The making of Emirates’ 50th A380
21 Thursday Aug 2014
Author Archives: Abdul Latheef
Boeing: Aircraft market strong, resilient
10 Thursday Jul 2014
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Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Farnborough Airshow, News, Transport, Travel
Nearly 37,000 new airplanes worth US$5.2 trillion – that’s what Boeing expects the world will need over the next 20 years.
The American aircraft manufacturer released its annual Current Market Outlook in London ahead of next week’s Farnborough International Airshow.
It projects a demand for 36,770 new aircraft, an increase of 4.2 per cent from last year’s forecast.
“This market is strong and resilient,” said Randy Tinseth of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“With new and more efficient airplanes entering service, the growth in air travel is being driven by customers who want to fly where they want, when they want.”
The single-aisle market is projected to be the fastest growing segment because of the continued emergence of low-cost carriers.
Boeing said 25,680 new airplanes will be needed in this segment, making up 70 per cent of the total units in the forecast.
“Based on the overwhelming amount of orders and deliveries, we see the heart of the single-aisle market in the 160-seat range,” said Tinseth.
In the twin-aisle segment, Boeing forecasts that 8,600 new airplanes will be needed. That will be led by small widebody airplanes in the 200 to 300 seat range such as the 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner, the company said.
Boeing will showcase its new 787-9 Dreamliner, the first of which was delivered to Air New Zealand this week, at the Farnborough Airshow, which opens Monday.
Airbus, the European manufacturer, will bring its new A350 XWB.
Boeing 747 makes widebody history
28 Saturday Jun 2014
The 747-8 Intercontinental during a test flight.
The Boeing 747 has become the first widebody airplane to reach the 1,500-delivery milestone, the U.S. aircraft manufacturer said today .
The 747-8 Intercontinental was delivered to Lufthansa at a ceremony in Everett, Wash. A special logo commemorating the 1,500th airplane was also revealed at the event.
“Reaching this milestone delivery is a testament to the capabilities of the airplane and our commitment to continuous innovation,” said Eric Lindblad, vice-president at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“The new 747-8 is delivering on its promise to our customers, and we continue to look at ways to make it even more efficient in the future.”
The German airline was the launch customer of the Intercontinental and the new airplane is its 14th. Lufthansa took delivery of its first 747-8 in 2012 and has 19 Intercontinentals on order.
“Lufthansa is honoured that the 1,500th 747 will fly with the Lufthansa livery,” said Nico Buchholz, executive vice-president at Lufthansa Group Fleet Management.
“Lufthansa is an important partner and a valued adviser in developing new commercial airplanes with exceptional economical and ecological performance such as the 747-8,” he added.
“The commemorative logo will be a reminder of our relationship with Boeing, now and into the future.”
The image is courtesy of Boeing.
Billionaires ‘prefer Airbus business jets’
17 Tuesday Jun 2014
Posted in A380, Airbus, Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dubai, Flying Palace, France, Luxury Travel, News, Technology
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Aviation, Boeing, Business, Flying Palace, Luxury Travel, News, Technology, Transport, Travel
The new ACJ319 Elegance
Airbus is predicting that it will sell 10 corporate jets this year as more billionaires are eager to take their lifestyles into the air.
“In the airline market, the customer is interested in economy. In the corporate jet market, that is not an issue for the customer,” said David Velupillai, marketing director at the European aircraft manufacturer’s corporate jet division.
Speaking from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, he said that a recent study commissioned by the company had provided some new insights into the billionaire lifestyle.
David Velupillai on board an ACJ318
Velupillai said a key finding was that billionaires in the Middle East love to travel with an entourage such as those looking after them and advising them on the ground.
That means they need a larger aircraft that will enable them to travel in comfort, which at present Airbus is best placed to provide, he said.
Airbus business jets can carry groups of between 19 and 50 people. Then, of course, there is the corporate version of the A380 superjumbo, which can carry 100 or more people.
A bedroom on the ACJ319 Elegance
Fly-by-wire is standard on all Airbus corporate jets, which are based on the modern family of Airbus aircraft and include the ACJ318, ACJ319, ACJ320 and ACJ321.
At the same time, Velupillai said, fly-by-wire is non-existent on many competitors’ jets.
“Recently I flew with a billionaire on an Airbus Corporate Jet and he was quite surprised by how comfortable the airplane was,” he said.
“He had never experienced such comfort and freedom of movement on an airplane before.”
Velupillai says that is because Airbus business jets are the widest and tallest in the market.
A new addition to the company’s product line is the new ACJ319 Elegance, an airplane which Velupillai said is easier and faster to outfit and which has generated a lot of buzz since its launch this April.
The lounge on the ACJ319 Elegance
The Elegance offers many innovations, including a modular approach which lets the customer choose from a wide range of seating and socializing options.
More than 170 Airbus business jets are currently in service around the world.
With the number of billionaires forecast to grow in Asia and the Middle East, Airbus is hopeful that the demand for its business jets will remain robust in the next few years.
By the way, if you want to buy one of these aircraft, it could take up to 20 months from order to delivery.
So be patient!
Flying Palace claims just ‘speculation’
Flashback: Alwaleed signs the A380 deal in 2007
Remember, the “Flying Palace” ordered in 2007 by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal?
The A380, scheduled for delivery next year, was purported to undergo $200 million worth of cabin outfitting featuring multiple bedrooms, a theatre, a turkish bath and a garage for Rolls Royce cars.
“All these claims are speculation, with the airplane yet to be outfitted,” said Velupillai.
Alwaleed resold his superjumbo in late 2012 to an unidentified customer.
“That’s true, but I can’t reveal the identity of the buyer,” said Velupillai.
All images are courtesy of Airbus.
A350 flies in real airline environment
02 Monday Jun 2014
The boarding pass for the first A350 flight.
The Airbus A350 extra-wide body jet has taken to the skies again, this time in a real airline environment with cabin crew and passengers.
The airplane took off on one of two Early Long Flights from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) this morning, the European manufacturer said.
The test flights are being operated with Air France and Lufthansa cabin crew.
Also on board were some 250 passengers comprising Airbus employees and dozens of cabin experts, the company said.
“The Early Long Flights are not part of the technical certification program but remain an important step towards the A350’s maturity at entry into service,” Airbus added.
The A350XWB is due to enter service with Qatar Airways in the fourth quarter of this year.
The A350 takes off on its first Early Long Flight.
The airliner features an extra wide cabin with a non-stop flying capability of more than 15,000 kilometres.
It will be built in three versions – A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000. Qatar Airways, with an order for 80 A350s, is the top customer.
In all, Airbus has received 812 orders from 39 customers.
Images are courtesy of Airbus.
Air New Zealand revamps fleet
01 Sunday Jun 2014
The Airbus A321neo in Air New Zealand livery. Airbus photo.
Air New Zealand has announced a major fleet revamp with an order for 14 Airbus jets at a list price worth more than US$1.2 billion.
As of now, the order is for 10 A320neo (new engine option) aircraft, three A321neos and one A320ceo (current engine option) jet.
But the airline stressed that the exact mix of the aircraft will be confirmed later.
The deal was announced at the International Air Transport Association’s Annual General Meeting in Doha, Qatar, today.
Delivery of the A320neos is expected to begin in late 2017, but the airline expects to receive the A320ceo early next year.
The fuel-efficient A320neos will be used on Air New Zealand’s Tasman and Pacific Island routes.
“These aircraft will help to ensure we continue to operate one of the world’s youngest jet fleets,” said CEO Christopher Luxon.
“This new fleet will further enhance the experience for our customers and will drive fuel efficiency enabling us to minimise our carbon footprint by saving around 3,600 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year.”
Airbus says it has some 2,700 orders for A320neo models from 50 customers.
JAL subsidiary finalizes 737NG order
30 Friday May 2014
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Aviation, Boeing, Business, Japan, Japan Airlines, Japan Transocean Air, News, Transport, Travel
Boeing 737-800s in JTA livery. Boeing photo
Japan Transocean Air, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, has finalized an order for 12 Boeing 737 Next-Generation airplanes as part of its fleet renewal program.
The Okinawa-based JTA currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737-400s.
The order is for the 737-800 version and is worth US$1.1 billion at list price.
It was first announced as a commitment late March. The airplanes will start arriving in 2016.
“This order is a key part of our strategy to bring the highest levels of comfort, amenity and convenience to the people of Okinawa, by continuing to operate the most reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft available today and in the future,” said Manabu Sato, president of JTA.
Boeing says the 737-800 is the best-selling version of the 737NG family.
“The Next-Generation 737’s market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class,” the company said today.
787 receives 330-minute certification
28 Wednesday May 2014
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (from my collection).
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has received regulatory approval for extended operations (ETOPS), which the company said today would allow airlines to launch additional routes.
“The move will allow 787s to be operated up to 330 minutes (51/2 hours) from a landing field and signals continued confidence in the airplane’s technical capabilities,” Boeing said.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had already allowed the airliner to operate up to 180 minutes (three hours) away from a landing field since they began flying in 2011.
“We’re delighted that this capability, which was designed into the airplane from the very beginning, has been certified,” said Larry Loftis, vice-president of the 787 program.
Boeing has received orders for 1,030 Dreamliners from 60 customers and delivered 146 aircraft.
Air Canada, which has ordered 37 Dreamliners, received its first airplane this month.
Asiana to take delivery of 1st A380
24 Saturday May 2014
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Asiana Airlines, Aviation, Business, News, Seoul, South Korea, Transport, Travel
The Asiana A380 (from my collection).
Asiana Airlines will take delivery of its first Airbus A380 on Monday morning at a ceremony at the European manufacturer’s main facility in Toulouse, France.
The South Korean carrier will become the 11th airline to operate the superjumbo when it flies from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), Hong Kong (HKG) and Bangkok (BKK) on June 13.
And on Aug. 15, the airline will launch its first A380 service to Los Angeles (LAX).
The aircraft being delivered on Monday had its maiden flight last December when it flew from Toulouse to Hamburg, Germany, where painting and cabin furnishing were completed in March.
An Airbus post on Monday’s delivery. Courtesy: Airbus
The Asiana A380 features 495 seats in three classes, including 12 First- and 66 Business-class seats.
With a fleet of 83 aircraft, Asiana flies to 89 destinations in 24 countries, including six cities in the United States.
The airline is a member of the Star Alliance that also includes Air Canada and United.
Boeing 737 MAX orders top 2,000
20 Tuesday May 2014
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Aviation, Boeing, Business, Canada, Luxury Travel, News, Southwest Airlines, Transport, WestJet
The Boeing 737 MAX. Boeing photo.
Less than three years after Boeing decided to build the 737 MAX, the company is reporting that orders for the single-aisle aircraft has topped 2,000, worth US$209 billion at list price.
That is faster than any other Boeing airplane in history, it said.
“Two thousand orders at this stage in the program is a remarkable achievement,” said Keith Leverkuhn, vice-president of the 737 MAX Program.
The final assembly of the aircraft will begin this summer.
Launch customer Southwest Airlines is expected to fly the airplane in the third quarter of 2017. It has ordered a total of 200 aircraft.
Other major customers include WestJet and Air Canada with 65 and 61 airplanes respectively.
Air Canada gets 1st Dreamliner
18 Sunday May 2014
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Aviation, Boeing, Business, Canada, Haneda, Luxury Travel, News, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Transport, Travel
Air Canada’s first 787 Dreamliner during a test flight. Boeing photo.
Air Canada has taken delivery of the first of 37 Boeing 787 Dreamliners ordered by the airline.
The airplane took off this morning from Boeing’s airfield in Everett, Wash., on its delivery flight to Toronto (YYZ) after a handover ceremony attended by senior Air Canada and Boeing executives.
“The 787 Dreamliner will immediately make a dramatic improvement to our fleet capabilities,” said CEO Calin Rovinescu.
“The range and economics unlock new destinations for customers, who will love the innovative look and comfort onboard.”
Air Canada’s first Dreamliner will be used on Haneda (HND) and Tel Aviv (TLV) routes from July.
“The 787 will enable Air Canada to connect Canada and the world, while improving the flying experience of passengers as well as the company’s bottom line,” said Brad McMullen, vice-president of North America sales at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Air Canada’s first 787 features three classes – an International Business Class with 20 seats, a Premium Economy Class with 21 seats and the regular Economy Class with 210 seats.
The airline is organizing a media tour of the airplane at Toronto airport on Tuesday.
Boeing has received orders for 1,031 Dreamliners from operators around the world and delivered 140 so far.
Report: Air India Dreamliner’s windshield cracks (again)
15 Thursday May 2014
An Air India Dreamliner. Boeing photo.
A report says a windshield crack forced an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner to return to Frankfurt airport (FRA) minutes after taking off for New Delhi (DEL).
The Times of India said today the incident happened on May 9.
It said the windshield of the same Dreamliner cracked last November while landing at Melbourne airport (MEL) on a flight from New Delhi.
The newspaper quoted an Air India official as saying that the airline so far had five instances of Dreamliner windshield cracks.
“Windshield cracks happening with such regularity in a brand new plane are rare,” the unidentified official told the newspaper.
Air India is one of the first customers of the problem-plagued Dreamliner. It has ordered 27 aircraft and taken delivery of 13.
AirAsia raises the security bar
13 Tuesday May 2014
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Aviation, Business, Interpol, Luxury Travel, Malaysia, News, Passport, Security, Tourism, Transport, Travel
Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia is set to become the first airline in the world to use Interpol’s I-Checkit system for enhanced security, the international police agency announced today.
It will allow passenger passport numbers to be compared against Interpol’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database, which contains more than 40 million records from 167 countries.
I-Checkit, however, will not allow the airline gain direct access to the database.
“With the pilot project respecting national legislation linked to data protection, no personal data will be transmitted to Interpol, with only the travel document number, form of document and country code screened against SLTD,” Interpol said Tuesday.
“Should a passenger’s passport register a positive match against the database, AirAsia has procedures in place that will refer the passenger to local authorities. Interpol’s procedures would simultaneously be engaged to notify all relevant Interpol National Central Bureaus worldwide,” it added.
I-Checkit will be deployed later this month, Interpol said. The initiative is part of Interpol’s Turn Back Crime global awareness campaign.
“AirAsia is extremely pleased to be the first airline globally to collaborate with Interpol to implement I-Checkit,” said Group CEO Tony Fernandes.
Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble during a visit to AirAsia operations at Kuala Lumpur’s klia2 terminal. Interpol photo.
“The partnership we have created will result in improved passenger security and will support our desire to offer low fares, but with the added assurance that this system and partnership provides.”
Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble called I-Checkit the new standard for airline security.
“After today, airlines will no longer have to depend solely on countries screening passports to keep passengers safe from terrorists and other criminals who use stolen passports to board flights. Like AirAsia, they will be able to do it themselves as well,” he said.
AirAsia Group, based in Kuala Lumpur, operates flights to nearly 100 destinations in more than 20 countries.
Boeing, Embraer in biofuel initiative
12 Monday May 2014
Posted in Abu Dhabi, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Biofuel, Boeing, Business, Embraer, Environment, Masdar City, News, Technology, Transport, Travel
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Aviation, Biofuel, Boeing, Buisness, Business, Embraer, Environment, Menu 1, News, Technology, Transport
Boeing is partnering with Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer to advance sustainable aviation biofuel development in the largest country in South America.
They will conduct joint research at a centre in Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park in Sao Paulo, Boeing announced today.
The two companies will also fund and co-ordinate biofuel research with other Brazilian instiutions.
“Boeing is working aggressively around the world to expand the supply of sustainable aviation biofuel and reduce aviation’s carbon emissions,” said Julie Felgar, managing director of environmental strategy and integration at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Boeing’s global initiatives include a project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where it has partnered with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and others to produce aviation biofuel.
“Embraer is committed in supporting the development of sustainable biofuels for aviation and the joint efforts with Boeing will undoubtedly contribute to the company continuing to be in the forefront of research in this area,” said Mauro Kern, executive vice-president of engineering and technology at Embraer.
Boeing’s experts have concluded that when produced sustainably, aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80 per cent lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle than petroleum jet fuel.
The fuel was approved for use in airplanes in 2011. Since then, Boeing says, it has been used on more than 1,500 passenger flights.
A350 moves closer towards certification
11 Sunday May 2014
The A350 water test. Airbus photo.
The Airbus A350 XWB, which is due to enter service with Qatar Airways in the fourth quarter of this year, has completed the latest test in its certification process.
Last week, the extra-body jet tested its ability to operate on wet runways at Istres, France, travelling successfully through water troughs.
“This test validates how the aircraft would behave on a very rain-soaked runway, and verifies that neither the water under the aircraft nor the spray generated by the nose landing gear will enter the engines or APU (auxiliary power unit),” the European manufacturer said.
The four A350 test aircraft have now accumulated about 1,600 hours in over 350 flights, Airbus added.
The A350 features an extra wide cabin with a non-stop flying capability of more than 15,000 kilometres.
It will be built in three versions – A350-800, A350-900 and A350-1000. Qatar Airways, with an order for 80 A350s, is the top customer.
In all, Airbus has received 812 orders from 39 customers worldwide.
The Air Dispatch 