Tag: NEO (Page 12 of 15)

EASA Certifies A330neo for “Beyond 180 Minutes” ETOPS

January 29, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the A330-900 for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) “beyond 180 minutes” diversion time. This significant achievement means that operators of the A330neo, which is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, will benefit from the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings.

The approval, which includes ETOPS 180 min. capability in the aircraft’s basic specification, now also includes the option for “ETOPS 285 min.” This extends the potential air diversion distance to around 2,000nm. The U.S. FAA’s respective ETOPS certification is expected soon.

A330neo operators which choose the ETOPS 285 min. option will be able to serve new direct ‘non-limiting’ routings. Meanwhile, operators flying on existing routes (currently flown with up to 180-minute diversion time) will be able to traverse a straighter, quicker and more fuel efficient path, and also have access to more – and possibly better equipped – en-route diversion airports if needed.

The granting of this ETOPS capability is a testimony to the aircraft’s design and systems maturity, which has been demonstrated to be as good as its predecessor – the versatile and extremely reliable A330-200/A330-300 family, proven over many millions of flights.

The A330neo is a true new-generation aircraft family comprising the A330-900 and the smaller A330-800. The A330-900 in particular is the lowest seat-mile cost 300-seater which incorporates highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, a new 3D-optimised wing with greater span and lighter composite materials, plus new wingtip Sharklets. Together, these advances bring greater range (around 7,200 nm with a three-class cabin) and 25% lower fuel consumption compared with older generation aircraft of similar size.

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody families ever, having received over 1,700 orders to date from 120 customers. More than 1,400 A330s are flying with over 120 operators worldwide. The A330neo is the latest addition to the leading Airbus twin-engine widebody family, which alongside the A350 XWB, offer unmatched space and comfort combined with unprecedented efficiency levels and long-range capability.

In 2009, the Airbus A330-200/-300 became the first airliner family to gain an ETOPS ‘Beyond 180min’ certification, which was granted by EASA.Airbus twin-engine airliners have accumulated over 20 million ETOPS flight hours, most of which have been accumulated by the A330 Family.

Notes for Editors:

“ETOPS” is a set of rules initially introduced by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in the mid-1980s to allow commercial operations with twin-engine aircraft on routes beyond 60min flying time from the nearest airport and which were previously operated only by aircraft with more than two engines. These rules, which are now named “EDTO” (Extended Diversion Time Operations) by ICAO have been progressively revised to allow operations beyond 180min diversion time.

Story and image from http://www.airbus.com

Boeing Reportedly Near $3.5 Billion 737 MAX Deal with ANA

January 28, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

SEATTLE (Reuters) – Boeing Co is close to a deal worth $3.5 billion (2.66 billion pounds) at list prices to sell 30 Boeing 737 MAX jetliners to ANA Holdings, two people familiar with the matter said.

The deal is the first sale in Japan for the newest version of Boeing’s best-selling 737 family and marks a reversal for Europe’s Airbus, five years after the same airline became the first Japanese carrier to pick the competing A320neo.

It also coincides with negotiations between Washington and Tokyo over a potential trade pact, with Japan facing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to cut its trade surplus with the United States.

Boeing declined to comment. ANA could not immediately be reached for comment. A deal announcement could come as early as Tuesday, subject to the airline’s final approval, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo have amassed thousands of orders due to significant fuel savings offered by a new generation of engines.

But the world’s largest plane makers continue to wage fierce market battles, while Boeing has been chipping away at Airbus’s recent lead in the market for such medium-haul airplanes.

Trump and other top U.S. administration officials have criticized Japan over trade, asserting that Tokyo treats the United States unfairly by shipping millions of cars to North America while blocking imports of U.S. autos and farm products.

Japan says its markets for manufactured goods are open, although it does protect politically sensitive farm products.

In September, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to start trade talks in an arrangement that appeared, temporarily at least, to protect Japanese automakers from further tariffs on their exports, which make up about two-thirds of Japan’s $69 billion trade surplus with the United States.

Japan has insisted the new Trade Agreement on Goods would not be a wide-ranging free trade agreement, but U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said last year he was aiming for a full free-trade deal requiring approval by Congress.

(Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle and by Reuters bureaus; Editing by GV De Clercq and David Evans)

Delta’s First A330-900neo Rolls Out of Paint Shop

January 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta’s first A330-900neo left the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France, this weekend, sporting its signature Delta livery. Though at first glance, the aircraft might look ready for takeoff – a closer look reveals something major still missing: the plane’s engines, which will be painted separately and mounted in the coming days.

Once the finishing touches are complete, the A330-900neo will take to the skies for testing before being delivered to Delta later this year.

Delta will be the first North American operator of the A330-900neo, which will offer the latest in innovative design and technology for customers. Delta’s A330-900neo will feature all four branded seat products – Delta One suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin – a move Delta is making across its widebody fleet to give customers greater choice than ever before.

The jet will also feature memory foam cushions throughout the aircraft and will be the first Delta widebody to feature the new wireless IFE system developed by Delta Flight Products, the airline’s wholly owned cabin interiors start up.

This aircraft is the first of 35 next-generation A330-900neos on order by Delta and is expected to begin service later in 2019.

Story from http://www.delta.com Images from http://www.airbus.com

SMBC Aviation Capital Orders 65 A320neo Aircraft

January 21, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Leading aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital has boosted its total order book for the A320neo Family to 181 aircraft after signing a firm order for an additional 65 A320neo Family aircraft (15 A321neo and 50 A320neo). The order was finalised in 2018 and included in the year-end order figures.

In addition the agreement includes an upsizing of 15 A320neo from a pre-existing order to 15 of the largest member of the single aisle, the A321neos, taking SMBC Aviation Capital’s total for the type to 30. With its unbeatable seat mile cost, longer range and wider cabin, the A321neo offers airlines the flexibility to expand their networks using wide-body cabin products on new longer haul routes which were not previously possible with a single aisle.

“Demand for the latest technology aircraft has been strong both from our existing and new customers hence our decision today to proceed with this order. In the current environment, airlines are seeking more fuel efficient aircraft. The make-up of our order book positions us very well for the future to deliver on those needs. We have a strong relationship with Airbus and we look forward to working with them to continue to deliver for our customers long into the future,” said Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital.

The order for 65 is in addition to an earlier agreement for six A320neo made in March, bringing the total number of A320neo Family ordered in 2018 to 71.

“As one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital’s repeat order demonstrates its financial astuteness in making wise investments in the A320neo Family. In 2018, the direct leasing market represented over 30 per cent of our 800 worldwide deliveries – as much as Europe and the Americas combined,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver 20 percent fuel savings by 2020. With more than 6,500 orders received from over 100 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Story and image from http://www.airbus.com

Etihad Reaches Deal for Rescue of India’s Jet Air

January 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

(Bloomberg) — Etihad Airways PJSC has agreed to lead a rescue of cash-strapped Jet Airways India Ltd. in a move that will see the Abu Dhabi-based carrier double its stake to 49 percent, according to television reports.

Etihad is in talks to lift its holding from the current 24 percent, India’s BTVI channel reported Monday, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. CNBC-TV18 said that Jet founder Naresh Goyal’s stake could drop to 20 percent from 51 percent, and that he’ll stand down as chairman.

Shares of Jet Airways closed 16 percent higher in Mumbai, where it is based. The company ranks as India’s biggest full-service airline, but has failed to post a profit in nine of the past 11 fiscal years. Cash is running short as fare wars depress revenue and turbulent oil prices increase costs.

An increase in Etihad’s Jet stake would come at a time when the Persian Gulf carrier is cutting thousands of jobs and shrinking its fleet amid mounting losses from over-expansion and failed investments. India remains an attractive prospect because of the size of its travel market and the pace of growth.

Etihad said in an email that it does not comment on rumor or speculation.

Jet didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment, though it said in a filing earlier that it had made no decision requiring a stock-market disclosure. People with knowledge of the matter said last week that the airline is seeking funds from investors including Etihad.

The deal, if it goes through, will give the third-biggest Mideast carrier more say over Jet’s operations and its day-to-day management, with Goyal’s voting rights capped at 10 percent, BTVI said. Indian regulations cap airline ownership by foreign operators at 49 percent, and also prohibit them from taking control.

Etihad, which lost $3.5 billion over two years, last week scrapped orders for 10 Airbus SE A320neo aircraft and revealed plans to cut 50 pilot posts this month. Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas has put the brakes on a costly bid to challenge bigger Gulf rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways, saying he’ll focused more on local needs rather than carrying passengers between continents.

–With assistance from Layan Odeh and Sam Nagarajan.

To contact the reporter on this story: Anurag Kotoky in London at akotoky@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anand Krishnamoorthy at anandk@bloomberg.net, ;Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.net, Christopher Jasper, John Bowker

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Image from http://www.boeing.com

Airbus achieves new commercial aircraft delivery record in 2018

January 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Deliveries total 800 aircraft, 11 percent higher than in 2017
Net orders total 747, backlog increases to 7,577 aircraft

Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) delivered 800 commercial aircraft to 93 customers in 2018, meeting its full year delivery guidance and setting a new company record. Deliveries were 11 percent higher than the previous record of 718 units, set in 2017. For the 16th year in a row now, Airbus has increased the number of commercial aircraft deliveries on an annual basis.

In total, the 2018 commercial aircraft deliveries comprise:

20 A220s (since it became part of the Airbus family in July 2018);
626 A320 Family (vs 558 in 2017), of which 386 were A320neo Family (vs 181 NEOs in 2017);
49 A330s (vs 67 in 2017) including the first three A330neo in 2018;
93 A350 XWBs (vs 78 in 2017);
12 A380s (vs 15 in 2017).

In terms of sales, Airbus achieved 747 net orders during 2018 compared with 1,109 net orders in 2017. At the end of 2018, the backlog of Airbus commercial aircraft reached a new industry record and stood at 7,577 aircraft, including 480 A220s, compared with 7,265 at the end of 2017.

“Despite significant operational challenges, Airbus continued its production ramp-up and delivered a record number of aircraft in 2018. I salute our teams around the globe who worked until the end of the year to meet our commitments,” said Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “I am equally pleased about the healthy order intake as it shows the underlying strength of the commercial aircraft market and the trust our customers are placing in us. My gratitude goes out to all of them for their ongoing support.” He added: “As we look to further increase our industrial efficiency, we will continue making the digitalisation of our business a key priority.”

Over the last 16 years, Airbus has steadily increased its production year-by-year with the final assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse, Tianjin and Mobile complemented by the addition of the A220 line in Mirabel, Canada, during 2018. A notable contribution to Airbus’ delivery increase in 2018 came from the final assembly lines in the US and China. For the top-selling A320 Family in particular, the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mobile, Alabama, saw its 100^th delivery, and is now producing in excess of four units per month. Meanwhile, Airbus’ “FAL Asia” in Tianjin, China, achieved its 400^th A320 delivery, while in Germany Airbus commenced operations of its new, fourth production line in Hamburg. Overall, the A320 programme is on track to achieve rate 60 per month for the A320 Family by mid-2019. The Airbus teams successfully reached an important industrial milestone for the A350, achieving the targeted rate of 10 aircraft per month.

Airbus will report Full Year 2018 financial results on 14 February 2019.

Footnote:
The Full-Year 2018 net orders and backlog represent the contractual view. The Full-Year 2018 backlog value will be measured under IFRS 15 and will reflect the recoverable amount of revenues under these contracts. A significant reduction in order backlog value is expected mainly due to the adjustment for net prices versus list prices. The FY 2017 backlog will not be restated.

Story and image from http://www.airbus.com

JetBlue Airways Firms Order for 60 Airbus A220-300’s

January 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

JetBlue Airways has firmed up an order for 60 A220-300 aircraft, the larger model of the new, industry-leading A220 series.

“As we approach our 20th anniversary, the impressive range and economics of the highly efficient A220, combined with the outstanding performance of our existing fleet of Airbus A321 and restyled A320 aircraft, will help ensure we deliver the best onboard experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future,” said Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue.

JetBlue’s existing Airbus fleet includes 193 A320 and A321ceo aircraft in operation, with an additional 85 A321neo aircraft on order.

“JetBlue has proven there is no contradiction between economic efficiency and a high quality product,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Their endorsement of the A220 proves this aircraft meets those two criteria better than any alternative in its segment. Thank you JetBlue and congratulations on this big milestone in your growth.”

The order was completed the last week of December. Airbus will produce the A220-300 aircraft at a new U.S. assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama. Construction of the plant, to be located adjacent to the existing Airbus A320 assembly facility, will begin later this month.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and true widebody comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 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 a range of up to 3,200 nm (5,020 km), the A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

With an order book of more than 500 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.

@JetBlue #A220 #Airbus

Story and image from http://www.airbus.com

Avianca Seeks To Cut Airbus Order In Half

December 11, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

BOGOTA (Reuters) – Airline Avianca Holdings SA (AVT_p.CN) will begin negotiations with Airbus (AIR.PA) to reduce the 100 planes it had agreed to purchase in a 2015 deal to as few as 50, the chief executive of the Latin American company said.

Avianca was also seeking a strategic alliance with German airline Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), CEO Hernan Rincon said late on Sunday, part of its bid to expand in Europe.

Avianca representatives will travel to France in the coming days for re-negotiations with Airbus, Rincon said. Avianca had agreed to buy 100 A320neo planes to modernize its fleet.

“Of those 100, we’ll probably receive between 50 and 80 planes,” he said. “We don’t have any doubt that we will keep growing, what has changed is the rhythm of the growth.”

Technological advancement is part of the reason for the airline wanting to reduce its purchases, Rincon added.

“The rhythm of technology is changing, it will take a while to get all of the order and we don’t want to have a commitment to planes with today’s technology which will be received by us in 10 or 15 years,” he said.

A reduction in the original order, which was set to cost $10 billion, will also give Avianca some financial breathing room, Rincon added.

At the end of last month Avianca, United Continental Holdings Inc (UAL.O) and Copa Airlines of Panama said they had finalized a three-way joint venture that will allow them to plan routes and fares together and share revenues on those routes.

United, Avianca and Copa are already codeshare partners and Star Alliance members.

“We’ve started conversations with Lufthansa, but its very embryonic,” said Rincon. “We hope to reach an agreement to benefit our passengers in Europe, which is a relevant and growing market.”

The deal with Lufthansa would be similar to the one just agreed with United and Copa, Rincon added.

Under the United and Copa agreement, United said it would provide a $456 million term loan to cash-strapped Avianca’s top shareholder, Synergy Group Corp. Loss-making Avianca has a roughly $4 billion debt pile, of which 40 percent is due within the next two years, according to recent financial statements.

That deal still has to be approved by regulators.

Avianca will also start operating a regional subsidiary in Colombia in 2019, meant to serve medium and small-sized cities with 12 ATR 42 planes. The planes are already part of Avianca’s fleet, Rincon said.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Helen Murphy and Marguerita Choy)

La Compagnie Announces Flights Between New York And Nice

December 5, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

LA COMPAGNIE ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECT BUSINESS-CLASS FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEW YORK AND NICE

Boutique airline expands service with seasonal flights between New York and Nice beginning May 2019

December 4, 2018 (New York, NY) – Four years after launching as an exclusively business-class boutique airline with unbeatable fares between New York and Paris, La Compagnie has announced the launch of a new seasonal route between New York and Nice with the first direct flight scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2019. Travelers to Nice can now book tickets and enjoy a limited-time Discovery Rate of $1,200 round-trip for the
first 1,000 passengers.

This announcement comes as the latest in a series of positive developments for the airline, who is awaiting the delivery of its first Airbus A321neo in April 2019. With the arrival of the new plane, La Compagnie will grow its fleet to three aircrafts, further allowing the airline to develop its offer with a new trans-Altantic flight and direct access to the South of France during prime season.

“We are excited to announce the launch of our Nice route as we continue to invest in developing the airline,” said Jean Charles Périno, EVP of Sales and Marketing for La Compagnie. “This new route provides a unique opportunity for the airline to offer travelers an additional choice between two popular cities with personalized service at the most attractive fare.”

The new route will operate five times weekly, Wednesday through Sunday, between the months of May and October. Flights out of Newark International Airport (EWR) will depart at 11:30PM, arriving to Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE) at 1:50PM the following afternoon. Flights departing Nice will be offered at 6:15PM with a same-day arrival in New York at 10:00PM. La Compagnie passengers can also enjoy service to Nice on Monday or Tuesday with connections from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) operated through a special partnership with easyJet.

As with all La Compagnie flights, passengers will be welcomed with lounge and priority access for a painless and exclusive pre-flight experience. Onboard the Boeing 757, guests will enjoy reclining lie flat beds, refreshing amenity kits with Caudalie skincare products, personal iPads, a seasonally-curated menu by Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Langrée, a selective list of French wines and champagne and artisanal croissants by famous French bakery, Maison Kayser.

To take advantage of La Compagnie’s Discovery Rate and experience the new Nice route, visit LaCompagnie.com, call La Compagnie’s call center at 1-800-218-6820, or contact your preferred travel advisor.

The “Discovery Rate” promotion is available for the first 1,000 bookings; travel dates are subject to availability. All taxes and carrier-imposed fees are included. La Compagnie authorizes two checked bags per passenger free of charge; baggage fees apply for any additional bags.

About La Compagnie

Launched in July 2014, La Compagnie is an exclusively business-class airline operating regularly scheduled transatlantic flights between New York (Newark International Airport) and Paris (Paris Orly Airport). Offering competitively low business-class fares, La Compagnie is outfitted with 74 lie-flat seats and provides thoughtful amenities including personal Tablets, Caudalie cosmetic kits and a unique dining experience offering fresh menu items by renowned New York and Paris based chefs. Arriving in April 2019, La Compagnie will operate two brand new A321neos equipped with 76 full flat seats and Unlimited High-Speed Wi-Fi. For reservations, visit LaCompagnie.com, call the airline’s call center at 1-800-218-8187 or contact your travel advisor.

Air Lease Places Two New Airbus A321neo’s With Air Macau

December 5, 2018 / WIL BALDWIN

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL; “ALC”) announced a long-term lease agreement for two new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Air Macau. Featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines, the aircraft will deliver from ALC’s order book with Airbus in November 2019 and the first quarter of 2020.

“ALC has worked closely with Air Macau’s management team since 2010 and we are pleased to strengthen our long-standing relationship with the airline with this announcement today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “We are committed to providing the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to ALC customers and these two new A321neo aircraft will significantly enhance Air Macau’s fleet operations.”

“We are honored to announce the placement of these two new A321neo aircraft with Air Macau today,” said Jie Chen, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia of Air Lease Corporation. “ALC values our relationship with the airline and these two new placements contribute to our long-term association.”

“Air Macau is thrilled to announce the placement of these two new A321neo aircraft with ALC,” said Chen Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Air Macau. “We are focused on continually enhancing and modernizing our fleet with the very best aircraft available, and these two new A321neo from ALC are key to optimizing our fleet development.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Air Lease Corporation (AL)

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. For more information, visit ALC’s website at www.airleasecorp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181205005223/en/

LA COMPAGNIE ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECT BUSINESS-CLASS FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEW YORK AND NICE

Boutique airline expands service with seasonal flights between New York and Nice beginning May 2019

Archives