Thursday 31 December 2015

Airbus Updates No.1441

Finnair to lease four Airbus A321s, updates its fleet plans

Finnair Airbus A321-231 WL OH-LZL (msn 6083) (Sharklets) PMI (Javier Rodriguez). Image: 922730.
Finnair (Helsinki) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BOC Aviation Pte Ltd (Singapore) to lease four new Airbus A321-200 narrow-body aircraft.
BOC Aviation is a subsidiary of Bank of China, specializing in aircraft leasing. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery to Finnair during the first half of 2017. The lease agreements have a minimum term of eight years.
The airline continued;
In November, Finnair had announced the temporary damp-lease of two A321 aircraft from summer 2016 onwards. This arrangement is intended to cover the transitional period until the delivery of the four A321 aircraft now dry-leased from BOC Aviation for the longer term.
The transactions are part of Finnair’s fleet renewal, the first phase of which consists of replacing aging long-haul A340 wide-body aircraft with modern A350s. With a view to the growing long-haul traffic, feeder capacity is increased by adding seats to existing narrowbody aircraft and replacing some smaller aircraft with larger ones over the next few years. The A321 is Airbus’ largest narrow-body passenger aircraft, and the Finnair configuration will feature 209 seats.
The sale of four surplus aircraft
In the same context, Finnair sells surplus aircraft in accordance with its fleet plan to various buyers. The agreements or MOUs concern one ATR turboprop aircraft used in regional traffic, and two Embraer E170 regional jet aircraft, which will be retired from Finnair and Norra’s traffic in January-February 2016 and subsequently delivered to the buyers.
In addition, Finnair will sell an old A340 wide-body aircraft for part-out in the first half of 2016.
The sale transactions do not have a significant impact on profit and loss.

Airbus Updates No.1440

Airbus A340 -312 41  CS-TOA TAP Portugal ferried 28dec15 GIG-LIS after 3-months overhaul ex F-WWJB
 Airbus A340 -313 174  N537SK Universal Asset Mgment ferried 23dec15 GYR-TUP for part-out & scrap ex OH-LQG
 Airbus A350 -941 20  OH-LWC Finnair delivery 31dec15 TLS-HEL ex F-WZFO
 Airbus A380 -861 204  A6-EOT Emirates delivery 24dec15 XFW-DXB ex F-WWAT
 Airbus A400M -180 31  F-RBAH Armée de l´Air delivery 30dec15 SVQ-PUF ex A4M031
 Airbus A400M -180 32**  M54-02 Royal Malaysian Air Force delivery 27dec15 SVQ-AZI ex A4M032

Airbus Updates No.1439

Airbus A319 -112 1598  D-ASPA Privatair ferried 26dedc15 HAM-MAN, all white, for paint ex N990TA
 Airbus A319 -112 1598  D-ASPA Privatair to be ferried 01jan16 MAN-HAM after paint into Saudia cs prior wet-lease ex N990TA
 Airbus A319 -133ACJ 2192  TU-VAS Force Aérienne de Côte d Ivoire for re-delivery 30dec15 TLS-ABJ after modifications ex F-WBGX
 Airbus A320 -212 409  UR-COF Dart Airlines delivery 30dec15 BBU-IEV ex N409AG
 Airbus A320 -232 580  TC-ODB Onur Air transferred late-dec15 ex TC-FBJ
 Airbus A320 -232 2649  VT-IDR IndiGo Airlines delivery 23dec15 SAW-DEL, VP-reg ex VP-BJH
 Airbus A320 -232 6794  B-8281 China Eastern delivery 25dec15 TSN-PVG ex B-000J
 Airbus A320 -214 6893  B-8282 Qingdao Airlines delivery 29-30dec15 TLS-TSE-TAO ex F-WWDU
 Airbus A320 -232 6919  B-8075 Tianjin Airlines delivery 31dec15-01jan16 TLS-TSE-TSN ex F-WWDO
 Airbus A320 -214 6924  B-8249 China West Air delivery 29-30dec15 XFW-SVX-CKG ex D-AUBH
 Airbus A321 -231 6887  N152AA American Airlines delivery 30dec15 XFW-BGR-DFW ex D-AVXX
 Airbus A321 -211 6926  N706FR Frontier delivery 30dec15 XFW-YYR-TPA "Max the Lynx" ex D-AVZM
 Airbus A330 -243 316  2-RLAE Regio Lease ferried 29dec15 NQY-IST on delivery to Onur Air? ex A6-EKW
 Airbus A330 -243 345  TC-OCG Onur Air delivery 25dec15 DRS-IST, Syphax Airlines cs ex F-WHUS
 Airbus A330 -343 1646  F-WWKM BOC Aviation ferried 29dec15 TLS-LDE for interim storage 
 Airbus A330 -343 1659  F-WWYG BOC Aviation ferried 30dec15 TLS-LDE for interim storage 
 Airbus A330 -343 1687  4R-ALQ Sri Lankan delivery 24dec15 TLS-CMB ex F-WWKV
 Airbus A330 -343 1689  4R-ALR Sri Lankan delivery 31dec15 TLS-CMB ex F-WWYF
 Airbus A330 -202 1694  EC-MIL Iberia delivery 28dec15 TLS-MAD “Oaxaca” ex F-WWCH
 Airbus A330 -343 1695  B-6102 Air China delivery 24dec15 TLS-TSN ex F-WWCR

Monday 21 December 2015

Airbus Updates No.1438

IAG converts 15 A320neo options into firm orders

Repeat order broadens operational & environmental benefits to IAG’s airline fleets

21 DECEMBER 2015 PRESS RELEASE
International Airlines Group (IAG) has firmed up options for a further 15 A320neos.
“IAG and its airlines are one of Airbus’ most prestigious and loyal customers with fleets and orders covering the full range of our products,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “IAG is one of the biggest customers for Airbus single aisle aircraft and demonstrates the preference of our products amongst the world’s leading airlines. We are delighted with IAG’s further vote of confidence in Airbus’ products”.
Incorporating new engines and the latest technologies, the A320neo Family will bring a step-change reduction in fuel consumption of over 15 per cent from day one and 20 per cent by 2020, longer range capability and reduced maintenance costs, as well significantly reduced carbon emissions. Since its launch in 2010 the A320neo Family has won 60 per cent of all new orders for single aisle aircraft with over 100 seats and has been selected by over 75 airlines worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1437

Airbus Beluga XL production starts

First metal cut of the rear fuselage

21 DECEMBER 2015 PRESS RELEASE
The first cut of the Beluga XL MSN001 rear fuselage has been successfully achieved in Spain, paving the way for the final assembly to begin in early 2017. MSN001 will be the first Beluga XL to fly.
The rear fuselage, produced by Aernnova, will be the first part to be delivered to the Beluga Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. The Beluga XL entry into service is planned in mid-2019.
The Beluga XL was launched in November 2014 to address the transport capacity requirements in view of the A350 XWB ramp-up and other aircraft production rate increases. Based on the A330-200 Freighter with a large re-use of existing components and equipment, the Beluga XL will be powered with Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines. The fleet of five Beluga XL aircraft will provide Airbus with an additional 30 percent extra transport capacity. 

Airbus Updates No.1436

TAM Airlines becomes first A350 XWB operator from the Americas

Most efficient wide body offers passengers new-generation flying experience

18 DECEMBER 2015 PRESS RELEASE
LATAM Airlines Group, made up of LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, has taken delivery of its first A350 XWB in Toulouse, France. In doing so, TAM will become the first airline in the Americas to operate the all-new airliner and the fourth worldwide. TAM’s aircraft is configured in a premium two-class layout, with 348 seats, comprising of 30 Premium Business Class and 318 Economy. LATAM has ordered a total of 27 A350 XWB aircraft for the Group.
The carrier will start operating the A350 XWB commercially in January 2016 between Sao Paulo and Manaus, Brazil, as part of continued training and crew familiarization. This will be followed by operations from Sao Paulo to Miami in March and then to Madrid in April.
“Adding this aircraft into our fleet not only proves our commitment to maintaining one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, but it also strengthens our relationship with Airbus, a true partner with whom we have grown in the last decades,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of International & Alliances, LATAM Airlines Group.
“The A350 XWB brings us the best of both worlds, complementing our existing eco-efficient fleet and the best in aviation technology to ensure even greater levels of comfort for our passengers," said Claudia Sender, CEO of TAM S.A.
"The A350 XWB symbolises Airbus’ mission to innovate and to provide the market with the world’s leading aircraft,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “Offering unrivalled passenger flying experience and operational productivity, the A350 XWB is the perfect aircraft to support TAM’s long-haul strategy to Europe and the United States”.
Over the years, Airbus and TAM have grown together to become partners in building today’s dynamic aviation market in the region. In 1998, TAM became an Airbus operator with the A330-200. Together, LAN & TAM have ordered nearly 380 Airbus aircraft with more than 250 Airbus aircraft in operation. Today, LATAM is the biggest Airbus customer in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the top 10 Airbus customers worldwide.
The world’s latest generation airliner, the A350 XWB, is the newest member of Airbus’ modern, comfortable and efficient wide-body aircraft family. The long-range A350 XWB features the most modern aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that together bring 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions with significantly lower maintenance costs. For passengers, it brings new levels of in-flight comfort, with an extra-wide cabin offering more personal space in all classes, including 18-inch wide seats as standard in economy class.
Including the TAM delivery, so far in 2015 Airbus has delivered 13 A350 XWBs to four customers in four continents. Airbus has recorded a total of 775 firm orders from 41 customers worldwide, making the A350 XWB one of the most successful wide body aircraft ever. 

Airbus Updates No.1435

Airbus A340 -313 168  N6381S WTCT all white, ferried 18dec15 GYR-TUP for part-out & scrap ex OH-LQF
 Airbus A350 -941 24  PR-XTA TAM delivery 17dec15 TLS-CNF ex F-WZFS

Airbus Updates No.1434

 Airbus A319 -111 3169  EC-MIQ Vueling delivery 17dec15 DUB-BCN ex EI-EPR
 Airbus A320 -212 937  TS-INF Nouvelair ferried 21dec15 MIR-MPL on return to lessor ex SU-KBA
 Airbus A320 -233 2517  VN-A563 Jetstar Pacific delivery 19dec15 CRK-SGN ex EI-FME
 Airbus A320 -214 2591  D-ABNU Air Berlin delivery 18dec15 XIY-TSE-DUS by Azur Aviation ex B-6260
 Airbus A320 -214 2930  XA-EBA Interjet delivery 18dec15 GYR-TUS-TLC (+ 3044 XA-RBA ex EI-FAJ) ex EI-EYR
 Airbus A320 -232 5158  EI-FMW ? seen regd at SNN 19dec15, Via Airlines cs ex LZ-MDR
 Airbus A320 -232 6583  HZ-SGC Saudi Gulf Airlines ferried 21dec15 XFW-LDE, F-reg for interim storage ex F-WHUV
 Airbus A320 -214 6776  B-LPO Hong Kong Airlines delivery 18dec15 TSN-HKG ex B-000H
 Airbus A320 -232 6898  B-8069 Tianjin Airlines delivery 21-22dec15 TLS-TSE-TSN ex F-WWIZ
 Airbus A321 -231 3283  TC-JRG Turkish Airlines first in svc 20dec15 SAW-CDG-SAW in “Turkey – Discover the potential” cs ex D-AVZZ
 Airbus A321 -211 6156  B-8285 Yunnan Hongtu Airlines delivery 21-22dec15 LFBF-LDE-AKX-KMG by Azur Aviation, F-reg ex F-WTDA
 Airbus A321 -231 6897  N662NK Spirit Airlines delivery 19dec15 XFW-YYR-TPA ex D-AVZB
 Airbus A321 -231 6903  N959JB jetBlue delivery 18/20dec15 XFW-KEF-PWM-LCQ-JFK ex D-AVZD
 Airbus A321 -211 6905  C-FJQH Rouge delivery 18dec15 XFW-KEF-YMX ex D-AVZE
 Airbus A321 -231 6908  N153AN American Airlines delivery 18dec15 XFW-BGR-DFW ex D-AVZF
 Airbus A321 -231 6910  HA-LXB Wizz Air delivery 18dec15 XFW-BUD ex D-AVZG
 Airbus A321 -231 6912  B-MCD Air Macau delivery 21-22dec15 XFW-ADB-DWC-RGN-MFM ex D-AVZH
 Airbus A330 -243F 1688  A7-AFI Qatar Airways delivery 21dec15 TLS-DOH ex F-WWYA
 Airbus A330 -343 1691  EC-MII Evelop delivery 18dec15 TLS-MAD ex F-WWYQ
 Airbus A340 -313 117  9H-TQM HiFly Malta ferried / in svc / ferried 16/17dec15 OPO-DOH-EBH-LIS ex CS-TQM

Friday 18 December 2015

Airbus Updates No.1433

Arctic Aviation Assets leases 12 Airbus A320neo airliners to HK Express

HK Express Airbus A320-232 B-LCE (msn 2299) HKG (Robbie Shaw). Image: 926954.
Arctic Aviation Assets Ltd. (AAA), Norwegian’s wholly owned subsidiary, has signed an agreement to lease 12 Airbus A320neo to HK Express (Hong Kong). The 12 aircraft will be delivered between 2016 and 2018.
AAA (Norwegian) has 100 Airbus A320neo airliners on order.
Arctic Aviation Assets Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Air Shuttle and was established on August 9, 2013. The company is based in Ireland and currently manages a portfolio of 100 aircraft in addition to Norwegian’s orders for over 267 aircraft delivered during the period 2015 to 2022. The Company also has purchase options on another 160 aircraft.
Copyright Photo: Robbie Shaw/AirlinersGallery.com. HK Express currently operates a fleet of Airbus A320s with the current engines. A320-232 B-LCE (msn 2299) approaches the runway at the Hong Kong base and hub.

Thursday 17 December 2015

Airbus Updates No.1432

Virgin America to lease 10 Airbus A321neo aircraft from GECAS


GECAS logo
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of GE, has announced it signed an agreement with Virgin America, Inc. (San Francisco), to lease 10 new Airbus A321neo aircraft powered by CFM’s LEAP-1A engines to expand the carrier’s fleet.
The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in in the first quarter of 2017 and the remainder will deliver in 2017 and 2018. All 10 aircraft are part of GECAS’ existing orderbook with Airbus.
Virgin America A321neo (Airbus)(LR)
Image: Airbus.
The A321neo, featuring Airbus’ “Sharklets” and CFM’s LEAP-1A engines (above), delivers per seat fuel savings of up to 20 percent, and provide the best seat-mile costs of any single-aisle aircraft on the market.
Virgin America logo-1
Virgin America also made this announcement:
Virgin America has announced it has agreed to acquire 10 new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, which are up to 20 percent more fuel and carbon efficient than the airline’s current fleet and which will help further reduce operating unit costs and increase revenue opportunities. The 10 new A321neos (short for New Engine Option), which provide the best seat-mile costs of any single-aisle aircraft on the market, are slated for delivery beginning in the first quarter of 2017 continuing through the third quarter of 2018, and will be leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).
With this delivery schedule, Virgin America is expected to be among the first airlines globally to operate A321neo aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The new neo engine option significantly reduces noise levels, with half the noise footprint compared to the ceo engine option[1]. The aircraft will come equipped with fuel-saving Sharklet wingtip devices, similar to the equipment on the airline’s most recent aircraft deliveries, which began service in fall 2015, and the aircraft promise nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that are 50 percent below regulatory limits outlined by the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP). In addition, the aircraft promise to deliver up to 20 percent reduced fuel burn over current generation aircraft per seat, which is equivalent to cutting 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions per plane every year.
In addition to their environmental and sustainability benefits, the new A321neos will position Virgin America to take advantage of new revenue opportunities and further improve its unit costs. With its stretched fuselage and cabin innovations, the aircraft allows for more seating capacity without sacrificing the award-winning guest experience the airline has become known for over the past eight years. The aircraft will be configured for Virgin America to include 185 total seats, roughly 24 percent more seating capacity than the airline’s existing A320 aircraft. The A321neo has a similar configuration to – and will feature 95 percent airframe commonality with – other aircraft in the Airbus A320 Family, thereby ensuring a seamless fit into Virgin America’s existing fleet of A320s and A319s. By operating a single fleet type, Virgin America is able to avoid the costs and added operational complexity that come with maintaining different fleet types.

This announcement by Virgin America reinforces the airline’s commitment to sustainability and minimizing its carbon footprint by investing in the latest aircraft and engine technologies. Virgin America maintains a relatively young fleet that, even prior to the addition of these new, greener A321neos, is already 15 percent more fuel efficient than the U.S. industry average. Recently, Virgin America joined forces with NASA to test new software created by the space agency that will help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The technology connects to existing cockpit systems and allows for easier, more automatic route optimization, which could eventually help Virgin America use up to 1.4 million fewer gallons of fuel every year. Virgin America was also the first U.S. airline to document its carbon footprint via the Climate Registry’s accepted standards.
Furthering its green credentials, in 2011, Virgin America opened its sleek and energy-efficient new home at San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2). The Terminal achieved LEED® Gold-certification, and Virgin America’s T2 office spaces in 2012 achieved the highest possible LEED® Platinum-certification. Both the Gold and Platinum levels are the first such certifications for a major commercial airport in the U.S. The airline’s Burlingame, California Headquarters has a LEED®-certified Silver standard and has an Energy Star Rating of 87 out of 100.
Virgin America currently operates a fleet of 58 Airbus A320 Family aircraft comprised of A319 and A320 aircraft equipped with original “ceo” engine options. By mid-2016, Virgin America will have taken delivery of five additional A320ceos, bringing the total size of Virgin America’s fleet to 63 aircraft before the new A321neos begin to arrive in 2017.

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Airbus Updates No.1431

Airbus A320 -232 2275  VT-IDO IndiGo Airlines delivery 13dec15 SNN-SAW-DEL, M-reg ex M-ABIY
 Airbus A320 -232 2844  LZ-BHG BH Air ferried 13-14dec15 SOF-AMD-SGN on winter-lesae to VietJetAir ex VT-INA
 Airbus A320 -214 3325  F- Air Corsica delivery 11-12dec15 CNF-SID-MPL, PR-reg ex PR-MHS
 Airbus A320 -216 4462  9M-AJX AirAsia delivery 14dec15 CGK-KUL on transfer ex PK-AXM
 Airbus A320 -214 5883  PR-TYH TAM ferried 10dec15 QSC-CGH after paint into standard cs ex D-AVVI
 Airbus A320 -214 6862  N748AV Avianca Colombia delivery 12-13dec15 XFW-TFS-FOR-BOG ex F-WWBS
 Airbus A320 -232 6883  EC-MJB Vueling delivery 14dec15 TLS-BCN ex F-WWBI
 Airbus A320 -232 6886  XA-VAQ VivaAeroBus delivery 14dec15 TLS-KEF-BGR-MTY ex F-WWBQ
 Airbus A320 -214 6889  N285VA Virgin America delivery 16dec15 TLS-KEF-BGR-MIA ex F-WWBX
 Airbus A320 -214 6902  D-ABNS Air Berlin delivery 14dec15 XFW-SXF ex D-AUBD
 Airbus A321 -211 6891  N705FR Frontier delivery 11dec15 XFW-YYR-TPA “Ferndale, the Pygmy owl” ex D-AVXY
 Airbus A330 -243 261  9M-AZL Eaglexpress Air Charter first in svc 11dec15 KUL-MED-KUL, flyNas cs ex G-SMAN
 Airbus A330 -343 1693  PK-LEH Lion Air delivery 15dec15 TLS-CGK ex F-WWCG
 Airbus A340 -313 117  9H-TQM HiFly Malta ferried 16dec15 OPO-DOH ex CS-TQM
 Airbus A340 -313 174  OH-LQG Finnair ferried 15dec15 HEL-TUS-GYR for storage ex F-GNIG
 Airbus A350 -941 19  OH-LWB Finnair delivery 14dec15 TLS-HEL, oneWorld cs ex F-WZFN
 Airbus A380 -861 203  A6-EOS Emirates delivery 11dec15 XFW-DXB ex F-WWAQ

Saturday 12 December 2015

Airbus Updates No.1430

AIR BERLINS CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE SPOTTER COMMUNITY AIRBUS A320 D-ABNM

Airberlin's 2015 "Flying Home for Christmas" logo jet

Airbus Updates No.1429

Turkish Airlines firms-up order for 20 additional A321neo aircraft

Repeat order for A321neo confirms market trend for larger models

1 DECEMBER 2015 PRESS RELEASE
Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s flagship airline, has firmed-up a commitment for the purchase of 20 additional A321neo aircraft. The airline already has 72 A321neo on order and is now again renewing its confidence in the A321neo as the aircraft of choice to boost its expansion.
“As one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, our ambitious growth strategy needs to be fully supported by only the most efficient, reliable and profitable aircraft,” said Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines. “This order for 20 more A321neo will help us achieve our expansion plans in a profitable and sustainable manner.”
“We are extremely happy that Turkish Airlines has renewed its confidence in the A321neo, the largest member of our best-selling A320neo Family.  The A321neo will not only meet but fully exceed the airline’s expectations in terms of operational efficiency, profitability and passenger appeal,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
The A320neo Family 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. With more than 4,300 orders received from over 75 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

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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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