15D engine helped create the light business jet market, while the PW500 engine redefined it. The PW300 engine was another major leap forward, introducing P&WC's FADEC technology for the first time. The PurePower PW800 is building on that impressive legacy by beginning a new era in business aviation. P&WC will be at EBACE 2016 in Geneva from May 24 to May 26. Please join us at stand 114 to learn more about our dependable engines - including the PurePower PW800 engine - and customer offerings. About Pratt & Whitney Canada Founded in 1928, P&WC is a global leader in aerospace that is shaping the future of aviation with dependable, high-technology engines. Based in Longueuil, Quebec (Canada), P&WC is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the global aerospace and building systems industries. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in levels of demand in the aerospace industry, in levels of air travel, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production, support, performance and realization of anticipated benefits of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Note to editors For more information, visit our media page at www.pwc.ca/ebace-media. Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/pwcanada) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PrattWhitneyCanada) for our latest news and updates. To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160522-FlyingNow800.jpg http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160522-ClamShell800.jpg http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160522-PW800Engine800.jpg CONTACT INFORMATION:
Pratt & Whitney Canada Mobile: +1.514.262.3497 isabelle.gagne@pwc.ca www.pwc.ca |
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FASTLANE Grant Applications Totaling Nearly $9.8 Billion
DOT 58-16 Friday, May 20, 2016 Tel.: (202) 366-4570
FASTLANE Grant Applications Totaling Nearly $9.8 Billion 212 Applications Received for Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has received 212 applications totaling nearly $9.8 billion for grants through the newly-created Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program.
The huge wave of interest in the first year of this program – with states and localities requesting over 13 times more funding than was available through FASTLANE – underscores the continuing need for infrastructure investment across the country.
“Transportation creates jobs and makes jobs of the future possible. We know there is pent up demand for projects that will speed up the delivery of goods and make America even more competitive. Today, we have even more evidence,” said Secretary Foxx. “We're going to do our best to support high impact transportation projects that will lay a new foundation for job creation and exporting American made goods throughout the world.”
Of the 212 applications received, 136 represent projects in urban areas, while the remaining 76 would support rural projects. The deadline for submitting applications was April 14, 2016. The Department of Transportation is currently reviewing all eligible applications.
The FASTLANE program was established in December 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to fund critical freight and highway projects across the country. FASTLANE grants provide dedicated funding for projects that address major issues facing our nation’s highways and bridges. For the first time in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 50-year history, the program establishes broad, multiyear eligibilities for freight infrastructure, including intermodal projects.
FASTLANE grants will address many of the challenges outlined in the USDOT report Beyond Traffic, including increased congestion on the nation’s highways and the need for a strong multimodal transportation system to support the expected growth in freight movement both by ton and value. It is also in line with the Department’s draft National Freight Strategic Plan released in October 2015, which looks at challenges and identifies strategies to address impediments to the efficient flow of goods throughout the nation.
For more information about FASTLANE grants, please visit https://www.transportation.gov/FASTLANEgrants ### You are subscribed to DOT News for Department of Transportation. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
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BTS Statistics Release: March 2016 Passenger Airline Employment Data
BTS 29-16 Thursday, May 19, 2016 Contact: Dave Smallen Tel: 202-366-5568
BTS Statistics Release: March 2016 Passenger Airline Employment Data
U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 3.9 percent more workers in March 2016 than in March 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today. March was the highest monthly total (406,113) since August 2008 and was the 28th consecutive month that U.S. scheduled passenger airline full-time equivalent (FTE) employment exceeded the same month of the previous year.
Month-to-month, the number of FTEs rose 0.5 percent from February to March. Scheduled passenger airline categories include network, low-cost, regional and other airlines.
The four network airlines that collectively employ two-thirds of the scheduled passenger airline FTEs reported 2.9 percent more FTEs in March 2016 than in March 2015. Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines increased FTEs from March 2015. The fourth network airline, American Airlines, which has merged with US Airways, reported 3.3 percent more FTEs in March 2016 than American and US Airways reported separately in March 2015. July 2015 was the first month for which the two merged airlines submitted a combined report. Month-to-month, the number of network airline FTEs rose 0.5 percent from February to March. Network airlines operate a significant portion of their flights using at least one hub where connections are made for flights to down-line destinations or spoke cities.
The six low-cost carriers reported 9.6 percent more FTEs in March 2016 than in March 2015 (Table 10). Allegiant Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines reported increases while Frontier Airlines reported reduced FTEs. Month-to-month, the number of low-cost airline FTEs rose 4.2 percent from February to March, rising for the 12th consecutive month. Low-cost airlines operate under a low-cost business model, with infrastructure and aircraft operating costs below the overall industry average.
The 12 regional carriers reported 0.4 percent more FTEs in March 2016 than in March 2015. Eight regional airlines – PSA Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Compass Airlines, Horizon Air, SkyWest Airlines, GoJet Airlines, Republic Airlines and Endeavor Air – reported increased employment levels. The others reported decreases. Month-to-month, the number of regional airline FTEs rose 0.3 percent from February to March. Regional carriers typically provide service from small cities, using primarily regional jets to support the network carriers’ hub and spoke systems.
See Passenger Airline Employment statistical release for summary tables and additional data. Historical employment data can be found on the BTS web site. ###
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REGISTER: Webinar - Federal Financing to Capitalize State Infrastructure Banks (SIBs)
The Build America Transportation Investment Center (BATIC) in conjunction with the Transportation Investment Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program, invite you to join the Federal Financing to Capitalize State Infrastructure Banks webinar on Tuesday, May 24th, 2016, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm EDT. This webinar will provide a detailed explanation of the FAST Act changes to the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) program and explain how SIBs and eligible projects may benefit from using a rural projects fund. The webinar is intended for State and Federal employees involved in the operation of SIBs, project sponsors interested in obtaining SIB financing for eligible projects, and financial advisors that will be consulting with prospective borrowers. Amit Srivastava, Financial Analyst and Jorianne Jernberg, Team Lead, Risk Management and Financial Operations Team in the TIFIA Joint Program Office will provide comprehensive information about the TIFIA program, FAST Act changes to SIB eligibility requirements, and how TIFIA proposes to roll-out the SIB related FAST Act changes. Frederick Werner, Project Finance Manager, Office of Innovative Program Delivery will discuss how SIBs work, how they have evolved over the years, and how the FAST Act has affected the program. Pre-registration is required for this event. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tifia-sibs-may-24-2016-registration-25435858337 Once you successfully register for the event, you will receive a confirmation email from EventBrite. This email will include the direct link to the web-room as well as the call-in information and password. Please feel free to share with your colleagues who may be interested in this webinar. If you have any technical problems with the registration process, please email Jordan Wainer at Jordan.wainer@dot.gov. If you have any questions for the TIFIA office, please contact Amit Srivastava at amit.srivastava@dot.gov.
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March 2016 Complaints About Airline Service Down From Previous Year and February 2016
DOT 56-16 Monday, May 16, 2016 Contact: Caitlin Harvey Tel.: (202) 366-4570
March 2016 Complaints About Airline Service Down From Previous Year and February 2016
WASHINGTON – Airline consumer complaints filed with DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division in March 2016 were down 17.7 percent from March 2015 and down 5.0 percent from February 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report released today.
In March, the Department received 1,429 complaints about airline service from consumers, down from the total of 1,736 filed in March 2015 and down from the 1,504 received in February 2016. For the first quarter of this year, the Department received 4,629 complaints, up 1.0 percent from the 4,583 filed during the first quarter of 2015.
The reporting carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 81.5 percent in March 2016, up from the 78.7 percent on-time rate in March 2015, but down from the 83.6 percent mark in February 2016,
The consumer report also includes data on cancellations, tarmac delays, chronically delayed flights, and the causes of flight delays filed with the Department’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by the reporting carriers. In addition, the consumer report contains a tally of aviation service complaints filed with DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division by consumers regarding a range of issues such as flight problems, baggage, reservation and ticketing, refunds, customer service, disability, and discrimination. The consumer report also includes statistics on mishandled baggage reports filed by consumers with the reporting carriers, data on oversales, and information about the total number of animals that died, were injured, or were lost during air transport in March, as filed by the air carriers with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
Consumers may file air travel service complaints on the web at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer. This news release is available at https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/march-2016-complaints-about-airline-service-down-previous-year-and-february-2016. The full consumer report is available at www.transportation.gov/individuals/air-consumer/air-travel-consumer-reports. Detailed information on flight delays is available at www.bts.gov.
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