News

Farnborough, UK, – Embraer S.A. announced , at the 2014 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow, that it has received an order for 50 E175-E2 jets from Trans States Holdings, parent company of Trans States Airlines, Compass Airlines and GoJet Airlines. The agreement also includes options for an additional 50 units, taking the total order potential to 100 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2020. The order, which is valued at approximately USD 2.4 billion at list prices, is subject to certain conditions. It will be added to the Company’s firm order backlog when these conditions are met and final confirmation of the aircraft is received from Trans States. “The E175-E2 is proving to be the preferred aircraft for North American carriers as they confirm their future fleet requirements for the next decade,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “When it takes delivery of its first E2 in 2020, Trans States will be flying the newest, most efficient and cost-competitive airplane in its category. The three new E-Jets E2 (E175-E2, E190-E2, and E195-E2) are powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest generation geared-turbofan engines. The Trans States E175-E2s will be configured with 76 seats in a dual-class layout. Source Embraer / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/16/14

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered to Nok Airlines Public Company Limited (Nok Air) a special livery Next-Generation 737-800 commemorating the Bangkok-based carrier’s 10th anniversary.

The 737-800, owned by Ireland-based leasing company Avolon and operated by Nok Air, features the traditional bird-themed livery with the addition of stars, streamers and “10th Anniversary” painted on the airplane to celebrate the milestone.

“This is an extremely exciting day for all of us at Nok Air, as the ’10th Anniversary’ aircraft and livery is a symbol of all the hard work and commitment of everyone at Nok Air in the past 10 years to achieve our goal of becoming Thailand’s number one premium low cost carrier,” said Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin. “We are proud to have worked with Boeing since we started operations and this aircraft also marks a special milestone for our partnership.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/16/14

Courtesy Boeing

EVERETT, Wash /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] celebrated the first 787-9 Dreamliner delivery this week being the launch customer Air New Zealand. About 1,000 Boeing employees representing the 787 program joined Air New Zealand executives and guests at a unique celebration of this milestone event.

“We are proud to be the launch customer for the 787-9,” said Air New Zealand Chief Financial Officer Rob McDonald. “We believe it will be a game-changer for Air New Zealand, with increased levels of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. We look forward to inviting our customers on board to experience the aircraft and all of its benefits for themselves.”

Air New Zealand’s Rolls-Royce powered 787-9 is part of the airline’s fleet modernization effort. This 787-9, painted in a unique black livery, is the first of 10 Dreamliners to join Air New Zealand’s fleet.

The airline said the airplane will operate the Auckland–Perth route in October 2014 and to both Tokyo and Shanghai in November 2014.
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 up to 40 more passengers an additional 450 nautical miles (830 km) with the same exceptional environmental performance — 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes.

Twenty-six customers from around the world have ordered 409 787-9s, accounting for 40 percent of all 787 orders.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/16/14

Courtesy Airbus

A major milestone for the A380 programme, Emirates and Airbus today celebrated in Hamburg, Germany the delivery of the 50th A380 for the Dubai-based airline. It is the 136th A380 which has been delivered in total.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “Emirates has seen tremendous organic growth in the past 4 years, probably the fastest of any airline in history. We’ve literally added capacity equivalent to what some mid-sized airlines operate, but more significantly, we have maintained high seat loads and profitability. This speaks to the strength of our world-class product, and also our business model which is based on an efficient global hub that connects Dubai to the world, and almost any two cities in the world via Dubai.” Moving forward, we will see quite a ramp up in the delivery programme and by late 2017 we will have around 90 A380s in our fleet to support existing and new A380 routes.”

Following delivery of their first A380 in July 2008, Emirates took delivery of their 25th A380 in October 2012. All Emirates’ A380s are powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. The airline has 140 A380 on order.

For the ferry flight from Hamburg to Dubai, the aircraft was loaded with 41 tons of relief goods. This is the biggest amount which has ever been transported on a single flight organized by the Airbus Corporate Foundation. The goods will be deployed in cooperation with ACF (Action Contre la Faim) to a UN Humanitarian Response Depot in Dubai.

The total A380 fleet has accumulated over 1.4 million flight hours in more than 172,000 commercial flights. To date over 60 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. Every four minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the 37 airports where it operates today and the network is constantly growing.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/16/14

São José dos Campos, Brazil – Turkish regional airline Borajet has ratified an agreement to acquire four E190s as part of an initiative to gradually upgrade its turboprop fleet, add capacity and frequencies, and grow its network from its base at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The airline is acquiring the 100-seat, single-class E190s through a third party lease agreement. The first E190 revenue flight is slated to begin this month.

“We welcome Borajet as the first Turkey-based E-Jet operator. The country has tremendous potential because of the large number of cities that are ideally sized for the E190,” said John Slattery, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation. Borajet will join a family of 65 airlines from 45 countries that have already embraced the

“We are eager to start operations with our first jet aircraft and delighted, specifically, that the type selected is the E190 – chosen for its performance, comfort, plus the fact that it offers the best economics in its class,” said Fatih Akol, CEO of Borajet. “We will now be able to offer our passengers new destinations that were not possible to reach with our current fleet of turboprops due to the challenging and varied topography of the region.”

Source Embraer / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/15/14

Courtesy Airbus

The assembly of Airbus’ first A320neo has been completed following painting of the aircraft and the mounting of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. MSN6101, which will be the first A320neo to fly, will soon start its ground tests to prepare for first flight. The flight test campaign for the A320neo will kick-off in September 2014, paving the way for Entry Into Service in Q4 2015.

The A320neo incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings and a reduction of 3,600 tons of C02 per aircraft per year. With a total of nearly 2,700 orders received from more than 50 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent of the market, clearly demonstrating its leadership.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 07/05/14

 

ISTANBUL /PRNewswire/ Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Turkish Airlines finalized an order for 15 additional 737 MAX 8s, valued at $1.6 billion at list prices. The order follows the announcement in May 2013 when the Turkish flag carrier placed the largest Boeing order in the airline’s history for 50 737 MAXs and 20 Next-Generation 737s.

The order represents another component of our continuous growth strategy, with the 737 MAX providing Turkish Airlines with increased flexibility across our ever expanding network,” said Dr. Ahmet Bolat, chief investment and technology officer of Turkish Airlines. “Our strong partnership with Boeing has been a significant factor in Turkish Airlines’ success and we look forward to taking delivery of these highly efficient airplanes.”

With the announcement, Turkish Airlines has more than 100 unfilled orders for Boeing airplanes; 65 737 MAXs, more than 25 Next-Generation 737s and 20 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The Istanbul-based carrier currently operates a fleet of more than 100 Next-Generation 737s and 15 777-300ERs. Turkish Airlines currently serves 254 cities in 106 countries around the world from its base at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/21/14

SEATTLE, Boeing [NYSE: BA] China Eastern Airlines has committed to purchase 80 737s, including Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX airplanes. When finalized, the order will become China’s largest-ever purchase by an airline for single-aisle airplanes, worth more than $8 billion at current list prices.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/21/14

Airbus confirms that Emirates Airline has decided to cancel its order of 70 A350 XWB aircraft*. The decision follows on-going discussions with the airline in light of their fleet requirement review, as demonstrated by their order of 50 additional A380 at the last Dubai Airshow and their continuous interest in the program.

Airbus and Emirates Airline benefit from a long-standing relationship and the airline recently reiterated its confidence in Airbus products particularly by praising the A380 and the benefits the aircraft brings to their operations.

The order of 50 A350-900 and 20 A350-1000 was originally placed by Emirates Airline in 2007 with first delivery slots scheduled from 2019.

Airbus is very confident in its A350 XWB programmer. Half a year before entry into service, the A350 XWB order book stands at a healthy 742 firm orders. The A350 flight test campaign is progressing well and is on track for Type Certification in the coming months.

Source Airbus / Edited BY Airline Adviser 06/13/14

Courtesy Boeing

AMSTERDAM /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Arke celebrated the arrival of the airline’s first 787-8 Dreamliner at the Dutch carrier’s base at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett, Wash. on Wednesday on its delivery flight to the Netherlands. Arke is part of TUI Travel PLC, the largest tourism group in the world.

“The 787 Dreamliner is an excellent fit for our Dutch operations and we are delighted to be the first carrier in the Netherlands to offer this product as part of our unique holiday experiences,” said Elie Bruyninckx, CEO TUI Netherlands. “Passengers travelling on Arke’s 787 will appreciate the airplane’s spacious interior, bigger windows and will arrive at their destination felling refreshed, making it the perfect start to any holiday.”

The 787 is the world’s most technologically advanced airplane with composite materials making up 50 percent of the primary structure, including the fuselage and wing. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide Arke with unmatched fuel efficiency, using 20 percent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes.

Arke will use the 787 on its service between Amsterdam and the islands of Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean. The airplane is the first of three Dreamliners to join the carrier’s all-Boeing fleet that also includes Next-Generation 737s and 767-300ERs (Extended Range). TUI Travel has ordered a total of 15 787-8s, of which six have been delivered and are currently in operation with three of the six airlines it operates; Thomson Airways, Jetairfly and now Arke.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/08/14

Courtesy Airbus

Delta will grow its A320 Family with an order for 15 A321ceo (current engine option) aircraft to offset jet retirements. The airline has selected CFM56-5B engines from CFM International to power the newly ordered A321ceo aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery starting in 2018. CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE.

Delta currently operates a large fleet of Airbus aircraft, including 126 A320 Family aircraft and 32 A330s. The order announced today brings Delta’s backlog to 45 single-aisle Airbus A321 and 10 widebody Airbus A330 aircraft.

“The A321’s economic efficiency and product offering relative to the aircraft they will replace ensures that this opportunistic transaction will enhance profitability, customer satisfaction, and shareholder value for Delta,” said Nathaniel Pieper, Delta’s Vice President – Fleet Strategy and Transactions.

All of Delta’s A321s will feature fuel-saving Sharklets – lightweight composite wingtip devices that offer 4 percent fuel-burn savings. This environmental benefit gives the airline the option of extending its range up to 100 nautical miles/185 kilometers or increasing payload capacity by some 1000 pounds/450 kilograms.

Many of Delta’s A321s will be delivered from Airbus’ brand-new A320 Family assembly line, currently under construction in Mobile, Alabama. Hiring is underway at the facility, and aircraft assembly will begin there next year. By 2017, the Mobile facility is expected to produce four aircraft per month.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/02/14

Courtesy Airbus

The Airbus A350 XWB has started a campaign of Early Long Flights with cabin crew and passengers. The A350 (MSN 002) test aircraft equipped with cabin, took off on the first of two Early Long Flights from Toulouse-Blagnac airport at 09.20hrs (local). The two flights will be operated in a real airline environment with Air France and Lufthansa cabin crew.

Covering all types of flight conditions, the flights will be completed during the week with almost 250 passengers on board comprising Airbus employees, and some 30 cabin experts from Airbus and equipment manufacturers.

The Early Long Flights are not part of the technical certification programmer but remain an important step towards the A350’s maturity at entry into service.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/02/14

Courtesy Airbus

Following Air New Zealand’s 2009 order for A320 Family aircraft, the airline has selected the added efficiency and performance of the NEO with an order for three A321neo, 10 A320neo and one additional A320ceo aircraft. The agreement marks the first time Air New Zealand has ordered the larger A321 aircraft and the NEO. Engine selection and cabin configuration will be made at a later date.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family offering the best seat mile costs of any single aisle. The A320 Family fuselage is seven inches wider than competing aircraft and with a cargo hold designed for industry standard containers and pallets.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the purchase confirms the airline’s intention to have an Airbus narrow body fleet. “Operating one narrow body aircraft type will bring important efficiencies in training, maintenance and operating costs.  The new Airbus NEO will help ensure we continue to operate one of the world’s youngest jet fleets and will further drive fuel efficiency allowing us to minimise our carbon footprint.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/02/14

Courtesy Boeing

NAHA, Japan /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Japan Transocean Air (JTA) finalized an agreement friday for 12 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes. The arrival of the new 737-800s in 2016 will mark the start of the airline’s fleet renewal program.

“This order is a key part of our strategy to bring the highest levels of comfort, amenity and convenience to the people of Okinawa, by continuing to operate the most reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft available today and in the future,” said Manabu Sato, president of Japan Transocean Air and executive officer at Japan Airlines.

The agreement, first announced as a commitment on March 27, is valued at over $1.1 billion at list prices. As part of the agreement, JTA will also have the flexibility to switch to the 737 MAX family of airplanes.

“We are honored that JTA has chosen to maintain an all-Boeing fleet of Next-Generation 737s,” said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The Next-Generation 737 will provide JTA with market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, allowing JTA to continue to grow and prosper, while also allowing JTA and Boeing to build on a successful partnership for many years to come.”

Based in Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost major island chain, Japan Airlines Group member JTA currently operates a fleet of 737-400 airplanes on domestic routes linking Okinawa with major Japanese cities as well as other Okinawa islands.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/01/14

Courtesy Boeing

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air Lease Corporation (ALC) celebrated the direct delivery of the first of 15 777-300ERs (Extended Range) from its existing order pipeline with the manufacturer. This 777-300ER, the eighth 777 in ALC’s fleet, is one of two delivering to British Airways on long-term lease from the lessor. The second 777-300ER for British Airways is scheduled to deliver from Boeing in July 2014.

“The operational capabilities and versatility of the 777-300ER provide significant profitability potential for our customers,” said ALC Chairman and CEO Steven F. Udvar-Hazy. “With its leading economics and passenger-pleasing interior, this aircraft has maintained a broad customer base year after year and will continue to do so long into the future.”

Udvar-Hazy helped launch the 777-300ER in 2004, and has ordered 94 777s during his career in the industry. This includes 43 777-200ERs, eight 777-300s and 43 777-300ERs – more than any other lessor and the second most of any Boeing customer.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/30/14