Boeing delivers first 747-8 with performance-improved engines

By BA Staff

Boeing image

Boeing delivered the first 747-8 with performance-improved GEnx-2B engines as part of the airplane's Performance Improvement Package (PIP.)

A Cathay Pacific Airways Cargo 747-8F Freighter was the first aircraft delivered with the new PIP engines.

The engine is the first of the package's three improvements to enter service. The two other components, Flight Management Computer (FMC) software upgrades and reactivation of the horizontal tank fuel system on the passenger version, the 747-8 Intercontinental, are expected to enter service later this month and in early 2014, respectively.

The PIP engine improves the airplane's efficiency by 1.8 percent. All three PIP components can be retrofitted on the 747-8. The tail fuel reactivation is applicable only for the 747-8 Intercontinental and the FMC upgrades can also be made to existing 747-400s.

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Air Caraïbes places order for three A350-1000s and will lease a further three A350-900s from ILFC.

By BA Staff

Air Caraibes has signed a firm contract with Airbus S.A.S. for three A350-1000s, the largest member of Airbus’ new generation A350XWB Family.

The airline will also lease three new A350-900s from ILFC. The aircraft will enter into service between 2016 and 2022.

The Air Caraïbes’ A350-1000s will seat 439 passengers in three classes, and the -900 will seat 387 passengers. 

The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s routes from Paris to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Marteen, Haïti, Saint-Domingue and French Guyana which are currently flown by five A330s.

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Cathay Pacific become first Asia Pacific airline to order Boeing 777-9X

by Devesh Agarwal

Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER in special livery.

Long time Boeing customer, Cathay Pacific Airways become the first Asia-Pacific airline to order the new 777-9X. The Hong Kong based carrier has placed an order for 21 of the mini-jumbo long haul aircraft valued at $7 million at list prices. The 777X program created waves in the industry last month, when it garnered a whopping 259 orders and commitments valued at over $95 billion at the Dubai air show.

Hong Kong's flag carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing freighter fleet that includes 13 747-8F Freighters. Like the 777-300ER, there is only the General Electric GE9X engine option for the 777-9X.

The GE9X engine for Boeing's 777X family will be in the 100,000-pound thrust class with a 10 percent improvement in fuel burn over today's GE90-115B. Key features of the new engine include, the industry’s largest front fan, composite fan case and fourth-generation composite fan blades, highest pressure ratio compressor for any large GE engine, third-generation TAPS (twin annular pre-swirl) combustor for greater efficiency and low emissions, and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material in the combustor and turbine.

Image courtesy Cathay Pacific Airways

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Photos: First flight of Asiana Airlines' first A380

by Devesh Agarwal

Korea's Asiana Airlines’ first A380 has successfully completed its maiden flight. The A380 flew from Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France to the aircraft manufacturer’s site in Hamburg, Germany, where it will undergo painting and cabin furnishing.

Asiana Airlines will become the twelfth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the second quarter of 2014. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its primary routes from Seoul to the United States.

Below are two high resolution photos from Airbus which you can right click and download.

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American Airlines to buy up to 70 CRJ900 NextGen regional jets

by Devesh Agarwal

CGI of CRJ900 NextGen in American Eagle livery.

Bombardier Aerospace of Canada and American Airlines Group Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas have signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft along with options on an additional 40 aircraft.

Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately US$1.42 billion and could increase to approximately US$3.38 billion if the 40 options are converted into firm orders.

American Airlines becomes the first customer to acquire the newest version of regional jet which has an improved fuel burn of four per cent with the “NextGen” package enhancements. Improvement to the aircraft’s engines and ongoing weight reduction initiatives, which include upgraded avionics, will offer a further reduction of up to 1.5 per cent.

Including the American Airlines order announced today, Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,812 CRJ Series aircraft, including 339 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, CRJ Series aircraft are in service with more than 60 airlines and more than 30 customers operate corporate variants of the aircraft.

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Air Canada signs agreement to buy up to 109 Boeing 737 MAXs

by Devesh Agarwal

Boeing 737 MAX 9 final concept CGI rendering. Boeing image.

National carrier Air Canada has agreed to buy up to 109 Boeing 737 MAX single aisle narrow body aircraft as part of its fleet renewal plan. Boeing has wrested back an existing Airbus narrow-body customer as the MAXs will replace Air Canada's existing mainline fleet of Airbus A320 family.

The agreement with Boeing, which is subject to completion of final documentation and other conditions, includes firm orders for 33 737 MAX 8 (equivalent to A320) and 28 737 MAX 9 (equivalent to A321) aircraft with substitution rights between them as well as for the 737 MAX 7 (equivalent to A319) aircraft. It also provides for options for 18 aircraft and rights to purchase an additional 30. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017 with 2 aircraft, 16 aircraft in 2018, 18 aircraft in 2019, 16 aircraft in 2020 and 9 aircraft in 2021, subject to deferral and acceleration rights.

With regards to the existing regional jets fleet, the airline said

Air Canada continues to evaluate the potential replacement of its Embraer E190 fleet with more cost efficient, larger narrowbody aircraft that are better suited to its current and future network strategy. Consistent with this strategy, the agreement with Boeing provides for Boeing to purchase up to 20 of the 45 Embraer E190 aircraft currently in Air Canada's fleet. The E190 aircraft exiting the fleet will be initially replaced with larger narrowbody leased aircraft until the airline takes delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The company will be reviewing various options over the next six months for the remaining 25 Embraer E190 aircraft including continuing to operate them or replacing them with a yet to be determined number of aircraft in the 100 to 150 seat range.

Air Canada's plan is for its total fleet including Air Canada rouge™, but excluding aircraft flown by its contracted regional carriers, to grow from the existing 192 aircraft to approximately 214 aircraft by the end of 2019. Air Canada has 13 options and rights to purchase 10 Boeing 787 aircraft, rights to purchase 13 Boeing 777 aircraft as well as the 18 options and 30 purchase rights for Boeing MAX aircraft.

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Philippine Airlines and Airbus coordinate fourth humanitarian flight for typhoon Haiyan victims

By BA Staff

One month after Haiyan, one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded, struck the Philippines, thousands of people are still left homeless and without food or water.

Since the disaster happened in early November this year, Airbus’ Corporate Foundation has coordinated three relief and goodwill flights, with either Airbus Flight Test aircraft or newly delivered customer aircraft.

This week-end, a fourth flight to the Philippines was coordinated by the Airbus Corporate Foundation and its partners, Philippine Airlines (PAL), Action Contre la Faim, Aviation Sans Frontières and Humedica.

A PAL A330, with four doctors and one nurse on board, loaded with 5.6 tonnes of medical supplies, food and water sanitation equipment, took off on Friday 6th December from Toulouse and landed in Manila, Philippines on Saturday 7th December early morning. This is the third flight using a PAL aircraft since the typhoon struck the country.


Share your thoughts on the corporate social responsibility of these companies and organisations via a comment.

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Kuwait Airways signs agreement to buy A350 and A320neo

By BA Staff

Kuwait Airways Airbus A350-900 CGI

European airframer, Airbus has signed an agreement with national carrier Kuwait Airways to buy 10 A350-900s and 15 A320neos.

A little over two weeks ago, Kuwait Airways had suspended its Chairman for publicly stating an intent to buy five A330-200s from India's Jet Airways.

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Ethiopian Airlines authorised as service facility for Q400 turboprops

By BA Staff

Bombardier Aerospace celebrated its growing support network in Africa by agreeing with Ethiopian Airlines of Addis Ababa, as yet another Authorised Service Facility (ASF) for commercial aircraft on the continent.

The airline can now perform line and heavy maintenance on Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprop aircraft under the Bombardier ASF banner.

Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of modern aircraft, and performs complete aircraft, as well as engine and component overhaul and repair services from facilities at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The facility employs an all-Ethiopian workforce of over 750 licensed technicians and support staff.

Éric Martel, President, Customer Services and Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace said:

“Ethiopian Airlines is one of Africa’s most respected airlines and a valued Bombardier customer. Their commitment to excellence both in operations and maintenance services will benefit our operator base in the region and beyond, as a part of our network. Through sustained investment and focus, we continue to expand our support services in Africa and are looking forward to this new chapter of our relationship with Ethiopian.”

Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines said:

“Ethiopian Airlines’ NextGen turboprops are proving their high value by delivering excellent passenger experience, operational flexibility and economics – confirming that they are excellent aircraft for operations in Africa. As a newly appointed Authorized Service Facility for Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft, we welcome the opportunity to expand our relationship with Bombardier, and to provide maintenance services to other carriers as an increasing number of these modern turboprops take to the skies in our geographically diverse continent.” 

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Latin American airlines need over 2,300 new aircraft in next 20 years

By BA Staff

Image courtesy Airbus S.A.S.

According to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), Latin American airlines will require 2,307 new aircrafts between 2013 and 2032, including 1,794 single-aisle, 475 twin-aisle and 38 very large aircraft (VLA) worth an estimated US$292 billion. Globally, by 2032 some 29,230 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at nearly US$4.4 trillion will be required to satisfy future robust market demand.

With GDP currently growing above the world average (3.6 percent per year over the last two years, versus 2.6 percent for the world) socio-economic indicators forecast that Latin America’s middle class will grow to represent more than half of the population by 2032. Between 2012 and 2020, Latin America’s economy is expected to outperform the world average, largely thanks to Mexico and Brazil’s consumer spending. As a result, traffic growth in Latin America in the next 20 years is expected to outperform the world average of 4.7 percent with an annual growth rate of 5.2 percent.

A growing middle class and increased consumer spending have led to air transport becoming more accessible throughout Latin America in the past 10 years, increasing 14 percent in terms of total number of cities served. Still, while almost 100 percent of the 20 largest cities in North America and Europe connect passengers with at least one flight per day, only 40 percent of Latin America’s top 20 cities do the same. As a result, in the next 20 years, intra-regional and domestic traffic is expected to grow at an impressive rate of 6.3 percent, becoming the biggest market for Latin American carriers.

This untapped intra-regional potential partly explains why Airbus forecasts that in the next 20 years two-thirds of the population in emerging markets will take a trip a year, positioning Latin American airlines to enjoy the second highest traffic growth rates worldwide, after Middle Eastern airlines.

While 10 of the 92 worldwide aviation mega-cities with over 10,000 international passengers a day will be in Latin America by 2032, additional opportunities exist for Latin American airlines to capitalize on. Currently, Latin America’s six largest carriers have 19 percent market share of the region’s long-haul traffic, while regions like North America and Europe enjoy nearly 40 percent.

Rafael Alonso, Executive Vice President of Airbus for Latin America and the Caribbean said:

“Very large aircraft, such as the A380, not only help alleviate traffic congestion at busy airports, but they can assist Latin American airlines to compete with their foreign competitors. At the same time the A380 addresses international air traffic requirements needed to serve long-haul flights to Europe.”

Another prevalent trend in Latin America is the rise of low cost carriers (LCC), which accounts for nearly 40 percent of the market share of total air traffic in the region, up from just 12 percent in 2003, with Mexico and Brazil representing nearly the entire market. A highly competitive LCC market has led airlines to constantly seek the most efficient aircraft available, largely driving the average age of Latin America’s in-service fleet to 9.5 years, down 42 percent since 2000, as compared to the world average age of 10.7 years.

While many Latin American airlines have gone through great efforts to maintain a young and highly-efficient fleet, the average aircraft age in Latin America could decrease further when Caribbean carriers start their renewal process.

Alonso said:

“Aircraft in the Caribbean average about 17 years of age - - that’s more than seven years older than the Latin America and world average. We’ve already started seeing some airlines in the Caribbean take advantage of current market opportunities and achieve greater operational benefits associated to newer generation aircraft. As more follow, the average aircraft age in the region will continue to drop.”

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Boeing launches 777X program - images and video

by Devesh Agarwal

Boeing 777-9X. Boeing image.

The Dubai Airshow is known for releasing multi-billion dollar orders from the major Gulf carriers, and yesterday was no exception.

Boeing was the clear winner on day one of the show, and the star was the yet to be commenced Boeing 777X program which is an upgrade of the already ultra-popular Boeing 777 twin engine wide body jetliner which today commands 71% of the in-service fleet worldwide.

Video at the end of the story

Despite receiving a order for 34 777-9X from German carrier Lufthansa two months ago, Boeing formally launched the 777X program at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, in deference to its largest 777 customer, Dubai-based Emirates airline, whose CEO, Tim Clark, has been the biggest demander of the new aircraft. (Watch a video of Tim Clark talking about wide body aircraft including the 777X).

Reflecting customer faith in the yet to be developed aircraft, Boeing took in orders and commitments for a whopping 225 aircraft, racking up its tally to 259, making the 777X, the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by value.

Boeing image

Boeing received orders and commitments from Etihad Airways with 25 77X aircraft (17 777-9X and 8 777-8X), Qatar Airways with 50 777-9X; and Emirates with 150 777X (115 777-9X and 35 777-8X), with an option for 50 more. The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices.

The consistent large orders from the Gulf majors is not unexpected. As Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, explained

"In recent years, much of the action in global aviation has shifted to the Middle East because countries like the U.A.E. and Qatar have tapped into our geographical advantage to build new air transport connections for the world,"

The 777X will build on the market leading 777 and will introduce new technologies in multiple places. A new composite wing similar to the 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 Jumbo will feature folding raked wingtips, allowing the new plane to fit into existing gates at airports. The new GE9X is touted as the most advanced commercial engine ever. Giving airlines what they desire most, lower seat-mile costs.

Mini-jumbo battle

Boeing 777-9X and 777-8X CGI. Boeing image.

The existing 777-300ER (77W) will be upgraded to the 777-9X with a list price of $377.2 million, an expected entry in to service (EIS) date of 2020, range of 8,200 nm (15,185 km), and passenger capacity of 406. The 777-200LR will be upgraded to the ultra-long-haul (ULH) 777-8X with a list price of $349.8 million, an EIS about 18 months after the -9X, range of 9,300 nm (17,220 km), and passenger capacity of 350 which is close to that of the existing 777-300ER.

The "mini-jumbo" segment is hotly contested, pitting the 777X against the A350 XWB from European major, Airbus.

While Boeing claims "the 777-8X competes directly with the A350-1000, while the 777-9X is in a class by itself", Airbus counters saying Boeing has driven up passenger numbers to justify operating economics using the ultra-dense 17 inch width seating, as practised by Emirates and Etihad, when compared to the wider 18 inch seat width used by Airbus to arrive at its 350 seat A350-1000, which is due to enter service in 2017.

Video of 777X

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Airbus Military Services logistic hub starts operations

By BA Staff

The Airbus Military Services Logistic Hub has started operations in Seville, Spain, in line with the Full In-Service Support (FISS) model developed by the company. This hub delivers spare parts for all Airbus Military products worldwide as well as ground equipment for the operation of the fleet.

The new facility substantially strengthens the spare parts delivery procedure by improving reliability and cutting dispatch times. With the new Services Logistic Hub, 95% of customer’s requests for spare parts will be fulfilled within five days. For Aircraft-On-Ground (AOG) Service the dispatch time is reduced to a maximum of four hours. Delivery reliability has increased since the start of operations. The new set up will also mean a reduction in recurring operational costs of around €500,000 a year compared with traditional processes.

Philippe Galland, Head of Services, said

Putting in place this Services Logistic Hub will reduce our delivery lead-times and guarantee fleet availability. We will be more competitive thanks to the cost reduction and customer satisfaction will also improve

The Services Logistic Hub has been certified Part 145 by the Spanish agency for aviation safety AESA on behalf of its European counterpart EASA.

The FISS (Full In-Service Support) model is the integrated service model offered to all Airbus Military customers worldwide. It is based on years of experience providing support to customers around the world where and when they need it. The entry into service of the French Air Force’s first A400M at Orléans-Bricy air base is the latest example of FISS but it equally applies to the A330 MRTT, for example in the case of the Voyager at the Brize Norton base in the UK, and a growing number of C295 and CN235 operators. Today it covers around 90 aircraft of 11 customers, flying some 35,000 hours per year.

The new Services Logistic Hub employs 100 persons who manage about 22,500 different part numbers in its 8,300 square meters. Dispatch operations of the Airbus Military Services Logistic Hub are performed by Airbus lead logistic provider Kuehne&Nagel.

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MASwings welcomes second new twin Otter Viking Series 400

By BA Staff

Malaysia Airlines’ subsidiary MASwings Sdn. Bhd. today took delivery of its second out of six orders for the Twin Otter DHC6-400 from Viking Air Ltd of Canada. The ceremonious handover was graced by the Right Honorable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada in recognition of strong international cooperation between Malaysia and Canada.

Courtesy of Malaysia Airlines

The aircraft bearing serial no. 883 and Malaysian registration: 9M-SSB arrived at Hangar 5 of Malaysia Airlines Engineering Complex at Kuala Lumpur international airport (KLIA).

Speaking at the event, Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari expressed his excitement with the delivery of the second aircraft within the course of two months:

“The new DHC6-400 not only allows MASwings to provide improved and additional services to the rural areas in Sarawak and Sabah, but it is capable of offering full freighter services. The aircraft can also be fitted with a stretcher kit for medical evacuation. The purchase of these state of-the-art aircraft demonstrates MASwings’ full commitment in providing air linkage for the people in the rural community, connecting them to Sabah, Sarawak and beyond.”

The new DHC6-400 aircraft is fitted with the most advanced flight avionics system in its class. With a new full glass cockpit, auto-flight system, dual global positioning navigation system, coupled with satellite communication system, the new DHC6-400 raises the safety and operational bar of MASwings to a higher level.

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Boeing reports third quarter deliveries

by BA Staff

American manufacturer Boeing has reported its aircraft deliveries for the third quarter of 2013, with 213 deliveries recorded in the three month period, split as 170 Commercial and 43 Defense & Space. For the year to date, Boeing has recorded 595 deliveries, split as 476 Commercial and 119 Defense & Space.

Find the full breakdown of Boeing's third quarter and year to date deliveries in the table below:

Program	3rd Quarter 2013	Year to Date 2013
Commercial
737NG	112	330
747	4	16
767	5	17
777	26	73
787	23	40
Total	170	476
Defense & Space
AEW&C	0	0
Apache	11	31
Chinook	15	32
C-17	2	8
F-15	0	3
F/A-18EF & EA-18G	12	36
P-8	2	7
Satelites	1	2
Total	43	119

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easyJet to open new base in Hamburg, expand Berlin base

By BA Staff

easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has announced it will open a base in Hamburg, Germany as well as increasing its fleet in Berlin in the spring of 2014.

Building on its success to date in both Hamburg and Berlin, easyJet’s new base will open with three A319 aircraft with the airline increasing its fleet in Berlin by an additional plane. easyJet will more than double its network from Hamburg with 15 additional new business and leisure routes on the top of its existing portfolio of six routes offering almost 170 flights a week during summer 2014. With more frequencies and early morning departures from Hamburg the schedule will make easyJet more attractive to business passengers.

Carolyn McCall, easyJet chief executive officer, commented:

"I am really pleased to be able to announce the launch of a new base in Hamburg which will enable us to double the size of our operation. Hamburg and its region is one of the most dynamic economies in Europe with a significant and growing tourist industry. In the last twelve months more than half a million passengers have enjoyed easyJet’s low fares combined with our friendly service. These expansion plans mean that we expect to carry twice as many passengers in the first year of operations which will take us to more than a million passengers annually for the first time."

Hamburg will be easyJet’s 23^rd base in its European network. Germany’s second largest city is also one of Europe’s wealthiest economies with a strong local industry in banking, aviation, renewable energy media & publishing and the second largest European harbour. easyJet expects to bring 275,000 additional business and leisure visitors in Hamburg in the first year.

First Mayor of Hamburg Olaf Scholz said:

"easyJet's recent decisions strengthen both the Hamburg Airport and the aircraft manufacturing location Hamburg - the third largest after Seattle and Toulouse. The most recent decision of the airline to purchase new aircraft is good for Airbus. It is also good news for suppliers that are involved in aircraft manufacturing. easyJet's decisions underscore the positive development that Hamburg is experiencing in regards to aviation. This development shows that it was the right decision of the Hamburg Senate in 2000 to invest in aviation in Hamburg and to give the aviation industry the importance it deserves."

In Berlin, the additional aircraft will take the total based there to eight. It will mean 130,000 more passengers on the top of the four million passengers easyJet has carried on the last 12 months (a 9.5% increase on the previous year). The aircraft will allow easyJet to increase frequencies on popular business and leisure routes. At Summer 2014 passengers will have the choice of up to 635 flights per week.

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Boeing drops 767-200ER and 767-400ER, launches 767-2CFX in latest pricing update

by Vinay Bhaskara

A 767-300F - Image Credit: Boeing

American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has released its latest aircraft pricing update, and there were several changes made. Firstly, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has dropped the 767-200ER and 767-400ER variants from its 767 product line. These aircraft can no longer be purchased by customers, though if a sizable enough order comes through for Boeing, they could easily re-start production, unlike the 757, whose production line has been retooled for the 737.

The 767-200ER was among the first 767 aircraft offered by Boeing, launching in 1982, the year its standard range cousin, the 767-200, entered service. Ethiopian Airlines was the launch customer for the type in December 1982. Over the years, the smaller 767-200ER was rapidly eclipsed by the larger 767-300 variant, which became the dominant variant in the overall program with 807 ordered (out of 1108 program wide) as of the June Boeing orders and deliveries (also O&D) spreadsheet. Overall, 121 767-200ERs were ordered and delivered, and 39 remain in passenger service. American Airlines is the largest operator with 12 in its fleet used on premium transcontinental routes within the US, though these aircraft will be retired quickly as American takes delivery of their replacement; the Airbus A321.

The 767-400ER was a bit more of an oddball, with only 2 operators (Delta Air Lines, and Continental Airlines - now United Airlines) ordering a total of 38 aircraft. Delta currently has 21 767-400ERs in its fleet, though some of these aircraft may be eventually replaced with the carrier's recent order for 10 additional Airbus A330-300s, while United has 16 frames remaining. The 767-400ER was designed to compete with the aforementioned A330-300, but largely failed to do so, with the A330-300 having won 635 orders over the course of its lifetime.

The 767 program itself had a seemingly bleak future as recently as 3 years ago, with orders slowing to a crawl (primarily existing 767 operators such as ANA and LAN ordering the 767-300ER as interim lift due to the 787 delays). But in February 2011, Boeing won a landmark aerial refueling tanker deal from the United States Air Force, worth nearly $30 billion over the contract's lifetime, with a design based around the 767 called the KC-46A. This made it possible for Boeing to extend the life cycle of the commercial variants of the 767, winning further orders, most notably for 46 767-300Fs from FedEx in 2011-12.

Interestingly, the commercial version of the KC-46A, the 767-2CFX has been added to the pricing table, though no price has been set for the aircraft yet. The table with updated prices from Boeing can be seen below. Interestingly, despite Lufthansa's order for 34 777X family (777-9) aircraft announced today, the type has not yet been formally launched. In all likelihood, formal launch will occur at this years Dubai Air Show, alongside a massive order from Emirates.

Aircraft	Price ($ million)
737
737-700	76.0
737-800	90.5
737-900ER	96.1
737 MAX 7	85.1
737 MAX 8	103.7
737 MAX 9	109.9
747
747-8i	356.9
747-8F	357.5
767
767-300ER	185.8
767-300F	188.0
767-2CFX	TBD
777
777-200ER	261.5
777-200LR	296.0
777-300ER	320.2
777F	300.5
787
787-8	211.8
787-9	249.5
787-10	288.7

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Harbin Composite Manufacturing Centre delivers 1st major A350 part

By BA Staff

Harbin Hafei Airbus Composite Manufacturing Centre (HMC), a joint venture between Airbus and its Chinese partners, has started to deliver elevators for the Airbus A350 XWB programme. A ceremony was held today in Harbin for the delivery of the first ship set of elevators. The elevators manufactured at HMC are delivered to Spain-based Aernnova Aerospace (ANN), who will deliver them to the Airbus plant in Getafe, Spain, where they will be integrated into the A350 XWB horizontal tail plane. ANN is a major supplier of aerostructures to Airbus.

Based on a contract signed by HMC and ANN in 2010, HMC is responsible for manufacturing and assembling the complete set of carbon fibre elevators (an elevator is a movable control surface in the horizontal tail plane that makes the aircraft pitch up or down to increase or reduce its flight altitude).

According to an agreement signed in 2007 between Airbus and the Chinese government, Airbus agreed to allocate five percent of the A350 XWB airframe to be manufactured in China. The work packages to be carried out by HMC are a significant part of the five per cent. 

Rafael Gonzalez-Ripoli, Airbus' China Chief Operating Officer had this to say about the A350: 

“The delivery of the first ship set of A350 XWB elevators by HMC is an important milestone in our long-term partnership with the Chinese aviation industry. The A350 XWB has taken to the sky and the programme is progressing on track. The Chinese have every reason to be proud of the contribution they are making to the A350 XWB."

Geng Ruguang, Executive Vice President of AVIC, the parent company of the majority shareholding Chinese partners of the HMC, said: 

“It’s inspiring for the Chinese aviation industry to be involved in the development and production of the A350 XWB, which is the world’s most advanced and most efficient aircraft, and to become an integrated part of Airbus’ global supply chain. The delivery of the first A350 XWB elevator demonstrates one more step forward of HMC towards its set target. The development of HMC will also constitute a pulling force for the relevant local industries.”

Pedro Fuente, Chief Operating Officer of ANN, said: 

“We at Aernnova are really satisfied with the very effective teamwork model developed together with the Harbin Manufacturing Centre to industrialize and progressively transfer the A350 XWB Elevators. We are impressed by the fast growing capabilities we are seeing every day. Clearly these are great pillars for a long term collaboration and mutual success.”

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PHOTOS and Analysis: A new Indian start-up; Zexus Air?

by Vinay Bhaskara

A report in Ch-Aviation is stating that proposed domestic start-up Zexus Air, to be based at Delhi, is planning to acquire four Embraer E175LR regional jet aircraft (with manufacturer serial numbers [MSNs] 17000277, 17000287, 17000291, and 17000309), as per its application with India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an air operator certificate (AOC). The aircraft were previously with Brazilian regional operator TRIP Linhas Aereas, a subsidiary of Azul Brazilian Airlines, the Brazilian low cost carrier (LCC) founded by JetBlue's founder, David Neelman

Not much is known about the startup Zexus Air, except that it would operate on domestic routes, likely with a LCC business model. The carrier has not launched a website, and a quick scan of the airline's Facebook page reveals the following picture of a US Airways E-Jet with Zexus Air titles added via Photoshop or some equivalent. The unprofessional photo below does not re-assure anyone about the viability of Zexus Air's business plan, nor their level of capitalization at this present stage.

Image Credit: Zexus Air

Using Embraer E175 regional jets is a recipe for disaster in the Indian airline industry, thanks to discounts in airport costs for aircraft below a certain weight. These discounts, which apply to turboprops of the same size as the E175, are designed to promote service to Tier II and Tier III Indian cities. But as a side effect of the discounts, regional jet operations in India are simply economically un-viable. For example, regional operator Paramount Airways, who utilized a fleet of Embraer E-Jets, was decimated earlier this decade by competition from Kingfisher and Jet Airways ATR turboprops in the South.

Moreover, the Indian operating environment is anything but conducive to a new start-up airline. Demand is weakening thanks to a poor macro-economic climate, and the existing airlines are already locked into capacity growth thanks to massive aircraft orders. Moreover, seasoned LCC veteran Air Asia is soon to launch an Indian franchise, and even Air Costa, with a similar business model based around regional jets, is set to launch operations within a couple of months. Zexus Air, it would appear, is doomed from the start. 

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Kenya Airways to receive its first Boeing 777-300ER in October

by BA Staff

Kenya Airways is set to receive a Boeing 777-300ER this October to commence revenue service in November. The aircraft, which seats 400 passenger in a 2 class configuration (28J / 372Y), will be the largest aircraft in the airline's fleet to date.

Dr. Titus Naikuni, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, had this to say about the aircraft: 

This will be the largest aircraft in our fleet. Our current B777-200ER aircraft has a seating capacity of 322 passengers while this one has 400 seats. It  will give our business a major lift due to its enhanced product quality, excellent range and impressive cargo capacity ( more than 7,000 cubic feet of cargo volume; over 20 metric tons). The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is a perfect fit for our network expansion plans as it will enable us serve our existing markets much more effectively and facilitate the opening of new long-haul routes in the near future.

Image Credit: Kenya Airways

The Premier World seats include full flat-bed seats with leather foot-rests, laptop stowage, and armrests. They also have a high quality entertainment system to go with 15.4 inch screens, a power socket, and a USB port. The Economy class seats contain articulating seat bottoms for better legroom, four-way adjustable headrests, and 10.6 inch monitors to go with a USB port, power sockets, and an in-flight handset.

This acquisition is part of Kenya Airways 10-year strategic plan dubbed ‘Project Mawingu’ in which the airline targets to increase its fleet size from the current 44 to 107 aircrafts by 2021 and destinations from the current 62  to 115. The new Boeing 777-300ER will commence direct flights from Nairobi to Guangzhou from November this year.

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PHOTOS: Qatar Airways' first A380 has its maiden flght

by BA Staff

Image Credit: Airbus

Middle Eastern carrier Qatar Airways's first Airbus A380 superjumbo took off from Tolouse on its maiden flight to Hamburg on 9th September, where the aircraft will undergo cabin installation before being painted.

Qatar Airways will take delivery of its first A380 sometime early in 2014, becoming the 11th operator of the A380. Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 117 passenger aircraft, serving 121 destinations around the globe, with an additional 172 aircraft on order, including 10 A380s (with 3 additional purchase options). Qatar Airways' A380s are expected to seat 517 passengers in a 3 class configuration (8F / 52J / 457Y).

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