Category Archives: Transport

Airbus raises aircraft prices

16 Friday Jan 2015

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FamiliesA year ago, the Airbus A380 cost a mere US$414 million.

As of January 1, the price of the superjumbo has gone up by $14 million to $428 million, the European aircraft manufacturer announced this week.

The single-aisle A318, the smallest member of the A320 family, will cost just over $74 million while the brand new A350-800 jet will sell for $269.5 million.

AirbusOn average, the company has increased its list price by 3.27 per cent.

That is the price nobody pays though, as airlines typically negotiate a better deal.

“The 3.27 per cent price increase has been calculated according to Airbus’ standard escalation formula over the January 2014 to January 2015 period, and enables Airbus to continue to enhance its profitability,” the company said.

 

Last year, the price went up by 2.6 per cent.

 

Airbus offers aircraft ranging in capacity from 100 to over 500 seats and has

sold more than 15,000 airplanes to some 380 customers worldwide.

 

Images are courtesy of Airbus.

Emirates becomes the wide-body king

28 Sunday Dec 2014

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

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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

Seattle museum gets a Dreamliner

08 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Air Canada, Air India, Air New Zealand, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, All Nippon Airways, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, Japan Airlines, Museums, News, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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D2Seattle’s Museum of Flight is celebrating a rare acquisition — one of the original Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner test airplanes.

It was donated this week to the museum by the American manufacturer, also based in Seattle.

Known as ZA003, the airplane was the third 787-8 produced by Boeing.

In donating the aircraft, the company cited its unique past.

Boeing said the ZA003 had circumnavigated the globe multiple times in 2011 and 2012, first as part of test and certification program and later during the Dream Tour, which introduced the 787 to the world.

“This revolutionary airplane caps the museum’s collection of historic commercial airplanes, beginning with our 1932 Boeing 247, which was the first all-metal, modern airliner,” said Doug King, president and CEO of the museum.

“It was followed by our 1969 prototype 747, the first jumbo jet, and now with the first composite airliner, the 787. It’s an incredible addition to our comprehensive display.”

One of the largest air and space museums in the world, the Museum of Flight attracts more than a half million visitors annually.

As of last month, Boeing had won orders for 1,050 Dreamliners from nearly 60 customers. More than 200 airplanes have been delivered so far.

Major Dreamliner operators include All Nippon Airways, Air India, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Canada.

Photo shows visitors waiting to see the Dreamliner at the museum Saturday. 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: China will need 6,000 new airplanes over next 20 years

04 Thursday Sep 2014

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b2Boeing, which dominates the Chinese skies, is projecting a demand in the country for more than 6,000 new airplanes over the next 20 years, valued at US$870 billion.

Boeing's China Current Market Outlook

Boeing’s China Current Market Outlook

The American airplane manufacturer’s annual China Current Market Outlook released in Beijing on Thursday shows Chinese airlines will take delivery of nearly 45 per cent of the total demand for airplanes in the Asia-Pacific region during that period.

“China’s aviation market is going through dynamic changes,” said Randy Tinseth of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“New business models like low-cost carriers and airplane leasing companies, a new generation of fuel-efficient airplanes and evolving consumer needs are driving demand for more direct flights to more destinations.”

More than 50 per cent of all commercial jetliners operating in the country are Boeing airplanes, the company said.

It also noted that China is a major contributor of parts to Boeing.

“Some 8,000 Boeing airplanes flying throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies.”

Worldwide, Boeing projects a demand for 36,770 new commercial airplanes in the next 20 years, worth almost $5.2 trillion

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.

 

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

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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.

 

JAL subsidiary finalizes 737NG order

30 Friday May 2014

Posted by in 737, 737NG, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Business, Japan, Japan Airlines, Japan Transocean Air, News, Transport, Travel

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Boeing 737-800s in JTA livery. Boeing photo

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

Posted by in Air Canada, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, FAA, News, Transport, Travel

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The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (from my collection).

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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The Asiana A380 (from my collection).

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

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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The Boeing 737 MAX. Boeing photo.

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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Air Canada's first 787 Dreamliner during a test flight. Boeing photo.

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.