News
Amedeo firms up order for 20 A380s
By Airline Adviser | | Airbus, Airline Adviser, Amedeo, DORIC Lease Corp
Courtesy Airbus
Amedeo (previously Doric Lease Corp) and Airbus have finalised the contract for 20 A380s originally announced at the 50th Le Bourget Airshow on 17th June 2013. The final agreement was signed today at the Singapore Airshow 2014 by Mark Lapidus, CEO of Amedeo and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
“This firm order from Amedeo is a clear recognition of the A380’s long-term market appeal. The A380’s unbeatable economics and passenger comfort are now available to airlines through operating leases from Amadeo,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A380 is the best tool for airlines to capture growth and increase profits. Amedeo’s tailored leasing solutions will make these benefits available to an even wider airline community, allowing us to expand the operator base of the A380 in partnership with Amadeo.”
Amedeo’s customers will benefit from unbeatable seat-mile costs for their cabin configurations with a baseline three class, 573 seat layout. The main deck comfortably seats 427 passengers in 18.5 inch wide economy seats, while the upper deck offers 12 first class, 66 business class and 68 economy seats. This cabin layout offers an efficient and at the same time flexible cabin configuration that minimises reconfiguration costs and eases transition from operator to operator.
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/16/14
Singapore Airlines pilots feel at home in the A350 XWB
By Airline Adviser | | Airbus, Airline Adviser, Singapore Airlines
Courstesy Airbus
The A350 XWB has been given high marks by two Singapore Airlines pilots following a demonstration flight from Changi Airport in this new jetliner – as both praised its commonality with the A380 and A330 they currently fly, while also appreciating new features incorporated in the cockpit.
Taking the controls from the left seat pilot-in-command position, the two aviators were provided a first-hand A350 XWB experience during a weekend evaluation flight performed prior to the Singapore Airshow’s opening.
Captain Quay Chew Eng, the Vice President and Chief Pilot Training at Singapore Airlines – who currently flies the A330 – found the A350 XWB’s handling characteristics to be nearly the same as the rest of Airbus’ fly-by-wire jetliner family, and predicted a nearly seamless transition for pilots to this latest member of the company’s product line.
He said the A350 XWB’s new cockpit features, including the use of six large-format LCD (liquid crystal display) screens to display flight information for improved pilot interface, were “quiet intuitive.”
Captian Gerard Yeap, Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President – Flight Operations, said he was immediately comfortable on the A350 XWB flight deck based on his current experience flying the A380.
Singapore Airlines has booked 70 firm orders for the A350-900 version, making it one of Airbus’ largest customers for the next-generation aircraft.
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/16/14
A350 XWB jetliner’s Singapore Airshow apperance
By Airline Adviser | | Airbus, Airline Adviser
Courtesy Airbus
Airbus’ A350 XWB took centre stage at the Singapore Airshow, previewing what will soon become a familiar sight in this region’s airports and skies after the next-generation jetliner enters service starting later this year.
Asia-Pacific represents the A350 XWB’s largest customer base by number of airlines, with 11 carriers ordering 244 aircraft comprising all three family members: from the shorter-fuselage A350-800 version to the cornerstone A350-900 and higher-capacity A350-1000 variant.
“With some 30 per cent of the total A350 XWB backlog coming from Asia, this next-generation widebody jetliner product line clearly meets the requirements of the region’s operators,” said Mike Bausor, the A350 XWB Marketing Director at Airbus. “Asia-Pacific airlines will soon shape the efficiency of future air travel with this all-new aircraft, which provides unmatched fuel efficiency, while offering superior comfort for passengers.”
In terms of quantity of aircraft ordered, two of the Airbus’ top-five worldwide A350 XWB customers are based in the region: Singapore Airlines, with 70 firm orders for A350-900s; and Cathay Pacific Airways, which has booked 46 A350 XWB jetliners (20 A350-900s and 26 A350-1000s).
The A350 XWB also received a key endorsement in Asia from Japan Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier which ordered 31 A350 XWB aircraft covering A350-900 and A350-1000 variants in 2013, marking the aircraft’s first Japanese order.
Further highlighting the A350 XWB’s appeal with leading airlines around the world, other Asia-Pacific A350 XWB customers include: AirAsia X, Air China, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways International and Vietnam Airlines.
With 814 orders from 39 worldwide customers through January 2014, this Asian success contributes to the A350 XWB’s global popularity. Airbus booked 239 new orders for this next-generation widebody in 2013, maintaining the aircraft’s momentum for its planned certification and service entry later this year
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/16/14
A320 Family acquisition for VietJetAir
By Airline Adviser | | Airbus, Airline Adviser, VietJet Air
Courtesy Airbus
The growing importance of low-cost carriers in Asia-Pacific – and the A320 Family’s advantages in meeting their needs – was underscored with Singapore Airshow announcement by VietJetAir for more than 100 jetliners in both the current engine option (CEO) and new engine option (NEO) versions.
Vice Chairwoman and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said the fleet of A320 aircraft currently operated by this Vietnam-based carrier already has contributed to significant operational cost savings for the young airline, and has become a preferred choice for passengers. VietJetAir was formed in 2011 and is the first private Vietnamese airline to operate domestic and international flights.
At a standing-room-only Singapore Airshow press conference, VietJetAir signed a purchase agreement for 42 A320neo, 14 A320ceo and seven A321ceo jetliners, plus 30 additional purchase rights. Eight more A320 Family aircraft will be leased from third-party lessors.
Dr. Dinh Viet Phuong, the airline’s Vice President – Business Development, explained that VietJetAir had captured a 26.2 percent domestic market share by the end of 2013, and became profitable in its second year of operation – serving 16 domestic routes and four international destinations with load factors of over 90 percent.
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/16/14
India’s Air Costa order for 50 E-Jets E2s
By Airline Adviser | | Air Costa, Airline Adviser, Embraer
Courtesy Embraer
Singapore – Embraer S.A. has signed a definitive agreement with India’s Air Costa for a firm order for 50 E-Jets E2s with an additional 50 purchase rights. The acquisition is a mix of 25 E190-E2s and 25 E195-E2s and has an estimated value of USD 2.94 billion based on 2014 list prices. The purchase rights are for an additional 25 E190-E2s and 25 E195-E2s, bringing the total potential order to up to 100 aircraft and can reach USD 5.88 billion if all are exercised. This transaction raises the total E-Jets E2 orders to 200 firm and 200 options/purchase rights since the launch of the E2 program, in June 2013.
Air Costa has become the first customer of E-Jet E2s in the Indian market and will take delivery of the E190-E2 in 2018. The E195-E2 is scheduled to enter service in 2019. Today, the airline flies four E-Jets: two E170s and two E190s. Air Costa is based out of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
Air Costa is currently connecting cities in southern India such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada, as well as key secondary cities in the North and Northwest of the country. The airline plans to link underserved markets with more direct flights, increasing frequencies and routes, thus serving growing metropolitan areas, as well as key secondary and tertiary business centers.
Air Costa’s E2s will feature new-design cabins with an even higher standard of comfort and more personal space. The E190-E2 will be configured with 98 seats in dual class layout, with six seats in first class, and the E195-E2 with 118 seats, with 12 seats in the first class.
Source Embraer / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/14/14
First Russian airline with Sharklet equipped A320
By Airline Adviser | | Aeroflot, Airbus, Airline Adviser
Courtesy Airbus
Aeroflot, Russian national carrier, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with sharklets, becoming the first in Russia to benefit from these new fuel saving wing tip devices. Aeroflot’s A320, powered by CFM56 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 158 passengers with 8 in business class and 150 in economy. The aircraft is named after a famous Russian chemist Alexander Butlerov.
Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by up to four per cent on longer sectors. They are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall.
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/14/14
Boeing Business Jets Delivers First Two 787-8s of 2014
By Airline Adviser | | Airline Adviser, Boeing
Courtesy Boeing
SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] Business Jets (BBJ) celebrated the first two BBJ 787-8 deliveries of 2014. The deliveries, made over the past week to separate undisclosed customers, mark the second and third BBJ 787 airplanes delivered to date.
As awe-inspiring as its commercial counterpart, the BBJ 787 takes advantage of technological advances such as lightweight composite structures and a cabin environment designed for new heights in passenger comfort. It also features increased head room, cleaner air, enormous cargo space and breakthrough fuel efficiency. The BBJ 787-8 has a range of about 9,260 nautical miles (17,150 km).
The first BBJ 787-8 was delivered in December 2013. To date, customers have ordered 13 BBJ 787s, with deliveries occuring through 2018.
Boeing Business Jets delivers the airplanes to customers unpainted and without an interior. A completion center of the customer’s choosing installs the jet’s VIP interior. More than 400 Boeing airplanes are in service in the VIP market.
Boeing Business Jets offers a wide variety of ultra-large-cabin, long-range airplanes perfectly suited for the private jet market. The product line includes the BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 – high-performance derivatives of the commercially successful Next-Generation 737 airplane family and the new 737 MAX family – as well as Boeing twin-aisle airplanes including the 747-8, 767, 777 and 787.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/09/14
SilkAir Begins Transition to All 737 Fleet
By Airline Adviser | | Airline Adviser, Boeing, SilkAir
Courtesy Boeing
SEATTLE, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SilkAir celebrated the delivery of the carrier’s first Next-Generation 737-800. The delivery also marked the start of the Singapore-based airline’s transition to an all-Boeing fleet. Over the coming years, Boeing will deliver a total of 23 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s to SilkAir.
“The new Boeing 737 aircraft will support our network expansion plans,” said SilkAir Chief Executive Leslie Thng. “The transition to an all-Boeing fleet will enable us to efficiently serve more destinations, fly longer routes and increase capacity on existing routes.”
SilkAir’s new 737 will enter service later this month, flying to existing destinations including in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. With the follow-on 737 deliveries, SilkAir will fly the aircraft to more destinations in Cambodia, Vietnam, India and the Philippines starting in March.
“As air travel in the Asia Pacific region continues to grow, Boeing is proud to support SilkAir’s plans to fly more passengers and serve more cities,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737-800s efficiency and reliability makes it an excellent addition to the SilkAir fleet. SilkAir’s passengers also will enjoy an enhanced flying experience with the comfort of the 737 Boeing Sky Interior and the airline’s award-winning service.”
SilkAir is a full-service airline and the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. It currently flies more than 350 weekly flights to 45 destinations in 12 countries.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 02/04/14
Boeing 787 increases production levels
By Airline Adviser | | Airline Adviser, Boeing
EVERETT, Wash /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has rolled out the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner built at the rate of 10 airplanes per month. The airplane, a 787-8 and the 155th Dreamliner built, will be delivered to International Lease Finance Corp. for operation by Aeromexico.
The new 10 per month rate is the highest ever for a twin-aisle airplane. The 787 program has now increased its production rate three times in just over a year, including to five airplanes per month in November 2012 and seven per month in May 2013.
“This rate increase reflects the continued strong demand for the 787,” said Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager, 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “A disciplined approach that combined employee teamwork with technology was key to achieving the higher rate.”
Boeing assembles and delivers 787s in two locations: Everett, Wash., and North Charleston, S.C. To date, 115 787s have been delivered to 16 customers. The program has 1,030 total orders from 60 customers worldwide.
“The entire 787 team is now focused on capturing efficiencies at this historic level of production, as well as meeting our commitment to increase the production rate to 12 per month in 2016 and to 14 per month by the end of the decade,” Loftis said.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/27/14
GECAS Order 20 737 MAXs and 20 Next-Generation 737s
By Airline Adviser | | Airline Adviser, Boeing, GE Commercial Aviation Services
SEATTLE/PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric (NYSE: GE), announced an order for 40 737s. The order, valued at $3.9 billion at list prices, consists of 20 737 MAX 8s and 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, booked in 2013, was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.
“We ordered more 737 MAX 8s and Next-Generation 737-800s because demand continues to grow as our airline customers require more fuel-efficient aircraft to compete in the marketplace,” said Norman C.T. Liu, president and chief executive officer, GECAS. “This order further strengthens the large GECAS order book.”
The follow-on order increases the GECAS order book for the 737 MAX to 95 airplanes and the Next-Generation 737 to 387 airplanes, the most for both models by any company in the leasing industry.
The 737 MAX brings the most advanced engine technologies to the world’s best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today’s Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow’s competition. To date, 32 customers have ordered 1,763 MAX airplanes.
GECAS has ordered 638 airplanes directly from Boeing, which includes 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s, 777s and 787s. To date, GECAS has taken delivery of 459 of the airplanes.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/21/14
Air Algerie Order Eight Next-Generation 737-800s
By Airline Adviser | | Air Algerie, Airline Adviser, Boeing
ALGIERS, Algeria, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Air Algerie today announced a commitment for eight Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes. When finalized, the order will be worth $724 million at list prices and will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website. Today’s announcement represents a key part of the airline’s continued fleet renewal and expansion.
“The 737-800 continues to be the backbone of Air Algerie’s fleet. So far, we are pleased with these aircraft, and anticipate receiving all eight of these new units before the end of 2016,” said Mohamed Salah Boultif, chief executive officer of Air Algerie.
“Air Algerie has been a major player in North African aviation for more than 50 years and has already experienced the enhanced performance and improved economics of the 737-800,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Today’s commitment for additional 737-800s underlines Air Algerie’s position as a leading carrier committed to providing its passengers with a wide choice of destinations and exceptional in-flight comfort.”
Based in Algeria’s capital city Algiers, at Houari Boumedienne International Airport, Air Algerie currently serves more than 40 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The Algerian flag-carrier currently operates a fleet of 17 Next-Generation 737-800s and five 737-600s. To date, more than 4,500 737-800s have been ordered by the world’s leading airlines.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/06/14
Zhejiang Loong Airlines firms up order for 20 A320 aircraft
By Airline Adviser | | Airbus, Airline Adviser, Zhejiang Loong Airlines
Courtesy Airbus
Zhejiang Loong Airlines, based in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province in Eastern China, has signed its first purchase agreement with Airbus, for 20 A320 Family aircraft, including 11 A320ceo and nine A320neo, becoming the lastest Airbus customer. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September at the Beijing Airshow.
In addition Zhejiang Loong Airlines has also become the latest Airbus operator in mainland China, having completed its maiden commercial flight with a leased A320.
“We are making efforts to play a more important role in building the four-hour transportation circle around Hangzhou, which is advocated by the Zhejiang Government. The Airbus A320 Family aircraft is ideal for us to achieve our goals with advantages in operational reliability, economics, cabin space and its commonality between different types of Airbus aircraft” , said Liu Qihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Loong Airlines.
This firm order came at the end of the year closing out 2013 with a healthy order book for the future.
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/05/14
Emirates Airline firms up order for 50 additional A380s
By Airline Adviser | | Aires, Airline Adviser, Emirates Airline
Courtesy Airbus
Emirates Airline and Airbus have completed discussions and signed the firm contract for 50 additional A380s originally announced at the Dubai Airshow on 17th November 2013. The contract documents were finalized by Tim Clark, Emirates Airline President, during a visit to Airbus’ Headquarters in Toulouse, France.
Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said on the occasion: “The A380 is our flagship aircraft. It is popular with our customers and delivers results for us in terms of operational performance. That is why we have ordered these additional 50 aircraft, to add to our A380 fleet.”
“This order is a major vote of confidence in the A380. Since delivery of their first aircraft in July 2008, Emirates’ A380 fleet has grown to be the largest in the world with 44 A380s in operation. We congratulate Emirates on this impressive achievement and thank the airline for their continued support of our flagship aircraft.
Since first entering service in 2007, to date 122 A380s have been delivered, to ten world class carriers. The aircraft flies 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometers non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment.
Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/30/13
Cathay Pacific Airways Order additional Boeing aircraft
By Airline Adviser | | Airline Adviser, Boeing, Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific Airways Order s additional wide-body Boeings
HONG KONG – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Cathay Pacific Airways announced that Cathay Pacific has ordered an additional 747-8 Freighter and three 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes. The order, valued at about $1 billion at current list prices, will bolster Cathay Pacific’s 747-8 Freighter fleet and 777-300ER fleet to 14 and 53, respectively.
“We are very pleased to confirm this latest aircraft purchase from The Boeing Company,” said John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific. “Both the 777-300ER and the 747-8 Freighter offer a highly efficient solution on Cathay Pacific’s ultra-long-haul routes, combining superb operating economics with a significant reduction in emissions. These two aircraft types will form the backbone of our long-haul passenger and freighter fleets through to the end of the decade.”
Hong Kong’s flag carrier is in the midst of renewing its freighter fleet with newer, more efficient airplanes, while also looking to strengthen its position as a market leader in the air cargo business.
The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER is equipped with the world’s most powerful GE90-115B commercial jet engine, and can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration with a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).
Hong Kong’s flag carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes 13 747-8 Freighters. With this order, Cathay Pacific will have 21 777-9X airplanes, 15 777-300ERs and one 747-8 Freighter on order with Boeing.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/20/13
Cathay Pacific Airways Announce Order for 21 777-9Xs
By Airline Adviser | | Airline Adviser, Boeing, Cathay Pacific
HONG KONG /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Cathay Pacific announced Friday the airline’s decision to become Asia’s first 777X customer with an order for 21 777-9X airplanes, as part of Cathay’s future long-haul fleet strategy. The order is valued at more than $7 billion at current list prices.
“The 777-9X promises us improved payload range capability and reduced operating costs, in addition to a significant reduction in environmental emissions,” said John Slosar, chief executive of Cathay Pacific Airways. “We think it will be an ideal fit for long-haul destinations in North America and Europe, in particular those routes where we carry high volumes of passengers and cargo each day. Cathay Pacific is committed to modernizing its fleet to provide a superior experience to passengers.”
The 777X program was launched at the Dubai Airshow last month where it garnered a record 259 orders and commitments worth $95 billion at list prices. The 777X currently stands as the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by value and is targeted for first delivery in 2020.
“Cathay Pacific and Boeing share a long-term partnership that spans four decades,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “We are honored to continue our tradition of launching new airplane models with Cathay Pacific in Asia, starting with the Rolls Royce powered 747-400 and the original 777-200s, 777-300s, 777-300ERs and naturally, now with the 777X family.”
Advanced technology including a new composite wing, all-new engines and superior aerodynamics will result in the incredible fuel efficiency promised by the 777X family. The 777-9X, with 400 seats, will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine commercial jet in the world with the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane and no competitor in its market segment.
Hong Kong’s flag carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes 13 747-8 Freighters.
Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/22/13
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