DHL Express and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced that it will add four 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) as part of the logistics company’s efforts to continue modernizing and growing its fleet with cost-efficient and reliable freighters.
This step is part of DHL’s effort to modernize its long-haul intercontinental fleet in order to fly more eco-friendly and cost-efficiently. The aircraft are converted from passenger to freighter configuration by Boeing to fit the needs of DHL Express and meet the rising global demand for express services.
“We are excited to introduce additional Boeing 767 freighters to the DHL Express air network,” explains Geoff Kehr, senior vice president, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express. “We have operated the 767-300F model across our global fleet for many years and look forward to continue investing in the platform by adding more 767-300BCFs. The freighter type offers a proven versatility and we appreciate the opportunity to further enhance efficiency while simultaneously improving our environmental footprint. This brings us closer to our Strategy 2025 goals and ensures we deliver the best quality service possible to our customers.”
The world’s most efficient medium wide-body twin-engine freighter, the Boeing 767 freighter family boasts the lowest direct operating costs, best payload-to-weight ratio and allows airlines to develop new opportunities in the long-haul, regional and feeder markets. The 767-300BCF has virtually the same cargo capability as the 767-300F production freighter with approximately 50 tonnes structural payload at a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometers) and 412,000 pounds (186,880 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight.
“Boeing’s 767 freighter, whether it is a production or converted option, offers an unmatched combination of capacity and capability as well as superior economics. We are delighted DHL has selected Boeing platforms to optimize their operations,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are committed to delivering the freighter capacity that DHL needs to succeed as one of the most trusted logistics and express cargo leaders in the world.”
DHL Express will add four 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) as part of the logistics company’s effort to modernize its long-haul intercontinental fleet, allowing for more eco-friendly and cost-efficient routes. (Photo credit: DHL)
An Air Canada Boeing 767 aircraft made a safe emergency landing at Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez-Barajas International Airport after part of the jets landing gear reportedly fell off and entered its engines.
The Toronto-bound flight touched down shortly after 7.10pm Monday evening with fire engines lining the runway.
A passenger tweeted out video of the safe emergency landing. Click the link below to view!
A Boeing 737 Max aircraft taxis the runway at the Renton Municipal Airport in Renton
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Papua New Guinea carrier Air Niugini has updated its contract with Boeing Co <BA> to delay the delivery of its four 737 MAX jets on order until at least 2024, the airline’s chief executive said on Tuesday.
The carrier had been due to receive its first 737 MAX this year.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Alan Milne told Reuters the delay would give the airline more time to complete a broader review of its fleet plans, including a replacement for its smaller Fokker jets.
“This will then determine if the MAX is still appropriate for Air Niugini, or whether another Boeing product would better suit as a replacement for the 737/767,” he said, in reference to older models in the airline’s fleet.
Milne said it was possible the 737 MAX orders could be switched to the smaller Embraer SA <ERJ> E2 family if Boeing’s deal to buy the bulk of the Brazilian planemaker’s commercial division closes.
“Air Niugini is a valued Boeing customer and we are working closely with the airline to meet its evolving fleet requirements,” a Boeing spokesman said. “Unfortunately, we do not disclose ongoing customer discussions and have no further comment.”
Some other Boeing customers, including Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd <VBHLF> and Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA’s <NWARF> leasing arm have also postponed the delivery of 737 MAX jets since the model was grounded globally last March after two fatal crashes.
Boeing confirmed on Monday that it has temporarily halted production of the 737 MAX in Washington State in recent days. The company had said in December it would halt production at some point this month.
(Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Paul Simao and Sam Holmes)
Jetstar group chief executive Gareth Evans says he is encouraged by the strong start to the low-cost carrier’s (LCC) new nonstop Gold Coast-Seoul Incheon service.
The inaugural flight departed Gold Coast Airport at a little past 1200 local time on Sunday, with Boeing 787-8 VH-VKF receiving an Airservices Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) monitor cross prior to taking off as the JQ49 bound for Seoul Incheon.
Some nine hours and a half hours later, the 787-8 touched down at Seoul Incheon just before 2030 local time.
And after about two and a half hours on the ground, the Dreamliner took off as the reciprocal JQ50 bound for the Gold Coast.
Evans expressed confidence that the route would do well, given the stimulatory impact of low fares and South Koreans’ being among the most frequent travellers per capita of any country in the world.
Similarly, Australians were increasingly becoming aware of South Korea as a place to visit for food, history and popular culture influences such as K-Pop.
“There will be a lot of demand from Korea. But we are betting on huge increases in demand from Australians as well,” Evans told reporters at Gold Coast Airport on Sunday prior to the inaugural flight.
“The start to the route has been fantastic so we are off to a very good footing.”
Jetstar’s Gold Coast-Seoul Incheon flights have been scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The 787-8s serving the route have 335 seats comprising 21 business class recliners in a 2-3-2 configuration with 38-inch pitch and 314 economy class seats at nine abreast with 30-inch pitch.
Currently, Asiana Airlines and Korean Air are the only two airlines with year-round nonstop flights between Australia and South Korea.
Asiana flies to Sydney, while Korean Air has nonstop flights to Brisbane and Sydney.
Qantas – Jetstar’s parent company – last served South Korea with its own aircraft in the mid-2000s when it flew Boeing 767-300ERs on seasonal services between Brisbane and Seoul. It also had year-round flights to Seoul in the late 1990s.
Ansett Australia also flew to Seoul in the late 1990s.
Evans said the stimulatory impact of low fares offered by Jetstar compared with those of full-service carriers Asiana and Korean Air would help grow the market.
Currently, the Australia-South Korea market was split 70 per cent South Korean travellers and 30 per cent Australian.
Looking ahead, Evans said he expected the directional flow to become more evenly balanced over time in a similar way the Australia-Japan market has evolved.
“We will grow both ends of the market but particularly we will grow the Australian end of the market,” Evans said.
“Japan sort of started about 70-30 now it is 50-50. We would imagine over time – a number of year – this market would move to a more 50-50 split.”
Further, a partnership with South Korea’s largest LCC Jeju Air, which has added its 7C airline code on the Jetstar flight as part of a hard block codeshare agreement, would also help raise awareness of the route in the South Korean market.
“The reason we are partnering with Jeju is because right now Jetstar brand has very little penetration in the Korean market so you need a strong partner to provide you with that brand strength and distribution in the market,” Evans said.
“That’s what Jeju brings.”
When Jetstar launched the route in May, it offered introductory fares of $179 one way. Since then, Evans said ticket prices for travel between the Gold Coast and Seoul Incheon have been in the $300 to $400 range.
“It’s those low fares that stimulate demand and open up markets,”Evans said.
“It has happened with us on a number of markets around Asia – Japan, Vietnam, Thailand. It will happen with Korea as well.”
Asked why Gold Coast was chosen as the city to launch flights to Seoul Incheon, Evans said that was where the demand was, noting inbound travellers from Asia loved to visit the Queensland city.
Further, Gold Coast was also able to act as a hub and gateway for the airline, offering convenient connections to other parts of Australia in both directions.
“The geography of the Gold Coast and the operation that we have got here into the Gold Coast means that we are building the Gold Coast as a hub for our Australian traffic,” Evans said.
“We are also seeing great demand from customers in Melbourne and Sydney connecting through the Gold Coast.”
Queensland Airports Ltd chief executive Chris Mills said the Jetstar flight opened up another new and exciting destination for locals on the Gold Coast, as well as new nonstop option for South Koreans travelling to Australia.
“South Koreans will have a direct link to our stunning beaches and hinterland, delivering significant benefits to our economy,” Mills said in a statement.
Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones noted the number of South Korean visitors to Queensland had grown by about 20 per cent to 76,000 visitors a year in the 12 months to June 2019, compared with 63,000 visitors in the prior corresponding period.
The new route was supported by the Queensland government’s attracting aviation investment fund, Queensland Airports and Destination Gold Coast.
Jones said the negotiations were completed over an 18-month period.
“Because it is taxpayers’ dollars to secure these new flights we always make sure that we believe that they meet our expectations for taxpayers,” Jones said.
“From our perspective we back flights that we know will attract and bring new tourists to Queensland.”
Flag carrier of Kazakhstan intends to order the 737 MAX for its new low-cost airline FlyArystan
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Air Astana intends to order 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes to serve as the backbone of its new low-cost airline FlyArystan, the Kazakh flag carrier and Boeing announced at the Dubai Airshow. The companies today signed a letter of intent for the 30 airplanes with a list price value of $3.6 billion.
Since beginning operations in May 2002, Air Astana has steadily grown its business from its hubs in Almaty and Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), sprouting a network that serves major cities across Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Asia, China, Europe and Russia. It operates a growing fleet that includes the Boeing 757, 767 and the Airbus A320 family.
In May, Air Astana launched FlyArystan to better compete in the growing low-cost segment. The company says the new airline has seen strong ticket sales in just the first few months of operation. The plan is to expand the fast growing domestic network, with international services to Moscow commencing next month.
“Since its launch in May this year, FlyArystan has exceeded all expectations and it is clear that low cost air travel has a great future in Kazakhstan and Central Asia,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana. “Air Astana has had a strong relationship with Boeing ever since the airline started flying in 2002 with a pair of 737NGs. Today we operate both 757s and 767s and we believe that the MAX will provide a solid platform for the growth of FlyArystan throughout our region, once the aircraft has successfully returned to service”.
“Air Astana has become one of the leading airlines in Central Asia with its deep focus on safety, reliability, efficiency and customer service. At Boeing, we share those same values and are honored to expand our partnership with the 737 MAX,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We believe the efficiency and reliability built into the 737 MAX will be a great fit for FlyArystan. We look forward to working with Peter and his team finalize an agreement that meets their fleet and operational requirements.”
The 737 MAX 8 is part of a family of airplanes that offer 130 to 230 seats and the ability to fly up to 3,850 nautical miles (7,130 kilometers). With improvements such as the CFM International LEAP-1B engine and Advanced Technology winglets, the 737 MAX provides operators a 14% improvement over today’s most efficient single-aisle airplanes and extended range to open up new destinations.
3D imagery, 737 MAX, MAX, 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX8, 737 MAX 9
Delta TechOps andAustria’s largest carrier,Austrian Airlines, announced the signing of an engine maintenance agreement at the MRO Europe conference in London. The exclusive agreement covers PW4060 engine maintenance for up to six years supporting the airline’s Boeing 767 fleet.
As the maintenance division of Delta Air Lines, Delta TechOps has numerous years of experience both operating and maintaining PW4000 engines. Delta TechOps will conduct scheduled full overhaul shop visits. In addition to regularly scheduled maintenance on these engines, Delta TechOps will support any unscheduled engine work as required.
“Our common vision of a good business relationship relies on enthusiasm, team spirit, sustainability, fairness and efficiency, which can only be achieved by consistent communication and shared passion for what we are doing,” said Michael Xavier Kaye, Austrian Airlines’ Vice President — Technical Operations. “With Delta Air Lines, we found a strong partner as passionate and enthusiastic as Austrian Airlines, with an experience in the services of PW4000 engines, which is second to none.”
“We are pleased that Austrian Airlines selected Delta TechOps for their PW4000 engine maintenance,” said Mike Moore, Delta TechOps’ Senior Vice President — Maintenance Operations. “We look forward to working with them in the coming years and hope to continue to support them with technical requirements the team may have going forward.”
Delta TechOps is the largest airline maintenance, repair and overhaul provider in North America. Its customers laud its reputation for high quality service. In addition to supplying maintenance and engineering support for Delta’s fleet of more than 900 aircraft, Delta TechOps serves more than 150 other aviation and airline customers around the world. The organization specializes in high-skill work such as engines, components, hangar and line maintenance. Delta TechOps employs more than 11,000 maintenance professionals and is one of the world’s most-experienced providers with more than 90 years of aviation experience.
Delta introduces its first daylight trans-Atlantic flight, and airlines join forces at London’s Gatwick Airport for first time.
Three new flights will see Delta increase capacity between the U.S. and U.K. by 15 percent
New 767-400 and A350 aircraft flying on key JFK, Boston and Los Angeles routes
Delta is boosting its transatlantic schedule between London-Heathrow and its coastal hubs in Boston and New York-JFK next summer, adding 15 percent capacity compared to 2019. Alongside joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic, the two airlines will increase capacity across the Atlantic by nearly 10,000 seats per week compared to this year, offering customers unrivalled customer experience and more choice than ever before.
“Delta and its partners offer an unmatched global network that’s capable of taking Boston and New York customers to more worldwide destinations than ever before,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Network Planning. “Our investment at these airports and in these communities continues to deepen as we grow our flight offerings and live up to our commitment to connect the world better than any other airline.”
More flights to Heathrow
Beginning March 28, 2020, Delta will increase its JFK-Heathrow services to three daily year-round frequencies, with Virgin Atlantic operating five, maintaining a convenient eight-flights-daily schedule. The new Delta frequency will mark the airline’s first-ever daylight trans-Atlantic flight and will complement the existing daylight service offered by Virgin Atlantic.
Upgraded Boeing 767-400s will have new Delta One business class seat.
Delta Premium Select also expands to more markets.
Delta Air Lines will offer improved cabin experiences for customers starting this fall through the launch of its new business class seat offering more comfort and privacy, plus the expansion of its international premium economy cabin, Delta Premium Select to new markets in Europe and South America.
The new cabins will be fitted on the 767-400 fleet and bring all four branded seat products – Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin – to this aircraft for the first time. The aircraft have initially been scheduled on select flights between Atlanta and London Heathrow starting November 12, 2019, followed by a number of additional European and South American markets. Select flights to London, Zurich and Brussels on this aircraft will be available for purchase starting this weekend with additional markets for sale in the coming weeks.
Here is a full overview of the markets the new 767-400 aircraft will fly:
Route (airport code)
Effective Dates
Atlanta (ATL) – London Heathrow (LHR)
Nov. 12
New York-JFK (JFK) – London Heathrow (LHR)
Nov. 16
Boston (BOS) – London Heathrow (LHR)
Nov. 20
New York-JFK (JFK) – Zurich (ZRH)
Dec. 8
New York-JFK (JFK) – Brussels (BRU)
Jan. 30
Atlanta (ATL) – Brussels (BRU)
Feb. 22
New York-JFK (JFK) – São Paulo (GRU)
2Q 2020
Detroit (DTW) – London Heathrow (LHR)
2Q 2020
Minneapolis (MSP) – London Heathrow (LHR)
2Q 2020
Portland (PDX) – London Heathrow (LHR)
2Q 2020
Atlanta (ATL) – Munich (MUC)
2Q 2020
New York-JFK (JFK) – Nice
2Q 2020
Atlanta (ATL) – Zurich (ZRH)
2Q 2020
Atlanta (ATL) – Buenos Aires (EZE)
2Q 2020
”Our investments in our Boeing 767-400 fleet reflect our continuous effort to elevate each aspect of the international customer experience,” said Steve Sear, Delta’s President — International and E.V.P. — Global Sales. “We understand that our customers want to curate their own travel experience and offering four cabins allows for more choice while continuing to align our products across the Delta fleet.”
Delta is investing millions of dollars in its widebody long-haul fleet to give customers greater choice when they travel. The 767-400 refit follows the introduction of the Delta One suite and Delta Premium Select on its Airbus A330-900neo, Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Here are some more details on Delta’s new cabins:
Delta One
The cabin will feature a new seat customized for this aircraft, which offers extra privacy through high sides and a divider between the two middle seats in the 1-2-1 configuration. There will be 34 seats in total.
The memory foam-cushion seats will also feature personal stowage areas, customizable ambient lighting and 18″ wide, high-resolution in-flight entertainment screens.
New self-service area for customers to enjoy snacks and beverages at their leisure throughout the flight.
Delta Premium Select
Delta’s premium economy cabin, Delta Premium Select, will have 20 seats in a 2x2x2 configuration.
It is a separate cabin between Delta One and Main Cabin, offering customers dedicated service, plated meals on Alessi serviceware, TUMI branded amenity kits, and LSTN noise-canceling headsets.
Seats, with memory foam cushions, will be 19″ wide with up to 38″ pitch and 7″ recline. The seats will also feature an adjustable leg rest and footrest, along with a larger IFE 13.3″ screen than found in Comfort+ and Main Cabin.
Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin
New, wider seats with memory foam cushions and adjustable headrests for improved comfort on long-haul flights.
10.1” seatback screens to enjoy the 1,000+ hours of entertainment available on-demand via Delta Studio.
Furthermore, the aircraft will also be fitted with Delta’s own in-flight entertainment system created by Delta Flight Products. The first-of-its-kind system combines wireless technology with state-of-the-art tablet displays mounted into the back of the seat. The system debuted on Delta’s A220 fleet and is also rolling out on the new A330-900neo fleet before coming to the 767-400 aircraft as part of the interior refit.
In addition to the expected customer experience and cost benefits, wireless IFE also helps reduce the airline’s environmental impact. The wireless streaming technology enables the reduction of about one pound of wiring per seat when installed on an aircraft. This means Delta’s modified 767-400 fleet will save about 1,330 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Visit the Delta link below for a video presentation of the new cabin layouts!
(Reuters) – Boeing Co is indicating “full speed ahead” for a new midsized airplane in what would be the first all-new jet program for the world’s biggest planemaker in more than a decade, Air Lease Corp’s chief executive, John Plueger, said on Wednesday.
Boeing reiterated on Wednesday that it will make a decision in 2020 on whether to launch the plane, which aims to address the middle of the jet market between traditional narrowbody jets with one aisle and long-distance widebody planes. It can start seeking offers in 2019, subject to launch.
“Boeing is signalling full speed ahead but there’s still a lot to be decided in these programs,” Plueger said at a conference, noting the company had met with Boeing in Seattle on Friday.
In an emailed statement, Boeing said it is still working through the business case for the new jet, adding: “If we decide to offer the airplane and the market responds positively, we will proceed with a launch decision sometime in 2020.”
Air Lease, one of the largest aircraft lessors, said it sees interest in Boeing’s proposed mid-market aircraft from airlines, some of which are looking for longer range while others, such as Asian carriers, seek the lowest possible cost per seat kilometre.
Still, Boeing is taking a “thoughtful approach” to the potential project following a series of cost overruns and delays with its last jet program, the 787, and has yet to discuss possible pricing, Air Lease Executive Chairman Steven Udvar-Hazy said.
Air Lease will meet on Saturday with Airbus SE, which is preparing to counter the potential new jet by Boeing with a new version of its A321 and the larger A330neo.
While Boeing and Airbus have traditionally launched new jets alongside purchase commitments from airlines, interest by aircraft lessors like Air Lease is forming an increasingly important role in the decision-making process, industry sources have said.
Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian said on Monday that it is interested in a mid-market aircraft from Boeing to replace 200 757 and 767 aircraft over the next decade.
Last month, Rolls-Royce dropped out of the race to power Boeing’s planned jet, strengthening a leading position in the high-profile contest for a transatlantic venture involving General Electric Co and France’s Safran.
“Somebody had to drop out and the competition at this point is progressing normally,” Plueger said.
Pratt & Whitney is also a potential supplier for the new Boeing jet.
(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Interest is rising for Boeing’s new 757 replacement jet!
(Reuters)
– Delta Air Lines fueled the appetite of planemakers on Tuesday after
Chief Executive Ed Bastian said the airline planned to replace some 200
Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft over the next decade.
The plans come as the second largest U.S. airline seeks to grow internationally, though Bastian said at a conference that the company had not yet decided whether to invest in struggling Italian carrier Alitalia.
Atlanta-based Delta’s potential fleet order, which analysts say would be worth over $10 billion, could boost proposals by Boeing Co to launch a new plane in that segment while Airbus is preparing to counter with a new version of A321 and the larger A330neo.
Delta
is “very interested” and in discussions with Boeing about its proposed
new midsized airplane, known as the NMA, Bastian said. Boeing will
decide in 2020 whether to produce the plane which industry sources say
would have two aisles and seat seven across.
The
plane aims to address the so-called middle of the jet market between
traditional narrowbody jets with one aisle and long-distance widebody
planes.
“Hopefully they’ll decide to go,” Bastian said.
Delta
is already in the process of replacing one-third of its mainline fleet,
one of the largest and oldest among U.S. airlines, in the next five
years.
Delta shares were up 2.5 percent at $50.03 in afternoon trading after Bastian said spring and summer travel demand was solid.
Delta Air Lines reveals their first A220 in Atlanta, Georgia at the TechOPS engine shop at Hartsfield Jackson International airport on Monday October 29,2018. (Chris Rank/Rank Studios)
ALITALIA INVESTMENT?
Bastian
said it was too early to decide whether to invest in Alitalia, which
was put under special administration in 2017 after workers rejected the
latest in a long line of rescue plans, leaving the Italian government
seeking a buyer to save the airline.
Italy’s
state-controlled railway Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) said last month it
would start negotiations with Delta and EasyJet Plc to draft a rescue
plan, the third in a decade, for the struggling airline.
Delta
executives have held talks in Rome in recent weeks, according to
Italian industry sources, but doubts remain whether an outside investor
would be willing to take a minority stake in the strike-prone airline.
Bastian
said that the numbers being thrown around for Alitalia are “pretty
large” and “not the kind of numbers that we’re considering, just to
quell any concerns.”
Still,
he said it makes sense to consider an investment in Italy, an important
market for U.S. consumers, and noted that Delta’s global growth over
time will skew toward international rather than congested domestic
markets.
That growth could come through direct investments in overseas carriers.
“You
can’t actually own partner carriers so you have to find ways to
influence them beyond just a commercial contract as a partner, and what
we have found is that by making an investment into these businesses we
can get actually inside the board room and help to start shape the
strategy.”
(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago, additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris; Writing by Nick Zieminski; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Lisa Shumaker)
