Airbus Updates No.1912

Indonesia's Lion Air commits to four A330-900s - report

Airbus Airbus A330-900neo © Airbus

3 hours ago

Lion Air (JT, Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta) has committed to take four A330-900s with deliveries scheduled for 2019, becoming the type's maiden Asian operator, CAPA has reported. Two of the units will be operated by the carrier's subsidiary Thai Lion Air (SL, Bangkok Don Mueang).

The Lion Air units will be configured in a single-class seating, while the Thai subsidiary will equip the aircraft with a two-class layout.

Lion Air already operates three A330-300s, while Thai Lion Air has a further three units of the type.

The two Lion Air Group units have taken over the position of maiden Asian operator of the type from AirAsia X (D7, Kuala Lumpur Int'l), which continues to negotiate the terms and performance of the sixty-six A330-900s it has ordered. Initially slated for delivery in 2018, these jets are now not going to deliver to Malaysia before 2020 or possibly later.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes has repeatedly questioned the deal with Airbus and hinted at ordering rival Boeing's B787s, only to later reaffirm his intention to add the A330neos. According to Reuters, the last round of talks between Fernandes and Airbus executives on July 5 did not lead to an agreement as to the terms of the delivery.

AirAsia X is key for the A330neo success as its sixty-six orders constitute over a quarter of all orders placed to date.

Airbus is now in the final stages of certifying the A330-900. The type's global launch operator will be TAP Air Portugal. Air Mauritius, Air Sénégal, Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, Delta Air Lines, RwandAir, and WOW air are also due to be among the first operators of the type.

Airbus Updates No.1911

Undisclosed customer inks MOU for 10 A320neo Family jets

Airbus Airbus A320-200neo © Airbus

8 hours ago

Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) has said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an undisclosed customer for ten A320neo Family jets. The tentative order was announced during the ongoing 2018 Farnborough Air Show.

Airbus Updates No.1909

AIRBUS WINS ORDERS FOR 431 ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT DURING FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2018

• Strong show endorsement for Airbus’ Widebody Family – including the new A330neo
• Year-to-date business covers all Airbus aircraft families.

Airbus announced strong commercial aircraft business during the Farnborough Airshow 2018, with successes across its broad product portfolio – including the new A220 and A330neo families.

1. Pre-show
Airbus came into the show already with 177 Single Aisle and 84 Widebody orders in 2018, complemented by a pre-show order for 60 A220-300s, the latter bringing the pre-show intake.

2. New business at Farnborough
During the show the company won further new business for 431 aircraft (93 firm orders and 338 MoUs). These 431 commitments comprise 60 A220-300s, 304 A320 Family aircraft, 42 A330neos and 25 A350 XWBs. Notably, the 42 commitments for the new A330neo includes both the -800 and -900 models – a strong endorsement at the show for this Family.

3. Summary of business to date for 2018 at close of show
Following these announcements at Farnborough, Airbus increased its grand total for the year to 752 aircraft (354 firm orders and 398 MoUs). The 752 commitments in 2018 comprise: 120 A220s; 481 A320 Family; 56 A330 Family, 75 A350 Family and 20 A380s.

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said: “Our year to date and our end of show commitments confirm the strong market appetite for all our leading aircraft product families, from our newest member, the 100-150 seater A220, complemented by our A320 Family up to 240 seats, seamlessly connected to our widebody family with the all-new A330neo and A350 XWB which span from 250-370 seats. At the top end, our A380 is now opening new opportunities for the second-hand market”.

“I am especially pleased about the strong response that our Widebody Family is enjoying. Over 150 orders and commitments for our A330/A350/A380 offerings in 2018 are a strong endorsement. At Airbus, we are positive about our future – in Single Aisles, Widebodies and the Middle of the Market. We are right there with the right aircraft.”

Airbus Updates No.1907

AIR ASIA X ORDERS 34 AIRBUS A330NEO AIRCRAFT

AirAsia X has placed an order with Airbus for an additional 34 A330neo widebody aircraft. The order was announced at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK by Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia X Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The latest agreement reaffirms AirAsia X’s position as the largest airline customer for the A330neo, with the total number of aircraft ordered by the airline increasing to 100. All the A330neo aircraft ordered by AirAsia X are the larger A330-900 model.

Offering range capability enabling non-stop services to Europe, including from Kuala Lumpur to London, the A330neo will allow AirAsia X to expand its value-based long haul model with even lower operating costs, while enabling its passengers to fly further more often with highly competitive fares.

AirAsia X will be the first airline in Asia to operate the A330neo, with deliveries of aircraft on order with Airbus scheduled to start in Q4 2019. The A330neo will be operated by AirAsia X out of its bases in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia X Group Chief Executive Officer Kamarudin Meranun said: "Long haul low-cost is something we strongly believe in, and this order shows our confidence in the AirAsia X model. We lobbied hard for the A330neo after seeing the success of the A320neo, and working closely with Airbus, we have arrived at an aircraft that we are confident will allow us to expand our low fares offering beyond Asia Pacific to the rest of the world.”

AirAsia Co-Founder and AirAsia X Co-Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes added: “Our decision not only to reconfirm our existing order for 66 A330neo, but to add 34 more, follows what is probably one of the most thorough aircraft evaluations the industry has ever seen. We have looked at every aspect of the A330neo from technical performance and reliability to passenger comfort and it is clearly the right aircraft for us to expand efficiently our fast-growing long haul network.”

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer commented: “We are extremely pleased to announce this important agreement with AirAsia X. This is the strongest possible endorsement for the unbeatable operating economics, performance and cost-effectiveness that the A330neo brings to the market in its size category. We look forward to working with AirAsia X on the entry into service of this great aircraft with the carrier as it expands its route network to more destinations around the world.”

The A330neo is the latest version of the twin aisle A330 Family. It incorporates new generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, a new optimised wing and increased use of lighter composite materials. Together, these advances bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 25 per cent compared with older generation aircraft of similar size.

Passengers can expect the highest levels of comfort when flying on the A330neo, with the aircraft featuring the award-winning Airspace by Airbus cabin. Originally designed for the larger A350 XWB, this features newly designed sidewalls and fixtures, larger overhead storage, advanced cabin mood lighting and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity.

The A330 Family is one of the most successful widebody product lines ever, having received over 1,700 orders from 120 customers. More than 1,400 A330s are flying with over 120 operators worldwide. Including today’s announcement, the A330neo has already won some 250 firm orders prior to entry-into-service.

The A330neo is currently nearing completion of its flight test programme with certification expected in the coming weeks followed by entry into commercial service in September.

Airbus Updates No.1905

VIETJET SIGNS ORDER FOR 50 AIRBUS A321NEO AIRCRAFT

Vietnamese carrier Vietjet has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of an additional 50 A321neo single aisle aircraft. The agreement was announced at the Farnborough Air Show today by Vietjet Vice President Dinh Viet Phuong and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The latest agreement will see the carrier’s backlog of orders for the A320 Family rise to 129 aircraft, including 123 A321neo and 6 A321ceo. Vietjet will use the additional aircraft to meet growing demand for its services on both its domestic and international networks.

Vietjet first took to the skies in 2011 and now operates an all-Airbus fleet currently comprising 59 A320 Family aircraft. The carrier’s route network already spans the whole of Vietnam and some 30 destinations across Asia.

The A321neo is the latest and largest member of the best-selling Airbus single aisle family and is firmly established as the most popular aircraft in its size category, seating up to 240 passengers in a single class layout. It also offers the longest range in its category, flying up to 4,000 nautical miles non-stop or around nine hours flying time.

Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 per cent per seat from day one and 20 per cent by 2020.

To date, the A320 Family has won more than 14,200 orders and over 7,800 aircraft are currently in service with 330 operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1904

UGANDA AIRLINES ORDERS TWO AIRBUS A330NEO AIRCRAFT

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, has signed a memorandum of understanding for two A330-800neo, the new version of the best-selling A330 widebody airliner, featuring new wings new Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines, new systems and a new Airspace cabin interior.

The agreement was announced at Farnborough airshow by Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda Airlines and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Uganda Airlines plans to use the A330-800neos to build its international long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technologies along with most efficient operations. The aircraft will feature a three-class cabin layout comprising 20 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 213 Economy seats.

“This agreement demonstrates our ambition for economic growth supported by a robust aviation industry. The A330-800neo combines low operating costs, long range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are looking forward to launch operations and offer our customers best-in-class service”, said Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda Airlines.

“We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines among our A330neo customers, the A330neo will bring a range of benefits offering unrivalled efficiencies combined with the most modern cabin. We look forward to see the A330-800neo flying in the colours of Uganda”, said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Airbus Updates No.1901

Undisclosed customer orders six A330neo Family aircraft

A customer has signed a commitment for six A330neo Family aircraft. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

Launched in July 2014, the A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities

Airbus Updates No.1900

Viva Aerobus firms up order for 25 A321neo, 16 A321neo upconversions

Viva Aerobus, the ultra-low-cost carrier based in Mexico, has firmed up an amendment for 25 incremental A321neo and 16 upconversions of A320neos to A321neos to their existing purchase agreement. This latest order brings the all-Airbus operator’s total orderbook to 80 A320 Family aircraft (including 15 A320ceo, 24 A320neo, and 41 A321neo) and the airline’s total backlog from 36 to 61 aircraft. Viva Aerobus has not yet decided on the engine selection and will announce at a later date.

Gian Carlo Nucci, CEO of Grupo Viva Aerobus, said: “Our decision to introduce the A321neo to our fleet reflects our long-term commitment to cost reduction, to innovation, operational and environmental efficiency, and enhancing our passenger experience. These additional aircraft will allow us to capture opportunities in Mexico, and we can think of no aircraft better suited than the A321neo with 240 seats with which to endeavour our growth objectives. Of course, these new aircraft will help us offer even lower fares, more destinations and allow us to continue improving our customer service."

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are proud about this repeat order by Viva Aerobus; it serves as a testament to the A321neo being the aircraft of choice in the mid-market segment. Viva Aerobus will benefit from the A321neo’s additional capacity, superior performance, and the very lowest operating cost as they strive to meet the growing demand for cost-efficient air travel in Mexico.”  

Viva Aerobus has based its fleet renewal strategy on the A320neo Family. In 2013 Viva Aerobus placed an order for 52 A320 Family aircraft, the largest Airbus aircraft order placed by a single airline in Mexico at the time. Since then, Viva Aerobus has ordered three additional A320ceo aircraft, which were integrated into the airline’s fleet between 2017 and 2018. To date, Viva Aerobus operates 26 A320 Family aircraft, including four A320neo.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 per cent per seat from day one and 20 per cent by 2020.

Airbus Updates No.1895

UNDISCLOSED AIRLINE ORDERS EIGHT AIRBUS A350-900 AIRCRAFT

Airbus has signed an agreement with an undisclosed  customer for the purchase of eight A350-900s.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel. The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The A350 XWB features an Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers. To date, Airbus has recorded a total of 882 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Airbus Updates No.1894

PEACG AVIATION SET TO BECOME FIRST AIRBUS A321LR OPERATOR IN ASIA

Japan’s Peach Aviation is set to become the first Asian operator of the Airbus A321LR aircraft, following the conversion of an existing order for two A320neo aircraft.

The aircraft will be joining the fleet of the Osaka-based low cost carrier (LCC) in 2020. The A321LR is the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in the world and will enable Peach Aviation to open new routes from Japan  to destinations of up to nine hours flying time.

A signing ceremony took place at Farnborough Air Show, attended by Shinichi Inoue, Peach Aviation Managing Director and CEO, and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. 

The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus’ widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky. The new Airspace by Airbus cabin available on the A320 Family additionally enhances the passengers’ unrivalled travel experience.

Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020. With more than 1900 orders received from over 50 customers, to date the A321neo has captured some 80 percent of market share, making it the true aircraft of choice in the Middle of the Market. The LR option extends the aircraft’s range to up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and brings with it a 30-percent reduction in operating cost compared to its nearest competitor.

Airbus Updates No.1893

LEVEL ORDERS TWO AIRBUS A330-200 AIRCRAFT

International Airlines Group’s (IAG) low cost long-haul airline brand, LEVEL, is expanding its fleet with two additional A330-200s, for delivery in 2019, taking its total order for the type to seven.

This latest firm order comes less than 12 months after IAG purchased the last batch of three A330-200s. They are configured with 314 seats, 21 premium economy and 293 economy.

LEVEL currently operates two A330-200s from Barcelona, soon to be three, and one from Paris Orly, where it commenced services earlier this month. A second A330-200 will join the Paris fleet later this summer.

Both Barcelona and Paris will receive one of the new A330-200s being delivered in 2019 bringing a total of four aircraft in Barcelona and three in Paris.

LEVEL began operations in June 2017 with two new A330-200s flying from Barcelona to four destinations in the Americas.

The A330 is one of the world’s bestselling, most efficient and versatile widebody aircraft. With best in class operating economics, it is the benchmark product for the growing low cost long-haul model worldwide.

To date the A330 Family has won over 1,700 orders with over 1,370 currently flying with more than 110 operators worldwide. With an operational reliability of 99.4 percent and various product enhancements, the A330 Family is the most cost-efficient and capable widebody aircraft to date.

Airbus Updates No.1892

UNDISCLOSED AIRLINE ORDERS 100 AIRBUS A320NEO FAMILY AIRCRAFT

A customer has penned a Memorandum of Understanding for 25 A321neo and 75 A320neo aircraft. The agreement for 100 additional A320neo Family aircraft adds to its existing orders for the type.

Engine selection will be made at a later date.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO2 savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent of the market.

Airbus Updates No.1891

NEW START UP AIRLINE ORDERS 60 AIRBUS A220-300 AIRCRAFT

A new U.S. airline start-up announced a commitment today for 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2021. The Memorandum of Understanding was revealed at the Farnborough Air Show. This new airline is backed up by a group of experienced investors led by David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue, investor in TAP in Portugal and controlling shareholder in Azul airlines in Brazil.

“After years of U.S. airline consolidation, the conditions are improving for a new generation of U.S. airline to emerge, focused on passenger service and satisfaction,” said David Neeleman, majority investor in the new venture. “The A220 will enable us to serve thinner routes in comfort without compromising cost, especially on longer-range missions. With deliveries starting in 2021, we will have ample time to assemble a world-class management team and another winning business model.”

“This U.S. airline startup’s decision for the A220 as the platform on which to launch their new business model is a testament to the passenger appeal and operating economics of this outstanding aircraft,” said Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer for Airbus. “This commitment confirms the important role the A220 aircraft now occupies in our Airbus single-aisle portfolio.”

Complementing the A320 Family, the A220-100 and A220-300 models cover the segment between 100 and 150 seats and offer a comfortable five-abreast cabin. With the most advanced aerodynamics, CFRP materials, high-bypass engines and fly-by-wire controls, the A220 delivers 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation aircraft. The type will serve a worldwide market for smaller single-aisle airliners, estimated at at least 7,000 such aircraft over the next 20 years. Airbus markets and supports the A220 aircraft, which is manufactured under the recently finalized partnership agreement between Airbus, Bombardier & Investment Québec.

Airbus Updates No.1890

Kuwait's Golden Falcon Aviation firms A320neo order

Wataniya Airways Airbus A320-200neo © Airbus

6 hours ago

Kuwait-based Golden Falcon Aviation has ordered twenty-five A320neo from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac). The purchase was first announced as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during last year's Dubai Airshow. The aircraft will be placed with Kuwaiti carrier Wataniya Airways (Q9, Kuwait).

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Wataniya Airways operates two A320-200s and two A319-100s on wet-lease from Greece's Olympus Airways (OLY, Athens Int'l). It serves 15 cities across North Africa, Southern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, Nepal, and the CIS.

Airbus Updates No.1888

GOSHAWK AVIATION ORDERS 20 AIRBUS A320NEO AIRCRAFT

Goshawk Aviation Limited, the 50/50 joint venture between Hong Kong-based conglomerate NWS Holdings Limited and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, has placed a firm order for 20 A320neo.

Goshawk Aviation is based in Dublin, Ireland, and has an owned, managed and committed fleet of over 220 aircraft including the direct order with Airbus. Goshawk has more than 120 Airbus aircraft in its portfolio (A320 Family including NEO, A330 Family including NEO and A350-900) and the order for A320neo re-enforces the appeal of the world’s bestselling single aisle Family.

Engine selection will be made at a later date.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO₂ savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Airbus Updates No.1887

SALAMAIR TO ADD SIX AIRBUS A320NEO TO ITS FLEET

Oman’s first budget airline, SalamAir, has signed an agreement to add six new A320neo aircraft to its fleet, of which five are on lease from an undisclosed lessor.

SalamAir is owned by the Muscat National Development and Investment Company (ASAAS) and other Omani private investors.The airline launched services on 30 January 2017 and today operates close to 120 flights per week across 14 regional and global destinations. As an all-Airbus operator, SalamAir currently operates a fleet of three A320ceo aircraft.

The new fleet will support the low-cost airline’s plans to increase connectivity across the region’s under-served and popular short to medium-haul routes.

SalamAir’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Mohamed Ahmed said, “In less than 18 months since our launch we have connected over half a million passengers across the globe and we continue to gain momentum as a leading budget carrier. With the new A320neo addition to our fleet we look forward to building on this success and expand to new markets while guaranteeing a great travel experience for our passengers.”

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said: “As a home-grown brand SalamAir has demonstrated huge potential by addressing Oman’s demand for affordable travel options. The new Airbus A320neo is the best in the industry and will allow the carrier to achieve lower operating costs, greater fuel efficiency and offer the highest standard of passengers comfort.”

Featuring the widest Single Aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured nearly 60 percent share of the market.

Airbus Updates No.1886

MACQUARIE AIRFINANCE ORDERS 20 AIRBUS A320NEO AIRCRAFT

An affiliate of Macquarie AirFinance Group Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited, listed in Australia, has placed a firm order for 20 A320neo aircraft to add to its existing portfolio of 119 Airbus aircraft (110 A320 Family and nine A330). This first time order for the A320neo, makes Macquarie AirFinance Group the newest customer for the type and re-enforces the appeal of the world’s bestselling single aisle Family.

Engine selection will be made at a later date.

Macquarie is one of the world’s largest Airbus lessors with airline customers globally particularly in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO2 savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market

Airbus Updates No.1885

UNDISCLOSED LESSOR COMMITS TO 80 AIRBUS A320NEO FAMILY AIRCRAFT

Airbus has announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading global lessor for 80 A320neo Family aircraft. The agreement was completed during the Farnborough Airshow. The commitment re-enforces the appeal of the world’s bestselling single aisle Family to aircraft leasing companies.

Engine selection will be made at a later date.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO₂ savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent of the market.

Airbus Updates No.1884

STARLUX AIRLINES ORDERS AIRBUS A350XWB AIRCRAFTs

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has selected the all-new A350 XWB for its future long haul fleet, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 17 aircraft, comprising 12 A350-1000s and five A350-900s. The agreement was announced at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK by Chang Kuo-wei, founder and Chairman of STARLUX Airlines and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The news follows a decision by the airline earlier this year also to select Airbus for its regional single aisle fleet, with a plan to finalise leases for 10 A321neo aircraft from third party lessors by the end of the year.

STARLUX Airlines is a new full-service airline based in Taipei and founded by Taiwanese aviation veteran Chang Kuo-wei, former Chairman of EVA Air. The carrier will develop a network spanning destinations across Asia and long haul services to North America. The carrier will launch regional operations in early 2020, followed by long haul services early in 2022.

The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-size wide-body long-haul airliners shaping the future of air travel, featuring the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs.

The Airspace cabin which, on top of the aircraft spaciousness and quietness, provides better ambience, design and services, contributing to superior levels of comfort and well-being, and setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers in all classes.