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Korean Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus to acquire up to 50 A321neo aircraft, becoming a new customer for the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The agreement, covering 30 aircraft plus 20 options, was announced at the Paris Air Show by Korean Air Group Chairman Cho Yang Ho and Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier. 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. “After an extensive technical evaluation we are pleased to announce that Korean Air will introduce Airbus single aisle aircraft for the first time,” 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 decision is part of our ongoing commitment at Korean Air to offer true excellence in flight wherever we fly.” “This agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between Korean Air and Airbus,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “It’s also a very significant endorsement of the advantages offered by the A321neo at the top end of the single aisle market. Korean Air is Airbus’ longest-standing customer from outside Europe and placed its first order with the manufacturer in 1974. Since that time Airbus widebody aircraft have formed a major part of the Korean Air fleet. Today, the double deck A380 is the flagship of the airline’s long haul fleet, while 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 06/29/15

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the aviation leasing and financing arm of General Electric has announced a firm order for 60 A320neo Family aircraft including the A321neo at the 51st International Paris Air Show. GECAS has selected CFM’s LEAP-X engine for all 60 A320neo aircraft.

The deal was jointly announced by Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of GECAS and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. This new order brings the total number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by GECAS to 465, including 120 A320neo aircraft.

“The A320neo Family is the ideal solution for our customers who are seeking a product which offers them both attractive operating economics and reliable technology,” said Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of GECAS. “We see this fuel-efficient aircraft as a mainstay in our single-aisle portfolio for the years to come.”

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

EVA Air of Taiwan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of four additional A330-300s. As with its existing A330 fleet, the new aircraft will be powered by CF6-80 engines by General Electric.

“We are delighted that EVA Air has renewed its confidence in the A330,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. EVA Air currently operates a fleet of 29 Airbus aircraft, including 14 A330s and 15 A321s.

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody aircraft ever and has to date won over 1,500 orders, with over 1,100 flying with some 110 operators worldwide. The A330 Family is part of the world’s most modern and comprehensive widebody product line, which also includes the larger A350 XWB and double deck A380.

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

Peach Aviation, Japan’s Low Cost Carrier (LCC), has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of three A320s. Signing was at the Paris Air Show, with presence of Peach Aviation President Shinichi Inoue and Airbus Chief Operating Officer-Customers, John Leahy.

This is Peach’s first direct order from Airbus. Peach Aviation currently operates 14 leased A320s, with three more to be delivered on lease. Peach Aviation’s A320 seats 180 passengers in a single-class layout and will be powered by CFM International engines.

“We have been operating A320s since March 2012, when we inaugurated our service from Kansai International Airport,” said Shinichi Inoue. “The Airbus aircraft have played a key role in our success, offering excellent cost efficiency combined with an outstanding operational reliability. “We are very pleased to see that the A320 has contributed to the Peach success story and will continue to do so.

“Within only three years, the airline has established itself as the leading LCC in Japan, where competition is very fierce.” Osaka-based, Peach Aviation operates flight services on domestic routes and international routes across Asia.

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

Riyadh-based Alpha Star has become the first to announce a commitment for an Airbus ACJ319neo consolidating its role as the largest VIP charter operator in the Middle East.

Delivery of Alpha Star’s ACJ319neo is planned for the second quarter of 2019. Selection of engines and cabin definition will follow later. Airbus’ newly launched ACJneo Family features new, more efficient, engines, wingtip-mounted Sharklets, improved cabin-comfort and upgraded fuel and baggage capacity.

“Middle East customers already recognize and appreciate the greater comfort, capacity and capability of Airbus corporate jets, so new and improved versions are a natural next step when it comes to investing for the future,” says Alpha Star CEO Salem Al Muzaini. “Being first in the region with the Airbus ACJneo Family will also help us to maintain our lead in VIP charters,” he adds.

Alpha Star currently owns, manages and operates a fleet of Airbus corporate jets, comprising ACJ318s, ACJ319s, ACJ320s, an ACJ330, an ACJ340, and other aircraft types. Airbus’ new ACJneo Family currently comprises an ACJ319neo, which can fly eight passengers up to 6,750nm/12,500km, or more than 15 hours, and an A320neo that can transport 25 passengers up to 6,000 nm/11,200 km, or more than 13 hours.

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

Garuda Indonesia has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus for the purchase of 30 A350 XWB aircraft. Garuda Indonesia plans to use the A350 XWB to develop its medium and long haul network, with the aircraft offering the ability to fly non-stop from Jakarta or Bali to Europe.

“Following our success in revitalising our regional operation in Asia and the Pacific, the development of our long haul network will be a priority in the coming years,” said Arif Wibowo, CEO of Garuda Indonesia. “With its reduced fuel consumption, range capability and extra wide cabin, the A350 XWB will be one of the options for us to reposition ourselves as a leading premium carrier in the competitive long haul market out of Asia.”

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.

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

At the 51st International Paris Air Show, Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL), the Los Angeles based aircraft leasing company announced a firm order for additional Airbus widebody and single-aisle aircraft (1 A350-900, 1 A321ceo and 3 A320ceo*) to meet strong market demand for Airbus’ modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

ALC’s fast growing portfolio of Airbus aircraft stands at a total of 262, of which 66 are widebodies (15 A330ceo, 25 A330neo, 21 A350-900, 5 A350-1000) and 196 are single-aisles (30 A320ceo, 31 A320neo, 26 A321ceo, 109 A321neo).

“In a market that is continually growing and developing, ALC is fully focussed on offering its customers the most modern, technologically advanced and economically efficient aircraft, which certainly includes the A320 Family and A350 XWB,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We take great pride in our close cooperation with Airbus over the past years, which has led to the successful launch of the A330neo and A321LR.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range aircraft family and the latest member of the manufacturer’s leading widebody family. The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft in its size category and is setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for airlines.

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

Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia will become the first airline in the world to operate the new Airbus A330-300 Regional.

These popular fuel-efficient Airbus widebody and single-aisle aircraft will join Saudi Arabian Airlines’ existing Airbus fleet of twelve A330-300s and 50 A320 Family.

Passenger demand in Saudi Arabia is experiencing high growth both on domestic and regional routes. The new A330-300 Regional variant, specially designed for regional and domestic operations, is Airbus’ solution for markets with large populations and fast growing, concentrated air traffic flows. The A330-300 Regional is set to boost capacity on several of Saudi Arabian Airlines most in-demand routes, enabling the airline to better serve the Saudi Arabian and regional travelling public.

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser Director General Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: “The A330-300 Regional’s unique flexibility, high capacity and operational capabilities will enable us to expand our domestic and regional network and better absorb growing passenger traffic. Introducing the A330-300 Regional in our current fleet is an ideal choice and follows our previous commitment to a family of aircraft which already successfully helped us achieve our ambitions,” he added.

The A330-300 Regional is optimized to seat up to 400 passengers on missions up to 3,000 nm and offers significant cost savings through a reduced operational weight of around 200 tonnes. The reduction in fuel burn per seat and maintenance costs will result in an overall cost reduction by up to 26% compared with the today’s long-range A330-300. In addition, the A330 Regional benefits from the latest A350 XWB and A380 technologies.

Source Airbus / Edited By airline Adviser 06/18/15

LE BOURGET, France /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Garuda Indonesia announced the airline’s intent to purchase 30 787-9 Dreamliners, as well as up to 30 737 MAX 8 airplanes. Boeing will work with Garuda Indonesia to finalize the order, at which time it will be posted to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

“The agreement is part of Garuda Indonesia’s revitalization program in order to provide our passengers with the best possible experience with the youngest fleet in the sky and to support the airline’s future plan to further expand its network globally. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX are extraordinary airplanes with exceptional economics that will keep us competitive and bring a new level of service excellence for our customers,” said Arif Wibowo, Garuda Indonesia, President and CEO.

In addition to the announcement, the flag carrier also reconfirmed its intent to purchase 50 737 MAX 8s, originally announced in October 2014. The airline currently operates more than 90 Boeing airplanes, including Next-Generation versions of the 737, 777-300ERs and 747-400s.

Garuda Indonesia seamlessly connects 76 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 169 aircraft with the average age of 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.

The progress of Garuda Indonesia’s transformation program can be seen from achieving a Skytrax’s 5-star airline rating, ranked as the 7th best airline in the world in the 2014, as well as winning the prestigious “The World’s Best Cabin Crew” award in 2014 and “The World’s Best Economy Class” award in 2013, also from Skytrax. Garuda Indonesia is a member of SkyTeam, the global airline alliance with 20 members, providing access to an extensive global network with over 16,320 daily flights to 1,052 destinations in 177 countries.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/18/15

SEATTLE, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Myanmar National Airlines celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Next-Generation 737-800 leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing arm of GE. The celebration also marked the first all-new Boeing airplane to be delivered to any Myanmar-based airline.

The airplane is the first to feature Myanmar National Airlines’ new livery and interior, and the airline plans to expand its network outside Myanmar with the introduction of its 737.

“Our new 737 will allow us to expand our network to international markets and offer an even better experience for our passengers,” said Myanmar National Airlines CEO Than Tun. “Investing in new technology aircraft such as the 737 will ensure Myanmar National Airlines continues to be the pride of the country and positions us for future success.”

Myanmar National Airlines, previously Myanma Airways, has the most extensive route network within Myanmar, serving more than 25 domestic locations, and is headquartered in Yangon. Founded in 1948 as Union of Burma Airways, the flag carrier is also one of Asia’s pioneering airlines.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/18/15

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and TUI Group, one of the world’s largest integrated leisure travel companies, have finalized an order for one 787-9 Dreamliner with an option for one further 787-9. The order is valued at $257 million at current list prices. TUI Group also announced that it will substitute two unfilled orders for 787-8s for two 787-9s.

The European leisure group will operate a fleet of 13 787-8s from this summer and with today’s announcement will add three 787-9s to its fleet within the next three years.

“Adding the 787-9 to our order book enables TUI Group’s airlines to continue to develop its long-haul network, giving access to new and exciting leisure destinations for our customers,” said Henrik Homann, TUI Group’s Managing Director Aviation. “The Dreamliner has proved very popular with our passengers and we want to ensure that every passenger starts their holiday in the best possible way with an exceptional flying experience.”

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 40 more passengers an additional 830 kilometers (450 nautical miles) with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

There are six airlines in the TUI Group operating 144 medium and long-haul aircraft, including the 787. The airlines are TUIfly, Thomson, TUIfly Nordic, Jetairfly, Corsair and ArkeFly, serving more than 180 destinations around the world. Throughout its history, Boeing has delivered more than 165 airplanes to TUI Group airlines. As well as the orders for 787s, TUI Group also has ordered 60 737 MAXs.

Source Boeing / Edited By airline Adviser 05/15/15

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Turkish Airlines celebrated a milestone with the delivery of the airline’s 125th airplane purchased from Boeing – a Next-Generation 737-900ER – and one of 12 airplanes the Turkish flag-carrier will take delivery of this year.

Boeing and Turkish Airlines’ relationship stretches back to 1968 when the airline first purchased one McDonnell Douglas DC-9. In 1974, it began operating the first of the Boeing 7 Series, taking delivery of two 727-200s. Since then, Turkish has grown to become one of the world’s leading carriers and currently operates a mix of Boeing 777-300ERs and 737 Next-Generation airplanes. Turkish Airlines is to take delivery of seven 777, five 737 airplanes in 2015.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/15/15

Avianca has signed a purchase agreement for 100 A320neo Family aircraft, the largest single order ever made in Latin America’s aviation history. The agreement, which includes A319neo, A320neo and A321neo aircraft, will allow Avianca to maintain one of the youngest fleets in the region as the airline aims to replace airplanes currently operating from their Bogota, Lima and San Salvador hubs.

“This historic order allows us to solidify our passenger experience strategy in local markets on a broader scale,” said Fabio Villegas Ramirez, Avianca Chief Executive Officer. “Thanks to the A320neo Family’s fuel efficiency, technical reliability and unique passenger comfort, we can further Avianca’s fleet modernization process, while connecting the region and supporting its development.”

Established in Colombia in 1919, Avianca was the first airline in the Americas, and is the second oldest airline in the world. The Airbus-Avianca partnership was taken to a new level in 1998 when TACA (now part of Avianca), LAN, and TAM placed a joint order for 90 single-aisle aircraft. This was the largest joint contract ever signed in Latin American commercial aviation history. To date, the Avianca airline group has ordered nearly 300 aircraft including 276 A320 Family (among them, 133 A320neo Family) and 15 A330 Family.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/08/15

PANAMA CITY /PRNewswire/ — Panama President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez and U.S. President Barack Obama witnessed a historic agreement in which Copa Airlines [NYSE:CPA] and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced an order for 61 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 airplanes. The order, valued at $6.6 billion at list prices, is the largest commercial transaction ever between a Panamanian and a U.S.-based company.

The signing ceremony took place in Panama City as leaders from throughout the Western Hemisphere gathered for the seventh Summit of the Americas.

Presidents Varela and Obama were on hand as Copa Chairman Stanley Motta, Copa CEO Pedro Heilbron and Boeing Chairman and CEO Jim McNerney signed documents recognizing the agreement. The airplanes were previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries web site.

“Copa is proud to sign this landmark order in the presence of our two presidents,” said Heilbron. “The Next-Generation 737 is the backbone for our fleet today, and our order for the 737 MAX shows our continued commitment for the future to bring people together across all of the Americas using the most modern and efficient airplanes in the sky as well as our Hub of the Americas in Panama City.”

“It is an honor to be joined by Presidents Varela and Obama on this great day. All of us at Boeing are proud to partner with Copa as it works to remain one of the most progressive airlines in the world,” said McNerney. “Copa has a history of leading the way for Latin America’s aviation industry, and this order shows their dedication to continuous improvement in performance, customer satisfaction and efficiency.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/12/15

São José dos Campos, Brazil – Embraer announced today a firm order for 15 E175s and two E190s from KLM Cityhopper, KLM’s regional subsidiary. The contract for the 17 E-Jets also includes an option for 17 additional E-Jets for KLM Cityhopper or Air France regional subsidiary HOP! The firm order, which will be included in Embraer’s 2015 first-quarter backlog, has an estimated value of USD 764 million based on Embraer’s current list prices. The transaction is valued at USD 1.5 billion, if all options are exercised.

Both the E190s and the E175s will be configured in single-class layouts. They will join the 28 E190s already flying with KLM Cityhopper to replace the remaining 19 Fokker F70s that the carrier is phasing out.

The delivery of the first E190 is scheduled to occur by year-end. The first E175 will join KLM Cityhopper’s fleet in the first semester of 2016. The Air France/KLM group started the process of replacing the Fokker 100 for E-Jets in Regional/Air France and KLM Cityhopper in 2008, in order to enhance the existing network and to permit the development of new routes. When the last aircraft from this order is delivered, Air France/KLM group will have 71 E-Jets, the largest E-Jet fleet in Europe.

“Purchasing these seventeen Embraers and taking out an option to order an additional seventeen in the future, represents a giant stride for KLM in terms of fleet renewal. KLM continues to invest in its fleet and product in order to offer passengers the best, as well as reaffirming KLM and KLM Cityhopper’s commitment to our customers,” said KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers. KLM Cityhopper was recently awarded by the Air Transport News magazine as Regional Airline of the Year 2015.

The E175s feature a new wingtip that, among other technical enhancements, improves aerodynamic performance. Fuel consumption on a typical flight is 6.4% lower than the original E175. The reduction makes the operating economics of today’s E175s comparable to large-capacity turboprops and presents new opportunities for the E175.

Source Embraer / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/04/15