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Korean Air has signed a contract with Airbus covering a firm order for 30 A321neo aircraft plus 20 options, becoming a new customer for the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The purchase agreement finalises a commitment announced earlier this year and was signed in Seoul by Walter Cho Won Tae, Korean Air Executive Vice President and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. The order comes as Airbus and Korean Air celebrate 40 Years of Airbus operations at the airline, which began in October 1975 when the carrier’s first A300B4 entered service on the Seoul-Fukuoka route. Since that time Korean Air has continuously operated Airbus widebody aircraft, including various versions of the A300, the A330 and the double-deck A380. Korean Air will operate the A321neo with a two class full service layout on regional services, including on longer sectors to selected destinations in South East Asia. The aircraft will be fitted with premium amenities, including wider seats in both classes and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. “We are pleased to be able to finalise our first ever single aisle aircraft order with Airbus,” said Cho Yang Ho, Chairman of Korean Air Group. “The A321neo will bring new levels of efficiency, longer flying range and greater in-flight comfort to our single aisle fleet, as well as reduced impact on the environment. The A321neo will contribute to our ongoing commitment to offer true excellence in flight wherever we fly.” Korean Air placed its first order, for the original A300B4 in September 1974, becoming just the fourth airline in the world and the first from outside Europe to sign an aircraft purchase agreement with Airbus. Today, the A380 is the flagship of the airline’s long haul fleet, while the mid-size A330 is operated by the airline on services across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as on selected routes to Europe. Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/07/15  

South Korea’s Asiana Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 25 A321neo aircraft. The contract, which finalises a commitment announced earlier this year, was signed at a special ceremony in Seoul by Kim Soo Cheon, President & CEO, Asiana Airlines and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

Seating 180 passengers in a two class layout, the new aircraft will be operated on Asiana’s regional services, as well as on selected domestic routes. Asiana will make a decision on its engine of choice for the aircraft at a later date. The A321neo will join an existing fleet of A320 Family aircraft operated by Asiana Airlines and its low cost subsidiary Air Busan, with the A321 set to become the primary single aisle type at both units.

“The finalisation of our latest order with Airbus will ensure that we will continue to operate the most efficient aircraft the industry has to offer in all size categories,” said Kim Soo Cheon, President & CEO, Asiana Airlines. “The A321neo will bring a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and increased flying range. And for our passengers the aircraft will enable us to offer the very highest standards of service and comfort on even our shortest routes.”

Asiana Airlines currently operates 33 Airbus singe aisle aircraft, 15 widebody A330-300s and four double deck A380s. Meanwhile, Air Busan currently operates 10 A320 Family aircraft on its domestic and regional services. Following this order, the Asiana Group now has firm orders with Airbus for 57 aircraft, comprising two more A380s, 30 mid-size widebody A350 XWBs and 25 A321neo.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/07/15

 

SEATTLE, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Korean Air finalized the airline’s order of 30 737 MAXs and two additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners valued at nearly $4 billion at current list prices. The airline also has options for additional 737 MAXs as part of the order, which was previously announced as a commitment during the Paris Air Show in June.

As part of this order for 737 MAX airplanes, Korean Air also adds another two 777-300ERs as it continues to modernize its long-haul widebody fleet. Korean Air currently operates a fleet of 91 Boeing passenger airplanes that consist of 737, 747 and 777 models. The airline also operates an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 28 747-400, 747-8 and 777 Freighters.

Korean Air’s Aerospace Division is a key Boeing partner on both the 747-8 and 787 programs, supplying the distinctive raked wing-tips for each model. They are also one of two suppliers producing the new 737 MAX Advanced Technology (AT) Winglet.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Beginning in 2017, the new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class – 8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor. With broad market acceptance, the 737 MAX has 2,929 orders from 60 customers worldwide.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/06/15

 

TEL AVIV, Israel, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and EL AL Israel Airlines agreed on an order for up to nine 787 Dreamliners, valued at more than $2.2 billion at current list prices. Three of the orders will be added to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website on Nov. 5 and the remainder will be posted as further contractual requirements are finalized.

EL AL will also lease six additional 787s from independent leasing companies as the Israeli-flag carrier looks to replace and grow its existing long-haul fleet, increasing capacity and providing greater route flexibility to and from its hub at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.

“I am proud to unveil today the largest aircraft acquisition program in the history of EL AL. Our agreement to purchase 787 Dreamliners is a significant step forward in the optimization of our route network, enhancing passenger service and the overall flight experience,” said David Maimon, President and Chief Executive Officer, EL AL. “These aircraft are the latest and most advanced in the world and are efficient and economical. EL AL has been an all-Boeing carrier since taking delivery of its first Boeing airplane in 1961 and currently operates a fleet of 22 737s, seven 747s, seven 767s and six 777s.

“Boeing is proud of our long-standing relationship dating back to the delivery of the airline’s first 707 in 1961 and we are pleased to now count EL AL as the newest 787 customer,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/02/15

EVERETT, Wash/PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered a 777-300ER (Extended Range) to Garuda Indonesia in a special SkyTeam livery.

“We continue to grow our network with the SkyTeam alliance and the 777-300ER’s efficiency and economics allow us to stay competitive and with an interior that our passengers love. We’re proud to see our latest 777-300ER in the SkyTeam livery,” said Arif Wibowo, President and CEO, Garuda Indonesia.

Garuda Indonesia became the 20th member to join the SkyTeam Alliance in March 2014, providing access to an extensive global network with more than 16,270 daily flights to 1,057 destinations in 179 countries. The Indonesian flag carrier currently operates more than 90 Boeing airplanes, including Next-Generation 737s, 777-300ERs and 747-400s.

Presenting a new level of service excellence in air travel, Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, seamlessly connects more than 75 destinations worldwide to not only one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, but also an array of exotic locations in the beautiful archipelago of Indonesia all at once.

With close to 600 daily flights and a fleet of 174 aircraft with the average age of which is less than five years old, Garuda Indonesia proudly serves its passengers with the award-winning “Garuda Indonesia Experience” service, which highlights Indonesia’s warm hospitality and rich diverse culture.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/02/15

 

EVERETT, Wash /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Oman Air celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline ordered six 787-8s in November 2011 as part of its expansion plans.

“We are delighted to receive our first Dreamliner which combined with Oman Air’s award-winning service will provide an excellent travel experience for our customers,” said Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air. “Our decision to invest in this game-changing airplane underlines our confidence in the 787 and the value it will add in terms of reliability, operational efficiency and comfort.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings big-jet ranges and speed to the middle of the market. In response to airlines’ overwhelming preference, Boeing designed the 787 family with superior efficiency, which allows airlines to profitably open new routes to fly people directly where they’d like to go in exceptional comfort. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has opened more than 50 new non-stop routes around the world. Oman Air has announced that it will deploy its first Dreamliner on services to Saudi Arabia and Europe.

Boeing currently has eight 787 customers in the Middle East with a total of 175 Dreamliners ordered and 140 in backlog. Boeing has also been contracted by Oman Air for a suite of services to support the upcoming entry into service of its 787 Dreamliners and to ensure ongoing efficiency and cost savings for its fleet. These services will help Oman Air minimize the time and cost of maintenance while increasing airplane availability.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 10/13/15

 

Finnair has taken delivery in Toulouse of the first of 19 A350 XWBs on order, thus becoming the first European operator and the third worldwide of the all-new airliner. The aircraft is configured in a premium three-class layout, with 297 seats, comprising 46 Business Class, 43 Economy Comfort and 208 Economy.

Finnair will commence commercial services with the A350 XWB later this week, with a European tour starting at Amsterdam and Oslo on October 9th. Furthermore, on the 21st of November 2015, non-stop long-haul A350 XWB flights will start from Helsinki to Shanghai. The aircraft will join the airline’s all-Airbus fleet of 45 aircraft in operation, today comprising 30 A320 Family aircraft and 15 A330/A340s.

“Finnair has enjoyed a long and prosperous working relationship with Airbus and the A350 takes our cooperation to another level. This aircraft is the future of flying and will give our passengers a completely new and enhanced travel experience,” says Finnair CEO, Pekka Vauramo.

Eric Schulz, President – Civil Large Engines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are very proud to be with Finnair and Airbus today to mark another chapter in the A350 XWB story. The Trent XWB exemplifies how we take the best in technology to deliver new standards of excellence. Today marks the start of a new era in our relationship with Finnair and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 10/10/15

 

Frontier Airlines has taken delivery of the first Airbus A321 to join its fleet. In the last year, the airline has placed firm orders for 19 A321s, reflecting its market strength and the need for the largest Airbus A320 Family member. All 19 A321s are the current engine option (ceo) and will be equipped with Sharklets. Each will seat 230 people in a single class, and be powered by CFM56-5B engines from CFM International. Frontier’s current in-service fleet consists of 57 A320 Family aircraft (35 A319s and 22 A320s). In addition to the remaining 18 A321s on backlog, the airline has 18 A319neo (new engine option), 62 A320neo, and two A320 ceo aircraft on order, for a total backlog of 100 Airbus single-aisles.

All of Frontiers A321s will feature lightweight composite Sharklets, 2.4-meter/94-inch tall wing-tip devices that provide a fuel consumption reduction of up to 4 percent, plus either a range extension of 100 nautical miles or increased payload of up to 450 kilograms/992 pounds.

Frontier’s new A321s will initially be used on their routes from Orlando to Philadelphia, Denver, Cleveland and Detroit. The airline just this fall opened up a new crew base in Orlando to support the A321.

“All of us at Team Frontier are excited to welcome our first A321 into our family of Airbus aircraft,” said Barry Biffle, President – Frontier Airlines. “The A321 is the perfect complement to our fleet as we continue to seek areas of growth and offer our customers Low Fares Done Right.” Frontier took delivery of its very first Airbus aircraft in 2001, starting its transition to an all-Airbus fleet and its realization of the merit and flexibility of the A320 Family.

The A320 Family, both CEO and NEO derivatives, seat from 100 to 240 passengers, seamlessly covering the entire single-aisle segment from low to high-density configurations on domestic to longer-range routes. To date, Airbus has sold more than 12,200 single-aisle CEO and NEO aircraft and delivered over 6,700 CEO to more than 300 operators worldwide.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 10/09/15

China’s flag carrier Air China has taken delivery of its 50th A330 in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, an A330-300 is the first 242 tonnes maximum take-off-weight (MTOW) version to be operated by a Chinese airline. The increased MTOW allows airlines to operate longer range at improved operating costs.

Displaying a special livery to celebrate the “50th A330 for Air China”, the aircraft is configured with a three class cabin layout (30 business, 16 premium economy and 255 economy)

“We congratulate Air China on the milestone of receiving its 50th A330 and we express our gratitude for the confidence shown in the A330,” said Eric Chen, President Airbus China. “With one of the world’s largest A330 fleets, Air China is already benefiting from the aircraft’s lower operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal. As always, we will provide strong customer support to Air China.”

Based in Beijing, Air China serves today’s most important routes. Air China’s started operating the A330 in 2006 and has become the airline’s benchmark wide-body aircraft.

Air China has one of the world’s largest A330 fleets providing the airline with maximum versatility and support for its rapid growth on domestic and international routes. The A330s including Air China’s A320 fleet are deployed on the airlines’ most demanding routes requiring superior performance aircraft to serve high altitude airports in the south west of the country.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 09/30/15

EVERETT, Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated a significant achievement Monday with the delivery of the airline’s 70th 777 aircraft – also the last and 53rd 777-300ER (Extended Range) of its confirmed orders – that has made Cathay Asia’s largest operator of the 777 fleet.

With the delivery, Cathay Pacific’s 777 aircraft fleet comprises of 53 777-300ERs, 12 777-300s and five 777-200s. The airline is one of the launch customers for the 777X with 21 777-9 airplanes on order.

Cathay Pacific took delivery of its first 777-300ER in September 2007. This efficient aircraft allows the airline to modernize its long haul fleet with enhanced operational efficiency and extended range with more environmentally friendly features.

“The 777s have played an important role in Cathay Pacific’s fleet modernization and network expansion strategy,” said Ivan Chu, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. “We operate the largest 777 fleet in Asia, and these aircraft offer the range, reliability and flexibility to build multiple daily frequencies on trunk routes, both within the Asia-Pacific region and, with the 777-300ERs, on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. Our 777 fleet has helped in our efforts to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s most important international aviation hubs.”

Cathay Pacific group operates flights to nearly 200 destinations worldwide with its own fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 09/29/15

 

India’s largest domestic airline by market share, IndiGo celebrated their 9th birthday by firming up their last year’s commitment, and ordering 250 A320neo Family aircraft. This historical aircraft purchase agreement was signed on the 69th Independence Day of India on the 15th of August, 2015.

Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo said, “This new order further reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term development of affordable air transportation in India and overseas. The additional fuel efficient A320neo aircraft will enable us to continue to bring our low fares and courteous, hassle free service to more customers and markets and will create more job opportunities and growth. The IndiGo team is even more energised and excited than ever before to herald this new phase of our growth for many years to come.”

IndiGo placed an order in 2005 for 100 A320s which have all now been delivered. In 2011 IndiGo became the first Indian operator to commit to the A320neo bringing their total to 280 Airbus aircraft. With today’s announcement, IndiGo has ordered 530 A320 Family aircraft with Airbus.

“It fills us with pride that IndiGo, India’s largest airline and one of the early launch customers for the A320neo, is coming back for more of our benchmark aircraft. The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020. This is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/17/15

SEATTLE– Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Jin Air celebrated the airline’s first direct-delivered Next-Generation 737-800 in Seattle.

Jin Air is the low-cost affiliated company of Korean Air. The delivery marks the 13th Boeing 737-800 to join Jin Air’s all-Boeing fleet. The airline currently serves 16 routes in Asia and operates a total of 15 airplanes, including two 777-200ERs.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/02/15

Wizz Air, the largest low cost carrier serving Eastern and Central Europe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the biggest single order for the popular A321neo aircraft. The deal signed at the 51st Le Bourget International Paris Air Show pushes NEO orders and commitments beyond 4,000. Significantly the order includes the latest A321neo Airbus Cabin Flex configuration with 239 seats in 18 inch comfort standard.

Currently Wizz Air operates 61 aircraft on one of Central and Eastern Europe’s most extensive networks with over 380 routes from 22 bases. “Thanks to our rapidly growing A320 fleet, we’ve become one of Europe’s leading carriers,” said Jozsef Varadi, CEO of Wizz Air. “The A321neo is clearly the leading single aisle aircraft and the best platform regarding operating economics to support our ambitious growth plans.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/29/15

Kuwait Airways has taken delivery of its first A330-200, becoming a new operator for the type. In February 2014, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including 7 A320ceo and 5 A330-200s in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo Family aircraft marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan.

Kuwait Airways’ first A330-200 accommodates a three-class configuration of 17 full-sleeper first class modules, 30 very high-comfort business and 165 latest standard economy seats, a combination that shows a clear attention to comfort and efficiency detailed in the features that also include the latest Entertainment systems, and Connectivity throughout the cabin.

“The delivery of our first A330-200 marks a key milestone towards enhancing our fleet,” said Al Rasha Al Roumi, Kuwait Airways chairperson. “The addition of this highly efficient aircraft to our fleet ultimately translates to unbeatable operating costs, best-in-class services, un rivalled comfort and will maintain our schedule integrity and assist in increasing our load factors”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/29/15

Atlantic Airways, based in the Faroe Islands has signed a firm order for one new Airbus A320. With this order Atlantic Airways becomes a new A320 customer. The aircraft will be delivered at the end of 2016, enabling the carrier to tap into the growing passenger market between the Faroes and Copenhagen.

Atlantic Airways’ A320 will have 168 seats. The airline operates already three Airbus A319s.

The A320 was chosen by Atlantic Airways for its unrivalled economics, performance and operability in challenging environmental 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.

“Aviation is our window to the world. Our new A320 will help us to expand air services in the region, to increase capacity by offering our passengers the opportunity to travel in style and comfort,” said Niels MORTENSEN, Chairman of the Board of Directors Atlantic Airways.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/29/15