WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines have aunched a reciprocal interline relationship

WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines 

Launch Interline Cooperation

Photo WestJet

This week, WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines launched a reciprocal interline relationship, the first interline collaboration for Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Guests can now purchase a single ticket from either airline for travel involving connecting flights between their networks.  Guests will enjoy the confidence of optimized connecting times and the convenience of checking in and receiving boarding passes for all flights at the first point of departure.

"We are thrilled to become the first interline partner for Pacific Coastal and to add to our existing WestJet Link relationship," said John Weatherill, WestJet's Chief Commercial Officer. "This new interline complements our network growth in Western Canada and the strong schedule we're bringing to the communities we serve directly and through our partners like Pacific Coastal."

Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately owned British Columbia-based regional airline operating from Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal (YVR) that currently flies to 17 airports in British Columbia. Connecting to additional destinations along the south coast of British Columbia through its affiliate airline Wilderness Seaplanes, located in Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island. Pacific Coastal is also the operator of WestJet Link, providing service from its bases in Calgary and Vancouver to airports in Alberta and BC.

 "Pacific Coastal Airlines is proud to partner with WestJet on our first interline," said Johnathan Richardson, Vice President of Customer and Commercial, Pacific Coastal Airlines. "We look forward to working together to connect the communities we serve and bring them exciting new options for their global travel needs."

This new interline expands the existing relationship between the airlines, through which Pacific Coastal Airlines operates all WestJet Link flights on behalf of WestJet under a capacity purchase agreement, serving 11 communities in Alberta and British Columbia.   

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen goes live with Digital Tower from Saab

Photo Saab

The first digital air traffic control tower is now live and in operation at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen in Germany. The base is equipped with a state-of-the-art Saab r-TWR system.

Saab’s r-TWR is the first military digital tower solution fully operational in NATO and is certified by the the German Military Aviation Authority (LufABw).

NATO’s main operating base for its Boeing E-3A airborne early warning and control system fleet in Geilenkirchen, Germany will be using the Saab r-TWR in all weather conditions. The solution will service a complex military airbase with aircraft types ranging from fighter jets to helicopters.

“This is an important milestone for Saab going operational with the digital air traffic solution within the military domain. The digital tower provides a flexible and scalable solution that is proven to be suitable for military airbases as well as civilian airports of all sizes,“ says Per Ahl, CEO of Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions (SDATS).

The digital tower technology allows the airbase to be flexible and take advantage of the latest air traffic control technologies. The solution consists of a well-proven system operated from a control room at the airbase. This includes sound reproduction, high-definition cameras mounted on the mast to capture a 360-degree view of the airfield and pan-tilt-zoom cameras.

Photo Saab

Saab Partners with Swedish Electric Aircraft Company Heart Aerospace

Photo Heart Aerospace / Saab

Saab has committed to becoming a minority shareholder in the Swedish electric aircraft manufacturer Heart Aerospace with a USD 5 million investment.

Saab and Heart Aerospace have also signed a collaboration agreement regarding the supply of subsystems and the exploration of further areas of collaboration, including certification and manufacturing. This is in line with Saab’s ambition to support the transition to sustainable aviation.

“This underlines our commitment to innovative technology and solutions for sustainable aviation. Heart is a pioneer within commercial electric aviation and we look forward to contributing to the future of aviation with our experience of developing solutions at the forefront of technology,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Heart Aerospace develops the ES-30, a regional electric airplane with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers powered by batteries, allowing it to operate with low noise and with zero emissions.

Other Heart Aerospace investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, EQT Ventures, European Investment Council, Lower Carbon Capital, Mesa Air Group, United Airlines Ventures and Air Canada.

Regional U.S. carrier Silver Airways says goodbye to SAAB 340B from operations.

Photo Silver Airways 

After operating the type for ten years, Silver Airways and Seaborne said goodbye to the SAAB 340 last week as they retire the type from operational duties.

Silver Airways operates daily scheduled flights between gateways in the Southeast U.S., Florida and The Bahamas. Its headquarters are in Fort Lauderdale with a maintenance facility based at Orlando International Airport.

In the summer of 2018, Silver completed the acquisition of Seaborne Airlines, a San Juan, Puerto Rico-based air carrier serving destinations throughout Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other countries in the Caribbean. Seaborne provides connections throughout the Caribbean via the carrier’s hub in San Juan, while also serving as the most critical link between St. Croix and St. Thomas with the carrier’s seaplane operation.

Silver’s new ATR aircraft have now replaced the fleet of venerable SAAB 340s which played a key role in establishing the airline as a boutique and now regional carrier with a growing network and ambitious expansion plans. 

The Saab 340 was the workhorse of Silver’s fleet from 2012 to 2019, before being phased out and replaced by the newer and larger ATR 600 series aircraft. During its time in service, the Saab rewarded millions of passengers with spectacular views of the Florida coastline and the mesmerizing blue waters of the Bahamas.

Saab Receives Order for Production of Advanced Training Aircraft Fuselage Systems

Saab has received an award from Boeing for the production of advanced training aircraft aft fuselage systems. The order value for Saab is USD 71.2 million (approximately SEK 750 million).

The advanced training aircraft fuselage systems will be produced in Saab’s new facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, and first deliveries to Boeing are planned for 2023.

“This is an important milestone and underscores that we are delivering on our commitments to our customers and the state of Indiana. This order will allow Saab to continue ramping up production and hiring in West Lafayette. We couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter, and the future of our growing aerospace operations in Indiana,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S.

WestJet to start a new service between Penticton and Vancouver

WestJet enhances intra-B.C. connectivity with a new service between Penticton and Vancouver

Canadian carrier WestJet has confirmed it will be starting a new route between Penticton, B.C., and Vancouver beginning in February of 2023. The route will strengthen critical intra-provincial connectivity for British Columbians and local businesses and is scheduled to operate six-times weekly on WestJet Link.

"The addition of new intra-provincial routes is critical as we invest in our presence in the West and look to strengthen our offerings to ensure British Columbians have more access to convenient and affordable air travel," said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. "This new route marks the initial steps in our renewed commitment to B.C., and will open up connections and opportunities for local businesses and residents as they recover from the difficult past few years."

Saab Receives Order for Integrated Air Traffic Control in Dubai

Saab’s Integrated Air Traffic Control Suite has been selected through competition for implementation at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. The contract, awarded to Saab by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects includes approximately 95 controller working positions which will be distributed between the two airports, the Emirates Flight Training Academy, and the Contingency Operations Center.

Saab’s Integrated Air Traffic Control Suite (I-ATS) is a next-generation solution that builds on widely deployed Air Traffic Control automation products. I-ATS is a flexible and scalable digital platform that provides tower and approach controllers with a comprehensive set of tools to safely and efficiently manage traffic flow. The solution for Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) also includes a Departure Manager (DMAN), which supports the sequencing of departing aircraft.

“All the key aspects of I-ATS have been developed in close cooperation with the end-users themselves, with a primary focus placed on ease of use, improved situational awareness and reduced controller workload. This solution will support Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects in the step forward to upgrade the towers to the latest digital platforms and provide a more efficient workflow for the controllers,” said Per Ahl, Head of Marketing & Sales, Air Traffic Management Tower Systems at Saab.

Saab will roll out the programme in a phased approach, starting with workshops to design the control tower and the configuration of the I-ATS Human Machine Interface. The finished implementation will include a test and validation platform, as well as a contingency and an operational system for each airport. The majority of the controller working positions will be located in the DWC systems, as that airport will be roughly five times larger than DXB.

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Ameriflight Expands Fleet with Fifteen Saab 340B Aircraft from Jetstream

Ameriflight and Jetstream Aviation Capital have partnered on the lease and delivery of 15 Saab 340B(F) cargo aircraft in another step forward in a multifaceted corporate strategy shift for Ameriflight.

The first aircraft are intended to join the Ameriflight operation in the fourth quarter of this year. This latest fleet type will be used to support unprecedented demand for the company’s services, including Ameriflight’s expedited supply chain services, dedicated operations, and regional feeder service for the world’s largest overnight express carriers.

After careful analysis of many platforms and the exploration of multiple aircraft, the company landed on the Saab 340B as an excellent fit for the operation, noting the aircraft’s exceptional safety record and compelling operating economics.

Founded in 1968, Ameriflight has grown from a small air charter and cargo service carrier to an international operator with 14 bases, 1,500 weekly departures, and 200 destinations. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has more than 500 employees including over 150 pilots and over 100 aircraft. Ameriflight provides feeder services for overnight express carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL. 

“We are proud to partner with Jetstream on the venture of operating the Saab 340B at Ameriflight. This aircraft offers the market the best combination of cubic capacity and cost, which will be best suited for our customers and their increasing needs for years to come,” said Ameriflight Chief Executive Officer Paul Chase. “Expanding our fleet and ultimately our business is a great opportunity not only for our customers but for our hardworking employees on the front line, as well.”

“We are pleased that Ameriflight, one of our longest-standing customers, has selected the Saab 340B freighter to be provided by Jetstream,” said Jetstream Chief Executive Officer Stuart Klaskin. “The 340B's combination of operational capability, economic efficiency, and ongoing support from our partners at Saab for the airframe and General Electric for the engine continue to make this the aircraft of choice for express and integrator-support cargo operators worldwide. It is our privilege to welcome Ameriflight to the Saab 340 community.”

 

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Saab delivers for the T-7A Flight Test Programme

During a roll-out ceremony on Thursday, April 28, the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer test aircraft built under the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the programme was revealed at Boeing’s production facilities in St Louis, Missouri, with senior representatives of the United States Air Force (USAF), Boeing, and Saab all in attendance.

The aircraft is part of a new, modern, and advanced pilot training system which will be delivered to the USAF, known as T-7A Red Hawk in honour of the Tuskegee Airmen.

"Today is the culmination of years of work, design, and partnership between Boeing and Saab. Saab’s knowledge and expertise contributed to the design and production of this world-class trainer, with more than a thousand Saab employees involved. Collectively we set out an ambitious vision: to redefine what a trainer jet is, but also how they are made, and we have succeeded,” said Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.

“This programme has significantly grown our U.S. operations, fulfilling Saab’s promise of U.S. jobs, technology transfer and local economic benefits. Saab’s new advanced manufacturing and production facility for the fully installed aft fuselage of the T-7A Red Hawk, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a testament to Saab’s commitment to the U.S. as a multi-domestic company,” said Micael Johansson.

With the T-7A Red Hawk, Boeing and Saab have applied an innovative digital strategy for design, development, and production of military aircraft. For several years, model-based engineering has been integral to Saab’s success – first, with the development of Gripen E, and now, as part of the T-7 program.

The close working partnership between Boeing and Saab enabled the programme to deliver an all-new aircraft in record time, through a relentless focus on efficiency and accuracy.

The next steps for the program include a first flight for the EMD T-7A and Saab’s continued knowledge and technology transfer to its U.S. operations.

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Saab and FMV Sign Contract for new Gripen Launch System

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the development and integration of a new launch system for Gripen C/D and Gripen E. The order, valued at approximately SEK 400 million, was placed during the first quarter.

The order includes the development and integration of a new launch system for air-to-air missiles and countermeasure pods on Gripen C/D and Gripen E. The contract also includes options for subsequent series orders of launcher systems.

The launchers can be integrated with existing variants of weapon pylons and can carry all Gripen air-to-air missiles.

“The integration of the new launch system is an important component for ensuring the continued high availability of the Gripen system. After delivery, maintenance of the launch systems will be performed in Sweden, which further contributes to a secure supply of defence equipment for our customers,” says Åsa Schöllin, head of the Gripen Sustainment business unit.

The launcher is mounted to the aircraft’s weapon pylon.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with a mission to help nations protect their populations and to contribute to the safety of people and societies. With 18,000 talented employees, Saab develops technology and solutions for a safer, more sustainable, and more just world.  Saab develops, manufactures, and maintains sophisticated systems within aeronautics, weapons, and sensors, as well as management systems and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden, but has global operations through which the company contributes to many nations’ defence capabilities.

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Saab Receives Order for Gripen C/D Upgrade

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to ensure the continued operation of JAS 39 Gripen C/D and to provide capability enhancements to preserve the operational relevance of the fighter aircraft. The order value is SEK 500 million.

Gripen C/D is the system that will be used for many years to come in Sweden and in other countries that have purchased Gripen. The development is also done to further ensure a cost-effective solution regarding construction, design and procurement.

“Gripen C/D is the backbone of the Swedish Armed Forces today and will continue to be for many years to come, so this is an important order where we will ensure the continued operation and operational relevance of Gripen C/D,” says Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

The purpose of the order is to start implementation of the upgrade to fulfil the Swedish Armed Forces’ need to maintain the continued high capability and availability of Gripen C/D up to 2035.

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New virtual ramp control system coming soon at Kansas City International Airport

Saab has been awarded a contract from the Kansas City Aviation Department for a Virtual Ramp Control System (VRCS) at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) for its New Terminal now under construction. The Saab system will include two digital tower camera houses, supplemental cameras, and Aerobahn Surface Management capabilities. The contract includes a three-phase implementation project and five years of ramp control services.  

Saab will provide a VRCS at MCI, designed to coordinate the safe and efficient movement of aircraft between the airport’s movement area, controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), and non-movement area, controlled by the airport. Using two centralized camera houses and additional distributed cameras, ramp controllers at MCI will have full digital visibility to coordinate safe and efficient traffic flow between all gates and aircraft parking aprons. Camera views will be integrated into Saab’s Aerobahn Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) platform and facilitate orderly coordination between the FAA Ground Control crews, airline operations, MCI airport operations, deicing operations, and MCI snow removal crews.

“Saab has pioneered the use of Digital Ramp Control with the combination of a virtual out-the-window view paired with our industry-leading Aerobahn suite. With a similar implementation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Saab’s Digital Ramp Control solution delivers increased traffic efficiencies, streamlined communications between key stakeholders, and a significant cost savings to both airlines and airports,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S

“The safety of the travelling public and aircraft at Kansas City International Airport are high-priority for us. We are excited to team up with Saab and the FAA to enhance the safety of airfield operations at MCI airport,” said the Aviation Department Deputy Director of Aviation – Operations and Maintenance Ian Redhead.

Following the implementation of the VRCS system at MCI, Saab will provide ramp control services through its partner, Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. The turnkey system is scheduled to be complete in 2023, which is when the 5-year ramp control service period begins.

This project supports MCI’s ongoing construction project to replace three ageing terminals with one new single terminal and parking garage, also targeted for completion at the beginning of 2023. The new single terminal will include 39 gates, improve the airport configuration to accommodate more efficient aircraft movements, expand waiting areas and amenities, and improve the passenger flow throughout the airport and parking areas.

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Saan selected to provide Digital Air Traffic Control Towers for Belgium.......

Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions (SDATS) has been selected for a long-term framework agreement by skeyes, the Air Traffic Control organisation of Belgium, for their Digital Tower programme.

The agreement calls for a phased introduction of Digital Towers for up to six airports and three centres in Belgium. The framework agreement has a fixed part and a conditional part for a total value of just over 48 million Euro, spread over 18 years. The first phase will cover the airports of Liege and Charleroi and a centre in Namur. Delivery to skeyes will start in 2022, with initial operations to be started in 2024. Aviation is an integrated part of the infrastructure in Belgium, and the Digital Tower programme is a forward looking and innovative way of providing a sustainable service for many years to come, as well as a potential role model for Europe.

“We are proud to be trusted by skeyes to deliver SDATS’s Digital Towers and centres for their future air traffic control infrastructure. This agreement will include larger, more complex airports combined with a countrywide implementation. With our Digital Towers, Belgium’s airports and skeyes will possess new, world-class capabilities. We see skeyes as a long-term partner to further enhance our solution in the coming decade,” says Per Ahl, CEO of Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions.

Bombardier delivers another Global Bizz Jet or Saab’s GlobalEye Airborne Surveillance solution

Canadian firm Bombardier has delivered a fifth Global business jet at Swedish defence supplier Saab’s Linköping, Sweden, location, ready for conversion into Saab’s Airborne Early Warning and Control solution known as GlobalEye. 

The aircraft was delivered to Saab from Bombardier’s Toronto manufacturing site and underwent interiour completions work at Flying Colours Corp. in Peterborough, Ontario, prior to arriving in Sweden.

“Bombardier Global aircraft are ideally suited for conversion into specialized assets, and we are recognized around the world for our collaborative, flexible approach and unparalleled expertise,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Specialized Aircraft, Bombardier. “Our Global 6000 aircraft and increasingly its successor, our Global 6500 aircraft, are known as the go-to platforms for high-altitude, long-endurance missions that require significant payload capability with ample available power, hosted on a reliable platform featuring advanced avionics and systems technology. Bombardier’s signature smooth flight technology provides a comfortable environment for operators and highly stable platform for sensors.”

“Saab partners with industry leaders, which is why we chose Bombardier’s Global 6000 aircraft as the platform for our advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control solution. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Bombardier and Canadian industry,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Surveillance.

Digitising Air Traffic Control at Stockholm Arlanda Airport

Photo Saab

On 1 June, the new control centre for remote air traffic control starts operations at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions (SDATS) will equip three more Swedavia airports with the second generation of digital air traffic control towers by the end of 2022.

With the new digital air traffic control centre in Stockholm (RTC Stockholm), Saab is introducing the second generation of Digital Tower

(r-TWR), an air traffic control system that significantly enhances the capability of air traffic controllers to make quick decisions to improve safety and operational efficiency. RTC Stockholm, operated by LFV, is an operational centre that can manage more than 20 airports and will enable complete air traffic control for a larger number of airports 24 hours a day, all year round.

Saab to upgrade German Tornados’ radar warnings

Saab has received an order from Panavia Aircraft to upgrade the radar warning equipment on the Tornado aircraft operated by the German Air Force. The order value is approximately SEK400 million / €396.4 million. 

Saab will supply modern digital components, which will enhance the processing power and extend the lifetime of the Tornado’s radar warning equipment. Deliveries will take place between 2021 and 2025. Saab will carry out the work at its sites in Nuremberg, Germany and Järfälla, Sweden.

 “Mutual trust, reliability and performance are the cornerstones of the successful long-term partnership between Panavia, the German Armed Forces and Saab. We look forward to supporting the Luftwaffe with the latest technologies contributing to the platform’s survivability and mission success. Essential work will be carried out in Germany, which is in line with Saab’s strategy to expand our footprint on the German defence market”, says Anders Carp, deputy CEO of Saab and head of business area Surveillance. 

Saab’s state-of-the-art radar warning equipment provides aircrews with superior situational awareness of the electromagnetic spectrum in challenging environments. Saab received the initial order for radar warning equipment for Germany’s Tornado fighters in 1999.

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Changes in Saab´s Group Management

Carl-Johan Bergholm has been appointed as the new head of Saab´s Business Area Surveillance. Charlotta Björklund has been appointed as the new head of the function Operational Excellence. Carl-Johan and Charlotta will take up their positions on June 1st and July 1st respectively. They will both become members of Saab’s Group Management. The changes follow the changed organisation and Group Management that was communicated March 18th 2021.

Saab extends aerial fire fighting fleet

Saab’s fourth aerial firefighting aircraft has touched down at Skavsta Airport, its home base, near Nyköping in Sweden.

Saab operated two aircraft in the summer of 2020 and participated in five firefighting missions. In January 2021, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) customer exercised a contractual option to extend the fleet to four AT-802F Fire Boss aerial firefighting aircraft.

“For the last few months we have been busy procuring aircraft and extending the organisation with pilots and maintenance personnel to be able to deliver the desired capability, thus strengthening Sweden’s civil defence,” says Ellen Molin, head of Saab’s business area Support and Services.

The AT-802F is an aerial firefighter aircraft capable of delivering up to 50,000 liters of water per hour. The ability to quickly get to remote sites and drop large amounts of water is crucial when assisting ground units in fighting forest fires. Based in Nyköping, the aircraft can reach southern Finland in two hours and Luleå in the far north of Sweden in three hours – but they can also be deployed to other sites depending on the risk of fires.

“The demand for this capability will probably rise in the upcoming years and we have to be able to face that. Due to climate change, forest fires risk causing even greater damage in the future. This combined with the fact that many countries in Northern Europe lack scooping aircraft, meant we saw the need for two additional firefighting aircraft,” says Petronella Norell, acting head of National Operations and Civil Protection Section at MSB.

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First T-7A Red Hawk joined in record time

 

In one historic moment, the front fuselage of the first Boeing [NYSE: BA]-Saab T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer was joined perfectly with its aft section in less than 30 minutes — a testament to the digital heritage of the U.S. Air Force’s first “eSeries” aircraft and witness to the benefits of model-based engineering and 3D design.

The digital splice was completed in 95% less time than traditional splices and with substantial quality improvements.

“This moment marks a key stage in the evolution of the T-7A Red Hawk,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president and program manager of Boeing T-7 programs. “Employing digitally advanced manufacturing and build techniques developed by Boeing over the past two decades, we are bringing this trainer to future pilots sooner than ever before possible and with greater quality.”

Saab Receives Order for Future Development Support of Gripen

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, to provide future development support for Gripen from April 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The total order value is SEK 998 million.

The order is an extension of an existing contract and enables the future development of Gripen for the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen users around the world. The contract includes the operating and support of test aircraft and advanced tools such as testing rigs and simulators. Test aircraft together with these advanced tools are used in the verification and validation of Gripen C/D and Gripen E fighter systems as Saab develops future new capabilities or enhancements. 

“Gripen is designed for continuous upgrades to take on and defeat new combat challenges – a design approach that we have already proven many times. To enable continued development in Gripen it is required that we have advanced tools in place that are easy to manage, quick to implement and affordable to sustain. This order invests in achieving all of these objectives so that Gripen will always be in the forefront, both for today and the future,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area, Aeronautics.

The main part of the order concerns operations at Saab’s facilities in Sweden, in the towns of Linköping, Gothenburg, Järfälla, Arboga and Växjö. 

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