Airbus Updates No.1353

Alpha Star becomes first ACJ319neo launch customer

Builds foundation for the future

15 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Riyadh-based Alpha Star has become the first to announce a commitment for an Airbus ACJ319neo[1], consolidating its role as the largest VVIP charter operator in the Middle East.

Delivery of Alpha Star’s ACJ319neo is planned for the second quarter of 2019. Selection of engines and cabin definition will follow later.

Airbus’ newly launched ACJneo Family features new, more efficient, engines, wingtip-mounted Sharklets, improved cabin-comfort and upgraded fuel and baggage capacity.

“Middle East customers already recognise and appreciate the greater comfort, capacity and capability of Airbus corporate jets, so new and improved versions are a natural next step when it comes to investing for the future,” says Alpha Star CEO Salem Al Muzaini. “Being first in the region with the Airbus ACJneo Family will also help us to maintain our lead in VVIP charters,” he adds.

Alpha Star currently owns, manages and operates a fleet of Airbus corporate jets, comprising ACJ318s, ACJ319s, ACJ320s, an ACJ330, an ACJ340, and other aircraft types.

“Airbus corporate jets already have the best cabins, so the greater range of the ACJneo Family will allow Alpha Star’s customers to take their lifestyles even farther,” points out Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The ACJ Family’s modern features, such as fly-by-wire, centralised maintenance and carbonfibre, will also carry it farther into the future,” he adds.

Airbus’ new ACJneo Family currently comprises an ACJ319neo, which can fly eight passengers up to 6,750nm/12,500km, or more than 15 hours, and an A320neo that can transport 25 passengers up to 6,000 nm/11,200 km, or more than 13 hours.

Airbus corporate jets’ airliner heritage means that they offer the widest and tallest cabins of any business jet, while being similar in size externally. It also means that they can carry the larger groups that companies, individuals and governments often want to fly. Airbus corporate jets also feature the robust reliability demanded by airlines, and are supported by a worldwide network serving the needs of more than 8,000 aircraft and over 500 customers and operators. 

More than 170 corporate jets have been sold to date, and they are flying on every continent, including Antarctica, highlighting their versatility.

Airbus Updates No.1352

Peach Aviation orders three A320s

Japan’s Low Cost Carrier expands its fleet with Airbus fuel-efficient aircraft

16 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Peach Aviation, Japan’s Low Cost Carrier (LCC), has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of three A320s. A signing ceremony was held today at the Paris Air Show, with presence of Peach Aviation President Shinichi Inoue and Airbus Chief Operating Officer-Customers, John Leahy. 

This is Peach’s first direct order from Airbus. Peach Aviation currently operates 14 leased A320s, with three more to be delivered on lease. Peach Aviation’s A320 seats 180 passengers in a single-class layout and will be powered by CFM International engines.

“We have been operating A320s since March 2012, when we inaugurated our service from Kansai International Airport,” said Shinichi Inoue. “The Airbus aircraft have played a key role in our success, offering excellent cost efficiency combined with an outstanding operational reliability. Its comfortable cabin feauring18-inch seats and the wider aisle are highly appreciated by our passengers.”

“We are very pleased to see that the A320 has contributed to the Peach success story and will continue to do so. The unbeatable economics of the A320 make it the best choice for Low Cost Carriers as Peach,” said John Leahy. “Within only three years, the airline has established itself as the leading LCC in Japan, where competition is very fierce.”

Osaka-based, Peach Aviation operates flight services on domestic routes and international routes across Asia.

To date, the A320 Family has won more than 11,700 orders and over 6,500 aircraft delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.

Airbus Updates No.1351

EVA Air intends to order four additional A330s

16 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Carrier grows its Airbus widebody fleet for regional and long haul routes

EVA Air of Taiwan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of four additional A330-300s. As with its existing A330 fleet, the new aircraft will be powered by CF6-80 engines by General Electric.

“We are delighted that EVA Air has renewed its confidence in the A330,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The unbeatable operating costs and superior comfort levels offered by the aircraft make it the perfect platform for EVA Air’s high quality product offering. We look forward to developing further our partnership with EVA Air to meet its requirements in both the widebody and single aisle market.”

EVA Air currently operates a fleet of 29 Airbus aircraft, including 14 A330s and 15 A321s. 

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.1350

Korean Air to order up to 50 A321neo

Carrier becomes new customer for best-selling A320 Family

16 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Korean Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus to acquire up to 50 A321neo aircraft, becoming a new customer for the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The agreement, covering 30 aircraft plus 20 options, was announced today at the Paris Air Show by Korean Air Group Chairman Cho Yang Ho and Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier. Korean Air will operate the A321neo with a two class full service layout on regional services, including on longer sectors to selected destinations in South East Asia. The aircraft will be fitted with premium amenities, including wider seats in both classes and the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

“After an extensive technical evaluation we are pleased to announce that Korean Air will introduce Airbus single aisle aircraft for the first time,” said Cho Yang Ho, Chairman of Korean Air Group. “The A321neo will bring new levels of efficiency, longer flying range and greater in-flight comfort to our single aisle fleet, as well as reduced impact on the environment. Today’s decision is part of our ongoing commitment at Korean Air to offer true excellence in flight wherever we fly.”

“This agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between Korean Air and Airbus,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “It’s also a very significant endorsement of the advantages offered by the A321neo at the top end of the single aisle market. We look forward to seeing the A321neo take to the skies in the colours of Korean Air, flying alongside the airline’s existing Airbus widebody fleet.”

Korean Air is Airbus’ longest-standing customer from outside Europe and placed its first order with the manufacturer in 1974. Since that time Airbus widebody aircraft have formed a major part of the Korean Air fleet. Today, the double deck A380 is the flagship of the airline’s long haul fleet, while mid-size A330 is operated by the airline on services across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as on selected routes to Europe. 

The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. To date, the A320 Family has won more than 11,700 orders and over 6,500 aircraft delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide. Incorporating new engines and the latest technologies, the A320neo Family will bring a step-change reduction in fuel consumption of over 15 per cent, longer range capability and reduced maintenance costs, as well significantly reduced carbon emissions. 

Since its launch in 2010 the A320neo Family has won almost 60 per cent of all new orders for single aisle aircraft with over 100 seats and has been selected by over 70 airlines worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1349

Airbus A330	-243(MRTT)	1555		ZZ341	Royal Air Force	ferried 08jun15 IGS-LEGT after paint prior delivery, regd MRTT027	ex EC-336
Airbus A330	-343	1614		B-5971	Hainan Airlines	delivery 12jun15 TLS-TSN	ex F-WWKD
Airbus A330	-243	1631		TS-IFM	Tunisair	delivery 09jun15 TLS-TUN	ex F-WWKR
Airbus A340	-311	34		4R-ADC	Sri Lankan	ferried 10-11jun15 CMB-KHI-PSM-CEW for part-out & scrap	ex F-WWJU
Airbus A340	-313	212		EC-MFA	Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas	ferried 09jun15 BOD-LETL for interim storage	ex A9C-LG
Airbus A340	-313	220		B-HXI	Cathay Pacific	ferried 11jun15 HKG-LDE, all white for storage	ex F-WWJO
Airbus A340	-313	347		D-AIGZ	Lufthansa	ferried 08jun15 FRA-HAM for re-config prior rtn to svc, was not used for medevac missions	ex F-WWJT
Airbus A340	-313	363		CC-CQC	Lan Airlines	ferried 12jun15 SCL-SFB for part-out & scrap	ex F-WWJZ
Airbus A340	-542	912		CS-TFX	HiFly	ferried 08/11jun15 LOS-LIS-MAN, Arik Air cs for paint into?	ex F-WJKI
Airbus A380	-861	182		A6-EOJ	Emirates	delivery 09jun115 XFW-DXB	ex F-WWSF
Airbus A380	-841	183		HL7635	Asiana	delivery 08jun15 TLS-ICN	ex F-WWSQ

Airbus Updates No.1348

Airbus A319	-115	6519		B-6477	China Eastern	delivery / posn 08jun15 TSN-PVG-XIY	ex B-515L
Airbus A319	-115	6617		N741AV	Avianca	delivery 11-12jun15 XFW-TFS-FOR-BOG	ex D-AVYG
Airbus A320	-212	1381		D-AICI	Condor	paint currently can	ex F-WWIP
Airbus A320	-214	1694		N224NV	Allegiant Air	delivery 08jun15 DUB-YYR-BGR	ex EC-IEI
Airbus A320	-232	1804		G-GATP	British Airways	ferried 09jun15 SJO-YHZ-WOE, OE-reg prior delivery	ex OE-IDU
Airbus A320	-233	2204		VT-IDM	IndiGo	onward delivery 13jun15 MPL-DWC-DEL, N-reg	ex N516VL
Airbus A320	-232	2343		VP-BDL	Ural Airlines	delivery 12jun15 SNN-SVX	ex M-ABIO
Airbus A320	-232	2457		LZ-WOW	Wow Air	re-regd first in svc 05jun15 KEF-AMS-KEF	ex TF-WOW
Airbus A320	232	2496		AP-BMC	Shaheen Air International	delivery 06/08jun15 IND-YYR-DUB-ATH	ex EI-EWO
Airbus A320	-216	3213		D-ABZK	Air Berlin	delivery 11jun15 FCO-DUB-MUC, EI-reg	ex EI-DSI
Airbus A320	-232	6616		N643NK	Spirit Airlines	delivery 09jun15 TLS-YYR-TPA	ex F-WWBO
Airbus A320	-214	6628		PK-LAM	Batik Air	delivery 12jun15 TLS-AZI	ex F-WWIJ
Airbus A321	-211	3401		C-FGKZ	Air Canada	delivery 09jun15 TLS-KEF-YMX	ex F-GTAR
Airbus A321	-211	6615		D-AIAH	Condor	onward delivery 08jun15 MAN-HAJ	ex D-AVXP
Airbus A321	-211	6632		PT-XPD	TAM	delivery 10-11jun15 XFW-SID-CNF	ex D-AVXW
Airbus A321	-231	6638		EC-MGY	Vueling	delivery 12jun15 XFW-BCN "Possible by Vueling"	ex D-AVXX
Airbus A330	-202	831		I-EJGB	Alitalia	delivery 05jun15 AUH-FCO, new cs	ex A6-AGB
Airbus A330	-223	970		EI-EJY	Amentum A/c Leasing	ferried 12jun15 AMM-ATH-LDE	ex JY-AIE
Airbus A330	-243	1009		N968AV	Avianca	ferried 06jun15 FTW-CLO after paint into new cs	ex F-WWYE
Airbus A330	-202	1123		EI-EJG	Alitalia	ferried 08jun15 FCO-AUH for paint into new cs	ex F-WWKY

Airbus Updates No.1347

FINNAIRS FIRST A350XWB IN THE PAINTSHOP

Airbus Updates No.1346

Qatar Airways says minor delays in delivery of first A320neo

© Airbus IndustrieQatar Airways Airbus A350-900

12JUN2015

Akbar al Baker, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad Int'l), says his airline still expects to take delivery of its first A320neo before year end despite teething problems with Pratt & Whitney's new PW1100G-JM powerplants.

"Airbus told us there will be a delay ... not a significant delay, but there will be a delay and we are in consultation with them in this regard," he told The Wall Street Journal in an interview.

Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) has suspended its A320neo flight tests since the beginning of May when it discovered a manufacturing flaw with a retaining ring that holds a seal located between the high-pressure compressor and the rest of the engine.

The Qatari national carrier is the launch customer for the upgraded A320 variant and had expected to take delivery of its first of thirty-six airframes in November of this year.

Airbus Updates No.1345

India's Spicejet to lease maiden Airbus metal

© BoeingSpicejet Boeing 737-800

10 hours ago

Spicejet (SG, Delhi Int'l) will welcome its first Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) aircraft into its fleet that until now, has consisted exclusively of Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) and Bombardier(BBA, Montréal Trudeau) aircraft. 

According to India's Business Today, the switch to European aircraft comes after some of Spicejet'sB737-800 lessors decided to withdraw their aircraft completely following the LCC's bout of financial difficulties earlier in the year.

"SpiceJet plans to replace two of its Boeing 737s with Airbus A320 planes. These aircraft are likely to be inducted in the fleet in the coming months," a source said adding they will be deployed on wet-lease contracts.

Currently, the ch-aviation aircraft database shows Spicejet operates eighteen B737-800s, one B737-900(ER), and fourteen Dash 8-400.

Late last month, management announced plans to raise up to INR3 billion (USD47.2 million) in additional capital as part of plans to grow the LCC's fleet to 45-50 aircraft by March 2016.

Airbus Updates No.1344

Tunisair takes delivery of its first A330-200

The airline continues the development of its fleet with the introduction of this new type of aircraft

9 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

On the occasion of the visit by Tunisia’s Minister of Transport, Mahmoud Ben Romdhane to Toulouse, Tunisia’s national airline, Tunisair, took delivery of its first A330-200 in Toulouse on 9 June, thus becoming a new operator of this type of aircraft. 

Named “Tunis”, the wide-body aircraft flew out from Toulouse and landed at Tunis-Carthage Airport in the evening, thus joining the airline’s existing fleet of Airbus aircraft comprising four A319s and seventeen A320s. 

Boasting an entirely new, fully equipped cabin, Tunisair’s A330-200 will offer its passengers greater comfort, more space, Wi-Fi connectivity and the very latest-generation in-flight entertainment system. The new Tunisair cabin can accommodate 24 passengers in business class and 242 in economy class.

“I am extremely happy to welcome the A330-200 to our fleet, its unique profitability and unrivalled operating costs will allow us to develop our operations and win new market shares, thus supporting our country’s growth in the areas of tourism and economic development,” said Sara Rejeb, President and Chief Operating Officer of Tunisair, during this ceremony held at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse.

“We are delighted to welcome Tunisair among the A330 operators, the number of which never ceases to grow,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A330’s winning combination of efficiency, operational reliability and comfort will perfectly serve Tunisair’s ambitious plans for growth”, he added.

The A330 family, which can seat between 250 and 300 passengers, has to date recorded more than 1,400 orders. More than 1,100 aircraft of this type are already flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the most efficient aircraft in the world, with the lowest operating costs in its category. Thanks to the introduction of a large number of innovations, the A330 – which remains the most profitable and best performing aircraft in its class – boasts an average operational reliability of 99.4 percent. An A330 Family aircraft takes off or lands every 20 seconds.

Airbus Updates No.1343

Atlantic Airways firms up order for one Airbus A320

Airline becomes new A320 customer

9 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Atlantic Airways, based in the Faroe Islands has signed a firm order for one new Airbus A320.  With this order Atlantic Airways becomes a new A320 customer.  The aircraft will be delivered at the end of 2016, enabling the carrier to tap into the growing passenger market between the Faroes and Copenhagen.

Atlantic Airways’ A320 will have 168 seats. The airline operates already three Airbus A319s. 

The A320 was chosen by Atlantic Airways for its unrivalled economics, performance and  operability in challenging environmental conditions. The aircraft has Required Navigation Performance (RNP 0.1) capability built-in, which enables the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes using state-of-the-art on-board navigation systems. Atlantic Airways were the first airline in Europe to use the Required Navigation Performance approach.

“Aviation is our window to the world. Our new A320 will help us to expand air services in the region, to increase capacity by offering our passengers the opportunity to travel in style and comfort,” said Niels MORTENSEN, Chairman of the Board of Directors Atlantic Airways.

“We are pleased that Atlantic Airways has chosen the A320 for their fleet growth,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The airline will benefit from cockpit commonality, a feature unique to Airbus that allows crews to operate different aircraft with a common type rating, bringing efficiencies on training and on maintenance. The A320 offers the widest, most comfortable cabin of any single aisle aircraft with 18’’ seats as standard.’’ 

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 11,700 orders to date and over 6,550 aircraft delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates no.1342

FedEx retires fifteen ageing freighters

© FedEx ExpressFedEx Express Boeing 767-300F

14 hours ago

FedEx Express (FX, Memphis Int'l) says it has permanently retired fifteen aircraft as part of a fleet capacity rationalization and modernization drive. Of the jets, seven were MD-11(F)s, three wereA300-600(F)s, four were A310-300(F)s, and one was an MD10-10. A further twenty-three aircraft are expected to be retired in due course as well.

In the longterm, the US logistics giant says it will replace lost capacity with newer B777-Fs and B767-300(F)s delivered from Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare).

Airbus Updates no.1341

Vietnam Airlines first A350 XWB takes to the sky

2 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

The first A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines has completed its first flight in Toulouse yesterday bearing the airline’s distinctive blue and gold lotus livery. The aircraft will now enter the final phase of production, including cabin completion, as well as further ground and flight tests. The aircraft, which will be leased from AerCap, is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. 

Vietnam Airlines will become the first Asian airline to fly the A350 XWB and the second operator in the world. Vietnam Airlines will acquire 14 A350 XWBs, including ten on order from Airbus and four under lease agreements. The carrier will operate its A350 XWB fleet on premium long haul routes, beginning with services between Hanoi and Paris.

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long range aircraft family and the newest member of Airbus' leading widebody family. The A350 XWB is the world’s most modern and efficient aircraft family, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for passengers, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for airlines. The A350 XWB had received 780 Firm orders from 40 customers at the end of April 2015.

Airbus Updates No.1340

rontier Airlines orders 12 A320 Family aircraft

10 A321ceo and 2 A320ceo will be equipped with Sharklets

2 JUNE 2015 PRESS RELEASE

Frontier Airlines, headquartered in Denver, Colorado (U.S.), has placed a firm order for 10 A321 and two A320 aircraft. All 12 aircraft are current engine option (ceo) aircraft. This is the second time in less than a year that the airline has ordered the A321, the largest member of the Airbus A320 Family. Including this order announced today, Frontier has a backlog of 101 Airbus single-aisle aircraft. Their current in-service fleet consists of 55 A320 Family aircraft (34 A319s and 21 A320s).

Each of the newly ordered planes will feature lightweight composite Sharklets, 2.4-meter/94-inch tall wing-tip devices that provide a fuel consumption reduction of up to 4 percent, plus either a range extension of 100 nautical miles or increased payload of up to 450 kilograms/992 pounds.

“This announcement paves the way for us to grow, modernize and renew our fleet while helping us build a strong foundation for the future,” said Barry Biffle, President, Frontier Airlines. “We remain focused on our Low Fares Done Right business model for long-term success and we look forward to working with Airbus to achieve it.”

“With every flight of an Airbus aircraft, our customers gather feedback from their passengers and employees, and those customers become repeat customers when they realize the A320 Family optimizes every aspect an aircraft has to offer,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers. “As we have continued to evolve the efficiency of each of our aircraft families, customers such as Frontier have been paying attention, and know that growing their Airbus fleet is the best investment in their future.”

Frontier took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft in 2001 and has since transformed into an all-Airbus, all-A320 Family fleet, allowing the airline to optimize efficiency and economy by streamlining crew training and maintenance operations. The A320 Family also offers the most comfortable single-aisle cabin in the sky at a full seven inches wider than competing aircraft allowing for 18”-wide seats in comfort economy as standard.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with nearly 11,700 orders to date and over 6,500 aircraft delivered to more than 400 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1339

ALITALIA NEW COLOURS UNVEILED TO STAFF

Airbus Updates No.1338

Airbus A321	-231	6613		N925UY	US Airways	delivery 02jun15 XFW-BGR-PIT-PHX, American Airlines cs	ex D-AVXO
Airbus A321	-231	6618		N926UW	US Airways	delivery 05jun15 XFW-BGR-PIT-PHX, American Airlines cs	ex D-AVXQ
Airbus A321	-231	6623		RP-C9924	Philippine Airlines	delivery 01-02jun15 XFW-AUH-DMK-MNL	ex D-AVXR
Airbus A321	-231	6625		N927UW	US Airways	delivery 04jun15 XFW-BGR-PIT-PHX, American Airlines cs	ex D-AVXS
Airbus A321	-211	6627		B-8036	Juneyao Airlines	delivery 01-02jun15 XFW-TSE-TAO-PVG	ex D-AVXT
Airbus A321	-211	6629		D-ABCP	Air Berlin	delivery 01jun15 XFW-TXL	ex D-AVXU
Airbus A321	-231	6630		B-1679	China Eastern	delivery 02-03jun15 XFW-TSE-PVG	ex D-AVXV
Airbus A330	-223	296		UR-WRQ	Windrose Air	ferried 05jun15 MLA-LHE on new wet-lease to Air Blue	ex OE-ICN
Airbus A330	-243	345		F-WHUS	Airbus	Syphax cs, ferried 04jun15 JED-DRS afte storage	ex TS-IRA
Airbus A330	-202	825		I-EJGA	Alitalia	delivery 01jun15 AUH-FCO, first aircraft in new cs	ex A6-AGA
Airbus A330	-202	831		I-EJGB	Alitalia	for delivery 03jun15 AUH-FCO, new cs	ex A6-AGB
Airbus A330	-223	874		TC-LNA	Turkish Airlines	in full cs at IST 30may15 prior introduction to svc	ex D-ALAA
Airbus A330	-202	888		A6-EYA	Etihad Airways	air-test at AUH 26may15 prior re-delivery to Jet Airways	ex VT-JWK
Airbus A330	-243	384		A6-EAE	Emirates	ferried 05jun15 DXB-NQY for part-out & scrap	ex F-WWYS
Airbus A340	-313	228		B-HXK	Cathay Pacific	ferried 04jun15 HKG-LDE, all white for storage	ex F-WWJI
Airbus A340	-313	252		D-AIGP	Lufthansa	ferried 30may15 DUB-FRA after paint into Star Alliance cs	ex F-WWJM
Airbus A340	-642	391		EP-MMH	Mahan Air	in svc 01/03jun15 THR-MHD-IKA-DXB-IKA	ex YI-??
Airbus A340	-313	442		CC-CQF	Lan Airlines	ferried 03jun15 SCL-SFB for part-out & scrap	ex F-WWJY
Airbus A340	-542	912		CS-TFX	Arik Air	ferried 29may/02jun15 LHR-LIS-LOS after storage since 23apr15	ex F-WJKI
Airbus A380	-861	4		F-WWDD	Airbus	ferried 02jun15 LDE-TLS after interim storage