Airbus Updates No.4413

Unique milestone for Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways has reached an unique milestone by becoming the world's first airline to operate both Airbus A330neo-types as it took delivery of its first A330-900. This aircraft, 9K-APJ (2081), arrived at Kuwait on 10 December 2024.

The aircraft is the first of seven A330-900s the airline has on order and joins a fleet of four A330-800s. Furthermore, the fleet of Kuwait Airways is made up of two A320s, nine A320neos, and ten Boeing B777-300ERs.

Photo by Kuwait Airways.

Airbus Updates No.4076

 

Ottawa secures added A330s for MRTT conversion

© Tis Meyer (PlanePics.org)

28.07.2023 - 16:52 UTC

The Canadian government will acquire nine A330-200(MRTT)s after signing a contract with Airbus Defense and Space for four new A330-200(MRTT)s and the conversion of five used A330-200s. The Royal Canadian Air Force (CFC, Winnipeg International) (RCAF) is expected to take delivery of the first in 2027.

The multirole refuelling and transport aircraft will replace the three A310-300(MRTT)s (a.k.a CC-150 Polaris aircraft) the RCAF now uses to undertake air-to-air refuelling operations, military, personnel and cargo airlifts, medical evacuations, and the transportation of government VIPs. The government says the additional aircraft will strengthen Canada's continental defence capabilities.

All nine aircraft will have a boom system, hoses and baskets for refuelling options, and cybersecurity and countermeasures solutions. In addition, Airbus' medical evacuation kit, which includes two intensive care units and additional stretchers, can be installed into the planes. The CAD3 billion Canadian dollar (USD2.28 billion) contract also includes a full suite of training services, incorporating full access to flight simulators.

The four new A330-200s will be manufactured at Airbus' facility in Toulouse, France, while the conversions, scheduled to start in mid-2025, will occur at Getafe, Spain.

Last August, ch-aviation reported that the Canadian government had secured two of the A330-200s in USD102 million deal with International Airfinance. Ahead of conversion to MRRT status, those two aircraft are former Kuwait Airways (KU, Kuwait) stock and presently registered as 9K-APC (msn 1653) and 9K-APD (msn 1678). Both aircraft are in storage at Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg, CH.

Airbus Updates No.2929

 Kuwait Airways Operates The World’s First Passenger A330-800 Flight

Kuwait Airways’ rare A330-800 operated its first commercial flight yesterday (November 20th), flying the short distance between Kuwait and Dubai. This marks the very first revenue flight ever for the type. The airline has eight of the long-range widebody on order, the largest customer for the shorter A330neo.

Kuwait Airways’ first two Airbus A330-800neos were delivered to the airline on October 29th. Photo: Airbus

Flight details

The Kuwaiti flag carrier used its newest aircraft on a fairly routine service between Kuwait and Dubai. A simple hop over the Persian Gulf, the distance between the two cities is just 530 miles or 853 kilometers.

Operated by the aircraft registered as 9K-APF, the outbound flight to Dubai was KU671, leaving on November 20th at 11:28. It appears that this service was delayed by roughly 50 minutes. Once the aircraft made its departure, it was just over an hour before it arrived at Dubai International Airport, at 13:32, taking into account a one-hour time difference. The aircraft then spent a short one hour and twenty minutes at Dubai.

The return journey, flight KU672, departed at 14:51 and arrived in Kuwait at 15:17 – a slightly longer flight time of one hour and 26 minutes. The longer flight can mostly be attributed to the orientation of runways and the extra time needed to turn around and get in the right position.

A very popular route

In February, we covered the busiest international routes of 2019, which indeed included the Kuwait to Dubai sector. In fact, in 2019, this route logged an impressive 14,581 flights.

On the list of 20 busiest international routes, this route was right in the middle at number 10 and the only route in the Middle East region. In 2019 it was served by four different airlines: two budget carriers and two full-service airlines. These would be:

• Kuwait Airways
• Emirates
• Jazeera Airways
• flydubai

In fact, Emirates operated an astounding 41 weekly flights on this route – as many as six per day! All using its Boeing 777 aircraft.

Two A330-800s were delivered to Kuwait Airways simultaneously. Photo: Airbus

We expect that this service was simply a ‘warm-up’ flight for the airline and not likely a standard route it will be deployed on. It would certainly be a waste of the aircraft’s impressive range of 8,150 nautical miles (15,094 kilometers).

At the end of last month, we wrote about the potential cities the airline’s A330-800s could fly to from Kuwait. Perhaps once the industry recovers, the cities below might be good destinations for Kuwait Airways and its newest long-haul jets. Not only would these be popular vacation destinations for the citizens and residents of Kuwait, but ex-pats and migrant workers could benefit from the direct connection to their home countries.

• Sydney, Australia: 6,960 nautical miles
• Johannesburg, South Africa: 3,500 nautical miles
• Los Angeles, United States: 6,950 nautical miles

Of its existing destinations, flights to London, Guangzhou, or Manila could be good candidates. Once service to New York resumes, the -800 would also fit well for it. This could also be the case for Bangkok in the east, or Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan up north.

Airbus Updates No.2898

 

Kuwait Airways Takes Delivery Of The First Rare Airbus A330-800

Kuwait Airways has today taken delivery of the first two Airbus A330-800 aircraft. Only 14 Airbus A330-800s have been ordered, compared to 318 orders for its twin, the Airbus A330-900. Kuwait Airways has eight of the aircraft on order.

Kuwait Airways today took delivery of the first Airbus A330-800. Photo: Airbus

Aircraft deliveries have been relatively few and far between of late. This is due to airlines looking to cope with the current situation. After all, why take new aircraft when you’re not flying what you already have. However, it seems as though the case is starting to improve. For example, last week we saw Turkish Airlines take delivery of its first two Airbus A350 aircraft.

Two A330neos for Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways has today taken delivery of not one but two Airbus A330-800 aircraft. The A330-800 belongs to the A330neo family, with neo standing for new engine option. With the delivery, Kuwait Airways now had a quarter of its order for the type. The airline considers that the aircraft will be the perfect type to recover from the current industry situation. The first aircraft departed from Toulouse at 11:15, with the second departing just two minutes later.

Commenting on the delivery, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Mohammad Al-Dukhan said,

“Kuwait Airways takes pride in its continued relationship and cooperation with Airbus for the past four decades… The introduction of the A330neos to our expanding fleet strengthens Kuwait Airways’ position as a prominent airline in both the regional and global aviation sector.”

The two aircraft are currently flying to Kuwait in convoy. Photo: FlightRadar24.com

Kuwait Airways’ A330-800 aircraft will have the capacity for 235 passengers. The aircraft is configured with a two-class cabin. 32 lie-flat business class seats make up the front of the aircraft. Behind these are 203 economy class seats.

What is the Airbus A330-800

Kuwait Airways’ delivery marks the first deliveries of the A330-800 program. As mentioned, only 14 of the type have been ordered. This means that Kuwait’s aircraft will remain somewhat of a rarity unless further orders are received. Alongside Kuwait’s eight orders, Uganda Airlines has two aircraft orders. The remaining four orders are currently not assigned to an airline.

The main difference between the aircraft in the A330neo family is their size. The A330-800 has a length of 58.82 meters compared to 63.66 on the A330-900. It is also slightly taller. In its densest seating arrangement, the -800 would hold 406 passengers, compared to 460 on the -900.

Uganda Airlines is the only other named customer of the Airbus A330-800. Photo: Airbus

The smaller -800 has, understandably, a smaller maximum payload than the -900. However, what it lacks in capacity it makes up in range. While the -900 has a maximum range of 7,200 nautical miles, the A330-800 will travel up to 8,150 nautical miles.

In 2018 the Airbus A330-800 had an average list price of $259.9 million. This is compared to $296.4 million for the larger -900. Clearly, airlines are happy to pay a bit extra for that extra capacity.

Airbus Updates No.2125

Kuwait Airways turns to ACMI over A320neo delivery delays

Kuwait Airways Airbus A320-200 © Tis Meyer (PlanePics.org)

04.04.2019 - 08:50 UTC

Kuwait Airways (KU, Kuwait) has said it will wet-lease in capacity given delays in the delivery of its first A320-200neo.

In a statement, the Kuwaiti carrier said three A320neo that were to have delivered in March this year have since been deferred to June, October, and November.

Under its original plan, the trio of A320neo were to have seamlessly replaced three A320ceo - 9K-AKA (msn 181), 9K-AKB (msn 182), and 9K-AKC (msn 195) - that were taken out of service as of March 31 ahead of their sale to a third-party.

As such, with the wet-leased aircraft only due to arrive in two weeks time, Kuwait Airways said it has been forced to cancel select flights. Affected passengers will be accommodated on other flights.

Kuwait Airways is expecting a total of fifteen A320neo from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac). Other than the three outgoing jets, it currently operates eight A320ceo.

Airbus Updates No.1964

KUWAIT AIRWAYS ORDERS AIRBUS A330-800NEO'S

Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of the state of Kuwait, has signed a Purchase Agreement (PA) for eight A330-800 aircraft. The agreement was signed by Yousef Al-Jassim, Kuwait Airways Chairman and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse. 

Yousef Al-Jassim, Chairman Kuwait Airways said: “The A330-800 will seamlessly fit into our fleet expansion and growth plans. Its unbeatable operating economics and performance in addition to best in class passenger comfort make it a sound investment. We are confident that the A330-800 will support us to compete effectively on our expanding route network. Our relationship with Airbus extends beyond aircraft acquisitions and we look forward to further collaboration on technical fields.”

The announcement marks an important step in Kuwait Airways’ fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The national carrier of Kuwait also has A350 XWB and A320neo Family aircraft on order. The delivery of the new Airbus fleet will start in 2019.  

“We are delighted that Kuwait Airways has chosen the A330neo as a cornerstone of its future widebody fleet.  The A330-800 with its unique efficiency and versatility will support the carrier’s ambition to develop its expanding long haul network,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “The aircraft will seamlessly complement Kuwait Airways’  A320neos and A350 XWBs and deliver unbeatable operating economics, full operational commonality and unmatched passenger experience.”

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.

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody families ever, having received over 1,700 orders from 120 customers. More than 1,400 A330s are flying with over 120 operators worldwide. The A330neo is the latest addition to the leading Airbus widebody family, which also includes the A350 XWB and the A380, all featuring unmatched space and comfort combined with unprecedented efficiency levels and unrivalled range capability.

Airbus Updates No.1364

Kuwait Airways receives its first A330-200

Fleet upgrade continues with the world’s most versatile wide-body

25 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Kuwait Airways has taken delivery of its first A330-200, becoming a new operator for the type. In February 2014, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including 7 A320ceo and 5 A330-200s in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo Family aircraft marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan.

Kuwait Airways’ first A330-200 accommodates a three-class configuration of 17 full-sleeper first class modules, 30 very high-comfort business and 165 latest standard economy seats, a combination that shows a clear attention to comfort and efficiency detailed in the features that also include the latest Entertainment systems, and Connectivity throughout the cabin.

“The delivery of our first A330-200 marks a key milestone towards enhancing our fleet,” said Al Rasha Al Roumi, Kuwait Airways chairperson. “The addition of this highly efficient aircraft to our fleet ultimately translates to unbeatable operating costs, best-in-class services, unrivalled comfort and will maintain our schedule integrity and assist in increasing our load factors”

“We are pleased to welcome Kuwait Airways as a new A330 operator,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With the A330, Kuwait Airways will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal - as well as high levels of technical commonality with its existing A320 fleet.”

The A330 is one of the most popular widebody aircraft ever and has to date won over 1,500 orders, with over 1,100 flying with some 110 operators worldwide. The A330 Family is part of the world’s most modern and comprehensive widebody product line, which also includes the larger A350 XWB and double deck A380. Together, the various family members and type variants efficiently cover all airline widebody requirements for regional, medium and long-haul operations, seating from 250 to over 500 passengers and sharing unique levels of operational commonality. 

Airbus Updates No.1260

Kuwait Airways begins fleet upgrade with first A320 Sharklet delivery

First Middle East airline to equip fleet with Airbus’ Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS)

22 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

During a special ceremony in Airbus Toulouse, Kuwait Airways, took delivery of an A320 equipped with Sharklets; the first of 37 new aircraft the company ordered marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan. 

In February 2013, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including 7 A320ceo and 5 A330-200 in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo family aircraft.

The A320 single-aisle jetliner family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family, and its versatility will support Kuwait Airways’ range of services - from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, on operations from challenging in-city airports to high-altitude airfields. Equipped with “Sharklet” wing tip devices, Kuwait Airways’ new A320 will deliver up to 4 percent in fuel savings, as well as provide the airline with additional advantages such as a better rate-of-climb, higher optimum altitude, reduced engine maintenance costs and higher residual aircraft value.

The airline has also decided to equip its new A320 fleet with Airbus’ innovative Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) technology. This on-board cockpit technology, which Airbus has pioneered independently over several years, increases pilots’ situational awareness during landing, reduces exposure to runway excursion risk, and if necessary, provides active protection.                

Kuwait Airways’ chairwoman, Rasha Al Roumi, said: “This is a defining moment for Kuwait Airways, as we begin to upgrade our fleet. The A320 Sharklet will enable us to provide our customers with a premium product, delivering best-in-class services, whilst offering excellent value for money.” “The incorporation of the Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) in 7 of our aircraft will allow us to stay at the forefront of technology for safety.” She added.

“As one of the first Middle East airlines, today signifies a new chapter in Kuwait Airways’s history. We are delighted Kuwait Airways has chosen Airbus to renew its fleet and meet its future ambitions. The A320 proven track-record is clearly demonstrating the value our products to both operators and customers. We are confident the aircraft will act as a fast-track towards continued success for Kuwait Airways said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Incorporating all of the benefits from Airbus’ advances in innovation and technology, the A320 includes Airbus’ 18-inch wide seat standard for unmatched passenger comfort, an extra-wide aisle for faster boarding and highly efficient in-flight service, as well as more space for carry-on baggage. Airbus’ fly-by-wire technology will allow for Kuwait Airways’ new A320 to be seamlessly integrated into the airline’s existing fleet.

Airbus Updates No.1132

Kuwait Airways to buy ten A350-900 and fifteen A320neo Family aircraft

Fleet development based on the super-efficient A350 XWB and A320 Families

9 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Kuwait Airways, the National airline of Kuwait, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to buy ten A350-900 and fifteen A320neo Family aircraft. The order is part of Kuwait Airways’ fleet renewal strategy. The carrier already operates three A320, three A310, five A300 and four A340 Family aircraft.

“The Airbus Family is the ideal choice for an airline like ours,” said Kuwait Airways acting Chairman Mr Jassar Al Jassar. “The A350-900 will strengthen our long haul route development whilst the A320neo will further boost our regional route network. These aircraft are an essential part of our ambitious growth plans.”

“It’s great to see our long-standing customer Kuwait Airways, building its future with our newest, most efficient aircraft families,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In choosing the A320neo and A350 XWB, Kuwait Airways will offer its passengers the industry’s best-in-class cabin experience on both long and short haul routes, flying them comfortably in the widest seats in all classes.”

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of November 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,523 from 45 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB has already won 814 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.