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.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.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.