Cebu Pacific takes delivery of its first A321neo

Cebu Pacific, the largest low-cost carrier in the Philippines has taken delivery of its first A321neo.

The new addition complements the Manila-based airline’s Airbus fleet, which currently includes 43 A320 Family aircraft and eight A330-300 widebodies. 

Cebu Pacific has ordered 32 A321neo aircraft directly from Airbus, and will receive another five A320neo leased from Dublin-based Avolon. These will support the carrier’s expansion and fleet renewal programme. 

Selected for their outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and range, these new-generation single-aisle aircraft will allow the fast-growing carrier to expand its Asia-Pacific network. 

The A321neo aircraft for Cebu Pacific features 236 seats in a single-class configuration. The aircraft is powered by Pratt and Whitney PurePower GTF engines.

The A320neo and its derivative aircraft family members are the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft, with over 6,100 orders from over 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It has pioneered and incorporated the latest technologies, including its new generation engines and the industry's reference cabin design, delivering 20 percent fuel cost savings alone. The A320neo also offers significant environmental benefits, with nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

"Moxy”, la nueva aerolínea norteamericana, confirma el pedido de 60 Airbus A220-300

La aerolínea lowcost elige el nuevo modelo de Airbus para aumentar su eficiencia operativa y el confort de los pasajeros

La nueva línea aérea estadounidense de bajo coste “Moxy” ha realizado un pedido en firme al fabricante Airbus para la compra de 60 aviones A220-300.

La aerolínea Moxy es una nueva iniciativa liderada por David Neeleman, uno de los emprendedores más innovadores de la industria y fundador de JetBlue Airways. 

Además de JetBlue, Neeleman también fundó Azul Brazilian Airlines y es el principal inversor para el redespliegue de TAP Air Portugal.

Los planes de la línea aérea Moxi se presentaron en julio en el Salón Aeronáutico Internacional de Farnborough. “El A220-300 es el avión adecuado para una nueva aerolínea que se centrará en el servicio y en la satisfacción de los pasajeros”, afirmó Neeleman. “El A220, con sus bajos costes de operación y su espaciosa cabina, nos permitirá ofrecer a los pasajeros unas tarifas más reducidas, una confortable experiencia de vuelo y de alta calidad. Además, el A220 brinda unas posibilidades únicas para operar de forma rentable en mercados pequeños y no suficientemente atendidos, cubriendo gran variedad de distancias”, añadió.

“Moxy tiene la mirada puesta en el futuro y no puedo imaginar un avión mejor que el A220 para su flota”, declaró Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer de Airbus. “Creemos que el A220 es realmente el futuro de este segmento del mercado y los pasajeros sabrán reconocer desde el momento en que suban a bordo que están disfrutando de la mejor experiencia de nuestra industria”, especificó.

El pedido se formalizó la última semana de diciembre. Airbus fabricará el A220-300 en la nueva planta de montaje estadounidense de Mobile (Alabama), que se ubicará junto a la actual planta de montaje del Airbus A320 y que se comenzará a construir a finales de este mes.

El A220 es el único avión construido expresamente para el mercado de 100-150 plazas. Ofrece una eficiencia inigualable en consumo y todo el confort de una cabina ancha en un aparato de pasillo único. El A220 combina una aerodinámica de vanguardia, materiales avanzados y motores turbofan engranados Pratt & Whitney PW1500G de última generación para ofrecer un consumo de combustible por plaza al menos un 20 por ciento inferior al de aviones de generaciones anteriores. El A220 ofrece una autonomía de hasta 3.200 nm (5.020 km) y el rendimiento de aviones de pasillo único más grandes.

Con una cartera de pedidos de más de 500 aviones hasta la fecha, el A220 reúne todo lo necesario para acaparar la mayor parte del mercado de aviones de 100 a 150 plazas, que se estima representará al menos 7.000 unidades a lo largo de los próximos 20 años.

Boeing, Turkish Airlines Announce Order for Additional 777 Jets

Amid record financial results and strong demand, Turkey's flag carrier adds three Boeing 777 Freighters

Turkish's freight business growing by double digits; aims to be one of the world's largest cargo carriers

Boeing to open engineering center in Istanbul, expanding strategic partnership with Turkey

SEATTLE, Nov. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for three 777 Freighters as the flag carrier of Turkey continues to soar on record financial results and double-digit passenger and cargo growth. The order adds more of the long-range freighter to Turkish's fleet as the airline pursues its goal of becoming the world's largest cargo carrier.

Based on the 777-200LR (Longer Range), the 777 Freighter can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 112 tons (102 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg). The long range means fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.

"We are excited to expand our efficient cargo fleet with the 777 Freighter. This aircraft has contributed greatly to Turkish Cargo, Turkish Airlines' successful sub brand, becoming the fastest-growing air cargo carrier in the world. The additional aircraft will provide us more flexibility to serve even more destinations as we continue to grow our global freight network," said M. İlker Aycı, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.

The new order comes days after Turkish Airlines posted record profits for the first nine months of 2018 on strong passenger and cargo demand. The carrier's air freight business saw a 25-percent tonnage increase and a 29-percent revenue increase compared to the same period a year ago. The results extend the airline's success in recent years as Turkey has become one of the largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.

In line with the rapid growth, Turkish Airlines has steadily expanded its current and future fleet. Last January, the carrier announced the order of three 777 Freighters. Two months later, Turkish finalized an order for 25 787-9 Dreamliners and five options to prepare for growing demand at Istanbul's third airport, named "Istanbul Airport" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during its official opening last month. Over the past few months, Turkish has begun taking delivery of new 737 MAX airplanes to refresh its single-aisle jets. In all, the airline's fleet of Boeing jetliners has grown to more than 160, with nearly 100 additional jets on order.

"Turkish Airlines has achieved significant success over the past decade. In addition to introducing innovations that have powered the growth of Turkey's commercial aviation sector and anchored a new state-of-the art airport, the airline is delivering outstanding results and rising in the ranks of elite airlines. We are extremely honored that Turkish Airlines has placed its trust and confidence in Boeing's flagship airplanes: the 737 MAX, the 777 and the 787 Dreamliner," said Kevin McAllister, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

With more than 30 777s in its fleet, Turkish Airlines is among the top 10 operators of the wide-body jet in Europe and the Middle East.

To support the long-term growth of the Turkish aerospace industry and strengthen Boeing's presence in the country, Boeing launched a strategic partnership program in Turkey last year, called the National Aerospace Initiative. Aligned with the targets of Turkey's Vision 2023 that set for the 100th anniversary of Turkish Republic'sfoundation, the initiative lays out a strategic collaboration framework in four key areas: industrial development, technology acceleration, services collaboration and advanced-skill training.

In line with these goals, Boeing is planning to open an engineering center in Istanbul that would specialize in research and support Turkey'sgrowing aerospace capability. The company also recently expanded its collaboration with Turkish Technic, the maintenance arm of Turkish Airlines. Under the agreement, Turkish Technic becomes a strategic supplier for Boeing's Global Fleet Care program, providing operators with line maintenance, heavy maintenance, component service and repair for multiple aircraft models. Additionally, Boeing and Turkish Technic will partner to train and certify aircraft technicians.

"We continue to expand our commitment to grow in Turkey, together with Turkey. Our new engineering center and our growing cooperation in so many areas with the Turkish aerospace sector reflect our confidence in the country's capabilities," said McAllister.

Delta Air Lines orders 10 additional Airbus A330-900s

Delta Air Lines has ordered 10 additional Airbus A330-900 widebody aircraft, expanding their A330neo order book from 25 to 35 aircraft. This latest order supports Delta’s international growth strategy in the near to medium term.

Simultaneously, Delta and Airbus have agreed to defer 10 previously ordered A350 XWBs to 2025-26 in order to accommodate the airline’s long-term growth strategy. Delta currently operates 11 A350-900 aircraft and expects a further four in 2019-2020. Delta’s A330 fleet stands today at 42 widebody aircraft.

“The A330-900 is going to be an important addition to Delta’s fleet,” said Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian. “Airbus has infused this next generation of the successful A330 family with new technology and features providing advanced levels of comfort for our passengers and significant operating cost reductions that will make our airline stronger in the decades to come.”

“Operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience are core to Delta’s successful recipe, and it speaks volumes that they have chosen the A330-900,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Delta has been endorsing the Airbus wide-body family from the outset by committing to both the A330 and the A350. We are listening to our customers and proud to be in the position to flexibly respond to their fleet requirements for more A330s and equally appreciate the ongoing commitment for more A350s as part of their long-term growth strategy.”

Scherer added: “This reconfirmed endorsement by one of the world’s largest and most respected airlines validates the economic credentials of our versatile Airbus widebody family in the most advanced and competitive environments.”

Building on the proven success of its popular twin-aisle, twin-engine, widebody A330 Family, Airbus launched the A330neo programme – comprising the A330-800 and A330-900 versions – in July 2014. The A330neo brings significant efficiency improvements while also introducing the Airspace by Airbus cabin, which offers the newest and most advanced in-flight experience with extra personal space and state-of-the-art ambient lighting.  

Incorporating the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, along with aerodynamic enhancements – including new extended composite wingtips, which provide 3.7 metres of increased overall span – as well as increased lift and reduced drag, the A330neo is a more efficient aircraft which will generate savings through reduced fuel burn. 

The longer-fuselage A330-900 version can accommodate 287 seats in a typical three-class layout or up to 440 for high-density configurations and can provide a range of 7,200 nautical miles.

SaudiGulf Airlines to add ten A320neo family aircraft

Bahrain, 15th November, 2018 – Al-Qahtani Aviation, owner of SaudiGulf Airlines, has signed an agreement to purchase ten A320neo family aircraft. The commitment was announced today at the Bahrain International Airshow, which runs until the 16th November 2018. 

SaudiGulf Airlines currently operate a fleet of six A320 aircraft from their hub in Dammam. The carrier commenced operations in 2016 serving domestic destinations across the Kingdom prior to expanding to international routes. In October 2018 the airline launched its second international destination with flights to four destinations in Pakistan.

Sheikh Tariq Abdulhadi Al Qahtani, Chairman of Al-Qahtani Aviation and SaudiGulf Airlines, said: “As a premium service boutique airline we are excited to be adding the A320neo to our fleet. This expansion is in keeping with our intention to see the Saudi aviation sector continue to develop and grow in support of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

“The A320neo family represents a natural evolution of our current fleet of A320 aircraft and will contribute significantly to our network expansion in the region as well as internationally,” added Samer Majali, President & Chief Executive Officer of SaudiGulf Airlines.This order will be complemented with additional A320neo aircraft from the leasing market.” he continued.

“We are honoured to expand our partnership with SaudiGulf Airlines, as we are adding more A320s to our customer’s all Airbus fleet,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “The A320neo family, with its lower operating cost, greater fuel efficiency and superior passenger comfort, will surely support SaudiGulf Airlines to achieve its ambitious growth plans.”

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,200 orders from more than 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. The A320neo also offers significant environmental performance with nearly a 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

Flynas becomes first Saudi carrier to receive the A320neo

Toulouse, 13 November 2018 - Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s first low-cost airline, has begun taking delivery of its first of 80 A320neo Family aircraft. This follows an agreement signed in January 2017, with deliveries scheduled to take place from 2018 to 2026.

Flynas is the first operator in Saudi Arabia to acquire the A320neo and currently operates a fleet of 30 A320ceos. The A320neo, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will support Flynas’ expansion plans while providing greater operational efficiency and passenger comfort.

Saudi Arabia is the largest domestic aviation market in the Middle East. Since its inception in 2007, Flynas has set ambitious growth plans that continuously develop its fleet in order to carry more passengers. In 2017, the airline carried more than 6.4 million passengers and over 3 million passengers during the first half of 2018.

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,200 orders from more than 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 with further cabin innovations. The A320neo also offers significant environmental performance with nearly a 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

Boeing, GOL Debut Airline's First 737 MAX Airplane

Leading Brazilian carrier to open new routes with new, longer-range 737 jet

GOL's second 737 MAX also arrived this month

Carrier's MAX fleet to become largest in Latin America with 135 jets, including 30 MAX 10s

SAO PAULO, Aug. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (NYSE: GOL and B3: GOLL4) today celebrated the unveiling of the carrier's newly outfitted 737 MAX 8 during a celebration in Sao Paulo. The leading Brazilian carrier also announced plans to fly the more fuel-efficient and longer-range 737 airplane on international routes.

"Today is an exciting day for the entire GOL team, we are happy to welcome the 737 MAX 8. We can further improve our operational efficiency by flying a young, modern and safe fleet, while also lowering the cost of air travel and expanding our network to new international destinations," said Paulo Kakinoff, Chief Executive Officer of GOL.

The Brazilian airline took delivery of its first 737 MAX 8 this year and has been improving onboard products and services, such as adding wireless internet to the popular Boeing Sky Interior cabin. The airline is now outfitting its second 737 MAX airplane – which it received last week – with the same cabin amenities.

As part of its strategic fleet renewal program, GOL has placed multiple orders for the 737 MAX, including a new order last month at the Farnborough International Airshow. In all, GOL is on track to become the largest MAX operator in Latin America with a fleet of 135 MAX airplanes.

The first MAX airplanes arriving at GOL are the MAX 8 variant, which seats up to 186 passengers in GOL's configuration. The airplane will reduce GOL's fuel use and emissions by 15 percent compared to today's single-aisle airplanes, and can fly farther than its predecessor. With the additional range, GOL said it will begin regular service from Brazil's capital Brasilia and Fortalezato Miami and Orlando. GOL also plans new international routes to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, with the MAX.

Thirty of GOL's new airplanes will be for the larger MAX 10, which will enable GOL to comfortably serve more than 30 additional passengers. GOL and more than 20 customers have placed over 500 orders and commitments for the MAX 10, which will offer operators the lowest cost per seat mile of any commercial aircraft in service.  In all, the 737 MAX family has attracted more than 100 customers and nearly 4,700 orders. For more information and feature content, visit www.boeing.com/commercial/737max.

"GOL is a pioneer in bringing affordable fares to Latin America since its inception. We are honored to have such a great partner officially join the Boeing 737 MAX family and serve as one of its ambassadors in the region," said Ricardo Cavero, vice president of Commercial Sales in Latin America for The Boeing Company. "We are confident the 737 MAX will help GOL continue bringing great fares and service to its customers, especially with the new 737 MAX 10 that will arrive in the future."

GOL also uses Boeing Global Services to improve its operational efficiency through products and services such as Airplane Health Management for its 737 MAX fleet, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and the Engine Fleet Planning and Costing (EFPAC) tool.

Turkish Airlines Receives First Airbus A321neo Aircraft Powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan™ Engines

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., July 13, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Turkish Airlines celebrated delivery of the airline's first Airbus A321neo aircraft. The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engines, is the first of the air carrier's order of 92 firm GTF-powered A321neo aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will also provide Turkish Airlines with engine maintenance through a long-term EngineWise™ service agreement.

"We are very excited to integrate our first GTF-powered A321neo aircraft into our ever-expanding fleet," said Ahmet Bolat, chief investment and technology officer, Turkish Airlines. "This airplane and engine will allow us to provide a quiet flight experience to our passengers, expand our route network, and reduce fuel consumption."

Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 97 V2500®-powered A320ceo family aircraft and 10 PW4000-powered A330-200 aircraft.

"We greatly appreciate the trust that Turkish Airlines has placed in our engines and services," said Rick Deurloo, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. "Our history together goes back to the Wasp-powered Douglas DC-3. Today we are honored to extend our relationship, which has spanned seven decades."

Since entering into service in early 2016, the GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 percent, to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 percent to the regulatory standard and to lower the noise footprint by 75 percent.

The V2500 engine is offered through IAE International Aero Engines AG, a multinational aero engine consortium whose shareholders comprise Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation; Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH; Japanese Aero Engines Corporation; and MTU Aero Engines GmbH.

Airbus introduces the A220-100 and A220-300

Québec-born aircraft join the Airbus family 

Airbus has revealed the A220 at a ceremony held at its Henri-Ziegler Delivery Centre, near Toulouse. Witnessed by Airbus employees and members of the global news media, the A220-300 landed directly from the painting at 12:25 am CEST wearing its new Airbus name and colours. 

The A220 family comprises two models, the A220-100 and A220-300, formerly Bombardier Inc.’s C Series (CS100 and CS300). The aircraft are fully optimized for the 100 to 150 seat market and perfectly complement Airbus’ existing best-selling A320neo family. 

“Everyone at Airbus has been looking forward to this historic moment. Today, we are thrilled to welcome the A220 to the Airbus family and are honoured to see it wearing its new Airbus colours for the first time,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus President Commercial Aircraft, “I pay tribute to all the women and men at Bombardier and the supply chain who have strived over the past years to bring this fantastic aircraft to the world. The A220 now enters a new phase in its career with all Airbus’ ressources behind it to further its commercial success worldwide." 

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officier, added: “We are enthusiastic about selling the A220 thanks in particular to its technology which gives it a decisive edge in a very competitive market. I have received a lot of positive feedback from customers regarding the aircraft’s outstanding passenger experience, its lower fuel burn, lower weight and quieter engines. All these reasons contribute to my optimism that Airbus will support to make the A220 a great commercial success."