Category Archives: Airbus

Boeing: World needs airplanes worth $5.6 trillion in 20 years

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Le Bourget, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel

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Show logoJust days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, Boeing has forecast a demand for more 38,000 new airplanes over the next 20 years.

The U.S. manufacturer says that is an increase of 3.5 per cent from last year’s forecast.

Boeing’s annual Current Market Outlook estimates the total value of those new airplanes at $5.6 trillion.

“The commercial airplane market continues to be strong and resilient,” said Randy Tinseth, vice-president of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“As we look forward, we expect the market to continue to grow and the demand for new aircraft to be robust.”

InfoBy the end of the forecast period, the commercial airplane fleet will double, from 21,600 airplanes in 2014 to 43,560 airplanes in 2034, Boeing said.

“Fifty-eight per cent of the 38,050 airplanes delivered over that time will be to accommodate growth,” it added.

According to Boeing, the single-aisle market continues to be the fastest-growing, requiring nearly 27,00 airplanes over the coming two decades.

“These aircraft are the foundation of the world’s airline fleet, carrying up to 75 per cent of passengers on more than 70 per cent of the world’s commercial aviation routes,” the forecast noted.

“This sector is fuelled by growth in low-cost carriers and airlines in developing and emerging markets.”

As for widebody aircraft, Boeing says the segment will require about 9,000 new airplanes, led by airplanes in the 200- to 300-seat range.

The week-long Paris Air Show opens in Le Bourge next Monday.

The infographic is courtesy of Boeing

IATA launches Cabin OK logo for carry-ons

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Baggage, Boeing, Bombardier, Carry-ons, Embraer, IATA, Passengers, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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Bag1The International Air Transport Association has finally decided to address the perennial problem of carry-on luggage.

The group that represents more than 260 airlines has announced a new initiative to optimize the accommodation of cabin baggage.

“Working with airline members of IATA and aircraft manufacturers, an optimum size guideline for carry-on bags has been agreed that will make the best use of cabin storage space,” it said Tuesday.

“A size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm (or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) means that theoretically everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger,” it said in a release issued in Miami, Fl., where IATA is holding its annual general meeting.

logoTo facilitate a smooth check-in, IATA has also developed an “IATA Cabin OK” logo, indicating that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines.

“A number of major international airlines have signalled their interest to join the initiative and will soon be introducing the guidelines into their operations,” the group said.

“The development of an agreed optimal cabin bag size will bring common sense and order to the problem of differing sizes for carry-on bags,” said Tom Windmuller, IATA’s senior vice-president for airport, passenger, cargo and security.

“We know the current situation can be frustrating for passengers. This work will help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience.”

IATA said it was working with baggage tracking-solutions provider Okoban to manage the approval process of bag manufacturers.

“Recognition of the ‘IATA Cabin OK’ logo is expected to grow with time as more airlines opt-in to this IATA initiative,” the group said.

Bags carrying the label are expected to reach retail shops later this year.

Images are courtesy of IATA

The stars of the Paris Air Show 2015

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dreamliner, Embraer, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Tourism, Travel

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Some of the aircraft that will be on static/flying display at the Paris Air Show next week.

The Bombardier CS300

The Bombardier CS300

The Bombardier CS100

The Bombardier CS100

The Airbus A350XWB

The Airbus A350 XWB

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Bell 429 WLG

The Bell 429 WLG

The Embraer ERJ135

The Embraer ERJ135

 Images are courtesy of Bombardier, Qatar Airways, Boeing, Bell and Embraer.

CS300 to make air show debut in Paris

03 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Airbus, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Embraer, France, Le Bourget, News, Paris Air Show, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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CS3Less than four months after its maiden flight, Bombardier’s CS300 is set to make its air show debut at the world’s premier aviation event in Paris this month.

The long-delayed airplane, designed for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market, is expected to enter service in late 2016.

Bombardier believes the CS300 offers the best seat-mile cost in its category and is ideal for a range of routes from short-haul to longer transcontinental markets.

CSTest flights for the smaller CS100, which can carry up to 125 people, began in 2013.

Certification for that aircraft is expected in the second half of this year with commercial flights starting shortly after that.

Bombardier has won 243 firm orders for the CSeries aircraft, 180 of them for the CS300.

The 51st edition of the Paris Air Show opens on June 15. The week-long event has attracted more than 2,200 exhibitors from 45 countries including 18 from Canada.

The United States will have the biggest presence – more than 350 companies will gather at the American pavilion.

In all, 150 aircraft will be on display at the show and 40 of them will take to the skies of Le Bourget.

Logo “Paris Air and Space Show is a major player in the aerospace industry, and shows its richness and diversity,” says Emeric d’Arcimoles, the show’s chairman and CEO.

“More than just a showcase, the show is an extraordinary exchange tool, in which every actor of this industry finds the contacts and ideas that will help them to grow.”

Images are courtesy of Bombardier and Paris Air Show

New Emirates A380: Sorry, no First Class

12 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Business, Copenhagen, Dubai, Emirates, News, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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All of the 13 airlines currently flying the Airbus A380 use aircraft with a three-class configuration, featuring First-, Business- and Economy-class cabins.

Hub2
The world’s largest operator of the superjumbo is planning to change that with the introduction of a two-class A380 later this year.

Emirates is launching a daily service from Dubai to Copenhagen in December, using what it says is the world’s first two-class configured A380, which can carry up to 615 passengers.

But the down side is the new A380 will not have a First-Class cabin. Instead, it will have 58 seats in the Business Class and 557 in the Economy Class.

Emirates began flying to the Danish capital about four years ago, using an Airbus A330. A few months later, the airline switched to the bigger Boeing 777.

Tim Clark and Thomas Woldbye announce the A380 service.

Tim Clark and Thomas Woldbye announce the A380 service.

“Today, based on strong load factors, we are happy to further up-gauge the route to our iconic double-decker, the A380,” said president Tim Clark.

As of December, the airline will offer more than 8,600 seats a week between Copenhagen and Dubai.

Emirates also noted that the aircraft would be more environmentally efficient than others, producing the lowest CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre of all commercial airplanes.

“Emirates is making history with this aircraft, its fuel efficiency is better than most modern small passenger cars in terms of fuel economy per passenger kilometre, allowing us to reduce emissions without compromising on comfort,” said Clark.

CPH2Meanwhile, the airport says it is investing heavily to make its infrastructure A380-compatible.

Copenhagen will be the first in Scandinavia to offer a scheduled A380 service.

“The increased capacity will hopefully stimulate more trade and tourism between Denmark and countries of the Middle East, Asia and Africa,” said Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Copenhagen Airports.

Emirates has 59 A380s in its fleet, operating from Dubai to more than 30 destinations worldwide. The airline has ordered a total of 140 superjumbos.

Images are courtesy of Emirates and Copenhagen Airport.

Study: Emirates has big impact on European economy

03 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by in A380, Airbus, Business, Dubai, Emirates, EU, Europe, IATA, ITB Berlin, News, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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EKAs one of the world’s biggest travel shows opens in Berlin, Dubai’s Emirates airline has released a study suggesting its operations support more than 85,000 jobs in the European Union countries.

The study, by the consultancy Frontier Economics, also says the airline’s purchases of Airbus A380 superjumbos support an additional 41,00 jobs.

In all, the airline had a €10.2-billion impact on the EU GDP, Emirates quoted Frontier as saying. The study covered 2013-2014.

EK2“Emirates is fully committed to the European market,” said Tim Clark, president of the airline.

“The relationship goes back to 1987 when we first started flying from Dubai to London Gatwick. Since then, we have witnessed growth based on demand and now operate over 350 passenger flights a week from Europe, providing global connectivity via our hub in Dubai.”

The Frontier analysis covered 28 cities served by Emirates in 16 EU states.

ITBEmirates is among the thousands of companies showcasing their products and services at the 49th edition of ITB Berlin, which runs from March 4 until 8.

More than 10,000 exhibitors from 186 countries are participating in the show.

According to official estimates, deals worth €6.5 billion were concluded during last year’s show.

Images are courtesy of Emirates and ITB Berlin.

Dubai International soars to new heights

27 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Boeing, Business, Dubai, Emirates, IATA, London Heathrow, Luxury Travel, News, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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Airport1Dubai’s main airport has become the busiest international passenger hub. Until now that honour belonged to London’s Heathrow Airport.

Official figures released Tuesday show passenger traffic at Dubai International soared to more than 70.4 million last year, up 6.1 per cent from 66.4 million the previous year.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum

DXB2“This historic milestone is the culmination of over five decades of double-digit average growth,” said Dubai Airports chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum.

“The shared goal is to make Dubai a global centre of aviation and we are nearing that goal thanks to an open skies policy, a friendly business environment, Dubai’s growing attractiveness as a centre for trade, commerce and tourism, growing network connectivity due to the rapid expansion of Emirates and flydubai and timely investment in aviation infrastructure.”

CEO Paul Griffiths said the rapid growth was expected to continue this year.

“Today we are also releasing our projections for 2015 traffic at Dubai International which forecast 79 million passengers,” he said.

“We will have more flights connecting more people to more destinations.”

Dubai also has a second airport, Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central.

Construction of the second phase of that airport is now underway.

Once completed, officials say, the airport will be able to handle 160 million passengers a year. It will also have the capacity to handle 12 million tonnes of cargo.

Images are courtesy of Dubai Airports.

Emirates becomes the wide-body king

28 Sunday Dec 2014

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The airline's 100th 777-300ER takes off from Everett, Wash. Boeing photo.

Emirates is celebrating a major milestone.

The UAE national carrier now has the world’s largest wide-body aircraft with a fleet of 218 passenger jets and 14 freighters.

In 2014, the airline says, it added 13 Airbus A380s, 12 Boeing 777-300ERs and two Boeing 777 freighters to its fleet.

The aircraft included the 100th Boeing 777-300ER and the 50th Airbus A380.

The Dubai-based airline flies to nearly 150 destinations around the world, including Toronto, operating more than 3,500 flights per week.

Photo shows the airline’s 100th 777-300ER taking off from Everett, Wash., in October 2014. Courtesy: Boeing

Etihad’s ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery beautiful

28 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by in A380, Abu Dhabi, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Eithad Airways, News, Transport, Travel

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AirbusLess than a week after unveiling its first Airbus A380 in the beautiful “Facets of Abu Dhabi” livery, Etihad Airways has revealed its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in the same colours.

The airline says the new livery is inspired by the culture, landscapes and the modern architecture of the UAE’s capital.

While the A380 rolled out of the Airbus paint hangar in Germany last week, the Dreamliner rolled out of its paint hangar in the United States on Sunday.

787-9Etihad has ordered a total of 10 Superjumbos and the first A380 will operate on the Abu Dhabi-London route from December. Sydney and New York are other planned A380 routes.

Etihad, which has ordered 71 Dreamliners including 41 787-9s, will get its first aircraft later this year.

They will be introduced on six of the airline’s routes: Dusseldorf, Doha, Washington, Mumbai, Brisbane, Australia and Moscow.

The airline hopes to paint its entire fleet of more than 100 aircraft in the new livery over the next three years.

Images are courtesy of Airbus and Boeing

 

Airbus Helicopters Canada marks 30 years

20 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by in Airbus, Aircraft, Airports, Aviation, Business, Canada, Defence, Fort Erie, News, Transport

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Heli2Airbus Helicopters Canada is celebrating a milestone – its 30th anniversary.

Based in Fort Erie, Ont., it is a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, part of the Airbus Group.

In addition to developing and manufacturing parts for the Airbus global supply chain, the company supports more than 180 owners/firms operating some 670 helicopters across Canada.

Ed Fast and Romain Trapp celebrating the 30th anniversary.

Ed Fast and Romain Trapp celebrating the 30th anniversary.

Ed Fast, the federal minister of international trade, was in Fort Erie to celebrate the anniversary

Earlier in a message, President and CEO Romain Trapp thanked owners, operators and employees for making Airbus Helicopters Canada a success story.

“Thank you to the entire Airbus Helicopters Canada team for their engagement, dedication, enthusiasm, involvement and for the numerous achievements made over the past 30 years,” he said in a post on the company website.

Canada has the fifth largest aerospace industry in the world, employing more than 170,000 people and generating revenues of $22 billion.

Images are courtesy of Govt. of Canada and Airbus Helicopters Canada

Boeing: Aircraft market strong, resilient

10 Thursday Jul 2014

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OutlookNearly 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.

ANZ5In 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.

 

Billionaires ‘prefer Airbus business jets’

17 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by in A380, Airbus, Airbus Corporate Jets, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dubai, Flying Palace, France, Luxury Travel, News, Technology

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The new ACJ319 Elegance

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, marketing director at Airbus Corporate Jets

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

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 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’

Prince Alwaleed signs the order for the A380 superjumbo in 2007.

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

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The boarding pass for the first A350 flight.

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 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

Posted by in A320neo, Air New Zealand, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Business, New Zealand, News, Transport, Travel

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The Airbus A321neo in Air New Zealand livery. Airbus photo.

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.

 

A350 moves closer towards certification

11 Sunday May 2014

Posted by in Airbus, Airbus A350XWB, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Business, News, Qatar Airways, Transport, Travel

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The A350 water test in France. Airbus photo.

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.