Boeing, TUI travel PLC complete order for two 787-8s

By BA Staff

Boeing and TUI Travel, one of the world's leading leisure travel companies, have completed an order for two 787-8 Dreamliners. The deal, worth $424 million at current list prices, extends TUI Travel's 787 commitment to 15 airplanes. The purchase was originally attributed on the Boeing orders and deliveries website to an unidentified customer.

 TUI took delivery of its first 787-8 Dreamliner in May and now has four airplanes in service.

TUI Travel originally ordered the 787 in February 2005. Currently, the Group's subsidiary Thomson Airways is using the airplane on such routes as Thailand, Caribbean and the Maldives.

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Air Tahiti receives its first ATR42-600

By BA Staff

Air Tahiti has taken delivery of its first ATR42-600 in a bid to modernize its fleet. The aircraft is part of the firm order for three ordered in August 2010. The airline has also placed an order for four ATR 72-600s). All the aircraft will be shipped over the next three years.

Air Tahiti will introduce the aircraft on the regional routes within French Polynesia and will operate an international connection between Papeete and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

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Airbus corporate foundation coordinates relief aid to the Philippines

By BA Staff

An Airbus A340-300 test flight aircraft left Lyon, France at 7:45 Nov. 15, for Cebu, Philippines with 28 logistics and emergency rescue specialists on board plus nearly 30 tonnes of water purification equipment and energy biscuits, destined for the victims of the Haiyan typhoon in the Philippines. This relief mission has been jointly organised with Action Contre la Faim (ACF). The aircraft is scheduled to arrive on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. locally.

In addition a delivery-flight of an all new A321 to Philippine Airlines is being used to send a medical team of 10 doctors and nurses as well as 11 tonnes of medical equipment and food to Tacloban via Manila, Philippines. This help has been facilitated together with the Foundation partners Philippine Airlines, Humedica e.V. and Kühne & Nagel. The flight will leave the Airbus site in Hamburg, Germany, this Friday evening and is expected to arrive at Manila Capital airport on Sunday 8:30 p.m. local time. The medical personnel and goods will then be transported by an onward flight to Tacloban.

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO and Chairman of the Airbus Foundation said:

"The Philippines have been struck by a true human disaster and it is natural, that we look at all possibilities about how we can contribute in facilitating relief in this tragic situation quickly and efficiently. It fills me with gratitude and pride to see our teams being engaged so strongly with our Foundation Partners to work towards this common objective, and I wish to thank everybody involved."

Jean-Baptiste Lamarche, Logistics Director ACF, stated:

"This partnership is very valuable to ACF. As one of our privileged logistics partners, Airbus helps us to intervene rapidly and efficiently during emergency situations, like after the natural disasters in Haiti in 2010, and recently in the Philippines. This logistical support allows us fulfill our mission, which consists in saving lives and helping the most vulnerable."                                                                                                                           

Wolfgang Gross, Managing Director of Humedica e.V. said:

"We are very grateful for this opportunity to quickly bring further aid to Tacloban. By now we have twelve medical specialists in Tacloban who are working non-stop and urgently need further support and medical goods.”

The Airbus Corporate Foundation has completed 34 relief or goodwill flights to destinations around the globe to date and has built up a global network of airlines and relief organisations to support international humanitarian causes.

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Germania becomes new Airbus A321 operator

By BA Staff

S.A.T., the holding company of the Berlin-based German carrier Germania, has taken delivery of its first out of two A321s on order. Both aircraft are equipped with Airbus’ wing tip fuel saving devices, called Sharklets. The airline has already been operating eight A319 successfully since 2011.

The new Germania A321 will operate exclusively for Alltours, one of Germany’s biggest travel agencies. The airline has chosen a single class cabin layout for 208 passengers.

The cabin will be equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, featuring video screens and in-seat audio channels. The aircraft will be powered by CFM engines.

Andreas Wobig, Germania Chief Executive Officer said:

“The delivery of our first brand-new A321 marks the beginning of a new era for Germania. With 208 seats, the aircraft capacity is one third higher than the jets we currently operate. This means that in the future, charter and scheduled flights on particularly popular routes can be operated even more economically. We are delighted with our A321s as they are especially fuel-efficient and make an important contribution to climate protection.”

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers said:

“We are delighted that Germania has become the latest operator of the largest member of the hugely successful A320-Family. Thanks to Airbus’ unique commonality, the new A321s will fit seamlessly into Germania’s exiting fleet of Airbus A319s. The Sharklets will deliver Germania up to four percent in reduced fuel burn whilst passengers will benefit from the A320 family’s widest and most comfortable cabin.” 

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They offer operators up to four percent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

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Boeing, Xiamen Airlines celebrate airline's 100th airplane

By BA Staff

Boeing and Xiamen Airlines celebrated the 100^th airplane to join China's only all-Boeing carrier.

Formed in 1984 as China's first joint venture between CAAC and a municipal government, Xiamen Airlines started services in 1985 with two Boeing 737-200s serving three cities. The carrier has grown into China's sixth largest carrier serving 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes. With today's delivery of a Boeing 737-800, Xiamen Airlines' fleet now consists of 100 airplanes – 17 737-700s, 77 737-800s and six 757-200s.

Che Shanglun, President and Chairman of Xiamen Airlines said:

"Having an all-Boeing fleet is a key component in our growth strategy and our ability to achieve 26 consecutive years of profitability. With excellent reliability, operational efficiency and range, the Boeing airplanes enable us to expand our network internationally." 

As part of Xiamen Airlines' 12^th five-year plan ending 2015, the carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 136 airplanes, including six 787s.

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"Xiamen Airlines is a valued customer of The Boeing Company and we are delighted to see the remarkable growth of Xiamen Airlines over the past 29 years. We look forward to continuing such a longstanding partnership by providing more value with our industry-leading products and services."

Boeing projects investments of nearly $800 billion in China for 5,580 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years. That would account for 16 percent of global demand, and reflects a requirement of nearly 200 single-aisle and over 60 twin-aisle airplanes each year on average.

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Boeing delivers Air Europa’s 25th next-generation 737-800

By BA Staff

Boeing Air Europa celebrated the Spanish carrier's 25^th direct delivery of a Next-Generation 737-800.

Air Europa showcased the latest addition to its fleet at a special event at its base on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa said:

"Today is a very important day for Air Europa, since the arrival of a new aircraft is always a cause of joy. Our wager on Boeing has been unmistakable since the beginning and today I can assure that without a doubt, at Air Europa we placed a good bet depositing our trust in the American manufacturer. Thanks to the effectiveness of Boeing aircraft we have been able to reduce expenses, always keeping the environment in mind, resulting in an increase for 2013 not only in the number of flights, but also of customers, making us the leading Spanish airline.

The 737-800 forms the backbone of Air Europa's short and medium-haul fleet with the Spanish carrier set to take delivery of another nine aircraft.

In 2012, the Mallorca-based operator was the first in Spain to introduce the Boeing Sky Interior to its Next-Generation 737 fleet, Air Europa is also the Spanish launch customer for the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner, with eight currently on order.

Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"Air Europa has long been at the forefront of Spanish aviation, offering its passengers an ever increasing range of destinations, while maintaining the highest levels of reliability, safety and customer service. The Next-Generation 737 has been an outstanding airplane for Air Europa and we are confident that it, along with the 787 Dreamliner, will play a significant role in the airline's continued success."

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Boeing delivers Kenya Airways' first 777-300ER

By BA Staff

Boeing has delivered flag carrier Kenya Airways' first 777-300ER (Extended Range). The aircraft is leased to the carrier by GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

Kenya Airways' Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Titus Naikuni said:

"The delivery of this Boeing 777-300ER aircraft marks a key milestone for us at Kenya Airways. Its long-haul capability is a perfect fit for our network expansion plans as it will enable us serve our existing long range markets much more effectively and facilitate the opening of routes in the near future. This is an important step as we continue opening up Africa to the rest of the world."

Kenya Airways' 777-300ER is configured with 400 seats, 28 in the Premier World business class and 372 in eEconomy, and features USB ports, power sockets and an all-new in-flight entertainment system throughout the cabin. The airplane can fly up to 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 kilometers) and is equipped with GE90-115B engines, the world's most powerful commercial jet engine.

Kenya Airways is set to take delivery of a further two 777-300ERs, including an additional lease, as part of the carrier's 10-year strategic plan dubbed 'Project Mawingu.' The Nairobi-based carrier plans to increase its fleet size from 44 airplanes to 107 by 2021 and destinations from the current 62 to 115. Currently the airline's long-haul fleet consists of four Boeing 777-200ERs and six Boeing 767-300ERs.

With this delivery, Kenya Airways is also working with Boeing to support the Alaskan Sudan Medical Project (ASMP) by carrying 10,400 lbs (4,717 kilograms) of humanitarian supplies on the 777-300ER's delivery flight to Kenya. ASMP will use the supplies to build medical clinics, drill water wells and construct bio-sand filters for clean water in the Jonglei region of South Sudan. The humanitarian cargo will also include water pumps and agriculture equipment to support local farmers, fulfilling the ASMP's mission statement of saving lives through health, clean water and agriculture.

Kenya Airways operates a fleet of more than 25 Boeing airplanes including, 777s, 767s and 737s. The carrier serves more than 60 destinations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe and has nine 787 Dreamliners currently on order from Boeing.

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Indian Air Force’s fourth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III delivered

By BA Staff

Boeing remains on track to deliver five C-17 Globemaster III airlifters committed to the Indian Air Force this year, as the fourth aircraft has departed the United States for India.

Boeing will deliver five more C-17s to India in 2014 to complete the ten aircraft contract.

Most recently, the IAF used its C-17s to support Cyclone Phailin relief efforts.

Boeing will complete production of the C-17 Globemaster III in the fourth quarter of 2015. In addition to the remaining C-17s for India, the company will build 15 more for other customers outside the United States. Boeing will continue after-delivery support of the worldwide C-17 fleet as part of the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program Performance-Based Logistics agreement.

Boeing has delivered 258 C-17s, including 223 to the U.S. Air Force and a total of 35 to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

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Jet Time to operate regional routes for SAS in Northern Europe flying new ATR 72-600s

By BA Staff

Jet Time has taken delivery of the first of six new ATR 72-600 turboprops. This aircraft has been acquired on lease from the Danish leasing company Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). All the ATR72-600 aircraft will be assigned to feed the SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) route network, as part of a commercial arrangement between SAS and Jet Time, and they will all be painted in SAS livery.

The delivery ceremony for this very first ATR 72-600 series aircraft to be operated in Europe's Nordic countries took place in Toulouse, France, in the presence of the management teams of Jet Time, NAC, SAS and ATR. Deliveries of the next five ATR 72-600s will be completed by early in 2014.

The introduction of these new 70-seat ATR 72-600s, the most fuel efficient aircraft in their category, will contribute to Jet Time's economic performance in the long run as the airline expands its fleet capacity and widens the scope of its activity. These new generation ATRs are equipped with a new full-glass cockpit and feature a high comfort layout with larger overhead bins.

The Chief Executive Officer of Jet Time, Klaus Ren, declared:

“We have been looking forward to this first delivery. Today, we are thrilled that this modern turboprop airplane becomes the backbone of Jet Time's new activity. With a very good balance of comfort, modern technologies, cost efficiencies and highly regarded environmental qualities, the ATR 72-600 aircraft will also secure an effective and smooth launch of new regional service for Nordic travellers.”

Joakim Landholm, Chief Commercial Officer, SAS:

“I look forward to offering our clients the comfort and pleasure of a brand new aircraft on our North European routes, where Jet Time will operate the ATR 72-600 for SAS. With the smaller aircraft we can adapt our traffic to our customer's needs with many frequencies and destinations. Thus, the partnership gives us the possibility to strengthen our network regionally and at the same time expand on popular leisure destination with our own modern aircraft.”

Martin Møller, Chairman of NAC, declared:

“We are happy to see the first ATR-600 series aircraft to start operations in the Scandinavian skies. When acquiring an aircraft we favor those with the most modern technologies, low operating costs, excellent green credentials and versatility ATR turboprop aircraft and particularly the newest -600s perfectly match these requirements for short-haul operations”.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, stated:

“Today's delivery to Jet Time is very significant because this is the first ATR-600 aircraft to go to the Scandinavian region. There has been very positive feedback from passengers who have travelled on the ATR 72-500s in the region, and the enhanced comfort of the new 600 series will contribute to further consolidate the strong reputation of the ATR planes. We are pleased to welcome Jet Time that has been able to introduce the ATR72-600 in SAS network, among our operators.”

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Boeing delivers first 737-800 to Russia's UTair

By BA Staff

Boeing delivered to UTair, one of Russia's leading national carriers, its first directly purchased Next-Generation 737-800. The airline currently has 40 Next-Generation 737s on order to be delivered in the next several years.

Andrey Martirosov, CEO of UTair said:

"Next-Generation Boeing 737 airplanes meet today's development needs of the airline by their optimized operating performance and value-for-money proposition. We successfully operate aircraft of this type and new airplanes will allow us to continue enhancing efficiency of our route network and drive customer appeal for both domestic and international flights."

Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

 "The new airplanes will help UTair deliver an unmatched level of service for passengers and dramatically reduce operating costs, fuel costs and environmental impact. We are very proud of our relationship with UTair, a valued business partner in the region."

UTair's new 737-800 seats 162 passengers and features the new Boeing Sky Interior. This interior is the latest in a series of enhancements for both airlines and passengers. It introduces LED lighting and curved architecture that welcomes passengers onboard and creates a greater sense of spaciousness and comfort in the cabin. The interior also features modern, sculpted sidewalls and overhead bins that disappear into the ceiling, yet carry more bags.


Based in Russia, UTair is an integrated air carrier and aircraft services company with over 40 years of experience. Today, UTair operates one of the largest aircraft fleets in Russia and ranks among the top three largest Russian carriers by passenger volume.      

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Boeing Delivers EL AL Israel Airlines' First Next-Generation 737-900ER

By BA Staff

Boeing has delivered to El Al Israel Airlines the carrier's first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range) airplane.

The delivery is the first of six 737-900ERs the Israeli flag-carrier has on order and is the latest addition to El Al's all-Boeing fleet.  

Elyezer Shkedy, president and chief executive officer, El Al, said:

"The purchase of the Boeing 737-900ER aircraft marks the high point of El Al's re-equipping and fleet renewal impetus. This positions El Al at the forefront of international aviation technology, further elevating El Al's in-flight experience. Our investment in the new modern Economy Class seats and in a sophisticated entertainment system, that will be launched in the coming months, is in line with the target we set for ourselves - to provide the best product and most advanced service for passengers and thus retain El Al's status as the most preferred airline for flights to and from Israel. We would like to thank Boeing and all the other partners for their outstanding work on El Al's six new aircraft."

The Boeing 737-900ER is the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 airplane family. It has the highest capacity and lowest seat-mile cost of Boeing's single-aisle family and will fit perfectly into El Al's existing short and medium-haul fleet of Next-Generation 737-700s and 737-800s. El Al's latest addition to its fleet will seat 172 passengers, with all passengers able to enjoy the option of power sockets for their laptops and USB connections. The Israeli-flag carrier operates an all-Boeing fleet of nearly 40 airplanes including Next-Generation 737s, 747-400s, 767s and 777s and serves 30 destinations worldwide.   

El Al's 737-900ER will be its first airplane to feature the new Boeing Sky Interior. This interior is the latest in a series of enhancements for both airlines and passengers. It introduces new LED lighting and curved architecture that welcomes passengers onboard and creates a greater sense of spaciousness and comfort in the cabin. The interior also features modern, sculpted sidewalls and overhead bins that disappear into the ceiling, yet carry more bags.
  
Todd Nelp, vice president of Sales for Europe, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

 Europe, while offering its passengers the superior passenger comfort of the Boeing Sky Interior. We share a proud history with El Al, and are honored to once again play a significant role in this all-Boeing carrier's fleet renewal. El Al has already experienced the excellent reliability and operating economics of the Next-Generation 737 family with its fleet of 737-700s and 737-800s. The 737-900ER will enable El Al to greatly expand its operations across.

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Boeing delivers Royal Canadian Air Force's fifth CH-147F Chinook helicopter

by BA Staff

Boeing image

Boeing has delivered the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) fifth CH-147F Chinook helicopter.

Steve Parker, Boeing director of International Chinook Programs and Canada CH-147F program manager said

"The Canadian Chinook is one of the most advanced military cargo helicopters ever delivered to the global market, and Boeing has executed the program on or ahead of schedule for every major milestone since contract award," "These early deliveries are another example of the H-47 team’s dedication to providing this important capability to the RCAF."

Boeing is scheduled to deliver two more CH-147Fs this year and another eight by June 2014 to provide Canada with its full complement of 15 helicopters. Boeing is also providing in-service support to the CH-147F fleet for the next 20 years under a Performance-Based Logistics contract, with Canadian industry playing a key role.

The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission helicopter that features a modernized airframe with a long-range fuel system allowing it to fly twice as far as standard range models. An upgraded electrical system provides additional power and redundancy, while a fully integrated Common Avionics Architecture System cockpit and Digital Automatic Flight Control System reduce pilot workload and provide greater situational awareness. The aircraft also has an advanced Aircraft Survivability Equipment suite that includes a Directional Infrared Countermeasures system that increases crew safety while allowing operations to be conducted in a wider range of threat environments.

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Royal Brunei Airlines receives its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Boeing (NYSE: BA) delivered to Royal Brunei Airlines, the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Brunei, the airline's and South-East Asia's first 787 Dreamliner. The carrier has ordered a total of five aircraft.

The 787 is scheduled to begin flying regionally to Singapore on October 18, with long-haul service to London, via Dubai, set to begin on December 1. Royal Brunei anticipates delivering on its promise of all Dreamliner long-haul service in the second quarter of 2014 when it will introduce the 787 on flights to Melbourne, Australia.

The airplane flew 6,540 nautical miles (12,112 km) non-stop from Paine Field, Everett, Washington state, home to Bandar Seri Begawan international airport in Brunei.

Dermot Mannion, chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines said

"This exciting addition keeps passenger comfort and high quality service at the heart of our airline and is yet another effort to ensure our fleet remains modern and offers peaceful and tranquil travel," "As a small airline we offer truly personal service, delighting our passengers with an authentic Bruneian grace to enrich their journeys."

Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said

"We are delighted that Royal Brunei Airlines has chosen to expand its fleet with five 787s," "The choice is a testament to the airline's commitment to offer the best possible service to its passengers and to operate the most efficient airplane flying today."

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Jetstar receives Australia's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner

by BA Staff

Boeing (NYSE: BA) delivered to Jetstar Airways of Australia the carrier's first 787 today, which is also the first Dreamliner for the nation of Australia.

Jetstar Australia Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VH-VKA

Jetstar, is the Qantas Group's low-cost brand. Like every other airline which has taken delivery of this new type of aircraft, Jetstar too will introduce the 787 Dreamliner first on domestic routes, to ensure its pilots achieve the required number of landings, its cabin and ground crews get familiar with the aircraft, and then move the Dreamliners to its international network. The airline has a total of 14 787 Dreamliners on order and expects to fly an all-787 long-haul fleet by 2015.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said

"Today is a historic milestone for the Qantas Group and Jetstar as we welcome the most advanced passenger aircraft ever constructed to the fleet," "In just 10 short years, Jetstar has grown to be the largest low fares carrier in the Asia Pacific, carrying more than 100 million passengers. The 787 will set up the airline for another decade of growth."

The aircraft departed Monday morning local time from Boeing's Everett, Washington state delivery centre for Melbourne, Australia where it will be greeted by airline employees and special guests.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said "

We're proud to deliver the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner to our partners at Jetstar," "The 787s unmatched fuel efficiency will give Jetstar an advantage in the marketplace and its passengers will travel with the world's most advanced in-flight experience."

"Jetstar customers will have the chance to fly in a larger and more spacious cabin, enjoy gate to gate in-flight entertainment and arrive at their destination more refreshed thanks to a lower cabin altitude to reduce the impact of jet lag," said Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. "The entire Jetstar team is very excited to have the 787 take to Australia skies."

Boeing Aerostructures Australia manufactures the movable trailing edge on the wing of every Dreamliner.

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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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Delta receives first next generation Boeing 737-900ER

by Devesh Agarwal

Delta Air Lines commenced its single-aisle fleet renewal process when it took delivery of the first next generation Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. The delivery is part of Delta's 100-airplane order placed in 2011.

Delta Air Lines new next generation Boeing 737-900ER N801DZ. Boeing photo. All rights reserved.

Delta's new 737-900ER seats 180 passengers and features the new Boeing Sky Interior. This interior is the latest in a series of enhancements for both airlines and passengers. It introduces new LED lighting and curved architecture that welcomes passengers onboard and creates a greater sense of spaciousness and comfort in the cabin. The interior also features modern, sculpted sidewalls and overhead bins that disappear into the ceiling, yet carry more bags.

The airplane is also configured with B/E Aerospace's modular advanced lavatory system incorporating the company's patent pending Spacewall® technology, which frees up floor space in the cabin, to add up to six incremental passenger seats.

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Photo: Finnair receives world's first Airbus A321 fitted with Sharklets

by BA Staff

Finnish national carrier, Finnair, became the launch customer for the new Sharklets equipped A321 by taking delivery of the first of five aircraft on order. The aircraft was officially handed over to Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer, during a delivery ceremony at the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany.

Image copyright and courtesy Airbus S.A.S. Used under fair use for editorial purpose only.

The A321 aircraft will eventually replace Finnair’s existing fleet of 757s, making it an all Airbus operator. The airline currently operates an Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft (25 A320 family aircraft and 15 A330s/A340s). Finnair was the first airline to commit to the A350 XWB with a total of 11 aircraft on order.

The A321 is an extended version of narrow body A320 Family. To date, more than 9,800 A320 family aircraft have been ordered and over 5,700 delivered to more than 390 operators worldwide.

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FedEx Express takes delivery of its first Boeing 767 freighter

by BA Staff

Global express shipping giant FedEx Express, has taken delivery of its first 767-300 Freighter. The 767-300F will replace the carrier's ageing DC-10 freighters.

The 767 Freighter is based on the popular 767-300ER (extended range) passenger airplane and is able to carry approximately 52 metric tons of revenue cargo with intercontinental range. The aircraft will give FedEx the flexibility to fly longer but less dense routes, as well as shorter and extremely dense routes.

James R. Parker, executive vice president of Air Operations, FedEx Express said

The 767 is approximately 30 percent more fuel efficient and has unit operating costs that are more than 20 percent lower than the aircraft they will replace.

FedEx Express will also be able to share parts, tooling and flight simulators between the 767 and the more than 70 757 freighters already in its fleet.

FedEx already operates the venerable MD-11F and 777F from Boeing as well as A300 from Airbus as its mainstay jet freighters.

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Air India's latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives at Delhi

by Devesh Agarwal

VT-ANN, L/N 90 C/N 36285, the latest Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner of national carrier Air India arrived in to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport yesterday.

VT-ANN AIC164 flight track. Courtesy FlightAware. Deviations from flight plan route are normally due to weather or ATC.

The aircraft was flown 14 hours 12 minutes, non-stop from Paine Field in Washington state, USA, to Delhi, a distance of over 7,200 nautical miles (about 13,350 km) as Air India flight 164.

The green line shows the actual flight track and the blue dotted line represents the flight plan route. Deviations are normally carried out to avoid bad weather or to take advantage of good weather like tail winds, and also to try and minimise the number of countries the flight flies over. Deviations are also performed on the instructions of air traffic control, they are, after all, the masters of their airspace.

Airlines have to pay over-flight and navigation charges to each country whose air-space they fly in. It appears Air India minimised the charges by flying from the United States, through Canada, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan to India.

View the flight track and details here.

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New Boeing 737-800s of SpiceJet and Jet Airways delivered

by Devesh Agarwal

US airplane manufacturer Boeing has delivered to two Indian airlines, SpiceJet and Jet Airways, their newest 737-800NG aircraft.

Last Thursday, VT-SZH of SpiceJet, L/N 4573 C/N 41261 B737-86N departed Boeing Field International airport for India via Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. The aircraft has already landed in New Delhi and completing its customs and aviation paperwork formalities to enter service shortly. This aircraft is leased to SpiceJet by GECAS.

Last Friday VT-JFL of Jet Airways, L/N 4579 C/N 39061 B737-8AL, departed Boeing Field International for India via Toronto, Canada. The aircraft is en-route, currently in Shannon, Ireland. Track the flight here. This aircraft is leased to Jet Airways from Bank of China Aviation (BOC Aviation).

Boeing Customer Codes

A small trivia for your enjoyment.

The full aircraft model shows the original customer as per the records of Boeing. The last two digits are the two digit Boeing customer code and the first four digits are the model and variant.

Hence a Boeing 737-800 will be shown at B737-8xx. A Boeing 737-900ER would be shown as B737-9xxER. This will never change in the history of the aircraft.

6N is customer code for GECAS and AL is for BOC Aviation. SpiceJet's Boeing customer code is GJ and Jet Airway's is 5R. If these aircraft were bought by either airline, irrespective of a subsequent sale and lease-back agreement, the aircraft models would have been B737-8GJ and B737-85R respectively.

Air India's customer code is 37, Air India Express is HG, and the Indian Air Force is HI. Sorry, but the code for the Indian Navy is not known at present. Will try and find out.

Above photos are representative of the aircraft and airline and are copyrighted. They may not be used without permission.

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