Airbus Updates No.933

Airbus A300  C4‑203(F)  277     YL-AEA  Alpha Express Airlines   regd 25feb13  ex 4L-ABI
 Airbus A318  -112CJ  5478     N777UE  Universal Entertainment  ferried 26feb13 XFW-YQX-TUL for cabin config, F-reg  ex F-WXAE
 Airbus A319  -112  1089     D-AKNM  germanwings  ferried 25feb13 STR-OSR for paint into new cs  ex N720US
 Airbus A319  -112  1170     D-AKNQ  germanwings  ferried 25feb13 OSR-STR after paint into new cs  ex N729US
 Airbus A319  -112  1778     N718CT  Frontier Airlines  delivery 25-26feb13 SNN-YMX-GYR, to be re-regd   ex B-2227
Airbus A319  -132  3011     D-AGWD  germanwings  ferried 25feb13 CGN-SNN for paint into new cs  ex D-AVWB
Airbus A320  -211  142     YL-LCC  smartLynx Airlines  ferried 25feb13 RIX-JED on wet-lease to NAS Air   ex SX-BVD
 Airbus A320  -214  1694     EC-IEI  Iberia  ferried 26feb13 NWI-MAD after paint into Vueling cs prior transfer  ex F-WWBT
 Airbus A320  -232  2804     TC-FHE  Freebird Airlines  delivery 25feb13 MPL-AYT  ex F-WTDA
Airbus A320  -232  5482     9V-JST  Jetstar  delivery 26feb13 TLS-AZI-SIN  ex F-WWBX
 Airbus A321  -231  1843     VQ-BRN  Nordwind Airlines  ferried 25feb13 BOH-SEN, D-reg after paint prior delivery  ex D-ALAB
 Airbus A321  -231  5481     B-9903  China Eastern  delivery 26-27feb 13 XFW-OVB-PVG   ex D-AZAH
 Airbus A321  -211  5485     B-16205  EVA Air  delivery 23feb13 XFW-DWC  ex D-AZAI
 Airbus A330  -322  110     9M-MKH  Malaysia Airlines   ferried 24-26feb13 SZB-KIX-PDX-TUP for part-out & scrap  ex F-WWKE
 Airbus A330  -202  647     7T-VJW  Air Algérie  ferried 25feb14 MAN-ALG after paint into full cs  ex F-WWKF
Airbus A330  -343  1387     B-LAZ  Cathay Pacific  delivery 25feb13 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWYS
 Airbus A330  -243  1389     N390HA  Hawaiian Airlines  delivery 25feb13 TLS-LAX  ex F-WWYU
 Airbus A340  -542  886     4K-AZ85  Azerbaijan Airlines Avia   delivery 25feb13 TLS-BOD, KFR cs, for paint  ex F-WWTG

Airbus Updates No.932

Airbus A319  -111  2843     EC-JVE  Iberia  ferried 24feb13 MAD-MAN for paint into Vueling cs prior transfer  ex D-AVYT
 Airbus A319  -133ACJ  5261     9H-AGF  Comlux Malta  regd 19feb13, delivery 22feb13 XFW-IND for cabin config   ex F-WXAC
Airbus A320  -214  3056     9H-AEP  Air Malta  ferried 23feb13 SNN-MLA after paint into new cs  ex F-WWDV
Airbus A320  -214  5464     OE-LEQ  flyNiki  ferried 23feb13 DUB-VIE after paint into all white prior delivery to Iraqi Airways, to be regd YI-ARC  ex D-AVVW
 Airbus A320  -232  5488     N518VL  Volaris  delivery 23feb13 XFW-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex D-AXAB
Airbus A330  -343  1387     B-LAZ  Cathay Pacific  for delivery 26feb13 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWYS

Airbus Updates No.931

Airbus and JetBlue unveil 1st A320 in North America with Sharklets

22 February 2013Press Release

At a crewmember event today at its base at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JetBlue Airways unveiled the first of its Airbus A320 aircraft to be outfitted with Sharklets. The aircraft – registration number N821JB – is also the first of any North American airline to feature the fuel-saving structures. Sharklets are newly designed wing tip devices that improve the aerodynamics of Airbus aircraft and significantly cut fuel burn and emissions by up to four percent.

“The addition of Sharklets to our A320 fleet creates more fuel efficiency and allows us to be a greener airline,” said Rob Maruster, JetBlue’s Chief Operations Officer. “As the world’s first carrier to perform a production retrofit to an A320 aircraft, the project also speaks to JetBlue’s history of innovation and being on the leading edge of the industry.”

“When JetBlue was born, it entered service with an efficient all-Airbus fleet and – since day one – has been an industry leader,” said Barry Eccleston, Airbus Americas President and Chief Executive Officer, who spoke at today’s event. “The fact that they are the first North American airline to fly with Sharklets demonstrates again their focus on the efficiency of the fleet benefiting their customers, the environment, and the airline’s own bottom line. Plus, the Sharklets look really sharp!”

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and offer operators the option of an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 1,000 pounds. Sharklets are standard on all members of the A320neo Family. In the case with the JetBlue aircraft unveiled today, the aircraft was produced with a wing structurally ready to accept the Sharklets that were retrofitted with support from Airbus at JetBlue’s JFK facility.

JetBlue is known for its award-winning service and free in-flight entertainment, as well as low fares and ample legroom for its passengers. JetBlue serves 75 cities with 750 daily flights. JetBlue currently flies a fleet of 127 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, with another 86 on backlog. The airline will take delivery of its first of 30 A321s later this year.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single-aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than 9,000 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,400 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide. 

Airbus Updates No.930

Airbus A320  -232  2804     TC-FBE  Freebird Airlines  delivery 22feb13 MPL-AYT  ex F-WTDA
 Airbus A320  -216  5486     EC-LUL  Iberia  for delivery 23feb13 TLS-MAD  ex F-WWDE
Airbus A320  -232  5496     9V-TRH  Tiger Airways  delivery 22feb13 TLS-DWC-SIN  ex F-WWBT
Airbus A321  -211  5475     N199UW  US Airways  delivery 21feb13 XFW-BGR-PIT  ex D-AZAG
 Airbus A321  -211  5485     B-16205  EVA Air  for delivery 23feb13 XFW-DWC  ex D-AZAI
Airbus A330  -302  1385     EC-LUK  Iberia  delivery 22feb13 TLS-AMS for paint   ex F-WWYQ
 Airbus A330  -343  1387     B-LAZ  Cathay Pacific  for delivery 23feb13 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWYS
 Airbus A380  -841  94     9M-MNE  Malaysia Airlines  delivery 22feb13 TLS-KUL  ex F-WWAV

Airbus Updates No.929

 Airbus A319  -111  2700     A9C-BAX  Bahrain Air  ferried by lessor 20feb13 BAH-OSR (+ 2763 A9C-BAW)  ex N944FR
 Airbus A320  -214  2789     OK-LEG  CSA Czech Airlines  ferried 20feb13 DNR-PRG after paint into new cs  ex F-WWBX
 Airbus A320  -214  2968     HB-IOS  Belair  ferried 19feb13 ZRH-MST for paint into new Air Berlin cs   ex D-ABDK
Airbus A320  -214  3189     VP-BKB  Ural Airlines  delivery 19feb13 SHA-KHV-SVX   ex JA208A
 Airbus A320  -214  4053     A9C-BAU  Bahrain Air  ferried by lessor 20feb13 BAH-OSR (+ 4600 A9C-BAO)  ex F-WWBB
Airbus A320  -232  5492     JA08JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 20feb13 TLS-DXB  ex F-WWDH
 Airbus A321  -231  811     TC-OBZ  Onur Air  ferried 19feb13 BEY-IST after paint   ex TC-SKI

Airbus Updates No.928

Jetstar Japan takes delivery of its first A320 with Sharklet

Carrier becomes the first operator of the new fuel saving devices in Japan

19 February 2013Press Release

Jetstar Japan, one of Japan’s low-cost carriers (LCC), has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices, becoming the first Japanese carrier for the type.

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the A320neo Family. The new wingtip devices measure 2.4 metres tall, replacing A320’s current wingtip fence. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilogrammes.

“We are very happy to be the first operator of the latest version of the cost efficient A320 in Japan” Jetstar Japan President Miyuki Suzuki said. “The new Sharklet-equipped A320 will help us to save on fuel costs and allow us to continue to offer low fares to our customer.”

“We are delighted that Jetstar Japan has joined a growing list of operators of our A320 equipped with new fuel-saving Sharklet wing-tip devices”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With a four percent fuel burn reduction, the A320 with Sharklets makes Jetstar Japan one of the most fuel efficient airlines and gives it huge competitive advantages in one of the world’s most challenging markets.”

Jetstar Japan started operations in July 2012. The company is a joint venture between the Qantas Group, Japan Airlines (JAL), Mitsubishi Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation. Jetstar Japan operates an all-Airbus fleet of seven leased A320s, and this will grow to 24 aircraft by the end of 2014.

As of today, over 9,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold worldwide and over 5,400 aircraft delivered to more than 380 customers and operators, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. 

Airbus Updates No.927

Airbus A310  -203(F)  264     N425FE  FedEx  ferried 15feb13 MEM-VCV for part-out & scrap  ex PH-AGD
 Airbus A319  -112  1147     D-AKNO  germanwings  ferried 10/18feb13 STR-OSR-STR, paint into new cs   ex N727UW
 Airbus A319  -112  1170     D-AKNQ  germanwings  ferried 18feb13 STR.OSR for paint into new cs  ex N729US
 Airbus A319  -112  1778     N718CT  Frontier Airlines  for delivery 18feb13 SNN-KEF-DTW-GYR, to be re-regd   ex B-2227
 Airbus A319  -111  2319     N301NV  Allegiant Air  positioned 18feb13 SBD-LAS to enter svc  ex HB-JZK
Airbus A320  -214  533     YL-LCL  Cronos Air  positioned 17/19feb13 RIX-LPA-SSG with titl & tail-logo, ops by smartLynx   ex EI-DDL
Airbus A320  -232  3071     A7-ADU  Qatar Airways  ferried 17feb13 DUB-ZRH after paint into all wh on return to lessor   ex F-WWIM
 Airbus A320  -214  3189     VP-BKB  Ural Airlines  delivery 19feb13 SHA-KHV-SVX   ex JA208A
Airbus A320  -214  5479     EC-LUN  Vueling  delivery 19feb13 TLS-BCN  ex F-WWBS

Airbus Updates No.926

Airbus activates “Plan B” for the A350 XWB batteries

Reverts back to nickel cadmium technology

 

15 February 2013Press Release

 

Airbus is confident that the lithium ion (Li-ion) main battery architecture it has been developing with Saft and qualifying for the A350 XWB aircraft is robust and safe. The A350 XWB flight test programme will continue as planned with the qualified Li-ion main batteries.

 

However, to date, the root causes of the two recent industry Li-ion main batteries incidents remain unexplained to the best of our knowledge. In this context, and with a view to ensuring the highest level of programme certainty, Airbus has decided to activate its “Plan B” and therefore to revert back to the proven and mastered nickel cadmium main batteries for its A350 XWB programme at Entry into Service (EIS). Airbus considers this to be the most appropriate way forward in the interest of programme execution and A350 XWB reliability.

 

In parallel, Airbus has also launched additional maturity studies on Li-ion main batteries behavior in aerospace operations and will naturally take on board the findings of the ongoing official investigation.

 

As a result of making this decision now, Airbus does not expect it to impact the A350 XWB Entry Into Service schedule.

Airbus Updates No.925

LISTED BELOW ARE AIRBUS AIRCRAFT CURRENTLY AT SOUTHEND AIRPORT,UNITED KINGDOM EITHER BEING SERVICED PAINTED OR STORED
CORRECT AS OF 17 FEB 2013

PARKED OUTSIDE HANGERS :

N466AG A320 First Nation colours - stored
N997AG A320 Basic First Nation colours - stored
P4-UAS A320 all white ex Air Astana
N400CT A320 Thomas Cook - stored
EI-EYM A319 Rossiya - pending delivery
EI-EZA A320 Hello - stored
VQ-BRO A321 Nordwind - pending delivery

Inside:

EC-KDG A320 Vueling - on mainteance
EC-HQL A320 Vueling  - on mainteance

Airbus Updates No.924

Airbus A319  -112  1778     N718CT  Frontier Airlines  for delivery 17feb13 SNN-KEF-DTW-GYR, to be re-regd   ex B-2227
 Airbus A319  -132  5467     D-AGWV  germanwings  delivery 15feb13 XFW-CGN  ex D-AVYM
 Airbus A320  -214  1171      EC-  Vueling  full cs 15feb13 at DUB, EI-reg prior delivery   ex EI-EZE
 Airbus A320  -214  1931     OE-LBK  Austrian Airlines  ferried 15feb13 DUB-VIE after paint into full cs  ex D-ALTK
Airbus A320  -232  5489     VH-VFL  Jetstar Australia  delivery 16feb13 TLS-DXB-SIN  ex F-WWDF
 Airbus A321  -231  1843     VQ-BRN  Nordwind Airlines  ferried 16feb13 SEN-BOH, D-reg for paint  ex D-ALAB
Airbus A330  -322  127     CS-TRI  HiFly  delivery 15feb13 DUS-BRU, all white, D-reg  ex D-AERQ
 Airbus A330  -202MRTT  996     2402  Royal Saudi Air Force  delivery 16feb13 LEGT-OEPS  ex EC-331
 Airbus A330  -323  1388     9M-MTK  Malaysia Airlines  delivery 15feb13 TLS-KUL  ex F-WWYT
Airbus A340  -313  170     EC-KSE  Iberia  ferried 16feb13 MAD-GRU on return to lessor  ex C-FYLD

Airbus Updates No.923

Airbus to drop lithium-ion batteries in A350

NEW YORK (AP) — Airbus said Thursday it is dropping lithium-ion batteries from its new A350 airplane because of uncertainty surrounding the technology that has led to the grounding of Boeing's 787.

The European planemaker said it has decided to revert to conventional nickel-cadmium batteries for the A350. The plane is a wide-body long-range jet rival to the 787 and is expected to make its first flight around the middle of the year.

Airbus says it does not expect the battery switch to lead to a setback in the A350's schedule.

"Airbus considers this to be the most appropriate way forward in the interest of program execution and A350 XWB reliability," spokeswoman Mary Anne Greczyn said.

Federal officials grounded the 787 last month because of problems with its lithium-ion batteries that caused one fire and forced another plane to make an emergency landing.

Airbus noted the A350 uses batteries in a different setup than the 787, making it unlikely that it would face the same problems. Its A350 flight-test program would still go forward with lithium-ion batteries.

But because the causes of the problems with the 787 batteries remain unclear, Airbus decided to make the switch "to optimize program certainty," Greczyn said. Airbus is a unit of Netherlands-based EADS NV.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on Airbus' decision to drop the lithium-ion batteries, noting the incidents with the 787 have led to industry uncertainty about future safety standards for the technology

Airbus Updates No.922

Iraqi Airways resumes UK operations with flights from London Gatwick to Baghdad and Sulaimaniya

Iraqi Airways will launch the first schedule flight between London and Iraq on 5th March 2013. The flights will operate from London Gatwick direct (non-stop) to Baghdad and Sulaimaniya.

This signifies the first direct flight service between Iraq and the United Kingdom since August 1990 after an attempt to run in 2010 was thwarted due to a $1.2 Billion lawsuit by Kuwait Airways.

Iraqi Airways will use newly purchased Airbus A330, A321 and A320 planes to operate two direct flights to Baghdad and one to Sulaimaniya every week. The frequency will increase to 6 flights a week by 15th June 2013.

All return flights will stop in Malmo, Sweden, for a period of 1hr for security reasons before entering the UK. The routes have already been granted permission by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Airbus Updates No.921

Alwaleed Sells Airbus A380 to Invest in Middle East Firms

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud, the world’s 15th-richest person, sold his Airbus A380 jet plane in the past four months, according to Shadi Sanbar, chief financial officer of the billionaire’s Kingdom Holdings Co.
The 57-year-old, who bought the plane in 2007, used the proceeds from the sale to expand his investments in Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East, Sanbar said in an e-mail to Bloomberg News. He would not disclose the buyer or the sale price, citing “strict confidentiality” agreements.

First Customer

Airbus announced Alwaleed’s purchase at the 2007 Dubai Air Show. The billionaire allowed the company to name him as the first private jet customer of an A380, which is 239-feet long and can seat as many as 853 passengers when used for commercial flights, according to Airbus’ website.
David Velupillai, a spokesman for Airbus Corporate Jets in Blagnac, France, said the company has not communicated any more details about Alwaleed’s purchase since the signing, and confirmed that the building of the jet is complete, with the exception of its cabin.
Most corporate-jet buyers customize the cabin interior to their taste, according to Howard Guy, chief operating officer of Design Q, a Redditch, U.K.-based design consultancy that focuses on the luxury transport sector. Design Q made an unsuccessful bid to customize Alwaleed’s jet in 2009.
“We worked on it for about six months,” Guy said by phone yesterday. “We basically came up with the layouts for the aircraft. Our designs were based on how we interpreted what he was looking for. It was a whole blend of styles.”

Floating Staircase

Guy’s designs, which were published by London’s the Daily Mail newspaper in December, included a concert hall, a marble steam room and a floating staircase.
Alwaleed has built much of his fortune investing in companies such as Apple Inc. and News Corp. In the past several years, the billionaire said he has been reallocating his portfolio in favor of the Middle East. He has more than $1.3 billion invested in public and private equities in the region, according to Sanbar. 

Airbus Updates No.920

Airbus A319  -112  2607     D-AKNT  germanwings  ferried 14feb13 OSR-STR after paint into new cs   ex D-AVXQ
Airbus A319  -112  5457     D-AGWU  germanwings  ferried 14feb13 CGN-OSR for paint into new cs   x D-AVYL
Airbus A320  -214  5464     OE-LEQ  flyNiki  delivery 12feb13 XFW-VIE, for Iraqi Airways   ex D-AVVW
 Airbus A320  -232  5473     VT-IFJ  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 14-15feb13 XFW-BAK-DEL   ex D-AVVX
Airbus A321  -231  5321     A9C-CE  Gulf Air  F-regd 13feb13, delivery 14feb13 XFW-LDE for storage   ex F-WXAF
 Airbus A321  -231  5336     A9C-CF  Gulf Air  F-regd 13feb13, delivery 14feb13 XFW-LDE for storage   ex F-WXAG
Airbus A321  -211  5444     N198UW  US Airways  delivery 13feb13 XFW-BGR-PIT  ex D-AVZU
Airbus A330  -202  647      7T-VJW  Air Algérie  ferried 14feb13 ALG-MAN for paint into full cs  ex F-WWKF

Airbus Updates No.919

Avianca takes delivery of Sharklet equipped A320

First to benefit from fuel savings in Latin America

13 February 2013Press Release

Avianca, the Colombia-based airline, has taken delivery of its first Sharklet equipped A320 becoming the first Latin American carrier to take benefit of the new fuel-saving wing-tip devices. The A320, powered by CFM engines, was delivered in Toulouse, France.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and allow Airbus’ airline customers to reduce fuel burn by up to four per cent and CO2 emissions by approximately 1,000 tons per aircraft and year. Sharklets offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

"With the delivery of this new aircraft equipped with Sharklets, Avianca advances the process of modernizing its fleet, while improving efficiency, reducing fuel burn and increasing range," said Fabio Villegas, CEO of Avianca.

“With the Sharklets, Avianca will be the first airline in the region to benefit from much lower operating costs,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In addition, Avianca’s passengers can fly assured that they are travelling on board the world’s most eco-efficient single aisle aircraft.”

Avianca currently operates 98 A320 Family aircraft, and has 70 on order with the option to be Sharklet equipped. Sharklets are standard on all members of the A320neo Family. In 2012, Avianca placed an order for 33 eco-efficient A320neo aircraft along with 18 incremental A320ceos. With nearly an all-Airbus fleet, Avianca Taca has purchased 190 aircraft and has a backlog of 74 Airbus aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,100 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,400 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide. Airbus has sold more than 750 aircraft throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and currently holds a backlog that exceeds 370

Airbus Updates No.918

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  734     TC-MCC  MNG Airlines  acc flt at IST 09feb13 after freighter conversion  ex N734JJ
Airbus A319  -112  1147     D-AKNO  germanwings  ferried 10feb13 STR-OSR for paint into new cs  ex N727UW
Airbus A319  -112  1786     N786CT  Frontier Airlines  delivery 09feb13 SNN-KEF-DTW-GYR, to be re-regd  ex B-2226
 Airbus A319  -111  2380     CC-AIC  Sky Airline  delivery 12feb13 SEN-YYR  ex G-EJJB
 Airbus A319  -111  2465     EI-EYL  Rossiya  delivery 10feb13 SEN-OSR for paint   ex N940FR
Airbus A319  -115ACJ  4956     B-8319  Beijing Airlines   Sany Group cs, at PEK 06feb13 after cabin config and delivery  ex VP-CGX
Airbus A320  -214  2789     OK-LEG  CSA Czech Airlines  ferried 11feb13 PRG-DNR for paint into new cs  ex F-WWBX
 Airbus A320  -232  2990     OY-KAO  SAS  ferried 04feb13 OSR-ZRH after paint, OE-reg prior delivery  ex OE-IBO
Airbus A320  -214  5369     B-9908  Shenzhen Airlines  in svc 08feb13 SZX-YCU vv after delivery  ex B-515L
 Airbus A320  -214  5464     OE-LEQ  flyNiki  delivery 12feb13 XFW-VIE, for Iraqi Airways   ex D-AVVW
 Airbus A320  -214  5474     TS-IMU  Tunisair  delivery 12feb13 TLS-TUN  ex F-WWBI
 Airbus A320  -214  5477     N477AV  Avianca  delivery 12-13feb13 TLS-TFS-FOR-BOG   ex F-WWBM
 Airbus A320  -232  5492     JA08JJ  Jetstar Japan  for delivery 11feb13 TLS-DXB  ex F-WWDH
Airbus A321  -231  5465     TC-JSF  Turkish Airlines  delivery 12feb13 XFW-IST  ex D-AZAC

Airbus Updates No.917

The month in review: January 2013

	A300/A310	A318/A319/A320/A321	A330/A340/A350	A380	Total
Total orders	816	9142	2213	262	12433
Total deliveries	816	5432	1320	97	7665
Aircraft in operation	471	5251	1298	97	7117

Airbus began 2013 with bookings for two of its newest products: the A320neo (new engine option) Family and the A350 XWB, while delivering a total of 35 aircraft to customers around the world.

The largest order was from U.S.-based American Airlines for 130 A321neo jetliner variants, adding another operator to the growing list of A320neo Family customers – and making this the biggest single A321neo acquisition in Airbus’ order book.

Also in January, CIT Group Inc. placed a firm order for 10 A350-900s, marking a repeat booking for the A350 XWB from this global aircraft lessor, which also is headquartered in the U.S.

Deliveries during the first month of 2013 were paced by the A320ceo (current engine option) product line, with 30 of these single-aisle jetliners provided to customers – composed of 24 A320s, four A321s and two A319s. In addition, five widebody A330s were delivered (three in the A330-300 configuration and two A330-200s).

With the new business activity and the delivery activities achieved in January, Airbus completed the month with another record high industry backlog of 4,768 aircraft.

Airbus Updates No.916

A350 XWB’s Trent XWB engine achieves EASA type certification

Engine certification paves the way for A350 XWB first flight in the summer

 

7 February 2013Press Release

 

The Airbus A350 XWB programme has achieved yet another important milestone with the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) award of the Engine Type Certification of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan. EASA presented the certificate to Rolls-Royce at EASA’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

 

This certification covers Trent XWB engines which will power the A350-800 and A350-900 variants. A higher thrust version of the Trent XWB is currently under development for the A350-1000.

 

Eric Schulz, President – Civil Large Engines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are very proud to have achieved this significant milestone on the road to the A350 XWB’s entry into service. I would like to thank Airbus for their support and all of our partners and employees who contributed to the design and certification of the engine. Test results show we have produced the world’s most efficient large civil aero engine and we now look forward to the first flight later this year.”

 

Didier Evrard, Airbus’ Executive Vice President – Head of A350 XWB Programme said: “We congratulate our colleagues at Rolls-Royce on achieving this important milestone for the A350 XWB programme with the EASA certification of the Trent XWB engine.” He adds: “These new engines together with the aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics and airframe technologies will bring our airline customers a 25 percent step-improvement in fuel efficiency.”

 

Certification confirms the engine has fulfilled EASA’s airworthiness requirements for flight and is the last major engine milestone prior to the first flight of A350-900 ‘MSN001’ later this year. The engines which will power that aircraft are now being prepared prior to installation of the fully integrated powerplant on the aircraft’s pylon.

 

The Trent XWB has already powered a series of test flights on Airbus’ A380 Flying Test Bed (FTB) aircraft since February 2012. These flight-test results indicate that the engine will meet Airbus’ extremely high efficiency and performance goals for the A350 XWB programme.

 

The A350 XWB is the 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 will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB has already won 617 firm orders from 35 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.915

 Airbus A318  -121  3602     CC-CZN  LAN Airlines  ferried 05feb13 SCL-GYE-MEX, for Avianca Brazil   ex D-AUAF
Airbus A319  -112  1786     N786CT  Frontier Airlines  delivery 08feb13 SNN-KEF, to be re-regd  ex B-2226
Airbus A320  -212  395     9Q-  CAA Compagnie Africaine d Aviation  delivery 06-07feb13 GYR-DSM-KEF-CAI for c-check, N-reg   ex N268AT
 Airbus A320  -214  1931     OE-LBK  Austrian Airlines  ferried 06feb13 VIE-DUB for paint  ex D-ALTK
Airbus A320  -214  3246     A6-ABM  Air Arabia  1st in svc 02feb13 SHJ-MAA vv after transfer  ex SU-AAC
 Airbus A320  -232  5492     JA08JJ  Jetstar Japan  for delivery 08feb13 TLS-DXB  ex F-WWDH
 Airbus A321  -211  5447     HZ-ASU  Saudi Arabian Airlines  delivery 06feb13 XFW-JED  ex D-AVZV
 Airbus A321  -231  5456     VN-A601  Vietnam Airlines  delivery 08feb13 XFW-BAK-HAN  ex D-AVZY
Airbus A330  -302  1377      EC-LUB  Iberia  delivery 08feb13 TLS-AMS, all white, for paint into standard cs  ex F-WWYG
Airbus A330  -343  1383     B-5916  Air China  delivery 07feb13 TLS-TSN  ex F-WWYO
Airbus A340  -311  56     EP-MMA  Mahan Air  regd early feb13 (+ 20 EP-MMB ex EK-34001)  ex EX-34002

Airbus Updates No.914

Turkish Airlines orders five additional A330 passenger aircraft

Repeat order great vote of confidence in A330s efficiency and reliability

6 February 2013

Turkish Airlines has signed a firm order for two additional A330-300 passenger aircraft and three options as part of the carrier’s continued growth plans. The additional order for the A330 Family is taking their total firm order for the type to 38. Turkish Airlines placed their first order with Airbus in 1984, and today operate 104 Airbus in total.

The new aircraft will be deployed on medium and long haul routes from the Turkish Airlines hub in Istanbul.

“As one of the fastest growing airlines, our strategy of growth needs to be fully supported by efficient, reliable and profitable aircraft” said Dr Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines. “This new order for A330s reinforces our commitment to a family of aircraft which already helps us to achieve our ambitious expansion plans, in a profitable and sustainable manner.”

“We are very proud to win a repeat order from Turkish Airlines as it shows without doubt a strong endorsement for the A330 unique combination of unbeatable economics, versatility and fuel efficiency,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In response to the continuing strong demand, we’re making the A330 better and better, with new higher weight variants to offer more payload-range capability while keeping reliability at top level.”

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with over 900 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 is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats

Airbus Updates No.913

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  683     EI-OZK  Air Contractors  regd 29jan13 after conversion, delivery 01/04feb13 DRS-LEJ-BAH-MNL for paint all wh prior wet-lease to Air Hong Kong   ex N2683
 Airbus A319  -112  1155     D-AKNP  germanwings  ferried 06feb13 OSR-STR after paint into new s  ex N728UW
 Airbus A319  -111  2378     CC-AIB  Sky Airline  delivery 05feb13 SEN-YYR  ex G-EZMS
 Airbus A319  -112  2607     D-AKNT  germanwings  ferried 06feb13 STR-OSR for paint into new cs  ex D-AVXQ
Airbus A319  -132  5457     D-AGWU  germanwings  delivery 05feb13 XFW-CGN  ex D-AVYL
 Airbus A320  -211  337     F-GHQP  Air France  ferried 06feb13 ORY-EGBP for part-out & scrap  
Airbus A320  -232  2987     P4-UAS  Air Astana  ferried 02feb13 MAN-SEN after paint into all white  ex F-WWIH
Airbus A320  -232  5472      9V-JSS  Jetstar  delivery 05feb13 TLS-AZI-SIN  ex F-WWBK
 Airbus A321  -231  5438     VN-A399  Vietnam Airlines  delivery 01-02feb13 XFW-BAK-HAN   ex D-AVZZ
 Airbus A321  -211  5447     HZ-ASU  Saudi Arabian Airlines  delivery 06feb13 XFW-JED  ex D-AVZV
 Airbus A321  -231  5459     B-MBA  Air Macau  delivery 06-07feb13 XFW-AUH-MFM   ex D-AZAA
 Airbus A321  -231  5462     HL8277  Asiana  delivery 06-07feb13 XFW-OVB-GMP   ex D-AZAB
 Airbus A330  -302  1370     VT-JWT  Jet Airways  delivery 02feb13 TLS-DEL  ex F-WWKU
Airbus A330  -343  1384     B-LNO  Hong Kong Airlines  delivery 05feb13 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWYP

Airbus Updates No.912

Air Lease Corp (ALC) order for Airbus’ newest, most fuel efficient aircraft

Significant lessor order for Airbus’ newest, most fuel efficient aircraft

4 February 2013Press Release

Air Lease Corporation (ALC), the Los Angeles based aircraft leasing company has signed a contract for 25 A350 XWB Family aircraft, consisting of 20 A350-900 and five A350-1000, the largest member of the A350 XWB Family. ALC also has options for five additional A350-1000s. With this new order, ALC becomes the 35th A350 XWB customer and the order takes the A350 XWB backlog past 600 (to 617).

Concurrently, ALC has signed a purchase order for 14 A321neo aircraft following an earlier agreement announced at the 2012 Farnborough International Air Show for 36 A320neo Family aircraft plus 14 options. With this latest confirmation from ALC, the lessor’s cumulative orders for the A320neo Family have reached 50, of which up to 34 will be A321neo models. ALC will announce engine selections at a later date.

“The A350 XWB Family is becoming the industry benchmark for efficiency in the long haul segment, and the A320neo Family is ideal for airlines operating short to medium haul missions. These aircraft will help airlines grow their businesses while simultaneously reducing their operating costs and emissions,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “ALC offers its customers the most modern, efficient aircraft on the market, and both the A350 XWB and the NEO fit right in that category.”

“ALC’s continued confidence in Airbus products and especially our fuel efficient A350 XWB and A320neo Families is a great indicator of the long-term success of these aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “When you offer products which cut fuel consumption by a double digit number, and combine that with low maintenance costs and the latest in cabin innovations, it’s a pretty compelling proposal whether you are in the low cost, full service or charter segment.”

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 will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, with ALC’s newest order included, the A350 XWB has already won 617 firm orders from 35 customers worldwide.

The A320neo will enter into service in late 2015, followed by the A321neo in 2016. The A320neo Family incorporates latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tons of CO2 per aircraft per year.

With more than 9,000 aircraft ordered and over 5,400 aircraft delivered to over 380 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. 

Airbus Updates No.911

 Airbus A319  -133ACJ  4992     A4O-AJ  Oman Royal Flight   delivery 01feb13 XFW-MCT  ex F-WXAH
Airbus A320  -214  1931     OE-LBK  Austrian Airlines  delivery 31jan13 MUC-VIE in basic Air Berlin cs  ex D-ALTK
Airbus A320  -214  5443     CC-BFG  LAN Airlines  delivery 01-02feb13 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AVVQ
 Airbus A320  -214  5453      CC-BFH  LAN Airlines  delivery 31jan-01feb13 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AVVS
 Airbus A320  -232  5460     VT-IFI  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 01-02feb13 XFW-BAK-DEL   ex D-AVVV
Airbus A320  -214  5466     B-6972  Spring Airlines  delivery 30-31jan13 TLS-SVX-SHA  ex F-WWBD
 Airbus A320  -216  5468     HS-BBC  Thai Air Asia  delivery 01feb12 TLS-SHJ-DMK  ex F-WWBH
 Airbus A321  -231  5438     VN-A399  Vietnam Airlines  delivery 01-02feb13 XFW-BAK-HAN   ex D-AVZZ
 Airbus A330  -301  86     AP-BKN  Shaheen Air International  delivery 31jan13 BRU-KHI  ex VQ-BEQ
Airbus A330  -343  1374     HS-TBF  Thai International  onward delivery 30jan13 FRA-BKK after seat installation  ex F-WWYC