Airbus Updates No.837

Incident: TAM A320 over Brazil on Oct 25th 2012, losscomm, loss of radar contact and non-compliance with flight plan claimed

By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Oct 29th 2012 16:56Z, last updated Monday, Oct 29th 2012 16:56Z A TAM Linhas Aereas Airbus A320-200, registration PR-MHM performing flight JJ-3665 from Aracaju,SE to Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP (Brazil), was climbing out of Aracaju when radio communication with the aircraft was lost. The aircraft continued towards Sao Paulo. Forca Aerea Brazil however, having lost radar contact with the aircraft, dispatched a fighter aircraft to accompany the A320 and restore radar contact. Radio communication was eventually restored after about one hour and the aircraft landed safely in Sao Paulo on schedule about 2 hours after departure. Forca Aerea Brazil reported, that the aircraft lost radio and radar contact and did not follow their flight plan diverting from their assigned route, hence an abnormal scenario was declared and a fighter aircraft dispatched to intercept and accompany the A320 to provide a radar target instead of the A320. The airline reported that radar contact was assured at all times, however parts of the flight were conducted without radio contact and in compliance with flight plan and clearances. Contact with ATC was eventually restored. The cause of the loss of communication is under investigation. Incident: Emirates A388 at Jeddah on Oct 22nd 2012, burst multiple tyres on landing By Simon Hradecky, created Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 15:04Z, last updated Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 15:04Z An Emirates Airlines Airbus A380-800, registration A6-EDQ performing flight EK-805 from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), burst a number of tyres on landing in Jeddah but came to a safe stop. After the tyres were replaced the aircraft was able to depart Jeddah and reached Dubai on its return flight EK-806 with a delay of 10.5 hours. Incident: PIA A313 at Lahore on Oct 29th 2012, bird strike By Simon Hradecky, created Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 17:50Z, last updated Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 17:50Z A PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A310-300, registration AP-BEU performing flight PK-302 from Karachi to Lahore (Pakistan), was on approach to Lahore when the right hand engine (CF6) ingested a bird. The aircraft continued for a safe landing in Lahore. Following repairs the aircraft was able to depart for the return flight PK-303 at 23:00L and reached Karachi with a delay of 12 hours.   Incident: Aeroflot A320 near Krasnodar on Oct 29th 2012, burning smell in cabin By Simon Hradecky, created Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 22:08Z, last updated Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 22:08Z An Aeroflot Airbus A320-200, registration VP-BKY performing flight SU-1102 from Moscow Sheremetyevo to Krasnodar (Russia) with 110 passengers and 7 crew, was descending towards Krasnodar when the cabin crew detected a burning smell in the cabin prompting the flight crew to declare emergency. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Krasnodar's runway 23L. Rosaviatsia reported the cause of the burning smell is under investigation. The aircraft was able to resume service after 26 hours on the ground in Krasnodar.   Incident: Fedex A312 at Omaha on Oct 30th 2012, unsafe gear after departure By Simon Hradecky, created Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 22:58Z, last updated Tuesday, Oct 30th 2012 22:58Z A Fedex Airbus A310-200 freighter, registration N403FE performing freight flight FX-461 from Omaha,NE to Memphis,TN (USA), was climbing out of Omaha's runway 18 when following gear retraction the crew received an unsafe indication for the gear and stopped the climb at 10,000 feet. The aircraft subsequently returned to Omaha for a safe landing on runway 18 and stopped on the runway. The aircraft was towed off the runway.   Incident: Dragonair A333 near Xiamen on Oct 30th 2012, engine shut down in flight By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Oct 31st 2012 15:08Z, last updated Wednesday, Oct 31st 2012 15:08Z A Dragonair Airbus A330-300, flight KA-859 from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hong Kong (China), was enroute near Xiamen (China) when the crew needed to shut the right hand engine down and decided to divert to Xiamen for a safe landing. The remainder of the flight was cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto flight KA-605 from Xiamen to Hong Kong and reached their destination with a delay of 5.5 hours.   Incident: Delta A320 at New York on Oct 27th 2012, bird strike By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Oct 31st 2012 17:50Z, last updated Wednesday, Oct 31st 2012 17:50Z A Delta Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N322US performing flight DL-2196 from Minneapolis,MN to New York La Guardia,NY (USA), was on final approach to La Guardia's runway 13 when a bird impacted the left hand engine (CFM56). The aircraft continued for a safe landing on the runway and taxied to the apron using routine communication. The FAA reported the #1 engine's cowl received minor damage due to the bird strike.

Airbus Updates No.836

Airbus A321  -231  2653     G-MEDL  British Airways  in svc 29oct12 LHR-TLV vv, basic bmi cs, BA tail cs   ex D-AVZC
 Airbus A321  -231  5309     B-6927  China Eastern  delivery 01nov12 XFW-OVB-PVG  ex D-AZAP
 Airbus A321  -231  5332     N562UW  US Airways  delivery 30oct12 XFW-YYR-PIT  ex D-AZAU
 Airbus A321  -211  5354     B-16201  EVA Air  delivery 31oct-01nov12 XFW-DWC-TPE  ex D-AVZD
 Airbus A330  -243  494     EI-EYO  ILFC  ferried 30oct12 DXB-LDE, all white for storage  ex A6-EAN
 Airbus A330  -243  635     F-GSEU  XL Airways France  ferried 30oct12 CDG-JED on Hajj-lease to Garuda Indonesia   ex F-WWYO
 Airbus A330  -223  665     D-ABXC  Air Berlin  delivery 01nov12 DUB-DUS after paint  ex I-EEZJ
 Airbus A330  -202  745     EC-JQG  Air Europa  ferried 30oct12 MAD-JED on Hajj-lease to Senegal Airlines  ex F-WWYG
 Airbus A330  -343  833     CS-TRH  Orbest  ferried 31oct12 MAD-JED on Hajj lease to Garuda  ex EC-KCP
 Airbus A330  -202  999     5A-ONF  Afriqiyah  re-delivery 31oct12 BOD-TIP  ex F-WWYV
 Airbus A330  -343  1215     G-VGEM  Virgin Atlantic  regd 30oct12 after lease to China Airlines, re-delivery 31oct-01nov12 TPE-DEL-MAN for paint  ex B-18392
 Airbus A330  -343  1348     HS-TBE  Thai International  onward delivery 01nov12 FRA-BKK after seats installation  ex F-WWCN
 Airbus A330  -343  1353     B-5901  Air China  delivery 31oct12 TLS-PVG  ex F-WWCS
 Airbus A330  -343  1355     HB-JHM  Swiss International  delivery 31oct12 TLS-ZRH  ex F-WWCU
 Airbus A330  -343  1356  784  VP-BDD  Aeroflot  delivery 31oct12 TLS-SVO  ex F-WWCV
 Airbus A330  -243  401      G-WWBD  bmi British Midland   ferried 31oct12 LHR-BGR-SFB in basic cs for part-out & scrap   ex F-WWKN
 Airbus A340  -642  449     G-VFOX  Virgin Atlantic  ferried 31oct12 LHR-DUB for paint into all wh prior return to lessor   ex F-WWCM

Airbus Updates No.835

Airbus A300  B4-203(F)  208     EI-EZG  Air Contractors  DHL cs, seen being scrapped at LEJ 31oct12   ex OO-DLG
 Airbus A300  -622R  609     HL7297  Korean Air  ferried 28-29oct12 GMP-ANC-ROW, for AerSale   ex F-WWAE
 Airbus A318  -121  3390     PR-OND  Avianca Brazil  delivery 31oct12 MEX-BOG-GRU  ex CC-CVR
 Airbus A319  -114  636     D-AILF  Lufthansa  ferried 29oct12 BUD-FRA after paint into Star Alliance cs   ex D-AVYS
Airbus A319  -111  2460     CC-AHD  Sky Airline  delivery 31oct-01nov12 SOF-KEF-YYR-OPF-IQQ-SCL   ex SP-IBC
 Airbus A319  -131  2621     VT-KFH  Kingfisher Airlines  ferried by lessor 31oct12** DEL-SAW  ex D-AVYM
Airbus A319  -115  5338     B-6429  China Eastern  delivery 30-31oct12 XFW-OVB-PVG   ex D-AVWE
 Airbus A320  -232  758     PT-MZV  TAM  ferried 27-28oct12 POA-CCS-MIA-MZJ on return to lessor   ex N758SL
 Airbus A320  -214  888     HB-JIW  Hello  ferried 31oct12 BSL-SEN on return to lessor  ex F-HBAC
 Airbus A320  -214  1210     HB-JIX  Hello  ferried 29oct12 ZRH-SNN on return to lessor  ex RP-C3231
 Airbus A320  -214  2104     EC-JFH  Iberia Express  1st in svc 30oct12 MAD-SDR-MAD after paint & transfer from Vueling   ex F-WWBE
 Airbus A320  -214  2143     EC-JFG  Iberia Express  1st in svc 30oct12 MAD-AGP-AMD after paint & transfer from Vueling  ex F-WWBV
 Airbus A320  -232  267u0     EI-EWS  BBAM / Fly Leasing Ltd  ferried 31oct12 DUB-SNN, Kingfisher cs after storage   ex VT-KFK
 Airbus A320  -232  2911     OE-IBL  GECAS  ferried 31oct12 TSE-OSR, for SAS as OY-KAM  ex VT-IND
 Airbus A320  -214  5310     RP-C8399  AirPhil Express  delivery 01nov12 XFW-SHJ  ex D-AUBB
 Airbus A320  -233  5337      N514VL  Volaris  for delivery 02nov12 XFW-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex D-AUBJ
 Airbus A320  -214  5339     B-6949  Juneyao Airlines  delivery 30-31oct12 TLS-SVX-SHA  ex F-WWIS
 Airbus A320  -214  5341     B-LPH  Hongkong Airlines  delivery 31oct-01nov12 TLS-AUH-HKG   ex F-WWIO
 Airbus A320  -214  5342     PR-MYX  TAM  for delivery 31oct-01nov12 XFW-SID-CNF  ex D-AUBK
Airbus A320  -214  5344    HS-BBA  Thai Air Asia  delivery 31oct12 TLS-SHJ-DMK  ex F-WWDL

Airbus Updates No.834

Etihad Airways orders two more A330 passenger aircraft

Another vote of confidence for efficient, reliable A330

30 October 2012Press Release

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has signed a firm order for two additional A330-200 passenger aircraft as part of the carrier’s continued growth plans.

These newly ordered aircraft, like Etihad’s current A330 fleet, will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. Etihad Airways has also converted seven of its previously ordered A320s to the larger and increasingly popular A321 model.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan said: “The reliable and highly versatile Airbus A330-200 has been an integral part of our global passenger and cargo success. As our operations and network continue to grow in scale, we feel the A330-200 is the right fleet type to expand with. Our decision to convert seven of our A320s on order into A321s reflects the increasingly strong demand we are seeing across our different routes and we look forward to taking delivery of our first in November 2013.”

“Winning a fifth repeat order from Etihad for A330s is without a doubt a strong endorsement for the aircraft’s unique combination of unbeatable economics, versatility and fuel efficiency,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In response to the continuing strong demand, we’re making the A330 better and better, with for example new higher weight variants which offer our customers more payload-range capability with the same high operational reliability.”

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 over 90 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics and benchmark reliability above 99 percent.

Airbus Updates No.833

Incident: China Eastern A320 near Nanking on Oct 22nd 2012, flock of birds

By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Oct 24th 2012 19:55Z, last updated Wednesday, Oct 24th 2012 19:55Z A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A320-200, flight MU-771 from Nanking (China) to Singapore (Singapore), was in the initial climb out of Nanking when the aircraft flew through a flock of birds. With all cockpit indications remaining normal the crew decided to continue the flight, however, after the aircraft had reached cruise flight the right hand engine began to run rough prompting the crew to return to Nanking for a safe landing about 75 minutes after departure.   Incident: Spirit A319 at Fort Lauderdale on Oct 25th 2012, stuck throttle By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Oct 26th 2012 11:00Z, last updated Friday, Oct 26th 2012 11:01Z A Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration N534NK performing flight NK-946 from Cartagena (Colombia) to Fort Lauderdale,FL (USA) with 54 people on board, was on final approach to Fort Lauderdale's runway 09L when the crew went around, after checking in with departure declared emergency and requested vectors to keep them in the area while working checklists. In the view of weather conditions at Fort Lauderdale, tower reported winds from 060 degrees at 18 knots gusting 22 knots and windshear alert 20 knots loss at 3nm final, the crew checked weather at Miami International, West Palm Beach and Fort Myers Airports (all Florida). The crew subsequently decided to divert to West Palm Beach advising they were still working on the trouble and landed safely on West Palm Beach's runway 10L about 22 minutes after going around at Fort Lauderdale. The FAA reported the throttle controlling the right hand engine became stuck.   Incident: Jetstar A320 near Christchurch on Oct 26th 2012, smokey odour in cockpit By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Oct 26th 2012 14:05Z, last updated Friday, Oct 26th 2012 14:05Z A Jetstar Airbus A320-200, registration VH-VFD performing flight JQ-288 from Christchurch to Wellington (New Zealand), was climbing out of Christchurch about 13 minutes into the flight when the crew stopped the climb at FL230 and returned to Christchurch due to a smokey odour in the cockpit. The aircraft landed safely on Christchurch's runway 02 about 30 minutes after departure. The flight was subsequently cancelled, the passenger were rebooked onto other flights. The airline confirmed the aircraft returned due to engineering difficulties. Passengers said a flight attendant noticed a strange odour in the cabin which prompted the crew to return to Christchurch. The odour was very faint like burning fabric. Emergency services said they were told there was smoke in the cockpit.   Incident: Germanwings A319 at Cologne on Oct 26th 2012, bird strike By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Oct 26th 2012 15:38Z, last updated Friday, Oct 26th 2012 15:38Z A Germanwings Airbus A319-100, registration D-AGWS performing flight 4U-602 from Cologne/Bonn (Germany) to Lisbon (Portugal) with 128 passengers, was in the initial climb out of Cologne's runway 14L when an engine (V2524) ingested a bird prompting the crew to stop the climb at 4000 feet, shut the engine down and return to Cologne for a safe landing on runway 14L about 20 minutes after departure. A replacement Airbus A319-100 registration D-AGWM reached Lisbon with a delay of 2.5 hours.   Incident: WOW A320 near Bergen on Oct 26th 2012, loss of cabin pressure By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Oct 27th 2012 14:17Z, last updated Saturday, Oct 27th 2012 14:17Z A WOW Air Airbus A320-200, registration LY-COS performing flight X9-126 from Berlin Schoenefeld (Germany) to Keflavik (Iceland), was enroute at FL340 about 100nm east of Bergen (Norway) when the crew initiated a descent due to cabin pressure problems which subsequently accelerated into an emergency descent to FL100. The aircraft diverted to Bergen's Flesland Airport for a safe landing about 25 minutes later. A replacement Samair Boeing 737-400 registration OM-SAA positioned from Bratislava (Slovakia) to Bergen, resumed the flight after about 8.5 hours on the ground in Bergen and reached Keflavik with a delay of 10 hours.   Incident: Thomas Cook A332 over Atlantic on Oct 26th 2012, engine shut down in flight By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, Oct 27th 2012 23:17Z, last updated Saturday, Oct 27th 2012 23:18Z A Thomas Cook Airbus A330-200, registration G-OMYT performing flight MT-246 from London Gatwick,EN (UK) to Orlando Sanford,FL (USA) with 338 people on board, was enroute over the Atlantic Ocean about 2 hours into the Atlantic crossing when the crew needed to shut the right hand engine (Trent 772) down and diverted to Keflavik (Iceland) for a safe landing about 2 hours later. A replacement Boeing 767-300 registration G-TCCA resumed the flight 29 hours after landing and is estimated to reach Sanford Airport with a delay of 32 hours.

Airbus Updates No.832

A320neo's first Pratt & Whitney test engine takes shape

Significant milestone reached and A320neo programme on track

26 October 2012Press Release

Airbus’ A320neo programme has moved a step closer to the real aircraft with the assembly of the first engine-to-test – the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) PurePower PW1100G-JM engine. This engine is due to begin testing very soon at P&W’s facilities in Florida, USA.

The PurePower engine uses an advanced gear system for the fan. This configuration was validated in Toulouse on Airbus’ A340 flying-testbed aircraft in 2008 during P&W’s ‘geared-turbofan’ conceptual phase. The gear allows the engine’s fan to operate at a different speed than the low-pressure compressor and turbine. The combination of the gear system and an all-new advanced core is a solution which delivers fuel efficiency and environmental benefits.

Paul Adams, Senior Vice President, Operations & Engineering, Pratt & Whitney said: “Pratt & Whitney is proud that its PurePower PW1100G-JM will be the first engine to enter service on the Airbus A320neo. We are confident the Geared Turbofan provides the best value proposition for the future, and that our new engine for the A320neo family is well positioned to support Airbus in this market segment.”

Klaus Roewe, Airbus’ Senior Vice President A320neo Family said: “The Pratt & Whitney PurePower engine is an integral part of the Airbus A320neo family of aircraft.” He adds: “Commencing the test programme of the new engine is an important milestone on our common journey and we are looking forward to the test results and also to the continued integration work of the engine into the aircraft.”

The A320neo gives operators a choice of two new engines – the PurePower PW1100G-JM from Pratt & Whitney and CFM International’s LEAP-1A turbofan, each with a fully optimised fan diameter and advanced core. Moreover, coupled with Airbus’ Sharklet large wing tip devices, these enhancements together ensure that the best-selling A320 Family will retain its market leading position as the most capable and cost-efficient single-aisle airliner for the foreseeable future.

Overall the A320neo Family will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent and an additional flight distance of 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres), or the ability to carry two tonnes more payload at a given range. For the environment, the A320neo’s fuel savings translate into some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year (the equivalent of taking 1,000 mid-size cars off the roads). Additionally, the A320neo NOx emissions are 50 percent below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

The A320neo, with almost 1,500 firm orders from 30 customers since its launch, is the fastest selling commercial aircraft ever and is on track to enter service from 2015. For the A320 Family as a whole, over 8,600 aircraft have been ordered and almost 5,300 delivered to about 350 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.

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern, innovative and efficient family of passenger airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

Airbus Updates No.831

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  730     D-AEAR  EAT Leipzig  delivery 24oct12 DRS-LEJ, basic JAL cs after conversion   ex N4730
 Airbus A319  -111  2176     5H-  FastJet  ferried 27oct12 SEN-MPL, G-reg for paint prior delivery   ex G-EZEF
Airbus A319  -111  2382     9H-AEM  Air Malta  ferried 26oct12 MLA-OSR for paint into new cs  ex D-AVWW
 Airbus A319  -132  2698     N515NK  ILFC  ferried 26oct12 GYR-MIA, WindJet cs  ex EI-ECX
 Airbus A319  -132  2797     EI-ESG  ILFC  ferried 25oct12 DUB-BGR-MIA, WindJet cs after storage   ex N611LF
 Airbus A319  -111  2889     EC-JXJ  Iberia  ferried 21oct12 BCN-MAD for paint after lease to Vueling   ex D-AVYN
 Airbus A319  -112  3661     OE-LOA  flyNiki  ferried 23oct12 DUS-VIE, D-reg on transfer (+ 3447 OE-LOB ex D-ABGK)   ex D-ABGN
 Airbus A319  -115  5273     B-6423  China Eastern  delivery 27oct12 XFW-OVB-PVG  ex D-AVYG
 Airbus A319  -115  5330     B-6428  China Eastern  delivery 25oct12 XFW-OVB-PVG  ex D-AVWD
 Airbus A320  -231  249     ER-AXT  Air Moldova  ferried 26oct12 KIV-KEF-YWG on return to lessor?   ex PR-MAF
 Airbus A320  -231  368     C5-AAO  Aeolus Air  acc flt at SAW 24oct12, basic MXA cs, no titl, to be ops for Marsland   ex N368MX
 Airbus A320  -212  409     N409AG  ACG Acquisitions  ferried 26oct12 SAW-HLA, FirstNation cs  ex 5N-FNA
Airbus A320  -214  936     HB-JIZ  Hello  ferried 25oct12 ZRH-WOE on return to lessor  ex RP-C3229
Airbus A320  -214  5115     OE-LEM  flyNiki  ferried 25oct12 BTS-VIE after paint into all white   ex SP-IAI
 Airbus A320  -232  5121     B-6955  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 26oct12 TSN-CTU  ex B-503L
 Airbus A320  -214  5316     CC-BFC  LAN Airlines  delivery 26-27oct12 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AUBD
 Airbus A320  -214  5331     B-6952  Capital Airlines  delivery 25oct12 TLS-TSE-PEK  ex F-WWIO
 Airbus A320  -232  5335     PK-RMQ  Mandala Airlines  delivery 26oct12 TLS-DWC  ex F-WWDJ
 Airbus A330  -223  343     N772RD  Ryan International  ferried 24oct12 SAW-LOS to operate for Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission with NCPC titles on behalf of AtlasJet   ex TC-ETP

Airbus Updates No.830

Airbus Updates No.829

SIA, Scoot to upgrade & expand fleet

Deliveries are due to begin in 2017, the airline said in a statement.

The airline currently operates 19 A380 superjumbos and already had firm orders in place for 20 A350s, for delivery from 2015.

SIA said the A350s are intended for use on medium and long-haul routes.

As part of the deal, SIA said Airbus will acquire its five A340-500s, which will be removed from service in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The airline said it will cease non-stop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles and between Singapore and Newark in view of a lack of replacement aircraft in its fleet with "sufficient range and operating economics".

SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said: "Although (it is) disappointing that we will be halting these services, we remain very committed to the US market.

"Over the past two years, we have increased capacity to both Los Angeles and New York by deploying A380 superjumbos on flights via Tokyo and Frankfurt. We will also continue to explore additional options to enhance our US services,"

SIA also added that its Scoot unit will acquire 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support its growth plans, in a deal worth more than US$4.0 billion at list prices.

Deliveries will start in 2014, said Scoot, which started operations in June.

The fuel-efficient new aircraft will replace Scoot's fleet of Boeing 777-200s, it added.

Scoot currently operates no-frills flights from Singapore to Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Taipei and Tianjin in China.

Services to Tokyo will start on October 29, followed by flights to the Chinese cities of Shenyang and Qingdao in November, the statement said.

Airbus Updates No.828

Singapore Airlines to order more A380s and A350 XWBs

Maximum comfort and efficiency for medium and long haul routes

24 October 2012Press Release

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced that it will order 25 more widebody aircraft from Airbus, comprising five double deck A380s and 20 A350-900s. The aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s long range and regional services, offering maximum comfort and efficiency for high density and medium capacity routes.

The latest A380 order will be the third to be placed by the airline, bringing the total number of A380s ordered by SIA to 24. The airline, which was the launch operator for the A380, now has 19 aircraft in service, flying to 10 destinations in Europe, the US and the Asia-Pacific region from its Singapore base. In the mid-size category, the new A350 XWB order will see the airline double its backlog for the all-new aircraft to 40. The A350-900s will be used by the airline on both medium and long haul routes.

“This major order will provide us with additional growth opportunities and is consistent with our longstanding policy of maintaining a young and modern fleet. It demonstrates our commitment to the Singapore hub, and our confidence in the strength of the market for premium full-service travel,” said Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines. “The aircraft will enable us to further enhance our network, providing more travel options to our customers. They will also feature the next generation of in-flight cabin products to keep us at the forefront of airline product innovation.”

“This announcement from one of the world’s most prestigious carriers underscores the unrivalled comfort and efficiency offered by Airbus widebody aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “As Singapore Airlines has shown, the A380 has proven itself to be a game changer at the top end of the market. We are now set to bring new levels of efficiency to the mid-size segment with the arrival of the A350 XWB. We are extremely proud to count Singapore Airlines as a leading airline partner on both of these innovative aircraft programmes.”

Since first entering service with Singapore Airlines in 2007, the A380 has joined the fleets of nine world class carriers. Typically seating 525 passengers in three classes, the aircraft is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies. To date, Airbus has recorded 257 firm orders for the A380 from 20 customers.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new Family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB has already won 558 firm orders from 34 customers worldwide.

As part of the deal airbus will take back the 5 A340-500 aircraft Singapore Airlines currently operate on the non stop EWR-SIN service and this service will be stopped.

Airbus Updates No.827

Incident: TACA A321 at San Jose on Oct 18th 2012, pirouette on runway after tyres burst on landing

By Simon Hradecky, created Friday, Oct 19th 2012 00:42Z, last updated Friday, Oct 19th 2012 00:59Z A TACA Airbus A321-200, registration N566TA performing flight LR-621/TA-7621 from San Salvador (El Salvador) to San Jose (Costa Rica) with 146 passengers and 7 crew, landed on Juan Santamaria International Airport's runway 07 at 15:56L (21:56Z) when a number of tyres burst and the aircraft skidded doing a near 90 degrees turn to the right. The aircraft came to a stop on the piano keys short of the runway end almost perpendicular to the runway. No injuries occurred, the aircraft needs three tyres replaced.  The runway is estimated closed for about 3 hours until tyres are replaced and the aircraft has been towed off the runway.   Incident: Jetblue A320 near Tampa on Oct 18th 2012, loss of cabin pressure By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 14:05Z, last updated Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 14:05Z A Jetblue Airbus A320-200, registration N595JB performing flight B6-134 from Fort Myers,FL to New York JFK,NY (USA), was climbing through FL280 out of Fort Myers when the crew initiated an emergency descent to 10,000 feet and diverted to Tampa,FL for a safe landing about 20 minutes later. The FAA confirmed the aircraft landed safely after a loss of cabin pressure. A replacement Airbus A320-200 registration N615JB reached New York with a delay of 3.5 hours.   Incident: Lufthansa A321 at London on Oct 21st 2012, fumes in cabin By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 15:35Z, last updated Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 15:36Z A Lufthansa Airbus A321-100, registration D-AIRX performing flight LH-900 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was in a hold waiting for arrival at Heathrow Airport when the flight crew donned their oxygen masks and declared PAN reporting fumes in the cabin near the forward galley. The aircraft was vectored for an immediate approach to Heathrow's runway 09L and landed safely. All crew, including flight and cabin crew, were taken to a hospital. The AAIB is investigating. The airline confirmed the crew requested a priority landing in Heathrow due to an indefinable odour in the cabin and landed safely about 20 minutes later. All cabin and flight crew were medically examined, the examinations were without findings. No passenger reported feeling unwell. The cause of the fumes is unclear.  Incident: Air Berlin A320 at Zweibrucken on Oct 20th 2012, near collision with ultralight By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 15:44Z, last updated Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 15:47Z An Air Berlin Airbus A320-200, registration D-ALTF performing flight AB-3509 from Palma Mallorca,SP (Spain) to Zweibrucken (Germany), was on approach to Zweibrucken's runway 21 intercepting the localizer at 4000 feet, when the crew needed to execute an steep avoidance maneouver descending the aircraft due to an ultralight aircraft at the same altitude and position. The crew subsequently reported during the rapid descent the ultralight aircraft, that had been moving slowly southbound, passed about 100 feet above the A320. The A320 crew continued for a safe landing. The return flight AB-3508 departed with a delay of 25 minutes. Germany's BFU is investigating the near collision. A listener on frequency reported that ATC reported a primary radar target, altitude unknown, moving slowly southbound ahead of the A320. A short time later the crew reported they nosedived their aircraft to avoid an ultralight aircraft coming right out of the sun at the same altitude in exactly their flight path. The ultralight went out of sight about 100 feet above the A320, it was only the traffic information by ATC which enabled the crew to avoid a collision. Incident: Emirates A388 at Tokyo on Oct 21st 2012, asymmetric flaps By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 22:19Z, last updated Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 22:21Z An Emirates Airbus A380-800, registration A6-EDC performing flight EK-319 from Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), was in the initial climb out of Narita Airport's runway 34L when the crew could not retract the flaps with the flaps becoming asymmetric and disabled. The crew levelled off at 7000 feet, dumped fuel and returned to Narita Airport. A first approach to runway 34L was aborted at low height (about 400 feet AGL) due to changing winds, the aircraft positioned for another approached and landed safely on runway 16R at a higher than normal speed about 70 minutes after departure, vacated the runway and taxied to the apron, where as result of overheated brakes 11 tyres deflated. The flight was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground in Tokyo about 32 hours after landing.   Incident: Emirates A332 at Lusaka on Oct 21st 2012, uncontained engine failure By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Oct 22nd 2012 12:36Z, last updated Tuesday, Oct 23rd 2012 16:03Z An Emirates Airlines Airbus A330-200, registration A6-EAP performing flight EK-714 from Lusaka (Zambia) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), was enroute about 30 minutes into the flight when the left hand engine (Trent 772) emitted a loud bang prompting the crew to shut the engine down and return to Lusaka for a safe landing. Passengers disembarked normally. The airline confirmed the aircraft returned to Lusaka due to a technical problem, the passengers were taken to hotels. Sources at the airport said the aircraft burst a tyre on departure prompting the crew to return. Passengers reported they heard a loud bang on initial climb attributing the bang to one of the engines.  A passenger added that they were enroute at FL320 about 33 minutes into the flight when the left hand engine emitted a loud bang, some smoke and fumes appeared temporarily in the cabin, sparks were visible from the left hand engine, the cowling of which sustained two large holes inboard. Upon disembarking the passenger saw two large holes at the outboard cowling of the left hand engine as well. Ground personnel at Lusaka hinted that a new engine was to be flown into Lusaka. The passenger said, flight and cabin crew were excellent. Another passenger said the engine blades tore into the outer skin. Zambian newspapers had reported a crash landing at Lusaka claiming the aircraft had burst a tyre, gone off the runway and received substantial damage, but later retracted such stories now stating the aircraft was seen parked at the apron in Lusaka on Monday.

Airbus Updates No.826

 Airbus A320  -232  5326     B-6950  China Eastern  delivery 19-20oct12 XFW-OVB-PVG   ex D-AUBH
 Airbus A320  -214  5329     B-6948  Juneyao Airlines  delivery 19-20oct12 TLS-SVX-SHA  ex F-WWDI
Airbus A330  -301  55     AP-BKL  Shaheen Air  delivery 21oct12 ORY-KHI, VQ-reg   ex VQ-BEU
 Airbus A330  -301  86     AP-  Shaheen Air  ferried 19oct12 MLA-AMS, VQ-reg for paint  ex VQ-BEQ
 Airbus A330  -343  496     LN-RKM  SAS  re-regd 16oct12  ex OY-KBN
 Airbus A330  -223  665     D-ABXC  Air Berlin  ferried 19oct12 ZRH-DUB, I-reg for paint  ex I-EEZJ
Airbus A330  -243  1279     N279AV  TACA Peru  delivery 22oct12 MDE-LIM, Star Alliance cs  ex F-WWYN
 Airbus A330  -243  1286     B-LNK  Hong Kong Airlines  ferried 20oct12 LGW-HAK after storage on lease to Hainan Airlines  ex F-WWYH
 Airbus A330  -343  1341     G-VWAG  Virgin Atlantic  positioned 22oct12 ZRH-LHR  ex F-WWCG
 Airbus A330  -343  1348     HS-TBE  Thai International  delivery 20oct 12 TLS-FRA for seat installation   ex F-WWCN
 Airbus A330  -202  1354     EI-EJP  Alitalia  delivery 22oct12 TLS-FCO  ex F-WWCT

Airbus Updates No.825

Airbus A300  -622R  582     N807AS  AerSale  ferried 16-17oct12 GMP-ANC-ROW, regd 18oct12   ex HL7295
Airbus A319  -115LR  2228     TU-TSB  Air Côte d Ivoire  delivery 22oct12 TLS-ABJ  ex F-GRXH
 Airbus A319  -111  2460     CC-AHD  Sky Airline  for delivery oct12 ex SOF  ex SP-IBC
 Airbus A320  -212  446     N209AW  AWAS  Strategic Airlines cs, ferried 19oct12 MAN-NOC for storage   ex LX-STA
 Airbus A320  -214  888     HB-JIW  Hello  parked at BSL since 21oct12  ex F-HBAC
 Airbus A320  -214  966     HB-JIZ  Hello  parked at ZRH since 21oct12 (+ 1171 HB-JIY, + 1210 HB-JIX)  ex RP-C3229
 Airbus A320  -214  973     XY-AGO  MAI Myanmar Airways Int´l   delivery 20oct12 DUB-CAI, EI-reg  ex EI-EYH
 Airbus A320  -232  2576     RP-C8997  Zest Airways  delivery 22oct12 OSR-SHJ  ex EI-EWE
 Airbus A320  -214  4203     5A-ONJ  Afriqiyah  ferried 21oct12 FNI-DNR after storage  ex F-WWBF
Airbus A320  -232  5323     9V-JSP  Jetstar  delivery 19oct12 TLS-AZI-SIN  ex F-WWIN
 Airbus A320  -214  5324     CC-BFD  LAN Airlines  delivery 19-20oct12 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AUBG
 Airbus A320  -216  5325     JA03AJ  Air Asia Japan  delivery 20oct12 TLS-SHJ  ex F-WWBP

Airbus Updates No.824

Airbus A310  -304  495     CS-TEI  HiFly  ferried 19oct12 JED-LIS during Hajj-lease to Nas Air   ex F-WWCO
Airbus A319  -111  2122     9H-AEH  Air Malta  ferried 18oct12 OSR-MLA after paint into new cs  ex D-AVWA
 Airbus A319  -111  2548     CC-AHE**  Sky Airline  at SEN 16oct12 after paint, G-reg prior delivery   ex G-EZIU
 Airbus A319  -131  2621     VT-KFH  Kingfisher Airlines  ferried by lessor 16oct12 DEL-SAW  ex D-AVYM
 Airbus A320  -212  420     LX-STC  Strategic Airlines Luxembourg   ferried 17oct12 MAN-BGR-GYR on return to lessor (+436 LX-STB LTN-BGR-GYR)  ex F-GSTS
 Airbus A320  -232  2576     RP-C8997  Zest Airways  delivery 19oct12 OSR-SHJ  ex EI-EWE
Airbus A320  -214  5110     B-6938  Shenzhen Airlines  delivery 18oct12 TSN-SZX  ex B-502L
 Airbus A320  -214  5299     PR-ONL  Avianca Brazil  delivery 17oct12 XFW-TFS-NAT  ex D-AXAR
 Airbus A320  -232  5312     N807JB  jetBlue  delivery 18oct12 XFW-PWM-MCO  ex D-AUBC
 Airbus A320  -214  5320    RP-C3270  Cebu Pacific Air  delivery 17oct12 TLS-CAI  ex F-WWDH
 Airbus A320  -232  5323     9V-JSP  Jetstar  delivery 19oct12 TLS-AZI-SIN  ex F-WWIN
 Airbus A320  -214  5324     CC-BFD  LAN Airlines  delivery 19-20oct12 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL   ex D-AUBG
 Airbus A320  -232  5326     B-6950  China Eastern  delivery 19-20oct12 XFW-OVB-PVG   ex D-AUBH
 Airbus A321  -131  699     D-AIRW  Lufthansa  ferried 17oct12 SOF-MUC after paint into Star Alliance cs   ex D-AVZY
Airbus A321  -231  5317    N561UW  US Airways  delivery 19oc t12 XFW-BGR-PIT  ex D-AZAR
 Airbus A330  -322  73     9M-MKD  Malaysia Airlines  ferried 14-16oct12 KUL-CTS-PDX-TUP in basic cs for part-out & scrap  ex F-WWKN
Airbus A330  -301  86     AP-  Shaheen Air  ferried 19oct12 MLA-AMS, VQ-reg for paint  ex VQ-BEQ
 Airbus A330  -243  635     F-GSEU  XL Airways France  ferried 17oct12 JED-CDG during Hajj-lease to Garuda  ex F-WWYO
 Airbus A330  -223  665     D-ABXC  Air Berlin  ferried 19oct12 ZRH-DUB, I-reg for paint  ex I-EEZJ
 Airbus A330  -202  745     EC-JQG  Air Europa  ferried 18oct12 MED-MAD during Hajj-lease to Senegal Airlines  x F-WWYG
 Airbus A330  -343  833     CS-TRH  Orbest  ferried 18oct JED-MAD during Hajj-lease to Garuda   ex EC-KCP
Airbus A330  -343  1349     B-LAQ  Cathay Pacific  delivery 17oct12 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWCO
 Airbus A340  -313  921     OH-LQD  Finnair  at SIN 17oct12 after paint into special floral patterns cs   ex F-WWJK

Airbus Updates No.823

Airbus A319  -112  1778     N718CT  CIT Leasing  ferried 15-16oct12 PVG-OVB-VNO   ex B-2227
 Airbus A319  -111  2497     EI-EYM  Rossiya  ferried 12oct12 EMA-SEN after paint into, N-reg  ex N942FR
 Airbus A319  -111  2548     CC-AHD  Sky Airline  at SEN 15oct12 after paint, G-reg prior delivery   ex G-EZIU
 Airbus A319  -131  2621     VT-KFH  Kingfisher Airlines  ferried by lessor 16oct12 DEL-SAW  ex D-AVYM
Airbus A319  -115  5277     A6-RRJ  Rotana Jet Aviation  delivery 12oct12 XFW-AZI  ex D-AVYW
 Airbus A320  -214  5100     B-6959  Lucky Air  delivery 12oct12 TSN-PEK  ex B-501L
 Airbus A320  -214  5115     OE-LEM  flyNiki  ferried 15oct12 VIE-BTS, OLT Express cs, for paint into all white   ex SP-IAI
Airbus A321  -211  3830     OE-LET  flyNiki  ferried 14oct12 SZG-DUS prior paint into Air Berlin cs   ex D-AVZG
Airbus A330  -343  1341     G-VWAG  Virgin Atlantic  delivery 16oct12 TLS-ZRH  ex F-WWCG
Airbus A330  -302  1346     B-18358  China Airlines  delivery 15oct12 TLS-TPE  ex F-WWCL

Airbus Updates No.822

Airbus A319  -111  2497     EI-EYM  Afs Investments  regd 10oct12, parked at EMA  ex N942FR
Airbus A319  -115ACJ  5277     A6-RRJ  Rotana Jet Aviation  delivery 12oct12 XFW-AZI  ex D-AVYW
Airbus A320  -231  250     PT-MZO  TAM  ferried 09-10oct12 GRU-CCS-MIA-MCI in basic cs for part-out & scrap   ex ZS-SHC
Airbus A320  -232  2331     VN-A555  Jetstar Pacific  delivery 10oct12 SIN-SGN, basic cs, wh tail   ex 9V-TAC
 Airbus A320  -214  2712     VN-A688  VietJet  delivery 12oct12 OSR-DXB, addnl HD Bank titl   ex SP-IAF
 Airbus A320  -232  2883     OE-IBJ  GECAS  feried 11oct12 TSE-OSR, for SAS  ex VT-INC
Airbus A320  -232  5311     VH-VFJ  Jetstar Australia  delivery 10-11oct12 TLS-DXB-SIN-OOL-MEL   ex F-WWBH
 Airbus A320  -214  5315     RP-C8619  Philippine Airlines  delivery 09-10oct12 TLS-AUH-MNL  ex F-WWIL
 Airbus A320  -214  5318     G-EZWG  easyJet  delivery 10oct12 at TLS, in svc 11oct12 ex TLS   ex F-WWBI
Airbus A321  -231  5306     VN-A392  Vietnam Airlines  delivery 12oct12 XFW-BAK-HAN  ex D-AZAO
 Airbus A330  -243F  1344     TC-JDR  Turkish Airlines  delivery 09oct12 TLS-IST  ex F-WWCJ
Airbus A380  -861  107     A6-EDZ  Emirates  delivery 12oct12 XFW-DXB  ex F-WWSD

Airbus Updates No.821

Airbus A319  -132  4282     S5-AAP  Adria Airways  ferried 08oct12 LJU-FAB with billboard “The all new Range Rover” titl, in svc 09oct12 on promotion flights to RAK till late oct  ex D-AVWR
Airbus A320  -214  1320     G-OOAR  Thomson Airways  last TOM A320, ferried 07oct12 MAN-LTN prior lease-end   ex F-WWDT
Airbus A320  -214  2419     VP-BHZ  Yamal  arrived TJM 08oct12 on delivery   ex M-ABFG
Airbus A321  -231  5297     VN-A390  Vietnam Airlines  delivery 06oct12 XFW-BAK-HAN  ex D-AZAL
Airbus A340  -312  133     CS-TQL  HiFly  positioned 02oct12 LIS-BZZ on 1-year UK-MOD contract to ASI-MPN vv  ex M-YRGQ
 Airbus A340  -313  302     EC-LTB  Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas   acc flt at BOD 03oct12, all white, regd 04oct12  ex F-WJKL

Airbus Updates No.820

Turkish Airlines to buy 15 Airbus A330-300 planes in 2014-2016

• 
  

ISTANBUL | Mon Oct 8, 2012 2:53am EDT

ISTANBUL Oct 8 (Reuters) - Turkish Airlines said on Monday that it will buy 15 Airbus A330-300 planes between 2014-2016.

The carrier will buy four planes in 2014, six in 2015 and five in 2016, the Istanbul-based company said in a statement to the Istanbul Stock Exchange.

Airbus Updates No.819

HEADS UP LONDON HEATHROW SPOTTERS

Thai Official state visit in November to the United Kingdom will see Airbus A340-541HGW HS-TLD arrive on Monday 12th November 2012 and depart on Wednesday 14th November 2012.

Airbus Updates No.818

 Airbus A319  -115LR  2213     TU-TSA  Air Côte d  delivery 06oct12 TLS-ABJ  ex F-GRXG
Airbus A320  -211  143     N443AG  ACG Acquisitions  regd 05oct12 prior ferry to US for part-out & scrap  ex EC-GRG
Airbus A320  -214  1454     HK-4905X  Viva Colombia  painted at DUB from 29sep-06oct12  ex EI-EPX
Airbus A320  -232  5281     JA06JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 05oct12 TLS-DXB  ex F-WWDE
 Airbus A320  -232  5291     VT-IFC  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 05-06oct12 XFW-DXB-DEL   ex D-AXAO
Airbus A320  -214  5304     JA805P  Peach Air  delivery 06oct12 TLS-SHJ  ex F-WWDF
 Airbus A320  -232  5305     9V-JSO  Jetstar  delivery 06oct12 XFW-AZI-SIN  ex D-AXAY
 Airbus A321  -231  5297     VN-A390  Vietnam Airlines  delivery 06oct12 XFW-BAK-HAN  ex D-AZAL

Airbus Updates No.817

The month in review: September 2012

	A300/A310	Single aisle	A330/A340/A350	A380	Total
Total orders	816	8628	2160	257	11861
Total deliveries	816	5264	1283	84	7447
Aircraft in operation	481	5103	1263	84	6931

Orders for A330 and A320 Family jetliners were the focus of Airbus’ new business in September, with 10 widebody and 12 single-aisle aircraft sold during the month. Deliveries remained strong at 41, bringing the January-September timeframe delivery total to a new record in the company’s history.

The month’s A330 order came from Philippine Airlines, which booked 10 A330-300 versions as a follow-on to the airline’s major order in August – which was for another 10 A330s and 44 A321s as part of this carrier’s fleet modernisation programme. For its latest 10-aircraft order, Philippine Airlines selected the A330’s new 240 tonne high gross weight version, with its extra range capability enabling non-stop operations from the Manila home base to any destination in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Middle East and as far as Honolulu.

September bookings for the Airbus single-aisle product line were composed of 10 A320neo aircraft for an undisclosed client – bringing the total customer count for this new engine option to 30; along with two A320ceo (current engine option) jetliners for Aircraft Purchase Fleet Limited, an aircraft leasing company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

The total of 41 aircraft provided to customers in September brought combined deliveries for the first nine months of 2012 to 405 – a record since the creation of Airbus. This month’s deliveries were composed of three A380s (including the first for a new operator: Thai Airways International - THAI), along with 32 A320 Family jetliners and six A330s.

Out of the total aircraft delivered during the month, 26 went to the Asian market (three A380s, five A330s and 18 A320 Family aircraft), while North American deliveries included three A321s to US Airways – the largest single operator of Airbus jetliners.

With September’s activity taken into account, Airbus net orders logged so far this year totalled 382, while the overall backlog stood at 4,414 aircraft. 

Airbus Updates No.816

Airbus A319  -111  2122     9H-AEH  Air Malta  ferried 03oct12 MLA-OSR for paint into new cs  ex D-AVWA
 Airbus A320  -214  2347     8Q-IAN  Maldives  delivery 03oct12 MAD-GVA-TLS, re-regd at GVA   ex EC-KHJ
Airbus A320  -232  3811     N779JB  jetBlue  at LGB 03oct12 back in standard cs, Mosaic tail cs, “Blue Ribbon”  ex F-WWID
Airbus A320  -232  5302     N806JB  jetBlue  delivery 04oct12 TLS-YYR-MCO  ex F-WWBE
 Airbus A320  -214  5307     A6-ANM  Air Arabia  delivery 04oct12 TLS-SHJ  ex F-WWIK
 Airbus A321  -231  4044     D-ANJA  (Blue Wings)  ferried 04oct12 SOF-BGW on delivery to? (+ 4067 D-ANJB)  ex D-AVZK
Airbus A340  -642  391     G-VMEG  Virgin Atlantic  ferried 04oct12 LGW-LDE for storage  ex F-WWCK

Airbus Updates No.815

Citilink Airbus A320 PK-GLJ


SATA Airbus A310 CS-TKM seen with additional SC Braga Titles


SEair Airbus A320 RP-C6319


Air Malta's new colours on Airbus A320 9H-AEN


S7 Airlines A319 VP-BTN with additional oneworld titles

Airbus Updates No.814

Airbus A319  -111  2497     N942FR  Afs Investments  ferried 02-03oct12 GYR-BGR-EMA prior delivery to?   ex D-AVYT

Airbus Updates No.813

Aircraft Orders

Qatar Airways discusses A330 deal in wake of 787 delay

• Print

By:   MAX KINGSLEY-JONES ABU DHABI

11 hours ago 

Source: 

Frustrated by endless delays to its Boeing 787 delivery schedule, Qatar Airways is understood to have initiated discussions with Airbus about a major A330 deal.

Chief executive Akbar Al Baker has been vocal about being "failed by Boeing" over 787 deliveries, which were due to begin in late August but still have not started as a result of unspecified technical issues.

Qatar Airways has 30 787s on order, and had been expecting to introduce its first five this year, with deliveries slated to continue through 2013 and 2014. But with its 787 deliveries in limbo and Qatar facing a potential capacity shortage, Flightglobal has learnt that talks have begun with Airbus for up to 24 A330s. The airline is seeking deliveries from mid-2013.

Al Baker confirms to Flightglobal that his 787s have been subject to "a creeping delivery date", but will not be drawn on the Airbus talks, saying: "We are going to look at all our options but I don't wish to discuss these."

© AirTeamImages.com

Airbus Updates No.812

Airbus A319  -112  1808     VP-BIS  Donavia  ferried 28sep12 HEL-DUB, OH-reg in primer for paint  ex OH-LVF
 Airbus A320  -211  143     EC-GRG  Vueling  last svc 29sep12 BRU-BCN prior part-out & scrap   ex EC-FBS
Airbus A320  -214  2407     EC-JGM  Vueling  ferried 02oct12 FRA-BCN after wet-lease to XL Airways Germany  ex F-WWDC
 Airbus A320  -214  2439     VP-BHX  Yamal  arrived TJM 29sep12 on delivery  ex M-ABFH
 Airbus A320  -214  5278     PR-ONK  Avianca Brasil  delivery 01oct12 TLS-TFS-NAT  ex F-WWBB
Airbus A330  -202  1043     5A-ONH  Afriqiyah Airways  re-delivery 01oct12 BOD-TIP  ex F-WWKM
 Airbus A330  -343  1343     B-LAP  Cathay Pacific  delivery 28sep12 TLS-HKG  ex F-WWCH
 Airbus A340  -313  216     AP-EDE  Air Blue  ferried 01oct12 LDE-IST, EI-reg for paint prior delivery   ex EI-ETY
Airbus A380  -861  105     A6-EDX  Emirates  delivery 01oct12 XFW-DXB  ex F-WWAK
 Airbus A380  -861  106    A6-EDY  Emirates  delivery 01oct12 XFW-DXB  ex F-WWAS