Germanwings takes over nearly 30 Lufthansa A320s

Lufthansa will move 52 aircraft to its low-cost subsidiary Germanwings for the planned transferral of its decentralised European network next year.
Starting 1 July, Germanwings will gradually take control of Lufthansa's continental routes outside its main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich over a two-year transitioning period.
The equipment transfer will cover 29 Airbus A319s and A320s from Lufthansa's mainline fleet and 23 Bombardier CRJ 900 regional jets. The latter are - and will continue to be - operated by Lufthansa's regional subsidiary Eurowings, however.

Germanwings

Germanwings fleet will thus grow to around 90 aircraft, with the number of travellers set to increase to around 16 million a year.
This would be around 20% of Lufthansa's passenger volume, while Germanwings is expected to generate around €1.8 billion ($2.3 billion) in revenues, roughly 10% of the mainline carrier's turnover.
The group will invest around €30 million in repainting the aircraft and adapting the cabins of Lufthansa aircraft to the low-cost subsidiary.
Germanwings employs Lufthansa's slim economy class seat, which was introduced to increase capacity in the mainline carrier's European fleet two years ago.
Some 12 Germanwings aircraft still need to be equipped with the new seat model, however.
As part of the operational transfer, Lufthansa will move around 1,000 jobs to the low cost subsidiary. This will comprise around 450 cabin crew, 360 pilots and just under 200 ground staff positions.
The employees will keep their current salary levels, but will have to work under Germanwings terms and conditions with higher productivity levels.
Carsten Spohr, head of Lufthansa's passenger airline business, expects that especially the required flight and cabin crew positions at Germanwings will be filled with new employees while the respective Lufthansa staff - which is based in secondary locations such as Hamburg - will either move to Frankfurt or leave the company.
Spohr concedes that staff morale within Lufthansa deteriorated after the airline revealed its "Score" restructuring programme earlier this year and that the management had made "some mistakes" especially in terms of internal communications.
Given the media scrutiny of the cost-cutting programme, the airline avoided written communication over concerns that such documents could be made public. But due to the airline's size with more than 20,000 flight and cabin crew, he says that reaching employees through group meetings takes much longer.
Spohr insists that the low point in staff morale was passed in the summer when cabin crew went on strike.

Export-Import Bank of U.S to finance four of ten Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Ethiopia

Press Release

Ex-Im Backs Bonds Issued by Ethiopian Airlines for Export of U.S. Aircraft

Washington, D.C. – The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is backing bonds issued by Ethiopian Airlines of Addis Ababa to finance the export of four of ten Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Airlines obtained competitive interest rates on its bonds.

“This good news illustrates that the capital markets are yet another funding source available to facilitate U.S. exports and support American jobs,” said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “We are proud that Ethiopian Airlines, one of our longstanding partners, has benefitted from this new financing program, and we hope that it will be the first of many African buyers of U.S.-manufactured goods and services to do so.”

“The combination of high-quality, high-technology U.S.-manufactured Boeing aircraft, along with Ethiopian Airlines’ business model and management team and Ex-Im Bank-supported financing, is enabling Ethiopian Airlines to successfully connect Africa and its people and products to the world,” added Bob Morin, Ex-Im Bank’s vice president for transportation.

Ex-Im Bank authorized the final commitment for the purchase of the Dreamliners in May, and Boeing delivered the first aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the main terminal of Washington Dulles International Airport here August 15. Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) co-financed the transaction.

The Boeing 787 aircraft delivered to Ethiopian Airlines is the first of its kind to be delivered to any airline outside of Japan, and it is the first one to be financed by Ex-Im Bank.

“We are lucky enough to secure such lowest coupons at our first entry into this market. It is a result of good understanding, dedication and effort among Ethiopian Airlines and our partners, Ex-Im Bank and JPMorgan,” said Kassim Geresu, Ethiopian Airlines’ chief financial officer. “We were all closely working together over several months to close the financing deal and achieve such attractive rates. I thank all involved from ET, JPMorgan and Ex-Im Bank for such fruitful work. As part of our cost leader ship strategy and the ongoing efforts to make our airline competitive and cost efficient, it is my belief that the bond financing arrangement is also contributing to take us to a better position.”
Ex-Im Bank has worked with Ethiopian Airlines since 2002 to support its ongoing fleet renewal and expansion program.

In FY 2012, Ex-Im Bank authorized a record $1.52 billion to support U.S. export sales to buyers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABOUT EX-IM BANK:
Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that creates and maintains U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. In the past five years (from Fiscal Year 2008), Ex-Im Bank has earned for U.S. taxpayers nearly $1.6 billion above the cost of operations. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees, export-credit insurance and financing to assist foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services.
Ex-Im Bank approved $35.8 billion in total authorizations in FY 2012 – an all-time Ex-Im record. This total includes more than $6.1 billion directly supporting small-business export sales – also an Ex-Im record. Ex-Im Bank's total authorizations are supporting an estimated $50 billion in U.S. export sales and approximately 255,000 American jobs in communities across the country. For more information, visit www.exim.gov.

A320 Sharklet EASA certification paves the way for airlines to benefit from significant fuel savings potential

Certification of the other aircraft/engine variants with Sharklets to follow,

Fuel savings above expectations

3 December 2012 Press Release

Airbus has achieved on schedule certification for its new fuel-saving Sharklets for the A320 with CFM engines. This certification received from the European airworthiness authorities (EASA) will be followed very soon by the US FAA.

Tom Williams, Executive Vice President of Programmes at Airbus says: “The certification of Airbus’ Sharklets is a milestone which paves the way for airlines to benefit from savings in fuel of around four percent. That’s better than we’d anticipated.” He adds: “The annual greenhouse gas emission reduction per aircraft equipped with Sharklets will be approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO2 – that’s equivalent to taking 200 cars off the roads.”

For the flight test campaign, A320 Family aircraft with both CFM56 and V2500 engines have recently taken to the skies with Sharklets. When complete, this flight testing will represent approximately 600 flight-hours spread over 9-10 months. Certification of the remaining aircraft/engine variants with Sharklets will therefore follow in the coming months. By the end of 2012, Air Asia will become the first airline to take delivery of Sharklet-equipped A320s.

Due to the very strong customer demand for Sharklets, all Airbus’ single-aisle final assembly lines (FALs) will be engaged in building A320 Family aircraft with Sharklets. These FALs are located in Toulouse, Hamburg and Tianjin and will soon be followed by an additional A320 FAL in Alabama USA.

Sharklets are large devices made from composites and are 2.4 metres tall. Attached to the A320’s wing-tip during the assembly process, they reduce fuel burn and emissions by improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft. As well as cutting airlines fuel bills, Sharklets will add around 100nm range and also allow increased payload capability of up to 450kgs. Sharklets are an option on new-build aircraft, and are standard on the A320neo Family.

To date, more than 8,600 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,300 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. The A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company. 

For broadcasters (TV/radio/web)

 

Video on this announcement is available on broadcastroom

Interview clips in English with: Executive Vice-President, Programmes – Tom Williams

Qatar Airways endorses the larger A350 XWB models

Strong customer commitment for the high capacity A350-1000

3 December 2012 Press Release

 

The State of Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways and Airbus have signed an amendment to convert its existing firm order for twenty (20) A350-800s, forty (40) A350-900s and twenty (20) A350-1000s to forty three (43) A350-900s and thirty seven (37) A350-1000s. Qatar Airways’ total order for A350 XWB aircraft remains at eighty (80) aircraft.

“We have taken the time necessary to come to today’s decision in favour of the larger A350 XWB models which we believe are best suited to our business model,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ CEO.

“Qatar Airways has been involved in the development of the A350 XWB from the very early days. So we are truly delighted with their decision to grow their business with the two larger A350 XWB models,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus’ President and CEO. “This decision by Qatar Airways not only confirms the market trend towards larger A350’s but it also demonstrates the value of offering, as we do with the A350 XWB, a true family of aircraft from which our customers can select the models that best meet their individual requirements.”

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all new family of mid-size wide body airliners. These highly efficient aircraft bring together the latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies to provide up to 25 percent better fuel efficiency and operating costs compared to current aircraft in the same size category. Over 70 percent of the A350 XWB’s weight-efficient airframe is made from advanced materials combining composites (53 percent), titanium and advanced aluminium alloys. The aircraft’s innovative all-new Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) fuselage results in lower fuel burn as well as easier maintenance. The A350 XWB benefits from Airbus’ high level of expertise in incorporating composite material into its aircraft.

Airbus Corporate Foundation and Aviation Sans Frontières send medical equipment to Thailand on THAI’s second A380

Medical equipment for Bangkok Hospital and €50,000 donation for children’s home

3 December 2012 Press Release

The Airbus Corporate Foundation and Aviation Sans Frontières have transported medical equipment and supplies to Thailand from Toulouse, France, aboard the delivery flight of Thai Airways International (THAI)’s most recently delivered A380. The aircraft, which landed on Friday 30^th November in Bangkok, is the second to be delivered out of THAI’s total order for six A380s.

In addition to the medical equipment, the Airbus Foundation also provided a monetary donation of €50,000 to the Thai Red Cross as a contribution for the support of its children’s home in Bangkok.

The medical equipment delivered is destined for the Veterans General Hospital in Bangkok and is the result of a donation from the Toulouse University Hospital in France and a collection of some small medical equipment by the Banque Humanitaire du Pallet and Association Carinitos. It includes respirators, electrocardiograph (ECG) monitors, plus an extensive range of medical aid kits.

Chokchai Panyayong, THAI Senior Executive Vice President, said: “We are proud to have been able to use this special delivery flight in such a meaningful way. The generous donation received from the Airbus Foundation and the medical goods supplied by Aviation Sans Frontières will be very much appreciated by the beneficiaries here in Thailand, both of which are closely supported by THAI.”

Andrea Debbané, Executive Director of the Airbus Foundation, said: “The Airbus Foundation is pleased to have been able to work with THAI on this goodwill flight. The occasion of the second A380 delivery offered a perfect opportunity to help two deserving causes in Thailand. We would like to thank THAI and all our partners involved in this project.”

In recent years, Airbus has built up a global network of airlines and relief organisations to support international humanitarian causes. Delivery flights of new to be delivered aircraft have been used on numerous occasions to transport goods to destinations in need all over the world. This goodwill flight is the first involving the delivery of an A380.

The Airbus Corporate Foundation was created to facilitate charitable activities worldwide within an international network of employees and partners. The Airbus Corporate Foundation started its operation on 1^st December, 2008. The organisation focuses its support on three themes: humanitarian and community support, youth development and the environment.

Since its launch in December 2008, the Airbus Corporate Foundation has facilitated some 30 relief or goodwill flights to numerous destinations all over the globe.

For more information on the Airbus Corporate Foundation and its activities, please visit this page or  www.airbuscorporatefoundation.com.

First flyable A350 XWB "MSN1" structurally complete

Aircraft makes its first journey ‘on wheels’

4 December 2012 Press Release

 

Airbus has successfully completed the main structural assembly and system connection of A350 XWB ‘MSN1’ – the first flight-test aircraft. The aircraft is depicted here on its wheels for the very first time moving out of the main assembly hall (Station 40) at the recently inaugurated “Roger Béteille” A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. It then entered the adjacent indoor ground test station (Station 30).

The assembly work performed in Station 40 included the successful electrical power-on of the aircraft's entire fuselage and wings. Soon work in Station 30 will start by testing the aircraft's hydraulic system, followed by the full electric and hydraulic power-on of the aircraft which will be completed by around the end of the year. This will mark the start of several weeks of comprehensive functional system testing.

After the A350 XWB MSN1 exits station 30, the aircraft will go through a series of extensive production and certification / development tests, be painted and have its engines installed. It will then be delivered to the flight-line and be readied for its first flight in mid-2013.

Iraqi Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A330

First Airbus widebody aircraft to be delivered to Iraq

4 December 2012 Press Release

 

On behalf of Iraqi Ministry of Transportation, Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 becoming a new operator for the type. This will be the first Airbus widebody aircraft to be operated by Iraqi Airways. The carrier already operates two A321 aircraft.

Accommodating a two-class configuration of 24 business and 264 economy seats, the aircraft is  powered by GE CF6-80 engines and will be deployed on European routes including Germany, Austria and the UK.

“The A330-200 will allow us to grow our international routes while offering high quality of service and flight experience to our increasing number of passengers,” said Captain Saad Mahdi Saeed Al-Khafaji, Iraqi Airways General Manager, “The aircraft will service a number of international routes, namely to Europe, providing passengers a more comfortable journey with spacious seating.”

“We are pleased to welcome Iraqi Airways as a new operator of the A330 family aircraft. Iraq has a big potential and we are seeing more flights being operated to several cities in the country,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With the A330-200, Iraqi Airways will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal.”

The A330 is one of the most widely-used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded over 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and more than 900 are in service with 90 operators worldwide today. In addition to passenger and freighter aircraft, the A330 is also available in VIP and military transport / tanker variants.

Airbus to display two corporate jets at MEBA show

Widest and tallest cabins of any business jet

6 December 2012 Press Release

 

Airbus will display two corporate jets at the MEBA show, giving visitors an opportunity to see the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet in elegantly different arrangements.

The aircraft are the backbone of the Airbus corporate jet family, which have a strong presence in the important Middle East market.

They comprise an Airbus ACJ318 operated on VVIP charter flights by Al Jaber Aviation (AJA), and the ACJ319 of a private Middle East customer.

“We make corporate jets out of the world’s most modern aircraft family,” explains Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy, “which means that we start with great aircraft with spacious cabins and then make them even better, allowing customers to take into the air the comfort and space of their lifestyles on the ground.”

“That’s something that Middle East customers have long appreciated, because it’s where we sold our first corporate jet in the mid-1980s, and it’s still the most important market for widebody corporate jets today,” he adds.

Airbus’ corporate jet family ranges from the ACJ318 all the way up to the double-deck A380, giving customers an unparalleled choice of the comfort that that they want, in the size that they need.

The newest member of the Airbus corporate jet family is the ACJ318 Enhanced, featuring a cabin upgrade and wider choice of options. This is complemented by improved versions of the Airbus A330 which, together with the A340, can be allied to a new widebody cabin package called the Gala concept.

Airbus corporate jets are the new gold-standard in business aviation, delivering unmatched comfort, space and productivity to the world’s leaders - on every continent, in every market, in every style.

Bombardier moves CS300 into detailed design with high-density variant included

Bombardier is moving into the detailed design phase on the larger CSeries variant with plans for a high-density version intact despite a rejection by a potential launch customer.
AirAsia earlier today selected the Airbus A320neo instead of a 160-seat version of the normally 130- to 145-seat CS300, the larger sister to the 110- to 130-seat CS100.
But Bombardier says it remains "optimistic" about the high-density product, and its specifications are being refined as the CS300 programme transitions from the joint definition phase into the detailed design phase in the company's internal development process.
The high-density configuration is achieved without the need for additional fuselage plugs. "It's not another stretch," Bombardier says. The extra seating could require certain design changes, such as additional exit doors, to meet airworthiness regulations, the company adds.
Other potential CSeries buyers continue to discuss the 160-seat option with Bombardier, the company says, adding that AirAsia remains a potential sales target as well.
"AirAsia continues to be a customer who we look forward to doing business with," Bombardier says.
The baseline version of the CS300 is expected to follow the CS100 into service about a year later.
Bombardier still expects the CS100 to enter service in June 2014, a delay of about six months from the original schedule revealed in early November.
The CS100 moved from the joint definition phase into detailed design in July 2010.
Bombardier expects detailed design of the CS300 to be completed more rapidly because it is not a new aircraft but a derivative.

Emirates keen to extend Qantas alliance to Jetstar Asia

Emirates will pursue some form of cooperation with Singapore-based low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia in the second phase of its alliance with Qantas Airways.
Emirates' manager for Singapore and Brunei, Nick Rees, told Flightglobal that the airline sees benefits from working with the Qantas affiliate, particularly on its Singapore services.
"They're not part of the initial plan, but if everything goes well and we get all the approvals we need, we will be feeding into the Jetstar services in the future," he says.
Rees adds that an agreement with Jetstar Asia will be subject to it gaining approval from regulators for its alliance with Qantas, which is set to commence in March 2013 and will see the Australian airline move its hub for European services from Singapore to Dubai.
Emirates says that it will also work with Qantas as it restructures its operations in Singapore.
"We will continue to grow here and we believe Qantas is intending to grow their operations here as well," says Rees.

Jet Airways and ANA expand codeshare deal

India's Jet Airways has expanded its codeshare deal with Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) for flights between the two countries.
The agreement will enable both Jet Airways and ANA passengers to fly between Tokyo and Osaka to various points across India on connecting flights operated by both carriers.
Jet Airways will place its code on ANA's flights from Hong Kong to Tokyo and Osaka, and between Bangkok and Tokyo.
In return, ANA will place its code on Jet Airways flights from Hong Kong to Mumbai and Delhi, Bangkok to Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, Singapore to Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, and on domestic Indian routes from Mumbai to Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
Jet Airways' traffic has risen by 39%, from 335,000 in 2009 to 465,000 passengers in 2011, the airline says.

Almost all Qatar A350-800s to become -1000s

Qatar Airways is to take an additional 17 Airbus A350-1000s as part of its conversion away from the A350-800.
It will swap almost all of its 20 orders for the -800 to the largest model in the A350 family, a change brings the Middle Eastern carrier's orders to 37 -1000s.
Three remaining -800s will be converted to the A350-900 taking the airline's order for the baseline variant to 43.
Qatar's overall order will remain at 80 aircraft, says Airbus, which has confirmed the change. Flightglobal had previously revealed that the carrier would take more A350-1000s as part of its defection from the -800.
"We have taken the time necessary to come to today's decision in favour of the larger A350 models, which we believe are best suited to our business model," says Qatar chief Akbar Al Baker.
Airbus chief Fabrice Bregier says: "This decision by Qatar Airways not only confirms the market trend towards larger A350s but it also demonstrates the value of offering, as we do with the A350XWB, a true family of aircraft from which our customers can select the models that best meet their individual requirements."
Qatar's decision marks the second order for the redesigned -1000, following Cathay Pacific's commitment to the type earlier this year, but provides crucial backing for the programme following Al Baker's previous criticism of the change.
Airbus's backlog for the -1000 stands, as a result of the conversion, at 105.

EASA starts certificating sharklet-equipped A320s

European regulators have certificated the Airbus A320 twinjet featuring sharklet wing-tips, initially for the CFM International CFM56-powered airframes.
Other members of the family - including those with International Aero Engines V2500 powerplants - are yet to secure approval.
The clearance has been granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency but Airbus says it expects to obtain US FAA certification "very soon".
All four of Airbus's final assembly lines for the A320 family - located at Toulouse, Hamburg, Tianjin and Mobile - will be building sharklet-equipped versions of the aircraft, says the airframer.
AirAsia is set to take the first sharklet-equipped A320 before the end of this year.
Airbus executive vice-president for programmes Tom Williams says the fuel savings achieved during test flights has been "better than we'd anticipated" at around 4% for long sectors.
Some 600h of airborne tests, lasting nine or 10 months, are being conducted for the sharklet certification. Airbus says the approval for the remaining aircraft and engine combinations will follow "in the coming months".

EADS discusses future shareholding structure

Airbus parent EADS is discussing a potential change in its shareholding structure, but has yet to disclose any details on new ownership.
A statement early on 3 December confirms that talks are taking place and that the company is "participating actively in such discussions" with the support of its board of directors.
It says the talks have the objective to "preserve and enhance, where appropriate, the interests of all stakeholders, including shareholders, clients and employees".
For several months there has been speculation in various media that Germany's Daimler and France's Lagardere are keen to reduce or divest their shareholdings, with the support of EADS chief executive Tom Enders and senior management. But Berlin and Paris have been concerned about the loss of national sovereignity that such a move would entail.
Daimler and an entity made up of Lagardere and the French government each own 22.5% of EADS. Together with a small Spanish government shareholding, their stake amounts to just over 50%. The remaining EADS shares are free floated or owned by small institutions under special arrangements.
In November, an attempt to merge EADS with the UK's BAE Systems fell through.
EADS says the discussed structure changes are "likely to require the approval" of shareholders and "there can be no certainty that these discussions will be conclusive". It says it will make a further announcement "as appropriate".

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 obtains Indonesian Type Certificate

CJSC "Sukhoi Civil Aircraft" press-release

On November 22, 2012 Indonesian General Directorate of Civil Aviation validated the Type Certificate for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft (RRJ-95B).
This validation confirms compliance of the SSJ100 to the certification requirements of the Indonesian Aviation Authority, allowing its export to Indonesia and operation by Indonesian airlines without restrictions.
“The validation process has been completed through a long and careful work resulting in the obtainment of the SSJ100 Type Certificate by the Indonesian Authority. This will allow to deliver the aircraft to the first customer in the Southeast Asian market, the Indonesian airline Sky Aviation”, said Igor Vinogradov, SCAC First Vice-President for Development and Certification.
In June 2011 during Farnborough International Airshow JSC “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft” (SCAC) and Indonesian carrier Sky Aviation signed a contract for 12 SSJ100 to be delivered in 2012-2015. The first delivery of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft is expected by the end of this year.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 Type Certificate validation process was started in February 2012 with an application for certification. In July 2012 on the occasion of the visit of the Indonesian Ministry of Transport to Russia the document defining the scope and procedure of works to validate the Type Certificate for SSJ100 in Indonesia was signed.
In January 2011 the SSJ100 obtained the Type Certificate by the Russian Certification Authority IAC AR. In February 2012 the aircraft achieved the EASA Type Certificate, followed by the validation of Mexican Aviation Authorities in April 2012.

Sky Aviation Carries Out Pre-Delivery Inspection of its First Sukhoi Superjet 100

CJSC "Sukhoi Civil Aircraft" press-release

Indonesian airline Sky Aviation is carrying out pre-delivery inspection of Sukhoi Superjet 100 in Ulianovsk (Russia).

Sky Aviation being the first SSJ100 customer in Southeast Asia market made an order of twelve Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft to be delivered in 2012-2015.

Late November 2012 interiors installation and painting of the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 (MSN 95022) to Indonesian airline Sky Aviation livery was completed.

SuperJet International, the company in charge of Customer Services and Training, has already started training courses for Sky Aviation flight crews. 8 pilots completed successfully the SSJ100 Type Rating training, 18 cabin attendants will be trained by the end of December as 12 mechanics will complete the courses in January 2013.

The first delivery of the aircraft is expected by the end of this year after finalization of all the formalities.

Earlier Indonesian General Directorate of Civil Aviation has validated the Type Certificate for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft (RRJ-95B). This validation confirms compliance of the SSJ100 to the certification requirements of the Indonesian Aviation Authority, allowing its export to Indonesia and operation by Indonesian airlines without restrictions.

Indonesia Certifies Russia’s SSJ-100 Jet

MOSCOW, November 22 (RIA Novosti) - Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday issued an airworthiness certificate to Russia’s Sukhoi Superjet-100 airplane (model RRJ-95B), Sukhoi Civilian Aircraft said.
The certificate allows the jet’s export to Indonesia and its operation by the country’s airlines without restrictions.
“We are now completely ready to supply the aircraft to our first client in Southeast Asia, Indonesian carrier Sky Aviation,” Sukhoi’s First Vice President Igor Vinogradov said.
Sky Aviation has ordered 12 SSJ-100s, the first one of which is to be delivered before the end of the year.
In early May, a SSJ-100 crashed into a mountain while performing a demonstration flight in Indonesia, south of Jakarta with 45 people onboard the aircraft, of whom eight were Russians, including crew members and Sukhoi employees. There were no survivors.
The Superjet 100 is a medium-haul passenger aircraft developed by Sukhoi in cooperation with US and European aviation corporations, including Boeing, Snecma, Thales, Messier Dowty, Liebherr Aerospace and Honeywell.
The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 100 passengers for 4,500 kilometers.
The SSJ 100 received its Type Certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in February.
The RRJ (Russian Regional Jet) project to develop the Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliner (available in two models: regular and extended range, both with 75 or 95 passenger seats), was launched in the early 2000s.
The project was on and off until the first flight took place in May 2008, and deliveries to customers began in 2011. The airliner is manufactured at the main Sukhoi factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and is positioned as a new Russian design.
The Russian origin of the aircraft, however, is questionable. In fact, construction materials, fuselage elements, and a set of auxiliary equipment is all there is Russian in it. French SaM-146 engines also were designed jointly with the Saturn research-and-production association. Almost everything else is foreign-made including avionics, electrical system, control systems and even the auxiliary power unit.

SIA confirms talks to sell Virgin Atlantic stake

Singapore Airlines is in talks with "interested parties" about a possible divestment of its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic.
The Star Alliance member adds that the discussions may or may not result in a transaction, and that it will make further announcements when necessary.
While the airline did not say who it was in negotiations with, reports from the US and the UK say that Delta Air Lines has approached SIA with a view to buying the stake.
Both Delta and Virgin Atlantic could not be reached for a comment.
Singapore Airlines bought its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic in 1999 for £600m ($961 million), but it has been looking to offload that for several years.
In October, SIA bought a 10% stake in Virgin Australia for Australian dollars (A$) 105 million ($109 million) to help to cement a partnership that the two airlines signed in 2011.

Norwegian long-haul fleet to be configured with 291 seats

Norwegian Air Shuttle will configure its Boeing 787 aircraft with 291 seats, with 259 in the economy-class cabin and 32 in premium-class.
The low-cost carrier plans to take delivery of its first Dreamliner in April next year as it launches long-haul services from late May to New York and Bangkok from Oslo and Stockholm.
All-leather Timco-supplied seats will be fitted throughout the aircraft. The economy-class seats will have a pitch of 31in (79cm) and those in the premium-class cabin will have a pitch of 46in.
Norwegian is recruiting staff from Bangkok to serve both new destinations and says the "hiring process is well underway".
It plans to have a total of 23 pilots and 70 cabin crew for each 787, says Norwegian, with training for flight crew already under way.
As part of the carrier's livery it displays images of famous Scandinavians on the vertical stabilizer of each aircraft. It says that figure skater and film star Sonja Henje will appear on its first Dreamliner.

Aeroflot still pressing to establish single eastern carrier

Aeroflot is still battling to integrate its newly-acquired subsidiary operations into a profitable operation, but insists it is prepared to create a single carrier to serve the country's eastern region.
It has tentatively named the carrier 'DWA', an acronym standing for 'Far Eastern Airlines' but also the Russian word for 'two', a probable reference to Aeroflot's ambitions to set up a second major group operator.
Aeroflot says DWA would ideally use Vladivostok Avia as a platform. It says this would be an "expedient solution" to achieving a strong position in the region.
But during a recent meeting to review capital investment plans for 2013, Aeroflot's board highlighted the "challenge" of effective integration of Vladivostok Avia into the group.
The board says there is a need to improve regional and inter-regional connections in the area and enable better access to Aeroflot's route network as well as that of the SkyTeam alliance.
Aeroflot says it has "confirmed its readiness" to create the single airline in co-operation with the government.
While Aeroflot alone made a $114 million net profit over the first half of 2012 - a 65% fall on the previous year's figure - this was effectively wiped out at group level by the accumulated losses of its subsidiary airlines.
Vladivostok Avia, Rossiya and Orenair generated combined net losses of $108 million over the first six months of this year, says Aeroflot.
Rossiya suffered the heaviest operating losses, $56 million, while Vladivostok Avia's reached $34 million.

Qantas drops wi-fi plans on poor demand

Australia's Qantas Airways has dropped plans to roll out wi-fi access across its fleet following poor take up of the service during a nine-month trial.
The airline says that take up of the internet connectivity service "was extremely low" during a trial where it offered the service for a fee on board an Airbus A380 operating services to London and Los Angeles between March and November 2012.
It adds that as most of its A380 services are flown during night hours, most passengers preferred to sleep rather than use the service.
During the trial, the airline used the OnAir connectivity system, which uses Inmarsat's SwiftBroadband technology to offer passengers in-flight internet connection via laptops, smartphones and other portable devices.
The airline says that existing options for passengers to text message and make phone calls are available on its A380s, A330s and selected Boeing 747-400s, and that it will continue to evaluate demand for onboard wi-fi services.

Fastjet in talks to buy grounded 1time

African low-cost start-up Fastjet is in negotiations to buy grounded South African budget operator 1time Airline from parent company 1time Holdings.
1time was forced to suspend flights at the start of November after filing for business rescue in August. Under the proposed deal, Fastjet would pay a nominal fee to acquire the airline and reach a settlement with 1time's creditors. It would ultimately rebrand the carrier under the Fastjet name.
"If this transaction goes ahead and the timescales are extremely challenging - we would hope to get 1time flying again in time for the Christmas holiday period," says Fastjet chief executive Ed Winter, in a statement issued confirming the negotiations.
"Flights would initially be operated by a number of aircraft from the 1time fleet including Boeing MD-82s, MD-83s and MD-87s, but restructuring plans would see a rapid re-fleeting with modern Airbus A319 aircraft." Fastjet is operating Airbus narrowbodies and operation of the older fleet amid high fuel prices was one of 1time's biggest challenges.
Fastjet, which launched flights at the end of last month from Tanzania and is planning operations from Kenya, Angola and Ghana, earmarked proceeds from a recent share offer to the "earlier than expected" opportunity to explore launching a southern African base.
"The acquisition of 1time would be a complementary strategic fit for Fastjet's growth into a pan-African low-cost carrier and the synergies with Fastjet would potentially increase the number of available route networks from South Africa into the rest of Africa," says Winter. "1time would be rebranded into the Fastjet brand and sold through Fastjet.com."
The airline says negotiations have not yet been concluded and are subject to board, parent company and regulatory approval.

United 787 diverts to New Orleans

A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 diverted to New Orleans due to a "mechanical issue" today, according to the airline.

The pilots of flight 1146 told air traffic controllers that they had an "electrical malfunction" on the aircraft after declaring an emergency, according to a Liveatc.net recording.

The aircraft (N26902) was enroute from Houston Intercontinental to Newark when it diverted while over Mississippi to New Orleans and landed at 09:25 today, according to FlightAware.

FlightAware

Chicago-based United says that the 787 landed safely without incident. There were 174 passengers and 10 crew members onboard.

"United will work with Boeing to review the diversion and determine the cause," it says.

The airline says that it continues to fly its other two 787s, N20904 and N26906.

United received N26902 from Boeing in October.

Jet-Etihad agreement possible by end-2012: sources

Talks between Jet Airways and Etihad Airways about a comprehensive tie-up, including the possibility of the latter taking an equity stake in the Indian carrier, are continuing and an agreement could be reached by end-2012.
Negotiations have been ongoing for several weeks in London, where Jet's chairman Naresh Goyal is based, and in Etihad's home, Abu Dhabi, regarding a marketing and sales partnership.
This could see the airlines sign a deal that would lead to Jet putting its passengers on to Etihad's African, Middle Eastern, European and American network. Etihad, in return, will transfer its passengers on to Jet's domestic Indian and Asian network, say two sources familiar with the negotiations.
The two also plan to coordinate their schedules, and jointly sell and market their services, they add.
A separate deal could see Etihad take an equity stake of around 24% in Jet, although one sticking point could be the sale price owing to fluctuations in the Indian airline's share price.
Jet officials are saying that the share price does not reflect the true value of an airline that, they argue, is the best run in India and has the best growth potential in the full-service market segment.
Both agreements must also receive Indian regulatory approval, although that will be easier after New Delhi eased its rules in September to allow foreign airlines to buy up to 49% of its carriers.
The sources say that the Indian government could, however, be worried about the possible implication of the Jet-Etihad alliance on state-owned Air India, which they have been propping up via multiple bailouts. There are also concerns that the Jet-Etihad deal could become a political hot potato in the lead-up to elections in India.
Regardless, Etihad and Jet could come to an agreement as early as end-December and this could take effect around mid-2013 if the approvals come through.
Etihad has been expanding via equity investments in airlines such as Virgin Australia, Air Berlin, Air Seychelles and Aer Lingus.
India, however, is seen as an important market amid its global expansion as it tries to compete with the growing reach of Dubai-based rival Emirates.
Jet has been tottering for several years as a result of the damaging competition in the Indian domestic market and the ill-timed purchase of Air Sahara - which was later rebranded JetLite and has now been absorbed into its Jet Konnect subsidiary.
Over the last year, however, the airline has revamped its operations and focused on the full-service market amid the withdrawal of troubled Kingfisher Airlines from the segment. That has allowed it to return to profitability, and it is applying to the Indian government for permission to join Star Alliance.

Fastjet confirms possible partnership with Emirates

Fastjet chief executive Ed Winter has confirmed that the pan-African carrier is in talks with Dubai-based Emirates Airline over a possible future partnership.
"Talks are at an early stage but this represents a great opportunity for both parties," he says in a statement.
Winter's remarks come after the Kenyan press quoted Jean-Luc Grillet, Emirates' senior vice-president commercial Africa, as saying that the Dubai flag carrier is "willing to work with Fastjet".
"It is an independent carrier, and that makes our work easy," Grillet had told Business Daily.
Fastjet launched domestic Tanzanian operations on 29 November, deploying the first of three Airbus A319s at Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere airport.
The airline, which is 5%-owned by Stelios Haji-Ioannou, had originally planned to open its second operating base in Nairobi, Kenya during the first quarter of 2013. That was to be followed by two west African bases in Accra, Ghana and Luanda, Angola.
However, Fastjet confirmed earlier this week that it is close to acquiring South Africa's recently grounded 1time Airline, giving it a foothold in the continent's most developed aviation market.
Fastjet's pan-African aspirations could have appeal as a potential feeder network for Emirates, which relies on funnelling intercontinental traffic through its hub at Dubai International airport.
Any such partnership would pose a direct competitive threat to Kenya Airways, whose strategy hinges on routing people through its Nairobi hub.
"Emirates currently flies to 24 destinations in Africa, while Fastjet launched its operations in Tanzania last month and plans to become a pan-African carrier," Winter notes in the statement.
"A partnership would benefit both Fastjet and Emirates with greater passenger traffic, and would give travellers in Africa the opportunity to connect to the rest of the world through Emirates' Dubai hub, with Fastjet providing passengers from African cities."
In September, Winter told Flightglobal that Fastjet will keep any airline partnerships at arms-length, describing tie-ups between low-cost and full-service carriers as "difficult".

China Southern takes 10 A330s as emissions dispute eases

China Southern Airlines has agreed to acquire 10 Airbus A330-300s, in a sign that the rethink on the European emission-trading system has helped resolve a dispute over long-haul jet orders.
The Chinese carrier states that it has entered a purchase agreement with the airframer covering the jets. No engine selection has been disclosed.
China Southern values the agreement at nearly $1.9 billion based on the catalogue price, but says the aggregate actual consideration is lower because of "certain price concessions".
Airbus had bitterly complained that the European emissions-trading system needed to be rethought, warning that Chinese authorities were holding up long-haul aircraft orders in response.
It said that Chinese deals for A330s and A380s were being affected by the European position.
But the European Commission declared in November that it would suspend inclusion of intercontinental flights from the trading system for a year, in view of efforts to reach a broader agreement on countering emissions.
China Southern's A330s will be delivered from 2014 to 2016, the airline says.
It adds that the acquisition will be partly funded by internal resources and partly financed through commercial bank loans.

Icelandair opts for 737 Max to operate alongside 757s

Icelandair has tentatively selected the Boeing 737 Max to modernise its fleet, opting for both the -8 and -9 versions of the twinjet.
The carrier has signed a commitment for 12 aircraft - comprising eight -8s and four -9s - and is taking purchase rights on another 12.
Icelandair will take delivery of the jets from the first half of 2018. Its 737-8s will have 153 seats while the -9s will be configured with 172.
The airline has been considering options to renew its fleet of 183-seat Boeing 757s, and had been looking at whether to retain an all-757 fleet beyond 2020 or to take smaller aircraft.
Icelandair has 16 757s, among them a single -300, and it also has four 757s deployed with Icelandair Cargo. The airline had been involved in discussions with Airbus, with the A320 family considered a candidate for a smaller-type fleet.
The 757s will be retained for certain operations, says Icelandair, because the type "perfectly" suits the carrier's transatlantic operations through Reykjavik.
But the 737 Max's range will also give the carrier the option to open new routes to North America and Europe while its size will help balance capacity over the seasons.
"The new aircraft will be a great addition to the fleet and increase flexibility and capability for growth," says the airline.
It values the agreement at $1.2 billion at catalogue prices but says the actual purchase price is confidential. Icelandair is discussing possible financing support from the US Ex-Im Bank.
All 737 Max aircraft will be powered exclusively by the CFM International Leap-1B engine.
Icelandair Group had previously embarked on a plan to acquire Airbus A330 freighters for its cargo division but this was abandoned in 2008.

Delta orders 40 CRJ900s in $1.85b deal

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has finalised a commitment for 40 Bombardier CRJ900s in a deal worth $1.85 billion at list prices as part of its regional fleet restructuring programme.
The deal includes 40 firm orders for the 76-seat CRJ900, plus 30 options, and guaranteed assistance from the airframer to help phase out the carrier's 60-strong fleet of 50-seat CRJ200s, according to the SkyTeam member. Deliveries will begin in the second half of 2013.
"The economics and customer features of the Bombardier CRJ900 made it the right aircraft to add to our Delta Connection fleet," says Ed Bastian, president of Delta. "Combined with the removal of 50-seat aircraft, this opportunity bolsters our ongoing fleet restructuring programme to remove less-efficient, smaller regional aircraft from the system."
Bombardier says if all options are firmed, the deal could be worth up to $3.29 billion at list prices.
Bombardier was competing for the Delta order against an enhanced variant of the Embraer 175.
Delta's General Electric CF34-powered CRJ900s will be configured in a three-class layout, with 12 first-class, 12 economy comfort and 52 economy seats. The aircraft will also be equipped with in-flight wi-fi.
The airline is in the process of removing 218 50-seat jets from its feeder fleet. These will be replaced with 70 aircraft with 76-seat jets and 88 Boeing 717-200s fitted with 110 seats.
Delta Connection carriers operate a total of 101 CRJ900s, according to Bombardier.
The backlog for CRJ-series aircraft stood at just 67 as of 30 September, according to the airframer's figures.

China Airlines to order six Boeing 777-300ERs

China Airlines has received approval from its board to place an order for six Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The announcement was made on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, but details were scant.

A spokeswoman contacted said the board's decision was made on 6 December and that the Taiwanese airline will now work with Boeing on the formal order. She declined to say when the aircraft will be scheduled for delivery.

Last month, China Airlines told Flightglobal that it was assessing the Airbus A350-1000 and the 777-300ER to replace some of its aging and fuel-hungry Boeing 747-400s.

The SkyTeam alliance member operates a fleet of 13 747-400s and another 55 Airbus A330s, A340s and Boeing 737s.

It also has orders for 14 A350-900s, which are due to be delivered from 2016 and options for another six more. The airline had said that it could convert some of these to the -1000 variant, while the -900 variants will be used to replace its A340s and grow capacity.

China Airlines expects to receive one more A330-300 in 2013 and 2014 respectively, for a total of 24 of the type. It will also receive three 737-800s in 2013 and three more in 2014, for a total of 16 of the narrowbody aircraft.

Europe’s First 787 Dreamliner Goes to LOT Polish Airlines

LOT’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner (SP-LRA) takes off from Paine Field. Image from LOT.

Sure, we could talk about the massive delays and frustrating development process of the Boeing 787, but that will all soon fade into forgotten history as production ramps up and airlines across the world begin taking delivery of the next generation of passenger aircraft.
LOT Polish Airlines this month became the first European airline to take delivery of a new Dreamliner, with the first one landing at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport on Nov. 15 after a celebration ceremony at Boeing’s plant in Everett the day before.

BONUS: Behind the scenes look at the LOT delivery + interior shots

Marcin Pirog, CEO of LOT said, “This is a historic moment for LOT. I am convinced that the addition of the Dreamliner to the fleet of one of the world’s oldest airlines is a crucial moment that will launch a new era of European aviation. I believe it is also the beginning of an exciting journey for LOT with the most modern passenger airplane in the world.”

Photo taken Air to Air during the aircraft’s first flight. Photo by Boeing.

This delivery is the first of eight Dreamliners that LOT has on order. The cabin is configured with 18 Elite Club seats (Business Class), 21 Premium Club seats (Premium Economy) and 213 seats in Economy Class. Rest assured, only top-notch flight attendants and crew will staff the Dreamliners, making the passenger experience, well, a dream.

LOT’s 787 (SP-LRA) arrives at Warsaw to a water canon salute. Image from LOT.

Want to experience a LOT Dreamliner? The first flight will begin on Dec. 14 from Warsaw to Prague. Flights will operate in the U.S. and Canada to Warsaw beginning Jan. 16 from Chicago, Feb. 1 from Toronto and Feb. 3 from New York City.  Over the next eight months, there are more European cities scheduled for Dreamliner short haul flights including Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Hanover, Kiev, Budapest and Brussels.

BONUS: Video of LOT’s 787 Dreamliner taking off from Paine Field

Let the new era of aviation in Europe begin!

Photos & Story: Japan Airlines Starts Boeing 787 Dreamliner Service to San Diego

JAL Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrives to a water cannon salute in San Diego. Photo: Brandon Farris / AirlineReporter.com.

On Sunday December 2^nd, Japan Airlines (JAL) began its all new service to San Diego from Tokyo-Narita becoming the first 787 operator into the airport and first airline to offer non-stop service to Asia from the city.

“Flying directly into San Diego International Airport, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city, offers transpacific travelers a long-anticipated, efficient and time-saving option,” said JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki. “JAL is delighted to also be a new member of the San Diego community and to be the first to provide residents with a bridge to Tokyo-Narita and one stop connection to more than 15 destinations throughout Asia-a region of economical growth and development.”

The celebratory ribbon inside the terminal. Photo: Brandon Farris / AirlineReporter.com.

JAL 66 came in for a smooth landing on-time at 09:50AM and was greeted with a water canon salute. This is the second US destination following the airline’s launch of Boston earlier this year. The service will begin with four times per week, connecting the two cities eventually going daily on March 1st 2013.

“We are very excited to bring the world’s newest airplane to the San Diego Region. The 787 is the reason that this route is happening today,” JAL President Yoshiharu also went on to say,
JAL will operate the flight with the all new Boeing 787 Dreamliner; they have it configured in a two class configuration of 42 Executive Class seats set up in a 2-2-2 layout, and 144 Economy Class seats in a 2-4-2 layout for an overall total of 186 seats onboard its aircraft.

JAL’s 787 (JA827J) sits at SAN. Photo: Brandon Farris / AirlineReporter.com.

“Over the past few years, our bureau has worked closely in partnership with San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and other to expand international service into our destination,” stated Joe Terzi, President & CEO of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Key international markets like Japan represent an incredible opportunity for the continued growth of our region’s tourism industry, and this new Japan Airlines flight allows San Diego to become a stronger player in global tourism and business travel,” Terzi added.
This presents major growth for the San Diego region between Alaska Airlines new offerings and British Airways daily 777 service to London Heathrow Airport. Japan Airlines flight marks the eighth international destination to be offered to residents and the San Diego community are excited by the continued expansion of flights being offered.

HI-RES PHOTOS: First Airbus A350 XWB That Will Fly Completes Main Structural Assembly

The first A350 XWB flight test aircraft has moved to the Station 30 ground test station at Airbus’ final assembly line in Toulouse, France following its structural assembly and initial electrical power-on in the facility’s main assembly hall (Station 40) . Image from Airbus. Click for larger.

This is a copy and paste from a press release issued by Airbus…

Airbus has successfully completed the main structural assembly and system connection of A350 XWB ‘MSN1’ – the first flight-test aircraft. The aircraft is depicted here on its wheels for the very first time moving out of the main assembly hall (Station 40) at the recently inaugurated “Roger Béteille” A350 XWB Final Assembly Line in Toulouse. It then entered the adjacent indoor ground test station (Station 30).

The structurally-complete no. 1 A350 XWB flight test aircraft is shown during its transfer at the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, France – moving from Station 40 in the main assembly hall to the adjacent indoor ground test station (Station 30) . Image from Airbus. Click for larger.

The assembly work performed in Station 40 included the successful electrical power-on of the aircraft’s entire fuselage and wings. Soon work in Station 30 will start by testing the aircraft’s hydraulic system, followed by the full electric and hydraulic power-on of the aircraft which will be completed by around the end of the year. This will mark the start of several weeks of comprehensive functional system testing.

With its main structural assembly and system connections complete, the first A350 XWB flight test aircraft (designated MSN1) was moved from the main assembly hall to the adjacent indoor ground test station at Airbus’ final assembly line in Toulouse, France . Image from Airbus. Click for larger.

After the A350 XWB MSN1 exits station 30, the aircraft will go through a series of extensive production and certification / development tests, be painted and have its engines installed. It will then be delivered to the flight-line and be readied for its first flight in mid-2013.

Delivering Qatar Airway’s First Boeing 787 Dreamliner – PART 3

The wing is astounding on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo: Malcolm Muir / AirlineReporter.com.

This is the final installment of a multi-part (PART 1 & PART 2) series was written by AirlineReporter.com correspondent Mal Muir on the Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner delivery flight (note: Qatar Airways covered Malcolm’s trip to Doha to cover this story).
With the flight now well and truly underway, most of the passengers on board were sleeping, but I remained not able to sleep. This is not because of the 787 Dreamliner; I have a history of not being able to sleep on aircraft. This meant that I had plenty of time to explore the plane, get in some work, have a chance to relax, and still fit in a few movies.
Having the on board Wi-Fi meant that I was able handle all of those emails I had been avoiding. For those on a business trip, Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected to the office and remain productive (maybe that is not always a good thing).  It also works out if you are a Twitter fanatic, so  you do not feel disconnected from the Twitterverse.

What is better than being on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner? Being able to tell all your friends via the internet while flying at 30,000 feet. Photo: Malcolm Muir / AirlineReporter.com.

The extra-large windows were a godsend for those in the back during the flight. As we passed over Iceland they managed to get 2.5 hours of uninterrupted viewing of the Northern Lights.  Unfortunately those of us up the front totally missed out since our windows were blacked out — I guess there are some benefits to flying economy.
When there was no outside light-show,  I was able to check out the economy section during flight and tested out the Recaro seats.  The Seats in the Economy Cabin were comfortable enough and would be fine for the medium length flights this Aircraft was fitted out for.  With a leather cover on the neck rest, they felt luxurious while not being to hard or uncomfortable, as some leather cushions can be.  I was also able to see the Social Media Command center set up as Qatar Airways was live tweeting their way across the globe.

The business cabin is prepared to start our way into Doha after a long journey. Photo: Mal Muri / AirlineReporter.com.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get any face time with the CEO, Akbar Al Baker, who was on board our flight. He was able to take advantage of the comfy seats and slept most of his way to Doha. I have it say it was surreal seeing  the CEO of the airline in the Business Class PJ’s.
As we crossed over Eastern Europe, heading towards Turkey and the Middle East, passengers started to wake up and the cabin crew started serving breakfast with freshly made espresso (not that I hadn’t stopped eating — I had a midnight snack as well).

Flying over Doha — about to land. Photo: Mal Muir / AirlineReporter.com.

As we approached Doha, we prepared for our arrival. The flight was long, but many of us did not want the flight to end. Even though I got no sleep on the 14 hour flight, I felt oddly ready to go. It could have been the adrenaline and excitement, but could also have to do with the Dreamliner itself. The 787 has a new climate control system on board where the cabin is pressurized and humidified at a lower altitude, which allows you to feel more refreshed. I wasn’t fully able to appreciate the difference until my Boeing 777 flight home a few days later (I will be sharing a 787 vs 777 story later).
We started our descent into Doha and as the airport came into view, it was truly a sight to behold.  The blue waters of the Gulf, the yellow of the desert and just the small buildings and everything dotting the landscape.  It was unlike anything I had ever seen before — and I have seen quite a bit.

Welcome to Doha. Image: Malcolm Muir / AirlineReporter.com.

After we touched down at Doha International Airport we taxied towards the ministerial lounge (currently used for heads of state when they depart and the Amir of Qatar). The taxi ways and other areas of the airport were just full of Qatar Airways and other airport staff, all wanting to welcome the Dreamliner.

Even though we did not get a traditional water cannon salute on arrival, this was still a big deal with over 2 busloads of media waiting for us on arrival with big TV screens to show the aircraft landing.  As we disembarked and headed into the lounge area another press conference was underway by the CEO of the airline and the local representative for Boeing.

It was a long, yet fun journey to get to Doha. Photo: Mal Muir / AirlineReporter.com.

Once the press conference was over, the local media were given access to the aircraft while those of us on the flight, were bussed over to the arrivals terminal so that we could clear immigration, customs and get over to our hotel for the evening to get some sleep (at least for those of us who can not sleep well on planes).

The 787 flight was a once in a lifetime experience. It showcased that you can merge cutting edge technologies both in the on board experience and in the hardware of the aircraft itself to bring a truly magnificent piece of aircraft into the sky. I had a few days to explore Doha before my flight home and I look forward to share the rest of my adventures with Qatar Airways in the upcoming weeks.

United 787 Flight 1146 Diverts to New Orleans Mid Flight

United Airlines First 787 at Paine Field in Everett. Phone: Mal Muir – Airlinereporter.com

On Tuesday the 4^th December 2012, United flight 1146 scheduled from Houston to Newark, diverted to New Orleans due to a mechanical issue.  An emergency had been declared during descent and following standard procedure, the flight was to be welcomed by emergency crews upon landing.
As they approached the airport, there was talk between the tower controllers and the crew on board that would indicate they had predicted there might be an electrical problem.  Recordings taken from LiveATC (thanks to NYCAviation for the transcript) indicate the crew were forwarding instruction for the ground crews to help them inspect the aircraft upon landing:
UA 1146: If in fact anything’s going on it’ll be the area right behind the wings, the rear of the wings back to the third door on each side.
Tower: Which wing?
UA 1146: Uh, we don’t know. Either one. It might be on either side. But it’s behind the wing where high load electrical stuff is and back to the rear cargo. But we don’t anticipate anything, that’s just where he needs to be.
Tower: Okay.
UA 1146: So following us would be perfect.
The Dreamliner landed safely and all 184 passengers & crew on-board were unharmed.  The unexpected arrival marked the first Boeing 787 to land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.  United re-booked passengers on another aircraft and set out to work with Boeing to investigate the issue.

United Airlines First Boeing 787 on Launch Day at the Boeing Factory in Everett. Phone: Mal Muir airlinereporter.com

United Spokesperson Christen Davis confirms to AirlineReporter.com that the maintenance inspection of the 787 that diverted to New Orleans (N26902 the latest of their their 787s)  revealed that one of the six electrical generators on the aircraft failed and that back up systems allowed it to be powered by the remaining five.  United will replace the generator, run additional checks and then return the aircraft to service as soon as possible.
United also confirmed that this diversion was unrelated to the latest FAA Airworthiness Directive to all 787 operators that required mandatory inspections to the fuel feed systems.  The FAA implemented these mandatory checks this week, which had already been recommended by Boeing.  United’s 787s have already undergone the inspections for the fuel systems & Davis confirmed that United would continue to work closely with Boeing and the FAA to determine what went wrong with flight 1146.

Image: Icelandair Commits to Purchasing 12 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Boeing illustration showing what the Boeing 737 MAX will look like with Icelandair livery.

Boeing and Icelandair announced a commitment today for 12 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft. Currently, the airline only operates the Boeing 757, with a fleet of 23. “This commitment is the result of our research into what aircraft manufacturers have on offer to help us strengthen and grow our fleet and our network towards the future,” said Bjorgolfur Johannsson, Icelandair Group president and CEO. “We have had a successful relationship with Boeing for decades and we are pleased to continue our cooperation for years to come.”
It appears that the airline will not be replacing their 757 fleet (although some of the older 757s will likely be rotated out of service) with the 737 MAX, but supplementing it.

Icelandair currently only operates the Boeing 757. Image by: Daniel Jones / djlpbb40.

“Over the past decades, Icelandair has successfully utilized its all-Boeing 757 fleet to establish its Reykjavik-based hub as an important gateway between Europe and North America,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The introduction of the 737 MAX to Icelandair’s operation will complement its existing 757 fleet and ensure the carrier’s continued expansion across both continents, offering significant fuel saving with unrivaled passenger comfort.”
The Icelandair livery has always looked quite impressive on the Boeing 757 and I feel almost equally so on the MAX. One has to love those yellow nacelles.

November Wing-Joining Planned For A350 MSN1

October 29, 2012

 

Jens Flottau Toulouse

The future of Airbus is riding to a large extent on the success of its new A350 widebody, designed to compete head-to-head with Boeing's hugely popular 787 and 777. And while final assembly is underway at last, the European airframer still faces major challenges before the first jet is delivered in 2014—and even before first flight next year.
Last week, Airbus gathered suppliers and customers here for the official opening of the A350 final assembly line in what is now called the Roger Beteille building. The facility will be used initially for the full final assembly process of the aircraft, until another hangar across the tarmac is added in 2014 to expand capacity. Beteille, 91, was one of the founding fathers of Airbus in the late 1960s and a key figure behind the development of the original A300 and, more than a decade later, the introduction of fly-by-wire technology for the A320.
But marking this corporate history was hardly the primary motivation behind the event: Airbus is trying to reassure suppliers and customers that the A350 remains on track for first flight in the summer of 2013—and on time for delivery in the second half of 2014. The aircraft manufacturer officially opened the A350 final assembly line alongside a supplier conference. “Our message is: The program is on plan and the upcoming major milestones will be on plan, too,” Chief Operating Officer Guenther Butschek said.
Suppliers have noted with concern two issues surrounding the program: Airbus's decision to introduce weight improvements and changes in several batches, which leads to extra work and some performance shortfalls for early models, and the recent wing-drilling troubles that have led to delays for later aircraft, although not for MSN1. A350 program chief Didier Evrard told suppliers that introducing the aircraft in batches is a normal process.
Some issues that have historically caused trouble in programs such as the A340-600 or the A380 will only become relevant next year. Cabin installation is one such area, and suppliers are already scrambling to make specification changes on time to meet targets mostly related to weight reduction.
Airbus has attached the wings to the first A350 fuselage, MSN5000, which will be used as the static test aircraft. It is currently placed in one of the two Stations 40 that are dedicated to wing-body-joining work. The fuselage of MSN1 is adjacent to it, at Station 50. One of the wings for MSN1 has arrived and is in the final assembly hangar next to the fuselage. The other is expected to arrive early this week.
According to Evrard, Airbus has built five wings using a manual process since it discovered that software glitches in the automatic process were causing delays. Four of those wings were intended for MSN5000 and MSN1. A fifth wing is at IABG for initial load-testing ahead of the actual fatigue tests here. Evrard says the software issues caused the first automatic drilling to take around 2-3 months per wing, when it was supposed to have lasted only one month. But for MSN3, the next aircraft in the assembly process, the automatic drilling is “back on target” and Airbus has progressively reduced the manual work.

Evrard also points out that at least the first two flight-test aircraft will be kept at Airbus and no decision has been made whether to keep MSN2 and MSN4, the subsequent aircraft. Airbus plans to assemble two aircraft this year and start producing a third before year-end. In the second half of 2013, it will aim for a production rate of one aircraft per month. “Ramping up production will be crucial,” Evrard says.
Airbus plans to roll out the first A350 (MSN1) in April, though it has not specified when the aircraft will make its first flight, aside from saying it expects to reach that milestone next summer.
Work is progressing on a second assembly hall that will allow Airbus to increase production rates starting in 2014. Initial assembly is performed in one hall that includes four stations, three of which are duplicated: Station 50 for fuselage assembly, Station 40 for wing-to-body-join, and Station 30 for systems-testing and cabin installation Once the second hall is completed, the two Station 30s will move to it and another two will be added. Two more Station 40s will be added in the current building in the freed up space.
That space is needed as part of the ramp-up to producing 10 aircraft per month that is scheduled to be reached in 2017. A majority of those aircraft could actually be allocated to the largest version, the much-revamped and delayed -1000. “We expected around 40-50 aircraft per year, but we will be much better than that,” Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier says. If that decision is made, Airbus will also have to invest more into dedicated A350-1000 facilities, he concedes. Bregier insists that Airbus will build all three planned versions, even though he admits that customers have “less appetite for the -800,” the smallest variant. “The market will move slightly to bigger aircraft. But we are observing that trend with other models, too,” he says.
Airbus would not be Airbus if it could do without politics. The German government is withholding up to €600 million ($778 million) in refundable loans for the A350 for which the other governments involved (of Spain, France and the U.K.) have given the green light. Berlin wants further assurances about the German workshare in the A350 and is concerned that sites in the country might lose out in the long term. It recently blocked the proposed EADS/BAE Systems merger on the same grounds and seems to be taking a tougher stance on industry control than it has historically done. Germany also wants to acquire 15% of EADS from Daimler, although the intricacies and possible legal implications are complex and difficult to resolve.
Bregier says Germany's decision will not cause delays or put the program at risk. However, government-backed financing would help Airbus rule out risk, even if it comes with interest rates that are higher than usual.