Tag Archives: Toulouse

Airbus sets new records for orders and deliveries in 2013

Airbus (Toulouse) has issued this report for 2013:

Airbus exceeded commercial targets in 2013, achieving a new record of 626 aircraft deliveries (493 A320 Family aircraft, 108 A330, 25 A380) to 93 customers (15 new) and a new industry record of 1619 gross orders (377 A320ceo, 876 A320neo, 77 A330, 239 A350 XWB, 50 A380) beating the previous record in 2011 by 11 aircraft. The year was also Airbus’ most valuable gross order intake (List price $240.5 billion US). By year end, the backlog had climbed to an industry wide record of 5,559 aircraft, valued at $809 billion US at list prices, or eight years production.

Aircraft deliveries in 2013 were up for the 12^th year in a row, beating the initial target and surpassing the previous record set in 2012 (588) by an additional 38 aircraft.

At 2013 year end, Airbus commanded 51 per cent gross market share (aircraft above 100 seats). Decisions by customers to move towards larger aircraft in all segments (A321, A330-300, A350-1000 and A380) is having a positive result on revenues, complementing Airbus’ lead in both single aisle and widebody aircraft markets.

During the year the A320neo surpassed 2,600 orders while strong sales of the A320ceo continued with more than 1,000 sold since the NEO was launched. The A350 XWB had significant commercial breakthroughs especially with a first order from Japan, and the A380 coninued to dominate the Very Large Aircraft market with 50 new orders.

Signalling Airbus’ successful transformation to a more agile company, 2013 was also notable for the A350 XWB first flight. Test flights are progressing well with two aircraft having accomplished over 800 flight hours. Certification is targeted for Q3 and Entry Into Service for Q4 2014. The A330 new longer range and regional variants were launched, A330 production reached a new record high of rate 10 per month and single aisle remained stable at rate 42.

In 2013, Airbus Military delivered 31 aircraft including seven A330 MRTT and two A400M for the French Air Force, confirming the programme is well back on track.

Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. Brand new test aircraft, Airbus A350-941 F-WXWB (msn 001), approaches the runway for landing at Toulouse.

Airbus rolls out its third Airbus A350, this one in a “Carbon” signature livery

Airbus (Toulouse) yesterday (January 2) rolled-out its third A350 XWB flight-test aircraft (msn 002) from the paint shop in Toulouse.

The new type is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of this year.

The pictured Airbus A350-941 F-WWCF wears a distinctive “Carbon” signature livery to reflect its primary construction from advanced materials. This aircraft is also the first of two A350 flight test aircraft to be equipped with a full passenger cabin interior.

F-WWCF will join the A350 XWB flight test fleet in the coming weeks and will be the first A350 to transport passengers when it undertakes the Early Long Flights (ELF) later in the year.

Composite materials in Airbus aircraft have seen a step-by-step introduction that started with the A310 which was first rolled-out in February 1982. Benefiting from over 30 years of composite material experience, 53% of the A350 XWB’s airframe is made-up of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) including Airbus’ first carbon-fiber fuselage.

American Airlines switches to the larger Airbus A350-900

American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) under the new (old US Airways) management led by CEO Doug Parker, has revised the US Airways (Phoenix) pending order for 22 new Airbus A350s. The order, which was originally placed for 18 A350-800s and four A350-900s, will now be 22 of the larger A350-900s for American Airlines according to a filing and the Dallas News. The aircraft will begin to arrive in 2017.

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Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A350-941 F-WXWB (msn 001) climbs away from Toulouse on a test flight.

American Airlines:

US Airways:

Link Airs is a non-starter, files for bankruptcy

Link Airs (Fukuoka) was a planned regional start-up in Japan. According to CAPA, the paper airline was planning a spring 2014 debut, operating two ATR 72-600s initially on routes from Fukuoka to Kitakyushu including five times daily Fukuoka-Miyazaki, three times daily Fukuoka-Matsuyama and daily Kitakyushu-Matsuyama services.

However the new airline won’t fly after the two prospective ATR 72-600s (JA01LK and JA02LK) were painted at Toulouse. The company, established on April 5, 2012, filed for bankruptcy protection on December 10, 2013 after failing to raise enough capital to start operations. The airline will now be liquidated. The would-be airline owed around eighty creditors according to local reports.

The airline had a technical and training support agreement with StarFlyer. Link Airs applied for an AOC in July 2013.

Link Airs would have been the first operator of ATR aircraft in Japan.

Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) with the test registration of F-WWET at Toulouse would have become JA02LK on delivery that never happened.

Garuda Indonesia to launch Explore with new ATR 72-600s on December 3

Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta) has decided to market its new regional ATR 72-600s as “Explore” as a sub brand starting on December 3. The airline issued this statement:

In line with the airline’s efforts to develop and strengthen its flight network, especially in the domestic sector, Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, is pleased to announce its brand new sub-brand “Explore” along with the introduction of the airline’s ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet, on Monday, November 25, 2013.

In addition to the sub-brand “Explore”, at the same time Garuda Indonesia also introduced the sub-brand “Explore Jet” along with the operation of its Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen fleet since last October 2012 to serve the airline’s network in both eastern and western Indonesia.

President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar said, the implementation of both sub-brands is in line with the excellent characteristic of Garuda Indonesia’s ATR 72-600 and Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen that have the ability to serve flights to new destinations in eastern Indonesia, which has limited runway.

“The ‘Explore’ ATR 72-600 aircraft will support Garuda Indonesia’s Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft operation in accordance to improve the national connectivity program (MP3EI) by developing our flight network to the fast growing economic regions and tourist destination in the remote area in Indonesia,” he said.

Moreover, the operation of these turboprop aircraft are also in line with the company’s efforts to enhance service to the customers by offering a wider choice of destinations and travel options to passengers as well as part of Garuda Indonesia’s move to join the SkyTeam global alliance in March 2014 and in anticipation of 2015’s ASEAN Open Sky policy.

Garuda Indonesia will operate “Explore” flight through ATR 72-600 aircraft, starting on December 3, 2013, with a single class cabin (All Economy) configuration with a seat capacity for 70 passengers to serve flights flying out of its hubs or spokes, such as from Denpasar on to Labuan Bajo, Ende, and Bima, as well as from Makassar and Ambon to destinations in those regions.

In line with its fleet development program, Garuda Indonesia will receive 35 ATR 72-600s, including firm orders for 25 aircraft and options for 10 additional aircraft, in stages up to 2017. The aircraft will be used to serve short-haul point to point flights, and flights between hubs and spokes.

Garuda will use these new turboprop on routes that are under the 400 nm range in all regions of the country. The ATR 72-600 is very much capable of reaching small airports that have runways measuring less than 1,600 meters, and are therefore too small for jet planes.

“Being equipped with modern technology and capable of efficient operations, the ATR 72-600 offers the same high level of comfort to passengers, as the other fleet types operated by Garuda Indonesia. This type of aircraft is the best in its class to serve short distance routes between the islands and cities in Indonesia that have a limited runway capacity,” added Emirsyah.

In line with the company’s long-term “Quantum Leap 2011-2015” expansion program, Garuda Indonesia will take delivery of 26 new aircraft in 2013 to support the development of both the national and international flight networks, consisting of 4 Boeing 777-300 ERs, 3 Airbus A330s, 10 Boeing 737-800 NGs, 7 Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft, and 2 ATR 72-600s. Meanwhile, in 2013 Citilink will receive 10 A320 aicraft. Thus, Garuda Indonesia Group will operate as many as 139 aircraft by the end of this year.

In the third quarter of 2013, Garuda Indonesia Group has received 27 new aircraft, consisting of 7 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, 2 Airbus A330-300/200s, 7 Bombardier CRJ-1000 NextGen aircraft, 2 Boeing 777-300 ERs, and 9 Airbus A320-200s. In all, up to the third quarter of 2013, Garuda Indonesia Group is currently operating 131 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Globalpics/AirlinersGallery.com. The first Garuda Indonesia ATR 72-600, the pictured ATR 72-212A (marketed as the ATR 72-600) with the test marks of F-WWEH, became PK-GAA when it was delivered on November 15. “Explore” titles were added later.

Garuda Indonesia:

Video: ATR 72-600 promotional video:

Afriqiyah Airways rebrands, retiring the 9.9.99 tail logo

Afriqiyah Airways (Tripoli) rebranded the company in October with this new aircraft livery and logo (see above). With the new political situation in Libya, a new livery was inevitable. The new “three slash” tail logo replaces the previous 9.9.99 tail logo. According to the airline, the three medium blue marks represent the neck markings of the Turtle Dove, a migratory bird of North Africa.

State-owned Afriqiyah Airways was reportedly being considered for a planned merger with rival Libyan Airlines (Tripoli).

Since the end of civil war, the company has been rebuilding under the new State of Libya. The traditional Tripoli-Paris (CDG) route was restored on October 31 with leased aircraft. The restored route is currently being operated three days a week.

The old “9.9.99” tail motif previously celebrated the establishment of of the African Union on September 9, 1999 in Sirte which Libya supported under Gaddafi. The name “Afriqiyah” is Arabic for African. The old logo was associated with deposed dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured newly-built Airbus A330-202 F-WWYK will become 5A-ONP (msn 1472) on delivery.

Poll: Do you like the new Afriqiyah Airways livery?

Afriqiyah Airways (compare the liveries):

The first ATR 72-600 is delivered to Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta) on November 15 accepted its first ATR 72-600. The pictured ATR 72-212A (ATR 72-600) F-WWEH (msn 11158) was handed over to the carrier as PK-GAA.

24 additional copies will be the delivered to the flag carrier.

Garuda Indonesia:

Route Map. Garuda Indonesia flies to 40 domestic destinations.

Air France gets ready to celebrate its 80th Anniversary with a new logojet

Air France (Paris) is getting ready to celebrate 80 years of flying. To help celebrate the carrier is getting ready to take delivery of this brand new Airbus A320 with a special 80 ans-years logo.

Copyright Photo: Eurospot/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured Airbus A320-214 F-WWIX (msn 5802) with Sharklets will become F-HEPG on the handover.

Air France:

Air Namibia takes delivery of its first Airbus A330-200

Air Namibia (Windhoek), the national airline of the Republic of Namibia, took delivery of its first A330-200 from Airbus at a ceremony in Toulouse, France on September 26. The aircraft is the first of two A330s being leased by Air Namibia from US lessor Intrepid. The airline’s A330 features a two-class cabin layout seating 244 passengers which comprises 30 business class seats and 214 economy class seats.

Air Namibia started commercial services with its first Airbus aircraft in 2006 with an A340-300. The airline currently operates four A319s on regional routes, as well as two A340-300s on its flagship service from Windhoek to Frankfurt.

Copyright Photo: Airbus/P. Masclet. The pictured A330-243 V5-ANO (msn 1451) was handed over to the national carrier on September 26.

Air Namibia:

Video:

Delta and Virgin Atlantic win DOT antitrust immunity for the trans-Atlantic joint venture

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Virgin Atlantic Airways (London) welcomed the decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve the carriers’ joint venture by granting antitrust immunity on routes between North America and the United Kingdom.

In their filing to the DOT, Delta and Virgin Atlantic noted that nearly 60 percent of the slots at London Heathrow Airport are controlled by British Airways and its joint venture partners. As a result, the carriers dominate air travel between the U.S. and the U.K, including the New York-London market, the most important business market in the world. By combining Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow slots and U.K. brand strength with Delta’s powerful U.S. network, the joint venture will offer significant competition in the market and benefit consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

New schedule between New York-JFK and London Heathrow

With the customer at the forefront of their partnership, the airlines unveiled a new schedule for the competitive New York to London travel market designed with business travelers in mind and offering a total of nine daily nonstop flights. Effective March 30, 2014, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will operate a harmonized schedule between New York-JFK and London Heathrow featuring seven daily nonstop services at convenient time slots. The new schedule will include departures every 30 minutes during the early evening peak and then hourly until 22:30 from New York-JFK to London Heathrow and a spread of seven daily flights from London Heathrow to New York-JFK, including two late afternoon and early evening departures. These services will be complemented by two daily nonstop flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and London Heathrow.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic will operate the following New York-JFK-London Heathrow schedule beginning March 30, 2014:

New York (JFK) – London (LHR)				London (LHR) – New York (JFK)
DepartAirport	Depart	Airport	Arrival	Depart Airport	Depart	Airport	Arrival
JFK	07:40	LHR	19:40	LHR	09:05	JFK	11:50
JFK	18:30	LHR	06:50*	LHR	10:15	JFK	13:15
JFK	19:00	LHR	07:20*	LHR	11:30	JFK	14:25
JFK	19:30	LHR	08:00*	LHR	14:00	JFK	16:40
JFK	20:30	LHR	08:45*	LHR	16:15	JFK	19:05
JFK	21:30	LHR	09:25*	LHR	17:35	JFK	20:30
JFK	22:30	LHR	10:40*	LHR	20:05	JFK	23:00

*arrives the following day

The two airlines will work together to coordinate other schedule and network opportunities. Combined, the airlines will operate a total of 32 peak daily nonstop flights between North America and the U.K. of which 24 flights will operate between London Heathrow and popular U.S. destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington. Business customers will also benefit from a high-quality product: Delta and Virgin Atlantic’s business class uniquely includes forward-facing full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access on every flight. In addition, both airlines will offer a premium economy product on its trans-Atlantic services.

Customers are already seeing improved travel options from the partnership as they are benefiting from codesharing across 104 routes offering seamless connections to 63 destinations across North America and the UK. The partnership also means that members of frequent flyer SkyMiles and Flying Club loyalty programs have more opportunity to earn and use miles/points, while Premium customers have reciprocal access to Delta Sky Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges. In addition, business class passengers receive priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and additional baggage allowance on all Delta and Virgin Atlantic operated flights worldwide, including those outside of the codeshare agreement.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic will unveil further product enhancements later in the year, appealing to the business customer and improving the travel experience of customers across the trans-Atlantic.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Ex-Northwest Airlines Airbus A330-323X N813NW (msn 799) of Delta approaches the Tokyo (Narita) hub for landing.

Delta Air Lines:

Virgin Atlantic Airways:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Olivier Gregoire/AirlinersGallery.com. Brand new Airbus A330-343X F-WWCG (msn 1341) became G-VWAG on delivery to Virgin Atlantic.