Tag Archives: Airbus

Cebu Pacific to order 16 A330neo, 10 A321XLR and 5 A320neo

Cebu Pacific (CEB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 31 Airbus aircraft, comprising 16 A330neo, 10 A321XLR and 5 A320neo.

Cebu Pacific’s A330neo aircraft will be a higher capacity version of the A330-900, with 460 seats in single class configuration. The airline also becomes one of the launch airlines for the A321XLR, which will be able to fly nonstop from the Philippines to destinations as far afield as India and Australia. The A320neo aircraft announced today will be the first of the type to feature 194 seats in a single class layout.

This latest agreement supports CEB’s ongoing fleet renewal programme, which aims to have only new generation, environmentally efficient aircraft by 2024. The fast-growing carrier’s decision also strengthens its all-Airbus fleet status in the jet category.

Selected for their outstanding operational efficiency, comfort and increased range, these new-generation aircraft will allow Cebu Pacific to further expand its Asia-Pacific network and position itself even more competitively.

The A320neo and A321XLR are members of the A320 Family incorporating the very latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver fuel savings of 20 percent. At the end of May 2019, the A320neo Family had received more than 6,500 firm orders from over 100 customers worldwide.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15 percent more than the A321LR and with 30 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft.

The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nautical miles, compared to the majority of A330s in operation.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities including state-of-the-art passenger inflight entertainment and Wifi connectivity systems.

Oman Air is ready to start talking to Airbus

More bad news for Boeing.

From Reuters:

“Oman Air CEO Abdulaziz Al Raisi plans to hold talks with Airbus if Boeing does not provide a support and recovery plan for its grounded 737 MAX planes before June 17, a statement by the Omani company said on Friday.”

“The grounding of the 737 MAXs has had a major financial impact on Oman Air,” the statement cited Raisi as saying.

“The airline’s expansion plans for 2019 had been significantly curtailed” and Oman Air “also suffered revenue losses and market share declines,” he added.

The Oman Air CEO said Boeing ‘’promised a recovery and support plan for Oman Air that would be submitted to the airline before the upcoming Paris Airshow starting on 17th June 2019.’’

“If I don’t hear back from Boeing before I arrive at Le Bourget Airport, then I will have to go ahead with my planned business lunch with Airbus at the airshow,” the Oman Air statement cited Raisi as saying.”

Air Lease Corporation to order 100 aircraft, including the new A321XLR

Air Lease Corporation (ALC), the Los Angeles-based aircraft leasing company, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 100 Airbus aircraft, including for the first time 50 A220-300s and 27 A321XLRs. The agreement also includes an incremental order for an additional 23 A321neos.

Founded in 2010, this latest order takes ALC’s cumulative orders to 387 Airbus aircraft, making it Airbus’ third largest lessor customer.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.

With an order book of 536 aircraft at the end of May 2019, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.

Airbus launches longest range single-aisle airliner: the A321XLR

Airbus has made this announcement:

Following the very positive feedback from the market, Airbus has launched the A321XLR to complement its best-selling A321neo Family. The A321XLR thus becomes the next evolutionary step which responds to market needs for even more range, and creates more value for the airlines by bringing 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation competitor aircraft. Starting from 2023, the aircraft will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with the same unbeatable fuel efficiency.

With this added range, airlines will be able to operate a lower-cost single-aisle aircraft on longer and less heavily travelled routes – many of which can now only be served by larger and less efficient wide-body aircraft. This will enable operators to open new world-wide routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia, as well as further extending the Family’s non-stop reach on direct transatlantic flights between continental Europe and the Americas. For passengers, the A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on long-haul widebody aircraft.

The A321XLR has been designed to maximize overall commonality with the A321LR and the rest of the A320neo Family, while introducing minimal changes needed to give the aircraft an Xtra Long Range with increased revenue payload. The changes include: the new permanent Rear Centre Tank (RCT) for more fuel volume; a modified landing gear for an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 101 metric tons; and an optimised wing trailing-edge flap configuration to preserve the same take-off performance and engine thrust requirements as today’s A321neo. In particular, the new optimised RCT holds more fuel than several optional Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs) did previously, while taking up less space in the cargo hold – thus freeing-up underfloor volume for additional cargo and baggage on long range routes.

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle aircraft with over 6,500 orders from more than 100 customers since its launch in 2010. It incorporates new-generation engines and Sharklet wing-tip devices plus other improvements which together bring double-digit fuel savings over its predecessor, the A320ceo Family.

Airbus partners with United Airlines to manage aircraft data and enhance predictive maintenance capabilities

United Airlines has become the latest U.S. airline to connect to Airbus’ open-data platform, Skywise, following an agreement recently signed between the airline and Airbus. United will leverage Skywise to enhance all aspects of its maintenance and engineering operations on its Airbus fleet.

With flexible and visual tools, Skywise enables airlines to store, access, manage and analyse data more efficiently while also benchmarking against other airline users’ trends. Skywise provides all technology elements in one place, including data warehousing, visualisation, alerting, and even machine learning packages, allowing United and other airlines to nimbly develop and deploy their own analytical products.

In addition, Skywise seamlessly connects with the data integration platform, Palantir Foundry. United began using this platform in 2018, and the combination of Palantir Foundry and Airbus’ Skywise will provide United with the data and tools to enhance its operational reliability.

“We are proud to partner with Airbus and Palantir on this new data platform, which will allow us to maximise the performance of our Airbus fleet by analysing the best data we have available and using those insights to continuously improve our operation,” said Praveen Sharma, United’s Vice President of Digital Products and Analytics.

Marc Fontaine, Airbus’ Digital Transformation Officer said, “Skywise will bring significant value by unlocking data, which will power operational efficiency in aircraft maintenance and flight operations for United Airlines’ fleet.” He added, “By extending Skywise to other company business functions, with Palantir, the potential for United will be even bigger.”

Launched in 2017, Skywise is fast becoming the platform of reference used by all major aviation players to improve operational performance, ensuring complete data continuity with benefits across the entire value chain. Today, over 70 airlines around the world are connected to Skywise.

Skywise provides all users with one single access point to their aggregated and anonymised aviation data, enriched from multiple sources across the industry into one secure, cloud-based platform. The more data that airlines or OEMs share into the Skywise Core platform, the more accurate the predictions and models for customers connected.

Note: United Airlines has 45 Airbus A350-900s on order to replace its older Boeing 777-200s.

Image: Airbus.

Airbus establishes Airbus Canada to market the A220

Airbus has made this announcement:

Change from C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP) reflects Airbus’ majority stake in the A220

The change of name of CSALP to Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, which was announced in March 2019, will come into effect on June 1, 2019.

The new name reflects the majority interest of Airbus in the partnership since July 1, 2018. The partnership is adopting the Airbus logo as its single visual identity.

Over the course of the coming weeks, the new name will be applied to the limited partnership’s documentation, materials and branded items. The Airbus and Bombardier logos will continue to be displayed side-by-side on the building exteriors in Mirabel, reflecting production activities on the site for both the Airbus A220 and Bombardier CRJ aircraft families.

About the limited partnership

Headquartered in Mirabel, Québec, the limited partnership is responsible for the development and manufacturing of the Airbus A220 Family of single-aisle passenger aircraft. Majority owned by Airbus SE, partners include Bombardier Inc. and Investissement Québec (acting as mandatory for the government of Québec). The limited partnership employs approximately 2,200 at its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Mirabel. The second A220 manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama will start production in the third quarter of 2019.

Photo: Airbus.

Airbus celebrates 50 years

Airbus is celebrating 60 years of innovation:

Airbus has launched a global campaign celebrating the company’s 50 year anniversary, showcasing key moments of pioneering progress throughout the past five decades.

The campaign begins today by marking 50 years since the French Minister of Transport, Jean Chamant and the German Minister of Economic Affairs, Karl Schiller, signed an agreement at the 1969 Paris Air Show for the joint-development of the A300 aircraft, a first European twin-aisle twin-engine jet for medium-haul air travel.

Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus said: “Airbus’ story is one of ambition and progress, and has been a showcase of European integration. Over five decades, we have brought together civil and defence aviation businesses from throughout the continent. For 50 years, we have pioneered many firsts through our passion and innovation, transforming the industry and helping to move society forward. Airbus is a story of incredible men and women, a story of great achievements in the past and, above all, in the future.”

Photo: Air France.

Photo: Lufthansa.

Photo: Turkish Airlines.

Running from 29 May to 17 July, the campaign will bring stories to life through new, engaging content published across Airbus channels. With a new story released each day, for 50 consecutive days, the campaign will highlight the people and ground-breaking innovations that have driven the company. The campaign shines a light on many different aspects of the Airbus business, including commercial aircraft, helicopters, space and defence, in addition to programmes and initiatives.

The 50th anniversary campaign also looks to the future, exploring how Airbus continues to shape the industry with pioneering innovations that address some of society’s most critical issues, whether that be pioneering electric flight to reduce emissions, digitising aerospace design, or developing new urban air mobility options.

Photo: Air Canada. The first A320 for AC.

Airbus industrial sites will also celebrate this milestone, starting in Toulouse with a fly over from the full Airbus Commercial Aircraft family accompanied by the Patrouille de France at 12:00pm today.

All other photos by Airbus.

Video:

Airbus celebrates 50 years

Airbus issued this statement:

In 1969, European aerospace was in the doldrums. The sector’s once-illustrious names had faded and, competing against each other, lagged far behind the Americans, who commanded more than 80% of the market for commercial aircraft. Against this backdrop, on 29^th May 1969, ministers from Germany and France agreed a new approach: a partnership between European nations, later joined by Spain and the UK, to develop the first Airbus aircraft, the twin-aisle A300.

Frankly, few people gave this pan-European venture much hope of success. Yet from that seed has flowered a global aerospace champion.

Ahead of this month’s European Parliament elections, the message must be heard that a strong and confident European Union is vital to Europe’s economic future amid populist nationalism, fragile growth and simmering trade tensions. It is certainly the lesson of Airbus’s past and present as the European aerospace manufacturer celebrates its 50^th anniversary, also this month.

Airbus has been a triumph of European integration. Over five decades, we have brought together civil and defence aviation businesses from throughout the continent, reducing costs and duplication. Today, Airbus produces half of the world’s large commercial aircraft and has thriving helicopter, defence and space businesses. We employ 130,000 highly-skilled people globally and are a powerful engine of productivity, exports and innovation for Europe.

Ours has been a heady story of political co-operation, transatlantic rivalry and headline-grabbing sales coups, all underpinned by the quiet excellence of generations of engineers who have helped to make air travel safer, more fuel-efficient and accessible to hundreds of millions of new passengers all over the world.

Landmark innovations have propelled Airbus’s growth. Since 2014, our A350 aircraft, built with advanced lightweight composite materials, have reduced CO2 emissions on long-haul flights by 25% compared to many older jetliners. Our ability to move our parts, people and technology freely throughout Europe is at the heart of our business.

What’s next? The aerospace industry stands on the cusp of a technological revolution to match anything in its history. Digital technology, autonomous flight, artificial intelligence and electrification will transform the way aircraft are designed, manufactured, flown and maintained. It’s already being called aerospace’s new “golden age” and will herald tougher competition and the emergence of new aviation powerhouses.

European aerospace should aspire to lead this coming revolution in innovation and the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector. The EU’s flagship innovation programmes are well placed to nurture the radical technologies that will allow Europe to reaffirm its aerospace leadership for decades to come.

To prosper in this changing world, Airbus needs the support of the EU more than ever. For example, the EU’s financial and political backing will be critical to the development of Europe’s next generation of satellite technology and fighter jets.

Amid protectionism and political fragmentation, the bloc must continue to champion free trade in Europe and beyond. The EU should also remain grounded in the geo-political reality of global aerospace: the sector’s strategic significance means the EU’s ability to project a strong, united voice has a direct bearing on Europe’s prospects.

Airbus can thus renew the legacy of our founders who came together 50 years ago with an ambitious vision of innovation and international partnership – and the nerve to realize it.

The world of 1969 vanished long ago, but theirs remains a story for our times.

SAS and Airbus to research hybrid and electric aircraft

Scandinavian Airlines-SAS has made this announcement:

SAS and Airbus have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding for hybrid and electric aircraft eco-system and infrastructure requirements research. This is a unique cooperation to establish the requirements for the next generation of sustainable aircraft. The project aims to gain an understanding of the introduction of hybrid-electric aircraft for large-scale commercial use.

The partnership involves a joint research project where SAS and Airbus will work together to build knowledge of the opportunities and challenges regarding operations and infrastructure linked to large scale introduction of hybrid and electric aircraft in commercial traffic.

“We are proud of our ambitious sustainability work and are now pleased that Airbus has chosen SAS to partner up with us for this future project. If this becomes a reality, it will revolutionize emissions”, says Rickard Gustafson, CEO, SAS.

SAS has for decades worked to reduce emissions and worked hard and focused towards a more sustainable flying. SAS’s goal is to reduce emissions by 25 per cent by 2030, mainly by modernizing the fleet and increasing the use of biofuels. We see electric aircraft as the next step beyond the current technology.

“We are delighted to be embarking on this partnership with SAS,” said Grazia Vittadini, Airbus Chief Technology Officer. “Leveraging our respective expertise to explore the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion opportunities in our aviation eco-system.”

The collaboration also includes an ambition to involve a renewable energy supplier to ensure genuine zero emissions operations.

Airbus celebrates delivery of its 12,000th aircraft – an A220-100 to Delta Air Lines

Airbus celebrated the delivery of its 12,000^th aircraft ever in its 50-year history. The aircraft was an A220-100, assembled in Mirabel, Canada and handed over to U.S.-based Delta Air Lines.

The aircraft is the 12^th A220 delivered to date to Delta Air Lines since the carrier received its first A220 in October 2018. The A220 started scheduled service with Delta in February 2019. Delta is the first U.S. airline to operate the A220 and is the largest A220 customer, with a firm order for 90 aircraft.

This milestone delivery of a Canadian-made Airbus aircraft to a U.S.-based airline highlights the growing presence of Airbus in North America. Since Airbus’ leadership of the A220 program became effective on July 1, 2018, ground was broken in January this year in Mobile, Alabama for the construction of a second A220 final assembly line, set to start deliveries to U.S. customers in 2020.

Airbus delivered its first aircraft, an A300B2 to Air France, back in 1974. Fast forward to 2010, Airbus handed over its 6,000^th aircraft, 36 years after its first. The pace continued to accelerate, taking Airbus just nine years to double that number, reaching 12,000^th Airbus aircraft delivery on May 20, 2019.