Scoot, the low cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has become a new operator of the A321neo, following the arrival in Singapore of its first three aircraft. All three aircraft are leased from BOC Aviation.
Scoot’s A321neo aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and seat 236 passengers in a single class layout. The aircraft cabin is based on the Airbus Cabin Flex option which enables optimal use of space. Scoot will operate the A321neo on routes of up to six hours from Singapore.
The A321neo is a member of the A320neo Family, of which Scoot has ordered a total of 39 aircraft from Airbus (including six A321neos) and is acquiring another 10 A321neos under lease agreements.
All of Scoot’s A320neo Family aircraft will be supported by Airbus Services under a Flight Hour Services Tailored Support Package covering component availability and repair, as well as fleet technical management.
The A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat.
Production system enhanced through factory initiatives
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has resumed production of the 737 MAX at the company’s Renton, Washington factory. The 737 program began building airplanes at a low rate as it implements more than a dozen initiatives focused on enhancing workplace safety and product quality.
“We’ve been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system and make it even stronger,” said Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. “These initiatives are the next step in creating the optimal build environment for the 737 MAX.”
During the temporary suspension of production that began in January, mechanics and engineers collaborated to refine and standardize work packages in each position of the factory. New kitting processes will also ensure that employees have everything they need at their fingertips to build the airplane.
“The steps we’ve taken in the factory will help drive our goal of 100 percent quality for our customers while supporting our ongoing commitment to workplace safety,” said Scott Stocker, vice president of 737 Manufacturing.
The 737 program will gradually ramp up production this year.
Toulouse, 18 April, 2019 – Manta Air, the new domestic carrier of the Republic of Maldives, has signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA) with ATR, the world leader in the regional aviation market. This five-year contract covers the Maldivian airline’s full fleet for the repair and overhaul of easily replaceable components (Line Replaceable Units), propeller maintenance and an on-site leased stock of spare parts.
This long-term agreement also includes on-site technical support, through which a dedicated Customer Support representative assists Manta Air in their daily operations. The airline is benefitting from tailored recommendations to make an optimal start to operations, based on its very specific needs, and ATR’s expertise to enhance aircraft reliability.
“Manta Air’s aim is to raise the standards of the domestic aviation industry by providing the best flying experience for our passengers, and increased connectivity in the Maldives. As a tailor-made maintenance package, the ATR GMA responds specifically to our needs, and ATR’s expertise will ensure our brand new ATR 72-600s fly as much as possible. Our passengers depend on a reliable service and ATR’s GMA is a valuable tool to help us deliver this.” declared Edward Alsford, Chief Operation Officer of Manta Air.
Tom Anderson, Senior Vice-President Programs and Customer Services of ATR added: “Through this partnership, Manta Air’s is benefitting from our support and expertise from the very first stages of operations, enabling them to get the most value possible from their latest generation ATR aircraft. In an increasingly competitive market, initial parts provisioning, anticipation of spares requirements, parts reliability, repair management, maintenance costs optimisation and stock management are some of our operators’ crucial challenges.”
The first two ATR 72-600s of Manta Air, secured through Nordic Aviation Capital, have been delivered in late 2018, and a third aircraft has been delivered in early March 2019. With their dual-class configuration of 64 seats, Manta Air’s ATR 72-600s will help improve connectivity for the hospitality industry in the beautiful Maldivian atolls. They will be mainly operated on short sectors where ATR aircraft have already proven their operational and economic efficiency.
About Manta Air: Manta Air was founded in 2016 and is a joint venture between Deep Blue Private Limited, a local company with multiple investments in the tourism sector and Mr. Umar Mohamed Maniku. The company was created to cater for the need for more air domestic transport options and to support the rapid development of domestic airports and the fast-paced expansion of resorts and guesthouses across the country.
About ATR:
European
turboprop manufacturer ATR is the world leader in the regional aviation
market. ATR designs, manufactures and delivers aircraft, with its fleet
encompassing some 200 airlines in nearly 100 countries. The ATR 42 and
the ATR 72 are the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat category.
With continuous improvement as a driving force, ATR produces cutting
edge, comfortable and versatile turboprops that help airlines expand
their horizons by creating more than 100 new routes every year. Compared
with other turboprops, ATRs offer an advantage of 40% on fuel burn, 20%
on trip cost and 10% on seat cost, whilst offering the lowest noise
emissions. ATR is an equal partnership between leading aerospace firms
Airbus and Leonardo and benefits from a large global customer support
network allowing it to deliver innovative services and solutions to its
clients and operators all over the world. For more information, please
visit http://www.atr-aircraft.com. Follow us on Twitter – #ATRLeads
