Flyingphotos Magazine News

45 A320neo Family for CDB Aviation

Ongoing strong market demand for world’s best-selling single aisle

Dublin based CDB Aviation Lease Finance DAC (CDB Aviation) has become Airbus’ latest customer for the A320neo signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 45 aircraft, consisting of 30 A320neos and 15 A321neos. Cabin configuration and engine choice will be made at a later date. In addition, 15 A320neo positions from CDB Aviation’s previous order will be converted to A321neo aircraft.

“We are investing in the A320neo because we believe our customers will benefit from such an advanced aircraft. These aircraft will strengthen our overall aircraft portfolio and assist in the growth of our customer base,’’ said Peter Chang, CDB Aviation President & CEO. “Today, our leasing platform is based on a strong funding source, strong team with global reach.”

CDB Aviation is on a fast track to becoming one of the world’s premier Chinese-owned aviation leasing companies.

“It is a pleasure to expand our partnership with CDB Aviation. This is another endorsement from the lessor community for the NEO, and takes our NEO customer base well over 90,” said Airbus Commercial Aircraft Chief Operating Officer - Customers, John Leahy. “Our order book for the A320neo Family increases weekly and its 60 per cent market share is proof it is the single aisle aircraft of choice.”

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. With more than 5,000 orders received from over 90 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Hi Fly places its first direct firm orderPortuguese airline orders two Airbus A330-200s 

Hi Fly, a Portuguese airline specialising in worldwide widebody aircraft wet leasing, has placed its first direct firm order with Airbus for two A330-200s. Hi Fly is an all-Airbus operator and the two additional A330s will join its existing fleet of 14 Airbus widebody aircraft. The new A330s will feature a two class cabin layout, seating 18 passengers in business and 256 in econom

The order will contribute to Hi Fly’s strategy for long-haul fleet replacement offering its customers - namely airlines, tour operators, governments, companies and individuals - the most cost-efficient and versatile widebody aircraft.

Paulo Mirpuri, Chairman and CEO of Hi Fly, said: “This acquisition is part of our strategy to renew our fleet and progressively own all the aircraft we operate. As a loyal Airbus operator we are very much looking forward to the arrival of these new Airbus A330-200s”.

“We are pleased that Hi Fly has renewed its confidence in the versatile A330-200”, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “In choosing the versatile A330-200, Hi Fly will offer its customers an aircraft that covers all ranges from short-haul to true long-haul while providing passengers with best in class comfort.”

The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient and versatile widebody aircraft with best in class operating economics. To date the A330 Family has attracted nearly 1,700 orders and over 1,300 A330 Family aircraft are currently flying 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.

Delta Orders 10 more A321s

Aircraft are in addition to 30 ordered by Delta in May

After announcing orders for 30 incremental Airbus A321ceo aircraft just last month, Atlanta, Georgia (U.S.)-based Delta Air Lines has placed an order for 10 more of the aircraft. The agreement was announced today at the Paris Air Show.

Like previous Delta orders for the A321, the 10 aircraft announced today are for the Current Engine Option version of the largest Airbus A320 Family member. The airline took delivery of its first A321 

in March of last year. Delta now has ordered a total of 122 A321s, each powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International.

“The A321 is fast becoming a favorite aircraft of our customers and employees alike,” said Greg May, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Supply Chain Management and Fleet. “Its excellent operating economics and customer capacity also make it a great fit for our U.S. domestic network.”

“This order for 10 more A321s from Delta shows yet again the confidence this great airline has in this great aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers for Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “Passengers, airline crews and investors look to the A320 Family to deliver unsurpassed comfort, economy and reliability. We are most gratified to keep providing Delta with the aircraft platforms on which they can deliver their own, unique brand of ‘service and hospitality from the heart.’”

All of Delta’s A321s feature fuel-saving Sharklets – lightweight composite wingtip devices that offer up to 4 percent fuel-burn savings. This environmental benefit gives airlines the option of extending their range up to 100 nautical miles/185 kilometres or increasing payload capacity by some 1000 pounds/450 kilograms.

Many of Delta’s A321s are being delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. The airline received its first U.S.-manufactured A321 last year. By the end of 2017, the Airbus facility in Mobile is expected to produce four aircraft per month, most going to Airbus’ U.S. customers.

As of the end of May, Delta was flying a fleet of 188 Airbus aircraft, including 146 A320 Family members and 42 A330 widebodies. Later this year, Delta will become the first U.S. airline to operate the new Airbus A350 XWB, or eXtra Wide Body aircraft. Delivery of Delta’s first A350 is slated for this summer.

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) orders 100 A320neo aircraft

Attached media GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) orders 100 A320neo aircraft

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric [NYSE: ...
Additional order shows confidence in the fuel-efficient A320neo

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric [NYSE: GE] has signed a firm order for 100 A320neo Family aircraft at the 52nd International Paris Air Show. GECAS has selected CFM’s LEAP-1A engine for all 100 A320neo Family aircraft.

This new order brings the total number of Airbus aircraft ordered by GECAS to almost 600 aircraft. Of these 220 are A320neo Family aircraft.

“The A320neo aircraft is an excellent product. GECAS is pleased to make this additional commitment for A320neos to meet strong customer demand for this type,” said Alec Burger, President and CEO of GECAS, “The A320neo family aircraft powered by CFM’s LEAP-1A engines, with now proven increased fuel efficiencies, longer range and higher seating capacity will continue to be one of our core assets in our lease portfolio. The A321 version has also gained strong acceptance from customers in various new markets proving the versatility of the type.”

“GECAS’ renewed order of our best-selling A320neo aircraft, underscores the continuing strong market demand for these fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft. “The unmatched, low operating costs and appeal of the A320 Family make it a strong asset in GECAS’ portfolio.”

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. With more than 5,000 orders received from over 90 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Japan Coast Guard orders three additional H225 helicopters

Tokyo, 21 June 2017 – Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract from the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for the purchase of three additional H225s. This new order will bring the JCG’s total H225 fleet to nine units by February 2020. The JCG already placed an order for a sixth H225 in 2016, which will be delivered in 2018. 

Under the agreement, the three H225 helicopters will be used for security enforcement, Japanese territorial coastal activities, as well as disaster relief missions.

“The Japan Coast Guard has been operating helicopters from the Super Puma family for 25 years, and this H225 follow-on order illustrates our customer’s confidence in our product and the dedicated support we have provided to the team over the years”, said Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The H225 is the perfect choice for JCG’s missions including search and rescue, and coastal and islands protection, given its versatility in all weather conditions. The Airbus Helicopters team in Japan will continue to render our utmost support to guarantee the continued availability of our customer’s H225 fleet.”

Currently operating eight helicopters from the Super Puma family, the JCG first introduced Airbus Helicopters’ AS332 L1 into its fleet in 1992, and subsequently welcomed its first H225 in 2008. With this latest order, the JCG’s Super Puma fleet will eventually grow to eleven units by 2020.

The H225, the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family, is an 11-ton-category

twin-turbine rotorcraft which accommodates up to 19 passengers. Equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and autopilot system, the H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, and may be fitted with various equipment to suit any role.

Specifically in Japan, a total of 25 helicopters from the Super Puma family are currently flown by civil, parapublic operators and Japan Ministry of Defense for various search and rescue missions, offshore operations, VIP, fire-fighting, and passenger and goods transportation.

Ethiopian Airlines places repeat order for 10 A350-900 Aircraft

World's most modern widebody aircraft to feature growth at Africa’s fast expanding airline

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has placed an order for 10 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, enabling further development of its fast expanding long-haul route network.

Last June, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to operate the A350 when it took delivery of the first of 12 aircraft in order. Today the carrier operates a fleet of four A350s, two of which are on lease. Today's order tops-up the Addis Ababa-based carrier's fleet, enabling it to pursue its growth strategy and objectives over the coming years.

Ethiopian Airlines' A350-900s are configured in a two class layout seating 30 passengers in Business Class and 313 in Economy Class. The spacious, quiet interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of passenger comfort and well-being.

"Operating the youngest fleet in the industry with modern and comfortable customer features in the cabin is one of the four pillars in our 15 years strategic road map, vision 2025, and this order placement for additional A350s is one component of this strategy. The performance, operational and cost efficiencies we have achieved with our initial A350-900s have resulted in these additional ten aircraft order placement and thereby suffice our ever-expanding global network. We will deploy the additional aircraft on our long haul routes connecting Addis Ababa with destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia," explained Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

"Ethiopian Airlines' repeat order is a resounding endorsement of the A350, its suitability, flexibility and unmatched economics. We are delighted that innovative aircraft as the A350 are closely associated with the world's fastest growing and profitable carriers," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

The A350 features the latest aerodynamic design and materials, including its carbon-fibre fuselage and wings. It is powered by new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these advanced technological features translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions in addition to significantly lower maintenance costs.

To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 851 firm orders for the A350 from 45 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.