Sunday 27 October 2013

Airbus Updates No.1131

EVA Air takes delivery of its first Airbus A321 equipped with Sharklets

Carrier becomes Taiwan’s first operator of Airbus’ wing tip fuel saving devices
23 OCTOBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
EVA Air of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first Sharklet equipped A321 aircraft, on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The aircraft was handed over during a ceremony in Hamburg attended by Chang Kuo Wei, Chairman of EVA Air, and Norman Liu, President and CEO of GECAS. 
This A321 is the first of eight A321s with Sharklets that will be operated by EVA Air under lease agreement from GECAS. 
“We are very pleased to be Taiwan’s first operator bringing the latest version of the cost efficient A321 equipped with Sharklets,” Chang Kuo Wei, Chairman of EVA Air said. “Thanks to our new Sharklet-equipped A321s, we will continue to offer superior value and service to our customers.”  
“We are pleased to be partnering with EVA Air on their fleet expansion and the introduction of the fuel saving Sharklets. It is of particular importance to us to have the most modern aircraft in our portfolio and the A321 equipped with Sharklets is a perfect fit,” said Norman Liu, President and CEO of GECAS. 
“The Sharklets deliver up to four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer sectors, and this translates into impressive cost savings,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In addition, EVA Air’s passengers can fly assured that they are travelling on board the world’s most efficient single aisle aircraft.”
Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and standard on all members of the new A320neo family. They offer operators up to four percent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms. 
The Airbus A321 is the largest member of the world’s best-selling A320 Family. As of today, over 9,900 A320 Family aircraft have been sold worldwide and almost 5,800 aircraft delivered to some 390 customers and operators.

Airbus Updates No.1130

VivaAerobus places Latin America’s biggest Airbus aircraft order

Mexican low-cost airline to renew fleet with order for 52 A320 Family aircraft
21 OCTOBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
The VivaAerobus Group has signed a purchase agreement for 52 Airbus A320 Family aircraft (40 A320neo and 12 A320ceo), representing the biggest Airbus aircraft order by a single airline in Latin American history. VivaAerobus, a Mexican low-cost carrier, will announce the engine selection at a later date.
VivaAerobus, part-owned by IAMSA, one of Mexico’s largest transportation companies, and Irelandia Aviation, a global low-cost-carrier airline developer, will replace its entire fleet of 737-300 to become an all-Airbus carrier by 2016. VivaAerobus has been a pioneer in Mexico’s ’Bus to Air’ model, which is an initiative to convert bus passengers to air travellers.
The new A320 Family is key to VivaAerobus’ domestic and international network expansion plans. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft, making it a perfect match for VivaAerobus.
“After evaluating the latest aircraft technology with the objective of further reducing our costs, improving our reliability, punctuality and the overall passenger experience, today we are proud to announce that the Airbus A320 has been our final choice. This is an important milestone for our customers, shareholders and staff,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, VivaAerobus CEO. “This decision will support our growth strategy, as it will allow us to further reduce our industry leading fares, and will increase the cost-per-seat advantage we currently have among our competitors.”
“We are very proud to welcome VivaAerobus to the Airbus family,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers. “The A320 Family offers the best productivity, the lowest operating costs, the fastest turnarounds and best fuel efficiency of any single-aisle aircraft. It also offers the widest and most comfortable cabin. The unbeatable economics has made the NEO the single aisle aircraft of choice among leading operators worldwide.”
The A320 Family has the lowest seat-mile costs of any single-aisle aircraft and offers a wider cabin than competing single-aisle products, enabling wider seats, a wider aisle and more personal space. The A320neo’s new engines and large wingtip devices known as Sharklets together result in a 15 percent fuel-burn reduction. To date, more than 9,900 A320s have been ordered and almost 5,800 delivered to nearly 390 customers and operators.
More than 500 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than 800 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400 yet to be delivered. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 per cent of all aircraft operating in the region.

Airbus Updates No.1129

 Airbus A320  -232  5821     A6-EIU  Etihad Airways  delivery 25oct13 XFW-AUH  ex D-AXAN
 Airbus A320  -232  5829     VT-IFV  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 24-25oct13 XFW-BAK-DEL   ex D-AXAP
 Airbus A321  -231  5783     N903JB  jetBlue  delivery 24oct13 XFW-PWM-JFK  ex D-AVZA
 Airbus A321  -231  5795     N570UW  US Airways  delivery 24oct13 XFW-BGR-PIT-PHX  ex D-AVZD
 Airbus A330  -343  786     9M-XXN  Air Asia X  delivery 24oct13 HKG-SIN for cabin config  ex B-HWK
Airbus A330  -343  833     EC-  Evelop Airlines (de Grupo Barceló)   to be re-regd early nov13  ex CS-TRH
 Airbus A330  -223  927     5N-JID  Arik Air  for delivery 28oct13 BOD-LOS  ex EI-EWG
 Airbus A330  -343  1160     TC-JNI  Turkish Airlines  in svc 23oct13 IST-DUS-IST, back in standard cs   ex F-WWKH
 Airbus A330  -343  1457     B-HWM  Dragonair  delivery 26oct13 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWYO
 Airbus A330  -243  1461     B-5936  China Eastern  delivery 24oct13 TLS-PVG  ex F-WWCQ
 Airbus A340  -642  376     G-VATL  Virgin Atlantic  ferried 25oct13 LGW-LDE, all wh for storage  ex F-WWCC
 Airbus A380  -861  128     HL7622  Korean Air  delivery 25oct13 TLS-ICN  ex F-WWAB

Airbus Updates No.1128

Airbus A319  -112  794     D-AKNH  germanwings  positioned 27oct13 SNN-CGN after transfer and paint   ex D-AVYD
 Airbus A319  -112  1263     LY-VEU  Avion Express  ferried 25oct13 LIL-KEF-YUL on new wet-lease to Cubana   ex EI-EWA
 Airbus A319  -112  3689     D-ABGO  Air Berlin  re-egd 21oct13, ferried 24oct13 MUC-TXL  ex OE-LOD
 Airbus A320  -211  203     VP-BPV  Ural Airlines  ferried 23oct13 BUD-KEF on return to lessor  ex F-GLGG
 Airbus A320  -212  466     HS-RCB  Rsu Airlines  at DMK 24oct13, all wh, only titles  ex LY-VES
 Airbus A320  -214  1229     N218NV  Allegiant Air   delivery 25-26oct13 DUB-BGR-AMA for paint  ex EI-FCC
 Airbus A320  -214  1439     EK-  Air Armenia  at WOE 23oct13 in full cs, OE-reg prior delivery  ex OE-IBT
 Airbus A320  -232  2461     N615JB  jetBlue  ferried 23oct13 ROW-JFK after paint into special "City Of New York Fire Department" cs, "Blue Bravest"  ex F-WWDR
 Airbus A320  -232  2828     P4-TAS  Air Astana  ferried 26oct13 SEN-BOH for paint, for Aegean Airlines   ex F-WWDN
 Airbus A320  -232  3012     EI-EYD  ILFC  ferried 25oct13 BOM-MNL, for Shaheen Air  ex VT-DNZ
 Airbus A320  -232  3227     OY-KAU  SAS  delivery 25oct13 WOE-CPH  ex VT-INL
 Airbus A320  -232  4197     B-MBC  Air Macau  in full cs at MLA 26oct13, 5B-reg after paint prior delivery   ex 5B-DCG
 Airbus A320  -214  5690     B-9925  Air China  delivery 23oct13 TSN-CTU  ex B-520L
 Airbus A320  -232  5806     HS-TXG  Thai Smile  delivery 24oct13 TLS-DXB-BKK  ex F-WWBC
 Airbus A320  -232  5814     VH-VFU  Jetstar  delivery 26oct12 TLS-AUH  ex F-WWBK

Saturday 19 October 2013

Airbus Updates No.1127

Airbus A319  -131  2621     YU-APC  Air Serbia  delivery 19oct13 DUS-BEG  ex EI-EYA
 Airbus A319  -132  3252     YU-APE  Air Serbia  delivery 12oct13 TLC-BGR-KEF-MUC, full cs, XA-reg   ex XA-VOS
 Airbus A319  -111  3834     EI-EWF  ILFC  ferried 11oct13 BRU-SNN, flyGeorgia cs  ex 4L-FGA
 Airbus A319  -115ACJ  5768     HL8080  private  delivery 18oct13 XFW-ZRH-TLS, regd F-WTBJ prior ACJ configuration  ex D-AVXE
 Airbus A320  -232  2128     XY-AGT  Golden Myanmar Airlines   delivery 14oct13 SEN-DWC  ex P4-PAS
Airbus A320  -232  5791     A6-EIT  Etihad Airways  delivery 17oct13 TLS-AUH  ex F-WWIH
 Airbus A320  -232  5794     9V-SLS  Silk Air  delivery 12oct13 XFW-DWC-SIN  ex D-AXAG
 Airbus A320  -232  5796     JA18JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 12oct13 TLS-AUH  ex F-WWIO
 Airbus A320  -214  5801     CC-BFR  LAN Airlines  delivery 18-19oct13 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AXAI
 Airbus A320  -214  5802     F-HEPG  Air France  delivery 18oct13 TLS-CDG  ex F-WWIX
 Airbus A320  -232  5807     VT-IFU  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 18oct13 XFW-DEL  ex D-AXAK
 Airbus A320  -214  5818     CC-BFS  LAN Airlines  delivery 18-19oct13 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AXAM
 Airbus A321  -231  5770     B-9971  China Eastern  delivery 16oct13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AZAU
 Airbus A321  -231  5803     OH-LZH  Finnair  delivery 17oct13 XFW-HEL  ex D-AVZF
 Airbus A330  -243  1459     B-5932  Air China  delivery 18oct13 TLS-PEK  ex F-WWCC
Airbus A340  -313  193     LV-FPV  Aerolineas Argentinas   delivery 12oct13 BRU-EZE, SkyTeam cs  x EC-GPB
 Airbus A340  -642  376     G-VATL  Virgin Atlantic  ferried 16oct13 MAN-LGW after paint into all wh prior storage at LDE  ex F-WWCC
 Airbus A340  -313  414     EC-LKS  Iberia  last svc 14oct13 SAL-MAD prior return to lessor mid-nov13   ex OE-IAN
 Airbus A380  -841  124     G-XLEC  British Airways  delivery 18oct13 TLS-LHR   ex F-WWSC

Saturday 12 October 2013

Airbus Updates No.1126

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  743     JU-8128   Air Cargo Mongolia   delivery 09oct13 LDE-KBP-ULN, EI-reg  ex EI-EYK
 Airbus A300  -622R(F)  836     D-AEAF  EAT Leipzig  seen regd 08oct13 at DRS, all wh prior delivery  ex A6-SUL
 Airbus A319  -114  672     C-FYJH  Rouge  delivery 09oct13 YRQ-YYZ after paint  ex D-AVYF
Airbus A319  -112  3415     D-ABGJ  Air Berlin  re-regd 07oct13 (+ 3447 D-ABGK ex OE-LOB, + 3661 D-ABGN ex OE-LOA)   ex OE-LOE
 Airbus A319  -111  3834     EI-EWF  ILFC  ferried 11oct13 BRU-SNN, flyGeorgia cs  ex 4L-FGA
 Airbus A320  -211  359     YL-LCD  SmartLynx Airlines  ferried 06-07oct13 LYS-TFS-SSG on wet-lease to Cronos Airlines   ex C-FMSV
 Airbus A320  -232  1715     LY-SPA  Small Planet Airlines   ferried 10oct13 CDG-ARN after Small Planet Polska summer-ops ex CDG  ex EI-EZN
 Airbus A320  -214  5252     D-ABNC  Air Berlin  ferried 11oct13 MUC-TSE on delivery to Chengdu Airlines  ex D-AXAI
 Airbus A320  -232  5532     VH-VFT  Jetstar  delivery 11-13oct13 TLS-AUH-SIN-MEL   ex F-WWBV
 Airbus A320  -232  5784     G-EUYP  British Airways  delivery 09oct13 TLS-LHR  ex F-WWIC
 Airbus A320  -233  5793     XA-VOY  Volaris  delivery 10oct13 TLS-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex F-WWIR
 Airbus A320  -232  5794     9V-SLS  Silk Air  delivery 12oct13 XFW-DWC-SIN  ex D-AXAG
 Airbus A320  -232  5796     JA18JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 12oct13 TLS-AUH  ex F-WWIO
 Airbus A320  -232  5805     9V-TRM  Tigerair  delivery 11-12oct13 XFW-DWC-SIN  ex D-AXAJ
Airbus A330  -223  802     EI-EZL  Meridiana  ferried 11oct13 IST-MXP after wet-lease to Turkish Airlines   ex I-EEZL
 Airbus A330  -223  874     D-ALAA  Lufthansa Technik   ferried 08oct13 MLA-SZW, Kingfisher cs  ex VT-VJK
 Airbus A330  -343  1456     RP-C8780  PAL Express  Philippine Airlines cs, delivery 11oct13 TLS-MNL   ex F-WWYJ
 Airbus A340  -313  167     LN-RKP  SAS  ferried 09oct13 GIG-SCL in full cs, CC-reg prior delivery   ex CC-CQG

Monday 7 October 2013

Airbus Updates No.1125

Airbus Updates No.1124

Airbus and Japan Airlines sign their first ever order

7 OCTOBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a purchase agreement for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s), plus options for a further 25 aircraft. This is JAL’s first ever order for Airbus aircraft.* It is also the first order Airbus has received from Japan for the A350 XWB, confirming its continuing success with world leading airlines across the globe. JAL and Airbus aim for entry into service from 2019, with the airline’s A350 XWBs gradually replacing its ageing fleet approximately over a six year period.
“We will utilize the A350 XWB to maximum, which offers high level of operational efficiency and product competitiveness, while positively catering to new business opportunities after slots at airports in Tokyo are increased,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. “In addition to improving profitability with advanced aircraft, we always aim to deliver unparalleled services to customers with the latest cabin and steady expansion of our route network.” 
"Japan Airlines is well known as one of the most preferred airlines in the world providing its passengers with an excellent flight experience. We sincerely welcome Japan Airlines as a new Airbus customer and feel honored by this first ever order from Japan for our all-new A350 XWB,” said Fabrice Bregier, President and CEO of Airbus. "It fills us with pride to see a leading Japanese airline start a new chapter with us. This highlights a very bright and flourishing future for both of us, JAL and Airbus.”
In a typical three-class layout the A350-900 comfortably seats more than 300 passengers on routes as long as 8,100 nautical miles (nm). The A350-1000 is the largest member of the A350 XWB Family, seating 350 passengers on even longer missions up to 8,400 nm. All A350 XWB models are equipped with the new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.  
Over 70 percent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. In addition to innovative materials, the A350 XWB brings together the very latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies and provides significant improvement in fuel efficiency compared with competing models.
To date, the A350 XWB MSN1 has completed around 300 flight test hours out of the campaign’s total 2,500 hours which are to be achieved by five flight test A350’s over the next 12 months. Entry into commercial service of the A350-900 is scheduled for the second half of 2014. With this latest commitment, Airbus has recorded more than 750 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 38 customers worldwide.
* Before the merger by Japan Airlines and Japan Air Systems (JAS), JAS ordered Airbus aircraft. 

Airbus Updates No.1123

A strategic A350 XWB order from Japan Airlines expands Airbus’ presence in the Japanese market

7 OCTOBER 2013 HEADLINE NEWS
Japan Airlines’ order for 31 A350 XWBs brings the first Japanese carrier into the customer list for this next-generation extra-widebody jetliner, and further expands Airbus’ market presence in the island nation for its jetliner product line.
Today’s announcement of this important booking – involving both the benchmark A350-900 and longer-fuselage A350-1000 versions – makes Japan Airlines the seventh currently-operating Japanese carrier to have chosen Airbus’ family of modern commercial aircraft, joining AirAsia Japan (soon to be re-designated as Vanilla Air), All Nippon Airways, Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, Skymark Airlines and Starflyer.
Airbus aircraft in the region will double during the next five years and the company’s Japanese delivery backlog percentage has tripled from two years ago – representing its growing commercial success in Japan.  
Japanese operators have now selected every Airbus modern widebody jetliner type, with Skymark Airlines acquiring six A380s and arranging the lease of 10 A330s. The single-aisle A320 Family has become a cornerstone in fleets of the country’s low-cost carriers, as highlighted by this year’s 100th delivery of an Airbus aircraft to Japan: an A320 received by JetStar Japan. 
Airbus has fostered strong industrial connections in the region, with Japanese companies such as Bridgestone, Panasonic, Yokogawa Electric and Minebea contributing to all of Airbus’ current production aircraft.  In addition, Toray and Toho Tenax signed a long-term agreement in 2010 to supply carbon fibre for the company’s jetliners.
Japanese partnerships with Airbus range from 17 companies for the double-deck A380, to 12 each for the A320 and A330 families, as well as four for the A350 XWB. 
Airbus also benefits from research and technology cooperation in Japan, including: composite research in partnership with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); and Japan’s Research and Development Institute for Metal and Composites for Future Industries (RIMCOF) – in developing structural health monitoring technology.
Airbus delivered its first aircraft to the Japanese market some three decades ago – an A300 received by TOA Domestic Airlines – and the company established an in-country presence in 2001 with its Airbus Japan operation

Saturday 5 October 2013

Airbus Updates No.1122

 Airbus A320  -214  5746     F-OMRD  MEA Middle East  delivery 02oct13 TLS-BEY, SkyTeam cs   ex F-EEDY
 Airbus A320  -214  5752     PR-TYF  TAM  delivery 30sep-01oct13 TLS-SID-CNF   ex F-WWIA
 Airbus A320  -214  5754     PR-ONS  Avianca Brasil  delivery 30sep13 TLS-TFS-NAT  ex F-WWIB
 Airbus A320  -216  5762     HS-BBF  Thai Air Asia  delivery 01-02oct13 TLS-SHJ-DMK   ex F-WWIY
 Airbus A320  -232  5776     N522VL  Volaris  delivery 02oct13 XFW-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex D-AXAB
Airbus A321  -211  1629     D-ALSA  Air Berlin  ferried 05oct13 MUC-BUD prior delivery to?   ex D-AVZC
 Airbus A321  -211  3070     VQ-BQH  S7 Airlines  delivery 05oct13 OSR-DME after paint  ex CN-ROM
 Airbus A321  -231  5774     HL8281  Asiana  delivery 01oct13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AZAW
 Airbus A321  -211  5779    VP-BPO  UTair Aviation  delivery 04oct13 XFW-HMA  ex D-AZAX

Airbus Updates No.1121

Airbus A300  B4-203F  274     N830JM  Southern Aircraft Charters   regd 30sep13, parked at LDE, to be ops for Transcarga   ex EI-DHL
 Airbus A319  -132  1140     A6-SAA  Air Serbia  delivery 29-30sep13 GYR-BGR-DUB, N-reg   ex N473TA
 Airbus A319  -112  3905     OY-RCI  Atlantic Airways  delivery 04oct13 ATH-FAE  ex SX-OAJ
 Airbus A319  -112  5789     N9010R  American Airlines  delivery 01oct13 XFW-BGR-DFW  ex D-AVXI
 Airbus A320  -211  278     F-GHQO  Air France  ferried 02oct13 TLS-CHR for part-out & scrap?  
 Airbus A320  -212  466     LY-VES  Avion Express  ferried 24-25sep13 BTS-FJR-DMK, 27/30sep13 with R Airlines titl   ex N466AG
 Airbus A320  -231  476     XU-ZAB  Skywings Asia Airlines  ferried 01-02oct13 IEV-ATQ-PNH after summer-lease to Aviatrans-K   ex N476PB
 Airbus A320  -232  932     EI-FDG  BOC Aviation  seen regd at DUB 02oct13 ( + 943 EI-FDH ex SU-TCB)  ex SU-TCA
 Airbus A320  -214  2003     G-KKAZ  Thomas Cook Airlines  ferried 01oct13 LGW-MAN prior return to lessor  ex C-FZAZ
 Airbus A320  -232  2817     OY-KAW  SAS  delivery 04oct13 DUB-CPH  ex M-ABFP
 Airbus A320  -232  2987     LY-SPB  Small Planet Airways  ferried 30sep-01oct13 VNO-CIT-BKK-PBH, on wet-lease to Bhutan Airlines with titl, basic LLC cs   ex P4-UAS
 Airbus A320  -214  3157     VP-BRZ  Aeroflot  ferried 03oct13 BTS-SVO with Olympic flame transport decals applied   ex F-WWDM
Airbus A320-200 [VP-BRZ]
 Airbus A320  -232  5182     A7-AHV  Qatar Airways  ferried 05oct13 TLS-DOH, F-reg prior delivery later this year  ex F-WWBG

Saturday 28 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1120

Airbus’ newest A330 version: “The right aircraft, right now” for domestic and regional operations

The newly-unveiled A330-300 domestic/regional version benefits from Airbus’ continued investments in the most efficient mid-size widebody jetliner operating today, providing a highly reliable, cost-effective and modern aircraft for growing passenger markets such as China and India.
27 SEPTEMBER 2013 HEADLINE NEWS
Its increased capacity of 356-400 seats – combined with a lower operational weight, optimised thrust engines, a latest-technology cockpit and tailored passenger cabin – will provide the new A330-300 with unit costs similar to Airbus’ single-aisle A321.
In matching the A330-300 to shorter-range operations, its cabin will incorporate modern lightweight slim-line economy seats (weighing just over half that of typical long-haul seats), galleys optimised for food service on domestic/regional routes (with the capacity for one meal, plus a snack for travel times of two/three hours), and the elimination of crew rest areas utilised on long-distance flights.
The cockpit integrates Airbus’ latest technology from the A350 XWB and A380, further facilitating the A330-300’s operations in high-frequency service.  Features earmarked for the domestic/regional version include dual head-up displays (which meet upcoming requirements from civil aviation authorities) and protection from runway overrun situations during landing.  
Airbus’ development of the latest A330 version builds on this jetliner’s already successful deployment on short/medium-range routes around the world, including in China – where A330s already operate a significant number of domestic services.
Overall, Airbus has sold more than 1,250 A330s in passenger, freighter, VIP and multi-role variants, with the production rate at its highest level ever – confirming this jetliner’s tagline as: “The right aircraft, right now.”
• For additional information on the A330-300 domestic/regional version, read the press release and see the A330 Family pages.

Airbus Updates No.1119

Sichuan Airlines takes delivery of its first A321 with Sharklets

Captures growth with larger, eco-efficient single-aisle model
27 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Sichuan Airlines, the largest all Airbus operator in China, has taken delivery of its first A321 aircraft equipped with Sharklets fuel saving wing tip devices. It will also be the first A321 with Sharklets to be operated in China. The A321, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 194 passengers with 8 in business class and 186 in economy.
Sichuan Airlines is China’s largest all Airbus operator. It introduced an A320 in 1995 to become the first Chinese airline to operate an Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft. It was also the first airline to operate Airbus A321 in China. In 2009, the airline received the first A320 assembled at the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly. Thanks to the unique commonality between Airbus aircraft, the airline was able to smoothely expand its fleet to larger and more fuel-efficient models. With the introduction of this A321 with Sharklets, the airline is able to further increase its capacity to meet the growing demand for air travel in China, particularly in the southwestern part of the country, where its hub is based.
By the end of August 2013, Sichuan Airlines operates a fleet of six A330s and 75 A320 Family aircraft.
The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and standard on all members of the new A320neo family. They offer operators up to four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,800 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,700 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. 

Airbus Updates No.1118

Air Namibia takes delivery of its first Airbus A330

A330s to modernize long-haul fleet.
27 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Air Namibia, the Windhoek based national airline of the Republic of Namibia, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 from Airbus at a ceremony in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of two A330s being leased by Air Namibia from US lessor Intrepid. The airline’s A330 features a two-class cabin layout seating 244 passengers which comprises 30 business class seats and 214 economy class seats.  
Air Namibia started commercial services with its first Airbus aircraft in 2006 with an A340-300. The airline currently operates four A319s on regional routes, as well as two A340-300s on its flagship service from Windhoek to Frankfurt.  
‘’The high efficiency and low operating costs of the A330 makes it a perfect fit into our fleet. 
With an aircraft we know to be both reliable and comfortable it will offer the best flight 
experience to our passengers.“ said Ms Theopoltina M. Namases, Managing Director of Air 
Namibia. 
“We are delighted to welcome Air Namibia as a new A330 operator,” said John Leahy Airbus
Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The airline will benefit from unparalleled fuel efficiency
and reliability and the passengers from the most comfortable cabin in its class. The unique
fleet commonality between Airbus aircraft families allows the A330 to fit seamlessly into Air Namibia’s existing fleet.’’
The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,250 orders, with over 1000 aircraft flying with close to 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient aircraft with best in class operating economics. With numerous ongoing product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft, averaging dispatch reliability well above 99 percent.

Airbus Updates No.1117

Airbus A330  -202  885     A6-EYC  Etihad Airways  re-regd in svc 17sep13 AUH-BKK-AUH  ex VT-JWJ
 Airbus A330  -202  931     EC-KOM  Air Europa  ferried / in svc 26/27sep13 MAD-DKR-MED on Hajj-lease to Senegal Airlines  ex F-WWKU
 Airbus A330  -343  1446     PK-GPR  Garuda Indonesia  delivery 26-27sep13 TLS-AUH-CGK   ex F-WWKQ
 Airbus A330  -343  1449     RP-C8782  Philippine Airlines  delivery 27sep13 TLS-MNL  ex F-WWKY
 Airbus A330  -243  1451      V5-ANO  Air Namibia  delivery 26sep13 TLS-FRA  ex F-WWYC
 Airbus A330  -243  1452     VH-XFH  Virgin Australia  delivery 25sep13 TLS-MEL, eet 19:13 hrs   ex F-WWYD
 Airbus A330  -343  1453     9V-STY  Singapore Airlines  delivery 27sep13 TLS-SIN  ex F-WWYE
 Airbus A340  -313  554     A9C-LI  Gulf Air  ferried 27-28sep13 AUH-SNN-EGBP for part-out & scrap   ex A4O-LI

Airbus Updates No.1116

Airbus A300  -605R(F)  525     TC-MCE  MNG Cargo  1st in svc 27sep13 IST-VNO-VIE   ex B-2307
 Airbus A319  -132  2718     5B-DCF  Cyprus Airways  ferried 27-28sep13 LCA-SNN-YQX on return to lessor   ex N518NK
 Airbus A319  -112  5781     N5007E  American Airlines  delivery 25sep13 XFW-BGR-DFW  ex D-AVXF
 Airbus A319  -112  5786     N9008U  American Airlines  delivery 27sep13 XFW-BGR-DFW  ex D-AVXG
 Airbus A319  -112  5788     N8009T  American Airlines  delivery 28sep13 XFW-BGR-DFW  ex D-AVXH
 Airbus A320  -232  542     AP-BLH  Shaheen Air International   delivery 27sep13 DUB-SHJ   ex EI-CUM
Airbus A320  -232  877     AP-BLI  Shaheen Air International   delivery 25sep13 DUB-SHJ  ex EI-ELG
 Airbus A320  -214  1288    N221NV  Allegiant Air  delivery 28-29sep13 DUB-BGR-AMA, all wh  ex EC-HYD
 Airbus A320  -214  1318     N216NV  Allegiant Air  delivery 25-26sep13 DUB-BGR-SAT  ex EC-HUK
Airbus A320  -232  5660     UR-WUD  Wizz Air Ukraine  re-regd 25sep13, ferried 26sep13 BUD-IEV on transfer   ex HA-LWV
 Airbus A320  -214  5742     VN-A682  VietJetAir  delivery 26sep13 TLS-ORY-AUH  ex F-WWDR
 Airbus A320  -214  5748    PR-TYE  TAM  delivery 25-26sep13 TLS-SID-CNF  ex F-WWDZ
 Airbus A320  -232  5756     B-9952  China Southern  delivery 27sep13 TLS-SVX  ex F-WWIP
 Airbus A320  -214  5759     B-9970  China Eastern  delivery 27sep13 TLS-TSE  ex F-WWIS
Airbus A320  -232  5782     N834JB  jetBlue  delivery 28sep13 TLS-PWM-MCO  ex F-WWDP
Airbus A321  -211  3070     VQ-BQH  S7 Airlines  regd 25sep13, ferried 26sep13 CMN-OSR for paint   ex CN-ROM
Airbus A321  -231  5470     B-9967  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 26sep13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AZAE
 Airbus A321  -231  5787     RP-C9903  Philippine Airlines  delivery 26-27sep13 XFW-SHJ-DMK-MNL   ex D-AZAB

Monday 23 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1115

Airbus A318  -112ACJ  5478     N777UE  Universal Entertainment Corp   ferried 20-21sep13 TUL-YQX-TLS, F-reg after ACJ conversion prior delivery  ex F-WXAE
 Airbus A319  -132  5406     N703AV  Avianca  delivery 20sep13 XFW-KEF-YYZ-SAL   ex D-AVWL
 Airbus A320  -212  528     LY-COM  Avion Express  ferried 22sep13 ALG-DUB after wet-lease now to Air Algérie   ex VP-BRB
 Airbus A320  -214  548     PR-WTB  Whitejets  ferried 23sep13 FOR-LIS, all white, on return to White   ex CS-TQO
 Airbus A320  -232  932     SU-TCA  AlMasria Universal  ferried 21sep13 CAI-DUB on return to lessor (+ 943 SU-TCB)  ex VT-ADX
 Airbus A320  -214  1262     N220NV  Allegiant Air   delivery 21-22sep13 DUB-BGR-AMA, all white  ex EC-HYC
Airbus A320  -232  2128     XY-AGT  Golden Myanmar Airlines   ferried 23sep13 BOH-SEN, P4-reg after paint prior delivery  ex P4-PAS
 Airbus A320  -214  3205    N221FR  Frontier  regd 20sep13 prior delivery ex MNL  ex RP-C8607
 Airbus A320  -232  5717     JA16JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 20-22sep13 TLS-AUH-HAN-NRT   ex F-WWDV
Airbus A320  -214  5778     B-9965  Spring Airlines  delivery 23-24sep1 XFW-WAW-URC-SHA   ex D-AXAD
 Airbus A320  -232  5780    VH-VFQ  Jetstar  delivery 20-22sep13 XFW-AUH-SIN-MEL   ex D-AXAE
Airbus A321  -231  5336     F-WXAG  Airbus  ferried 23sep13 ZRH-TLS after paint into all white  ex D-AZAV
 Airbus A330  -322  107     9M-MKG  Malaysia Airlines  all white, ferried 21-23sep13 KUL-KIX-PDX-TUP for part-out & scrap  ex F-WWKV
Airbus A330  -223  232     PT-MVA  TAM  ferried 20sep13 MIA-MEX on return to lessor (+ 238 PT-MVB 18sep13)  ex A6-EYX
 Airbus A330  -223  358     LV-FNK  Aerolineas Argentinas  ferried 23sep13 LIS-LDE, EI-reg after paint prior delivery   ex EI-CXF
 Airbus A380  -841  121      G-XLEB  British Airways  delivery 20sep13 TLS-LHR  ex F-WWAY

Thursday 19 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1114

Airbus A320  -214  548     PR-WTB  Whitejets  ferried 19sep13 SID-LIS, all white, on return to White   ex CS-TQO
 Airbus A320  -214  1119     EC-LLE  Iberia Express  seen re-regd at MAD 19sep13 after paint, no titl  ex EC-HDT
 Airbus A320  -214  1318     N216NV  Allegiant Air  delivery 18sep13 MAD-DUB, EC-reg  ex EC-HUK
Airbus A320  -214  5785  362  G-EZWO  easyJet  delivery 19sep13 XFW-SXF  ex D-AXAF
Airbus A380  -861  127     A6-EEJ  Emirates  delivery 19sep13 XFW-DXB  ex F-WWAZ

Airbus Updates No.1113

Lufthansa, Airbus’ biggest airline customer, commits to up to 55 A350s

A350 key to modernising Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet
19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
The Supervisory board of Lufthansa, Airbus’ biggest airline customer and operator, has decided to expand and modernise its long-haul fleet with a commitment for up to 55 A350-900 aircraft (25 firm and 30 options). Lufthansa also has the flexibility to convert some of the order to the larger A350-1000.
This landmark A350 order comes just six months after Lufthansa made the strategic decision to become an all-Airbus operator for its single-aisle fleet. So far in 2013, Airbus has won more firm orders from Lufthansa (125) in a single year than ever before. Taking all commitments (firm and options) into account the figure rises to 232 aircraft – one more than the 231 Airbus aircraft currently in operation with the Lufthansa Airline.
‘’The A350 XWB suits Lufthansa’s entire network regarding size and range, and will be key to modernising our fleet while significantly reducing operational costs and our environmental footprint,” said Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. “These quiet and fuel-efficient aircraft will fit nicely into our existing Airbus fleet, and our passengers will be able to enjoy seamless service and comfort levels throughout our entire product range.”
“We are honoured that such a long-standing and prestigious customer as Lufthansa is coming back for more Airbus aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The all-new A350 XWBs, will integrate very well into the Group’s existing Airbus fleet. From the A319 to the A380 size category, Lufthansa will benefit from latest technologies and efficiency levels, an unmatched wider cabin, operational flexibility and cost-savings – enhanced by the unique fleet commonality only Airbus offers.”
Lufthansa’s decision today underpins the Group’s status as Airbus’ largest airline customer and operator, with to date 535 aircraft ordered and 397 currently in operation within the Group. The latter include: 282 A320 Family, 42 A330s, 63 A340s, and 10 A380s. Lufthansa has recently announced an order for 100 A320 Family aircraft to switch its Single-Aisle Fleet in the 150-230 size category entirely to Airbus.
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 682 firm orders from 35 customers worldwide.

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1112

Airbus A310  -304  491     JY-AGM  Royal Jordanian  ferried 15-16sep13 AMM-SNN-JFK-TUP for part-out & scrap  ex F-ODVH
 Airbus A319  -132  1140     A6-SAA  Air Serbia  with dual reg at GYR prior delivery late oct13  ex N473TA
 Airbus A319  -112  1618     EI-FDA  ILFC  seen regd at SEN 14sep13  ex N618MX
 Airbus A319  -131  2621     YU-APC  Air Serbia  entered paintshop at DUB 16sep13  ex EI-EYA
 Airbus A319  -111  3834     4L-FGA  flyGeorgia  last svc 11sep13 TBS-BRU, seized since  ex EI-EWF
 Airbus A319  -112  3905     OY-RCI**  Atlantic Airways  ferried 07/16sep13 ATH-NWI-ATH, SX-reg for paint   ex SX-OAJ
 Airbus A319  -132  5765     B-6448  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 13-14sep13 XFW-OVB-CTU   ex D-AVXD
 Airbus A320  -211  279     YL-LCJ  SmartLynx Airlines  ferried / in svc 13sep13 AYT-RHO-RIX after summer-lease to Corendon Air   ex N549CL
Airbus A320  -232  5744     VT-IFT  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 16-17sep TLS-BAK-DEL  ex F-WWDU
 Airbus A320  -214  5773     JA21MC  Star Flyer  delivery 18sep13 XFW-DXB  ex D-AVVZ
 Airbus A320  -214  5777     PK-GLX  Citilink  delivery 17-18sep13 XFW-SHJ-CMB-CGK   ex D-AXAC
 Airbus A321  -211  2726     VQ-BQI  S7 Airlines  ferried 13sep13 CMN-OSR, Royal Air Maroc cs, for paint   ex CN-ROF
Airbus A330  -343  741     9M-XXM  Air Asia X  delivery 12sep13 SIN-KUL, all white  ex B-HWJ

Saturday 14 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1111

Airbus A319  -112  1618     EI-FDA  ILFC  seen regd at SEN 14sep13  ex N618MX
 Airbus A319  -132  5765     B-6448  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 13sep13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AVXD
Airbus A320  -212  409     LY-VER  Avion Express  ferried 14sep13 BTS-DEL on Hajj lease to?  ex N409AG
 Airbus A320  -212  419     LY-VEY  Avion Express  ferried 14sep13 BTS-FJR on Hajj lease to?  ex N419AG
Airbus A320  -232  3227     VT-INL  IndiGo Airlines  ferried 14sep13 CAI-WOE, for SAS as OY-KAU  ex F-WWBC
Airbus A320  -232  5775     VH-VFP  Jetstar  delivery 13sep13 XFW-AUH  ex D-AXAA
Airbus A330  -223  259     PT-MVD  TAM  ferried 13sep13 CNF-MIA on return to lessor  ex A6-EYB
Airbus A330  -343  1447     9V-STW  Singapore Airlines  delivery 13sep13 TLS-SIN  ex F-WWKS


Friday 13 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1110

Airbus A300  622R(F)  730     D-AEAR  EAT Leipzig  ferried 12sep13 CHR-LEJ after paint onto DHL cs  ex N4730
 Airbus A319  -112  734     YA-TTF  Safi Airways  delivery 12sep13 SNN-TZX-KBL  ex EI-FCG
 Airbus A319  -112  1618    N618MX  WFBN  ferried 06-08sep13 MZJ-BGR-KEF-SEN, all wh on delivery to?   ex D-AVWH
 Airbus A319  -111  3834     4L-FGA  flyGeorgia  last svc 11sep13 TBS-BRU, seized since  ex EI-EWF
 Airbus A320  -231  354     UR-CJO  Aviatrans-K  ferried 12sep13 DOK-THR on sale to?  ex N354BV
 Airbus A320  -232  2128     P4-PAS  Air Astana  ferried 13sep13 SEN-BOH for paint into?  ex D-ARFF
 Airbus A320  -214  2687    4K-AZ83  Azerbaijan Airlines Avia   ferried 12sep13 BAK-OSR for paint into new cs  ex D-ABDD
 Airbus A320  -214  2853     4K-AZ78  Azerbaijan Airlines Avia   ferried 12sep13 OSR-BAK after paint into new cs  ex D-ABDI
 Airbus A320  -232  5701     JA15JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 12sep13 TLS-AUH  ex F-WWBQ
Airbus A320  -214  5769     D-AIZY  Lufthansa  delivery 11sep13 XFW-FRA  ex D-AVVX
 Airbus A320  -214  5772     A6-ANS  Air Arabia  delivery 12sep13 XFW-SHJ  ex D-AVVY
Airbus A321  -231  5767     HL8280  Asiana  delivery 12sep13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AZAR
 Airbus A330  -322  127     CS-TRI  HiFly  posn 09/11sep13 BRU-SAW-ERZ on Hajj-Lease to AtlasJet, titl applied at SAW  ex D-AERQ
 Airbus A380  -861  115     F-HPJI  Air France  delivery 13sep13 XFW-CDG  ex F-WWSL

Monday 9 September 2013

Airbus Updates No.1109

THE MONTH IN REVIEW: AUGUST 2013

The month in review
Order and delivery activity in August reflected key continuing trends for Airbus – including the ramp-up in output to meet global demand for its jetliner product line, and the A320 Family’s sustained popularity with operators around the world.
The month’s orders were led by the CIT leasing company’s booking for five longer-fuselage A321s in the current engine option (CEO) version, underscoring operators’ needs for higher capacity single-aisle aircraft.  The Texas Aviation Group and affiliates contracted for four A319ceo jetliners in August.
Completing the month’s new business was China Eastern Airlines’ order for a widebody A330-200.
These 10 bookings in August brought the year’s total net orders to 902.
Airbus’ 8,000th overall delivery occurred in August with an A320 provided to the Indonesian operation of AirAsia.  This handover was particularly symbolic, as AirAsia is the A320 Family’s largest customer – having ordered a total of 475 A320s in the CEO and NEO (new engine option) versions. 
Also included in the month’s 47 deliveries was Philippine Airlines’ first A321, which was the 54th A321 delivered this year.
As of 31 August, a total of 394 Airbus jetliners had been provided to 83 customers during 2013 – representing an eight per cent increase from the January-August period in 2012.
Taking into account the month’s order and delivery activity, Airbus’ backlog stood at 5,190 aircraft at the end of August.

Airbus Updates No.1108

Qatar Airways’ first A380 takes off for its maiden flight

Flies to Hamburg for painting and cabin installation
9 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Qatar Airways’ first A380 took off from Toulouse on its maiden flight to Hamburg where the aircraft will be fitted with its cabin before being painted.
The Doha based carrier has firm orders for ten A380s and will become the eleventh airline to join the prestigious club of A380 operators when it takes delivery of this aircraft in 2014.
Since first entering service in 2007, 108 A380s are in operation with ten world class carriers and have accumulated over one million flight hours in more than 120,000 commercial flights. To date 44 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. 


Airbus Updates No.1107

Finnair receives world’s first A321 with Sharklets

Launch customer to operate an all Airbus fleet
6 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Finnish national carrier, Finnair, the launch customer for the A321 equipped with Sharklets, has taken delivery of its first of five aircraft on order. The aircraft will eventually replace Finnair’s existing fleet of 757s, making it an all Airbus operator. The aircraft was officially handed over to Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer, during a delivery ceremony at the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany.
“We are extremely proud to receive the world’s first A321 equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. This new aircraft will fit perfectly into our fleet and will contribute to optimizing our operating costs, whilst also reducing our environmental footprint.” said Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer.
‘’We share a long-standing relationship with Finnair and are delighted that the airline has decided to build its future with an all Airbus fleet. With the Sharklet equipped A321, Finnair will benefit from lower operating costs, extended range, and better fuel efficiency. Thanks to the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft on the market, the A321 also offers passengers more space and comfort,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers.
Finnair will take delivery of a total of five Sharklet equipped A321s. It currently operates an Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft (25 A320 family aircraft and 15 A330s/A340s). Finnair was the first airline to commit to the A350 XWB with a total of 11 aircraft on order.
The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The Family has the lowest seat mile costs of any single aisle aircraft and with the widest cabin in its sector, it has wider seats, a wider aisle, more personal space and better comfort in all classes.
To date, more than 9,800 aircraft from the Family have been ordered and over 5,700 delivered to more than 390 customers and operators worldwide.

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Airbus Updates No.4245

  Airbus A321  -231  2553    N355FL  Spectre Air Capital  ferried 14-15mar24 LETL-TBS-ALA- prior P2F-conversion  ex LY-BLW  Airbus A321  -23...

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