Tag: fleet (Page 30 of 45)

Hokkaido Air Company Takes Delivery of 1st ATR 42-600

December 18, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Japanese regional operator starts fleet replacement with eco-responsible turboprop aircraft

World number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR today delivered the first of two ATR 42-600 aircraft to Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd (HAC), a JAL Group Company. This delivery marks the first step in HAC’s replacement of its Saab 340 fleet. The delivery of this aircraft will ensure that essential regional air connectivity in Hokkaido can continue.

The ATR 42-600 will offer HAC increased capacity for the same operating costs – generating opportunities for the airline to increase revenues. It will also provide HAC’s passengers with a modern, comfortable cabin featuring latest generation 18”-wide seats as well as more space for luggage in the overhead bins.

Tetsu Ohori, Chief Executive Officer of HAC said: “Today is a long-awaited day for us at Hokkaido Air System, and becomes a memorable day, marking a new chapter in our history. We have so many tourists who enjoy the fantastic ‘Mother Nature’ of Hokkaido. In winter, the great nature turns her face with severe cold and heavy snow. Even under such hard conditions, this ATR 42 will perform well and make our new business a success. I’m really looking forward to showing this wonderful aircraft to everyone in Hokkaido as soon as possible.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer Stefano Bortoli remarked: “Our aircraft makes perfect sense for the Japanese market. Japanese passengers, who are known to demand the very best in terms of comfort and eco-responsibility, will appreciate both the aircraft’s reduced emissions and modern comfortable cabin. This, plus the unbeatable economics and the need to maintain essential regional connectivity in Japan demonstrates why we are increasing our presence in the country.”

ATR’s market estimates forecast that around 900 30-50 seat aircraft will soon need to be replaced as older and inefficient aircraft come to the end of their lives. The ATR 42-600 is part of ATR’s unique family of regional aircraft, including the ATR 72-600, the ATR 42-600S (Short Take-Off and Landing) and the ATR 72-600F, the only brand new regional freighter. Together, they represent the ideal and modern solution to ensure that essential connectivity is maintained for local communities all over the world, while flying sustainably, emitting up to 40% less CO2 compared with regional jets.

About Hokkaido Air System Co., Ltd
Established on 30 September, 1997, Hokkaido Air System began operations on 28 March.1998, with Japan Airlines (57.3%), Hokkaido government (19.5%), Sapporo city (13.5%) as major shareholders. Hokkaido Air System operates three aircraft (SAAB340B-WT) and 26 daily departures on five routes; between Sapporo-Okadama and Rishiri/Kushiro/Hakodate/Misawa, Hakodate and Okushiri, based in Sapporo-Okadama airport.

FAA Must Boost Oversight to Address Allegiant Air Maintenance Issues

December 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

An Allegiant Air MD-83 passenger jet takes off from the Monterey airport

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to improve its oversight to address maintenance issues at Allegiant Air, the 11th largest U.S. carrier, according to a report seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

The U.S. Transportation Department’s Inspector General, in a 31-page report sent to Capitol Hill on Tuesday but not yet made public, said FAA inspectors since 2011 have not “consistently documented risks associated with 36 Allegiant Air in-flight engine shutdowns for its MD-80 fleet or correctly assessed the root cause of maintenance issues.”

Ultra-low cost Allegiant, a unit of Allegiant Travel Co, said it had not yet see the report and did not have an immediate comment.

The FAA said in a letter attached to the report that it agreed with eight of the nine recommendations made by the inspector general and partially agreed with the remaining one.

Allegiant carried about 14 million passengers last year, serving 122 U.S. cities and Puerto Rico on 450 flight routes.

The inspector general opened the probe in May 2018 after a “series of in-flight engine shutdowns, aborted takeoffs, and unscheduled landings” raised concerns about maintenance practices.

The report said in-flight shutdowns at Allegiant “continued until July 2018 and were only resolved four months later when Allegiant Air retired the last of its MD-80 fleet.” Allegiant now flies an all Airbus fleet.

The report found in-flight engine shutdowns forced 21 Allegiant aircraft to return or divert to other airports between 2014 and 2018, but that regulators did not properly track engine shutdown risks.

A 2015 maintenance provider failure at Allegiant Air demonstrated “severe violations that represent unacceptable safety risks or could result in catastrophic outcomes should also warrant a more stringent oversight approach,” the report said.

The inspector general said the airline’s maintenance provider failed to insert a cotter pin on a critical flight control component that put some 30,000 passengers at risk.

The report said in August 2015, a pilot “almost lost control of this aircraft during takeoff when it unexpectedly tried to lift off prematurely” but was able to abort takeoff and land safely.

After inspectors proposed a 30-day suspension for Allegiant Air’s maintenance provider, FAA regional officials reduced the suspension to a compliance action. FAA inspectors closed out six of eight compliance actions before ensuring Allegiant Air actually took any corrective actions, the report found.

It also found that FAA does not provide inspectors with guidance and comprehensive training to ensure Allegiant Air takes appropriate corrective actions.

The FAA said it had “initiated compliance actions at Allegiant Air that have improved safety for the flying public.”

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Richard Chang and Bill Berkrot)

Airline passengers walk next to an Allegiant Air commercial flight near an air traffic control tower operated by Serco nc. at the Ogden-Hinckley Airport in Ogden

Bombardier Wins New Heavy Maintenance and Refurbishment Contract for Sweden

December 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Bombardier will perform heavy maintenance and refurbish 59 Bombardier-built REGINA commuter trains, improving safety and comfort for every passenger’s journey in Sweden
Latest contract highlights Bombardier’s position as industry-leading mobility services provider in the Swedish market

Mobility technology solution provider Bombardier Transportation announced today that it has signed a new services contract with AB Transitio, Sweden’s rail vehicle leasing company, to perform heavy maintenance and refurbish 59 BOMBARDIER REGINA Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains. The contract is valued around SEK 280 million ($30 million US, €27 million euro) over a period of five years. Deliveries of the newly refurbished trains is planned to start in mid-2020 with pre-series deliveries and will continue until mid-2024.

“With this new contract, Bombardier is expanding its services footprint in Sweden by maintaining the REGINA EMU trains operated by regional and private rail authorities, as well as refurbishing these trains to bring safe and reliable service to over millions of passengers across Sweden every year,” said Marina Sundman, Chief Commercial Office, Nordics Region, Bombardier Transportation. “We are proud to deepen our long-term relationship with AB Transitio and we are more committed than ever to delivering our range of service solutions to help customers maximize value from their assets.”

Around 20 years ago, our local teams designed and built these vehicles which are appreciated by the local rail operators. Today, more than 100 REGINA EMU trains operate across Sweden’s rail network in various car configurations, each train having travelled an average of 200.000 km per year in regional and intercity traffic, supporting the public transport authorities from south to the upper north of Sweden.

In addition to undertaking heavy maintenance on 59 REGINA EMU trains (54 trains of 2 cars and 5 trains of 3 cars each), our teams will also be involved in technical and comfort upgrades such as changing interior carpets, exterior paint, passenger seats refurbishment, interior lighting, installing additional pantograph with control equipment and new headlights.

This project marks a milestone in the development of our refurbishment activities and contributes to placing Bombardier as the leader of this market segment in Sweden. Bombardier is an important player in Sweden’s rail industry as a leading supplier of metros, trams, high speed trains, signalling systems and services.

Bombardier built REGINA EMU train for Sweden

Air France-KLM Orders Additional 10 Airbus A350 XWB’s

December 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

The Air France-KLM Group has decided to place a firm order for 10 additional widebody A350-900’s, which will take its total order for the type to 38 aircraft.

By acquiring the industry’s most efficient and technologically advanced widebody aircraft, the airline will benefit from a significant reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions. The A350 XWBs are intended to be operated by Air France.

“Rationalising and modernising the fleet is central to our effort to regain our leading position in Europe,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group. “It will strengthen our performance from both an economic and operational standpoint, and will help us deliver on our ambitious sustainability agenda. Offering a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft, the Airbus A350-900 is a jewel of European expertise and a passenger favorite. We are excited to see it become a core asset of the Air France fleet.”

“Ben is leading an impressive transformation at Air France-KLM and we feel honoured that our A350 XWB aircraft have been selected as part of this endeavor,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We sincerely thank Air France-KLM for the confidence placed in us.”

Air France-KLM currently operates a fleet of 159 Airbus aircraft.

The A350 XWB 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% reduction in fuel burn and emissions. The A350 XWB’s Airspace by Airbus cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience. By the end of November, the A350 XWB Family had received 959 firm orders from 51 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Czech Republic Signs Letter of Offer and Acceptance for Mixed Fleet of AH-1Z and UH-1Y

December 14, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Czech Republic becomes first international customer to purchase mixed fleet of H-1 aircraft

WASHINGTON D.C. (Dec. 13, 2019) – The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, and Czech Republic Minister of Defence, Lubomir Metnar, signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance finalizing the foreign military sale by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (TXT) company, of H-1 helicopters to the Czech Air Force.

“We are privileged to support the Czech people and applaud the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic for selecting AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters.” said Vince Tobin, Executive Vice President of Bell’s Military Business.

The H-1 mixed fleet shares 85-percent commonality between parts, reducing the logistics, maintenance, and training costs of the AH-1Z and UY-1Y helicopters while offering a lethal combination of integrated weapons systems to counter ground, air, and maritime targets effectively. The AH-1Z is the only helicopter in production equipped with the AIM-9 Sidewinder providing the most advanced air-to-air combat capabilities.

“This mix allows the Czech Republic to accomplish a diverse mission set, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to close air support and air-to-air warfare,” said Joel Best, Director of Military Sales and Strategy, Europe. “The advanced capabilities of the H-1 program help ensure the safety and security of Czech sons and daughters for years to come.”

The purchase of four AH-1Z and eight UH-1Y military helicopters represents the first foreign military sale of a mixed H-1 fleet. Bell anticipates the delivery of the first H-1 aircraft to the Czech Republic will begin in 2023 and complete delivery by 2024.

Airbus to Become Preferred Supplier for Qantas Sydney to London flights

December 12, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO: A passenger stands in front of a window where Qantas planes are parked at Melbourne Airport, Australia

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Qantas Airways Ltd <QABSY> said on Friday it has chosen Airbus SE <EADSY> as preferred supplier for jets capable of the world’s longest commercial flights from Sydney to London, beating rival Boeing Co <BA> after a hard-fought contest.

The choice of up to 12 A350-1000 planes fitted with an extra fuel tank for flights of up to 21 hours cements Airbus as the leader in ultra-long haul flying globally at a time when Boeing is battling delays on its rival 777X programme and a broader corporate crisis following two deadly 737 MAX crashes.

The Qantas flights would begin in the first half of 2023, but remain subject to reaching a pay deal with pilots, who would need to extend their duty times to around 23 hours to account for potential delays and switch between flying the A350 and the airline’s current A330 fleet. A final decision on an order is expected in March, the airline said.

Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce said the airline “had a lot of confidence” in the market for non-stop services from Sydney to London and to New York based on two years of flying non-stop from Perth to London, where it has achieved a 30% fare premium over one-stop rivals in premium classes.

“The A350 is a fantastic aircraft and the deal on the table with Airbus gives us the best possible combination of commercial terms, fuel efficiency, operating cost and customer experience,” he said.

Singapore Airlines Ltd <SINGY> operates the world’s current longest flight, nearly 19 hours from Singapore to New York, using an ultra-long range version of the smaller A350-900.

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer thanked Qantas for its selection in a statement, while a Boeing spokesman said it was disappointed with the decision but looked forward to continuing its longstanding partnership with the airline.

Rico Merkert, a transport professor at the University of Sydney Business School, said the A350-1000 fit the Qantas brief well and was the safer choice, given Boeing has recently reported problems such as the grounding of the 737 MAX, structural cracks in 737 NGs and a fuselage split in a stress test of its 777-9.

“The A350 just seems to be a much safer bet,” he said. “And safety is at the core of everything that Qantas does including its brand.”

Airbus no longer provides list prices for aircraft, but based on its 2018 price list, the Qantas order could be worth up to $4.4 billion before heavy discounts that are standard for airline customers.

Citi on Friday estimated the planes would cost A$3 billion (1.6 billion pounds) to $3.5 billion, with the investment likely to be phased over three years.

The selection of the A350-1000 will add to growing doubts over Boeing’s plans to produce the 777-8 that it had proposed to Qantas for the mission.

Boeing had already said the entry into service for the plane, a smaller, longer-range version of the 777-9, would be delayed beyond 2022 but has declined to give a new date, saying it would be based on customer demand.

Customers Emirates and Qatar Airways have indicated they could switch orders for the 777-8 to the 777-9.

The 777-9 is due to enter service in 2021, following delays associated with its GE <GE.N> engines.

The Boeing spokesman said on Friday the manufacturer was focused on the development of the 777-9 and after that it would complete development of the 777-8, with the first delivery scheduled a few years after that.

(Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Sam Holmes and Stephen Coates)

An Airbus A350-1000 performs at the 53rd International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris

Chile’s SKY Orders 10 A321XLRs to Expand International Footprint

December 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

SKY, a Chilean-based ultra-low-cost carrier, has signed a Purchase Agreement with Airbus for 10 A321XLRs. The airline will expand its international route network with the new aircraft.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo/A321neo Family, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload in a single-aisle aircraft. The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented narrow-body airliner range of up to 4,700nm, with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared with previous-generation competitor jets, allowing airlines to expand networks by making new longer routes economically viable.

“This new aircraft fleet will allow us to expand our offer of international and wide-ranging routes, always under our successful low cost model and its extremely convenient ticket prices. Now passengers can enjoy new and very attractive destinations on the most modern airplanes in the market,” said Holger Paulmann, CEO of SKY.

Arturo Barreira, President of Airbus Latin America, said: “We are delighted that SKY has selected the A321XLR to further expand its fleet of all Airbus aircraft. The A321XLR will allow SKY to offer its customers new destinations, such as direct flights from Santiago in Chile to Miami in the U.S.”

According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Latin America will need 2,700 new aircraft in the next 20 years, more than double today’s fleet. Passenger traffic in Latin America has doubled since 2002 and is expected to continue growing over the next two decades. Specifically in Chile, traffic is expected to increase from 0.89 trips per capita to 2.26 trips in 2038.

In parallel to the growing fleet, according to Airbus’ latest GMF, there will be a need for 47,550 new pilots and 64,160 technicians to be trained over the next 20 years in Latin America. To cover this necessity SKY also selected Airbus as its flight training provider, making the airline the launch customer for the new Airbus Chile Training Centre. The centre will offer flight crew training for Chilean pilots and will include a full-flight A320 simulator.

SKY has been an Airbus customer since 2010 and became an all-Airbus operator in 2013. The airline’s fleet of 23 A320 Family aircraft serves national and international routes connecting Chile to Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay.

Airbus has sold 1,200 aircraft, has a backlog of more than 600 and more than 700 in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, representing a 60% market share of the in-service fleet. Since 1994, Airbus has secured nearly 70% of net orders in the region.

Alstom Avelia AGV Reaches 100 Million Kilometres Milestone in Italy

December 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom’s fleet of 25 Avelia AGV very-high-speed trains operating in Italy has travelled a total of more than 100 million kilometres since entering service in April 2012, owned and operated under the service name Italo by Italo-Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, the first private high-speed operator in Europe.

Italo, with its fleet composed of Avelia AGVs and Avelia Pendolinos, covers the entire national area served by high speed line, connecting a total of 25 Italian cities and 30 railway stations with 116 daily services.

“We are immensely proud that our trains have covered such a distance and transported so many passengers since beginning service. Add to that the Avelia Pendolino trains more recently delivered to NTV, and we have proof of the importance of high-speed rail services and Alstom’s unique ability to accompany its customers in the domain,” said Laurent Jarsalé, Vice-President of Alstom’s Mainlines Platform.

The Avelia AGV trains themselves run at speeds of 300km/h with the highest level of safety and comfort, thanks to an articulated architecture designed for very high speeds. The eleven-car configuration results in trains that are over 200 metres in length.

Passenger experience is at the centre of the Avelia AGV design. The train offers 100 mm of additional interior body width compared to conventional non-articulated very-high-speed trains and a bright interior thanks to the largest windows on the very high speed market. Passengers experience quiet and smooth travelling conditions – a result of bogies being placed between the cars.

The train also boasts long-term operational and financial benefits for the operator. This includes 15 to 30% less energy consumption compared to conventional non-articulated very-high-speed trains thanks to its lightweight, aerodynamic design and braking energy recovery. Maintenance costs are also up to 10% lower than non-articulated trains. The Avelia AGV is fully adaptable to operating needs: flexible configurations from 7 to 14 cars, and trainsets designed like a hollow tube that can be effortlessly fitted and refitted according to changing passenger requirements throughout the train’s 30-year lifespan.

American Airlines Announces New Investments at DFW Airport

December 7, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Investments as airline expands global network from DFW, improves customer experience

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines has announced plans to build a new, larger catering kitchen at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The new facility is part of American’s long-term growth strategy at its largest hub, and will allow the airline to better serve customers as it grows.

The investment reaffirms American’s commitment to grow and improve customer experience at DFW. In addition to the new kitchen, construction is also slated to begin ona a state-of-the-art aircraft parts distribution facility, which will help reduce maintenance delays by providing parts from DFW to American’s global network.

This year alone, American has expanded at DFW by adding 15 more gates and increasing the amount of flying to 900 daily departures. Additionally, the airline introduced a Flagship Lounge to serve premium customers travelling to international destinations. The growth is part of a larger strategy that will continue as American continues to invest in the operational efficiency and customer experience initiatives at DFW.

“DFW remains a great source of opportunity and growth for American,” said Cedric Rockamore, American’s Vice President of DFW of Hub Operations. “These investments will ensure we can continue to welcome the world to and through DFW for a very long time.”

Catering kitchen

American will build a new catering kitchen to support DFW’s current and future catering demands. The new facility will replace the existing catering kitchen, which was built in 1982 and is too small to support the airport’s growing operation. Construction on the new kitchen will begin in January 2020.

“In addition to more space, the new kitchen will provide updated equipment and efficiencies to improve our catering operation, which improves our reliability and provides a better experience for our customers,” Rockamore said.

The $100 million construction project will take about 18 months to complete and supports the first phase of development for DFW’s new Terminal F. This phase includes four new gates and customer areas located on the southeast corner of Terminal D and is scheduled to open in 2022.

The kitchen will continue to be staffed and operated by LSG Sky Chefs, the airport’s largest catering vendor.

Central Fulfillment Center and cargo mail facility

American plans to break ground in January 2020 on a new Central Fulfillment Center that will house aircraft parts for line maintenance support across our network. The 390,000-square-foot facility will enable the airline to fulfill request for parts up to 75% faster, minimizing potential maintenance delays. Locating this facility at DFW enhances our ability to distribute parts for overnight maintenance throughout the network.

This project will also include a facility for cargo mail, a key revenue stream and narrowbody product for American Airlines Cargo. The expanded space will allow the Cargo team to optimize fleet, network and market demands for transporting mail.

Terminal expansion

To support the demand for additional growth, DFW continues to develop new and optimize existing terminal spaces. These efforts include two new gates and customer areas at Terminal E, which American will utilize to support summer 2020 flying, and the continued development of Terminal F.

With the first phase of development for Terminal F underway, details of the additional phases will be developed as American and DFW continue to study infrastructure demands and customer needs.

New Amtrak Acela Trains Stimulate Nationwide Economy

December 7, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

With parts from nearly 250 suppliers, Alstom trainset production creates 1,300 new jobs

HARVEY, Ill. – The Amtrak partnership with Alstom to produce the next generation of Acela trains to move customers at higher speeds and more comfort between Boston and Washington is also boosting businesses nationwide. Today, Amtrak and Alstom thanked workers at LB Steel in Illinois for building wheel assemblies (known as “bogies” or “trucks”) and other components.

“While these new trains will provide world-class accommodations for customers traveling in the Northeast, this production will benefit communities across the country by creating jobs and stimulating local economies,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President Roger Harris, who led the visit to the factory south of Chicago. “The fastest trains in the hemisphere – at speeds up to 160 mph – will ride on the work done here in Harvey at LB Steel.”

Alstom is using parts manufactured by nearly 250 suppliers in 27 states, with 95 percent of the components produced domestically. More than 1,300 new jobs will be generated in nearly 90 communities across the United States to support production, including the creation of new, sustainable, high-tech, engineering and manufacturing jobs in New York.

“We are proud to have been selected by Amtrak, not only to design and build the new Avelia Liberty high speed trainsets, but also to provide long-term technical support, and supply spare components and parts for the maintenance of the new trains.,” said Michael MacDonald, Site Managing Director for Alstom in Hornell, N.Y., who also participated in the news event south of Chicago. “Alstom is partnering with suppliers across the country for this project, and the emergence of a high-speed rail manufacturing industry here in the U.S. is becoming a reality.”

The trains are being produced at Alstom’s Hornell facility, which is undergoing a massive investment and transformation to build the 28 high-speed trainsets for Amtrak. One of three new structures has been built to accommodate fleet manufacturing and testing and a new bridge has been built to extend the site’s current test track to accommodate higher speeds.

The new trains are scheduled to enter service in the Northeast Corridor in 2021 and will accommodate nearly 25 percent more customers while continuing the spacious, high-end comfort of the current Acela service that customers enjoy today. Each train will feature modern amenities such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights.

The new Acela trains are part of an Amtrak plan to modernize and upgrade our fleet. Last year, Amtrak refreshed the interiors of the current Acela trains and Amfleet I railcars and announced plans to acquire 75 new locomotives for Amtrak’s long distance and state-sponsored services. This year, Amtrak performed similar work on Amfleet II railcars and announced plans to start next year to refresh Superliner cars used on long distance services. Refreshing of Horizon railcars in the Amtrak Midwest^SM network is also now underway with state partner support.

Catering kitchen

Central Fulfillment Center and cargo mail facility

Terminal expansion

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