2013 Dubai Air Show

[alberttky 0]

Qatar Airways plans to place an order for more aircraft at the upcoming Dubai Air Show, CEO Akbar Al Baker said in Doha on Tuesday.

He declined to identify the models that the airline is evaluating. When asked about the proposed Boeing 777X, Al Baker stated that “we have to wait until the time is right,” thereby not ruling out the possibility of an order for that type.

Etihad Airways and Emirates, the two other big Gulf airlines, are expected to place large orders for the 777X which combined will likely exceed 100 aircraft, but Qatar Airways has so kept quiet about its plans for additional fleet investment. While the airline has a large outstanding order for the Airbus A350 – a total of 80 A350-900s and -1000s – and 22 more Boeing 787-8s coming in, it has taken all but five of its 27 777-300ERs on firm order.

Qatar Airways will receive its first A350-900 in the second half of next year and also the first of 10 A380s currently on firm order.

When asked about the A350 schedule, Al Baker jokingly said that “they will deliver on time because they don’t have lithium-ion batteries on board,” referring to the recent grounding of the 787.

The airline is currently taking delivery of a new aircraft every 15 days on average and has a backlog of 175 aircraft, according to Airbus and Boeing statistics, not counting any additional orders to be placed in Dubai.

The Qatar Airways CEO was speaking on the sidelines of a Oneworld event welcoming the airline to the alliance. Qatar Airways is now the first of the three Gulf carriers that has joined one of the three groups. Etihad is building what it calls an “equity alliance” – a group of airlines tied to it through minority shareholdings – while Emirates continues to build its own network and focuses on high-profile bilateral tie-ups such as its deal with Qantas. “The other [alliances] will be knocking on Gulf carrier doors, too, but they have missed the best one,” Al Baker said.

Oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby pointed out that the alliance allows its members to do bilateral deals outside of the group more than its competitors. Alliances that don’t have that flexibility “should go the way of the dinosaurs,” he said.

http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_10_29_2013_p0-631403.xml#.Um_HpMh2zuk.twitter

[flee 5]

Boeing, Etihad Airways Kick Off Dubai Airshow with 777X, 787-10 Orders

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Etihad Airways today announced an order for 56 widebody airplanes with options and purchase rights for 26 additional airplanes at the start of the 2013 Dubai Airshow. The order is valued at a total of $25.2 billion at list prices.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier's order includes 25 777X airplanes, comprising 17 777-9Xs and eight 777-8Xs, subject to program launch. Etihad Airways is the first airline to order the 777-8X and will be a launch customer of the airplane, which is expected to enter service around the end of the decade. The order includes options and purchase rights for 12 additional 777X airplanes.

In addition, the airline has ordered 30 787-10s, the newest and largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family. When today's order is combined with the carrier's previous order for 41 787-9s, Etihad Airways becomes the world's largest airline customer for the Dreamliner family with a total of 71 787s on order. The order includes options and purchase rights for an additional 12 787-10s.

Today's announcement also marks the 1,000th order for the 787 Dreamliner family since its launch in 2004. The 787 has reached this milestone faster than any other twin-aisle airplane in aviation history.

Etihad's order also includes one additional 777 Freighter for its cargo fleet, with options for two additional 777 Freighters.

"Boeing has been a long-term strategic partner for Etihad throughout that journey, playing an integral role in our growth, said Etihad Airways President and CEO James Hogan. "I am delighted we are extending our relationship, bringing industry-leading aircraft into our modern fleet."

"We are very proud of our relationship with Etihad Airways which began nine years ago with an order for five 777-300ERs," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "It is gratifying that as one of the world's fastest growing airlines, Etihad continues to have confidence in Boeing's products by ordering the 777X as well as by increasing its order for the 787. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership as Etihad continues to build its position as a forerunner in the global aviation industry."

Advanced technology including a new composite wing, all-new engines and superior aerodynamics will result in the incredible fuel efficiency promised by the 777X family.

The 777-9X, with around 400 seats, will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine commercial jet in the world with 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs over the competition. It will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane and no competitor in its market segment.

The 777-8X will be the most flexible commercial jet in the world with breakthrough economics and greater range capability than today's 777.

The 787-10 is the third and longest member of the super-efficient 787 family. With its greater passenger and cargo capacity, high degree of commonality and its passenger-pleasing features, the 787-10 will complement the family while setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and operating economics. The 787-10 will be 25 percent more efficient than airplanes of its size today and more than 10 percent better than anything offered by the competition for the future.

Final assembly and flight test of the 787-10 are set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2018.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Etihad Airways is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, expanding its fleet and network across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and North and South America. Etihad's fleet today includes 17 Boeing 777-300ERs and three 777 Freighters.

Source: Boeing

Boeing Launches 777X with Record-Breaking Orders and Commitments

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and flydubai today announced a commitment for up to 100 737 MAX 8 airplanes and 11 Next-Generation 737-800s on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow.

 

The commitment from the airline of the emirate of Dubai, valued at $11.4 billion at list prices (including orders and purchase rights), is the largest ever Boeing single-aisle airplane purchase in the Middle East. The investment continues flydubai's legacy operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet.

"flydubai is pleased to continue its partnership with Boeing. We believe that the commitment for up to 111 Boeing 737 aircraft will give flydubai one of the best performing aircraft available in the single-aisle market," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai. "This will ensure that flydubai is well positioned to continue to set new standards in aviation and support the further economic development of the United Arab Emirates."

"We are extremely proud of the confidence that flydubai continues to place in our products operating an all-Boeing fleet," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership and seeing the Next-Generation 737-800 and subsequently the 737 MAX play a central role in flydubai's rapid expansion plans."

The 737 MAX will build on the Next-Generation 737's popularity and reliability while delivering customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency in the single-aisle market. The 737 MAX 8 is expected to be 8 percent per-seat more fuel efficient than the future competition.

Development of the 737 MAX is on schedule with firm configuration of the airplane achieved in July 2013. First flight is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries to customers beginning in 2017. Already a market success, the 737 MAX has accumulated more than 1,600 orders to date.

flydubai placed its first order for 50 Next-Generation 737-800s in 2008. The airline took delivery of its first airplane in 2009 and was the first airline in the world to debut the Boeing Sky Interior, an enhanced onboard experience. To date, flydubai has taken delivery of 33 Next-Generation 737-800s.

In the past two years, flydubai has more than doubled the number of destinations it flies to and has around 1,200 weekly flights. flydubai carried 5.1 million passengers in 2012 and has become the second largest carrier, by passenger numbers, operating out of Dubai International.

Source: Boeing

[flee 5]

Emirates Orders Additional 50 Airbus A380s to Expand Fleet

 

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, said it will purchase an additional 50 Airbus SAS A380 superjumbos, the biggest single deal for the largest commercial jetliner.

The order, valued at about $20 billion at list price, was signed today as the Dubai Air Show. The aircraft will serve both a replacement and growth purpose, Emirates said.

The transaction is a record for the A380, which was at risk of ending 2013 without a deal. Instead, Airbus can now make the year the most successful for its superjumbo should leasing company Doric firm up its plan to buy 20 units, which it announced in June. Emirates is already the biggest customer for the Airbus flagship with orders for 90 jets and had taken delivery of 38 by the end of October.

The boost comes after Airbus Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said Nov. 14 that the Toulouse, France-based company may need to examine whether to reduce A380 output, with unsold production slots as early as 2015.

Emirates was also the buyer of the prior record purchase, committing to taking 32 jets at the Berlin Air Show in 2010. With the additional purchase, the Middle Eastern carrier would have signed for more than 50 percent of all A380s sold. Customers typically get discounts to list prices.

The planemaker was bracing for a third straight year in which it failed to meet order targets after Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA) canceled a commitment to take three aircraft in September. Airbus had a backlog of 144 planes at the end of last month.

Airbus is reversing a string of A380 setbacks after Air France-KLM (AF) Group, Europe’s largest carrier, followed Lufthansa’s cancellations by saying it may drop two superjumbos for smaller planes. Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. has said it can’t be sure to take any of its six A380s on order, while Japan’s Skymark Airlines Inc. (9204) said this month it still needs financing for the planes it wants.

Boeing Co. (BA:US ) has also struggled to book sales for its rival 747-8, and has twice reduced output for the plane this year. Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Ray Conner told reporters in Dubai he sees signs the market may start rebounding next year to allow build rates to rise from 1.5 units a month now.

Source: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-11-16/emirates-said-in-talks-to-order-50-airbus-a380-superjumbos-1

 

[flee 5]

QATAR AIRWAYS EXPANDS ITS AIRBUS A330 FREIGHTER FLEET

 

Qatar Airways has placed a firm order for five new Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft in an agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow 2013. These new aircraft will complement the airline's rapidly growing network, which includes more than 40 routes that have dedicated freighter services. Included in the order are eight additional A330-200F options – which would make today’s deal potentially worth over $2.8bn at list prices for a total of 13 aircraft. These aircraft on order will complement three A330-200Fs Qatar Airways already operates since earlier this year.

“The A330 Family has demonstrated outstanding operational reliability and performance for both our passenger and cargo transport operations. It is with this in mind that we chose to expand our freighter fleets with more A330-200Fs,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways CEO. “We aim to be the best in everything we do, the air cargo market is no different, which is why we ordered the most modern and economic cargo aircraft available in its category.”

Airbus President and CEO, Fabrice Brégier said, “Qatar Airways is one of our key partners in the region, and its selection of the A330-200F illuminates its ambitious plans as the airline expands and invests in new freighter aircraft. The A330-200F, with up to 70 metric tonnes of payload, is the only viable alternative to large freighters in today’s fast changing market, making it an ideal choice for a constantly evolving carrier.”

Qatar Airways continues to be a highly valued customer and partner with Airbus – a relationship which has flourished since the airline received its first Airbus aircraft in 1997. Today Airbus aircraft form an ever more essential cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ global operations with more than 200 aircraft directly ordered across all modern Airbus product families, from the single-aisle A320 all the way up to the flagship A380.

Aimed at replacing ageing mid-sized freighters, the A330-200F offers an alternative to larger freighters within fleets. Benefiting from the technical superiority and market success of the A330 passenger version, it will offer opportunities to grow frequencies in under-served markets at no additional cost-per-tonne.

The A330-200F is the world’s most modern mid-size freighter and can carry 70 tonnes of payload, with a range capability of up to 4,000nm. This range and payload capability provides flexibility for both regional and intercontinental operations, versatility to match costs and frequencies with market expectations, thereby allowing operators to grow existing business and expand into new routes.

Source: Airbus

[flee 5]

Sorry about the earlier post on flydubai with this headline. Here is the correct PR:

 

Boeing, Etihad Airways Kick Off Dubai Airshow with 777X, 787-10 Orders

 

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] today launched the 777X program at the 2013 Dubai Airshow with a record-breaking number of customer orders and commitments for the newest member of its twin-aisle product family. Agreements for 259 airplanes from four customers across Europe and the Middle East provide a strong foundation to support development and production of the airplane.

Representing the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by dollar value, 777X orders and commitments include Lufthansa with 34 airplanes; Etihad Airways with 25; Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150 airplanes. The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices.

"We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X – the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Its ground-breaking engine technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our customers."

The 777X builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777, which today commands 55 percent of market share in its category in terms of backlog, and 71 percent of the in-service fleet worldwide. The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences.

The 777X builds on the best-in-class dispatch 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 in a class by itself.

Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, 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 miles (15,185 km), the airplane will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane.

The second member of the family, the 777-8X, will be the most flexible jet in the world. The airplane will seat 350 passengers and offer an incredible range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km). In addition, the airplane will have unmatched takeoff and payload capability compared to the competition.

"The airplane will build on the market-leading 777 and will provide superior operating economics," said Conner. "The airplane will be 12 percent more fuel efficient than any competing airplane, necessary in today's competitive environment."

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. The airplane's folding, raked wingtip and optimized span deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings and complete airport gate compatibility.

Like the 787 Dreamliner which was launched as the 7E7, the 777X will be formally named at a later date. Design of the 777X is underway and suppliers will be named in the coming months. Production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020.

 

Source: Boeing

[flee 5]

ETIHAD AIRWAYS ORDERS 50 A350 XWB, 36 A320NEO AND ONE A330-200F

 

 

Etihad Airways, national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, 36 A320neo aircraft and one A330-200F as part of its fleet modernization strategy. The contract was signed today at the 2013 Dubai Airshow by James Hogan, Etihad Airways CEO and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

The order comprises 40 A350-900s, ten A350-1000s, one A330-200F, 26 A321neo’s and 10 A320neo’s. Etihad currently operates a fleet of 23 A320 Family aircraft, 25 A330s and 11 A340s. The new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s existing long-haul fleet delivering operational efficiencies and cost savings.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “Ten years ago this month, we celebrated our inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi using an Airbus A330.

“A decade later, we have grown into one of the world’s leading airlines and the importance of Airbus to our fast-growing operations has never been stronger. We have more than 60 Airbus aircraft in our fleet today, and this latest order is testament to the continued strength of our partnership.

“As one of the first airlines set to receive the much-awaited Airbus A350-1000, we look forward to benefiting from its operational efficiencies and cost savings.”

“We are delighted that Etihad Airways has consistently maintained its confidence in the full range of Airbus’ modern aircraft family. This is highlighted by today’s new order for the fuel-efficient A320neo Family, to the versatile A330-200F and up to the all-new, efficient A350 XWB Family,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “We look forward to seeing Etihad benefit from the unbeatable economics and best-in-class comfort all our aircraft offer, ensuring the continued success of Etihad Airways as a leading airline for the years to come.”

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 764 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of October 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,487 from 44 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.

The A330-200F is the all-freight version of the best-selling A330 Family. It is the world’s most modern mid-size freighter and can carry 70 tonnes of payload with a range capability of up to 4,000nm. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,280 orders for the various versions of the A330, with over 1,010 aircraft currently flying with more than 100 operators worldwide.

 

Source: Airbus

 

[flee 5]

Boeing in Lead Over Airbus as Companies Get Record Orders

 

Airbus SAS and Boeing Co. (BA) secured record orders on the first day of the Dubai Air Show, with Emirates accounting for the bulk of purchases as it signed deals valued at more than $100 billion for wide-body aircraft.

Boeing took an early lead in the biennial expo, signing up Etihad Airways PJSC for its new 777X wide-body as well as for more 787 Dreamliners. Emirates followed with a purchase of 150 777X valued at about $76 billion, plus an option to buy 50 more. Airbus then confirmed a deal with the largest Middle East airline for 50 A380 super-jumbos valued at $23 billion.

“We see that demand for aviation services will continue to grow globally,” Emirates Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said at a press conference today.

The opening day of the show reasserts the Middle East’s position as the growth engine in the global aviation industry. Qatar Airways Ltd. joined the order rush with a purchase of 50 777X airliners, while low-cost carrier FlyDubai agreed to buy 100 737 Max, Boeing’s biggest deal in the region for the upgraded single-aisle jetliner. Even before today, Emirates was already the largest operator of the current 777 and the A380.

Full report here: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-17/boeing-wins-orders-valued-at-almost-100-billion-at-dubai-expo.html

Edited November 17, 2013 by flee

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

We have a few members who will be flying to DXB just to attend the event. Enjoy the show and hopefully there will be a little coverage.

[flee 5]

'Gulf Three' deals will strike fear into rival airlines:

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/17/business/dubai-airshow-emirates-airbus-quest/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

[Waiping 12]

We have a few members who will be flying to DXB just to attend the event. Enjoy the show and hopefully there will be a little coverage.

 

Great!

 

On a side note saw some pictures of BI's B787 V8-DLA at the show. So this probably answer why the scheduled BWN - BKI flight was downgraded to an A320 last Saturday and maybe for this week as well.

[flee 5]

On a side note saw some pictures of BI's B787 V8-DLA at the show. So this probably answer why the scheduled BWN - BKI flight was downgraded to an A320 last Saturday and maybe for this week as well.

Maybe the Sultan is visiting the show...

 

Yes, BI B787 flights also not at KUL till tomorrow.

[zeqa 1]

was surprise to see RB plane display in Dubai.

[Fairul 0]

 

Great!

 

On a side note saw some pictures of BI's B787 V8-DLA at the show. So this probably answer why the scheduled BWN - BKI flight was downgraded to an A320 last Saturday and maybe for this week as well.

it will be for static display at stand no 128 DWC..the photos are in their instagram account..even GA's latest ATR 72 is making a pit stop at the show.

[JuliusWong 0]

I am now fuming mad at RB for displaying her B787 to Dubai Air Show. I had painstakingly arranged a trip for my mum because she wanted to board the 787. I wonder why Royal Brunei is so busybody displaying their B787 at DAS when they proudly promoted their 787 schedule to SIN, KUL, MNL and BKI at first place?!!

 

If they know they are going to display their aircraft way in advance, why bother to promise their passengers that 787 will be deployed on regional flights these few days!?!!

[flee 5]

Airbus Tweet:

 

 

Newly launched Tripoli-based airline Libyan Wings has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 3 A350-900 and 4 A320neo aircraft

 

[Ashraf 0]

I am now fuming mad at RB for displaying her B787 to Dubai Air Show. I had painstakingly arranged a trip for my mum because she wanted to board the 787. I wonder why Royal Brunei is so busybody displaying their B787 at DAS when they proudly promoted their 787 schedule to SIN, KUL, MNL and BKI at first place?!!

 

If they know they are going to display their aircraft way in advance, why bother to promise their passengers that 787 will be deployed on regional flights these few days!?!!

airlines don't guarantee the aircraft type....for the info of everyone

[flee 5]

airlines don't guarantee the aircraft type....for the info of everyone

I think RBI is a bit different - they are using the B787 as a marketing gimmick. They even have a page showing their B787 schedule:

http://www.flyroyalbrunei.com/787-dreamliner-flight-schedule/

 

Libyan Wings orders three A350 XWBs and four A320neo’s

 

 

Newly launched airline chooses Airbus

 

18 NOVEMBER 2013

Libyan Wings, the newly launched Tripoli based airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for three A350-900s and four A320neo’s. The carrier is building up its fleet with aircraft orders announced at the 2013 Dubai Airshow. Libyan Wings will start operations for passenger charter and freight from the beginning of 2014.

“The A350 XWB and A320neo will play a significant role in ensuring that our new airline operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the Middle East region moving forward,” said Wisam Al Masri, Chairman of Libyan Wings. "With these fuel-efficient aircraft we will be able to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort on both long haul and shorter regional routes, while benefitting from the lowest operating costs and best environmental performance."

"It’s very exciting to see a new airline starting its business today with our efficient, latest generation A320neo and A350 XWB Families. This means that the Airbus product line, from single aisle to widebody clearly meets customer requirements in the world’s most competitive and demanding markets like the Middle East," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "Whether for short regional services or long intercontinental routes, Airbus has the right products with the lowest operating costs and best in class comfort standards."

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions of which the A350-900, comfortably seating more than 300 passengers. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 764 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of October 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,487 from 44 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.

Source: Airbus

[JuliusWong 0]

airlines don't guarantee the aircraft type....for the info of everyone

Not when you highly publicised that you are offering the public a chance to try out the 'new flying experience' heavily in online and traditional media.......on the definite route on definite period of time!

[alberttky 0]

Not when you highly publicised that you are offering the public a chance to try out the 'new flying experience' heavily in online and traditional media.......on the definite route on definite period of time!

 

There's always a fine print. "Subject to changes".

[flee 5]

ATR still waiting to launch 90-seater turboprop

 

ATR is still awaiting shareholder approval to launch a 90-seat turboprop, which is planned to enter service towards the end of the decade.

The airframer’s head of global sales John Moore tells Flightglobal Pro in an interview during the Dubai air show that the company has conducted a number of market and engineering studies for a 90-seater, but it is now up to its shareholders – EADS and Alenia Aermacchi – to decide when the aircraft will launch.

“We’ve spent quite a bit of time looking at this market, we’ve got a lot of feedback from our customers and airlines who believe that there is a need for this product,” he says.

Alenia has previously expressed that it would like to start working on the aircraft in 2014 to allow it to enter service in 2018 or 2019, but EADS has not yet agreed to start then.

“The evaluation and discussion is ongoing. Ultimately the decision will be at the level of our shareholders,” says Moore.

“[Launching the aircraft] depends on a variety of factors, also depends on the engine development, as well but we think it would be available probably by the end of the decade,” he adds.

Earlier this year, Malaysia Airlines’ Firefly subsidiary nominated itself as a potential launch customer for a 90-seater development of the aircraft. Lessor Nordic Aviation Capital has also recently expressed an interest in the larger aircraft.

Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-atr-still-waiting-to-launch-90-seater-turboprop-393209/

Royal approval for Brunei's 787s

 

Royal Brunei Airlines’ new Boeing 787-8s have been very well received by passengers on its regional network, so much so that it may revise its plans only to use them on long-haul services.

“The feedback on our regional routes is very strong,” says deputy chairman Dermot Mannion, speaking from the Dubai air show where one of its two 787s is on static display. “We didn’t have a plan to operate 787s regionally when we started out, but there is the beginnings of a case to look at operating the 787 on sector lengths of 5-6 hours.”

Royal Brunei has taken delivery of two 787s. The aircraft have initially been used on intra-Asia routes for crew familiarisation before they are deployed on services to Dubai and London on 1 December. This will be followed by Melbourne in April 2014.

The carrier will take delivery of a further two 787s in January and February 2014, and is negotiating the delivery schedule for its fifth aircraft.

Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-royal-approval-for-bruneis-787s-393213/

 

[Waiping 12]

I would say what BI did was like enticing you to fly their B787, came up with the schedule, and then swap the equipment last minute. They have titles that basically yell 'Give us a chance to showcase our B787'. In normal case you can argue that the airlines have every right to swap equipment 'due to operation needs.'. If you have been following the BI B787 news closely, which I did, you would know they put more effort into pushing the B787 flight, be it to SIN, KUL or BKI on their website as well as FB. Seriously BI need to address their customer service.

[Kee Hooi Yen 0]

If the big orders with plane delivery over a span of many years have no rise & fall component in the contract, that means the buyers can take advantage of locking the price at today's rate for delivery in say 7-8 years time. That is a huge savings !

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

That is exactly what AK/D7 has been doing but not MH.

[BC Tam 2]

If the big orders with plane delivery over a span of many years have no rise & fall component in the contract, that means the buyers can take advantage of locking the price at today's rate for delivery in say 7-8 years time. That is a huge savings !

That only makes sense if buyer has firm and clear vision of what to do with all that hardware incoming

The rate MH is going, probably already planning for another round of rationalization in a year or two, with begging bowl at the ready for sugar daddy's attention again

[flee 5]

Rolls-Royce wins $300M Qatar Airways order

Monday, 18 November 2013

Rolls-Royce has won a $300m order from Qatar Airways for Trent 700 engines, with long-term TotalCare® support, to power five Airbus A330 freighter aircraft. The order for five Airbus A330 Freighters and eight options was announced by the airline on the first day of the Dubai Air Show.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are pleased to select the Trent 700 engine, which has provided excellent performance on our existing Airbus A330 Freighter, along with a support package that maximises aircraft reliability and efficiency."

Eric Schulz, Rolls-Royce, President - Civil Large Engines, said: "We look forward to further developing our relationship with a valued customer and welcome Qatar Airways’ continued confidence in our Trent technology and TotalCare service and support."

The Trent 700, the only engine specifically designed for the A330, is the market leader on the aircraft with 70 per cent of new orders over the last four years.

It is also the most popular Rolls-Royce engine type currently in service on widebody aircraft, powering more than 530 A330 aircraft with 58 operators. More than 1,400 engines are either in service or on order.

Source: RR

Rolls-Royce wins $5bn Etihad Airways order to power 50 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Rolls-Royce has won a $5bn order from Etihad Airways for Trent XWB engines, the world’s most efficient engine flying today, to power 50 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. The order includes long-term TotalCare® support.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has ordered 24 A350-900 Regional, 16 A350-900 and 10 A350-1000 aircraft.

The order takes the total number of Etihad A350 aircraft on order to 62, all powered by the Trent XWB.

James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We have been very impressed with the Trent XWB’s development during testing and first flight. The engine will enable us to offer new levels of efficiency and will help maintain Etihad’s fleet as one of the greenest in the sky.”

Tony Wood, Rolls-Royce, President – Aerospace, said: “This is a significant order for the Trent XWB from a valued customer. We are delighted that Etihad Airways is continuing to expand its fleet of Rolls-Royce powered aircraft and we look forward to developing our relationship further. The Trent XWB is the largest-selling Trent engine, with more than 1,600 on order prior to entry into service next year.”

The airline also has 28 A330 aircraft in service powered by Trent 700 engines and 11 A340s in service powered by Trent 500 engines.

The Trent XWB, specifically designed for the Airbus A350 XWB, powered the first test flight of the A350 XWB at Toulouse on 14 June this year.

Etihad has also ordered Trent 700 engines to power one Airbus A330 freighter aircraft with TotalCare support.

Source: RR