News

LE BOURGET, France, PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ryanair finalized an order for 10 additional 737 MAXs at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The order is valued at more than $1.1 billion at current list prices. The Irish low-cost carrier now has 110 unfilled orders with 100 options for the higher capacity 737 MAX 8, as well as 65 Next-Generation 737-800s. “We are pleased to announce this purchase of 10 additional Boeing 737 ‘Game changer’ aircraft, on top of our existing firm order for 100 737 MAXs, with a further 100 options remaining,” said Ryanair’s Chief Operations Officer, Mick Hickey. “This all new MAX 737 aircraft has 8 more seats than our current 189 seat Boeing 737-800s and incorporates the latest technology engines and winglets which reduces fuel consumption and noise emissions, ensuring we remain Europe’s greenest, cleanest airline. Ryanair is proud to partner with Boeing and has operated an all-Boeing fleet since 1994.” Ryanair is an all-Boeing operator and launched the higher capacity 737 MAX 8 in late 2014 with an order for 100 airplanes. The airplane will provide Ryanair with 197 seats, increasing revenue potential and providing airlines like Ryanair with up to 16 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than today’s most efficient single-aisle airplanes. Ryanair carried 120 million passengers last year with 1,800 daily flights to more than 200 destinations. The Dublin based carrier is the largest 737-800 customer in the world and the largest Boeing operator in Europe. In March this year Ryanair took delivery of its 450th Next-Generation 737-800 and with today’s announcement has ordered a total of more than 640 airplanes from Boeing. The 737 MAX family has been designed to offer customers exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. The MAX 8 and 9 will be followed in 2019 by the smaller MAX 7 and higher capacity MAX 8. The MAX 10 will be introduced in the 2020 time frame. Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/26/17

Wow air, the Icelandic low-fare carrier, has taken delivery of its first A321neo at a ceremony during the 52nd Le Bourget Paris airshow. The aircraft was officially handed over to the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Skúli Mogensen. The aircraft leased from Air Lease Corporation will join WOW air’s existing all Airbus Fleet of 15 A320 Family aircraft.

The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, is configured in a comfortable 218 seat layout. WOW air’s A321neo will be based at Keflavik airport in Iceland and operate commercial flights from Europe to North America.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 5,000 orders received from 92 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the marketmen first A321neo operator in Europe.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/26/17

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has placed an order for 10 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, enabling further development of its fast expanding long-haul route network.

Last June, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to operate the A350 when it took delivery of the first of 12 aircraft in order. Today the carrier operates a fleet of four A350s, two of which are on lease. Today’s order tops-up the Addis Ababa-based carrier’s fleet, enabling it to pursue its growth strategy and objectives over the coming years.

Ethiopian Airlines’ A350-900s are configured in a two class layout seating 30 passengers in Business Class and 313 in Economy Class. The spacious, quiet interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of passenger comfort and well-being.

“Operating the youngest fleet in the industry with modern and comfortable customer features in the cabin is one of the four pillars in our 15 years strategic road map, vision 2025, and this order placement for additional A350s is one component of this strategy. The performance, operational and cost efficiencies we have achieved with our initial A350-900s have resulted in these additional ten aircraft order placement and thereby suffice our ever-expanding global network. We will deploy the additional aircraft on our long haul routes connecting Addis Ababa with destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia,” explained Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/26/17

After announcing orders for 30 incremental Airbus A321ceo aircraft just last month, Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.)-based Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 10 more of the aircraft. The agreement was announced at the Paris Air Show.

Like previous Delta orders for the A321, the 10 aircraft announced are for the Current Engine Option version of the largest Airbus A320 Family member. The airline took delivery of its first A321 in March of last year. Delta now has ordered a total of 122 A321s, each powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

“The A321 is fast becoming a favorite aircraft of our customers and employees alike,” said Greg May, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Supply Chain Management and Fleet. “Its excellent operating economics and customer capacity also make it a great fit for our U.S. domestic network.”

All of Delta’s A321s feature fuel-saving Sharklets – lightweight composite wingtip devices that offer up to 4 percent fuel-burn savings. This environmental benefit gives airlines the option of extending their range up to 100 nautical miles/185 kilometers or increasing payload capacity by some 1000 pounds/450 kilograms.

Many of Delta’s A321s are being delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. The airline received its first U.S.-manufactured A321 last year. By the end of 2017, the Airbus facility in Mobile is expected to produce four aircraft per month, most going to Airbus’ U.S. customers.

As of the end of May, Delta was flying a fleet of 188 Airbus aircraft, including 146 A320 Family members and 42 A330 widebodies. Later this year, Delta will become the first U.S. airline to operate the new Airbus A350 XWB, or extra Wide Body aircraft. Delivery of Delta’s first A350 is slated for this summer.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/23/17

Viva Air, the Latin America low cost carrier group owned by Irelandia Aviation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 50 A320 Family aircraft, comprising 35 A320neo and 15 A320ceo. The agreement paves the way for the group’s airlines VivaColombia and Viva Air Peru to base its fleet renewal and network growth on the A320 Family.

“Our customers are at the forefront of everything we do. This new fleet will allow us to continue leading the development of the low cost model throughout Latin America. We will be able to offer even lower fares thanks to further cost savings that these new aircraft will deliver,” said William Shaw, CEO and Founder of VivaColombia, a Viva Air company.

Viva Air recently launched Viva Air Peru, the sister airline of VivaColombia. Medellin-based VivaColombia operates nine A320 aircraft and Lima-based Viva Air Peru currently operates two, all with a capacity of 180 seats.

Viva Air is a Panamanian headquartered group created by Irelandia Aviation and led by Declan Ryan. Irelandia has successfully developed six low cost carriers around the world, namely Allegiant, Ryanair, Tigerair, VivaAerobus, VivaColombia and most recently Viva Air Peru. Combined, the airlines have a fleet of more than 420 aircraft and have carried over a billion passengers.

Source Airbus  / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/23/17

Dublin based CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC (CDB Aviation) has become Airbus’ latest customer for the A320neo signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 45 aircraft, consisting of 30 A320neos and 15 A321neos. Cabin configuration and engine choice will be made at a later date. In addition, 15 A320neo positions from CDB Aviation’s previous order will be converted to A321neo aircraft.

“We are investing in the A320neo because we believe our customers will benefit from such an advanced aircraft. These aircraft will strengthen our overall aircraft portfolio and assist in the growth of our customer base,’’ said Peter Chang, CDB Aviation President & CEO. “Today, our leasing platform is based on a strong funding source, strong team with global reach.”

CDB Aviation is on a fast track to becoming one of the world’s premier Chinese-owned aviation leasing companies.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/23/17

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today, from the International Paris Air Show, that it has signed an agreement with Philippine Airlines, Inc. for the exercise of its seven Q400 aircraft purchase rights. This latest rights exercise brings Philippine Airlines’ total firm order to twelve Q400 aircraft. The original order for five firm Q400 with purchase rights for an additional seven was previously announced on December 8, 2016.

Based on the list price of the Q400 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately US $ 235 million. “The Q400 aircraft have helped airlines around the world expand their networks, and capture new opportunities” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“As we position ourselves for growth, we are pleased to be adding more Q400 to our fleet,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines. “We are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we look forward to offering more capacity and improving connectivity in the region with comfortable, fast and efficient regional aircraft like Bombardier’s 86-seat turboprops.”

The flag carrier of the Philippines is expected to take delivery of the world’s first dual-class, 86-seat Q400 aircraft in July 2017. Including this latest order, Bombardier has now recorded a total of 585 Q400 aircraft on firm order.

Source Bombardier Commercial Aircraft / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) signed a Framework Purchase Agreement of 30 C919 aircraft with EverBright Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. in Beijing on June 13th, 2017. Thus, COMAC had 24 domestic and foreign customers of C919 aircraft and secured a total of 600 orders.

Mr. Zhang Jinliang, President of China EverBright Bank (CEBB), Mr. Zhang Huayu, Vice President of CEBB and Chairman of EverBright Financial Leasing, Mr. Pan Mingzhong, President of EverBright Financial Leasing, and Mr. Tian Min, CFO of COMAC, attended the signing ceremony.

The first flight of C919 on May 5th was salient and inspiring, and was a milestone in the history of China’s aviation industry. EverBright Financial Leasing would support the development of the China-made civil aircraft as always, and would accelerate the development of China’s aviation manufacturing and transportation industry with the opportunity of the take-off of C919. EverBright Financial Leasing would continue to develop more extensive and in-depth cooperation with COMAC on the research and development, domestic and overseas marketing, etc. of the aircraft.

EverBright Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. is a national financial leasing company jointly established by China EverBright Bank, Wuhan New Harbor Construction & Investment Development Group Co., Ltd., and Wuhan Rail Transit Construction Co., Ltd. subject to the approval of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, and is a subsidiary of China EverBright Bank which has a 90-percent stake. It was incorporated in May 2010 with a registered capital of 3.7 billion yuan, and the registered place is Wuhan, Hubei Province.

Source COMAC / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and the Lion Air Group today announced a commitment for 50 737 MAX 10 airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The announcement, valued at approximately $6.24 billion at list prices, will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website once finalized.

“The 737 MAX family of airplanes is the perfect combination of single-aisle aircraft for the Lion Air Group, with their new level fuel-efficiency as well as range and capacity capabilities,” said Lion Air Group President Edward Sirait. “The Lion Air Group was first in the world to put the 737 MAX 8 into service and the first to order the 737 MAX 9, and we continue to lead the way again with this commitment for 50 737 MAX 10s and help launch the latest version of the 737.”

The Lion Air Group is one of the world’s largest Next-Generation 737 operators and previously ordered 201 MAXs. The airline is also the launch customer of the 737 MAX 9 and its subsidiary, Malaysia-based Malindo Air was the first airline to take delivery and operate the 737 MAX 8 in commercial service.

“Boeing is honored that the 737 family of airplanes continues to play an integral role in the Lion Air Group’s fleet and growth strategy,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister. “This commitment is a testament to the capabilities of the 737 MAX family of airplanes and we look forward to delivering both the 737 MAX 9 and MAX 10 to them in the coming years.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Kuwait-based ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) announced a commitment for 20 737 MAX 8s at the 2017 Paris Airshow, valued at $2.2 billion at current list prices.

ALAFCO, a global provider of commercial aircraft leasing products, already has unfilled orders for 20 737 MAX airplanes and was also one of the first Middle East customers for the 787 Dreamliner. The new commitment when finalized, will boost the lessor’s order to 40 737 MAXs.

“As a lessor, we are committed to provide our global customer base with technologically-advanced aircraft,” said Ahmad Alzabin, chief executive officer and vice-chairman, ALAFCO. “Fuel efficiency, operational reliability and efficiency are key factors for our airline customers and the 737 MAX will help us meet those demands in the single-aisle market.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AerCap today announced an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The agreement, valued at $8.1 billion at list prices, makes AerCap the largest customer for the 787 Dreamliner.

“The addition of these 30 Boeing 787 aircraft to our portfolio makes us the world’s largest owner of 787 Dreamliner,” said AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly. “This strengthens our ambition to satisfy our customers’ demand for an aircraft they truly value due to its economics, operating efficiencies and high levels of in-cabin comfort and innovation.”

AerCap has taken delivery of 55 787s, and now after this order will have a further 67 787s on backlog, including sale leasebacks.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a family of super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features that bring the economics of large jet transports to the middle of the market. The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 flies up to 45 more passengers, an additional 520 kilometers (280 nautical miles) with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and SpiceJet today signed a memorandum of understanding for 40 737 MAX airplanes. The agreement, valued at $4.7 billion at current list prices, is split evenly between 20 new orders for the 737 MAX 10 and conversions of 20 of the low-cost carrier’s 737 MAX 8 airplanes from its existing order to 737 MAX 10s.

“As a Boeing 737 operator and current customer of the 737 MAX, we are proud to be a part of the launch of the 737 MAX 10 and to be the first airline in India to order the newest version of the 737, which will enable us to maximize revenue on our dense routes while having a lower unit seat cost,” said Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. “With the introduction of our 737 MAXs next year, we will be able to further expand our network, while keeping our costs low for our customers.”

SpiceJet operates a fleet of 35 Next-Generation 737s and 19 Bombardier Q400s. The carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 100 airplanes by 2020 and looks to expand regionally with the new 737 MAX family of airplanes. SpiceJet will take delivery of its first 737 MAX in 2018.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Tibet Financial Leasing today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 20 737 MAX airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The airplanes, including 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8 airplanes, are valued at approximately $2.5 billion at current list prices.

“Our intention to purchase the 737 MAX reflects the strong customer feedback we have received,” said Wang Yanjun, President of Tibet Financial Leasing. “It is natural to start our aviation leasing business with the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history. We are confident that our customers will be satisfied with the efficiency, economics, flexibility and passenger comfort that the 737 MAX promises to deliver.”

Tibet Financial Leasing was established as the first financial leasing company in Tibet Autonomous Region in 2015, with approval from China Banking Regulatory Commission. Tibet Financial Leasing is registered in Lhasa Economic and Technological Development Zone. The existing registered equity capital of Tibet Financial Leasing is RMB 3 billion.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and TUI Group, the world’s number one tourism business, today announced its selection of 18 737 MAX 10s at the 2017 Paris Air Show. TUI Group already had 70 unfilled orders for the 737 MAX and will convert 18 of these existing orders to the 737 MAX 10. The leisure group is the first European operator to select the latest member of the 737 MAX family of airplanes.

“Being the first to fly the new larger 737 MAX 10 in Europe means we’ll be able to take more customers on holiday in the most advanced, most comfortable and most fuel efficient aircraft,” said David Burling, Member of the Executive Board and responsible for TUI Group Airlines. “The continued modernization of our fleet and the delivery of the new 737 MAX, now including the 737 MAX 10, will support the delivery of TUI’s commitment to reducing the carbon intensity of our operations.”

TUI Group aims to operate Europe’s most carbon efficient airlines and has committed to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations by a further 10 percent by 2020.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17

LE BOURGET, France, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and CDB Aviation Lease Finance (CDB Aviation) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 42 737 MAX 8s, 10 737 MAX 10s and eight 787-9 Dreamliners at the 2017 Paris Air Show.

With this commitment, valued at $7.4 billion at list prices, CDB Aviation will become one of the launch customers for the 737 MAX 10, the newest member of Boeing’s 737 MAX family. Included in this agreement is the conversion of six 737 MAX 8 orders to the new 737 MAX 10s by the lessor from a previous order.

“Our new vision is to propel CDB Aviation into a formidable global aviation leasing platform,” said Peter Chang, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDB Aviation. “The 737 MAX, the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, and the cutting-edge 787 Dreamliner will play a key role in bolstering our fleet and advancing our global market presence to fulfill the vision.”

Based in Dublin, Ireland, CDB Aviation operates as a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., LTD (CDB Leasing) With a committed fleet of over 300 aircraft, CDB Aviation has over 10 years’ experience in the business and is one of the largest and most influential Chinese-owned aviation leasing companies.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a family of super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features that bring the economics of large jet transports to the middle of the market. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has flown more than 167.6 million people on more than 610 unique routes around the world, saving an estimated 15.6 billion pounds of fuel.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/19/17