Tigerair returns first of two A319s to service

Tigerair has returned the first of two Airbus A319-100s, 9V-TRA (cn 3757), formerly with its Filipino subsidiary Tigerair Philippines, into revenue service.

China’s Tibet Airlines takes delivery of its first A319 with Sharklets

Wing-tip devices further enhance the A319’s superior high altitude performance

Lhasa based Tibet Airlines from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China has taken delivery of its first A319 with Sharklets. The aircraft which was handed over at the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre (ATDC) joins Tibet Airlines’ existing fleet of eight existing A319s. The aircraft is the 165th assembled at Airbus’Tianjin Final Assembly Line (FALC).

The aircraft is powered by CFM56-5B engines and features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 128 passengers with eight in business class and 120 in economy.

Tibet Airlines’ base is Gongga Airport, Lhasa, is one of the world’s highest airports at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The new A319 is certificated for high altitude airport operation and Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required (RNP-AR) and Satcom is installed.

RNP-AR procedures represent today the most modern navigation technique, allowing the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes using on-board navigation systems and the GPS-based ‘Global Navigation Satellite System’ (GNSS). The high accuracy provided by RNP-AR is especially important for airlines operating in and out of airports in mountainous regions. Tibet Airlines has selected Airbus ProSky, an Airbus subsidiary, as its strategic partner for its RNP-AR operations.

 Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and standard on all members of the new A320neo family. They offer operators up to four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

The FALC in Tianjin is based on the latest state-of-the-art Airbus single aisle final assembly line in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft delivered in China are assembled to the same standards as those assembled and delivered in Europe. Airbus has delivered 165 Tianjin assembled A320 Family aircraft. The aircraft are in service with 13 Chinese and Asian airlines.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 10,200 aircraft have been ordered and over 6,000 delivered to operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.

An Airbus A319 returns to service as the first legacy US Airways aircraft painted in American Airlines colors

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines today entered into service the first legacy US Airways aircraft, an Airbus A319, painted in the American Airlines livery. The newly dressed plane, tail number N700UW, will debut its freshly painted fuselage with service from Charlotte to New York's LaGuardia Airport on flight 2060.

"Today marks an important next step in our airlines' integration and is a tangible way for customers and employees to see the result of our progress first hand," said American Airlines president, Scott Kirby. "The integration of our airlines, including painting the rest of the US Airways fleet, will take many months as we work to deliver value through this merger for our employees, our customers and our investors."

The Airbus recently spent 13 days receiving its makeover. In anticipation of the new coat of paint, the existing paint was gently removed, the aircraft sanded and washed. Following the metallurgical exfoliation, the seams were sealed, the aircraft masked and 80 gallons of specially chosen paint applied to the exterior. A final detailing was completed to ensure the highest shine before sending the plane out the door and back to work.

This past December, following the close of the merger with US Airways, a survey was launched allowing employees from both airlines to vote whether to change or to maintain American's current livery. In January 2014 the voting results were announced to keep the new flag tail livery.

The airline will be adding the new look to its entire fleet of aircraft over the next few years. Approximately 640 aircraft are in line to receive the makeover, with newly arriving legacy American Airlines aircraft already outfitted in the new colors and US Airways aircraft delivered in the new colors beginning this June. By the end of second quarter 2014 American Airlines anticipates that more than 275 mainline and regional aircraft will have been painted in the new livery.

American Airlines takes delivery of its first A320 Family aircraft

100th A320 Family aircraft with Sharklets and 1st A319 with Sharklets



American Airlines today took delivery of its first A320 Family aircraft at a special ceremony at Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany. Teams from American Airlines, Airbus and CFM International celebrated the first of 260 Airbus single-aisles the airline has selected to fly it into the future. American’s A319s will seat 128 passengers in a two-class configuration, and will be used initially on the airline’s domestic route network, and then into Central America this fall. The aircraft are powered by two CFM56 engines.

In addition to the delivery being a notable first for American Airlines, this aircraft is the very first A319 to feature Sharklets – lightweight composite wingtip devices that offer up to 4 percent fuel burn savings, providing the flexibility of either adding 110 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of over 1100 pounds (up to 500 kilograms). The American A319 is also the 100th A320 Family aircraft produced with Sharklets. Sharklets are an option on all new-build A320 Family aircraft, and will be standard equipment on all members of the A320neo Family.

"Everything about the new A319 aircraft has been designed with the customer at the center," said Virasb Vahidi, American Airlines chief commercial officer. "The introduction of the A319 is another important step in building a strong foundation for the new American. We're pleased to be partnering with Airbus."

“It’s our great pleasure to welcome back American Airlines to the Airbus family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer – Customers. “With its introduction of the A320 Family, the airline is demonstrating its confidence in a single-aisle product that has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world. American is undertaking a major strategic evolution and we are pleased to watch the A320 Family becoming an integral part of the airline’s future success.”



The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,600 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,600 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs

Fresh off the assembly line, our first Airbus A319 is ready to take to the skies! Visit AA.com today to book your travel on one of these beauties, which will begin flying this September

American Airlines

the first A319 with Sharklets in the engine test facility in Hamburg!

AIRBUS

Bhutan’s Drukair confirms order for Airbus A319 with Sharklets

World’s most efficient aircraft for high altitude airports

10 July 2012Press Release

Bhutan’s national airline Drukair has signed a firm order for an Airbus A319 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices to complement its existing fleet of two A319s. The order announced at the UK’s Farnborough International Airshow, follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February.

Landlocked and surrounded by a wall of the world’s tallest mountains, Bhutan is one of the world’s most pristine locations and one of the world’s most challenging destinations for air services. At over 7,000 feet above sea level, Drukair’s base at Paro airport is only possible using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for approach. This means the crew can only fly by vision, which requires a high performance and responsive aircraft.

“We are delighted to be ordering the Airbus A319 equipped with fuel saving Sharklets," said Dasho Sonam Tshering Drukair Chairman. "The addition of a third A319 will enable us to increase capacity and open up new direct routes and to welcome even more visitors to our landlocked country where aviation really is our gateway to the world. Its economic importance cannot be overestimated, “

The A319 with Sharklets will allow Drukair to expand services on existing routes and adding new ones to international tourist crossroads like Singapore and Hong Kong.

“The A319s unrivalled performance means it is the largest aircraft that operates from the most challenging airports where other comparable aircraft are unable to do so,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A319s superior range and fuel efficiency equipped with ‘Sharklets’ will help Drukair to expand its market in the most greenest and most fuel efficient way.”

Sharklets have been specially designed for the Airbus A320 Family to reduce fuel burn by up to an additional 3.5 percent, corresponding to an annual reduction of around 700 tonnes of CO2per aircraft which is equivalent to the CO2 produced by around 200 cars annually. The wingtip devices also enhance the aircraft’s performance and range.

Over 8,500 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and over 5,100 delivered to 365 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.

AIRBUS