News

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced a commitment for 30 737 airplanes from an unidentified Chinese customer at the 2016 Farnborough Airshow. The commitment includes a mix of 737 MAX and Next-Generation 737 airplanes, valued at more than $3 billion at current list prices. Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/13/16

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Kunming Airlines announced a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 10 737 MAX 7 airplanes at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow.

With this agreement, Kunming Airlines, an all-Boeing fleet customer in China, would become launch customer in China for the improved 737 MAX 7 airplane. The agreement further enhances the strategic cooperation between Boeing and Kunming Airlines.

The improved 737 MAX 7 will open new opportunities for airlines and provide exceptional performance out of high elevation airports. The airplane offers 12 more seats in a 2-class interior configuration and more than 20 in a maximum seating configuration, compared to the Next-Generation 737-700. It will also use 5 percent less fuel per seat and have 500 nautical miles (926 km) more range capability.

Kunming Airlines, based at Changshui International Airport in the capital city of Yunnan province, began operations in 2009. The carrier has experienced rapid and steady growth in recent years by leveraging its regional advantages. The carrier currently serves more than 40 cities across China by operating a fleet of eight 737-700s and 11 737-800s. Shenzhen Airlines is the major shareholder of Kunming Airlines

Source Boeing / Edited By airline Adviser 07/13/16

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced an order for six 737 MAX 8s at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow.

Three of the orders are new, and three were previously attributed to an unidentified customer on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website. The order is valued at $660 million at current list prices.

“ALC already has lease agreements in place with seven different airlines for 737-8 MAX aircraft out of our Boeing delivery stream, starting in the fourth quarter of 2017,” said Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “The addition of more Boeing 737 MAX in our portfolio undoubtedly provides the economics, innovative efficiencies, and enhanced passenger experience that our airline customers are looking for in an aircraft.”

With 180 airplanes now on order, ALC has the largest backlog of any Boeing leasing customer. ALC also has the largest 737 MAX backlog of any leasing customer with 118 orders. Through the years, ALC has ordered a total of 260 airplanes from Boeing including 118 737 MAXs, 75 Next-Generation 737-800s, 21 777-300ERs and 46 787 Dreamliners.

Source Boeing / Edited By Ailrine Adviser 07/12/16

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and TUI Group, the world’s number one tourism business, finalized an order today at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow for 10 737 MAX 8s and one 787-9 Dreamliner. The order, valued at $1.4 billion at current list prices, also includes an option for one additional 787-9.

“We are committed to investing in our aircraft fleet in order to keep improving our customer’s experience and to grow ahead of the market,” said David Burling, Member of the Executive Board and responsible for TUI Group Airlines. “This includes the expansion of our long haul holiday program and providing more choice of flight times and durations to new destinations.

TUI Group last year announced its five year sustainability strategy, ‘Better Holidays Better World 2015-2020,’ built around three core pillars to help shape the future of sustainable tourism. As one pillar, TUI aims to operate Europe’s most carbon efficient airlines and reduce the carbon intensity of its operations by a further 10% by 2020.

“TUI Group’s customers have benefited from the unrivaled passenger features on board the 787-8, since they became the UK launch customer in 2013,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The addition of 787-9s to its fleet will provide TUI Group with greater flexibility across its route network, while the 737 MAX will ensure it remains at the forefront of the European leisure 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 will fly up to 45 more passengers for TUI Group, 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. TUI Group’s airlines currently operate a fleet of 13 787-8s and one 787-9.

Additionally, TUI Group has selected GoldCare Component Services for its Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX fleet. It will be the launch customer for Boeing’s 737 MAX Component Services program. Boeing has provided 737 Component Services for Thomson Airways and Jetairfly, members of the TUI Group, since September 2007. The Component Services program provides customers quick access to pooled material, as well as repairs, upgrades and warranty service for those parts in the program. By using the program, airlines can reduce their inventory costs, while managing their repair and overhaul needs through a predictable cost structure

There are six proprietary airlines in the TUI Group operating 136 medium and long-haul aircraft, including more than 100 Next-Generation 737s and 14 787s. These airlines are TUIfly, Thomson, TUIfly Nordic, Jetairfly, Corsair and TUIfly Netherlands, serving more than 180 destinations around the world.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/12/16

Vietnam’s Jetstar Pacific Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for 10 A320ceo aircraft. The agreement was announced today during the Farnborough Air Show and will mark the first direct purchase of aircraft by the airline with Airbus.

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Jetstar Pacific is a joint venture between Vietnam Airlines (70%) and the Qantas Group (30%). The airline currently operates a fleet of 12 leased A320 Family aircraft, flying to 28 domestic and regional destinations.

“This agreement marks a milestone in our development,” said Le Hong Ha, Chief Executive Officer of Jetstar Pacific. “The new aircraft will allow us to expand our operation on our international network from Vietnam as part of the wider Jetstar Group. With low operating costs and a comfortable cabin, the A320 enables us to offer our passengers a quality value-based product in a highly competitive market environment.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

UK based Virgin Atlantic Airways has selected the A350-1000, the largest member of the A350 Family, to become the latest aircraft in its fleet, operating from both London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The airline is purchasing eight A350-1000s for deliveries commencing in 2019, and four new aircraft on long term leases from ALC from 2020, including a lease “option” for a fifth aircraft.

The A350-1000 was selected after intense and detailed evaluation of the current and future alternatives. The airline will benefit from state-of-the-art technology and the latest cabin product innovations to satisfy the most exacting customer expectations. Virgin Atlantic has selected this as it’s future flagship. Airport operations and neighbouring communities will benefit from the use of an environmentally efficient aircraft with low pollution credentials and half the noise impact compared to rival aircraft.

The aircraft will be deployed initially at London Heathrow to strengthen the trans-Atlantic network on existing business routes, and subsequently at Gatwick airport on leisure routes to the Caribbean, where Virgin Atlantic will provide three classes of customer service in the A350s distinctive Airbus ‘Airspace’ cabin with roomy overhead bins and the latest concepts for ambience, comfort, service and design.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron said, “I welcome the news of Virgin Atlantic’s investment. As well as being good news for passengers, it’s great news for jobs in the UK. The fantastic Airbus A350 is built in the UK, with Rolls-Royce engines and suppliers across the country. It’s an investment in the UK itself, and our world-beating aerospace industry.”

Craig Kreeger, CEO Virgin Atlantic said: “The size of this order demonstrates our absolute focus on investing in the future for our customers and our people, and confirms the strength of our business. The A350-1000 plays a pivotal role in our fleet program, helping to create one of the youngest, cleanest, greenest fleets in the sky. This agreement allows Virgin Atlantic to set the standard on its network by being amongst the first airlines into service with the A350-1000, with an Airspace by Airbus cabin.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

ARKIA Israeli Airlines, majority owned by Jordache Enterprises, will receive up to four A330-900neo aircraft, making the airline the first Airbus widebody customer in Israel. The A330neo aircraft will be the backbone of ARKIA’s expansion into long-haul and leisure markets.

ARKIA became an Airbus customer in 2012 through an order for four A321neo aircraft. Airbus’ unique commonality and Cross Crew Qualification concept that allow pilots and engineers to transition between single and twin aisle aircraft easily means that the A330-900neo and A321neo will operate seamlessly together and bring operational benefits to the entire fleet.

“The A330-900neo will be a key asset to help us grow efficiently on highly competitive international long-haul routes from Israel. The aircraft will offer our passengers the latest product with great cabin comfort on direct long-haul flights,” said Mr. Joe Nakash, Chairman of Jordache Enterprises. “Thanks to the proven reliability and fuel efficiency of the A330 family, the A330neo will also deliver us with the best in class operating economics.”

The A330-900neo is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its size category offering an increased non-stop range of up to 400 nautical miles

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL), the Los Angeles based aircraft leasing company announced a firm order for three A350-900s and one A321 at the Farnborough Airshow to meet strong market demand for more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

Including today’s announcement, ALC’s portfolio of Airbus aircraft stands at a total of 267, of which 70 are widebodies (16 A330ceo, 25 A330neo, 24 A350-900, 5 A350-1000) and 197 are single-aisles (30 A320ceo, 22 A320neo, 27 A321ceo, 118 A321neo).

“These additional A350 and A321 aircraft were needed to fill ongoing customer lease placements as we continue to experience strong A350 and A321 demand,” said John L. Plueger, Air Lease Corporation’s CEO and President.

The world’s latest generation airliner, the A350 XWB, is the newest member of Airbus’ modern, comfortable & efficient widebody product family. Offering customers a game-changing reduction in fuel-burn, the long-range A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

At the opening of the Farnborough Air Show, held in the United Kingdom from July 11th to 17th, Air Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast’s national airline based in Abidjan, signed a firm order for the purchase of an additional A320neo to complete its fleet. Air Côte d’Ivoire already distinguished itself in the spring by becoming the first African airline to order the A320neo.

“This additional A320neo will allow Air Côte d’Ivoire to truly differentiate its product by offering a higher level of comfort to its customers with new aircraft. Thanks to this new Airbus aircraft, Air Côte d’Ivoire will also improve its operating efficiency to better meet the need for traffic growth,” said General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Chairman of the Board.

In three years, Air Côte d’Ivoire has tripled its number of passengers, and, with its new fleet, will position itself as the leader in this highly competitive region. It currently flies to 23 international destinations located in West and Central Africa, and to five domestic destinations. Air Côte d’Ivoire already operates six Airbus aircraft (four A319s and two A320), and this new commitment follows its previous order for four aircraft placed in April.

Source Airbus / Edited By airline Adviser 07/11/16

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Standard Chartered Bank today announced an order for 10 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, valued at $960 million at current list prices, was attributed to an unidentified customer on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

Speaking at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow, Kieran Corr, Head of Aviation Finance at Standard Chartered, said: “We are excited about adding these new Boeing aircraft to our fleet. Our current portfolio consists of over 110 aircraft on operating lease to airline clients globally. We are committed to continuing to grow and diversify our client base over the next couple of years.

With an average age of less than five years, Standard Chartered’s fleet comprises some of the most modern and fuel efficient aircraft in the market. “Our key markets are Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with a focus on emerging markets,” added Corr. “We want to help the aviation sector grow in those markets to drive regional trade and investment and we can only do that with an expanded diversified fleet.”

Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group, with around 84,000 employees and a 150-year history in some of the world’s most dynamic markets. We bank the people and companies driving investment, trade and the creation of wealth across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Aviation Finance business is a leading provider of cost-efficient, lease-based and asset-based financing solutions with specialist teams in Dublin, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Solutions include: Sale and Leasebacks; Aircraft finance leases; Islamic finance leases; Capital market solutions; Fuel and interest rate hedging products; and export credit advisory.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Donghai Airlines announced today the airline’s intent to purchase 25 737 MAX 8s and five 787-9 Dreamliners at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow. The agreement is valued at more than $4 billion at current list prices.

Shenzhen-based Donghai Airlines previously ordered 15 Next-Generation 737-800s and 10 737 MAX 8s in 2013. Donghai continues to fulfill its strategic plan to convert its business model from cargo services to passenger services.

“Donghai Airlines has undergone steady development over the past 10 years since the beginning of our freighter operations in 2006,” said Mr. Wong Cho-Bau, Chairman, Donghai Airlines. “Under China’s One Belt One Road initiative, we will accelerate our fleet expansion plan to satisfy the rapidly growing air travel market and help build our home base Shenzhen as the transportation hub in southern China. We’re committed to introducing new next-generation airplanes that deliver the industry-leading fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in their segment market as a key effort to fulfill the plan.” Boeing will work with Donghai Airlines to finalize the details of the agreement. The order will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

Donghai Airlines started freighter operations in 2006. The carrier expanded to offer passenger services in 2014. Donghai Airlines currently has a fleet of 11 Boeing 737-800s serving for more than 10 cities across China. With extended air route network, the Shenzhen-based carrier is making great efforts to build a modern medium-scale airline with high quality.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Xiamen Airlines announced today at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of up to 30 737 MAX 200 airplanes, valued at up to $3.39 billion at current list prices.

The airline, which is already a 737 MAX customer, sees the MAX 200 as a fit for its low cost subsidiaries, including Jiangxi Airlines and Hebei Airlines. Both parties will work closely to finalize the agreement, which requires the approval of Xiamen Airlines board and the China Southern Airline Group board, as well as the Chinese Government.

Xiamen Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of more than 140 airplanes including six 787 Dreamliners, 130 Next-Generation 737s and four 757s. The carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 200 airplanes by the end of the decade and looks to expand regionally with the new 737 MAX. Xiamen-based Xiamen Airlines is a stated-owned subsidiary of China Southern Airlines

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/11/16

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Embraer S.A. [BM&F Bovespa: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ] unveiled the next phase of the Boeing Eco Demonstrator program today. The program expands Boeing and Embraer’s cooperation agreement and will test technologies to improve airplane environmental performance and accelerate their introduction into the marketplace.
An Embraer E170 will serve as the flying testbed and will feature advanced environmental technologies that will undergo operational testing in Brazil during August and September.

“Collaborating with Boeing on the Eco Demonstrator program in the structuring and implementation of new technologies tests reinforces, once again, Embraer’s commitment towards a sustainable future,” said Mauro Kern, Executive Vice President of Operations at Embraer. “As industry leaders, we have a unique opportunity to invest in technologies that encourage our industry’s long-term, sustainable development, while supporting our customers’ environmental goals,” said Boeing Chief Technology Officer John Tracy.

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology using lasers to measure air data parameters such as true airspeed, angle of attack and outside air temperature. LIDAR shows potential to increase air data reliability by complementing current sensors, which could lead to further innovations that improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The Eco Demonstrator flights will test several technologies designed to reduce carbon emissions, fuel use and noise including.

An “ice phobic” paint designed to reduce icing and help prevent accumulation of dirt and bugs due to its low adhesive property. The special paint can help operators save water by reducing the need for frequent aircraft washing.

Special sensors and air visualization techniques near the wing surface to better understand in-flight aerodynamics. A new wing design with improved slats to reduce noise on takeoff and approach. This analysis could lead to further innovations to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, such as new wing designs.
A Brazilian-produced biofuel blend made up of 10 percent bio-kerosene and 90 percent fossil kerosene, the maximum mixture according to international standards. Studies have shown that sustainably produced aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80 percent lower carbon emissions through its life cycle than fossil jet fuel.

The Eco Demonstrator tests illustrate Boeing and Embraer’s continued investments to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance of aircraft and meet the new carbon emissions standard announced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) earlier this year.

The Eco Demonstrator collaboration expands a relationship that began in 2012 when Boeing and Embraer signed a cooperation agreement to benefit their customers, their companies and the global aviation industry. Since then, Boeing and Embraer have supported Embraer’s KC-390 defense aircraft program and improved runway safety by providing commercial customers with tools to reduce runway excursions. Last year Boeing and Embraer opened a joint biofuel research center in São José dos Campos to perform biofuel research and coordinate research with Brazilian universities and other institutions.

To date, the ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 50 technologies, using a Next-Generation 737-800 (2012), 787 (2014) and 757 (2015) as flying testbeds

Source Boeing / Embraer. Edited By Airline Adviser 07/07/16.

AWAS, the Dublin-based leading global aircraft leasing company has announced an order for an additional 15 A320 Family aircraft, comprising 12 A320ceo and three A321ceo aircraft.

Dave Siegel, AWAS CEO remarked on the deal, “AWAS is pleased to continue our long-term relationship with Airbus in reaching this deal for the order of 15 A320 CEO Family aircraft which will include a mix of both A321 and A320 aircraft. AWAS is bullish on the A320 and A321 CEO family as its value proposition to airlines remains strong which is evident in the continued global demand for Airbus single aisle aircraft.

Including this latest purchase agreement, AWAS’ cumulative orders to date for A320 Family aircraft have reached a total of 95, comprising 89 A320 and six A321 aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/26/16

BEIJING, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air China officially unveiled the airline’s first 787-9 Dreamliner to the public at a grand ceremony in Beijing firday. The national flag carrier is the first airline in the country to have a Boeing 787-9 enter into service. This is the first of 15 set to join Air China’s fleet.

“The 787-9 Dreamliner employs a multitude of cutting-edge technologies best represented by its electronic handling system and wide application of composite materials,” said Captain Wang Yingnian, chief pilot of Air China. “As such, it enjoys clear advantages such as low fuel consumption, low emission and lower noise, which are highly aligned with the green flying idea that Air China has long been an advocate of.”

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly over 40 more passengers an additional 285 nautical miles (830 km) with the same exceptional environmental performance.
“We believe the 787-9 will become the backbone of Air China’s international long-haul routes and will play an important role in supporting Air China’s international development strategy,” added Captain Wang.

Air China, headquartered in Beijing, is a leading provider of passenger and cargo services in China with scheduled flight routes connecting 174 cities in 40 countries and regions. Air China will use its 787-9s to ride on the wave of fast growing international passenger traffic by expanding its international network through non-stop point-to-point services

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/30/16