Tag: medium (Page 3 of 4)

SWISS Welcomes its First Airbus A320neo

February 24, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

SWISS took delivery today of the first of 25 new aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family. The new arrival was formally welcomed to the fleet and named “Engelberg” in a ceremony at Zurich Airport. In acquiring these advanced and efficient short- and medium-haul aircraft, SWISS is further underlining its commitment to resource-friendly aviation. With its innovative engine technologies, the Airbus A320neo consumes some 20 per cent less fuel than comparable aircraft of the older generation. SWISS’s new Airbus A320neo also features a newly developed seat that tangibly enhances its passengers’ travel comfort.

The first Airbus A320neo of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) landed in Zurich at 10:57 today. The aircraft, which bears the registration HB-JDA, arrived directly from Airbus’s Hamburg-Finkenwerder works airport in northern Germany. SWISS will be receiving a total of 25 new aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family (the “neo” stands for “New Engine Option”) between now and the end of 2024: seventeen A320neos and eight of the larger A321neo version. The new twinjets will replace older Airbus A320 family aircraft in the SWISS fleet’s ranks and, with their innovative powerplant technology, will help substantially further enhance SWISS’s environmental efficiency.

After arriving in Zurich, the latest member of the SWISS aircraft fleet was formally welcomed in the hangar area by a delegation of invitees from the political, business and media worlds, and was also named “Engelberg”. The naming was jointly performed by Alex Höchli, the mayor of the Central Swiss mountain resort, and Brother Meinrad Haberl of Engelberg Monastery.

Lower fuel consumption and lower noise emissions

Thanks to the advanced technology of its Pratt & Whitney engines and its aerodynamic “sharklet” wingtip extensions, the Airbus A320neo consumes up to 20 per cent less fuel than comparable aircraft types. The new twinjets are also equipped as standard with noise-reducing vortex generators. As a result, a departing Airbus A320neo has a noise footprint on takeoff which is around half the size of the footprint produced by a comparable aircraft type.

“Our new Airbus A320neo family aircraft will substantially further reduce the average age of the SWISS aircraft fleet,” says SWISS CEO Thomas Klühr. “Once they are all delivered, our aircraft’s average age will be one of the youngest in Europe at around nine years. These billion-franc investments will further enhance our environmental credentials, too,” Klühr continues, “because operating an advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft fleet is one of the most effective means of all of reducing the ecological impact of aviation activities.”

An innovative seat for greater travel comfort

The new SWISS Airbus A320neo also offers substantially more travel comfort to both Business and Economy Class passengers, thanks to its newly-developed seats from Italian manufacturer Geven. With their ergonomic pressure distribution over the backrest and the seat cushion, the new seats deliver a tangibly pleasanter sitting experience. And the innovative horizontal placement of the literature pocket above the seat table also provides more personal space.

It’s not just aloft, either, that passengers will enjoy an even more comfortable flight: the new seats can be reclined to 20 degrees (instead of the previous 12) during the taxi, takeoff and landing phases. And Business Class travellers can even recline their seat to a full 26 degrees during the cruise phase of flight.

SWISS will be deploying its Airbus A320neos on its short- and medium-haul routes of up to 4,200 kilometres within Europe and to and from destinations in North Africa and the Middle East. The Airbus A320neo accommodates 180 passengers in Business and Economy Class.

Irish Department of Defense Orders Two Airbus C295 Aircraft

December 16, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Ireland’s Department of Defence has announced the acquisition of two Airbus C295 medium airlifters in a maritime surveillance configuration.

With this new order, the Irish Air Corps will become the 33^rd C295 operator worldwide. Both aircraft will be equipped with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) and specific state-of-the-art mission sensors together with the recently announced Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics.

Alberto Gutiérrez, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “We are pleased to welcome the Irish Air Corps to our family of C295 operators, a signal of continued trust from an Air Force that already operates two Airbus CN235s.”

Emirates Orders 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Airplanes to Complement 777X Family

November 20, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

One of the world’s leading airlines firms up future fleet with 787-9, 777-8 and 777-9 models
Announcement includes update of Emirates’ 777X order book; and agreement for replacement parts for 777 airplanes

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [BA] and Emirates announced today they have finalized a purchase agreement for 30 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes, valued at $8.8 billion according to list prices. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow, culminates discussions between the two companies on the best 787 Dreamliner model to meet the requirements of one of the world’s leading airlines.

Emirates had previously signed an initial agreement for the larger 787-10 variant. In officially selecting the 787-9 today, Emirates adds a medium-sized widebody airplane to complement the airline’s larger 777 aircraft. Both airplane families lead their respective category for superior range and fuel efficiency.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive said: “I am pleased to announce a firm order for 30 Boeing Dreamliners. This is an important investment and addition to our future fleet and it reflects Emirates’ continued efforts to provide the best quality air transport services to our customers. The 787’s will complement our fleet mix by expanding our operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. We are also pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the Boeing 777X programme and look forward to its entry into service.

Sheikh Ahmed added: “Our Boeing fleet is key to our business model to serve international demand for travel to and through our Dubai hub, as we continue to contribute to the UAE’s strategy to become a global destination for business and tourism by providing high quality air connectivity.”

As part of the agreement, Emirates will update a portion of its large order book by exercising substitution rights and converting 30 777 airplanes into 30 787-9s. With this conversion, Emirates remains the world’s biggest 777X customer with 126 airplanes on order and the largest 777 operator with 155 airplanes today.

“We are excited to finalize this important order from one of the world’s leading airlines. Our agreement solidifies Emirates’ plan to operate the 787 Dreamliner and the 777X, which make up the most efficient and most capable widebody combination in the industry,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Stan Deal. “It is an honor to build on our successful partnership with Emirates and continue to sustain many jobs at Boeing and our supplier partners.”

To support Emirates’ current-generation 777 airplanes in the coming years, the companies announced that Boeing Global Services will leverage its worldwide supply chain to provide timely replacement parts, reducing maintenance times and keeping aircraft in service.

At 63 meters (206 feet), the 787-9 Dreamliner can fly 296 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kilometers), while reducing fuel costs by more than 20 percent compared to previous airplanes they replace. Designed with the passenger in mind, the 787 delivers an unparalleled experience with the largest windows of any jet, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, comfortable cabin air that is cleaner and more humid, and soothing LED lighting.

The Dreamliner’s superior efficiency and range have allowed airlines to open 257 new non-stop routes around the world. More than 80 customers around the world have ordered more than 1,400 Dreamliners since the program’s introduction, making it the fastest-selling widebody jet in history.

Alstom Begins Delivery of New Regional Trains to Veneto and Liguria in Italy

November 13, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom has delivered the first Coradia Stream “Pop” trains destined for operation in Italian regions of Veneto and Liguria. The trains are part of the framework agreement signed in 2016 between Alstom and Trenitalia for a total of 150 new medium-capacity regional trains. Veneto will receive a total of 31 trains, Liguria 15. Deliveries will continue at a rapid pace into 2020.

14 Coradia Stream trains are already in passenger service in Emilia Romagna, the first region to have placed a firm order under the 2016 agreement.

The new trains are part of a wider relaunch plan initiated by Trenitalia (FS Italian Group) to develop regional transport. This plan foresees a total investment of around €6 billion for 600 new trains, lead to the renewal of 80% of the fleet within 5 years. Due to the number of trains and its value, it is an unprecedented project for Italy.

The Coradia Stream, dubbed “Pop” by the Italian customer, is a single-deck electric multiple unit (EMU) designed for regional lines. It represents the latest generation of the Coradia family of trains. It can transport 300 passengers seated, has a top speed of 160 km/h, and offers easy accessibility thanks to its low floor. Designed to be eco-friendly, Coradia Stream consumes 30% less energy than previous train generation.

“Over the past 15 years, more than 412 regional trains have been designed, produced and put into commercial service by Alstom in Italy. To these figures, we will gradually grow the Pop fleet. We are proud to have been chosen by Veneto and Liguria, and to support Trenitalia in this major project to improve regional and intercity transport throughout the country,” said Michele Viale, Managing Director of Alstom in Italy and Switzerland.

The Coradia Stream trains are manufactured by Alstom in Italy. Project development, most of the manufacturing and certification are performed at Alstom’s site in Savigliano (CN). Design and manufacturing of the traction systems and other components takes place at the Sesto San Giovanni (MI), and the on-board signalling systems are delivered by the Bologna site.

Allegiant Travel Company Schedules Q3 2019 Earnings Call

October 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) has scheduled its third quarter 2019 financial results conference call for Thursday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. EDT. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available through the company’s Investor Relations website at http://ir.allegiantair.com/. The webcast will also be archived on the “Events & Presentations” section of the site.

Allegiant Travel Company

Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure experiences – from vacations to hometown family entertainment. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida – a unique waterside integrated resort like no other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF.

L.J. Aviation Grows Fleet with Addition of Two Bombardier Challenger 350 Business Jets

August 25, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Two new Challenger 350 business jets recently added to L.J. Aviation’s existing fleet of more than 40 aircraft under management
The Challenger 300 aircraft series continues to outperform the competition as the fastest business jet in history to reach 300 deliveries in the medium and large categories and as the best-equipped aircraft in its class
With the widest and quietest cabin, smoothest ride and lowest operating costs in its category, the Challenger 350 aircraft delivers an unrivalled experience

Bombardier is pleased to announce that L.J. Aviation, a world-class aircraft flight management and charter aircraft company, has expanded its fleet with its latest addition of two industry-leading Challenger 350 aircraft. The high-performing Challenger 350 business jets join the company’s existing fleet of 40 aircraft and are available for charter in the Mid-Atlantic States.

“We are thrilled to receive our Challenger 350 aircraft,” said Ed Kilkeary Jr., President, L.J. Aviation. “It delivers everything we want in a business jet: outstanding performance, a comfortable and productive environment, and advantageous operating costs. The Challenger 350 aircraft is a sound investment that will make the most of our passengers’ time.”

Extending its offering with two new industry-leading Challenger 350 business jets, L.J. Aviation currently manages and operates five Challenger 300 series business jets, one Challenger 604 aircraft and a Global 5000 aircraft.

In the last decade, the Challenger 300 aircraft series has accounted for more deliveries than any other business jet platform in the industry. The Challenger 350 aircraft builds upon this remarkable legacy of leadership and continues to take centre stage in the super mid-size segment.

“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with L.J. Aviation, and we are extremely pleased that they have added two Challenger 350 aircraft to their fleet,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This business jet is world-renowned as the leader in the super mid-size segment, and with good reason. A stunning cabin, smooth ride and exceptional value proposition all make the Challenger 350 aircraft an ideal choice for customers.”

With a true full seats, full fuel, 3,200 nautical mile range, the Challenger 350 aircraft is an efficient and reliable business tool with proven performance. Delivering comfort without compromise, the Challenger 350 jet was recently recognized by Robb Report Magazine as the Best of the Best super mid-size aircraft for the second consecutive year.

Evolution of the Air France-KLM fleet

August 1, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The Air France-KLM Board of Directors approved several strategic decisions concerning the development of the Air France fleet, following a meeting on July 30, 2019.

These decisions reflect the Group’s focus on simplification. Making the fleet more competitive, by continuing its transformation with more modern, high-performance aircraft with a significantly reduced environmental footprint is key to achieving leading industry margins.

Firm order for 60 A220-300s, with 30 options and 30 acquisition rights, which will gradually replace Air France’s A318 and A319 fleet
Retirement of the 10 A380s from the Air France fleet by 2022, and study of the replacement of A380s by new generation aircraft

Renewal of Air France’s short- and medium-haul fleet

Air France has committed to a firm order of 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with an additional 30 purchase options and 30 acquisition rights. The first aircraft should be delivered in September 2021. They will join Air France’s short- and medium-haul fleet.

This aircraft will enable Air France to reduce its environmental footprint. The A220-300 generates 20% less CO2 emissions than comparable aircraft in its class, and is twice as quiet.

With a capacity of 149 seats and an operating range of 2,300 nautical miles, the A220-300 is perfectly suited to replace the A318 and A319 on the Air France short- and medium-haul network. This aircraft will allow the company to increase its competitiveness by reducing its cost per seat by more than 10% compared to the aircraft it will replace.

Finally, its entry into the Air France fleet will contribute to the continuous improvement of the customer experience, thanks to seats offering more space, larger cabin baggage storage compartments, wide aisles and WiFi on board.

Retirement of the A380s from the Air France fleet by 2022

The Air France-KLM Board of Directors today approved the retirement in principle of the remaining seven A380s from the Air France fleet by 2022, the phase out of three additional aircraft having been decided previously. Five of these aircraft are owned by the company, while two are leased.

The current competitive environment limits the markets in which the A380 can profitably operate. With four engines, the A380 consumes 20-25% more fuel per seat than new generation long-haul aircraft, and therefore emits more CO2. Increasing aircraft maintenance costs, as well as necessary cabin refurbishments to meet customer expectations reduce the economic attractiveness of Air France’s A380s even further. Keeping this aircraft in the fleet would involve significant costs, while the aircraft programme was suspended by Airbus earlier in 2019.

The Air France KLM Group is studying possible replacement options for these aircraft with new generation aircraft currently on the market.

“These decisions support the Air France-KLM Group’s fleet competitiveness strategy,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group. “They follow the recent orders for A350s and Boeing 787s that Air France and KLM have placed. We are very pleased to work with Airbus to add the A220-300 to our fleet, an aircraft that demonstrates optimum environmental, operational, and economic efficiency. The selection of the Airbus A220-300 supports our goal of a more sustainable operation, by significantly reducing CO2 and noise emissions. This aircraft will also provide our customers with additional comfort on the short- and medium-haul network and will provide our pilots with a connected cockpit with access to the latest navigation technology. This is a very important next step in Air France’s transformation, and this evolution in Air France’s fleet underlines the Group’s determination to attain European airline leadership.”

Air France-KLM operates a fleet of 541 aircraft between its three main brands, Air France, KLM, and Transavia, to 318 destinations globally. In 2018, AFKL flew over 100 million customers.

For more information on Air France’s Airbus A220 download the brochure

Taiwan’s China Airlines Signs MOU for 11 Airbus A321neo Jet’s

June 19, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Le Bourget, France, June 19 (Reuters) – Airbus unveiled an aircraft deal with Taiwan’s China Airlines on Wednesday, snatching the carrier’s medium-haul fleet renewal from Boeing a day after its U.S. rival made a shock entry into the single-aisle fleet of British Airways owner IAG.

The European planemaker said China Airlines had signed a preliminary deal to buy 11 A321neo aircraft, worth about $1.4 billion at list prices, while leasing another 14.

Although much smaller than the IAG letter of intent for 200 Boeing 737 MAX announced on Tuesday, the China Airlines deal signals intensified competition in Asia where Boeing this week predicted 40 percent of jets would be delivered over the next 20 years.

Airlines can rarely be persuaded to jump ship to rival suppliers because of the costs of training and parts, but this week’s Paris Airshow has witnessed two such announcements as sold-out planemakers mount incursions to continue their growth.

In a further competitive twist, Boeing announced on Monday it would take over the supply of spare parts for the remaining Airbus A320 fleet at British Airways.

China Airlines announced the leasing part of the deal in May and Reuters reported it would pave the way for the Taiwan carrier to switch its medium-haul fleet to the Airbus A320neo.

The rare deal to replace older 737s took years to complete and was drafted before the 737 MAX was engulfed by a crisis involving two crashes and a worldwide grounding, sources said.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Editing by Mark Potter)

Uganda Airlines Firms Orders for 2 Airbus A330neo Aircraft

April 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, has firmed up its order for two A330-800 airliners, the latest version of the most popular A330 widebody airliner.

Fitted with the new Airspace by Airbus cabin, the A330neo will bring a range of benefits to Uganda Airlines and its customers, offering unrivalled efficiencies combined with the most modern cabin.

Uganda Airlines plans to use the A330-800 to build its medium and long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technology along with more efficient operations

Launched in July 2014, the A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities including state-of-the-art passenger inflight entertainment and Wifi connectivity systems, amongst others.

@Airbus #A330neo #UgandaAirlines

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

TAP Air Portugal Takes Delivery of its First A321LR

April 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Lisbon-based TAP Air Portugal has taken delivery of its first of twelve A321LRs on order, becoming the first airline to operate a combined A330neo and A321LR fleet. The A321LR is the world’s most flexible and capable large single-aisle aircraft. Powered by CFM engines, TAP’s A321LR is configured with 171 seats (16 full flat Business, 48 Eco Premium and 107 Ecomomy seats).

The combination of the A321LR and the A330neo within a single fleet provides operators a powerful lever to cover the needs of the medium- to long-haul market. With both newest-generation single-aisle (20% fuel burn reduction) and widebody aircraft (25% fuel burn reduction), airlines benefit from an unrivalled commonality for operations while passengers experience a higher and harmonised comfort standards.

“The A321LR is critical for TAP’s expansion plans. With its superior range we can comfortably explore markets in North America, South America and Africa from Portugal, and it’ll fit in seamlessly with our A330neos,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, TAP Air Portugal. “In North America it allows us to explore markets on the East Coast, such as New York, Boston, Montreal or Washington. In Brazil the A321LR can open new markets in the Northeast and complement existing services to cities like Recife, Natal, Fortaleza or Salvador,” he added. “The aircraft are equipped with the latest-generation full flat business class and high comfort economy seats, a full suite of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity, as well as free messaging services”.

TAP’s A321LR will be operated on the Lisbon-Tel Aviv route at its entry into service.

“We applaud TAP Air Portugal for becoming the first airline to leverage the benefits of the A321LR and the A330neo in a common fleet. The A321LR and A330neo working in tandem have the middle market segment nicely covered. The ‘Airbus NEO Midsize Aircraft’ – let’s call them the ‘A-NMA’s,’ are a winning, seamless combination – unprecedented capacity and transatlantic range with single aisle cost with the A321LR, and unbeatable unit costs and flexibility for true long haul with the A330neo. Both with the most contemporary technology and cabin comfort in their class,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

TAP currently operates an Airbus fleet of 75 aircraft comprising five A330neo, 13 A330ceo,4 A340s, and 45 A320 Family aircraft. The single-aisle fleet includes 21 A319ceo, 20 A320ceo, four A321ceo, two A320neo and six A321neo.

The A321LR is a member of the A320neo Family, with over 6,500 orders by more than 100 customers. It delivers 30% fuel savings and nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft. With a range of up to 4,000nm (7,400km) the A321LR is the unrivalled long-range route opener, featuring true transatlantic capability and premium wide-body comfort in a single aisle aircraft cabin.

The A330neo is a true new-generation aircraft building on the A330’s success and leveraging A350 XWB technology. It incorporates the highly-efficient new-generation engines, new wings and new sharklets derived from A350 XWB technology.

@TAPAirPortugal @Airbus #A321LR

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

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