sexta-feira, 12 de outubro de 2018
quarta-feira, 10 de outubro de 2018
Boeing, Air Lease Corp., Deliver First 787-9 Dreamliner for Air Tahiti Nui
Dreamliner for Air Tahiti Nui
Tahitian airline to fly longest-range 787 from the South Pacific to Europe, Asia
Air Tahiti Nui unveils new seats and livery on inaugural Dreamliner
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA], Air Lease Corp. [NYSE:AL; "ALC"], and Air Tahiti Nui celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner, via lease from ALC. This is the first Boeing airplane to join the Tahitian airline, which plans to use the longest-range Dreamliner to replace aging A340s and connect its home base in the South Pacific with world capitals such as Paris, Tokyo and Los Angeles.
Air Tahiti Nui joins other carriers in the Pacific who operate long-distance routes in switching to the super-efficient and long-range 787-9. The airplane can fly up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km), while reducing fuel use and emissions by 20 to 25 percent compared to older airplanes.
Air Tahiti Nui configured its new Dreamliner to seat 294 passengers in three classes. The cabin features a new business class equipped with 30 full lie-flat seats, along with 32 premium economy seats.
"Our dream has finally become reality with the arrival of Air Tahiti Nui's first 787-9 Dreamliner," said Michel Monvoisin, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Air Tahiti Nui. "The Tahitian Dreamliner will make flying to one of the world's treasures an unforgettable experience, as we introduce new seats and a culturally inspired cabin on the 787. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, the 787 Dreamliner will guide us towards another successful 20 years and beyond."
The airline announced in 2015 it would lease two 787s through ALC and purchase two 787s directly from Boeing as part of its plan to upgrade its fleet for the future.
French Polynesia President Edouard Fritch and other government dignitaries joined the airline in celebrating the milestone delivery at Boeing's South Carolina Delivery Center.
"We are pleased to deliver ALC's first aircraft to Air Tahiti Nui," said Marc Baer, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. "The capabilities of the 787 will help enhance Air Tahiti Nui's commercial operations and will significantly increase the efficiency of its future fleet."
"We are honored to welcome Air Tahiti Nui as a new Boeing customer and the latest member of the 787 Dreamliner family. We are confident the airplane's market-leading efficiency and unmatched passenger comforts will transform the airline's operation," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. "This delivery opens a new partnership between Boeing and Air Tahiti Nui, and demonstrates the strength of our partnership with ALC."
Photos:hsckcwong
LAX, USA
terça-feira, 9 de outubro de 2018
Lufthansa Group expands A320neo fleet
Orders additional 24 A320neo and three A321neo
Lufthansa Group has converted 27 A320neo Family options into firm orders. Following a decision by the company’s supervisory board, the Group signed for an additional 24 Airbus A320neo and three A321neo aircraft. Ten of the aircraft will be deployed with Lufthansa Group’s Swiss International Air Lines. Part of the order will be powered by PW engines and the other by CFM LEAP-1A, so both engine types are represented nearly equally within the Lufthansa Group.
The latest agreement brings Lufthansa Group’s total order for the A320neo Family to 149 (101 A320neo and 48 A321neo) with 13 already in operation. Lufthansa was the launch operator of the A320neo.
"Lufthansa Group is one of the largest and most experienced A320 Family operators worldwide. We are gratified to see this additional order by such a stellar customer,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “By operating the A320neo Family, Lufthansa consolidates its commitment to the highest standards of efficiency and noise reduction.”
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 6,100 orders received from more than 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.
Delta Air Lines A220 takes to the skies for its first flight
Delta Air Lines’ first A220-100 took off on its first flight from Mirabel airport, Québec, at 02:02 p.m. local time. The aircraft was crewed by A220 programme test pilots. During the successful 2-hour and 53-minute flight, the crew checked the aircraft’s main systems and landed back in Mirabel at 04:55 p.m.
The flight took place a few days after the aircraft rolled out of the paint shop. Next, the aircraft will continue with pre-delivery testing and assembly, as elements of its state-of-the-art interior come together at the A220 assembly line. Delta’s first A220 is scheduled to begin service in early 2019.
Delta Air Lines will be the first U.S. airline to operate the A220 – at the same time becoming the fourth A220 operator, after Swiss International Air Lines, airBaltic, and Korean Air. Delta is the largest A220-100 customer, with a firm order for 75 aircraft.
The A220-100 delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency. It brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.
With an order book of over 400 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
Scoot takes delivery of its first A320neo
Scoot, the low cost wing of Singapore Airlines, has taken delivery of its first A320neo in Toulouse, France.
Scoot has placed orders for 39 A320neo aircraft under its fleet renewal programme. The new addition complements the airline’s existing fleet of 27 A320ceo Family aircraft.
Powered by Pratt and Whitney PurePower engines, the new aircraft features 186 seats in Scoot’s configuration. Selected for its outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and range, the A320neo will be deployed by Scoot on its services across Asia.
Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, 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 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured nearly 60 percent share of the market.
Qatar Airways grows its A350-1000 fleet
Qatar Airways has upsized five A350-900s currently on order to the bigger A350-1000 version. This latest endorsement for the largest member of Airbus’ successful A350 XWB family reflects the five-star-airline’s need for growth and capacity at the best comfort and efficiency levels available.
The amended order reinforces Qatar Airways’ position as the largest A350-1000 customer with a fleet of 42 aircraft. The A350-1000’s fuselage is seven metres longer than its smaller brethren, providing greater capacity (44 more seats in Qatar Airways cabin configuration) that perfectly matches airlines’ needs on their growing long-haul routes.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to have upgraded five of its previously ordered A350-900 to the more recently launched A350-1000. Since taking delivery of the world’s first A350-1000 in February 2018, we have been extremely pleased with the aircraft’s performance, which has prompted us to update our original order. The A350-1000 has been a welcome addition to our fleet and very well received by our passengers who enjoy the new generation aircraft’s unprecedented levels of comfort and technology.”
“Since its entry into service, the A350 Family has proven outstanding reliability and efficiency. We are delighted to see launch customer Qatar Airways extend its confidence in the A350-1000“, said Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “Qatar Airways is renowned for its standards of excellence, and we are pleased the A350-1000 delivers to their expectations, being the aircraft of choice to seamlessly increase capacity in unprecedented comfort on its growing long-haul routes.”
Qatar Airways’ A350-1000s features the unique Qsuite – the airline’s signature business class seating that offers a new level of innovation for in-flight comfort.
With 76 aircraft on order, Qatar Airways is the largest A350 XWB customer and currently operates 30 A350 XWBs comprising of 27 A350-900s and 3 A350-1000s.
Since its entry into service, the A350-1000 has demonstrated unsurpassed efficiency, economics and remarkable operational reliability.
The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.
To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 890 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
EASA and FAA certify long-range capability for A321neo
- Up to three Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs) are now certified on the A321neo, including for ETOPS operation;
Paving the way for the A321neo customers to start “Long Range” (LR) operations;
Facilitating the most flexible and capable version of the A321 to date: the “A321LR”
Readiness to start “Long Range” (LR) operations with launch customers of the most capable and flexible A321neo version to date – the A321LR – has moved a significant step closer with recent joint EASA and FAA approval of the aircraft to operate with up to three underfloor Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs), including for ETOPS operation.
This latest milestone is one of various A321neo capability options which when combined, allow the A321LR version to fly up to 4,000nm with 206 passengers with extra fuel stored in three ACTs, including on ETOPS routes. Moreover, the ETOPS authorisation enables up to 180 minutes single-engine diversion time, which is sufficient for performing any transatlantic route.
The A321LR’s certification includes: (a) approval of the “major change” to install up to three optional ACTs in the A321neo – with their associated new fuel management systems and lower-fuselage structural reinforcements; and (b) the approval of the A321neo’s “Airbus Cabin Flex” (ACF) option which incorporates a modified fuselage structure with new door arrangements together with a higher Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) capability of up to 97 metric tonnes. It should be noted that only A321neos which have the new ACF structure can offer the 97t MTOW and the ability to install three ACTs. Previously, the A321 Family could accommodate up to two ACTs.
While the ACF configuration will become standard for all new delivered A321neos from around 2020, the 97t MTOW capability and the ability to carry up to three ACTs will be options. For the ACTs, customers would specify prior to aircraft manufacture whether the aircraft is to be equipped with an expanded fuel management system as well as the necessary structural reinforcements to secure the underfloor ACTs.
The ability to add or remove ACTs, combined with the Airbus Cabin Flex, the 97t MTOW capability and the EASA/FAA approval to use the ACTs with ETOPS, together confer unprecedented airline flexibility for cabin layouts, seating density, cargo payload, fuel-capacity and mission routing.
Evelop schedules A350 operation from September 2019
Spanish carrier Evelop Airlines this week filed aircraft changes in the GDS, as the airline prepares service entry of Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft. Initially reflected under FlexFlight’s W2-coded flight numbers since late-September 2018, following Evelop Airlines’ E9-coded flight numbers also displaying A350 service starting this week.
Madrid – Cancun eff 03MAY19 2 weekly
Madrid – Havana eff 01MAY19 2 weekly
Madrid – Punta Cana eff 04MAY19 2 weekly
Madrid – Punta Cana eff 04MAY19 2 weekly
By Jim Liu
Etihad increases London Heathrow service in Dec 2018/Jan 2019
Etihad Airways during Christmas and New Year period plans to increase Abu Dhabi – London Heathrow service, scheduled from 15DEC18 to 13JAN19. During this period, the airline will operate 4th daily flight, on board Boeing 787-9 aircraft (except selected dates).
The following schedule is for 15DEC18, as operational schedule varies by 5-20 minutes, pending on operational date.
EY013 AUH0705 – 1050LHR 789
EY014 LHR1250 – 2345AUH 789
Jim Liu
Asiana Airlines schedules limited-time A380 Barcelona service in Feb 2019
replacing Boeing 777-200ER service. The A380 is scheduled to operate this route on 24FEB19 and 28FEB19.
OZ511 ICN1445 – 1950BCN 388
OZ512 BCN2150 – 1800+1ICN 388
By Jim Liu
Arkia outlines A321neo service in W18
Arkia Israel Airlines has filed planned Airbus A321neo operation, set to enter service in the 4th quarter of 2018. Planned operation of the 220-seater aircraft as follows.
Tel Aviv – Barcelona eff 02DEC18 2 weekly
Tel Aviv – London Stansted eff 19NOV18 3 weekly A321 (2 weekly from 03JAN19)
Tel Aviv – Paris CDG eff 18NOV18 2 weekly
By Jim Liu
Air Transat outlines A321 European network in S19
Air Transat in last week’s schedule update filed planned Airbus A321 Trans-Atlantic service, mainly operating from Montreal and Quebec City. The A321neo LR aircraft will gradually serving following markets from May 2019.
Montreal – Basel/Mulhouse eff 17JUN19 2 weekly
Montreal – Lisbon eff 03MAY19 1 weekly (Except 21JUN10 – 01OCT19)
Montreal – London Gatwick 19JUN19 – 18SEP19 1 weekly
Montreal – Marseille eff 06MAY19 1 weekly (Except 13JUN19 – 13OCT19)
Montreal – Nantes eff 06MAY19 1 weekly (Except 11JUN19 – 24SEP19)
Montreal – Nice eff 02MAY19 2 weekly (3 weekly from 14MAY19)
Montreal – Porto eff 04MAY19 2 weekly (3 weekly from 27MAY19)
Montreal – Toulouse 14OCT19
Quebec City – Paris CDG eff 03MAY19 2 weekly (3 weekly from 28MAY19)
By Jim Liu
Air Tahiti Nui takes delivery of first B787-9
Air Tahiti Nui (TN, Papeete) has taken delivery of its first B787-9 following the hand over of F-OMUA (msn 39297) on Saturday, October 6. The aircraft will shortly be positioned to the South Pacific where it is provisionally set to enter scheduled passenger service on November 7 on flights from Papeete to Auckland Int'l and on November 8 to Los Angeles Int'l.
The Tahitian carrier has four B787-9s due from Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) as part of its fleet renewal program. The second and third aircraft, on lease from Air Lease Corporation, are due to arrive in May and June next year respectively with a fourth set to deliver in September 2019.
Collectively, the jets are replacing Air Tahiti Nui's outgoing fleet of five A340-300s.
The B787-9s will feature a total of 294 seats of which 30 are in Business class, 32 in the new Moana Premium, and 232 in Moana Economy.
ACG Air Cargo Global resumes flight ops
ACG Air Cargo Global (CW, Bratislava) has resumed regular flight operations as of mid-September following a brief suspension that started earlier this summer season in late July.
According to Skyliner Aviation, the Slovak cargo specialist's has returned two of its three B747-400(BDSF)s to service.
Of the active duo, OM-ACG (msn 24311) has been contracted by Aquiline International to run select services for Silk Way West Airlines (7L, Baku) on flights from Frankfurt Hahn, Milan Malpensa, and Budapest to Baku. For its part, OM-ACB (msn 24998) has secured a contract to run flights out of Sharjah and Kabul, Kandahar and Dhaka with flights having started on September 28.
Sistership OM-ACJ (msn 25075) remains in Sharjah where it has been undergoing maintenance since late July.
domingo, 7 de outubro de 2018
quinta-feira, 4 de outubro de 2018
Primera Air to cease ops, enter administration
Photo:Brian Worthington - Boeing - USA
Primera Air Scandinavia (PF, Billund) and its Latvian sister carrier Primera Air Nordic (6F, Riga) will cease all operations as of midnight, October 2, 2018, and enter into bankruptcy administration after parent firm Primera Travel Group failed to raise the funding needed for the airlines to continue flights.
"The company has been working relentlessly during the last months to secure the long-term financing of the airline. Not being able to reach an agreement with our bank for a bridge financing, we had no other choice than filing for bankruptcy," the Danish carrier's board said in a statement.
The airline said that among the factors that had contributed to its financial malaise was the loss of one aircraft in 2017 due to severe corrosion problems. The rebuilding alone cost it more than EUR10 million. Another key factor was severe delays in the delivery of its A321neo orders, which led to "operational issues, cancellations of a number of flights, and loss of revenue" during Summer 2018. As a result, Primera Air had to wet-lease in B757s and a B767 to offset the capacity deficit which cost it EUR20 million euros (USD23.1 million) alone.
"Weighing the potential losses due to future delivery delays, and the added exposure to our partners and lessors, and bearing in mind the difficult environment that airlines are facing now due to low prices and high fuel costs, we have decided to cease operations now, where it will have a smaller effect on our clients, due to the timing of the year, rather than increasing the exposure," it added.
Primera Air currently operates five A321neo and three B737-800s mostly on Mediterranean routes from Scandinavia, as well as transatlantic low-cost operations out of London Stansted and Paris CDG. Due to A321neo delivery delays, Primera Air was forced to wet-lease in two B757-200s from National Airlines (N8, Orlando Sanford) and a single B737-400 from GetJet Airlines (GJT, Vilnius). Primera Air Nordic operates a further two B737-700s and five B737-800s on leisure routes from Scandinavian bases.
ch aviation
Boeing, Air Lease Corp., EVA Air Celebrate Airline's First 787-9 Dreamliner
EVA Air is first in Taiwan to fly the 787; will power fleet with 24 Dreamliners
Airline debuts new, upgraded interior with BMW-designed business class seats
Airplane on lease from ALC's order book with Boeing, which includes 52
CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA], Air Lease Corp. [NYSE:AL; "ALC"], and EVA Air today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner, via lease from ALC, at Boeing's South Carolina Delivery Center. EVA Air plans to debut the long-range and super-efficient airplane in November on international routes.
"This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for EVA Air as we continue to revolutionize Taiwan's dynamic commercial aviation industry," said Steve Lin, Chairman of EVA Air. "The 787 Dreamliner's extraordinary efficiency and passenger pleasing cabin features will further elevate EVA Air's position as a five-star global airline. We are excited to introduce the 787 into our fleet and they will play an integral role in our success going forward."
Built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced GEnx engines from General Electric (GE) Aviation, the 787 Dreamliner family lowers operating costs by more than 20 percent compared to previous airplanes, and nearly 10 percent compared to today's competing jets.
Today's delivery marks the first of 24 Dreamliners for the Taipei-based airline. In 2015, EVA Air announced a landmark order for 18 787-10 airplanes along with plans to operate four 787-9s and two 787-10s on lease from ALC. This remains the largest commercial airplane purchase in Taiwan's history.
"ALC is pleased to deliver this historic first Boeing 787-9 to EVA Air and further our strong relationship with a world-class airline," said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "As the first airline in Taiwan to operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, EVA Air will continue to excel as a leading international airline with the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient fleet."
"We are extremely honored that EVA will be introducing the new 787 Dreamliner to their world-class fleet," said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This milestone delivery signals yet another chapter in our enduring partnership with EVA. I am confident that the market-leading capabilities of the 787 will contribute immensely to the airline's long-term success."
A member of Star Alliance, EVA Air serves international routes with approximately 565 weekly flights. Onboard the airline's new 787 Dreamliner, passengers can experience EVA Air's new Royal Laurel business class seats designed by Designworks, a BMW Group company. At 23 inches wide, the new seats feature privacy panels, full lie-flat capabilities as well as enhanced in-flight entertainment systems. EVA Air also partnered with Teague, to redesign its economy class seats, which are produced by Recaro.
To improve the operational efficiency of its 787s, EVA Air plans to use a variety of Boeing Global Services tools, including Maintenance Performance Toolbox, Airplane Health Management and the electronic flight bag product.
The airline will also use Component Services, where Boeing and its partners own, manage and maintain a global pool of high-value rotable parts, components and line-replaceable units (LRU) for convenient access.
More about the 787 Dreamliner
The 787-9 is the second member of the Dreamliner family, which offers 20 to 25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat and lower emissions than the airplanes they replace. As the longest-range member of the family, the 787-9 can fly 290 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km).
As a stretch of the 787-9, the 787-10 retains over 95 percent commonality while adding seats and cargo capacity, setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics at 25 percent better fuel per seat and emissions than the airplanes it will replace.
Boeing, United Airlines Announce Order for Nine 787-9 Dreamliners
New order sends Boeing's 787 net orders above 100 this year, just shy of 1,400 for the program
U.S. carrier also announces plans to expand transcontinental service with the new, larger 787-10
United Airlines says the order reflects its fleet strategy of replacing older widebody jets with new, advanced airplanes such as the 787-9, which can fly farther and use 20 percent less fuel with 20 percent fewer emissions. The U.S. carrier, which announced a purchase of four 787-9s in July, has now ordered a total of 64 Dreamliners.
The latest deal continues the strong momentum for the 787 Dreamliner family, with net orders now above 100 for the year and just one shy of 1,400 since the start of the program. Nearly half of all 787 customers have returned to place additional orders for the airplane, helping to make it the fastest-selling widebody jet in history.
"The 787 Dreamliner has been so successful in the marketplace because of great partners like United Airlines that have taken the airplane's unrivaled performance to open new routes and offer passengers a wonderful travel experience," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company. "It makes all of us very proud to have United place a repeat order since its team has spent a lot of time with the Dreamliner and knows what it can do."
United began flying the Dreamliner in 2012, using the long range and fuel efficiency of the 787-8 and 787-9 to serve intercontinental routes such as Houston to Sydney and San Francisco to Singapore. The 787-9 can fly up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 kilometers) and serve 290 passengers in a standard configuration.
Later this year, the carrier is set to take delivery of the largest member of the Dreamliner family, the 787-10, which can seat up to 330 passengers in a standard configuration. While the airplane is capable of flying long distances with a range of 6,430 nautical miles, United today announced plans to debut its first 787-10 on premium transcontinental routes in the U.S., boosting its coast-to-coast schedules to offer passengers travelling between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and San Francisco more flights and more premium seats.
Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has flown nearly 280 million passengers while saving an estimated 28.7 billion pounds of fuel.
Syphax Airlines eyes narrowbodies for ops in 2019
Syphax Airlines (SYA, Sfax) is planning to resume operations in Spring 2019 and is currently looking for an investor which would provide narrowbody aircraft in addition to two CRJ-900ERs the airline has already secured, Forbes has reported.
The airline has been dormant since 2015 when it suspended services mainly due to a crisis in inbound Tunisian tourism. It is currently undergoing recertification with the Tunisian Civil Aviation Authority. CEO and founder Mohamed Frikha told Forbes he expected to get a new Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) in October 2018.
Initially, the carrier would offer its two ex-Air Nostrum CRJ900ERs for wet-lease services during the Winter 2018/19 season, ahead of the launch of its own routes in March or April 2019. Syphax Airlines said it would offer "priority" to flag carrier Tunisair if it needs additional regional jet capacity.
The carrier intends to connect Tunis, Djerba, and Sfax to destinations in North Africa and Europe, with Paris and Toulouse Blagnac floated as the first routes.
Syphax Airlines also intends to add narrowbody aircraft to further boost its network in the region and offer sixth-freedom services between Africa and Europe via Tunisia. For that, however, it needs an investor.
"It can be European partners or Middle East partners. What we need from our partner is only aircraft, because here in Tunisia we have not many aircraft," Frikha said, underlining that Syphax Airlines is not short of pilots, crew members, and engineers.
Short of going into any details, Frikha mentioned A320-200s or B737-800s as potential narrowbody types.
He also added that Syphax would make sure to ascertain that the potential investor does not intend to threaten the position of Tunisair. Although Syphax Airlines had competed bitterly with the flag carrier before 2015, Frikha now says it would seek an amicable relation with Tunisair.
"We will not be a competitor to Tunisair. We will complete the activity of Tunisair with the regional flights," Frikha said, mentioning the relation between Iberia and Air Nostrum as an example.
ch aviation
Turkmenistan Airlines closes in on Boeing 737MAX order
One of the three Boeing 737MAX-7s on order by Turkmenistan Airlines is a BBJ, making the airline the launch customer for that version in the CIS (Boeing)
Central Asian national carrier Turkmenistan Airlines has moved a step closer to formally signing an agreement for the purchase of three Boeing 737MAX-7 aircraft after the country’s president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov met with Bryan Lopp, Boeing’s director of international operations and policy, during his visit to the UN General Assembly in New-York late last week.
It was the latest round in a series of talks with the American aircraft manufacturer, reports Turkmenistan’s state news agency. In mid-September the head of the country approved a resolution allowing Turkmenistan Airlines to purchase three re-engined narrow-body aircraft, including one for transporting high-ranking officials. Thus, one of the three aircraft will be a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), making Turkmenistan one of the first countries in the CIS to operate that version of the 737MAX.
The first deliveries of the Boeing 737MAX-7, currently in certification trials, are scheduled for 2019. President Berdymukhamedov explained that the choice of the type was determined by “the accumulated positive experience of operating [such aircraft] on international, domestic and regional routes.” By aligning its current 20-strong fleet of a range of Boeings – 717/737/757/777s – with the new-generation aircraft, Turkmenistan Airlines is hoping to stimulate further development of the country’s air travel market.
The previous contract, for three Boeing 737-800s, was signed in 2014 and, according to a state-supported initiative, the airline’s fleet should double by 2030. For its future fleet expansion, other aircraft manufacturers are also under consideration, primarily in the 50 to 100-seat regional aircraft sector for domestic flights.
by ES in Air Transport,
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