Tag: wide (Page 2 of 5)

Vietjet Selects Rolls-Royce TotalCare to Support Trent 700 Powered A330 Aircraft

November 9, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Vietnamese airline Vietjet Aviation will operate Rolls-Royce (OTC: RYCEY) Trent 700 engine-powered Airbus A330 aircraft in its fleet. As part of the airline’s strategic fleet decision, these will be the first widebody aircraft to join its operations as it expands its network into long-haul operations. The selection is supported by a TotalCare long-term aftermarket engine maintenance agreement. The first aircraft is expected to enter into service in November 2021.

The Trent 700 is the only engine specifically designed for the A330 and is widely recognised for its outstanding efficiency and reliability. Since its launch in 1995, the Trent 700 has dominated the A330 fleet with more than 60 per cent market share and has logged more than 60 million hours in service to date.

Vietjet, which is Vietnam’s largest airline in terms of the total number of passengers transported domestically and the country’s second largest airline in terms of fleet size, currently has a fleet of 90 narrow-body aircraft. The airline’s ability to stay agile and financially resilient in 2020 has allowed Vietjet to navigate successfully through the market headwinds due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Supporting Vietjet’s business ambitions with the addition of its fleet for long-haul widebody operations, the Trent 700 delivers the best balance of attributes to achieve the maximum capability and efficiency on the A330. With a wide fuselage, well-established technology and sound economics, the airline aims to invest in additional A330 widebody aircraft in the next few years as part of its strategic fleet expansion plan.

Air Transport Services Group Selects Boeing for Next Converted Freighter Order

November 3, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

SEATTLE, Nov. 3, 2021 — Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATSG), the world’s largest lessor of 767-300 converted freighters, has contracted with Boeing [NYSE: BA] for the conversion of four aircraft to 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF).

“Our continued confidence in the 767-300 platform, now coupled with the services and support of the OEM, reinforces our commitment to deliver best-in-class reliable services to our customers,” said Mike Berger, chief commercial officer of ATSG. “We’re proud to partner with Boeing as we expand our fleet to meet growing demand and look forward to future growth together.”

The 767-300BCF now has more than 100 orders and commitments from customers around the globe, providing widebody converted freighter capability to meet growing market demand, and building on a record year for customer orders of Boeing’s family of freighters.

“We are honored that ATSG has decided to make the 767-300BCF an integral part of their fleet expansion strategy, supporting customers looking to capitalize on strong e-commerce demand,” said Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters. “As the OEM, Boeing has the original design data, robust supply chains, and dependable delivery schedules that benefit BCF customers such as ATSG. With that OEM advantage, we stand ready to meet ATSG’s needs by bringing forward market-leading 767-300BCFs into its fleet.”

ATSG is a global leader in cargo leasing, operating a fleet of 106 Boeing aircraft, including more than ninety 767 converted freighters.

Boeing has more than 40 years of successful experience in passenger-to-freighter conversions, relying on original design data and a deep understanding of the needs of the air cargo industry to deliver a superior, integrated product, including fully integrated manuals and world-class technical support. Boeing Converted Freighters also come with the advantage of being associated with the industry’s largest portfolio of services, support and solutions. Learn more about the 767-300BCF and the entire Boeing freighter family here.

Airbus Receives First A320 Flight Hour Services Maintenance Contract in Europe

October 24, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Finnair has selected Airbus’s Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its entire A320 Family fleet (35 aircraft), thus becoming the first European FHS customer for an A320 fleet.

Following recent contracts in Asia Pacific and the Middle East region, this first FHS agreement from Europe demonstrates the growing trust placed in Airbus’ maintenance by the hour services by airlines around the world, both for widebody and single aisle fleets.

Finnair will benefit from integrated material services including on-site-stock at their main base in Helsinki, access to Airbus’ mutualised spares pools and components engineering and repair services around the world. The FHS contract covers ‘nose to tail’ material services including for engine components.

Airbus will guarantee spare parts availability, generating value through increased fleet availability and operating maintenance costs savings.

The global Airbus fleet covered by FHS has increased by more than 25% over the past two years confirming the relevancy of flexible, power-by-hour solutions for airlines to secure efficient operations and contain costs.

Finnair is a long-standing Airbus customer. The airline is operating Airbus A320 Family aircraft on its network in Europe and Airbus A330 and A350 on long-haul flights.

Airbus Delivers First A350 From China Widebody Completion and Delivery Center

July 23, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus has delivered the first A350 from its widebody completion & delivery centre in Tianjin (C&DC), China, taking additional steps in the expansion of its global footprint and long-term strategic partnership with China.

The A350-900 aircraft was delivered to China Eastern Airlines, the largest Airbus operator in Asia and second largest in the world. At the end of June 2021, China Eastern Airlines operated an Airbus fleet of 413 aircraft, including 349 A320 Family aircraft, 55 A330 Family aircraft and nine A350 aircraft.

Located at the same site as the Airbus Tianjin A320 Family Final Assembly Line and the Airbus Tianjin Delivery Centre, the widebody C&DC covers the aircraft completion activities, including cabin installation, aircraft painting and production flight test, as well as customer flight acceptance and aircraft delivery.

The centre was inaugurated in September 2017 with its capability on A330s. Then, during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to China in 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Further Development of Industrial Cooperation was signed in Beijing by He Lifeng, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China, and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer, announcing the C&DC would extend its capability to A350 aircraft.

The A350 features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon-fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these features translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions. The A350’s ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabin is the quietest of any widebody aircraft and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.

At the end of June 2021, the A350 Family had received 915 firm orders from 49 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Airbus to Show A350-1000 for First Time in Russia at MAKS 2021 Aerospace Show

July 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Airbus will demonstrate its latest technological innovations and projects implemented in Russia at the International Aerospace Show which takes place in Zhukovsky from 20th to 25th July. Key attractions will be the last-generation widebody A350-1000, which will be shown in the country for the first time, and the twin-engine EC145 rotorcraft.

The A350-1000 is the largest member of the clean sheet design A350 widebody Family, with a seating capacity of up to 440 passengers in a single class. The aircraft’s state-of-the-art aerodynamics, inspired by nature, incorporates a unique morphing technology that continuously optimises the wing profile to reduce drag and lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions. The aircraft is powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB 97 engines with 15% increased thrust, the aircraft can fly up to 16,100km. More than 70% of the airframe is made from advanced materials, including 53% composites. Aeroflot already operates 6 A350-900.

The Airbus A350-1000 will also take part in the flight programme of MAKS-2021 aerospace show from 20 to 22 of July.

Another highlight on static display will be the EC145 helicopter – one of the 5 EC145, owned by the city of Moscow and operated by the Moscow Aviation Centre (MAC). Airbus Helicopters and the Moscow Aviation Centre have been cooperating for more than 14 years. During this period, the MAC AH fleet has contributed to saving the lives of more than 6,400 patients in the territory of Moscow. Easy access to the cockpit through wide, side-sliding doors or through the rear doors, a spacious cabin, and high reliability make this helicopter the preferred choice for medical missions.

The Airbus Defence and Space division is known for its long-term cooperation with Russian enterprises. Together with Russian colleagues, they implemented several international projects under the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) and International Space Station programmes, as well as cooperation with the Russian OKB “Fakel” in terms of building the satellites for the OneWeb constellation. The Space division of Airbus is the only Western space division that has a proven track record in industrial localisation of production in the Russian Federation. Airbus Defence and Space will demonstrate samples of localised production and future power amplifiers proposed for further development. Another promising area, both international and Russian, is the global information system and services based on data from Earth Remote Sensing (ERS) satellites.

The Defence and Space division will also demonstrate space equipment produced by the joint venture Airbus DS and JSC Russian Space Systems, and the Airbus engineering centre in Moscow, ECAR, will demonstrate the results of its work and current projects.

Dassault Aviation Adds Third Falcon 6X to Test Program

July 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A third Falcon 6X recently took flight and joined Dassault Aviation’s flight test campaign, moving the new long-range extra widebody twin a step closer to anticipated certification in 2022.

Falcon 6X s/n 003 is fitted with a full interior and will be used for cabin design validation. The aircraft completed a two-hour maiden flight from Dassault’s Bordeaux-Mérignac final assembly plant to its Istres flight test facility on June 24, climbing to Flight Level 400 and accelerating to a cruise speed of Mach 0.85. The first 6X flew on March 10 and the second on April 30.

Aircraft no. 3 is outfitted with the Falcon 6X’s award winning interior, including in-flight entertainment and communications systems. In addition to testing this equipment, the aircraft will be used to evaluate environmental features and temperature control and validate cabin acoustics systems, which alongside those on the ultra long-range Falcon 8X trijet are expected to be the industry reference.

A fourth aircraft will also be equipped with a full cabin interior, currently being installed in Mérignac. It will conduct a two-month global endurance flight campaign intended to ensure that all 6X systems are fully mature upon entry into service.

Production of additional units is in full swing, with aircraft no. 10 scheduled to be on the final assembly line by beginning of July. The Falcon 6X has received several prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot prize for premium cabin design. The aircraft was recognized this month as the “Best of the Best” in aviation by the Robb Report luxury-lifestyle magazine, which noted: “Dassault’s newest aircraft pairs size with technology to create an award-worthy new class of business jet.”

Lufthansa to Fly Boeing 747 and Airbus A350 to Mallorca Due to High Demand

June 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

– Wide body aircraft to operate to Palma de Mallorca from both Frankfurt and Munich

– First departure planned from Frankfurt on July 17 and on July 31 from Munich

– Tickets now available for booking

Lufthansa is taking extraordinary measures in order to respond to a significant increase in booking demand for flights to Palma de Mallorca from both Frankfurt and Munich. The booking figures for the destination “PMI” have increased 25 times between April and the beginning of June 2021: The airline will be operating a Boeing 747-8 from Frankfurt to Palma de Mallorca four Saturdays in a row during the upcoming summer vacation in Hesse. Additionally, the airline also plans to operate an Airbus A350 from Munich to the Balearic Island at the start of the summer vacation in Bavaria. Although these routes are normally operated by an Airbus A321, on 31 July, two wide-body Lufthansa aircraft will be arriving on Palma de Mallorca.

Departing Frankfurt with the “Jumbo”

The Boeing 747-8 is the largest aircraft that Lufthansa is currently operating, offering up to 364 seats instead of the usual 215, which are normally available on this route. This wide-body aircraft offers passengers 88 Business Class seats (including First Class) as well as 276 seats in Economy Class (including Premium Economy).

The first “Jumbo” flight, LH1152, will be departing the Rhine Main metropolis on Saturday 17July at 10:20 a.m., just in time for the start of the Hessian summer vacation, and arrive at Palma de Mallorca airport at 12:25 p.m. The return flight, LH1153 will take place the same day at 14:25 p.m., arriving in Frankfurt at 16:45 p.m.

The modern and kerosene-efficient Boeing 747-8, also known as the “Queen of the Skies”, will operate for an addition three weekends, specifically on 24 July, 31 July and 7 August.

Departing Munich with the Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 is the most sustainable long-haul aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet. It consumes 20 percent less kerosene and is 50 percent quieter than previous models. Those who want to experience the Lufthansa Airbus A350 along with its multi-award-winning cabin now have the chance to do so now. The aircraft offers 293 seats, including 48 in Business Class and 245 in Economy Class (including Premium Economy).

The A350 flight to Palma de Mallorca will take place at the start of the Bavarian summer vacations on Saturday 31 July. Departure from Munich is planned for 9:50 a.m. under flight number LH2658, arriving in Palma de Mallorca at 12:00 a.m. The return flight, LH2659, will take place the same day at 13:30 a.m. arriving in Munich at 15:35 p.m.

SpiceJet Adds Two More Wide-Body Aircraft to Cargo Fleet

February 7, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

SpiceJet of India (SPICEJET.BO) has added two more wide-body planes – a Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 – to its cargo fleet. With the latest induction, SpiceJet will have a dedicated fleet of 19 cargo aircraft, including five wide-body jets. Other than the wide-body aircraft, SpiceJet’s cargo fleet includes five Boeing 737 freighters and nine Q-400’s.

The two wide-body cargo aircraft that have been inducted would primarily be used for transporting cargo goods, medical and essential supplies on long-haul routes including to destinations in Europe and North America. With the latest induction, SpiceXpress, the airline’s cargo arm, aims to further strengthen its cargo fleet while providing a seamless and secure transportation of Covid-19 vaccine.

SpiceJet had recently tied-up with Brussels Airport for providing seamless transportation of Covid-19 vaccine between India and Europe and beyond.

With a network spanning 54 domestic and 45 international destinations and a fleet of 19 cargo planes, SpiceXpress is capable of flying over 600 tonnes of cargo per day to both domestic and a wide list of international destinations. The airline has also tied up with global leaders in cold chain solutions offering active and passive packaging with dedicated equipment to perform seamless cold chain operations.

Ever since the lockdown began, SpiceJet and its cargo arm, SpiceXpress, has played a critical role and worked relentlessly to ensure that the country’s supply chain remained intact. The airline has helped in the transportation of vital goods and medical supplies to all corners of India and the world. SpiceJet has operated 12,950 cargo flights since the lockdown began and carried around 105,200 tonnes of cargo.

DB Regio Bayern and Siemens Mobility Sign Contract for 31 Regional Trains

February 5, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

DB Regio Bayern has ordered 31 regional trains from Siemens Mobility. The trains will serve on routes between Munich, Passau and Regensburg. Siemens Mobility will be delivering 25 double-decker Desiro HC trainsets and six single-decker Mireo trainsets. Passenger service with the new trains is planned to begin with the timetable change in December 2024.

“We’re especially pleased that we were able to win the Europe-wide call for tenders from the Bayerischen Eisenbahngesellschaft. The modern trains provided by our partner Siemens Mobility are an important contribution for ensuring high-quality operations that attract additional passengers to rail transport,” said Hansrüdiger Fritz, Chairman of the Regional Management, DB Regio Bayern.

“Our Desiro HC and Mireo regional trains stand for enhanced passenger experience and convenience, maximum availability, and sustainability. Both train platforms are very popular with passengers and have already significantly improved passenger satisfaction on many routes. We are pleased that we’ve received the order to build 25 Desiro HC trains and six Mireo trains for the Danube-Isar network,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility.

The Desiro HC trains are intended for use on the line RE 3 Munich Hbf – Landshut Hbf – Plattling – Passau Hbf and until the opening of the 2nd S-Bahn main line in Munich on the RB 33 (Munich Hbf) – Freising – Moosburg – Landshut Hbf. The Mireo trains will be used on the airport express RE 22 Munich Airport Terminal – Landshut Hbf – Regensburg Hbf. After commissioning of the 2nd line, the vehicles of the RB 33 will be used for increased frequency in rush-hour traffic between Munich and Regensburg or Plattling.

Boeing 747-8 Lives On With Atlas Air Worldwide Purchases of Four Freighters

January 14, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Atlas Air Worldwide announced an agreement to purchase four 747-8 Freighters. The order enables Atlas Air to leverage the operational advantages of the 747-8 Freighter to meet growing cargo demand around the globe.

“The 747-8F is the best and most versatile widebody freighter in the market, and we are excited to bolster our fleet with the acquisition of these four aircraft,” said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer. “This significant growth opportunity will enable us to capitalize on strong demand and deliver value for our existing and prospective customers. The efficiency and capability of the 747-8F further complements our longstanding focus on leading edge technology. Dedicated freighters – like those operated by our Atlas, Polar and Southern subsidiaries – will continue to be in demand as the global airfreight market, particularly the e-commerce and express sectors, continues to grow.”

With a maximum payload capacity of 137.7 metric tonnes (137,750 kg), the 747-8 Freighter allows customers to access 20% more payload capacity while using 16% less fuel compared to previous-generation 747s. The jet also features 30% quieter engines. The 747-8 airplanes in this agreement will be the final four aircraft to roll off the production line in Everett, Washington.

“The 747 will forever hold a special place in aviation history and we are honored by Atlas Air’s longstanding commitment to the airplane. Atlas Air began operations 28 years ago with a single 747 and it is fitting that they should receive the last 747 production airplanes, ensuring that the ‘Queen of the Skies’ plays a significant role in the global air cargo market for decades to come,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With the global air cargo fleet expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years, we look forward to delivering these airplanes and supporting Atlas Air’s Boeing fleet well into the future.”

Atlas Air has 53 747s in its current fleet, making it the largest 747 operator in the world. Its world-class fleet also includes 737s, 767s and 777s. The 747 and 777 models, in particular, are capable of carrying tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter-high (10-foot-tall) pallets. This common main-deck pallet height supports interchangeable pallets, adding to the versatility of both models.

Boeing, the market leader in air cargo aircraft, provides more than 90% of the dedicated freighter capacity around the world, including new production and converted freighters. The 747 program has produced 1,560 aircraft since launching the jumbo jet more than 50 years ago. In July 2020, Boeing announced its decision to complete production of the 747-8 in 2022.

– Wide body aircraft to operate to Palma de Mallorca from both Frankfurt and Munich

– First departure planned from Frankfurt on July 17 and on July 31 from Munich

– Tickets now available for booking

Departing Frankfurt with the “Jumbo”

Departing Munich with the Airbus A350

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