terça-feira, 29 de novembro de 2016

ETIHAD AIRWAYS - B777-300ER - A6-ETE

Ton Jochems - AMS

IBERIA EXPRESS - A320-200Sharklets - EC-LYE

Ton Jochems - AMS

Aircalin orders two A330neo and two A320neo aircraft



New Caledonia selects world’s most fuel-efficient aircraft to upgrade its fleet




Aircalin, the Noumea based carrier in the French territory of New Caledonia has signed an agreement (MoU) for two A320neo single-aisle and two A330-900 wide-body aircraft. The agreement was finalised and signed at a ceremony in the capital Noumea attended by airline officials and Airbus executives.

The A320neo engine choice will be made at a later date as will the cabin configuration of both aircraft types. The A320neo will be deployed on existing regional routes to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. With the A330neo, Aircalin will boost services to Japan for onward connections and the possible opening of new routes such as to China.

“As part of our plan to boost tourism to New Caledonia, Aircalin has made a strategic decision to renew its complete fleet with the A320neo and the A330neo to grow routes and connect New Caledonia to the region,” said Didier Tappero, Aircalin CEO. “The NEO aircraft with its state-of-the-art technology will burn less fuel, lower our operational costs and offer our loyal passengers the highest standards in cabin comfort.”

Bernard Deladrière, Chairman of the Board and Member of New Caledonia Government asserted, “Aircalin is taking on an even more strategic step for its future, as it is about its profitability and its competitiveness.”

“We are delighted that Aircalin has embraced our best-selling A330neo and A320neo Family aircraft to secure a successful, profitable future, and to grow tourist traffic to New Caledonia,” said Christopher Buckley, Airbus Executive Vice President, Europe Africa and Pacific. “Thanks to the unique commonality between all variants of the A320 and the A330, Aircalin will benefit from a seamless and cost effective transition to these exciting new aircraft, continuing with all the efficiencies they currently enjoy with their existing fleet.

The A330neo is the most cost-efficient in its size category, offering a reduction in fuel burn of 14 percent per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 4000 nautical miles and the lowest maintenance costs of any aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 12,500 orders since launch and more than 7,000 aircraft delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.

Hainan Airlines Applies Chengdu-London and Shenzhen-London Services



Hainan Airlines has filed an application with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for permissions to launch three international services to London and Osaka, Japan next year, according to an announcement released Tuesday on the official website of CAAC.

The carrier intends to launch a thrice-weekly service from Chengdu to London starting next January, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft or Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Another London service departing from Shenzhen is also planned to inaugurate in August of 2017, using A330-200 or B787 aircraft. The service will be operated three times a week.

Furthermore, the Haikou-based airline plans to launch a four-time-weekly service from East China's Hangzhou to Sapporo, Japan from this December, using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The Air Transportation Department of CAAC is soliciting public comments on the applications until 5:00 p.m. on December 2, 2016.

Last month British Airways announced to suspend its Chengdu-London (Heathrow) service (BA88/BA89) from January 13, 2017 because operating this route is "not commercially viable". If Hainan Airlines acquires this route slot successfully, passengers and tourists traveling between Chengdu and London will not be influenced by British Airways' suspension.

Winnie Lu, China Aviation Daily

Rosneft to split Twin Otter placement between Skol, AeroGeo



Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft has decided to split between AeroGeo (Krasnoyarsk) and Skol Aviakompania (CDV, Surgut) the placements of ten DHC-6-400s that it has on order from Viking Air (VKN, Victoria Int'l).



According to Russia's ATO news, Rosneft's aircraft procurement arm, RN-Aircraft, will place five of the turboprops with AeroGeo and five with Skol. Thus far, eight Twin Otters have already been delivered to AeroGeo although two are in the process of being transferred to Skol. They, along with the outstanding two aircraft, will be deployed into service from their Krasnoyarsk Cheremshanka base once Skol secures Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) approval to add the type to its AOC.

The turboprops will be used to ferry goods, equipment, and personnel to Rosneft facilities in remote areas of Russia.
ch aviation

China's Sino Haijing now eyes 49% of Thailand's Siam Air



China's Sino Haijing Holdings has announced it has signed a non-legally-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the proposed acquisition 49% of the entire issued share capital of Thailand's Siam Air (O8, Bangkok Don Mueang) from Splendid Stream for CNY300 million (USD43.3 million).

As with its proposed purchase of a 49% stake in another Thai carrier, Jet Asia Airways (JAA, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi), Sino Haijing says the acquisition would benefit the development of its aviation business in Asia while enhancing its competitiveness in the Asian aviation industry.
For its part, Siam Air operates two B737-300s and two B737-800s (leased from Air Lease Corporation) on scheduled passenger flights from its Bangkok Don Mueang hub to Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Macau Int'l, Singapore Changi, and Changsha Huanghua.
ch aviation

India suspends Air Pegasus's AOC



The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended Air Pegasus's Air Operator's Permit (AOP) after the carrier failed to provide guarantees concerning its proposed resumption of operations.
According to the Times of India, the directive was issued on November 8, 2016.

The Indian regional carrier ceased operations on July 27 of this year following cash flow constraints preventing it to settle leasing fees with Elix Aviation Capital and Nordic Aviation Capital from which it had leased three ATR72-500s.

Air Calédonie receives its first ATR 72-600





As part of the successful fleet renewal initiatives, the ATR 72-600 will help the airline to meet the region’s booming travel business
Toulouse, November 25, 2016 – Air Calédonie today took delivery of its first of 4 ATR 72-600 aircraft at a ceremony at ATR facilities in Toulouse, France. Air Calédonie’s ATR 72-600 will seat 68 passengers in all-economy configuration and will be used on the New Caledonia domestic network.

Air Calédonie and ATR started a long-term partnership in 1986, when the first ATR 42 began operations to develop inter-island services. Today, 30 years later, with the entry into service of the latest generation ATR 72-600 turboprops, the airline will complete and gradually replace the existing ATR fleet, increasing the passenger capacity while offering the highest level of comfort to its customers.

Samuel Hnepeune, Chief Executive Officer of Air Calédonie, stated: “Today's delivery represents another important step in the company's strategy to build strong foundations for the future. The decision to continue with ATR for our short-haul inter-island operations underpins Air Calédonie’s plan to outfit a fleet of the most fuel-efficient and reliable aircraft. The ATR -600 series family’s outstanding operational effectiveness and comfort make it the right choice for our airline.”



“We are proud to support Air Calédonie in its period of growth,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “With the introduction of these modern ATR-600 series airplanes, Air Calédonie is, again, demonstrating its confidence in our product which has proven to be a reference for airlines around the world. Air Calédonie is undertaking a major change and we are pleased to watch the ATR 72-600 becoming an integral part of the airline’s success.”



The new ATR 72-600 is planned to open up its first commercial service on December 7th, departing from Magenta Airport to Koné Airport in New Caledonia, then to conduct on average 26 return flights per week.

segunda-feira, 28 de novembro de 2016

Madrid first of seven new Air India destinations

"At least six new connections" to launch in 2017, Ashwani Lohani reveals


The launch of Air India’s new route to Madrid this week will mark the start of a period of significant expansion for the national carrier.

The new service from Delhi to the Spanish capital on 1 December 2016 will mark the airline’s arrival in Spain. And Air India’s chairman & managing director, Ashwani Lohani, revealed by Twitter that following this launch, the national carrier planned to add a further six destinations to its route map next year.

“Madrid connection starts on 1st Dec to be followed by another at least six new connections in 2017. Great expansion plans for Air India,” Lohani told his social media followers.


While the details of the new routes were not revealed, it has been reported that Air India is planning to launch its first flights to the African continent, as well as Tel Aviv and Washington DC. Earlier this year Air India launched flights to Vienna.
Mark Elliott -  Travel News

MEGA Maldives Airlines has introduced its first route to India

On 17 November the carrier began three times weekly flights from Malé (MLE) to Delhi (DEL) using its two-class, 168-seat 737-800s. The 2,734-kilometre route is not served by any other carrier. Flights depart the Maldives on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the return flights departing India on the following days. George Weinmann, CEO of MEGA Maldives Airlines, said: “We are thrilled with the positive response both in India and in Maldives to our new India services. The resort and hospitality community of Maldives is clearly throwing open their doors to an excited and dynamic Indian market”. MEGA Maldives Airlines recently began flights to Colombo and is planning a second Indian service, to Mumbai, starting in December.
aenna

Saudi Arabian Airlines began two new services to Ankara , a TAV-operated airport, from Jeddah, and Madinah this week

The flag carrier of Saudi Arabia arrived from Jeddah on 18 November at 13:30 with 100 passengers on board, and was welcomed with a water arch on the apron. The route, which is operated by a variety of equipment, is flown on a four times weekly basis. Flights from Madinah , which is also operated by TAV, started on 19 November and are flown three times weekly on the carrier’s A330-300 fleet. Ankara GM Nuray Demirer stated: “We are connected to 37 domestic destinations, as well as 28 international destinations in 17 countries with direct flights. Saudi has been operating charter flights from Esenboğa Airport to Jeddah and Madinah during Hajj and Umrah seasons. “We are glad that scheduled, direct and reciprocal flights to these destinations have been inaugurated,” informed Demirer. Both new services will face direct competition from Turkish Airlines, which flies three times weekly on both city pairs.
aenna / Saudia

PAWA Dominicana on 16 November launched a 13 times weekly service between Santo Domingo and Miami in Florida

The route will be served by the airline’s MD-83s. Competition comes from American Airlines which already operates the 1,365-kilometre route with 19 weekly flights. For PAWA Dominicana, this is its first sector to the US and the only one of the nine scheduled routes it operates which is served at least daily. Its fleet currently comprises seven MD-80-series aircraft
aenna

LATAM Brasil delays A350 Paris service to March 2017




LATAM Airlines Brasil in recent schedule update made additional adjustment to planned A350 service entry on Sao Paulo Guarulhos – Paris CDG route. Previously planned service entry on 31JAN17 (GRU departure), has been delayed till 26MAR17. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will continue to operate between 31JAN17 and 25MAR17.

The following schedule is effective 26MAR17.
JJ8108 GRU2235 – 1445+1CDG 350 D
JJ8101 CDG2255 – 0545+1GRU 350 D

Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Boeing Delivers 10th 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam Airlines



NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Vietnam Airlines celebrated the delivery of the flag carrier's 10th 787-9 Dreamliner today.

"Vietnam Airlines is proud to welcome our 10th Boeing 787 Dreamliner on behalf of Vietnam Airlines, only 16 months after we took delivery of the first of these state-of-the-art new aircraft," said Phan Xuan Duc, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. "The 787 is one of the keys to our fleet expansion plans, and plays a vital role in enabling us to offer customers four-star quality of service and establish Vietnam Airlines among the leading carriers in Asia."

The airline took delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner in July 2015 and has nine more 787s on order.

"We are honored to deliver the 10th 787 Dreamliner to Vietnam Airlines, building on our more than 20 years of partnership to advance Vietnam's aviation industry," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 Dreamliner has enabled Vietnam Airlines to profitably operate key routes such as Hanoi to Heathrow and Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney, while providing their customers with the best passenger experience available."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new, super-efficient family of commercial airplanes that brings big-jet ranges and speed to the middle of the market. Boeing designed the 787 family with superior efficiency, allowing airlines to open new routes profitably and fly directly where passengers wish in exceptional comfort. The 787 family uses 20 to 25 percent less fuel with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 has flown more than 125 million passengers on more than 530 routes around the world, including more than 120 new nonstop routes made possible through its efficiency.

To track Vietnam Airlines' 787 Dreamliners in real-time, visit: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/flight-tracker/#/787/HVN

About Vietnam Airlines

As the national flag carrier of Vietnam, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines operates 92 routes to 20 domestic and 29 international destinations with average 400 daily flights. Vietnam Airlines is certified as a 4-Star Airline by the international air transport rating organization SKYTRAX. The airline became an official member of SkyTeam Alliance in 2010 and was the first representative of the alliance in the Southeast Asia region.

The airline operates 787 Dreamliners on the domestic Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City route and international routes to/from London, Frankfurt, Narita and Beijing.



To date, Vietnam Airlines' fleet of Boeing 787s has operated over 7,600 flights with 35,500 flight hours, and has flown approximately 1.79 million passengers.

Bombardier Delivers First CS300 Aircraft to airBaltic

  • airBaltic will be the launch operator for the larger C Series variant

    Aircraft scheduled to enter service with airBaltic on December 14, 2016

    CS300 delivery follows the successful entry-into-service of the CS100 earlier this year

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft today announced the delivery of the first CS300 aircraft to launch operator Air Baltic Corporation AS (airBaltic), the flag carrier of Latvia. The CS300 is the larger variant of Bombardier’s all new C Series aircraft, which is designed to carry between 130 and 150 passengers. The handover to airBaltic comes just five months after the successful entry into service of the CS100 variant of the C Series.

“We are thrilled to be taking home the first CS300 aircraft – the newest member of the most innovative and technologically advanced family of airliners in the world,” said Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer, airBaltic. “With its longer range capabilities, lower fuel burn and reduced noise emissions compared to other airliners in its segment, the CS300 aircraft will enable airBaltic to open new routes and connect people all across Europe, while offering passengers an unparalleled in-flight experience.

“I would like to congratulate the entire Bombardier team; we are proud to collaborate with you on this great achievement,” added Mr. Gauss.

“We congratulate airBaltic, the first airline in the world to operate the CS300 aircraft, for its forward-thinking vision. We thank them for their partnership and long-standing support and wish them continued success” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Wherever the C Series aircraft takes to the skies, it will be an ambassador for Bombardier and a symbol of Canadian innovation and achievement as the most technologically advanced aircraft for the 100- to 150-seat market segment.”

“The delivery of the first CS300 aircraft is a major milestone and is the culmination of dedicated hard work and collaboration by thousands of employees, partners and suppliers. I congratulate the entire team for their commitment to the C Series aircraft program and for their perseverance in making this day possible,” said Rob Dewar, Vice President, C Series Aircraft Program, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

''It is with pride that I acknowledge this significant, symbolic delivery, which once again confirms Québec’s judicious decision to act as Bombardier’s partner in the development and the industrialization of C Series aircraft. Indeed, Bombardier, which contributes $8.5 billion to Québec’s gross domestic product, equivalent to 2% of the province’s economy, is not only a key stakeholder in the Québec aerospace industry but is also generating substantial spinoff for the Québec economy overall,” Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy Dominique Anglade noted.



The maiden commercial flight of airBaltic’s first CS300 aircraft, which will take passengers from Riga to Amsterdam, is scheduled for December 14, 2016.

sexta-feira, 25 de novembro de 2016

HIFLY MALTA - A340-300 - 9H-TQM

Ton Jochems - AMS

STAR AIR ex Transaero - B767-300F - OY-SRU

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

Kuwait Airways launches direct flights to four destinations


It’s part of the carrier’s five-year transformation strategy

Kuwait Airways has launched direct flights to Bangkok, Rome, Paris and Manila as part of its new schedule of timings, frequency increases and rise in number of destinations.


The new schedule, which has been applied to the airline’s complete network of 36 destinations, is in line with its five-year transformation strategy to renovate its operations and commercial and service offerings to passengers and travel partners, according to Kuwait Times.

The strategy include the addition of a new fleet comprising 10 Boeing 777-300ERs. The first will arrive in Kuwait in December 2016 and the others will follow shortly after.

“Bangkok, Paris, Manila and Rome represent some of our most popular destinations and it was clear that a direct, non-stop route was the way forward, in order to offer our loyal passengers a more convenient option for reaching home, taking a business trip or going on holiday,” said Rash Al-Roumi, Chairperson and CEO of Kuwait Airways.

“In conjunction with the new schedule’s better timings and increased frequencies, Kuwait Airways is confident that we are growing our share of the local and regional market – with passenger numbers up 40 per cent, over the last two years.”

Gemma Greenwood - Travel News

Troubled TransAsia Airways forced to close

Taiwanese carrier shuts down after series of fatal crashes
Mark Elliott-Travel News

Defunct Airline
TransAsia Airways
, the Taiwanese carrier that suffered two fatal crashes in the space of eight months, has announced its closure.

The airline, which operated domestic and international flights to destinations including China, Thailand, Japan and South Korea, had been seeking ways of continuing its operations, including a possible sale and restructuring.

These efforts failed however, and TransAsia’s chief executive, Liu Tung-ming, told a press conference in Taipei this week that the company would be closed.

“Despite our best efforts to devise a new business model, the company could not produce an effective turnaround plan to repair its deteriorating finances,” Liu was quoted saying by the Taipei Times.

TransAsia made unwanted headlines in 2014 and 2015 when it suffered two fatal accidents. On 23 July 2014, flight GE222 crashed near Magong Airport on Taiwan’s Penghu Island, killing 48 people. Then on 4 February 2015, Flight GE235 crashed shortly after take-off from Songshan Airport in Taipei, killing 43 people. The latter incident made global headlines when the stricken ATR aircraft was filmed spiralling over a road bridge in Taipei, narrowly missing several cars, before plunging into the Keelung River.

It is unclear however, how much these incidents contributed to the airline’s collapse. TransAsia’s chairman Vincent Lin blamed the declining number of Chinese visitors and a strengthening of the US dollar for the company’s steep losses. TransAsia’s average load factor however, has also fallen to about 60%, which could reflect a drop in passenger confidence.

TransAsia became Taiwan’s first private commercial airline when it launched in 1951. It ceased operating in 1958 however, only resuming services in 1988. In recent years the airline had been planning a significant expansion, placing orders for brand new Airbus A321 and A330 aircraft. It also launched a low-cost subsidiary, V Air, but this was forced to suspend its operations on 1 October 2016.

Volotea adds new A319 routes in S17



Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline / Photo:Ton Jochems - PMI


Volotea in recent schedule update gradually outlined planned new Airbus A319 routes scheduled for Summer 2017 seeason, effective from 25MAR17 to 28OCT17. The following is a list of routes to receive Airbus A319 service during the summer season (note routes already or previously served by A319 is excluded from this list).

Bari – Ibiza
Bari – Palermo
Bari – Venice
Bordeaux – Ajaccio
Bordeaux – Alicante
Bordeaux – Bastia
Bordeaux – Corfu
Bordeaux – Dubrovnik
Bordeaux – Faro
Bordeaux – Figari
Bordeaux – Ibiza
Bordeaux – Malaga
Bordeaux – Malta
Bordeaux – Munich
Bordeaux – Naples
Bordeaux – Olbia
Bordeaux – Palermo
Bordeaux – Pisa
Bordeaux – Split
Bordeaux – Toulon
Mahon – Santander
Mahon – Zaragoza
Marseille – Alicante
Marseille – Dubrovnik
Marseille – Naples
Marseille – Split
Montpellier – Ajaccio
Montpellier – Bastia
Munich – Mykonos
Nantes – Mahon
Nantes – Thira
Nantes – Vienna
Naples – Irakleion
Naples – Mykonos
Naples – Olbia
Naples – Palermo
Naples – Toulouse
Palermo – Genoa
Palermo – Olbia 
Palermo – Toulouse
Palermo – Verona
Palma Mallorca – Asturias
Palma Mallorca – Southampton
Palma Mallorca – Zaragoza
Olbia – Turin
Olbia – Venice
Strasbourg – Bastia
Strasbourg – Biarritz
Toulouse – Alicante
Toulouse – Bastia
Toulouse – Brest
Toulouse – Caen
Toulouse – Cagliari
Toulouse – Figari
Toulouse – Split
Toulouse – Strasbourg
Toulouse – Tenerife South
Toulouse – Venice
Turin – Cagliari
Valencia – Santander
Venice – Split

Fourth MRJ Aircraft Joins Flight Test Program


The fourth Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. MRJ90 flight test aircraft made its first flight in Japan on Nov. 22.

According to Mitsubishi Aircraft, the aircraft flew for 2 hours and 4 minutes after taking off from Nagoya Airfield at 10:18 a.m. local time.

Two MRJ90 flight test aircraft have already been transferred to the U.S., where Mitsubishi Aircraft is conducting the majority of flight testing toward the regional jet's certification. Two more MRJ90s are expected to be transferred to Mitsubishi Aircraft's U.S. flight testing base at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, by the end of 2016.
Mitsubishi Aircraft is planning an expedited flight test program at Moses Lake in an effort to achieve the first delivery of the MRJ90 to launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA) in the second half of 2018.

A fifth MRJ90 flight test aircraft will remain in Japan. In total, Mitsubishi Aircraft plans to conduct 2,500 hours of flight testing with the five MRJ90 aircraft. So far, it has conducted about 250 hours of flight testing.

Mitsubishi Aircraft expects to achieve the first flight of the MRJ70, the smaller variant in the MRJ program, in the second half of 2017.
Aaron Karp, ATW Daily News 

Uzbekistan Airways Boeing 787 S17 operations



Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Uzbekistan Airways within the last 2 weeks gradually updated planned summer 2017 operation, effective from 26MAR17. Based on the update as of 23NOV16, the airline’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft will be serving following routes during summer season.


Tashkent – Bangkok 1 of 3 weekly (Day 1 from TAS, Day 2 from BKK)

Tashkent – Delhi 1 of 6 weekly (Day 7 from TAS, Day 1 from DEL)

Tashkent – Dubai 3 weekly (Day 136)

Tashkent – Istanbul Ataturk 3 of 7 weekly (Day 256)

Tashkent – Riga – New York JFK 2 weekly (previously reported)

Tashkent – Seoul Incheon 1 of 2-3 weekly (Day 3)

Additional changes remain possible.

quinta-feira, 24 de novembro de 2016

Wizz Air - A321-200 - HA-LXJ - Wizz Air supports with a special livery the Hungary and its capital Budapest bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics Games.





Wizz Air

Xtra! Xtra! Airbus’ A350-1000 jetliner completes its historic first flight



The maiden flight of Airbus’ A350-1000 – the latest member of the all-new A350 XWB widebody family that is shaping the future of long-haul airline operations – has initiated a fast-paced test and certification programme leading to the jetliner’s service entry next year.

During more than 4 hours aloft today, this longest-fuselage version of the A350 XWB demonstrated the performance and efficiency that will be appreciated by airline and aircraft leasing customers worldwide – 11 of which already have ordered 195 A350-1000s from the Middle East, North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Performing today’s initial in-flight evaluation from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southwestern France was the aircraft bearing the Manufacturing Serial Number 59 (MSN059) – one of three jetliners that will participate in the A350-1000 flight test and certification campaign.

Range, comfort, capacity and efficiency combined

Measuring nearly 74 metres from nose to tail, the A350-1000 is offering a maximum range of 7,950 nautical miles. It is designed for high efficiency, maximum reliability and optimised performance while offering passengers best-in-class comfort with its “Airspace by Airbus” cabin.

The A350-1000’s longer fuselage translates to greater capacity, seating 366 passengers (+40 seats compared to the A350-900) in a typical three-class configuration, and answers market needs with a larger premium area to accommodate first class and business class travellers.

Further enhancing the A350-1000’s efficiency are its latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan jet powerplants – the world’s most efficient large aero engines flying today.

Deliveries of the A350-1000 are planned to begin in the second half of 2017 with launch customer Qatar Airways (which has ordered 37 aircraft). Other carriers that have booked A350-1000s are United Airlines (with 35 on order), Cathay Pacific (26), Etihad (22) British Airways (18), LATAM (14), Japan Airlines (13), Asiana Airlines (10), Air Lease Corporation (9), Virgin Atlantic (8), and Air Caraïbes (3).

The A350-1000 and A350-900: shared family traits

The A350-1000 builds on the success of Airbus’ shorter-fuselage A350-900 that entered service in January 2015 and is operated today by nine airlines, which are flying nearly 50 of these jetliners on routes around the globe.

Both A350 XWB versions benefit from an all-new fuselage – built with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and sized at a 221-inch cross-section for more personal space and exclusive in-flight experience in all classes of service – and they share an unprecedented level of commonality, with 95 per cent common systems part numbers and the same type rating for pilots.

The A350-1000 and A350-900 bring together the very latest in aerodynamics – such as their unique morphing wings designed to reduce drag and lower fuel burn – and advanced technologies for a 25 per cent step change in operating cost compared to its current long-range competitor, underscoring that it is the “Xtra” that makes the difference.



First A350-1000 successfully completes first flight



Flight test campaign benefitting from the A350-900 experience and maturity;

Three test aircraft to perform all flight testing in under one year;

Development on track for entry into service scheduled for the second half of 2017.




The first of three A350-1000 development aircraft to fly – MSN059 – has landed at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport France at 15.00hrs local time after successfully completing its first flight which lasted four hours and 18 minutes.

The crew in the cockpit on board this flight comprised: Hugues van der Stichel, Experimental Test Pilot; Frank Chapman, Experimental Test Pilot and Gérard Maisonneuve, Test-Flight Engineer. Furthermore, monitoring all the test parameters at the Flight-Test-Instrumentation (FTI) station behind the cockpit were: Patrick du Ché, Head of Flight & Integration Tests; Emanuele Costanzo, Head of A350 Development Flight Tests; and Stéphane Vaux, Flight-Test Engineer.

Powered by Rolls-Royce’s new Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft traversed south-western France, during which the crew explored the aircraft’s handling and flight envelope. The aircraft was accompanied by a chase plane to observe and film the various manoeuvres. Its progress was monitored by experts on the ground in real-time via a direct telemetry link.

Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier said: “We have seen today the world’s most modern and efficient passenger aircraft – the A350-1000 – in action for the very first time, adding soon to the successful A350 Family. My congratulations and thanks go to all the teams who have contributed to make today’s flight happen.” He added: “We are equally pleased that many customers have witnessed this important milestone today together with us – here from our headquarters in Toulouse.”

Benefitting from the experience of the original A350-900 test campaign (accomplished in 2014), the A350-1000’s development programme will be shorter – under one year for the three aircraft. MSN059’s duties for performance testing will include exploration of the flight envelope, handling qualities, loads and braking. The second aircraft to fly, MSN071, will also be tasked with performance evaluation, which will encompass braking, powerplant, systems and autopilot. The third and final aircraft to fly – MSN065 – will be equipped with a cabin and will evaluate the cabin and air systems. MSN065 will also perform the “early long flights” and route-proving. The overall campaign will culminate in the type’s certification followed by its entry into airline service in the second half of 2017 with first operator Qatar Airways – the largest A350-1000 customer to date with 37 on order.



The A350-1000 is the latest member of the Airbus leading widebody family, together with the A330neo, offering unprecedented levels of operating efficiency, low noise and true long-range capability. As well as having a longer fuselage to accommodate 40 more passengers than the A350-900, the A350-1000 also features a modified wing trailing-edge, new six-wheel main landing gears and more powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The A350-1000 embodies all of the fuel efficiency and ‘Airspace’ cabin comfort of the original A350-900 – but with extra size perfectly tailored for our customers on some of their busiest long-haul routes. To date 11 customers from five continents have placed orders for a total of 195 A350-1000s.



First A350-1000 becomes airborne for its maiden flight


  1. · Flight-test programme now underway;
  2. · Three development aircraft will prepare A350-1000 programme for certification.


The first A350-1000 took off this morning for its maiden flight at Blagnac in Toulouse, France at 10.42 hrs local time. The A350-1000 is Airbus’ largest and most powerful twin-engined airliner ever – and the world’s most fuel efficient large widebody. Equipped with specially developed Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofans, the A350-1000’s first flight is taking place over south-western France.

The crew in the cockpit on board this flight comprise: Hugues van der Stichel, Experimental Test Pilot; Frank Chapman, Experimental Test Pilot and Gérard Maisonneuve, Test-Flight Engineer. Furthermore, monitoring all the test parameters at the Flight-Test-Instrumentation (FTI) station behind the cockpit are: Patrick du Ché, Head of Flight & Integration Tests; Emanuele Costanzo, Head of A350 Development Flight Tests; and Stéphane Vaux, Flight-Test Engineer.

Benefitting from the experience of the original A350-900 test campaign (accomplished in 2014), the A350-1000’s development programme will be shorter – under one year for the three aircraft. The overall campaign will culminate in the type’s certification followed by its entry into airline service scheduled for the second half of 2017.

The A350-1000 is the latest member of the Airbus leading widebody family, together with the A330neo, offering unprecedented levels of operating efficiency, low noise and true long-range capability. As well as having a longer fuselage to accommodate 40 more passengers than the A350-900, the A350-1000 also features a modified wing trailing-edge, new six-wheel main landing gears and more powerful Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. The A350-1000 embodies all of the fuel efficiency and ‘Airspace’ cabin comfort of the original A350-900 – but with extra size perfectly tailored for our customers on some of their busiest long-haul routes. To date 11 customers from five continents have placed orders for a total of 195 A350-1000s.

Boeing Statement on Fiji Airways' Intent to Purchase 737 MAX 8s


SUVA, Fiji, Nov. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] is pleased that Fiji Airways has announced its commitment to purchase five 737 MAX 8s.



"Boeing is honored that Fiji Airways has selected the 737 MAX for its fleet renewal plan and we look forward to welcoming Fiji Airways as our newest 737 MAX customer," said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX, with its superior economics and capability, is the ideal airplane for Fiji Airways, allowing them to expand into new markets throughout Oceania and Southeast Asia."

Iberia ends A340-300 operations


Iberia (IB, Madrid Barajas) has apparently ended scheduled A340-300 operations following the type's last commercial service - IB6166 Boston-Madrid Barajas - on November 14 performed by EC-GUP (cn 217).

Iberia continues to operate the A340 Family of aircraft in the form of seventeen A340-600s which are deployed on flights to the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.
ch aviation
Photo:Duncan Stewart

TNT - B757-200F - OE-LBF

Ton Jochems - AMS

Air China begins A330-200 High-Density operations from Nov 2016



Jim Liu - Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Air China this month (November 2016) launched new configuration for its Airbus A330-200 fleet, as selected aircraft switching to high-density configuration. The high-density configuration sees smaller Business Class cabin, C18Y247, instead of C30Y207.

The high-density A330-200 configuration uses the code 332, primarily operating on international flights to/from Shanghai Pu Dong, gradually begin from 13DEC16:

Shanghai Pu Dong – Frankfurt

Shanghai Pu Dong – Melbourne

Shanghai Pu Dong – Milan Malpensa

Shanghai Pu Dong – Munich

Shanghai Pu Dong – Paris CDG

Shanghai Pu Dong – San Jose CA

Shanghai Pu Dong – Sydney

In addition to these service, the airline’s 332 will also operate following routes, selected dates only (including one-time service), between mid-Nov 2016 and 25MAR17:

Beijing – Changsha

Beijing – Dusseldorf

Beijing – Geneva

Beijing – Guangzhou

Beijing – Haikou

Beijing – Hangzhou

Beijing – London Heathrow

Beijing – Madrid – Sao Paulo Guarulhos

Beijing – Melbourne

Beijing – Minsk – Budapest – Beijing

Beijing – Moscow Sheremetyevo

Beijing – Nanning

Beijing – Paris CDG

Beijing – Sanya

Beijing – Seoul Gimpo

Beijing – Seoul Incheon

Beijing – Shanghai Hongqiao

Beijing – Shanghai Pu Dong

Beijing – Shenzhen

Beijing – Stockholm

Beijing – Sydney

Beijing – Tokyo Narita

Beijing – Warsaw

Beijing – Wenzhou

Beijing – Zhuhai

Chengdu – Guangzhou

Chengdu – Shenzhen

Shanghai Pu Dong – Chengdu

Shanghai Pu Dong – Guangzhou

Shanghai Pu Dong – Shenzhen

Shanghai Pu Dong – Tokyo Narita



Shenzhen – Frankfurt

Bombardier Obtains Same Type Rating for Both C Series Jetliners


Same Type Rating offers operators significant cost savings
Six airBaltic pilots have completed minimal differences training and are now qualified to fly the CS300 aircraft

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced today that Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have awarded the CS100 and CS300 airliners with the Same Type Rating (STR) which provides operators with significant cost-saving opportunities.

“The Same Type Rating is a reflection of the high commonality between the CS100 and CS300 aircraft. This is great news for customers that operate both aircraft as they will benefit from the cost-effective, minimal training required to transition pilots from one model to the other. The commonality also extends to spare parts, maintenance procedures and ground handling, which altogether represent significant financial advantages to customers,” said Todd Young, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Services, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

The CS100 and CS300 aircraft feature over 99 per cent parts commonality – the highest level of parts commonality achieved by a manufacturer in the industry. The models are not stretched or shrunken versions of each other, but were designed side by side with only the center section being longer on the larger CS300 aircraft. The aircraft are therefore both specifically optimized for their size, without any compromise on weight, performance or economics.

“I would also like to applaud airBaltic’s six core pilots who recently completed their differences training and are now qualified to fly the CS300
 aircraft,” added Mr. Young.

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