JetBlue Founder David Neeleman Selects Salt Lake City as Headquarters for New Airline
America’s newest and perhaps most innovative airline does not yet have a name, or any airplanes. But it now has a headquarters.
David Neeleman’s startup will be based in Salt Lake City, where it plans to spend a capital investment of $3.2 million and create nearly 400 jobs over the next five years, according to local authorities. In return, the state offered tax rebates worth as much as about $1.1 million over five years.
“There’s a super strong technology base, and lower cost of living than California and some of the coastal areas,” Lukas Johnson, the airline’s chief commericial said in an interview. “We want to focus more on the technology aspect of the transportation side, and it makes a lot of sense. The tech sector is booming out here.”
HONG KONG, Dec 2 (Reuters) – Cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate HNA Group said on Monday it has agreed a deal to restructure its low-cost carrier West Air with a Chongqing-based asset management firm.
Chongqing Yufu Asset Management Group and its affiliates will together hold at least 70% stake in West Air, becoming the biggest shareholder, HNA said in a statement.
West Air, established in 2007, operates about 160 domestic and international routes with a fleet of 35 airplanes.
It has been directly controlled by HNA, whose affiliates also own struggling Hong Kong Airlines as well as Hainan Airlines Holding Co Ltd.
Budget carrier Hong Kong Airlines was ordered by Hong Kong’s air transport regulator on Monday to shore up its financial position by Dec. 7 or risk the suspension or loss of its licence.
Hainan Airlines, which has seen declining profits, said in a Shanghai stock exchange filing on Monday that it will seek 4 billion yuan ($568 million) in loans from eight banks led by China Development Bank.
The funds will be used to cover the costs of fuel, maintenance charges, staff salaries and operational expenses, it said in the filing.
$1 = 7.0389 Chinese yuan renminbi
Reporting by Meg Shen; Editing by Edmund Blair and Susan Fenton
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.
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
Etihad’s ‘Greenliner’ to serve as platform for testing ways to reduce fuel use and emissions
Multiple services agreements would support even more efficient 787 operations at Etihad
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Etihad Airways announced today that one of the airline’s 787 Dreamliner airplanes will serve as a flying laboratory for testing procedures and initiatives that could further reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as a part of a growing partnership to advance the sustainable growth of aviation.
“Innovation, productivity and sustainability are core values and objectives of Etihad Airways and of Abu Dhabi said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive of Etihad Aviation Group, at the 2019 Dubai Airshow. “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a key enabler of all three.”
The specially-themed 787 will enter service early next year and operate regular flights in Etihad Airways’ network, while periodically serving as a test bed for assessing environmental sustainability initiatives. The project builds on Etihad’s ample experience with the super-efficient airplane.
“The 787 Dreamliner and its track record of environmental performance makes it the perfect platform to advance our industry’s commitment to sustainable growth,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Etihad Airways to identify more opportunities to improve efficiency across commercial aviation.”
Beyond the environmental testing on the airplane, the two companies will build on the technical capabilities that Etihad Airways has developed while maintaining its own Dreamliner fleet and that of other operators. As part of the strategic partnership, the companies are discussing several areas where they can work together to improve operational efficiency.
Boeing and Etihad Airways also announced that Boeing will provide multiple services for the airline’s Dreamliner fleet, including the Component Services Program, Landing Gear Exchange, and High-Value Components Exchange, programs that help an airline simplify asset and maintenance management, reduce spare parts costs while improving parts availability. The agreements also include a customized material parts package and three Quick Engine Change (QEC) kits that enable Etihad to quickly return an airplane to service if an engine needs to be repaired or replaced.
“Boeing’s global supply chain footprint will allow ready access to parts, support and services, when and where it’s needed,” said Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services. “We are proud to partner with Etihad Airways to increase maintenance efficiency and maintain aircraft operability.”
These agreements build upon a history of partnership between the two companies. Both are members of a research consortium to encourage the development of sustainable aviation fuels in the region.
Leading leisure carrier exercises options for 10 MAX 8 jets for fleet renewal and growth
SunExpress CEO: “Have full confidence Boeing will deliver us a safe, reliable and efficient aircraft.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — SunExpress is exercising options for 10 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes to continue renewing its fleet and growing its position in the leisure travel industry, the airline and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today at the Dubai Airshow.
The purchase, valued at $1.2 billion according to list prices, adds to a previous SunExpress order for 32 MAX airplanes.
“We have a long standing, strong and trustful relationship with Boeing and thus we decided to turn our option into an order. We stand behind our strategic decision to phase the 737 MAX into our fleet for all of its economic and ecological advantages, mid- and long-term,” says Jens Bischof, CEO of SunExpress. “We have full confidence that Boeing will deliver us a safe, reliable, and efficient aircraft. However, it goes without saying that this requires the undisputed airworthiness of the model, granted by all relevant authorities. Our utmost priority at SunExpress is and has always been safety.”
The airline, which specializes in offering direct connections between Europe, Turkey and popular holiday destinations, has achieved significant growth in recent years as it steadily expanded its fleet of mainly Boeing 737 airplanes. Last year, SunExpress’ passenger count climbed to nearly 10 million across roughly 100 destinations.
“We are honored and humbled by the trust that SunExpress has placed in our team at Boeing. They have been a wonderful partner over the years, demonstrating every day the efficiency and reliability of the Boeing 737 across their growing network,” said Stan Deal, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We regret the impact the MAX grounding has had on SunExpress and their passengers. The Boeing team is working hard to safely return the airplane to service and providing the capacity for SunExpress to continue serving as the backbone of air travel in the Turkish tourism industry.”
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.
Supply chain deals include Landing Gear Exchange and Quick Engine Change kit solutions
Companies also establish agreement to add regional MRO provider to Boeing’s growing global network
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2019 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING (EGME) today announced agreements that will approve the Cairo-based MRO as Boeing’s first maintenance supplier in Africa and the Middle East region. The agreement enables EGME to provide aircraft, engines and component maintenance services and solutions to Boeing customers.
EGME will also receive landing gear exchange and overhaul support through the Boeing Landing Gear Exchange Program. The program provides flexible exchange solutions that allow customers to quickly repair and replace serviceable landing gear in hours.
Boeing will also supply parts for a Quick Engine Change kit. The kit includes hardware and components used to efficiently build up a spare engine to service-ready condition, lowering the maintenance time required to replace an engine and return aircraft to service.
“EGYPTAIR is optimizing operations for our growing fleet, which includes a sixth 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, to always deliver a better experience for our customers,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. “We are able to leverage the strength of a global supply chain network and increase efficiency by continuing to partner with Boeing.”
EGYPTAIR’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) subsidiary, EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering (EGME), also signed a supplier agreement that will allow EGME to support Boeing’s customers with parts provisioning, engineering support and line maintenance.
“EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering brings strong technical expertise with locations across the Middle East and Africa that enable us to better serve our customers in the region,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “Our customers rely on us to keep their airplanes in revenue service. With our global supplier network, which now includes EGME, we help make sure that our customers and their passengers fly Boeing airplanes with confidence every single day.”
“It’s another milestone in EGME’s strategy of growth in the global market as a leading MRO in Africa and the Middle East region,” said Mostafa Ali El-Din, chairman and CEO of EGME. “We are pleased to be part of Boeing’s global network, which reflects a great trust in our capabilities and personnel experience. EGME will utilize its wide-scope capabilities to provide the best technical services to customers who aspire for well-maintained fleet in service.”
In Boeing’s Services Market Outlook, the company forecasts rapid growth in the Middle East region’s commercial and government aviation services market, doubling the growth rate in North America.
Dreamliner family pivotal to airline’s strategy of operating a modern fleet
Biman pilots begin using Jeppesen Flite Deck Pro X to access mobile charts, navigational information to increase situational awareness
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Biman) announced today at the 2019 Dubai Airshow that the carrier is expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet with two additional airplanes valued at $585 million at list prices.
The purchase – recorded in October as an unidentified order on Boeing’s website – complements Biman’s fleet of 787-8 jets with the larger and longer-range 787-9 variant. The national flag carrier of Bangladesh says the addition of the 787-9 will help modernize its fleet and expand its international network.
“One of our key priorities is to have a modern fleet with technologically-advanced airplanes that will enable us to expand our international reach,” said Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Former Chief of Air Staff, Chairman Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “While we have a good domestic network, we plan to extend our international network to include more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787 with its technological superiority, excellent operational performance and passenger experience will enable us to achieve that goal,” he added.
The 787-9 is part of a three-member family that offers long range and unmatched fuel efficiency in the 200 to 350 seat market. For Biman Bangladesh, the 787-9 can carry 298 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and fly up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kms) while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25 percent compared to older airplanes.
“Biman Bangladesh is showing us the powerful potential of the Dreamliner family. Just last month, the airline launched a new non-stop flight from its hub in Dhaka to Medina, Saudi Arabia. It’s a great example of the 787-8 serving as a ‘market opener.’ And now, Biman adds the 787-9 which brings more seats, more range and more cargo-carry capability for the routes that need it. The two will form a profitable network solution for Biman,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Boeing also provides services that help Biman operate more efficiently. As part of a multiyear agreement, the airline’s pilots this year began using the Jeppesen Flite Deck Pro X electronic flight bag (EFB) platform to access mobile charts and navigational information, increasing their situational awareness on the ground and in the air.
Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled the opening of more than 250 new point-to-point routes and saved more than 45 billion pounds of fuel. Designed with the passenger in mind, the 787 family delivers an unparalleled experience with the largest windows of any commercial jet, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, comfortable cabin air that is cleaner and more humid and includes soothing LED lighting.
– Conrad Chun, a nine-year Boeing employee, named vice president of Communications for Boeing Commercial Airplanes
CHICAGO, Nov. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE:BA] today announced the appointment of Conrad Chun as vice president of Communications for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, effective immediately.
Chun most recently served as vice president of Communications for Boeing Global Services where he was responsible for media relations, employee and executive communications, digital communications, government and customer relations, and product and services marketing communications in support of Boeing’s fastest-growing business unit.
Previously, Chun served as director of Communications for Global Services & Support and Boeing Military Aircraft, both of which were divisions of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
In his new role, Chun will continue reporting to Anne Toulouse, senior vice president of Communications, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“Stan and I are confident in Conrad’s abilities to help us prepare to safely return the 737 MAX to service and continue to drive progress across our commercial airplanes business,” Toulouse said.
Chun joined Boeing in 2010 after retiring from the U.S. Navy as a captain with 24 years of service. Chun is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in information systems from the Naval Postgraduate School. Chun currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN), a nonprofit organization that focuses on job-placement solutions for military-affiliated spouses and caregivers to war-wounded veterans.
Chun succeeds Linda Mills, who announced she will be leaving the company.
“We thank Linda for her many contributions and wish her all the best in the future,” Toulouse said.
Alexa Marrero, current director of Communications Operations for Boeing Global Services, will serve as interim head of Communications for Boeing Global Services until a permanent replacement is selected.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Southwest Airlines Co <LUV> said Monday it will complete inspections on 38 737 airplanes it acquired from foreign air carriers by Jan. 31 that may not meet all U.S. aviation safety requirements.
The planes are part of 88 pre-owned Boeing <BA> 737 aircraft Southwest bought between 2013 and 2017 from 16 foreign carriers. The speedier checks come after inspections of 39 used planes turned up previously undisclosed repairs and incorrectly completed fixes. Southwest used multiple contractors to conduct the reviews of the planes’ maintenance records when they bought the planes.
“We have a plan in place to inspect the 47 remaining aircraft, nine of which are currently in heavy checks, no later than January 31, 2020 – five months earlier than the original FAA accepted completion date of July 1,” Southwest said in a statement on Monday.
Southwest said its inspections to date “did not stem from any suspected safety concerns with the aircraft.” It added its “continuous assessment of the ongoing inspections has revealed nothing to warrant the expedited timeline” but will meet it nevertheless.
In 2018, Southwest agreed to conduct a complete physical inspection on each of these pre-owned aircraft over a two-year period after a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector in May 2018 discovered discrepancies in records for some of 88 aircraft.
Since then, Southwest said it has completed the nose-to-tail inspection of 41 aircraft without any findings that suggested an “adverse impact on continued safe operation.”
An Oct. 24 memo from H. Clayton Foushee, director of the FAA Audit and Evaluation Office, made public on Monday said the Southwest inspections turned up at least 30 previously unknown repairs and 42 major repairs that were found “not to meet FAA airworthiness requirements.” Some required “immediate corrective action to bring the aircraft back into compliance.”
The memo added “the data collected to date would indicate that a majority of” the planes to be inspected do not meet FAA airworthiness requirements.
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee noted on Monday that the 2018 discovery prompted a full records review by Southwest Airlines of all 88 aircraft that found 360 major repairs previously unknown to the airline because they were not disclosed in the contractors’ initial review.
Foushee’s memo said Southwest grounded 34 planes in November 2018 for inspections. The committee said as a result some planes were grounded “for immediate maintenance to bring them into regulatory compliance as a result of these newly discovered prior major repairs.”
The FAA then sent an Oct. 29 letter to Southwest seeking additional information about the uninspected planes and questioned whether they suffered specific damage items. It also raised concerns about Southwest’s “slow pace in completing the evaluation of aircraft.”
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said in an Oct. 30 letter to the FAA that its concerns about Southwest’s used planes correspond “to concerns that have been brought to my attention by whistleblowers as part of my investigation into aviation safety.”
The committee said the FAA allowed Southwest to continue to operate these aircraft and as a result “Southwest Airlines appears to have operated aircraft in unknown airworthiness conditions for thousands of flights.”
The FAA said Monday that after receiving Southwest’s response it determined the airline has “met the requirements for immediate inspection and risk assessments on these aircraft.”
The FAA added it “is requiring more frequent updates on the progress of completing all the requirements.”
(Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: A number of grounded Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft are shown parked at Victorville Airport in Victorville, California
