CommercialAirbus confident of avoiding further A330 cutAirbus is confident that it will be able to maintain A330 monthly production at six aircraft, and even indicates that the rate cut might have been premature. The airframer secured commitments for 24 A330s during the Paris air show, comprising 20 from Saudia – which will be leased from Middle Eastern lessor IAFC – and four from Taiwan’s Eva Air. Airbus has been trying to attract sufficient A330 orders to bridge a transition period to the arrival of the A330neo in late 2017.
LinkHamburg first choice for new A320 assembly lineHamburg’s Finkenwerder plant is the most likely location for a new Airbus A320 final assembly line if the airframer opts to raise monthly production rates beyond its commitment of 50. Airbus chief executive Fabrice Bregier, speaking during the Paris air show, said the company would take a decision on an increase this year but reiterated the need to ensure the supply chain could cope.
LinkBoeing Wins USD$50.2 Bln Of Business At Paris Air ShowBoeing has won orders and commitments for 331 aircraft worth USD$50.2 billion at the Paris Air Show, compared with the 421 aircraft tally worth USD$57 billion notched up by Airbus. Of the USD$50.2 billion of business signed by Boeing, 145 aircraft worth USD$18.6 billion were firm orders, with the balance either commitments or orders already in the order book from airlines which had not been identified.
LinkCFM Signs USD$14 Bln In New Deals At Air ShowCFM International signed orders, commitments and long-term service agreements worth USD$14 billion for a total of 835 engines at the Paris Air Show this week. "In just three days, we more than doubled our total orders for this year, with the CFM56 and LEAP product lines doing very well," CFM chief executive Jean-Paul Ebanga said.
LinkHoneywell and Inmarsat successfully stress-test satellite Internet serviceHoneywell and Inmarsat have passed a milestone in in-flight Internet service by successfully making conference calls and streaming YouTube videos via satellite. The system provides worldwide access to any plane flying with the correct hardware.
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AirlinesJetBlue introduces new corporate booking tool for small businessJetBlue is introducing a new service, called Blue Inc., that allows small businesses to book flights and access other services. "JetBlue is becoming increasingly serious about courting the business travel market, not just corporate accounts but the small to mid-sized businesses that the airline has long served," said industry analyst Henry Harteveldt.
LinkJetBlue uses interactive storefront to educate, entertain potential customersA new interactive, digital storefront is being used by JetBlue in New York City to engage customers. The "Better Wingman" promotion features a holographic flight attendant who answers questions about everything from legroom to booking. For the first few days, the "hologram" was an actual person who commented on people's appearance and even danced with one. "We are always looking for unique ways to entertain and educate our customers," stated Phillip Ma, JetBlue's manager of advertising.
LinkUnited Airlines flight attendants go high-tech to enhance customer service United Airlines will begin giving all of its flight attendants iPhone 6 Plus devices this summer. The phones will come loaded with a customer service app that will provide flight attendants with basic information about passengers on their flights. Information displayed in the app will include birthdays, as well as frequent flier status.
LinkWizz signs for 110 high-density A321neosCentral European budget carrier Wizz Air has tentatively agreed to take 110 Airbus A321neos in a high-density, 239-seat "Cabin Flex" configuration. Airbus says the aircraft, fitted with 18in seats, would be delivered between 2019 and 2024.
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Briefs
Aergo acquires one A320 on lease to Avion Express.
Aergo acquires one A320 on lease to SmartLynx Airlines.
Aergo signed a 12-year sale/leaseback with Sriwijawa Air on two B737-900ERs delivering in August 2015.
Air Mauritius reports loss of US$25.7 million for the Group and $26.7 million for the company in fiscal year ended 31 March 2015. Operating revenues of the company reached $521.7 million.
Air Mauritius reports passenger numbers up 3% to 1.3 million, with ASKs up 4.9%, and passenger load factor down 1.8 points to 73.7% for fiscal year ended 31 March 2015.
Air Serbia entered into a V-Services Fixed Price Agreement to maintain its 21 V2500 engines.
AirAsia shares fell as much as 13% on 17 June 2015 as founder Tony Fernandes’ claims his firm can raise cash at will failed to convince investors, rattled by a report questioning the Malaysian budget carrier’s accounting.
AirBaltic plans to firm up seven options to give it 20 firm orders for the CS300.
Airbus and JAMCO signed agreement for development, manufacture, supply and support of a new aft galley and lavatory module option for A350 XWB aircraft Family.
Airbus is confident it can maintain A330 monthly production at six aircraft, as rate cut might have been premature.
Airbus sales chief John Leahy hopes to sell 25 of its A380s, worth US$10.7 billion at list prices, in the next six months after struggling to find buyers over the last couple of years.
Airbus sales chief John Leahy says that he had to decide whether or not to retire, having reached the age of 65.
Airbus won US$57 billion worth of business for a total of 421 aircraft at the Paris Airshow. Deals comprise firm orders for 124 aircraft worth $16.3 billion and commitments for 297 aircraft worth $40.7 billion.
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings announced placement of additional B747-400F into ACMI service. Aircraft to be operated by Polar Air Cargo Worldwide to expand its express network for the benefit of DHL Express.
Avianca ordered by Colombia’s Constitutional Court to pay around US$2 million to workers for withholding pay and benefits in a long term plan to prevent staff joining trade unions.
AWAS delivered one new A320 to Aegean Airlines. Aircraft was previously ordered by the airline directly from the manufacturer and is part of purchase/leaseback with AWAS. This is the first of three A320s from this deal agreed earlier in 2015.
Azerbaijan Airlines application with Ex-Im Bank (US) is in congressional review, regarding possible aircraft funds and/or guarantees.
Binter Canarias established new subsidiary called Binter Cabo Verde, which plans to secure its own AOC and initially operate two CRJ900s, which will be replaced by ATR72-600s at end of 2015. New subsidiary will target regional flights in Africa.
Boeing and Volga-Dnepr Group signed MoU to further the Group’s fleet expansion with 20 additional B747-8Fs, valued at US$7.4 billion at list prices. Agreement also adds the AN124-100 to the long-term logistics support for Boeing and its partners.
Boeing reports orders and commitments during Paris Airshow of 331 Boeing airplanes, valued at US$50.2 billion at list prices. An additional 21 B737NGs were also ordered from unidentified customers.
Bombardier signs five-year heavy maintenance agreement with Mesa Air Group. Under this contract, which extends to 2020, Bombardier will perform all heavy maintenance tasks for the airline’s fleet of CRJ700 and CRJ900.
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings shares were suspended from trading for unknown reasons. CALC denies that CEO Mike Poon Ho Man is reportedly under corruption investigation related to China Southern.
Chongqing Commercial Aircraft wins orders from Shenzhen Zhongheng Taifu Leasing for 80 StarLiner 100s, in US$1.84 bill ion deal at list prices. LOI also signed with Shen Zhen Pacific Airline Company for 50 SL100s in $1.15 billion deal, while advanced talks in progress with Stingray (Switzerland) for 30 firm plus 30 options.
Copa Airlines signed a five-year extension on its OnPoint solution agreement with GE Aviation covering more than 64 CFM56-7B engines that power the B737-700s and -800s. Agreement is valued at more than US$250 million.
Czech Airlines to start new service from Edinburgh to Lodz and Rzeszow, and from Lodz to Prague on 14 July 2015, with A319.
EasyJet to expand its bases at Milan Malpensa and Naples and open a new base in Venice from April? 2016. Airline plans to support this expansion by redeploying aircraft from Rome Fiumicino.
FAA proposes a US$66,000 civil penalty against Centurion Air Cargo for allegedly operating a MD11F that was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.
Falko Regional Aircraft added the first ATR72-500 to its portfolio. Aircraft, manufactured in 2009, acquired from Air Austral and immediately leased back to the airline.
Fitch Ratings affirmed the ratings for British Airways Pass Through Trusts Series 2013-1 as follows: Class A certificates at ‘A’; and Class B certificates at ‘BBB’.
Fokker Services entered into a contract with COMAC (China) to convert the ARJ21-700 into a high end business jet.
Fokker Services recently delivered a VIP cabin interior completion on an A319 to its owner on schedule and within the agreed budget.
GE Aviation and its joint venture companies, including CFM, announced more than US$19 billion in orders and commitments at the Paris Air Show.
Georgian Airways added service from Tbilisi to St. Petersburg on 09 June; to add service to Yerevan on 29 June, and to Odessa on 01 July 2015.
GKN Aerospace to open a new manufacturing facility to produce inlet lip skins for B737 MAX and B777X, located adjacent to GKN’s existing assembly facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Hawaiian Airlines appointed Liwei Kimura to the position of Regional Director and Chief Representative, greater China.
Irkut estimates that about 70% of MC-21 will be supplied to foreign clients, as manufacturer is in talks with 240 companies from all over the world regarding possible sales.
Jetstar to introduce five 50-seat Q300s to connect yet-to-be determined regional New Zealand centers to its current domestic NZ network. Eastern Australia Airlines to operate and manage the Q300 fleet in NZ.
KLM to gradually expand codeshare coverage in Japan and Korea through China Eastern, China Southern and Air France on service out of Shanghai Pu Dong and Paris CDG.
Kuwait Airways signed a US$400 million eight-year senior secured Murabaha loan to finance five A330-200s on operating lease.
Lufthansa to cancel A340-300 service from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta on 25 October 2015, while continuing service from Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur.
Magellan Aerospace signs MoU with Mahindra Aerospace[/b] to develop a partnership agreement to offer their mutual customers major structural assemblies, machined components and fabrications for the global market.
Malaysia Airlines appointed Laurent Recoura as Head of Sales and Faridah Hashim as Head of Corporate Communications, effective 29 June and 01 July 2015, respectively.
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty to open an office and workshop at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, the industrial complex that’s the US home of Airbus.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is building a final assembly factory near Nagoya airport with the capacity to produce up to 10 MRJs per month, as the Japanese manufacturer gears up for first flight and continues its push for more aircraft sales.
Mitsubishi excepts more MRJ orders after the aircraft’s first flight later in 2015. Current orders stand at 223.
Myanmar National Airlines to start B737 service from Yangon to Singapore in August 2015, after 22-year hiatus, likely followed by service to Hong Kong and Taipei.
Nordic Aviation Capital delivered first of five new ATR42-600s, serial 1019, to Satena (Colombia) on lease, bringing to eight the total number of aircraft that NAC currently has on lease with Satena.
Novus Aviation completed the lease extension of one B737-800 to Jet Airways (India) for a further six years.
Precision Aircraft Solutions awarded conversions of four ex-AerCap B757s, serials 27621, 26278, 30757, and 30758, by SF Express (China).
Premier Airways is in advanced talks with Airbus to buy 40 A320neo, in US$4.3 billion deal at list prices. First delivery expected from 2019-20, if finalized.
Chairman Uma Pinaghapani plans to launch operations by 1Q 2016 with leased aircraft.
Royal Jordanian resumed B787 service from Amman to Hong Kong via Bangkok and to Kuala Lumpur via Bangkok on 14 June, effective until 02 July 2015 when A330-200 service will be operated on both routes again.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines reports February 2015 – April 2015 revenue of US$1.1 billion, with net income of $34.1 million. For November 2014 – April 2015, revenue was $2.1 billion and net loss was $44.1 million.
SCAT Airlines B737-300, serial 24667, damaged by fire at Astana airport after oxygen cylinder exploded on board, causing substantial damage to the aircraft. No one was injured.
Singapore Airlines is in talks with Airbus and Boeing to revive service to the US, a move that would help the company fill a gap in its network exploited by rivals.
SkyGreece Airlines is evaluating the possibility of extending its service from Toronto to Zagreb and even introducing flights to other cities near Zagreb, with a decision to be made in 4Q 2015.
Smile Air (Ghana) plans to launch long haul flights from West Africa to Dubai, Guangzhou, New Delhi and Bangkok as well as regional feeder service covering all of West and Central Africa. Carrier also reportedly acquired ex-Iranian B747s.
Spring Airlinesand Juneyao Airlines to begin service from Shanghai Pu Dong to Tokyo Haneda on 05 August and 06 August 2015, respectively.
Strata may develop its own engineering design service and open a low-cost subsidiary in North Africa, possibly in Tunisia or Morocco.
Superjet International could be offering a new, stretched version of its SSJ100 by 2020.
Superjet International is receiving a number of requests for SSJ100 proposals from startups in Europe and Africa coming soon. Also, CityJet (Ireland) reportedly has a renewed interest in the SSJ100, but needs the aircraft certified for operations at London City airport.
Superjet International executive Eduardo Munhos de Campos is leading efforts to establish a single, unified worldwide commercial structure for the SSJ100.
SWISS expects to take delivery of first of 30 CSeries on order – a CS100 – in mid-2016.
Turkish Airlines used ECA-backed loans, denominated in Swiss Francs, to finance the deliveries of three new A330s. Natixis and Deutsche Pfandbriefbank arranged the loans, totaling uS$280 million.
Ural Airlines took delivery of a new A320, its 19th of the type overall, and 35th aircraft in its fleet.
China and Jamaica signed MoU on bilateral air transport and air traffic rights between the two countries.
Guinea-Bissau government is partnering Tender Group to launch its own airline called Air Guinea-Bissau with two aircraft. Government to hold 40% stake and Romanian company to hold 60% stake. Routes to be from Bissau to Dakar, Bissau to Lisbon and Bissau to Praia, and eventually Fortaleza.
