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AIRBUS’ ONGOING SUCCESS Orders Galore

BOEING 777X

New Airliner Launched

LANDMARK ORDER 10,000th A320

DREAMLINER DOWNUNDER

Boeing’s 787 On Tour

Welcome to the trial issue of Airliner News Weekly.

In this new online magazine we’ll be featuring airliner deliveries, orders and news from across the globe and aim to bring you the most up to date news available.

in the news this week

The purpose of this free to download trial issue is to give you a taster of the sort of news

BOEING LAUNCHES 777X..................... 02

you can expect in the magazine when it is officially launched.

Record-breaking 259 orders and commitments for the largest twin-engined jet in the world

As this trial issue has been in production for some time, the ‘news’ is perhaps not the most topical. But it should provide a good idea of the types of stories to expect when we go ‘live.’

ipad maintenance............................. 04 Norwegian Air Shuttle deploys iPad maintenance ‘apps’

headline of the week

citation m2 certified........................ 06

BRUNEI BETTERFLY

US Federal Aviation Administration certifies Cessna Citation M2, allowing deliveries to commence

JETBLUE LANDMARK ORDER............... 08 Landmark order includes 35 new aircraft; 18 upsized models and includes 10,000th Airbus A320

airbus goes digital.......................... 10 Manufacturer signs agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology to explore digital manufacturing

GARUDA’S FIRST ATR 72-600.............. 12 Indonesia’s national airline receives its very first ATR 72-600 Royal Brunei took delivery of its first 787 on October 3 when the aircraft departed Paine Field, Washington on the 6,540-mile non-stop flight to Bandar Seri Begawan International Airport in Brunei (Boeing)

Rebranded airline begins Dreamliner operations from London to Brunei via Dubai

RETROFIT SHARKLETS.......................... 14 Airbus launches Sharklet retrofit for in-service A320 family aircraft. Wingtip devices cut fuel burn by up to 4% and lengthen in-service life

Recently re-branded boutique airline Royal Brunei began flying a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner route from London to Brunei via Dubai on December 2.

GOING ELECTRIC................................... 16

The new ‘Betterfly’ sector forms part of the airline’s plans to become the first to offer an

Airbus in talks with Honeywell and Safran to develop electric

exclusive Dreamliner service on all long haul flights by April 2014.

taxiing system

Royal Brunei’s Deputy Chairman Dermot Mannion explains: “The UK represents an important market for us, as a gateway for European tourists travelling to Brunei and beyond. The long

FIRST 737-900ER FOR EL AL.............. 18

awaited arrival of our Dreamliners into service cements Royal Brunei as a real competitor

Israeli flag-carrier’s first Next-Generation 737 delivered with the

in this region. We are delighted that we will be the first airline to offer a Dreamliner service

Boeing Sky Interior

from London to Dubai and on to Brunei. The addition of five modern Dreamliners to our fleet and our intention to be the first airline to offer a 100% Dreamliner service on long haul

FLY DUBAI SINGLE-AISLE BOEINGS.... 20

is a testament to our ambition to offer a truly personal and award winning service to all

111 Boeing 737s ordered by flydubai

passengers.”

Now operating across four continents and flying to 15 major cities including London (Heathrow T4), Hong Kong, Melbourne and Manila, Royal Brunei has consistently focused on providing award-winning service throughout its 37-year history.

The airline now flies daily to Dubai from London with onward connections services across Asia, the Middle East and Australasia. Its target is to extend the Dreamliner service to daily

Front cover: Airbus Industries

flights to Melbourne from the second quarter of 2014 becoming the first airline to offer an exclusive B787 Dreamliner service on all long-haul flights.

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The 777X introduces the latest technologies in multiple places, including the most advanced commercial engine ever – the GE9X

by GE Aviation – and an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today’s 777 Boeing

BOEING LAUNCHES PROJECT 777X NEW AIRLINER BORN

of backlog, and 71% of the in-service fleet worldwide. The 777X builds on the best-in-class despatch reliability from today’s 777, as well as offering more market coverage and revenue capability that surpasses the competition. The 777-8X competes directly with the A350-1000, while the 777-9X is said to be

Record-breaking 259 orders and commitments for the largest twin-engined jet

“in a class by itself.”

in the world

The 777-9X offers seating for more than 400 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. With a range of more than 8,200 nautical

During November’s Dubai Airshow Boeing announced the launch of the new 777X

miles, the aeroplane will have what Boeing refers to as “the lowest operating

airliner. Like the 787 Dreamliner – which was launched as the 7E7 – the 777X will

cost per seat of any commercial aircraft.” The second member of the family,

be formally named at a later date but the design will take inspiration from the

the 777-8X, will be “the most flexible jet in the world.” The aeroplane will

existing Boeing 777 widebody airliner.

seat 350 passengers and offer a range of more than 9,300 nautical miles.

The aircraft was announced amidst a flurry of activity as four airlines placed

In addition, Boeing says the aeroplane will have unmatched take-off and

orders and commitments for 259 examples during the first day – itself a record

payload capability compared to the competition.

for a twin-isle airliner.

The 777X programme also introduces the latest technologies, including the

The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices

most advanced commercial engine ever – the GE9X by GE Aviation – and

and represents the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by

an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than

dollar value. The initial 777X orders and commitments include Lufthansa with 34

today’s 777. The aeroplane’s folding, raked wingtip and optimised span

aeroplanes; Etihad Airways with 25; Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150

deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings and complete airport gate

aeroplanes.

compatibility.

“We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X

The original Boeing 777 was first placed into commercial service by United

– the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world,” said Boeing

Airlines in June 1995. As the end of 2013 some 60 customers had placed

Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Its ground-breaking engine

orders for 1,452 all variants of 777, with 1,113 delivered. The airliner is rated

technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and

as one of the safest aircraft in service and the type has only been involved

growth potential to our customers.”

in three hull-loss accidents. The Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in July 2013 was the

The 777X family, which includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, builds on the market-

first fatal 777 crash in 18 years of revenue service.

leading 777, which today commands 55% of market share in its category in terms

Production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020.

3 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY 70 CRJ900s FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES

The American Airlines order could be worth approximately US$3.38 billion if the 40 options are converted into firm orders Bombardier

US REGIONAL JET ORDER Bombardier and American Airlines Sign agreement for up to 70 CRJ900 NextGen

enhancements to the aircraft’s powerplant and on-going weight reduction initiatives, which include upgraded avionics, will offer a further reduction of up to 1.5%. Altogether, this represents a 5.5% fuel burn reduction over the earlier generation CRJ900 aircraft, and up to 5.0% lower fuel burn compared to announced

Bombardier Aerospace announced on December 12 that American Airlines had

competitive, in-production jets in the same seat class. Over a typical lifespan

signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire 30 CRJ900 NextGen aircraft and has

Bombardier claim the enhancements to the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft offer fuel cost

also taken options on an additional 40.

savings of up to $500,000 US per aircraft.

Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the firm order contract is

“It’s been an exciting week for American Airlines,” said Peter Warlick, Vice President,

valued at approximately US$1.42 billion and could increase to approximately US$3.38

Fleet Planning, American Airlines. “We’ve closed our merger with US Airways

billion if the 40 options are converted into firm orders.

Group, Inc. and as we begin the work to harmonize the American and US Airways

With this order, American Airlines becomes the first customer to benefit from

operations, an agreement like this with Bombardier will greatly improve our ability to

the latest enhancements to the CRJ900 NextGen regional jet. In addition to

optimize our flying with the right aircraft to meet customer demand. This order will

the 4% improvement in fuel burn already achieved with the ‘NextGen’ package,

allow American to lower costs by replacing older aircraft.”

The second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner powers into the skies for the first time on November 7 Boeing

An artist’s impression of the A350 XWB in Air Caraïbes colours. The first is expected to enter service in 2016 Airbus

PROTOTYPES ALOFT

SIX A350XWBs FOR AIR CARAÏBES

MORE 787s & A350s

LATEST CUSTOMER FOR NEW LONGHAUL AIRBUS

Second A350XWB and second & third 787-9s take flight

Caribbean Airline orders three A350-1000s and leases three A350-900s

The second Airbus A350XWB (MSN3) performed a maiden five-hour flight on

Air Caraïbes has signed a firm contract with Airbus for three A350-1000s, the largest

October 14 from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France.

member of Airbus’ new generation A350XWB family. The airline will also lease three

The first A350XWB has so far flown 330 hours in almost 70 sorties since its maiden

new A350-900s from lessors International Lease Finance Corporation.

flight on June 14. Three more A350XWB test aircraft are scheduled to join the

The Air Caraïbes’ A350-1000s will seat 439 passengers in three classes, and the -900

test fleet before the first delivery takes place (to Qatar Airways) in the second

has seats for 387. The aircraft will be operated on the airline’s routes from Paris to

half of 2014. Some 725 airframes have now been ordered by 37 customers

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Marteen, Haïti, Saint-Domingue and French Guyana,

worldwide.

which are currently flown by five A330s. The new aircraft will enter into service

A few weeks later the second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner prototype completed a

between 2016 and 2022.

successful 4-hour, 18-minute maiden flight on November 7 and the third example

“We are delighted with our decision to buy A350-1000s”, said Jean-Paul Dubreuil,

– the first to be powered General Electric GEnx engines – followed it into the skies

President of the Supervisory Board of Air Caraïbes. “We already benefit from the

on November 19. By the end of the year 26 customers have ordered 396 787-9s,

excellent performance and economics of our fleet of five A330s, and this new order

accounting for 40% of all Dreamliner orders. The first 787-9 delivery to launch

for A350s will allow us to add capacity and give us an unrivalled economic advantage

customer Air New Zealand is set for mid-2014.

in a very competitive market”.

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A Norwegian Air Services engineer uses an iPad app during a line check on a 737 Boeing

With its 2.4m winglets seen to good effect, Tigerair’s first modified A320 is unveiled for the first time Airbus

FIRST SHARKLETS IN ASIA TIGER’S FINS Singapore-based Tigerair receives the first Sharklet equipped A320 in Asia

The first of Singapore-based Tigerair’s Airbus A320 aircraft to be retrofitted in Asia with Sharklets has recently been unveiled. Five A320s have already been delivered to Tigerair with Sharklet-ready wings, with the retrofit work being undertaken by

IPAD MAINTENANCE GOT AN APP FOR THAT?

Sepang Aircraft Engineering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The aircraft is the first in Asia to be equipped with the new winglets and in addition

Norwegian Air Shuttle deploys iPad maintenance ‘apps’

to the five converted ‘in the field’ Tigerair will start taking delivery of productionfitted Sharklet aircraft later this year.

Norwegian Air Shuttle has signed an agreement to implement Boeing’s new suite

The Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4m tall. They are

of mobile maintenance applications to enhance productivity and efficiency in its

an option on new-build A320 family aircraft and come as standard on all members

line maintenance operations. With these applications available on iPad devices,

of the new A320neo family of Airbus jets. They offer operators up to 4% fuel burn

Norwegian maintenance technicians will have real-time, mobile access to technical

reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an

manuals, part numbers and parts inventory availability, maintenance history and

additional 100 nautical miles of range or increased payload capability of up to 450kgs.

other information needed to support time-critical maintenance tasks.

Two-way collaboration capabilities will also enable Norwegian technicians to rapidly share documents, photos and other relevant information needed in maintenance troubleshooting in order to support operations decisions and improve maintenance turn times.

Launched at the recent MRO Europe conference in London, the new mobile maintenance applications suite includes Toolbox Mobile Library, Toolbox Mobile Parts

Air Canada has become the latest airline to back the 737 MAX programme Boeing

AIR CANADA GOES MAX 737s FOR CANADA

and Maintenance Turn Time. The products were developed based on extensive input from several airlines.

Norwegian plans to deploy the products to support their Boeing 737 fleet in early 2014 and integrate them with Norwegian’s back-end maintenance planning system, enabling access to parts inventory listings, maintenance records and other information.

“These iPad applications will give our maintenance technicians instant access to

Landmark order includes 35 new aircraft; 18 upsized models and launches

critical maintenance information when they need it most,” said Geir Steiro, Technical

Sharklets retrofit programme

Director of Norwegian’s Maintenance and Engineering division.

“Our technicians are very excited to be able to use these new applications,” said

On December 11 Air Canada announced an agreement that includes commitments,

Espen Hartsang, lead mechanic and key focal for the implementation project. “This

options and rights to purchase up to 109 Boeing 737 MAXs. When finalised, the

will make our jobs much easier. Now we will have real-time mobile access to all the

firm order for 61 737 MAX 8s and MAX 9s is expected to be worth $6.5 billion at list

information we need, so we can improve our maintenance turn times and keep our

prices. No delivery date has been set.

aeroplanes flying safely.”

5 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY Garuda International’s first ATR 72-600 is now in revenue service with at least 24 examples to follow ATR

GARUDA’S FIRST ATR 72-600 INDONESIA’S FIRST ATR

than other equivalent-sized regional aircraft and which has operating costs well below those of its competitors, has clearly become the reference for regional transportation in South East Asia. ATR has received orders for more than 170 ATR 72s, (mostly -600s) from ASEAN carriers since 2005 and this represents almost all the sales for regional aircraft below 90-seats in the region during this period.

Indonesia’s national airline receives its very first ATR 72-600

In order to optimise the operation of this new fleet of airliners Garuda Indonesia and ATR have recently signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA)

On December 2 Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, officially

extending over ten years and covering the 25 aircraft fleet. Based on this

celebrated entry into service of its very first ATR 72-600 airliner. A total of 25

agreement, ATR will handle – from its Customer Support Centre in Singapore –

ATR 72-600s were ordered by the airline earlier in 2013 and ten further options

the management of the maintenance activities of Garuda Indonesia’s ATR fleet,

remain to be taken up in a joint agreement between the airline, ATR and the

while ensuring the availability of key spare parts, such as propellers and fuel

Danish leasing firm Nordic Aviation Capital.

nozzles.

The first aircraft took to the sky from Denpasar (Bali) and throughout its

Commenting at the debut take-off Emirsyah Satar, President and Chief

inaugural day the aircraft landed at the airports of Labuan Bajo (East Nusa

Executive Officer of Garuda Indonesia, declared: “Today’s flight is a major

Tenggara province) and Bima (West Nusa Tenggara province). Scheduled

milestone in our policy of expanding regional connectivity across our

operations began a day later with flights scheduled from Bali to Labuan Bajo

country. The introduction of our new modern regional ATR turboprop aircraft

and Ende, and from Bali to Bima and Mataram.

represents a big step in our ‘Quantum Leap 2011-2015’ transformation and

Garuda Indonesia operates 126 aircraft to serve 39 domestic destinations and

expansion programme, which aims to specially strengthen our domestic

20 international destinations across Southeast Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang,

service”. He added: “This ATR 72-600 with ‘Explore’ branding will increase the

Singapore, and Bangkok), the Middle East (Jeddah and Abu Dhabi), Asia (Tokyo,

connectivity between new tourism and new economic growth destinations in

Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul), Australia

remote areas as well as to explore the richness and diversity of Indonesia”.

(Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane), and Europe (Amsterdam), out of its

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “ATR warmly

four hubs in Indonesia, namely Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, and Medan.

congratulates Garuda Indonesia as they welcome the latest edition to their

This ATR 72-600 is equipped with the new ‘Armonia’ cabin, specially designed

fleet. We believe this modern turboprop will be an integral part of their on-

for ATR by the Italian designer Giugiaro, featuring the most advanced standards

going business transformation and expansion program, while also showcasing

of comfort and technologies. The ATR 72-600, which burns up to 50% less fuel

their commitment to the advancement of the national connectivity.”

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Air Tahiti’s first ATR 42-600 arrives in French Polynesia in December ATR

The Citation M2 received FAA certification on December 23 allowing deliveries to begin in time for Christmas Cessna

CITATION M2 CERTIFIED

AIR TAHITI FIRST ATR-600

CESSNA’S LATEST BIZJET

TURBOPROP FOR TAHITI

US Federal Aviation Administration certifies Cessna Citation M2, allowing

First ATR 42-600 enters service in French overseas territories

deliveries to commence

Air Tahiti has taken delivery of its first ATR 42-600 in a bid to modernise its fleet. The The Cessna Aircraft Company received an early Christmas present on December

aircraft is part of the firm order for seven latest-generation ATR aircraft ordered in

23 when the first Citation M2 light jet was delivered following Federal Aviation

August 2010 and December 2012 (three ATR 42-600s and four ATR 72-600s) and the

Administration (FAA) type certification.

other aircraft will be shipped over the next three years. In addition to the delivery

Brad Thress, Cessna senior vice president of business jets, says: “Cessna is once

being a notable first for Air Tahiti, this aircraft is the very first of its type to fly in the

more redefining the light jet segment with the Citation M2. We’re proud to get the

French overseas territories.

M2 into the marketplace and see the aircraft begin to set the standard for the next

The introduction of these new ATR-600s kicks off Air Tahiti’s fleet renewal enabling

generation of business aviation.”

the airline while improving its operating performances and reducing fuel and

Thress continues: “The Citation M2 is a versatile aircraft that fits many markets and

operating costs. Air Tahiti’s new aircraft, the most fuel-efficient aircraft in their

missions, attracting owner-operators looking for an advanced, innovative aircraft

category, will gradually be introduced into service on the regional routes in French

of this size, capability, and value. Our launch customer, Stuart Woods, represents

Polynesia and will operate an international connection between Papeete and

this type of customer: owners moving up from their Citation Mustang. Further,

Rarotonga international airport in the Cook Islands.

many new M2 owners are upgrading from a turboprop, while still others are moving

Like all the ATR aircraft operated by Air Tahiti, the ATR-600 is exceptionally versatile

laterally to a newer, same-size business jet. With its single-pilot certification, the

and capable of adapting to even the most difficult runways (short, narrow or

Citation M2 has room for six passengers and is faster than many comparable

unpaved), thereby allowing the airline to fly to a large number of destinations.

aircraft, making it a strong performer in this segment.”

ATRs are currently the only turboprop aircraft to get an ETOPS 120 certification

The Citation M2 was announced in September 2011 with a design driven by

(authorisation to fly over seas and oceans for 2 hours in the event of an engine

customer and pilot feedback. First flight of the Citation M2 prototype occurred in

failure), making them the ideal solution for Air Tahiti’s operation over French

March 2012 and the first production unit flew in August 2013. The development and

Polynesia.

certification process involved more than 150,000 engineering hours and two aircraft

“With the arrival of these new ATR aircraft, our passengers will be able to benefit

flying nearly 1,000 flight test hours and 360,000 nautical miles.

from the exceptional comfort of an ultra-modern cabin, which is an essential

The Citation M2 has a maximum cruise speed of 400kts true airspeed (460mph) and

criterion for our quality of service and customer satisfaction,” declared Maté

a range of 1,300 nautical miles. The aircraft can operate at airports with runways

Galénon, Managing Director of Air Tahiti. “We have been preparing for the arrival of

as short as 990 metres and will climb to 41,000 feet in 24 minutes. The Citation M2

our new ATR-600s for more than a year. Our flight crews and engineers are ready to

is certified for single-pilot operation and features two Williams FJ44 engines. The

operate these new aircraft. Polynesia is looking forward to flying in the brand new

aircraft can easily handle non-stop legs such as Houston, Texas-Washington D.C.;

ATRs.”

Chicago-Miami; Frankfurt-Moscow; and Dubai-Mumbai.

Air Tahiti is the state-run air transport operator in French Polynesia, based at Faa’a

The M2’s cockpit design features Cessna’s proprietary Intrinzic flight deck

international airport, Papeete. The first ATR aircraft joined the fleet in 1987, replacing

powered by Garmin G3000 avionics with high-resolution multifunction displays

Fokker models, and today Air Tahiti’s ATRs service almost 90% of French Polynesia.

and split-screen capability. Touch screen interactivity provides pilots with precise

Since its creation, ATR has sold over 1,300 aircraft to 180 operators in 90 countries.

performance information they need in a logical, familiar user interface.

The aircraft have now flown over 21 million flight hours.

7 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY

CENTENARY NEXT GEN 737 FOR LION AIR

INDONESIAN LANDMARK Indonesia’s largest airline group takes delivery of its 100th Next Generation

Carrying a special centenary scheme, the landmark 737-800 is unveiled to VIPs in Indonesia Boeing

Lion Air was also the launch customer for the 737-900ER and currently operates 67 737-900ERs and 19 737-800s. The group’s other Next-Generation 737s are allocated to its full-service carrier in Indonesia, Batik Air, and to its overseas affiliates: Malindo Air in Malaysia and Thai Lion Air, a new carrier based in Bangkok.

On November 4 Boeing delivered the 100th Next Generation 737 to the Lion Group,

The Lion Air Group operates an extensive route network in Indonesia and also

the parent company of Lion Air and Indonesia’s largest airline group. The aeroplane,

serves international destinations. Lion Air and subsidiary Wings Air serve 76

a 737-900ER (Extended Range), features a special livery commemorating the

destinations in Indonesia; the largest domestic network in the country. Lion Air

delivery.

mainline has 580 flights a day and Wings Air has 180 flights per day.

“This is an amazing moment for the Lion Group,” said Lion Group President Director

“I want to congratulate Lion Air on this special milestone,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior

Rusdi Kirana. “We’ve grown from one aeroplane and today we’re taking delivery of

vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Few

our 100th Next-Generation 737. It’s an aeroplane that has allowed us to grow and be

airlines reach its centennial delivery so quickly, and we’re proud that the 737 is part

successful because of the low operating cost and passenger comfort.”

of Lion Air’s growth into one of the world’s largest low-cost carriers.”

ZB002 lands at Auckland at the end of its 13 hour 49 minute flight from Seattle Boeing

Turkish Airlines’ first retrofitted A321 awaits its maiden flight in Instanbul Airbus

DREAMLINER DEBUT

FIRST EURO SHARKLET RETROFIT

ON TOUR

INCREASING RANGE

Boeing 787-9 visits New Zealand for International Debut

First Airbus wingtip retrofit completed for Turkish Airlines

In January a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner prototype flew to Auckland, home of launch

Turkish Airlines has become the first European airline to operate A320 family aircraft

customer Air New Zealand, for what would be its international debut. It was also the

with production-retrofitted Sharklet wingtip devices. This follows the installation (by

type’s longest flight since the robust test programme began.

Turkish Technic MRO) of Sharklets onto the first of nine A321s to be retrofitted for

The second of three 787-9s dedicated to the flight-test programme (ZB002) flew

the airline. All nine aircraft will be upgraded in Istanbul in the coming months.

direct from Seattle’s Boeing Field to Auckland, departing January 3 at 9:55 a.m. local

Airbus has been delivering Sharklets as an option on new-build A320 family aircraft

time and landing some 13 hours, 49 minutes later. The aeroplane later continued on

since December 2012. The Sharklet ‘production-retrofit’ option is being offered

to Alice Springs, Australia, for hot weather testing.

for newer aircraft delivered with the latest production standard of wings that are

The 787-9 will complement and extend the super-efficient Dreamliner family. With

already capable of being fitted with winglets without any additional structural

the fuselage stretched by 20 feet over the 787-8 the 787-9 will fly up to 40 more

reinforcements. In addition the production-retrofit solution, Airbus has also recently

passengers an additional 300 nautical miles while burning 20% less fuel and creating

launched the ‘in-service retrofit’ programme – which allows Sharklets to be fitted

20% fewer emissions than similarly sized aircraft. Boeing is on track to deliver the

for airlines currently flying older A320s which have the previous design of wing

787-9 to launch customer Air New Zealand in mid-2014 and its first commercial flight

structure. The ‘in-service retrofit’ solution therefore includes a reinforcement of

is scheduled to be from Auckland to Perth on October 15, 2014.

the wing structure and will be available for operators in 2015.

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In addition to the multitude of new orders Cathay Pacific also celebrates on December 18 when it took delivery of the first 747-8 with performance-improved GEnx-2B engines. This formed part of Boeing’s Performance Improvement Package that will also soon offer a Flight Management Computer (FMC) software upgrades and reactivation of the horizontal tank fuel system. The PIP engine improves the aircraft’s efficiency by 1.8% Boeing

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Just days after taking delivery of its very first Airbus A321 aircraft, JetBlue Airways placed a new order for 15 A321ceo (current engine option) and 20 A321neo (new engine option) aircraft; tipping the A320 family order book over the 10,000 mark Airbus

CATHAY’S WIDEBODY ORDER

JETBLUE’S LANDMARK A320 ORDER

BOEING BOOST

10,000TH A320

Hong Kong Airline to get extra 747-8, 777-300ERs and the new 777X

Landmark order includes 35 new aircraft and 18 upsized models

Just after Christmas Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways announced that it

Just days after taking delivery of its very first Airbus A321 aircraft, JetBlue Airways

had ordered an additional Boeing 747-8 Freighter and three Boeing 777-300ER

placed a new order for a further 15 A321ceo (current engine option) and 20

(Extended Range) aircraft. The order, valued at about $1 billion at current list prices,

A321neo (new engine option) aircraft.

will bolster Cathay Pacific’s 747-8 Freighter fleet and 777-300ER fleet to 14 and 53,

In addition, the airline has opted to upsize eight A320ceo and ten A320neo

respectively.

aircraft currently on backlog to eight A321ceo and ten A321neo, respectively.

“We are very pleased to confirm this latest aircraft purchase from The Boeing

This order marks a landmark for Airbus as it is the 10,000th order for the A320

Company,” said John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific. “Both the 777-

family aircraft.

300ER and the 747-8 Freighter offer a highly efficient solution on Cathay Pacific’s

“We are pleased to convert some of our Airbus A320 positions to A321s, and

ultra-long-haul routes, combining superb operating economics with a significant

order additional A321s to better match capacity with demand,” said JetBlue

reduction in emissions. These two aircraft types will form the backbone of our

President and CEO Dave Barger. “The A321 is the ideal aircraft for our high density

long-haul passenger and freighter fleets through to the end of the decade.”

markets. In addition, a sub-fleet of the A321s will power our Mint premium

Hong Kong’s flag carrier is in the midst of renewing its freighter fleet with newer,

service on the New York-Los Angeles and New York-San Francisco markets. It is

more efficient aeroplanes, while also looking to strengthen its position as a market

the right aircraft for JetBlue’s lucrative routes. We eagerly look forward to the

leader in the air cargo business.

Sharklet retrofits and -neo aircraft to further reduce operating costs.”

Boeing claims the 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating

Since its launch in 1984, the Airbus A320 family has continued to evolve with the

costs and best economics of any large freighter aircraft while providing enhanced

demands of the market, with the latest innovations being the A320neo and the

environmental performance. At 250ft 2in long – some 18ft 4in longer than the

Sharklets fuel saving wing tip devices.

747-400 Freighter – the 747-8 Freighter gives customers 16% more revenue cargo

“JetBlue launched its business with an all-Airbus fleet, demonstrating they

volume compared to its predecessor with nearly equivalent trip costs and lower

are a forward-thinking airline,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer

ton-mile costs.

– Customers. “The fact that they are turning to the -neo and larger Airbus

The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul aeroplane

aircraft overall makes it clear that they know how to please their passengers and

and the 777-300ER variant is equipped with the world’s most powerful GE90-

maximise profits.”

115B commercial jet engine. It can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class

This order marks, with JetBlue as a partner, the launch of the Sharklet retrofit

configuration with a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles.

programme, which allows airlines currently flying A320ceo aircraft the option

This latest news came just a week after Cathay Pacific announced the airline’s

of optimising their aircraft’s performance with the addition of Sharklets. (See

decision to become Asia’s first Boeing 777X customer with an order for 21 777-9X

separate news item for further details)

aircraft. That order was valued at more than $7 billion at current list prices and part

JetBlue will also be the first airline in the world to take delivery of an aircraft from

of a record sales book that launched the 777X.

Airbus’ newest assembly facility, currently under construction in Mobile, Alabama.

Hong Kong’s flag carrier operates 55 777s, including 38 777-300ERs and an all-Boeing

The facility will create 1,000 new jobs in the US Gulf Coast region, and deliveries

freighter fleet featuring 13 747-8 Freighters. With this order, Cathay Pacific will have

will begin in 2016. Airbus anticipates the facility will produce between 40 and 50

21 777-9X aeroplanes, 15 777-300ERs and one 747-8 Freighter on order with Boeing.

aircraft per year by 2018.

9 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY EIGHT BOEING 737-800s FOR AIR ALGERIE

The eight new 737-800s will join 17 others and five 737-600s in the Air Algerie fleet Boeing

FLEET RENEWAL

additional 737-800s underlines Air Algerie’s position as a leading carrier committed

Algerian Airline announces commitment for eight Next-Generation 737-800s

to providing its passengers with a wide choice of destinations and exceptional inflight comfort.”

On January 6 Air Algerie announced a commitment for eight Next-Generation

Based in Algeria’s capital city Algiers the airline currently serves more than 40

Boeing 737-800 aeroplanes worth $724 million as part of its fleet renewal and

destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. It

expansion.

currently operates a fleet of 17 Next-Generation 737-800s – one of the best-selling

“The 737-800 continues to be the backbone of Air Algerie’s fleet. So far, we are

versions of the highly successful Next-Generation Boeing 737 family - and five

pleased with these aircraft, and anticipate receiving all eight of these new units

737-600s.

before the end of 2016,” said Mohamed Salah Boultif, CEO of Air Algerie.

Boeing refers to the -800 as “the most technologically advanced single-aisle

“Air Algerie has been a major player in North African aviation for more than 50 years

aeroplane family” and points out that; “the Next-Generation 737’s market success

and has already experienced the enhanced performance and improved economics

has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred

of the 737-800,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America

single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior efficiency and lowest

and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Today’s commitment for

operating costs in its class. To date, more than 4,500 737-800s have been ordered.”

A350XWB MSN 3 catches her breath in Bolivia during high altitude testing in early January

The additional 50 A380s will take Emirates fleet to 140 Super Jumbos

Airbus

Airbus

50 EXTRA A380s FOR EMIRATES

NEW AIRBUS HEAD FOR HEIGHTS

FLEET BOOST

FLIGHT TESTING

Emirates Airline firms up order for 50 additional A380s, taking the total

Airbus has despatched a prototype A350XWB to Bolivia for testing at the

fleet to an eventual 140 airframes

high altitude airfields of Cochabamba and La Paz

In late December Emirates Airline and Airbus completed discussions and signed the

On January 9 Airbus flew A350XWB development aircraft MSN3 to the South

firm contract for 50 additional A380s that had originally been announced at the

American country of Bolivia to perform a series of tests at the high altitude airfields

Dubai Airshow in November 2013.

of Cochabamba and La Paz.

Tim Clark, Emirates Airline’s President said: “The A380 is our flagship aircraft. It is

Cochabamba is around 8,300ft AMSL (above mean sea level), and La Paz is one of the

popular with our customers and delivers results for us in terms of operational

world’s highest airports at 13,300ft.

performance. That is why we have ordered these additional aircraft, to add to our

Operations at such high altitude airfields are particularly demanding on aircraft

A380 fleet.”

engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and systems and the aim of these trials is to

“This order is a major vote of confidence in the A380. Since delivery of their

demonstrate and validate the full functionality of engines, systems and materials as

first aircraft in July 2008, Emirates’ A380 fleet has grown to be the largest in the

well as to assess the overall aircraft behaviour under these extreme conditions.

world with 44 A380s in operation. We congratulate Emirates on this impressive

A number of take-offs were performed at each of the airfields (both with all engines

achievement and thank the airline for their continued support of our flagship

operating and with simulated engine failures) to collect data on engine operating

aircraft. As Tim Clark has often said, ‘The A380 really is a game-changing aircraft’,”

characteristics and validate the aircraft take-off performance. The autopilot

commented John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

behaviour will also be evaluated during automatic landings and go-arounds.

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AIRBUS GOES DIGITAL

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Building aeroplanes atom by atom… is it really Sci-Fi? Airbus

SCI FI JETS? Manufacturer signs agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Airbus has signed a research agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to explore the use of digital manufacturing in aerospace. Working with Neil Gershenfeld, director of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA) and his team, Airbus will evaluate how the digital material concepts being developed at MIT can potentially be applied to the design and construction of aircraft.

Digital material technology is based on the idea that a complex structure can be constructed by assembling a simple set of discrete components, similar to how the body builds all of its proteins from amino acids.

When the parts developed by MIT are assembled – much like snap-together building blocks – the resulting structure is not only lightweight, but also extremely durable and easy to disassemble and reassemble.

The technique, which could lead to a totally new way of assembling aeroplanes, may offer substantial benefits, including lighter aircraft structures as well as lower

“This opens up an interesting collaboration with a cutting-edge research partner,”

costs. This approach radically challenges the traditional airframe architecture,

said Axel Krein, Senior Vice President of R&T at Airbus.

which consists of manufacturing large structures or parts in single pieces. Airbus is

“At Airbus, we invest heavily in projects, programmes and partnerships to develop

also exploring the use of 3D digital printing for the cost and weight saving potential

and offer step-change technologies and solutions that bring value, profitability

it offers in the production of individual parts or even larger airframe structures.

and environmental benefits to our customers.”

A350XWB’S CARBON SCHEME AIRFRAME #3

The stylish new colour scheme has been designed for the A350XWB to mark the type’s intensive use of carbon fibre reinforced polymers Airbus

construction from advanced materials, this aircraft is also the first of two A350 flight test aircraft to be equipped with a full passenger cabin interior.

The second prototype Airbus A350XWB has received a special colour scheme

MSN2 will join the A350XWB flight test fleet and will be the first A350 to transport passengers when it undertakes the Early Long Flights (ELF) later in the year.

On Thursday January 2, Airbus marked the new year by rolling out the third

Composite materials in Airbus aircraft have seen a step-by-step introduction that

A350XWB (Xtra Wide Body) prototype – aircraft MSN2 – from the paint shop in

started with the A310. which was first rolled-out in February 1982. More than 50%

Toulouse in a very special colour scheme.

of the airframe is made-up of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) including

As well as featuring a distinctive ‘Carbon’ signature livery to reflect its primary

Airbus’ first carbon-fibre fuselage.

11 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY

AV Cargo’s MD-11 Boeing Converted Freighter wearing is one of two provided by Boeing Capital Corporation under multi-year leases. Overall Boeing has converted more than 100 MD-11s to freighters, extending the aeroplane’s useful life beyond its passenger service Boeing

Germania’s new A321 will operate exclusively for Alltours, one of Germany’s biggest travel agencies Airbus

MD-11 FREIGHTERS COMPLETED

NEW VANILLA & GERMANIA A320s

CONVERTED FREIGHTERS

SHARKLET DELIVERIES

Boeing converted MD-11s will serve key routes in West Africa

Japanese and German operators receive new Baby Buses

Boeing’s aircraft leasing unit, Boeing Capital Corporation, has provided a second

Vanilla Air, Japan’s newest low-cost carrier has taken delivery of its first A320 on

MD-11 Boeing converted freighter (BCF) on a multi-year lease to UK-managed AV

lease from lessor AWAS and Berlin-based carrier Germania has taken delivery of its

Cargo. The aircraft, which joins another provided in May 2013, has now begun

first out of two A321s on order. Both aircraft are equipped with Airbus’ wingtip fuel

services from the operator’s base in Liege, Belgium, on routes primarily to West

saving devices, called Sharklets.

Africa. The two aircraft wear the distinctive white and blue-tipped tail livery of the

Vanilla Air, formerly known as Air Asia Japan, will now start commercial services

new carrier, the successor to the former Avient Ltd.

from Narita International Airport to Okinawa and Taipei, gradually expanding

AV Cargo will operate its MD-11 BCF freighters into key Africa cities including Lagos,

services to Sapporo and Seoul (Incheon) and international holiday resort

Nigeria; Bamako, Mali; Entebbe, Uganda; Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Pointe-Noire,

destinations.

Republic of the Congo; Freetown, Sierra Leone; and Pemba Island.

Vanilla Air’s A320 is configured with 180 seats in a high comfort all economy

Originally built as MD-11 passenger aircraft, the BCFs feature an updated flight

layout. The aircraft is equipped with fuel saving wing tip devices and powered by

deck and cargo-handling system, better fuel efficiency and increased operating

CFM56 engines.

capabilities. Overall, Boeing has now converted more than 100 MD-11s to freighters.

“We are delighted to take delivery of our brand new Airbus A320,” Vanilla Air

“MD-11 freighter conversion is a great move in terms of the aircraft’s residual

President Tomonori Ishii said. “Our aim is to be customer focussed and to offer

value that appeals to aircraft investors,” said Frank Duckstein, Boeing Capital senior

seamless and convenient services beyond expectations. Thanks to its cost

director of asset management. “Conversion extends the aircraft’s useful life

efficiency and high reliability, the A320 is the ideal aircraft to fulfil our demands.”

beyond its passenger service and, thanks to the superior economics and operating

Meanwhile Germania, which has already been operating eight A319 since 2011,

performance, it allows us to place into service a good cargo asset despite a soft

says its new A321 will operate exclusively for Alltours, one of Germany’s biggest

market.”

travel agencies. The airline has chosen a spacious single class cabin layout for 208

Neil Glover, AV Cargo managing director and co-founder, said: “This second delivery

passengers. The cabin will be equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment

is an important milestone in our strategic business plan that will allow us to further

system, featuring video screens and in-seat audio channels.

penetrate and optimise our planned scheduled services.”

“The delivery of our first brand-new A321 marks the beginning of a new era for

“The MD-11 is the natural and logical choice to serve our niche market needs in the

Germania,’’ said Andreas Wobig,’’ Germania Chief Executive Officer. ‘‘With 208

65-95 tonne payload range, operating into some of the smaller and performance-

seats, the aircraft capacity is one third higher than the jets we currently operate.

challenging airports within Africa that preclude most other aircraft. The ergonomics

This means that in the future, charter and scheduled flights on particularly popular

combined with the current lease opportunities provide us with a real competitive

routes can be operated even more economically. We are delighted with our A321s

advantage.”

as they are especially fuel-efficient and make an important contribution to climate

Simon Clark, AV Cargo chief executive officer, said the operator’s third MD-11 is

protection.”

expected to enter service in early 2014. “It will reinforce our schedules services and

Airbus has been delivering Sharklets as an option on new-build A320 family aircraft

significantly increase our ad-hoc charter capacity,” Clark said.

since December 2012. In addition, the Sharklet retrofit option is being sold for

The MD-11 freighter is the leader in the 90-ton freighter class, with 175 aircraft in

newer aircraft delivered with the wings structurally reinforced in production. All

active service with cargo operators and freight forwarders worldwide including

members of the A320neo family will be fitted with Sharklets as standard when it

FedEx, UPS and Lufthansa.

enters service in October 2015.

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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 and more than 1,000 A330s have already been delivered Airbus

Jetstar’s first Dreamliner departs the USA on its delivery flight to Australia Boeing

DOWNUNDER DREAMLINER

AIRASIA X ORDERS MORE A330-300s

AUSTRALIAN DEBUTANTE

EXPANSION PLANS

First Australian 787 delivered to Jetstar

Airline embarks on major expansion with popular Airbus widebody

On October 7 Jetstar Airways took delivery of the carrier’s first Boeing 787, which is

AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of the AirAsia Group, has placed a firm order with

also the first Dreamliner in Australia.

Airbus for 25 more A330-300s. The contract is the largest A330 order received by

“Today is a historic milestone for the Qantas Group and Jetstar as we welcome the

Airbus in a single purchase agreement and increases the carrier’s total firm orders

most advanced passenger aircraft ever constructed to the fleet,” said Qantas Group

for the type to 51. These will be supplemented by another six A330-300s leased

CEO Alan Joyce. “In just ten short years, Jetstar has grown to be the largest low fares

from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

carrier in the Asia Pacific, carrying more than 100 million passengers. The 787 will set

AirAsia X will start taking delivery of its newly-ordered A330-300s in 2015 as it begins

up the airline for another decade of growth.”

a major expansion of its network across the Asia-Pacific region. The new order

“We’re proud to deliver the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner to our partners at Jetstar,”

includes the latest extended range versions of the A330-300, providing the carrier

said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Ray Conner. “The 787’s

with the ability to offer non-stop service to destinations in Europe or one-stop

unmatched fuel efficiency will give Jetstar an advantage in the marketplace and its

service to the US.

passengers will travel with the world’s most advanced in-flight experience.”

Tan Sri’ Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X said, “This order

“Jetstar customers will have the chance to fly in a larger and more spacious cabin,

stamps our firm intent to dominate the long-haul, low cost carrier space and marks

enjoy gate to gate in-flight entertainment and arrive at their destination more

the next phase in our development to be the undisputed global market leader. Our

refreshed thanks to a lower cabin altitude to reduce the impact of jet lag,” said

commitment would allow us to remain as the youngest wide body fleet age in the

Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. “The entire Jetstar team is very excited to have

region at under five years to 2019, with corresponding competitive fuel efficiency,

the 787 take to Australia skies.”

reliability and cabin comfort benefits.”

The 787 is a visionary design and, according to Boeing “a revolution in passenger

“The aircraft orders would further cater to our expansion plans in Malaysia, and

comfort” with large, electrically-dimmable windows, larger stow bins, modern LED

the proposed new Thai AirAsia X hub as well as other long-haul ventures planned

lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

across Asia. The developments will complement the AirAsia Group’s long-term vision

Boeing says the 787 uses 20% less fuel and emits 20% fewer emissions than similarly

of developing its presence in key markets in Asia and strengthen the connectivity

sized aeroplanes.

between long-haul and short-haul low-cost network.”

An international team of aerospace companies designs and builds the 787, with

AirAsia X currently operates 16 A330-300s on services linking its Kuala Lumpur base

Boeing Aerostructures Australia manufacturing the movable trailing edge on the

to destinations in Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. In addition to A330s, the

wing of every Dreamliner.

carrier also has ten A350XWB aircraft on order for future delivery.

Jetstar, the Qantas Group’s low-cost brand, plans to introduce the 787 Dreamliner first

The latest order from AirAsia X further consolidates the position of the AirAsia Group

on domestic routes and then its international network. The airline has a total of 14

as one of Airbus’s largest airline customers in the world. In total the group has now

787 Dreamliners on order and expects to fly an all-787 long-haul fleet by 2015.

ordered 536 aircraft from the manufacturer. These include 475 A320 family single

The 210-300-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s distinguishing features include mostly

aisle aircraft for AirAsia’s short haul operations plus the 51 A330s and 10 A350 XWBs

electrical flight systems, a four-panel windshield, noise-reducing chevrons on its engine

for AirAsia. More than 1,000 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is

nacelles, and a smoother nose contour for improved aerodynamics and efficiency.

currently flying with almost 100 operators worldwide.

13 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY

Boeing has announced it will expand its flight and maintenance training capabilities in Russia, with a new, state-of-the-art campus. Pictured here is a pilot training in a 777 full-flight simulator Boeing

BOEING’S RUSSIAN INVESTMENT AVIATION TRAINING TO EXPAND New training centre to be located at the Moscow Skolkovo Innovation Centre

Boeing has announced it will expand its flight and maintenance training capabilities in Russia with a new, state-of-the-art training campus.

The new full-service training facility – set to open in 2015 – will be located in the Skolkovo Innovation Centre in Moscow and Boeing will work in cooperation with Industrial Investors Group and their subsidiary Transas on the project.

“We are bringing Boeing’s flight and maintenance training closer to our Russian customers, giving them the world-class support they need to successfully operate and maintain their fleets,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. “Airlines in the region will benefit from a technologically advanced training campus staffed by the industry’s best qualified and most experienced pilots and Airbus is now making Sharklets available to existing A320 family operators. All members of the A320neo family will be fitted with Sharklets as standard when the type enters service in October 2015 Airbus

RETROFIT SHARKLETS FUEL SAVERS

instructors.”

Initial capability will include flight, maintenance and specialty training. Local maintenance training will be available across the spectrum of Boeing aircraft currently in operation, and flight training capability will include locally based instructors.

“We are delighted to become technology partners in this unique project,” said Nikholay Lebedev, president, Transas Group. “We strongly appreciate that our flight simulation technologies have become part of this international project, aimed at

Airbus launches Sharklet retrofit for in-service A320 family aircraft. Wingtip

improving the efficiency and quality of flight crew training in Russia—a sign of

devices cut fuel burn by up to 4% and lengthen in-service life

confidence in our products that we are proud of.”

The new facility will open with four simulator bays, featuring three Next-Generation

Airbus has launched the Sharklet retrofit programme for in-service A320 family

737 full-flight simulators and one 777 full-flight simulator. The facility is designed

aircraft. This option will be available in 2015 and operators of older in-service aircraft

to allow for expansion to accommodate additional training capacity as required by

will thus be able to benefit from the significant cost savings and performance

customers.

improvements, which the Sharklets are already delivering on new-build A320s. This

The Boeing 2013 Pilot & Technician Outlook estimates that the Commonwealth of

retrofit includes reinforcing the wing and adding the Sharklet and will also lengthen

Independent States, including Russia, will require 15,200 new commercial airline

the aircraft’s service life.

pilots and 18,000 new technicians over the next two decades, supporting 1,530 new

Operators of Sharklet retrofitted aircraft will benefit from a reduction in fuel costs

commercial aeroplanes.

by up to 4% and increased range by up to 100 nautical miles. Average users will also

The new training campus in Russia is a significant investment in the region’s aviation

save over 900 tonnes of CO2 each year.

safety, and will reduce travel times for airline crews and the costs of sending

Over 4,000 A320 family in-service aircraft are eligible to be retrofitted with Sharklets

students for training.

and Airbus has already secured commitments from airlines for around 200 sets.

In November, ground was broken on a new Boeing training facility in Korea and last

Airbus will offer the retrofit initially for A320 and A319 models and will evaluate a

August, Miami became the hub for pro forma flight training in the Americas. New

retrofit for the A321 at a later stage.

simulators were also delivered to London (787) and Singapore (777 and 737NG).

14 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

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Interjet SSJ100’s first commercial flights mark an important milestone in the Sukhoi Superjet 100 programme

MEXICAN SUPERJETS

SUKHOI DELIVERY

@

Sukhoi

The SSJ100 entry into service was introduced by a successful flight training campaign in a “high altitude environment” typical of Mexico. Training flights, which

First two Sukhoi Superjet 100s enter service with Mexican airline Interjet

were conducted in Toluca after the completion of the Type Rating courses at the Venice training centre, included 171 ‘touch & go’ landings for roughly 35 flight

The first two Sukhoi Superjet 100 commercial aircraft operated by the Mexican

hours confirming the aircraft’s performance.

airline Interjet successfully performed the first revenue flights on September 18,

SuperJet International (SJI), which is the SSJ100 worldwide training provider, has

2013.

so far trained 44 Interjet pilots, including five instructors, along with eight cabin

The first aircraft (MSN 95023/flight 3150) took off at 07.37 (local time) from Mexico

attendants and almost 100 mechanics.

City airport and landed at 08.54 at Torreon airport. The second aircraft (MSN

Interjet also capitalises on a comprehensive “per-flight-hour” programme designed

95024/flight 3963) took off at about 07.50 from Mexico City and landed at 08.52 at

by SJI specifically for SSJ100 operators to maximise aircraft availability, optimise

Aguascalientes airport.

maintenance costs and minimise the administrative burden. To facilitate the entry

On the first day of their operations, the first two Interjet SSJ100s performed eight

in service of the SSJ100 with Interjet, SJI has also set up a new support warehouse

commercial flights, each to destinations including Campeche, Minatitlan, Zacatecas

located at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that will provide logistic support any North and

and Mazatlan.

Latin America customer. A SJI dedicated engineering team is on-site to provide

“The entry in service with Interjet has opened the door to the Western market and

technical support and advisory assistance while the Customer Care Centre based

the international aviation community has been carefully watching at this major

in Venice is operational 24/7 to provide timely support for spares, tooling and

step”, said Nazario Cauceglia, Chief Executive Officer of SuperJet International.

technical queries.

“After a start-up phase, the SSJ100 programme is determined to become a

The 100-seat Sukhoi Superjet 100, designed and produced by the Sukhoi Civil

competitive player in the regional aircraft segment. We are positive we will meet

Aircraft Company in Russia, in partnership with Alenia Aermacchi, incorporates

customers’ expectations, through operational leasing alternatives and very

modern Western technology and is powered by two PowerJet SaM146 engines.

attractive ECA Financing, supporting both start-up and legacy airlines. The SSJ100

The aircraft is said to offer great advantages in terms of fuel consumption and low

has a great potential in the global market. Our forecast is for an addressable market

operational costs.

of 1,000 aircraft in the next 20 years. We firmly believe in the excellence of our

The SSJ100 is now in service with six airlines (Interjet, Aeroflot, Sky Aviation, Lao

product, its comfort, superior aerodynamics and outstanding performance, along

Central, Yakutia, Moskovia) and 20 aircraft have been delivered. A further 256

with a ‘first class’ Customer Services support,” concluded Mr Cauceglia.

examples are on order for airlines around the globe with options on 107 more.

15 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY KUWAIT’S AIRBUS ORDER

The Kuwait Airways order includes ten A350-900 Xtra Wide Body airliners Airbus

25 NEW JETS

Chairman Mr Jassar Al Jassar. “The A350-900 will strengthen our long haul route

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

development whilst the A320neo will further boost our regional route network.

These aircraft are an essential part of our ambitious growth plans.”

Kuwait Airways, the National airline of Kuwait, has signed a Memorandum of

“It’s great to see a long-standing customer building its future with our newest,

Understanding (MoU) to buy ten A350-900 and fifteen A320neo family aircraft. The

most efficient aircraft families,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer,

Airbus aircraft will operate alongside an existing fleet of three A320, three A310, five

Customers. “In choosing the A320neo and A350XWB, Kuwait Airways will offer its

A300 and four A340 aircraft.

passengers the industry’s best-in-class cabin experience on both long and short

“Airbus is the ideal choice for an airline like ours,” said Kuwait Airways acting

haul routes, flying them in the widest seats in all classes.”

GOING ELECTRIC SAVING FUEL

Airbus in talks with Honeywell and Safran to develop electric taxiing system

As part of on-going research and development into future technology options, Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EGTS International, a joint venture company between Safran and Honeywell Aerospace, to further develop and evaluate an autonomous electric pushback and taxiing system for the A320 family.

The agreement marks the selection of EGTS International’s Electric Green Taxiing System to be evaluated as a new option on the A320 family – referred to by Airbus as eTaxi.

This option would allow the aircraft to push-back from the gate without a tug, taxi-out to the runway, and return to the gate after landing without operating the main engines. In doing so it is claimed the system will reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 4% per trip as well as cutting taxiing related carbon and NOx emissions by half. It will also provide A320 operators with autonomy from pushback tractors to increase efficiency and turn around times as well as allowing the A320 family of aircraft to from airfields which do not possess tugs. eTaxi will use the aircraft’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to power electric motors fitted to the main landing gear wheels. The system will include the ability for pilots to keep full control from the cockpit over their aircraft’s speed and direction during taxi operations.

Brian Wenig, EGTS Programme Vice President, Honeywell Aerospace said: “Following our demonstration of the technology of the system. Airbus will provide extremely valuable insight to facilitate a seamless integration into the aircraft.”

Daniel Baubil, Airbus EVP, Head of A320 Programme said: “Following our demonstration at the Paris Airshow, this marks the next milestone in the Electric Green Taxiing System.”

To regularly enhance the A320’s capabilities and performance, Airbus says it invests approximately 300 million Euros annually in keeping the aircraft highly competitive and efficient. More than 10,000 A320s have been

16

eTaxi will use the aircraft’s APU to power electric motors fitted to the main landing gear wheels to enable the aircraft to taxi without using its engines Airbus

www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

ordered and over 5,800 delivered to operators worldwide.

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Boeing delivered UTair’s first directly purchased Next-Generation 737-800 in October. Pictured here, John Pricco, Boeing Vice President of 737 Field Operations and Delivery (left), and Andrei Martirosov, UTair Airlines CEO, at the delivery ceremony at Boeing Field in Seattle Boeing

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As of December 2013 twenty-two SSJ100 were delivered to customers around the world Sukhoi

NEXT-GENERATION 737 TO UTAIR

LATEST SUPERJETS

RUSSIAN 737-800

SUKHOIS TO AEROFLOT

Leading national Russian carrier receives its first directly purchased 737-800

Third Sukhoi Superjet 100s delivered to both Sky Aviation and Aeroflot

UTair; one of Russia’s leading national carriers, has taken delivery of its first directly

On December 16 the third Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft was handed over

purchased Boeing 737-800. The airline currently has 40 Next-Generation 737s on

to Aeroflot Russian Airlines after a ferry flight from the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Delivery

order to be delivered in the next several years.

Centre at Zhukovsky to the airline’s airport at Sheremetyevo.

UTair operates one of the largest aircraft fleets in Russia and ranks among the top

In a special ceremony the aircraft (RA89017) was named after the USSR honoured

three largest Russian carriers by passenger volume.

pilot and Aeroflot veteran Pyotr Khmelnitsky before entering commercial service

“Next-Generation Boeing 737 aeroplanes meet today’s development needs of the

on domestic and international routes. The airline now operates the SSJ100 aircraft

airline by their optimised operating performance and value-for-money proposition,”

on routes to cities in Russia, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,

said Andrey Martirosov, CEO of UTair. “New aeroplanes will allow us to continue

Norway, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine and Belarus.

enhancing efficiency of our route network and drive customer appeal for both

To date, Aeroflot is the largest utiliser of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft and has now

domestic and international flights.”

conducted more than 16,000 commercial flights with the type and amassed a total

“The new aeroplanes will help UTair deliver an unmatched level of service for

of more than 24,000 flight hours.

passengers and dramatically reduce operating costs, fuel costs and environmental

Two days later, on December 18, the third Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft was

impact,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Russia &

handed over to Indonesian airline Sky Aviation.

Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Carrying the serial number 95031 the jet departed Moscow to the airline’s base

UTair’s new 737-800 seats 162 passengers and features the new Boeing Sky Interior.

airport located in Jakarta to join the first two SSJ100s in the fleet.

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the best-selling versions of the highly successful

During their successful operations, the first two SSJ100 aircraft (serial numbers

Next-Generation 737 family, which Boeing describes as “the most technologically

95022 and 95027) have completed more than 800 flights with more than 1000 flight

advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market.”

hours.

“The Next-Generation 737’s market success has been confirmed by investors who

Sky Aviation operates the SSJ100 on routes connecting the numerous islands of

consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market

the Indonesian archipelago, including Pontianak (Kalimatan Island), Palembang

base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class”

(Sumatra Island) and Natuna Ranay (Batam Island). It now plans to expand services to

says Boeing. The Next-Generation 737 family has won orders for more than 6,500

include Surabaya (Java Island), Denpasar (Bali Island), Labuan Bajo (Komodo Island) and

aeroplanes, while the whole 737 family has surpassed 11,000 orders to date.

Kupang (Timor Island).

17 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY

FIRST 737-900ER FOR EL AL NEXT-GEN DELIVERY Israeli flag-carrier’s first Next-Generation 737 delivered with Boeing Sky Interior

The first 737-900ER bound for EL AL departs the USA at the start of its ferry flight to Israel Boeing

says creates a “greater sense of spaciousness and comfort in the cabin.” The interior also features modern, sculpted sidewalls and overhead bins that disappear into the ceiling, yet carry more bags.

Boeing Airplanes has delivered EL AL Israel Airlines’ first Next-Generation 737-

“We share a proud history with EL AL, and are honoured to once again play a

900ER (Extended Range) aeroplane. The delivery is the first of six 737-900ERs the

significant role in this all-Boeing carrier’s fleet renewal,” said Todd Nelp, vice

Israeli flag-carrier has on order and is the latest addition to EL AL’s all-Boeing fleet.

president of Sales for Europe, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “EL AL has already

“The purchase of the Boeing 737-900ER aircraft marks the high point of EL AL’s

experienced the excellent reliability and operating economics of the Next-

re-equipping and fleet renewal impetus. This positions EL AL at the forefront of

Generation 737 family with its fleet of 737-700s and 737-800s. The 737-900ER will

international aviation technology, further elevating EL AL’s in-flight experience,”

enable EL AL to greatly expand its operations across Europe, while offering its

said Elyezer Shkedy, president and chief executive officer, EL AL. “Our investment

passengers the superior passenger comfort of the Boeing Sky Interior.”

in the new modern Economy Class seats and in a sophisticated entertainment

EL AL’s latest addition to its fleet will seat 172 passengers, with all passengers

system, that will be launched in the coming months, is in line with the target we

able to enjoy the option of power sockets for their laptops and USB

set for ourselves – to provide the best product and most advanced service for

connections. The Israeli-flag carrier operates an all-Boeing fleet of nearly 40

passengers and thus retain EL AL’s status as the most preferred airline for flights

aircraft including Next-Generation 737s, 747-400s, 767s and 777s and serves 30

to and from Israel. We would like to thank Boeing and all the other partners for

destinations worldwide.

their outstanding work on EL AL’s six new aircraft.”

Shortly after taking delivery of its first 737-900ER EL AL confirmed it was

The Boeing 737-900ER is the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 family.

increasing its order by two additional airframes, resulting in an eventual fleet of

It has the highest capacity and lowest seat-mile cost of Boeing’s single-aisle

eight Next-Generation 787 airframes.

family and will fit perfectly into EL AL’s existing short and medium-haul fleet of

“This decision by EL AL to purchase two more 737-900ER aircraft demonstrates

Next-Generation 737-700s and 737-800s.

our good relationship with Boeing,” said Mr Shkedy. “We are committed to

EL AL’s 737-900ER will be its first aircraft to feature the new Boeing Sky Interior.

provide our passengers on our medium and short-haul routes with the highest

This interior is the latest in a series of enhancements for both airlines and

quality product and service, allowing EL AL to continue to be the first choice

passengers. It introduces new LED lighting and curved architecture that Boeing

now and in the future.”

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DC-10 FAREWELL

LAST CHANCE TO FLY

Aircraft S2-ACR will then be donated to an unnamed museum in the USA – but not before nostalgic passengers have a last chance to take a final flight on February

Biman Bangladeshi Airlines to offer pleasure flights from Birmingham

24. According to the airline’s CEO, Kevin Steele, passengers can reserve seats

On November 10, 2013 Biman Bangladeshi Airlines retired its penultimate

on the flight from Dhaka to Birmingham International Airport (BHX) [including

McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and announced plans for ‘farewell’ flights in its final

a ‘tech’ stop somewhere en route]. Once it arrives at BHX, two or more one-

example. This is now the world’s last flying passenger configured DC10-30 and is

hour ‘scenic flights’ will be provided and Biman is hopeful that US authorities

due to complete its final scheduled flights on December 7; which is the start of the

will give traffic rights to allow the carriage of passengers on the DC-10’s last

revised schedule in Dhaka due to the ‘fog season.’ It will then remain on standby

transatlantic crossing. Tickets will go onto sale via the airline’s website, hopefully

until February 2014 when it will be replaced by Biman’s new Boeing 777-300ER.

from early January.

Bombardier has now booked 480 firm orders for Q400 and Q400 NextGen turboprops Bombardier

LARGEST TURBOPROP IN CHINA

“Bombardier’s Q400 NextGen airliner fulfils our business plan requirement for a highperformance regional aircraft that is fast, reliable, economical and comfortable.”

CHINA BOOMING

“As the sole aircraft manufacturer with three distinct and optimised families

Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation order Q400 NextGen

Bombardier is pleased to support China’s five-year plan that calls for the expansion

of aircraft in the regional and single-aisle market segments of up to 149 seats, of regional airlines,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial

Bombardier Aerospace has signed a deal with Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation

Aircraft. “We are thrilled that Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation is looking to the Q400

that will see the airline acquire 30 Q400 NextGen aircraft, as it prepares to launch

NextGen aircraft to establish Sutong Airlines’ operations.”

commercial operations in 2015 in China via through ‘Sutong Airlines.’

“The Q400 NextGen turboprop is ideally-suited to service China’s vast geography,

“With its regional aviation model set to revolutionise air service in Jiangsu, one

delivering unbeatably low operating costs, superb reliability to support high

of China’s most affluent and fast-growing provinces, Sutong Airlines will not

utilization operations, high payload capability and excellent short-haul range. We

only make traveling increasingly convenient for the people of Jiangsu, but will

welcome Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation and Sutong Airlines as it works to bring

also bring tremendous economic benefits to the economies and communities

much needed connectivity to the Jiangsu province’s markets,” added Andy Solem,

of the province,” said Zhou Binzhen, President, Nantong Tongzhou Bay Aviation.

Vice President, Sales, China and North Asia, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

19 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue

AIRLINER NEWS WEEKLY flydubai has ordered an extra 111 Boeing 737s and continues as an allBoeing operator Boeing

FLYDUBAI OPTS FOR SINGLE-AISLE BOEINGS LARGEST EVER MIDDLE EAST ORDER

Development of the 737 MAX is on schedule with firm confirmation of the aircraft’s

111 Boeing 737s Ordered by flydubai

to customers beginning in 2017. The aircraft has accumulated more than 1,600

configuration achieved in July 2013. First flight is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries orders to date.

Dubai-based flydubai has announced a commitment for up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8

flydubai placed its first order for 50 Next-Generation 737-800s in 2008 and took

aeroplanes and eleven Next-Generation 737-800s. The order is valued at $11.4 billion

delivery of its first aeroplane in 2009. It was the first airline in the world to debut the

prices (including orders and purchase rights) and is the largest ever Boeing single-aisle

Boeing Sky Interior and to date, flydubai has taken delivery of 33 Next-Generation

aeroplane purchase in the Middle East. The investment also continues flydubai’s legacy

737-800s.

of operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet. “flydubai is pleased to continue its partnership

In the past two years, flydubai has more than doubled the number of destinations it

with Boeing, said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of

flies to and has around 1,200 weekly flights. flydubai carried 5.1 million passengers in

flydubai. “We believe that the commitment for up to 111 Boeing 737 aircraft will give

2012 and has become the second largest carrier, by passenger numbers, operating

flydubai one of the best performing aircraft available in the single-aisle market. This will

out of Dubai International.

ensure that flydubai is well positioned to continue to set new standards in aviation and

The Boeing 737 Next Generation is the name commonly given to the −600/-700/-

support the further economic development of the United Arab Emirates.”

800/-900 series of the 737 aircraft. It is the third generation derivative of the 737,

“We are extremely proud of the confidence that flydubai continues to place in our

and follows the original 737 and the range of 737 Classics (−300/-400/-500). They

products operating an all-Boeing fleet,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President

are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners and have been in production

and CEO Ray Conner. “We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership

since 1996.

and seeing the Next-Generation 737-800 and subsequently the 737 MAX play a central

The Boeing 737 MAX family is based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation family,

role in flydubai’s rapid expansion plans.”

which it is set to replace. It will be the fourth generation of the 737 family. The

Boeing says the 737 MAX will build on the Next-Generation 737’s popularity and

primary change is the use of the larger and more efficient CFM International

reliability while delivering customers “unsurpassed fuel efficiency in the single-aisle

LEAP-1B engines but the airframe will also undergo modifications. The 737 MAX is

market.” The 737 MAX 8 is expected to be 8% per-seat more fuel efficient than the

scheduled for first delivery in 2017, 50 years after the 737 first flew, and Boeing had

future competition.

firm orders for the 1,700 of the 737 MAX totalling by the end of December 2013.

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Air Europa’s milestone 25th Boeing Next Generation 737-800 departs Seattle at the start of its ferry flight to Spain Boeing

AIR EUROPA LANDMARK DELIVERY 25TH 737-800 Landmark order includes 35 new aircraft; 18 upsized models and launches Sharklets retrofit programme A CSeries mock up in the colours of Iraqi Airways. Bombardier has now booked orders and commitments for 419 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 182 CSeries airliners. Some 16 customers and lessees have joined the CSeries aircraft programme Bombardier

CSERIES FOR IRAQ CS300 SALES MOUNT

Palma de Mallorca-based Air Europa recently took delivery of its 25th ‘direct delivery’ Next-Generation Boeing 737-800.

“Today is a very important day for Air Europa, since the arrival of a new aircraft is always a cause of joy. Our wager on Boeing has been unmistakable since the beginning and today I can assure that without a doubt, at Air Europa we placed a good bet depositing our trust in the American manufacturer,” said Juan Jose Hidalgo, president of Globalia, the parent company of Air Europa.

“Thanks to the effectiveness of Boeing aircraft we have been able to reduce

Iraqi Airways signs purchase agreement with options for up to 16

expenses, always keeping the environment in mind, resulting in an increase for 2013

Bombardier CSeries CS300 jets

not only in the number of flights, but also of customers, making us the leading Spanish airline.”

On December 4 Iraqi Airways, the national carrier for Iraq, signed a firm purchase

Air Europa serves more than 40 destinations across Europe, and throughout its

agreement to acquire five Bombardier CSeries CS300 mainline jetliners. The

history, has operated Classic 737s, 757s and 767s.

agreement, which also includes options on eleven CS300 aircraft, follows a letter

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the best-selling versions of the highly successful Next-

of intent (LOI) to purchase the aircraft that was announced by Bombardier on

Generation 737 family and forms the backbone of Air Europa’s short and medium-

November 19, 2013 during the Dubai Airshow.

haul fleet. A further nine are on order from Boeing for on-going delivery and the

“Following the successful utilisation of our six CRJ900 NextGen aircraft over the

carrier is also the Spanish launch customer for the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner,

past few years, the acquisition of the CS300 aircraft will complement our network

with eight currently on order.

operations and allow us to expand into new markets,” said Captain Saad Al-Khafaji,

“Air Europa has long been at the forefront of Spanish aviation, offering its

Chief Executive Officer and Director General, Iraqi Airways. “The CS300 aircraft’s

passengers an ever increasing range of destinations, while maintaining the highest

range, fuel efficiency and comfortable, widebody-like cabin will permit us to

levels of reliability, safety and customer service,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of

respond to growing passenger demand and reach destinations across the Middle

European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

East, Northern Africa and Europe.”

“The CS300 aircraft is ideally suited to Iraqi Airways’ expanding operations, providing the right mix of performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort to support the airline’s ongoing success in its increasingly competitive markets,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are delighted to be participating in Iraq’s reconstruction by delivering the best aircraft to support Iraqi Airways’ growth and development.”

RECORD YEAR FOR ATR 74 AIRCRAFT DELIVERED IN 2013 French manufacturer increases sales, deliveries and turnover

The 100- to 149-seat Bombardier CSeries will be up to 12,000lbs lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category and combines advanced materials, leading-

ATR broke its annual sales records in 2013 and increased its turnover to US$1.63

edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements.

billion by selling 195 airframes. It also increased the pace of its deliveries, allowing

Its clean-sheet design has greatly reduced noise and emissions, as well as giving

it to deliver a record 74 aircraft during the year; an increase of 16% compared

exceptional airfield performance and a range of 2,950nm.

with 2012 and 37% compared with 2011 deliveries.

21 www.airliner.co.uk • trial issue