The wet weather attempted to put a dampener on events in the French capital this week as the aerospace world met for the bi-annual Paris Air Salon, but the commercial air transport industry made its boldest statement yet that it has recovered from the recent financial crisis and is set for rapid growth. The show was not without its incidents though as Airbus damaged its prototype A380 while taxiing to the static display, but will be remembered for two record breaking orders for Airbus short-haul models.
Below we highlight the key order announcements from this year’s event, including a massive endorsement for the A320neo Family, the unveiling of the first customer for the Bombardier CSeries, strong support for ATR and Sukhoi’s regional offerings and Boeing continuing to add new orders for its Next-Generation 737 and 777 family.
Ryanair also surprised everybody with the news that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese manufacturer COMAC to participate in discussions on the development of the C919 airliner. The budget carrier will share its experience and expertise to assist COMAC in the development of the 200-seat jet. The more sceptical among us will see this as simply a new bargaining chip for Ryanair against Airbus and Boeing, but being able to design an aircraft to meet its precise performance needs could well be an opportunity, with its obvious economic benefits, too great for Ryanair to turn down.
“We are pleased that there is now a real alternative to Boeing and Airbus, and we are seriously interested in the development of a 200 seat variant of the C919 aircraft, and we look forward to its introduction into commercial service from 2018 onwards,” said Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer, Ryanair, during this week’s show.
“Ryanair will have a fleet of over 300 Boeing aircraft by 2013, and we remain in continuing discussions with both Boeing and now COMAC for a replacement aircraft order of at least 200 aircraft. Ryanair can become a two aircraft operator carrier, as long as the economies achieved by our current Boeing 737-800 fleet can be matched or lowered by a similar sized order from a different manufacturer,” he added.
This unexpected deal was certainly a talking point during the show, but the highlight of the event took place around noon on Thursday when AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes revealed that he forced Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer, Customers, John Leahy to get up and dance with some stewardesses from its sister airline, AirAsia X, before committing to a record breaking 200 aircraft A320neo deal. When the manufacturer’s top salesman declined, Fernandes simply offered the ultimatum: “You don’t dance! I don’t sign!” After Airbus chief Tom Enders intervened, John Leahy took to the dance floor, while the formalities of the deal were completed.
AIRASIA PLACES RECORD AIRBUS ORDER
Low-cost carrier AirAsia has become the largest customer for Airbus equipment after placing a firm order for 200 A320neo aircraft. Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family aircraft, with 89 already in service on the carrier's fast-growing pan-Asian network. In addition, the carrier's long haul affiliate AirAsia X is also an all-Airbus customer having placed orders for 38 widebody aircraft. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show this week, is the largest order ever placed for the A320 Family. “With this historic deal AirAsia has secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market," said Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia. "Our decision to be one of the launch customers for the A320neo will ensure that we remain at the forefront of our business, with one of the world's youngest and most modern fleets."
“MAJOR NETWORK CARRIER” LAUNCH CUSTOMER FOR CSERIES
Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace has revealed that a major network carrier has signed a firm order for ten CS100 CSeries aircraft and options for six more and will be the first operator of the next generation airliner. However, the airline has requested to remain unidentified at the present time leading to widespread rumours as to its identity. Qatar Airways has been negotiating with Bombardier to acquire the aircraft for a couple of years, while fellow Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air is a likely customer for the jet. “We are delighted to add yet another major network carrier to our customers for the CSeries aircraft, and to announce this customer will be the first operator in the CSeries aircraft programme,” Gary R Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft confirmed during the show. “Our customer is keenly aware of the competitive advantage that will come with being the very first operator of Bombardier’s all-new, technologically advanced CSeries aircraft.”
UTAIR CONFIRMS INTENT FOR BUMPER BOEING ORDER
Russian carrier UTair has agreed in principle to acquire 40 Next-Generation Boeing 737s to replace its increasing fleet of second-hand Classic models. The airline is currently the largest Boeing operator in Russia and earlier this year became the first airline in the country to introduce the Boeing Sky Interior onboard its 737-800 fleet, which is due to increase to nine aircraft by the end of this year. The tentative deal, which is expected to be formalised in the coming months, comprises 33 737-800s and seven 737-900ERs, the largest variant of the family. "Our decision to further expand our Next-Generation Boeing 737 fleet is based on its high efficiency," said Andrey Martirosov, Chief Executive Officer, UTair. "These airplanes meet today's commercial needs of the airline by their value-for-money and availability of early delivery positions."
FRONTIER AIRLINES BECOMES LAUNCH CUSTOMER FOR A319NEO
A further endorsement of the newest evolution in the Airbus fleet came with the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 40 A320neo and 40 A319neo aircraft from US carrier Republic Airways Holdings. The aircraft will be operated by its subsidiary Frontier Airlines and will see the Denver-based carrier become the first customer for the A319neo variant. The modern generation airliners will replace its current fleet of 58 Airbus A320 Family aircraft including A318, A319 and A320 versions. Republic has selected CFM International’s LEAP-X engine for all the aircraft. “This order is a reflection of the strong and mutually beneficial partnership Frontier and Airbus have enjoyed over the past decade,” said Bryan Bedford, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Republic Airways. “The addition of these state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet will be a major factor in Frontier maintaining its position as an industry cost leader and will allow Frontier to continue to offer travellers low fares despite persistently high fuel prices.”
SRIWIJAYA AIR ORDERS E190 FOR DOMESTIC GROWTH
Indonesian carrier Sriwijaya Air has agreed a preliminary deal with Embraer to acquire 20 E190s with purchase rights for ten further aircraft. The carrier intends to operate the E190s from its hub at Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta International Airport (CGK) and other key centers at Balikpapan, Makassar, Surabaya and Medan. The jet will give Sriwijaya Air the flexibility to operate city-pairs with distances up to 2,300 nautical miles (4,260 kilometers). The company currently operates a fleet of 28 Classic Boeing 737s which have been in service for between 15 and 35 years. The 100-seat aircraft will develop as sub-fleet from the 737 as well as replacing some of the older models and will enable the carrier to achieve its expansion objectives, adding new frequencies in existing domestic markets, as well as pioneering new non-stop services throughout the region. “We selected the E190 because it best fits our strategy of developing new non-stop markets that are not economically viable with larger aircraft. The E190’s excellent range, airfield performance, and superior level of comfort will allow us to add incremental capacity, as those routes develop, thus improving the overall passenger flying experience in communities throughout Indonesia,” said Chandra Lie, Chief Executive Officer, Sriwijaya Air. “The new aircraft type also lets us redeploy our bigger jets elsewhere in the network, where their size is more compatible with demand.”
SKYMARK AIRLINES CONVERTS A380 OPTIONS
Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines has placed a follow-up order with Airbus for two additional A380s, increasing its commitment to six aircraft. The contract represents the conversion of two options taken earlier this year when Skymark placed its original order for the type. The airline says it will use the double-decker aircraft on “major international long-haul routes from Tokyo” but has not yet publicly revealed its operational plans for them. Skymark will take delivery of the first of these aircraft in 2014 and a senior executive highlighted London as its likely first destination from November 2014. As additional aircraft arrive the airline he noted Paris as a future destination and from 2017 onwards, New York or Paris. These are all congested markets already served by airlines in Japan and international competitors. At the official signing ceremony at the Paris Air Show this week Shinichi Nishikubo, President, Skymark Airlines said: “The A380 is a remarkable aircraft, setting new standards in air travel, and giving us strong competitive advantages in the international market. Therefore, we have decided to increase the firm order to six aircraft. We are extremely happy to become the very first Japanese airline to offer our passengers a unique and new experience of flying with the A380.” For more analysis on Skymark’s A380 plans refer to our February 24 story… Skymark to Launch Flights to Europe with A380.
QATAR AIRWAYS REVEALED AS 777 CUSTOMER
Qatar Airways is to introduce further widebodied aircraft to its fleet to enable it to maintain its rapid network growth. The carrier revealed during the show that it was one of the unannounced customers to place orders for the 777 earlier this year, agreeing to acquire six 777-300ERs. It already operates 25 777 models comprising eight ultra-long range 777-200LRs, 15 777-300ERs and two 777 Freighters, with 15 more on order. "We are expanding our international network rapidly and adding new routes and destinations that will extend Qatar Airways' reach across the globe, especially as we aim to open up more non-stop routes to popular and under-served cities around the world," said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways. "We currently have 25 Boeing 777s in our fleet and its payload and range capability, reliability and economics have made this aircraft the backbone of our long-haul fleet." Speaking during a formal signing ceremony during Paris Air Salon, Akbar Al Baker also confirmed that Qatar Airways will be the customer for the second 747-8I VIP airliner. The airline will manage and operate the aircraft on behalf of the Qatar Amiri Flight.
JETBLUE DEFERS NEAR-TERM GROWTH IN DEAL FOR MORE AIRCRAFT
US low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways has confirmed that it will defer the delivery of eight Airbus A320 from 2014 to the 2015-2017 timeframe to smooth out aircraft deliveries, reducing capital commitment over the near term. The details emerged as the carrier made a major commitment to its future development by placing a firm order for 40 A320neo aircraft and converting 30 of its 52 outstanding A320 orders to the larger A321 variant. The airline also confirmed that all deliveries after 2013 will be fitted with Sharklet winglets and it will become a launch customer of retrofit winglets on the existing A320 fleet in a partnership with the manufacturer. "Our network strategy, with its focus on New York, Boston, and the Caribbean/Latin America, is exceeding our expectations, and this revised fleet plan will help us continue to execute our strategy," said Dave Barger, President and Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue Airways. "Our goal is to continue to grow on a sustainable basis, generate positive free cash flow and continue to enhance our customers' experience." In addition to the Airbus fleet adjustments, JetBlue will optimise its Embraer 190 fleet to approximately 75 aircraft. "The E190 is performing very well as our new, shorter-haul market aircraft, often serving to build the demand in the market for eventual up-gauge to our A320," said Dave Barger. "We are now at the point where the balance between frequency and capacity is tipping in favour of capacity, and we are exercising our most strategic asset - our orderbook - to better match capacity with growing network demand."
KOREAN AIR SIGNS CSERIES ORDER
South Korean flag carrier Korean Air has become the Asian launch customer for the Bombardier CSeries signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) for ten CS300s, with options for ten more and purchase rights for a further ten aircraft. “This is our first CSeries aircraft customer in Asia and signals the aircraft program’s entry into the fast growing Asia-Pacific market,” said Gary R Scott, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Korean Air is one of the world’s most prestigious airlines, and we are extremely proud that it has selected the CSeries aircraft to meet its route expansion requirements.” In addition to this LoI for up to 30 CSeries aircraft, Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 113 CSeries aircraft, including 51 CS100 and 62 CS300 aircraft. Customers that have firm orders for CSeries aircraft include Republic Airways (40 CS300 aircraft), Lufthansa (30 CS100 aircraft), Lease Corporation International Group (17 CS300 and three CS100 aircraft), Braathens Aviation (five CS100 and five CS300 aircraft), a well-established, unidentified airline (three CS100 aircraft) and a major network carrier (10 CS100 aircraft). The CSeries aircraft programme has also booked options for 109 aircraft.
AIRBUS TAKES AWAY INDIAN SHORT-HAUL ORDER
Indian carrier Go Air has selected the Airbus A320neo for its long term fleet expansion plans with a firm deal for 72 aircraft. The independent carrier first placed an order for Airbus equipment in 2006 with a 20 aircraft contract for the A320 and it has placed half of these into passenger service on flights within India. The neo variants will ultimately replace these models to leave the carrier with a standardised fleet of aircraft, and the youngest in the Indian domestic market. “We have shown our commitment to the growth of our airline and to our loyal customers,” said Jeh Wadia, Managing Director, Go Airlines.
AIR LEASE CORPORATION BOOSTS PORTFOLIO
Expanding Los Angeles-based lessor Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has agreed deals with Airbus and Boeing to expand its aircraft portfolio. The company, established by respected industry veteran Steven F Udvar-Hazy, following his departure from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 50 A320neo Family aircraft including 14 options, eleven A330 Family aircraft and one A321. “This new order enables ALC to continue to offer its customers the most fuel efficient aircraft in the short and medium to long haul segments,” said Steven Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ALC. The company has previously ordered a total of 51 A320 Family aircraft (30 A320s, 21 A321s) of which four A320s have been delivered. ALC has also signed a MoU to acquire up to 33 additional aircraft from US manufacturer Boeing, adding to the 60 737-800s it ordered last year. It has agreed to purchase 14 more 737-800s (plus four options), five 777-300ERs and four 787-9 Dreamliners and has exercised six further options on the 737-800 from last year’s order. "We continue to build the foundation of our growing commercial lease fleet with these Next-Generation 737s, 777-300ERs and 787 Dreamliners," said Steven Udvar-Hazy. "These modern, fuel-efficient airplanes will provide our airline clients the capabilities to perform their missions in the most economical, reliable and environmentally responsible manner."
HONG KONG ARLINES RUMOURED TO BE A380 AND 747-8I CUSTOMER
Hong Kong Airlines is reported to be the undisclosed customer that this week placed firm orders for ten Airbus A380s and 15 Boeing 747-8Is. The airline, part of the HNA Group, had said last week that it would be announcing an order for the A380 during the Paris Air Show, but no formal announcement was actually made. Both Airbus and Boeing quietly revealed the new orders during the week.
SAS SELECTS AIRBUS FOR FLEET RENEWAL
SAS Scandinavian Airlines has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft as part of its strategy to streamline its short-haul fleet. These new A320neos will join the airline’s existing fleet of eight A321s and four A319s, and enable SAS to transition to an all-Airbus fleet at its prime Copenhagen base. “This aircraft order, on the newest Airbus A320, is a significant and important step in our renewal and harmonisation of our aircraft fleet. Through this, we will operate with the market’s most efficient and environmental friendly short and medium distance aircraft,” said Göran Jansson, SAS Deputy President & Chief Financial Officer, SAS. The airline has been a customer of Airbus since 1980 and today operates 23 Airbus aircraft, including: seven A340s; four A330s and 12 A320 Family jets.
BLUE PANORAMA AND SKY AVIATION TO ACQUIRE SUKHOI SUPERJET
Italian carrier Blue Panorama Airlines has agreed to acquire 12 Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100s from SuperJet International – a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica Company) and Sukhoi Holdings. The privately-owned venture will become the first European operator of the aircraft and will utilise them on its charter and low-cost scheduled flights enabling it to introduce new routes to destinations that are not currently served. “As an all Italian airline, I decided to focus on the only available aircraft that represents the return to the highest worldwide levels of the Italian civil aviation industry,” said Franco Pecci, President, Blue Panorama Airlines. “With this new aircraft Blue Panorama Airlines will offer new routes in to markets that are not often connected today.“ Meanwhile, Indonesian regional carrier Sky Aviation has signed a Heads of Agreement with Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company to acquire 12 Superjet SSJ100s. The independent airline currently operates a mixed fleet of commuter aircraft on a regional and charter route network that encompasses Surabaya, Banyuwangi and Denpasar as well as scheduled links between Batam, Palembang and Surabaya. The aircraft are to be delivered from 2012.
MIAT PLACES FIRM ORDER FOR BOEING MODELS
MIAT Mongolian Airlines has placed a firm order for two 737-800s and one 767-300ER its first direct deal for new aircraft from the US manufacturer in more than two decades. In this interim period the carrier has been leasing equipment via third parties. "We are making a tremendous step forward with this order, and the 737-800 and 767-300ER are the ideal aircraft for us to expand our existing fleet to offer more scheduled and charter services from Mongolia to major cities in Asia and Europe," said Orkhon Tseyen-Oidov, President and Chief Executive Officer, MIAT Mongolian Airlines. "The Next-Generation 737-800 has already proved to be a great success with us through its advanced technology and high operating efficiency, and we look forward to realising the benefits of the 767-300ERs comfort, range and increased payload capabilities for our long-haul flights."
AEROFLOT CONFIRMS 777 DEAL
SkyTeam alliance member Aeroflot Russian Airlines has been confirmed as an unidentified customer for eight Boeing 777-300ERs, which will be used to develop the airline’s long-haul network in cooperation with its partners. "The Boeing 777 will strengthen our long-haul capabilities," said Vitaly Saveliev, Director General, Aeroflot Russian Airlines. "These aircraft will play a critical role in our network expansion strategy, particularly the international growth opportunities we expect from our joint businesses with SkyTeam partners when servicing the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games and the 2018 Football World Cup." The national carrier of Russia, Aeroflot carried an estimated 11.3 million passengers during 2010, with a further 2.7 million flying with its affiliate carriers.
GARUDA INDONESIA ORDERS A320 FOR CITILINK SUBSIDIARY
Garuda Indonesia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A320 Family aircraft, making the airline a new customer for the Airbus short-haul model. The MoU covers 15 standard A320s and ten A320neo aircraft for the carrier's domestic low cost unit Citilink, an existing Boeing 737 operator. "The A320 will be a new addition to the Garuda family and has been selected after a very thorough and lengthy evaluation process," said Emirsyah Satar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Garuda Indonesia. "The combination of comfort for passengers, proven reliability for high frequency services and low operating costs made the A320 the clear favourite to enable Citilink to develop its full potential in the competitive low cost market."
AIR ASTANA ADDS TO E-JET FLEET
Kazakhstan national carrier Air Astana has confirmed it will add an additional two Embraer 190s to its fleet just a couple of months after taking delivery of its first aircraft. The two aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2012 and under the terms of the deal the airline has placed options for two further E190s. Air Astana recently inaugurated operations with two E190s leased from Jetscape and will receive two additional aircraft in 2011 and 2012 in a lease agreement with Air Lease Corp. “Air Astana is pursuing its strategy of renewal of its fleet with aircraft whose seating capacity will efficiently complement our narrow-body fleet without compromising passenger comfort,” said Peter Foster, President, Air Astana. “The aircraft’s range, efficiency and size are ideal to increase services on some highly frequented routes and to start new routes in Central Asia, especially towards Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Southern Russia and Georgia.”
ALAFCO PLACES ANOTHER AIRBUS ORDER
The Kuwait-based international Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO), has signed an agreement for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The lessor has ordered 26 A320s of which 25 have been delivered. “The A320neo is proving to be a very popular aircraft due to its economics and low fuel burn,” said Abulqasim Abdulghaffar Redha, Executive Vice President, ALAFCO. “We anticipate strong demand from leasing customers and we look forward to helping them meet their requirements.” ALAFCO has also agreed to buy six more Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, increasing its commitment to 18 aircraft. Itplaced its first order for the A350 XWB in 2007 when it ordered 12 A350-800s. These were later upsized to the larger A350-900 in 2010. The A350-900 typically has a capacity of around 40 more seats than the A350-800. “This order reflects a strong recovery in long-haul traffic demand from our customer airlines. The A350’s position as the most fuel efficient aircraft in its class is a great asset in our aircraft portfolio,” said Ahmad Al Zabin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ALAFCO.
NORWEGIAN ADDS TO 737 ORDERBOOK
Low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle, which operates under the simplified Norwegian brand, has placed a firm order for 15 more Next-Generation 737-800s, bringing its direct orders for the type to 78 aircraft. The airline has also formalised its recently announced deal for three 787 Dreamliners raising its commitment to five aircraft, including two to be sourced from lessor ILFC. "At Norwegian, we are committed to being progressive and thinking long term. This order gives us an opportunity to secure and invest in the company's future. These new 737-800s aircraft will give us a tremendous competitive advantage, enabling us to reduce our overall costs even more," said Bjorn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian. "Brand new, fuel-efficient aircraft are necessary for us to continue to grow. In the long run, owning is more advantageous than leasing and as we begin to phase out our older aircraft, it is crucial we are able to purchase new aircraft.” Norwegian is now the third largest low-cost airline in Europe and operates 238 routes to 97 destinations across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East flying more than 13 million passengers a year.
SOUTH AMERICAN AIRLINE GROUP AGREES AIRBUS DEAL
Recently-merged AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 51 A320 Family aircraft, including 33 A320neo jets. Once firm, the order will be the largest order for A320neo in the region and also the biggest from a single airline in Latin America. The new aircraft will support AviancaTaca’s expansion into new markets in Latin America, while keeping the airline’s fleet among the youngest in the region. With combined orders of 135 aircraft, AviancaTaca operates a total of 85 Airbus aircraft, including 78 A320 Family and seven A330 aircraft. Today, AviancaTaca has a backlog of 40 Airbus aircraft and is one of the few airlines to actually operate all variants of the A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321).
KENYA AIRWAYS SIGNS NEW E-JET DEAL
African carrier Kenya Airways has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for ten more Embraer 190s and options for ten additional aircraft, which can be selected as E170 or E190 models. This revised deal brings the carrier’s total commitment to 20 aircraft, through a mix of direct orders and leasing agreements. The E190s will be configured in a dual-class layout with 96 seats: 12 in Business Class and 84 in Economy and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2012. “As we continue to focus on the expansion of our network with longer routes from our hub in Nairobi, the acquisition of new E190s is key to our growth strategy,” said Dr. Titus Naikuni, Group Managing Director & Chief Executive, Kenya Airways. “The E190 jet fits well with our expansion strategy, giving us an opportunity to expand our network and increasing our frequencies beyond the current offering while cementing our mandate of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through our hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.”
LAN AIRLINES SIGNS-UP TO A320NEO PROGRAMME
Latin American carrier LAN Airlines has become the first customer in the region to sign a firm order for the Airbus A320neo after agreeing a deal for 20 aircraft this week to support its expansion strategy and fleet renewal programme. This purchase agreement brings LAN’s total Airbus orders to more than 170 aircraft and follows less than a year after it agreed to acquire 50 additional A320 Family aircraft. These will be delivered from 2013 and will be fitted with Sharklet winglets. “This order solidifies our continuous commitment to provide customers with the most modern technology in aviation,” said Ignacio Cueto, Chief Operating Officer, LAN Airlines. “Adding the A320neo to our fleet is a huge step in ensuring LAN’s leadership in the region.”
ATR CELEBRATES RECORD SHOW
Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR has secured orders for 60 aircraft and options on a further 37 aircraft during this week’s Paris Air Show. The sales success came as a surprise to the manufacturer itself as at the start of the show it released a statement confirming that it was adding 50 new firm orders to its orderbook during the week, a fact that Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer, ATR confirmed at the end of the event. “I am sorry for misleading you about our order position,” he said after confirming an unexpected deal with Nordic Aviation Capital for ten ATR 72-600s (plus ten options) that was agreed one evening during the event. “This is a strategic purchase for us, as these new aircraft bring us the opportunity to continue developing our business and expanding our portfolio of aircraft,” added Martin Møller, Chairman, NAC. “We continuously receive increasing demand for fuel-efficient aircraft with optimal economics. This new acquisition will also allow us to extend our portfolio of operators.” Alongside this order ATR signed deals during the show with TAME for three ATR 42-500s for use on public service routes from September; Brazil’s Azul Linhas Aéreas for an additional ten ATR 72-600s and lessor GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) for 15 ATR 72-600s plus 15 options.
TRANSASIA AIRWAYS ORDERS SIX A321NEO
Taiwanese carrier TransAsia Airways has placed a firm order with Airbus for six A321neo aircraft. The new aircraft will enable the airline to respond to strong growth on regional services, especially on direct routes between Taiwan and mainland China. The airline currently operates five A321s and two A320s on domestic and regional services. In addition to the order announced in Paris this week, it already has six sharklet-fitted A321s on order for future delivery. "With 18 years of successful operations with the A320 Family we have benefited from the low operating costs and exceptional reliability offered by the Airbus single aisle product line,” explained Vincent Lin, Chairman, TransAsia Airways. “The A321neo will fit seamlessly into our existing fleet from an operational viewpoint, bringing new levels of fuel efficiency and having less impact on our environment."
CIT GROUP BOOSTS SHORT-HAUL ORDERBOOK
CIT Group, a leading global commercial finance company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 50 A320neo Family aircraft. This order brings the total number of aircraft in the Airbus order book for CIT to 241 aircraft, comprising 195 A320 Family aircraft (including the 50 A320neo aircraft), 39 A330s, seven A350 XWBs, of which 141 have already been delivered. “This order will enable CIT Aerospace to maintain one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in the industry and will help us meet our customers’ demand for state-of-the-art, fuel efficient aircraft,” said Jeffrey Knittel, President of Transportation Finance, CIT.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES ORDERS MORE 737S
Malaysia Airlines has exercised an option to purchase ten additional Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s in a deal that has already been included in the manufacturer’s orderbook as allocated to an unannounced customer. "The option we exercised today marks another step in Malaysia Airlines' mission to strengthen and build upon the airline's award-winning service and passenger value, efforts that support the company's business transformation strategy to profitable operation," said Tengku Dato' Sri Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Airlines. "Boeing's Next-Generation 737, with its economic advantages, including unmatched fuel efficiency, is the right aircraft to support our business and our customers." The airline was the launch customer for the type’s new Boeing Sky Interior in Asia and is using them to support its fleet modernization programme. It still holds purchase rights for an additional 10 737-800s from its initial 2008 contract.
REVISED AIR LEASE DEAL TAKES E-JET ORDERS OVER 1,000
Expanding lessor Air Lease Corporation has revised the original 20 aircraft order it signed with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer at last year’s Farnborough Air Show; a deal that has increased orders for the E-Jet regional jet family of airliners above the 1,000 milestone. The leasing organisation had agreed a deal for 15 E190s and five E175s with options for five more E190s. Embraer now confirms that those options have now been exercised and the company has subsequently agreed to acquire five more aircraft and an option on five more increasing the deal to 30 aircraft – 25 E190s and five E175s. “Our repeat order of E-Jets reflects the strong demand we continue to see from our airline customers around the world. With over 1,000 firm orders and a growing customer base on every continent, we see E-Jets playing an important role in our fleet expansion in the coming years,” said Steven Udvar-Hazy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Air Lease Corporation. The lessor has already placed the majority of its inventory with Alitalia (10 aircraft), TRIP Linhas Aéreas of Brazil (6), Bulgaria Air (4), Kenya Airways (3) and Air Astana (2) although the placement of the remaining five aircraft has not been disclosed. Achieving the 1,000 E-Jet order milestone is a massive achievement for Embraer and has occurred just seven years after the first aircraft entered passenger service. The family consists of four models (E170, E175, E190 and E195), with seating capacities ranging from 70 to 120 seats, and alongside the firm orders from 60 airlines in 40 countries, it has options for around 750 more aircraft.
SAUDIA TO INTRODUCE MORE A330S INTO ITS FLEET
Saudi Arabian Airlines has placed a firm order for four additional A330-300 aircraft in addition to the eight ordered in July 2008, taking its total order for the type to 12. It has already taken delivery of its original eight aircraft. "We are reaping the benefits of operational efficiency and productivity with our new fleet of A330s, and our passengers love it too. The A330 is an important pillar upon which we are building our ambitious expansion plans by simultaneously meeting rising passenger demand and expectations,” said His Excellency Engineer Khalid Al Molhem, Director General, Saudi Arabian Airlines.
GECAS SIGNS UP FOR MORE AIRBUSES AND BOEING 747-8F
Lessor GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), a division of General Electric (GE), has announced a firm order for 60 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, obviously selecting the CFM International LEAP-X engine for all the aircraft (CFM is a joint venture between GE and Snecma). The deal brings the leasing organisation's commitment to the A320 Family to 390 units, although this is its first commitment for the upgraded neo version. GECAS has also become the latest company to announce its intent to acquire Boeing’s new 747-8F freighter with an order for two aircraft. The small scale of the deal suggests that the leasing organisation may already have a customer lined up for the aircraft. GECAS has also agreed to purchase a further eight 777-300ER, a type it has in operation with a number of airlines across its portfolio. "We are pleased to announce GECAS' intent to purchase two 747-8 Freighters and eight 777-300ERs from Boeing," said Norman C T Liu, President and Chief Executive Officer, GECAS. "The addition of these 777s complements the order we placed last March for ten 777 widebodies, and will help GECAS meet growing airline demand for long-haul passenger aircraft. The two 747-8 Freighters will broaden our cargo portfolio with a high demand freighter that has a well-established operator base."
INDIGO CONFIRMS BUMPER AIRBUS DEAL
Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo Airlines has formalised its proposed 180 short-haul aircraft order from European manufacturer Airbus, announced in January this year. The operator is to acquire 150 A320neo and 30 A320s almost tripling its current orderbook. IndiGo placed a firm order for 100 A320s in June 2005 ahead of its launch, of which 44 aircraft have already entered service. “Our order with Airbus will further establish IndiGo as a leading carrier in the Indian market, and one that continues to offer low fares and high service. Our existing order for 100 A320s and the order announced today will help meet India’s growing flying market, in the most cost efficient and environmentally responsible way possible,” said Aditya Ghosh, President, IndiGo Airlines.
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