Airbus Updates No.4329

Drukair signs MoU with Airbus

On the first day of the Farnborough Air Show, Airbus announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Drukair for three A320neos and two A321XLRs. Delivery of the aircraft is expected to begin in 2030.

Drukair is planning to use its new aircraft to expand its route network, including opening-up new connections to Europe, South East Asia and Australia.

Currently, the airline's Airbus-fleet is made-up of three A319s and a single A320. It also has one ATR42-600 in the fleet.

Illustration by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.4328

 

Japan Airlines finalises order for A350-900s and A321neo aircraft

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 23 July 2024 – Japan Airlines (JAL) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A350-900 widebody aircraft and 11 single-aisle A321neo, finalising a commitment announced earlier this year.

The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show 2024 during a signing ceremony with Yukio Nakagawa, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines, and Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

The new A350-900s will join the carrier’s A350 fleet serving international routes, while the A321neo will operate on domestic services within Japan. To date, JAL has ordered a total of 52 A350s, with 18 in service. The A321neo contract represents JAL’s first order for the Airbus single-aisle product line.

Executive Officer and Senior Vice President Procurement of Japan Airlines Yukio Nakagawa said, “We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A350s and new A321s. We will accelerate the introduction of the state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO₂ emissions. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our partnership.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, Christian Scherer said, “We thank Japan Airlines for placing its confidence once again in the A350. In addition, we celebrate a new milestone in our partnership with the airline following its order for the A321neo. We are committed to providing our full support to Japan Airlines as its growing fleet is deployed on more routes across its network, both domestically and internationally.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s all-new design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. By the end of June 2024, the A350 Family had won more than 1,300 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To da3te more than 6,400 A321neos have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Airbus Updates No.4327

 

Virgin Atlantic orders seven additional A330neo aircraft to complete fleet transformation

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 23 July 2024 – Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft as part of its wider fleet transformation. The agreement takes Virgin Atlantic’s commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft in total, providing improved economics.

The order was announced during the Farnborough Airshow onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’, and registered as GB-VSRB after founder Sir Richard Branson, to celebrate the airline's 40th anniversary. 

Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic said, “Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”

“Our special partnership with Airbus began with the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993, with our most recent arrival, ‘Ruby Rebel’, arriving to mark our 40th birthday this year. Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus tails in the last three decades. While not first to the party, they’ve been our main dance partner, making our customers smile ever since.”

Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, “We are grateful for Virgin Atlantic’s decision to expand its A330neo fleet as part of its strategy to have the youngest fleet across the Atlantic. The A330neo not only delivers unbeatable operational seat mile cost and an exceptional passenger experience, it also greatly enhances Virgin Atlantic’s fleet efficiency and contributes to their sustainability journey. We look forward to continuing this smooth and successful collaboration for many years to come."

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique passenger experience, high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop. At the end of June 2024, the A330 Family had accumulated 1,798 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, including 319 A330neo from 30 customers.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Airbus Updates No,4326

 

Airbus A321	-251NX	11915		B-KKG	Hong Kong Express	delivery 13-14jul24 TLS-MCT-HKG	ex F-WWSC
Airbus A321	-271NX	11922		9H-WNN	Wizz Air Malta	delivery 17jul24 XFW-BUD	ex D-AVZL
Airbus A321	-271NXLR	11932		C-GOKH	Air Transat	delivery 12jul24 XFW-YUL	ex D-AXXA
Airbus A321	-271NX	11944		TC-LPE	Turkish Airlines	delivery 17jul24 XFW-IST	ex D-AZAC
Airbus A321	-251NX	11958		VT-ICV	IndiGo Airlines	delivery 18jul24 XFW-DEL	ex D-AVZE
Airbus A321	-271NX	11968		N650FR	Frontier Airlines	delivery 17jul24 XFW-YYR-TPA “Morrison The Crested Caracara”	ex D-AVXV
Airbus A321	-271NX	12006		D-ANLA	Condor	delivery 19jul24 XFW-DUS	ex D-AVXR
Airbus A321	-251NX	12015		G-TNEE	British Airways	delivery 18jul24 XFW-LHR	ex D-AVZD
Airbus A321	-251NX	12020		VH-OYQ	Jetstar Airways	delivery 20-22jul24 XFW-MCT-KUL-MEL	ex D-AVXP
Airbus A321	-272NX	12133		9M-VAD	AirAsia	delivery 17-18jul24 XFW-MCT-KUL	ex D-AVXW
Airbus A321	-271NX	12305		B-32HT	Juneyao Airlines	delivery 18jul24 TSN-PVG	ex B-000T
Airbus A330	-203	678		B-16310	Eva Air	ferried 17jul24 TPE-NOC, for part-out & scrap	ex F-WWYB
Airbus A330	-343	1060		VP-CRQ	AerGo Capital Leasing	ferried 16jul24 NAP-TUN-LETL	ex HS-TER
Airbus A330	-243	1626		9K-APA	Kuwait Airways	ferried 18jul24 MLA-BJV after paint into all white, RCAF logo on tail	ex F-WWYV
Airbus A330	-243F	1688		F-HMRG	CMA CGM Air Cargo	ferried 12jul24 CHR-SNN for paint into DHL Air Hong Kong cs	ex OO-CMA
Airbus A330	-941	2063		EI-HJS	ITA Airways	delivery 12jul24 TLS-FCO	ex F-WWCR
Airbus A350	-941	646		D-AIXV	Lufthansa	delivery 18jul24 TLS-MUC	ex F-WZFG
Airbus A350	-941	660		F-HUVJ	Air France	delivery 18jul24 TLS-CDG	ex F-WZNL
Airbus Canada A220	-300	55089		5N-CDB	Ibom Air	air-test at MST 12jul24, VP-reg prior delivery	ex VP-BNY
Airbus Canada A220	-300	55284		N256BZ	Breeze Airways	delivery 12jul24 YMX-TPA	ex C-FOVD

Airbus Updates No..4325

 

Airbus A319	-115	7318		TU-TRJ	Air Côte d´Ivoire	delivery 11jul24 JNB-ABJ	ex N753AV
Airbus A320	-271N	?		VP-COD	SMBC Aviation Capital	ferried 19jul24 DEL-HYD	ex VT- ?
Airbus A320	-232	2934		4X-ABX	IsrAir	delivery 11jul24 LCA-TLV, Bamboo cs	ex VP-CCI
Airbus A320	-232	3519		XA-VDE	Viva Aerobus	delivery 16-17ju-24 MPL-KEF-YHZ-MTY, 9H-reg	ex 9H-AKG
Airbus A320	-232	5053		ZS-SZH	South African Airways	delivery 17-18jul24 HAK-CMB-MBA-JNB, 2-reg	ex 2-XKCC
Airbus A320	-214	5129		VH-8FE	MinRes Air	delivery 13-14jul24 OSR-HBE-AAN-KHI	ex F-HBNL
Airbus A320	-214	5136		A6-AQL	Air Arabia	delivery 15jul24 WOE-SHJ	ex VP-CEH
Airbus A320	-214	5675		VP-CEF	SMBC Aviation Capital	ferried 13-16jul24 BLR-HYD-CAI-OSR	ex VT-GON
Airbus A320	-232	5738		EI-KFE	FlyArystan	delivery 13jul24 HKG-ALA	ex B-LCG
Airbus A320	-271N	10749		B-328Y	Qingdao Airlines	delivery 19-20jul24 LFBF-ALA-TAO	ex B-000J
Airbus A320	-251N	11875		HZ-Ns86	Flynas	delivery 11jul24TSN-DEL-RUH	ex B-005C
Airbus A320	-271N	12001		CC-DIM	JetSmart	delivery 12jul24 BFM-SCL	ex F-WZMM
Airbus A320	-251N	12071		VT-IQZ	IndiGo Airlines	delivery 12jul24 TLS-DEL	ex F-WWIN
Airbus A320	-251N	12125		B-32GL	Hainan Airlines	delivery 20-21jul24 TLS_MCT-HAK	ex F-WWIU
Airbus A320	-251N	12151		G-TTNY	British Airways	delivery 17jul24 TLS-LHR	ex F-WWBX
Airbus A320	-251N	12162		OE-LUF	easyJet Europe	delivery 19jul24 TLS-BER	ex F-WWIG
Airbus A320	-251N	12166		SE-RZE	SAS	delivery 13juL24 TLS-OSL	ex F-WWBB
Airbus A320	-251N	12200		9H-NEH	KM Malta Airlines	delivery 20jul24 TLS-MLA	ex F-WWBO
Airbus A321	-211	5849		C-FFGZ	Air Canada	delivery 12jul24 MLB-AMA, for paint	ex OE-IDP
Airbus A321	-231	6294		TC-LBD	Turkish Airlines	seen being painted at SNN 19jul24 prior delivery	ex OE-IZX

credit: Skyliner Aviation News

Airbus Updates No.4324

 

Air Niugini sees first A220 delivery slip into 3Q25

Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) expects a slight delay in the delivery of its first A220-100, with the airline advising in a July 15 press statement that it is now expected in August 2025 rather than the second quarter of the year. In the interim, the airline said another DHC-8-Q400 is due to ferry in this August.

"Air Niugini remains committed to its fleet replacement program, which will see more modern and efficient aircraft arriving to replace the retiring Fokker fleet," the statement reads. The airline inked an order with Airbus late last year for six A220-100s. In addition, it will lease another two plus three A220-300s from third-party suppliers. The A220s will replace Air Niugini's fleet of six F70s and seven F100s. Earlier in 2023, Air Niugini also signed a deal with Boeing to buy two B787-8s to replace its pair of B767-300ERs.

The PNG government's 2024-28 Public Investment Program for Statutory Authorities values the fleet replacement at PGK3.3 billion kina (USD843.5 million). "The entire fleet replacement program is expected to be completed by 2028," the document reads. "Air Niugini envisages delivering this fleet replacement through a blend of purchasing new, nearly new and leasing new aircraft."

In addition to the B787-8s and A220s, the airline also intends to introduce ten DHC-8-Q400s to replace an aging and varied turboprop fleet that currently includes DHC-8-300, DHC-8-Q200, and DHC-8-Q300 types.

"Acquiring new aircraft will provide Air Niugini with a competitive edge in the aviation industry," the documents adds. "With newer more efficient aircrafts, Air Niugini can drastically reduce its operating costs. The new aircraft burn 27% less fuel than the existing, and maintenance costs will be substantially reduced as they are largely covered by the aircraft manufacturer."

Airbus Updates No.4323

 

Airbus receives EASA certification for the A321XLR

19 July 2024 is a happy day for Airbus as EASA has certified the A321XLR. With this final hurdle cleared, Airbus can now start delivery of the newest variant of the A321neo to its customers.

Originally, Airbus planned to had the A321XLR certified in 2023, with deliveries starting then as well. However, due to concerns about the fire safety of the new rear center fuel tank, certification was puhsed back. Thanks to this additional fuel tank, the XLR is able to fly 15% further than the A321neoLR (A321-200NX), with a maximum of 8,700 km.

Airbus has so far received more than 500 orders for the A321XLR. Iberia will be the launch customer, with delivery scheduled later this year. Entry into commercial service with the Spanish airline is planned for November and it will be first used to serve Boston from Madrid. In January 2025, Washington-Dulles is to follow.

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo is the largest customer for the XLR and has orders for 69 A321-200NYs. A shared second place as largest customer for the type are for American Airlines and United Airlines, which both have 50 on order.

Airbus Updates No.4322

 

 According to the news item, the airline is converting all of its remaining 36 options into firm orders. The airline has also decided to convert its firm order of 35 A320neos into A321neos. As a result of these changes, Jet2 now has a total of 146 A321neos on order.

Jet2 ordered its first Airbuses in August 2021 by placing an order for 36 A321neos. It welcomed its first one on 31 March 2023 and currently has eight in the fleet.

Next to its A321neos, the airline is operating five A321s, two A330-200s (leased from Air Tanker), seven Boeing B737-300s, 98 B737-800s, and six B757-200s.

Photo by Anton Homma.

Airbus Updates No.4321

Azul to replace its B737-400Fs with Airbus A321P2Fs

According to Brazilian aviation news site Aeroflap, Azul is set to replace its duo of Boeing B737-400SFs with two Airbus A321-200P2Fs. Both aircraft are currently in final stages of conversion at Guangzhou and will become PS-AJA (2741) and PS-AJB (2759). 

As the leases of the B737s are expiring, Azul is bringing the Airbuses on board to standardise its operations as the airline is already a major Airbus-operator.

Azul currently operates a fleet that is made-up of 40 ATR72-600s, 51 A320neos, six A321neos, four A330-200s, seven A330-900s, 22 Embraer E195-E2s, 39 ERJ195s and four ERJ195s that are in use as a "phreighter", a passenger-aircraft in use for cargo-flights.

Photo by Azul.

Airbus Updates No.4320

 

Vietnam Airlines takes delivery of first A320neo

Vietnam Airlines (VN, Hanoi Noi Bai International) has taken delivery of its first A320-200N after VN-A513 (msn 12148) ferried into Hanoi from Toulouse Blagnac via Doha Hamad International on July 7. The airline expects to receive three A320neo this year, with VN-A513 due to enter revenue service on August 1.

Vietnam Airlines says the A320N types are part of its fleet modernisation and operational upgrade plans designed to meet rising travel demand, especially during the peak summer season. The aircraft, which seats 182 passengers in a two-class configuration, is expected to serve domestic routes such as Hanoi to Da Lat Cam Ly, Hanoi to Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh to Tamky.

Vietnam Airlines says it also anticipates receiving two B787-10s in "the near future." The airline has four due and has previously confirmed two will arrive this year. It has struggled to secure enough aircraft to meet demand and replace those out-of-service due to the ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine issues. In addition to the two B787-10s and three A320neo, it has also recently relied on short-term wet-leased aircraft to boost capacity.

According to ch-aviation fleets data, Vietnam Airlines' 97-strong fleet includes forty-two A321-200s, twenty A321-200Ns (with 12 out-of-service), fourteen A350-900s, six wet-leased ATR72-600s, four B787-10s, and eleven B787-9s.

Airbus Updates No.4319

 

Air India to transfer twenty A320s to low-cost subsidiary

Air India Express (IX, Delhi International) will take up to twenty A320 types from parent Air India (AI, Delhi International) under a fleet optimisation strategy that will see the low-cost carrier increase its flying across domestic and short-haul international routes. Air India will also transfer cabin crew and pilots to Air India Express. According to the Hindu Business Line news outlet, the aircraft will be transferred in phases over the next few months.

Air India Express, which is in the process of merging with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), is predominately a Boeing operator, with twenty-six B737-800s and twenty-six B737-8s, alongside four A320-200Ns and one A320-200. However, that imbalance will resolve when AIX Connect's twenty-three A320-200s and single A320-200N are folded into the fleet. Combined with the incoming Air India stock, the merged low-cost entity will be a predominantly Airbus operator.

Air India presently operates nine A320-200s and forty-six A320-200Ns, with another 125 on order. The news site notes that all but one are configured into a dual-class cabin. However, Air India is expected to convert the 20 heading to Air India Express into a single-cabin configuration. ch-aviation has contacted Air India for comment.

The fleet transfer is one piece of a broader overhaul of the Tata owned airlines that will see Vistara (UK, Delhi International) merge with Air India in addition to a merger between the Tata-owned low-cost carriers. The mergers will reduce the number of Tata Sons airline brands to two. This week, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said harmonisation processes between the various airlines are underway. The group hopes to complete the mergers by the end of this year.

Airbus Updates No.4318

 

Air Austral grounds second A220 over engine woes

Air Austral (UU, St. Denis de la Réunion) has been forced to ground a second A220-300 indefinitely due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine problems and has adjusted its July flight schedules on regional routes, using its last functioning A220-300 and long-haul aircraft, the airline announced. The operational challenges come at a particularly inopportune time - the start of the European summer holiday season.

F-OLAV (msn 55106) last flew on July 3, serving the regional network between St. Denis de la Réunion and St. Pierre de la Réunion and Mauritius, Dzaoudzi, Nosy-Be and Antananarivo, ADS-B data reveals. F-OTER (msn 55125) has been parked since November 2023. This leaves one remaining A220-300, F-OMER (msn 55116), in service.

In a statement, the airline said it had devised a regional schedule using its single A220 and its long-haul fleet. It operates three B777-300ERs and two B787-8s. It said cooperation from air navigation services, particularly at Dzaoudzi (Mayotte), had been crucial in extending airport hours to support these operations effectively.

Schedule adjustments include maintaining twice-daily flights between Réunion and Mayotte, using its long-haul fleet as necessary, consolidating certain Réunion-Mauritius flights onto widebody aircraft and rescheduling Friday-night flights to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo for Saturday evenings.

Réunion-Paris CDG and Mayotte-Paris flight schedules remain unchanged.

Airbus Updates No.4317

 

Airbus A321	-251N	8288		A6-AEO	Etihad Airways	first in svc 28jun24 AUH-CAI-AUH	ex VP-CFQ
Airbus A321	-251NX	11771		VH-OYP	Jetstar Airways	delivery 06-08jul24 TLS-MCT-KUL-MEL	ex F-WWSA
Airbus A321	-251NX	11795		B-KKF	Hong Kong Express	delivery 06-07jul24 TLS-MCT-HKG	ex F-WWSB
Airbus A321	-271NX	11829		TC-RFA	Pegasus Airlines	delivery 05jul24 XFW-SAW	ex D-AVYL
Airbus A321	-271NX	11869		HA-LGN	Wizz Air	delivery 01jul24 XFW-BUD	ex D-AYAP
Airbus A321	-271NX	11881		N728NK	Spirit Airlines	delivery 01jul24 XFW-KEF-DTW	ex D-AZYV
Airbus A321	271NX	11917		B-18116	China Airlines	delivery 06-07jul24 XFW-DWC-BKK-TPE	ex D-AZYK
Airbus A321	-271NX	11974		N724NK	Spirit Airlines	delivery 02jul24 XFW-KEF-DTW	ex D-AZYX
Airbus A321	-251NX	11981		VT-ICS	IndiGo Airlines	delivery 02jul24 XFW-DEL	ex D-AZAU
Airbus A321	-271NX	12050		N649FR	Frontier Airlines	delivery 01jul24 BFM-TPA	ex F-WZMT
Airbus A330	-203	693		B-16311	Eva Air	ferried 04jul24 TPE-NOC, for part-out & scrap	ex F-WWYP
Airbus A330	-343	1917		B-309T	Capital Airlines	acc flt 22jun24 HAK-HKG-HAK	ex F-WTBL
Airbus A330	-941	2064		N428DX	Delta Air Lines	delivery 05jul24 TLS-MSP	ex F-WWCH
Airbus A350	-941	590		D-AIXR	Lufthansa	delivery 05jul24 TLS-MUC	ex FWZFQ
Airbus A350	-941	666		F-HUVL	Air France	delivery 04jul24 TLS-CDG	ex F-WWBW
Airbus A350	-941	675		TC-LGV	Turkish Airlines	delivery 05jul24 TLS-IST	ex F-WZFJ
Airbus Canada A220	-100	50075		I-ADVB	ITA Airways	delivery 29jun24 YMX-FCO	ex C-FOWY
Airbus Canada A220	-100	50076		I-ADVC	ITA Airways	delivery 03jul24 YMX-FCO	ex C-FOYA
Airbus Canada A220	-300	55280		N3195J	jetBlue Airways	delivery 02/04jul24 BFM-YMX-BOS	ex C-GOQR