Airbus Updates No.751

OLT Express (Poland) suspends scheduled operations after Amber Gold stops funding

OLT Express (Poland) (formerly Yes Airways) (Warsaw) suspended all scheduled operations after the last flight of the day last night (July 26). All flights scheduled today are cancelled. Charter flights however will be operated. Owner Amber Gold Group has stopped funding the airline and the airline is now searching for new investors. The carrier has promised to give full refunds. The airline was operating scheduled domestic flights in Poland and international holiday flights since April.
Yes Airways changed its name to OLT Express in January 2012 following the acquisition by Amber Gold.
It is not known how this move by the Amber Gold Group will affect OLT Express

Airbus Updates No.750

Airbus A319  -111  2460     SP-IBC  OLT Express Poland  ferried 31jul12 WAW-SEN on return to lessor (+ 3865 SP-IBA WAW-PAD)  ex G-EZIG
Airbus A320  -214  533     SP-IAA  OLT Express Poland  ferried 31jul12 POZ-DUB on return to lessor (+566 SP-IAB WAW-DUB, + 973 SP-IAC AMS-DUB)  ex EI-DDL
 Airbus A320  -214  1454     SP-IAE  OLT Express Poland  ferried 31jul12 WAW-OSR on return to lessor (+ 2712 SP-IAF)  ex EI-EPX
 Airbus A320  -214  1467     AP-EDD  Air Blue  to be ferried 31jul12 BOD-DUB, EI-reg after paint prior delivery  ex EI-CVD
 Airbus A320  -214  2142     SP-IAD  OLT Express Poland  ferried 31jul12 AMS-MLA on return to Air Malta   ex 9H-AEF
 Airbus A320  -214  2619    SP-IAH  OLT Express Poland  ferried 31jul12 WAW-PAD on return to lessor  ex D-ABDB
 Airbus A320  -214  2668     SP-IAG  OLT Express Poland  ferried 31jul12 WRO-VIE on return to lessor ( + 5115 SP-IAI KTW-VIE)  ex OE-LEO
Airbus A320  -214  5209     PR-MYU  TAM  delivery 30-31jul12 XFW-TFS-SID-CNF   ex F-WWBJ
 Airbus A320  -214  5220     B-6947  Lucky Air  delivery 30-31jul12 TLS-TSE-KMG  ex F-WWBK
 Airbus A320  -214  5223      HZ-ASG  Saudi Arabian Airlines  delivery 31jul12 TLS-JED  ex F-WWBM
Airbus A320  -214  5236     G-EZWC  easyJet  delivery 31jul12 XFW-LGW  ex D-AVVX
Airbus A321  -231  5235     N555AY  US Airways  delivery 30jul12 XFW-PIT  ex D-AVZM
 Airbus A321  -231  5237     B-6913  China Southern  delivery 31jul12 XFW-BAX  ex D-AVZO
Airbus A380  -861  101     A6-EDV  Emirates  delivery 30jul12 XFW-DXB  ex F-WWAG

Airbus Updates No.749

Airbus A319	-132	1934		HC-CMP	TAME	delivery 25jul12 SAL-UIO	ex N476TA
Airbus A319	-112	2251		CC-AFZ	Sky Airline	regd 26jul12 prior delivery ex SEN in full cs	ex G-EZEP
Airbus A319	-111	3834		4L-FGA	FlyGeorgia	delivery 27jul12 DUB-TBS “Iveria”	ex EI-EWF
Airbus A320	-214	601		N278CS	GECAS	ferried 21jul12 ALA-VNO-SNN	ex VN-A303
Airbus A320	-214	5175		A9C-AQ	Gulf Air	delivery 26jul12 TLS-BAH	ex F-WWDR
Airbus A320	-214	5203		D-AIZM	Lufthansa	delivery 20jul12 XFW-FRA	ex D-AVVR
Airbus A320	-216	5215		PK-AXX	Indonesia Air Asia	delivery 20-21jul12 TLS-SHJ-BKK-CGK	ex F-WWBC
Airbus A320	-232	5225		B-6909	China Southern	delivery 26jul12 TLS-TSE	ex F-WWBO
Airbus A320	-232	5228		RP-C5319	SEAir	delivery 27-28jul12 TLS-DWC-SIN-CRK, all white	ex F-WWBQ
Airbus A320	-214	5229		CC-BAZ	LAN Airlines	delivery 21-22jul12 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL	ex D-AUBO
Airbus A320	-232	5231		VT-IEZ	IndiGo Airlines	delivery 23jul12 XFW-DEL	ex D-AVVN
Airbus A321	-232	3034		VP-	Nordwind Airlines	at TLS 26jul12 in full cs prior delivery	ex EI-EWP
Airbus A330	-232	262		CS-TQW	HiFly	delivery 27jul12 QPG-LIS, all white	ex VN-A370
Airbus A330	-223	324		M-ABFL	AirCastle	seen regd at ZRH 22jul12	ex VH-SSA
Airbus A330	-343	1231		N771RD	Ryan International	ferried 23jul12 RFD-LGW after lease from Virgin Atlantic	ex G-VINE
Airbus A330	-202	1321		VP-CBE	Skytrooper PAL / Hong Kong Jet	delivery 21/22jul12 TLS-CIA-BCN, all wh, 9M-XXI Air AsiaX ntu	ex F-WWKM
Airbus A330	-243	1331		B-5903	China Eastern	delivery 24jul12 TLS-PVG	ex F-WWTR
Airbus A340	-313	56		D-AIGK	Lufthansa	to be ferried 01aug12 HAM-DMK, all wh/grey on sale to Chaba Airlines	ex F-WWJK

Airbus Updates No.748

Airbus A320  -214  601     N278CS  GECAS  ferried 21jul12 ALA-VNO-SNN  ex VN-A303
Airbus A320  -214  5203     D-AIZM  Lufthansa  delivery 20jul12 XFW-FRA  ex D-AVVR
 Airbus A320  -216  5215     PK-AXX  Indonesia Air Asia  delivery 20-21jul12 TLS-SHJ-BKK-CGK   ex F-WWBC
 Airbus A320  -214  5229     CC-BAZ  LAN Airlines  delivery 21-22jul12 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AUBO
Airbus A330  -202  1321     VP-CPE  Skytrooper PAL   delivery 21jul12 TLS-CIA, all wh, 9M-XXI Air AsiaX ntu   ex F-WWKM

Airbus Updates No.747

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  670     D-AEAK  EAT Leipzig  ferried 17jul12 DRS-CHR after conversion for paint into DHL cs  ex N2670
Airbus A300  -622R(F)  743     TC-ACK  myCargo Airlines  ferried 16jul12 SAW-LDE for storage  ex B-MAS
Airbus A319  -111  2119     CC-AHC  Sky Airline  in full cs at SEN 17jul12, dual reg prior delivery  ex G-EZEA
Airbus A320  -232  2027     A6-TIA   Fly RAK  at DUB 15jul12 in full cs, dual reg prior delivery  ex EI-EUL
 Airbus A320  -232  2645     EI-EXO  Air Lease Corp  regd 02jul12, ferried 17jul12 AZI**-BOJ-DUB, Kingfisher cs   ex VT-DKV
 Airbus A320  -214  2810     OO-  Brussels Airlines  in full cs at SNN 15jul12, EI-reg prior delivery  ex EI-DET
Airbus A320  -214  5204     TS-IMT  Tunisair  delivery 16jul12 TLS-TUN  ex F-WWIZ
 Airbus A320  -232  5211     VH-VFH  Jetstar  delivery 19jul12 TLS-MCT-SIN  ex F-WWBN
 Airbus A320  -232  5230     VT-IEY  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 16jul12 XFW-DEL  ex D-AUBP
 Airbus A330  -302  55     AP-  Shaheen Air  ferried 17jun/to be ferried 27jul12 SVO-ORY-AMS, VQ-reg for paint prior delivery   ex VQ-BEU
 Airbus A330  -301  70     AP-  Shaheen Air  delivery 18jul12 ex MNL, full cs, VQ-reg  ex VQ-BCW
 Airbus A330  -223  343     N772RD  Ryan International  at ZRH 17jul12 in full basic all white cs prior delivery  ex TC-ETP
Airbus A330  -243  1322     B-LNL  Hong Kong Airlines  in svc 15jul12 LGW-HKG after interim storage  ex F-WWTI
Airbus A330  -343  1328    VQ-BPJ  Aeroflot  delivery 17jul12 TLS-SVO “V.Brumel”   ex F-WWTO
Airbus A340  -313  131     B-2381  China Eastern  ferried 19jul12 PVG-LDE on return to lessor  ex F-WWJO

Airbus Updates No.746

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES LEASES SEVEN A320 AIRCRAFT

    

Austrian Airlines (OS) has signed a letter of intent to lease five of seven planned 168-seat Airbus A320s scheduled for delivery through early 2013. Two A320s are in Vienna and will undergo transit checks to begin operations in mid-October. OS operates 22 A320 family aircraft.
OS will phase out its last seven Boeing 737-800s by March 2013. Four 737s are already sold and 31 former 737 pilots are undergoing type-rating for the A320 family fleet.

Airbus Updates No.745

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  737     D-AEAS  EAT Leipzig  ferried 14jul12 DRS-DUB after conversion, for paint into DHL cs  ex N4737
 Airbus A319  -112  1963     OO-SSN  Brussels Airlines  delivery 13jul12 WOE-BRU  ex N259AD
 Airbus A319  -132  5219    N522TA  TACA  delivery 11jul12 XFW-KEF-YYZ-SAL, Star Alliance cs   ex D-AVYV
 Airbus A320  -231  335     PT-MZQ  TAM  ferried 10-11jul12 CGH-CCS-MIA-MZJ on return to lessor   ex ZS-SHF
 Airbus A320  -214  1867     HK-4861  VivaColombia  delivery 11jul12 SJO-MDE  ex N264AV
 Airbus A320  -211  2061     JY-JAT  Jordan Aviation  delivery 12-14jul12 VCV-BGR-AMS-AMM, full cs, N-reg  ex N261FG
 Airbus A320  -214  3148     PK-GLI  Garuda Citilink  delivery 11jul12 HND-CGK  ex JA207A
 Airbus A320  -214  5171     A9C-AP  Gulf Air  delivery 12jul12 XFW-TLS  ex D-AXAP
 Airbus A320  -216  5200    JA02AJ  Air Asia Japan  delivery 14jul12 TLS-BAK  ex F-WWIX
 Airbus A320  -214  5206     A6-ANK  Air Arabia  delivery 12jul12 TLS-SHJ  ex F-WWBF
 Airbus A320  -233  5212     N511VL  Volaris  delivery 11-12jul12 XFW-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex D-AVVU
 Airbus A320  -232  5217     A7-AHW  Qatar Airways  delivery 13jul12 XFW-DOH  ex D-AXAS
 Airbus A320  -214  5222     PR-MYV  TAM  delivery 12-13jul12 XFW-TFS-SID-CNF   ex D-AXAX
 Airbus A321  -231  5180     A9C-CC  Gulf Air  delivery 03/11jul12 XFW-TLS-BAH  ex D-AVZK
 Airbus A330  -243  398     G-WWBM  bmi British Midland  ferried 13jul12 MLA-LHR, all wh, bmi titl  ex F-WWKL
 Airbus A330  -343  1323     VQ-BPI  Aeroflot  delivery 12jul12 TLS-SVO  ex F-WWTJ
Airbus A330  -202  1327     EI-EJO  Alitalia  delivery 12jul12 TLS-FCO  ex F-WWTN
 Airbus A330  -243  1330     B-6549  Air China  delivery 14jul12 TLS-TSN  ex F-WWTQ
 Airbus A340  -313  273     9M-XAB  Air Asia X  ferried 11jul12 KUL-ALG on wet-lease to Air Algérie   ex C-GDVW
 Airbus A340  -642  383     G-VSHY  Virgin Atlantic  ferried 11jul12 MAN-LGW after paint into all wh, to be used by Airbus as A350 testbed  ex F-WWCD

Airbus Updates No.744

Synergy Aerospace firms up order for nine Airbus A330 Family aircraft

12 July 2012Press Release

Synergy Aerospace signed a firm order for nine Airbus A330 Family aircraft, including six A330-200 passenger and three A330-200 Freighter aircraft. Engine choice will be announced at a later date.

“The A330-200 is a great investment for Synergy thanks to its optimal fuel efficiency, low operating costs and outstanding environmental performance,” said German Efromovich, Chairman of Synergy.

“The A330 Family is setting the standard in the region thanks to its high performance and cost efficiencies,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.“Airbus is proud that Synergy will be among the first in Latin America to benefit from the A330F’s outstanding economics and proven track record.”

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 and around 900 aircraft are flying with some 90 operators worldwide. The A330-200F, can carry up to 70 tonnes of payload and offer a range of up to 4,000nm. More than 50 A330-200F freighters have been ordered by nine operators. As to date, 12 A330-200F are currently flying with five operators, all of them praising the efficiency and versatility of what is the most modern mid-size freighter today.

Airbus Updates No.743

Avolon commits to 15 A320neo aircraft

New leasing customer for Airbus’ fuel efficient A320neo

12 July 2012Press Release

Avolon, the international leasing company headquartered in Ireland, today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 15 A320neo aircraft at the 2012 Farnborough International Airshow. Avolon becomes a new customer for the A320neo, underlining the strong success of this latest generation aircraft with leasing companies. Avolon will make its engine selection later.

This commitment follows a firm order for eight current generation A320s made in December 2010 and brings Avolon’s total orders for Airbus single-aisle aircraft to 23.

John Higgins, Avolon President and Chief Commercial Officer commented: “Today’s commitment with Airbus for 15 A320neo aircraft reflects our ambition to play a leading role in financing the next generation of aircraft for the world’s airlines. We are seeing great interest in the superior performance metrics and fuel economy that the neo promises. We are also delighted to strengthen our relationship with Airbus.”

“Avolon`s vision to concentrate on productive, fuel-efficient aircraft represents the market needs of tomorrow,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320neo will allow Avolon to offer all the benefits of advanced technology to the aviation market.”

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

Over 8,500 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,100 delivered to more than 365 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range. 

Airbus Updates No.742

UTair orders 20 A321s

Russian carrier becomes new Airbus customer

12 July 2012Press Release

‪UTair, one of Russia’s leading carriers, has signed a firm contract with Airbus for 20 A321 aircraft during the Farnborough Air Show. This is the largest order for the type received from a carrier in the region and the first time that UTair has ordered Airbus aircraft.

UTair’s A321s will feature a spacious single-class cabin layout seating 220 passengers. The airline is planning to operate these new aircraft to further develop its charter network of popular leisure destinations.

‪”Today’s signature of the contract on the delivery of new A321s demonstrates our firm intentions to continue to grow and strengthen our positions among leading Russian carriers. The chosen A321 aircraft fully meets the requirements of our fleet modernization programme, aimed at providing reliable operations, improving the level of service and developing the network”, remarked Andrey Martirosov, UTair CEO. 

‪"We are delighted to welcome UTair as a new Airbus customer in Russia and the latest for the A320 Family," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "This best-selling single-aisle aircraft offers not only superb technology but also unbeatable economics, which will contribute to the airline’s continued growth and fleet expansion. We look forward to a long-term partnership with UTair", he added.

UTair airline, one of the most dynamic Russian carriers from the top three, was founded in 1967. The airline is operating a fleet of some 200 aircraft to over 60 domestic and some 40 international destinations.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. As of today, more than 8,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to 365 customers and operators worldwide, 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.741

Middle East Airlines orders ten A320neo Family aircraft

New customer for the world’s fastest selling aircraft

12 July 2012Press Release

Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA), the flag carrier of Lebanon, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five A320neo and five A321neo aircraft plus eight options. MEA will announce its engine choice at a later date.

“MEA is focused on continuing to grow and improving its profitability at the same time as offering its passengers a very luxurious service,” said MEA Chairman-Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “Adding the A320neo to our fleet means we can achieve all of these goals while benefitting from a 15 percent fuel saving and cost effectiveness.”

“We thank MEA for their continued confidence in Airbus and are confident that this order for our fuel efficient A320neo will put them ahead of the competition,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We’re looking forward to seeing MEA’s A320neo’s operating seamlessly alongside their current generation A320 Family and delivering them with savings through reduced maintenance and pilot training costs that come from the high degree of commonality between the models.”

MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the Middle East region with four A330-200s, four A321s and nine A320s.

The A320neo Family is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from late 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50 percent below CAEP/6 and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint. Over 8,500 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,100 delivered to 365 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.740

China Aircraft Leasing Company commits to 36 A320 Family aircraft

Operators can select Airbus’ new fuel saving Sharklets

11 July 2012Press Release

China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC), the fast growing Hong Kong based aircraft leasing company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2012 Farnborough International Airshow for 36 current generation A320 Family aircraft. The deal includes eight A321s, the largest member of the A320 Family and operators will be able to select Airbus’ new fuel saving Sharklets.

“This is an important milestone for CALC,” said Dr. Mike Poon, CEO of CALC. “We have a long-term commitment to the aviation industry and are very pleased to establish a relationship with Airbus. This sizeable aircraft order will lay the foundation for CALC to achieve our ambition to become a major aircraft lessor in the region.”

“We are delighted to welcome CALC as our newest Airbus and A320 Family customer. We’re equally happy that they have chosen the industry’s favourite single-aisle aircraft to position themselves at the forefront of the fast growing Chinese market,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s no secret that if the A320 Family is the cornerstone of airline fleets around the world, it’s because they get an unbeatable return on their investment thanks to the A320 Family’s outstanding reliability and low operating costs.”

CALC currently owns a portfolio of 11 Airbus aircraft including five A320s, five A321s and one A330. It also has three A330s and five A320s aircraft in its delivery pipeline. With this new commitment, CALC’s Airbus fleet will grow to over 50.

Sharklets are new large wingtip devices measuring 2.5 metres tall which reduce fuel burn by around 3.5 percent over longer sectors. This corresponds to an annual CO2 reduction of some 1000 tonnes per aircraft. Offered as an option for new-build A320 Family aircraft deliveries from end 2012, Sharklets also increase the A320 Family’s payload-range and improve take-off performance.

As of today, more than 8,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,100 delivered to over 365 customers and operators worldwide, 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.739

Airbus A300  -622R  731     HL7245  Korean Air  ferried 06jul12 GMP-ANC-TUP for part-out & scrap   ex F-WWAK
Airbus A319  -112  1805     VP-BBT  Donavia  delivery 09jul12 VNO-ROV after cabin config   ex C-GKNW
Airbus A320  -212  528     LY-COM  Cosmo Líneas Aéreas   delivery 10jul12 OF-ZAG-MAD, ops on Avion Express AOC   ex VP-BRB
 Airbus A320  -214  1605     TC-SGN  Saga Airlines  G-reg canx 29jun12, delivery 06jul12 EGBP-IST, all white   ex G-OOPT
Airbus A320  -214  1678     OH-LXE  Finnair  ferried after storage 10jul12 HEL-VIE, all wh on delivery to Austrian Airlines (+1735 OH-LXG)   ex F-WWIF
Airbus A320  -214  5171     A9C-AP  Gulf Air  for delivery 06jul12 XFW-TLS  ex D-AXAP
 Airbus A320  -232  5188     RP-C6319  SEAir  delivery 06-07jul12 XFW-DWC-SIN-CRK, no titl, Tiger Airways tail cs   ex D-AVVB
Airbus A320  -214  5202    B-6908  China Southern  delivery 10jul12 TLS-SVX  ex F-WWIY
 Airbus A320  -232  5214     B-6897  China Southern  delivery 06jul12 XFW-OVB  ex D-AVVW
Airbus A330  -343  1325     B-5905  Hainan Airlines  delivery 09jul12 TLS-HAK  ex F-WWTL
Airbus A340  -313  332     F-WJKN  Airbus Industrie  ferried 27jun12 MAD-BOD, Iberia cs, EC-reg, re-regd 04jul12 for storage   ex EC-HGX

Airbus Updates No.738

Bhutan’s Drukair confirms order for Airbus A319 with Sharklets

World’s most efficient aircraft for high altitude airports

10 July 2012Press Release

Bhutan’s national airline Drukair has signed a firm order for an Airbus A319 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices to complement its existing fleet of two A319s. The order announced at the UK’s Farnborough International Airshow, follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February.

Landlocked and surrounded by a wall of the world’s tallest mountains, Bhutan is one of the world’s most pristine locations and one of the world’s most challenging destinations for air services. At over 7,000 feet above sea level, Drukair’s base at Paro airport is only possible using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for approach. This means the crew can only fly by vision, which requires a high performance and responsive aircraft.

“We are delighted to be ordering the Airbus A319 equipped with fuel saving Sharklets," said Dasho Sonam Tshering Drukair Chairman. "The addition of a third A319 will enable us to increase capacity and open up new direct routes and to welcome even more visitors to our landlocked country where aviation really is our gateway to the world. Its economic importance cannot be overestimated, “

The A319 with Sharklets will allow Drukair to expand services on existing routes and adding new ones to international tourist crossroads like Singapore and Hong Kong.

“The A319s unrivalled performance means it is the largest aircraft that operates from the most challenging airports where other comparable aircraft are unable to do so,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A319s superior range and fuel efficiency equipped with ‘Sharklets’ will help Drukair to expand its market in the most greenest and most fuel efficient way.”

Sharklets have been specially designed for the Airbus A320 Family to reduce fuel burn by up to an additional 3.5 percent, corresponding to an annual reduction of around 700 tonnes of CO2per aircraft which is equivalent to the CO2 produced by around 200 cars annually. The wingtip devices also enhance the aircraft’s performance and range.

Over 8,500 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and over 5,100 delivered to 365 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.

Airbus Updates No.737

Cathay Pacific selects A350-1000

Airline to add largest version of all-new airliner to existing A350 XWB order

10 July 2012Press Release

Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it intends to add the A350-1000 to its future A350 XWB fleet, with an agreement to place a new order for 10 aircraft. In addition, the Hong Kong-based airline will convert 16 of its existing orders for the A350-900 to the larger A350-1000. The acquisition of the A350-1000, which is subject to the approval of the Board of the airline, will bring the total number of A350 XWB aircraft ordered by Cathay Pacific to 48. The airline also has separate lease agreements to acquire two more aircraft.

The A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 XWB family and typically seats 350 passengers in a three class layout. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,400 nautical miles non-stop and will be operated by Cathay Pacific on higher density routes, including its longest non-stop flights to Europe and North America. The aircraft will be powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines delivering 97,000lbs of thrust – the most powerful engines ever developed for an Airbus aircraft.

“This is an important and strategic development for Cathay Pacific. The A350-1000 aircraft will bring us world-beating fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness” said John Slosar, Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways. “It will also be a very popular aircraft with our customers and its improved payload and range will allow us to connect more and more important cities worldwide directly with Hong Kong.”

“This announcement from one of the world’s most highly respected airlines is a clear endorsement of the unbeatable operating economics offered by the A350-1000,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “The A350-1000 will be a game changer in the 350-seat category, offering outstanding payload-range capability and a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn. As an all-new design, it will outperform existing aircraft in its size category on every count, as well as any future derivatives of those aircraft.”

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB is already one of most successful aircraft programmes ever, with a total of 548 firm orders already received from 34 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.736

Arkia Israel Airlines signs for four A321neo aircraft

Arkia Israeli Airlines, the second biggest - Israeli airline signed today a purchase agreement for four A321neos at the Farnborough International Airshow. This order makes the airline a new Airbus customer and the first airline in Israel to order the A320 neo Family. Engine selection will be announced at a later date

The aircraft will be configured in a single all economy class seating 220 passengers. The flexibility and range capabilities of the A321 neo will allow Arkia to operate their new aircraft on expanding routes to European and domestic destinations.

“The A321neo is a perfect fit for our strategy to efficiently grow in both international and domestic markets and is the ideal, cost effective solution to our fleet needs” said Gadi Tepper Chief Executive Officer of Arkia. “The A321neo will bring new levels of comfort to our passengers whilst creating value for our shareholders.”

“Following an intensive study Arkia found the A321neo and its proposed engines as the most suitable to it's needs and economics, The re-fleeting project will also expand the scope of Arkia’s current maintenance activities in the region,” says Nir Dagan, Executive Vice President, Arkia.

“We are very pleased to welcome Arkia as a new Airbus customer” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “The A320neo family offers exceptional performance, flexibility and a 15% reduction in fuel consumption benefitting both the airline and the environment. It’s the natural choice in the short to medium range market.”

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

Over 8,500 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,100 delivered to more than 365 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range. 

Airbus Updates No.735

Malaysia airlines’ no. 2 a380 makes a starring appearance at the farnborough airshow

9 July 2012Feature story

The presence of a Malaysia Airlines A380 at this week’s Farnborough Airshow is particularly appropriate – spotlighting the carrier’s service introduction with Airbus’ 21^st century flagship jetliner between nearby London Heathrow Airport and its home city of Kuala Lumpur.

Participating at the Farnborough Airshow is Malaysia Airlines’ no. 2 A380, while its first-aircraft has been operating on revenue flights between the Malaysian capital city and London since 1 July. The carrier’s inaugural A380 trip occurred exactly 38 years to the day after its first ever flight between Kuala Lumpur and London on 1 July 1974.

Malaysia Airlines has ordered six A380s from Airbus: four of which are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2012, with the others to follow in 2013. The current Kuala Lumpur-London route will be supplemented by Kuala Lumpur-Sydney operations in late November. It also has announced the intention to fly A380s to Tokyo’s Narita Airport and/or Beijing as more of the Airbus jetliners are introduced.

Malaysia’s national carrier has marked several significant firsts with the A380s, including the introduction of an exclusive new livery on these aircraft, while debuting one of the widest first class seats among the jetliners’ current operators.

To date, eight carriers are flying A380s in worldwide scheduled service. In addition to Malaysia Airlines, they are: Air France, China Southern, Emirates, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Airbus Updates No.734

Airbus offers longer-range A330 with increased payload

New 240 tonne takeoff-weight capability extends A330’s market coverage

9 July 2012Press Release

Airbus has decided to offer a further enhanced version of the popular A330 airliner by increasing the maximum takeoff weight capability to 240 metric tonnes. This 240 tonne capability will be first applied to the larger A330-300 model and subsequently to the A330-200 and A330-200F

The respective performance improvements are as follows: The 240 tonne A330-300 will benefit from up to 400nm extra range – to 5,950nm (11,020km) – with 300 passengers and carry nearly five tonnes more payload than today’s 235 tonne aircraft. Meanwhile, the new 240 tonne A330-200 will fly up to 270nm further – to 7,050nm (13,060km) – with 246 passengers and carry over 2.5 tonnes more payload than today’s 238 tonne A330-200. The two models will also bring increased fuel efficiency thanks to aerodynamic refinements and engine enhancements. Entry into service of the 240 tonne A330-300 is aimed for mid 2015.

In practical terms 240 tonne capability significantly extends the market coverage of the A330 Family. For example, this newest A330-300 will now be able to connect to the following new city pairs: London to Tokyo; Frankfurt to Cape Town; Beijing to Melbourne; Beijing to San Francisco; Kuala Lumpur to Paris; and Los Angeles to Dublin. Moreover, compared with the original 212 tonne A330-300 in 1992, the 240 tonne A330-300 can fly 2,000nm (3,700km) further and now cover 90 percent of the market from Heathrow – up 51 percent from 39 percent market coverage at original EIS.

“The A330 has come a long way in the last 10 years, and we are delighted to bring to more airlines the advantages and reliability of A330 economics over ever wider markets,” says John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers of Airbus. “This aircraft is the most popular aircraft ever in its category and looks set to hold this position for years to come.”

This latest A330-300 aircraft can now also fly similar ranges while burning over 15 percent less fuel than the B777-200ER on a 1,800nm mission. Furthermore, the A330 even becomes an extremely cost-effective alternative to the B787 on many routes with around five percent lower direct operating costs per trip than the B787. A key advantage of 240 tonne capability is that the increase in range allows the A330-300 to cover more of the A330-200 network, this gives airlines the flexibility to use the A330-200 to open new routes and grow frequency whilst using the A330-300 to grow capacity at low cost.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted around 1,200 orders and some 900 aircraft are flying with over 90 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class and the Family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent. With headquarters in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

Airbus Updates No.733

Airbus A320  -232  5198     HS-TXA  Thai Smile  delivery 30jun12 XFW-DXB-BKK “Ubon Ratchathani”   ex D-AVVM
 Airbus A320  -233  5207     N510VL  Volaris  delivery 30jun12 XFW-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex D-AVVS
 Airbus A320  -214  5213     CC-BAY  LAN Airlines  delivery 30jun-01jul12 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AVVV
 Airbus A320  -232  5214     B-6897  China Southern  delivery 06jul12 XFW-OVB  ex D-AVVW
 Airbus A321  -231  5173     HL8257  Asiana  delivery 30jun-01jul12 XFW-ESB-KHI-ICN   ex D-AVZI
 Airbus A321  -231  5180    A9C-CC  Gulf Air  delivery 03jul12 XFW-TLS  ex D-AVZK
 Airbus A330  -243  462     B-5907  Sichuan Airlines  regd 03jul12 prior delivery ex DXB  ex N181LF
 Airbus A330  -243  751     A6-EYY  Air Seychelles  delivery / in svc 03jul12 AMM-AUH-SEZ in full cs, to be re-regd 4q2012   ex VT-JWD
 Airbus A330  -343  1315     G-VNYC  Virgin Atlantic  delivery 29jun/06jul12 TLS-ZRH-LHR   ex F-WWKE
 Airbus A330  -343  1325     B-5905  Hainan Airlines  delivery 05jul12 TLS-HAK  ex F-WWTL
 Airbus A330  -323  1326     HL8258  Asiana  delivery 03jul12 TLS-ICN  ex F-WWTM
 Airbus A340  -313  20     D-AIGA  Lufthansa  ferried 02jul12 HAM-DMK, all wh/grey on sale to?   ex F-WWJK
 Airbus A340  -313  158     D-AIGM  Lufthansa  ferried 02jul12 MUC-VIE on wet-lease to Austrian to ops for 4 weeks VIE-DXB vv   ex F-WWJN
 Airbus A380  -841  81     9M-MNB  Malaysia Airlines  in full new cs at TLS 03jul12 prior delivery   exF-WWAJ

Airbus Updates No.732

Airbus A310  -221(F)  251     N447FE  FedEx  ferried 03jul12 MEM-VCV for storage  ex HB-IPB
 Airbus A319  -112  1364     OH-LVI  Finnair  ferried 02jul12 LIS-HEL after paint into new cs  ex F-WQQZ
 Airbus A319  -112  1630     VP-BBU  Donavia  delivery 04jul12 VNO-ROV after cabin config  ex C-FBLJ
 Airbus A319  -115LR  2228     TU-  Air Côte d Ivoire  at TLS 03jul12 (2nd) in full cs, F-reg prior delivery   ex F-GRXH
 Airbus A319  -115CJ  2592     9H-MCE  Comlux Malta  ferried 28jun/04jul12 BSL-JER-LTN after paint, re-regd at JER   ex 9H-AFK
 Airbus A319  -133  5208     B-6422  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 05jul12 XFW-OVB  ex D-AVYU
 Airbus A320  -211  333     YL-LCA  SmartLynx Airlines Estonia   1st in svc 03jul12 TLL-AYT-TLL  ex 4X-ABC
 Airbus A320  -232  710     N710CL  CIT Aerospace  ferried 30jun12 NRT-ANC-MZJ, basic new Batavia cs   ex PK-YVH
 Airbus A320  -214  1605     TC-SGN  Saga Airlines  G-reg canx 29jun12, delivery 05jul12 EGBP-IST, all white   ex G-OOPT
 Airbus A320  -214  1676     N676CL  CIT Leasing  ferried 04-05jul12 CGK-NRT-ANC-MZJ, all wh, blue tail   ex PK-YVF
Airbus A320  -232  1993     VP-BCN  Yamal Airlines  delivery 05jul12 SEN-TJM  ex EI-ELN
 Airbus A320  -232  2502     EI-EXK  Livingston  delivery 05jul12 WOE-VRN-MXP  ex OE-IBH
 Airbus A320  -232  2753     TC-ATM  AtlasJet  delivery 29jun12 BUD-IST  ex OE-ibe
 Airbus A320  -214  2807     EC-JSK  Iberia Express  1st in svc 01jul12 MAD-KBP  ex F-WWIN
 Airbus A320  -232  2817     VT-KFL  Kingfisher Airlines  ferried 01jul12 FJR-SAW on return to lessor  ex F-WWDJ
 Airbus A320  -214CJ  4528     UK 32000  Uzbekistan  re-delivery 03-04jul12 SKF-BGR-FRA-TAS after VIP cabin config   ex D-AUBV
 Airbus A320  -214  5171     A9C-AP  Gulf Air  for delivery 06jul12 XFW-TLS  ex D-AXAP
 Airbus A320  -232  5188     RP-C6319  SEAir  delivery 06-07jul12 XFW-DWC-SIN-CRK, no titl, Tiger Airways tail cs   ex D-AVVB
 Airbus A320  -232  5194     RP-C6320  SEAir  delivery 30jun-01jul12 TLS-DWC-SIN-CRK, no titl, Tiger Airways tail cs   ex F-WWIG

Airbus Updates No.731

FINAL REPORT INTO CRASH OF AIR FRANCE FLIGHT NUMBER AFR447


Below is a link to aviation herald who have the final report in full

http://www.avherald.com/h?article=41a81ef1/0081&opt=0

Airbus Updates No.730

Airbus to establish assembly line in United States

Industry-leading A320 Family aircraft to be made in largest single-aisle aircraft market

2 July 2012Press Release

In a major strategic announcement today, Airbus said it will establish a manufacturing facility in the United States to assemble and deliver A320 Family aircraft. Located at the Brookley Aeroplex in Mobile, Alabama, it will be the company’s first U.S.-based production facility. Airbus stressed that the assembly line, which will create jobs and strengthen the aerospace industry, is part of its strategy to enhance Airbus’ global competitiveness by meeting the growing needs of its customers in the United States and elsewhere.

The facility in Alabama will assemble the industry-leading family of A319, A320 and A321 aircraft. The company said construction of the assembly line will begin in summer 2013. Aircraft assembly is planned to start in 2015, with first deliveries from the Mobile facility beginning in 2016. Airbus anticipates the facility will produce between 40 and 50 aircraft per year by 2018.

“The time is right for Airbus to expand in America,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO at the announcement today in Mobile. “The U.S. is the largest single-aisle aircraft market in the world – with a projected need for 4,600 aircraft over the next 20 years - and this assembly line brings us closer to our customers. Mobile is now becoming part of Airbus’ global production network, joining our successful and growing assembly lines in Hamburg, Toulouse and Tianjin.

“When Airbus aircraft take to the skies, our pride and workmanship will soar along with them,” Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said. “We owe thanks to so many people who helped make this effort a success. This project will create 1,000 stable, well-paying jobs that the people of this area need and deserve. Alabama has the best workforce you’ll find anywhere in the U.S. Airbus has recognized all that this state can offer expanding industries, and the company is making a significant new investment in Alabama. Airbus and its parent company, EADS, have been great citizens of Alabama for years now, and we are excited to build on our wonderful relationship.”

Airbus already has a strong and growing presence in Alabama and throughout the United States. In Alabama, the company operates an Engineering Center in Mobile – also located at Brookley Aeroplex and employing more than 200 engineers and support staff – as well as an Airbus Military customer services operation supporting U.S. Coast Guard aircraft. In addition, Airbus operates an Engineering Center in Wichita, Kansas; an aircraft Spares Center in Ashburn, Virginia; a Training Center in Miami, Florida, and a regulatory and government liaison office in Washington, D.C. Subsidiary Metron Aviation, a leading provider of advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM) products and services, is based in Dulles, Virginia. Airbus’ headquarters for the Americas are located in Herndon, Virginia. All together, Airbus’ U.S. facilities currently employ more than 1,000 people.

The company said that the new Mobile assembly line, together with associated functions, should create as many as 1,000 new high-skilled jobs.

Airbus’ assembly line in Mobile will add to existing production capabilities by other EADS companies in the United States. For example, American Eurocopter manufactures helicopters at facilities in Columbus, Mississippi and Grand Prairie, Texas, while Cassidian Communications has an assembly plant in Temecula, California.

Airbus is the largest export customer for the U.S. aerospace industry. Since 1990, the company has spent $127 billion with U.S. suppliers – $12 billion last year alone.

Airbus partners with hundreds of US suppliers in more than 40 US states, and the company’s expenditures in the U.S. support more than 210,000 American jobs.

Airbus is the 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. Over 11,500 Airbus aircraft have been sold to more than 470 customers and operators worldwide and more than 7,200 of these have been delivered since the company first entered the market in the early seventies. Airbus is an EADS company.

Airbus Updates No.729

Incident: THY A319 near Ankara on Jun 15th 2012, bomb hoax on lavatory mirror

By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Jun 28th 2012 13:07Z, last updated Thursday, Jun 28th 2012 13:07Z A THY Turkish Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration TC-JUA performing flight TK-2201 from Kahramanmaras to Istanbul (Turkey) with 120 passengers, was enroute at FL300 about 160nm southeast of Ankara (Turkey) when the word "BOMMM" was found written on a lavatory mirror with a blue pen. The captain decided to divert to Ankara as a precaution, the aircraft landed safely on Ankara's runway 21R about 25 minutes later. The aircraft taxied to a remote area, the passengers disembarked normally. The aircraft, passengers and luggage were searched with no traces of explosives found. In order to not inconvenience the innocent amongst the passengers any further the aircraft was permitted to continue to Istanbul about 2:45 hours after landing after all passengers had submitted samples of their writing. The aircraft reached Istanbul with a delay of 3:20 hours. Police is still working to determine who wrote onto the lavatory mirror. Incident: Indigo A320 at Srinagar on Jun 28th 2012, bird strike By Simon Hradecky, created Thursday, Jun 28th 2012 19:36Z, last updated Thursday, Jun 28th 2012 19:36Z An Indigo Airbus A320-200, flight 6E-448 from Srinagar to Mumbai (India) with 182 people on board, was climbing through about 1500 feet out of Srinagar when the crew suspected a bird strike into one of the engines and decided to return to Srinagar for a safe landing. A replacement aircraft reached Mumbai with a delay of 5 hours. The airline said, the crew suspected a bird strike and returned to Mumbai for a normal landing. ncident: Air France A388 near Gothenburg on Jul 1st 2012, door problems By Simon Hradecky, created Sunday, Jul 1st 2012 17:20Z, last updated Sunday, Jul 1st 2012 22:42Z An Air France Airbus A380-800, registration F-HPJG performing flight AF-276 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Tokyo Narita (Japan), had just reached FL370 about 45nm eastnortheast of Gothenburg (Sweden) when the crew reported door problems and requested to descend to FL250. The aircraft dumped fuel over the Baltic Sea and set course to return to Paris where the aircraft landed safely on runway 27L at about 19:49L (17:49Z) about 5 hours after departure. Sweden's Civil Aviation Authority said the crew reported door problems and requested to dump fuel over the Baltic Sea. The airline reported the aircraft returned to Paris for technical checks. The flight is estimated to depart again at 23:30L (21:30Z). A replacement Airbus A380-800 registration F-HPJF departed runway 09R at 00:36L (Jul 2nd, 22:36Z Jul 1st) about 4:45 hours after landing and is estimated to reach Tokyo with a delay of 10 hours. Incident: S7 A313 at Moscow on Jul 2nd 2012, could not fully retract gear By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Jul 2nd 2012 14:43Z, last updated Monday, Jul 2nd 2012 14:43Z A S7 Sibir Airlines Airbus A310-300, registration S7-943 from Moscow Domodedovo (Russia) to Bourgas (Bulgaria), was climbing out of Domodedovo's runway 14L when the crew stopped the climb at FL100 reporting they could not fully retract the landing gear. The aircraft entered a holding at FL080 and returned to Moscow's Domodedovo Airport for a safe landing on runway 32R about 50 minutes after departure. A replacement Airbus A319-100 registration VP-BHG reached Bourgas with a delay of 4.5 hours.

Airbus Updates No.728

SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

is reportedly in discussions with Airbus for the purchase of up to 4 A380 aircraft. unnamed airbus source says deal is in early stages

TURKISH AIRLINES

is reportedly ready to place a firm order for up to 10 A380 aircraft at this years Farnborough Airshow, some sources close to the deal believe an order of 10 may be placed with options taken out of a further 6 aircraft

QATAR AIRWAYS

is reported to have deferred delivery of its five ordered A380 aircraft and are awaiting confirmation that the crack problem in the wings has finally been resolved,
The airline is also expected to confirm at Farnborough that Airbus will be converting up to 18 A330 aircraft to Freighters for the airline.

AIR ASIA

is reported to be looking at ordering up to 50 additional A320 aircraft to fill the gap until their A320NEO's come on line in 2016.

MALAYSIAN AIRLINES

the airlines first A380 aircraft operated its first KUL-LHR-KUL service today (2nd July) arriving at Heathrow at 0545 and departing at 1141

Airbus Updates No.727

THAI Smile takes delivery of its first A320

New regional air services to start operations in July with all-Airbus fleet

2 JULY 2012 PRESS RELEASE

THAI Smile, the new light premium regional sub-brand of Thai Airways International (THAI), has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320, in Hamburg, Germany on Friday 28th June. The delivery sees the THAI group become a new operator of the A320 Family, which joins an existing fleet of widebody Airbus aircraft flying with the airline.

Seating 174 passengers, the aircraft are powered by IAE V2527-A5 engines. The Bangkok-based carrier will start regional operations on 7th July with daily flights to Macau, before flying domestically to Krabi, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani and Phuket. These will be followed by new routes to more international destinations.

"We are delighted to take delivery of our brand new Airbus A320.” said Mr Woranate Laprabang, Managing Director of THAI Smile. “Thanks to the A320’s cabin comfort and operational reliability, THAI Smile will be able to service the market gap between low-cost and full service airlines.”

"We are very pleased to welcome THAI Smile as a new A320 operator.” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With its wide cabin, quick turn-around times and   unbeatable operating costs, the A320 will be the perfect platform for THAI to build its new light premium product.”

The aircraft is the first of 11 A320s which will be delivered by mid-2015. The first six aircraft are being leased from SMBC Aviation Capital. The company’s CEO, Peter Barrett, said: “This is our first transaction with THAI Smile, and we look forward to building a close relationship with them in the coming years. The fact that we now own and manage 69 A320s and have a further 45 on order is a clear reflection of the high regard in which we and our customers hold this outstanding aircraft.” 

The remaining five aircraft are directly purchased from Airbus andwill be equipped with new “Sharklet" wing tip devices, which will deliver up to 3.5 percent in fuel savings.

THAI is one of Airbus’ longest standing customers. The A320 joins an Airbus fleet at THAI which currently includes the A300, A330 and A340, with the A380 set to enter service with the carrier later this year. THAI will also be an operator of the all-new A350 XWB.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line. To date, more than 8,400 aircraft have already been ordered and some 5,100 delivered to more than 360 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.