Saturday 28 November 2020

Airbus Updates No.2941

Juneyao Air Takes Delivery Of Its First A321neo Aircraft.

On November 27th, Shanghai-based airline Juneyao Air finally took delivery of its very first Airbus A321neo. This A321 is unlike most brand-new planes, which don’t come with an interesting backstory. However, this delivery comes after the aircraft spent four months in storage, followed by one month spent stranded in Kazakhstan due to engine issues. Yesterday’s flight from Tianjin to Shanghai means the jet is finally at its new home.

a321neo juneyao — The airline already has over 60 Airbus A320 family jets, having taken delivery of its first A320neo in July of 2020. Photo: Kevin Hackert via Flickr

The delivery flight

While it looks like FlightRadar24.com, at the time of publication, is missing details of the delivery flight from Tianjin, data from AIB Family Flights shows that the A321neo’s delivery flight took place on November 27th. The aircraft, registered as B-30EQ, departed Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) on November 27th at 14:48 UTC. Without the actual flight data available, we do know that regularly scheduled passenger flights from Tianjin to Shanghai take about two hours and 10 minutes.

While this delivery flight would usually be the only flight data reported when writing about a ‘first delivery,’ B-30EQ has a special story – having spent mid-October to mid-November stranded in Kazakhstan.

Before reaching China

It’s already been a long journey for the A321neo. The aircraft, with test registration D-AVYW, was assembled and completed at Airbus’ Hamburg Finkenwerder facility all the way back in July of 2020. However, due to the catastrophic events of 2020, Juneyao saw no need to take the aircraft at the time. Instead, the jet was sent into storage at Erfurt Airport.

This is what Airport Spotting had to say about the Erfurt Airport and its 2020 activities:

“Erfurt-Weimar airport in eastern Germany is a quiet, regional airport which usually sees a mix of general aviation traffic, and summer holiday charter flights…However, thanks to the need to store airliners, Erfurt’s parking aprons have become home to some unusual visitors…They are all brand new A320 family aircraft, awaiting delivery to customers mostly in China. Carriers include Air China, Capital Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, and Juneyao Air, plus AirAsia and Saudi Gulf Airlines.”

Problems over Kazakhstan

The A321neo was stored at Erfurt from July 16th to October 6th. After this, the jet returned to Hamburg Finkenwerder to be spruced up for the customer, departing Germany for China on October 15th.

However, the jet experienced engine issues on the October 15th flight and diverted to Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan that day. It spent a month there, listed as ‘stranded‘ because of these engine issues.

After a test flight around Nur-Sultan and Karagandy, Kazakhstan on November 14th, the jet finally flew to Tianjin the next day. It is in Tianjin that Airbus has an A320 final assembly plant and an A330 Completion and Delivery Center. The latter was opened in 2016.

Airbus Updates No.2940

Airbus Sells 6 Unwanted Airbus A320neo Aircraft.

According to a report yesterday, Airbus has managed to sell six A320neo aircraft that were rejected by one of its biggest customers. Despite the slump in manufacturing and a surplus of aircraft caused by delayed and canceled orders in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Airbus has found buyers for all six jets, the last of which will be delivered this month.

Airbus finds buyers for surplus aircraft

Reuters reported on Friday, November 27, that Airbus has sold six surplus A320neo jets that the original buyer failed to take delivery of. The jets were built for Malaysia’s AirAsia but, after giving up on the airline taking delivery of them, the manufacturer put them up for sale in April in the hope of finding buyers for them.

As with other airlines striving to cut costs amid crippling lockdowns and travel bans, AirAsia said in April that it didn’t need any more planes this year and would be reviewing future orders. While manufacturers can show flexibility on the delivery of planes that haven’t yet been built, they usually insist on customers taking delivery of aircraft that have been produced for orders.

So-called “Pop-up” sales of unwanted planes are not unheard of, but they don’t usually involve such high-profile clients. With rejected orders, the manufacturer would typically keep the deposit, although Airbus did not comment on whether it has done so on this occasion. An Airbus spokesman told Reuters,

“We do not disclose or comment on delivery schedules for any customers.”

A European industry source told Reuters that Airbus has now found homes for all six, four A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, the last of which is being delivered this month.

Simple Flying reached out to Airbus for comment, but a spokesperson told us,

Pop-up sales risk reducing aircraft values

Airbus’s move to re-sell the six AirAsia A320s was seen as a risk during the current crisis. While it would partly protect the manufacturer’s investment, it could lead to pressure from other clients to find new buyers for aircraft they no longer want. That could trigger wider sales of undelivered planes a cut prices, which could set a precedent for future prices.

The UK-based consultancy IBA Group says that all aircraft have lost some value during the COVID-19 crisis. However, the A321neo is trading around 5% below its inherent value, while the Boeing 737 MAX is 10% below, with values also damaged by the recent grounding.

Airbus sees strong A320 demand

Despite the battering the aviation industry has taken this year, Airbus is experiencing relatively strong demand compared to the rest of the sector. In particular, the A321neo has largely held its value, and the manufacturer is sticking with plans to increase production of the A320 family of aircraft in 2021.

However, doubts continue about the demand for the larger A330neo. AirAsia’s long-haul sister airline, AirAsia X, the largest customer for the aircraft, is looking for new funding to help it survive the crisis.

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Airbus Updates No.2939

JetBlue’s First A321LR Completes Maiden Flight In Hamburg

JetBlue’s first A321LR has completed its maiden flight from the Airbus facility in Hamburg. The aircraft, which is yet to be fully painted, made the first of many test flights yesterday, in anticipation of delivery. JetBlue plans on deploying the aircraft on transatlantic routes to London and Europe starting as soon as next summer.

JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-271NX N2043J 2 — JetBlue will use the A321LR on transatlantic routes from next year. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | JFKJets.com

First flight

The first A321LR destined for JetBlue made its maiden flight yesterday, flying from Airbus’ Hamburg production facility. The aircraft flew circuits over the airport, flying at various altitudes including near 12,000 feet for low-altitude testing. The test flight lasted just over two and a half hours, circling over the Hamburg facility and briefly crossing the Polish border.

JetBlue’s first A321LR will carry the registration N4022J when delivered to the carrier in the coming months. For production and test flights, the plane is registered as D-AVXF, according to AIB Family. The new aircraft will likely undertake a series of more test flights in the coming weeks.

Painted tail and engines

While the aircraft might be already flying, it is yet to make it to the paint shop, which is usually one of the last steps before delivery. However, the test flight gave us a chance to see the gorgeous new tail livery and blue Pratt & Whitney engines in action. JetBlue is introducing a slightly tweaked livery to mark its first transatlantic services next year, known as “Streamers.”

The current crisis has forced JetBlue to defer delivery of many aircraft, including inducting its first A321LRs. The first aircraft will likely be delivered in 2021, with the first London flights expected to be next summer at the earliest.

While many airlines have scaled back their long-term plans, JetBlue remains committed to its plans for transatlantic services to London next year. While flights were supposed to begin this year, the current crisis resulted in a one year delay. However, JetBlue still has exciting plans to shake up the market when it does start flying across the pond.

While the new A321LR’s will feature a new ‘Mint’ business class cabin, CEO Robin Hayes has also noted the “JetBlue effect” causing lower prices, saying,

“The big opportunity for us in Europe is that we can come in, and we can significantly reduce the price. And so we actually think that will be a stimulant to getting people to fly again, because they’re going to look at this amazing product, they’re going to look at the price point and probably do double-take, thinking ‘am really I’m going to get business class for that?’”

It’s clear that JetBlue’s transatlantic services (which could even reach Italy next) are primed to shake up the market next year. The test flight of the airline’s first A321LR only further cements the timeline for eventual flights.

Tuesday 24 November 2020

Airbus Updates No.2938

Airbus A320	-214	5253	OE-IPD	Celestial Aviation	ferried 12nov20 BEY-SOF, regd 20nov20	ex T7-MRC
Airbus A320	-214	5887	F-HZFM	Air France	delivery 24nov20 TLS-CDG after transfer	ex D-AVVY
Airbus A320	-214	6012	LZ-FBG	Bulgaria Air	at WOE 23nov20, all white, no titl	ex F-HBIX
Airbus A320	-251N	9490	B-320E	Zhejiang Loong Airlines	acc flt 17nov20, regd B-005N, onward delivery 20nov20 TSN-HGH	ex F-WWBP
Airbus A320	-271N	9506	B-30EP	Juneyao Airlines	delivery 21-22nov XFW-NQZ-TSN	ex D-AXAN
Airbus A320	-251N	10087	9K-AKP	Kuwait Airways	delivery 21nov20 TLS-KWI "Al Qurain"	ex F-WWBI
Airbus A320	-251N	10106	9H-NED	Air Malta	delivery 20nov20 TLS-MLA	ex F-WWIV
Airbus A320	-271N	10248	B-LCU	Hong Kong Express	delivery 24-25nov20 TLS-DWC-HKG	ex F-WWBG
Airbus A320	-271	10268	B-320Z	Juneyao Airlines	delivery 23nov20 XFW-NQZ	ex F-WWIK
Airbus A321	-211	961	OH-LZB	Finnair	ferried 17nov20 HEL-PRG for onward storage (+ 1185 OH-LZC)	ex D-AVZU
Airbus A321	-231	1421	LY-NVU	Avion Express	ferried 24nov20 KUN-KEF after storage	ex OE-IBD
Airbus A321	-211	6548	VQ-	S7 Airlines	ferried 21nov20 OSR-LJU, OE-reg after paint prior delivery	ex OE-IOG
Airbus A321	-271NX	9575	SX-NAB	Aegean Airlines	delivery 21nov20 XFW-ATH	ex D-AVZD
Airbus A330	-243MRTT	1919	T-056	NATO OCCAR	delivery 19nov20 LEGT-EIN	ex EC-333
Airbus A340	-642	768	9H-EAC	Maleth-Aero	seen regd at BOH 19nov20 after transfer	ex 2-EALK
Airbus A380	-841	95	G-XLEA	British Airways	ferried 20nov20 LHR-LETL, for onward storage (+ 121 G-XLEB CHR-LETL)	ex F-WWSK
Airbus A380	-841	215	G-XLEL	British Airways	ferried 13/21nov20 CHR-LHR-MAD, for onward storage	ex F-WWAL
Airbus Canada A220	-371	55098	C-GMZN	Air Canada	delivery 20nov20 YMX-YUL

Airbus Updates No.2937

Airbus A319	-112	1352	OH-LVD	Finnair	ferried 24nov20 HEL-PRG for onward storage	ex D-AVYM
Airbus A319	-132	2008	N874UA	United Airlines	ferried 23nov20 GYR-TPA after storage	ex B-6021
Airbus A319	-112	2066	TU-TST	Air Côte d´Ivoire	ferried 23-24nov20 ABJ-BRS-KEF after storage	ex N992TA
Airbus A319	-115CJ	3632	P4-LTI	Liza Transport International	posn 21nov20 BSL-LBG aftrr transfer	ex LX-LIZ
Airbus A320	-211	149	C-FFWI	Air Canada	ferried 23nov20 MCI-GWO, for part-out & scrap (+ 242 C-FTJQ 22nov20, + 254 C-FGYL 23nov20)	ex F-WWDP
Airbus A320	-211	309	C-FLSU	Air Canada	ferried 23nov20 YYZ-MCI prior part-out & scrap	ex F-WWIJ
Airbus A320	-214	1405	OH-LXA	Finnair	ferried 23nov20 HEL-XCR for onward storage (+ 1989 OH-LXI)	ex F-WWDH
Airbus A320	-214	1588	OH-LXD	Finnair	ferried 16nov20 HEL-XCR for onward storage (+ 1712 OH-LXF)	ex F-WWBQ
Airbus A320	-232	1823	YL-LCP	smartLynx Airlines	ferried 23nov20 TLL-EDBR, for part-out & scrap	ex EI-EZS
Airbus A320	-214	2616	N621VA	Alaska Airlines	ferried 20nov20 VCV-GSO after paint into? prior return to lessor	ex F-WWDJ
Airbus A320	-214	2656	9H-LMT	Lauda Europe	re-regd 23nov20 at MLA on transfer	ex OE-LMT
Airbus A320	-214	2712	OE-LMM	CIT Group	regd 20nov20, parked at OSR, Laudamotion cs	ex VT-IHB
Airbus A320	-216	3362	9S-ALU	Congo Airways	ferried 24nov20 CMN-FIH after maintenance	ex 9Q-CLU
Airbus A320	-214	3437	XA-	VivaAeroBus	air-test at GYR 23nov20, N-reg prior delivery	ex N637AC
Airbus A320	-233	3510	AP-BOB	Air Sial	air-test at GYR 21nov20 prior delivery (+ 3538 AP-BOC** ex N680TA)	ex N499TA
Airbus A320	-232	4053	VH-VNO	Tigerair Australia	ferried 21-22nov20 MEL-PPG-HNL-SBD on return to lessor	ex 9V-TAL
Airbus A320	-214	4135	M-ABNP	Osprey Aircraft Leasing	regd 19nov20, parked at ISL	ex 9K-ALE
Airbus A320	-214	4537	RP-C3262	Cebu Pacific Air	ferried 24nov20 MNL-CAN pror return to lessor	ex F-WWIF
Airbus A320	-214	4913	N293NV	Allegiant Air	delivery 24nov20 GYR-GSO, prior paint	ex N618AC
Airbus A320	-214	5152	OE-IPB	Celestial Aviation	regd 19nov20, parked at PDV	ex T7-MRB

Airbus Updates No.2936

easyJet continues sale/lease-backs drive with 10 Airbus A320s

easyJet Airbus A320-200© Airbus Industrie

23.11.2020 - 11:03 UTC

easyJet (U2, London Luton) has announced yet another sale and leaseback transaction, this time covering ten A320 family aircraft sold to SMBC Aviation Capital.

The British low-cost carrier said in its annual earnings release that the transaction generated total cash proceeds of USD368.8 million. It did not reveal the duration of the leaseback.

"Following this transaction, we retain ownership of 55% of the total fleet, with 37% unencumbered. We are not currently considering any further sale and leaseback transactions on the scale of those undertaken in recent months," easyJet said.

According to the ch-aviation fleets ownership module, prior to the transaction easyJet owned forty-six A319-100s, 132 A320-200s, thirty-one A320-200Ns, and seven A321-200NXs. Among its dry-leased aircraft, seven (one A319 and six A320neo) are owned by SMBC.

easyJet said it lost GBP1.08 billion pounds (USD1.43 billion) after tax in the year ended on September 30, 2020. Despite this result, Chief Executive Johan Lundgren said he was "immensely proud of the performance of the easyJet team in facing the challenges of 2020".

"We responded robustly and decisively, minimising losses, reducing cash burn and launching the largest Cost Out and restructuring programme in our history ‐ all while raising more than GBP3.1 billion (USD4.1 billion) in liquidity to date," Lundgren said.

easyJet's founder and largest shareholder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who remains vocally opposed to the current management's COVID-coping strategy, said the results were "financial jiggery-pokery" based on an "absurdly upbeat message and misleading numbers". He reiterated his opposition to easyJet's plans to continue its fleet renewal programme in the coming years, albeit at a slower pace.

"In my opinion, the scoundrels are now only running the business for the benefit of Airbus and not for the benefit of easyJet shareholders... Why does anyone want to buy more aircraft when 80% of the fleet (273 aircraft) is grounded as we speak?," Haji-Ioannou said.

Airbus Updates No.2935

Four Seasons Reveals More Private Airbus A321LR Trips in 2022

It’s been over a year since we first heard about Four Seasons’ brand new private jet. Now, the hotel and resort brand has unveiled some of the experiences customers can book using the brand new Airbus A321neo jet. From Africa to Southeast Asia, to Australia and Europe, customers can see the world in Four Seasons privacy and luxury – for the right price.

Four Seasons A321LR A321neo — The Four Seasons jet is an A321LR. Photo: Four Seasons

“The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience was created for travellers who want to see the world, immerse themselves in new cultures and share in unique adventures, all while part of an end-to-end Four Seasons experience,” -Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

A look at Four Seasons’ A321 private jet packages

The company has several exciting packages on offer, which can be booked for as early as May 2021. However, Spring 2022 experiences are already being marketed by the hotel group and are available for booking. Here’s what Four Seasons has on offer:

World of Adventures – May 28 to June 20, 2021 – Seattle, USA – Kyoto, Japan – Bali, Indonesia – Seychelles – Rwanda – Marrakesh, Morocco – Bogota, Colombia – Galapagos Islands – Miami, USA

International Intrigue – November 27 to December 20, 2021 – Seattle, USA – Kyoto, Japan – Hoi An, Vietnam – Maldives – Serengeti, Tanzania – Marrakesh, Morocco – Budapest, Hungary – St. Petersburg, Russia – Paris, France

African Wonders – a family-friendly itinerary: December 28, 2021, to January 9, 2022 – Athens, Greece – The Pyramids, Egypt (day trip) – Serengeti, Tanzania – Mauritius – Rwanda – Victoria Falls, Zambia (day trip) – Johannesburg, South Africa.

Timeless Encounters – March 14 to April 6, 2022 – Kona, Hawaii – Bora Bora – Sydney, Australia – Bali, Indonesia – Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Thailand – Taj Mahal, India (day trip) – Dubai, UAE – Prague, Czech Republic – London, England

Ancient Explorer – April 8 to May 1, 2022 – Miami, USA – Mexico City – Easter Island – Bora Bora – Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Bangkok or Koh Samui, Thailand – Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan – The Pyramids, Egypt (day trip) – Taormina, Italy – Madrid, Spain

The A321 private jet experience

While we already know a lot about the long-range capabilities of the A321neo and the A321LR, its the Four Seasons’ inflight experience that is stealing the show. On board, the private jet has an experienced flight crew, which includes a dedicated Concierge, Executive Chef, and Journey Physician.

“The new Airbus A321neo-LR aircraft has been fully customised to Four Seasons exacting specifications, with input from previous Four Seasons Private Jet passengers. Offering the widest and tallest cabin in its class, the 48-seat interior has been configured for even greater comfort with as much space as possible for guests to spread out and makes themselves at home.” -Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

A321LR-Four-Seasons-Seating — Itineraries are flexible – even in mid-flight. Photo: Airbus ACJ

Who’s actually flying the aircraft?

It wouldn’t be too surprising to learn that Four Seasons doesn’t have an AOC (Air Operators Certificate) of its own. But with our website’s clear aviation focus, we wanted to see if we could find the actual aircraft registration and the operator behind the service. While it took a little bit of digging, we think we found some of the behind-the-scenes information.

It’s stated that Four Seasons’ private jet has partnered with TCS World Travel to provide these luxury excursions. In turn, TCS World Travel partners with Titan Airways to arrange the actual flights. Titan Airways is a UK-based wet lease operator based out of London Stansted Airport. We know that Titan Airways took delivery of a brand new A321LR jet from Airbus on October 26th. The aircraft is registered as G-XATW.

This aircraft information has yet to be confirmed – we’ve asked Four Seasons about this, but we didn’t receive a response before the time of publication.

Airbus Updates No.2934

SAS Prepares To Fly Its Final Airbus A340 To Retirement

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) is preparing to fly its last remaining Airbus A34-300 to the American desert for retirement. The aircraft in question is named Astrid Viking and has the registration OY-KBM. It has been with SAS for 18.9 years.

SAS A340 Astrid Viking is being scrapped in Arizona. Photo: SAS

Once the pride of SAS’s fleet, the Scandinavian airline’s most elegant plane will depart Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, on December 1, for the 11-hours 12-minute flight to Tuscon International Airport (TUS) in Arizona. Once there, it will be prepared for the short hop to its final resting place at Pinal Airpark in Pinal County, Arizona.

Pinal Airpark used to be a WWII training base

Once a former World War two training base, Pinal Airpark is now home to around 300 jets grounded by the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Unlike many aircraft that will return to service once air passenger traffic picks up, SAS’s Airbus A340 will never take to the skies again. Instead of being SAS’s flagship aircraft, all its A340s will be broken up and sold as parts.

Ever since twin-engined aircraft like the widebody Boeing 777 received an ETOPS rating, Airbus knew that the four-engine jet age was over. It stopped making its iconic A340s in 2011.

SAS will replace the A340 with the A350

Last October, SAS announced it would be overhauling its fleet and that the highly-efficient Airbus A350-900 would replace its nearly 19-year-old fleet of A340s. Lufthansa, Air France, and Iberia have already retired their A340s leaving just a handful of carriers still flying what was once the go-to jet for long-haul flights.

2020 has been a terrible year for the airline industry due to the COVID-19 virus and has seen many airlines bring forward the retirement of four-engined aircraft. The once ‘Queen of the Skies’ Boeing’s 747 is now nothing more than a cargo hauler, while airlines struggle to figure out if they can ever make the A380 pay.

The A380s days are numbered

Etihad sent its A380 fleet into storage early on in the pandemic and is now wondering if it should bring them back into service or call it a day. If it was not because it seems to have bottomless pockets, Emirates is the airline to feel sorry for as they have a fleet of 114 of the supersized four-engine planes.

While it is hard to see these planes that we grew up with start to disappear from service, we have to realize that four-engine planes cost far more to operate than newer twin-engine planes with lightweight bodies and fuel-efficient engines.

Airbus Updates No.2933

World’s Longest A350 Flight? ‘Merkel One’ Flies Non-Stop To Australia

Recently the German Air Force has been putting its new Airbus A350, registered 10+03, to the test. As part of these tests, the aircraft operated an ultra-long-haul flight from Germany to Australia on Friday. The flight clocked in at 19 hours and 13 minutes, rivaling Qantas’ non-stop London to Sydney service just over a year ago, and likely becoming the longest A350 flight to date.

German Air Force, Airbus A350, Flight Record — This weekend the German Air Force’s first A350 flew non-stop to Canberra. Photo: Luftwaffe via Twitter

The Airbus A350-900 is known for operating the world’s longest regular commercial flight. Singapore Airlines’ trip from New York to Singapore is timed at 18 hours and 40 minutes in its schedule. The German Air Force recently smashed this flight time with its latest test flight.

The flight details

Typically a flight as long as that operated this weekend by the German Air Force would attract much media attention. However, this weekend’s ultra-long-flight has so far flown under the radar, despite cruising at 41,000 feet.

At 12:21 on Friday, 10+03 departed from Cologne Airport in the west of Germany, according to RadarBox.com. The aircraft isn’t a stranger to long-haul, having previously flown to Los Angeles non-stop for training. However, this time the aircraft proceeded to fly to the east.

The aircraft flew over Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, The Philippines, and Indonesia before arriving in Australian airspace. While flying abeam Sydney, the aircraft started its descent from 41,000 feet at 17:07 AEDT. Around half an hour later, at 17:34 on November 21st, 10+03 touched down in the Australian capital after 19 hours and 13 minutes in the air. The hop from Cologne to Canberra is 8,930 nautical miles as the crow flies.

The aircraft is taking a slightly more leisurely flight back to Germany. On Sunday, the aircraft flew for around six and a half hours to Papeete, French Polynesia’s capital. Earlier in the year, the domestic flight record was set twice with flights from Papeete to both of Paris’ major airports.

The aircraft departed Papeete at 10:02 TAHT. At the time of writing, 10+03 was last tracked flying north-east of Scotland. As the flight from Papeete to Paris took 16 hours and 49 minutes with an Airbus A350, one would assume that the trip from Papeete to Cologne won’t take quite as long as the trip down to Canberra.

Why is this A350 operating such long trips?

Globally, travel remains at a standstill. However, as a military aircraft, this A350 isn’t being used for the paying passengers that just aren’t traveling right now. Instead, once fully commissioned, it will be used to ferry German VIPs such as Angela Merkel and the German head of state worldwide. Germany recently welcomed the UK’s equivalent aircraft.

10+03, along with two more A350s, will replace the country’s aging A340 that has been less than reliable as of late. These long-haul flights form part of the air force’s test program for the aircraft before it enters service. It will allow them to iron out any little kinks before VIPs step foot on the aircraft.

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