Airbus recognises suppliers for best in-service performance

On the occasion of the annual Airbus Suppliers Awards ceremony held during the Farnborough Air Show 2014, Didier Lux, Airbus Senior Vice President Customer Services, and Geneviève Laurens-Chassagne, Head of Supplier Support Management presented awards to Systems & Equipment suppliers to Airbus who achieved outstanding levels of customer satisfaction.

The yearly ‘Supplier Support Rating’ survey is designed to recognize performance and commitment to customer satisfaction, as well as to identify areas for support improvement. To determine the shortlist from the 39 suppliers assessed, the rating process included inputs from 111 participating Airbus operators who together submitted more than 3,400 questionnaires. The awards are divided into two categories: ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ and the top rankings in these categories are as follows:

Gold Award:

Airbus Engineering Avionics; Airbus KID Systeme; Rockwell Collins Avionics; Diehl Aerospace; and Thales Avionics.

Silver Award:

ACCS; Sogerma (Technical Seats); Diehl Aircabin; UTAS Air Management System; and Siemens.

Most Improved Supplier Award: ACCS.

Didier Lux commented: “Every one of us creates value for our customers! This is why it is important to understand their needs and expectations, so that we can implement the relevant actions and ensure customer confidence and future success.” He adds: “Once more, the high number of participating operators in the survey clearly shows that the Airbus Supplier Support Rating is setting the standards within our industry.”

Geneviève Laurens-Chassagne added: “This is a real competition to recognise our suppliers for their flexibility in being able to adapt to the evolution of the market and to the evolution of our Customer’s needs.”

The next rating cycle will be launched during the final quarter of 2014. Airbus monitors suppliers ensuring they instigate dedicated actions and thus continuously improve their own performance, and benefiting the reliability of the Airbus fleet as a whole.

Low-Cost Carrier Nok Air Converts Two Q400 NextGen Aircraft Purchase Rights to Firm; Now Has Six on Order

Brings the total number of Q400 turboprop airliners sold to 501

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Thai carrier Nok Air has converted two of four previously acquired Q400 NextGen aircraft purchase rights to firm orders. The purchase rights were acquired under a contract announced on November 19, 2013 that also included two firm-ordered aircraft and two options, which were converted to firm orders on March 31, 2014.

Existing Customer Signs Conditional Purchase Agreement for up to 13 Bombardier CS300 Aircraft

Incremental order includes seven firm aircraft and purchase rights on six additional CS300 jetliners

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that an existing customer, which has requested to remain unidentified at this time, has placed an additional conditional order for seven firm CS300 airliners as well as purchase rights for six additional CS300 aircraft.

Based on the list price of the aircraft, a firm order for the seven CSeries aircraft would be valued at approximately $553 million US.

“The CSeries airliner, with its best in-class economics, advanced technology and outstanding performance, will be instrumental in replacing older, less efficient aircraft presenting challenges because of high fuel costs and heightened environmental awareness,” said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

“We are delighted that one of our existing customers is once again recognizing the CSeries jetliner’s unmatched flexibility and we congratulate our customer that has confidently ordered seven more aircraft.

“We are very optimistic about the current status of our order book, which stands at 513 orders and commitments. We are well on our way to reach our target for 300 firm orders by entry-into-service, and have already achieved our 20 customer goal,” he added.

LUFTHANSA - B747-800 - D-ABYI - LH2014 from SBGL whit German Soccer Team on Board

Mike Schulz - Berlin Tegel - Germany

WHITE - A320-200 - OE-IDN - ex WINDAVIA

João Pessoa /FPP - Lisboa

WHITE - A310-300 - CS-TQV

PedroMB/FPP-Lisboa

Brazil’s Azul Signs LOI for up to 50 E195-E2 jets

Fuji Dream Airlines to add up to six E175 jets to its all-Embraer fleet

Embraer S.A. has signed an agreement with Japan’s Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) for a firm order of three E175s with options for an additional three aircraft of the same model. This brings the total potential order to six E175s, with an estimated value of USD 258.6 million based on 2014 list prices, if all options are exercised. This order was already included in Embraer’s 2014 second quarter backlog as an “undisclosed” customer. The announcement was made today at the 2014 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow. Three E170s and five E175s are currently in operation with Fuji Dream Airlines.

“Embraer’s E-Jets tick all the right boxes that have been crucial to the success of Fuji Dream Airlines - efficiency, performance, exceptional economics and solid customer support that is second to none,” said Yohei Suzuki, the CEO and Chairman of Fuji Dream Airlines. “These technologically-advanced jets have proven themselves over the years and we are confident of its capability to help us profitably expand our network and enhance our frequency. The additions to our fleet will provide our customers greater flexibility and choices, as well as the superior comfort they have enjoyed on the E-Jets.”

The newly-ordered E175s will be configured in a single-class layout with 84 seats and will be equipped with the Autoland system to perform CAT III approach and landing in limited visual conditions. The new E175s will also feature recent aerodynamic enhancements introduced by Embraer, such as a new wingtip and other technical improvements that reduce fuel burn.

“The order for these E-Jets follows FDA's prudent philosophy of managing capacity as the airline adds new cities and frequencies,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “With the technical improvements we have made to the E175s, FDA will realize new economic benefits that will help it continue to grow in Japan's highly competitive domestic market.”

In addition to these orders, FDA and Embraer have also signed an extension of the Pool Program to cover its fleet of E170s and E175s, including these new orders. The program covers the advance exchange and repair management for more than 300 important parts of the aircraft.

Created in 2007, FDA started operations with two E170s. Over the last five years, its all-Embraer fleet has quadrupled. FDA’s fleet is instantly recognizable by its brightly coloured aircraft, some of which are painted green, pink, yellow and purple.

With aircraft based in Nagoya and Shizuoka, FDA links twelve secondary cities in Japan where demand is growing, such as Fukuoka, Sapporo and Hanamaki. Operating almost 50 flights each day, the airline has carried over 2.4 million passengers to date. FDA is part of the Suzuyo Group, which owns a full-flight simulator to provide pilot and fleet engineering training for its staff.

AZAL Grows its E-Jets Fleet with Two additional E190s

Embraer has signed a firm order for two additional E190 jets with Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), the national carrier of Azerbaijan. The aircraft will be deployed on the carrier’s international network from Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). The total value of the contract is USD 95.4 million, at list prices, and this order was already included in Embraer’s 2014 second quarter backlog as an “undisclosed” customer. With this order, now AZAL will operate six E190.

“AZAL’s follow-on order is a great endorsement of the airline’s confidence in our
E190,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “This new acquisition demonstrates the proven ability of E-Jets to complement larger narrowbody aircraft by offering significantly lower trip costs and rightsized seat capacity, allowing operators to profitably grow their route networks and protect its market presence.”

AZAL’s E190s will be configured in a dual class layout and will be deployed from Baku to European routes such as Prague, Milan or Rome.

“These additional E190s are the latest step in our renewal plan to replace turboprops and narrow-bodies on a number of routes within our schedules,” said Jahangir Askerov, President and Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC. “We have received excellent feedback from our passengers who fly the E190s. In addition the aircraft offers excellent operating economics and provides us with the opportunity to open up new routes to European destinations.”
 

SMBC Aviation Capital orders 115 A320 Family aircraft

Royal Air Maroc Selects the E190 for Strategic Development

Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier of Morocco, has decided to introduce the E190 as part of a fleet upgrade to open new routes and to increase the number of short and medium-haul frequencies from its Casablanca International Airport hub in Morocco. The airline has signed a lease agreement for four E-Jets with Aldus Aviation, the Irish specialist E-Jet lessor. The first E190 is expected to be delivered during the second semester of 2014.

Royal Air Maroc’s E190s will be configured with 96 seats, 12 business class seats and 84 economy class seats, in a dual class layout and will be deployed on European and West African routes from the national carrier’s base of Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco.

“Morocco’s geographical strategic position offers excellent potential for developing air links with Europe and Africa. With the E190, Royal Air Maroc will have the capability and flexibility to further develop its network with an ideal combination of frequency and seat capacity,” said John Slattery, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We welcome Royal Air Maroc to our family of E190 operators, all of whom have seen the potential of this proven and efficient platform to bolster their networks and complement their narrowbody jet operations.”

Royal Air Maroc’s aircraft will join a fleet of approximately 70 E-Jets already in operation within Africa and the Middle East with Egyptair Express, Kenya Airways, LAM Mozambique, Oman Air, Petro Air, Royal Jordanian, Royal Omani Police, Saudi Arabia Airlines, and Saudi Aramco.

“While testing the aircraft on wet lease during the summer 2013 we became convinced that the E190’s reliability and low operating costs will help Royal Air Maroc open new routes and increase frequencies to Europe and African cities,” said Mr. Driss Benhima, CEO of Royal Air Maroc. “The aircraft perfectly matches our needs in terms of size and range without any compromise on comfort or baggage capacity.”

“We are delighted to welcome Royal Air Maroc as a new client,” said Mr. Phil Bolger, Chairman of Aldus. “These are four aircraft from our 20 E-Jets order and we're looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with this flagship African carrier.”

BOC Aviation orders an additional 43 A320 Family aircraft

CIT commits to order 15 A330neo and 5 A321ceo aircraft

Avolon signs commitment for 15 A330neo aircraft

Airbus A320neo surpasses 3,000 firm orders

Ongoing success for the newest member of Airbus’ Single Aisle Family

Airbus A320neo (new engine option) Family has reached an important milestone during the Farnborough airshow, having cumulated more than 3,000 firm orders from 57 customers since its launch in December 2010. The milestone was reached when SMBC Aviation Capital ordered 110 A320neo, marking the latest vote confidence for the world’s leading Single Aisle aircraft Family.



“We’ve given customers many reasons to prefer the A320neo Family and our customers have given us 3,000 reasons for making it the world’s favourite and fastest selling single aisle aircraft by far. With 15% reduced fuel burn, an additional 500nm range and the widest most comfortable cabin in its category, the A320neo Family is the single aisle aircraft of choice with 57 customers worldwide – twice as many as the competitor,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are honored by SMBC’s vote of confidence in the NEO, and we’re proud that our partnership with them has pushed the A320neo order book beyond 3000.”
Earlier this month, the first A320neo rolled-out of Airbus facilities following its painting and the mounting of its Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines.
The A320neo incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets (wing tip devices) which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. To date, firm orders for the NEO reached 3090 aircraft from 57 customers, representing a 60 per cent market share in its category.

AirAsia X to order 50 A330neo

AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of Asia’s largest low cost airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understand (MOU) with Airbus for 50 A330-900neo aircraft. The agreement sees the airline become a launch customer for the latest version of the best-selling widebody. AirAsia X will also be one of the first operators of the aircraft, with deliveries to the carrier scheduled to begin in 2018.

The agreement was signed at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK by Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X and Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, Airbus, and was witnessed by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-founder and Director of AirAsia X, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X Berhad and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers

The confidence that Tony and his team have placed in the A330neo is therefore a clear endorsement of the step change we are bringing to the market in this size category. Reduced fuel consumption, extended long range capability and competitive acquisition costs will make the A330neo a true game changer and we are proud that AirAsia X will be among the first airlines to fly the aircraft.”

 The latest MOU from AirAsia X further consolidates the position of the AirAsia Group as one of Airbus’s largest airline customers in the world. In total the Group has ordered 536 Airbus aircraft, excluding today’s MOU.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family

Alaska Air Group Places Order for Q400 NextGen Aircraft; Confirms Five-Year Heavy Maintenance Agreement for Fleet

Horizon Air cements its standing as largest operator of Q400 turboprops worldwide with 52 aircraft
Brings firm orders of Q400 aircraft sold to 499
Bombardier performing heavy maintenance for Horizon’s fleet at its Tucson, Arizona facility

 Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Seattle-based Horizon Air Industries, Inc. has signed a firm purchase agreement for one Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner. The airline retains its options on another seven Q400 NextGen aircraft as announced previously. Additionally, Bombardier and Horizon Air confirmed they have signed a five-year heavy maintenance agreement whereby Bombardier will perform heavy maintenance tasks for the airline’s fleet of 52 Q400 aircraft at Bombardier’s service centre in Tucson, Arizona.

Bombardier Confirms Abu Dhabi Aviation as Previously Unidentified Q400 NextGen Customer

Bombardier Aerospace confirmed today at the Farnborough International Airshow that a firm order for two Q400 NextGen aircraft, which was previously announced on April 23, 2014, was placed by Abu Dhabi-based, Abu Dhabi Aviation. A longtime Bombardier customer, Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East. The operator’s current fleet also includes one Q400 aircraft, one Dash 8/Q300 aircraft and two Dash 8/Q200 turboprops. The carrier’s main activities relate to the support of offshore oil, engineering and construction companies.

 

airBaltic now has 13 Bombardier CS300 jetliners on order

Air Baltic is the previously announced undisclosed customer that had converted three option aircraft to firm on the original order contract in February 2014. The original order for 10 firm airliners with options for 10 more was finalized on December 20, 2012.

Petra Airlines signs LOI for 2 Bombardier CS100s and options for 2 CS300s

Petra Airlines has signed a Letter Of Intent (LOI) to acquire up to four CS100 and CS300 airliners. Should the LOI be converted to a firm purchase agreement, the transaction would include two firm-ordered CS100 aircraft and two options for CS300 aircraft.

The new Eastern Air Lines signs a MOU for 20 Mitsubishi MRJ90s

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an order for twenty firm MRJ90 with purchase rights to an additional twenty MRJ90s with the Eastern Air Lines Group, Inc. (Eastern Airlines 2nd) (Miami). Based on this MOU, both companies will move forward to conclude a definitive agreement in the near future. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2019.

Eastern previously stated they had ordered the Boeing 737-800 in order to start operations. The proposed airline is still in the FAA certification process.

Thus far, 325 MRJ are on order, including 25 (15 firm, 10 option) from All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., 100 (50 firm, 50 option) from Trans States Holdings, Inc. and 200 (100 firm, 100 option) from SkyWest, Inc.

Loongair signs LOI for 20 Bombardier CS100 jetliners

 

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co., Ltd. (Loongair) (Hangzhou) has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire 20 CS100 airliners. The operator, based in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province, China began domestic service in 2013.
Based on the list price for the CS100 aircraft, a firm order for 20 CS100 aircraft would be valued at approximately $1.28 billion US.

ASIANA AIRLINES Extends A380 Tokyo Operation to late-August 2014

ASIANA AIRLINES is extending Airbus A380 operations on Seoul Incheon – Tokyo Narita route, which sees the Super Jumbo operates once a day, until 25AUG14. Previously the A380 service was scheduled to operate until 14AUG14


As a result of extended A380 operations, service reduction from 4 to 3 daily will also be in effect until 25AUG14 inclusive

Routesonline

Venezuela's Conviasa to start flights to Italy using A330s

Conviasa is planning to deploy its first two out of three A330-200s on order from Airbus on flights to Italy Venezuelan Minister for Water and Air Transport, Luis Graterol, has said.

Speaking to FinanzasDigital, Graterol said his government had taken the decision following an Alitalia decision to withdraw from the route citing a lack of progress made in securing its ticket remittances.
 With its sole widebody - an A340-200 - still undergoing maintenance in Bordeaux, the Venezuelan national carrier has had to rely on outsourced wet-leased aircraft from foreign carriers to cover its long-haul needs.
It currently uses B767-300(ER) EI-FCV from Blue Panorama Airlines for its Buenos Aires Ezeiza and IAtA!MAD routes.
ch-aviation

TRANS AIR - B737-200F - N737CS

Danny loftus - Honolulu

ALOHA AIR CARGO - SAAB 340A - N844KH

Danny loftus - Honolulu

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - ZK-NZE

ZK-NZE Air New Zealands first 787-9 departing on its delivery flight to Auckland.
Daniel Gorun - PAE Everett, WA USA

Boeing, Avolon Announce Commitment for 787 Dreamliners, Additional 737 MAXs

Leasing company adds Dreamliner to portfolio with six 787-9
737 MAX order book to increase to 20 airplanes
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Avolon announced the leasing company's commitment for six 787-9 Dreamliners and five additional 737 MAX 9 airplanes, valued at more than $2 billion at current list prices.
Seen here are the 787-9 and 737 MAX in Avolon livery.

Boeing, Okay Airways Announce Order For 737 MAXs, Next-Generation 737s

737's reliability and efficiency supports Okay Airways' growt First Chinese airline to fly 737-900E

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Okay Airways announced an order today for six 737 MAX 8s and four Next-Generation 737-800s, valued at $980 million at current list prices.
Seen here, a 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 in Okay Airways livery.

Monarch Airlines Selects Boeing as Preferred Bidder for Fleet Replacement

Commitment for 30 737 MAX 8s marks fleet transition for U.K.-based carrier to Boeing airplanes
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Monarch Airlines today announced that the two companies are finalizing terms and working towards a Purchase Agreement for 30 737 MAX 8s, marking the start of a fleet transition for Monarch to Boeing single-aisle airplanes

Embraer and Trans States Sign Deal for up to 100 E175-E2s

Farnborough, UK, July 14, 2014 – Embraer S.A. announced today, at the 2014 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow, that it has received an order for 50 E175-E2 jets from Trans States Holdings, parent company of Trans States Airlines, Compass Airlines and GoJet Airlines. The agreement also includes options for an additional 50 units, taking the total order potential to 100 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2020.

The order, which is valued at approximately USD 2.4 billion at list prices, is subject to certain conditions. It will be added to the Company's firm order backlog when these conditions are met and final confirmation of the aircraft is received from Trans States.

“The E175-E2 is proving to be the preferred aircraft for North American carriers as they confirm their future fleet requirements for the next decade,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “When it takes delivery of its first E2 in 2020, Trans States will be flying the newest, most efficient and cost-competitive airplane in its category. It's a tremendous order and a clear recognition of the investments we are making in our E-Jets family.”

The Trans States E175-E2s will be configured with 76 seats in a dual-class layout.

“We are very excited to announce this agreement on the E2, which expands our relationship with Embraer. Our partnership has spanned well over two decades, and now, due to this agreement, will be expanding decades more into the future,” said Richard A. Leach, President of Trans States Holdings Inc. “The improved performance and cost savings technologies the E2 will bring to the marketplace will enhance Trans States Holdings’ ability to provide industry-leading solutions in fuel burn, maintenance costs, environmental impact and performance through cutting-edge technological advancements to our major airline customers.” Leach went on to say, “This announcement also reaffirms our commitment to the value of the geared-turbofan technology and our confidence in the expertise of our Embraer partners to produce an industry leading and revolutionary new aircraft.”

The three new E-Jets E2 (E175-E2, E190-E2, and E195-E2) are powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest generation geared-turbofan engines, have new aerodynamically advanced wings, full fly-by-wire flight controls, and systems advances that will bring lower external noise levels and double-digit savings in fuel burn, maintenance costs, and CO2 emissions

Boeing Celebrates Nok Air's 10th Anniversary with Special Livery Next-Generation 737

SEATTLE-- Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered to Nok Airlines Public Company Limited (Nok Air) today a special livery Next-Generation 737-800 commemorating the Bangkok-based carrier's 10th anniversary. The 737-800, owned by Ireland-based leasing company Avolon and operated by Nok Air, features the traditional bird-themed livery with the addition of stars, streamers and "10th Anniversary" painted on the airplane to celebrate the milestone. In this photo, Nok Air's brand new 737-800 takes off from Boeing Field in Seattle.

AerCap firms up order for 50 A320neo Family aircraft

AerCap, the industry leading lessor headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has firmed up an order for 50 additional A320neo Family aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014. The contract, AerCap’s first major aircraft order following the acquisition of ILFC earlier this year, was signed by Philip Scruggs, AerCap’s President & Chief Commercial Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. AerCap will announce its engine selection in due course.

A330neo: Powering into the next decade

Building on the proven economics, versatility and high reliability of the hugely popular A330, the A330-800neo and A330-900neo launched in July 2014 will reduce fuel consumption by a further 14% per seat compared with today’s A330, making them the most cost efficient, medium range widebody aircraft on the market. As well as delivering significant fuel savings for airlines and even quieter operation, the aircraft will also expand operators’ market opportunities with a range capability increase of around 400 nautical miles while carrying more payload. Moreover, the A330neo will not only match the cash operating costs per seat of its nearest competitor, the 787, but also surpass it on direct operating costs per seat, and do so while offering an inch greater seat-width comfort in economy class.
The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines with a larger 112” diameter fan for a 10:1 bypass ratio, more seats and new cabin features. In addition, aerodynamic efficiency enhancements, including composite ‘A350 XWB inspired’ winglets and a wing span extension from 60.3m to 64m, will together confer increased lift and reduced drag. First deliveries of the newest A330 Family members are scheduled to start in Q4 2017.

Cabin evolution

 Through an innovative use of the cabin space, the A330-900neo will accommodate up to 10 additional seats (from 300 to 310), while the A330-800neo will seat up to six additional passengers (from 246 to 252) – and retain the same high comfort standard as today’s A330, with 18-inch wide seats in economy class. Moreover, all passengers will enjoy a 21st century on-board experience, including 4th-generation high-definition in-flight entertainment (IFE), full connectivity plus the same full-LED mood-lighting as in the A330’s big brother – the A350 XWB. The LED cabin lighting will be lighter and cheaper to maintain than traditional illumination while offering unlimited mood-lighting customisation scenarios.

 Cabin crew in the A330neo will benefit too with a cabin intercommunication data system (CIDS) upgrade, featuring a new flight attendant panel to control the mood lighting, water levels, temperatures and voice announcements. In addition, the galley insert developed for the A350 XWB will be available for the A330 and will include an espresso coffee maker, chillers, and ovens with baking functions. Pilots and cabin crew alike will also appreciate the new segregated lower-deck mobile crew-rest. This also frees-up more space on the main deck for extra passenger capacity.

 Operations and maintenance 
As well as having operational commonality with other members of the Airbus Family – including the same pilot type rating as the A330, common type rating with the A350 XWB and the same “Code-E” gate category as the A330-200 and -300 – the NEO will also retain 95% airframe spares commonality with A330 and inherit its marketing-leading reliability.

It will also offer five percent reduced airframe maintenance costs, thanks to further evolution in the already efficient A330 scheduled maintenance programme, now with fewer tasks, longer intervals between some checks, as well as a reduction in manhours over the typical 12-year maintenance cycle for new parts such as the engine pylons and some sections of the improved wing. Also helping to achieve the five percent reduction in maintenance costs is the new electrical bleed air system (EBAS) which replaces pneumatic controls with full electrical regulation – a technology which is already proven on the A380 and also features on the A350.

Overall the new A330neo builds on the A330 market leadership, in efficiency, versatility, reliability and profitability, and is the perfect choice for Airlines.

IAG orders 20 A320neo Family aircraft

Aircraft are intended for operation by British Airways
International Airlines Group (IAG) has converted 20 A320neo options into a firm order for the world’s most popular single aisle aircraft Family. These aircraft are currently intended to replace 21 shorthaul British Airways’ aircraft.

British Airways already operates 120 Airbus single aisle aircraft covering the full Family range from the smallest A318 to the largest A321.

“IAG’s’ selection of the A320neo Family for its single aisle fleet is a significant win for Airbus. It is with great pride that one of our biggest and most influential customers recognise the superior operating economics and passenger appeal of the A320neo Family,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “This order strengthens the A320neo Family as the single aisle aircraft of choice for the world’s leading airlines.”

The market leading A320 Family has the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft for added passenger comfort and the neo adds productivity, 15 percent fuel savings and up to 950km added range.

The order by IAG sustains several thousand aviation jobs throughout the UK, where the wings are designed and assembled. It also contributes some £40million to the UK economy.

In August 2013, IAG announced that, as part of a Vueling order for up to 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft, it had also secured 100 A320neo options.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,500 orders to date and over 6,100 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.
To date, firm orders for the NEO have reached over 2,800 aircraft representing a 60 per cent share market share in its category.

Airbus launches the A330neo

Adds new members to its market-leading Widebody Family

Following a decision by the Board of Directors of the Group, Airbus has launched the A330-800neo and A330-900neo, two new members of its Widebody Family, which will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family. Deliveries of the A330neo will start in Q4 2017.

 “The A330 is a very important margin contributor for our Group. It’s also one of the most reliable and efficient commercial aircraft ever. Customers love it. With our decision to re-engine the plane, we will keep the A330 flying high for many more years to come. The development costs for the A330neo will be incurred from 2015 to 2017 with an impact of around -70 basis points on Airbus Group’s 2015 Return on Sales target. However, we have a very good business case and the A330neo, once in service, will continue to significantly contribute to our group’s earnings,” said Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group.

“The A330neo is the logical evolution of our reliable and versatile A330 Family. It provides an optimal solution for airlines around the world looking to minimise their fuel and operating costs while offering best-in-class comfort to their passengers,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “We see strong market potential for the A330neo, and like its market-leading smaller sister, the A320neo, we are confident this new aircraft will be a success in the medium-haul segment. We are again leveraging a proven aircraft with a wide operator base and making it even more efficient with the latest innovations and technology developments.”

In addition to the new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo will feature incremental innovations, including aerodynamic enhancements such as new A350 XWB inspired winglets, an increased wing span and new engine pylons. Pilots will benefit from latest generation cockpit systems, and the already very comfortable A330 cabin will be further optimised to offer up to ten additional 18 inch wide seats. Passengers are winners too, as they will be able to enjoy a 21st century on-board experience with for example, fourth generation In Flight Entertainment (3D films), mood-lighting and full connectivity.

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES - DHC8-Q400 - ET-ARM

Marco Moutinho - Faro

Air India joins Star Alliance

NEW DELHI, India , July 11, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Star Alliance, the way the Earth connects, welcomed Air India as a full member of its global family of airlines, opening the national carrier's strong domestic network in the fifth largest aviation market to Star Alliance customers worldwide.

Air India now offers all Star Alliance customer benefits across its network and Air India's customers enjoy the same benefits when they travel on any of the other 26 Star Alliance member airlines.

"This is an important day for us. We have said for many years that we needed a strong home carrier in the Indian market and by welcoming Air India to our Star Alliance family, we have achieved this goal," said Star Alliance Chief Executive Mark Schwab . "We know that the 'new' Air India is looking forward to providing the Star Alliance customer benefits to many more travellers."
Rohit Nandan , Air India Chairman and Managing Director said, "Air India is proud to be a member of this prestigious airline Alliance. From today, we  open up a completely different world for our passengers, who can now travel to over 1,300 destinations right across the network and enjoy world-class service, better connectivity and seamless travel wherever they go."
Air India adds a total of 400 daily flights and over 40 new destinations in India to the Alliance network. The biggest growth will come from its home market which has up to now been served by 13 Star Alliance members flying to 10 destinations and holding a 13% market share. As a result of the addition of Air India, the Alliance's market share in India has risen to 30%. Globally, passengers further benefit from a wider choice on routes connecting North America , Europe , Asia and Australia via the Indian Subcontinent. In total the Star Alliance network counts 27 member airlines, offering more than 18,500 daily flights serving 1,316 destinations in 192 countries.
Air India now offers through check-in to the final destination for connecting flights operated by any Star Alliance member airline for both passengers and baggage, hence providing seamless travel. Passengers benefit as they do not need to collect their boarding passes for connecting flights at the transfer airports and, where permitted by local customs regulations, baggage will also be sent through to the final destinations.
Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air India's Flying Returns programme and those of the existing member carriers are now activated. These provide customers with more options in earning and redeeming, upgrading and obtaining Star Alliance Gold status.
Flying Returns members who hold Maharajah Club or Golden Edge Club status now automatically also have Star Alliance Gold status, giving them access to more than 1,000 lounges across the global network. Gold status customers can also check in at specially designated counters, are offered an increased baggage allowance and receive priority boarding and baggage delivery. All these benefits are also provided by Air India to customers holding Star Alliance Gold status in other frequent flyer programmes.
Air India's network comprises 50 destinations in India and 33 internationally, serving 23 countries. The addition of over 40 unique destinations domestically offers passengers excellent connectivity between major business centres. New destinations include the industrial hubs of Aurangabad and Vadadora; Indore, which is home to many pharmaceutical producers; textiles and engineering centre Coimbatore and Jamnagar, India's "Oil City". Air India also serves popular tourist destinations such as Goa , Kochi, Maduria and Jaipur.
As part of its Star Alliance membership, Air India now participates in several of the Alliance's fare products and business solutions.
For the business travel sector, Air India flights can be included in Star Alliance Corporate Plus agreements, which are aimed at large multinational companies. For the Conventions and Meetings market, Air India will now offer Star Alliance Conventions Plus and Meetings Plus, the dedicated products for the meetings and conventions industry*.
Air India also boosts the attractiveness of the Alliance's most popular fare product, the Star Alliance Round the World Fare (RTW). Available in First, Business and Economy Class, this fare allows customers to travel around the globe making use of the 27 member airline network. Customers can now make use of all Air India flights when booking their RTW fare, either through the Book & Fly online booking tool*, via an airline or through a travel agency.
Some of Air India's flights will also be included in the Star Alliance Circle Pacific Fare which allows circular round-trips covering the Asian countries bordering the Pacific, the main international hub airports on the Pacific Coast of Canada and the USA , as well as the South Pacific (mainly Australia and New Zealand ).
And finally, Air India is now included in the Asia Airpass alongside all other Asia based Star Alliance member airlines. This special coupon and mileage based fare is available to all overseas visitors to the region travelling on a Star Alliance member airline and allows customers to travel around Asia , selecting from a total of 277 destinations.
*Note: Book & Fly, Meetings Plus and Conventions Plus will be updated to include all Air India flights during the month of July.
About Air India:
Air India occupies a special place in the global and Indian aviation scenario. It pioneered the aviation in India and its history is synonymous with the history of civil aviation in India .  Air India is not a mere airline that transports passengers, baggage and cargo.  It is a multi-faceted organization.  The aviation infrastructure it has created over the years is a testimony of its contribution.  Apart from servicing of all its aircraft in-house with its own engineering facilities, Air India also undertakes ground handling services of many airlines in many cities in India .

Air India has grown to become a mega international airline with a network of 33 destinations across the USA , Europe , Canada , Far-East and South-East Asia and the Gulf. The airline's domestic network covers more than 40 destinations, including far-flung areas of the North-East, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  Air India, today,  flies one of the youngest, state-of-the-art, fleet of aircraft comprising a mix of the wide-body Boeing B777s, B747s,  Airbus A330s, latest acquisition- the B787 Dreamliner and the narrow body Airbus A321s, A320s and A319 aircraft.

Nepal Airlines accepts first of six Y12Es

Nepal Airlines has taken delivery of its first of six Y12Es on order from Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation.
The aircraft, 9N-AKS, will be ferried to the Himalayan Kingdom on July 25 where it will undergo certification prior to its entry into service.

The turboprop was originally due in late June only for Nepali authorities to delay its arrival on the back of lengthy certification delays experienced with it first MA-60.

Nepal Airlines intends to use the Y12s to gradually replace its fleet of ageing DHC-6s of which only one is currently serviceable.

Indonesian operators vie for Tigerair Mandala's traffic rights

Nam Air as well as Garuda Indonesia, Citilink and Lion Airlines have all submitted applications to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in the Indonesian Ministry of Transport to take over routes left vacant by Tigerair Mandala.

The Jakarta Globe reports that the ministry intends to offer up four out of Tigerair Mandala's nine remaining routes - Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta-Pekanbaru, Pekanbaru-Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta-Palembang and Jakarta-Denpasar - to local operators.

In line with local laws and regulations, the ministry can only officially begin distributing Mandala's forsaken routes 30 days after it has ceased operations.

“We haven’t decided when we will start offering the routes because most airlines choose the routes with heavy traffic. Meanwhile, we also need to make sure that the less busy ones are filled in a bid to ease the mobility of people in the regions,” Minister of Transport, Everte Ernest Mangindaan, said.

Tigerair and local equity firm, Saratoga Capital, cited heavy sustained losses in their decision to terminate Tigerair Mandala's operations on July 1.
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AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS - A330-300 - F-WWCK msn 1535

Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS

LIBYAN AIRLINES - A330-200 - F-WWCT

Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS

ANTONOV will present new transport aircraft in Great Britain

The ANTONOV Company will present its modern programs at the Farnborough – 2014 exhibition, to be held during 14 – 20 July near London. The work program of the ANTONOV’s delegation, headed by Dmytro Kiva, President – General Designer, includes a number of meetings and negotiations, directed to development of interaction with European companies and aircraft operators. Among perspective programs that may be the basis for development of this cooperation is the AN−178 new transport aircraft with cargo capacity of up to 18 tones. This project ANTONOV realizes, basing on researches of world market requirements of ramp military freighters. One of the fundamental tendencies is replacement of four−engined turboprop transport aircraft with by two−engined jet ones. Having close fuel consumption by the hour, twin−jet provides much higher efficiency on a route as compared to a four turboprop−powered transport aircraft owing to almost 40 percent higher cruising speed. On the basis of main tasks to be performed by medium military transports, the AN−178 will be able to perform tasks within logistic support of troops, to carry and airdrop military personnel and cargoes, to transport injured and light equipment, to deliver equipment and engines. Unique feature of the AN−178 is ability to carry all the type of the existing packaged freights (containerized and palletized ones). Besides, as other ANTONOV’s aircraft, the AN−178 also has characteristics, so necessary to transport aircraft: ability to be operated from/to any runway, self−regulation, high reliability and combat vitality.

The AN−178 maiden flight is planned to be performed in the beginning of 2015. The market demand for this aircraft is evaluated to 200 transports till year 2032.
In the segment of transports at Farnbotough−2014 ANTONOV will also present the following programs: AN−70 STOL military transport that has already completed state joint tests, further development of famous heavy transport of AN−124−100 Ruslan, a number of new perspective projects.
Much attention will be paid to the program of AN−148/158 regional jet family. This international project has unified efforts of more than 200 companies – participants from 15 countries of the world. Nowadays the market has a number of this family aircraft of different purpose, including for transporting from 68 to 99 passengers, cargo delivery, VIP variants, aircraft for work in emergency situations, maritime patrol aircraft.

ANTONOV is sure that participation in Farnborough−2014 will become the next step of Ukraine to the development of international cooperation in aviation industry.

Boeing Forecasts Demand for 36,770 New Airplanes Valued at $5.2 Trillion

LONDON, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] projects a demand for 36,770 new airplanes over the next 20 years, an increase of 4.2 percent from last year's forecast. The company released its annual Current Market Outlook (CMO) today in London, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $5.2 trillion.

This infographic provides a detailed look at the forecast.

Emirates takes delivery of its 50th Airbus A380

41 tonnes of relief goods on board this ferry flight

A major milestone for the A380 programme, Emirates and Airbus today celebrated in Hamburg, Germany the delivery of the 50th A380 for the Dubai-based airline. It is the 136th A380 which has been delivered in total.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “Emirates has seen tremendous organic growth in the past 4 years, probably the fastest of any airline in history. We’ve literally added capacity equivalent to what some mid-sized airlines operate, but more significantly, we have maintained high seat loads and profitability. This speaks to the strength of our world-class product, and also our business model which is based on an efficient global hub that connects Dubai to the world, and almost any two cities in the world via Dubai.”

He added: “The A380 has been very successful for us, and this is reflected in the strong customer interest and high seat factors wherever we’ve deployed the aircraft. The A380 has helped us serve customer demand on trunk routes, operate more efficiently at slot-constrained airports, and also introduce new concepts on-board that have redefined the flying experience. Moving forward, we will see quite a ramp up in the delivery programme and by late 2017 we will have around 90 A380s in our fleet to support existing and new A380 routes.”

“The A380 is pleasing its operators by increasing passenger traffic, strengthening load factors and improving their market share. The delivery of the 50th A380 to Emirates shows the profit enhancing capabilities of this aircraft and the extraordinary vision of Emirates and Sir Tim”, says John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Following delivery of their first A380 in July 2008, Emirates took delivery of their 25th A380 in October 2012. All Emirates’ A380s are powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines. The airline has 140 A380 on order.

For the ferry flight from Hamburg to Dubai, the aircraft was loaded with 41 tonnes of relief goods. This is the biggest amount which has ever been transported on a single flight organised by the Airbus Corporate Foundation. The goods will be deployed in cooperation with ACF (Action Contre la Faim) to a UN Humanitarian Response Depot in Dubai.

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has joined the fleets of 11 world class carriers. The aircraft flies 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favorite with both airlines and passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies.

The total A380 fleet has accumulated over 1.4 million flight hours in more than 172,000 commercial flights. To date over 60 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. Every four minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the 37 airports where it operates today and the network is constantly growing.

WestJet confirms widebodies to arrive in 2015

 

WestJet has announced plans that could see it begin operating its first wide-body aircraft by autumn 2015. The carrier says it expects to operate four wide-body aircraft with the first deployments on routes between Alberta and Hawaii during the 2015/16 winter season.

"Westjet's current winter service between Alberta and Hawaii, operated using two B757-200s sourced from Thomas Cook Airlines UK, will end in Spring 2015," it said.

Further announcements regarding its planned wide-body summer 2016 schedule will be released at a later date.

While talks have taken place with both Airbus Industrie and Boeing, analysts widely believe WestJet will settle on the US manufacturer given the carrier's current all-Boeing fleet of thirteen B737-600s, sixty-nine B737-700s, and twenty-five B737-800s.
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Photo:Duncan Stewart - LAX

Alaska orders more B737s, AA swaps B787-9s for -8s

Alaska Airlines has ordered four more B737-900(ER)s the latest Boeing Order figures show. The original launch customer for the type back in 2001, Alaskan operates thirty-two B737-900s with an additional twenty-five on order, the last of which is to be delivered during 2017.

The US manufacturer's figures also show American Airlines has revised its order for B787-9s converting four into B787-8s. American is due to take delivery of its first of sixteen B787-8s in November this year ch-aviation
Photos;Duncan Stewart - LAX

Israel's CAL to acquire two B747-400(F)s

CAL Cargo Air Lines has announced plans to dry lease a B747-400(F) in addition to acquiring a B747-400(ERF) as part of its fleet renewal plans. The Israeli freight operator expects the B747-400(F) to enter service in September with the second aircraft due in November.

SSJ100 Certified for Operations on Narrow Runways

In June 2014 the Aviation Register of Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC AR) confirmed that the Sukhoi Superjet 100 can be operated on narrow 30-meter-wide runways.
Operation conditions of SSJ100 were expanded under certification program. This allowed taking off and landing on the runway which is 30 or more meters wide. The Program did not require any changes in design of the aircraft or its systems.

This certification program ran from February till March 2014 and consisted of two stages: simulation and flight tests. Two test aircraft took part in flight tests, which were performed at Ramenskoe aerodrome (near Moscow), as well as at “Karlovy Vary” international airport in Czech Republic where the runway is 30 meters wide.
Tests demonstrated that the SSJ100 aircraft is able to take off and land successfully on the narrow runway, no matter whether it is dry or wet, and with simulation of aircraft functional systems’ failure including rejected take-offs.
This Supplemental Type Certificate will allow SSJ100 operators to increase the number of possible destinations as part of current ground air transport infrastructure