News

WOW air’s first A330neo aircraft has rolled out of the paint shop in Toulouse. The low-fare airline based in Iceland will take delivery of the aircraft on lease from Avolon later in 2018, becoming the third operator of the type worldwide. WOW air is an all-Airbus operator with a fleet of 18 aircraft (15 A320 Family and three A330s). The Airbus fleet will increase to 24 aircraft by the end of 2018. WOW air was founded in November 2011 and currently serves 36 destinations across Europe, North America and Asia. WOW air selected the A330neo for its low operating costs and excellent fuel efficiency. The aircraft will feature a twin-class cabin layout with 42 premium economy seats and 323 economy seats. Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 05/07/18  

Last Tuesday, Southwest shared our plan to voluntarily accelerate inspections of CFM engine fan blades throughout our entire Boeing 737-700/-800 Fleet. We are on track to inspect all CFM engine fan blades on the -700s and -800s within 30 days of our proactive inspection program initiated on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

This week, we will continue working to minimize flight disruptions by performing inspections overnight while aircraft are not flying and utilizing spare aircraft during the day, when available. We anticipate minimal delays or cancellations each day this week due to the inspections.

As a point of reference, last week’s inspections affected less than one percent of our 4,000 scheduled flights each day. We expect approximately one to two percent of our flights to be affected over the coming days as we complete the voluntary, accelerated inspections.

Customers on affected flights will be notified of any changes to their travel plans through proactive updates. As always, Customers are encouraged to check their flight status on Southwest.com.
Finally, since our operational plans entail multiple aircraft entering and exiting scheduled service during the ongoing inspection period, we are not able to provide real-time, continuous updates on total flight disruptions. Again, we are working directly with impacted Customers on the minimal flight changes this week as we work diligently to ensure the Safety of our fleet.

Source Southwest / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/24/18

DUBLIN, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ryanair today announced they finalized an order for 25 additional high-capacity 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The $3 billion order, at current list prices, was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

“We are pleased to announce the exercise of 25 Boeing 737 “Gamechanger” options, bringing our firm order to 135 737 MAX 8s,” said Neil Sorahan, chief financial officer, Ryanair. “The Gamechanger has eight more seats than our current 189-seat Boeing 737-800NG and incorporates the latest technology engines and winglets which reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions, ensuring we remain Europe’s greenest, cleanest airline and lowest cost airline. We look forward to taking delivery of our first Gamechanger in Spring 2019.”

Ryanair launched the high-capacity 737 MAX 8 in late 2014 with an order for 100 airplanes, followed by an additional order for 10 airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The airplane will provide Ryanair with 197 seats, increasing revenue potential and delivering up to 14 percent lower fuel consumption than today’s Next-Generation 737s.

The Dublin-based carrier is the largest 737-800 customer in the world and the largest Boeing operator in Europe. Last month, Ryanair took delivery of its 500th Next-Generation 737-800 and has now ordered more than 650 Boeing airplanes.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/24/18

Drukair, the flag carrier of the Eastern Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, has signed a purchase agreement for one Airbus A320neo to support its growth plans and complement its existing fleet of three A319s. The aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A26E1 engines optimised for high-altitude operations and will become the largest aircraft operating out of Drukair’s base in Paro.

Paro, located at an altitude of 7,300 feet and surrounded by high mountains, is one of the world’s most challenging airports. Thanks to the A320neo’s unmatched performance, it will become the largest aircraft to operate from Paro offering greater payload capabilities and higher passenger comfort levels than any other product.

Featuring a two-class cabin layout, the aircraft will be deployed to increase capacity on existing regional routes to Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi and Calcutta.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/23/18

Primera Air, a low-fare Nordic airline, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo at an event in Hamburg, Germany attended by Andri Már Ingólfsson, CEO and President of Primera Travel Group and Kimon Sotiropoulos, Vice President Sales Northern and Central Europe from Airbus. The aircraft, which was assembled in Hamburg, is the first of three A321neos to be leased from GECAS in 2018. Primera Air will also lease a further five A321neos from other lessors, including two A321LRs, growing its fleet to eight aircraft in 2018.

The aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines features a two-class layout with 16 premium and 182 economy seats. The aircraft was selected by Primera Air for its outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and range. The aircraft will be deployed in the United Kingdom and France on transatlantic destinations to North America.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 percent per seat from day one and 20 percent by 2020.

Primera Air is a low-fare Nordic airline that offers scheduled flights from Europe to more than 70 destinations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, Caribbean and North America. Originally founded in Iceland in 2004 as a charter provider, Primera Air has grown to become a fully scheduled LCC that now carries over one million passengers each year. Initially, Primera Air operated charter flights for major Scandinavian tour operators with its main hubs in Denmark and Sweden, but gradually it has moved towards scheduled services. Today, Primera Air operates mid and long-haul flights from its bases in Scandinavia, UK and France.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/23/18

The A330neo is demonstrating its capabilities as the newest member of Airbus’ proven and highly-reliable twin-engine A330 Family, with flight testing continuing ahead of its planned service entry in Summer 2018.

Two test aircraft have logged more than 700 hours aloft in the 200-plus flights performed as of 10 April, according to A330neo aircraft integration and flight testing integrated product team (IPT) leader Jean-Christophe Bonjour.

He noted that flight testing has covered the globe, including the cold weather validations in Kazakhstan in temperatures as low as -27° C., natural icing testing in the United States, crosswind landing evaluations in Ireland, a Bolivia-based altitude campaign at 8,000 ft., and recently-completed hot weather trials in Mexico, which had temperatures of up to 37° C.

Crawford Hamilton, Head of A330 Marketing, said the A330neo completes Airbus’ new-generation product line, which begins with the single-aisle A320neo Family (A319neo, A320neo and A321neo), increases in size with the A330neo (including the A330-800 and A330-900), followed by the A350 XWB (with the A350-900 and A350-1000) and completed with the A380.
“With all these aircraft, we have a true family covering seating capacities from 140 to over 550 passengers,” Hamilton explained. “Pilots that fly one of these jetliners are equipped to fly them all thanks to Airbus’ unique operational commonality, and aircraft versatility provides the range and flexibility for any type of airline operation.”

The new-generation A330neo, powered by highly-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 powerplants, has a longer wingspan with new high-efficiency Sharklets and incorporates Airbus’ innovative Airspace cabin that it has in common with the A350 XWB. These elements combined deliver the world’s most efficient, most comfortable mid-size twin-aisle airliner.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/23/18

SAS selected the A330-300 to further standardize its long-haul fleet. One new A330-300 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines will join the Scandinavian carrier’s network in the second quarter of 2019. SAS has been an Airbus customer since 1980 with an Airbus fleet of 57 aircraft (eight A340s, eight A330s and 41 A320 Family aircraft) to date.

“We are thankful that SAS has selected the Airbus Family for the second time this week. This further commitment by SAS to the A330 demonstrates the unmatched operating economics and operational versatility of this aircraft,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “We are delighted to be continuing our long-standing partnership with SAS.”

The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient and versatile widebody aircraft with best-in-class economics making it the benchmark for the growing low-cost, long-haul operations business model worldwide. To date, the A330 Family has attracted over 1,700 orders, making it the world’s best-selling widebody aircraft in its category. More than 1,350 A330 Family aircraft are currently flying today with more than 110 operators worldwide. With an operational reliability of 99.4 percent and various product enhancements, the A330 Family is the most cost-efficient and capable widebody aircraft to date.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/23/18

The A321LR variant of Airbus’ A321 jetliner underscored its impressive range with a record-breaking flight from Mahé in the Seychelles islands to Toulouse, France – covering a total distance of 4,750 nautical miles in 11 hours.

This milestone was reached in late March as part of the A321LR’s 100-hour flight test and certification programme. To make flight conditions as realistic as possible while evaluating cabin systems, the A321LR carried 162 human heat-replicating dummy passengers in addition to its 16-member test crew.

According to flight test engineer Jim Fawcett, the A321LR’s flight characteristics and fuel consumption were as expected throughout the lengthy trip. He added: “The A321LR has completed 15 test flights. It is an excellent aircraft that keeps its promises in terms of flight behaviour, passenger comfort and fuel consumption.”

The A321LR has the longest range of any single-aisle jetliner, with an increased maximum take-off weight of 97 tonnes (compared to 93.5 tonnes for the A321), plus the addition of a third auxiliary centre fuel tank. The A321LR – which is on track for a 2018 service entry – also features a new door configuration that enables up to 240 passengers to be accommodated in the widest single-aisle fuselage in the sky.

The record-breaking flight followed A321LR hot weather testing performed at Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, which was selected by Airbus due to the optimal weather conditions and this location’s excellent facilities.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/23/18

JAKARTA, Indonesia, /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Lion Air Group announced the airline purchased 50 of Boeing’s new 737 MAX 10 airplane, which will be the most fuel-efficient and profitable single-aisle jet in the aviation industry. The deal, valued at approximately $6.24 billion at list prices, is the largest incremental order to date of the MAX 10 variant. The order was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

“Lion Air is very excited to be a launch customer of the latest version of the 737. This airplane delivers a new level of fuel efficiency and operating economics and fits in perfectly with our fleet of modern airplanes,” said Edward Sirait, President Director, the Lion Air Group. “We are proud to continue our tradition of innovation at Lion Air as we again lead the way with new airplane technology.”

The Lion Air Group was first in the world to put the 737 MAX 8 into service and the first to order the 737 MAX 9. Last month, the group became the first to take delivery of a 737 MAX 9, using the airplane’s added capacity to launch several international routes.

“We are honored that Lion Air Group, one of the most innovative and fast-growing carriers, has once again placed its trust in the 737 family,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the 737 MAX 10, Lion Air will have a range of efficient and reliable options to optimize their network to serve their customers and grow profitably.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/23/18

The main sections of the first A380 for Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) have arrived at the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, France via a special convoy, with six subassemblies – the nose, central and aft fuselage sections, the tailplane, and the two wings.

ANA Holdings placed a firm order for three A380s in 2016, becoming the first customer for the superjumbo in Japan. The first delivery is scheduled early in 2019, and the A380 will initially be operated on the Tokyo-Honolulu route. ANA’s A380s will feature a special ‘Honu’ Hawaiian green sea turtle livery, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

The A380 is the world’s largest, most spacious airliner that offers passengers the smoothest, quietest and most comfortable ride. With two full widebody decks, offering the widest seats, wide aisles and more floor space, the A380 has the unique capability to generate revenue, stimulate traffic and attract passengers, who can now specifically select the A380 when booking a flight via the iflyA380 website. Today, 222 A380s are operated by 13 airlines on 60 destinations, and 240 airports around the world can accommodate the A380.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/24/18

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Lion Air Group celebrated the very first 737 MAX 9 to be delivered. The airplane will go into service with Thai Lion Air, where its added capacity will help the airline launch several international routes.

“The 737 MAX 9 is a perfect fit for our growing business in Thailand,” said Capt. Darsito Hendro Seputro, CEO and Chairman of Thai Lion Air. “The 737 has been the backbone of our business since we began and we will use the added capacity the airplane provides to expand our network and start additional routes to Bangladesh, China and India.”

The Lion Air Group is the launch customer for the MAX 9. They were also the first operator to put the MAX 8 into service, and have announced a commitment for 50 MAX 10s. The Group also has an additional 200 737 MAXs on order and is one of the world’s largest operators of the 737.

“The Lion Air Group is the perfect example of how the 737 MAX family provides a common fleet solution across the single-aisle spectrum,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Kevin McAllister. “Not only will Lion Air Group benefit from the MAX’s range and capacity, they will enjoy the best economics and reliability in the industry.”

The 737 MAX 9 is designed for a capacity of up to 220 passengers and a maximum range of 3,550 nautical miles. With three additional seat rows compared to the 737 MAX 8, this airplane provides operators added capacity while maximizing profitability within their network.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/24/18

IEV, Ukraine – Boeing [NYSE:BA] and SkyUp Airlines announced they have finalized a firm order for five 737 MAX airplanes valued at $624 million at list prices. The order includes two 737 MAX 8 and three 737 МАХ 10 jets.

“Distinctive dispatch reliability, low operational costs and passenger comfort were the main factors for choosing the 737 MAX,” said Eugeny Khainatsky, General Director of SkyUp Airlines. “We are confident that this purchase will give us a competitive advantage thanks to the unparalleled performance of the Boeing 737 MAX family, and the MAX 10’s unbeatably low cost per seat mile.”
SkyUp, based in Kiev, is a new airline that plans to begin charter operations in April with leased Next-Generation 737 airplanes. The airline is ordering the MAX airplanes to meet future demand in the Ukrainian market.

“We are honored to partner with SkyUp Airlines. We welcome them as the 95th customer of the 737 MAX,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of sales, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia, Africa and Middle East, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are confident that our 737s will help this new airline establish a robust position in the Ukrainian market and grow their presence and route network.”

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/24/18

SEATTLE — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SCAT Airlines celebrated the delivery of the Kazakhstan carrier’s first 737 MAX 8 airplane, one of six that the airline will operate as it expands its fleet and service.

SCAT has long operated the fuel-efficient and reliable Boeing Next-Generation 737. With the new 737 MAX, SCAT will be able to achieve a further double-digit improvement in fuel efficiency and environmental performance. And SCAT will be the first in Central Asia to fly the MAX.

“Last year SCAT celebrated its 20th anniversary and it is very symbolic that we are entering a year of adulthood with a purchase of the newest aircraft models. We are confident that the acquisition of Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets will not only raise the level of customer service in our airline, but will also give a new momentum to the development of the aviation industry in Kazakhstan”, said Vladimir Denisov, president of SCAT Airlines.

SCAT announced an order for six 737 MAX 8s at the 2017 Dubai Airshow. The agreement, valued at $674 million at list prices, includes purchase rights for five additional 737 MAX 8s.

Source Boeing / Edited By Airline Adviser 04/22/18

 

Dubai-based Emirates Airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire up to 36 additional A380 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the airline’s headquarters in Dubai by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. The commitment is for 20 A380s and an option for 16 more with deliveries to start in 2020, valued at US$16 billion at latest list prices.

Following delivery of its first A380 in July 2008, Emirates took its 100th A380 on the 3rd November 2017 in Hamburg, Germany.

The A380 is an essential part of the solution to sustainable growth, alleviating traffic congestion at busy airports by transporting more passengers with fewer flights. The A380 is the best way to capture growing world air traffic, which doubles every 15 years.

To date, over 200 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. Every two minutes an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the 240 airports around the world, ready to accommodate this magnificent aircraft. To date, 222 A380s have been delivered to 13 airlines.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 01/26/18

 

Delta Air Lines placed an order with Airbus for 100 of the manufacturer’s modern A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration) aircraft. The U.S.-based carrier selected the largest member of Airbus’ single-aisle Family to meet Delta’s future requirements for aircraft with greater efficiency and additional capacity. The airline’s A321neo ACF planes will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM geared turbofan engines.

“This is the right transaction at the right time for our customers, our employees and our shareholders,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Delta, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney share the same commitment to safety, efficiency, innovation and continuously improving the customer experience. This order for the state-of-the-art A321neo with Pratt’s Pure Power next-generation jet engines reflects our long-term commitment to these values for Delta people and all our constituents.”

Delta’s announcement on the A321neo ACF follows several orders in recent years for the current engine option (ceo) version of the A321. Delta has ordered a total of 117 A321ceos, each powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

Most of Delta’s A321neos will be delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. The airline has taken delivery of 13 U.S.-manufactured Airbus aircraft since last year. In addition, the 50th aircraft to be produced by the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility will be delivered to Delta later this week. The Mobile factory produces four aircraft per month for delivery to Airbus’ U.S. customers. Plans for further production ramp up are currently being discussed.

Source Airbus / Edited By Airline Adviser 12/18/17