News

RENTON, Wash /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) marked a milestone Tuesday March 7, 2017. The first 737 MAX 9 made its debut in front of thousands of Boeing employees. The 737 MAX 9 is the second member of Boeing’s industry leading 737 MAX family, with a maximum capacity of 220 passengers and a range of 3,515 nautical miles. The airplane now begins system checks, fueling and engine runs on the flight line. Once completed, the airplane will begin flight testing in the coming weeks – the final phase of verification of the operational characteristics and overall performance of a new airplane. “The 737 MAX team continues to do a fantastic job getting us to these important milestones right on schedule,” said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our primary focus is delivering an aircraft that has the legendary reliability our 737 customers depend on, plus the optimized flexibility and range capability they desire.” The 737 MAX 9 is scheduled to enter service in 2018. The 737 MAX 8 is on track to deliver to customers in the second quarter of 2017. 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 200, while studies and discussions continue with customers on growing the family. Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/08/17

On March 6, All Nippon Airways (ANA) revealed a special livery for the A380. The livery was selected from over 2,000 submissions received in an open competition organized by the carrier. The winning design will be painted on the airline’s first new A380, which will be delivered early in 2019. ANA will operate the aircraft on its most popular leisure route, from Tokyo to Honolulu.

The winning entry is a colorful design featuring the Hawaiian green sea turtle – a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Hawaii.

Flights between Japan and Hawaii represent a highly competitive market. Around 1.5 million Japanese travel to Hawaii annually, with airlines enjoying consistently high load factors. ANA will seek to increase significantly its share of this lucrative market with the introduction of the popular A380.

ANA parent company ANA Holdings placed its order for three A380s in January 2016 and will become the first Japanese airline to operate the type, transporting more passengers, more efficiently and in greater comfort – all at lower cost.

ANA is planning a number of future activities in Hawaii to protect the green sea turtle, which is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species. The green sea turtle is known as the “Honu” in Hawaii and ANA will adopt the name “Flying Honu” for its A380 fleet.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/07/17

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] is pleased that Singapore Airlines has announced its commitment to purchase 20 777-9s and 19 787-10 Dreamliners. The national carrier and 787-10 launch customer also announced its recommitment for its previous order for 30 787-10 airplanes.

“Singapore Airlines has been a valued Boeing customer for more than 50 years and we are honored they have selected the 777X and additional 787-10s to expand its future widebody fleet. They are the most efficient, capable and passenger preferred airplanes in their class,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. “We appreciate the trust, commitment and endorsement of Singapore Airlines, and look forward to delivering market-leading capability to one of the world’s most widely respected industry leaders.”

Advanced technology including a new composite wing, all-new engines and superior aerodynamics will result in the incredible fuel efficiency promised by the 777X family.

The 787-10 is the third member of the super-efficient, passenger-pleasing 787 Dreamliner family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, high degree of commonality and passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement the family while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics – 25 percent better fuel per seat and emissions than the airplanes it will replace.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/10/17

Atlantic Airways, the national carrier of the Faroe Islands, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 as part of its plan to increase capacity, becoming Airbus’ newest operator of the type.

Atlantic Airways passengers will benefit from the newest cabin comfort throughout the cabin in a single class layout with 168 seats and 18 inch wide seats as standard. The aircraft which is equipped with CFM engines will be deployed on routes from the Faroe Islands to Copenhagen.

The A320 was chosen by Atlantic Airways for its unrivalled economics, performance and operability in challenging environmental and geographical conditions. The aircraft has Required Navigation Performance (RNP 0.1) capability built-in, which enables the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes using state-of-the-art on-board navigation systems. Atlantic Airways were the first airline in Europe to use the Required Navigation Performance approach.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/21/16

São José dos Campos, Brazil. Embraer reached another milestone with its E-Jets program, the delivery of the 1,300th aircraft. The E-Jet, an E195, was handed over to China’s Tianjin Airlines in a ceremony at the factory in São José dos Campos. This delivery brings the Tianjin Airlines E-Jet fleet to 45, the largest in Asia.

“We dedicate this milestone to all our customers who have embraced the E-Jets philosophy. Without each of them, we would never have achieved such success with the program,” said John Slattery, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “It’s a great pleasure to share this exciting moment with Tianjin. We’ve been partners for many years and we look forward to many more decades, as the airline grows with the E2.”

During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2014 state visit to Brazil, Embraer and Tianjin Airlines signed an agreement for up to 20 E195s and 20 E190-E2s. The first E2 is scheduled to be delivered to Tianjin Airlines in 2018.

Tianjin Airlines is among Embraer’s earliest customers in China. In 2008, it became the first airline to operate an E-Jet in the country. It is also the Embraer Authorized Service Center in the region.

Liu Lu, Executive Chairman and President of Tianjin Airlines, said this is another milestone for Tianjin Airlines. “Tianjin Airlines started as a regional carrier, and E-Jets have played a crucial role in our fleet optimization and route expansion. Tianjin Airlines is also the largest E-Jets operator in Asia with 62 aircraft, which redefined the operation model of regional aviation in China.

Embraer has been leading the Chinese regional aviation industry with a market share around 80% of regional jet orders. To date, the company has logged orders for 190 commercial aircraft, 21 of which are pending government approval.

Source Embraer / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/05/16

SAA’s A330-300 are configured in a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 46 seats in Business Class and 203 in Economy class seats. The aircraft will introduce new levels of onboard comfort, including connectivity for SAA’s passengers and enhanced operating efficiencies for the airline.

SAA has selected the latest 242-tonne Maximum Take-Off Weight variant of the A330-300, which incorporates a new aerodynamic packages enabling the aircraft to cover distances of up to 6,350 nautical miles (11,750km) in flights up to 15 hours in duration. This payload/range capability allows the aircraft to be deployed across SAA’s long-haul, intra-Africa and peak domestic routes.

The A330-300s share the same cockpit configuration, operating philosophy and procedures with SAA’s existing fleet of Airbus widebody jetliners. This high degree of commonality across the fleet is fundamental to achieving low operating, maintenance and training costs.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, has attracted over 1,630 orders, with over 1,300 aircraft delivered to more than 100 operators worldwide, including SAA.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/05/16

The first delivery of an A321 aircraft from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility to Delta Air Lines took place in Mobile, Alabama. On hand for the occasion were executives from Airbus and Delta Air Lines, a team of Delta employees from the airline’s Minneapolis-St. Paul station, and representatives of the more than 370 employees at the facility.

Bob Lekites, Executive Vice President-Customers, Airbus Americas said, “Airbus is committed to giving our customers the right products for a marketplace that needs modern, efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft. Delta has recognized our commitment to our customers, and has determined we were the right partner for them.

Delta already operates a fleet of 137 A320 family aircraft and 40 A330.They have another 123 aircraft on order—including A320 family, A330 and A350 aircraft. Just this year, Delta placed its third A321-ceo order in three years. So this is definitely the first of many deliveries Delta will take from Mobile in the next few years.”

“The first Delta A321 produced in Mobile will be our 12th overall for Delta. We look forward to taking many more A321s in the years ahead to safely and comfortably get our customers to their destinations,” said Greg May, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Supply Chain Management and Fleet. “We appreciate our partnership with Airbus and the great manufacturing work produced at the Mobile facility.”

Airbus announced its commitment to build a single-aisle assembly line in Mobile, Alabama in 2012, and less than one year later, broke ground on the $600 million facility. The ceremonial inauguration of the plant took place in September 2015. The aircraft delivered today is the 15th aircraft delivered from the Mobile facility.

Airbus anticipates delivering four aircraft per month from the Mobile plant by the end of 2017. The initial deliveries will all be A320 Family aircraft with the Current Engine Option (CEO), but will begin transitioning to New Engine Option (NEO) derivatives in late 2017.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/05/16

Aircalin, the Noumea based carrier in the French territory of New Caledonia has signed an agreement (MoU) for two A320neo single-aisle and two A330-900 wide-body aircraft. The agreement was finalised and signed at a ceremony in the capital Noumea attended by airline officials and Airbus executives.

The A320neo engine choice will be made at a later date as will the cabin configuration of both aircraft types. The A320neo will be deployed on existing regional routes to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. With the A330neo, Aircalin will boost services to Japan for onward connections and the possible opening of new routes such as to China.

“As part of our plan to boost tourism to New Caledonia, Aircalin has made a strategic decision to renew its complete fleet with the A320neo and the A330neo to grow routes and connect New Caledonia to the region,” said Didier Tappero, Aircalin CEO. Bernard Deladrière, Chairman of the Board and Member of New Caledonia Government asserted, “Aircalin is taking on an even more strategic step for its future, as it is about its profitability and its competitiveness.”

The A330neo is the most cost-efficient in its size category, offering a reduction in fuel burn of 14 percent per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 4000 nautical miles and the lowest maintenance costs of any aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/05/16

The maiden flight of Airbus’ A350-1000. During more than 4 hours aloft Thursday November 24, 2016, this longest-fuselage version of the A350 XWB demonstrated the performance and efficiency that will be appreciated by airline and aircraft leasing customers worldwide – 11 of which already have ordered 195 A350-1000s from the Middle East, North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Performing the initial in-flight evaluation from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southwestern France was the aircraft bearing the Manufacturing Serial Number 59 (MSN059) – one of three jetliners that will participate in the A350-1000 flight test and certification campaign.

Measuring nearly 74 meters from nose to tail, the A350-1000 is offering a maximum range of 7,950 nautical miles. It is designed for high efficiency, maximum reliability and optimized performance while offering passengers best-in-class comfort with its “Airspace by Airbus” cabin.

The A350-1000’s longer fuselage translates to greater capacity, seating 366 passengers (+40 seats compared to the A350-900) in a typical three-class configuration, and answers market needs with a larger premium area to accommodate first class and business class travelers.

Further enhancing the A350-1000’s efficiency are its latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan jet power plants – the world’s most efficient large aero engines flying today.

Deliveries of the A350-1000 are planned to begin in the second half of 2017 with launch customer Qatar Airways (which has ordered 37 aircraft). Other carriers that have booked A350-1000s are United Airlines (with 35 on order), Cathay Pacific (26), Etihad (22) British Airways (18), LATAM (14), Japan Airlines (13), Asiana Airlines (10), Air Lease Corporation (9), Virgin Atlantic (8), and Air Caraïbes (3).

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/25/16

Airbus celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th aircraft – an A350-900 for Singapore Airlines. The milestone event was marked by a special ceremony in Toulouse hosted by Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders and attended by Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines.

The aircraft delivered is the sixth A350-900 for Singapore Airlines, out of a total order for 67. Featuring a special “10,000th Airbus” logo, the aircraft will be used to launch the airline’s new non-stop services between Singapore and San Francisco later this month.

The 10,000th Airbus delivery comes as the manufacturer achieves its highest level of production ever and is on track to deliver at least 650 aircraft this year from its extensive product line. These range from 100 to over 600 seats and efficiently meet every airline requirement, from high frequency short haul operations to the world’s longest intercontinental flights.

Driven by a passion for aviation and a desire to create better ways to fly, the over-four-decade-long Airbus success story is now an achievement that spans 10,000 aircraft – from the A300 to the A350 XWB and beyond.

With the handover of an A350-900 to Singapore Airlines , Airbus marked the 10,000th aircraft provided to worldwide customers since the aircraft manufacturer’s initial delivery in 1974. This accomplishment underscores the company’s ongoing growth that has transformed a European upstart in the 1970s to a global market leader now offering a modern and comprehensive product line ranging from 100 to more than 600 seats.

Throughout Airbus’ history, these commercial aircraft have been connected by the shared values of continuous innovation, unmatched operational efficiency and superior comfort – characteristics which operators and passengers around the globe have firmly endorsed.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 10/18/16

WASHINGTON / Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways announced an order for 30 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs, valued at $11.7 billion at list prices, validating the value, reliability and performance of Boeing’s twin-aisle airplanes.

The airline also signed a Letter of Intent for up to 60 737 MAX 8s, valued at $6.9 billion at list prices.

The announcement builds on Qatar Airways’ current fleet of 84 Boeing aircraft, a combination of 787s and 777s, all delivered over the last nine years. With this new order, Qatar Airways increases its firm order backlog of Boeing widebody airplanes from 65 to 105, including 60 777Xs.

The announcement was attended by the State of Qatar’s Minister of Finance, His Excellency Ali Shareef Al Emadi, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken and the Ambassador of Qatar, His Excellency Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari.

“Qatar Airways, already one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of aviation, today announces a significant and historic aircraft order that will power our future growth for the years and the decades ahead,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “Boeing has proven to be a valuable partner, and today’s announcement is testament to our appreciation of the quality of their product and their dedication to providing world class customer service.”

Qatar Airways’ relationship with Boeing was renewed in 2006. it would be the first Boeing single-aisle airplane model to join Qatar Airways’ fleet in more than 15 years.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 10/10/16

Las Vegas, Nevada-based Allegiant Travel Company has signed a purchase agreement for 12 Airbus A320ceo (current engine option) aircraft. This deal marks the first time the low-cost airline has purchased new aircraft from any manufacturer. Each will be powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International. The company’s current fleet plan is focused on a transition to all Airbus aircraft including a mix of previously-owned aircraft along with those included in this deal.

“Allegiant offers travelers convenient, affordable nonstop service enabling them to more easily enjoy their favorite vacation destinations,” said Maury Gallagher, Chairman and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. “As we continue to transition to an all-Airbus fleet, this purchase will allow us to accelerate that process, reduce complexity in our fleet and provide our passengers with an ever-improving experience.” Allegiant currently operates a fleet of 15 A319ceo and 16 A320ceo aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/29/16

Manila-based Cebu Pacific has placed a firm order with Airbus for two A330-300s. The aircraft will join an existing fleet of six A330s flying with the airline on long range flights to destinations in the Middle East and Australia, as well on selected domestic and regional routes.

“The A330 has proven to be the right choice for our long haul low fare product,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer. “The newly ordered aircraft will enable us to add more long haul routes, including the launch of our first flights to the US. We are excited to be expanding our widebody fleet, offering more low fare options for our customers to fly further than ever before.”

Cebu Pacific currently operates 49 Airbus aircraft, including six A330s and a fleet of 43 A320 Family single aisle aircraft flying on its extensive domestic and regional network. In addition to the contract announced today, the airline has 32 latest generation A321neo aircraft on order for future delivery.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/29/16

New York-based JetBlue Airways has amended its purchase agreement with Airbus to include an additional 15 Airbus A321ceo (current engine option) and 15 A321neo (new engine option) aircraft. The airline, which already operates A321s, has not yet announced its engine selection for the newly ordered aircraft. Beginning in 2019, JetBlue has the flexibility to configure the New Engine Option aircraft to the Longer Range version of the A321 – the A321LR.

“Airbus has been our partner since the beginning, and we are proud that our partnership continues today,” said Robin Hayes, president and CEO, JetBlue. “The A321 is an incredible aircraft that is delivering results for our business. We intend to deploy many of these aircraft to expand our successful Mint experience and our west coast presence.”

Many of JetBlue’s newly ordered A321 aircraft are expected to be delivered from Airbus’ newest manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. The first aircraft to be produced at Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility – a JetBlue A321 known as “BluesMobile” .
JetBlue currently operates a fleet of 160 A320 Family aircraft, including 130 A320s and 30 A321s. Including the order announced today, the airline’s backlog of Airbus aircraft comprises 116 planes: 25 A320neo, 31 A321ceo, and 60 A321neo aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/29/16

Pegasus Airlines, Turkey’s leading low-cost airline, took delivery on Tuesday July 19th, its first Airbus A320neo powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines, becoming the first airline to do so for the type. Pegasus placed the largest single order by a Turkish carrier for up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft in 2012, making it a new Airbus customer. Pegasus Airlines along with Airbus and CFM top management and employees celebrated the delivery in a private ceremony at Airbus’ site in Hamburg.

“This delivery marks the start of Pegasus’ fleet renewal with the most fuel efficient aircraft incorporating the latest technologies, aerodynamics, engines and a comfortable cabin,” said Mehmet Nane, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. “We have an ambitious expansion strategy and the A320neo will be the backbone of this.”

Pegasus, Airbus and CFM are making history. Introducing a new engine family in commercial service happens almost once in a lifetime. It’s a big deal, so we are very proud to do it with our long-term customer, Pegasus, and with Airbus,” said CFM International CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga.

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling and most fuel efficient single aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo powering with the CFM International’s LEAP-1A provides operators with double digits improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – with a 15 percent reduction upon entry into service and up to a 20% reduction by 2020.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/29/16