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EVERETT, Wash. /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has brought together the major fuselage sections to form the first 777X airplane that will take to the skies in 2019. In a major production milestone called ‘final body join,’ Boeing teams connected the airplane’s nose, mid and aft sections in the company’s factory in Everett, Wash. The jet now measures 252 feet long (77 meters) from nose to tail, making it the longest passenger jet the manufacturer has ever produced. “The 777X is a new airplane and a new production system,” said Josh Binder, vice president and general manager of the 777X. “With the 777X, the production system was integrated into the development program sooner than any other airplane, and the team is doing a great job of hitting our milestones as expected.” The 777X builds on the market-leading 777 and the 787 Dreamliner to offer airlines the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world. The airplane provides 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than competing airplanes. The 777X achieves the unprecedented performance through the introduction of the latest technologies such as the most fuel-efficient commercial engine ever, the GE9X, and a fourth-generation all-new composite wing design that provides lift and efficiency. With the extension of a set of folding, raked wingtips, the airplane’s wing spans 235 feet (72 meters). By adding folding wingtips, the 777X’s wingspan has been increased to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing, reducing engine thrust and fuel use. Additionally, the folding wingtips allow the 777X to maintain airport compatibility with the existing 777 family, adding value for customers. The first 777X introduced will be the 777-9 model, which can seat 400 to 425 passengers in a standard configuration and offer a range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075 km). Boeing is building on the passenger-preferred interior of today’s 777 and building on 787 interior innovations to create a passenger experience like no other. Passengers will enjoy windows that are larger and located higher on the fuselage than the current 777, along with a wider cabin, new lighting and enhanced architecture. The first 777X test airplane for static ground testing was completed in September 2018. Three additional flight test airplanes will be built after flight test #1. The 777X first flight is scheduled for 2019. First delivery is slated for 2020. Current customers with orders are, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines. Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/23/18

SEOUL, South Korea /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Jeju Air announced the airline is ordering 40 737 MAX 8 airplanes with options for 10 additional jets. The deal, valued at up to $5.9 billion at list prices, is the largest order ever placed by a Korean low-cost carrier and reflects rising demand for air travel in South Korea.

“With Korea’s growing commercial aviation market, we are excited to take the next step in expanding our business with the 737 MAX, a world-class airplane that will allow us to improve our operation and continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our passengers,” said Seok-Joo Lee, President and CEO of Jeju Air. “The 737 MAX 8 and its superior performance and economics make it an ideal airplane to implement our growth strategy as we look to expand beyond Asia in the coming years.”

Jeju Air, based in South Korea’s Jeju Island, began operation in 2005 as the country’s first low-cost carrier. Since that time, the carrier has spearheaded the rapid development of Korea’s LCC market and contributed to the expansion of the broader Korean commercial aviation industry.

Flying a fleet of nearly 40 Next-Generation 737-800s, Jeju Air has steadily expanded its business and its profits. The airline has achieved 25 percent annual sales growth over the past five years and recorded 17 consecutive quarters of profitability.

Jeju Air is looking to build on its success with the enhanced version of the 737 jet. The 737 MAX 8 provides more range and offers 14 percent better fuel efficiency and environmental performance thanks to the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other aerodynamic improvements.

Along with the new airplanes, Boeing Global Services will provide Jeju Air with digital tools to reduce their operating costs. The solutions include the Fuel Dashboard Program, which allows operators to look across their fleet and identify areas where they can optimize their fuel spending.

Jeju Air serves 60 domestic and international routes with approximately 200 daily flights. The carrier is a founding member of the Value Alliance, the first pan-regional low-cost carrier alliance formed with eight airlines based in Asia.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 11/23/18

Primera Air which was founded in 2009 by Icelandic Primera travel group. The airline headquarters Copenhagen Denmark. With a fleet of 7 aircraft. Five Airbus A321 NEO and 2 Boeing 737 – 800 series. The airline seems to have peeked operations with 155,000 passengers with1006 flights of July 2014, That’s a utilization of 91 per cent of seating.

Flying a mix of charter and schedule flights. Expansion of flights were announced for 2019 with 18 Boeing 737 Max-9 aircraft through Air Lease Corporation. After further review seems 2018 was showing sings of financial difficulty of plane deliveries to the airline. In addition to that some routes were being cancelled soon after being started. All operations ceased October 1 2018 and have left thousands stranded with tickets. Today others stranded at an airport holding a ticket to nowhere. At midnight GMT London England time ,there is no other information coming from the airline and many stranded passengers. According to other information crews would be found accommodations that were stranded away from there based locations and that the airline would file for Bankruptcy on October 2 2018. In April 2018 we reported Primera Air taking delivery of their first Airbus A321 NEO.

Source Airline Adviser 10/01/18

AirAsia X has placed an order with Airbus for an additional 34 A330neo widebody aircraft. The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK by Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia X Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The latest agreement reaffirms AirAsia X’s position as the largest airline customer for the A330neo, with the total number of aircraft ordered by the airline increasing to 100. All the A330neo aircraft ordered by AirAsia X are the larger A330-900 model.

Offering range capability enabling non-stop services to Europe, including from Kuala Lumpur to London, the A330neo will allow AirAsia X to expand its value-based long-haul model with even lower operating costs, while enabling its passengers to fly furthermore often with highly competitive fares.

AirAsia X will be the first airline in Asia to operate the A330neo, with deliveries of aircraft on order with Airbus scheduled to start in Q4 2019. The A330neo will be operated by AirAsia X out of its bases in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia X Group Chief Executive Officer Kamarudin Meranun said: “Long haul low-cost is something we strongly believe in, and this order shows our confidence in the AirAsia X model. We lobbied hard for the A330neo after seeing the success of the A320neo, and working closely with Airbus, we have arrived at an aircraft that we are confident will allow us to expand our low fares offering beyond Asia Pacific to the rest of the world.”

AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia X Co-Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes added: “Our decision not only to reconfirm our existing order for 66 A330neo, but to add 34 more, follows what is probably one of the most thorough aircraft evaluations the industry has ever seen. We have looked at every aspect of the A330neo from technical performance and reliability to passenger comfort and it is clearly the right aircraft for us to expand efficiently our fast-growing long-haul network.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/13/18

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, has signed a memorandum of understanding for two A330-800neo, the new version of the best-selling A330 widebody airliner, featuring new wings new Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines, new systems and a new Airspace cabin interior.

The agreement was announced at Farnborough airshow by Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda Airlines and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Uganda Airlines plans to use the A330-800neos to build its international long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technologies along with most efficient operations. The aircraft will feature a three-class cabin layout comprising 20 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 213 Economy seats.

“This agreement demonstrates our ambition for economic growth supported by a robust aviation industry. The A330-800neo combines low operating costs, long range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are looking forward to launch operations and offer our customers best-in-class service”, said Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda Airlines.

“We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines among our A330neo customers, the A330neo will bring a range of benefits offering unrivalled efficiencies combined with the most modern cabin. We look forward to see the A330-800neo flying in the colors of Uganda”, said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/13/18

Japan’s Peach Aviation is set to become the first Asian operator of the Airbus A321LR aircraft, following the conversion of an existing order for two A320neo aircraft.
The aircraft will be joining the fleet of the Osaka-based low-cost carrier (LCC) in 2020. The A321LR is the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in the world and will enable Peach Aviation to open new routes from Japan to destinations of up to nine hours flying time.

A signing ceremony took place at Farnborough Air Show, attended by Shinichi Inoue, Peach Aviation Managing Director and CEO, and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus’ widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky. The new Airspace by Airbus cabin available on the A320 Family additionally enhances the passengers’ unrivalled travel experience.

Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020. With more than 1900 orders received from over 50 customers, to date the A321neo has captured some 80 percent of market share, making it the true aircraft of choice in the Middle of the Market. The LR option extends the aircraft’s range to up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and brings with it a 30-percent reduction in operating cost compared to its nearest competitor.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/13/18

FARNBOROUGH /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Hawaiian Airlines announced the companies finalized an order for 10 787-9 Dreamliner’s, valued at $2.82 billion at list prices. The deal also includes purchase rights for 10 additional 787s.

“The Dreamliner’s operational performance and passenger-friendly cabin makes it an ideal aircraft to serve as our flagship aircraft of the future,” said Peter Ingram, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines. “The aircraft provides Hawaiian with more seating capacity and greater range to expand within our current network and offer new destinations to and from Asia Pacific and North America.”

Hawaiian announced in March that it had selected the 787-9 Dreamliner to serve medium to long-haul routes, signing a letter of intent for the aircraft.
The 787-9 is the longest-range Dreamliner with the ability to fly up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 kilometers) with 290 passengers in a standard two-class configuration, while using 20 percent less fuel than older generation aircraft.

Boeing Global Services will provide Hawaiian Airlines with new aircraft transition support services – such as Training and Initial Provisioning – to ensure a smooth changeover from previous widebody aircraft.

This order extends the sale success of the 787, which is the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in history with nearly 1,400 sold and more than 700 delivered. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has flown more 255 million passengers while saving an estimated 25 billion pounds of fuel. The 787’s superior range and efficiency have enabled airlines to launch more than 180 new nonstop routes around the world.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/13/18

FARNBOROUGH / PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and two undisclosed airlines have reached agreements to buy a total of 15 787-9 Dreamliner’s valued at $4.2 billion per current list prices, the company announced at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

One of the airlines would become a new 787 customer. The second airline is adding more 787s to their Dreamliner fleet. Both commitments will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once they are finalized.

“This is the Dreamliner effect. New airline customers are drawn to the potential for greater fuel efficiency and range and super passenger amenities, while existing customers have experienced all of these advantages first hand and want to grow their fleet with more 787 Dreamliner’s,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “The strong market preference for the 787 is securing its status as the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history.”

The new commitments continue Boeing’s sales momentum on the 787 Dreamliner program. With orders announced during the Farnborough Airshow, Boeing has achieved nearly 100 net orders for the 787 this year, along with reaching additional commitments that will be finalized in the coming months. In all, 71 customers have purchased nearly 1,400 airplanes. Half of the customers have returned to place follow-on orders.

Source Boeing / Edited by Airline Adviser 08/13/18

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and four customers have signed commitments for a total of 93 737 MAX airplanes, including a carrier that has committed to 40 of the high-capacity version of the MAX 8 airplane. The commitments, valued at nearly $11 billion at current list prices, were announced at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.
The 737 MAX family is designed to offer customers exceptional performance, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range to open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. The MAX family provides operators a 14-percent improvement over today’s most efficient single-aisle airplanes. The high-capacity MAX 8 variant, which can accommodate 200 seats, offers up to a 20-percent fuel efficiency improvement per seat.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide. Projections show both numbers will continue to grow significantly.

According to the Boeing 2018 Commercial Market Outlook released this week, airlines will need 31,360 new single-aisle airplanes, such as the 737 MAX, over the next 20 years. That represents a 6-percent increase over last year’s forecast. Analysts say the demand is fueled by the success of low-cost carriers and a big requirement for single-aisle jets for growth and replacement.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/13/18

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first A350 XWB at a special event in Toulouse, France, becoming the 19th airline to operate the world’s most modern and efficient long range airliner.

Altogether, Philippine Airlines has ordered six A350-900s, which will be primarily operated on non-stop services to Europe and North America. These will include the carrier’s longest route to New York, which the A350-900 can operate non-stop in both directions, all year round. Representing over 8,000 nautical miles, the 17-hour return journey from New York to Manila previously involved a technical stop in Vancouver.

Philippine Airlines has configured its A350-900s with a premium three class layout seating 295 passengers in three classes. This including 30 seats that convert to fully flat beds in Business Class, 24 offering extra space in Premium Economy and 241 18-inch wide seats in the main cabin.

“The arrival of the A350 XWB will see PAL offer new levels of comfort on our long-haul flights,” said Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO of Philippine Airlines. “At the same time, we will benefit from the A350 XWB’s new generation efficiency, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. We believe that the A350 XWB will be a game changer for PAL as we compete with the best in the premium long-haul market.”

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/12/18

VISTARA, the New Delhi-based carrier, has signed a letter of Intent (LoI) for 13 A320neo aircraft to add to its existing portfolio of 21 Airbus airplanes, reconfirming the appeal of the best-selling single aisle family.

The full-service airline has also committed to an additional 37 A320neo Family aircraft from lessors. The combined agreements would add 50 A320neo Family to Vistara’s fleet. The engine selection for VISTARA’s latest firm order is Leap CFM.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO2 savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/12/18

Golden Falcon Aviation, the exclusive aircraft provider of Wataniya Airways, has confirmed an order for 25 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The order follows an earlier MoU announced at last year’s Dubai Airshow.

The firm order was signed during the Farnborough International Airshow by Rakan Al-Tuwaijri, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Falcon Aviation, and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Wataniya Airways resumed operations in July 2017 and currently operates a fleet of four A320 family aircraft serving destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia from its home base in Kuwait. The A320neo family aircraft will support the airline’s vision to become the fastest growing and leading airline in the country.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO2 savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/12/17

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and VietJet [HOSE: VJC] signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an additional 100 737 MAX airplanes. The agreement, which includes 80 737 MAX 10s and 20 737 MAX 8s, is valued at more than $12.7 billion at current list prices.

The Vietnamese low-cost carrier will become the largest MAX 10 customer in Asia once the deal is completed. VietJet plans to leverage the added capacity of the MAX 10 to satisfy surging demand on high-dense domestic routes, as well as on popular destinations throughout Asia.

“We are excited to introduce Boeing’s newest 737 MAX 10 into our rapidly growing fleet. These new airplanes will fit perfectly into our growth strategy, providing the efficiency and range for VietJet to expand its route network and offer more international destinations for our customers and expand alliances across Asia Pacific, the fastest growing aviation market in the world,” said Madam Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, President and CEO of VietJet.

As part of the agreement, Boeing would partner with VietJet to enhance technical and engineering expertise and the training of pilots and technicians in Vietnam, helping to further develop the commercial aviation ecosystem in the growing country. Boeing will also support VietJet in improving management capabilities at the airline and in the country.

VietJet is Vietnam’s first privately-owned airline and is also the first low-cost carrier in the country. The airline is in the midst of bolstering its world-class fleet with highly efficient and capable airplanes that will allow for expansion of its regional network.

In 2016, VietJet finalized an order for 100 high-capacity 737 MAX 8 airplanes, which set the mark for the largest-ever single commercial airplane purchase in Vietnam aviation.

The 737 MAX family achieves superior fuel efficiency and range through the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other improvements. The jet also features the signature Boeing Sky Interior and large flight deck displays.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/12/18

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Aviation Capital Group (ACG) today announced an order for 20 737 MAX 8 airplanes the order, valued at $2.34 billion at list prices, raises ACG’s 737 MAX direct-buy order quantity to 100.

“The 737 MAX is core to our strategic growth plans, as the airplane continues to command strong interest in the marketplace,” said Khanh T. Tran, CEO of ACG. “This order expands our diverse portfolio, which includes three 737 MAX variants, providing us with more flexibility and some of the most advanced single-aisle jets to serve our customers.”

ACG first joined the 737 MAX family in 2012, placing orders for the MAX 8 and MAX 9. The lessor added to its portfolio last year by joining the launch group for the 737 MAX 10, the largest variant with the lowest operating cost per seat.

According to the Boeing 2018 Commercial Market Outlook released this week, airlines will need 31,360 new single-aisle airplanes, such as the 737 MAX, over the next 20 years. That represents a 6-percent increase over last year’s forecast. Analysts say the demand is fueled by the success of low-cost carriers and a big requirement for single-aisle jets for growth and replacement.

Source Boring / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/12/18

FARNBOROUGH, Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Vistara confirmed the joint venture between Singapore Airlines and Tata Group, has agreed to order six 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for four more jets at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

The agreement, valued at $2.8 billion at current list prices, will enable Vistara to become the first operator of the 787-9 in India. In addition, the new Dreamliners will mark the first widebody airplanes for the Indian carrier and will help launch long-haul operations.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 08/12/18