Pratt & Whitney Canada tells ANN that the first development PW615F turbine engine, selected by Cessna Aircraft for its new Citation Mustang business jet, has achieved a first successful run at its rated takeoff thrust of 1,350 pounds. The engine ran for a total of eight hours and has also completed a number of performance and characterization tests. "This first run at full takeoff thrust marks an important milestone in the PW615F development program," said Maurice Weinberg, P&WC director, Engine Development Programs - Small Turbofans. "It clears the way for the first test engine to be provided to Cessna in early 2004. We are also on track for engine certification by the end of 2005." The PW615F is a member of P&WC's newest engine family, the PW600. Spanning the 9

Boeing has signed an agreement with Alsalam Aircraft Company, making the company the first authorized service center for Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) in the Middle East region. The agreement was announced during the eighth annual Dubai International Air show. Based in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, Alsalam will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services as well as BBJ warranty work on behalf of Boeing. “This new service center operates in the heart of the Arabian peninsula, which is the geographical link between the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa. It expands our global access and allows us to continue meeting the needs of BBJ owners worldwide,” said Lee Monson, president of BBJ. “Alsalam is a proven provider of aircraft maintenance and tec