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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

HANOI – VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have finalized an order for 100 737 MAX 200 airplanes, the largest ever single commercial airplane purchase in Vietnam aviation. His Excellency Mr. Trần Đại Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and U.S. President Barack Obama, witnessed the historic agreement, valued at approximately $11.3 billion at current list prices.

The signing ceremony, conducted by Vietjet President and CEO Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner, took place at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

“Vietjet is efficiently operating a fleet of narrow body airplanes. Our investment in a fleet of B737 Max 200 will accommodate our strategy of growing Vietjet’s coming international route network including long haul flights,” said Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo during the signing. “Through this agreement, Vietjet will contribute increasing bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and the United States, as well as the integration and development of the aviation industry in Vietnam.‎”

The airplanes will be delivered from 2019 through 2023, supporting Vietjet’s continuous growth of its domestic as well as international network in the region. This agreement also helps Vietjet to increase its fleet to more than 200 airplanes by the end 2023, with the most modern and advanced technology in the world.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/25/16

SHANGHAI, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and China Eastern Airlines finalized an order for 15 787-9 Dreamliners. The order, valued at nearly $4 billion at current list prices, strengthens China Eastern’s expanding long-haul fleet.

“We are very happy to introduce the new 787 Dreamliners into our long-haul fleet,” said China Eastern Airlines Chairman Liu Shaoyong. “The addition of these next-generation, fuel-efficient airplanes will play a key role in supporting China Eastern’s strategy for international expansion, and enable us to realize profits in point-to-point routes across the Pacific Ocean, and between China and Europe.”

China Eastern plans to operate the new 787-9s on routes between China, North America and Europe, bolstering its competitiveness in the international long-haul market. With growing air traffic demand, the carrier plans to increase frequencies on existing routes from Shanghai to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Toronto, as well as their newly launched destination, Chicago. The routes are currently operated by the airline’s flagship 777-300ER airplane.

The 787 family has proven to be an unmatched market opener, with more than 100 new nonstop routes already in service or announced, as well as an effective tool to increase frequency profitably, often in conjunction with the 777.

For China Eastern, operating both the 777 and 787 will allow the airline to continue growing its international presence with more capacity and cargo payload on key existing frequencies, while also providing the flexibility for further expansion in high-growth markets.

Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is one of the three major airlines in mainland China. Flying a fleet of over 560 long-haul and short-haul airplanes with an average age of less than seven years, China Eastern serves nearly 100 million travelers annually and ranks the 7th largest carriers in the world in terms of passenger transportation volume.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/13/16

LUANDA, Angola, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and TAAG Angola Airlines, the national airline of Angola, celebrated the delivery of the airline’s newest 777-300ER (Extended Range). The latest addition to TAAG’s fleet touched down in Luanda today following a non-stop 8,709 nautical mile (14,015 kilometers) delivery flight from Boeing’s Delivery Center in Everett, Wash.

The latest 777-300ER enables TAAG to augment its flagship service between Angola and Portugal, which increases to double daily effective June 2, 2016.

“The 777-300ER forms the backbone of TAAG’s long-haul fleet,” said Peter Hill, Executive Chairman TAAG. “Today’s delivery means we are now the largest operator of 777’s in southern Africa, offering passengers an unrivalled onboard experience to our international destinations from the region.”

The 777-300ER is the most fuel and cost-efficient airplane in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane. The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by two percent.

TAAG Angola Airlines, based at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, Luanda, serves 31 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 14 airplanes, including 737s and 777-200ERs.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/13/16

Osaka, Japan, Embraer announced the debut of the E190 jet in Japan with J-AIR, subsidiary of leading carrier Japan Airlines. The inaugural revenue flight took place between Osaka (Itami Airport) and Kagoshima. The entry of the first E190 in J-AIR’s fleet brings the current number of E-Jets operating across Japan to 28.

“The E-Jets have proven their ability to help airlines maximize yield, and sustainably enter new markets, as in the case of Japan Airlines,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The E190 configured with 95 seats complements J-AIR’s E170 operations. The extra capacity offered also reflects the steady growth of the domestic market. We are confident that our E-Jets will continue to add strong value to J-AIR’s operations, and we are grateful to Japan Airlines for their trust and for the partnership we continue to enjoy.”

“We are honored to receive the first E190 in Japan,” said Tetsuya Onuki, President of J-AIR Corporation. “The combination of the existing E170s and new E190s in our fleet will give us greater flexibility to match our products and services to customer needs.

The E190, configured by JAL in dual class with genuine leather seat offering, is the third Embraer E-Jet aircraft type that is operating in Japan, in addition to the E170 and E175 that already operate in the country. J-AIR currently operates a total of 17 E170s and Fuji Dream Airlines operates three E170s and seven E175s. The E190 is operated by 50 customers around the world.

Source Embraer / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/13/16

China Eastern Airlines signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 20 A350-900 aircraft, making the airline the latest customer for the aircraft late April 2016.

“The introduction of the latest generation A350 XWB aircraft demonstrates that the partnership between China Eastern Airlines and Airbus has embarked on a new phase. The introduction of A350 XWB will play a very important role in promoting our operational capability, profitability and service brand on our international long haul routes and opening a new chapter in the international development of China Eastern Airlines,” said Liu Shaoyong, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines.

China Eastern Airlines operates one of the largest Airbus fleet in the world with nearly 300 Airbus aircraft in service, comprising A320 Family and A330 Family. For passengers the extra-wide cabin offers more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/13/16

Air Côte D’Ivoire, the national airline of Ivory Coast based in Abidjan, has signed a firm order for two A320neo and two A320 aircraft. The agreement makes Air Côte D’Ivoire the first African airline to order the A320neo.

The airline has selected CFM engines for their A320 fleet. Air Côte D’Ivoire currently operates five Airbus aircraft on lease; 4 A319s and 1 A320. This new order will strengthen the airline’s network that reaches today 23 international routes throughout West and Central Africa and 5 domestic destinations in Ivory Coast.

The aircraft will feature a 2-class cabin layout. The new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s current fleet, thanks to Airbus’ fleet commonality, and best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

“With these new aircraft Air Côte d’Ivoire will position itself as a flagship airline in the region by offering its passengers the best on-board services. Air Côte d’Ivoire will also improve its punctuality and reliability thanks to these latest-generation Airbus aircraft,” said General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Chairman of the Board.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/13/16

Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.) – based Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 37 A321ceo aircraft. This order follows previous Delta orders for the Current Engine Option version of the largest Airbus A320 Family member in 2013 and 2014. Delta took delivery of its first A321 in March 2016. Delta has ordered a total of 82 A321s. Each will be powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

“The Airbus A320 family of aircraft continues to be a cost-efficient, reliable and customer-pleasing mainstay of our narrowbody fleet,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s incoming chief executive. “The order for the A321s is an opportunistic fleet move that enables us to produce strong returns and cost-effectively accelerate the retirement of Delta’s 116 MD-88s in a capital efficient manner.”

All of Delta’s A321s will 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 kilometres or increasing payload capacity by some 1000 pounds/450 kilograms.

Many of Delta’s A321s will be delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. Aircraft assembly there began in July 2015, with the first aircraft, an A321ceo, being delivered April 25, 2016. By the end of 2017, the Mobile facility is expected to produce four aircraft per month, most going to Airbus’ U.S. customers.

As of the end of March 2016, Delta was flying a fleet of 165 Airbus aircraft, including 127 A320 Family members and 38 A330 widebodies. In addition to its A320 Family aircraft orders, the airline has a backlog of 5 A330-300, 25 A330-900 and 25 A350 XWB aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/10/16

SINGAPORE, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Niugini announced at the Singapore Airshow an order for four 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

“Papua New Guinea is like no other place on earth and the 737 MAX will allow us to economically and efficiently connect our beautiful country with the rest of the world. The superb economics of the 737 MAX will enable us to increase flight frequencies and develop into new markets which offer significant opportunities for Air Niugini,” said Sir Frederick Reiher, KCMG, KBE, Chairman of Air Niugini. “As our region continues to grow, the 737 MAX is the perfect choice for Air Niugini positioning us for success and ensuring we continue to provide our customers with the best experience possible. We look forward to receiving our first airplanes in 2020.”

The previously unidentified order adds to the national carrier’s current fleet of Next-Generation 737s and 767-300ERs (extended range) airplanes. Air Niugini operates a robust domestic network of more than 25 destinations from its Port Moresby hub, as well as numerous international routes across Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Fiji, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Japan, and in the near future, China.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/22/16

SINGAPORE, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Okay Airways announced a commitment for 12 737s, including eight MAX 8s, three 737 MAX 9s and one Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane.

The agreement, valued at $1.3 billion at current list prices, is subject to the approval of the Chinese government and will be posted to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

“We greatly value the ties we have built over the years with Boeing,” said Wang Shusheng, Chairman, Okay Airways. “The Boeing Next-Generation 737 has been the mainstay of our fleet since we started operations. The introduction of additional 737s, including the new 737 MAX, will further modernize our fleet and ensure we operate the most efficient fleet well into the future.”

This commitment will mark the first 737 MAX 9 order by a Chinese airline and bolsters Okay Airways’ 737 MAX portfolio to 17 airplanes. Included as part of the agreement, Okay Airways have rights to exercise options for eight additional 737 MAX 8 airplanes. Okay Airways, the first privately owned airline in China, is headquartered in Beijing with its main hub at Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN). The airline’s fleet includes 14 737-800s, three 737-900ERs and one Boeing 737-300 Freighter, which serves more than 100 domestic and international routes.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/22/16

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the order of six A350-900s, with another six purchase options. The news was announced at the Singapore Airshow by Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines and Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO of Airbus.

Philippine Airlines will configure its A350-900s with a premium three class layout and will operate the aircraft on non-stop flights from Manila to the US west coast and New York, as well as on services to new destinations in Europe. The aircraft will enable the carrier to operate non-stop service on the 8,000 nautical mile New York – Manila route all year round with a full passenger load.

“After a thorough commercial and technical evaluation, the A350 came out on top in meeting our demanding requirements,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. “With the A350 we will be flying the world‘s most modern airliner, bringing greatly enhanced efficiency and superior passenger comfort. The A350’s range capability has been an important factor in our decision, enabling us to offer non-stop service on all our premium long haul routes.” Airbus has recorded 777 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 41 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/22/16

As part of its fleet renewal strategy, Gulf Air has announced a firm order of 29 A320neo Family. The new order includes 17 A321neo and 12 A320neo of which 10 A320neo have been confirmed in 2012. The contract was signed today at the Bahrain International Airshow between Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, A/Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, in the presence of H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain and Mr Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad.

Gulf Air currently operates 28 Airbus aircraft; and the new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s current fleet, thanks to Airbus’ overall fleet commonality, its low operating costs, optimum fuel efficiency and best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

Commenting on the agreement, Gulf Air A/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam, said, “I am delighted that we will enhance and simplify our fleet structure building on Airbus aircraft. This restructured order meets Gulf Air’s future fleet requirement and our network expansion plans. As a result, I now look forward to furthering Gulf Air’s fleet modernization process while supporting our network and overall passenger experience enhancement strategies.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/25/16

The Lufthansa Group, Airbus’ largest airline customer and operator, marks a major step in aviation history today by taking delivery of the first A320neo, the world’s best-selling and most fuel efficient single aisle aircraft.

Equipped with all new technology Pratt & Whitney PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ engines, the A320neo sets a new, even higher standard in aircraft efficiency, reducing emissions and noise as well as burning 15% less fuel than current generation aircraft from day one and 20% less by 2020.

With lower fuel consumption and consequently lower CO2 emissions, the A320neo has a clearly improved environmental performance. Furthermore, the new jet engine technology makes the aircraft considerably quieter. As a result, we have ordered a total of 116 aircraft of this type for the airlines of the Lufthansa Group”, states Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

“Pratt & Whitney congratulates Lufthansa as the launch customer for the A320neo aircraft powered by PW1100G-JM engines,” said Robert Leduc, Pratt & Whitney President.. “Airbus and Lufthansa have been important customers for Pratt & Whitney for many years. With the A320neo’s unprecedented reductions in fuel burn, emissions and noise, I am confident that these business relationships will have continued success for many years to come.”

“Handing over the first A320neo to a world’s leading airline and long standing Airbus customer, Lufthansa, is a truly great day for everyone at Airbus,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “This occasion marks a new step forward to delivering on our promises and meeting our industry’s goal for sustainable aviation.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/25/16