Alain Charpentier - TLS
sexta-feira, 27 de outubro de 2017
Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines Celebrate Delivery of First 787-9 Dreamliner
Dreamliner carries much-needed medical equipment and supplies to Ethiopia
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Oct. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Ethiopian Airlines celebrated the delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 787-9. Ethiopian is leasing the Dreamliner through an agreement with AerCap.
Ethiopian's newest 787 touched down in Addis Ababa following a non-stop 8,354 mile (13,444 km) delivery flight from Boeing's Everett, Wash., facility. Ethiopian becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate the 787-9 and extends a tradition of setting aviation milestones. Ethiopian became Africa's first carrier to fly the 787-8 in 2012, and similarly introduced the 777-200LR (Longer Range), 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 777 Freighter.
"We are proud to celebrate yet another first with the introduction of the cutting-edge 787-9 into our young and fast growing fleet," said Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "Today, the 787 is the core of our fleet with 20 aircraft in service. Our investment in the latest technology airplanes is part of our Vision 2025 strategy and our commitment to our esteemed customers to offer complete on-board comfort. We will continue to invest in the most advanced aircraft to give our customers the best possible travel experience."
The 787 Dreamliner is the most innovative and efficient airplane family flying today. Since 2011, more than 600 Dreamliners have entered commercial services, flying almost 200 million people on more than 560 unique routes around the world, saving an estimated 19 billion pounds of fuel.
"AerCap is very proud to deliver to Ethiopian Airlines their first 787-9 aircraft, as the airline continues to lead the way in African aviation," said AerCap President and Chief Commercial Officer Philip Scruggs. "The 787-9 will complement Ethiopian's existing fleet of 787-8 aircraft, bringing further operational efficiencies and scope to enhance their existing network. We thank our friends and partners at Ethiopian Airlines for their continued confidence in AerCap and wish them every success as they continue to optimize their fleet."
"We are pleased to see the 787-9 enter into Ethiopian's growing Boeing fleet," said Marty Bentrott, senior vice president sales for Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Russia & Central Asia Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-9 will further enhance the Ethiopian network with its incredible range and capacity."
Ethiopian Airlines conducted its 32nd Humanitarian Delivery Flight as part of the 787-9 delivery. In conjunction with the non-profit Seattle Alliance Outreach, Ethiopian transported goods donated by medical organizations in the U.S. to Black Lion Hospital and St. Paul Hospital in Ethiopia.
"We are very happy to continue our longstanding partnership with Boeing to deliver medical equipment and supplies to public hospitals in Ethiopia, which benefit the society at-large," said GebreMariam. "This is our 32nd humanitarian flight over the course of the last few years. No airline has provided such sustained support to the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the African continent. It is a testament to our commitment to serve the community as a responsible corporate organization."
Ethiopian Airlines operates a Boeing fleet of 737, 767, 777, and 787 airplanes in passenger service and six 777 and two 757-200 airplanes in cargo operations.
First A320neo assembled in Tianjin delivered to AirAsia
AirAsia has taken delivery of the first A320neo assembled at the Airbus Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) at a dedicated ceremony in Tianjin, China. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, seats comfortably 186 passengers and is equipped with the innovative Space-Flex cabin.
AirAsia is the largest airline customer of the A320 Family with orders for 578 aircraft. These include 404 A320neo Family aircraft.
Aireen Omar, AirAsia Berhad Chief Executive Officer said: “We are very proud to receive the first Airbus A320neo fully assembled in Tianjin, China and we would like to congratulate Airbus, as well as the Chinese Government for achieving yet another milestone. China is today one of the world’s most important markets for aviation, and we are honoured to be part of the development and rapid growth of China’s civil aviation. We are certainly proud to take delivery of this aircraft fully assembled in Tianjin and have this historic aircraft as part of our fleet”.
“The Airbus A320 aircraft has contributed immensely towards our business model and our operations. We received our first A320neo last year and this is our thirteenth Airbus A320neo that we are receiving for the group, which is also the 184th aircraft delivered by Airbus. As we expand our network and grow our fleet, it is important for us to stay at the forefront of our business. We are very pleased with the A320neo, which provides up to 15 percent fuel savings and an additional range of 500 nautical miles, which translates to a lower fares for our guests.” she added.
“I am very pleased to hand over the first A320neo to be assembled in Tianjin to AirAsia. AirAsia will continue to benefit from the unique commonality between all variants of the Airbus Family and enjoy efficiencies throughout its existing fleet.” said Eric Chen, President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft China. “The delivery of the NEO is a milestone for our Asia Final Assembly Line, which will help to meet the robust demand of our customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region.”
The FALA in Tianjin, inaugurated in 2008 became the third single-aisle aircraft final assembly line location of Airbus worldwide, following Toulouse and Hamburg. It was also the first Airbus Final Assembly Line outside Europe. Today, some 340 aircraft have been assembled and delivered from Tianjin, China.
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 5,200 orders received from 95 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.
Citilink takes delivery of 50th A320 Family aircraft
Citilink’s newest A320neo has a special livery to mark the delivery of the airline’s 50th A320 Family aircraft.
Growing single-aisle fleet helps Indonesian carrier to expand its network
Citilink, the low-cost unit of Garuda Indonesia, has taken delivery of its 50th A320 Family aircraft at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, an A320neo, can seat up to 180 passengers in a single class layout.
The aircraft has been delivered with a special livery to commemorate the milestone, and it joins another 45 A320ceo and four A320neo that are already in service with the airline.
Citilink has selected CFM LEAP-1A engines to power its A320neo fleet, and has 30 more of the aircraft on order for future delivery. It is using its growing fleet of Airbus single-aisle aircraft to expand its domestic and regional network.
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.
Embraer to deliver first E190-E2 in April 2018
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has confirmed it will deliver its first E190-E2 to Norwegian regional airline Widerøe, the type’s launch customer, in April 2018.
The aircraft, which will be configured with 114 seats, will enter commercial service with Widerøe soon after the delivery.
Widerøe has three E190-E2s on firm order and purchase rights for 12, valued at $873 million if the deal is fully exercised.
The first delivery date was confirmed by Embraer Commercial Aviation president & CEO John Slattery during a press briefing at the European Regional Airline Association (ERA) general assembly in Athens Oct. 18.
“Since the program was launched, the first half of 2018 has been our target, and now we are making good on this commitment,” Slattery said.
He added the E2 program is “on time, on budget and better than the initial specification.” Embraer did, however, postpone the E175-E2 service entry to 2021 because of scope-clause uncertainty.
Widerøe CEO Stein Nilsen said the airline has been working closely with Embraer to ensure a smooth entry into service. Over the coming months the familiarization will intensify, with immersion training for technical teams, ground handling, flight operations and cabin attendants.
Bodø-headquartered Widerøe is the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, carrying 3 million passengers annually, generating a NOK4.4 billion ($555 million) turnover. The airline serves 46 domestic and international destinations, of which 40% are public services obligation routes and the remaining 60% are commercial.
Victoria Moores victoria.moores@penton.com
ATW
Eurowings details wet-lease plans to replace Air Berlin lift
The two aircraft will be sourced from Lufthansa's current fleet and be based in Dusseldorf for new routes to destinations such as Los Angeles Int'l and New York, routes which were previously served by bankrupt Air Berlin (AB, Berlin Tegel). Eurowings currently does not operate long-haul services itself, but instead wet-leases six A330-200s from Sun Express Deutschland (XG, Frankfurt Int'l), with a seventh such aircraft due soon. The Lufthansa Group low-cost carrier is planning to launch long-haul services from Dusseldorf to Punta Cana on November 8 using a B767-300(ER) aircraft operated by TUI fly (Germany) (X3, Hanover). It plans to serve Punta Cana twice weekly and Varadero weekly this winter season.
According to schedule data, Eurowings will also wet-lease PrivatAir (Switzerland)'s single B767-300(ER) HB-JJF (msn 27613) for the Punta Cana route from Dusseldorf between March 25 and April 29.
Regarding Eurowings' short-haul plans for the upcoming winter season, chief executive Thorsten Dirks told Süddeutsche Zeitung on October 17 that it would only wet-lease seven B737 aircraft from TUI fly instead of the fourteen the German leisure carrier currently operates on behalf of Niki (HG, Vienna). In general however, Dirks expects major difficulties ahead given Eurowings will have to replace the capacity of 32 Air Berlin (AB, Berlin Tegel) A320 family aircraft currently operating on its behalf during the months of November and December as Lufthansa Group waits for European Commission approval for the proposed transaction to take over 81 former Air Berlin group aircraft and subsidiaries Niki and LGW - Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (HE, Dortmund). Unlike parent Air Berlin, which is due to completely suspend operations by the end of next week, Niki will continue to operate leisure routes in cooperation with tour operators in the meantime and might also wet-lease some aircraft to Eurowings.
While LGW will start operating at least ten Dash 8-400 aircraft on behalf of Eurowings next week, Dirks also expects to be forced to lease in whatever equipment is available on the ACMI market to fill the gaps: "There will be aircraft with different liveries and many different uniforms. The goal now is to get as much capacity as possible into the market and to use aircraft from wherever we can find them. Not everything will work as planned."
ch aviation
Meanwhile, Oneworld has announced that both Air Berlin (AB, Berlin Tegel) and Niki (HG, Vienna) will leave the alliance by October 27.
Emirates needs more A380s, says Tim Clark
Emirates airline needs “even more” Airbus A380 aircraft in the future, according to Emirates president Sir Tim Clark.
In an interview with the Netherland’s Het Financieele Dagblad newspaper, Clark said the “the potential market remains huge” for the superjumbo aircraft, despite the emergence of smaller, more energy-efficient aircraft capable of flying to medium-sized cities.
"The potential market remains huge. We need even more A380s," Clark told the newspaper.
Clark added, however, that the recent partnership between Emirates and flydubai that was announced in July will mean that the composition of Emirates’ fleet will be re-evaluated.
“There is room for the A350s and the [Being 787] Dreamliner,” he said. “We’re definitely considering that.”
During the interview, Clark also said he was unconcerned about the potential competition from Joon, an Air France-KLM subsidiary that begins operations in December with single aisle aircraft in the intial phase, with ten long-haul aircraft due to be added by 2020.
Arabian Business
Freighters under consideration for Oman Air
The outgoing chief executive of Oman Air (WY, Muscat), Paul Gregorowitsch, has said that the Omani national carrier was considering complementing its passenger aircraft fleet with freighters in due course.
Gregorowitsch told Cargoforwarder Global in an interview that both the B777-F or Airbus freighter models are being taken into consideration with Oman Air planning to capitalize on the large ports in Sohar and Salalah to develop more trade with Iran and Yemen in the future.
Oman Air's wide-body passenger fleet currently consists of four A330-200s, six A330-300s, four B787-8s and two B787-9s.
Gregorowitsch told Cargoforwarder Global in an interview that both the B777-F or Airbus freighter models are being taken into consideration with Oman Air planning to capitalize on the large ports in Sohar and Salalah to develop more trade with Iran and Yemen in the future.
Oman Air's wide-body passenger fleet currently consists of four A330-200s, six A330-300s, four B787-8s and two B787-9s.
Wizz Air applies for UK AOC
Wizz Air (W6, Budapest) Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air (W6, Budapest) has confirmed that it has applied for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and Operating License (OL) from the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Newly-established company Wizz Air UK (London Luton) plans to begin UK operations in March 2018.
"It is a natural, next-step in the development of our UK business and will bring additional investment and jobs to our UK base at London Luton," said Wizz Air's CEO, József Váradi. "The UK remains the single biggest travel market in Europe and we are currently the UK's 8th largest operator and this move is also part of our broader strategy to ensure that our UK operations are Brexit-ready."
Wizz Air UK will register several aircraft in the UK, to be based at London Luton, although how many was not specified. The airline currently operates 421 flights per week on forty routes originating in the UK. In the future, routes running out of the UK, but not operated by the new company, will continue under Wizz Air's Hungarian AOC.
Luton is Wizz Air's largest airport across its European network in terms of seat capacity, with 61,800 offered this week, or almost 10% of its total.
Other airlines are already considering contingency plans ahead of the UK's exit from the European Union in March 2019, although only easyJet (U2, London Luton) has so far made definitive action after it launched an Austria-based unit – easyJet Europe (Vienna) – earlier this year.
ch aviation
Photo:Ton Jochems - NCE
Iran Air W17 London aircraft changes
Iran Air recently extended Airbus A330 operational schedule on Tehran Imam Khomeini – London Heathrow route, based on schedule listing on the airline’s website. The A330 is currently scheduled to operate 3 weekly flights until 21NOV17, switching back to A300 from 23NOV17.
IR711 IKA0740 – 1045LHR 332 247
IR710 LHR1600 – 0135+1IKA 332 247
Operational aircraft remains subject to change.
Operational aircraft remains subject to change.
By Jim Liu - Routes Online
segunda-feira, 23 de outubro de 2017
Boeing, Singapore Airlines Announce Order for 39 Airplanes
Deal includes 20 777-9s and 19 787-10 Dreamliners
Ceremony in the presence of President Trump and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Singapore Airlines (SIA) today formally announced a deal for 20 777-9s and 19 787-10s, during a ceremony at the White House.
The order, previously attributed to an unidentified customer, is worth $13.8 billion at current list prices. The value of this sales transaction will sustain thousands of U.S. suppliers and more than 70,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs during the delivery period of this contract. The airline also has options for 12 additional aircraft, six of each aircraft type.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, included Singapore Airlines' CEO Goh Choon Phong and Boeing Commercial Airplanes' President & CEO Kevin McAllister. Peter Seah, Singapore Airlines' Chairman, and Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific & India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and other members of the airline and Boeing also were in attendance.
"SIA has been a Boeing customer for many decades and we are pleased to have finalised this major order for widebody aircraft, which will enable us to continue operating a modern and fuel-efficient fleet," said Goh. "These new aircraft will also provide the SIA Group with new growth opportunities, allowing us to expand our network and offer even more travel options for our customers."
Singapore Airlines has more than 50 777s in service and is the launch customer of the 787-10, which is set to deliver in the first half of 2018. With a prior order for 30 787-10s, the airline now has 49 on order, making it the largest customer for this type. A long-range airplane that's efficient at any stage length, the 787-10 will serve the airline's medium-range operations while partnering with the 777-9 for the carrier's long-haul routes. Its subsidiaries SilkAir, Scoot and SIA Cargo also operate Boeing airplanes with the 737 MAX 8 and 737-800, 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners and 747-400 Freighter types in service, respectively.
"Boeing and Singapore Airlines have been strong partners since the airline's first operations 70 years ago and we are thrilled to finalise their purchase of 20 777Xs and 19 additional 787-10 Dreamliners," said McAllister. "Singapore Airlines' order is a testament to the market-leading capabilities of Boeing's widebody airplanes and we look forward to delivering the very first 787-10 to them next year."
With more than 1,280 orders from 70 customers worldwide, the 787 Dreamliner family offers three modern and efficient airplanes that are optimized for markets ranging from 200 seats to over 350 seats. To date, more than 600 787s have entered commercial service. They have flown nearly 200 million people on more than 560 unique routes - including 156 new nonstop routes – while saving an estimated 19 billion pounds of fuel.
The 787-10, the largest family member, adds seats and cargo capacity while offering 25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat and lower emissions than the airplanes it will replace. The combination of capability, reliability and efficiency has attracted carriers from around the world, including Asia where the 787-10 will be able to connect all points within Asia at lower seat costs than any other twin-aisle airplane, with the flexibility to also link to Europe, Africa and Oceania.
The 777X, builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777, and will be the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with the latest innovative technologies, including the most advanced, fuel-efficient commercial engine ever. Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9 will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane. The 777-9 seats 400-425 passengers with a range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075 km) and is the only twin-engine available of its size.
Air Mauritius takes delivery of its first A350 XWB
The first A350 operator based in the Indian Ocean
Air Mauritius has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft, opening a new chapter for the Indian Ocean carrier. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, was delivered during a ceremony held in Mauritius today.
The Mauritian airline based airline has chosen a very comfortable two class layout with a total of 326 seats comprising 28 in Business Class and 298 in Economy Class.
The A350-900 equipped with Air Mauritius’ latest cabin products including new seats, an all-new inflight entertainment system and inflight connectivity will offer passengers unparalleled levels of comfort and convenience.
This A350-900 is the first of six to be delivered to Air Mauritius. Four will be purchased directly from Airbus and two leased from AerCap. The carrier will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network connecting Mauritius with Asia, Africa and Europe.
Air Mauritius already operates a fleet of 10 Airbus aircraft including six A340-300s, two A330-200s and two A319s on its regional and long haul services.
The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest-generation technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, in addition to significantly lower maintenance costs.
The spacious, quiet, tastefully-appointed interior and mood lighting in the A350 XWB Airspace cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.
To date, Airbus has booked a total of 858 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
Air Mauritius’ first A350 XWB is greeted in Mauritius with a traditional water canon salute
sábado, 21 de outubro de 2017
Thomas Cook Sets up New Airline in Spain amid Cost Drive
Thomas Cook is setting up a new airline in Spain, a move it hopes will lower costs at a time of tough conditions in the European short-haul market.
The new airline will be based in Palma de Majorca and plans to start its first flights in early 2018 with at least three Airbus A320 planes, which were previously flying for the group's Belgian airline.
The Majorca aircraft, which fly under a Spanish operating licence, will also be used for Thomas Cook's other airlines, according to seasonal demand, while some staff will be on seasonal contracts.
"The new airline and base will provide us with the right platform to better manage the seasonal demand in our business, giving us more control at lower cost as we continue to expand the choice of destinations we offer our customers," Christoph Debus, chief airline officer at Thomas Cook, said in a statement.
Holiday companies and airlines like Thomas Cook have the problem of how to use aircraft and crews efficiently during the off-peak season in winter, and typically make a loss during that period.
Thomas Cook announced earlier this month it would exchange several aircraft with Canada's Transat AT Inc. Under the deal, Thomas Cook will provide planes that fly short-haul routes in the summer to the Canadian company during the winter, while it will receive a long-haul plane to take Europeans seeking winter sun to further flung destinations.
The new airline will be based in Palma de Majorca and plans to start its first flights in early 2018 with at least three Airbus A320 planes, which were previously flying for the group's Belgian airline.
The Majorca aircraft, which fly under a Spanish operating licence, will also be used for Thomas Cook's other airlines, according to seasonal demand, while some staff will be on seasonal contracts.
"The new airline and base will provide us with the right platform to better manage the seasonal demand in our business, giving us more control at lower cost as we continue to expand the choice of destinations we offer our customers," Christoph Debus, chief airline officer at Thomas Cook, said in a statement.
Holiday companies and airlines like Thomas Cook have the problem of how to use aircraft and crews efficiently during the off-peak season in winter, and typically make a loss during that period.
Thomas Cook announced earlier this month it would exchange several aircraft with Canada's Transat AT Inc. Under the deal, Thomas Cook will provide planes that fly short-haul routes in the summer to the Canadian company during the winter, while it will receive a long-haul plane to take Europeans seeking winter sun to further flung destinations.
EasyJet also has a seasonal base in Palma, with aircraft stationed there between March and October and crew working eight months of the year with four months off.
Rival tourism group TUI is also trying to find ways to bring costs down at its German TUIfly.
Thomas Cook Airlines have a combined 94 aircraft, flying 16.7 million passengers a year to holiday destinations, and have revenues of 2.8 billion euros (US$3.3 billion). (US$1 = EUR0.8508)
Victoria Bryan, Reuters
Rival tourism group TUI is also trying to find ways to bring costs down at its German TUIfly.
Thomas Cook Airlines have a combined 94 aircraft, flying 16.7 million passengers a year to holiday destinations, and have revenues of 2.8 billion euros (US$3.3 billion). (US$1 = EUR0.8508)
Victoria Bryan, Reuters
First direct flight from the UK to Taiwan for five years set to take off after China Airlines launches service in bid to boost tourism
The flagship carrier for the Republic of China is hoping to boost tourism
Also hopes to forge closer business links between UK and the small island nation
Flights will start on December 1 between Gatwick and Taoyuan International
China Airlines is returning to the UK after a five-year hiatus as it launches the only direct flight from Britain to Taiwan.
The flagship carrier for the Republic of China is hoping to boost tourism, while hoping to exploit efforts by ministers to forge closer business links between the UK and the small island nation.
Flights will start on December 1 between London Gatwick and Taipei’s Taoyuan International airport. Pictured: Taipei, Taiwan
The service will operate four times a week from Gatwick’s South Terminal, with a flight time of just over 13 hours aboard China Airlines’ Airbus A350-900.
The aircraft will carry 306 passengers.
The UK has been trying to boost business links with Taiwan, with trade minister Greg Hands visiting the island last September - shortly after the Brexit vote.
By JAMES SALMON TRANSPORT EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL
The service will operate four times a week from Gatwick’s South Terminal, with a flight time of just over 13 hours aboard China Airlines’ Airbus A350-900.
The aircraft will carry 306 passengers.
The UK has been trying to boost business links with Taiwan, with trade minister Greg Hands visiting the island last September - shortly after the Brexit vote.
By JAMES SALMON TRANSPORT EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL
Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS
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