News

Le Bourget – Middle East Airlines (MEA), the flag carrier of Lebanon, has signed a firm order for four A321XLRs, making it the launch airline customer of Airbus latest evolution of the winning A321neo family.

The agreement takes Middle East Airlines’ cumulative single aisle orders with Airbus to 15 A321neo family aircraft, including 11 A321neos and 4 A321XLRs with deliveries starting in 2020. MEA will use the A321XLR to strengthen its network in Africa and Asia.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft. This will enable operators to open new world-wide routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia, as well as further extending the Family’s non-stop reach on direct transatlantic flights between continental Europe and the Americas. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul wide-body, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/24/19

Virgin Atlantic has selected 14 A330-900s to replace its A330ceos from 2021, with options to further expand its fleet of highly efficient wide-body aircraft. The firm order for eight aircraft and six additional on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) (NYSE: AL), was signed at the Paris Air Show by Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic CEO and Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.

Virgin Atlantic currently operates a fleet of 40 wide-body aircraft and will soon take delivery of its first of 12 A350-1000s. This latest order for A330neos is a further commitment by Virgin Atlantic to continue modernizing its fleet with aircraft offering the highest standards of fuel efficiency and noise reduction alongside the best in class cabin comfort.

The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities including state-of-the-art passenger inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity systems.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/24/19

Le Bourget – Air Lease Corporation (ALC) (NYSE: AL), the Los Angeles-based aircraft leasing company, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for 100 Airbus aircraft, including for the first time 50 A220-300s and 27 A321XLRs. The agreement also includes an incremental order for an additional 23 A321neos.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

With an order book of 536 aircraft at the end of May 2019, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/24/19

Following the very positive feedback from the market, Airbus has launched the A321XLR to complement its best-selling A321neo Family. The A321XLR thus becomes the next evolutionary step which responds to market needs for even more range and creates more value for the airlines by bringing 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation competitor aircraft. Starting from 2023, the aircraft will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with the same unbeatable fuel efficiency.

With this added range, airlines will be able to operate a lower-cost single-aisle aircraft on longer and less heavily travelled routes – many of which can now only be served by larger and less efficient wide-body aircraft. This will enable operators to open new world-wide routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia, as well as further extending the Family’s non-stop reach on direct transatlantic flights between continental Europe and the Americas. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high comfort as on long-haul widebody aircraft.

The A321XLR has been designed to maximize overall commonality with the A321LR and the rest of the A320neo Family, while introducing minimal changes needed to give the aircraft an Xtra Long Range with increased revenue payload. The changes include: the new permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) for more fuel volume; a modified landing gear for an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 101 metric tones; and an optimized wing trailing-edge flap configuration to preserve the same take-off performance and engine thrust requirements as today’s A321neo. In particular, the new optimized RCT holds more fuel than several optional Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs) did previously, while taking up less space in the cargo hold – thus freeing-up underfloor volume for additional cargo and baggage on long range routes.

Source Airbus / Edited by Airline Adviser 06/24/19

Japan Airlines (JAL) has taken delivery of its first A350 XWB at Airbus Headquarters in Toulouse, France. The A350-900 is the first aircraft produced by Airbus for JAL. The milestone event was attended by JAL Representative Director and Chairman Yoshiharu Ueki and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer.

Altogether, JAL has ordered 31 A350 XWB aircraft, comprising 18 A350-900s and 13    A350-1000s. JAL will initially operate the A350-900 on high frequency domestic routes, while the larger A350-1000 will fly on the carrier’s long-haul international network. The first aircraft will enter service on the airline’s Haneda – Fukuoka route at the start of September.

JAL’s A350-900 is configured in a premium three class layout, with 12 seats in First Class, 94 in Class J and 263 in Comfort Economy. The ferry flight of the first JAL A350-900 is being performed with a blend of conventional and synthetic fuel, contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.

The A350 XWB offers by design unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (15,000km). It features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions. The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/23/19

LE BOURGET, France— GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) signed an agreement with Boeing [NYSE: BA] at the Paris Air Show exercising 10 purchase rights to firm orders and adding 15 more purchase rights for the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).

“Our leasing customers are very pleased with the versatility and reliability of these freighters,” said Richard Greener, SVP and Manager, GECAS Cargo. “It’s enabling operators to replace aging freighters and meet the rapidly growing express cargo market.”

The 737-800BCF, which is making its air show debut at Le Bourget this week, is Boeing’s newest freighter product. The company converts Next-Generation 737 passenger airplanes into cargo jets that are capable of carrying more payload – up to 23.9 tones (52,800 lbs.) – and flying farther – 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km) – than previous standard-body freighters.

The 737-800BCF offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and better reliability than other standard-body freighters. It is primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic / short haul routes. Boeing delivered the first in-service 737-800BCF to GECAS leasing customer West Atlantic AB last year. Boeing has delivered 14 737-800BCFs to date.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 06/23/19

Aviation Industry goes through many changes, same goes for anything else in this world. Any industry no matter what type also goes through changes. For the most part any business has a show or convention within its world to give the opportunity to showcase its product or manufactured items. It give’s any company the ability to continue a business relationship with existing customers or expand and find new ones.

Paris Air Show is like the Superbowl of any event in the aviation and airline industry as well as manufacturing engines and other parts that make this a great industry period. This year will be different in many aspects. It will be awkward or difficult for some. It can be successful more so for others and a game changer in the industry by the end of this show. This year show in Paris will without a doubt be different in many ways but those who are resilient will rise above all else. Being a consultant or a manufacturer, you can only put your best foot forward with the passion and dedication it takes to be a leader. We at Airline Adviser will report after the show next week as we too have an important and busy week ahead.

Having served in the fire service and worked at in the aviation industry over the years we continue to look for improvements and growth. There is a true excitement every day and wanting to do more than ever. Business is business and we believe in showing the respect that is due treating those with dignity and respect. Training is a major part of this industry and standards must be kept for many reasons including safety which is a major factor. We look forward to next week for the many changes in the future. You can also check us out at our twitter feed @AirlineAdviser.

Source Airline Adviser 06/15/19

FRANKFURT /PRNewswire/ – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Lufthansa Group today completed an order for 20 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes. With the deal, valued at up to $5.8 billion per list prices, the largest airline group in Europe becomes the latest customer for the fastest-selling widebody airplane of all time.

Lufthansa Group has been strategically expanding and modernizing its world-class fleet in recent years. By introducing the super-efficient and long-range 787 family, the airline group will be able to fly farther and reduce fuel costs and emissions by more than 20 percent compared to previous-generation jets.

The airline group comprises network airlines such as Lufthansa and SWISS that offer passengers premium service and extensive flight options, and “point-to-point” carriers such as Eurowings that offer competitive flights for price-sensitive customers.

“Lufthansa Group is one of the most respected and innovative companies in the airline industry. We are extremely honored that they have again chosen to build their future with Boeing’s widebody jet family and we greatly look forward to delivering the 787 Dreamliner and the new 777X to Lufthansa in the coming years,” said Kevin McAllister, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines and a suite of new technologies, the 787 family has helped airlines save 33 billion pounds of fuel and open more than 210 new non-stop routes around the world.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/22/19

Lufthansa Group, the biggest Airbus operator, has signed an order for 20 additional A350-900 widebody aircraft, following a decision by the company’s supervisory board. This latest agreement brings Lufthansa Group’s total orders for the A350 XWB to 45, with 12 aircraft already in operation around the world.

“The A350 XWB meets all our expectations. The aircraft is extremely reliable and the feedback from our passengers is excellent,” said Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board Lufthansa Group – Airlines Resources & Operational Standards. “We are delighted to be adding 20 more A350 XWBs to our fleet. The additional widebody jets will help reduce our operating costs, improve the reliability of our long-haul fleet, improve our environmental performance and provide our passengers with the most modern cabins in their respective category with reference class travel comfort.”

“The A350 XWB consistently generates positive feedback from the airline community and we are very pleased to see our long-standing customer Lufthansa coming back for more aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “The A350 XWB has set new standards for long haul flying, combining extra-long-range capability with the lowest seat mile cost of any large widebody airliner and offering passengers the highest standards of comfort. Lufthansa was one of the first operators of the A350 XWB and has been deploying the aircraft efficiently across its global network, becoming one of our best ambassadors for this great aircraft. Thank you, Lufthansa – we are thrilled to see even more A350 XWBs flying in your colors.”

Lufthansa’s decision reinforces the Group’s status as Airbus’ largest airline customer and operator, with 674 Airbus aircraft on order (including the latest A350 order) and 574 Airbus aircraft in the Group’s current fleet (as of 31 December 2018), including 28 A220 Family, 420 A320 Family, 100 A330s/A340s, 12 A350s and 14 A380s.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/22/19

ANA has ordered three A380s and will operate the aircraft on the popular route between Tokyo Narita and Honolulu from May 24. Each ANA A380 will feature a special livery depicting the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, also known as the Honu. The livery on the first aircraft is painted in blue, while the second will be green and the third orange.

ANA’s A380 is configured in a premium layout seating 520 passengers. The upper deck features eight suites in First Class, 56 Business Class seats that convert to fully flat beds and 73 Premium Economy seats. Economy Class is located on the main deck, where ANA offers a spacious layout seating 383 passengers, including 60 Couch Seats. The aircraft features ANA’s very latest in-flight entertainment systems, as well as full connectivity in all classes.

“We will commit all three of our Airbus A380 to the Tokyo Honolulu route with the goal of introducing a new level of luxury service to our passengers flying ANA on the number one resort route for Japanese travelers,” said Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO of ANA HOLDINGS INC.

“We believe the A380 will become a game changer for ANA and will enable us to increase our market share by doubling the number of seats connecting Honolulu and Tokyo by 2020,” he added. “The FLYING HONU is designed to offer unprecedented comfort and convenience and a world of new possibilities to ANA passengers, something that would not have been possible without the combined efforts of the Airbus and Rolls-Royce teams working closely with the dedicated professionals at ANA.”

The A380 offers airlines the most efficient option to meet demand on the world’s most heavily travelled routes. It is also firmly established as the aircraft of choice by passengers worldwide, offering more personal space in all classes, a super-quiet cabin and smooth ride. Around 250 million passengers have already flown on the aircraft. Following today’s delivery to ANA, there are currently 232 A380s in service with 15 airlines worldwide, flying on 120 routes across the globe.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/22/19

Friday morning March 12, 2019 Boeing shares rise on report that company will roll out software upgrade for 737 Max. with a worldwide grounding of Max 8 and 9 series aircraft. The software upgrade is planned to come out in 10 days. As the world knows about both Lion Air and this week’s Ethiopian air crash. A number of airlines are affected around the globe with the Boeing max 8 and 9 series. North American airlines United, Southwest, and American are affected with fleet management difficulties. Flights have been affected since the grounding earlier this week.

Canada both Westjet and Air Canada are affected with this worldwide grounding. Other airlines like Norwegian, Gol ,  China Eastern, and Turkish Airlines feel the affects of grounding. Many media outlets continue writing articles about it. We like to take a moment ourselves send our thoughts and prayers to all those affected.

For those of us that remember the McDonald Douglas DC 10 grounding worldwide temporarily in June 1979. There was one airline called Laker Airways that had a majority of its fleet DC 10’s Flying the Skytrain was fun for many of the second-long-haul no-frills airline in 1977. Laker originally founded in 1966 became famous late 1970’s with the long-haul flight to JFK from Britain’s London Gatwick airport. Back then things were a lot easier in aviation in many aspects. Computers were not as integrated as they are today in the new aircraft being built today

With this many airline’s need to take a lesson from this grounding when it comes to many aspects with training maintenance and fleet. We at airline adviser do not just write articles hence this site is not always posting. We do have experience in aviation and fire service. With that in mind training and consulting is a part of our domain among others. Research is a must in many business models. We are monitoring this as time goes forward. Many lessons can be learned from history in itself.

Our daily reports and up to date responses are on twitter at Airline Adviser.

Source Airlines Adviser 03/15/19

SEATTLE – Boeing [NYSE:BA] delivered the first 737 MAX 8 to Comair Limited, which becomes the first airline in sub-Sahara Africa to operate the fuel-efficient jet. The airplane is the first of eight 737 MAX airplanes on order for Comair as the airline looks to refresh its fleet and offer better service for its passengers.

The new airplane enters a growing African aviation market, where the domiciled fleet has almost doubled in the past two decades. And over the next two decades, Africa will require nearly 1,200 new jets, according to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook. Boeing airplanes represent nearly 70 percent of the continent’s in-service fleet.

Comair flies an all-Boeing fleet that includes 18 Next-Generation and seven Classic 737s for its kulula.com and British Airways (operated by Comair) brands. The 737 MAX 8 will allow Comair to achieve 14 percent better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, while flying 600 nautical miles farther than its predecessor.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/08/19

HANOI, Vietnan /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Bamboo Airways confirmed an order for 10 787-9 Dreamliners valued at $3 billion according to list prices. The order for the super-efficient and longest-range member of the Dreamliner family was unveiled during a signing ceremony in Hanoi, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and General Secretary and President of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

“We are excited to be adding the new 787 Dreamliner to our growing fleet,” said Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of FLC Group and owner of Bamboo Airways. “Our long-term vision is to connect Vietnam with key markets in Asia, Europe and North America and the Dreamliner will enable us to launch these long-haul operations. The 787’s superior operating economics and efficiency, as well as the passenger pleasing interior of the Dreamliner, will allow us to successfully grow our business while enabling us to better serve our customers.”

Bamboo Airways, a startup airline founded in 2017, began commercial operations in January, offering flights linking the capital of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with cities in Vietnam. The airline plans on offering up to 40 domestic routes in 2019. Additionally, Bamboo is preparing to launch international service to Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Australia, before broadening service to other destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America.

At 63 meters (206 feet), the 787-9 can fly 290 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 kilometers). The airplane is 6 meters longer than the original Dreamliner and is capable of carrying more passengers and flying farther.

The 787 Dreamliner is the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history with more than 1,400 orders from 75 customers since its launch. Nearly 800 Dreamliners have entered service around the world, helping airlines save 33 billion pounds of fuel.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/08/19

HANOI, Vietnam /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Vietjet [HOSE: VJC] confirmed that the innovative and growing Vietnamese carrier has purchased 100 additional 737 MAX airplanes, taking their MAX order book to 200 jets. During a signing ceremony today in Hanoi, United States President Donald Trump and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong joined leaders of both companies to unveil the $12.7 billion order, according to list prices.

The deal includes 20 MAX 8s and 80 of the new, larger MAX 10 variant, which will have the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane and be the most profitable jet in its market segment. The order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

In ordering 80 MAX 10s, Vietjet becomes the largest Asian customer of the airplane type. The carrier plans to use the added capacity to meet growing demand across Vietnam, as well as to serve popular destinations throughout Asia.

“The deal for 200 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes today is an important move for us to keep up with our international flight network expansion plan with a higher capacity, thus offering our passengers with more exciting experiences when being able to fly to more new international destinations,” said Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, President and CEO of Vietjet. “I believe that our fleet will have breakthroughs thanks to new-generation technologies, which helps improve flight quality and enhance operational reliability, while reducing operating costs in the future. Passengers will then have more opportunities to fly with reasonable fares. The contract signing ceremony, which is witnessed by the top leaders of Vietnam and the US on the occasion of the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi, will mark a milestone in the two companies’ growth path.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 03/08/19

February 2019 the airline industry takes off every day around the world with many challenges and changing world. As the world change’s we must change with it. Economic times give many a challenging time as do discount airlines. To date we have seen a few close businesses as early part of this year.

There will be others that we will see downsize or close business before the end of 2019. Aviation companies will see a shift in supplies and demand. Airline Adviser is here for you in the airline industry with interesting forecast for parts of the industry. We are changing ourselves to adapt to the future market and currently focusing on a move to better serve our own company.

We care about the industry and those whom fly with airlines and travel through our airports. We have had a standard practice for a number of years but in order to move forward and become better we too are changing. To all airports that have updated your sites or URL in the last year please notify us. For all airports that are not listed with us and wish to do so please contact us

Lastly but least of Spring 2019 is going to be busy for airlines as many more are flying. Since the first and longest government shutdown there are many airlines trying to get back the lost revenue since the beginning. Providing we don’t ever go through that again things will be fine with the correct management. On behalf of us at Airline Adviser we supported and still thank all Air traffic controllers TSA agents Coast guard FAA and millions of government employees kept showing up for work despite the difficult times. WE THANK YOU.

Source Airline Industry 02/11/19