Tag: A220 (Page 1 of 7)

airBaltic to become largest Airbus A220 customer in Europe

November 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dubai Air Show, November 13, 2023 – airBaltic will become the largest Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) A220 customer in Europe after confirming an incremental order for an additional 30 A220-300s. This new order will take the airline’s total firm orderbook to 80 aircraft.

Already operating a 44 strong fleet of A220-300s, airBaltic is currently the largest A220-300 operator in the world.

The airline’s history with the Airbus A220-300 dates back to 2016 where it was the launch customer, and in 2020, it refreshed its fleet to solely operate this aircraft type.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITA Airways receives its first Airbus A321neo

November 11, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Hamburg, Germany, November 10, 2023 – ITA Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) A321neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) from Airbus’ Hamburg production facilities.

This latest addition further consolidates ITA Airways’ all-Airbus fleet strategy, which currently stands at 81 aircraft, and includes latest generation A220, A320neo, A330neo and A350 aircraft.

ITA Airways’ A321neo, which will serve the airline’s medium haul routes, is fitted with a three class configuration including 12 Business Class full flat beds with direct aisle access, 12 Premium Economy seats in 4-abreast, and 141 Economy seats of which 12 are dedicated to Comfort Economy.

ITA Airways’ A321neo aircraft features Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, which includes new XL overhead bins and customised interior lighting based on the latest full-LED technologies to help reduce jet lag. In addition, to enhance the passenger experience, each seat is equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment system with individual screens and on-demand content.

Forward-Looking Statements

Air Niugini orders 6 Airbus A220 aircraft

November 3, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, November 3, 2023 – Air Niugini, the national flag carrier of Papua New Guinea, has signed a firm order with Airbus Group SE (Paris: AIR) for six latest generation single aisle A220-100’s under its fleet modernisation program. In addition, the carrier will acquire three A220-300s and another two A220-100’s from third party lessors.

The order was announced at a special event in Port Moresby by Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Officer Air Niugini and Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific, in the presence of the Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Honorable William Duma, Minister for State Enterprises.

Air Niugini also announced that it has selected a flight planning support system from Airbus subsidiary NAVBLUE for its fleet. Called N-Flight Planning (N-FP), the solution will help the airline optimise on fuel, time and cost to meet operational needs, while ensuring overall safety and compliance.

Forward-Looking Statements

Lufthansa City Airlines to start flight operations in Summer 2024

October 25, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

October 25, 2023 – Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Xetra: LHAG) newly established City Airlines will start flight operations in the summer of 2024. The airline was founded last year and received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the German Federal Aviation Authority back in June. It will operate its flights from the Munich and Frankfurt hubs and thus also offer feeder flights for Lufthansa. City Airlines will operate alongside Lufthansa CityLine. Recruitment of operational staff will begin in November 2023, with pilots and cabin crew members needed for the launch.

The competitive strengthening of the short-haul network is essential for the market position of Lufthansa Group and for the planned growth of the long-haul segment in the German market.

In order to position City Airlines for the long term, English-speaking pilots are also being considered in the recruitment process for cockpit roles. Applicants with prior experience will be given preference during hiring. For Group employees interested in switching to City Airlines, offers with voluntary switching conditions can be negotiated. This includes Lufthansa CityLine staff in particular.

Talks with the social partners to agree on conditions for competitive and secure jobs have already begun.

Lufthansa customers and passengers can look forward to a Lufthansa customer experience on board City Airlines aircraft. While City Airlines will start operations with Airbus A319 aircraft, Lufthansa Group is currently also evaluating the possibility of using Airbus A220 or Embraer aircraft.

First Qantas Group A220 on assembly line as Australians invited to help name new fleet

July 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

The Qantas Group’s (OTC: QABSY) first Airbus A220 aircraft has started construction, marking a key milestone for the Group as its fleet renewal program ramps up.

The aircraft’s major airframe components, including the centre and rear fuselage, are coming together at Airbus’ production facility in Mirabel, Canada, with the first of 29 aircraft expected to arrive in Australia before the end of the year. As the first A220 to be operated in Australia, the aircraft will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness and training activities before it joins the QantasLink fleet in early 2024. QantasLink has also commenced training its pilots to operate the new aircraft.

The next generation A220s will gradually replace QantasLink’s Boeing 717 fleet which operate routes across Australia.

The first QantasLink A220 will operate flights between Melbourne and Canberra, with subsequent aircraft to be deployed to other parts of the regional and domestic network. With double the range of the 717, the A220 is also expected to open up new domestic and short-haul international routes as more aircraft enter the fleet.

With production now in full swing, the Qantas Group is calling on Australians to help name its fleet of new A220s, based around the theme ‘native wildlife’.

From today, Australians can nominate up to six names via a dedicated page on qantas.com. A shortlist will then be released so the public can vote for their favourites before the final names are revealed.

Qantas ran a similar competition to name its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with iconic Australian names in 2017, with more than 10,000 submissions received.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the production milestone marked an important step in the renewal of the airline’s fleet.

Delta Air Lines discloses order for 12 additional A220 aircraft

July 13, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Herndon, USA/Mirabel, Canada – 13 July 2023 – Under its current agreement, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has disclosed an order for 12 additional A220-300 aircraft, bringing the airline’s total firm order for A220’s to 131 aircraft – 45 A220-100’s and 86 A220-300’s. Throughout the years, Delta has reordered the A220 five times and is today the largest A220 customer and operator in the world.

In addition to its positive cabin experience, the aircraft plays an important role in helping decrease airline operating costs and environmental impact. Offering 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, the A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. Combining state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, the A220 brings customers a 50% reduced noise footprint and around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards.

Delta took delivery of its first Airbus A220 in October 2018, and was the first U.S. carrier to operate the aircraft type. Delta currently operates a fleet of 433 Airbus aircraft, including 61 A220 aircraft, 280 A320 Family aircraft, 64 A330’s and 28 A350-900 aircraft.

JetBlue Orders 30 Additional Airbus A220-300 Raising Firm Order to 100

February 16, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) has signed a firm order with Airbus (OTC: EADSY) for an additional 30 A220-300 aircraft. This takes the airline’s firm commitment for the A220-300 to 100 aircraft. This latest agreement lifts the total firm order book for the A220 to 740.

Jetblue started A220-300 operations in April 2021 and currently operates eight A220s in a 140-seat configuration, with USB-C, USB-A and AC power at every seat. The A220 also offers the largest cabin, highest ceiling, biggest windows and most spacious overhead bins in its class.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market, bringing together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines. The A220 brings customers a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat and CO2 emissions compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards.

Aviation Capital Group Commits to 20 A220’s and 40 A320neo Family Aircraft

December 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France 30 December 2021 – Global full-service aircraft lessor Aviation Capital Group (ACG), wholly owned by Tokyo Century Corporation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus (OTC: EADSY) for 20 A220’s and a firm contract for 40 A320neo Family aircraft, of which five are A321XLR’s.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines. Featuring a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards, the A220 is a great aircraft for regional as well as long distance routes operations.

With this order ACG is supporting the recently launched multi-million dollar ESG fund initiative by Airbus that will contribute towards investment into sustainable aviation development projects.

ITA Airways Firms Up Order for 28 Airbus Aircraft

December 1, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, 1st December 2021 – ITA Airways, Italy’s new national carrier, has firmed up an order with Airbus (OTC: EADSY) for 28 aircraft, including seven A220’s, 11 A320neo’s, and 10 A330neo’s, the latest version of the most popular A330 widebody airliner. The order confirms the Memorandum of Understanding announced on 30th September 2021. In addition, the airline will pursue its plans to lease A350s to complement its fleet modernization.

These new Airbus aircraft will expand the initial ITA Airways fleet with a new generation aircraft with better environmental performance, equipped with latest technologies and state-of-the-art cabins to guarantee maximum operational efficiencies for the airline and the best comfort to travelers.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation geared turbofan engines. With a range of up to 3,450 nm (6,390 km), the A220 gives airlines added operational flexibility. The A220 delivers up to 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, and 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. In addition, the aircraft noise footprint is reduced by 50% compared to previous generation aircraft – making the A220 a good neighbour around airports.

The Airbus A330neo is a true new-generation aircraft, building on features popular for the A330 Family and developed for the latest technology A350. Equipped with a compelling Airspace cabin, the A330neo offers a unique passenger experience with the latest-generation in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and featuring a new wing with increased span and A350-inspired winglets, the A330neo also provides an unprecedented level of efficiency – with 25% lower fuel-burn per seat than previous-generation competitors. Thanks to its tailored mid-sized capacity and its excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered the ideal aircraft to support operators in their post-COVID-19 recovery.

Airbus Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

October 28, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Amsterdam, 28 October 2021 – Airbus SE (Paris stock exchange symbol: AIR) reported consolidated financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2021.

“The nine-month results reflect a strong performance across the company as well as our efforts on cost containment and competitiveness. As the global recovery continues, we are closely monitoring potential risks to our industry. We are focused on securing the A320 Family ramp up and striving to ensure the right industrial and supply chain capabilities are in place,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury. “Based on our nine-month performance, we have updated our 2021 earnings and cash guidance. We are strengthening the balance sheet to secure investment for our long-term ambitions.

Gross commercial aircraft orders totalled 270 (9m 2020: 370 aircraft) with net orders of 133 aircraft after cancellations (9m 2020: 300 aircraft). The order backlog was 6,894 commercial aircraft on 30 September 2021. Airbus Helicopters booked 185 net orders (9m 2020: 143 units), including 10 helicopters of the Super Puma Family. Airbus Defence and Space’s order intake by value was € 10.1 billion (9m 2020: € 8.2 billion) with third quarter orders including 56 C295 aircraft for India, two A400Ms for Kazakhstan and support and spares contract renewals for the German and Spanish Eurofighter fleets.

Consolidated revenues increased 17 percent to € 35.2 billion (9m 2020: € 30.2 billion), mainly reflecting the higher number of commercial aircraft deliveries compared to 9m 2020. A total of 424 commercial aircraft were delivered (9m 2020: 341 aircraft), comprising 34 A220s, 341 A320 Family, 11 A330s(1), 36 A350s and 2 A380s. Revenues generated by Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities increased 21 percent, largely reflecting the delivery performance compared to 2020 which was strongly impacted by COVID-19. Airbus Helicopters delivered 194 units (9m 2020: 169 units) with revenues up 14 percent reflecting growth in services as well as the higher deliveries, notably more helicopters from the Super Puma family. Revenues at Airbus Defence and Space were broadly stable year-on-year with four A400M military airlifters delivered in 9m 2021.

Consolidated EBIT Adjusted – an alternative performance measure and key indicator capturing the underlying business margin by excluding material charges or profits caused by movements in provisions related to programmes, restructuring or foreign exchange impacts as well as capital gains/losses from the disposal and acquisition of businesses – was € 3,369 million (9m 2020: € -125 million).

The EBIT Adjusted related to Airbus’ commercial aircraft activities totalled € 2,739 million (9m 2020: € -641 million), mainly driven by the operational performance linked to deliveries and efforts on cost containment and competitiveness.

The A220 production rate, which is currently at 5 aircraft a month, is expected to increase to around rate 6 per month in early 2022, with a monthly production rate of 14 envisaged by the middle of the decade. On the A320 Family programme, the Company is working to secure the ramp up and is on trajectory to achieve a monthly rate of 65 aircraft by summer 2023. The recent commercial successes of the A330 programme enable a monthly rate increase from around 2 to almost 3 aircraft at the end of 2022. The A350 programme is expected to increase from around 5 to around 6 aircraft a month in early 2023.

Airbus Helicopters’ EBIT Adjusted increased to € 314 million (9m 2020: € 238 million), driven by services, programme execution and lower spending on Research & Development (R&D).

EBIT Adjusted at Airbus Defence and Space increased to € 284 million (9m 2020: € 266 million), mainly reflecting the Division’s efforts on cost containment and competitiveness.

Consolidated self-financed R&D expenses totalled € 1,919 million (9m 2020: € 2,032 million).

Consolidated EBIT (reported) amounted to € 3,437 million (9m 2020: € -2,185 million), including net Adjustments of € +68 million.

These Adjustments comprised:

€ +190 million related to the A380 programme, of which € +45 million were booked in Q3;
€ -165 million related to the dollar pre-delivery payment mismatch and balance sheet revaluation, of which € +5 million were in Q3;
€ +43 million of other Adjustments, including compliance costs, of which € -6 million were in Q3.

The financial result was € -172 million (9m 2020: € -712 million). It mainly reflects the net interest result of € -233 million partly offset by € +63 million related to the revaluation of the Dassault Aviation equity stake. Consolidated net income(2) was € 2,635 million (9m 2020 net loss: € -2,686 million) with consolidated reported earnings per share of € 3.36 (9m 2020 loss per share: € -3.43).

Consolidated free cash flow before M&A and customer financing was € 2,260 million (9m 2020: € -11,798 million), reflecting efforts on cash containment and also included a positive phasing impact from working capital. Consolidated free cash flow was € 2,308 million (9m 2020: € -12,276 million).

On 30 September 2021, the gross cash position stood at € 21.7 billion (year-end 2020: € 21.4 billion) with a consolidated net cash position of € 6.7 billion (year-end 2020: € 4.3 billion). The Company’s liquidity position remains strong, standing at € 27.7 billion at the end of September 2021. Given the increase in the net cash position and the robust liquidity, a decision was taken not to renew the undrawn € 6.2 billion Supplemental Liquidity Line which matured in September. In the meantime, the maturity of the € 6 billion Revolving Syndicated Credit Facility has been extended by a year.

Outlook

As the basis for its 2021 guidance, the Company assumes no further disruptions to the world economy, air traffic, the Company’s internal operations, and its ability to deliver products and services.

The Company’s 2021 guidance is before M&A.

On that basis, the Company has updated its 2021 guidance and now targets to achieve in 2021 around:

600 commercial aircraft deliveries;
EBIT Adjusted of € 4.5 billion;
Free Cash Flow before M&A and Customer Financing of € 2.5 billion.

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