Lessor Palma Holding Limited Places Firm Order for up to eight Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that lessor Palma Holding Limited (Palma) has signed a firm purchase agreement for four dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft. The agreement, which also includes options for an additional four Q400 NextGen aircraft, follows a letter of intent to acquire the aircraft that Bombardier announced on November 18, 2013. Under a joint venture with Ibdar Bank BSC, Palma intends to lease four of the Q400 NextGen aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines.

Photo Credit: Bombardier Aerospace

As previously announced, based on list price, the contract value for Palma’s transaction covering four Q400 NextGen aircraft and four options is approximately $282 million US.
“The two-class configured Q400 NextGen aircraft provides customers like Ethiopian Airlines with operational flexibility, as well as excellent route and lease structures prospects – we look forward to joining the Bombardier family,” said Moulay Omar Alaoui, President, Palma Holding Ltd. “The addition of the Q400 NextGen airliner to our portfolio will present many exciting business development opportunities for our customers.”

“I am delighted to welcome Palma as the first Middle Eastern lessor for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, and the first lessor worldwide for the aircraft’s dual-class configuration,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “As momentum for the Q400 NextGen aircraft continues to build in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere, we look forward to adding many more operators to the family of 50 that are presently deriving excellent benefits from the aircraft’s operational flexibility, outstanding performance, passenger amenities and environmental credentials.”


Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes 13 Q400 NextGen airliners. Bombardier’s presence in the Middle East and Africa currently includes more than 200 Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops, CRJ regional jets and CSeries single-aisle, mainline aircraft in service or on firm order.

Bombardier Aerospace

VietJetAir to firm up order for Airbus jets - sources

Photo Credit: VietJet Air

Jan 28 (Reuters) - Low-cost Vietnam airline, VietJetAir, is set to firm up part of a $9 billion order for up to 92 Airbus aircraft and will announce this at the Singapore Airshow in February, sources familiar with the situation said.

In September, VietJetAir and Airbus agreed a provisional order for the mostly A320 planes, but the deal did not show up in the order book of Airbus in its 2013 data.
"They are very close to a deal and this will be one of the big orders at the airshow," said one source.
A firm order is seen as a strong indication of future revenue for airplane manufacturers and triggers a deposit from airlines. Airlines mainly pay for aircraft when they take delivery and usually win significant discounts for large orders.

The latest deal worth $9 billion at list prices, includes firm orders for 62 medium-haul jets as well as options for 30 more. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter is not public.
VietJetAir company officials could not be reached by Reuters on Tuesday, the start of the new year holidays in the country.
An Airbus spokesman in Singapore said: "We don't comment on discussions that may or may not be taking place with customers or reports of potential announcements."


Reuters

Boeing 737 MAX Gets Milestone Order from Aviation Capital Group - Jan 2, 2013

737 MAX surpasses 1,000 orders to date

Leasing industry continues to invest in the 737 MAX

Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today an order by Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for 60 737 MAX airplanes. ACG's order, consisting of 50 737 MAX 8s and 10 737 MAX 9s, was finalized in December 2012. The 737 MAX has now accumulated more than 1,000 orders to date.

"This order is a major step in building our broad portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient airplanes," said Denis Kalscheur, chief executive officer of ACG. "The 737 MAX enables us to offer our customers airplanes that provide the fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comforts needed to grow in tomorrow's marketplace."
The order, worth $6 billion at current list prices, further illustrates the strong demand for the 737 MAX in the airplane leasing industry...

Read more




Boeing 737 MAX Gets Milestone Order from Aviation Capital Group - Jan 2, 2013

Boeing, Transaero Airlines Finalize Order for Four 787 Dreamliner

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Transaero Airlines of Russia recently signed an order for four 787-8 Dreamliners. The signing ceremony for the order, valued at $744 million at list prices, made history by being held onboard the 787 during a demonstration flight for Transaero's executives, employees and special guests.

"Our history with Boeing goes back to 1993 when Transaero became the first airline in Russia to fly with Boeing aircraft," said Transaero Airlines Chairman of the Board of Directors Alexander Pleshakov. "Following our innovative approach and our continuous efforts to enhance our product quality, we have chosen the state-of-the-art, highly-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It is very symbolic that our airline became a participant of the first order announcement ceremony conducted in the air on board the 787. Boeing 787s will perform flights on both Transaero's domestic and international routes."

Captain Evgeny Nikitin, Commander of Transaero's 767/777 flying unit, was co-piloting the 787 during the entire flight from takeoff to landing as the signing ceremony took place. Made primarily from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public.

As a result of innovative technologies, the airplane offers unparalleled operating economics, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. More than 850 787s are on order by 59 customers, a testament to the airplane's unique capabilities. Russia played an important role in creating this revolutionary airplane. Engineers from the Moscow Boeing Design Center participated in designing a number of key sections of the 787. Russian manufacturer VSMPO-AVISMA supplies titanium parts for the 787 Dreamliner.


"Boeing and Transaero enjoy an almost two-decades-long partnership and we are opening a great new chapter together with the 787 Dreamliner," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to working with Transaero to offer the airline's passengers the unprecedented comfort of the 787 Dreamliner and our continued partnership with this great airline."

Transaero was the first private airline in Russia established in 1991. Transaero also was the first Russian airline to introduce a Boeing airplane to its fleet. In 1993 Transaero started operating its 737. Today Transaero is the second largest airline in Russia operating the 737, 747, 767 and 777 Boeing airplanes.


Boeing Media

Boeing in 'advanced discussions' over 777s for China

Boeing says it is in "advanced discussions for a significant number of 777s in greater China", elaborating on commercial airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh's comments regarding having sold 30 777s to Chinese carriers in recent weeks.
"I think you're going to see sales of narrow-bodies and wide-bodies continue to grow. I'm pretty excited about it. I sold 30 777s over [in China] last week and have a lot of discussions with other customers about more," said Albaugh at the JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Defense conference in New York.

Boeing clarified that its discussions are being held with "all airlines in Greater China for 777s", and the 28 February order for 10 777-300ERs for China Southern Airlines was likely to be included in the total for 30.
Orders by state-owned Chinese carriers require government approval before being officially added to Boeing's backlog.

Albaugh expects Boeing to earn more than 84 orders for 777s this year, as he anticipates bookings for the wide-body to exceed deliveries. Boeing's 777 production rate is currently running at seven 777s per month, with plans to go to 8.3 later in the year.

The 777 is expected to follow a wider trend for Boeing orders in 2012 with Albaugh's expectation of a book-to-bill ratio above one as it looks to firm the more than 1000 commitments it holds for the re-engined 737 Max. Additionally, Albaugh said to expect 747-8 Freighter orders in the "next several months" despite softening in the global air freight market. Boeing forecasts delivering between 585 and 600 aircraft in 2012.


Flight Global

Air India to receive seven 787s by March 2013

State-owned carrier Air India will take delivery of seven Boeing 787s by March 2013. The carrier expects to receive the first aircraft in May and the second in June, Air India chairman Rohit Nandan told reporters at the sidelines of the India Aviation air show in Hyderabad. The deliveries come after more than four years of delay and the carrier is now in negotiations with Boeing about possible compensation.

"The issue of compensation is between us and the carrier," said Dinesh Keskar, president of Boeing India, when asked to confirm whether a $500 million sum had been agreed on. Delays in the delivery of the 787s have caused Air India "a lot of problems in their plans and expansion", said the country's civil aviation minister Ajit Singh at a press conference.

He added that a financial-restructuring package for the loss-making carrier has been sent to the cabinet for a formal approval. The government is expected to pump rupees (Rs) 650 million ($13 million) into the carrier.
The loss-making carrier's restructuring will also include converting some of its short-term loans to long term ones and turning some debt into non-convertible deposits with interest guaranteed by the government.

"We will bail out Air India but not indefinitely. We can't keep paying unless they improve," said the minister.
He added that the government "cannot and will not bail out Kingfisher" and said some of the country's other private airlines are in dire straits. Air India will use the equity infusion from the government to pay for employee salaries, dues to fuel companies and airport operators and other debts, said Nandan.


Flight Global

Qatar not in the market for acquisitions: Al Baker

Ailing airlines looking for a white knight need not trouble Qatar Airways. Chief executive Akbar Al Baker says the cash-rich carrier is no longer in the market to acquire airlines after its strategic investment in freight specialist Cargolux. "We were looking at potential acquisitions, but we are not any more," he says. "All the time people are knocking at our door. We are polite in telling them that we are not interested."

Airbus and Boeing are used to being kept on their toes by the outspoken Al Baker and both have been given a warning. Al Baker says Qatar Airways is still interested in the largest variant of the Airbus A350, the -1000, for which it holds 20 orders, but that the airline is still disappointed with the variant's performance figures. "Airbus are working to improve the aircraft, but I want to stress that as the aircraft is today, Qatar Airways is not happy." The airline has a further 60 commitments for the -800 and -900 versions of the A350.

Al Baker says he is confident of receiving the first of 30 Boeing 787-8s - the 53rd Dreamliner off the production line - in time to enter service shortly after being displayed in Qatar Airways colours at the Farnborough air show in July. But he warns that failure to deliver by this deadline will not be tolerated. "Boeing is aware that Qatar Airways will not accept any further slippage," he says.

He also said a potential acquisition of the Bombardier CSeries has been "shelved" but that Qatar Airways "will come back to it". Al Baker promised to introduce radical changes at Cargolux, in which Qatar Airways owns a 35% stake. "They have been in the cargo business for 25 years longer than we have. But it is important that the culture and the way the business is run happens in a different way. Times have changed but their business model has not. We want to bring in efficiencies and help them streamline by introducing them to our culture."

He said the immediate outlook for the cargo market remains gloomy, admitting that Qatar had invested in Cargolux at a "difficult time" for the sector. "Cargo is bad at the moment. Luckily we are not a major operator of freighters so we can weather the crisis. In the long term I expect it to improve, but in the short term, no," he said.

Flight Global

Lion Air Eyes Widebody Ops Around 2014/15

Lion Air's massive orders - Proof Showing Future Asian Market Growth.

Lion Air plans to commence widebody operations with either ten Boeing 787-8s or Airbus A330s in 2014 or 2015, says airline CEO Pak Rusdi.
The long-haul operation – which will start up with Boeing 737-900ERs before the widebodies are acquired – will be a full-service offering, Rusdi says during a Singapore air show signing ceremony for 27 ATR 72-600s for Lion Air’s Wings Air subsidiary. Boeing has near-term 787 slots available for the venture, Rusdi says. The widebody operation will be based in Manado.

Rusdi dismisses concerns about overcapacity in Indonesia stemming from the surge in orders being placed by his own airline and Garuda International. There is a market for 1,000 aircraft in Indonesia, he says, noting that the country lags far behind others when it comes to available seat kilometers per capita.

Further ATR 72 purchases may be possible, Rusdi signals, adding that he also would be interested in a larger turboprop with up to 120 seats. ATR has been developing the concept for a larger turboprop from some time and, this year, plans to seek shareholder approval from EADS and Finmeccanica (the joint venture’s parents) for formal program launch.

The 27 ATR 72-600s signed for on February 16 were already in the ATR orderbook at the end of 2011 as an undisclosed customer. They represent the first -600s for Wings. The first is to be delivered in November, with all to be handed over before 2015. The deal makes Wings Air the largest ATR operator.

Aviation Week

OEMs Laud Asia's Aerospace Future

Asian Aerospace BOOM!

Cessna says China will be in the top ten of business jet markets by 2025 and other Asian countries will combine to take a significant share of production. In a presentation at the Singapore Air Show, Trevor Esling, Cessna's VP of sales for the region said the performance of of the Asian market through the global recession has positioned it for major growth in medium to long term.

 "The region's economic resilience during the global financial crisis, rising national prosperity and Chinese liberalization make it likely that the business aviation market will mature at quite a rapid pace," Esling said. "Cessna, therefore, expects demand for light and mid-size aircraft to rise accordingly." If the bizjet OEMs are optimistic, the airline side is downright bullish.

Airbus VP of Sales John Leahy said the company expects the Asia-Pacific region to buy almost 10,000 airliners worth $1.3 trillion over the next 20 years. According to Reuters, Leahy said he expects the region to surpass the U.S. as the busiest place for air travel in that time. Rapid urbanization and economic growth are combining to create a huge middle class in Asia and that will translate into Asia-Pacific becoming the most important market for the industry.

OEM's are "Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Avweb 

The Asia-Pacific region will welcome more A380s in 2012

Asian Continent likely to experience travel Boom!

The A380 will become an increasingly familiar sight in the skies over Asia-Pacific as two more of this region’s carriers add the 21st century flagship jetliner to their fleets in 2012.

Having begun its commercial operations in Asia-Pacific with Singapore Airlines in 2007, the A380 today is flown on a growing route system throughout this part of the world – in addition to operations that connect cities around the globe. 

Half of the total 69 A380s delivered by Airbus to date are utilized by Asian-Pacific carriers, with Singapore Airlines having been joined by Qantas Airways, Korean Air and China Southern.  The other international A380 operators are Europe’s Air France and Lufthansa, along with Emirates in the Middle East.

Airbus continues to accelerate its A380 production rate, with 30 deliveries planned in 2012 – including the first for Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways.  This follows the 26 aircraft provided last year, during which Korean Air and China Southern added the initial A380s to their fleets. 

More Pics 

Airbus Media 

Asia-Pacific leading demand for new aircraft

Requirement for 9,370 aircraft valued at $1.3 trillion

Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region will take delivery of around 9,370 new aircraft over the next 20 years, according to the latest market forecast by Airbus. Valued at US$1.3 trillion, the deliveries will account for 34 per cent of all new aircraft with more than 100 seats entering service worldwide over the forecast period, with the region overtaking North America and Europe as the world’s largest air transport market.

The latest forecast for the region was presented today at the Singapore Airshow by John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus.

In terms of growth, Airbus expects the number of passengers carried by Asia-Pacific airlines to rise by 5.9 per cent per year, compared with the global average of 4.8 per cent. In the freight market, the amount of cargo carried by air through the region will increase by 5.6 per cent annually, compared a global increase of around 5.1 per cent. Meanwhile, airlines in the region will replace 76 per cent of the 4,270 aircraft currently in service, with the overall in-service fleet comprising some 9,965 passenger aircraft and around 820 freighters by 2030.

Reflecting the concentration of growing populations around the main urban centers, Airbus predicts that the region will continue to lead global demand for wide-body aircraft as the most efficient way to meet rising traffic and overcome capacity constraints at airports. This, combined with replacement needs, will see carriers in the region acquire around 3,650 new wide-body aircraft, representing 42 per cent of all wide-body deliveries worldwide. These will include some 730 very large aircraft, such as the A380, for the busiest routes and around 2,920 mid-size wide-bodies, such as the A330 and new A350 XWB, for medium capacity long range and regional services. 

The latest Airbus forecast sees demand for single aisle aircraft in the region accelerating in the coming years, largely driven by the significant incremental growth in the low cost sector. This, combined with replacement needs and continued demand on secondary short haul routes, especially in China and India, will see a requirement for some 5,720 new single aisle aircraft in the region, such as the best-selling A320 Family. 

Read More from Airbus Media

ALAFCO orders additional 35 A320neo

I guess after all, Boeing isn't the only one bagging up new aircraft orders... 

ALAFCO Aviation Lease And Finance Company, the Kuwait-based international aircraft leasing company, has finalized a purchase order for 35 A320neo Family aircraft bringing its total backlog for the type to 85.

The firm contract is an increase of the previous agreement signed at the 2011 Dubai Airshow for 50 A320neo aircraft.

“After a full analysis, we concluded that the A320neo will continue to be in strong demand, therefore, we are seizing the opportunity to secure an additional 35 aircraft to meet the future requirements of our customers.  The A320neo is the market’s favourite single-aisle aircraft family,” said Ahmad A. Alzabin, ALAFCO Chairman & CEO. “The significant fuel burn savings it offers, combined with the operational reliability and cost effectiveness of the A320 Family, make it an absolute “must have” in our portfolio.” 

“Higher fuel prices means airlines require fuel efficient aircraft and with the A320neo offering a 15 per cent fuel burn reduction, it is the ideal investment. The A320neo reduces operating costs whilst enabling airlines to offer the best cabin comfort levels,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “This significant order from ALFACO confirms that the neo ticks all the right boxes and is clearly the best product on the market.”

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. This reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4m litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars.  This saves 3,600 metric tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year, the amount absorbed by 240,000 mature trees. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6 and this aircraft also has considerably a smaller noise footprint.    

Airbus

Boeing, Lion Air Finalize Historic Order for up to 380 737s - Feb 14, 2012

SINGAPORE, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Jakarta-based Lion Air today finalized a firm order for 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs (extended range). The agreement, first announced last November in Indonesia, also includes purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes.

 "The 737 MAX is the best choice for Lion Air and the best airplane to serve our passengers," said Rusdi Kirana, Lion Air Founder and President Director. "We're excited to be the first airline in Asia to fly the 737 MAX and to be the global launch customer of the 737 MAX 9." With orders for 230 airplanes valued at $22.4 billion at list prices, this deal is the largest commercial airplane order ever in Boeing's history by both dollar value and total number of airplanes.

 Lion Air will also acquire purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes. "Lion Air has been a leader in Indonesia from the very beginning," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Asia-Pacific and India Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today more people are flying in Asia at lower fares because of the 737 and this historic 737 MAX order will help connect more people in the future.

" The 737 MAX is a new engine variant of the world's best selling airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 10-12 percent fuel burn improvement over today's most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes and a 7 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.

To date, the 737 MAX has orders and commitments for more than 1,000 airplanes from 15 customers and the Next-Generation 737 family has won orders for more than 6,600 airplanes. Lion Air, Indonesia's largest private airline, currently operates or has on order a total of 178 Next-Generation 737s.

- Airline orders 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs worth $22.4 billion 
- Largest ever commercial airplane order for Boeing 
- Lion Air is launch customer for 737 MAX 9

Boeing