newsgaze » Aviation

GoAir buys 72 Airbus A320neo aircraft for USD 7 billion

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:57:49 +0000

Photo: GoAir

India’s GoAir, the Wadia group promoted low-cost airline, has selected the A320neo for its long term fleet expansion plans with a firm order for 72 aircraft worth USD7 billion. The agreement was signed at the 49th Le Bourget Airshow, said Airbus.

Airbus delivered GoAir’s first A320 in 2007 from its original order of 20 A320s placed in 2006. GoAir currently operates 10 A320s with an average age of two years which makes it the youngest airline fleet in India. It’ll take delivery of the other 10 aircraft over the next two years.

“Today we have shown our commitment to the growth of our airline and to our loyal customers. The combined order for 92 Airbus aircraft (20 A320s and 72 A320neo) reinforces our longstanding partnership with the leading manufacturer and the leading aircraft the market has to offer,” said Jeh Wadia, managing director, Go Airlines.

“We are delighted with GoAir’s endorsement of our A320neo. As an established operator of the A320, GoAir clearly recognises the benefits and productivity gains of being able to operate A320s and A320neo harmoniously in a single fleet,” said Tom Enders, president and chief executive officer, Airbus.

GoAir currently flies to 18 destinations with 133 daily flights and 931 weekly flights. While the proposed order symbolises robust long-term prospects for the aviation industry which is battling the impact of rising crude oil prices, it raises questions over the options to fund a deal of this magnitude.

It was last year, New Delhi-based low-cost carrier IndiGo placed an order for 180 A320 neos (single-aisle aircraft with latest technology) for $15 billion, making it the biggest order in the aviation history till Air Asia placed order for 200 A320neo aircrafts worth USD 18 billion in June, 2011 . GoAir, which has a market share of 6.4%, currently operates with 10 Airbus A320s.

Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload.

The A320neo, available from 2015, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called “Sharklets” delivering significant fuel savings of 15 percent, which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel per aircraft per year, or the consumption of 1,000 mid sized cars. This saves 3,600 tonnes of CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

AirAsia orders 200 A320neo aircrafts for USD 18 billion

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:31:53 +0000

Photo: Air Asia

AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in the Asia-Pacific region, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft. The deal is worth USD 18 billion, said Airbus. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show, is the largest order ever placed for the A320 Family and makes AirAsia the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide. AirAsia announced that its A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines.

Recently Airbus had bagged order from two Indian low-cost airline companies, IndiGo and GoAir. New Delhi-based low-cost carrier IndiGo placed an order for 180 A320 neos (single-aisle aircraft with latest technology) for $15 billion, making it the biggest order in the aviation history till AirAsia’s order for purchasing 200 A320 neos. GoAir, India’s another budget airline company, placed order for 72 A320 neos in June, 2011 and the deal was worth USD 7 billion.

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.

“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.”

“Thanks to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of Tony Fernandes and the energy of his team, Air Asia has established itself as one of the fastest-growing, most innovative and respected airlines in the business,” said Tom Enders, president and chief executive officer, Airbus. “This landmark deal is the trongest endorsement yet of our decision to invest in the development of the A320neo and further consolidates the market-leading position of the Airbus single aisle product line.”

Incorporating new engines and large wing tip devices called sharklets, the A320neo will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent and additional range capability of 500 nautical miles (950 kilometers), or the ability to carry two tonnes more payload at a given range. For the environment, the fuel savings translate into some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the existing models, enabling it to fit seamlessly into existing A320 Family fleets.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.

Korean Air inducts A380 for commercial service

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 12:07:40 +0000

Photo of Korean Air

Korean Air has become the sixth A380 operator worldwide and the first in North East Asia with introduction of revenue service with its initial 21st century flagship from Airbus, said the company.

Specially designated with the flight number “KE380” to mark this event, Korean Air’s A380 took off from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to Tokyo. The aircraft departed Tokyo less than two hours later for the return, and was scheduled to serve its second destination later in the day on the Seoul-Hong Kong route.

To celebrate the inaugural flight, passengers were treated to special souvenirs, including A380 models, USB memory cards and A380 route map memo pads. Surprise gifts also were hidden in certain seats’ pockets aboard the aircraft, including a free ticket for a future A380 flight, the double-deck, wide-body, four-engine airliner and world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Korean Air has ordered 10 A380s, (each A380 unit costs about USD375.3 million) with the first five scheduled for delivery by the end of 2011, and the remaining five by 2014. The airline initially will operate the aircraft on service to selected Asian destinations, with Bangkok following Tokyo and Hong Kong in July. This will be expanded by long-haul services to major destinations in Europe and North America, including New York-JFK in August, Paris in September and Los Angeles in October.

Korean Air’s A380 already is gaining wide attention for its very spacious cabin layout, with just 407 seats in three classes – compared with a typical three-class layout of 525 seats. This is the lowest seat count yet specified on the A380. The main deck features 12 ultra luxurious First Class Kosmo Suites and 301 Economy Class, while the upper deck is dedicated to business class with 94 fully lie-flat Prestige Sleeper seats. The maximum certified carrying capacity is 853 passengers in an all-economy-class layout, and Airbus lists the typical three-class layout as accommodating 525 passengers, with 10 first, 76 business, and 439 economy class seats.

A380 has received order for total 234 aircrafts of which 49 have been delivered since it started production in early 2000. As many as 49 A380 are in operation by Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Lufthansa. Korean Air is the sixth user of A380. Singapore Airlines first introduced the Airbus A380 flight on 25 October, 2007.

Among the special on-board amenities, the Korean Air A380’s upper deck has a full bar and separate lounge for premium passengers, while the main deck includes the world’s first “Duty Free Showcase,” where passengers can browse for their favourite duty-free products.

Flydubai launches Hyderabad-Dubai flights thrice-a-week

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:03:51 +0000

Flydubai, a Dubai-based new low-budget airliner, launched its thrice-a-week flight between Hyderabad and Dubai from Sunday, said the company. Flight FZ 435 will operate on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and the one-way fare from Hyderabad to Dubai is Rs 8,000, CEO of Flydubai Ghaith AL Ghaith said. Presently, Flydubai has approvals to fly to two cities which are Lucknow and Hyderabad and is eyeing other metros as well. India is a key destination for Flydubai, which was set up by the Dubai government to provide a good quality, low cost alternative for millions of expats living in UAE, Ghaith said. Flydubai is connected to 37 operational destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe, and plans to increase its aircraft fleet from the present 17 to 21 by the year end.

Ghaith said that Flydubai has placed orders for 50 more aircrafts, which it expects to get by 2015, at an investment of USD 4 billion.

Air Arabia Express launches Dubai-Sharjah shuttle service

Editorial Team — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:58:35 +0000

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, started regular shuttle service ‘Air Arabia Express’ between Dubai and Sharjah International Airport. Air Arabia will provide 20 bus services per day between the two Emirates, with prices starting at just Rs 125 each way.

Air Arabia

The Air Arabia shuttle service will operate between the Flora Deluxe Hotel Apartments in Dubai, Deira, and Sharjah International Airport. The service will run almost 24 hours, with the Dubai-Sharjah route operating from 3 AM to 1 AM, and the Sharjah-Dubai route operating from 6 AM to 4 AM. Passengers who book online through the Air Arabia website will pay Rs 125 each way. Passengers can also buy tickets priced at Rs 250 each way from the Sharjah International Airport Sales Shop and the Flora Hotel.

A.K Nizar, head of commercial at Air Arabia, said: “Air Arabia is committed to introducing services that offer real value for money and convenience to customers. By running a low-cost, quick and frequent service between Dubai and Sharjah, we are helping our passengers save both time and money.”

This regular shuttle service is bound to add tremendous value, as passengers can save a lot of money – be it for shopping or sight -seeing – in Dubai. The service will also attract potential travellers looking forward to visit Dubai. Further details about the shuttle service are available on the Air Arabia website www.airarabia.com

Boeing, Air China ink pact for 747-8 Intercontinental

Editorial Team — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:41:18 +0000

Boeing and Air China, the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, signed an agreement for the purchase of five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners. Air China is the first Chinese carrier to contract the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8, says Boeing.

The new 747-8 Intercontinental carries 467 passengers in a three-class configuration. The airplane features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck. The airplane interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner including a new curved, upswept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The architecture will be accentuated by lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more restful flight.

Using 787-technology GEnx-2B engines, the airplane will be quieter, produce lower emissions and achieve better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. It also increases cargo volume by 26 percent.

“Air China has been operating 747s since the 1980s,” said He Li, vice president of Air China. “The new, high capacity Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental will deliver exceptional economics and a great flying experience to our customers.”

Air China will use the airplanes to expand its international routes.

Asia-Pacific to lead demand for new aircrafts over next 20 years: Airbus

Editorial Team — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:38:02 +0000

Airline companies in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to take delivery of around 8,560 new aircrafts over the next 20 years, according to European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Valued at $1.2 trillion, the requirement represents 33 per cent of new aircraft deliveries worldwide over the forecast period, with the region overtaking North America and Europe as the largest air transport market.

The latest forecast for the region was presented in Hong Kong by Chris Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast.

The Airbus forecast is based on stronger than average growth in both passenger and freight traffic in the region, combined with replacement of many of the existing aircraft in service. In terms of growth, Airbus expects the number of passengers carried by Asia-Pacific airlines to rise by 5.8 per cent per year while the amount of freight passing through the region will increase by 7.0 per cent annually. This compares with global average increases of 4.8 per cent in the passenger market and 5.9 per cent for cargo. At the same time, carriers in the region are expected to replace 78 per cent of the 3,680 aircraft currently in service, ensuring that they continue to operate some of the youngest and most eco-efficient fleets in the world.

Airbus predicts that the region will continue to drive demand for larger aircraft types, reflecting the concentration of populations in the region around the main urban centres and the need for more seats between fast-growing mega-cities. As a result, carriers in the region will acquire around 3,360 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades. This represents 40 per cent of all widebody deliveries worldwide and includes some 780 very large aircraft such as the A380 and around 2,580 twin aisle widebodies such as the A330 and new A350 XWB.

Although a predominantly widebody market, demand for single aisle aircraft in the region is expected to accelerate in the coming years, with a requirement for some 5,200 new airliners in the 100 – 210 seat category, such as the best-selling A320 Family. The increase will be driven primarily by the growth of low cost carriers , as well as the opening of new secondary short haul routes, especially in China, India and South East Asia.

In the cargo sector, the region will continue to dominate the global market, with the dedicated freighter fleet operated by Asia-Pacific airlines growing almost four times to 1,056 aircraft. While many of these will be converted from passenger models, Airbus predicts that around 270 new production freighters will be delivered to the region over the next two decades. This represents over 30 per cent of expected global demand for new production freighters.

Chris Emerson said that Asia-Pacific airlines would benefit from ongoing strong economic growth across the region, greater liberalisation of the air transport system in Asia and the effect of greater wealth creation enabling more people who have never flown to take to the skies.

“Within the next 20 years Asia-Pacific airlines will be carrying a third of all passenger traffic worldwide and two thirds of all freight passing through the region,” he said. “In order to meet the expected demand efficiently, larger aircraft will be needed to ease congestion and do more with less. With a modern, eco-efficient and comprehensive product line, including the only all-new aircraft in the very large segment, Airbus will be especially well placed to meet the needs of airlines in this region.”

The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus accounting for over a quarter of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today there are some 1,700 Airbus aircraft in service with more than 70 operators across the region, with another 1,100 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents 32 per cent of the company’s total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.

Airbus’ forecast for the Asia-Pacific region is derived from the company’s Global Market Forecast, which foresees total demand for 25,850 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at USD3.2 trillion over the next 20 years. In the various size categories the forecast predicts total demand for 1,740 very large aircraft, 6,240 twin aisle widebodies and 17,870 single aisle aircraft.

The Airbus product line comprises the best-selling A320 Family in the single aisle market, the popular A330/A340 and all-new A350 XWB in the twin aisle category and the flagship A380 in the very large aircraft segment. In the freight market Airbus currently offers the new mid-size A330-200F.

Bangkok Airways connects Mumbai with Thailand

Editorial Team — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:33:49 +0000

Keeping in view the increasing number of travellers, Bangkok Airways, the Thailand-based airline company, has begun service between Mumbai and Bangkok from March 2 from Bangkok with an initial frequency of six flights a week. Bangkok Airways is expected to use an Airbus 319 flight, which has 12 seats in the business class and 106 seats in the economy class, in this route, the company said.

The late night flight leaves Bangkok at 22.20 hrs to arrive in Mumbai at 1.05 hrs on the next day. From Mumbai, flight departs at 1.50 hrs to arrive in Bangkok at 5.00 hrs. Upon foraying into India as part of its expansion plans, Bangkok Airways, which is branded as Asia’s boutique airline, has appointed the Global Aviation Services as the general sales agent (GSA). The launching of Bangkok-Mumbai on March 2 and Bangkok-Dhaka on March 27 is part of Bangkok Airways ‘expansion strategy for 2011.

A new Airbus A319 or A320 will be delivered at the end of the year to boost flight frequency. The overall flight frequency in 2011 will, so, be increased to 20%.

President of Bangkok Airways Puttipong Prasarttong-Osot said, “Demands are there and we realised that there are still plenty of room to be filled in terms of seat capacity.” He said that the airline might carry at the average load factor of 60%. At present, Bangkok Airways has codeshare agreements with Thai Airways International, EVA Air, Etihad Airways, Air Berlin, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

The company is currently in talks with Finnair, Malaysian Airlines and King Fisher Airlines to cooperate with more codeshare partners to provide additional convenience for foreign travellers.

Airbus hits new record aircraft deliveries in 2010

Editorial Team — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:59:52 +0000

Airbus has increased its production output for the ninth year in a row and achieved a new company record of 510 (2009: 498) commercial aircraft deliveries to 94 customers (of which 19 were new). Deliveries included 401 A320 Family aircraft, 91 A330/A340s and 18 A380s. In its military division, Airbus delivered 20 light and medium military and transport aircraft (CN235 and C295), exceeding the 2009 figure by four aircraft.

Airbus booked 644 commercial aircraft orders (574 net) in 2010. The value of the new orders surpassed US$84 billion gross (US$74 billion net) at list prices. This represents 51 per cent by units of the 2010 gross worldwide market share of aircraft beyond 100 seats (52 % net). Airbus won 21 new orders for its military aircraft (CN235 and C295).
The new commercial orders include 452 A320 Family aircraft, 160 A330/A340/A350 XWB Family aircraft, and 32 new orders for the A380. At 2010 year end, Airbus’ commercial order book backlog was 3,552 aircraft valued at over US$480 billion at list prices, or equalling six years of full production. The military backlog stood at 247 aircraft.

In 2010, Airbus launched the A320neo (new engine option), offering 15 per cent less fuel burn. This is equivalent to a saving of up to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year.

The A350 XWB continued winning key strategic campaigns during 2010, boosting the total orders for the family to 583 and number of customers to 36 by year end. On the industrial side, 2010 saw the start of manufacturing of the first A350 XWB components and sub assemblies at section level. The systems test rig (Iron Bird) for the A350 XWB started operations in December.

The A400M programme is delivering results with four development aircraft flying. It accomplished more than 1,000 flight hours in over 300 test flights. Start of A400M series production is imminent and civil certification is planned to be obtained before the end of the year.

The A330-based Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft achieved civil and military certification in 2010. Five are flying with a further four undergoing conversion. Delivery of the first two MRTTs to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is in the final stages.

Airbus’ Power 8 programme exceeded both its EBIT and cash saving targets. Power 8+ will continue this momentum.

Airbus has regained its competitiveness largely thanks to Power8, the improved programme performance and the growth in its markets. In addition, progress in the A380 programme has allowed the company to reduce the temporary workforce considerably. However, hundreds of temporary positions were turned into full-time Airbus contracts creating a large number of new jobs in particular in Engineering and Production.

In 2010, Airbus recruited 2,200 new employees, bringing the active workforce up to 52,500 by year end. For 2011 it is planned to hire up to 3,000 people, in particular for the ramp-up of the single aisle and long range programmes as well as development and industrialisation of the A400M, A350 XWB and the A320neo.

“2010 was a good year, in fact better than expected twelve months ago. The market rebound and improved programme performance has been particularly encouraging. However, with plenty of challenges, especially in our development programmes, we’ll have to work hard to further improve and also make 2011 a successful year for Airbus,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.

For 2011, Airbus is expecting again a further increase in deliveries and a book-to-bill ratio above one. “This is the result of strong airline demand for new and more eco-efficient aircraft,” Enders said. “We respond to our customer’s requests by introducing the right technologies at the right time as per the launch of the A320neo.”
Also in 2010, Airbus advanced the commercialisation of alternative fuels by establishing the first value chain in Brazil, bringing together farmers, refiners and airlines. Airbus completed Latin America’s first bio-fuel flight, and Airbus is also supporting the world’s first scheduled daily bio-fuel passenger flights due to begin in 2011. This underlines Airbus strategy to advance from demonstration flights towards the commercialisation of alternative fuels for aviation.

IndiGo creates history, books 180 Airbus A320 jets for Rs 70,000 crore

Editorial Team — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:37:37 +0000

Creating history in the aviation history, India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for buying 180 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircrafts for about Rs 70,000 crore, said Airbus. Of the 180 jets, 150 will be A320neos and 30 will be A320s. It is the largest single-firm order number for large jets in commercial aviation history, and also makes IndiGo a launch customer for the A320neo. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date, said Airbus.

The A320neo, available from 2016, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called Sharklets delivering significant fuel savings of up to 15%, which represents up to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The delivery will start in 2016 and will continue up to 2025.

“This order for industry leading fuel efficient aircraft will allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares,” said Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia, co-founders of IndiGo. “Ordering more A320s was the natural choice to meet India’s growing flying needs. The opportunity to reduce costs and to further improve our environmental performance through the A320neo were key to our decision.”

“The A320 Family is the recognised market leader. The A320neo, offering maximum benefit for minimum change, will ensure that this continues to be the case for many years to come,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers. “This order positions IndiGo to take full advantage of the predicted growth in Indian air travel and we are delighted that they continue to build their future with Airbus.”

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Some 6,800 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 4,500 delivered to more than 310 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the A320 Family whilst offering up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload.