Commercial
Airbus partners up to relaunch A320 P2F program
Airbus and EFW have signed an agreement with ST Aerospace to jointly launch a A320/321 passenger-to-freighter conversion program. Under the pact, Singapore-based MRO provider ST Aero will be the programme and technical lead in the development phase, while Airbus will provide OEM data and certification support. EFW will be responsible for driving sales and marketing activities.
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Boeing launches BBJ Max 9
Boeing officially launched its BBJ Max 9 at the show, following an order for the 737 Max 9-based VIP airliner from an unnamed European customer. BBJ president David Longridge says the first aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the “customer’s completion centre of choice" in 2020.
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Bombardier Could Build Larger CSeries
Bombardier could produce a third, larger version of its CSeries aircraft in the future, VP Rob Dewar said, potentially giving the high-stakes project a boost. Critical to the future of Bombardier's aircraft unit, the CSeries made its air show debut in Paris this week. Bombardier expects the smaller CS100 model to be certified by the end of 2015 after years of delays and cost overruns. The CS300 is due to follow next year, and a potential CS500 model is now also on the cards.
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Airlines
Aeroflot cancels 787 order
Aeroflot has cancelled its order for 22 Boeing 787s, the carrier's deputy general director for strategy and alliances Giorgio Callegari confirms. "We have exercised our option to terminate the contract on the 787," he told Flightglobal at the Paris air show today. The airline executive says the decision was based on analysis of "capacity at the airport [Sheremetyevo]" and the "sustainability of the fleet development – sustainability in terms of the right mix of widebodies and narrowbodies and network development".
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Air Canada A320’s floor ruptured during Halifax crash: officials
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has found no mechanical problems with an Air Canada Airbus A320 that crashed at Halifax on 29 March, but has determined that the aircraft’s cabin floor ruptured during the accident, the agency says in an accident update. The TSB says some of the aircraft’s structural components punctured the A320’s floor on the right side of the aircraft under seat rows 31 and 33, and under the rear flight attendant’s fold-down seat. The aircraft crashed while attempting to land during a snow storm at 00:43 local time, injuring 25 people.
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American Airlines hopes to begin flights to Ecuador in Dec.
American Airlines is seeking permission to fly between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Quito, Ecuador. In an application filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, American said it plans to operate the service beginning Dec. 18 with five round trips a week. Although American flies to Quito from its Miami hub, the new flight would mark the first Quito flights from American’s largest hub at D/FW Airport.
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Avianca owner agrees to buy 62 A320neos
Colombia-based Avianca Holding’s owner and largest shareholder Synergy Aerospace, has signed a MOU with Airbus for 62 A320neo family aircraft. The agreement paves the way for Avianca Brazil to base its fleet renewal and network growth strategy on the A320neo family. “These 62 A320neo aircraft will make it possible for Avianca Brazil to take an important leap toward growing and modernizing its fleet, while improving passenger experience,” Synergy chairman German Efromovich said.
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JetBlue uses technology to create positive customer experiences
JetBlue has combined transaction data with broader market research to deliver an exceptional customer experience, according to a Qualtrics executive. JetBlue has also harnessed the power of mobile technologies to improve customer experience, and to gather more fine-grained data points.
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Delta is adding daily service to Zurich
Delta Air Lines is adding daily service between Atlanta and Zurich, Switzerland. The route is planned as summer only.
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United Airlines routes premium service through Newark, N.J.
United Airlines said on Tuesday that it would move out of Kennedy International Airport in October, after failing to make a profit there for seven years, and will shift all of its flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco to its hub in Newark. The change will allow United to provide its premium services — which it calls “p.s.” — for business travelers in Newark for all of its West Coast flights. Those premium cabins, installed on about a dozen Boeing 757s, are currently available only out of Kennedy.
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VietJet eyes widebodies for long-haul expansion
VietJet Air has its sights on long-haul expansion, chief executive Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao confirms. "We are seriously considering and studying the opportunity," she said after a briefing in which the Vietnamese start-up disclosed that it would acquire six additional Airbus A321 narrowbodies. The airline currently operates 25 A320-family aircraft. Its newly ordered A321s join its 60 additional firm orders for A320-family aircraft and purchase rights for another 30.
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Russia's Volga-Dnepr plans to take 20 more 747-8Fs
Russian cargo specialist Volga-Dnepr Group has tentatively agreed to acquire another 20 Boeing 747-8 freighters. Volga-Dnepr has a 747-8 fleet operated by its AirBridge Cargo division. Deliveries of the aircraft take place over the next seven years, says Boeing, through a mix of purchase and leasing.
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Undisclosed Asian airline signs MOU for 60 A320neos
An unnamed Asian carrier has inked a memorandum of understanding for 60 Airbus A320neos. "Airbus welcomes this latest commitment for the A320neo family from a customer in the fast-growing Asia region," says John Leahy, Airbus's chief operating officer for customers.
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Airports
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport adopts expedited security screening
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is the latest to join the Transportation Safety Administration's expedited screening program. Airport Executive Director Clay Williams calls the program "a great convenience for our passengers."
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Kansas City International Airport upgrades Wi-Fi, website
Kansas City International Airport has replaced its aging Wi-Fi infrastructure with modern technology to accommodate more users and higher speeds. The airport is also rolling out a new website with more intuitive navigation.
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Delta Air Lines' $229M LAX terminal redesign makes check-in easy
Delta Air Lines' recently completed $229 million terminal redesign at Los Angeles International is a "premium experience," according to President Ed Bastian. The upgrades serve to streamline the experience for Delta ONE members, from check-in, to lounge, to boarding. Most important -- in this celebrity-saturated city -- it's designed to keep paparazzi away.
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McCarran International Airport aims to keep costs low
Clark County commissioners approved a slate of fee changes on Tuesday that will make things a bit cheaper for airlines at McCarran International Airport. Officials say the fees continue to be competitive compared to other major travel hubs, with McCarran’s fees placing it in the bottom half of similar airports. Average per-passenger costs are expected to decrease slightly for airlines. Airlines pay multiple fees for things like terminal complex rentals, apron rentals, gate use and landing charges.
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Orlando International is celebrating 10 months of consecutive growth
Orlando International Airport saw record passenger growth in April, marking its 10th consecutive month of growth. The airport is beginning a $1.8 billion overhaul to its south terminal to help keep up with demand.
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Military
RAAF KC-30A uses boom to refuel Wedgetail
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has conducted trial refuelings using the boom of a Airbus Military KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). The work took place off the cost of New South Wales during the first two weeks of June, says Australia’s ministry in a statement. It involved refueling an RAAF Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. “Once the trial results are assessed an initial clearance is expected to be granted to allow Wedgetail crews to begin refuelling training flights with the KC-30A,” says Wing Cdr. Christian Martin.
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Corporate
Dassault debuts ultra long-range Falcon 8X
Dassault’s flagship business jet and Paris airshow debutante the Falcon 8X has wowed Paris’ air show visitors this week during its daily flying routine in the skies above Le Bourget. The $57.5 million ultra-long-range business jet is a stretched and longer-legged version of the eight-year old 7X.
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General Aviation
Optica returns to Paris in pursuit of buyer
One of the most iconic general aviation aircraft has returned to Paris for the first time in 30 years with its owner and designer John Edgley. The Optica observation aircraft – registration G-BOPO – is the only British-built and designed model on the static and Edglely is hoping its unique appearance and multi-mission capability will appeal to companies or individuals looking to acquire a certificated aircraft program. Edgely’s company, AeroElvira, is selling the Optica, along with its stablemate the FLS Sprint two-seat ab initio trainer.
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Briefs
AFI KLM E&M to launch its new aerostructures unit, Helios, during summer 2015, with personnel taking up occupation in September 2015.
Air Canada signed long-term Rate per Flight Hour agreement with CFM (US) to support 122 LEAP-1B engines powering the airline’s 61 B737 MAXs it ordered in 2014.
Air China Cargo signed an exclusive long-term engine support contract with AFI KLM E&M covering its fleet of B777Fs, including two to join in September 2015.
Air France KLM, easyJet, IAG, Lufthansa Group and Ryanair CEOs met collectively for the first time and agreed to work together to lobby for the development of a new EU Aviation Strategy that will support growth and jobs across Europe, strengthen the sector and give Europe’s passengers lower fares and more choice.
Air Peace acquired two B737-300s as part of its expansion plans, raising its fleet to nine aircraft.
AirBaltic to become launch customer of CS300. Carrier has 20 CSeries on order — 13 firm, 7 seven options.
Airbus selected its major aerostructure suppliers for the Beluga XL, the new oversize air transporter set to expand Airbus’ industrial air transport capability. First of five Beluga XLs will enter into service in 2019.
Airbus signed agreement with ST Aerospace (Singapore) to offer P2F conversion solutions for its A320 / A321. EFW (Germany) to market and manage the converted aircraft. As part of deal, ST to increase stake in EFW to 55%, while Airbus reduces its stake to 45%
Alitalia suspended service to Caracas until Venezuela pays back the US$250 million it owes to the carrier.
Allegiant Air plans to leave Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport due to a “strained relationship” with the airport’s administration.
ATR confirms Airlines of PNG (Papua New Guinea) to become launch customer for a new ATR72-600 Combi, which will carry 44 passengers and 19m³ of cargo. Delivery expected by end of 2015.
AVIC Xi’an Aircraft and Sagem) signed LOI providing for the joint development and supply of the cockpit flight controls on China’s planned MA700.
Avion Express plans to acquire an additional two 12-15 year old A320s from 2016.
BBAMpriced a US$1.2 billion aircraft securitization, dubbed ECAF I, backed by 49 aircraft with an average age of 6.5 years. Transaction is split between three classes of notes.
Boeing defended its B787 after Emirates (UAE) voiced concerns about a key performance metric ahead of a potential deal to buy the plane.
Boeing made it a “top priority” to help Indonesia gain FAA Category 1 status, which includes Garuda Indonesia.
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that SpiceJet, LOT Polish Airlines and Falcon Aviation Services (UAE) signed 5-year agreements to enroll in Bombardier’s Smart Parts after-market support program for their fleets of Q400s.
Calm Air and First Air (Canada) to commence reciprocal codeshare on 01 July 2015, covering service between Kivalliq Region in Nunavut, and Manitoba.
CFM announced that Avolon (Ireland) selected LEAP-1A engines to power 20 new A320neo. Engine order is valued at US$590 million at list price.
China Aircraft Leasing Group signed MoU with Pratt & Whitney to power 18 A320neo with PurePower engines. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.
China Eastern Wuhan Airlines took delivery of B737-800, serial 41510, expanding its fleet to 27 aircraft.
China Eastern plans to raise up to US$2.4 million in a private placement of A-shares to buy 28 aircraft, including B777-300ER, A330-200, A321 and B737-800, and repay bank loans.
China Eastern signed a 12-year V-Services Fleet Hour Agreement for its 10 A320ceo.
China Eastern to commence Wuhan – Bangkok service on 10 July 2015, with B737-800.
Czech Airlines is mulling plans to restart service to Armenia.
Delta Air Lines began codesharing on GOL service between the US and Brazil, via Punta Cana. From 15 June 2015, a DL code is being placed on select GOL service, with the latter’s B737-800.
Direct Maintenance started to provide dedicated B787 line maintenance support to Qatar Airways at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Embraer completed its acquisition of a new subsidiary, Embraer Aero Seating Technologies (US), which provides luxury seating solutions for the aviation industry.
Emirates to upgrade to B777-200LR on its Dubai – Entebbe service on 01 October 2015, replacing the currently used A330-200.
Engine Alliance GP7200 engine is exceeding performance expectations with the incorporation of the high pressure turbine upgrade.
Esterline and United Technologies finalized a long-term supply agreement to support production at UTC’s aerospace businesses.
Ethiopian Airlines announces purchase of six additional B787s from Boeing, delivering from mid-2016 onwards.
Ethiopian Airlines signed agreement with Rolls-Royce to take Trent 1000 engines and long-term TotalCare support worth US$500 million to power six B787-8s.
FedEx Express reports fiscal 2015 revenue down 4% to US$6.7 billion, with operationg income down 40% to $322 million.
FMI Air closed the first Myanmar-Japan cross border financing for aircraft, four CRJ200s via private Japanese lender.
GE Aviation and Mahindra Aerospace further developed their relationship by signing an agreement that will initiate manufacture, following Airbus transfer of work approval, of an Airbus Single Aisle package of work.
GE Aviation signed SkyWest to a 18-year OnPoint solution agreement for material to support its 86 CF34-8E engine fleet that powers its E175s. Agreement is valued at more than US$550 million.
Hong Kong Airlines and Garuda Indonesia sign codeshare agreement, where an “HX” code was placed on Garuda Indonesia’ flights between Hong Kong and Jakarta, effective 15 June 2015.
Intrepid Aviation and Philippine Airlines announced the lease of two B777-300ERs, Order adds to the six B777-300ERs the carrier currently operates, including one leased by Intrepid Aviation.
Irkut paid US$41.5 million rubles in repayment of a coupon of BO-04 series bonds.
KF Aerospace delivered first B737-300QC, serial 28594, to Canadian North. PEMCOB737-300QC STC’s were used as a platform along with KF’s newly awarded Canadian STC.
Korean Air placed order with CFM for 60 CFM LEAP-1B engines to power 30 B737 MAX. Order is valued at US$877 million at list price, including spare engines.
Korean Air signed MoU for Pratt & Whitney to provide its PW1100G-JM engines for 30 firm plus 20 option A321neo.
Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg and HOP! Air France entered into agreement covering overhaul of landing gear systems on airlines’ E170 and E190.
Lockheed Martin Commercial Engine Solutions and GE Aviation signed two OnPoint solution agreements for the material to overhaul CF6 and CF34 engines. The one-year agreements are valued at US$10 million.
Monarch Aircraft Engineering signs line maintenance technical handling agreement with Privilege Style, covering carrier’s B757 operations in summer 2015 at Manchester.
Nepal Airlines says MA60 gifted by China has become a “burden” for the carrier due to performance and financial issues.
Norwegian plans to offer service from Aalborg to New York in 2017, with B737 MAX 8.
Philippine Airlines may convert some of its 30 A320neo on order to A321LR.
Pratt & Whitney AeroPower signed a long-term repair support agreement for the APS5000 APU with Air India, for its fleet of seven future and 20 existing B787-8s.
Pratt & Whitney entered into a long-term agreement with Paradigm Precision, who will supply complex fabricated assemblies for P&W and P&WC next generation product family.
Qatar Airways announced launch of a new daily All-First Class service from Doha to Jeddah beginning 18 June 2015 with A319.
Qatar Airways commenced services between Amsterdam and Doha on 16 June 2015 with B787.
Qatar Airways selected CFM56-5B engines to power eight new A320ceo. Firm engine order with CFM is valued at US$174 million at list price and the airline began taking delivery earlier in 2015.
Rolls-Royce said it was too early to say whether there was a gap in the market for a new mid-sized passenger jet, which is being assessed by Boeing as a potential 1,000-plus plane opportunity.
Rolls-Royce to provide long term TotalCare engine service support for Trent XWB engines that will power 19 A350 XWBs to be operated by Finnair.
Rolls-Royce to use big data analytics to help Singapore Airlines reduce fuel consumption across its entire fleet through a TotalCare Efficiency Service Solution. Contract is for five years.
Royal Air Maroc (Morocco) entrusts Spairliners with its component pooling and maintenance expertise regarding a support of the new RAM E-Jet fleet.
[b]Royal Jordanian decided to renew contract signed in 2011 with AFI KLM E&M covering component support for its A330s. Agreement includes repairs and access to the spares pool on a flight hour basis.
Royal Jordanian to renew the contract signed in 2011 with AFI KLM E&M covering component support for its A330s.
Sabena Technics gained Part 145-approval from the French CAA covering the A350, enabling the MRO to provide airframe MRO services on the all-new widebody from Bordeaux.
Saudia Cargo started B747-400F service from New Delhi to Riyadh and Jeddah.
SkyWest reports May 2015 RPMs down 4.7%, ASMs down 4.2%, load factor up0.4 points to 84.5% and passenger numbers down 4.2% to 4.9 million.
SunExpress signed term sheet with Natixis to finance five B737-800s with US Ex-Im-backed debt. Aircraft are scheduled for delivery from August 2015.
Tata Group may look to increase its stake in AirAsia India.
Thai Lion Air to launch service from Bangkok Don Mueang to Singapore by August 2015 and later to Taiyuan, along with China services out of Chiang Rai. Service to Japan is planned to start toward end of 2016, as well.
Turkish Airlines confirmed it didn’t enter any agreement to lease two A380s from Malaysia Airlines, as it prioritized adding routes over raw capacity.
Ukraine International Airlines launched service from Kiev to Amman on 16 June 2015, with B737.
Unison Industries signed a 10-year Material Services Agreement with Qatar Airways in support of Qatar Airways’ unprecedented fleet growth rate. Agreement extends through 2024 and covers external Unison new parts and component repairs for all engine lines in the Qatar Airways fleet.
United Airlines to cease operations at New York JFK on 25 October 2015 as its transitions to Newark, following slot transfer with Delta.
VietJet Air signed agreement with BNP Paribas to arrange PDP financing for six new A320 family aircraft.
VietJet Air placed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of six additional A321s.
VietJet Air to launch service from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul Incheon on 07 November 2015.
Viking Air and Reignwood Aviation Group entered into strategic partnership to develop the Chinese market with commercial commitment to purchase up to 50 DHC6-400s to be delivered over next five years.
Volotea chose Verona as its seventh European hub, starting 03 November 2015.
Wizz Air to start service from Chisinau to Bologna on 30 September and to London Luton on 27 October 2015.
Aviation Quote
We have to make you think it's an important seat - because you're in it.
— Donald Burr, founder of People Express.
Daily Video
Editor’s Choice
Trivia
1.Convair XC-99
2. Saunders-Roe Princess
3. Douglas XB-19
4. Boeing 747
5. Bristol Brabazon
6. Lockheed C-5A Galaxy
7. Hughes H-4
8. Antonov An-225 Mriya
9. Convair B-36 Peacemaker
10. Antonov An-124 Condor
11. Airbus A-380-800
12. Boeing 747-8i
13. Boeing 777-300ER
ANCFlyer wrote:Totally perplexed by today's trivia.
