Boeing Delivers 300th 777-300ER

Boeing announced that the plane maker recently delivered the 300th Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) (S2-AFO – c/n 40122) to first-time customer Biman Bangladesh. The 777-300ER has been ordered by 37 customers around the globe. Twenty-seven customers now operate the 777-300ER, 10 additional customers will take delivery of their first 777-300ERs through 2014.

The 777-300ER was introduced into service in 2005 and quickly became a best seller. “It is distinguished by its fuel efficiency, award-winning cabin interior, range – it can fly point to point bypassing crowded hub airports – and its commonality with the Boeing 767 and 787.”, said the 777 vice president and general manager.

Approximately 35 percent of the 777-300ER was changed from earlier 777 models. Each wing was extended by 6.5 feet (1.98 m) by adding raked wingtips, which reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.

The body, wing, empennage and nose gear of the airplanes were strengthened and new main landing gear, wheels, tires and brakes were installed. New semi-levered landing gear permits takeoffs on shorter runways. The struts and nacelles were modified to accommodate the significantly higher-thrust engines.

As of Sept. 30, 2011, the Boeing 777-300ER has 543 orders and the 777 program (all models) has received a total of 1,288 orders with a backlog of 325 orders. Over the next 20 years Boeing sees a demand for 7,000 new airplanes in the 777 and 787 size range.

Source & Photo: Boeing

Chinese Airline Places Order for Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen

Bombardier Aerospace announced that a Chinese airline, which has requested to remain unidentified at the present time, has signed a conditional purchase agreement for six Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen aircraft. The transaction, which is the first for CRJ900 aircraft in China, includes options on additional five CRJ900 NextGen aircraft.


“Since the introduction of the original Canadair Regional Jet in 1992, Bombardier’s CRJ Series aircraft have become the best-selling regional aircraft program in history and we look forward to welcoming more operators in China,” said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “Bombardier Aerospace is uniquely positioned as the only aircraft manufacturer with three distinct and optimized aircraft families in the 60- to 149-seat market segment. We are well positioned to grow our commercial aircraft business in China.”


More than 80 Bombardier-produced aircraft, including CRJ Series and Q-Series commercial aircraft, as well as Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets are currently operating in China.

Bombardier predicts over the next twenty years a demand for almost 2,400 commercial aircraft in the 60- to 149-seat segment in China.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for 1,708 CRJ Series aircraft (including 265 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft), with 1,647 CRJ Series aircraft (including 252 CRJ900 and CRJ900 NextGen aircraft) delivered so far.

Source & Image: Bombardier Aerospace

Transaero Airlines commits to four A380s

First A380 customer in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe

Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest airline, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for four A380 aircraft. The agreement was signed by Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO and Christopher Buckley, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Transaero will become the launch customer for the A380 in Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe. The Russian carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on its long-range network of high density routes from Moscow. The aircraft will feature a three class cabin layout, seating about 700 passengers. Transaero will announce an engine selection for the new aircraft in the near future.

”Transaero is experienced in operating long-range wide-body aircraft, and is now ready to offer the A380. I am sure that the operation of this high capacity aircraft will stimulate the development of Russia’s aviation sector, in particular airports infrastructure while passengers will benefit from a completely new experience.” said Olga Pleshakova, Transaero Airlines CEO.

“We are very pleased to welcome Transaero as the launch customer for the A380 in Russia,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers. “We definitely see market potential for the A380 in Russia. Passenger traffic in this region is expected to increase at an average rate of 5.6 per cent per year over the next 20 years. We are convinced that the A380 is the best and most eco-efficient aircraft to meet those market requirements,” added John Leahy.

Transaero Airlines launched its services in November 1991, and currently serves more than 130 routes all over the world.

Since entering service in 2007 the eco-efficient A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost (some 16 million passengers up to date). The spacious, quiet cabin and the smooth ride have made the aircraft a favourite with passengers. This has resulted in higher than average load factors and increased profitability on A380 flights, providing airlines with a key competitive advantage wherever they operate the type.

Total orders for the aircraft stand at 236 from 18 customers worldwide and 59 aircraft have been delivered to seven customers.

Singapore Airlines signs new Flight Hour Services contract with Airbus for support of its 15 additional A330s

Airbus’ fully tailored services maximise customer fleet utilisation

Singapore Airlines has signed a new Flight Hour Services (FHS) Tailored Support Package contract with Airbus to integrate and provide full component support, line and base airframe maintenance, as well as fleet technical management services for its 15 additional A330 aircraft ordered in September this year.

Under this long-term agreement, the airline will benefit from Airbus’ expertise in the areas of maintenance, engineering, reliability and supply chain management, partnering together with component manufacturers and with maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations.

Didier Lux, Airbus’ Executive Vice President, Customer Services said: “This further order extends the FHS support to Singapore Airlines into the year 2021 and we are particularly proud of their continued confidence in Airbus’ customer service achievements.” He adds: “Through the delivery of our solutions, we are committed to providing world leading on-time performance for Singapore Airlines’ A330 fleet.”

This contract builds on the existing FHS agreement signed with the airline in 2008 for 19 A330 aircraft. In addition, Airbus is already committed to Singapore Airlines with a components support agreement signed in 2007 for its A380 fleet, as well as a contract signed in 2010 covering its five A340-500 aircraft.

‘Airbus FHS’ incorporates a portfolio of guaranteed services ranging from material supply and inventory provisioning, to repair services, information systems, reliability optimisation, aircraft maintenance and fleet technical management. As of today, Airbus has such agreements covering over 90 aircraft across Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern and efficient passenger aircraft families from 100 to over 500 seats.

Virgin Australia inaugurates ATR 72-500 services

Virgin Australia inaugurates ATR 72-500 services, (c) ATR

Virgin Australia inaugurates ATR 72-500 services, (c) ATR

 

 

 

A new era of air transport commenced today in Australia when Virgin Australia launched commercial services with the first of its new ATR 72-500 turboprop airliners.

The inaugural flight of Virgin Australia’s first turboprop - and Australia’s first ATR 72 – was also the airline’s first flight from Brisbane to the regional industrial city of Gladstone.

And it was a milestone for ATR Regional Aircraft, the world’s largest manufacturer of 50-74 seat turboprop airliners, adding Australia to an already-extensive list of Asia-Pacific markets where ATR 72-500 aircraft operate.

Virgin Australia flight DJ 1711 departed Brisbane at 10.30am.

Perth-based Skywest will operate the new ATR services on behalf of Virgin Australia, with a fleet of eight 68-seat ATR 72 aircraft.

The airline has orders for four of the series 500 model – three of which have now been delivered - and four of the next-generation series 600 model.

Skywest also has options to acquire another five ATR 72-600s, all of which it will operate for Virgin.
In addition to Gladstone, Virgin will operate the ATRs on a range of other regional or short haul primary routes, including Brisbane-Port Macquarie and Sydney-Port Macquarie, commencing this Wednesday, 19 October.

This will be followed by routes including Sydney-Canberra and another new market, Brisbane - Emerald.

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “Virgin Australia needed an aircraft type which would provide an economic entry into new regional routes, and cost-effective expansion of a range of existing markets. The ATR 72 is that aircraft, offering both the lowest cost and the greenest option in the regional segment, while delivering a spacious, quiet cabin environment for passengers. We are delighted that Virgin Australia and Skywest have selected our aircraft for the next step in Virgin’s growth strategy.”

About ATR

Formed in 1981, ATR has grown to become a leading manufacturer of 50 to 74 seat regional turboprop aircraft, has sold more than 1,200 aircraft and has 175 operators in 94 countries. ATR operators have accumulated more than 21 million flights. ATR is a joint venture and equal partnership between major European aerospace companies Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. Its headquarters are in Toulouse, France. ATR is certified ISO 14001, the worldwide standard for environmental management and sustainability.

A350 XWB’s Trent engine rolls-out for initial flight tests

A380 MSN 001 ‘flying testbed’ is seen here fitted with the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB flight-test engine. (c) Airbus

A380 MSN 001 ‘flying testbed’ is seen here fitted with the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB flight-test engine. (c) Airbus

 

 

• Photos are available on airbus.com

Airbus has completed installation of the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB flight-test engine on the A380 “flying-testbed” aircraft (MSN 001). The aircraft is depicted here at Airbus’ Jean-Luc Lagardère site in Toulouse where the engine was mounted. The aircraft and engine will now be prepared for the flight-test campaign commencing in the coming weeks.

The Trent XWB engine, which is the largest Rolls-Royce turbofan with a 118-inch diameter fan, has been specially designed to power all members of the new Airbus A350 XWB Family with maximum efficiency.

Air New Zealand orders up to 12 ATR 72-600s

The airline is the largest ATR operator in the Pacific region

Air New Zealand orders up to 12 ATR 72-600s, (c) ATR

Air New Zealand orders up to 12 ATR 72-600s, (c) ATR

 

 

 

Air New Zealand and European regional aircraft manufacturer ATR today announced the order of 7 firm new generation ATR 72-600s, plus options for 5 additional aircraft. The deal, subject to contract signing, is at list prices valued at more than US$ 270 million, including options. The first of the 68 seat ATR72-600 aircraft will be delivered to Air New Zealand in October 2012. Deliveries will be completed in 2016.

The airline, based in Auckland, New Zealand, currently operates 11 ATR 72-500 aircraft through its subsidiary carrier, Mount Cook Airline. Today’s announcement of 7 firm orders and options for a further 5 aircraft potentially doubles the company’s current ATR fleet, when all the options will be exercised.

Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, said: “The ATR 72-500 has been a core part of our extensive regional operations in New Zealand since 1999. It has proven to be very popular with our customers and very cost-effective to operate.

“We now need to expand our fleet, not only to add frequencies on existing routes but to step up from smaller aircraft types. We know the ATR product well, and after careful consideration of several options, we believe this is the most cost-effective, environmentally conscious, and customer-friendly aircraft available in its market segment.”

Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, said: “It is always exciting to secure a new customer for our aircraft. But it is an even greater endorsement of ATR when a major, world class airline that has been a long-term ATR customer returns to place new orders. Air New Zealand first started operating ATRs in 1994 and has operated the ATR 72-500 since 1999, and we are delighted that as a continuation of our long partnership, the airline has again selected our aircraft.

“The ATR 72-600s chosen by Air New Zealand will be configured to seat 68 passengers, featuring our stylized new Armonia cabin interior, with improved seating and larger overhead bins. They are the ideal aircraft for Air New Zealand’s next phase of domestic growth, and as the greenest airliner of its size in the market today, the ATR 72-600 will not only offer lower operating costs than similar-sized aircraft, but also have minimal impact on New Zealand’s environment.”

About the ATR 72-600:

• Passenger capacity: 68-74 seats
• Engines: Pratt & Whitney 127M
• Maximum power at take-off: 2,750 horse power per engine
• Maximum weight at take-off: 23,000 Kg
• Maximum load: 7,500 Kg
• Maximum range with full passenger load: 899 nautical miles (1,665 Km) 

About Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is recognised as one of the world’s leading airlines and has been recognized with more than two dozen awards in 2011 alone for its service and products. Air New Zealand delivers uniquely Kiwi journeys to more than 12 million passengers who fly to, from and within New Zealand each year. The airline operates more than 4000 flights each week, connecting customers to 27 destinations within New Zealand and to Australia, the Pacific Islands, China, Japan, Canada, USA and the United Kingdom.

www.airnz.co.nz

About ATR

Formed in 1981, ATR has grown to become a leading manufacturer of 50 to 74 seat regional turboprop aircraft, has sold more than 1,200 aircraft and has 175 operators in 94 countries. ATR operators have accumulated more than 21 million flights. ATR is a joint venture and equal partnership between major European aerospace companies Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) and EADS. Its headquarters are in Toulouse, France. ATR is certified ISO 14001, the worldwide standard for environmental management and sustainability.