Airbus Updates No.1146

Airbus Updates No.1145

Airbus A319	-114	572		C-FYNS	Rouge	positioned 24mar14 YRQ-YYZ after paint	ex D-AVYK
Airbus A319	-132	1098		F-ORAG	Johannesburg Ltd	ferried 25mar14 LDE-KEF, Belle Air cs after storage	ex M-YVOL
Airbus A319	-112	3202		D-ASTX	Germania	ferried 22mar14 BTS-SXF after paint into Air Berlin cs	ex HB-IOY
Airbus A319	-112	3560		D-ASTU	Germania	ferried 27mar14 OSR-DRS after paint, old D-reg prior transfer	ex D-AHHB
Airbus A320	-211	115		F-GHQE	Air Corsica	ferried 21mar14 TLS-AJA after winter-storage, all white plus titl
Airbus A320	-214	1873		N191AT	AeroTurbine	air-test 25mar14 GYR-IWA-GYR after storage	ex F-GKXD
Airbus A320	-214	1885		OO-SNG	Brussels Airlines	ferried 26mar14 SNN-BRU after paint	ex F-GKXF
Airbus A320	-216	3362		EI-DSM	Alitalia	ferried 26mar14 EMA-FCO after paint into special promoting Calabria cs	ex F-WWIR
Airbus A320	-233	4400		CC-BAB	LAN Airlines	ferried 21mar14 GYE-SCL after lease to LAN Ecuador	ex HC-CLB
Airbus A320	-214	4478		EC-	Vueling	acc flt at TLS 26mar14 in full cs, F-reg prior transfer	ex F-HDGK
Airbus A320	-214	5965		CC-BFV	LAN Airlines	delivery 27-28mar14 XFW-LPA-REC-SCL	ex F-WWIR
Airbus A320	-214	5995		TC-DCD	Pegasus Airlines	delivery 24mar14 XFW-SAW, all white	ex D-AUBS
Airbus A320	-214	6003		B-LPL	Hong Kong Airlines	delivery 24-25mar14** XFW-AUH-HKG	ex D-AUBU
Airbus A320	-216	6015		VT-ATF	Air Asia India	delivery 21-22mar14 TLS-ESB-MAA	ex F-WWBV
Airbus A320	-214	6022		VQ-BSH	Aeroflot	delivery 25mar14 XFW-SVO	ex D-AUBZ
Airbus A320	-214	6033		D-AIUD	Lufthansa	delivery 24mar14 XFW-FRA	ex D-AXAC
Airbus A320	-216	6034		9M-AJF	Air Asia	delivery 25-26mar14 TLS-SHJ-KUL	ex F-WWIF
Airbus A320	-232	6037		P4-KBF	Air Astana	delivery 26mar14 TLS-ALA	ex F-WWIL
Airbus A321	-211	970		D-ASTW	Germania	ferried 23mar14 SXF-BTS for paint	ex TS-IQA
Airbus A321	-231	2553		G-ZBAI	Monarch	delivery 24/27mar14 MIA-IAH-YQB-BHX, N-reg	ex N566TA

Airbus A321	-232	3302		SX-DGP	Aegean Airlines	ferried 25mar14 BOH-ATH after paint	ex OE-ICK
Airbus A321	-211	6038		G-TCDD	Thomas Cook Airlines	delivery 26mar14 XFW-MAN	ex D-AVZO
Airbus A330	-223	259		PT-MVD	TAM	ferried 24mar14 MEX-CNF after storage prior return to svc	ex A6-EYB
Airbus A340	-642	360		F-WWCA	Airbus	ferried 27mar14 TLS-LDE for storage
Airbus A340	-313	459		EC-ICF	Iberia	ferried 23mar14 MAN-MAD after paint into all white	ex F-WWJU
Airbus A380	-861	142		A6-EET	Emirates	delivery 27mar14 XFW-DXB	ex F-WWAH
Airbus A380	-861	147		A6-EEU	Emirates	delivery 27mar14 XFW-DXB	ex F-WWAR

Airbus Updates No.1144

Tigerair to order up to 50 A320neo

New order from Singapore-based low cost carrier for fleet renewal and growth

24 MARCH 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Singapore's Tigerair has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 50 A320neo aircraft for future fleet renewal and growth. The deal covers 37 firm orders plus 13 options. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100 engines and will be operated by the airline across its Asia-Pacific route network. 

“We are delighted to conclude this agreement, which will allow us to introduce the latest single-aisle aircraft into our fleet,” said Mr Koay Peng Yen, Tigerair’s Group CEO, “This agreement also underscores Tigerair’s commitment to continue building on our leadership position in the budget travel sector at a measured pace.”

"We are pleased that Tigerair has reaffirmed its commitment to the A320 Family with this important new order,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "This order once again highlights the unbeatable operating economics offered by our single aisle product line for airlines from both the low cost and full service markets.”

Tigerair, established in 2004, comprises three airlines - Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Mandala (Indonesia) and Tigerair Australia. Collectively, the Group’s network extends to over 50 destinations across 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Group currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of 48 A320-family aircraft, averaging less than three years of age.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,200 orders to date and over 6,000 aircraft delivered. The latest version A320neo will enter service in 2015 and incorporates new engines and "Sharklet" wing tip devices which together deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. As at the end of February 2014, firm orders for the NEO already stood at 2,667 from 50 customers around the globe.

Airbus Updates No.1143

AirAsia India takes delivery of its first A320

New India-based airline becomes latest A320 operator

21 MARCH 2014 PRESS RELEASE

India’s newest airline, AirAsia India, has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320 equipped with Sharklets, becoming the newest operator of the type. Chennai-based AirAsia India will take delivery of an additional nine aircraft for its initial fleet of 10 A320s, to serve India’s rapidly growing domestic air traffic. Powered by CFM engines, the aircraft is configured in an all economy layout with 180 seats.

The new airline is a joint venture between AirAsia Group, Tata Sons and Telstra Tradeplace.

“Indian domestic traffic is growing at an impressive rate and our well established and successful business model suits the market,” said Mittu Chandilya, AirAsia India CEO. “AirAsia and Airbus have a long-standing, special relationship. We are fully confident that with our new A320 fleet we will provide the Indian passenger the service and convenient travel options already offered by the AirAsia Group elsewhere in the region. 

“In the next 20 years, more people will travel by air for the first time in India and China than anywhere else,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “India’s domestic air transport growth is leading the world and will propel India to be one of the largest civil aviation markets by 2032. The launch of AirAsia India reflects this growth potential.”

AirAsia India’s fleet will be drawn from the 475 A320 Family aircraft ordered by the AirAsia Group. To date, almost a third of the aircraft on order have already been delivered and are flying  on AirAsia Group’s operations out of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and now Chennai. The AirAsia Group has also ordered 51 A330s and 10 A350 XWBs for its long haul affiliate AirAsia X.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, some 10,200 aircraft have been ordered and over 6,000 delivered to operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. 

Airbus Updates No.1142

Newly launched airline, SaudiGulf orders four Airbus A320ceo aircraft.

17 MARCH 2014 PRESS RELEASE

SaudiGulf, a new Saudi Arabian airline wholly owned by Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies has signed a firm contract with Airbus for four A320ceo, to be delivered early 2015. The aircraft is equipped with Airbus “Sharklet” fuel saving wing tip devices. 

As one of the two airlines to obtain carrier licenses to operate domestic and international flights from Saudi airports, the airline will contribute to increase the Kingdom’s air transport links with the region and the rest of the world. SaudiGulf plans to launch its operations out of Dammam, in the first quarter of 2015 followed by Riyadh and Jeddah.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for us, as we work to launch SaudiGulf next year,” said Tariq Abdel Hadi Al Qahtani, Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani Group of Companies Chairman.  “The A320 is an ideal choice as it provides us with the perfect mix of performance, reliability, flexibility and great economics whilst offering a very high level of passenger comfort”

“The A320 is a market leader and will contribute positioning SaudiGulf as a premium service airline as soon as it begins its operations,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “It is used in a full range of services from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, providing a new airline with a great deal of flexibility. We are thrilled to see a new airline starting its business today and we feel privileged to be part of this journey.”

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that cut the aircraft’s fuel burn and emissions by up to four per cent on longer sectors. They are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall.  With over 10,200 Airbus single aisle aircraft sold and 6,000 delivered today to 400 customers and operators, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft family. 

Airbus Updates No.1141

The A320 Family: 6,000 deliveries and counting

The A320 Family marked another milestone with Airbus’ 6,000th delivery from this modern single-aisle jetliner product line.

10 MARCH 2014 FEATURE STORY

This handover involved a Sharklet-equipped A320 received by Air Arabia during a ceremony at Airbus’ Hamburg, Germany facilities – home to one of three A320 Family final assembly sites worldwide. The jetliner is the 37th A320 Family aircraft received by Air Arabia, a leading low cost-carrier in the Middle East and North Africa regions.

Since the A320’s service entry in 1988, ongoing improvements to the A320 Family developed by Airbus – including engine enhancements, aerodynamic refinements such as the incorporation of Sharklets, and upgrades to its widest-in-class passenger cabin – have resulted in the world’s best-selling and most modern single-aisle product line, with more than 10,200 aircraft ordered to date. 

In addition, the company is continuing to apply innovations to the A320 Family with the A320neo (new engine option) – which has captured some 60 per cent market share ahead of its 2015 service entry. These jetliners share 95 per cent commonality with current engine option (CEO) aircraft, while incorporating two new powerplant choices – CFM International’s LEAP-1A and the PurePower PW1100G-JM from Pratt & Whitney – along with Sharklets wingtip devices as standard equipment.  

Composed of the A318, A319, A320 and A321, this single-aisle product line has established itself with leading airlines, low-cost carriers, governments and VIP operators around the world.  These jetliners have been used on services that cover everything from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, on operations from in-city airports to high-altitude airfields, for charter and special missions with the most discerning passengers – and even service to an Antarctic ice runway.

As a result of the A320 Family’s continued popularity in performing these missions, Airbus recently announced the planned steady ramp-up in single-aisle production from the current rate of 42 jetliners produced per month to 46 aircraft monthly – which will be reached in the second quarter of 2016.

Airbus Updates No.1140

Skymark Airlines becomes first Japanese A330 operator

A330 confirms its position as Asia’s favourite wide-body

28 FEBRUARY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third largest airline has taken delivery of the first two A330-300s out of a total of ten on lease. Skymark Airlines becomes the first Japanese carrier to operate Airbus’ market leading, A330 wide-body aircraft.

Skymark Airlines’ A330s, configured in a very high comfort, all ”Green Seat” cabin with 271 seats, will start scheduled flights in April 2014 from Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka. Skymark Airlines has also announced plans for A330-300 services from Tokyo Haneda to Sapporo and Naha at a later date.

Shinichi Nishikubo, President of Skymark Airlines, said:  “We are confident that with these cost-efficient, reliable A330-300s in our fleet, we will grow our business and win market share by attracting passengers who demand only the highest levels of comfort. Together with our A380s to come, we confirm Skymark’s intention to remain at the forefront of our market, having one of Japan’s youngest, most modern fuel-efficient fleets.”

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, said, “The A330 is the most popular wide-body aircraft in Asia and we welcome Skymark Airlines to our expanding family of A330 operators in this fast growing, dynamic market. We also look forward to seeing Skymark Airlines succeed with their A330’s thanks to the aircraft’s unbeatable economics, versatility and best-in-class passenger comfort.”

The A330-300 received Validation Type Certificate (VTC) from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in January 2014. Skymark Airlines signed a Flight Hour Services (FHS) components contract with Airbus covering support for all of 10 leased A330 aircraft.  Airbus Customer Services will provide spare parts availability guaranteed through an extensive scope of more than 700 line replaceable units. Skymark Airlines’ A330s will be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.

Airbus’ comprehensive, modern wide-body Family is the market leader in Asia, having outsold the competition by two to one over the last five years. Over half of the wide-body aircraft to be delivered in the future to Asian carriers are Airbus aircraft.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,300 orders, with over 1,000 aircraft flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient aircraft with best in class operating economics. With numerous ongoing product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft, averaging dispatch reliability well above 99 percent.

Airbus Updates No.1139

New Airbus aircraft list prices for 2014

Price adjustment for Airbus’ modern, fuel-efficient aircraft Family

13 JANUARY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus has increased the average list prices of its aircraft by 2.6 per cent across the product line. The new pricing is effective from January 1^st 2014. The 2.6 per cent price increase has been calculated according to Airbus’ standard escalation formula over the January 2013 to January 2014 period.

“Our new 2014 pricing reaffirms the unbeatable value of Airbus’ modern, fuel-efficient aircraft family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We see continuing strong demand in all aircraft size categories as our reliable, efficient product line enables customers to grow their businesses profitably as well as pleasing passengers who will always favour the most comfortable cabin.”

Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer of passenger airliners, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus champions innovative technologies and offers some of the world’s most fuel efficient and quiet aircraft. Airbus has sold nearly 14,000 aircraft to more than 360 customers worldwide. Of these, more than 8,000 aircraft have been delivered. 

Airbus Aircraft

2014 Average list prices (mio USD)

A318    71.9

A319    85.8

A320    93.9

A321   110.1

A319neo   94.4

A320neo   102.8

A321neo    120.5

A330-200    221.7

A330-200 Freighter    224.8

A330-300    245.6

A350-800   260.9

A350-900    295.2

A350-1000    340.7

A380    414.4

Airbus Updates No.1138

Skymark Airlines’ first A380 has started final assembly in Toulouse, following painting and delivery of tailplane from Hamburg

13 JANUARY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

The vertical tailplane (VTP) for the first A380 for Skymark Airlines has been painted with the Japanese airline’s logo at Airbus’ facilities in Hamburg and transported by Beluga to Toulouse, where final assembly of the aircraft is now underway. This paves the way for completion and subsequent delivery to Skymark Airlines later this year.

Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third largest and fast growing airline, has placed six firm A380 orders with Airbus and will thus become the first Japanese airline to offer its passengers the unique and new experience of flying on the A380. Skymark plans to operate its A380s on international trunk routes, in particular linking Narita to destinations in the US.

Airbus Updates No.1137

Zhejiang Loong Airlines firms up order for 20 A320 Family aircraft

Airline becomes new Airbus customer and operator

30 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Zhejiang Loong Airlines, based in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province in Eastern China, has signed its first purchase agreement with Airbus, for 20 A320 Family aircraft, including 11 A320ceo and nine A320neo, becoming the lastest Airbus customer. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September at the Beijing Airshow. 

In addition Zhejiang Loong Airlines has also become the latest Airbus operator in mainland China, having completed its maiden commercial flight with a leased A320.

“Today is a special day for Zhejiang Loong Airlines as we start passenger operation and order 20 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, which demonstrates our ambition to contribute to the economic and social development of Zhejiang province by providing efficient transportation,” said Liu Qihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Loong Airlines. “We are making efforts to play a more important role in building the four-hour transportation circle around Hangzhou, which is advocated by the Zhejiang Government. The Airbus A320 Family aircraft is ideal for us to achieve our goals with advantages in operational reliability, economics, cabin space and its commonality between different types of Airbus aircraft.”

“We congratulate Zhejiang Loong Airlines on becoming a new customer and operator of the best-selling Airbus A320 Family” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “The A320 is the most eco-efficient single-aisle aircraft family and a world-class customer support network will provide Zhejiang Loong Airlines with an excellent platform to benefit from the economic growth in the region.”

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 A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than to 10,000 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,850 delivered to around 395 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1136

Emirates Airline firms up order for 50 additional A380s

Total order rises to 140 A380s

23 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Emirates Airline and Airbus have completed discussions and signed the firm contract for 50 additional A380s originally announced at the Dubai Airshow on 17th November 2013. The contract documents were finalised by Tim Clark, Emirates Airline President, during a visit to Airbus’ Headquarters in Toulouse, France.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said on the occasion: “The A380 is our flagship aircraft. It is popular with our customers and delivers results for us in terms of operational performance. That is why we have ordered these additional 50 aircraft, to add to our A380 fleet.”

“This order is a major vote of confidence in the A380. Since delivery of their first aircraft in July 2008, Emirates’ A380 fleet has grown to be the largest in the world with 44 A380s in operation. We congratulate Emirates on this impressive achievement and thank the airline for their continued support of our flagship aircraft. As Tim Clark has often said, "The A380 really is a game-changing aircraft.” commented John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Since first entering service in 2007, to date 122 A380s have been delivered, to ten world class carriers. The aircraft flies 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 both airlines and passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies.

Airbus Updates No.1135

Air Caraïbes commits to six A350XWBs

Air Caraïbes places firm order for three A350-1000s and will lease a further three A350-900s from ILFC.

20 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Air Caraibes has signed a firm contract with Airbus for three A350-1000s, the largest member of Airbus’ new generation A350XWB Family. The airline will also lease three new A350-900s from ILFC. The aircraft will enter into service between 2016 and 2022.

The Air Caraïbes’ A350-1000s will seat 439 passengers in three classes, and the -900 will seat 387 passengers. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s routes from Paris to Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Marteen, Haïti, Saint-Domingue and French Guyana which are currently flown by five A330s.

“We are delighted with our decision to buy A350-1000s”, said Jean-Paul Dubreuil, President of the Supervisory Board of Air Caraïbes.  “We already benefit from the excellent performance and economics of our fleet of five A330s, and this new order for A350s will allow us to add capacity and give us an unrivalled economic advantage in a very competitive market”.

“Having Air Caraïbes come back with this new, incremental order for the A350 XWB is great news and a strong signal that this aircraft is the industry’s new benchmark in the long-haul segment,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are convinced that the A350 XWB’s unbeatable economics and superior passenger comfort will be key contributors to Air Caraïbes” continued success.”

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 and up to 440 in eco-efficient leisure cabin. 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. Including this new firm order from Air Caraïbes, the A350 XWB has already won 817 firm orders from 37 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1134

AirAsia X orders 25 more A330-300s

Airline embarks on major expansion with popular Airbus widebody

18 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of the AirAsia Group, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 25 more A330-300s. The contract is the largest A330 order received by Airbus in a single purchase agreement and increases the carrier’s total firm orders for the type to 51. These will be supplemented by another six A330-300s leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

The contract was signed in Paris today by Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X and Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, Airbus, witnessed by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-founder and Director of AirAsia X. 

AirAsia X will start taking delivery of its newly-ordered A330-300s in 2015 as it begins a major expansion of its network across the Asia-Pacific region. The new order includes the latest extended range versions of the A330-300, providing the carrier with the ability to offer non-stop service to destinations in Europe or one-stop service to the US.

Tan Sri’ Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X said, “This order stamps our firm intent to dominate the long-haul, low cost carrier space and marks the next phase in our development to be the undisputed global market leader. Our commitment would allow us to remain as the youngest wide body fleet age in the region at under five years throughout 2019, with corresponding competitive fuel efficiency, reliability and cabin comfort benefits.”

“The aircraft orders would further cater to our expansion plans in Malaysia, and the proposed new Thai AirAsia X hub as well as other long-haul ventures planned across Asia. The developments will complement the AirAsia Group's long-term vision of developing its presence in key markets in Asia and strengthen the connectivity between long-haul and short-haul low-cost network.”

“AirAsia X has proven that it is possible to build a highly successful low cost long haul business,” said Fabrice Brégier President and CEO, Airbus. “And the A330 is the perfect platform for such operations, with the lowest operating costs, true long range flying capability and a proven track record of exceptional technical reliability. We look forward to working with AirAsia X as it continues to innovate in the low cost long haul market.”

AirAsia X currently operates 16 A330-300s on services linking its Kuala Lumpur base to destinations in Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. In addition to A330s, the carrier also has 10 A350-XWB aircraft on order for future delivery.

The latest order from AirAsia X further consolidates the position of the AirAsia Group as one of Airbus’s largest airline customers in the world. In total the Group has now ordered 536 aircraft from the manufacturer. These include 475 A320 Family single aisle aircraft for AirAsia’s short haul operations based out of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila, plus the 51 A330s and 10 A350 XWBs for AirAsia The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,280 orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 1,000 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with almost 100 operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1133

Asiana Airlines’ first Airbus A380 performs its maiden flight

16 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Asiana Airlines’ first A380 has successfully completed its maiden flight. The A380 flew on Friday from Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France to the aircraft manufacturer’s site in Hamburg, Germany, where it will undergo painting and cabin furnishing.

Asiana Airlines will become the twelfth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first aircraft in the second quarter of 2014. The airline has firm orders for six A380s and will operate the aircraft on its primary routes from Seoul to the US.