THE KAPLANIAN REPORT
COMMERCIAL AVIATION MONTHLY REVIEW
September 2, 2018 by thekaplanianreport
Volume 5 Issue 9 Sept 2018
On the Boeing Front
Boeing Making Steady Progress With 777X (Part 1)
Engineers have attached the first fuselage barrels for the first Boeing 777-9s—the static test airframe and the first flight test example—and moved them into systems installation, Boeing reported in late June, and the first pair of wings have emerged from the horizontal build line at the company's wide body plant in Everett, Washington.
Scheduled to complete the static test airframe by the end of the year, Boeing has moved the wings for the larger of the two 777X variants into letdown and systems installation, while at the 1.3-million-sq-ft composite wing center(CWC), the company has begun fabricating wings for the fifth airplane. So far, Boeing has sent four sets of wings out of the CWC and into spar assembly.
Boeing has now completed 98 percent of its engineering releases, leaving "very few left to do", according to a company spokeswoman, who reported the remainder involves mainly systems. In the factory, Boeing has completed the static test rig in Everett, and now is loading it with all its test equipment, while the fatigue test rig has reached the halfway point of construction.
Meanwhile, the airplane's folding wingtips have arrived from their production site in St. Louis for the static airplane and the first-test article. One of the airplane's most visually distinguishing characteristics, the 12-foot-long folding wingtip will allow regulators to classify both airplanes as Code E, meaning they will fit the same size parking space the 777-300ER now uses.
The Airbus A380, conversely, operates as a Code F airplane, significantly limiting the number of airports it can use.
See more about this subject in my October report.
Source : ainonline/Boeing/Boeing pictures
ON THE AIRBUS FRONT
Airbus BelugaXL Completes First Flight in Toulouse
Airbus's first BelugaXL has completed its first flight, paving the way for a 10-month long test certification campaign and a planned entry into service next year.
The BelugaXL, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, took off from Blagnac in Toulouse, southwest France, where Airbus is based ,on July 19 and landed four hours and 11 min. later, Airbus said.
The aircraft, with its livery designed to look like a smiling beluga whale, the result of a vote by Airbus's 20,000 employees, is the first of five BelugaXL's that will enter service in 2019, gradually replacing the existing five BelugaST transporters Airbus uses to carry complete sections of its aircraft from production sites across Europe to final assembly.
Airbus launched the BelugaXL, in November 2014 to address transport and ramp-up capacity requirements beyond 2019.The new oversize air transporters are based on the A330-200 freighter, with a large re-use of existing components and equipment. It has a payload lifting capacity of four tons greater than the current Beluga A300-600ST.
Source : Airbus/Airbus Picture
REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS
Transport Canada Certifies 90-Seat Cabin for Bombardier's Q400 Aircraft
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced on August 1 that its 90-passenger Q400 aircraft certification has received its certification from Transport Canada, becoming the first in-production commercial turboprop in the world to reach that capacity.
Todd Young, head of the Q Series Aircraft Program, said "This milestone certification showcases the unique versatility of the Q400 turboprop and continued commitment to the evolution of the program".
The 90-seat configuration represents another step in Bombardier's continuous improvement of its Q400 aircraft. Other improvements under development
includes a 2,000 lb- increase in payload capacity and an escalation of the A-Check and C-Check intervals from 600/6000 to 800/8000 flight hours.
Launch customer for this aircraft is SpiceJet of India.
Source : Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
Rockwell Collins Signs Contracts with AVIC For MA700
Rockwell Collins has signed master contracts with China's AVIC Aircraft to supply its Pro Line Fusion avionics suite and air data systems for the MA700 twin-engine turboprop. AVIC Aircraft also has designated the Rockwell Collins HGS 3500 Head-up guidance System as an option.
AVIC Aircraft plans to fly the first MA700, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150C engines in November 2019 and to obtain certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in late 2021.
Pro Line Fusion on the MA700 features four, 14-in. widescreen primary and multifunction flight displays and Multifunction weather radar with predictive windshear capability.
Avionics work will take place at Rockwell Collins facilities in the U.S. and Hyderabad, India as well as at the company's Rockwell Collins CETC Avionics Co. joint venture in Chengdu, China.
Source : ATW/Picture Rockwell Collins
OTHER AVIATION NEWS
Canadian North, First Air Will Merge to Serve Canadian Arctic
Calgary-based Canadian North and Ottawa-based First Air airlines have announced plans to merge—the latest step in the carriers' efforts to combine air services to best meet the needs of the communities in the Canadian arctic.
The two carriers plan to operate under the Canadian North name with an administrative headquarters in Ottawa. The deal, which requires regulatory approvals is expected to close this year.
The two carriers provide key passenger and cargo connections between communities in Canada's northern region as well as links to the country's major metropolitan areas down south.
The two carriers said combining forces "is the only viable way" to meet air service demands in the Canadian north. A 2017 investigation by Canada's Competition Bureau concluded that a merger's benefits would outweigh its drawbacks.
First Air operates a fleet of 20 aircraft, including 13 ATR 42s, five Boeing 737-400s and two 737-200s, Canadian North has 16 aircraft, including 10 737-300s, three 737-200s, and three de Havilland Twin Otters.
Source : ATW/Picture Canadian North
Cathay Pacific Announces New Seattle to Hong Kong Direct Service
Cathay Pacific, one of Asia's best-known airlines, announced plans to debut nonstop service between Hong Kong and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in April 2019.
The four-times weekly service will see Seattle-Tacoma become the airline's eighth passenger gateway in the United States, and its 10th in North America.
Cathay Pacific currently serves Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York(JFK), Newark, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. A new Cathay Pacific service to Washington, DC will commence on the 16th of this month.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg said the Seattle route, which will be operated by the airline's Airbus A350-900 aircraft, underscores the airlines expansion strategy to connect new destinations not otherwise served from Hong Kong.
CX857 will depart Seattle on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings at 1:05 a.m., arriving in Hong Kong the following day at 5:25 a.m. This early morning arrival allows passengers to connect with every Cathay Pacific flight across Asia—including, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and over 20 gateways in mainland China—without a lengthy layover in Hong Kong. The return flight, CX858, will depart Hong Kong at 11:55 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday arriving Seattle at 9:00 p.m.(same day).
Source : World Airline News/Cathay Pacific Picture
Iran Air Receives Five ATR 72-600s Before Return of US Sanctions
European turboprop manufacturer ATR delivered five ATR 72-600 aircraft to Iranian flag carrier Iran Air just before US sanctions came back into force. The carrier has now received 13 out of an order of 20 aircraft, the Toulouse-based manufacturer said.
The aircraft took off from Toulouse on Aug.4, arriving in Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport after refueling stop for a welcome ceremony that took place Aug.5.
"This is an important decision for ATR," the manufacturer's CEO Christian Scherer said. "The next step will consist of working on getting an appropriate authorization from the US administration to ensure a reasonable level of maintenance."
The company now faces "challenges" over the remaining aircraft Iran Air ordered for which ATR received a first US license in 2017, before the revocation, Scherer said.
Source : ATW/Picture ATR
El Al took delivery of its latest 787-9 featuring a retro livery of the Israeli flag -carrier. El Al adopted the livery on 707s, the carriers first jets, from 1961.
Turkish Airlines has taken delivery in mid-July of the first higher capacity A321neo ACF(Airbus Cabin Flex) that can accommodate up to 240 seats in a single-class layout, in combination with a space-saving aft galley.
Boeing plans to establish 100,000 sqft autonomous aircraft research and development facility at MIT in Cambridge, MA; facility will house engineering teams from Aurora Flight Sciences.
Cebu Air has agreed to lease five A320neos from Avolon for delivery starting in 2019.
Pobeda Russian airlines wholly owned subsidiary of Aeroflot, has agreed with Boeing for the order of 15 737 MAX8 aircraft, with delivery from autumn of 2019.
British Airways announced on July 19th a commitment for three 777-300ER.The airline will take the 777s on an operating lease with a leasing company.
Jeju Air becomes first low-cost carrier in Korea to own and operate 737-800. The delivery marks the first of three new 737-800 NGs the airline has on order with Boeing.
Air China has become the first mainland Chinese carrier to take delivery of an Airbus A350, after the airframe secured Chinese validation of the type's certificate in mid-jury.
CDB Aviation Lease Finance will convert its order for eight Boeing 787-9s into one for 22 additional 737 Max 8s.
China Airlines has revealed a special carbon fiber livery for its 14th and final A350-900.
Expanding Freight Firms Deliver Big Deals to Boeing
A raft of cargo deals were announced during the Farnborough Air show for a mix of new and converted aircraft. The biggest deal came at the start of the of the show, when DHL Express announced an order for 14 Boeing 777-200LRFs worth $4.7 billion.
The German express shipper expects the first four of the aircraft to be delivered in 2019, and has also taken purchase rights and options on a total of seven more.
Volga-Dnepr placed a firm order for five 747-8F Freighters and a commitment of 29 777-200LRFs. The Russian cargo airline is also in discussion with Boeing about further orders of new and converted 767 freighters and converted 737-800 BCFs.
Qatar Airways finalized an order for five 777-200LRFs, confirming a deal announced as a commitment in April.
Lessor GECAS is to take up to 35 more 737-800 BCFs, building on its current commitment for 15. The deal comprises firm orders for 20 conversions and options on 15 more.
Source : Flightglobal/Boeing
Ethiopian Airlines, DHL Form Logistics Joint Venture
Ethiopian Airlines and DHL have agreed to form a joint-venture company to create what they call the leading cargo logistics provider in Africa. Named DHL-Ethiopian Logistics services, the company will base its operations in Ethiopia and do business throughout A, thereby improving Ethiopia's logistics infrastructure and connections.
Under the terms of the contract, Ethiopian Airlines takes majority stake in the joint venture and has agreed to provide regulatory and operational support, while DHL establishes air, ocean, and road freight connections between Ethiopia's main trade hubs and the rest of the world.
The joint venture builds on an extended partnership between Ethiopian and DHL Global Forwarding, which since 2010 has supported the maintenance, repair, and overhaul(MRO) operations of Ethiopian Airlines' commercial segment, providing logistics services for aircraft parts, engines, and mechanical modules to textiles, utensils, food. and beverages via air and ocean freight between Europe and Asia.
Source: Ain International
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul News
SR Technics to Expand in Malta
Having signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in May 2017 to expand its aircraft maintenance facility in Malta, SR Technics furthered its plans on Monday August 6 by penning a contract with national economic development agency Malta Enterprise and Malta Industrial Parks which oversees the management of government-owned properties.
The new 322,000 square foot facility located at Malta International Airport will accommodate wide body and narrow body aircraft and will hold greater workshop space which will enable increased capacity for heavy maintenance work, C-checks and cabin modifications or retrofits to up to six narrow body aircraft at a time. The investment will stand at a reported $40.5 million.
Construction is expected to begin this year with four bays scheduled to be completed by November 2019.Initial focus will be on Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737NG aircraft.
Source : SR Technics/Picture SR Technics
LATEST MRO NEWS
AJW Group secured a 5-year power-by-the-hour Airbus A320 contract with Cambodia Airways, which is scheduled to begin operations later this year.
Turkish Technic was selected by Russia Nordwind Airlines to replace the landing gear on a Boeing 777.
Monarch has an Air Transat contract for Airbus A310/A330 line maintenance at Glasgow.
EFW(Elbe Flugzeugwerke) delivered its first converted Airbus A330-200P2F to EgyptAir. EFW says EgyptAir ordered Three A330-200 PSFs.
S7 Technics opened a new line maintenance station at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.
Researched and Compiled by :
Ed Kaplanian Commercial Aviation Advisor
Contact – ekaplanian@msn.com
Editor: Lee Kaplanian
Posted in Aviation News	| Tagged 5 ATR 72-600, 777X, Air China, Airbus, AJW Group, Aurora Flight Sciences, Beluga, Boeing, Bombardier Q400, British Airways, Canada North, Cargo deals at Farnborough Air Show, Cathay Pacific, CDB Aviation Lease Finance, Cebu Air, China Airlines, EFW(Elbe Flugzeugwerke), El Al back in Original livery, Ethiopian Airlines, First Air merger, first higher capacity A321neo ACF(Airbus Cabin Flex), Form venture with DHL, Iran Air, Jeju Air, Monarch, new route, Pobeda, Rockwell Collins, S7 Technics, SR Technics to expand, Transport Canada, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Technic | Leave a comment
July 23, 2018 by thekaplanianreport
Volume 5 Issue 8 The Kaplanian Report
Boeing Creates One-Stop Shop for Jets and Services in Airbus Battle
Boeing has reorganized its sales operations as part of a push into services that has helped it take a lead over rival jet maker Airbus this year.
Boeing set up a standalone division in 2017 to build a $50 billion business in services for the civil and defense aircraft. These can include repairs, crew rostering, parts and even wind forecasts. It previously offered fewer, more dispersed services.
Now sales of jetliner services have been brought under the same umbrella as plane sales, headed by senior vice president Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Co's overall commercial sales chief.
The previously unreported move, which started late last year designed to increase the number of deals and boost profits as it will make it easier for Boeing to sell high-margin services at the same time as it sells planes. The change comes as airlines try to keep a lid on costs by planning jet purchases and long-term operations together.
"We approach the campaigns in a much more comprehensive way than we have ever done before" said Mounir, whose role was expanded to include responsibility for jetliner-related services across the group.
Though Mounir will oversee certain services sales, income will still be reported under the Boeing Global Services unit.
Boeing has sharpened its sales offensive by deploying both Mounir and Commercial Airplanes CEO Kevin McAllister, a former General Electric steeped in analytics.
Source : Reuters/Boeing
Boeing to Take 80% in Embraer's Commercial Business
Following months of negotiations, Boeing and Embraer have signed an MOU to set up a joint venture(JV) comprising Embaer's commercial aircraft and services business.
The non-binding agreement, announced July 5, sees Boeing to take 80% stake in Embraer's commercial operations, while Embraer will control the remaining 20%. Management of the new company will be based in Brazil and will be led by a president and CEO who will report to Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg.
Boeing will "have operational and management control of the new company," it said.
The companies expect the transaction to close by the end of 2019 following all shareholder and regulatory approvals, including support by the Brazilian government.
The proposed transaction values Embraer's commercial aircraft business at $4.75 billion, Boeing therefore pays $3.8 billion for the 80% stake. Financial and operational details and a definitive agreement still need to be worked out "in the coming months."
Separately, the two companies announced they will also cooperate in developing new markets and applications for defense products, most notably, the K-390 military transport aircraft. For these activities, another JV will be set up.
Source : Boeing/Picture Boeing-Embraer
Airbus Completes Takeover of Bombardier Series Program
Airbus and Bombardier confirmed the transaction transferring majority control of the Series program to Airbus was completed as scheduled on July 1.
Under the terms of the agreement reached in October 2017, Airbus now owns a 50.01% stake in the Series Aircraft Limited Partnership(CSALP), Investissement Quebec owns approximately 34% and Bombardier holds 16%.
CSALP's head office and primary Series final assembly line will remain based in Mirabel, Canada. Philippe Balducchi, who formerly was Airbus Commercial Aircraft's performance management chief, has taken over as the head of CSALP.
The 110-150-seat narrow body aircraft, which is available in two variants (the CS100 and CS300), will immediately become part of Airbus' portfolio.
Bombardier has indicated its primary focus will return to the regional aircraft market and its CRJ and Q400 programs.
Source : ATW/Airbus/Airbus Picture
Airbus BelugaXL rolled out of Paint Shop
Airbus has painted its first BelugaXL freighter in a distinctive beluga livery chosen by its employees.
The initial aircraft—formally designated the A330-700L—registration number WBXL. It is one of five BelugaXLs, fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 power plants, which will be manufactured to replace the A300-600 ST Beluga fleet.
The First aircraft is due to commence flight-testing this summer. Airbus will introduce the BelugaXL to service with its logistics and specialized transport arm next year. The aircraft will be capable of carrying two A350 wings simultaneously.
Textron is Halting Production of the Cessna CitationX+
Textron Aviation calls time on Citation X after a 22-year run. The announcement follows several years of low delivery output for the Rolls-Royce AE 3007C-powered all-metal aircraft—the fastest business jet on the market with top speed of Mach 0.935.
It will be replaced by the slower but larger cabin Longitude as Cessna's only super-midsize offering. Certification and service entry of the 10-seat twin are scheduled for this quarter.
Textron Aviation does not disclose when the final CitationX+ will roll off the production line, however, the Wichita headquartered airframer says it "continuously monitors the market as it fluctuates and adjusts its product offerings and adjusts its product offerings as necessary".
Flight Fleets Analyzer records annual deliveries of eight examples of CitationX+ in 2015 and four each in 2016 and 2017—significantly down on the model's 2000 peak of 37 units.
The Company says the Citation X "has become a beloved aircraft by operators and passengers alike," with 338 examples delivered globally: 314 of the X and 24 of the X+ model.
Source : Flightglobal/Picture Textron Aviation
Pilatus PC-24 Begins Rough-Field Certification Tests
Pilatus Aircraft's PC-24 made its first landing on an unpaved runway on June 19, following the arrival of flight-test aircraft P01 at Woodbridge airfield in the UK for a two week program of rough-field approval testing.
The PC-24 is designed to take off from and land on runways of only 2,810ft (856m), including grass and gravel strips. This feature gives the aircraft access to cover 20,000 landing sites around the globe.
"This sort of mission would not be conceivable without the PC-24's rugged landing gear, clever flap systems and special wing design," says Pilatus chairman Oscar Schwenk." The PC-24 was designed with exactly this sort of operation in mind."
The Swiss airframes sold 84 positions within36h of the order book opening in 2014.A second order round is planned for 2019.
Source : Pilatus/Picture Pilatus Aircraft
Emirates and Flydubai Edge Closer Together
Dubai-based LCC flydubai has deepened its partnership agreement with local full-service carrier Emirates Airlines by adopting the Emirates Skywards product as its loyalty program.
The LCC said this "strategic move builds on the success of the initial phase of the extensive partnership."
The agreement. announced in July last year, incorporates codesharing, but also includes several initiatives spanning the commercial, network planning and airport operations fields.
Under the adoption of Emirates' loyalty program, members of flydubai's OPEN loyalty program will be enrolled into Emirates Skywards from Aug. 1. They will accumulate Skywards Miles and tier points when traveling with either airline.
Source : ATW/ Picture Emirates
Norwegian Installs New Slimline Seats on Its Boeing 737 MAXs
LCC Norwegian has introduced its first Boeing 737 MAX with a cabin featuring new slimline seats that the airline says are designed for more comfort on longer routes and will give taller passengers more personal space.
Norwegian is installing the new Recaro BL3710C seat on its latest aircraft. The leather seats have 30in seat pitch and are 16.8in wide. The airline says that the new seats are designed to add space at knee-level. Norwegian claims it is the first airline to install the new seat.
Norwegian has more than 100 Boeing 737 MAX on order and will take delivery of 12 this year.
Each seat weighs around 10kg-1kg (2.2lbs-0.45 lbs) less than the seats they replace, which reduces the weight of the aircraft by more than 200kg(440lbs) overall, improving fuel burn.
Source : Norwegian/PictureNorwegian
Grounded COMAC C919 Test Aircraft Fly Again After Modifications
The first two Commercial Aircraft Corp.of China (COMAC) C919 flight test aircraft returned to the air on June 22 after weeks on the ground for what industry sources described as modifications.
The development program for the narrow body airliner is proceeding according to plan, COMAC said when announcing the latest flights. "Developmental test flights, static tests, and on ground, post-sortie onboard tests and optimization are being carried out inane orderly manner," the state manufacturer said.
The first prototype, unit 101, is at Xian, a northwestern city where program supplier Aviation Corp.of China (AVIC) has a flight-test base; the aircraft flew for 3hr.10 min. on June 22.Aircraft 102 is at Shanghai, the location of the program's final assembly plant; its latest flight lasted 1 hr.34.min.
Unit 101 has been modified on the ground and undergone strength calibration, COMAC said, without referring to the duration of the period of non-flying. Work also included modification and calibration of the water ballast system used in flight testing. For Unit 102,COMAC said such tasks as checks on stability control have been completed. That aircraft will shortly move to COMAC's test base at Dongying, in the eastern province of Shangdong.
COMAC said it is trying to make the first C919 delivery in 2021, following achievement of airworthiness certification in 2020.
Source : ATW/Picture COMAC
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its first of 30 Boeing 737 Max aircraft on July 1.
Iberia took delivery of its first A350-900 incorporating a "wing-Twist". The wing twist was originally introduced on the A350-1000 and will become standard on all A350s.
Aegean Airlines has firmed up an order for 30 Airbus A320neo covering 10 A321neos and 20 A320neos.
GOL of Brazil has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8 which was financed under a sale-and leaseback with DAE Capital that it finalized in early 2017.The deal also covers four more Max deliveries this year.
Jet Airways has disclosed that it is purchasing 75 additional Boeing 737 Max jets. The airline has already taken delivery of its first of 150 737 Max airplanes Jet has on order with Boeing.
HNA Group of China has signaled its intention to add 200 Comac C919s and 100 ARJ21s regional jets to its group fleet under a commercial pact struck with COMAC.
Bamboo Airways proposed Vietnamese startup airline has booted its fleet plans with a major commitment for 20 Boeing 787-9s, with deliveries tentatively set to occur in April 2020.
Bahamasair has agreed to purchase a Boeing 737-700 from AerCap with delivery of the aircraft expected in December of this year.
WestJet ULCC subsidiary Swoop took to the skies on June 20 with an inaugural flight from Hamilton to Abbotsford, marking the next major development in what is an expanding Canadian Low-cost airline scene.
Okay Airways has taken delivery of the first of 10 Boeing 737 Max 8s it has on firm order.
Sources : Boeing, Flight international, Air Transport World & Ed's Research
AirBridgeCargo Adds Budapest Freighter Call
AirBrigeCargo (ABC) Airlines has added a twice-weekly call at Budapest airport to its schedule as it looks to continue growing Asia-Europe volumes.
The new service will deploy Boeing 747 fighters and will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays offering 139 tons of capacity on each flight.
Sergey Lazarev, general director, AirBrigeCargo said: "Budapest has been expanding at a fast clip, upgrading its facilities, infrastructure, and solutions for freighter carriers and following a cargo-friendly strategy".
"Its advantageous central location in Europe makes Budapest Airport a perfect location for carriers operating between Asia and Europe. On top of this, we foresee an upsurge of e-commerce traffic with swelling demand for internet purchases among European consumers."
Budapest Airport chef executive Jost Lammers said: "From next year on our cargo partners in Budapest can operate from our brand new Cargo City which will provide 20,000 square meters(21,528 square feet) of warehouse space, including for AirBridgeCargo staff."
Source : aircargonews/Picture AirBridgeCargo
Boeing, FedEx Express Announce Order for 24 Freighters
On June 19,2018 Boeing and FedEx Express announced a new order for 12 767-300ERF Freighters and 12 777-200LRF freighters as the world's largest air cargo carrier continues to invest in the industry's most capable freighters to better serve its customers.
"We are taking another positive step in our fleet modernization program as we add more efficient, lower emission aircraft to our global fleet," said David L. Cunningham, President and CEO of FedEx Express. "The Boeing 767 and 777 Freighters have brought greater efficiency and reliability to our air operations. The 777, with its tremendous range characteristics, has allowed us to provide faster transit times around the globe. We are excited to add more of these aircraft to our fleet."
Source : Boeing/FedEx/Picture Boeing
AFI KLM E&M Adds LEAP Capabilities
Franco-Dutch maintenance provider AFI KLM E&M has received FAA approval to provide on-wing and on-site services for CFM LEAP engines. The scope of that work may include engine build-ups, borescope inspections, or changing line replaceable units.
"AFI KLM E&M is now approved to offer its services to all operators of the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines equipping the A320neo and the Boeing 737 MAX worldwide," says Anne Brachet, EVP of the MRO provider.
AFI KLM E&M already has similar approval from EASA and while that certificate is more relevant given the company's far bigger line maintenance presence in Europe than the US, the FAA award is further demonstration of its commitment to new technology engine maintenance.
Motivation for this comes from the current wave of overhaul demand stemming from the LEAP's predecessor, the CFM56-5B/7B, which was a key element of AFI KLM E&M's sales last year. LEAP overhauls will only occur from 2019 onwards and it will take significantly loner for LEAP maintenance demand to overtake that of the CFM56, but in the meantime, there will be plenty of lighter maintenance work.
"We're establishing capabilities first and foremost inner own shops, on the GE side and the Safran side, but also, when customers are interested, we are working with third-part MRO providers," CFM's Alan Kelly told Engine Yearbook 2018.
Source : mro-network
HIGHLIGHTS FROM FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW
Farnborough Rolls Out Stealth Orders For Commercial Airliners
Airbus was dominant in capturing single aisle orders for their A320 and A321 and the new A220 airliners, Boeing did not do so bad on their MAX line up either.
Boeing, on the other had, was dominant in capturing both the twin aisle and the cargo market. The 777-200LRF captured orders from DHL, Cargo Logic and Qatar. The so-called dead 747-8 Freighter continues to stay alive.
In the recent Farnborough air show order tracker generated by Flightglobal, the following are the totals:
Order Commitments: thru July 19th 1,263
Options : 201
Of the total orders commitments announced during the air show, 1,263 order commitments, plus 201 options. In summary, Boeing said on Thursday July 19th, it had won 528 new orders and commitments at the show, buoyed by demand for freighters as air cargo markets rebound.
Airbus said it had won 431 new orders and commitments, including 60 for its newly rebranded A220, former Bombardier Series.
Not covered much during the show are the deals Boeing Global Services and Boeing subsidiary Aviall announced during the show. Overall a successful show, the opinion of this writer.
Source : Boeing/ Flightglobal
Boeing's Brand Value Soars in Latest Survey
Prior to the opening of the Farnborough Air Show, It was announced that Boeing is the most powerful brand in aerospace and defense. That claim hardly was surprising, given that it is also the biggest company. In fact, according to a new survey by brand valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance, the top 10 most valuable brands in the industry belong to 10 of the largest businesses by turnovers ranked by Flight Global's Top 100.
However, what is revealing is that Brand Finance reckons Boeing's brand is worth just short of $20 billion; more than $3.5 billion more than it was valued at in 2017, and almost $9 billion than arch-rival Airbus.
The increase in Boeing's brand equity is down to several factors says Brand Finance consultancy. These include that it passed the 1,000-order mark with the 787; commenced production of the 777X, and just as the report was being published, announced its new venture with Embraer on commercial aircraft.
Source : Flightglobal/Brand Finance Consultancy.
Posted in Aviation News	| Tagged Aegean Airlines, AFI KLM E&M Adds LEAP, Air Bridge Cargo, Airbus complete's Bombardier takeover, Bahamasair, Bamboo Airways, BelugaXL newly painted, Boeing, Boeing Brand Value Soars, Boeing buys 80%, certification tests, COMAC C919, deliver of 1st 737 Max, Embraer, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Farnborough Air Show, FedEx Express buys Boeing Freighters, FlyDubai, GOL, HNA Group of China, Iberia, Jet Airways, Okay Airways, one-stop shop for jets, Pilatus.PC-24, ready to fly, Textron halts Cessna CitationX+, WESTJET ULCC | Leave a comment
June 30, 2018 by thekaplanianreport
Boeing Gets Approval for Folding Wings on 777X
Boeing's 777X will become the first heavily used commercial airliner with the technology.
While the wings are common on smaller defense aircraft, the FAA had to institute new regulations for Boeing's commercial plane to avoid mishaps like the wing flaps coming loose during high winds.
Boeing assured the regulator that a locking mechanism would make it impossible for the wings to retract while in flight. The FAA finally gave approval to the 777X on Friday May 18.
Airlines will be able to park the 777X at current gates despite its 235 feet wing, thanks to the 12-foot foldable section.
The wings are made from lighter carbon fiber composites instead of aluminum. "This airplane will be the most efficient twin-jet overdeveloped in commercial history," Terry Beezhold, the 777X's chief project engineer called it "this beautiful wing" in a recent video made by the company. "This airplane actually will be the most efficient twin-jet ever developed in commercial history." Beezhold said.
Source : Bloomberg/Boeing
Boeing Marks 737 Max Anniversary with 130-Strong Fleet
Boeing has passed the one year anniversary of the 737 Max with a staggeringly large in-service fleet that has fulfilled promises of improved fuel efficiency. The company delivered 130 aircraft representing two versions of the 737 Max in the 12 months since the first delivery to Lion Air's Malaysia-based subsidiary last May, the company says in an online blog post.
The deliveries might have been even higher, but engine supplier CFM International fell several weeks behind on a planned ramp-up of Leap-1B engine production, CFM plans to catch up on deliveries in the third quarter.
So far, the 28 737 Max operators have logged 118,006 hours on 41,797 flights that carried 6.5 million passengers, according to Boeing.
The fleet now stands at a mission dispatch rate of 99.4% and should improve to the 99.7% standard by the end of the year.
Boeing has sold 4,509 firm orders of the 737 Max family with the 737-8 version is by far the most popular.
Source : Boeing
Airbus BelugaXL on Track for First Flight
Airbus said the BelugaXL has passed the ground vibration test (GVT), a requirement for certification of the aircraft that paves the way toward its maiden flight this summer.
"The objective of this test is to measure the dynamic behavior of the aircraft and confirm theoretical models of various flight conditions, such as maneuvering, flying in gusty conditions and landing. This test data also helps clear the aircraft's flight envelope," Airbus said in a statement.
The BelugaXL was launched in November 2014 to address the transport and ramp-up capacity requirements for Airbus beyond 2019. The new oversize air transporters are based on the A330-200 Freighter, with large re-use of existing components and equipment. The first of five BelugaXLs will enter service in 2019.
Source : Airbus/Picture Airbus
Air Baltic Signs for 30 More CS300s
Latvian carrier Air Baltic has signed for 30 more Bombardier Series aircraft and taken options for 30 more of the type. Deliveries of the new aircraft are set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Air Baltic has already ordered 20 of the type, eight of which are in commercial service. "In 2017, we successfully executed our fleet modernization strategy, and are excited to further grow our fleet up to 80 CS300 aircraft while phasing out our other types in the next three years."
The new aircraft will support the next stage of its business strategy, which targets significant route expansion in key Baltic markets Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
"A critical part of this new strategy is the introduction of a larger and exclusive fleet of all CS300 aircraft, which are the most suitable aircraft for the markets in which we operate," said chief executive Martin Gauss.
Source : Reuters/Picture Air Baltic
Boeing Business Jets Grows Order Book with New Sales
Boeing Business Jets have won four new orders in 2018 as elite customers continue to favor Boeing's portfolio of ultra-large-cabin, long range airplanes, the company announced on May 28 at the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE).
The New Orders this year follow an impressive 2017 in which customers purchased 16 Boeing Business Jets. Two of the new orders this year are for the BBJ MAX airplane, adding to a backlog of 19 airplanes and making the BBJ MAX one of the best-selling business jetliners in history.
"The performance advantage of the BBJ MAX is a big sales driver," said Greg Laxton, leader of Boeing Business Jets. "The airplane is perfectly suited for discerning customers who want to fly further without stopping."
Source : Boeing Business Jets Communications
SIngapore Airlines To Merge Regional Silkair Unit into Main Brand
Silkair's Boeing 737 fleet will undergo a major cabin overhaul pending the unit's merger with the main Singapore Airlines brand.
The full merger will take place after 2020, which gives the SIA Group time to upgrade the cabins aboard the regional carrier's narrow body fleet, says SIA.
"The program will comprise investment of more than $100 million to upgrade the wholly owned subsidiary's cabins with new lie-flat seats in business class, and the installation of seat-back in-flight entertainment systems in both business class and economy class", says SIA. " This will ensure closer product and service consistency across the SIA Group's full-service network.
"Singapore Airlines is one year into our three-year Transformation Program and the announcement of May 18 of merging Silkair into Singapore Airlines is a significant development to provide more growth opportunities and prepare the Group for an even stronger future," says SIA chief executive Got Choon.
Silkair operates 34 aircraft. They comprise of five 737 Max 8, 17 737-800s, three Airbus A319s, and nine A320s. The A320 family aircraft are being phased out in favor of the 737s, of which Silkair has orders for 32 Max 8s.
Source : Singapore Airlines
GE9X Completes First Phase of Flight Testing
In early May, GE wrapped up the first phase of a two-stage flight-test effort on the 105,000lb-thrust GE9X. Phase 1 included 18 flights on board the company's Victorville-based 747-400 flying testbed, GE9X program manager Ted Ingling said. The 105,000lb-thrust power plant was flown to Evendale, Ohio to prepare for phase 2, which is scheduled to begin in the third quarter." It will be months of work to bring the engine down and back up again. The majority of the activities are around the instrumentation that we have on this vehicle. There's over 1,600 pieces of discrete information through sensors that get bundled onto the engine routed into the aircraft," Ingling says.
"We want to preserve that instrumentation for the missions that follow. As a result, what would normally be a quick turn-around for incorporation of the hardware changes takes us a much longer time to bring the engine down and back up and make sure all the instrumentation is working," he adds.
The first phase of flight-testing with the GE9X kicked off on March 13, with engine designated as No.4 within the program lifting off in Victorville. In nearly two months, the 747-400 flying testbed logged 110 flight hours overall during the 18 flights.
"We are very encouraged about the engine. All indications from flight test is that the engine is doing exactly what we want it to do and we're on track to meet our objectives on performance," Ingling says. "The engine is really performing well and we couldn't be happier with that."
Source : GE Aviation
JetBlue Founder Raising Funds for New U.S. Airline, Report Says
David Neeleman, who started JetBlue Airways Corp.with $100 million in 2000, is raising money to launch a new low-cast carrier focused on secondary airports in the U.S., according to Airline Weekly.
The airline, to be called Moxy Airways, has secured orders for 60 Bombardier CS300 aircraft, the trade journal, citing people familiar with the matter. The first would arrive in 2020, perhaps a ply on the word Moxie—meaning determination and pep—Moxy Airways reportedly aims to get of the ground in 2020.
The timeline coincides exactly with when Bombardier – and its new partner Airbus – intend to open a Series assembly site in Mobile, Alabama.
Moxy is designed to maximize the economic advantage of the C Series, along with the use of smaller, secondary airports such as Providence, Rhode Island, Forth Worth, Texas, Gary, Indiana and Burbank, California. Plus the Long Island cities of Islip and Farmingdale, Airline Weekly said. The advanced jetliner reduces fuel burn due to its modern engines and carbon-fiber fuselage.
With 60 CS300 orders, Moxy would become the second-largest C Series customer after Delta Airlines. Delta is acquiring 75 of the smaller CS100 model and plans to begin service with the plane next year.
Source : Bloomberg/Ed's Research
IATA downgraded its 2018 profit forecast for the global airline industry, projecting airlines will collectively earn $33.8 billion this year, down 12% from the $38.4 billion predicted in December 2017 as fuel costs rise.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker has been appointed the chairman of ATA board of governors.
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its 100th aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on June 6,2018, once again leading the way in fleet expansion and modernization in Africa.
LOT Polish Airlines is acquiring six more Boeing 737 MAX 8s as part of its fleet modernization plans.
United Airlines debuted its first passenger service utilizing a 737 MX 9 between Houston and Orlando International Airport on June 7.
BOC Aviation Limited delivered its first Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft to its newest customer Corendon Airlines based in Turkey.
CDB Aviation Lease Finance delivered two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to Ukraine International Airlines. The aircraft delivered from CDB Aviation order book with Boeing.
AirAsia Group received shareholder approval to sell 55 Airbus A320 family aircraft and seven CFM56s on an operating lease to FLY leasing; deal includes options on another 20 A320neos.
Vistara the Indian affiliate of Singapore Airlines Ltd has opted for six 787s with an option to buy four more. Vistara is considering between the 787-9 and the 787-10 version.
Xiamen Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737MAX 8, expanding its fleet to 200 aircraft. The air carrier operates an all Boeing fleet of 737s,757s and 787s, with 31 consecutive years of profitability.
Royal Brunei Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft during an event in Toulouse, France.
Sources : Ed"s Research From Various Aviation Resources.
Lufthansa Cargo Introduces Twice Weekly B777Fs to Chengdu
Lufthansa Cargo has confirmed its latest capacity increase into Chinese cargo market by adding twice weekly B777 freighter services to the city of Chengdu.
Chengdu in western China has joined Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong as Lufthansa Cargo freighter connections to the country.
Speaking at Air Cargo China in Shanghai, Frank Naeve, Lufthansa Cargo vice president Asia-Pacific, said: "The extension to our network will allow us to offer solutions for booming markets in the west of China". "These new flights to Chengdu are strengthening our position in China. It is a further investment into the very important Chinese airfreight market," he declared.
Lufthansa Cargo flew 240,000 tons of cargo from and into China in 2017.
In addition to this news, Lufthansa has ordered two Boeing 777Fs to add to its fleet of five B777Fs, to be delivered in February and March of 2019.
"The Boeing 777F is not only the world's most powerful, efficient and environmentally friendly freighter, it is a visible sign of our modernization strategy," said Peter Gerber, chief executive of Lufthansa Cargo." He added: "With the growth of our B777 freighter fleet, an important milestone has been reached on our way to forming a company for the next generation."
With a full payload of 103 tons, the B777F is able to stay in the air for ten and a half hours. It covers a distance of more than 9,000 kilometers ( 5592 miles) non-stop.
Source : Aircargonews/Lufthansa/Picture Lufthansa
Services May Justify Future Boeing Aircraft: Fitch
Boeing's increasing emphasis on services and lifecycle revenue streams for its product is a "key development" for the company, says Fitch Ratings.
The credit rating agency had affirmed Boeing's long-term rating at 'A' with a stable outlook, and says that Boeing's 4.25 billion takeover of parts supplier KLX Aerospace Solutions—expected to close in the third quarter—will not affect this assessment.
Fitch broadly approves of Boeing's aftermarket strategy, which it believes could drive growth and margin gains. It also increases the viability of clean-sheet aircraft programs by opening another revenue stream to recoup high development costs.
"Potentially greater services revenues through the life of a program could make some proposed programs more economically viable than if evaluated only on an original equipment basis," Fitch states.
The obvious potential program in this regard is Boeing's new midsize aircraft (NMA). Fitch questions whether Boeing's current setup can provide a business case for the aircraft given development costs, but notes this might change with production system improvements and aftermarket gains.
"Key questions for Boeing over the next year will be whether it raises 737 rates further and whether the supply chain can support additional rate hikes"
Source: Fitch Credit Rating Agency
MRO LATEST NEWS
ST Engineering Aerospace opened a $46 million, 173,500 sq ft maintenance and overhaul facility in Pensacola, Florida. It's the third facility in the US. They have signed UPS as launch customer for Boeing 757s.
Boeing & Safran agreed to form a joint venture to design, build and service APUs.
Skytech-AIC was appointed by Kuwait Airways to market for sale the airline's single, low-time, GE-powered 747-400 Combi and its first A340-300 aircraft, delivered new to Kuwait Airways in 1994-1995.
Thai Airways & Rolls-Royce signed cooperation agreement over Trent Maintenance.
German Asset Manager Dr Peters, on June 5th, disclosed plans to part out two ex-Singapore Airlines Airbus A380s. Dr Peters executive, Anselm Gehling, estimates that the company can achieve a residual value of about $80 million per aircraft. This is done with $45 million from parting out airframe, about $4 million from leasing engines over the next 18 months, and $32-$33 million from selling the engines in 2020.
Posted in Aviation News	| Tagged 737 MAX anniversary, Air Baltic, AirAsia Group, Airbus Beluga, BOC Aviation, Boeing & Safran, Boeing BusinessJets, Boeing folding wings, Ethiopian Airlines, first flight soon, GE9X first phase testing, German Asset Manager Dr. Peters, IATA, Jet Blue starting new airline, Limited, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, more CS300s, Qatar Airways Group, Rolls Royce, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines merging with Silk Air, Skytech-AIC, ST Engineering Aerospace, Thai Airways, United Airlines, Vistara, Xiamen Airlines | Leave a comment
April 28, 2018 by thekaplanianreport
Volume 5 Issue 5 May 2018 The Kaplanian Report
Boeing Start Assembly of the First 777-9
Major fuselage sections of the first 777X aircraft have entered Boeing's fuselage assembly center in Everett wide body plant.
In a tweeted photo on March 23rd, (see picture) Boeing showed the first Section 41—the company's internal designation for the nose and forward fuselage—entered the 40-47 bay of the Everett factory. The first 777-9 version of the 777X family to enter fuselage assembly will be used for static testing on the ground, Boeing says.
Inside the 40-47 bay, Section 41 will be joined to the center and aft fuselage sections, using a new process introduced two years ago on the 777-300ER and 777-200LR programs. Instead of loading the assemblies into a rotating tool fixture, Boeing will mate the 777X using automated upgrade build (FAUB) procession which sections are loaded into movable cradles and are mated together using mostly robots for drilling and fastening.
Later this year, the assembled fuselage will be moved to the final assembly bay for the 777X, where it will be joined with the aircraft's first new composite wings. Boeing introduced the first 777-9 wingspan into assembly last year for the static test airplane.
During final assembly, Boeing also mates the fuselage with the wings, onboard systems and the GE Aviation GE9X engines. The 777-9 program is scheduled to enter flight testing in 2019 and enter service with launch customer Emirates in 2020.The longer-range 777-8 will enter service two years later.
Source : Boeing/Flightglobal
Sections for First All Nippon Airways A380 Arrive in Toulouse
Final assembly of the first A380 for All Nippon Airways is set to start this month.
The main sections of the first A380 for Japan's All Nippon Airways(ANA) have arrived at the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, France via a special convoy, with six subassemblies—the nose, central and aft fuselage sections, the tailplane, and the two wings.
ANA Holdings placed a firm order for three A380s in 2016, becoming the first customer for the A380 in Japan. The first delivery is scheduled early in 2019, and the A380 will initially be operated on the Tokyo-Honolulu route. ANA's A380 will feature a special Hono Hawaiian green sea turtle livery, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
Gulfstream Aerospace Has Delivered a Fourth G650ER to Qatar
Gulfstream AeroSpace delivered a fourth G650ER to Qatar Airways for its Qatar Executive commercial charter service.
With the delivery, Qatar Executive becomes the largest single owner and operator of G650ER aircraft, Gulfstream said.
The delivery will help meet increased demand for a longer-range private air travel by Qatar customers, Qatar Airways said. Gulfstream's partnership with Qatar Airways began in 2014 when it became the launch customer for the Gulfstream G500.
Since then, Qatar Airways has signed orders and options for up to 30 Gulfstream aircraft that include the G650ER,the G500 and the G600.
Source : Gulfstream/Qatar Airways
Cambodia Bayon Airlines Commenced Operations with MA60 Domestically
Cambodia Bayon Airlines (Phnom Penh) is a new airline in Cambodia which selected the Xian MA 60 to fly domestic operations between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The airline received its AOC on December 23, 2014.
Cambodia Bayon Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayon Airlines Holdings which was established in April 2014.
Bayon Airlines plans to introduce 20 MA60 aircraft and 10 Airbus A320 aircraft within five years to build route network which covers Cambodia and services to Japan , China and Korea.
Little bit about the MA60…it is a stretched version of the Xian A7-200A which was produced on the An24 to operate in rugged conditions with limited ground support and short take-off and landing(STOL) capability. The MA60 has not applied for FAA(US) and EASA(Europe) type certification and is not certified for use in the US and the European Union.
Source :World Airline News/Ed's Research
China Southern Group to Take 309 Aircraft Through to 2020
The China Southern Airlines Group is currently scheduled to take delivery of 309 aircraft over the next three years, with nearly half of those set to arrive this year.
Over 2018 the carrier will take delivery of 115 aircraft, comprising of 61 Boeing 737-800s,39 Airbus A320 family jets,10 787-9s and five A330-300s.It will retire 29 aircraft, thus ending the year with an estimated 840 aircraft-up from 2017's 754.
2019 will see the addition of 105 aircraft, comprising of 45 Boeing 737-800s, 42 A320 family jets, seven 787-9s, six A350-900s and five 777-300ERs. It will end the year with 916 aircraft, after 29 retirements.
2020 will see 89 additions, again with the 737-800s forming the bulk of the deliveries at 51, followed by 24 A320 family aircraft, six A350-900s, five 787-9s and three 777-300ERs.With 26 planned retirements, it will end the year with 979 aircraft. China Southern is the largest airline group in China by fleet size. Besides China Southern, the group also has stakes in a list of carriers including Xiamen Airlines, Shantou Airlines, Zhuhai Airlines, Guizhou Airlines, Chongqing Airlines and Hebei Airlines.
Source : Flightglobal
American Orders 47 787s for Fleet Replacement
American Airlines has ordered 47 Boeing 787s on April 6 and canceling its order for 22 Airbus A350s.The 787 order consists of 22 787-8s to begin arriving in 2020 and 25 787-9s scheduled to begin arriving in 2023 American said.
The 787-8s will replace American's Boeing 767-300s, while later 787-9 deliveries will replace Airbus A330-300s and older 777-200s.All the 787s will be powered by GE Aviation GEnx-1B engines. The order is valued at $12 billion at list prices, says Boeing.
"This was a difficult decision between the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 and the A330neo and we thank both manufactures for their aggressive efforts to earn more of American's business," says Robert Isom, President of American, in a statement. "In the end, our goal to simply our fleet made the 787 a more compelling choice."
As part of the deal, American is also deferring the delivery of 40 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbodies.
Boeing says that the order is a new deal from American and not an exercise of the carrier's options for 58 787s.
American will be the largest operator of the 787 in the western hemisphere, with 89 aircraft. ANA, the Japanese carrier that was the launch customer for the Dreamliner, is the largest operator of 787s, while lessor AerCap is the largest 787owner.
So Far Orders for the 787 Dreamliners stand at over 1,365 that is not counting recent announcements from Hawaiian for 10 787-9s and Emirates for 40 787-10. When confirmed will be over 1,400. (EdK)
Source : Boeing/American/ATW/Flightglobal/Ed's Research
Ethiopian Airlines Launches Split Scimitar Winglet in Northern Africa
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) announced on March 26 that Ethiopian Airlines has become the first operator in Northern Africa of its Split Scimitar Winglet Technology. The first installation of the System was completed on March 20th,2018 in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines intends to install the Winglets on its fleet of Boeing Next Generation 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft. Aviation Partners' latest Winglet design, the Split Scimitar Winglet, uses existing Blended Winglets technology but adds new aerodynamic Scimitar tips and a large ventral strake, further increasing the efficiency of the airplane.
The Split Scimitar Winglet modification reduces Boeing Next-Generation 737 block fuel consumption by up to an additional 2.2% over the Blended Winglets alone. The Split Scimitar Winglet System will reduce Ethiopian Airline's annual fuel requirements by more than 275,000 liters per aircraft and their carbon dioxide emissions by over 700tons per aircraft per year.
Since launching the Boeing Next-Generation 737 Split Scimitar Winglet program, APB has taken orders for over 1,800 systems, and over 1,000 aircraft are now operating with the technology. APB estimates that its products have reduced aircraft fuel consumption worldwide by over 8.0 billion gallons to date thereby saving nearly 85.0 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions
Source : Aviation Partners Boeing/Ethiopian Airlines/Picture Avimet.cr
Ukraine International Airlines will take delivery of 10 aircraft in 2018, comprising of four 737-800s, four 777-200ERs and two Embraer E190s.
Spirit Airlines agreed to purchase 14 Airbus A319-100s off-lease from AerCap.
Avolon delivered one Boeing 787-9 aircraft to Virgin Atlantic. This is the fourth Avolon aircraft on lease to Virgin Atlantic.
Jet Airways announced a new order for 75 737 MAX. The new deal is in addition to a similar number of 737 Max 8s of firm orders and purchase rights that was announced at the 2015 Dubai air show.
Air Lease has firmed up an order for eight additional Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, valued at almost $939 million at list prices.
Royal Jordanian Airlines improved on-time performance to rank third in the Middle East and Africa.
Hi Fly Portuguese long-haul wet-lease specialist is to become the latest operator of the Airbus A380, with planes to take delivery of the type around the middle of this year.
LOT Polish Airlines received its first 787-9 after a 9h 20 min flight from Everett Paine Field to Warsaw Chopin Airport.
Lessor BOC Aviation has signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for six 787-9s, in a deal valued at $1.69 billion at list prices.
All Nippon Airways(ANA) has finalized an order for two 777-200LRFs valued at $678 million at list prices.
Gulf Air reveals new branding as it took delivery of its first delivery 787-9 on April 6th.
Sources : Various Sources Researched by Ed K
Air Bridge Cargo Launches Scheduled Freighter Services at Rickenbacker
AirBridgeCargo Airlines(ABC) will become the fifth freighter operator to provide scheduled services at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio.
The Russia-based carrier joins a network of logistics service providers at the US cargo-dedicated airport, which is located within a one-day drive to nearly half of the US population and one third of the Canadian population.
ABC's inaugural flight landed at Rickenbacker on April 5th, and weekly flights will continue on Thursdays, carrying freight inbound from the airlines global hub in Moscow and returning to Moscow through Liege, Belgium. The carrier will employ its fleet of 747 freighters that provide up to 139 tons of capacity.
ABC joins Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo and Etihad Cargo as freight carriers that operate up to 15 weekly international lights at Rickenbacker International Airport(LCK).
Source : aircargonews/Photo ABC
Qatar Airways Signs LOI for 5 Boeing 777-200LR Freighters
On April 10 Qatar Airways signed a letter of intent(LOI) with Boeing to buy five 777-200LR Freighters, worth $1.7 billion at list prices, the airline said in a statement. Al Baker And Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister met in Doha to sign the preliminary agreement. Qatar has taken delivery of 13 out of 16 Boeing 777 Freighters orders in 2006, and has 60 of the next generation jets on order, according to Boeing's orders and deliveries website.
The order will be posted on Boeing's orders and deliveries website once the purchase is finalized the statement said.
Rolls-Royce Develops Maintenance Log Reader
Rolls-Royce is preparing to demonstrate part of Intelligent Insights a suite of tools launched under the IntelligentEngine program.
The first of those tools, Technical Insight uses natural language processing techniques to read engine maintenance logs, combining its findings with cloud-based inputs from other data sources.
"Insights are then delivered via visualization tools for the line maintenance environment in an easy-to-use append via the Rolls-Royce portal", says Rolls-Royce in a statement.
If It works as intended, the tool should make mechanics' lives easier, removing the need to cross-check various sources of information and presenting important data in an accessible manner.
The main goal is to improve dispatch reliability, but it will also be interesting to see how the new technology contributes to wider aims such as lifecycle management.
Rolls-Royce has not said if Technical Insight was developed with outside help or purely in house.
Source : Rolls-Royce/Rolls-Royce Picture
Safran Nacelles unveiled the NacelleLife service offering providing complete coverage of its set engine nacelle systems—including thrust reversers.
Lufthansa Technik has a total component support agreement with Easter Jet for its Boeing 737NGs.
AerFin signed a three-year TrueChoice Material Service Agreement with GE Aviation for serviceable OEM parts, advanced repair and technology upgrades for the CFM56,CF34 and CF-80C2 engines.
Wheeltug was selected by Kenya Airways to provide its electric taxi systems for its Boeing 737NGs.
Pratt & Whitney was selected by JetBlue Airways to supply GTF engines for another 85 Airbus A320neo family aircraft; the deal includes 15-year EngineWise service agreement.
Posted in Aviation News	| Tagged 365, 4th G650ER to Qatar, 5 777-200LR, 777-9 begins, 787 orders at 1, A380 sections arrive, Air Bridge Cargo, Air Fin, Air Lease, Airbus, All Nippon Airways, American orders 47 787s, Avolon, BOC Aviation, Boeing, Cambodia Bayon Airlines, China Southern Group, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Gulfstream Air, Hi Fly Portuguese, Jet Airways, launches freighter service, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa Technik, maintenance log reader, Pratt and Whitney, Qatar signs for Boeing freighters, Rolls Royce, Royal Jordanian, Safran Nacelles, Spirit Airlines, split Scimitar Winglets, starts operations with MA60, takes 306 aircraft thru 2020, Ukraine International Airlines, Wheeltug | Leave a comment
November 26, 2017 by thekaplanianreport
Volume 4 Issue 12 December 2017 The Kaplanian Report
Boeing Ceremonially Kicks Off 777-9 Assembly
Boeing marked the official launch of production activity for the first 777-9 test aircraft in a public ceremony on October 23. The company started building the wing spar in the newly-erected composite wing center in Everett, Washington, during the summer. The October 23 ceremony coincided with the drilling of the spar by an automated machine in another building on the campus. The ceremonial launch of production for the 777X family comes about 14 -17 months before the scheduled first flight of the 777-9 test aircraft in the first quarter of 2019. Entry into service with Launch customer should occur about a year after first flight.
Meanwhile, GE Aviation is continuing certification testing of the GE9x engine, while the second engine is to test running on a ground test stand since May.
Combined with GE Aviation GE9X engines, the 777X's new wing will play a key part in delivering enhanced fuel efficiency. It has been increased in diameter by around 7m (23ft) over the current 777-300ER model, to 71.8m (235ft 5in) with a new wing-fold mechanism of 3.5m (11.4ft) on each side — to enable the twin engine jet to use the same airport infrastructure and taxiways as its predecessor.
Flight testing of the 777X is set to commence in 2019. Boeing expects to deliver the first 777-9 during 2020, with the longer-range -8 model to follow one year later.
"We see a good order backlog — much better than the -300ER had at this time, ahead of production," Boeing Commercial Airplane chief executive Kevin McAllister told Flight global on September 26. I think you'll see a very compelling value proposition on that airplane as we go forward."
Boeing has secured firm orders for 336 of the aircraft—283-9s and 53-8s— since launching the program at the Dubai air show in November 2013 (the last order for 20-9s from Singapore Airlines was finalized in Washington, DC on October 23.)
Other customers include All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa and Qatar.
Launch customer will be Emirates.
Source : Flightglobal/Boeing Picture
First A321neo With Revised Door Layout Assembled
The first Airbus A321neo equipped with a modified fuselage and additional cabin exits is nearing completion on the final assembly line in Hamburg. Dubbed the "Airbus Cabin Flex" (ACF) version, this first major variation of the A321 fuselage incorporates up to four over-wing exits instead of the main cabin doors immediately ahead of the wing on existing A321.
The pair of doors immediately behind the wing has also repositioned aft by four fuselage frames (with a deactivation option).
The changes increase in the twinset's maximum seating from the current 230 passengers to up to 240. Other interior changes include slimmer seats, redesigned rear galley and lavatory module, and a new rating for exit doors.
The A321neo ACF is due to enter service next year and the changes it features will be incorporated into the extended-range A321LR version of the A321neo, which is due to enter service in 2019. This variant features increased weights and up to three auxiliary fuel tanks, to boost range by up to 500nm (925km) to 4,000nm.
Source : Flightglobal/Airbus Picture
Boeing Business Jets Has Upped Its Sales For 2017
Boeing Business Jets tally for 2017 to 13 aircraft, adding six since the EBACE business aviation in May. In what new BBJ president Greg Laxton calls a "fast and furious" year to date. The orders include a second 737 Max 7, the only narrow body Boeing Business Jet able to fly 7,000nm (13,000km). Boeing secured its first customer for the Max 7 BBJ late last year—a variant Laxton describes as a "game-changer" as it gives the airframe a product with similar range to the Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier 7000.
Boeing also notched up orders for six wide body business jets—Three 747-8s and three 777-300ERs— in 2017, as well as two of BBJ Max 9s, two original BBJs ( 737-700s) and a pair of BBJ 2s (737-800s). There have been four deliveries of green aircraft: three 777-300ERS and one 787-8.
In total, Boeing has orders for the BBJ version of the Max, with first delivery to a completion center—a 737 Max 8—due in the second quarter of 2018.
Source : Flightglobal/BBJ
Retirement of KLM Fokker Ends Era That Began in 1921
The retirement of KLM Cityhopper's last Fokker 70, after final flight on October 28, marks the end of an era in Dutch aviation history.
It was all the way back in April 1921 that KLM put its first Fokker into service. KLM's chief executive Pieter Elbers describes the exit of its last Fokker as "a sad moment", but also highlights a new beginning for Cityhopper regional unit, which now operates a fleet composed of Embraer E-Jets.
"The replacement of the entire Fokker fleet began nine years ago with the introduction of the first Embraer 190 in November 2008," Elbers recalls. "it can be difficult to keep reliability high for the small Fokker fleet, but our maintenance team at Cityhopper has done a fantastic job."
Special farewell flight between Heathrow and Amsterdam School was operated on the evening of October 28, becoming the last ever scheduled arrival of Cityhopper Fokker 70 at the Dutch hub. The aircraft (registered PH-KZU) was adorned with an image of founding father Antony Fokker on the tail and "Thank you" titles on the fuselage.
Source : KLM Press Room/KLM Picture
American to Say Good Bye to MD-80s in 2019
American Airlines has set 2019 as the year it will retire its MD-80 fleet, replacing the rear-engined aircraft with modern Boeing 737-800s.The MD-80 was the workhorse of American and other US carriers' domestic fleets from the 1980s through the early 2000s making it an everyday sight at airports around the country. Fort Worth-based America plans to finish this year with 45 MD-80s in its fleet, shrinking to 26 by the fall of 2018. All the carrier's MD-80s will be based at its Dallas/Fort Worth hub once the ST Louis pilot base closes.
American was the first major US carrier to commit to the MD-80 — if only tentatively at first — when it agreed to "rent" 20 from McDonnell Douglas in 1982.
The airframer essentially leased the aircraft to the airline under a deal that allowed it to return the aircraft after five years with no penalty, or earlier with a cancellation charge.
Initially, American planned to primarily use the MD-80 to replace Boeing 727-100s in its fleet, citing 37% better fuel efficiency for the former compared to the latter. Instead American opted to use the aircraft for growth when it placed what at the time was its largest order ever for 167 MD-80s, including 67 firm and 100 options, in 1984.
With the 1984 deal, American had "firmly pinned its future" on the MD-80.American's fleet grew to 260 by 1993.
Source : Flightglobal/American Picture
UTair Russian carrier has unveiled a refreshed livery and a slightly-modified Utair brand name.
Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of the first of two Boeing 787-9s on October 27th making it Africa's first operator of the type.
Aeroflot sizes up Airbus, Boeing for a narrow-body order and considering a "sizable" order of the A320neo and 737 MAX.
Airbus delivered first A320neo assembled in Tianjin to Air Asia. The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.
Textron Aviation delivered its 100th Cessna Citation Latitude. The delivery went to NetJets.
Emirates Airlines takes delivery of its 100th A380 at Airbus' Hamburg facility on November 3.
The Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) has flown its C919 aircraft for the third time—five weeks after its second flight, and 26 weeks after the first flight.
Comlux signs the first BBJ MAX 8 completion ever, the aircraft will go to Comlux Indianapolis facilities in the 4th quarter of 2018 for redelivery by the fall of 2019
Pratt & Whitney successfully tests next generation Pure Power Geared Turbofan (GTF) as part of the FAA Sustainability Program.
Emirates Airlines kicked off the Dubai Air Show by announcing a commitment to purchase 40 Boeing 787-10s valued at $15.1 billion at list prices.
Air China and Air Canada take delivery of their first 737 Max 8 aircraft. The latest hand-overs raise Boeing's total count of 737-8s this year to at least 35.
Lockheed Flies Second LM-100J Cargo Transport.
The second LM-100 J has joined Lockheed Martin's flight test program for the commercial freighter derivative of the C-130J military transport. The newly-built aircraft completed a first flight on October 11 from Lockheed's final assembly plant in Marrietta, Georgia.
The first LM-100J started flying on May 25 to begin Lockheed's campaign to receive a civil certification of the type from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The addition of the second aircraft "will accelerate our progress to deliver this unique aircraft's capabilities to civilian operators around the world", says Wayne Roberts, Lockheed's chief test pilot for the LM-100J.
Lockheed has announced receiving 25 orders with a total value of $1.6 billion for the converted civil freighter. Externally, the most visible difference between the C-130 J and LM-100J is the absence of windows at the feet of the pilot and co-Pilot in the Cockpit of the commercial derivative. The LM-100J also lacks certain features of the military version, such as the capability to lower the cargo ramp door in flight.
Source : Lockheed/Lockheed Picture
EVA Air Takes First 777-200 LR Freighter
On November 10 EVA has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-200LR Freighters part of its fleet modernization plan.
It will be put the aircraft was put into service between Asia and North America later that month. says the Taiwanese airline in a statement. It currently operates cargo services to North American points of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta.
EVA adds that the General Electric GE-90 powered 777-200LR freighter allows it to operate to any North American destination from Taiwan, with a technical stop in Anchorage.
The carrier has another four of the freighters on order, all of which will be delivered by September 2019. With the deliveries, it will retire its five remaining 747-400 Freighters by the end of 2019.
The airline's executive vice-president of corporate planning Albert Liao tells FlightGlobal that the carrier's cargo strategy is to utilize the five 777 freighters as well as the belly hold of its 34 777-300ER aircraft to ensure a "sustainable" cargo in " good and bad Times".
Source : Flightglobal/EVA Picture
Leap Negotiates Teething Problems
The engine manufacturers predict around 450 Leaps will be produced in 2017. With all the attention paid to Pratt & Whitney's problems with the geared turbofan this year, some have overlooked the early hiccups with its rival, The CFM LEAP.
"We have observed a premature loss of coating on the high-pressure turbine shroud which is made by our partner in CFM GE on some engines," said Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin in a recent earnings call.
Following a problem with LEAP 1B low-pressure turbine(LPT) discs that has nearly been resolved, CFM is now dealing with premature loss of the thermal coating on high-pressure turbine discs on the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B.
However, Petitcolin, says that "most of this issue is really now behind us" and that coating problems should be fully resolved by 2018.He also stresses that the additional headwind is a conservative estimate, and that the extra technical support may not be needed. One question for next year is the production split between CFM56 and LEAP engines, given ongoing strong sales of former powerplant.
Source: mro-network .com
MRO Short News
FedEx orders up to 50 new-build ATR freighters and will become the launch customer for the line-produced ATR 72-600 Freighter, after placing a firm order for 30 aircraft, plus 20 options.
Boeing Asia Pacific Aviation Services has a Singapore Airline Cargo contract to provide fleet engineering services for 747-400Fs via customized solutions from Global Fleet Care portfolio.
Airbus forecasts MRO business in Asia will grow 4.5% annually through 2036(vs global growth of 3.9%) and be worth $ 660 billion over the next 20 years.
Swiss AviationSoftware was selected by Boeing to support its Global Fleet Care services with AMOS MRO software; Norwegian is first customer to use the AMOS-supported service.
HEICO secured $1.3 billion unsecured revolving credit facility to principally fund acquisitions.
Answer to Last Month Puzzler:
TAM of Brazil
Researched and Compiled by : Ed Kaplanian
Commercial Aviation Advisor
Posted in Aviation News	| Tagged 777-200, A321neo door, Aeroflot, Air Canada, Air China, Airbus, American Airlines, Boeing 777-9, Boeing Asia Pacific Aviation Services, Boeing BBJ, COMAC, Comlux, Emirates Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva Air, FedEx, HEICO, KLM Fokker retired, Leap, Lockheed LM-100J Cargo, MD-80s, Pratt & Whitney, Swiss AviationSoftware, Textron Aviation, UTair | Leave a comment
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