sexta-feira, 30 de junho de 2017

TAP PORTUGAL - A330-300 - CS-TOV - RetroJet

FPP - Lisboa

MONARCH - B737-800W - G-ZBAV

FPP - Lisboa

AZUR AIR - B737-800 - VQ-BJK


Ton Jochems - PMI

BLU EXPRESS - B737-300 - I-BPAI


Ton Jochems - PMI

THOMAS COOK - A320-200 - LY-VEI


Ton Jochems - PMI

NIKI - B737-400 - OM-GTD


Ton Jochems  - AMS

KOREAN AIR - B777-300ER - PK-GII


Ton Jochems - AMS

VUELING - A320-200 Sharklets - EC-MOG


Ton Jochems - AMS

Novair receives its first A321neo




Fleet renewal underway with best-in-class single aisle aircraft

Swedish charter airline Novair, has taken delivery of its first A321neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The A321neo will join Novair’s existing Airbus fleet of two A320 Family aircraft.

The aircraft is equipped with comfortable 18 inch wide seats in a single class 221 passenger layout. Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo will be based in Stockholm and operate charter flights from Sweden, Denmark and Norway to destinations in southern Europe and Egypt.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 5,000 orders received from 92 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Boeing, Norwegian Celebrate Delivery of Airline's First 737 MAX 8s

Norwegian becomes first European carrier to take delivery of the 737 MAX


SEATTLE, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Norwegian celebrated the delivery today of the airline's first two 737 MAX 8s. Norwegian is the first European carrier to take delivery of the 737 MAX and will deploy the airplanes on transatlantic flights between northern Europe and the east coast of the United States.
"We have been eagerly awaiting the delivery of our Boeing 737 MAX, and we are overjoyed to have it join our fleet today," said Bjørn Kjos, Norwegian's Chief Executive Officer. "We are the first European airline to operate this brand-new aircraft, and we're also the first airline in the world to operate it to and from the United States. This aircraft allows us to open up new, unserved routes and offer both Americans and Europeans even more affordable transatlantic fares. It will also provide our passengers with a quieter onboard experience, whilst it significantly reduces both fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions."

Norwegian is the sixth largest low-cost carrier in the world and flies over 500 routes to more than 150 destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Thailand, the Caribbean and the US. It currently operates a fleet of more than 100 Next-Generation 737-800s and over a dozen 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners. The Oslo-headquartered carrier also has unfilled orders for 108 737 MAX 8s and 19 787-9s.

"The 737 MAX 8 is a significant addition to Norwegian's fleet, enabling the airline to start the next chapter in its incredible growth story of low-cost, long-haul travel," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Kevin McAllister. "It is a tremendous honor that a brand as innovative as Norwegian will be the first European carrier to fly the 737 MAX, and we are certain that this airplane will play a key role in its continued success."

The 737 MAX family has been designed to offer customers exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market.

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

It is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history.



Contact:

Baltia Air Lines eyes Songbird Airways' AOC, licences


Baltia Air Lines (BTL, New York JFK) has announced plans to acquire dormant Floridian operator Songbird Airways (SGB, Lakeland). The move is part of a greater plan for the thirty-year-old start-up to gain its FAR Part 121 certification and launch commercial operations.
In an SEC filing on Wednesday, June 28, Baltia, now rebranded as USGlobal Airways (BTL, Newburgh), said it had signed a non-binding Letter Of Intent with AerLine Holdings LLC to acquire all of the Songbird Airways' issued and outstanding shares. The transaction is valued at USD6.2 million of which USD1 million has already been paid into the account of a third party escrow agent to be refunded if the transaction fails to go through.

As part of the tentative purchase, Baltia expects Songbird to be debt free and to hold both a valid Air Carrier Certificate as well as a valid certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct interstate and foreign charter air transportation with up to ten large aircraft.
"The Company is currently in the process of conducting its due diligence review of Songbird and has already confirmed the current status of Songbird’s FAA and DOT certificates," Baltia said.
The LOI is to be firmed and consummated within ninety days i.e. by September 26, 2017.
Previously known as Sky King (5K, Lakeland), Songbird's last known commercial services entailed running casino charter flights to and from Atlantic City using a single B737-400.
ch aviation

Vietnam's Bamboo Airways in talks with Boeing over order



Bamboo Airways (Hanoi) parent, the Vietnamese conglomerate FLC Group, has engaged Airbus and Boeing over its proposed fleeting plan for its nascent start-up carrier.

Established last month, Bamboo Airways plans to offer regular international flights to FLC Group resorts at Haiphong and Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh province, Thanh Hoa and Qui Nhon in the central Binh Dinh Province, Nha Trang Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa province, and Phu Quoc in the southern Kien Giang province.
In line with its objective to focus on the tourist market, Vietnam Net Bridges reports FLC has spoken to Boeing over a proposed order for fifteen aircraft - ten B737 MAX 9s and five B777Xs. The narrowbody jets would be delivered between 2018 and 2020 with the widebodies due after 2020.
Bamboo Airways plans to commence operations by late 2018. Its business plan has yet to secure the official nod from the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport. With that in hand, it will then be able to proceed with its AOC with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).
ch aviation

BOC Aviation Announces New Orders for Four Boeing 787-9 Aircraft



BOC Aviation Limited (“BOC Aviation” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that it has ordered four new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This is the Company’s first order for Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

All four aircraft have been placed on long-term leases with Air Europa, and are scheduled to be delivered to the airline in 2019. The aircraft will be powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Engine.

“We are pleased to begin a partnership with Air Europa, a new European customer, and to support its fleet growth and expansion plans,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation. “We are delighted to add the Rolls-Royce powered Boeing 787-9 aircraft to our portfolio. This order is the Company’s first for a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, demonstrating our confidence in these fuel-efficient engines that deliver impressive performance.”

“Air Europa is very pleased with the closing of its first deal with BOC Aviation and looks forward to a successful, long-term relationship between our two companies,” said a spokesperson for the airline. “This deal forms part of the growth strategy of Air Europa, which will see our Boeing 787 operations grow to 24 aircraft by 2022.”

“This 787-9 Dreamliner order strengthens BOC Aviation’s position as a leading global lessor and complements its other Boeing airplanes in its growing portfolio,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the 787-9 Dreamliner’s superior fuel efficiency and range capability, BOC Aviation can provide its customers, such as Air Europa, with an airplane that has market-leading efficiency and superior passenger comfort.”

“We are pleased to support BOC Aviation and Air Europa and welcome their recognition of the economic benefits that the Trent 1000 brings to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner,” said Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, Director – Customers and Services, Civil Aerospace.




quinta-feira, 29 de junho de 2017

9AIR - B737-86X - B-1473 - 61361

Brian Worthington - BFI - USA

Batik Indonesia - B737 MAX 8 - 9M-LRG (PK-LQJ) (msn 42988)

Brian Worthington - BFI - USA

AIR EUROPA - ATR-72-200 - EC-LYJ


Ton Jochems - PMI

SMARTWINGS - B737-800 Split Scimitar winglets - C-FDBD

Ton Jochems - PMI

IBERIA REGIONAL - CRJ1000 - EC-LOX


Ton Jochems - PMI

IBERIA REGIONAL - CRJ1000 - EC-LKF


Ton Jochems - PMI

AIR NOSTRUM - CRJ900 - EC-MFC


Ton Jochems- PMI

AIR EUROPA - B737-800W - EC-LTM


Ton Jochems - PMI

CATHAY PACIFIC CARGO - B747-8 - B-LJN

Ton Jochems - AMS

BASEL TRIP


Paul Bannwarth

Jetstar Pacific takes delivery of its first aircraft ordered directly from Airbus


Toulouse, Tuesday 27th June 2017– Vietnam’s Jetstar Pacific Airlines has taken delivery of the first of 10 A320ceo aircraft ordered directly from Airbus.
The aircraft was handed over to the airline in Toulouse today and will join an existing fleet of 12 leased A320s flying with the airline.

Jetstar Pacific, based at Ho Chi Minh City, is a joint venture between Vietnam Airlines (70%) and the Qantas Group (30%). It currently operates a total of 36 domestic and international routes. It is part of the larger Jetstar Group that connects more than 80 destinations in 17 countries. Other carriers in the Jetstar Group are Jetstar Airways (Australia), Jetstar Japan (Japan), Jetstar Asia (Singapore).

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line. To date, the Family has won over 13,000 orders and more than 7,600 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 and A321), the A320 Family seats from 100 to 240 passengers. The Family features the widest cabin in the single aisle market with 18” wide seats in Economy as standard.



quarta-feira, 28 de junho de 2017

TUS AIR - SAAB 2000 - SE-LTU

Glen Palmer - Lanarca

NORDWIND AIRLINES - A321-200 - VQ-BRT

Glenn Palmer - Lanarca

COBALT - A320-200 -5B-DZC

Glenn Palmer - Lanarca

Alitalia further delays 777-300ER service entry to Oct 2017



Alitalia in last week’s schedule update further revised planned Boeing 777-300ER service entry, previously scheduled in late-September 2017. The second delay now sees the airline plans 777-300ER operation from 30OCT17, on Rome – Buenos Aires Ezeiza route.
Planned schedule as follow.

AZ680 FCO2145 – 0755+1EZE 77W 135

AZ680 FCO2145 – 0755+1EZE 772 x135

AZ681 EZE1355 – 0650+1FCO 77W 246

AZ681 EZE1355 – 0650+1FCO 772

Liu Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

brussels airlines Sukhoi SuperJet W17 operations as of 20JUN17



brussels airlines in recent schedule update extended planned Sukhoi SuperJet SSJ100 aircraft service into winter season, effective from 29OCT17. The leased aircraft service by CityJet is scheduled to operate following routes.

Brussels – Basel/Mulhouse up to 2 daily

Brussels – Bologna 4 weekly

Brussels – Edinburgh up to 2 daily

Brussels – Krakow 1 weekly (2 weekly until 13NOV17)

Brussels – Manchester 4 weekly

Brussels – Milan Malpensa 3 weekly

Brussels – Stockholm Bromma up to 3 daily

Brussels – Strasbourg up to 2 daily (Mondays – Thursdays)


The SSJ100 aircraft is also scheduled to operate on following on selected dates only:

Brussels – Berlin Tegel

Brussels – Gothenburg

Brussels – Hamburg

Brussels – Turin

Brussels – Zagreb

Planned SSJ100 aircraft operation remains subject to change.


Jim Liu

Data & Analysis Manager - Airlineroute, Routesonline

Ernest has added two further Italian airports to its A319-operated portfolio of routes from Tirana



Joining the recently launched services to Milan Malpensa, Pisa and Venice Marco Polo this week are airport pairs to Milan Bergamo (BGY) on 6 June and Bologna (BLQ) on 7 June. Both routes will be flown twice-weekly, with departures from Bergamo on Tuesdays and Saturdays and from Bologna on Wednesdays and Sundays. Only the 768-kilometre sector to Bologna will see the fledgling LCC face any direct competition, with Blue Panorama Airlines offering a six times weekly operation.
Anna

Lufthansa S18 long-haul changes as of 21JUN17



Lufthansa today (21JUN17) adjusted planned summer 2018 operation, effective from 25MAR18. Majority of these changes, including the shift of selected A380 aircraft to Munich, has been announced by the airline earlier this month. Planned changes as of 21JUN17 as follow.


Frankfurt – Beijing eff 25MAR18 A340-600 replaces 747-8I/A380, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Hong Kong eff 25MAR18 A340-600 replaces A380, 1 daily (Last A380 service scheduled on 27OCT17 from FRA, W17 opb 747-8I)

Frankfurt – Los Angeles eff 25MAR18 LH456/457 A340-600 replaces A380, 1 daily (LH450/451 remains with 747-8I)

Frankfurt – San Diego eff 25MAR18 NEW 5 weekly Mainline A340-300 service

LH466 FRA1000 – 1320SAN 343 x35

LH467 SAN1520 – 1140+1FRA 343 x35

Frankfurt – Seoul Incheon eff 25MAR18 A340-600 operates 1 daily, replaces 747-400/A380

Munich – Beijing eff 25MAR18 A380 replaces A340-600, 1 daily

Munich – Chicago O’Hare eff 25MAR18 Increase from 7 to 10 weekly

LH436 MUC0900 – 1205ORD 333 257

LH434 MUC1540 – 1830ORD 346 D

LH437 ORD1535 – 0730+1MUC 333 257

LH435 ORD2120 – 1305+1MUC 346 D

Munich – Hong Kong eff 25MAR18 A380 replaces A340-600, 1 daily

Munich – Los Angeles eff 25MAR18 A380 replaces A340-600, 1 daily

Munich – Singapore eff 27MAR18 Service resumption, 5 weekly A350-900XWB service, subject to approval. LH last served this route in Oct 2012

LH790 MUC2200 – 1605+1SIN 359 x15

LH791 SIN2255 – 0525+1MUC 359 x26
By Jim Liu - Airline Routes

segunda-feira, 26 de junho de 2017

Zimbabwe Airways set to add an ex-Malaysia Airlines B777



Zimbabwe Airways (Harare Int'l) , a Zimbabwean government-owned entity aimed at reestablishing the Southern African state's longhaul operations, is set to add its maiden aircraft, a B777.
ch-aviation research shows the start-up has secured ex-Malaysia Airlines B777-200(ER) 9M-MRP (msn 28421) with it having conducted air tests at Kuala Lumpur Int'l on June 24. Earlier this year, Zimbabwean media reports indicated Zimbabwe Airways would acquire four B777s for use in resuming longhaul flights to Europe and the Far East.
Despite repeat announcements proclaiming its imminent resumption of flights to London Gatwick and Guangzhou, de-facto national carrier Air Zimbabwe (UM, Harare Int'l) has yet to do so ostensibly because of the threat of asset seizures over unpaid debts. Creditors are known to include Algerian air navigation service provider ENNA, Pan African air navigation provider ASECNA, China's National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), Aero Industrial Sales, and American General Supplies.
ch aviation
Photo: KS Ong - Kuala Lumpur Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang) - WMSA
Malaysia



Cathay Dragon - A330-342 - B-HYB

"Cathay Dragon newest special livery “The Spirit of Hong Kong”

                              

ZHANG YIMO
Xiamen - Gaoqi (XMN / ZSAM) , China

Magnicharters - B737-3K2 - XA-UUI (cn 28085 / 2722)

Gabriel Mora Aldama - Mexico City - Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX / MMMX) , Mexico

AtlasGlobal - B737-8HC - TC-SNT - Serial #: 40755

First B737-800Smitar
Yigit Cicekci -  Istanbul Ataturk/Yesilkoy Int'l Airport - LTBA, Turkey

Rutaca Airlines partially resumes operations



Rutaca Airlines (5R, Ciudad Bolívar) has resumed operations following a fifteen day suspension ordered by the Venezuelan civil aviation authority (Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil - INAC) on June 9.
At the time, Rutaca's fleet of eight B737-200Advs and one B737-300 were found to have exceeded their maximum permissible flying cycles resulting in the carrier's grounding. Though not officially confirmed, sources told El Nacional newspaper that the airline did not have sufficient foreign currency to acquire the necessary spares.
However, according to the same report, operations resumed on Friday, June 23, albeit using a single B737-200Adv - YV390T (msn 22128) - and only with domestic flights from Caracas Simón Bolivar to Barcelona José Antonio Anzoategui and Puerto Ordaz/Ciudad Guayana. International services remain suspended for the meantime with no date given for their resumption.

Venezuelan airlines have been particularly hard-hit by the country's worsening shortage of foreign currency caused, in part, by low oil prices - the country's main export - as well as a state-controlled exchange that has created a vibrant black market. Socialist president Nicolas Maduro has blamed the worsening outlook as well as increased social unrest on an international right wing conspiracy intent on overthrowing his regime. Critics, on the other hand, blame his party's poor economic policies.
ch aviation

El Al announces First Boeing 787 Routes



El Al Israel Airlines will launch its first Boeing 787 flights in September from Tel Aviv to destinations in Europe, followed by services to North America and the Far East from October.

By 2020, the Israel flag carrier expects to operate 16 Boeing 787-9s, which are replacing its 747-400s and 767-300s, El Al said in a June 23 statement.

On June 21, El Al firmed orders for two additional 787-8s and one 787-9 valued at more than $729 million at list prices, which are part of El Al's original commitment for up to 15 787s in 2015. The airline has six unfilled orders for 787s that it will take directly from Boeing.

El Al's 787s will offer 28 seats in premium-economy, 32 seats in business and 222 in economy class.
Tel Aviv-based El Al has selected US technology company ViaSat to provide high-speed Wi-Fi, which will be offered from 2018 onward, the airline said in a statement.
The first Dreamliner to be delivered will be a 787-9 later this summer, according to Boeing.

El Al also has lease agreements in place for seven 787s.
By Kurt Hofmann, ATW Daily News
Boeing Signs Commitment with Unidentified Customer for 125 737 MAX 8 Airplanes


Boeing [NYSE: BA] has signed an agreement with an unidentified major airline customer for 125 737 MAX 8 airplanes, valued at more than $14 billion at list prices. The agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional 50 airplanes.
Boeing, AerCap Announce Order for 15 737 MAX 10s

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AerCap announced an order for 15 737 MAX 10s at the 2017 Paris Air Show.
Boeing, Copa Airlines Announce Selection of 15 737 MAX 10s
Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Copa Airlines today announced an order for 15 737 MAX 10s at the 2017 Paris Airshow. With this announcement, Copa is one of the launch customers for the 737 MAX 10 airplane and will be the first airline in Latin America to operate the newest addition to the 737 MAX family.
Boeing, Ruili Airlines Announce Commitment for 20 737 MAXs 

Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Ruili Airlines today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for 20 737 MAX airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show.


Boeing, Tassili Airlines Announce 
Order for Three Next-Generation 737-800s

Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Tassili Airlines today announced an order for three Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes, valued at over $294 million at list prices, at the 2017 Paris Air Show.
AirAsia to order 14 more A320ceo

AirAsia has signed an agreement with Airbus to order an additional 14 A320ceo aircraft to meet higher than expected ...
Additional aircraft to meet near-term growth on carrier’s regional network

AirAsia has signed an agreement with Airbus to order an additional 14 A320ceo aircraft to meet higher than expected near-term growth on the carrier’s regional network. The contract, which is subject to AirAsia board approval, was announced at the Paris Air Show today.

Today’s announcement will see the total number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by AirAsia rise to 592, reaffirming its position as the largest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line. To date, 171 A320ceo and eight A320neo have already been delivered to the airline and are flying with its units in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer said, “Demand is very strong in AirAsia’s traditional countries, but now we have Indonesia, Philippines and India doing extremely well. The robust demand has led us to expand our fleet, and Airbus has been a great partner in finding us slots. We still need to find more aircraft to expand our regional reach and are actively sourcing from the leasing market. The competitive environment is at its best, coupled with a stable oil price. With the lowest cost in the world, AirAsia is back on aggressive growth."

“We are pleased to announce our latest agreement from AirAsia,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “We are proud that the A320 Family has played an important role in the success of AirAsia, providing the efficiency and reliability needed for the airline to keep its costs as low as possible. We look forward to working with AirAsia as it continues on its exciting journey, enabling more people to fly, more often, and at affordable cost.”

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line. To date, the Family has won over 13,000 orders and more than 7,600 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 and A321), the A320 Family seats from 100 to 240 passengers. The Family features the widest cabin in the single aisle market with 18” wide seats in Economy as standard.


Iran Airtour commits to 45 A320neo aircraft

Tehran based Iran Airtour Airlines, has become Airbus’ newest customer for the A320neo Family after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 45 aircraft at the Paris Air Show.

Celebrating 45 years since establishment, the carrier now has been added to Airbus’ list of new customers. Operating scheduled services to domestic and international markets, Iran Airtour will benefit from the new aircraft to modernise its fleet and expand its operations to domestic and international markets.

“The A320neo Family with its unique features enabling operational efficiency and reliability will contribute to our growth and expansion strategy,” said Majid Shekari, Chairman of Iran Airtour Airlines. “Our success as a domestic and regional airline will be reinforced by this investment in the world’s leading single-aisle aircraft”.
“This commitment for 45 A320neo Family aircraft demonstrates the confidence airlines have in our successful market leading single-aisle for its operational efficiency and unrivaled passenger comfort,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft. “We are delighted to add Iran Airtour as a new Airbus customer and we look forward to our long-term partnership”.

The MoU is contingent upon all necessary approvals, including those from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Airbus will continue to act in full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) and associated rules.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line. To date, the Family has won over 13,000 orders and more than 7,600 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 and A321), the A320 Family seats from 100 to 240 passengers. The Family features the widest cabin in the single aisle market with 18” wide seats in Economy as standard.

Tibet Financial Leasing signs for 20 A321neo aircraft


Lessor becomes latest customer to select the NEO

Tibet Financial Leasing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 20 Airbus A321neos at the Paris Airshow to meet strong market demand for more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“We are convinced by the technical innovations, as well as by the combination of comfort and economics provided by the NEO”, said Wang Yanjun, president of Tibet Financial Leasing. “Our goal is to expand our customer base nationwide and in the wider international region and to contribute to the development of civil aviation.”

Tibet Financial Leasing was established in 2015 as the first financial leasing company in Tibet Autonomous Region.

“Tibet Financial Leasing is our newest customer for the A320neo Family aircraft. Its airline customers will benefit from the unbeatable economics and in turn their passengers from the best in class cabin comfort for in all classes,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo Family. It covers the entire market, from high density to long-range thin routes. There are currently over 1,400 units on order, accounting for 80 percent of the market share.



The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. With over 5,000 orders from more than 90 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo has captured 60 percent share of the market.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department becomes Japan’s first H215 operator

Tokyo, 22 June 2017 – The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has signed a contract for one H215, making it the first operator in Japan to operate the rotorcraft when it is delivered in 2020. Currently operating a fleet of 14 helicopters, the largest police air corps in Japan plans to enhance its law enforcement activities with this new H215.

The brand new H215 will be delivered ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, and is dedicated for missions including personnel and VIP transportation, material transport, as well as wide area support missions. The high-performance rotorcraft is fully-operational and is capable of covering the entire Tokyo region, including the Izu islands. The heavy lift helicopter will also be involved in missions conducted nationwide.

The H215 will also join the H135 and H155 helicopters in supporting the day-to-day patrol and rescue missions in Tokyo.

“We are honoured by the Metropolitan Police Department’s renewed confidence in us with this new order of the H215, and especially delighted that this highly efficient helicopter will join the rest of Airbus’ helicopters in supporting one of the world’s largest police air corps. More importantly, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our customer for close to 30 years by now, and for many more year to come as the Airbus Helicopters team in Japan continues to ensure the fullest support”, said Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan.


The twin-engine, heavy lift H215 is a member of the Super Puma/Cougar rotorcraft family, known for its high availability rate, performance and competitive operating cost. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the rotorcraft consists of two versions -- one tailored for multi-role operations and the other for aerial work/utility missions.