Airbus Updates No.1223

Blue Sky Aviation Services has added with this A300 freighter in mid-October a first aircraft to its fleet.



Following some Boeng planes and a first A321 now a first A330-200 is wearing the new livery of China 



 Each one Alitalia and Etihad Airways A330-200 have received this special livery to promote the upcoming Expo 2015 in Milano.



This Etihad Airways A330-200 promotes the upcoming Expo 2015 in Milano on its worldwide network

Airbus Updates No.1222

Airbus A321	-231	6308		B-1878	Air China	delivery 16oct14 XFW-OVB	ex D-AVZZ
Airbus A330	-343	1559		RP-C8765	Philippine Airlines	delivery 17oct14 TLS-MNL	ex F-WWYQ
Airbus A330	-243	1565		N374HA	Hawaiian Airlines	delivery 15oct14 TLS-SEA	ex F-WWYY
Airbus A340	-211	31		YV1004	ConViasa	re-delivery 16oct14 BOD-CCS	ex F-OITN
Airbus A340	-311	53		D-AIGI	Lufthansa	last flt 13/14oct14 FRA-NKG-FRA prior scrap, 100.863:31 FH / 12.797 FC	ex F-WWJJ
Airbus A340	-642	416		9H-TEQ	HiFly	all white, ferried 14/18oct14 LDE-MLA-BGW, regd at MLA, for Mahan Air	ex G-VOGE

Airbus Updates No.1221

Airbus A300	-605R	754		B-2326	China Eastern	ferried 18oct14 SHA-URC-DRS, for conversion, for Uni-Top Airlines	ex F-WWAY
Airbus A319	-112	1289		N745VJ	American Airlines	ferried 16oct14 ROW-PHX after repaint into Allegheny heritage cs, now with AA titl	ex N745UW
Airbus A319	-112	1603		N681AC	SMBC Avn Capital	ferried 18-19oct14 PVG-ALA-SAW-OSR	ex B-2222
Airbus A319	-111	2265		HB-JZJ	easyJet Switzerland	ferried 13oct14 LTN-MLA prior delivery to Allegiant Air	ex G-EZES
Airbus A319	-132	6191		B-6463	China Eastern	delivery 15oct14 TSN-NKG	ex B-502L
Airbus A319	-115	6310		N9022G	American Airlines	delivery 16oct14 XFW-BGR-DFW	ex D-AVWS
Airbus A320	-233	1902		HA-LPD	Wizz Air	ferried 19oct14 BUD-WOE, for British Airways as G-GATK	ex EI-DGB
Airbus A320	-232	2732		LZ-MDA	Air Via	ferried 13oct14 VAR-KHI on wet-lease to Pakistan Int´l (+ 5158 LZ-MDR)	ex F-WWBE
Airbus A320	-214	2745		HS-VKA	Thai VietJetAir	delivery 16oct14 SGN-BKK, re-regd 18oct14 BKK-CNX-BKK	ex VN-A679
Airbus A320	-216	3448		OK-NES	CSA Czech Airlines	ferried 17-18oct14 PRG-EVN-HYD-KUL after summer-lease	ex 9M-AHI
Airbus A320	-214	3626		SU-BSM	Air Cairo	noted in svc 19oct14 HRG-ZRH-HRG	ex A6-ABO
Airbus A320	-232	6197		B-1601	Shenzhen Airlines	delivery 17oct14 TSN-SZX	ex B-503L
Airbus A320	-214	6293		A6-AOC	Air Arabia	delivery 16oct14 TLS-SHJ	ex F-WWBE
Airbus A320	-232	6296		JA19JJ	JetStar Japan	delivery 16oct14 TLS-AUH	ex F-WWBF
Airbus A320	-232	6297		HS-TXQ	Thai Smile	delivery 17-18oct14 TLS-MCT-BKK	ex F-WWBJ
Airbus A320	-232	6300		N629NK	Spirit Airlines	delivery 17oct14 TLS-YYR-FLL, old cs	ex F-WWBZ
Airbus A320	-214	6301		D-AIUJ	Lufthansa	delivery 15oct14 XFW-FRA	ex D-AXAK
Airbus A321	-231	2462		UR-WRH	Windrose Air	ferried 12oct14 KBP-KHI on wet-lease to Air Blue	ex G-TTID
Airbus A321	-231	6303		B-1890	Sichuan Airlines	delivery 15-16oct14 XFW-TSE-CTU	ex D-AVZW
Airbus A321	-231	6305		B-1858	China Eastern	delivery 17oct14 XFW-TSE, first A321 in new cs	ex D-AVZY

Airbus Updates No.1220

Airbus to adjust A330 production rate to nine a month

Transition towards A330neo

17 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus has decided to adjust the production rate for its A330 Family from the current rate 10 to 9 aircraft a month in Q4 2015 as it transitions towards the A330neo. 

Since 2013, Airbus has been building 10 A330 Family aircraft each month, the industry’s highest ever production rate for this aircraft size category, reflecting the strong success of Airbus’ market leading widebody family. 

“Our role as an aircraft manufacturer is to anticipate and adapt our output to ensure we continue to maintain a smooth production flow for Airbus and for our supply chain,” said Tom Williams, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Programmes. “With the recent commercial success we’ve seen following the launch of the A330neo, in addition to the new 242 tonne weight variant and the A330 optimised for regional routes, we are confident we will sustain a steady production towards the A330neo ramp up period.” 

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,300 orders, with over 1,100 aircraft flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient aircraft with best in class operating economics. With numerous on-going product enhancements entering service in the coming years, such as the more capable 242 tonne take-off-weight variant, the A330 for regional and domestic routes and the A330neo, the A330 Family remains the most cost-efficient and capable widebody aircraft, averaging operational reliability above 99 percent. The A330 belongs to the successful Airbus Widebody aircraft Family, which comprises the A330, A350 XWB and A380, and uniquely spans the 250 to over 500 seats segment.

Airbus Updates No.1219

Philippine Airlines says considering delaying delivery of Airbus orders

BY NEIL JEROME MORALES

MANILA Wed Oct 8, 2014 7:53am BST

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1 OF 2. Philippine Airlines (PAL) planes are seen parked on tarmac in Manila International Airport in Pasay city, metro Manila September 9, 2014.

CREDIT: REUTERS/ROMEO RANOCO

The airline is currently scheduled to take delivery of its 30th Airbus jet in November under a $7 billion (£4.36 billion) deal to buy 44 new A320 and 20 new A330 aircraft signed in 2012, including firm orders and options for more purchases.(Reuters) - Philippine Airlines (PAL) is considering delaying delivery of Airbus (AIR.PA) planes it has on order as it reviews operations after billionaire tycoon Lucio Tan resumed management control of the carrier last month, a senior official said.

It is scheduled to take 10 more aircraft in 2015 and another 10 in 2016. In August, the airline decided not to exercise an option to purchase eight Airbus A321 NEOs.

"We have to discuss with Airbus," PAL general manager Jaime Bautista told reporters at an event in Manila late on Tuesday. "It can be deferred, but of course that entails cost if you defer delivery."

Asia's first airline has decided to indefinitely defer the planned opening of new routes in Europe, instead focusing on profitable routes in North America amid a shortage of aircraft for long-haul flights in its fleet, Bautista said.

The airline would review its current routes as it had a surplus of short- and medium-haul aircraft.

"We really have to check whether the market requires all these airplanes," Bautista said.

PAL is working on a plan to return to profitability after two consecutive years in the red, with a view to potentially attracting a "strategic partner", Bautista said.

"It's more challenging now because this is an airline with more airplanes and there is more competition," he said.

The review comes after the Tan group last month bought out its partner in PAL, diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp (SMC.PS), in a $1.3 billion deal.

PAL currently has codeshare agreements with carriers like Emirates Airline EMIRA.UL, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways and Cathay Pacific (0293.HK).

Airbus Updates No.1218

Airbus A321	-231	3669		B-HTK	Dragonair	ferried 07oct14 ZRH-DOH, A7-reg prior delivery	ex A7-ADZ
Airbus A321	-231	6303		B-1890	Sichuan Airlines	delivery 15-16oct14 XFW-TSE-CTU	ex D-AVZW
Airbus A321	-231	6308		B-1878	Air China	delivery 16oct14 XFW-OVB	ex D-AVZZ
Airbus A330	-243	1565		N374HA	Hawaiian Airlines	delivery 15oct14 TLS-SEA	ex F-WWYY
Airbus A340	-211	31		YV1004	ConViasa	re-delivery 16oct14 BOD-CCS	ex F-OITN
Airbus A340	-311	53		D-AIGI	Lufthansa	last flt 13/14oct14 FRA-NKG-FRA prior scrap, 100.863:31 FH / 12.797 FC	ex F-WWJJ
Airbus A340	-642	416		G-VOGE	Blue Aviation	all white, ferried 14oct14 LDE-MLA prior delivery to?	ex F-WWCF
Airbus A380	-841	163		G-XLEH	British Airways	delivery 16oct14 TLS-LHR	ex F-WWSM

Airbus Updates No.1217

Airbus A319	-111	2265		HB-JZJ	easyJet Switzerland	ferried 13oct14 LTN-MLA prior delivery to Allegiant Air	ex G-EZES
Airbus A319	-111	2271		N303NV	Allegiant Air	air-test at SEN 13oct14, G-reg prior delivery	ex G-EZET
Airbus A319	-111	4778		HB-JYF	EasyJet Switzerland	G-reg canx 08oct14 on transfer, first in svc 09oct14 GVA-BRU vv	ex G-EZGM
Airbus A319	-112	6310		N9022G	American Airlines	delivery 16oct14 XFW-BGR-DFW	ex D-AVWS
Airbus A320	-211	267		D-AIQL	germanwings	ferried 09oct14 SNN-DUS after paint on transfer	ex F-WWDY
Airbus A320	-231	476		XU-ZAB	Apsara International Air	first in svc 08oct14 REP-PNH vv	ex N476PB
Airbus A320	-214	879		4L-AJD	flyVista	delivery 08oct14 DUB-TBS	ex OE-ICW
Airbus A320	-211	201		D-AIQC	Lufthansa	ferried 08oct14 DME-SNN, for germanwings	ex F-WWDL
Airbus A320	-233	2118		OE-IDP	White	ferried 07oct14 MXP-LIS after wet-lease to Livingston	ex SP-ABK
Airbus A320	-232	2496		EI-EWO	Livingston	ferried 06-07oct14 FCO-DUB-CMN (+ 2502 EI-EXK)	ex VT-KFC
Airbus A320	-232	2732		LZ-MDA	Air Via	ferried 13oct14 VAR-KHI on wet-lease to Pakistan Int´l (+ 5158 LZ-MDR)	ex F-WWBE
Airbus A320	-214	3025		D-AAAP	Lufthansa Technik	ferried KKJ-DMK-MCT-SOF 08-10oct14	ex JA04MC
Airbus A320	-214	6282		JA05VA	Vanilla Air	delivery 10-11oct14 TLS-ALA-NRT	ex F-WWII
Airbus A320	-232	6287		VT-IAX	IndiGo Airways	delivery 07-08oct14 XFW-SAW-DEL	ex F-WWIU
Airbus A320	-232	6290		G-EUYY	British Airways	delivery 09oct14 TLS-LHR	ex F-WWBB
Airbus A320	-214	6293		A6-AOC	Air Arabia	delivery 16oct14 TLS-SHJ	ex F-WWBE
Airbus A320	-232	6296		JA19JJ	JetStar Japan	delivery 16oct14 TLS-AUH	ex F-WWBF
Airbus A320	-214	6301		D-AIUJ	Lufthansa	delivery 15oct14 XFW-FRA	ex D-AXAK
Airbus A321	-231	2462		UR-WRH	Windrose Air	ferried 12oct14 KBP-KHI on wet-lease to Air Blue	ex G-TTID

Airbus Updates No.1216

Airbus A300

-622R(F)

683

EI-OZK

Air Contractors

ferried 09oct14 DRS-MST for paint, for Air Hong Kong as B-LDM

ex N2683

Airbus Updates No.1215

Qatar Airways’ first A350 XWB completes its maiden flight

First customer aircraft takes to the sky

16 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

The first customer A350-900 which will be delivered to Qatar Airways has successfully completed its maiden flight. The flight was the first time an A350 XWB configured for a customer has taken to the sky. Following the successful flight, Qatar’s A350 XWB will continue its production phase before delivery; this includes cabin completion as well as further ground and flight tests.

Qatar Airways will become the first operator of the A350 XWB when it takes delivery of its first aircraft later this year. The airline has 80 A350s on order, including 43 A350-900 and 37 of the larger A350-1000 models. With a cross-section of 220 inches from armrest to armrest, the A350’s cabin provides the widest seats in its category, offering its passengers a unique experience of space and comfort.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range product line and the newest member of  Airbus' leading widebody family. The A350 XWB stands out in its class thanks to its combination of passenger comfort, technological innovation and its unique industrial process. Built hand-in-hand with our customers, the A350 XWB sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At the end of September 2014, the A350 XWB had won 750 orders from 39 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1214

EASA certifies A350 XWB for up to 370 minute ETOPS

15 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

• First new airliner ever to be approved before EIS for “ETOPS Beyond 180 minutes”
  
• Includes an option for up to 370 minute maximum diversion time, for the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings of any two-engined aircraft.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the new A350-900 airliner for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin engine aircraft Operations) ‘Beyond 180 minutes’ diversion time. This significant achievement marks the A350 XWB as being the first new aircraft type ever to receive such a level of ETOPS approval prior to entry into service (EIS). Moreover, this means that operators will benefit from the most efficient, reliable and direct long-range routings of any two-engined aircraft. The FAA’s respective ETOPS certification of the A350 is expected soon.

The approval which includes ETOPS 180min in the basic specification also includes provisions for ‘ETOPS 300min’ and ‘ETOPS 370min’ depending on individual operator selection. The latter option extends the diversion distance up to an unprecedented 2,500nm – a distance which corresponds to a maximum ETOPS diversion time for the A350 of approximately 370 minutes, at one-engine-inoperative speed under standard atmospheric conditions.

A350 operators will thus be able to serve new direct non-limiting routings, compared with a 180 minute ETOPS diversion time: The ETOPS 370min option will be of particular benefit for new direct southern routes such as between Australia, South Africa and South America; while the ETOPS 300min option will facilitate more efficient transoceanic routes across the North and Mid-Pacific – such as from South East Asia to US, and Australasia to the US. Meanwhile, operators flying on existing routes (currently flown with up to 180 minute diversion time) will be able to traverse a straighter and consequently quicker and more fuel efficient path, and also have access to more – and possibly better equipped – en-route diversion airports if needed.

The granting of this ETOPS capability prior to the A350’s EIS is a testimony to the development teams’ emphasis on securing the aircraft’s design and systems maturity, which had to be demonstrated as equivalent to that of a proven ETOPS aircraft such as its widebody sibling – the versatile and extremely reliable A330. The latter has proven the robustness of its systems as demonstrated in over 30 million flight hours in almost seven million flights.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range product line and the newest member of Airbus' leading widebody family. The type sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Around 70 percent of A350 flight hours will be ETOPS. At the end of September 2014, the A350 XWB had won 750 orders from 39 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1213

IndiGo signs MoU for 250 A320neo aircraft

Important endorsement for Airbus’ leading single aisle aircraft Family

15 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

India’s largest domestic airline by market share, IndiGo and its Co-Founders, Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 250 firm A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement will become Airbus’ single largest order by number of aircraft.

Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo said, “This new order reaffirms IndiGo’s commitment to the long-term development of affordable air transportation in India and overseas. The additional aircraft will enable us to continue to bring our low fares and courteous, hassle free service to more customers and markets and will create more job opportunities and growth. The IndiGo team is energised and excited to herald this new phase of our growth.”

IndiGo has previously placed orders for 280 Airbus aircraft (100 A320ceo and 180 A320neo).

“The A320neo continues to dominate world market share and this commitment confirms the A320 Family as the aircraft of choice in the most dynamic aviation growth markets. We thank IndiGo and its Co-Founders, Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia for their tremendous vote of confidence,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020 which is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with almost 11,000 orders to date and over 6,200 aircraft delivered to 400 customers and operators worldwide. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.

Airbus Updates No.1212

Airbus Updates No.1211

VietJetAir’s first A320 on order from Airbus enters final assembly

13 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Final assembly of VietJetAir’s first A320 on order from Airbus is now underway in Toulouse, France. This is the first of up to 100 of the best-selling single aisle aircraft that will be acquired by the airline under a deal finalised in February this year. 

The acquisition plan covers firm orders with Airbus for 63 aircraft, plus 30 purchase rights. In addition the airline will lease seven more aircraft from third party lessors.

VietJetAir will start taking delivery of its new A320 Family fleet in Q4 of this year. The aircraft will join an existing fleet of 15 leased A320s at the fast-growing low cost carrier and will be operated on the airline’s expanding network of domestic and regional services.

Airbus Updates No.1210

China Aviation Supplies (CAS) opts for 70 A320 Family aircraft

An important endorsement for Airbus’ single aisle Family

10 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) and Airbus have signed a General Terms Agreement (GTA) for the purchase of a total of 70 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, reflecting the strong demand from Chinese carriers for the leading Airbus single-aisle Family for domestic, low cost, regional and international operations. The GTA was signed by Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO and Li Hai, President of CAS.

“We are grateful to China for its strong vote of confidence in our leading A320 Family aircraft, and are happy to see them assembled at our Chinese facilities,” said Fabrice Brégier. “Our 30 year history of partnership with China keeps growing and expanding through these types of agreements.”

 At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises over 1,000 aircraft (around 140 A330 Family and over 920 A320 Family aircraft). In the 20 year period between 2014 to 2033 Airbus forecasts a demand in China for more than 5,300 new commercial aircraft over 100 seats plus freighters.

Today more than 900 in service A320 Family aircraft operate with 16 Chinese carriers and over 190 A320 Family aircraft have been assembled and delivered from the FALC in Tianjin. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 11,000 orders to date and over 6,200 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its wide cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.