TOMORROWS TRANSPORTATION NEWS TODAY!

Tag: media (Page 3 of 10)

SMBC Aviation Capital Orders 14 Additional Boeing 737 MAX Jets

SEATTLE, May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SMBC Aviation Capital today announced the lessor is positioning its portfolio for air traffic recovery by ordering 14 additional 737-8 jets, growing its 737 MAX portfolio. The new order comes as airlines prepare for a robust return to air travel and modernize their narrowbody fleets to reduce fuel use and carbon emissions.

The new purchase builds SMBC Aviation Capital’s 737 MAX portfolio to 121 jets, expanding their investment in Boeing’s single-aisle family. SMBC Aviation Capital also continues to incorporate new 737 MAX airplanes into the global fleet. In the first quarter of 2021, the lessor delivered 13 737-8s to customers, including 11 planes to Southwest Airlines in the U.S. and two planes to TUI in Europe.

The SMBC Aviation Capital purchase follows recent orders and commitments from Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. The total number of gross orders and commitments for the 737 MAX this year now exceeds 250 airplanes.

A member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The 737-8 can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency, reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions by 16% and also reducing operating costs.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

DENSO and Honeywell Ascend Into Urban Air Mobility With Expanded Alliance

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., and PHOENIX, May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, has signed a long-term agreement with aerospace leader Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON), establishing an alliance focused on electric propulsion units to meet new aerospace needs. Drawing from their automotive and aerospace backgrounds, the companies will develop and manufacture electric propulsion systems for aircraft, initially prioritizing the urban air mobility (UAM) segment with a focus on air taxis and delivery vehicles.

DENSO and Honeywell are in advanced discussions with current and prospective customers and intend to deliver flight test configurations of the electric propulsion systems within the next year. This focus on electrified power sources will not only help the companies fulfill UAM’s promise of providing cleaner, safer, more efficient, quieter and freer-moving transportation in and between cities, but also strengthen each company’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.

The formal alliance follows the companies’ initial teaming agreement in 2019. DENSO’s ability to produce quality components at mass scale paired with Honeywell’s storied aerospace expertise make for an alliance ready to take UAM to new heights. Additionally, the alliance’s electric propulsion systems will integrate seamlessly with Honeywell’s fly-by-wire, avionics and actuation systems, extracting the most thrust and lift from every watt of electricity.

Honeywell is one of the world’s leading makers of electronics, engines and mechanical systems for aircraft. Its systems fly on virtually every airliner in the sky, along with thousands of business jets and light aircraft. DENSO, meanwhile, develops advanced technology and components for nearly every make and model of road vehicle in existence today.

The alliance with Honeywell enhances DENSO’s Second Founding, the company’s strategy to provide value beyond a vehicle-centric focus and produce the core technologies for future mobility. It also bolsters DENSO’s two great causes: “Green” — acting environmentally friendly — and “Peace of Mind” — creating a safer and more seamless world for all. These guide DENSO as it leverages its 30-plus years of electrification know-how to create cleaner, more efficient mobility and will help the company reach its 2035 goal to be carbon neutral. Honeywell has also pledged to be carbon neutral in its facilities and operations by 2035.

The two companies will work together to seek customers who can help transform how the world moves, making transportation safer, more sustainable and efficient.

Qantas Adds Seven New Routes, Puts Dreamliner on Domestic Route

Qantas customers can now book seven new domestic routes and travel on more widebody aircraft between major capital cities to help meet strong demand for domestic travel across Australia.

The new routes – Townsville to Adelaide/Melbourne/Sydney, Adelaide to Cairns/Hobart, Sydney-Uluru and Perth-Gold Coast – provide direct connections and reduce travel time for customers. They bring the total number of routes Qantas and Jetstar have added since the start of the pandemic to 45.

Five of the routes will be operated by Embraer E190 regional jets as part of QantasLink’s partnership with Alliance Airlines. The first Qantas flights operated by the 94-seat E190s took off today between Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs.

Customers will also see more widebody aircraft with Business Suites on flights between the East Coast capital cities into Perth and Darwin.

Usually used for long haul international flights including Perth-London, the 236-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will begin operating up to nine Sydney to Perth flights per week.

Widebody Qantas Airbus A330-200 aircraft, which serviced international routes into Asia, will operate on more flights into Darwin from Sydney and Brisbane, and also into Perth from Sydney and Melbourne. These will be added to the A330s already flying on east-west routes.

The additional flying will see Qantas’ capacity exceed 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels in the coming months and the Group’s market share around 70 per cent.

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the new routes would support the growing demand for domestic tourism.

NEW ROUTES 

RouteStart DateReturn flights per weekAircraft
Adelaide – TownsvilleAugust 20213 per weekE190
Adelaide – CairnsAugust 20214 per weekE190
Adelaide – HobartSeptember 2021Up to 7 per weekE190
Sydney – TownsvilleSeptember 20217 per weekE190
Melbourne – TownsvilleSeptember 20217 per weekE190
Perth – Gold CoastSeptember 20213 per weekB737
Sydney – UluruMarch 20225 per weekB737

Fares are available from today with Qantas offering special fares including $139 on Adelaide-Hobart, $179 on Sydney-Townsville and $229 Perth-Gold Coast.  Special fares are available at qantas.com or through Travel Agents, until 11:59pm 27 May, unless sold out prior.

The new flights add to Jetstar’s existing services across six of the routes, providing a range of travel options for Qantas Group customers.

ADDITIONAL WIDEBODY FLYING

Route Added or upgauged flightsAircraftTotal weekly flights (all aircraft)
Sydney-PerthUp to 9 per week787 Dreamliner34
Up to 4 per weekA330
Melbourne-PerthUp to 24 per weekA33037
Sydney-DarwinUp to 7 per weekA33012
Brisbane-DarwinUp to 3 per weekA3309

Embraer Delivers 600th Phenom 300 Series Aircraft, World’s Best Selling Light Jet

Embraer has delivered the 600th Phenom 300 series business jet to Superior Capital Holdings, LLC based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The aircraft, which recently became the world’s best-selling light jet for the ninth consecutive year and the most delivered twinjet of 2020, based on year-end aircraft billing and shipment reports by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), will be used to support the company’s business operations throughout the U.S.

Superior Capital Holdings, LLC previously operated a single engine turboprop but after experiencing a flight in the Phenom 300, decided the aircraft was the best choice for their business. The customer, a first-time jet buyer, upgraded based on the need for enhanced cabin comfort, increased speed, and exceptional safety, as many of their trips involve routes over 1,000 nautical miles. In addition to the Phenom 300’s enhanced capabilities based on remarkable field performance, the aircraft maintains airport flexibility with dependable maintenance and best-in-class operating cost, comparable to many turboprops. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, are further enhanced by the best cabin pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude) providing the ultimate in-flight experience.

Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 series is in operation in more than 35 countries and has accumulated more than 1.2 million flight hours. The milestone aircraft delivered today is the Phenom 300E, the newest enhanced iteration of the industry-leading light jet. With its unparalleled technology, exceptional comfort, and stunning performance, the Phenom 300E sets the highest standard of excellence in the light jet category. In terms of performance, the enhanced Phenom 300E is even faster, capable of reaching Mach 0.80, becoming the fastest single-pilot jet in production. The aircraft is capable of a high-speed cruise of 464 knots, and a five-occupant range of 2,010 nautical miles (3,724 km) with NBAA IFR reserves.

Additional technology enhancements include an avionics upgrade, featuring a runway overrun awareness and alerting system (ROAAS)―the first technology of its kind to be developed and certified in business aviation―as well as predictive windshear, Emergency Descent Mode, PERF, TOLD, and FAA Datacom, among others. The Phenom 300E also features 4G connectivity via Gogo AVANCE L5.

Enhancements didn’t end with technology—comfort was equally considered. The Phenom 300E features a quieter cabin thanks to noise-reducing improvements, as well as extended seat tracking in the cockpit to offer pilots’ more legroom and comfort.

French Navy Exercises Option for Two Additional Airbus H160 Helicopters

The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has confirmed an option to Airbus Helicopters, Babcock and Safran Helicopter Engines for two more H160s for the French Navy. These aircraft will join the fleet of four H160s already contracted in 2020, the first of which is currently being assembled by Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, in the south of France. The six H160s will be delivered in a Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration and will gradually start operating from May 2022 from Lanveoc-Poulmic naval air station (Britany), Cherbourg airport (Normandy) and Hyères naval air station (Provence). Awaiting the H160M “Guépard” deliveries in the frame of the French Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL) programme, these H160s will take over the SAR missions  currently conducted by the NH90s and Panthers , allowing these combat helicopters to fulfill their main tasks at sea on board combat vessels.

The French Navy’s operational feedback with these H160s will benefit the design of the military version of the aircraft and its associated support system.

The H160s were ordered by Babcock in 2018 and will be maintained and equipped in partnership with Airbus Helicopters, and Safran Helicopters Engines ensuring the highest level of availability for the French Navy and the continuity of SAR operations on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts. Built by Airbus Helicopters, the six H160s will be equipped with a winch and a modular cabin that can be optimized for each mission. The H160s will be certified for use of night vision goggles which are necessary for winching operations at night.

The six H160s will be modified into a light military configuration by Babcock, a provider of critical, complex engineering services to governments, to answer to the needs of the French Navy. Babcock will integrate the Safran Electronics & Defense new generation electro-optical system, Euroflir 410.

The H160, as a next generation medium twin engine aircraft, powered by Arrano engines, is modular by design in order to address missions ranging from offshore transportation, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, and public services.

JetBlue Set to Bring Transatlantic Travelers Low Fares as it Lands in London

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced it will make its highly anticipated entrance into the transatlantic market with nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy international Airport (JFK) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) starting August 11, 2021. New York’s Hometown Airline® will further enhance its U.S. and U.K. schedules with nonstop service between New York-JFK and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) starting September 29, 2021. London service from Boston, where JetBlue is the leading airline, will start in Summer 2022.

Click the link below to view the full press release!

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519005479/en/

Qantas Group Announces its Balance Sheet Repair is Underway

A sustained rebound in domestic travel demand, and the performance of its Freight and Loyalty divisions, continues to drive the Qantas Group’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

Based on current trading conditions the Group expects to be statutory free cash flow positive for the second half of FY21. Net debt levels peaked in February at $6.4 billion and are expected to be lower than they were in December ($6.05 billion) by the end of the financial year.

Liquidity levels remain strong with total funds of $4.0 billion, including cash of $2.4 billion and $1.6 billion of undrawn debt facilities as at 30 April 2021.

The total revenue loss for the Group since the start of COVID is now projected to reach $16 billion by the end of FY21 – however the role of domestic travel demand in the Group’s recovery is highlighted by the fact revenue from domestic flying is expected to almost double between the first and second half of this financial year.

Assuming no further lockdowns or significant domestic travel restrictions, the Group expects to be Underlying EBITDA positive in the range of $400 – 450 million for FY21. At a statutory level before tax, the Group is still expecting a loss in excess of $2 billion, which includes the significant costs associated with previously announced redundancies, aircraft write downs and non-cash depreciation charges.

Click the link below to read the full press release!

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/7978/

Alaska Air Group Orders Nine New Embraer E175 Aircraft for Operation with Horizon Air

Embraer has agreed the sale of nine new E175 jets to Alaska Air Group and its subsidiary Horizon Air. The E175 aircraft will fly exclusively with Alaska Airlines under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA). The value of the contract, which will be included in Embraer’s second-quarter backlog, is USD 449.1 million, based on current list prices.

Alaska Airlines, a new member of the Oneworld Alliance, currently has 62 Embraer E175 jets in their fleet, operated by Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines. The 76-seat aircraft will be delivered in Alaska’s livery and three-class configuration, starting in 2022.

Alaska Air Group also announced today a commitment for eight more E175 aircraft with SkyWest Airlines. Once all 17 E175 aircraft announced today are delivered, Alaska Air Group will have 79 E175s in its regional fleet operated by Horizon and SkyWest.

Horizon is converting nine options from its April 2016 contract to firm orders. Added to Horizon’s three remaining firm orders on backlog, they will have a fleet of 42 E175’s flying for Alaska Airlines, when all aircraft are delivered.

The E175 has been a lifeline for carriers as they are perfectly suited to rebuild frequencies and add incremental capacity to meet rebounding domestic demand. During 2020 it was the first aircraft type to bounce back, achieving 100% of Alaska’s 2019’s schedule by Nov. 2020. Last October, the E175 started replacing larger aircraft on several intra-Alaska routes. Alaska Airlines has also been building its presence in California with the addition of new seasonal routes between cities in the Golden State and Montana with the E175.

Adapted Alstom Euroduplex Trains for Spanish Network Brought into Service

Four Avelia Euroduplex trains from the SNCF fleet will enter commercial service on Monday 10 May 2021 on the Madrid-Barcelona route. They will be operated by OUIGO España, a local subsidiary of SNCF. The trains have been converted by Alstom and SNCF to run on the Spanish high-speed rail network.

Following on from these first four trains, 10 other trains are currently being converted by Alstom to serve several high-speed routes in Spain: initially, the Madrid-Valencia and Madrid-Alicante routes and subsequently, Andalusia (Madrid-Seville and Madrid-Malaga). OUIGO España will thus have a fleet of 14 trains for 5 destinations departing from Madrid: Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, and Malaga.

During the conversion process of the trains, Alstom developed and deployed on-board signalling equipment architecture, necessary for rail traffic safety and performance, based on its digital ERTMS[1] solution Atlas. This solution ensures that Avelia Euroduplex trains are compliant and can be approved for Spanish infrastructures.

« Older posts Newer posts »