ALTA, the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association, Kicks Off the New Year by Welcoming Four New Members

MIAMI (February 28, 2011) – ALTA, the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association, kicks off the new year by welcoming four new members, including TAP Portugal (Associate Member), Ascend (Affiliate Member), Chromalloy (Affiliate Member) and GE Aviation (Affiliate Member).

“We are proud to welcome these dynamic organizations to ALTA’s membership at a time when the region is experiencing such vibrant progress,” said ALTA Executive Director Alex de Gunten. “We look forward to working with these new members as we further our mission to secure a safer, greener and more efficient aviation industry.”

“It is an honor for TAP to become an Associate Member of ALTA. TAP is a company with a close and longstanding relationship with transportation in the Americas. Last December, TAP received for the second consecutive year, the “World Travel Award” for “World Leading Airline in South America”, which once again proved the major role of TAP Portugal in the connection of Europe and Africa to Latin America throughout its hub in Lisbon. We believe that the work developed in the realm of ALTA can contribute decisively, so we can work together to solve the issues we face in this region of the planet" states Fernando Pinto, Executive President for TAP Portugal.

“Latin America and the Caribbean represent rapidly growing regions for GE Aviation,” said Doug Izarra, Sales General Manager for the Americas at GE Aviation. “By becoming a member of ALTA, GE Aviation can continue to work together with its customers and other aerospace companies in the region to discuss strategic challenges, develop future solutions, and improve aviation safety, while creating products that are more fuel efficient with lower emissions to help the environment.”

Chromalloy’s Andrew Farrant, Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications
states that “Membership in ALTA is a great opportunity for us to better understand the needs and concerns of operators in Latin America and the Caribbean. We look forward to being an active member of this vibrant organization.”

“Ascend is proud to join ALTA’s excellent partnership program”, says Gehan Talwatte, Ascend CEO. “Ascend works alongside the world’s largest carriers and the latest new start-ups alike in the provision of specialized advisory services and proprietary aircraft fleet and valuations data. We look forward to developing new partnerships with airlines in the dynamic Latin American aviation market”.

About TAP Portugal:
TAP Portugal is the leading Portuguese airline in operation since 1945, and member of Star Alliance, the global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach, since March 14th, 2005. Its hub in Lisbon is a key European gateway at the crossroads of Africa, North and South America, where TAP stands out as the international leading carrier in operation to Brazil. The company’s network comprises 64 destinations in 30 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit www.flytap.com

About Ascend:
Ascend is the world’s principal provider of data, analytics and advisory services to investors in commercial aviation. For over four decades, it has supplied the most reliable, trusted and up-to-date aviation industry information and insight available. Ascend is relied upon by aerospace manufacturers, aircraft operators, insurers, financiers and regulators for accurate information; trusted advice and rapid response and support in protecting their business interests.

Offerings include:
Aviation data
Aircraft and engine valuations and appraisals
Bespoke consultancy solutions

Ascend is headquartered in London with offices in New York, Hong Kong For more information, please visit: www.ascendworldwide.com

About Chromalloy:
Chromalloy has evolved from a gas turbine parts repair business into the leading independent supplier of advanced repairs, FAA approved replacement parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul for gas turbines used in aviation and land-based applications. Chromalloy serves the airline, military, marine and industrial gas turbine segments with a broad range of services at locations in 17 countries around the globe. Chromalloy is authorized by the FAA and EASA and many other NAAs, and is qualified under ISO and NADCAP. Chromalloy is a subsidiary of Sequa Corporation. For additional information, visit: www.chromalloy.com

About GE Aviation:
GE Aviation, a business unit of GE, is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. It also offers a global service network to support these offerings as well as digital service solutions, such as myEngines and Fuel & Carbon Solutions. The business has a strong presence in Latin America: powering aircraft from regional jets, to single-aisle and wide-bodies, and operating an extensive MRO facility in Petropolis, Brazil called GE Aviation – Celma. GE’s commitment to research & development is evident with the planned opening of a new Global Research & Training Center in Brazil. This center along with GE’s Engineering Design Center in Queretaro, Mexico, and R&D at all GE businesses will help the company create more innovative, advanced technology that brings exceptional value to GE’s customers around the globe. For more information, visit www.ge.com/aviation.